Section C – Literature Chapter 1: The Fun They Had...Ans. Bismillah Khan played Shehnai at Red...

Section C – Literature

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Chapter 1: The Fun They Had

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the textI. Answer these questions in a few words or a couple of sentences each. 1. How old are Margie and Tommy? Ans. Margie is eleven years old and Tommy is thirteen years old. 2. What did Margie write in her diary? Ans. Maggie wrote about the day when Tommy found a real book in their house. 3. Had Margie ever seen a book before? Ans. No. She had never seen a real book before. 4. What things about the book did she find strange? Ans. The strange things about the book were that the words did not move around like the ones in a

telebook and the words remained same when they went to the previous page. 5. What do you think a telebook is? Ans. A telebook is an electronic book which can be read on a television and doesn’t have real pages

made of paper. 6. Where was Margie’s school? Did she have any classmates? Ans. Margie’s school was next to her bedroom. No, she did not have any classmates. 7. What subjects did Margie and Tommy learn? Ans. They learnt History, Geography and Algebra.II. Answer the following with reference to the story. 1. “I wouldn’t throw it away.” (a) Who says these words? (b) What does ‘it’ refer to? (c) What is it being compared with by the speaker? Ans. (a) Tommy said these words. (b) It refers to the television. (c) The television is being compared with the real book that Tommy found. 2. “Sure they had a teacher, but it wasn’t a regular teacher. It was a man.” (a) Who does ‘they’ refer to? (b) What does ‘regular’ mean here? (c) What is it contrasted with? Ans. (a) The people who lived centuries ago. (b) The teacher who normally had to teach them in schools. (c) It is contrasted with the machine teachers they had in their world.


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III. Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (about 30 words). 1. What kind of teachers did Margie and Tommy have? Ans. Margie and Tommy had a mechanical teacher. It was black, large and had a screen on it. It taught

the students, gave exercises and asked questions, all in a special room called schoolroom in their own house. It could also calculate the marks in no time

2. Why did Margie’s mother send for the County Inspector? Ans. Margie’s mother sent for the County Inspector when Maggie’s Geography marks got worse and

worse. She wanted him to look into the matter. 3. What did he do? Ans. The County Inspector took the mechanical teacher with him, checked it and then rebuilt it and

returned with it in an hour. 4. Why was Margie doing badly in geography? Ans. Margie’s mechanical teacher was programmed for a higher grade. Therefore Margie couldn’t

understand the lectures delivered by him which resulted in poor grades. 5. What did the County Inspector do to help her? Ans. The County Inspector checked the machine and rebuilt it in an hour to help Maggie. 6. What had once happened to Tommy’s teacher? Ans. Once Tommy’s teacher was taken away for a month since its History sector had become completely

blank. 7. Did Margie have regular days and hours for school? If so, why? Ans. Yes, Margie had school every day at a fixed time except On Saturday and Sunday. Her mother

believed that little girls learn fast if they take classes regularly. 8. How does Tommy describe the old kind of school? Ans. According to Tommy, the old kind of school had a special building where all the students of

same age studied the same thing. They were taught by a teacher who was a man and they read from real books.

9. How does he describe the old kind of teachers? Ans. The old teachers were humans like them, who delivered lectures, gave homework and asked

questions. IV. Answer each of these questions in two or three paragraphs (100 –150 words). 1. What are the main features of the mechanical teachers and the schoolrooms that Margie and

Tommy have in the story? Ans. The mechanical teacher was black, large and had a screen on it. It taught the students, gave

exercises and asked questions, all in a special room called schoolroom in their own house. It could also calculate the marks in no time. The homework was supposed to be inserted in a slot provided. The school rooms were right next to their bedrooms unlike the present day schools.

2. Why did Margie hate school? Why did she think the old kind of school must have been fun? Ans. Margie hated school because she couldn’t understand anything that the mechanical teacher

taught and she was tired of giving back to back tests. She thought the old kind of school must


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have been fun as everyone sat together and studied the same thing and even enjoyed together. She thought that the children in those days had a social life and friends to have fun with but she had nobody to play with or have fun.

Poem 1: The Road Not Taken

Answers to Text Book Questions 8. Answer the following questions briefly. (a) Describe the two roads that the author comes across. Ans. The poet comes across two roads in a yellow wood (forest). They diverged in different

directions. Both the roads were equally attractive. One was a beaten path where the grass had been worn down by the feet of the passing people. The second road was grassy that implied fewer people had travelled by that road.

(b) Which road does the speaker choose? Why? Ans. The speaker chose the road that was grassy and less frequented (travelled by fewer people).

He chose the road as he felt the road that ‘wanted wear’ would be more challenging, adventurous and thrilling.

(d) Does the speaker seem happy about his decision? Ans. (Either Answer) : The poet does not regret his decision. The sigh is a satisfied sigh of relief that he had the

foresight to be different from the rest of the crowd. The outcome clearly showed that he had made the correct choice.

OR Yes, the narrator regretted his decision as he talks about his choice with a sigh, which

could be a sigh of regret at having made the wrong choice. His choice had shaped his life differently.

The poet thinks that life could have been different from what it is if he had taken the other road.

(e) The poet says “I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” What is the difference thats the poet mention?

Ans. (Either Answer) : ‘The difference’ could be an expression of sadness at having made the wrong choice which

has not brought him the success and happiness that he had expected.OR

The poet is glad at having made the right decision at the right time which has brought him a great deal of happiness and success and made him different from rest of the crowd. He chose the more adventurous and challenging path and that has made ‘all the difference’ to his life.


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9. Write the rhyme scheme of the poem. Ans. The poem consists of four stanzas of five lines each. The rhyme scheme of the poem is: (i) a b a a b (ii) c d c c d (iii) e f e e f (iv) g h g g h 13. The Road Not Taken’ is a biographical poem. Therefore, some personal biographical information

is relevant to the deeper understanding of the poem we have read. Go to www.encarta.com and complete the following worksheet about Robert Frost.

(a) What “momentous decision” was made by Frost in 1912? Ans. The “momentous decision” Frost took in 1912 was to leave USA and immigrate to England (b) How old was he when he took this decision? Ans. He was 38 yrs old when he took the decision of leaving America. (c) Why was it so difficult to make this decision? Think and give more than one reason. Ans. (i) Property (ii) Relations (iii) Friends etc. (d) Was the “road” Frost had taken easy “to travel”? Ans. No, it was a difficult road for Frost to travel, to make a place for himself in the foreign

land. (e) Do you think he wrote “The Road Not Taken” before sailing from the USA to England

or after? Can you quote a line or two from the poem that can support your answer. Ans. In my opinion, he wrote the poem after sailing from USA to England. The penultimate two

lines (Lines 18 & 19) suggest that the poem had been written after he sailed for England. “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by,”

Chapter 2: The Sound of Music

Part I – Evelyn Glennie listens to sound without hearing it

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the textI. Answer these questions in a few words or a couple of sentences each. 1. How old was Evelyn when she went to the Royal Academy of Music? Ans. Evelyn was sixteen years old when she went to the Royal Academy of Music. 2. When was her deafness first noticed? When was it confirmed? Ans. Her deafness was first noticed by her mother when she was eight years old. It was confirmed at

the age of eleven when her marks started deteriorating constantly.


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II. Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (30–40 words). 1. Who helped her to continue with music? What did he do and say? Ans. Ron Forbes helped her to continue with music. He tuned two different drums to different notes

and asked Evelyn not to listen it through her ears but some other way. 2. Name the various places and causes for which Evelyn performs. Ans. Evelyn performed all round the world. Apart from this she performed in prisons and hospitals

as it provided her happiness and the others a source of inspiration. III. Answer the question in two or three paragraphs (100–150 words). 1. How does Evelyn hear music? Ans. Ron Forbes began by tuning two large drums to different notes. “Don’t listen through your ears,”

he said, “try to sense it some other way.” Suddenly Evelyn realised she could feel the higher drum from the waist up and the lower one from the waist down. Forbes repeated the exercise, and soon Evelyn discovered that she could sense certain notes in different parts of her body. She learnt to open her mind and body to sounds and vibrations. The rest was sheer determination and will power.

Part II – The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. Why did Aurangzeb ban the playing of the pungi? Ans. Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi because of its shrill unpleasant sound. 2. How is a shehnai different from a pungi? Ans. A Shehnai is a narrow pipe with a natural hollow and seven holes on its body. It is longer and

broader than a pungi. 3. Where was the shehnai played traditionally? How did Bismillah Khan change this? Ans. The Shehnai was traditionally played in the Vishnu temple of Varanasi. Ustad Bismillah Khan

invented many ragas which earlier considered beyond the range of Shehnai. 4. When and how did Bismillah Khan get his big break? Ans. Bismillah got his big break in 1938 when All India Radio opened in Lucknow. 5. Where did Bismillah Khan play the shehnai on 15 August 1947? Why was the event historic? Ans. Bismillah Khan played Shehnai at Red fort on 15 August 1947. The event was historic as he

poured his heart into playing Raag Kafi to the audience that included Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. 6. Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to start a shehnai school in the U.S.A.? Ans. Bismillah Khan had immense love for his motherland and couldn’t think of leaving it forever

and going abroad. Therefore he refused to start a Shehnai school in USA. 7. Find at least two instances in the text which tell you that Bismillah Khan loves India and Benaras.


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Ans. The two instances which tell us that Bismillah Khan loved India and Benaras are as follows: He says he thinks of Holy Ganga and India when he is abroad and when he is in Mumbai, he

thinks of Benaras and Ganga. He refused to start a Shehnai school in USA because it doesn’t have the Holy Ganga.

Poem 2: Wind

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. What are the things the wind does in the first stanza? Ans. The wind creates a lot of ruckus and turmoil in the first stanza. It breaks the shutters of the

window, tears the books and throws them down. 2. Have you seen anybody winnow grain at home or in a paddy field? What is the word in your

language for winnowing? What do people use for winnowing? (Give the words in your language, if you know them.)

Ans. To be done by the students. 3. What does the poet say the wind god winnows? Ans. The wind god winnows crumbling houses, crumbling doors, crumbling rafters, crumbling wood,

crumbling bodies, crumbling lives and crumbling hearts. 4. What should we do to make friends with the wind? Ans. We should make our heart and mind firm. The wind likes to be friends with headstrong people

and mocks the weaklings. 5. What do the last four lines of the poem mean to you? Ans. The last four lines suggest that the wind destroys and tramples the one who is weakling and

cannot face it and becomes friends with the one whose heart and mind is steadfast. 6. How does the poet speak to the wind — in anger or with humour? You must also have seen or

heard of the wind “crumbling lives”. What is your response to this? Is it like the poet’s? Ans. The poet first requests the wind to stop crumbling lives. But when it doesn’t pay heed, the poet

becomes a little angry and advises us to build firm doors and face it headstrong. The wind can definitely be seen crumbling lives. Wind here is symbolic of difficulties in life and thus can be seen destroying lives in a jiffy.


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Chapter 3: The Little Girl

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the textII. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences. 1. Why was Kezia afraid of her father? Ans. Kezia’s father had a very giant stature and stern look which made Kezia afraid of him. 2. Who were the people in Kezia’s family? Ans. Kezia stayed with her mother, father and grandmother. 3. What was Kezia’s father’s routine (a) before going to his office? (b) after coming back from his office? (c) on Sundays? Ans. (a) He used to come into Kezia’s room and give her a casual kiss. (b) He sat on the sofa and sipped tea. (c) He remained stretched out on the sofa, his handkerchief on his face, his feet on one of the

best cushions, sleeping soundly and snoring. 4. In what ways did Kezia’s grandmother encourage her to get to know her father better? Ans. On Sunday afternoons Grandmother sent her down to the drawing-room to have a “nice talk

with Father and Mother” and encouraged her to get to know her father better. III. Discuss these questions in class with your teacher and then write down your answers in two

or three paragraphs each. 1. Kezia’s efforts to please her father resulted in displeasing him very much. How did this happen? Ans. Kezia wanted to gift her father a handmade pin-cushion on his birthday. In order to fill it up,

she took a few papers from her father’s room, tore them and stuffed the cushion. It turned out that Kezia had torn her father’s speech that he was preparing to deliver at an important event. He got infuriated and whipped little Kezia with a ruler.

2. Kezia decides that there are “different kinds of fathers”. What kind of father was Mr Macdonald, and how was he different from Kezia’s father?

Ans. Mr MacDonald was a father who devoted a lot of time to his children. He was very friendly with his children and played with them in the evening. On the other hand, Kezia’s father was a stern and strict man who did not have much time to devote to his family.

3. How does Kezia begin to see her father as a human being who needs her sympathy? Ans. Initially, Kezia was scared of her father but one day when she was alone at home and had to sleep

with her father to find solace, she realised that he just looked big. He was just a poor busy man who didn’t have any time to devote to his family. she sympathises with her father and wonders that he looks so crippled without the help of her mother or grandmother.


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Poem 3: Rain on the Roof

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. What do the following phrases mean to you? Discuss in class. (a) humid shadows (b) starry spheres (c) what a bliss (d) a thousand dreamy fancies into busy being start (e) a thousand recollections weave their air-threads into woof Ans. (a) It refers to the dark clouds. (b) It refers to the night sky full of stars. (c) It refers to the happiness of the poet. (d) It refers to various imaginary thoughts that build up in the poet’s mind. (e) The numerous memories build up in the poet’s mind altogether. 2. What does the poet like to do when it rains? Ans. The poet likes to curl up in bed and remember beautiful memories of the past. 3. What is the single major memory that comes to the poet? Who are the “darling dreamers” he

refers to? Ans. The single major memory is of the poet’s mother and her fond looks. The darling dreamers are

poet and his siblings. 4. Is the poet now a child? Is his mother still alive? Ans. No. The poet is a grown up man now. His mother is no more alive.

Chapter 4: A Truly Beautiful Mind

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 2. Who had these opinions about Einstein? Ans. (a) Einstein's playmates thought that he was boring. (b) Einstein's headmaster thought that he was stupid and would never succeed at anything in

life. (c) Einstein’s mother thought that he was a freak. 3. Explain what the reasons for the following are Ans. (a) Einstein left the school in Munich for good because he hated the school's regimentation,

and often clashed with his teachers. At the age of 15, Einstein felt so stifled there that he


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left the school for good. (b) Einstein wanted to continue his education in German-speaking Switzerland in a city which

was more liberal than Munich. (c) Einstein found Mileva a "clever creature". she had come to Switzerland because the

university in Zurich was one of the few in Europe where women could get degrees. Einstein saw in her an ally against the "Philistines".

(d) Einstein was liberal and cultured person and he loved freedom. 4. What did Einstein call his desk drawer at the patent office? Why? Ans. Einstein called his desk drawer at the patent office the "bureau of theoretical Physics". This was

because of the drawer was where he used to store his secretly developed ideas. 5. Why did Einstein write a letter to Franklin Roosevelt? Ans. Einstein wrote a letter to Franklin Roosevelt to warn about bomb effect and also wanted to

encourage them to make a bomb to utilize its destruction potential. 6. How did Einstein react to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Ans. Einstein was deeply shaken by the disaster in the Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He wrote a public

missive to the united. He proposed the formation of a world government to stop the nuclear weapons.

7. Why does the world remember Einstein as world citizen? Ans. Einstein is remembered as a "world citizen" as much as a genius scientist because of his efforts

towards world peace and democracy, and for his crusade against the use of arms.

Poem 4: The Lake Isle of Innisfree

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the textI. 1. What kind of place is Innisfree? Think about (a) the three things the poet wants to do when he goes back there. (Stanza I) (b) What he hears and sees there and its effect on him? (Stanza II) (c) What he hears in his "heart's core" even when he is far away from Innisfree? (Stanza III) Ans. (a) The poet wants to build a small cabin of clay and wattles. He wants to plant nine rows of

beans and he wants keep honey beehive. (b) He hears the cricket's song. He holds linnets flying in the sky. He sees glimmering midnight

and glowing rooms. (c) When the poet is far away from Innisfree he hears the sound of the lake water washing

the shore in his "heart's core". 2. By now you may have concluded that Innisfree is a simple, natural place, full of beauty and

peace. How does the poet contrast it with where he now stands? (Stanza III)


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Ans. The poet contrasts the clay and wattle made cabin, bee loud glade, morning with dews and crickets songs, midnight with glimmer, noon with purple glow, evenings with linnet's songs lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore etc.

3. Do you think Innisfree is only a place, or a state of mind? Does the poet actually miss the place of his boyhood days?

Ans. The poet wishes to escape to Innisfree as it is more peaceful than the congested and suffocated city. He considers Inisfree as the representative of an ideal place to live, as it is devoid of restless humdrum of his life. Though Innisfree is the poet's boyhood haunt, it also represents his state of mind. Poet actually, misses the place of his boyhood days, though he is away from Innisfree, he recalls the sound of the lake water washing the shore.

II. 1. Look at the words the poet uses to describe what he sees and hears at Innisfree. Ans. bee loud glade – image of buzzing bees Evenings full of the linnet's wings – linnet's flying across an evening sky. Lake water lapping with low sounds – soft sound of a lake's water washing the shore 2. Look at these words Peace comes dropping slow Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings. What do these words mean to you? What do you think "comes dropping slow ... from the veils

of the morning"? What does "to where the cricket sings"? Ans. The above lines indicate that peace of mind can be slowly acquired from the natural ambience.

It expresses that in a peaceful place one can hear the vibrant sounds of nature – sounds such as the songs of the crickets at the time of dawn. We can hear the sound of the buzzing of bees, rustling of leaves in fact we can even feel the hidden beauty of the nature.

Chapter 5: The Snake and the Mirror

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the textI. Discuss in pairs and answer each question below in a short paragraph (30-40 words). 1. "The sound was a familiar one". What sound did the doctor hear? What did he think it was? How

many times did he hear it? (Find the places in the text.) When and why did the sounds stop? Ans. The doctor heard the sounds of the rats, he was quiet familiar as rats and he shared the room and

there was a regular traffic of rats to and from the beam. He heard the sound thrice. The sound stopped it suddenly as rats had seen a snake.

2. What two "important" and "earth shaking" decisions did the doctor take while he was looking into the mirror?

Ans. The doctor took two "important" and "earth-shaking" decisions while he was looking into the mirror. First, he decided to shave daily and grow a thin moustache. Second always to have attractive smile on the face.


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3. "I looked into the mirror and smiled" says the doctor. A little later he says, I forgot my danger and smiled feebly at myself." What is the doctor's opinion about himself when: (a) first smiles, and (b) he smiles again? In what way do his thoughts change in between, and why?

Ans. (a) When the doctor first smiles he has inflated opinion of himself, admiring his looks and profession.

(b) In the second instance, the doctor smiles at his foolishness and helplessness. His thoughts changed after his encountered with the snake – from being a proud doctor he moves on to accept his stupidity.

4. This story about a frightening incident is narrated in a humorous way. What makes it humorous? (Think of the contrasts it presents between dreams and reality. Some of them are listed below).

(a) The kind of person the doctor is (many, possessions). (b) The person wants to be rich, he also would like to be alternative, that's why he decides to

grow a thin moustache. Ans. (a) The doctor is a very poor person. He has hardly any money, he lives in an unelectrified

house. It is small rented room with plenty of rats living in it. He has just started his medical practice. In his suitcase he has about sixty rupees with some shirts and clothes and one solitary black coat.

(b) He wants to marry a woman doctor with good medical practice and a lot of money. She would be fat as not to run after him and catch him.

He marries a thin needy woman who has a gift of sprinter. 5. His thoughts when he looks into the mirror. Ans. His thoughts are full of joy and satisfaction. He decides to grow thin moustache and keep smiling

always. His thoughts when the snake is coiled around his arm. He turned to stone. He sat like a stone

image in the flesh. However, his mind was very active. He felt the great presence of creator. He decides to write the words 'O God' outside his little heart.

Poem 5: The Legend of the Northland

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. Which country or countries do you think "the Northland" refers to? Ans. The Northland probably refers to Scotland or Norway. 2. What did Saint Peter ask the lady for? What was the lady's reaction? Ans. Saint Peter asked the lady to give him a cake. The lady baked a cake as thin as paper and couldn’t

part with that as well because of her greed. 3. How did he punish her? Ans. He punished her by turning her into a woodpecker.


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4. How does the woodpecker get her food? Ans. The woodpecker bores deep inside the wood to search for scanty food. 5. Do you think that the old lady would have been so ungenerous if she had known who Saint Peter

really was? What would she have done then? Ans. No. She would have probably agreed to make offering to him willingly. 6. Is this a true story? Which part of this poem do you feel is the most important? Ans. No, this not a true story; it is a legend. I feel that the point in the story where the old lady is

changed into a woodpecker is the most important. This is because the punishment meted out to the lady teaches us the value of generosity and charity.

7. What is a legend? Why this poem is called a legend? Ans. A legend is a story. Nobody has confirmed its authenticity.

Chapter 6: My Childhood

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the textI. 1. Where was Abdul Kalam's house? Ans. Abdul Kalam's house was on the mosque street in Rameshwaram. 2. What do you think Dimamani is the name of? Give a reason for your answer. Ans. It's the name of a local newspaper. it is so because Kalam traced the stories of the war in the

head lives in Dinamani. 3. Who were Abdul Kalam's school friends? What did they later become? Ans. Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindam and Shivaprakasan were Abdul Kalam's school friends.

Ramanadha Shastry became the high priest of the Rameshwaram temple. Aravindam a transport businessman and Shivprakasan catering contractor for the southern railways.

4. How did Abdul Kalam earn his first wages? Ans. During the Second World War, the newspaper were bundled and thrown out of a moving train.

Abdul Kalam earned his first wages by helping his cousin, who distributed newspapers in Rameshwaram to catch these bundles.

5. Had he earned any money before that? In what way? Ans. Yes, Abdul Kalam had earned some money before he started helping his cousin. When the Second

World War broke out, there was a sudden demand for tamarind seeds in the market. He collected the seeds and sold them at a provision shop on mosque street. Usually, a day's collection earned him one anna.

II. Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (about 30 words). 1. (a) Kalam's father Jainulabdeen was not a wealthy or educated person. However, he was an

honest and generous mean, who possessed great innate wisdom. He was self disciplined and avoided all inessential luxuries.


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(b) Kalam's mother, Ashiamma was an ideal help mate to her husband. She believed in goodness and profound kindness, and fed many people everyday.

(c) The author describes himself as a short boy with undistinguished looks, who had a secure childhood. He is an honest and self disciplined person, who believes in goodness and deep kindness.

2. What characteristics does he say he inherited from his parents? Ans. He says that he has inherited honesty and self discipline from his father. He further says that he

inherited faith in goodness and deep kindness from his mother.

Poem 6: No Men are Foreign

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. (a) “Beneath all uniforms ...” What uniforms do you think the poet is speaking about? (b) How does the poet suggest that all people on earth are the same? Ans. (a) The uniform means either the uniform of the soldiers or the traditional dresses people

belonging to different cultures wear. (b) The poet suggest that all the people on earth are same as we all go through same feelings

of love, separation, anxiety, peace, etc. the sun shines equally for all. 2. In stanza 1, find five ways in which we all are alike. Pick out the words. Ans. All of us breathe, walk, lie, live and die. 3. How many common features can you find in stanza 2? Pick out the words. Ans. There are 5 common features -the sun, the air, the air, the peaceful harvest, hands and the labour. 4. “...whenever we are told to hate our brothers...” When do you think this happens? Why? Who

‘tells’ us? Should we do as we are told at such times? What does the poet say? Ans. The leaders tell us to hate our brothers whenever there is a war. we shouldn’t listen to them as

we cannot kill our own brothers and destroy our mother earth.

Chapter 7: Packing

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. How many characters are there in the narrative? Name them. Ans. Three are four characters in the narrative. They are Jerome (the Narrator) George, Harris and

Montmorency (the dog). 2. Why did Jerome volunteer to do the packing? Ans. Jerome wanted to do the packing because he felt he was the best packer among them and he


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wanted to show off his skills at packing. 3. How did the others react in the idea of Jerome packing? Did Jerome like their suggestion and

reaction? Ans. Both George and Harris readily accepted Jerome’s suggestion. George relaxed and smoked a

pipe, he spread himself over the easy chair. Harris on the other hand put his legs up and lit a cigar. Jerome was irritated at this behaviour and reaction.

4. What was Jerome’s real intent when he offered to pack? Ans. When Jerome offered to pack his real intent was to supervise the work. He wanted to show his

skills via supervision. 5. What did Harris say once the packing was done? Why do you think he waited till then to ask? Ans. After Jerome had finished packing Harris mentioned to Jerome that Jerome had forgotten to pack

his boots. Harris waited till all the packing was done because he wanted to ridicule Jerome’s packing.

6. What ‘Horrible Idea’ occurred to Jerome a little later? Ans. The ‘Horrible Idea’ that occurred to Jerome a little later was the question on to whether he had

packed his toothbrush. Whenever Jerome travelled haunting idea that he had forgotten to pack his toothbrush haunted him, making his life a misery.

7. Where did Jerome finally find the toothbrush? Ans. Jerome finally fond the toothbrush inside one of his boots. He had unpacked everything and then

started repacking everything all over again while checking each item for the toothbrush. 8. Why did Jerome have to reopen the packed bag? Ans. Jerome had to reopen the packed bag twice owing to his forgetful memory. First he forgot to pack

his boots. Then he had to unpack everything as he had packed his tobacco pouch and needed it. 9. What did George and Harris offer to pack and why? Ans. George and Harris offered to pack the Hampers, because it was getting late and they had taken

to much time. They too wanted to show their skills to Jerome. 10. What according to Jerome what Montmorency’s ambition in life? What is Montmorency’ character

according to you? Ans. According to the narrator Montmorency’s ambition in life was to get in everybody’s way. Montmorency is a mischievous dog who loved creating trouble for others. He was a perfect

nuisance because whenever he found people busy with their work he get bored and wanted to get involved. He never meant trouble but somehow always fond. When people threw things at him he got discouraged and went away. The narrator calls this the fulfilment of his conceit.

1. Of the three who was the best and worst packer? Ans. Jerome is considered the best packer among the three friends. He knew how to arrange things in

order. Both Harris and George messed up everything. Harris squashed the tomatoes by putting the jam bottle on top of them. George stepped on the butter. Montmorency constantly irritated them. Although Jerome took time he managed to pack everything. Harris and George kept things behind this own backs and then searched everywhere for them.


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2. What was Montmorency’s contribution in the packing? Ans. The packing was already a messy job and Montmorency made it worse. He did his best to be the

‘prefect nuisance’. He came and sat on things just when they needed to be packed. He spoiled the jam by stepping in it. He disturbed the teaspoons. He chased the lemons pretending they they were rats. Harris almost hit him with a frying pan but he managed to escape.

3. What are the humorous elements in the story? Ans. Yes, the story is definitely funny. Not only in this way the 3 friends pack for their trip, but the

narration. Itself is also very entertaining. The fact that Jerome offered to pack was quite funny. His reaction when everything is left to

him, something he did not expect, is funny. The time when George placed the butter on the chair is very funny, especially when Harris sat

on it and it stuck to his back. When they wanted to pack the butter it was missing. They search the whole room when finally George sew it on Harris’ back. Montmorency creates even more humour in the story by going where he is not wanted. He tries very hand to make one of the 3 friends fall over him. He chases lemons as rats.

Poem 7: The Duck and the Kangaroo

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. How did the Duck force the Kangaroo to fulfil his desire? Ans. The Duck Spoke very politely. The Duck told Kangaroo that he would sit quietly. Thus both

would be able to go over the land and the sea. He promised that he had taken great care to ensure that his cold and wet feet would not give the kangaroo a cold.

2. How did Kangaroos react to Duck’s request? Ans. The kangaroo said that he required some time to think. He had an objection that the duck’s feet

were wet and cold. He did not want to catch a cold on account of the cold and wet feet of the Duck.

3. Write the central theme of the poem. Ans. The poem gives us a message that we can always get our way by being polite and respectful and

it is not always necessary to get things done with aggression and force. We should pay attention towards the feelings of others.


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Chapter 8: Reach for the Top

Part I – Santosh Yadav

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the textI. 1. Why was the 'holy man' who gave Santosh's mother his blessings surprised? Ans. The 'holy man' thought that Santosh’s mother wanted a son as the part of the society she belonged

to regarded birth of a son as a blessing. However, he was surprised when the unborn child's grandmother told him that they did not want a son but a daughter.

2. Give an example to show that even as a young girl Santosh was not ready to accept anything unreasonable.

Ans. Santosh always lived life on her own terms. Traditionalistic and the “accepted way” was not what she wanted in her life. Santosh’s rebellious nature can been seen because unlike other girls who wore traditional Indian dresses, preferred wearing shorts.

3. Why was Santosh sent to the local school? Ans. Even though Santosh's parents could afford to send their children to the best schools, she was

sent to the local village school due to family customs. 4. When did she leave home for Delhi, and why? Ans. When she turned sixteen and was under pressure to get married, Santosh threatened her parents

that she would never marry if she did not get a proper education. Therefore, she left home and got herself enrolled in a school in Delhi.

5. Why did Santosh's parents agree to pay for her schooling in Delhi? What mental qualities of Santosh are brought into light by this incident?

Ans. When Santosh informed her parents about her plan to do a part time job to support her education, they agreed to pay for her schooling in Delhi.

This incident shows that Santosh was a strong headed and determined girl who knew her way towards her goal.

II. Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (about 30 words). 1. How did Santosh begin to climb mountains? Ans. Santosh’s room overlooked the Aravilli hills. She would often see people climb the hills and

then disappear. Upon investigation she only came upon a few mountaineers. She asked if she could join them and they agreed. They encouraged her to take up climbing. This is how she first began to climb.

2. What incidents during the Everest expedition show Santosh's concern for her team-mates? Ans. Santosh was always very caring for her fellow climbers. Though she was unsuccessful in saving

the life of one of them, she did manage to save another climber by sharing her oxygen. 3. What shows her concern for the environment?


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Ans. Santosh was an environmentalist. Her concern for the environment is evident from the fact that she collected and brought down 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas.

4. How does she describe her feelings at the summit of the Everest? Ans. Santosh asserted that her feeling at the summit of the Everest was "indescribable". Unfurling

the Indian flag on the top of the world was a spiritual moment for her and she felt proud as an Indian.

5. Santosh Yadav got into the record books both times she scaled Mt Everest. What were the reasons for this?

Ans. When Santosh Yadav first scaled Mt Everest, she became the youngest woman in the world to achieve the feat. When she scaled the Everest the second time, she became the only woman to have scaled it twice.

Additional Questions 1. How did Santosh Yadav get into the record books? Ans. The record books welcomed Santosh Yadav for the first time when she conquered Mt. Everest

in 1992 at the age of 20 yrs. She became the youngest and only woman in the world to climb Mt. Everest twice.

2. Describe Santosh’s fight against the system? Ans. Equality and education was something Santosh Yadav had to struggle for right from the beginning.

Her spirit and determination never faded. She went against all customs and traditions which stamp girls as only suitable for marriage and looking after a home. She conquered what many men could not.

3. How did Santosh make her parents pay for her education once again? Ans. Santosh threatened her parents that she would start working part time to earn for her school fees.

Finally they gave in . Thus, she made them pay for her education once again. 4. How did Santosh develop liking for climbing? Ans. Santosh’s room at her college overlooked the Aravalli Hills. She used to watch the villagers

going up the hills and then suddenly vanishing after a while. It inspired her to explore the hills. She met a mountaineering group. The mountaineers allowed her to join them and encouraged her to take up climbing.

5. What is the secret of Santosh’s success? Ans. Santosh had a strong will power, great physical endurance and an amazing mental toughness.A

determination and dedication unlike any other helped her overcome everything and to emerge as a winner. Her resistance to cold and high altitude also was a great boon for her. Her climbing skills and hardworking nature made it easy for her.

6. What made Santosh popular among her teammates? Ans. Santosh’s dedication and determination made her a role model for others. Her climbing skills,

physical fitness and mental strength impressed her seniors. Her care for others and her idea of teamwork in hard mountain conditions made her popular among her teammates.

7. What made Santosh scale Mt. Everest the second time? How was it important?


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Ans. Santosh scaled Mt. Everest the second time as a member of an Indo-Nepalese Women’s Expedition. It made her achievement even more unique.

8. How did Santosh feel when she was literally ‘on top of the world’? Ans. It took Santosh sometime to understand the enormity of her achievement. She unfurled the

Indian flag on the summit. She felt proud to be an Indian. It had a spiritual significance for her. She described her feelings as ‘indescribable’.

Part II – Maria Sharapova

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. Describe Maria Sharapova. Ans. Maria Sharapova is a famous woman tennis player. She has won the women’ singles at Wimbledon

is 2004 and became the world’s No. 1 woman tennis player in 2005. She is a Russian by birth. She trained in the United States of America from the age of 9 years. She loves singing, dancing, reading novels and chocolate pancakes.

2. Why did Maria have to stay away from her mother? How did she feel about that? Ans. Maria had to go to the United States of America for her training at the age of nine. She was

separated from her mother for 2 years because of visa restrictions. While her father accompanied Maria, he also worked to pay for her training.

3. What does Maria declare to be her ‘mantra for success? Ans. Maria says her only mantra is Hard work. She does not have a place for emotions in her life .

She does not allow herself to be emotional and sentimental. A competitive nature and hard work pushes her to be the best at whatever she does. She is led by the dream of becoming the No. 1 in the world. This is her mantra for success.

4. Maria has simple wants in her personal life. What are they? Ans. Maria appears to be sophisticated and delicate on the outside but her love for pancakes and

orange drinks appears to show a simple side of her including her fondness for evening gowns. 5. How does Maria describe her journey from Siberia to United States? Ans. Maria was just nine years old when she had to leave her home, mother and country to train in a

strange country. She had to sacrifice the comfort and security of her mother and live with strangers who insulted and bullied her. This could have broken any child but it only made Maria’s resolve stronger. It was because of this resolve and sacrifice that she was able to achieve her dreams.

6. Describe Maria’s struggle to reach at the top of the world in the field of the women tennis. Ans. Maria started working to achieve her goal at a very young age. She had to face separation from

her mother and stay in completely unfamiliar and hostile surroundings for years. She also faced humiliation but never let it affect negatively. She took it as a challenge and with her mental toughness and competitive nature, she succeeded in achieving her goal.


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7. How are Maria’s achievements significant? Ans. Maria exemplifies the success achieved through hard work and dedication. Her patience and

persistence and her success make her an ideal role model for the girls all over the world. Her winning Wimbledon and then becoming world’s No. 1 woman tennis player also makes her achievement significant.

Poem 8: On Killing a Tree

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. Can a "simple jab of the knife" kill a tree? Why not? Ans. No, a simple jab of a knife cannot kill a tree because it takes many years for a tree to grow and

rise out of the earth. Moreover, only a chop cannot kill it because it will slowly rise again and grow to its original size.

2. How has the tree grow to its full size? List the words suggestive of its life and activity. Ans. The unchecked growth of the tree has led it mature to its full size. It has consumed the earth and

rose above it by absorbing years of sunlight, air and water from its crust. The words suggestive of its life and activity are as follows: "Grown" "Consuming" "Rising" "Feeding" "Absorbing" "Sprouting" "Pain" "Bleeding" "Heal" "Expand" 3. What is the meaning of "bleeding bark"? What makes it bleed? Ans. "Bleeding bark" refers to the area on the tree trunk where it has been hit with the axe. It bleeds

because the wood cutter has wounded the tree by cutting and chopping it. 4. The poet says "No" in the beginning of the third stanza. What does he mean by this? Ans. In the beginning of the third stanza, the poet has said "No" to lay emphasis on the fact that mere

chopping of the tree would not kill it. The tree would grow again and retain its original size. 5. What is the meaning of "anchoring earth" and "earth cave"? Ans. "Anchoring earth" refers to the earth under which the roots of a tree are held firmly, thereby

providing strength and nourishment to it. "Earth cave" again refers to the earth. The poet calls it so, as the roots, which are the most

sensitive part of the tree, stay hidden securely under the earth. 6. What does he mean by "the strength of the tree exposed"? Ans. The strength of the tree lies in its roots, which the poet asks to snap out in order to kill the tree.

Thus, the phrase "the strength of the tree exposed" refers to the roots of the tree being exposed to sunlight and air.


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7. What finally kills the tree? Ans. The tree is finally killed when its roots are uprooted and it scorches and chokes in sunlight and

air. This process leads to the browning, hardening, twisting and thereby, withering of the roots.

Chapter 9: The Bond of Love

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. On two occasions Bruno ate/drank something that should not be eaten/ drunk. What happened

to him on these occasions? Ans. Once Bruno ate the rat poison which was kept to get rid of rats from the library. Bruno became

paralysed to the extent that he couldn’t stand on his feet. He was taken to a veterinary doctor for treatment. Finally the antidote worked and Bruno could spring to life once again. Next time Bruno drank the discarded engine oil which was kept in the garage. Luckily nothing happened to him after drinking the Mobil oil.

2. Was Bruno a loving and playful pet? Why, then, did he have to be sent away? Ans. Bruno had become too big to be kept in the house. He had to be chained for children’s safety.

Being a wild animal it needed lots of space which was not available in the author’s house. They thought that he will be taken care of in better way by trained personnel at a zoo. So they decided to send him away to the zoo.

3. How was the problem of what to do with Bruno finally solved? Ans. As Bruno was not feeling happy after getting separated from his foster family and was getting

weak as a result, the author’s wife went to meet Bruno. After seeing Bruno’s pitiful condition they decided to bring him back to their home. They built a special cordoned area for Bruno with all the facilities befitting a playful bear. Finally Bruno was back to his home.

4. Why was Bruno sent away to the Zoo and why was he brought back? Ans. The bear, Bruno, was very dear to the author’s wife. They spent many hours together and loved

each other’s company. When he grew very big and heavy, he was dangerous for those around. He was very playful and mischievous. There were small children of the tenants’ family. So they had to chain him most of the time. The author felt that he was depriving Bruno of his natural freedom. So he decided to send him to a zoo. But his wife could not take this separation. The author consoled her for three months, but at last he took her to the zoo. On seeing her “Baba” she howled with happiness. They spend many hours together. She wanted to take him back to home. She requested the superintendent who agreed.


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Poem 9: The Snake Trying

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. What is the snake trying to escape from? Ans. It is trying to escape from the stroke of a stick. 2. It is a harmful snake? What is its colour? Ans. The snake is not harmful even to small children. It is green in colour. 3. The poets finds the snake beautiful. Find the words he uses to convey its beauty. Ans. He says that its curving shapes look beautiful and graceful. 4. What does the poet wish for the snake? Ans. The poet wishes the snake to escape unhurt. 5. Where was the snake before anyone saw it and chased it away? Where does the snake disappear? Ans. The snake had been lying along the sandy bank. It disappears in the ripples among the reeds.

Chapter 10: Kathmandu

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text I. 1. Name the two temples the author visited in Kathmandu. Ans. The two temples the author visited in Kathmandu were the Pashupatinath temple and the

Baudhnath Stupa. 2. The writer says, "All this I wash down with Coca Cola." What does 'all this' refer to? Ans. 'All this' refers to a bar of marzipan, a corn-on-the-cob roasted In a charcoal stove (robbed

with salt, chilli powder and lemon), a couple of love story comics, and a Reader's Digest. 3. What does Vikram Seth compare to the quills of a porcupine? Ans. Vikram Seth compares the fifty or sixty bansuris protruding in all directions from the

bamboo made pole to the quills of a porcupine. 4. Name five kinds of flutes. Ans. The five kinds of flutes are the reed neh, the Japanese shakuhachi, the deep bansuri of

Hindustani classical music, the clear or breathy flutes of South America, and the high-pitched Chinese flutes.

II. 1. What difference does the author note between the flute seller and the other hawkers? Ans. The author witnesses that the flute seller selected a flute from time to time & played it

for sometime. The sound rose clearly above the hustle-bustle of the traffic and the hawkers’ cries. While the flute seller played slowly, meditatively, without excessive display, the hawkers shouted out their wares.


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2. What is the belief at Pashupatinath about the end of Kaliyug? Ans. At Pashupatinath, there is a small shrine that protrudes from the stone platform on the

river bank. The belief is that when it emerges fully, the goddess inside will escape, and the evil period of Kaliyug will end on earth.

III. 1. Compare and contrast the atmosphere in and around the Baudhanath shrine with the Pashupatinath temple.

Ans. The atmosphere at Pashupatinath temple was one of noise, chaos and confusion. The worshippers were trying to get the priest’s attention & others were pushing their way to the front; saffron-clad westerners were trying to enter; monkeys were fighting adding to the chaos and general noise; a corpse was being cremated on the banks of river Bagmati. On the contrary, the Baudhanath Stupa was quite serene & peaceful. There was sense of stillness and serenity about the Buddhist shrine.

2. How does the author describe Kathmandu busiest streets? Ans. Along Kathmandu’s narrowest and busiest streets, there were small shrines and flowers

adorned deities. Apart from these, there were fruit sellers, flute sellers, hawkers of postcards, shops selling western cosmetics, film rolls, chocolate, copper utensils and Nepalese antiques. The sounds he heard were film songs that were blaring out from the radios, car horns, bicycle bells, vendors shouting out their wares. He also saw a flute seller with many bansuris. He contrasts the serene music produced by the flute seller with the cries of the hawkers.

3. ‘To hear any flute is to be drawn into the commonality of all mankind.’ Why does the author say this?

Ans. The author considers flute music to be ‘universal & meet particular’. Every culture has its flute. Each kind of flute has a specific fingering & compass; and ‘weaves its own associations’. The author believes that inspite of differences in caste, culture, religion & region, all human beings are the same, with the same living breath running through all of them.

4. The author has drawn powerful images and pictures. Pick out three examples each of (a) the atmosphere of ‘febrile confusion’ outside the temple of Pashupatinath (for

example: some people trying to get the priest’s attention are elbowed aside ...) (b) the things he sees (c) the sounds he hears Ans. (a) The author could recall powerful images of the atmosphere of ‘febrile confusion’

outside the temple of Pashupatinath. Many worshippers were trying to get the priest’s attention, were Elbowed aside by others who were pushing their way to the front. On the main gate, saffron-clad westerners struggled for permission to enter as only Hindus were allowed inside. Meanwhile, a fight broke out between two monkeys. One was chasing the other, who jumped onto a Shivalinga, then ran screaming around the temple and down to the river, called Bagmati.

(b) He saw that the Baudnath Stupa had an immense white dome, which was ringed by a road. Small shops were there on the outer edge where felt bags. Tibetan prints and


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silver jewellery could be bought. There were no crowds there. On the busiest streets of Kathmandu, he saw fruit sellers, flute sellers, hawkers of postcards, shops selling Western cosmetics, film rolls, chocolate, copper utensils and Nepalese antiques.

(c) The sounds he heard were film songs that were blaring out from the radios, car horns, bicycle bells, vendors shouting out their wares. He also listened to flute music, calling it the most universal and most particular of sounds.

Poem 10: A Slumber Did My Spirit Seal

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. A Slumber Did My Spirit Seal," says the poet. That is, a deep sleep 'closed off' his soul (or mind).

How does the poet react to his loved one's death? Does he feel bitter grief? Or does he feel a great peace?

Ans. The poet's reaction to his loved one's death is not of bitter grief that he could shed out in the form of tears. On her death, he did not experience any human fears. He just looked at her and wondered how she looked and what she would experience later. He did not feel any fear. Therefore, it is difficult to say whether he is experiencing bitter grief or is in a peaceful state of mind.

2. The passing of time will no longer affect her, says the poet. Which lines of the poem say this? Ans. The lines of the poem that show that the passing of time will no longer affect her as explained:

"She seemed a thing that could not feel the touch of earthy years." 3. How does the poet imagine her to be, after death? Does he think of her as a person living in a

very happy state (a heaven')? Or does he see her now as a part of nature? In which lines of the poem do you find your answer?

Ans. The poet thinks that she is now a part of nature. After her death, he imagines her buried inside the earth with other rocks, stones, and trees and rolling around with the earth as it rotates on its axis. The following lines express this idea-

v Rolled round in earth's diurnal course v With rocks and stones and trees.

Fear No More

Chapter 11: If I were You

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the language I. Consult your dictionary and choose the correct word from the pairs given in brackets. 1. The (site, cite) of the accident was (ghastly/ghostly).


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2. Our college (principle/principal) is very strict. 3. I studied (continuously/continually) for eight hours. 4. The fog had an adverse (affect/effect) on the traffic. 5. Cezanne, the famous French painter, was a brilliant (artist/artiste). 6. The book that you gave me yesterday is an extraordinary (collage/college) of science

fiction and mystery. 7. Our school will (host/hoist) an exhibition on cruelty to animals and wildlife conservation. 8. Screw the lid tightly onto the top of the bottle and (shake/shape) well before using the

contents. Ans. 1. The of the accident was ghastly. 2. Our college principal is very strict. 3. I studied continuously for eight hours. 4. The fog had adverse effect on the traffic. 5. Cezanne, the famous French painter, was a brilliant. 6. The book that you gave me yesterday is an extraordinary collage of science fiction and

mystery. 7. Our school will host an exhibition on cruelty to animals and wildlife conservation. 8. Screw the lid tightly onto the top of the bottle and shake well before using the contents. II. Irony is when we say one thing but mean another, usually the opposite of what we say. When

someone makes a mistake and you say. “Oh! That was clever!” that is irony. You’re saying ‘clever’ to mean ‘not clever’.

Expressions we often use in an ironic fashion are: v Oh, wasn't that clever!/Oh that was clever! v You have been a great help, I must say! v You’ve got yourself into a lovely mess, haven't you? v Oh, very funny!/How funny! We use a slightly different tone of voice when we use these words ironically. Read the play carefully and find the words and expressions Gerrard uses in an ironic way. Then

say what these expressions really mean. Two examples have been given below. Write down three such expressions along with what they really mean.

What the author says What he means Why, this is a surprise, Mr – er – He pretends that the intruder is a social visitor

whom he is welcoming. In this way he hides his fear.

At last a sympathetic audience! He pretends that the intruder wants to listen to him, whereas actually the intruder wants to find out information for his own use.


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Ans.

What the author says What he means You won't kill me for a very good reason. Gerrard is just pretending to have a 'very good

reason' even though there is no such reason.Sorry I can't let you have the props in time for rehearsal, I've had a spot of bother – quite amusing.

The 'spot of bother' that Gerrard calls 'quite amusing' is actually a life-threatening situation, where a criminal actually threatens to kill him.

You have been so modest. Here, Gerrard means that it is immodest on the part of the intruder to know so much about him without disclosing his own identity.

Thinking about the text I. 1. “At last a sympathetic audience” (a) Who says this? (b) Why does he say it? (c) Is he sarcastic or serious? Ans. (a) The speaker of the given line is Gerrard. (b) He says it as he is asked by the intruder to speak about himself. (c) He speaks the given dialogue sarcastically. 2. Why does the intruder choose Gerrard as the man whose identity he wants to take on? Ans. Gerrard looks much like the intruder. The intruder is a rnurderer. T. Police is after him..

hopes he can easily impersonate Gerrard escape being caught. 3. “I said it with bullets.” (a) Who says this? (b) What does it mean? (c) Is it the truth? What is the speaker's reason for saying this? Ans. (a) Gerrard says this. (b) It means that when things went wrong. He had used his gun to shoot someone for his

escape. (c) No. it is not the truth. The speaker says this to save himself from getting shot by the

intruder. 4. What is Gemard's profession? Quote the parts of the play that support your answer. Ans. Gerrard is a playwright by profession. Several parts of the play that reflect this. Some of

these are: v “This is all very melodramatic, not very original, perhaps, but ... ” v “At last a sympathetic audience!.” v “In most melodramas the villain is foolish enough to delay his killing long enough

to be frustrated.”


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v “I said, you were luckier than most melodramatic villains.” v “That's a disguise outfit; false moustaches and what not”. v “Sorry I can't let you have the props in time for rehearsal. I've had a spot of bother

– quite amusing. I think I'll put it in my next play.” 5. “You'll soon stop being smart.” (a) Who says this? (b) Why does the speaker say it? (c) What according to the Speaker will stop Gerrard from being smart? Ans. (a) The intruder says the line. (b) The speaker says it to frighten Gerrard. (c) According to the intruder, Gerrard would stop being smart once he knew what was

going to happen to him. The intruder's plan was to kill Gerard and snatch his identity. He felt that when Gerrard would know this, he would stop being smart and start getting scared.

6. “They can't hang me twice.” (a) Who says this? (b) Why does the speaker say it? Ans. (a) The intruder says the line. (b) The intruder had been telling Gerrard that he had murdered one man, and that he

would not shy away from murdering him too. This is because the police could not hang him twice for two murders.

7. “A mystery I propose to explain.” What is the mystery the speaker proposes to explain? Ans. The mystery that Gerrard proposed to explain was the story he made up to dodge the

intruder and save his own life. The story was that Gerrard himself was a criminal like the intruder. He asked the intruder why else would he not meet any trades people and be a bit of a mystery man here today and gone tomorrow. The game was up as things had suddenly gone wrong for him. He had committed a murder and got away. Unfortunately, one of his men had been arrested and certain things were found which his men should have burnt. He said that he was expecting some trouble that night and therefore, his bag was packed and he was ready to escape.

8. “This is your big surprise.” (a) Where has this been said in the play? (b) What is the surprise? Ans. (i) This has been said twice in the play. On the first occasion, it is spoken by the intruder

while revealing his plan to kill Gerrard. Secondly, it is spoken by Gerrard before he reveals his fictitious identity to the intruder.

(b) The intruders surprise is his plan to kill Gerrard and take away his identity to lead a secure life. Whereas, Gerrard's surprise is his fictitious identity, his way of refraining the intruder from killing him rather scare him.


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Chapter 1: The Lost Child

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. What are the things the child sees on his way to the fair? Why does he lag behind? Ans. The child sees a number of things which fascinate him on his way to the fair v Firstly, he saw toys at a shop. v Then he saw a flowering mustard field. v In the fields, the child also saw dragon flies, butterflies fluttering their wings. v Then while walking on the footpath, he was amazed by the insects and worms. v When he entered the grove, he saw doves which were cooing. v As he neared the village with his parents, he saw huge crowds of people going to the fair. v The child also came across sweetmeat seller selling sweets like burfi and gulab jamun and

little further he came across a flower seller who was selling a garland of gulmohar. v Walking ahead, he saw a man selling rainbow colour balloons. v He also saw a snake charmer who stood playing a flute to a snake. v Finally, before losing track of his parents he saw a roundabout swing. The child kept lagging behind his parents on the way and his mother and father had to constantly

keep calling him. This was because the child was fascinated by all the things he saw on the way. Although, he stopped to buy toys and at other times he stopped to admire the beauty of nature-collecting flowers, catching butterflies.

2. In the fair he wants many things. What are they? Why does he move on without waiting for an answer?

Ans. The child saw many things in the fair. They are v Toys and balloon v Sweets from the sweetmeat seller v Garland of gulmohar v Watching the snake charmer play flute to a snake v A ride in the roundabout The boy moved on without waiting for an answer because he knew that his request would be

denied at each step. 3. When does he realize that he has lost his way? How have his anxiety and insecurity been

described? Ans. He realises that he has lost his way when on reaching the roundabout; he stopped to observe

it moving in full swing with men, women and children enjoying themselves on it. Watching them intently, he turned to his parents to ask for permission to go to the rounds but there was no reply from them. A full, deep cry arose within his dry throat with a sudden jerk of his body from where he stood but in real fear, searching for his mother and father. Tears rolled down with


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fear showing on his face, he ran from one end to he other, searching in vain for his parents and not knowing where to go. His yellow turban came untied and his clothes became dirty.

4. Why does the lost child lose interest in the things that he had wanted earlier? Ans. The lost child loses interest in the things that he had wanted earlier because he was panic-stricken

on being separated from his parents. All he wanted was to be united with them. All the things that attracted him in the fair, no longer appealed to him and now the only thing that matters is finding his parents.

5. What do you think happens in the end? Does the child find his parents? Ans. At the end the parents, who continuously kept checking to see that he was with them right from

the beginning of their journey may have realised that he was missing and came looking for their lost child. The kind and understanding man who tried to console the little boy by offering him various things at the fair may have also asked him for some description of his parents and helped him to be reunited to them.

Chapter 2: The Adventures of Toto

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. How does Toto come to grandfather’s private zoo? Ans. Toto was kind of imprisoned by a tonga driver. The grandfather got sympathetic with the monkey

and thinks that his private zoo would be a better place for Toto. Toto comes to grandfather’s private zoo when he buys him from the tonga-driver for a sum of five rupees.

2. “Toto was a pretty monkey.” In what sense is Toto pretty? Ans. Toto was a pretty monkey. Bright sparkling eyes with mischief beneath the deep-set eyebrows,

and his pearly teeth, often displayed in a smile that frightened the life out of elderly Anglo-Indian ladies. His fingers were quick and wicked and his tail enhanced his good looks and served as his third hand. He could use it to hang from a branch and it was capable of scooping up any delicacy that might be out of reach of his hands.

3. Why does grandfather take Toto to Saharanpur and how? Why does the ticket collector insist on calling Toto a dog?

Ans. For every living soul in the household, Toto was a real menace. Day and night, all the beings in the grandfathers house were continuously troubled by Toto. Considering this the grandfather decided to provide some relief to everyone in the house as well as the zoo and thought of taking Toto to Shaharanpur. Toto, was a pet and therefore the ticketmaster following his rulebook equated Toto with a dog and insisted the grandfather to buy a ticket for Toto.

4. How does Toto take a bath? Where has he learnt to do this? How does Toto almost boil himself alive?

Ans. Toto takes bath in a tub of warm water. It puts its legs in the water one by one and applies soap as well. As monkeys are good at aping others, so Toto has learnt proper steps of bathing while


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watching the narrator do same. Toto is fond of bathing with warm water. So once having tested the warmth of water in the kettle Toto sits in the kettle. Probably he is not intelligent enough to understand the risk boiling water so he pops his head up and down in the kettle.

5. Why does the author say, “Toto was not the sort of pet we could keep for long”? Ans. Toto’s nuisance was increasing by days. It was destroying everything it could lay hands on. For

a family of a middle class status buying dishes every day can be a costly affair. Or for that matter it can be an unnecessary harassment for people from any economic background. So keeping a naughty monkey like Toto can never be a pleasant experience for anybody.

Chapter 3: Iswaran – The Storyteller

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. In what way is Iswaran an asset to Mahendra? Ans. Iswaran for a good domestic help to Mahendra. He was very good at his work of cooking and

handling all other domestic chores. He was good at managing resources as he could find vegetables out of nowhere. Managing everything he never had any complain rather was always happy and engaging.

2. How does Iswaran describe the uprooted tree on the highway? What effect does he want to create in his listeners?

Ans. On the highway, when he sees the uprooted tree, he describes it as giving illusion of a giant monster. The huge weird shape made it look like monster which even frightened Iswaran initially.

Iswaran displays great quality of a storyteller as the way he explains things is very interested and glues the listener to the story. He possesses wonderful talent of weaving magic with words that makes boring and unimportant things as interesting.

3. How does he narrate the story of the tusker? Does it appear to be possible? Ans. He narrates the story with a lot of interest and drama. His words and style of story telling is such

that even the Mahendra feels a part of the incident. He initiates with the tension and fear that was there because of mischievous elephants and how

all teachers and students hid in a classroom. Adding to the melodramatic effect he describes the commotion caused by the elephant. And just like a superhit film, how the hero, Iswaran comes to people's rescue.

No, the narration of story is not plausible as it makes the story an interesting one. 4. Why does the author say that Iswaran seemed to more than make up for the absence of a TV in

Mahendra's living quarter? Ans. In addition to being a good domestic help, Iswaran was also a great company to Mahendra. Since,

Mahendra used to work isolated area, construction sites, he would reach home quite late night. On reaching home, Iswaran would chant with till the wee hours, narrating interesting stories and incidents which never made Mahendra miss the entertainment, one would get from watching


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TV. 5. Mahendra calls ghosts or spirits a figment of the imagination. What happens to him on a full

moon night? Ans. He calls ghosts or spirits a figment of the imagination as they are living on a burial site. Iswaran

kept narrating stories to him on what he had encountered about ghosts. On a full moon night, Mahendra woke up by a close moan near his window. Initially, he thought

it was a cat groaning but a while later he realised the groan was a little too loud and deep for a cat. He could not gain the courage to look outside. However, as the cry became louder and less subtle, he could not resist looking out of the window. He lowered himself to the level of the windowsill and looked out at the white sheet of moonlight. In the bright sparkling moonlight he saw a dark cloudy form clutching a bundle. He broke into a cold sweat and fell back on the pillow, panting.

6. Can you think of some other ending for the story? Ans. Yes, the story could have had a more positive ending. Rather than resigning from his job because

the fear of ghosts. He could have been portrayed as a real courageous man by finding out a way to prove the ghost theory wrong.

Another positive ending could have been displayed by showing a long-lasting togetherness of Iswaran and Mahendra. Both have them could have left the place together and depict a loyal servant-master relationship.

Practice QuestionsShort Answer Questions 1. Who was Iswaran? What was Iswaran's amazing capacity? 2. What was the condition of Mahendra when Iswaran told him the ghost story? How did he react? 3. How did Iswaran describe the uprooted tree? 4. Why did Mahendra expect Iswaran to be angry?

Long Answer Questions 1. Give a brief character sketch of Iswaran, The Storyteller. 2. Describe the horrible experience of Mahendra during the full moon light. 3. If you had been Mahendra, how would you have reacted when you saw the ghost?

Chapter 4: In the Kingdom of Fools

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. What are the two strange things the guru and his disciple find in the kingdom of fools? Ans. The two strange things the guru and his disciple found in the kingdom of fools was that everyone


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including the cattle slept during the day and worked at night. They awoke at night and went about their nightly business. To their amazement they also found that everything cost a single duddu whether it was a measure of rice or a such of bananas.

2. Why does the disciple decide to stay in the kingdom of fools? Is it a good idea? Ans. The disciple decided to stay in the kingdom of fools because he was delighted that everything

cost a single duddu and everything was very cheap. All he wanted was good and cheap food. According to guru, staying there was not a good idea as they were all fools and so he felt this

situation would not last long and also was not sure about when they would do in the future. 3. Name all the people who are tried in the king's court and give the reason for their trial. Ans. Four people were tried in the king's court: the owner of the house, the bricklayer, the dancing

girl and the goldsmith. The owner of the house in which the theft had occurred was the first person to be summoned to the court. He was pronounced guilty as his wall was weak because of which the thief had died. The owner of the house cleverly passed the guilt on to the bricklayer by saying that it was actually the bricklayer who had built the wall in the first place.

When the bricklayer was told about his fault, he passed the blame to the dancing girl. He said that she kept going up and down the street with her anklets jingling and he could not keep his eyes off her. As a result, he lost his concentration and built a weak wall.

The king decided to punish the dancing girl and she was summoned to the court next. In her defence, she said that she had given some gold to a goldsmith to make some jewellery for her. Since the goldsmith was extremely lazy, he made several excuses and made her walk up and down to his house a dozen times and that was when the bricklayer had seen her.

The king then came to the conclusion that the goldsmith should be punished. When he was summoned to the court, he claimed that he was very poor and it was because of a rich merchant who would not wait for his order to be complete, that he kept delaying and making excuses for the dancing girl. Incidentally, this merchant was none other than the father of the owner of the house.

4. Who is the real culprit according to the king? Why does he escape punishment? Ans. According to the king, the owner of the house was the real culprit. The owner arrived crying

and said it was not him but his father who had ordered the jewellery. Since his father was long dead, he could not be responsible for the death of the thief. On consulting his ministers, the king came to the conclusion that the merchant's father was the culprit. However, since he was dead, the punishment would be carried out on the owner of the house.

As the servants sharpened the stake for the punishment, the minister realized that the merchant was too thin to be properly executed on the stake. The king realised that they needed a man fat enough to fit the stake. Hence the owner of the house escaped punishment.

5. What are the guru's words of wisdoms? When does the disciple remember him? Ans. The guru's words of wisdom were that it was the city of fools. He advised the disciple to leave

the city because he would not what they would do next. The disciple remembered these words when he was being carried to the place of execution. Even

though he tried to explain that he was innocent and was just a disciple. The servants said that it


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was a royal decree to find a man fat enough to fit the stake. As he was waiting for his death, he remembered his guru's words of wisdom and prayed to him in his heart.

6. How does the guru manage to save his disciple's life? Ans. Since the guru had magical powers he saw in a vision that the disciple was praying to him. As soon

as he arrived to save him, he whispered something to him. He then went to the king and asked who was greater, guru or the disciple. The king answered that the guru was greater. Immediately, the guru asked the king to put him on the stake first and then his disciple. The disciple understood the guru's advice and began saying that he was brought there first and therefore he should be put to death first.

The guru and the disciple got into a fight. The king was puzzled. He knew that there was something mysterious about the fight. So, he promised the guru that the would put him to death first if he told him what the mystery was. The guru told him that he and his disciple had been all over the world but they had never found a city like that or a king like him. The stake was the stake of God of justice. It was new and a criminal had never been put on it. Who even would die it first would be reborn as the king of the kingdom and who even would die next, would be the future minister. The guru said they were tired of their ascetic lives. Hence, they wanted to be reborn as king and minister.

The king started thinking immediately. He did not want to lose his kingdom to someone else in the next life. He postponed the execution till the next day and spoke to his minister and decided that they would go on the stakes themselves and would be reborn as king and minister. The king and the minister secretly released the guru and his disciple and took their place and got executed on the stake. Hence, the guru used his cleverness to save his disciple's life.

Chapter 5: The Happy Prince

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. Why do the courtiers call the prince 'The Happy Prince'? Is he really happy? What does he see

all around him? Ans. The courtiers call the prince 'The Happy Prince' because he does not know what tears are, as he

lives in the palace, where the sparrow was not allowed to enter. No, he is really not happy. He sees the ugliness and the miseries of his city and although he is dead and his heart is only made of lead, he cannot help but weep.

2. Why does the Happy Prince send a ruby for the seamstress? What does the swallow do in the seamstress's house?

Ans. The Happy Prince sends a ruby for the seamstress because she lives in a little street in a poor house. Her face is thin and worn, and she has coarse, red hands, all pricked by the needle, while she embroiders flowers on the satin gown. In the corner of the room, there is a little bed in which her little boy is lying ill. He is suffering from fever and is asking his mother to give him oranges. His mother has nothing to give him but river water. As the little boy is thirsty, so he is crying.


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When the swallow reaches the seamstress' house the boy was tossing feverishly on his bed while his mother had fallen asleep as she was very tired. The swallow hops in and lays the big ruby on the table near the woman's thimble. Then he flies gently round the bed, fanning the boy's forehead with his wings.

3. For whom does the prince send the sapphires and why? Ans. The Happy Prince sends a sapphire for a young man in a garret, who is leaning over a desk

covered with papers. His hair is brown and crisp, and his lips are as red as a pomegranate. He has large and dreamy eyes too. This young man is trying to finish a play for the director of the theatre, but he is too cold to write anymore. As there is no fire in the grate and hunger has made him faint. The young man would be able to sell the sapphire to the jeweller and buy firewood and ultimately finish his play.

He sends the other sapphire to a little match girl, who has dropped all her matches in the drain, and they are all spoiled. Her father would beat her if she does not bring home some money and so was crying. She has no shoes or stockings and her little head is bare. If she has the sapphire, her father will not beat her.

4. What does the swallow see when it flies over the city? Ans. When the swallow flies over the great city, it sees the rich making merry in their beautiful houses,

while the beggars are sitting at the gates. He flies into dark lanes, and sees the white faces of starving children looking out listlessly at the black streets. Under the archway of a bridge, two boys are lying in each others arm trying to keep each other warm. They are hungry and have no shelter but the watchman shouts and chases them out and so they are left wandering in the rain.

5. Why did the swallow not leave the prince and go to Egypt? Ans. The swallow realised that because of the prince's generosity he had given both his eyes to people,

who were in need. The prince was now blind and so the swallow decided not to leave him and go to Egypt. Even when it grew cold, he did not leave the prince, because he loved him very much. He fed himself on the crumbs outside the bakery and kept himself warm by flapping its wings.

When the swallow could not bear the cold any longer and knew that he was going to die, it flew to the prince, and said goodbye, and ask if he could kiss his hand. He then kissed the Prince's lips and fell down dead at its feet.

6. What are the precious things mentioned in the story? Why are they precious? Ans. The precious things mentioned in the story are the leaden heart of the happy prince and the dead

bird. They are precious because both the happy prince and the swallow are very kind, generous and selfless. The prince could not bear to see the ugliness, misery and suffering in his city and so gave away all his precious stones and gold to make his people happy.

Similarly, the swallow sacrificed his trip to Egypt and acted as the prince's messenger carrying the precious stones and gold to the needy spreading happiness around, when the prince was blind, he still loved him so much that he never left him, even though it kept getting colder and colder with winter approaching. Finally, when he could no longer bear the cold he died at the feet of the statue and the statue loved him so much, that its laden heart broke into two.

That is why when God asked one of the angels to bring him the two precious things in the garden,


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the angel took the leaden heart and the dead bird. Then God said that in his Garden of Paradise, the little bird shall sing for ever more and in the city of gold the Happy Prince shall praise God.

Chapter 6: Weathering the Storm in Ersama

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. What havoc has the super cyclone wreaked in the life of the people of Orissa? Ans. The cyclone brought heavy rains and strong winds. As a result, majority of the houses had blown

away and only the strong cement houses were spared. Dirty water covered the land as for as eyes could see. Many people lost their lives. There were floating humans bodies and bloated animal carcasses all around. Even the strongest of the tree had been uprooted. The scenes were gruesome. Many people lost their relatives and many children had become orphans. There was shortage of food. People were sad and helpless and gloom had descended on the people all round.

2. How has Prashant, a teenager, been able to help the people of his village? Ans. Prashant helped the people of his village by first getting a grip over himself because he was

initially shocked on witnessing the after effects of the cyclone. He decided to step in as the leader of his village. He organised a group of youths and a group of elders to jointly pressurise the merchant to give rice for the people living in the shelter. He was successful in his task. His next task was to organise a team of youth volunteers to clean the shelter and tend to the wounds who had been injured because of the cyclone.

Prashant also brought a number of orphaned children together and constructed a polythene shelter for them. While women were mobilised to look after them, the men secured food and other essentials for the shelter. When he realised that the women were becoming too grief-stricken, the persuaded them to start working in the food for work programme which was initiated by an NGO. He also organised sports events for children.

3. How have the people of the community helped one another? What role do the women of Kalikuda play during these days?

Ans. The people of the community got together and began to help one another under the leadership of young Prashant. Together they pressurised the merchant to part with his rice for the people in his shelter. They gathered branches from fallen trees and lit a fire, on which they cooked rice for all to eat.

When the military helicopter dropped some food parcels but did not return, the youth task force gathered empty utensils from the shelter and made the children lie on the sand with the utensils on their stomach to communicate to the passing helicopter that they were hungry. The message went through and the helicopter made regular sounds of the shelter, air dropping food and other basic needs. Women were mobilised to look after the orphans, while the men secured food and materials for the shelter. Inspite of being sad and grief-stricken the women started working in the food-for-work programme started by an NGO.

4. What do Prashant and other volunteers resist the plan to set up institutions for orphans and


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widows? Which alternatives do they consider? Ans. The plant to set up institutions for orphans and widows was resisted because it was believed that

in such institutions, children will grow up without love and affection and widows would suffer from stigma and loneliness. Instead, Prashant and his group suggested that homely environment. They suggested settling up of foster families, made up of childless widows and children without care.

5. Do you think Prashant is good leader? Do you think young people can get together to help people during natural calamities?

Ans. Yes, Prashant is a very good leader. Though he himself was too grief-stricken, he got a hold of himself and decided to stop in as a leader of the village. He carried out his role effectively and helped the people of his village in every possible manner.

Yes, young people can definitely get together to help people during natural calamities and otherwise. They can use their strength and vigour to help people.

Chapter 7: The Last Leaf

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. What is Johnsy’s illness? What can cure her, the medicine or the willingness to live? Ans. Johnsy is suffering from pneumonia. We can be very sure that her cure is her willingness to live. 2. Do you think the feeling of depression Johnsy has is common among teenagers? Ans. Yes, in current times teenagers do suffer from similar kind of depression due to lack of goal or

orientation towards life. It can be overcome by proper guidance and counseling. One must have faith in themselves.

3. Behrman has a dream. What is it? Does it come true? Ans. Behrman has a dream to paint his masterpiece. He makes it come true. He paints his masterpiece

and in doing so he also gives a gift of life to someone adding undiminishable meaning to his masterpiece.

4. What is Behrman’s masterpiece? What makes Sue say so? Ans. Behrman’s masterpiece is his last painting of a leaf. He paints it to give hope to an ailing girl. Sue

calls it his masterpiece because despite being a mere painting it gave hope of life to someone.

Chapter 8: A House is Not a Home

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. What does the author notice one Sunday afternoon? What is his mother’s reaction? What does

she do?


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Ans. While doing his homework one Sunday afternoon the author noticed smoke pouring from the seams of the ceiling. Their house was on fire. He and his mother rushed out of the house. However, his mother rushed back in the house twice in a hysteric condition to save old photographs, documents and the letters from her late husband.

2. Why does he break down in tears? Ans. The author’s house was completely burnt down. Later when the fire was doused he discovered

that his cat was missing. He had recently moved to a new school where he had no friends yet and he felt lonely. All this together made him very uncomfortable and thus he cried.

3. Why is the author deeply embarrassed the next day in school? Which words show his fear and insecurity?

Ans. The author was full of remorse as he was left with nothing. He didn’t have proper dress and study material. He had no backpack. He had the feeling of insecurity. All things appeared strange to him. He was shocked deeply and seemed frustrated. Negative idea and feelings of despair overwhelmed him.

4. The cat and the author are very fond of each other. How has this been shown in the story? Where was the cat after the fire? Who brings it back and how?

Ans. The author and thee cat were very fond of each other. They were never apart. The cat would be around the author all the time while he was doing his homework or household chores. The author was really sad when the cat went missing in the fire. In fact it had run a mile away. An old lady brings the cat back as it had phone number on the collar of the cat.

5. What actions of the schoolmates change the author’s understanding of life and people and comfort him emotionally? How does his loneliness vanish and how does he start participating in life?

Ans. After the fire, the author was devastated. However his new school mates brought books, stationary, clothes and other necessary things for him. They introduced themselves and let him know that they were with him in his hard time. This had a very positive impact on him. Thought he found it hard to believe but he was emotionally very moved by the kind gesture of his fellow school mates and thus he regained his interest in life.

6. What is the meaning of “My cat was back and so was I”? Had the author gone anywhere? Why does he say that he is also back?

Ans. By saying so the author means to convey that he had regained his confidence and interest in life. He had not actually gone anywhere. He had just lost his hope and interest in life. He means to say that he is back on the path of joyful life which he had deviated from upon losing his house and his cat.

Chapter 9: The Accidental Tourist

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. Bill Bryson says, “I am, in short, easily confused.” What examples has he given to justify this?


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Ans. The author cannot do many of his daily activities without making a mess. Very often he forgets the way to the lavatory. He has to ask for his hotel room number at the reception as he keeps forgetting that. He forgets almost everything which one requires to carry out routine life.

2. What happens when the zip on the carry-on bag gives way? Ans. When the zip on the carry-on bag gives way all the content of that bag is scattered on the floor.

He is ashamed and his wife looks at him in disgust. 3. Why is his finger bleeding? What is his wife’s reaction? Ans. His finger was cut while trying to unzip his carry-on bag. His wife was astonished about how

he made a fool of himself. 4. How did Bill Bryson end up in a ‘crash position’ in the aircraft? Ans. Bill was trying to tie the laces of his shoes and while he was doing so the passenger in front of

him completely reclined the seat. This made Bill end up in ‘crash position’. 5. Why are his teeth and gums navy blue? Ans. The author was writing something and holding his pen in his mouth in between. Later he realized

that the pen was leaking and his teeth and gums were nay blue with the ink of the pen. 6. Bill Bryson “ached to be suave”. Is he successful in his mission? List his ‘unsuave’ ways. Ans. Despite his strong attempts he wasn’t able to be suave. There is a long list of him being ‘unsuave’.

He would spill drinks, color himself with the ink of pen, his food would keep dropping or flying from his plate. He would scatter things packed perfectly.

7. Why do you think Bill Bryson’s wife says to children, “Take the lids off the food for daddy”? Ans. She says so because she is afraid of his clumsy ways. She is afraid that he might spill everything.

As a precaution she asks her children to do these chores for their father. 8. What is the significance of the title? Ans. The title is funny and humorous as the tourist keeps meeting with many accidents during the

course of his travels. This title captures the story completely, thus it a very appropriate title for the chapter.

Chapter 10: Beggar

Answers to Text Book QuestionsThinking about the text 1. Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice? Ans. Lushkoff became a beggar due to his circumstances. Earlier, he used to sing in a Russian choir.

He was discharged due to his alcoholism. 2. What reasons does he give Sergei for his telling lies? Ans. Lushkoff told Sergei that he had been lying since he was fired from the choir as he realized that

telling the truth wouldn’t lead him anywhere. 3. Is Lushkoff a willing worker? Why, then, does he agree to chop wood for Sergei?


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Ans. Lushkoff isn’t a willing worker. He agreed to chop wood for Sergei not because he was hungry and wanted to work but because he was trapped in his own words. Due to alcohol and his ill health he was not able to work at all.

4. Sergei says, “I am happy that my words have taken effect.” Why does he say so? Is he right in saying this?

Ans. Sergei says so because he believes that it was he whose words made Lushkoff to bring about a change in his life. It was he who inspired him to work and earn an honest living. However, that is not the case. It was the maid of Sergei’s cook that really inspired Lushkoff.

5. Lushkoff is earning thirty roubles a month. How is he obliged to Sergei for this? Ans. He is obliged to Sergei as it was at Sergei’s home that he met the cook who really inspired him

to mend his ways. Had he not met Sergei he wouldn’t have met the cook. 6. During their conversation Lushkoff reveals that Sergei’s cook, Olga is responsible for the positive

change in him. How has Olga saved Lushkoff? Ans. It was actually Olga how inspired Lushkoff by helping him without expecting anything in return

and this made him mend his ways, give up alcohol and earn an honest living.

Section C – Literature Chapter 1: The Fun They Had...Ans. Bismillah Khan played Shehnai at Red...

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