LONG QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Sample paper 4
12a. Imagine you are Edla of *The Rattrap*. What advice might you offer to Sophie in
*Going Places*, in the context of her escapist nature to persuade her to accept the reality of
life? Pen down your advice in a letter to Sophie.
Introduction:
In *The Rattrap*, Edla’s character evolves from a naïve young woman to someone who
understands the importance of confronting life’s harsh realities. Sophie, in *Going Places*, is a
young dreamer who often escapes into a world of fantasies, hoping for an extraordinary life
beyond her ordinary circumstances. As Edla, having experienced both idealism and
disillusionment, I would offer Sophie advice to embrace her reality while still nurturing her dreams
in a grounded manner.
Letter:
Dear Sophie,
Last evening, I saw you near the canal waiting for Danny Casey, with your eyes filled with hope,
your dreams taking flight. I couldn’t help but notice how deeply you yearn for something grand,
something out of the ordinary. Sophie, I understand your desire to escape into a world where
dreams define your reality, but I would urge you to consider the value of accepting life as it is.
I once believed, like you, that life would somehow be transformed by some extraordinary event, a
twist of fate, or a moment of great triumph. But in my experience, it is not the dramatic moments,
but the quiet, everyday experiences that shape our lives and our characters. The world may not
always give you the glamour you dream of, but there is richness in the simple things—your family,
the love that surrounds you, and your own personal growth.
Sophie, do not let your dreams blind you to the present. Reality may not be as glamorous as your
fantasies, but it is where you will find true fulfillment. Embrace your journey, no matter how
ordinary it seems. Sometimes, the most extraordinary things happen in the most unexpected ways.
I hope this advice is helpful to you. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to support
you.
Warmly,
Edla
Conclusion:
Edla’s letter to Sophie encourages her to face reality with resilience and wisdom, while still
nurturing her dreams. It emphasizes that personal growth and fulfillment come not from illusions
of grandeur, but from finding meaning in the present moment, however ordinary it may seem. This
grounded perspective helps Sophie to move beyond her escapist fantasies and engage with life
more authentically.

12b. Notions of beauty may differ in different contexts.

'A thing of beauty is a joy forever. For simple sheep; and such are daffodils,
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
‘Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake.'
‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.’
Create a conversation between Aunt Jennifer and poet Keats with reference to the above extracts.

Introduction:
Both Keats and Aunt Jennifer create powerful imagery of beauty, yet they approach it from
different angles. Keats, in his famous poem "A Thing of Beauty," views nature as an eternal source
of joy. In contrast, Aunt Jennifer’s tigers in *Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers* are symbols of strength,
courage, and an idealized form of beauty that she wishes she could embody. A conversation
between these two characters would offer a rich exploration of beauty as an enduring, yet complex,
concept.
**Conversation:**
**Keats:**
Ah, Aunt Jennifer, your tigers prance across the screen with such grace, much like the daffodils
and the rills I celebrate in my poetry. To me, the beauty of nature is not just fleeting; it is timeless,
a source of joy that endures forever. What are your thoughts on beauty?
**Aunt Jennifer:**
Indeed, Keats, beauty is a powerful force, but I find it in the strength of my tigers. While you
celebrate the serenity of nature, I have longed for a beauty of strength, not fragility. The tigers I
create are not bound by the constraints of fear or oppression. They move with confidence,
unaffected by the world around them. I wish I, too, could embody such freedom.
**Keats:**
Your tigers are striking indeed, Aunt Jennifer. I see that your concept of beauty is not limited to the
delicate daffodils I admire. There is a strength and fearlessness in your tigers that contrasts with
the gentleness I find in nature. Yet, both are forms of beauty, just as the daffodils and rills carry
their own quiet strength.
**Aunt Jennifer:**
Yes, Keats, I believe beauty exists not only in softness but in power, in the defiance of the world’s
limitations. These tigers I create are my own yearning for strength, an escape from my own fears
and constraints. I, too, long for a beauty that does not tremble or retreat but faces the world with
chivalric certainty.
**Keats:**
I see. So, while I celebrate the timeless beauty of nature that offers solace, you seek a beauty that
empowers, one that refuses to be diminished. Perhaps, in that sense, beauty is not a single concept
but a spectrum—some find it in serenity, while others find it in strength.
**Conclusion:**
In this exchange, both Keats and Aunt Jennifer offer distinct yet complementary views of beauty.
While Keats celebrates the enduring beauty of nature that offers eternal joy and solace, Aunt
Jennifer’s tigers represent a longing for strength, courage, and empowerment. Both perspectives
highlight the multifaceted nature of beauty—whether found in gentleness or in power, beauty
remains a source of inspiration and joy.

13a. Mr. Lamb had a positive impact on Derry's life. His meeting with Mr. Lamb transforms
him from a scared child to a confident boy. Write a diary entry as Derry highlighting the
qualities and attitudes that brought such changes in his personality.**
**Introduction:**
Derry’s meeting with Mr. Lamb in *On the Face of It* marks a pivotal moment in his life. Mr.
Lamb, despite his own physical challenges, teaches Derry how to look beyond his scars and see
the world with curiosity and confidence. This diary entry reflects Derry’s internal transformation
as he learns valuable lessons about courage, self-acceptance, and the importance of embracing life
without fear.
**Diary Entry:**
**Date:**
Today, I feel different. The brief association that I had with Mr. Lamb has changed me forever.
Before I met him, I was just a boy consumed by fear, self-conscious about my appearance, and lost
in my insecurities. But Mr. Lamb, with his wisdom and open heart, showed me a world where
limitations are nothing more than self-imposed barriers.
He never once made me feel inferior, even though I was disfigured. He didn’t pity me, nor did he
treat me as though I were fragile. Instead, he spoke of life in such a way that I began to believe in
the possibility of growth and change. “What’s the matter with being different?” he asked. His
words were simple, but they sparked a revolution in my mind.
Mr. Lamb taught me to look beyond my fears, to embrace the world with a sense of curiosity and
courage. Today, for the first time, I walked through the park without feeling ashamed of myself. I
spoke with strangers and didn’t hide my face. I see now that the world is full of opportunities, and
I can shape my future if I have the courage to face it.
Thank you, Mr. Lamb, for showing me how to live freely and with confidence.
**Conclusion:**
Derry’s transformation highlights the power of positive role models and self-acceptance. Mr.
Lamb’s influence taught Derry to see beyond his physical scars and embrace life with confidence
and curiosity. By learning to overcome his fears, Derry now views the world not as a place of
judgment, but as an open field full of possibilities.

13b. In the story, *The Enemy*, Dr. Sadao was compelled by his duty as a doctor to help the
enemy soldier. Hana, his wife, assisted him to get through this difficult time. Recalling this
challenging event, write a diary entry as Hana, which was defied even by your domestic staff.
**Introduction:**
In *The Enemy*, Dr. Sadao and his wife, Hana, face a moral and ethical crisis when they decide to
save the life of an enemy soldier, despite the dangerous consequences. Hana’s internal struggle,
her duty to her husband, and the moral imperatives that guide their decisions are explored through
this diary entry, which also reflects the social and personal opposition they faced.
**Diary Entry:**
**Date:**
I was well aware of the fact that the act of saving the wounded enemy soldier was a serious crime
by law and would be questioned by everyone, but I couldn’t turn my back on a man in need, even
if he was the enemy. Dr. Sadao and I were caught in a moral dilemma, and yet, deep inside, I knew
that humanity had to transcend the boundaries of war.
Our domestic staff was furious, and I could sense their disapproval. They looked at us with
disdain, as though we had betrayed our nation. Even the servants, whom I had always trusted, were
uncomfortable with our decision. They wanted us to hand the soldier over to the authorities, to do
what was "right" by the law. But the law could not demand that we abandon a man to
die simply because he was on the other side.
Dr. Sadao was resolute in his decision, and I supported him, despite the fear that gnawed at my
heart. In that moment, I realized the depth of our bond—not just as husband and wife, but as
fellow human beings. What mattered was not the soldier’s nationality, but his life.
The world outside may never understand, but we knew we had done the right thing. I only hope
that, in the end, the soldier’s survival will be a testament to the power of compassion, even in the
darkest of times.
**Conclusion:**
Hana’s diary entry reveals the complexity of her decision and the personal cost of their actions.
Despite the opposition from society and their household staff, Hana chooses to support her
husband’s decision, guided by compassion rather than national loyalty. Their shared act of
humanity, while controversial, highlights the enduring power of empathy and moral courage in the
face of adversity.

SAMPLE PAPER 5

12. The importance of safe and sound sleep is demonstrated in the given lines:
**Essay on Sleep for Mayank**
*Mayank, all of us have one life and want to enjoy it to the fullest. In our pursuit of following the
‘my life, my rules’ funda, we sometimes incur an irreplaceable loss...*
Mayank, I’ve observed that you often stay up late, living a life devoid of any fixed routine. While
the idea of living freely and on your own terms is appealing, it comes with consequences that can
harm both your body and mind. The importance of sleep cannot be overstated. As described in
*The Rattrap*, the peddler finds a peaceful rest at Ramsjo, something he hasn’t experienced for
years. This sleep wasn’t just about physical rest; it symbolized a sense of security, tranquility, and
emotional peace. Similarly, in Keats’ *A Thing of Beauty*, sleep is portrayed as a natural balm
that heals the body and mind, full of sweet dreams, health, and restful breathing.
When we neglect sleep, we rob ourselves of these vital benefits. Poor sleep habits not only weaken
our immune system but also lead to emotional instability and mental stress. In contrast, a good
night’s sleep can restore energy, boost focus, and improve overall well-being. Mayank, I urge you
to reconsider your lifestyle. A regular routine, including adequate sleep, will not only heal your
body but also help you lead a more fulfilling, balanced life.

### **12. Based on your understanding of the poem *A Thing of Beauty*, which is regarded
as one of the best creations of the famous romantic poet Keats, create an analytical
paragraph on the given proposition.**
**Proposition:** *If judged on humanistic traits, characters like Edla in *The Rattrap*,
Gandhi in *Indigo*, and Hamel in *The Last Lesson* can be considered the epitome of
beauty.*
**Analytical Paragraph:**
In Keats’ *A Thing of Beauty*, beauty is not limited to external appearances but extends to
qualities that inspire joy and eternal peace. Keats describes beauty as something that brings solace,
a never-fading joy, like daffodils or the cool, clear rills. If we consider the humanistic traits of
characters such as Edla from *The Rattrap*, Gandhi from *Indigo*, and Hamel from *The Last
Lesson*, we see that their beauty lies not in their physical traits but in their moral and ethical
integrity.
Edla’s compassion for the peddler, even after he had deceived her, reveals a kindness and
understanding that transcends materialistic judgment. Gandhi’s courage in standing up for his
people in *Indigo* demonstrates a moral beauty rooted in justice and compassion. Similarly, in
*The Last Lesson*, Hamel’s dedication to teaching his students, even on his last day, reflects the
beauty of selflessness and duty.
In all these cases, the beauty they embody is much like Keats’ eternal beauty—one that goes
beyond the superficial and touches the heart. It is through these human traits of empathy,
selflessness, and dedication that we can find a beauty that endures forever, offering a quiet, lasting
joy to the world around them.

**13. The actual pain or inconvenience of physical impairment is often much less than the
wounds of words and the sense of isolation that the person with disabilities often
undergoes.**
**Diary Entry by Harry on Meeting Derry**
*Today I met my childhood friend, Derry, after a very long time and I naturally felt sorry for him
and started pouring my words of sympathy. I could observe his discomfort with my weird (natural
for me) treatment and then realized that he must have had to go through this pain every single
day…*
Today, I met Derry, and I must confess, my first instinct was to pity him. It’s been so many years,
and I couldn’t help but feel sorry for his disfigurement. I spoke in that typical sympathetic tone, as
if he were fragile and incapable of anything beyond his condition. But as the conversation went on,
I could see his discomfort. His body stiffened, and there was a subtle resentment in his eyes. He
didn’t need my sympathy; what he needed was to be treated like a normal person, someone who
can laugh, joke, and share thoughts without the weight of pity hanging over him.
Derry’s reaction made me realize the true pain he must endure, not just because of his physical
scars, but because of the cruel words and pity that people like me, without thinking, heap upon
him. The verbal cruelty, the isolation, the unspoken judgments—those wounds run far deeper than
any physical impairment. I understand now that what Derry craves is not sympathy, but respect. I
hope to be more mindful in the future and treat him with the dignity he deserves, without reducing
him to his disability.
13. In the story *The Enemy* by Pearl S. Buck, conflicting ideas arise in Dr. Sadao’s mind
after he brought the wounded American soldier home.
**Diary Entry by Dr. Sadao**
*From the day I found the wounded soldier outside my house, my mind was vexed with a web of
conflicts…*
From the day I found the wounded soldier outside my house, my mind has been vexed with a web
of conflicts. On one hand, he was the enemy, a soldier of a nation at war with my own. The law
demanded that I hand him over, that I report his presence to the authorities. Yet, as a doctor, my
duty is clear—to save lives, no matter who they belong to. How could I, sworn to the Hippocratic
oath, abandon him in his moment of need simply because he was on the other side?
The conflict deepened when Hana, my wife, supported my decision to save him. But I knew that
the act was dangerous—not only to us but to our safety. What if we were found out? What would
happen to our family, our reputation?
Despite all the risks, I couldn’t turn away. I saw the soldier, alone and vulnerable, just like any
other human being in need of help. The war might have created the enemy, but humanity
demanded that I offer my assistance. As I tended to his wounds, my mind gradually found peace. I
had made the right decision. The soldier's life was more important than the boundaries set by war. I
could only hope that one day, the world would understand that compassion must outweigh national
enmities.
 Sample Paper 8
12. Imagine Saheb-e-Alam from *Lost Spring* as a young man who gets a job in Mumbai,
the city of dreams. He works as an office boy in Gemini Studio (from *Poets and Pancakes*)
and is perplexed to find the way things are done there. His friend, Ahmed, is influenced by
him, and he too wants to go to Mumbai and work there. As Saheb, write a letter to Ahmed in
120-150 words discussing your personal experience at Gemini and telling him how strange
you find it to see the different ways in which people work together despite having a dislike
for each other. Also, discuss how the reel life differed from real life.**
**Introduction:**
Saheb, having spent his childhood as a rag-picker, finds his life taking a different turn when he
lands a job in the bustling city of Mumbai. Working at Gemini Studio, he experiences a completely
new world. Despite being surrounded by glamour and fame, Saheb is faced with the stark contrast
between the world of "reel" and "real" life. The letter he writes to Ahmed offers an insightful
reflection on the complexities of this new world and the disillusionment that often accompanies it.
**Letter:**
Dear Ahmed,
I hope this letter finds you in good health. I wanted to share my experience at Gemini Studio with
you, as I know you are eager to come here and work. Life in Mumbai, the city of dreams, is not as
glamorous as it seems. At the studio, people work together, yet there is no warmth between them.
Despite being colleagues, many seem to dislike each other, and the air is filled with tension rather
than camaraderie. It’s strange how they come together for work, but their personal feelings remain
distant and cold.
Also, the glamour of the film industry is a far cry from reality. The "reel" world is full of glitter
and dreams, but behind the scenes, it’s just hard work, competition, and survival. The dreams I had
when I arrived here have slowly been replaced with the truth of what life is really like for people
like us—just another cog in the wheel of a much larger, indifferent machine.
I hope this helps you decide whether you still wish to pursue your dream of coming to Mumbai.
Yours sincerely,
Saheb
Conclusion:
Saheb's letter to Ahmed is a reflection of the harsh reality of working in the entertainment industry,
where personal relationships are sacrificed in the pursuit of professional success. The stark
contrast between the idealized “reel” world and the grittier “real” world is a sobering realization
for Saheb, one that might serve as a cautionary tale for Ahmed.
12. Neruda in *Keeping Quiet* writes, "we work endlessly so that we can achieve everything
quickly because we are continuously threatening ourselves with death." While the lesson
*Deep Water* deals with the subject of conquering fear, you are Pablo Neruda. Write a letter
to Douglas and appreciate him for his attempts to get over the fear.
Introduction:
In *Keeping Quiet*, Pablo Neruda emphasizes the destructive cycle of work and the constant
anxiety of time and mortality. Neruda suggests that our fear of death often drives us to a frenetic
pace of life, even though, in reality, it’s this very haste that prevents us from truly living. In
contrast, in *Deep Water*, the narrator, William Douglas, confronts and overcomes his childhood
fear of water. As Pablo Neruda, I write to Douglas, appreciating his ability to face his fears with
courage and resilience.
Letter
Dear William,
I recently read your autobiographical book *Of Men and Mountains*, and I was deeply moved by
your account of overcoming your childhood fear of water. It is rare to see someone confront their
deepest fears with such bravery, and your journey serves as an inspiration to many.
In my poem *Keeping Quiet*, I discuss how our lives are spent in a rush, constantly threatening
ourselves with the fear of death. We chase after time, trying to achieve everything quickly, yet
never taking a moment to pause and reflect. Your story, however, reminds us of the importance of
facing our fears and conquering them, not through haste or avoidance, but through patient and
deliberate action.
People fear death in vain, as it is destined for one and all. They fail to identify the real fear—the
fear of living without truly experiencing life. Your story will surely inspire others who are rushing
against the timeline, forgetting to pause and face the fears that hold them back.

Warmly,
Pablo Neruda

In this letter, Neruda praises Douglas for his ability to confront his fear of water. He emphasizes
that real fear lies not in death but in living life without truly engaging with it. Neruda's words are a
reminder that the act of facing one’s fears is the first step toward living a more meaningful life.
13. In the story *The Tiger King*, the Maharaja was annoyed when he was unable to find
the hundredth tiger. Create a diary entry as the irate King, expressing his anguish referring
to the steps he took in his tiger-killing spree.
In *The Tiger King*, the Maharaja embarks on a reckless and obsessive quest to kill a hundred
tigers, a pursuit driven by vanity and arrogance. When he fails to find the hundredth tiger, his
frustration and anger take over. This diary entry reflects his inner turmoil and his growing
frustration, showcasing the absurdity and futility of his actions.
**Diary Entry:**
Date: [Insert Date]
The news of the disappearance of the hundredth tiger has filled me with an anger I cannot control.
How could this happen? How could the universe conspire against me at this crucial moment? I
have gone to great lengths to secure the hundred tigers I promised to kill. I ordered the royal
hunters to scour every corner of the forest, and I spared no expense, no time. Yet, despite all the
efforts, the hundredth tiger remains elusive. How dare it evade me at this juncture? I, the
Maharaja, the ruler, and the protector of this kingdom, have set a simple goal—to kill one hundred
tigers. It is my right, my privilege, and yet here I am, thwarted at the final step.
I had taken every step necessary—locking up a royal doctor to ensure my safety, calling upon
hunters from far and wide, and even keeping the tigers in a safe, controlled environment. But all
these measures are proving futile. My kingdom must not see me fail. I must not allow myself to be
bested by a mere beast.
The thought that one single tiger could bring me to this state of frustration is maddening. I will not
rest until I fulfill my vow. The tiger will be killed, no matter the cost. And once I have achieved
this, I will finally be at peace, knowing that I have conquered all.
Conclusion:
The diary entry reflects the Maharaja's obsession with killing the hundredth tiger and his
frustration at the failure of his plan. His actions are a satire of human vanity and the foolishness of
pursuing goals without considering the consequences. The entry portrays the futility of his pursuit,
as he is consumed by his own arrogance and the desire for dominance.
13. In the story *Memories of Childhood*, two autobiographical accounts are presented
based on two distant cultures. But there runs a commonality of theme in both of them. As a
reader, express your observation of this commonality in a diary entry commenting on the
culture of oppression that it brings forth.
*Memories of Childhood* offers two autobiographical accounts—one by Zitkala-Sa, an American
Indian, and the other by Shanta, a young girl in India. Both stories address themes of cultural
oppression and the marginalization of voices from socially disadvantaged communities. The
common theme in these accounts lies in the powerful reflection on how systems of oppression
shape the lives of individuals from these cultures.

Date: [Insert Date]

Today, after reading *Memories of Childhood*, I cannot help but reflect on the profound similarity
between the two autobiographical accounts presented. Both Zitkala-Sa and Shanta narrate their
experiences of growing up in environments that sought to suppress their cultural identities.
Zitkala-Sa’s account reveals the forced assimilation of Native Americans into white Christian
society, where her identity was erased through the cruel imposition of foreign customs, including
cutting her hair and forbidding her to speak her native language. Similarly, Shanta’s experience as
a young girl in India exposes the patriarchal norms that restrict her freedom and dignity, where she
is expected to conform to oppressive gender roles.
Both accounts illustrate how systems of power—whether colonial or patriarchal—work to stifle
the voices of the marginalized. The sense of isolation and alienation that both girls feel is palpable,
and it speaks to the universal struggle against the dehumanizing forces of oppression. What struck
me most was how, despite coming from distant cultures, the pain of being silenced and denied
one’s identity is a shared experience. It is a reminder that we must continue to fight for the
recognition and respect of all cultures and identities.
Both autobiographical accounts in *Memories of Childhood* highlight the damaging effects of
cultural oppression. Whether through forced assimilation or gender-based discrimination, both
Zitkala-Sa and Shanta endure the pain of marginalization. These stories serve as poignant
reminders of the importance of cultural preservation and the ongoing struggle against oppressive
systems.