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Multiple Assessments are a part of CBSE Class 10 Internal Assessment for 5 marks. Assessment Topics Literature MCQs Reading Comprehension Integrated Grammar Q1 Literature MCQs ( Mijbil-the Otter) Solve the following ten Multiple-Choice Questions based on the lesson "Mijbil the Otter": 1. What prompted Gavin Maxwell to keep an otter as a pet instead of a dog? a. His friend's suggestion b. An experiment for his journey to Iraq c. The Consulate-General's recommendation d. A sudden desire for a unique pet 2. In which region did Gavin Maxwell procure Mijbil the otter? a. The Amazon rainforest b. The Tigris marshes c. The Australian Outback d. The Arctic tundra 3. Why did Maxwell wait in Basra for five days? a. To explore the local culture b. To meet a friend c. To collect his mail from Europe d. To buy supplies for his journey 4. What is the scientific name of Mijbil's species? a. Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli b. Canis lupus familiaris c. Felis catus d. Ursus arctos 5. What was Mijbil's initial behavior on the first day Maxwell met him? a. Friendly b. Aloof and indifferent c. Hostile d. Playful 6. How did Mijbil react to being in the water during his first bath? a. Fearful b. Indifferent c. Joyful and playful d. Annoyed 7. Why did Maxwell have to repair the box before Mijbil's flight? a. To add more padding b. To fix the lock c. To remove sharp edges d. To make it larger 8. What game did Mijbil invent involving a ping-pong ball? a. Soccer b. Juggling c. Bowling d. Basketball 9. Why did the air hostess suggest having Mijbil on Maxwell's knee during the flight? a. To keep him calm b. To follow airline rules c. To avoid using the box d. To entertain the passengers 10. What is one of the themes explored in "Mijbil the Otter"? a. Space exploration b. Environmental conservation c. The value of a pet and treatment of wild animals d. Historical events in Iraq Reading Comprehension Q2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow. Better Phone Network Not To Come At Cost Of infrastructure. By Atul Mathur TOI, Nov 15, 2023 New Delhi: The Delhi government has laid down guidelines for telecom service and infrastructure providers to mitigate the problems faced by people when underground optical fibres are laid or overhead wire networks are installed to ensure that infrastructure is restored in a time-bound way after work is over. The Delhi Right of Way (RoW) Policy for Underground Infrastructure and Over-ground Telecommunications Infrastructure, 2023, was notified by the urban development department on November 1. Officials said the policy will ensure that any work by telecom companies is completed within a given timeframe and any damage to a road or a facility is repaired by them in a time-bound manner. This, officials said, will ensure that the city’s roads, often found dug up with no barricades around and which compromise the safety of the motorists and pedestrians, do not remain in the same condition for too long. It will also do away with the possibility of having a web of wires on electricity poles, as the companies laying the overhead lines will have to enter into an agreement with power distribution companies or discoms. The new policy has also ensured a single-window system for companies to seek permission from the government and agencies concerned to carry out the work. It has emphasized that the applicants do not undertake any work without the necessary approval from the road-owning and other related civic agencies. While the central government’s department of telecommunications had formulated rules for the telecom companies in 2016 — these were subsequently amended — to take necessary approvals from authorities in respective states and Union territories for over-ground and underground telecom infrastructure, the Delhi government has paved the way for it with its own policy. “The Delhi government has framed the policy to bring uniformity and clarity and to simplify the process of giving permission for installing telecom infrastructure and repair work or shifting from time to time,” an official said. According to the policy, the responsibility to restore any damage done to a public facility will lie with the company executing the work and any laxity will attract a penalty. The telecom companies will have to take completion certificates within a stipulated time after completing the laying and repairing of cables and maintenance work. “The government will now insist that the telecom companies execute the work during off-peak or night hours so that minimum inconvenience is caused to the public. But it may not be possible all the time and such conditions will be enforced on a case-to-case basis,” an official said. While there will be a single-window system for telecom companies to seek approvals, the government will have to ensure the permission is granted after conducting joint inspection of the site within 30 days. Before starting work, the telecom companies will have to inform the district magistrate of the area and all local bodies. The government has appointed the urban development department for overall coordination for the implementation of the policy. The principal secretary of the department will be the nodal officer. Officials said that to find a solution to poor connectivity inside offices, shopping malls, hospitals, multistoried buildings and educational institutions, the policy also promotes the installation of in-building solutions and emphasizes that required permissions are obtained from the building owners and a consent in the form of a no-objection certificate is taken from the administrative authority concerned. Q1. What is the primary purpose of the Delhi Right of Way (RoW) Policy for Underground Infrastructure and Over-ground Telecommunications Infrastructure, 2023? A. To increase the number of overhead wires. B. To provide a single-window system for telecom companies. C. To delay the restoration of damaged public facilities. D. To allow telecom companies to work without necessary approvals. Q2. The Delhi government aims to ensure that infrastructure is restored in a __________ way after the completion of telecom work. Q3. Justify whether the reasoning supports the assertion. Assertion: The single-window system in the new policy simplifies the process for telecom companies. Reasoning: The policy emphasizes that applicants should not undertake any work without necessary approval from road-owning and other related civic agencies. Q4. According to the passage, what responsibility do telecom companies have regarding the damage to public facilities during their work? A. No responsibility. B. Responsibility to restore the damage. C. Responsibility to ignore the damage. D. Responsibility to blame the government. Q5. Provide reasons why the new policy insists that telecom companies execute work during off-peak or night hours. Q6. What is the role of the urban development department in the implementation of the policy? A. To lay underground optical fibers. B. Overall coordination for the implementation. C. To provide no-objection certificates. D. To repair damaged public facilities. Q7. According to the policy, the telecom companies will have to inform the _________________ before starting work. Q8. Justify why the passage mentions that there may be conditions enforced on a case-to-case basis regarding executing work during off-peak or night hours. Q9. What is the consequence of any laxity by telecom companies in restoring damage to public facilities, according to the policy? A. A reward. B. A penalty. C. A celebration. D. A promotion. Q10. Explain why the installation of in-building solutions is promoted by the policy and what requirements need to be fulfilled for this? Integrated Grammar Q3. Complete the following tasks as directed. (A) Two friends, Aarav and Ananya, are discussing their upcoming trip. How would Aarav report Ananya's dialogue? Aarav: "I have already booked the hotel for our trip tomorrow." Ananya: "Are you sure? Don't forget to confirm the reservation." Anaya asked me ......................... (B) Fill in the blanks with the correct option. The coach shouted,"................... the ball!" Later, he ................... onto the ball in order to dictate the game's pace. (a) pass; commanded them to hold (b) passed; command them to held (c) passes; commands them to hold (d) passing; commanded them to held (C) Read the given dialogue carefully. Identify the error and supply the correction in the sentence. Sanya exclaims, "Look! My keys are in the refrigerator. I will have absentmindedly put them here while putting away the groceries." (D) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket. In the depths of the enchanted forest, where time ................... (stand) still and mythical creatures roamed freely, a young adventurer embarked on a quest. (E) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the sentence below. Shazia stared at the mountain range before her. From a distance ..................., (this/that/these/those) towering peaks seemed to touch the sky, creating a breathtaking sight. (F) Report Sana's instructions to Manisha. Sana said, "First, you heat the sugar and water in a saucepan." Manisha: Sana said that ................... and water in a saucepan. (a) we first heat the sugar (b) Manisha, heat the sugar (c) first, you heat the sugar (d) I should first heat the sugar (G) Pick up the word that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the given line, from a survey. Everyone are expected to submit their feedback to our customer service representative at the event. (H) Fill in the blank with the correct option. When one gazes at the sky, the glimmer of stars ........................... the vastness above. (a) fill (b) fills (c) to fill (d) is filling (I) Identify the error and supply the correction for the following statement. The national team could adhere to a strict code of conduct, refraining from cheating and unethical behaviour, or else they will be disqualified. (J) Fill in the blank with the correct option. Dad: "Ramya, I heard your school made some changes recently. What is going on?" Ramya: "Yes, dad. (I) The school administration ......................... a revised attendance policy to ensure academic success." (a) will implement (b) is implementing (c) has implemented (d) was implementing

Lesson Architecture Poet Introduction Summary Poem Explanation NCERT Solution CBQs Poet Introduction Carl Sandburg (1878-1967) was a celebrated American poet, writer, and biographer known for his contributions to American literature and his deep exploration of American culture and history. His literary career was marked by numerous achievements and a commitment to depicting the lives of everyday people. Born in Galesburg, Illinois, Sandburg's early life was filled with hardships, but he possessed a strong desire for learning and writing. He worked in various jobs, including as a milkman and a soldier, before becoming a journalist. His journalistic background deeply influenced his writing style, characterized by its accessibility and realism. Sandburg gained prominence with his collection of poems titled "Chicago Poems" (1916), which celebrated the spirit and vigor of the city. His poetry often focused on the working class, depicting their struggles and aspirations. He received his first Pulitzer Prize for the biography "Abraham Lincoln: The War Years" (1939), a monumental work that explored the life of the 16th U.S. President and won him the Pulitzer Prize for History. Throughout his career, Sandburg's contributions to American literature were immense. He was awarded three Pulitzer Prizes, not only for his biography but also for his poetry, including "Complete Poems" (1950). His poems, such as those in "Fog" and "Chicago," remain well-loved for their vivid language and evocative imagery. Carl Sandburg's legacy extends beyond his writing. His poetry captures the essence of American life and the resilience of its people. He played a crucial role in preserving and celebrating American history and culture through his words, making him a towering figure in the literary world and a chronicler of the American experience. Summary At first glance, this poem may seem like a basic description of fog, but there's more to it than meets the eye. Let's break it down step by step. The title, "Fog," hints at what the poem is all about. It's talking about that misty, hazy stuff that sometimes covers everything. Fog isn't just weather; it's something that makes things hard to see and understand. It's like a mystery, making the world look different and causing us to wonder about what's out there. In this poem, the fog is given a special treatment. It's described as having "little cat feet." This makes the fog seem alive, like a sneaky cat moving quietly and gracefully. Cats are known for being quiet and sly. The comparison of fog to a cat suggests that it quietly sneaks in and changes things, just like fog can suddenly appear and make the world look different. The poem says the fog "sits looking over harbour and city on silent haunches." It's like the fog is sitting down and watching everything, especially the busy harbour and city. The fog seems to have wisdom or knowledge about life. Even though the city and harbor change all the time, the fog remains constant. It's like it's been around forever, watching history go by. The poem ends by saying the fog "moves on." This is a reminder that the fog, like life, doesn't stay in one place. It comes and goes, just like our experiences in life. Everything changes. In a nutshell, "Fog" is a simple-looking poem with deep meanings. It uses the fog as a symbol for the mysteries and changes in life. The poem suggests that we should appreciate the beauty of each moment because, just like the fog, those moments will pass. It's a short but powerful reflection on how life is always changing, and we should pay attention to the world around us. Poem Explanation: The fog comes on little cat feet It sits looking over harbour and city on silent haunches and then moves on. Glossary cat feet The reference to "cat feet" in the poem suggests that the fog arrives quietly and stealthily, like a cat moving without making any noise, adding to the poem's atmosphere of subtlety. Harbour A place where ships can be docked, loaded, and unloaded; a sheltered body of water. Haunches The back legs or hindquarters of an animal. Silent haunches In the poem, the phrase "silent haunches" means that the fog sits or rests quietly and observantly, much like how an animal like a cat might sit still, watching without making any noise. It implies that the fog has a quiet and unobtrusive presence, as if it is waiting or observing without drawing attention to itself. then moves on The reference to "then moves on" in the poem indicates that the fog, like a passing visitor, doesn't stay in one place for long. It signifies the transient and temporary nature of the fog. Just as it arrives silently and envelops the landscape, it eventually departs, continuing its journey. This phrase can also be seen as a metaphor for the impermanence of moments and experiences in life. It reminds us that nothing remains the same, and change is a constant part of existence. Literary Devices Personification The poem personifies fog by attributing human-like qualities to it. For example, Fog is described as having "little cat feet," which gives it human-like characteristics, such as the ability to move and sit. Metaphor The metaphor in the poem is "little cat feet." This comparison between fog and a cat creates a vivid image in the reader's mind. It suggests that fog moves quietly and stealthily, just like a cat. Alliteration Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds in close proximity. In this poem, the repeated "c" sound in "cat" and "comes" and the repeated "s" sound in "silent" and "sits" create an alliterative effect, adding a musical quality to the poem. Imagery The poem uses descriptive language to create mental images. For example, "over harbour and city" conjures an image of fog covering these areas. This imagery helps the reader visualize the scene. Symbolism The fog in the poem can be seen as a symbol for mystery, change, and the impermanence of life. It obscures the familiar, much like life's uncertainties can obscure the path ahead. Enjambment The poem uses enjambment, where a sentence or phrase runs from one line to the next without a pause or break. For instance, "over harbour and city / on silent haunches" continues the thought from one line to the next, creating a sense of flow and connection. NCERT Solution ( Page 115) I. Thinking About the Poem (i) What does Sandburg think the fog is like? Ans: Sandburg thinks the fog is like a quiet and stealthy cat with "little cat feet." He uses this comparison to describe how the fog approaches silently and subtly, much like a cat's movements. (ii) How does the fog come? The fog comes quietly and softly, like a cat with small, gentle steps. It doesn't make any noise; it just appears slowly and gently. (iii) What does ‘it’ in the third line refer to? In the third line of the poem, "it" refers to the fog. The line, "It sits looking," means that the fog is sitting and observing. (iv) Does the poet actually say that the fog is like a cat? Find three things that tell us that the fog is like a cat. Ans: The poet doesn't explicitly say the fog is like a cat, but he suggests it by describing the fog's arrival "on little cat feet," its quiet sitting, and its subtle movement. 2. Find metaphors for the following words and complete the table below. Also try to say how they are alike. The first is done for you. CBQs ( Competency Based Questions) Q1. What similarities does the poet identify between a cat and fog that make the comparison meaningful? Ans: The poet sees similarities between a cat and fog in their silent, stealthy movements. This comparison enhances the sense of quiet, gradual arrival that fog often exhibits, mirroring the subtlety of a cat's movements. Q2. Why do you think the poet portrays the fog as a living creature? The poet portrays the fog as a living creature to add depth and mystery to this natural phenomenon. By attributing cat-like qualities to the fog, the poet personifies it, making it more relatable and engaging for readers. This personification enhances the sensory and emotional impact of the poem, making the fog feel more like a silent, watchful presence. It also underscores the idea that the natural world, including weather elements like fog, can have a life and character of its own, even though it's not truly alive. This approach helps the poet convey the message of the poem effectively, drawing attention to the transient and mysterious nature of life and the ever-changing world around us. Q3. What image does 'It sits looking over harbour' create in your mind? Ans: The image created by the phrase "it sits looking over harbour" is one of quiet and watchful observation. It conjures the idea of the fog, like a silent, contemplative observer, enveloping the harbour and city with a sense of calm and mystery. This image evokes a feeling of the fog as a patient, contemplative presence, overseeing the activities of the harbour and city from above, adding a touch of enigmatic beauty to the scene. Q4. How does the poet personify the fog in the poem? The poet personifies the fog in the poem by attributing human-like qualities to it. The key instance is when the poet describes the fog as having "little cat feet." This comparison between fog and a cat gives the fog characteristics of quiet, stealthy movement, much like a cat's graceful and unobtrusive steps. This personification makes the fog feel alive and adds depth to its portrayal in the poem. Q5. What is the significance of the fog "sitting over harbour and city" in the poem? The significance of the fog "sitting over harbour and city" lies in its role as a silent observer of human activity and its representation of transience. The fog's presence suggests that it is like a watchful sentinel, quietly observing life. This can be seen in the lines, "It sits looking / over harbour and city on silent haunches." This image symbolizes the impermanence of life amidst the ever-changing city and harbor. Q6. What does the phrase "and then moves on" in the poem suggest? The phrase "and then moves on" in the poem suggests the transient and impermanent nature of both the fog and life. It implies that the fog, like life's experiences, is fleeting. Just as the fog arrives silently and envelops the surroundings, it eventually departs, continuing its journey. This phrase serves as a reminder of the impermanence of moments and the ever-changing nature of life. Q7.How does the poem use metaphor to describe the fog? Ans: The poem uses the metaphor of the fog having "little cat feet" to describe its nature. This metaphor compares the fog to a cat, suggesting that the fog moves quietly and stealthily, much like a cat's graceful and silent movements. The specific example from the poem is the first line: "The fog comes on little cat feet." This metaphor enhances the poem's imagery and creates a vivid mental picture of how the fog arrives, silently and subtly. Q8. Why does the poet employ personification and metaphors in the poem? The poet employs personification and metaphors in the poem to make the fog more relatable and engaging to the reader. By attributing human-like qualities to the fog and comparing it to a cat, the poet creates a more vivid and relatable image of the fog's quiet and subtle arrival. These literary devices enhance the emotional and sensory impact of the poem, making the natural phenomenon of fog feel more alive and mysterious. Additionally, these devices serve to convey deeper themes about the impermanence of life and the ever-changing natural world, using the fog as a symbol for those ideas. Recommended Reading Mijbil-the Otter: Easy Translation | CBQs | NCERT Solution | Board Exam 2024 (englishwithadifference.com)

CBQs | NCERT Solution | Mijbil-the Otter | Lesson Architecture Theme Summary Text Translation NCERT Solution Competency Based Questions Theme: The Value of a Pet: The story revolves around the author's deep emotional connection with his pet otter, Mijbil. What begins as an experiment turns into a profound bond between the author and the otter. It highlights the strong and symbiotic relationship that can develop between a pet and its owner, showcasing the author's commitment to Mijbil's well-being and happiness. Treatment of Wild Animals : The text raises questions about the ethical treatment of wild animals as pets. Maxwell's decision to keep an otter, a wild animal, as a pet, leads to situations where he must confine or restrain the otter, such as putting it on a leash or in a small box. This raises ethical concerns about whether it's fair to subject a wild animal to such treatment for the sake of human companionship. The incident where Mijbil injures himself in the box highlights the challenges and potential cruelty involved in keeping wild animals as pets. These themes underscore the complex and sometimes problematic aspects of human-animal relationships, particularly when wild animals are involved. The story provides insights into the emotional connection between humans and their pets while also prompting readers to consider the ethical treatment of animals in captivity. Summary "Mijbil the Otter" by Gavin Maxwell is a memoir recounting the author's decision to keep an otter as a pet during his journey to Southern Iraq in 1956. Initially, the idea is treated as an "experiment" to observe how the otter adapts to a new environment. Maxwell's friend, with whom he travels to Iraq, suggests acquiring an otter from the Tigris marshes, a region where otters are native and often tamed by the Arabs. After a delay in receiving his mail from Europe, Maxwell finally receives a surprise delivery of a squirming sack containing an otter, arranged by his friend. Maxwell names the otter Mijbil. From the very beginning, Maxwell is captivated by Mijbil's charm, and their bond deepens. Maxwell describes Mijbil as a small, mud-covered "medievally-conceived dragon." Over time, he cleans the otter and discovers an enduring love for this captivating creature. Notably, Maxwell's otter is later identified as a new, previously unknown breed and is named "Latrogale perspicillata maxwelli" by the London Zoological Society. Mijbil quickly adapts to life as a pet, walking without a leash and responding to his name. He displays a playful nature, juggling marbles with his paws and enjoying water immensely, splashing around in the bathtub. Maxwell faces challenges when trying to take Mijbil back to London. They encounter difficulties with airlines and must place Mijbil in a small box for the flight. During the flight, Mijbil escapes the box, creating chaos onboard. Eventually, Mijbil is safely returned to Maxwell. In London, Maxwell and Mijbil spend time together, with Mijbil engaging in playful activities. The sight of Mijbil confuses many Londoners, who struggle to identify him as an otter due to his uniqueness. One worker even thinks Mijbil is not an earthly being. The text explores themes of the value of a pet, highlighting the deep emotional connection between the author and his otter, and raises questions about the treatment of wild animals as pets, as the otter's confinement and transport raise ethical concerns. Maxwell's story showcases the complexity of human-animal relationships, emphasizing the joy and challenges of keeping a wild animal as a beloved companion. Translation of the Original Text in Easy English Part I Text ( Para 1 | Page 104) EARLY in the New Year of 1956 I travelled to Southern Iraq. By then it had crossed my mind that I should like to keep an otter instead of a dog, and that Camusfearna, ringed by water a stone’s throw from its door, would be an eminently suitable spot for this experiment. Translation In the beginning of the year 1956, I went to Southern Iraq. At that time, I had a thought that I wanted to have an otter as a pet instead of a dog. I believed that Camusfearna, surrounded by water very close to its entrance, would be a perfect place for this idea to come true. Text ( Para 2 | Page 104) When I casually mentioned this to a friend, he as casually replied that I had better get one in the Tigris marshes, for there they were as common as mosquitoes, and were often tamed by the Arabs. We were going to Basra to the Consulate-General to collect and answer our mail from Europe. At the Consulate-General we found that my friend’s mail had arrived but that mine had not. Translation When I mentioned this idea to a friend, he casually suggested that I should find an otter in the Tigris marshes because they were as common as mosquitoes there, and the local Arabs often tamed them. We were headed to Basra to visit the Consulate-General to pick up and respond to our mail from Europe. However, upon our arrival at the Consulate-General, we discovered that my friend's mail had arrived, but mine had not. Text ( Para 3 | Page 104) I cabled to England, and when, three days later, nothing had happened, I tried to telephone. The call had to be booked twenty-four hours in advance. On the first day the line was out of order; on the second the exchange was closed for a religious holiday. On the third day there was another breakdown. My friend left, and I arranged to meet him in a week’s time. Five days later, my mail arrived. Translation I sent a cable to England, but when three days passed with no response, I attempted to make a telephone call. However, I had to book the call 24 hours in advance. Unfortunately, on the first day, the phone line was not working, and on the second day, the telephone exchange was closed for a religious holiday. On the third day, there was yet another problem with the telephone system. Frustrated, my friend decided to leave, and we planned to meet again in a week. Finally, after five days, my mail arrived. Text ( Para 4 | Page 104) I carried it to my bedroom to read, and there, squatting on the floor, were two Arabs; beside them lay a sack that squirmed from time to time. They handed me a note from my friend: “Here is your otter...” Translation I took the mail to my bedroom to read it, and to my surprise, I found two Arabs sitting on the floor. Next to them was a sack that seemed to be moving. They gave me a note from my friend that said, "Here is your otter..." Part II Text ( Para 1| Page 104) With the opening of that sack began a phase of my life that has not yet ended, and may, for all I know, not end before I do. It is, in effect, a thraldom to otters, an otter fixation, that I have since found to be shared by most other people, who have ever owned one. Translation Opening that sack marked the beginning of a chapter in my life that is still ongoing, and it might continue until the end of my days. In essence, it's an obsession with otters, a fascination that I've come to realize is shared by most other people who have ever had an otter as a pet. Text ( Para 2 | Page 104-105) The creature that emerged from this sack on to the spacious tiled floor of the Consulate bedroom resembled most of all a very small, medievallyconceived, dragon. From the head to the tip of tail he was coated with symmetrical pointed scales of mud armour, between whose tips was visible a soft velvet fur like that of a chocolate-brown mole. He shook himself, and I half expected a cloud of dust, but in fact it was not for another month that I managed to remove the last of the mud and see the otter, as it were, in his true colours. Translation The animal that came out of the sack and onto the big, tiled floor in the Consulate bedroom looked like a tiny dragon that you might read about in old stories. From its head to the end of its tail, it had a pattern of pointed scales covered in mud, and in between those scales, there was a soft, velvety fur that resembled the fur of a chocolate-brown mole. It shook itself, and I thought there would be a cloud of dust, but it took me about a month to clean off all the mud and finally see the otter in its true colors. Text ( Para 3 | Page 105) Mijbil, as I called the otter, was, in fact, of a race previously unknown to science, and was at length christened by zoologists Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, or Maxwell’s otter. For the first twentyfour hours Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly; he was simply aloof and indifferent, choosing to sleep on the floor as far from my bed as possible. The second night Mijbil came on to my bed in the small hours and remained asleep in the crook of my knees until the servant brought tea in the morning, and during the day he began to lose his apathy and take a keen, much too keen, interest in his surroundings. I made a body-belt for him and took him on a lead to the bathroom, where for half an hour he went wild with joy in the water, plunging and rolling in it, shooting up and down the length of the bathtub underwater, and making enough slosh and splash for a hippo. This, I was to learn, is a characteristic of otters; every drop of water must be, so to speak, extended and spread about the place; a bowl must at once be overturned, or, if it will not be overturned, be sat in and sploshed in until it overflows. Water must be kept on the move and made to do things; when static it is wasted and provoking. Translation Mijbil, the name I gave to the otter, turned out to be a previously unknown species to scientists, and zoologists later named it Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, or Maxwell's otter. In the first twenty-four hours, Mijbil didn't show much friendliness or hostility; he was rather distant and indifferent. He chose to sleep on the floor as far away from my bed as possible. However, on the second night, he hopped onto my bed in the early morning and slept in the curve of my knees until the servant brought tea in the morning. During the day, he began to lose his indifference and became very curious about his surroundings. I made a belt for him and took him on a leash to the bathroom. There, he went wild with joy in the water for about half an hour. He was diving and rolling in the water, swimming up and down the length of the bathtub underwater, and making a lot of splashing. This behavior, I later found out, is typical of otters. They seem to enjoy spreading water everywhere; they must tip over a bowl or sit in it and splash around until it overflows. Water should always be in motion, and when it's still, it seems like a waste and quite frustrating. Text ( Para 4 | Page 106) Two days later, Mijbil escaped from my bedroom as I entered it, and I turned to see his tail disappearing round the bend of the corridor that led to the bathroom. By the time I got there he was up on the end of the bathtub and fumbling at the chromium taps with his paws. I watched, amazed; in less than a minute he had turned the tap far enough to produce a trickle of water, and after a moment or two achieved the full flow. (He had been lucky to turn the tap the right way; on later occasions he would sometimes screw it up still tighter, chittering with irritation and disappointment at the tap’s failure to cooperate.) Translation Two days later, as I entered my bedroom, Mijbil managed to escape and darted away. I saw his tail disappearing around the corner of the corridor that led to the bathroom. When I reached the bathroom, I found him perched at the end of the bathtub, trying to work the chrome taps with his paws. I was utterly amazed. In less than a minute, he had managed to turn the tap enough to produce a small stream of water, and after a brief moment, he had it running at full flow. He was fortunate to turn the tap the right way that time, but in later attempts, he would sometimes tighten it even more, making frustrated noises when the tap didn't cooperate as he wanted. Text ( Para 5 | Page 106) Very soon Mij would follow me without a lead and come to me when I called his name. He spent most of his time in play. He spent hours shuffling a rubber ball round the room like a four-footed soccer player using all four feet to dribble the ball, and he could also throw it, with a powerful flick of the neck, to a surprising height and distance. But the real play of an otter is when he lies on his back and juggles with small objects between his paws. Marbles were Mij’s favourite toys for this pastime: he would lie on his back rolling two or more of them up and down his wide, flat belly without ever dropping one to the floor. Translation Before long, Mijbil didn't need a leash to follow me, and he would come to me when I called his name. He spent most of his time playing. He loved shuffling a rubber ball around the room, just like a soccer player, using all four of his feet to dribble it. He could also throw it high and far with a quick flick of his neck. However, an otter's real game is when they lie on their back and juggle small objects between their paws. Mijbil's favorite toys for this pastime were marbles. He would lie on his back, rolling two or more marbles up and down his wide, flat belly without dropping a single one to the floor. Part III Text ( Para 1| Page 107) The days passed peacefully at Basra, but I dreaded the prospect of transporting Mij to England, and to Camusfearna. The British airline to London would not fly animals, so I booked a flight to Paris on another airline, and from there to London. The airline insisted that Mij should be packed into a box not more than eighteen inches square, to be carried on the floor at my feet. I had a box made, and an hour before we started, I put Mij into the box so that he would become accustomed to it, and left for a hurried meal. Translation The days in Basra were calm, but I was worried about the idea of taking Mijbil to England and Camusfearna. The British airline didn't allow animals on their flights, so I booked a flight to Paris on a different airline and then another one to London from there. However, this airline required Mijbil to be placed in a box that couldn't be larger than eighteen inches square, and it had to be kept on the floor near my feet. So, I had a box made for him, and about an hour before our departure, I placed Mijbil inside the box to help him get used to it. Then, I quickly left for a meal. Text ( Para 2 | Page 107) When I returned, there was an appalling spectacle. There was complete silence from the box, but from its airholes and chinks around the lid, blood had trickled and dried. I whipped off the lock and tore open the lid, and Mij, exhausted and bloodspattered, whimpered and caught at my leg. He had torn the lining of the box to shreds; when I removed the last of it so that there were no cutting edges left, it was just ten minutes until the time of the flight, and the airport was five miles distant. I put the miserable Mij back into the box, holding down the lid with my hand. Translation As I returned , there was a scary sight. There was complete silenct from the box. Blood trickled and dried from the airholes and chinks around the lid of the box. I quickly removed the lock and opened the lid of the box. Inside, I found Mijbil exhausted and covered in blood, whimpering and reaching out for my leg. Mijbil had shredded the lining of the box to pieces. I removed the last of it so that there were no sharp edges left. At this point, we had only ten minutes left until the flight, and the airport was five miles away. I placed the distressed Mijbil back into the box, keeping the lid down with my hand. Text ( Para 3 | Page 107) I sat in the back of the car with the box beside me as the driver tore through the streets of Basra like a ricochetting bullet. The aircraft was waiting to take off; I was rushed through to it by infuriated officials. Luckily, the seat booked for me was at the extreme front. I covered the floor around my feet with newspapers, rang for the air hostess, and gave her a parcel of fish (for Mij) to keep in a cool place. I took her into my confidence about the events of the last half hour. I have retained the most profound admiration for that air hostess; she was the very queen of her kind. She suggested that I might prefer to have my pet on my knee, and I could have kissed her hand in the depth of my gratitude. But, not knowing otters, I was quite unprepared for what followed. Translation I sat in the back of the car with the box next to me as the driver sped through the streets of Basra like a ricocheting bullet. The aircraft was ready to take off, and I was rushed to it by very angry officials. Fortunately, my seat was at the very front of the plane. I covered the floor area around my feet with newspapers, called for the air hostess, and handed her a package of fish (for Mijbil) to keep in a cool place. I confided in her about the events of the last half hour. I held the utmost respect for that air hostess; she was the best of her kind. She suggested that I might want to have my pet on my lap, and I was so grateful that I felt like kissing her hand. However, not being familiar with otters, I was completely unprepared for what was about to happen. Text ( Para 4 | Page 108) Mij was out of the box in a flash. He disappeared at high speed down the aircraft. There were squawks and shrieks, and a woman stood up on her seat screaming out, “A rat! A rat!” I caught sight of Mij’s tail disappearing beneath the legs of a portly whiteturbaned Indian. Diving for it, I missed, but found my face covered in curry. “Perhaps,” said the air hostess with the most charming smile, “it would be better if you resumed your seat, and I will find the animal and bring it to you.” Translation Mijbil quickly escaped from the box. He shot out in a blur, darting down the length of the aircraft. There were loud cries and screams, and a woman on her seat yelled, "A rat! A rat!" I saw Mijbil's tail disappearing under the legs of a rotund Indian gentleman wearing a white turban. I made an attempt to catch him but missed, and instead, I ended up with my face covered in curry. The air hostess, with a delightful smile, said, "Perhaps it would be better if you returned to your seat, and I will locate the animal and bring it to you." Text ( Para 5 | Page 108) I returned to my seat. I was craning my neck trying to follow the hunt when suddenly I heard from my feet a distressed chitter of recognition and welcome, and Mij bounded on to my knee and began to nuzzle my face and my neck. Translation I went back to my seat and was straining to see what was happening as the search for Mijbil continued. Then, unexpectedly, I heard a worried, chittering sound of recognition and delight coming from my feet. Mijbil jumped onto my lap, nuzzling my face and neck to greet me. Part IV Text ( Para 1| Page 109) Mij and I remained in London for nearly a month. He would play for hours with a selection of toys, ping-pong balls, marbles, rubber fruit, and a terrapin shell that I had brought back from his native marshes. With the ping-pong ball he invented a game of his own which could keep him engrossed for up to half an hour at a time. A suitcase that I had taken to Iraq had become damaged on the journey home, so that the lid, when closed, remained at a slope from one end to the other. Mij discovered that if he placed the ball on the high end it would run down the length of the suitcase. He would dash around to the other end to ambush its arrival, hide from it, crouching, to spring up and take it by surprise, grab it and trot off with it to the high end once more. Translation Mijbil and I spent nearly a month in London. He loved playing with various toys, including ping-pong balls, marbles, rubber fruit, and even a terrapin shell I had brought from his homeland, the marshes. He had a unique game he invented with the ping-pong ball that could keep him entertained for up to half an hour. I had a suitcase that got damaged during my journey home from Iraq, so the lid of the suitcase remained sloped from one end to the other when closed. Mijbil figured out that if he placed the ball on the higher end, it would roll down the length of the suitcase. He would quickly dash to the other end to surprise the ball when it reached there, hide, crouching and ready to spring up and catch it by surprise. Then, he would grab it and carry it back to the higher end to start the game again. Text ( Para 2| Page 109) Outside the house I exercised him on a lead, precisely as if he had been a dog. Mij quickly developed certain compulsive habits on these walks in the London streets, like the rituals of children who on their way to and from school must place their feet squarely on the centre of each paving block; must touch every seventh upright of the iron railings, or pass to the outside of every second lamp post. Opposite to my flat was a single-storied primary school, along whose frontage ran a low wall some two feet high. On his way home, but never on his way out, Mij would tug me to this wall, jump on to it, and gallop the full length of its thirty yards, to the hopeless distraction both of pupils and of staff within. Translation I used to take Mijbil outside on a leash, just like you would with a dog. During our walks in the streets of London, Mijbil developed some interesting habits. It was similar to the way children have rituals on their way to and from school, like making sure to step in the middle of each paving block or touching every seventh part of the iron railings or passing on the outside of every second lamp post. Opposite to my flat was a single-story primary school with a low wall about two feet high along the front. On our way back home, but not when we were going out, Mijbil would pull me towards this wall. He would then jump onto it and run the full length of about thirty yards. This often caused quite a commotion among the students and the school staff, to their great distraction. Text ( Para 3| Page 110) It is not, I suppose, in any way strange that the average Londoner should not recognise an otter, but the variety of guesses as to what kind of animal this might be came as a surprise to me. Otters belong to a comparatively small group of animals called Mustellines, shared by the badger, mongoose, weasel, stoat, mink and others. I faced a continuous barrage of conjectural questions that sprayed all the Mustellines but the otter; more random guesses hit on ‘a baby seal’ and ‘a squirrel.’ ‘Is that a walrus, mister?’ reduced me to giggles, and outside a dog show I heard ‘a hippo’. A beaver, a bear cub, a leopard — one, apparently, that had changed its spots — and a ‘brontosaur’; Mij was anything but an otter. Translation It might not be unusual for the average Londoner to not recognize an otter, but I was surprised by the wide range of guesses people had about what kind of animal Mijbil might be. Otters are part of a relatively small group of animals called Mustellines, which includes creatures like the badger, mongoose, weasel, stoat, mink, and others. I constantly faced a barrage of questions from people who were guessing all the Mustellines except the otter. Some random guesses included "a baby seal" and "a squirrel." There were even humorous suggestions like "a walrus, mister?" that made me laugh, and someone outside a dog show thought Mijbil was "a hippo." People suggested a beaver, a bear cub, a leopard that had somehow changed its spots, and even a "brontosaur." Mijbil was clearly a mystery to most, anything but an otter. Text ( Para 4| Page 110) But the question for which I awarded the highest score came from a labourer digging a hole in the street. I was still far from him when he laid down his tool, put his hands on his hips, and began to stare. As I drew nearer I saw his expression of surprise and affront, as though he would have me know that he was not one upon whom to play jokes. I came abreast of him; he spat, glared, and then growled out, “Here, Mister — what is that supposed to be?” Translation However, the most noteworthy question came from a laborer who was digging a hole in the street. I was still some distance away when he stopped working, placed his hands on his hips, and began to stare at me. As I got closer, I could see the look of astonishment and offense on his face, as if he wanted me to understand that he was not someone to be fooled with. I walked past him, and he spat, glared at me, and then grumbled, "Hey, Mister, what in the world is that supposed to be?" NCERT Solution Oral Comprehension Check ( Page 106) 1. What ‘experiment’ did Maxwell think Camusfearna would be suitable for? Ans: Maxwell thought that Camusfearna would be suitable for an "experiment" involving keeping an otter as a pet instead of a dog. He wanted to observe how the otter would adapt to living in a new environment close to water. 2. Why does he go to Basra? How long does he wait there, and why? Ans: Gavin Maxwell goes to Basra to collect and respond to his mail from Europe. He waits in Basra for about five days because there was a delay in receiving his mail, and he wanted to wait for it to arrive before proceeding with his journey. During this time, he stays behind in Basra while his friend departs. 3. How does he get the otter? Does he like it? Pick out the words that tell you this. Ans: Gavin Maxwell gets the otter when two Arabs unexpectedly bring it to him in a sack. He describes his initial reaction to the otter as being "enthralled" and mentions that he discovered it was an enduring love. The words "enthralled" and "enduring love" convey his liking for the otter. 4. Why was the otter named ‘Maxwell’s otter’? The otter was named "Maxwell's otter" because it was of a previously unknown species to science, and zoologists subsequently christened it as Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli. This name includes "maxwelli" in honor of Gavin Maxwell, who was the one who had the otter as a pet and brought it to the attention of zoologists. 5. Tick the right answer. In the beginning, the otter was • aloof and indifferent • friendly • hostile In the beginning, the otter was aloof and indifferent. 6. What happened when Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom? What did it do two days after that? When Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom, the otter went wild with joy in the water. It splashed around in the bathtub, rolled in the water, and created a lot of splashes. Two days later, Mijbil managed to escape to the bathroom and attempted to operate the taps. He successfully turned the tap to produce a trickle of water and then achieved the full flow of water. However, Maxwell notes that Mijbil was lucky to turn the tap the right way on that occasion, as he would sometimes turn it in the wrong direction, causing frustration and disappointment. Oral Comprehension Check (Page 108-109) 1. How was Mij to be transported to England? Mijbil was to be transported to England by air. However, the British airline to London did not allow animals, so Gavin Maxwell had to book a flight to Paris on another airline, and from there to London. The airline insisted that Mijbil be placed in a box not more than eighteen inches square, which would be kept on the floor at Maxwell's feet during the flight. 2. What did Mij do to the box? Mijbil, the otter, managed to tear the lining of the box to shreds, causing damage to it. This happened while he was inside the box, and he became blood-spattered and exhausted in the process. Maxwell had to make adjustments to the box to ensure there were no sharp edges left, and then he placed Mijbil back into the box before their flight. 3. Why did Maxwell put the otter back in the box? How do you think he felt when he did this? Maxwell put the otter, Mijbil, back in the box because they were about to take a flight, and the airline required the otter to be transported in the box, not more than eighteen inches square, and kept on the floor at Maxwell's feet. This was a necessary condition set by the airline for allowing the otter to travel. Given his deep affection for Mijbil, it's likely that Maxwell felt a sense of responsibility and concern for the otter's safety during the upcoming flight. He had to comply with the airline's rules, even though it may have been distressing to put Mijbil back into the box after the earlier incident where the otter had torn the lining and injured himself. 4. Why does Maxwell say the airhostess was “the very queen of her kind”? Ans: Maxwell refers to the air hostess as "the very queen of her kind" because she displayed exceptional understanding, kindness, and empathy during a challenging and unexpected situation. When Mijbil, the otter, escaped from the box and caused a commotion on the plane, the air hostess not only remained calm but also suggested that Maxwell could have his pet on his knee, which was a thoughtful and accommodating gesture. Maxwell was likely deeply appreciative of her understanding and assistance during this chaotic moment, which is why he referred to her in such a complimentary manner. 5. What happened when the box was opened? When the box was opened, Mijbil, the otter, quickly shot out of it. He escaped from the box and darted down the length of the aircraft. This sudden and unexpected action caused a commotion among the passengers, with squawks and shrieks. Mijbil's escape startled the passengers on the plane, and one woman even screamed, thinking he was a rat. It led to some chaos and confusion before Mijbil was eventually reunited with Maxwell. Oral Comprehension Check (Page 110) 1. What game had Mij invented? Mij, the otter, had invented a game involving a ping-pong ball. The game consisted of placing the ping-pong ball on a suitcase with a damaged lid. When the ball was set on the high end of the sloped lid, it would roll down the length of the suitcase. Mijbil would then rush to the other end of the suitcase to ambush the ball's arrival, hide from it while crouching, and then spring up to take the ball by surprise. He would grab the ball and carry it back to the high end of the suitcase to start the game again. This game kept him engrossed for up to half an hour at a time. 2. What are ‘compulsive habits’? What does Maxwell say are the compulsive habits of (i) school children (ii) Mij? Ans: "Compulsive habits" are repetitive behaviours or rituals that a person or animal feels compelled to perform, often without a specific reason. These habits can be driven by a sense of need or a desire for order and can become ingrained in one's routine. In the text, Maxwell describes the compulsive habits of both school children and Mijbil: (i) School Children: Maxwell compares the compulsive habits of school children to the rituals they perform on their way to and from school. For example, he mentions that children may have habits like placing their feet squarely on the center of each paving block or touching every seventh upright of iron railings. These are repetitive actions that some children feel compelled to do as part of their routine. (ii) Mijbil (Mij): Mijbil developed his own compulsive habits during walks in the London streets. Maxwell notes that he had specific rituals, such as tugging Maxwell toward a low wall outside a primary school. Mijbil would jump onto the wall and gallop the full length of it on his way back home, but he would not do this on his way out. This behavior, akin to the habits of school children, was Mijbil's version of compulsive behaviour. 3. What group of animals do otters belong to? Otters belong to a group of animals known as "Mustellines." This group includes various species like the badger, mongoose, weasel, stoat, mink, and others. Mustellines are characterized by their shared family and physical traits, and otters are a part of this family. 4. What guesses did the Londoners make about what Mij was? Ans: The Londoners made a variety of guesses about what Mijbil, the otter, might be. Some of the guesses included: 1. A baby seal 2. A squirrel 3. A walrus 4. A hippo 5. A beaver 6. A bear cub 7. A leopard (one that had changed its spots) 8. A "brontosaur" These guesses reflect the confusion and lack of familiarity with otters among the Londoners, as otters are not commonly seen in urban areas. Thinking About the Text ( P. 110) 1. What things does Mij do which tell you that he is an intelligent, friendly and fun-loving animal who needs love? Ans: Mijbil's actions in the text demonstrate that he is an intelligent, friendly, and fun-loving animal who needs love: 1. Intelligence: Mijbil's ability to operate the taps in the bathroom, even if it took a few tries, indicates his intelligence. He quickly figured out how to turn the tap to get water, showing problem-solving skills. 2. Friendly: Mijbil initially appeared aloof and indifferent but quickly became friendly. He slept on Maxwell's bed, nuzzled him, and showed signs of affection. He recognized Maxwell and greeted him warmly after their separation on the airplane. 3. Fun-loving: Mijbil's love for playing with various objects, such as ping-pong balls, marbles, and rubber fruit, reveals his fun-loving nature. He invented his own game with the ping-pong ball, displaying a playful and creative personality. 4. Need for love: Mijbil's attachment to Maxwell and his excitement upon reuniting with him on the airplane underscore his need for love and companionship. He sought comfort and affection from his owner. These actions collectively portray Mijbil as an intelligent, friendly, and playful otter that thrives on companionship and love. 2. What are some of the things we come to know about otters from this text? From this text, we learn several things about otters: 1. Physical Characteristics: Otters are described as having a "soft velvet fur" and symmetrical pointed scales of mud armor on their bodies. 2. Love for Water: Otters have a strong affinity for water. They enjoy playing in it, splashing around, and can be quite enthusiastic about it. 3. Intelligence: Otters, as illustrated by Mijbil, can be intelligent and capable of learning how to operate certain mechanisms, such as taps. 4. Playful Nature: Otters are inherently playful animals. They enjoy playing with objects like balls and marbles, and they have a penchant for creating their own games. 5. Attachment to Humans: The text suggests that otters can form strong attachments to humans. Mijbil quickly developed a close bond with Gavin Maxwell and displayed affectionate behavior. 6. Curiosity: Otters, like Mijbil, can be curious about their surroundings and are eager to explore new environments. 7. Compulsive Habits: Otters, as demonstrated by Mijbil's behavior, may develop certain compulsive habits or rituals during their daily routines. These details provide insights into the characteristics and behavior of otters as observed through the specific example of Mijbil, the otter featured in the text. 3. Why is Mij’s species now known to the world as Maxwell’s otter? Ans: Mijbil's species is known to the world as "Maxwell's otter" because it was a previously unknown species to science. Zoologists later identified this distinct species, and in recognition of Gavin Maxwell, who had Mijbil as a pet and brought attention to this unique otter, they named it after him. The scientific name for this species is Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, with "maxwelli" added to acknowledge Maxwell's role in the otter's discovery and identification. Competency Based Questions (CBQs) Q1. No animal likes to be confined. They remain healthy, strong and active only in their natural habitat. Explain the statement with reference to the Otter as described in the story. Q2. Why do you think Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly for the first twenty-four hours after he was brought home? Q3. How can you say that Mijbil loved to be in water which was its natural habitat? Explain with reference to the story. Q4. Mijbil caused a sensation in London. Expound with reference to the chapter “Mijbil the Otter”. Q5. What was the greatest obstacle faced by the narrator in transporting Mijbil to Camusfearna? Q6. Mijbil is an active animal who shows many emotions. Explain with instances from the text. Long Answer-type Questions/6 Marks Q1. From your reading of the story 'Mijbil-the Otter' describe how the writer portrays the otter and its relationship with humans. Q2. Without the assistance of the airhostess, the narrator could not have transported Mijbil from Basra to London safely. Comment. Q3. Peculiar behaviours are a characteristic of Otters. Discuss with respect to “Mijbil the Otter”. Q4. Discuss the commitment the author has shown for keeping his pet- Mijbil in his house. English Project Q. What all do you have to do to keep the animal with you at home? (You can refer to the dos and don’ts given on page no. 102 of the textbook First Flight.) Make a project report keeping in mind the efforts the author made to keep Mijbil as his pet. Recommended Reading Fog | Poem Analysis| Class X | CBQs | CBSE Board Exam 2024 (englishwithadifference.com)

Lesson Architecture Introduction Translation of the Text Multiple Choice Questions Extract Questions: Short Questions NCERT Solution Introduction: This chapter defines beautifully the concept of interviews, their purpose, functions, methods and merits in part one. In part two it 'illustrates' these through an interview with the famous novelist Umberto Eco who authored 'The Name of the Rose. The interviewer Mukund Padmanabhan from The Hindu' interviews the famous novelist. Reading both the questions and answers given in it enables the reader to peep into the minds of both the persons. At the same time it enables him to assess for himself this concept and how it has been illustrated here. It also enables him to know more about the author of The Name of the Rose who writes on Sundays. Text | Para 1 ( line 1-6) | Page 68 Since its invention a little over 130 years ago, the interview has become a commonplace of journalism. Today, almost everybody who is literate will have read an interview at some point in their lives, while from the other point of view, several thousand celebrities have been interviewed over the years, some of them repeatedly. Translation : An interview is something that has been around for about 130 years. It's a regular thing in journalism. Almost everyone who can read has seen or read an interview at some time in their life. And lots of famous people have been interviewed many times over the years. Text | Para 1 ( line 6-10) | Page 68 So it is hardly surprising that opinions of the interview — of its functions, methods and merits — vary considerably. Some might make quite extravagant claims for it as being, in its highest form, a source of truth, and, in its practice, an art. Translation : It's not surprising that people have different opinions about interviews – what they're for, how they're done, and their value. Some people might say that interviews, when done really well, can provide valuable information and are a form of art. Text | Para 1 ( line 11-26) | Page 68-69 Others, usually celebrities who see themselves as its victims, might despise the interview as an unwarranted intrusion into their lives, or feel that it somehow diminishes them, just as in some primitive cultures it is believed that if one takes a photographic portrait of somebody then one is stealing that person’s soul. V. S. Naipaul 1 ‘feels that some people are wounded by interviews and lose a part of themselves,’ Lewis Carroll, the creator of Alice in Wonderland, was said to have had ‘a just horror of the interviewer’ and he never consented to be interviewed was his horror of being lionized which made him thus repel would be acquaintances, interviewers, and the persistent petitioners for his autograph and he would afterwards relate the stories of his success in silencing all such people with much satisfaction and amusement. Translation : Some people, especially famous ones, may really dislike interviews. They might feel that interviews invade their privacy or make them look less important. It's similar to some old beliefs in certain cultures that taking a photo of someone steals their soul. For example, the writer V. S. Naipaul thought that interviews could harm people, and Lewis Carroll, who wrote Alice in Wonderland, was known to be very afraid of interviewers. He never agreed to be interviewed because he didn't want to be treated like a celebrity. He enjoyed telling stories about how he cleverly avoided interviews, autograph seekers, and people who wanted to make him famous. Text | Para 1 ( line 1-12) | Page 69 Rudyard Kipling2 expressed an even more condemnatory attitude towards the interviewer. His wife, Caroline, writes in her diary for 14 October 1892 that their day was ‘wrecked by two reporters from Boston’. She reports her husband as saying to the reporters, “Why do I refuse to be interviewed? Because it is immoral! It is a crime, just as much of a crime as an offence against my person, as an assault, and just as much merits punishment. Translation : Rudyard Kipling had a very negative view of interviewers. His wife, Caroline, wrote in her diary on October 14, 1892, that their day was ruined by two reporters from Boston. According to her, Kipling told the reporters that he refused to be interviewed because he considered it immoral. He thought it was as bad as a crime against him, like an assault, and should be punished just like a crime. Text | Para 1 ( line 13-25) | Page 69 It is cowardly and vile. No respectable man would ask it, much less give it,” Yet Kipling had himself perpetrated such an ‘assault’ on Mark Twain only a few years before. H. G. Wells3 in an interview in 1894 referred to ‘the interviewing ordeal’, but was a fairly frequent interviewee and forty years later found himself interviewing Joseph Stalin4 . Saul Bellow5 , who has consented to be interviewed on several occasions, nevertheless once described interviews as being like thumbprints on his windpipe. Translation : Kipling strongly believed that interviewing was a cowardly and vile act. He thought it was unacceptable for anyone to request or give an interview. However, it's interesting to note that Kipling had interviewed Mark Twain a few years before, which seems contradictory. H. G. Wells, in an interview in 1894, talked about how difficult and unpleasant the process of being interviewed could be, but he was often interviewed himself. He even found himself interviewing Joseph Stalin forty years later. Saul Bellow, despite agreeing to be interviewed on several occasions, once compared interviews to thumbprints on his windpipe, suggesting that they were uncomfortable or suffocating experiences for him. Text | Para 1 ( line 25-32) | Page 69 Yet despite the drawbacks of the interview, it is a supremely serviceable medium of communication. “These days, more than at any other time, our most vivid impressions of our contemporaries are through Translation : Despite the challenges of interviews, they are a very useful way to communicate. In fact, nowadays, we often get to know and understand people through interviews more than ever before. Text | Para 1 ( line 1-4) | Page 70 interviews,” Denis Brian has written. “Almost everything of moment reaches us through one man asking questions of another. Because of this, the interviewer holds a position of unprecedented power and influence.” Translation : Denis Brian has explained that interviews play a crucial role in how we learn about important events and people. Most significant information comes to us through one person asking questions to another. Because of this, the person conducting the interview has an exceptionally powerful and influential position. Part II Text | Para 1 ( line 1-13) | Page 70 “I am a professor who writes novels on Sundays” – Umberto Eco The following is an extract from an interview of Umberto Eco. The interviewer is Mukund Padmanabhan from The Hindu. Umberto Eco, a professor at the University of Bologna in Italy had already acquired a formidable reputation as a scholar for his ideas on semiotics (the study of signs), literary interpretation, and medieval aesthetics before he turned to writing fiction. Literary fiction, academic texts, essays, children’s books, newspaper articles— his written output is staggeringly large and wide-ranging, In 1980, he acquired the equivalent of intellectual superstardom with the publication of The Name of the Rose, which sold more than 10 million copies. Translation : In this interview, Umberto Eco, a professor at the University of Bologna in Italy, is being interviewed by Mukund Padmanabhan from The Hindu. Before becoming a fiction writer, Eco had a strong reputation as a scholar in fields like semiotics (the study of signs), literary interpretation, and medieval aesthetics. He wrote a wide variety of works, including literary fiction, academic texts, essays, children's books, and newspaper articles. In 1980, he reached great intellectual fame with the release of "The Name of the Rose," which sold over 10 million copies. Text | Para 1 ( line 14-30) | Page 70 Mukund: The English novelist and academic David Lodge once remarked, “I can’t understand how one man can do all the things he [Eco] does.” Umberto Eco: Maybe I give the impression of doing many things. But in the end, I am convinced I am always doing the same thing. Mukund: Which is? Umberto Eco: Aah, now that is more difficult to explain. I have some philosophical interests and I pursue them through my academic work and my novels. Even my books for children are about non-violence and peace...you see, the same bunch of ethical, philosophical interests. And then I have a secret. Did you know what will happen if you eliminate the empty spaces from the universe, eliminate the empty spaces in all the atoms? The universe will become as big as my fist. Translation : Mukund: The English novelist and academic David Lodge once remarked, "I can't understand how one man can do all the things he [Eco] does." Umberto Eco: Maybe I seem like I'm doing many things, but in the end, I believe I'm always doing the same thing. Mukund: Which is? Umberto Eco: Well, that's a bit harder to explain. I have certain philosophical interests, and I explore them in my academic work and my novels. Even my children's books focus on ideas of non-violence and peace... you see, it all centers around the same set of ethical and philosophical interests. And then I have a little secret. Do you know what would happen if you removed all the empty spaces from the universe, from all the atoms? The universe would be as small as my fist. Text | Para 1 ( line 1-8 | Page 71) Similarly, we have a lot of empty spaces in our lives. I call them interstices. Say you are coming over to my place. You are in an elevator and while you are coming up, I am waiting for you. This is an interstice, an empty space. I work in empty spaces. While waiting for your elevator to come up from the first to the third floor, I have already written an article! (Laughs) Translation: Likewise, in our lives, there are many empty spaces. I like to call them "interstices." For example, let's say you're coming to visit me. You're in an elevator on your way up, and I'm waiting for you. That moment is an interstice, an empty space. I use these empty spaces in my life. While I wait for your elevator to go from the first floor to the third floor, I've managed to write an entire article! (Laughs) Text | Para 1 ( line 9-16 | Page 71) Mukund: Not everyone can do that of course. Your non-fictional writing, your scholarly work has a certain playful and personal quality about it. It is a marked departure from a regular academic style — which is invariably depersonalised and often dry and boring. Have you consciously adopted an informal approach or is it something that just came naturally to you? Translation: Mukund: Not everyone can achieve that, of course. Your non-fiction writing and scholarly work have a distinct playful and personal quality. It's quite different from the usual academic style, which tends to be impersonal and often dull. Did you intentionally choose to write in an informal way, or did it come naturally to you? Text | Para 1 ( line 17-25 | Page 71) Umberto Eco: When I presented my first Doctoral dissertation in Italy, one of the Professors said, “Scholars learn a lot of a certain subject, then they make a lot of false hypotheses, then they correct them and at the end, they put the conclusions. You, on the contrary, told the story of your research. Even including your trials and errors.” At the same time, he recognised I was right and went on to publish my dissertation as a book, which meant he appreciated it. Translation: Umberto Eco: When I presented my first doctoral dissertation in Italy, one of the professors commented, "Scholars typically gather a lot of knowledge about a particular subject, make numerous incorrect hypotheses, correct them, and then present their conclusions. However, you told the story of your research, including your trials and errors." He acknowledged that I had a different approach and later published my dissertation as a book, which indicated his appreciation for it. Text | Para 1 ( line 26-31 | Page 71) At that point, at the age of 22, I understood scholarly books should be written the way I had done — by telling the story of the research. This is why my essays always have a narrative aspect. And this is why probably I started writing narratives [novels] so late — at the age of 50, more or less. Translation: At the age of 22, I realized that scholarly books should be written in the way I had done, by narrating the research process. This is why my essays often have a narrative quality. It's also probably why I didn't start writing fiction (novels) until much later, around the age of 50. Text | Para 1 ( line 32-37 | Page 71) I remember that my dear friend Roland Barthes was always frustrated that he was an essayist and not a novelist. He wanted to do creative writing one day or another but he died before he could do so. I never felt this kind of frustration. I started writing novels by accident. I had nothing to do one day and so I started. Novels probably satisfied my taste for narration. Text | Para 1 ( line 1-8 | Page 72) Mukund: Talking about novels, from being a famous academic you went on to becoming spectacularly famous after the publication of The Name of the Rose. You’ve written five novels against many more scholarly works of non-fiction, at least more than 20 of them... Translation: I remember my dear friend Roland Barthes used to feel frustrated because he was an essayist and not a novelist. He wished to try creative writing at some point, but unfortunately, he passed away before he could do so. I didn't experience the same frustration. I began writing novels by chance. I had some free time, and it just happened. I had some free time one day, so I decided to start writing novels. Novels seemed to fulfill my love for storytelling. Mukund: Speaking of novels, you went from being a renowned academic to achieving spectacular fame after "The Name of the Rose" was published. You've written five novels, while you have many more scholarly non-fiction works, at least over 20 of them... Text | Para 1 ( line 1-8 | Page 72) Umberto Eco: Over 40. Mukund: Over 40! Among them a seminal piece of work on semiotics. But ask most people about Umberto Eco and they will say, “Oh, he’s the novelist.” Does that bother you? Translation: Umberto Eco: Actually, it's more than 40. Mukund: Over 40! That's quite impressive. Among them is a groundbreaking work on semiotics. But if you ask most people about Umberto Eco, they'll probably say, "Oh, he's the novelist." Does that ever bother you? Text | Para 1 ( line 9-13 | Page 72) Umberto Eco: Over 40. Mukund: Over 40! Among them a seminal piece of work on semiotics. But ask most people about Umberto Eco and they will say, “Oh, he’s the novelist.” Does that bother you? Translation: Umberto Eco: Actually, it's more than 40. Mukund: Over 40! That's quite impressive. Among them is a groundbreaking work on semiotics. But if you ask most people about Umberto Eco, they'll probably say, "Oh, he's the novelist." Does that ever bother you? Text | Para 1 ( line 14-22 | Page 72) Umberto Eco: Yes. Because I consider myself a university professor who writes novels on Sundays. It’s not a joke. I participate in academic conferences and not meetings of Pen Clubs and writers. I identify myself with the academic community. But okay, if they [most people] have read only the novels... (laughs and shrugs). I know that by writing novels, I reach a larger audience. I cannot expect to have one million readers with stuff on semiotics. Translation: Umberto Eco : Yes, it does bother me. I see myself as a university professor who happens to write novels on Sundays. It's not a joke. I engage in academic conferences, not gatherings of Pen Clubs and writers. My identity is more aligned with the academic community. But well, if most people have only read my novels... (laughs and shrugs). I understand that through novels, I reach a broader audience. I can't expect to have a million readers for works on semiotics. Text | Para 1 ( line 23-28 | Page 72) Mukund: Which brings me to my next question. The Name of the Rose is a very serious novel. It’s a detective yarn at one level but it also delves into metaphysics, theology, and medieval history. Yet it enjoyed a huge mass audience. Were you puzzled at all by this? Translation: Mukund: That leads me to my next question. "The Name of the Rose" is a very profound novel. It's a detective story on one level, but it also explores metaphysics, theology, and medieval history. Yet, it gained a massive popular following. Were you ever perplexed by this? Text | Para 1 ( line 29-35 | Page 72/Line 5-6 |Page73) Umberto Eco: No. Journalists are puzzled. And sometimes publishers. And this is because journalists and publishers believe that people like trash and don’t like difficult reading experiences. Consider there are six billion people on this planet. The Name of the Rose sold between 10 and 15 million copies. So in a way I reached only a small percentage of readers. But it is exactly these kinds of readers who don’t want easy experiences. Or at least don’t always want this. I myself, at 9 pm after dinner, watch television and want to see either ‘Miami Vice’ or ‘Emergency Room’. I enjoy it and I need it. But not all day. Translation: Umberto Eco: No, I wasn't puzzled. Journalists and sometimes publishers might be puzzled. This is because they tend to think that people prefer shallow, easy-to-read material and don't like challenging books. However, there are about six billion people on this planet. "The Name of the Rose" sold between 10 and 15 million copies, which means I reached only a small percentage of readers. But it's precisely this group of readers who appreciate more complex experiences. They don't always want something easy. I can relate to this personally. After dinner, at 9 pm, I watch television and enjoy shows like 'Miami Vice' or 'Emergency Room.' I need that relaxation, but not all day long. Text | Para 1 (Line 5-6 |Page73) percentage of readers. But it is exactly these kinds of readers who don’t want easy experiences. Or at least don’t always want this. I myself, at 9 pm after dinner, watch television and want to see either ‘Miami Vice’ or ‘Emergency Room’. I enjoy it and I need it. But not all day. Translation: These are precisely the readers who don't seek easy experiences all the time. Even I, after dinner, at 9 pm, like to watch television shows like 'Miami Vice' or 'Emergency Room.' I find enjoyment and relaxation in them, but I don't want that kind of content all day. Text | Para 1 (Line 7-9 |Page73) Mukund: Could the huge success of the novel have anything to do with the fact that it dealt with a period of medieval history that.. Translation: Mukund: Do you think the novel's immense success could be related to its focus on a specific period of medieval history that... Text | Para 1 (Line 10-17 |Page73) Umberto Eco: That’s possible. But let me tell you another story, because I often tell stories like a Chinese wise man. My American publisher said while she loved my book, she didn’t expect to sell more than 3,000 copies in a country where nobody has seen a cathedral or studies Latin. So I was given an advance for 3,000 copies, but in the end it sold two or three million in the U.S Translation: Umberto Eco: It's certainly possible. But let me share another story, as I often do, like a Chinese wise man. My American publisher told me that while she loved my book, she didn't anticipate selling more than 3,000 copies in a country where not many people had seen a cathedral or studied Latin. So I received an advance for 3,000 copies, but in the end, it sold two or three million copies in the U.S. Text | Para 1 (Line 18-23 |Page73) A lot of books have been written about the medieval past far before mine. I think the success of the book is a mystery. Nobody can predict it. I think if I had written The Name of the Rose ten years earlier or ten years later, it wouldn’t have been the same. Why it worked at that time is a mystery. Translation: Many books about the medieval past were written before mine. I believe the success of the book is a mystery. It's something no one can really predict. If I had written "The Name of the Rose" ten years earlier or ten years later, I don't think it would have had the same impact. The reasons it worked at that specific time remain a mystery. Multiple Choice Questions Q1. According to Christopher Silvester, the interview can be “in its highest form, a source of truth”. Choose the option that does NOT enable this? (a) An interview allows for discovery of new knowledge about the interviewee and/ or the subject being discussed. (b) An interview enables the interviewer to probe deeply, seek clarifications, and confirm understandings. (c) An interview represents an opportunity to open doors to experiences that may not otherwise find a voice. (d) An interview requires the interviewer to have in-depth prior knowledge of the interviewee and the subject. [CBSE Question Bank 2021] Ans. (d) An interview requires the interviewer to have in-depth prior knowledge of the interviewee and the subject. Explanation: Options (a), (b) and (c) all enable the interview to be a source of truth. Hence, they are not the correct answers. Only option (d) talks about researching before the interview. So, option (d) is the correct answer. Q2. Umberto Eco mentioned that he was not puzzled by the tremendous mass popularity of his novel, The Name of the Rose. What does this tell you about Umberto Eco? (a) He believes she understands readership trends well, and writes accordingly to ensure mass appeal. (b) He elevates himself above publishers and journalists who were surprised by the success of the book. (c) He respects and understands that there are variations in people’s reading choices and experiences. (d) He feels that the success of a book is a mystery, and there was no point pondering over it. [CBSE Question Bank 2021] Ans. (d) He feels that the success of a book is a mystery, and there was no point pondering over it. Explanation: This tells that Umberto Eco did not think there was any point talking about something that was a mystery. Hence, option (d) is the correct answer. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect conclusions. So, they are incorrect. 3. What makes Christopher Silvester qualified to write the introduction to the Penguin Book of Interviews? (a) He had written many introductions before. (b) He had written features for Vanity Fair. (c) He was a student of history at Cambridge. (d) He was a reporter for Private Eye for ten years. Ans. (d) He was a reporter for Private Eye for ten years. Explanation: Being a reporter for a magazine means asking questions and interviewing people. So, Silvester had interviewed many people in ten years. Hence, option (d) is the correct answer. Option (a) cannot be found in the text. Options (b) and (c) are facts but do not directly impact the task of writing an introduction. So, they are incorrect. 4. How well was the interview known all over the world? What can be inferred from the text? (a) Fairly well known (b) Fairly known (c) Somewhat known (d) Not known at all 5. Choose the quote that best describes Silvester’s introduction in the Penguin Book of Interviews. (a) I try to see interviewing as a performance art and just take it as it comes. —Liz Phair (b) The art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge. —Thomas Berger (c) Confidence has a lot to do with interviewing — that and timing. —Michael Parkinson (d) When you're interviewing someone, you're in control. When you're being interviewed, you think you're in control, but you're not. —Barbara Walters Ans. (b) The art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge. — Thomas Berger Explanation: All the quotes talk about the interview but only one talks about it being the source of knowledge as mentioned in the introduction. Hence, option (b) is the correct answer. 6. What can be inferred to be the writer’s own opinion on the function of the interview? (a) That it lies only between the interviewer and the interviewee. (b) That different people have varying opinions about the interview. (c) That it lies somewhere in between being ‘a source of truth’ and ‘art’. (d) That it has become a common place of journalism in the past 130 years. Ans. (c) That it lies somewhere in between ‘a source of truth’ and ‘art’. Explanation: The author says that the interview was ‘a source of truth’ and ‘in practice, an art’ which he considered quite an extravagant claim. Hence, it can be inferred that his opinion would lie in between the two. So, option (c) is the correct answer. 7. Choose the authors who never consented to an interview. (1) V.S. Naipaul (2) Lewis Carroll (3) Rudyard Kipling (4) Mark Twain (5) H. G. Wells (6) Joseph Stalin (a) (1) and (2) (b) (2) and (3) (c) (4) and (5) (d) (5) and (6) Ans. (b) (2) and (3) Explanation: According to Silvester, Lewis Carroll had a horror of being interviewed so he refused to be interviewed and Rudyard Kipling thought it was immoral and required a punishment. So, option (b) is the correct answer. The authors in options (a), (c) and (d) have consented to being interviewed even if they didn’t like it. Hence, these options are incorrect. Extract Questions: 1. Saul Bellow, who has consented to be interviewed on several occasions, nevertheless once described interviews as being like thumbprints on his windpipe. Yet despite the drawbacks of the interview, it is a supremely serviceable medium of communication. “These days, more than at any other time, our most vivid impressions of our contemporaries are through interviews,” Denis Brian has written. “Almost everything of moment reaches us through one man asking questions of another. Because of this, the interviewer holds a position of unprecedented power and influence.” (A) How would you describe Denis Brian’s opinion on interviews? Choose the most appropriate option. (1) appeasing (2) utilitarian (3) approving (4) praising (a) (1) and (2) (b) (3) and (4) (c) (2) and (3) (d) (1) and (4) Ans: (c) (2) and (3) Explanation: Denis Brian thinks the interviews serve a purpose so that makes it utilitarian and his tone is approving. So, option (c) is the correct answer. Options (a), (b) and (d) are either completely or partially incorrect. (B) According to Saul Bellow, interviews are like thumbprints on his windpipe. What emotion might best describe such an image? (a) Sadness (b) Frustration (c) Pain (d) Fear Ans: (d) Fear Explanation: Having thumbprints on one’s windpipe is a frightening experience. So, option (d) is the correct answer. Options (a), (b) and (c) do not reflect the correct meaning. So,, they are incorrect. (C) Denis Brian states that the interviewer occupies a position of power and influence as .................. (a) everything reaches us through one man asking questions of another. (b) the interview is a supremely serviceable medium of communication. (c) our most vivid impressions of our contemporaries are through interviews. (d) interviews are like thumbprints on the interviewee’s windpipe. Ans: (a) everything reaches us through one man asking questions of another. Explanation: From the extract it is evident that option (a) is the correct answer. (D) The use of the word “serviceable”implies that interviews are .................. (a) significant. (b) powerful. (c) advanced. (d) useful. [CBSE Question Bank 2021] Ans: (d) useful Explanation: The sense of the word ‘serviceable’ here means providing a service. Hence ‘useful’ is the correct adjective. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. 2. Umberto Eco: And then I have a secret. Did you know what will happen if you eliminate the empty spaces from the universe, eliminate the empty spaces in all the atoms? The universe will become as big as my fist. Similarly, we have a lot of empty spaces in our lives. I call them interstices. Say you are coming over to my place. You are in an elevator and while you are coming up, I am waiting for you. This is an interstice, an empty space. I work in empty spaces. While waiting for your elevator to come up from the first to the third floor, I have already written an article! (Laughs). (A) Choose a word that DOES NOT mean ‘eliminate’: (a) Eradicate (b) Obliterate (c) Resuscitate (d) Annihilate Ans. (c) Resuscitate Explanation: ‘Eliminate’ means to remove or destroy. This means options (a) eradicate, (c) obliterate and (d) annihilate are synonyms and mean the same. So, they are not the correct answer. Only option (c) means to ‘revive’. Hence, (c) is the correct answer. (B) Why does Umberto Eco choose to compare the empty spaces in one’s life to that of the empty spaces in the universe? (a) To illustrate that there is a lot of empty space available. (b) To show that life is all empty space and not much else. (c) To show that the universe is but one giant empty space. (d) To demonstrate that what’s in the universe is also in one’s life. Ans: (d) To demonstrate that what’s in the universe is also in one’s life. (C) Choose another word that means Umberto Eco’s ‘interstices’: (a) Closure (b) Continuation (c) Connection (d) Lacuna Ans: (d) Lacuna Explanation: ‘Interstices’ means gaps or lacuna. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Options (a), (b) and (c) are opposites of ‘gaps’, meaning ‘a lack of space’ and so are not the correct answer. (D) What can be inferred as the meaning of the sentence, ‘I work in empty spaces’? (a) He works while teaching in a university. (b) He works in the gaps between activities. (c) He works while travelling in an elevator. (d) He works while being interviewed. Ans: (b) He works in the gaps between activities. Explanation: Umberto Eco said he works in ‘interstices’, which are gaps. So, this points to option (b) as the correct option. Options (a), (c) and (d) are not the correct answer as they are not stated in the extract. 3. Umberto Eco: When I presented my first Doctoral dissertation in Italy, one of the Professors said, “Scholars learn a lot of a certain subject, then they make a lot of false hypotheses, then they correct them and at the end, they put the conclusions. You, on the contrary, told the story of your research. Even including your trials and errors.” At the same time, he recognised I was right and went on to publish my dissertation as a book, which meant he appreciated it. (A) Choose another word for ‘dissertation’: (a) Summary (b) Thesis (c) Creative writing(d) Abstract Ans. (b) Thesis Explanation: A ‘dissertation is a ‘thesis’. Hence, option (b) is the correct answer. Options (a) summary and (d) abstract are contained in the dissertation. Option (c) creative writing is the opposite of a dissertation, meaning it is a non-scholarly work. So, these options are incorrect. (B) Choose the word from the extract that best fits this definition, ‘an idea or explanation for something that is based on known facts but has not yet been proven’: (a) A hypothesis (b) A dissertation (c) A conclusion (d) A trial Ans: (a) A hypothesis (C) Which of the following can be inferred from this extract? (1) Eco was penalised for choosing to follow a different path. (2) Eco’s style of writing dissertations became a new trend. (3) No one before Eco wrote a dissertation like he did. (4) Eco was appreciated for writing the story of his research. (a) (1) and (2) (b) (1) and (4) (c) (3) and (4) (d) (2) and (3) Ans: (C) (c) (3) and (4) Explanation: Eco’s professor implied that no one before him chose to work on his dissertation like he did and allowed him to publish his dissertation as a book in effect appreciating this work. Hence, option (c) is the correct answer. There is no evidence in the text for option (a). Options (b) and (d) are partially correct. So, they are not the correct answer. (D) From the passage which adjective best describes Umberto Eco? (a) Strong (b) Innovative (c) Stylish (d) Ordinary Ans: (b) Innovative Explanation: Someone who tries out a new way of doing things is called innovative. Eco was innovative because he tried out a new way of writing academic papers. Hence, option (b) is the correct answer. Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect as there is no evidence for them in the extract. Short Questions Q1.Why do you think Christopher Silvester describes the viewpoints of other writers and authors when discussing the concept of an interview? Support your opinion with reference to any one writer cited. [CBSE Question Bank 2021] Ans. When discussing the concept of an interview, Christopher Silvester mentions what other writers and authors have said about it so that his point of view was not the only one in the introduction. An interview always is about multiple perspectives. Hence, Silvester honoured other perspectives by mentioning them. Q2. How would you evaluate Mukund Padmanabhan as an interviewer? Mention at least two qualities he displays in his interview, supported by textual evidence. [CBSE Question Bank 2021] Ans. The first quality is Mukund Padmanabhan can improvise. He asks a question based on what Umberto Eco says. For example, when Eco says he does many things but actually he is doing the same thing. Then Padmanabhan picks it up and asks, ‘Which is?’ Second, he connects Eco’s answer to the following question. For example: Eco says, ‘Novels satisfied my taste for narration’. Padmanabhan asks his next question with, ‘Talking about novels…’. Q3. What is Umberto Eco’s concept of ‘interstices’? Explain how he uses them. [CBSE 2020] Ans. According to Umberto Eco, our lives consist of empty spaces between activities like travelling in an elevator. These are the ‘interstices’ which he uses to write articles and other works. Q4.What are some of the positive views on interviews? [CBSE 2020] Ans. The interview is a fairly young medium being just 130 years old. It has become a staple form of journalism. It gives a vivid impression of the contemporaries who are being interviewed. And it is an enormously effective medium of communication. Q5. What is the reason for the huge success of the novel, The Name of the Rose? [CBSE 2008] Ans. The reason for the stupendous success of the novel 'The Name of the Rose', is that the readers wanted something challenging to read and they got that from his book. Second, it belonged to a historical moment. Eco himself says it may not have been the same if it was published ten years earlier or later. Finally, Eco admitted that it is a bit of a mystery that his novel did so well. Q6. What was distinctive about Umberto Eco’s academic writing? [CBSE 2011] Ans. While other academics pursued a depersonalized, dry and boring style in their scholarly work, Umberto Eco used a personal style with a playful quality to write his scholarly work. This set his work apart from the others. Q7. Compare and contrast V. S. Naipaul’s attitude to Rudyard Kipling’s on the subject of interviews. Ans. V.S. Naipaul believed that people are wounded by interviews and lose a part of themselves. Whereas Rudyard Kipling held a condemnatory attitude towards interviews. He refused to be interviewed because he believed that interviews were immoral and a crime and so one ought to be punished for it. Q8. Validate why did Rudyard Kipling refuse to be interviewed. Ans: Rudyard Kipling refused to be interviewed because he considered it immoral. He also said that it was a crime, an offence against his privacy, and was an assault and therefore, merited a punishment. Q9.Why would some celebrities consider interviews as an ‘unwarranted intrusion’ in their lives? Ans. Celebrities have been interviewed time and again. So, if they see themselves as a victim of interview, they might consider it an ‘unwarranted intrusion’ in their lives. Q10.How does Umberto Eco explain that he was in fact doing one thing in spite of writing in several genres? Ans. Umberto Eco saw his varied interests as originating in a few philosophical interests. He said that he pursued these interests through his academic work and his novels. So, he was in fact pursuing one thing even through it was through many different ways. Sample Long Answer Questions: Q1. Mukund Padmanabhan was gifted the ‘Penguin Book of Interviews - An Anthology from 1859 to the Present Day’ edited by Christopher Silvester, after interviewing Eco. He shared his thoughts on his personal blog exploring his own concerns about interviewing a distinguished writer like Eco, followed by an evaluation of the interview in light of his reading. As Mukund Padmanabhan, write the blog post. [CBSE Question Bank 2021] Ans. Interviewing Eco; Reading Silvester Recently, I had the good fortune to interview Umberto Eco. It was an thought-provoking experience. He was humble and down to earth. I was intrigued by his idea of ‘interstices’. He spoke about how he writes in these interstices and about 'The Name of the Rose'. I enjoyed speaking to such a learned mind. He straddled so many genres with such ease. Right after I interviewed Umberto Eco, I read ‘Penguin Book of Interviews - An Anthology from 1859 to the Present Day’ edited by Christopher Silvester. I am glad I read the introduction after my interview with Eco. I didn’t know that so many writers did not like being interviewed! I do hope Umberto Eco is not one among them. This is a useful book for journalists like me. It gives a historical perspective to the art of the interview, which I have not found elsewhere. Q2. Justify feelings of the celebrities about interviews with reference to the text. Are they positive or negative? Ans. Most of the celebrities that Silvester quoted seem to have a negative feeling towards interviews. V.S. Naipaul felt that some people are wounded by interviews and lose a part of themselves. The author of 'Alice in Wonderland', Lewis Carroll was said to have a horror of being interviewed. His horror was one of being lionized which made him avoid acquaintances, interviewers and autograph hunters. Rudyard Kipling refused to be interviewed because he considered it immoral and an offense against a person for which one should be punished. H.G. Wells too thought the interview was an ordeal. Saul Bellow gave many interviews but said they were like 'thumbprints on his windpipe'. Only Denis Brian felt positive about interview and thought that it captured vivid impressions of contemporary people and believed that all things important came from one person asking questions of another. Q3. Explain what can be understood about the interviewer’s preparation for an interview from Mukund Padmanabhan’s questions to Umberto Eco? Ans. The interviewer must prepare for an interview. It is not next to impossible to walk into an interview and ask compelling questions. From Mukund Padmanabhan’s questions, it is evident that he prepared for the interview well in advance. He would have read Umberto Eco’s books; if not all the novels, at least some of them. It is based on his reading that he prepared his questions. His questions on Eco’s academic style were based on Padmanabhan’s research on it. There was one slight hiccup where Padmanabhan quoted an incorrect number of scholarly works of non-fiction that Eco wrote, which was twenty and Eco corrected it to forty. Besides that, it was an insightful interview as Padmanabhan’s questions revealed Umberto Eco’s writing approach, his opinions on being a professor and novelist and the secret of the success of 'The Name of the Rose'. Q4. What are some of the negative aspects of interviews as given in "The Interview"? OR How do celebrity writers despise being interviewed as given in "The Interview"? Ans: Since its invention a little over 130 years ago, the interview has become a commonplace of journalism. Over the years it has looked at differently. Opinions about its functions, methods and merits vary considerably. Some say it is a source of truth and in practice, an art. Others despise it being 'an unwarranted intrusion into their lives'. They feel it diminishes them. They equate it to taking a photographic portrait of somebody which in some primitive cultures means 'stealing that person's soul'. V.S. Naipaul 'feels that some people are wounded by interviews and lose a part of themselves'. Lewis Carroll, the creator of Alice in Wonderland, had had a horror of the interviewer and never agreed to being interviewed. Rudyard Kipling called it 'immoral', 'a crime', and 'an assault". It was 'cowardly and vile'. H.G. Wells, in an interview in 1894, referred to the interviewing ordeal'. Saul Bellow called interviews as being like 'thumbprints on his windpipe'. NCERT Solution: Think As You Read Q1. What are some of the positive views on interviews? Ans: Ans. Interviews are in their highest forms a source of truth. In practice they are an art. They are 'a supremely serviceable medium of communication. We know about the celebrities and others through their interviews. Q2. Why do most celebrity writers despise being interviewed? Ans. Most celebrity writers despise being interviewed because they look at interviews 'as an unwarranted intrusion into their lives'. They feel that it diminishes them They feel that some people are wounded by interviews and lose a part of themselves. Lewis Carroll had had a horror of the interview. Rudyard Kipling called interviews as 'immoral' and a 'crime'. Q3. What do you understand by the 6 expression “thumbprints on his windpipe”? Ans: Saul Bellow once described interviews as being like 'thumbprints on his windpipe. It means he treated interviews as something that caught him by his windpipe. squeezed him and left indelible thumbprints on that. So he meant them as highly undesirable and cruel. Q4. Who, in today's world, is our chief source of information about personalities? Ans. In today's world our chief source of information about personalities is the interview. The interview is 'a supremely serviceable medium of communication". Through questions asked in an interview we get all the aspects of human personalities being interviewed. Understanding the text ( Page 73) 1. Do you think Umberto Eco likes being interviewed? Give reasons for your opinion. Ans: Ans. I think that unlike other great literary figures Eco likes being interviewed. Nowhere does he say anything that may give us this impression! His answers to Mukund's questions are straightforward, precise and to the point. They are never wavering. This means he likes being interviewed. 12. How does Eco find the time to write so much? (A.L. CBSE 2008) Ans. Eco humorously states that there are a lot of empty spaces in his life. He calls them 'interstices'. These are moments when one is waiting for the other. In that empty space, Eco laughingly states that he writes an article. Then he states that he writes (novels) on Sundays. Q3. What was distinctive about Eco’s academic writing style? Ans. Eco's non-fictional writing, that is, his scholarly work, has a certain 'playful and personal quality' about it. It is different from his regular academic style which is depersonalised, dry and boring. It was an informal approach. But his academic style is impersonal and serious. 4. Did Umberto Eco consider himself a novelist first or an academic scholar? Umberto Eco wrote novels on Sundays. Being called a novelist bothered him. He participated in academic conferences and not meetings of Pen Clubs and writers. He identified himself more with the academic community. 5. What is the reason for the huge success of the novel, The Name of the Rose? Ans: The reason for the huge success of the novel, according to Eco, is a mystery". He states that if he had written the novel ten years earlier or ten years later, it wouldn't have been the same. So the time component, its narrative technique, its aspects of metaphysics, theology and medieval history, made it a grand success. Extra Questions Q1. What, according to Eco, were the two reasons that made the novel a huge Rose.' success? Ans. The two reasons, according to Eco, were: one, that the novel dealt with a period of medieval history. Second, its narrative technique. Eco adopted the technique of telling stories like a Chinese wise man. So the success of the novel was 'a mystery' . Q2. Why did Rudyard Kipling refuse to be interviewed? (A.1. CBSE 2008) Ans. Rudyard Kipling condemned interviews. His wife writes in her diary that Rudyard Kipling told the reporters that he called being interviewed as 'immoral' and 'a crime' like an offence against any person. It merited punishment. It was 'cowardly and vile'. Q3. What did Umberto Eco learn at the age of 22 that he pursued in his novels? Ans : At the age of 22, Umberto Eco understood that scholarly books should be written the way he had done, that is, they should be written by telling the story of the research. He means to say that they should have the narrative technique. That’s why he started writing novels so late—at the age of 50. Q4. Did Umberto Eco consider himself a novelist first or an academic scholar? Discuss briefly. Ans : Umberto Eco considered himself an academic scholar, a university professor who wrote novels on Sundays. If somebody said that he was a novelist, that bothered him. He participated in academic conferences and not the meetings of Pen Clubs and writers. He identified himself with academic community. Q5. What, according to Eco, puzzles journalists and publishers? Ans : According to Umberto Eco, journalists and publishers are puzzled when something unexpected happens. They believe that people like trash and do not like difficult reading experiences. But Eco’s novel The Name of the Rose, a serious work, sold between 10 and 15 million copies. This puzzled them. Q6. Why did Umberto take to writing novels? Ans :Umberto took to writing novels to satisfy his taste for narration. He did not have even a single novel to his credit, till the age of 50. One day having nothing to do, he started writing a novel. Moreover, he thought that novels have more readership and he could reach a larger audience. Q7. How did Umberto Eco become spectacularly famous? Ans :Umberto Eco had earned a good reputation in the field of semiotics or the study of signs. His scholarly works were staggeringly large and wide ranging. But his spectacular fame came to him with his novel The Name of the Rose which stormed the world and sold more than 10 million copies. Q8. The Interview as a communication genre is here to stay. Discuss with reference to the interview with Umberto Eco. Ans :The interview today is a communication genre that has come to stay. Its detractors—mostly celebrities— despise it as an intrusion into their lives. However, a good interview can be a source of truth, it is an excellent medium of communication and in the modern world our most vivid impressions of contemporaries are through interviews. It is through the interview that we learn about Eco’s diverse writings, his interest in the philosophy of non-violence and peace and his ability to put every spare moment to constructive use. At the interviewer’s prompting, he tells us why he writes scholarly works in an informal style and how he started writing novels. We realise that he is an academician at heart. He honestly talks of the success of his book as a mystery saying that it might not have sold so well in another time. Q9. How does the interview with Umberto Eco prove that the interview is the most commendable tool to elicit information about the interviewee? Ans :Mukund Padmanabhan from ‘The Hindu’ interviews Umberto Eco and proves that interview is the most commendable tool to elicit information about the interviewee. Through his interview he reveals that Eco is a prolific writer and yet a man who is most modest about his achievements. He very humbly spells the secret of his varied and staggeringly voluminous works produced by him. When Mukund asks him about David Lodge’s remark that how one man can do all the things that Eco does’, Eco very modestly says it is a fallacious impression, in fact he has always been doing the same thing by pursuing the same philosophical ideas. He views himself as an academic, rather than a novelist. He admits that he has started writing novels by accident and writes novels on Sundays. Q10. How does Eco explain that he is convinced he is always doing the same thing? Ans :Umberto Eco explains to Mukund Padmanabhan in an interview that all the people have a lot of empty spaces. These he call ‘interstices’. He explains them through an example. He says that one is to come to him and is in an elevator and he is waiting for him. While waiting for the guest’s elevator to appear before him, he has already written an article. It means he writes in snatches of time. However, his creative ideas flow in his mind every time even when he is hosting his guest. Though he relaxes on Sundays, yet is very much busy to write novels. On other days he is busy with his academic work.

Lesson Architecture Introduction Easy English Translation Extract Questions Short Questions Long Questions Introduction: Poets and Pancakes, an extract from the author's book 'My Years with Boss" is a beautiful account of the inside activities of the famous Gemini Studios through the office boy' who worked in the make-up department. The office boy', that is, the author, performed an insignificant function in the studios but he had literary aspirations. How he aspired for higher things in the literary circles is beautifully couched in a simple yet humorous manner! His allusion to himself in 'God that Failed' symbolises his literary status though unknown and unrecognised in the Studios. The chapter becomes a knowledgeable and satisfying reading into the Studios' different departments and their working, in a witty and humorous style. The title refers to the poets and pancakes, matter used for make-up and is humorous in its incongruity between the two. Interpreting Poets & Pancakes 1. Introduction to Memoir: - The text discusses the concept of memoirs. - Memoirs are personal accounts of a person's memories and experiences. - It explores the idea that a memoir is like reading someone's life story. 2. Understanding Memoirs: - Memoirs are narratives filled with memories and life experiences. - They are believed to represent the ultimate truth of a person's life. - However, there exists a paradox regarding the accuracy of memoirs. 3. Factors Influencing Autobiography: - Autobiographies depend on factors like a writer's identification with his narrative. - The intensity of personal experiences plays a significant role. - The space created in the narrative is important, determining subjectivity and objectivity. 4. Reading Autobiographies Critically - Suggests reading autobiographies with a critical eye. - Encourages readers to seek evidence and consider the layers within the text. - Acknowledges the interplay of fact and fiction in autobiographical writing. 5. The Essence of Autobiographies: - Autobiographies are typically written later in a writer's life. - They involve reflection and self-analysis. - The narrative is based on a deep understanding of life experiences. 6. Ashok Mitran and "Poets and Pancakes" - Ashok Mitran, a Tamil writer, worked at Gemini Studio, which serves as the context. - Discusses the unique atmosphere of Gemini Studio during Mitran's time. - Highlights the relevance of his autobiography in the present day. 7. Ambience of Gemini Studio - Describes the vibrant and glittery atmosphere of Gemini Studio. - Mentions various departments within the studio, including makeup and story departments. - Notable mention of the extravagant makeup techniques used. 8. Internal Politics - Gemini Studio had a complex internal culture with jealousy and rivalry. - Ashok Mitran played a unique role in the studio, engaging with various departments. - A humorous anecdote about the makeup department's outdated techniques is shared. 9. International and National Atmosphere - Connects the global context of the Moral Re-Armament movement with the studio. - Discusses the movement's aim to return to religious values and its influence. - Reflects the prevalent international atmosphere during the Second World War. 10. Relevance and Interpretation of the Title - Explores the paradox of the title "Poets and Pancakes" in relation to the text's content. - Highlights how the text discusses much more than the title suggests. - Encourages readers to delve deeper into the layers and dimensions of the text and its context. Socio-Polictical Context Poets and Pancakes" takes place in a dynamic post-independence India, offering a microcosmic view of the social and political dynamics of the period. It explores themes related to the film industry, gender roles, working-class struggles, ideological divisions, the impact of global events, and the flourishing of cultural and artistic expressions. The story provides a lens through which readers can better understand the multifaceted nature of society during a transformative era in India's history. Social Context The Film Industry: Gemini Studio is a central setting of the story, and it reflects the thriving Indian film industry of the time. The post-independence era marked the growth of Indian cinema, and studios like Gemini were at the forefront of this cultural phenomenon. The film industry was not just about entertainment but also played a role in shaping societal norms and values. Gender Roles: The story provides glimpses of the gender roles prevalent in Indian society during that period. The expectation that women should maintain a certain appearance, as depicted in the humorous anecdote about the makeup department, reflects the traditional gender norms of the time. The story touches upon the experiences of the working class, particularly those aspiring to be part of the film industry. It highlights the challenges, aspirations, and dreams of those who were trying to make a living in the dynamic world of cinema. Political Context Ideological Divisions: The story alludes to the ideological divisions in society, particularly the contrasting views on communism. Some characters express skepticism or opposition to communism, reflecting the broader political debates of the era. The ideological landscape of India was diverse, with different groups advocating for various political and economic systems. Moral Re-Armament Movement: The presence of the Moral Re-Armament Movement in the story highlights the influence of spiritual and moral ideologies on society. The movement aimed to emphasize the importance of values, faith, and ethics in a rapidly changing world. This reflects the ongoing dialogue about spirituality and ethics in post-independence India. They aimed to encourage people to turn back to God, embrace ethical principles, and live according to religious values. The plays they present within the story are imbued with this ideology, emphasizing reconciliation, goodwill, and the importance of moral values. While not explicitly divisive, the presence of this group hints at the larger ideological divisions in society, where different groups advocated for varying sets of values and principles. Global Impact of World War II: The story indirectly alludes to the global impact of World War II. This war had profound consequences for India and the world, leading to significant social, economic, and political changes. The references to the war set the backdrop for the story, illustrating the broader international context of the time. Cultural and Artistic Flourishing Despite political and social challenges, the post-independence period was marked by a cultural and artistic renaissance in India. This included the growth of literature, art, music, and cinema. "Poets and Pancakes" offers insights into the artistic and cultural milieu of the time, especially within the film industry. Ideological Divisions in the story The story provides hints of ideological divisions through the following instances: Moral Rearmament Movement: One of the central occurrences in the story is the visit of the Moral Rearmament Movement to the Gemini Studio. This group represents a particular ideology with a strong emphasis on religious and moral values. They aimed to encourage people to turn back to God, embrace ethical principles, and live according to religious values. The plays they present within the story are imbued with this ideology, emphasizing reconciliation, goodwill, and the importance of moral values. While not explicitly divisive, the presence of this group hints at the larger ideological divisions in society, where different groups advocated for varying sets of values and principles. Anti-Communism Sentiment The story subtly alludes to anti-communist sentiments among the people working in Gemini Studio. There is a reference to their disapproval of communism, which was a significant ideological division in India during that era. The story doesn't elaborate on their understanding of communism but suggests that, similar to the global Cold War context, there was skepticism about communist ideals and their compatibility with India's culture and values. Cultural Integration The presence of the head of the makeup department in Gemini Studio, representing different regions of India, implies a degree of cultural integration and understanding. While this doesn't directly address ideological divisions, it highlights the significance of cultural diversity in Indian society. It hints at the effort to bring together people from different backgrounds within the film industry, showing that, despite ideological differences, people from diverse regions worked together in the studio. Negative Comments About The Moral Rearmament Movement The story includes remarks made by the staff at Gemini Studio, suggesting that they weren't entirely enthusiastic about the Moral Rearmament Movement. They considered it somewhat absurd or ineffective, indicating divisions in how different individuals perceived or valued the movement's ideological principles. It's important to note that these instances provide a subtle backdrop of ideological divisions without going into great detail. The story primarily focuses on the day-to-day workings of the film studio and the interactions among its employees. However, these subtle elements within the narrative reflect the broader socio-political context of post-independence India, where various ideological divisions existed and influenced society and cultural institutions like the film industry. Conept Video-A must watch for Background information and Plot Working of Gemini Studio Jotham Valley by IOC Film Archives Moral Rearmament Movement Poets & Pancakes, Part I Poets & Pancakes, Part II Easy English Translation Para 1 ( Page 57-58) Pancake was the brand name of the make-up material that Gemini Studios bought in truck-loads. Greta Garbo must have used it, Miss Gohar must have used it, Vyjayantimala must also have used it but Rati Agnihotri may not have even heard of it. The make-up department of the Gemini Studios was in the upstairs of a building that was believed to have been Robert Clive’s stables. A dozen other buildings in the city are said to have been his residence. For his brief life and an even briefer stay in Madras, Robert Clive seems to have done a lot of moving, besides fighting some impossible battles in remote corners of India and marrying a maiden in St. Mary’s Church in Fort St. George in Madras. Easy English: "Pancake" was the name of the makeup that Gemini Studios used a lot. Famous actors like Greta Garbo, Miss Gohar, and Vyjayantimala might have used it, but Rati Agnihotri may not have even heard of it. The makeup department of Gemini Studios was located on the upper floor of a building that was believed to be Robert Clive's stables. Some people say that about a dozen other buildings in the city were also believed to be his homes. Even though Robert Clive lived a short life and spent only a short time in Madras, he seemed to have moved around a lot. Besides, he fought some very difficult battles in faraway parts of India and got married in St. Mary's Church in Fort St. George in Madras. Bonus Info Robert Clive, who was a British military officer and administrator during the time of British colonial rule in India. It mentions that Robert Clive lived for a relatively short period and didn't spend much time in Madras (now Chennai, a city in India). Despite his short life and brief stay in Madras, Robert Clive was involved in various military campaigns and battles in distant regions of India. This suggests that he was quite active and played a significant role in the British efforts to expand their influence and control in India during that time. His actions had far-reaching consequences and shaped the course of history in India during the colonial period. Para 2 ( Page 58-59) The make-up room had the look of a hair-cutting salon with lights at all angles around half a dozen large mirrors. They were all incandescent lights, so you can imagine the fiery misery of those subjected to make-up. The make-up department was first headed by a Bengali who became too big for a studio and left. He was succeeded by a Maharashtrian who was assisted by a Dharwar Kannadiga, an Andhra, a Madras Indian Christian, an Anglo-Burmese and the usual local Tamils. All this shows that there was a great deal of national integration long before A.I.R. and Doordarshan began broadcasting programmes on national integration. This gang of nationally integrated make-up men could turn any decent-looking person into a hideous crimson hued monster with the help of truck-loads of pancake and a number of other locally made potions and lotions. Those were the days of mainly indoor shooting, and only five per cent of the film was shot outdoors. I suppose the sets and studio lights needed the girls and boys to be made to look ugly in order to look presentable in the movie. A strict hierarchy was maintained in the make-up department. The chief make-up man made the chief actors and actresses ugly, his senior assistant the ‘second’ hero and heroine, the junior assistant the main comedian, and so forth. The players who played the crowd were the responsibility of the office boy. (Even the make-up department of the Gemini Studio had an ‘office boy’!) On the days when there was a crowd shooting, you could see him mixing his paint in a giant vessel and slapping it on the crowd players. The idea was to close every pore on the surface of the face in the process of applying make-up. He wasn’t exactly a ‘boy’; he was in his early forties, having entered the studios years ago in the hope of becoming a star actor or a top screen writer, director or lyrics writer. He was a bit of a poet. Easy English The makeup room looked like a hair salon with many large mirrors surrounded by bright incandescent lights. These lights made it very hot and uncomfortable for the people getting their makeup done. The head of the makeup department was originally from Bengal but left because he became too famous for the studio. He was replaced by a Maharashtrian who had a team of assistants from different regions, including a Dharwar Kannadiga, an Andhra person, a Madras Indian Christian, an Anglo-Burmese, and the local Tamils. This diverse team showed a form of national integration, long before All India Radio (A.I.R.) and Doordarshan started promoting it. They could transform anyone into a hideous-looking character with lots of makeup products like pancake and other local items. During that time, most of the filming was done indoors, and only a small portion was shot outside. The makeup was necessary because the sets and studio lights required the actors and actresses to look not so attractive in order to appear good on screen. There was a strict hierarchy in the makeup department where the chief makeup artist made the main actors and actresses look unattractive, the senior assistant worked on the secondary lead actors, and the junior assistant focused on the main comedians and so on. The responsibility for the background crowd players fell to the office boy, who worked in the makeup department of the Gemini Studio. Even though he was called an 'office boy,' he wasn't really a boy; he was in his forties. He had joined the studio years ago with dreams of becoming a famous actor, a top screenwriter, director, or lyricist. He also had a bit of a poet in him. Para 3 ( Page 59) In those days I worked in a cubicle, two whole sides of which were French windows. (I didn’t know at that time they were called French windows.) Seeing me sitting at my desk tearing up newspapers day in and day out, most people thought I was doing next to nothing. It is likely that the Boss thought likewise too. So anyone who felt I should be given some occupation would barge into my cubicle and deliver an extended lecture. The ‘boy’ in the make-up department had decided I should be enlightened on how great literary talent was being allowed to go waste in a department fit only for barbers and perverts. Soon I was praying for crowd-shooting all the time. Nothing short of it could save me from his epics. Easy English : Back in those days, I worked in a small office space with two entire walls made of glass windows. I didn't know they were called French windows back then. People who saw me sitting at my desk tearing up newspapers every day probably thought I was hardly working. It's likely that even the boss had similar thoughts. Whenever someone felt like I needed more work, they would come into my office and give me a long lecture. The 'boy' from the makeup department decided I needed to understand how valuable literary talent was being wasted in a department that seemed suitable only for barbers and people with strange interests. So, I started wishing for crowd shooting assignments all the time. Only those assignments could rescue me from his never-ending stories. Para 4 being a large paragraph covering Pages 59 & 60, it is being further divided into small paragraphs for the understanding of students. Para 4 ( Page 59-60) In all instances of frustration, you will always find the anger directed towards a single person openly or covertly and this man of the make-up department was convinced that all his woes, ignominy and neglect were due to Kothamangalam Subbu. Subbu was the No. 2 at Gemini Studios. He couldn’t have had a more encouraging opening in films than our grown-up make-up boy had. On the contrary he must have had to face more uncertain and difficult times, for when he began his career, there were no firmly established film producing companies or studios. Even in the matter of education, specially formal education, Subbu couldn’t have had an appreciable lead over our boy. But by virtue of being born a Brahmin — a virtue, indeed! — he must have had exposure to more affluent situations and people. He had the ability to look cheerful at all times even after having had a hand in a flop film. He always had work for somebody — he could never do things on his own — but his sense of loyalty made him identify himself with his principal completely and turn his entire creativity to his principal’s advantage. Easy English In every instance of frustration, you'll often find that anger is directed towards a particular person, either openly or secretly. In this story, the makeup department man was convinced that all his problems, shame, and neglect were caused by a man named Kothamangalam Subbu. Subbu held the second position at Gemini Studios, and he must have had a challenging start in the film industry. Unlike today, when we have well-established film companies and studios, Subbu started his career when there were no such stable institutions. Subbu probably didn't have a significant advantage in terms of formal education, just like our makeup boy. But, there was a crucial factor that set him apart: he was born as a Brahmin, which seemed to have given him access to wealthier circles and influential people. What's important is that Subbu had the remarkable ability to appear cheerful all the time, even when a movie he was involved in didn't do well. He always found work for others, although he couldn't work independently. His strong sense of loyalty made him fully dedicated to his superior, and he used his creative talents to benefit his principal. Para 4 ( Page 60) He was tailor-made for films. Here was a man who could be inspired when commanded. “The rat fights the tigress underwater and kills her but takes pity on the cubs and tends them lovingly — I don’t know how to do the scene,” the producer would say and Subbu would come out with four ways of the rat pouring affection on its victim’s offspring. “Good, but I am not sure it is effective enough,” the producer would say and in a minute Subbu would come out with fourteen more alternatives. Film-making must have been and was so easy with a man like Subbu around and if ever there was a man who gave direction and definition to Gemini Studios during its golden years, it was Subbu. Subbu had a separate identity as a poet and though he was certainly capable of more complex and higher forms, he deliberately chose to address his poetry to the masses. His success in films overshadowed and dwarfed his literary achievements — or so his critics felt. Easy English He was a perfect fit for movies. He could get ideas when asked. For example, if the producer said, "In this scene, a small rat fights a big tigress underwater and eventually kills her, but then it takes pity on the tigress's cubs and takes care of them with love. I'm not sure how to shoot this scene," Subbu, who was great at finding solutions, would immediately suggest four different ways to show the rat caring for the tiger's offspring. The producer might still be unsure if these ideas were good enough, and Subbu would quickly come up with fourteen more alternatives. With someone like Subbu around, filmmaking was probably very straightforward and easy. If there was ever a person who defined and gave a clear direction to Gemini Studios during its most successful years, it was Subbu. Subbu was also known as a poet, but he chose to write poetry that could be appreciated by the general public, even though he was capable of creating more complicated and sophisticated works. His achievements in the film industry overshadowed and made his literary accomplishments seem less significant, at least according to his critics. Para 4 ( Page 60) He composed several truly original ‘story poems’ in folk refrain and diction' and also wrote a sprawling novel Thillana Mohanambal with dozens of very deftly etched characters. He quite successfully recreated the mood and manner of the Devadasis of the early 20th century. He was an amazing actor — he never aspired to the lead roles — but whatever subsidiary role he played in any of the films, he performed better than the supposed main players. He had a genuine love for anyone he came across and his house was a permanent residence for dozens of near and far relations and acquaintances. Easy Translation : Subbu was a versatile artist. He wrote several unique "story poems" using folk-style refrains and language. He also authored a sprawling novel called "Thillana Mohanambal," featuring numerous finely detailed characters. In this work, he successfully captured the atmosphere and lifestyle of the Devadasis from the early 20th century. As an actor, he was truly remarkable, although he didn't seek lead roles. In any supporting part he took on in the movies, he outshone the supposed main actors. He had a genuine affection for everyone he met, and his home served as a permanent residence for many close and distant relatives and friends. Glossary He composed several truly original ‘story poems’ in folk refrain and diction The phrase "folk refrain and diction" refers to the style and language used in folk traditions. In the context of the sentence, it means that Subbu composed "story poems" using the style, language, and traditional elements commonly found in folk stories, songs, or oral traditions. This suggests that his poems were inspired by or resembled the storytelling and linguistic characteristics of folk culture. Devadasis of the early 20th century. In the sentence, "Devadasis of the early 20th century" refers to a specific group of women who were traditionally associated with South Indian temple culture. Devadasis were women dedicated to serving a particular deity or temple through music and dance. In earlier centuries, they played an essential role in religious and cultural activities. However, by the early 20th century, the practice of devadasis had undergone significant changes and was a subject of controversy in Indian society. Many devadasis had lost their traditional roles and were often marginalized and stigmatized. They were no longer considered as respected figures in the same way they had been in the past. Subbu, the individual mentioned in the sentence, successfully recreated the mood and manner of these women from that specific period in history in his works, likely reflecting the cultural and societal changes they experienced during that time. Para 4 ( Page 60-61) It seemed against Subbu’s nature to be even conscious that he was feeding and supporting so many of them. Such a charitable and improvident man, and yet he had enemies! Was it because he seemed so close and intimate with The Boss? Or was it his general demeanour that resembled a sycophant’s? Or his readiness to say nice things about everything? In any case, there was this man in the make-up department who would wish the direst things for Subbu. Paraphrase : Subbu was a kind and generous person who took care of many people, but he didn't seem to realize it. He helped a lot of individuals, but surprisingly, he had people who didn't like him. Maybe it was because he appeared too friendly with The Boss. Perhaps it was his manner, which resembled that of a flatterer, or the fact that he was always ready to speak positively about everything. Nonetheless, there was a person in the make-up department who harbored strong ill wishes for Subbu. Glossary Such a charitable and improvident man, and yet he had enemies! In the context of Subbu, this phrase highlights the contradiction that despite Subbu's generous and charitable nature, he still had people who considered him as their enemy or held negative feelings towards him. It emphasizes the irony of someone who was charitable and open-hearted, yet facing hostility or opposition. Para 4 ( Page 61) You saw Subbu always with The Boss but in the attendance rolls, he was grouped under a department called the Story Department comprising a lawyer and an assembly of writers and poets. The lawyer was also officially known as the legal adviser, but everybody referred to him as the opposite. An extremely talented actress, who was also extremely temperamental, once blew over on the sets. While everyone stood stunned, the lawyer quietly switched on the recording equipment. When the actress paused for breath, the lawyer said to her, “One minute, please,” and played back the recording. There was nothing incriminating or unmentionably foul about the actress’s tirade against the producer. But when she heard her voice again through the sound equipment, she was struck dumb. A girl from the countryside, she hadn’t gone through all the stages of worldly experience that generally precede a position of importance and sophistication that she had found herself catapulted into. She never quite recovered from the terror she felt that day. Paraphrase You would often see Subbu in the company of The Boss. However, in the official attendance records, he was listed under a department called the Story Department, which included a lawyer and a group of writers and poets. The lawyer had the official title of legal adviser, but everyone referred to him differently. Once, a highly talented but extremely temperamental actress had a meltdown on set. As everyone watched in shock, the lawyer quietly turned on the recording equipment. When the actress paused, the lawyer said to her, "Just a moment, please," and played back the recording. There was nothing inappropriate or excessively offensive in the actress's outburst against the producer. But when she heard her own voice through the sound equipment, she was left speechless. This actress, hailing from a rural background, hadn't experienced the usual stages of worldly sophistication that usually lead to positions of importance. She had been thrust into fame and sophistication rather suddenly. She never fully recovered from the fear she experienced that day. Para 4 ( Page 61-62) That was the end of a brief and brilliant acting career — the legal adviser, who was also a member of the Story Department, had unwittingly brought about that sad end. While every other member of the Department wore a kind of uniform — khadi dhoti with a slightly oversized and clumsily tailored white khadi shirt — the legal adviser wore pants and a tie and sometimes a coat that looked like a coat of mail. Often he looked alone and helpless — a man of cold logic in a crowd of dreamers — a neutral man in an assembly of Gandhiites and khadiites. Like so many of those who were close to The Boss, he was allowed to produce a film and though a lot of raw stock and pancake were used on it, not much came of the film. Then one day The Boss closed down the Story Department and this was perhaps the only instance in all human history where a lawyer lost his job because the poets were asked to go home. Paraphrase This marked the end of a short yet remarkable acting career - the legal adviser, who was also part of the Story Department, unintentionally brought about this unfortunate conclusion. While all the other members of the Department wore a sort of uniform - khadi dhotis with slightly oversized and clumsily tailored white khadi shirts - the legal adviser stood out with his pants, tie, and sometimes a coat that resembled chainmail. He often appeared alone and vulnerable - a man of cold, logical thinking in a gathering of dreamers, a neutral figure amidst Gandhi followers and khadi enthusiasts. Like many others close to The Boss, he was given the opportunity to produce a film. However, despite the considerable use of film stock and makeup, the film didn't achieve much success. Then, one day, The Boss decided to shut down the Story Department. This incident might be one of the very few instances in all of human history where a lawyer lost his job because the poets were asked to leave. Para 5 ( Page 61-62) Gemini Studios was the favourite haunt of poets like S.D.S.Yogiar3 , Sangu Subramanyam, Krishna Sastry and Harindranath Chattopadhyaya4 . It had an excellent mess which supplied good coffee at all times of the day and for most part of the night. Those were the days when Congress rule meant Prohibition and meeting over a cup of coffee was rather satisfying entertainment. Barring the office boys and a couple of clerks, everybody else at the Studios radiated leisure, a pre-requisite for poetry. Most of them wore khadi and worshipped Gandhiji but beyond that they had not the faintest appreciation for political thought of any kind. Naturally, they were all averse to the term ‘Communism’. A Communist was a godless man — he had no filial or conjugal love; he had no compunction about killing his own parents or his children; he was always out to cause and spread unrest and violence among innocent and ignorant people. Such notions which prevailed everywhere else in South India at that time also, naturally, floated about vaguely among the khadi-clad poets of Gemini Studios. Evidence of it was soon forthcoming. Paraphrase Gemini Studios was a popular place for poets like S.D.S. Yogiar, Sangu Subramanyam, Krishna Sastry, and Harindranath Chattopadhyaya. It had a great cafeteria serving coffee throughout the day and much of the night. In those days, when the Congress government enforced Prohibition, having a gathering over a cup of coffee was a satisfying form of entertainment. Except for the office boys and a few clerks, everyone at the Studios exuded a sense of leisure, which was essential for nurturing poetry. Most of them wore khadi (a type of cloth associated with Mahatma Gandhi) and admired Gandhiji, but beyond that, they didn't have much interest in political ideologies. They were quite averse to the term 'Communism.' To them, a Communist was seen as a godless person who lacked family values and He didn't hesitate to harm or even kill his own parents or children. Communists were perceived as troublemakers who spread unrest and violence among innocent and ignorant people. These perceptions, prevalent throughout South India at the time, were also present among the khadi-clad poets of Gemini Studios. This mindset became evident in due course. Para 6 ( Page 62) When Frank Buchman’s Moral Re-Armament army, some two hundred strong, visited Madras sometime in 1952, they could not have found a warmer host in India than the Gemini Studios. Someone called the group an international circus. They weren’t very good on the trapeze and their acquaintance with animals was only at the dinner table, but they presented two plays in a most professional manner. Their ‘Jotham Valley’ and ‘The Forgotten Factor’ ran several shows in Madras and along with the other citizens of the city, the Gemini family of six hundred saw the plays over and over again. The message of the plays were usually plain and simple homilies, but the sets and costumes were first-rate. Paraphrase In 1952, a group called Frank Buchman's Moral Re-Armament army, consisting of around two hundred members, visited Madras. They were warmly welcomed at Gemini Studios. Some people referred to this group as an international circus because they weren't skilled acrobats and their interaction with animals was limited to meals. However, they performed two plays very professionally. Their plays "Jotham Valley" and "The Forgotten Factor" had multiple showings in Madras, and the entire Gemini Studios family, which included six hundred people, watched these plays repeatedly. The messages in the plays were usually straightforward life lessons, but the stage setups and costumes were of high quality. Para 6 ( Page 63) Madras and the Tamil drama community were terribly impressed and for some years almost all Tamil plays had a scene of sunrise and sunset in the manner of ‘Jotham Valley’ with a bare stage, a white background curtain and a tune played on the flute. It was some years later that I learnt that the MRA was a kind of counter-movement to international Communism and the big bosses of Madras like Mr. Vasan simply played into their hands. I am not sure however, that this was indeed the case, for the unchangeable aspects of these big bosses and their enterprises remained the same, MRA or no MRA, international Communism or no international Communism. Paraphrase Madras and the Tamil drama community were highly impressed by the performances, and for several years, nearly all Tamil plays included a scene that imitated the style of "Jotham Valley." This scene featured a bare stage, a white backdrop curtain, and a flute playing a tune during sunrise and sunset. It was only later that I discovered that the Moral Re-Armament (MRA) was a response to international Communism. Some influential figures in Madras, like Mr. Vasan, appeared to support the MRA. However, it's uncertain whether this support genuinely affected the unchanging nature of these influential figures and their businesses. Regardless of the MRA or international Communism, their core values and practices remained consistent. Para 6 ( Page 63) The staff of Gemini Studios had a nice time hosting two hundred people of all hues and sizes of at least twenty nationalities. It was such a change from the usual collection of crowd players waiting to be slapped with thick layers of make-up by the office-boy in the make-up department. Paraphrase The staff at Gemini Studios had a pleasant experience hosting a diverse group of two hundred people from around twenty different countries. This was a refreshing change from their usual routine of dealing with extras who were ready to have heavy makeup applied by the office boy in the makeup department. Para 7 ( Page 63) A few months later, the telephone lines of the big bosses of Madras buzzed and once again we at Gemini Studios cleared a whole shooting stage to welcome another visitor. All they said was that he was a poet from England. The only poets from England the simple Gemini staff knew or heard of were Wordsworth and Tennyson; the more literate ones knew of Keats, Shelley and Byron; and one or two might have faintly come to know of someone by the name Eliot. Who was the poet visiting the Gemini Studios now? Paraphrase A few months later, the top executives in Madras received phone calls, and once again, we at Gemini Studios prepared a shooting stage to welcome another visitor. All they told us was that he was a poet from England. The staff at Gemini Studios were familiar with poets like Wordsworth and Tennyson from England. Those who were more well-read might have heard of Keats, Shelley, and Byron, and a few might have faintly come across someone named Eliot. But who could this poet be who was now visiting Gemini Studios? Para 8 ( Page 63) “He is not a poet. He is an editor. That’s why The Boss is giving him a big reception.” Vasan was also the editor of the popular Tamil weekly Ananda Vikatan. Paraphrase "He's not a poet. He's an editor. That's why The Boss is giving him such a warm welcome." Vasan was not only The Boss of Gemini Studios but also the editor of the popular Tamil weekly called Ananda Vikatan. Para 9 ( Page 63) He wasn’t the editor of any of the known names of British publications in Madras, that is, those known at the Gemini Studios. Since the top men of The Hindu were taking the initiative, the surmise was that the poet was the editor of a daily — but not from The Manchester Guardian or the London Times. That was all that even the most wellinformed among us knew. Paraphrase He didn't hold the position of editor at any of the well-known British publications in Madras, at least not ones that we were familiar with at Gemini Studios. Given the involvement of top executives from The Hindu, it was speculated that this poet might be the editor of a daily newspaper, but not from prestigious publications like The Manchester Guardian or the London Times. That was the extent of our knowledge on the matter, even among the most well-informed individuals in our circle. Para 10 ( Page 63-64) At last, around four in the afternoon, the poet (or the editor) arrived. He was a tall man, very English, very serious and of course very unknown to all of us. Battling with half a dozen pedestal fans on the shooting stage, The Boss read out a long speech. It was obvious that he too knew precious little about the poet (or the editor). The speech was all in the most general terms but here and there it was peppered with words like ‘freedom’ and ‘democracy’. Then the poet spoke. He couldn’t have addressed a more dazed and silent audience — no one knew what he was talking about and his accent defeated any attempt to understand what he was saying. The whole thing lasted about an hour; then the poet left and we all dispersed in utter bafflement — what are we doing? What is an English poet doing in a film studio which makes Tamil films for the simplest sort of people? Paraphrase At last, around four in the afternoon, the poet (or editor) arrived. He was a tall man, very English, very serious, and, of course, entirely unknown to all of us. On the shooting stage, where we battled with half a dozen pedestal fans, The Boss read out a lengthy speech. It was apparent that he, too, had very little information about the poet (or editor). The speech consisted of mostly general terms, with occasional mentions of words like 'freedom' and 'democracy.' Then the poet began to speak. He couldn't have addressed a more bewildered and quiet audience. No one understood what he was talking about, and his accent made it even more challenging to grasp his words. The entire event lasted for about an hour. After the poet left, we all dispersed, utterly bewildered. We wondered, "What are we doing here? What is an English poet doing in a film studio that produces Tamil films for the simplest kind of people?" Para 10 ( Page 64) People whose lives least afforded them the possibility of cultivating a taste for English poetry? The poet looked pretty baffled too, for he too must have felt the sheer incongruity of his talk about the thrills and travails of an English poet. His visit remained an unexplained mystery. Paraphrase People who had lives that didn't really allow them to develop an interest in English poetry? The poet appeared just as bewildered, as he must have realized how utterly incongruous it was to discuss the joys and challenges of an English poet with us. His visit remained an unexplained mystery. Para 11 ( Page 64) The great prose-writers of the world may not admit it, but my conviction grows stronger day after day that prosewriting is not and cannot be the true pursuit of a genius. It is for the patient, persistent, persevering drudge with a heart so shrunken that nothing can break it; rejection slips don’t mean a thing to him; he at once sets about making a fresh copy of the long prose piece and sends it on to another editor enclosing postage for the return of the manuscript. It was for such people that The Hindu had published a tiny announcement in an insignificant corner of an unimportant page — a short story contest organised by a British periodical by the name The Encounter. Of course, The Encounter wasn’t a known commodity among the Gemini literati. I wanted to get an idea of the periodical before I spent a considerable sum in postage sending a manuscript to England. Paraphrase Great writers of prose from around the world might not openly admit it, but my belief becomes firmer with each passing day that writing prose is not and cannot be the true pursuit of a genius. It's for those who are patient, persistent, and unwavering, with hearts so resilient that nothing can discourage them. Rejection slips don't faze them; they immediately start creating a new copy of their long prose piece and send it to another editor, even including the postage for the return of the manuscript. It's for people like this that The Hindu published a small announcement in an inconspicuous corner of an unimportant page - it was about a short story contest organized by a British periodical called The Encounter. Of course, The Encounter wasn't well-known among the literary community at Gemini Studios. I wanted to learn more about this periodical before investing a considerable sum in postage to send a manuscript to England. Para 11 ( Page 65) In those days, the British Council Library had an entrance with no long winded signboards and notices to make you feel you were sneaking into a forbidden area. And there were copies of The Encounter lying about in various degrees of freshness, almost untouched by readers. When I read the editor’s name, I heard a bell ringing in my shrunken heart. It was the poet who had visited the Gemini Studios — I felt like I had found a long lost brother and I sang as I sealed the envelope and wrote out his address. I felt that he too would be singing the same song at the same time — long lost brothers of Indian films discover each other by singing the same song in the first reel and in the final reel of the film. Stephen Spender5 . Stephen — that was his name. Paraphrase During those days, the British Council Library had an entrance that lacked long, tedious signboards and notices, which made you feel like you were sneaking into a forbidden place. There, I found copies of The Encounter, some barely touched by readers. When I saw the editor's name, a bell rang in my small, resilient heart. It was the poet who had visited Gemini Studios - I felt like I had found a long-lost brother, and I sang happily as I sealed the envelope and wrote down his address. I believed that he, too, would be singing the same song at the same time - in Indian films, long-lost brothers discover each other by singing the same song, both in the first reel and the final reel of the film. His name was Stephen Spender. Stephen - that's what he was called. Para 12 ( Page 65) And years later, when I was out of Gemini Studios and I had much time but not much money, anything at a reduced price attracted my attention. On the footpath in front of the Madras Mount Road Post Office, there was a pile of brand new books for fifty paise each. Actually they were copies of the same book, an elegant paperback of American origin. ‘Special low-priced student edition, in connection with the 50th Anniversary of the Russian Revolution’, I paid fifty paise and picked up a copy of the book, The God That Failed. Paraphrase Years later, after leaving Gemini Studios and finding myself with plenty of time but not much money, I was drawn to anything that came at a reduced price. On the sidewalk in front of the Madras Mount Road Post Office, there was a stack of brand-new books selling for fifty paise each. They were all copies of the same book, an elegant American paperback edition. It was labeled as a "Special low-priced student edition, in connection with the 50th Anniversary of the Russian Revolution." I paid fifty paise and got myself a copy of the book, "The God That Failed." Para 12 ( Page 65-66) Six eminent men of letters in six separate essays described ‘their journeys into Communism and their disillusioned return’; Andre Gide6 , Richard Wright7 , Ignazio Silone8 , Arthur Koestler9 , Louis Fischer10 and Stephen Spender. Stephen Spender! Suddenly the book assumed tremendous significance. Stephen Spender, the poet who had visited Gemini Studios! In a moment I felt a dark chamber of my mind lit up by a hazy illumination. The reaction to Stephen Spender at Gemini Studios was no longer a mystery. The Boss of the Gemini Studios may not have much to do with Spender’s poetry. But not with his god that failed. Paraphrase Six distinguished writers each penned an essay detailing their experiences with Communism and their subsequent disillusionment. The writers included Andre Gide, Richard Wright, Ignazio Silone, Arthur Koestler, Louis Fischer, and Stephen Spender. It was Stephen Spender who had visited Gemini Studios. Suddenly, the book held immense significance. The connection between Stephen Spender's visit to Gemini Studios and the book became clear to me. It wasn't necessarily about The Boss of Gemini Studios being interested in Spender's poetry but rather his experience with the ideology of Communism. Extract Questions: Extract 1 His success in films overshadowed and dwarfed his literary achievements-or so his critics felt. He composed several truly original ‘story poems’ in folk refrain and diction and also wrote a sprawling novel Thillana Mohanambal with dozens of very deftly etched characters. He quite successfully recreated the mood and manner of the Devadasis of the early 20th century. He was an amazing actor-he never aspired to the lead roles-but whatever subsidiary role he played in any of the films, he performed better than the supposed main players. He had a genuine love for anyone he came across and his house was a permanent residence for dozens of near and far relations and acquaintances. (a) Which of these statements is NOT TRUE about Subbu? a) His literary accomplishments stole the limelight from his films. b) He was a gifted poet and writer and his literary works were noteworthy. c) He was selfless in nature and was empathetic towards others. d) He never hankered after lead roles and performed minor roles in films. Ans: a) His literary accomplishments stole the limelight from his films. (b) The word ‘sprawling’ has been used with the word ‘novel’. Pick the option with which the word ‘sprawling’ CANNOT be used. a) metropolis b) handwriting c) campus d) portrait Ans: d) portrait (c) The phrase ‘deftly etched’ shows that Subbu a) created the roles delicately. b) was skilful in creating the characters. c) pondered beyond necessity about the characters. d) gave very little thought to the characters. Ans: b) was skilful in creating the characters. (d) Pick the option that best describes Subbu according to the extract. 1. benevolent 2. powerful 3. accomplished 4. witty 5. generous 6. temperamental a) 4, 5 & 6 b) 2, 3 & 4 c) 1,3 & 5 d) 3 ,4 & 6 Ans: c) 1,3 & 5 Extract 2 Barring the office boys and a couple of clerks, everybody else at the Studios radiated leisure, a pre-requisite for poetry. Most of them wore khadi and worshipped Gandhiji but beyond that they had not the faintest appreciation for political thought of any kind. Naturally, they were all averse to the term ‘Communism’. A communist was a godless man-he had no filial or conjugal love; he had no compunction about killing his own parents or his children; he was always out to cause and spread unrest and violence among innocent and ignorant people. Such notions, which prevailed everywhere else in South India at that time also, naturally, floated about vaguely among the khadi-clad poets of Gemini Studios. Evidence of it was soon forthcoming. (a) Pick the option that uses the same figure of speech as ‘A communist is a godless man.’ a) She is as determined as Gandhi when it is a fight against injustice. b) She is a Gandhi when she raises her voice against ‘hinsa’ or violence. c) She, like Gandhi, feels that the earth is crying for deliverance. d) She lives a life of opulence and calls herself a follower of Gandhi. Ans: b) She is a Gandhi when she raises her voice against ‘hinsa’ or violence. (b) Based on the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below. Statement 1: At Gemini Studios, the poets had a profound knowledge about Communists. Statement 2: Communists were responsible for anarchy and discontent in the country. a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false. b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true. c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot be inferred. d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be inferred. Ans: d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be inferred. (C) Why do you think leisure is a pre-requisite for poetry? a) Poetry means freedom of expression. b) One can enjoy poetry when there’s free time. c) In order to write poetry, one needs free time. d) Poetry means freedom from work. Ans: c) In order to write poetry, one needs free time. (d) Asokamitran says that leisure is a pre-requisite for poetry. He says this because poets a) need to relax for a period of time before composing lines. b) maintain a leisured pace in all tasks they do. c) are creative and need to have free time to weave their thoughts. d) begin poetic compositions in rushed way and end in a relaxed manner. Ans: c) are creative and need to have free time to weave their thoughts. Extract 3. Pancake was the brand name of the makeup material that Gemini Studios bought in truck-loads. Greta Garbo must have used it, Miss Gohar must have used it, Vyjayantimala must also have used it but Rati Agnihotri may not have even heard of it. The make-up department of the Gemini Studios was in the upstairs of a building that was believed to have been Robert Clive’s stables. A dozen other buildings in the city are said to have been his residence. For his brief life and an even briefer stay in Madras, Robert Clive seems to have done a lot of moving, besides fighting some impossible battles in remote corners of India and marrying a maiden in St. Mary’s Church in Fort St. George in Madras. (a) What literary device is used in ‘bought in truck-loads’? (i) Oxymoron (ii) Irony (iii) Analogy (iv) Hyperbole Ans. iv) Hyperbole Explanation: The phrase ‘by the truckloads’ is far-fetched. Hence, the literary device is hyperbole. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. (b) What can be inferred from ‘Greta Garbo must have used it, Miss Gohar must have used it, Vyjayantimala must also have used it but Rati Agnihotri may not have even heard of it’? (1) That pancake was an old product used by actresses from an earlier age. (2) That pancake was a modern product used in filmmaking. (3) That pancake was not used by the next generation of actresses. (4) That pancake was a make-up product created in the West. (a) (1) and (4) (b) (2) and (3) (c) (1) and (3) (d) (2) and (4) (c) (1) and (3) Explanation: It can be inferred that pancake was used by the actresses (Garbo, Gohar, Vyjayanthimala) of an older era but not by the next generation actresses like Rati Agnihotri. Hence, option (c) is the correct answer. (c) What can be inferred from the author’s mention of Robert Clive’s stables? (i) That the author wanted to add a humourous remark. (ii) That Gemini Studios was probably located at a historical site. (iii) That Gemini Studios’ fame and fortune was widespread. (iv) That the author was acquainted with Robert Clive. Ans: (ii) That Gemini Studios was probably located at a historical site. Explanation: It can be inferred that the author wanted to reveal the fun fact that Gemini Studios was probably situated at a historical site. This makes option (ii) the correct answer. (d) Which of the following is the author’s tone of his comments on Robert Clive? (i) Ironic (ii) Admiring (iii) Compassionate (iv) Curious Ans: (ii) Admiring Extract 4: That was the end of a brief and brilliant acting career — the legal adviser, who was also a member of the Story Department, had unwittingly brought about that sad end. While every other member of the Department wore a kind of uniform — khadi dhoti with a slightly oversized and clumsily tailored white khadi shirt — the legal adviser wore pants and a tie and sometimes a coat that looked like a coat of mail. Often he looked alone and helpless — a man of cold logic in a crowd of dreamers — a neutral man in an assembly of Gandhiites and khadiites. Like so many of those who were close to The Boss, he was allowed to produce a film and though a lot of raw stock and pancake were used on it, not much came of the film. Then one day The Boss closed down the Story Department and this was perhaps the only instance in all human history where a lawyer lost his job because the poets were asked to go home. (a) What is the meaning of ‘unwittingly’? (i) Accidentally (ii) Consciously (iii) Deliberately (iv) Mindfully Ans: (a) Accidentally Explanation: ‘Unwittingly’ means ‘accidentally’. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer. Options (c), (b) and (d) are incorrect because they are opposites of ‘accidentally’ meaning ‘purposefully’. (B) From the extract, it can be inferred that the lawyer was ................ (i) an actor who was not known (ii) a man who followed Gandhi (iii) a man who wore khadi (iv) a man who was practical Ans: (i) an actor who was not known (C) It can be inferred that the lawyer felt ‘alone and helpless’ because ................... (i) his talent was not recognised as he had hoped. (ii) he was the odd person out amongst others. (iii) the film that he produced did not do well. (iv) the actress whose voice he recorded secretly quit. Ans: (b) he was the odd person out amongst others Explanation: The author presents the lawyer as a man who was the opposite of all others in the Story Department. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (D) Which of the following can be inferred from the following sentence? ‘This was perhaps the only instance in all human history where a lawyer lost his job because the poets were asked to go home’. (i) the jobs of poets do not depend on lawyers. (ii) films produced by lawyers are a failure. (iii) Usually the jobs of lawyers do not depend on poets. (iv) story departments are not closed down. Ans: (iii) Usually, the jobs of lawyers do not depend on poets. Explanation: The author’s comment that the lawyer lost his job because the poets were asked to go home show that the lawyer’s job depended on the poets, which was an unusual occurrence. Hence, option (c) is the correct answer. Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect as they not effectively explain the inference. Extract 5: At last, around four in the afternoon, the poet (or the editor) arrived. He was a tall man, very English, very serious and of course very unknown to all of us. Battling with half a dozen pedestal fans on the shooting stage, The Boss read out a long speech. It was obvious that he too knew precious little about the poet (or the editor). The speech was all in the most general terms but here and there it was peppered with words like ‘freedom’ and ‘democracy’. Then the poet spoke. He couldn’t have addressed a more dazed and silent audience — no one knew what he was talking about and his accent defeated any attempt to understand what he was saying. The whole thing lasted about an hour; then the poet left and we all dispersed in utter bafflement — what are we doing? What is an English poet doing in a film studio which makes Tamil films for the simplest sort of people? People whose lives least afforded them the possibility of cultivating a taste for English poetry? The poet looked pretty baffled too, for he too must have felt the sheer incongruity of his talk about the thrills and travails of an English poet. His visit remained an unexplained mystery. (a) Name the literary device used in ‘very English, very serious and of course very unknown’. (i) Antithesis (ii) Assonance (iii) Allusion (iv) Anaphora Ans: (iv) Anaphora Explanation: Anaphora is a type of repetition which means ‘a repetition of words at the beginning of successive clauses’. So, option (iv) is the correct answer. (b) Which of the following can be inferred from ‘Battling with half a dozen pedestal fans…’? (i) The pedestal fans were blowing a strong breeze. (ii) The Boss was trying to repair pedestal fans. (iii) The heavy pedestal fans were being brought on to the stage by The Boss. (iv) The Boss was trying to fix the pedastal fans as the actors mounted on the stage. Ans: (i) The pedestal fans switched on for The Boss were blowing a strong breeze. Explanation: The pedestal fans were blowing a strong breeze which disturbed the paper from which The Boss was reading . Hence, option (i) is the correct answer. (c) Choose a synonym of ‘peppered’: (i) Splashed (ii) Salted (iii) Sprinkled (iv) Popped Ans: (iii) Sprinkled Explanation: ‘Peppered’ means ‘sprinkled’. So, option (c) is the correct answer. (d) What can be inferred to be the problem with the poet’s speech? (i) His audience could comprehend his speech and accent perfectly. (ii) His audience could not understand who he was and what he said. (iii) His audience could’ve been distracted by the sound of the pedestal fans. (iv) His audience could’ve been at the wrong time in the wrong place. Short Questions ( 2 Marks) Q1. Why was the office boy frustrated? Who did he show his frustration on? [CBSE 2020] Ans. The office boy had joined the studio years back. He aspired to be a top film star, or top screen writer, lyricist or director. He felt frustrated on not being able to realise his dreams and had been given a job much below his calibre and dignity. He blamed Kothamangalam Subbu for all his woes, ignominy and neglect. He often gave vent to his frustrations in the narrator’s cubicle. The narrator yearned for relief from the never-ending babble of the office boy. Q2. Why was the Moral Re-Armament Army welcomed at Gemini Studios? [CBSE 2011] Ans. The Moral Re-Armament Army was warmly welcomed in Gemini Studios because it was a big change from their usual routine of crowd actors. The multicultural group of people from twenty countries brought a whiff of fresh air at Gemini Studios. Q3. What was filmmaking like in the olden days at Gemini Studios? Explain. Ans. Filmmaking was a tough business. Actors wore uncomfortable pancake make-up which made them sweat under the lights. The films were mostly shot indoor with only 5% outdoor shoots. People had to be both sycophant and creative to move up the success ladder like Subbu. Jobs were unstable; they could be lost anytime like the lawyer did. Q4. What is the fiery misery to those subjected to pancake make-up? [CBSE 2020] Ans. Gemini Studios’s make-up room had half a dozen mirrors and many incandescent lights. These lights also gave off heat. With the direct and reflected heat and light, the actors would feel extremely hot and uncomfortable under layers of pancake. That is the ‘fiery misery’ that the author refers to. Q5. How does the writer describe the make-up room of the Gemini Studios? Ans : The make-up room of the Gemini Studios had incandescent lights. It also had lights at all angles around large mirrors. Those subjected to make-up had to face bright light and a lot of heat there. It was on the upper floor of the building that was believed to have been Robert Clive’s stables. Q6. How was the make-up room a fine example of national integration? Ans : Transcending all the barriers of regions, religions and castes, people from all over India came to Gemini Studios for jobs. The make-up department was headed by a Bengali, succeeded by a Maharashtrian, assisted by a Dharwar Kannadiga, an Andhra, a Madrasi, Christian and an Anglo Burmese and the usual local Tamils. Hence, the writer finds in the make-up department a perfect example of national integration. Q7. Subbu is described as a many-sided genius. Justify. Ans : Kothamangalam Subbu may not have had much formal education but, by virtue of his being born as a Brahmin, he had had exposure to many affluent situations and people. He had the ability to look cheerful at all times, even after a setback. He was always full of creative ideas. Above all, he was a charitable and extravagant man and hospitable to his relations. His loyalty had put him close to his boss. But he seemed to others a sycophant and a flatterer and, probably, that was the reason he had enemies. Q8. Why was Gemini Studios a favourite haunt of poets? Ans : Gemini Studios was a favourite haunt of poets as it had an excellent mess which supplied good coffee at all times of the day and for most part of the night. Meeting there was a satisfying entertainment. Moreover, Mr. Vasan was a great admirer of scholarly people. Q9. Explain the appropriateness of the title ‘Poets and Pancakes’? Ans : The chapter describes Gemini Studios and its functioning very clearly. Its employees are little unrecognized poets. Though they work in a film studio, the focus is on the author’s station in the Studios as a make-up boy using pancakes on crowd players, and how he failed as a poet. So, the title is appropriate. Q10. How humorously does the author describe Frank Buchman’s Moral Re-Armament Army? Ans : The author humorously calls the Moral Re-Armament Army after someone as ‘an international circus’. Then he states that they were not very good on the trapeze. Their acquaintance with animals should have been much as animals play tricks in a circus. “But the group ate animals”, says the author their acquaintance with animals was only at the dining table. Long Questions ( CBQs) 5 Marks Q1. ‘Poets and Pancakes’ is a beautiful example of humour. Comment. Ans : ‘Poets and Pancakes’ is an account of Asokamitran’s experiences at the Gemini Studios. Asokamitran deals with a wide variety of ideas where despite one thought leading to another, the thematic coherence is never lost. The author has adopted a chatty and rambling style. The style has a flow and the reader glides smoothly with the flow of the narrative. Asokamitran highlights human foibles and unusual behaviour with the help of subtle humour. All the characters are so life like that the reader seems to come across in real life. The subtle humour is neither superimposed nor superfluous. Throughout the chapter humour seems to be spontaneous and interwoven. Even the choice of the title shows that Asokamitran has a flair for natural humour. He ridicules without hurting and the entire account becomes very interesting. Throughout the chapter the reader doesn’t find even the slightest trace of malice. But every now and then the author speaks with his tongue-in-cheek way and pays left-handed compliments to different characters to the great amusement of the readers. Q2. Describe Stephen Spender’s visit to Gemini Studios. Ans : There was a lot of speculation about Spender’s visit. Initially, everyone thought he was a poet but later they heard that he was an editor. The author describes him as a tall, very English and a serious person. It was evident from Boss’ speech that he knew very little about the visitor. When Spender addressed the gathering they were all dazed as they couldn’t understand his accent and didn’t understand what he was talking about. Even Spender must have sensed the incongruity of being called to talk about the travails of an English poet in a film studio making simple Tamil films. His visit remained an unexpected mystery. It was only much later that Asokamitran learnt that the reason why the boss had invited Spender. Spender was disillusioned with communism and had contributed an essay in a book on communism called ‘The God That Failed’. Q3. 10. The English poet who visited Gemini Studios was as baffled as the audience. Explain. Ans : When Gemini Studios prepared to welcome Stephen Spender, they did not know the identity of the visitor. All they knew was that he was a poet from England. However, he was not one of the poets from England that they had heard of. Later they heard that he was an editor. But again he wasn’t the editor of any of the known British publications. When the gentleman arrived, the mystery of his identity deepened. The Englishman left the audience dazed and silent as no one knew what he was talking about. The people of Gemini Studios led lives that least offered them the possibilities of cultivating a taste for English poetry. The English man talked of the thrills and problems of an English poet. His British accent defeated any attempt to understand what he was saying. His lecture lasted an hour but it left the people confused. The poet himself was equally baffled. He too must have felt the strangeness of his talk. His visit remained an unexplained mystery for a long time. To be continued. Keep visiting the site.

English Internal Assessment | CBE based Questions | CBSE Instructions: The project should be handwritten only. Computer printing is not allowed. Write your project on a A4 size paper with a cover page in which your topic must be mentioned along with your Class/Division/Roll No. The project should be submitted inside a transparent thin pouch. The project should be written within the word limit in your own language. Format/Layout of the Project File. Cover page, with the title of the project, school details/details of students. Statement of purpose/objectives/goals Certificate of completion under the guidance of the teacher. List of resources/bibliography. Questions for English Projects for Board Exams. These project questions can also be practised for 5-Mark Questions in Board Examination, 2024 Recommended Listening Activity: Listening Skill Worksheet | Class XI-XII | Board Exam 2024| English Core (englishwithadifference.com) Q1. The Enemy’ gives the message that humanism transcends all man made prejudices and barriers. Justify this statement with reference to the life of Dr. Sadao & Hana in 800-1000 words. Need for developing humanism like empathy, forgiveness, charity etc. Background info about Dr. Sadao’s upbringing. Description about His education in the USA Conflict between patriotism & humanism. Examples of Dr. Sadao’s empathetic nature. Dr. Sadao’s resolve of the internal conflict & display of humanity against prejudices & barriers. For the sample Answer, click here Q2. ‘Courage and optimism are attributes that can make the impossible possible.’ Make a comparative study about ‘Deep Water’ and ‘We’re Not Afraid to Die…’, which you have studied in class XI. Make a project file with instances from the two lessons to justify the above statement. (Word Limit: 800-1000 words) Points: Importance of being courageous & optimistic in life. Describe any two personalities from India who showed similar courage & resilience to overcome challenges in life. Similarity in thematic structure between ‘Deep Water’ & ‘We’re Not Afraid to Die..’ with examples from the respective stories. How did William Douglas & the Captain & his family overcome their respective challenges in life. Messages we get from these two stories. Q3. The story ‘The Rattrap’ focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others. Make a project report on justifying this statement with special reference to the rattrap seller & the efforts made by the ironmaster & his daughter to make the bond with the peddler. (Word Limit: 800-1000) Points: Importance of making bonds with other human beings. Instances where the peddler is shown to be feeling lonely. Instances from the text where the Ironmaster tried to make bonds with the peddler. Edla’s efforts in being hospitable with the peddler. Peddler’s transformation of personality & display of gratitude to Edla Wilmanson. Message conveyed through the Peddler's transformation & portrayal of Edla's character. Q4. Make a project report on the types of discrimination & mental agony faced by Derry in the society & the efforts made by Mr. Lamb to change the perspective of Derry & integrate him into the mainstream society. (Word Limit: 800-1000) Points: The manner in which people with disabilities are treated in society. Derry’s reasons for being unhappy & frustrated. Quote instances from the story which indicates his negative self-esteem & low confidence. Efforts made by Mr. Lamb to change Derry’s perspectives about life. The need to show our compassion to people with disabilities. Q5. The story ‘The Rattrap’ highlights the trap of material benefit that most human beings are prone to fall into & the human tendency to redeem oneself from dishonest ways. Make a project file justifying the statement with instances from the life of the peddler as given in the story. (Word Limit: 800-1000) Points: Reasons for human beings being materialistic in today’s world of possessions. The need for every human being to satisfy their needs & not their greed. The manner by which the peddler fell prey to temptations for material benefit & its consequences on him. Edla’s display of kindness brought about a sea-change in the peddler's personality. The Peddler’s initiative to redeem himself at the end of the story. The need to show compassion and charity work to the poor & the oppressed. Q6 . Make a project report about the historical Indigo Revolution in India and the role of Mahatma Gandhi in Champaran Movement. (800-1000 words) Points: History of Indigo Revolution in India. How did the Indigo Revolution spread across Bihar & West Bengal? Background info about Gandhi's involvement in the Indigo Revolution. Role of Gandhi in Champaran District of Bihar. Impact of his involvement in Champaran District of Bihar. Q7. The lesson ‘Lost Spring’ highlights the plight of street children forced into labour in their teens & the indifference of society & political class to their wellbeing. Make a project file in 800-1000 words and include the following points. Reasons for the growth of child labour in India. Instances of involvement of children forced into labour. Impact of such practices on the wellbeing of children. Suggestions about how this social practice can be eradicated. Q8. The ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ deals with the concept of feminism and male chauvinism. Make a project file on how Aunt Jennifer was projected to be a victim of male chauvinism in the poem. ( Word Limit: 800 Words) Points: Explain the concept of feminism in a paragraph or two of 50 words each. Relate how reference of feminism is overshadowed in the poem. Explain with instances from the poem how Aunt Jennifer is subjected to male oppression. Explain how Aunt Jennifer tries to immortalize her pain into a work of art. Your suggestions on how gender equality can be ensured in the workplace and Society at large. Q9. Anees Jung in ‘Lost Spring’ analyses the grinding poverty & traditions, which condemn children like Saheb & Mukesh to a life of exploitation. Make a project file illustrating examples of Saheb & Mukesh & suggest how such evils can be eradicated from society. (Word Limit 800-1000 words) Points: Child Labour-a social menace for Indian society. Reasons for the mushrooming growth of slums in our country. Examine the life of Saheb as a metaphor for countless rag pickers who live a life of poverty & depravity. Mukesh's efforts at breaking away from his family lineage of bangle making. Suggestions about resolving this social issue of poverty and deprivation. Q10. ‘’Aunt Jennifer“ turned her pain into a work of art.’’ Make a project file evaluating Aunt Jennifer and her artistry in the light of the above statement. Points: Importance of work of art in supplementing our aesthetic sensibility Purpose behind translating Aunt Jennifer’s pain & suffering into a work of art. Write examples illustrating Aunt Jennifer’s claim of her marriage being a liability. Aunt Jennifer’s efforts at giving vent to her suppressive grievances into a work of art. A subtle reference to mortality of human beings vis-a-vis immortality of creative art? Q11. The lesson ‘Memories of Childhood’ describes the two types of discrimination-racial & caste discrimination respectively. Make a project file illustrating struggles of two girls & how they rebelled against such social evils. (Word Limit 800-1000 words). Points: Background information about Native Americans & discrimination they faced. Concept of casteism in Indian society. Mention its effects in Indian society. Illustrate with examples how two girls in the story fought against these two social evils. Mention a case study each of racial & caste discrimination in modern day world. Your views on how these social evils can be eradicated from our society. Q12. Magic realism is a literary or artistic genre in which realistic narrative and naturalistic technique are combined with surreal elements of dream or fantasy. Examine ‘The Tiger King’ in the light of the given statement. (Word Limit 800 words) Points: Introduction about magic realism & surreal elements in literature. Explain about the realistic narrative of wild-life poaching & animal hunting as illustrated in the story. Relate surreal elements as introduced in the story. Mention the satire as is implicit in the message of the story. Your views on how wild-life can be protected from human beings. EXTRA The following lesson ' Should Wizard Hit Mommy?' is deleted from the syllabus in Academic Session 2023-24. Q1. The story ‘Should Wizard Hit Mommy’ raises a moral issue if the parents should always decide what the children should do or let the children do what they like to do. Do you agree? Justify your point of view in 800-1000 words. Points: Generation Gap-reasons & how we should address it. Conflicts between Jack & his daughter in the story. Was Jack able to resolve the conflict? Give reasons with examples. Your point of view about what Jack should do to resolve the conflict in his daughter’s mind. What, according to you, should parents do, to give space to every child for their holistic growth? Q6. How is an adult’s life different from the life of a child as highlighted in the story ‘Should wizard Hit Mommy?’ Make a project report & include the following points with special reference to Jack’s narration of Skunk’s story. What factors do you think cause the generation gap? Impact of generation gap on families. Conflicts between Jack & his daughter in the story. Your point of view about what Jack should do to resolve the conflict in his daughter’s mind. What, according to you, should parents do, to give space to every child for their holistic growth? #englishprojects #class12projects #englishcoreprojects More to be added. Keep visiting the site & leave your comments. Recommended Reading: Formal & Informal Invitation Recommended Reading: A Roadside Stand Note: Kindly write your feedback in the comments section & hit the like button. Your feedback will help us provide quality content in days to come. Thanks Answer of Question No. 1 "The Enemy" by Pearl S. Buck beautifully illustrates the idea that humanism transcends all man-made prejudices and barriers. This poignant story revolves around the life of Dr. Sadao Hoki and his wife Hana during World War II. It showcases their journey toward developing humanistic values such as empathy, forgiveness, and charity in the face of personal and societal conflicts. Dr. Sadao's Upbringing: Dr. Sadao Hoki's upbringing provides the foundation for understanding his character and the development of his humanistic values. Born and raised in Japan, Sadao was brought up in a culture that highly valued tradition, loyalty, and patriotism. His father, a stern and disciplined man, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a sense of duty to his country. The story hints at the serious nature of his father, who never joked or played with him, but invested immense effort in his education. This upbringing shaped Sadao's character, making him a dedicated and disciplined individual. Education in the USA Sadao's education in the United States played a crucial role in broadening his horizons and instilling in him a sense of humanism. He was sent to America at the age of twenty-two to study surgery and medicine. The exposure to a different culture, diverse perspectives, and the principles of Western medicine contributed significantly to his personal growth. In the U.S., he would have encountered a society that values individualism, freedom, and the pursuit of knowledge. This experience likely influenced his outlook on life and his approach to medicine. Conflict Between Patriotism and Humanism Sadao's life is marked by a constant tension between his deep-rooted patriotism as a Japanese citizen and the growing humanistic values he acquires during his education and his experiences in the U.S. This conflict becomes particularly pronounced during the war. As a highly skilled surgeon and scientist, he is perfecting a medical discovery that could revolutionize wound treatment. His expertise is in high demand by the Japanese government, and he is asked to join the war effort. However, he is also committed to the principles of saving lives and upholding ethical medical standards, which often conflict with the wartime demands of his country. Examples of Dr. Sadao's Empathetic Nature Throughout the story, Dr. Sadao exhibits a growing empathetic nature, a core aspect of humanism. When he discovers an injured American soldier, he faces a moral dilemma. Sadao's compassionate decision to save the wounded man, even though he is an enemy, demonstrates his evolving empathy. Despite the risk to his own life and the potential repercussions from his government, Sadao is driven by his medical duty and a deep understanding of the sanctity of life. He takes the injured soldier into his home, hiding him in a secret room to provide medical care. Sadao's tender care for the soldier and his willingness to risk everything for a man from the opposing side highlight the transformation of his character. This act of compassion, where he sees the soldier as a fellow human being in need of help rather than as an enemy, exemplifies the humanistic principles of empathy and a commitment to saving lives. Dr. Sadao's Resolve and Display of Humanity: Dr. Sadao's internal conflict between his patriotism and humanism reaches its peak when he realizes that the soldier, Tom, needs a life-saving operation. He decides to perform the surgery, even knowing the potential consequences, such as imprisonment or execution. This decision is a powerful manifestation of his commitment to humanity over prejudices and barriers. It is also an act of forgiveness, as he extends mercy to an enemy soldier. Furthermore, Sadao's wife, Hana, also demonstrates humanistic qualities. She accepts and cares for the wounded soldier despite the danger it poses to her family. Her understanding and support of Sadao's decision reflect the growth of their family's collective humanistic values. In conclusion, "The Enemy" vividly illustrates the transformation of Dr. Sadao Hoki and his wife Hana from individuals deeply rooted in their Japanese traditions and patriotism to individuals who embody humanistic values like empathy, forgiveness, and charity. The story highlights their personal evolution as they prioritize the sanctity of life and the well-being of a fellow human being over the prejudices and barriers created by war and national identity. It serves as a powerful reminder that, in the face of conflict and adversity, humanism has the potential to transcend all man-made divisions and unite people in their shared humanity. Recommended Listening Activity Listening Skill Worksheet | Class XI-XII | Board Exam 2024| English Core (englishwithadifference.com)

Do the following exercises on Reported Speech. 4 Marks allotted for Board Exam For Rules of Reported Speech, Click here Q1. Read the conversation given below and complete the paragraph that follow : Son : Mummy, Where have I put my wallet ? Mother: I don’t know. Ask your father. Son : He will say the same thing. Mother : Why don’t you put things in their proper place ? A son asked his mother (a) _________ ? The mother replied that (b) _________and advised him to ask his father. The son retorted saying that he would say the same 3 Page 7 of 7 thing. The mother asked him irritatingly (c) _________ The mother (c) ________ Q2. Read the conversation given below and complete the paragraph that follows. Mother to me : Are you unwell today? I to mother : No, Mummy, not at all. Mother : Have you done any work today? I replied : “Nothing”. My mother asked me (a) __________. I replied to my mummy (b) __________. My mother again asked me (c) ___________. Q3. Read the conversation given below and complete the paragraph that follows. PATENT : I want to see the doctor. I am very sick. RECEPTIONIST : I am sorry. The doctor is very busy. You'll have to wait for at least one hour. A patient went to his doctor's clinic and told the receptionist (a) __________ The receptionist (b) __________ She further added that (c) __________ Q4. Read the conversation given below and complete the paragraph that follows. Biju : Bina why don't you fold your umbrella? Bina : It looks beautiful when it is kept open. Biju : You should keep it folded otherwise it comes in the way. Bina seldom folded her umbrella. Biju did not like it. He asked her (a) __________. Bina replied that (b) __________ Biju advised her to keep it folded otherwise (c) __________ Q5. Read the conversation given below and complete the paragraph that follows : Ram : I want to meet the Principal. Peon : Sir, he is not in his office. Ram : When will he come back to the office ? Peon : I think in another ten minutes. Ram went to K.V.Jaipur for the admission of his daughter to that school. He went to the Principal's office and told the peon (a) -----------.Respectfully the peon told him that (b) -------------------.So Ram asked him (c)------------ .The peon replied that in his opinion the Principal would be back in another ten minutes. Q6. Read the conversation given below and complete the paragraph that below. Receptionist : Good morning. This is Hotel Oberoi, Bangalore. Mr. Deepak : Good morning. I would like to make a booking in your hotel. Kindly book a suite with attached bathroom and lobby for Monday, September 20, 2012. Receptionist wished good morning to Mr. Deepak and told him that (a) __________ , Bangalore. Mr. Deepak also (b) __________ and said that (c) ___________ make a booking in their hotel. He requested her to book a suite with attached bathroom and lobby for Monday, September 20, 2012. Q7. Read the conversation given below and complete the paragraph that follows : Kokila : Maitryee ! My new dress is very pretty. Maitryee : Will you show it to me? Kokila : I will show it to you tomorrow when you come to my house. Kokila told her friend Maitryee that (a) __________. Maitryee asked her if (b) __________. She replied, that she would love to show it to her (c) ___________. Q8. Read the conversation given below and complete the paragraph that follows : Customer : Waiter, come here. Waiter : Yes Sir. Customer : Look, there are flies in my soup. Waiter : But sir, they are fresh flies. Customer : What do you mean ? Waiter : They arrived only this morning Sir. A customer in a restaurant complained that there were flies in his soup. The waiter told the customer (a) __________ . When the customer asked (b) __________ , the waiter replied that they (c) __________ . Q9. Read the conversation given below and complete the paragraph. Mother : What are you doing? Rani : Just watching TV. Mother : Turn off the TV and help me in cleaning your room. Rani : Ma, I will do it later. Mother asked Rani what she was doing. Rani replied that (a) __________ TV. The mother asked her to turn it off and (b) __________ . Rani replied that (c) __________ . Q10. Read the conversation given below and complete the paragraph. Berry : Daddy! I am the happiest girl in the world. Daddy : Have you won a million dollar lottery? Berry : No! I have got something much better. Berry screamed with joy that (a) ______. Her father asked (b) ______ a million dollar lottery. She replied that (c) ______ something much better. Download Answer Key Q11. Read the following conversation and complete the given paragraph. Write the correct answer against the correct blank number. Do not copy the whole sentence. Miss Grundy: Mohit, you spent time on this homework assignment and it really shows. Mohit: Thanks, Miss grundy. You mean it's that good? Miss Grundy : No, I mean it's covered with stains from an evening's worth of snacks. Mohit's teacher, Miss Grundy told him that (a) ______ and it really showed. Mohit thanked his teacher and asked her (b) ________. To that the angry teacher replied that (c)_________. Q12. Read the following conversation and complete the given paragraph. Write the correct answer against the correct blank number. Do not copy the whole sentence. Child: I want to buy a birthay card for my little sister. Salesman: Do you want a small card or a big card? Child: I want any cad that will show that I love my litle sister a lot. Salesman: Then it would be better if you make one yourself. A child told the salesman that (a)______________ his little sister. The sales man asked him (b)_________________ a big card. The child said that he wanted any card which would show his love for his sister a lot. The sales man then advised him (c)_____________. Q13. Read the conversation given below and then complete the report by transforming sentences into reported speech. Daughter: Will you allow me to go for trekking with my classmates? Father: Dear, we are going to Singapore for a family holiday. Daughter: The trekking camp will be in Chail and I may not get another chance to visit this place. Nandika asked her father (a)________________ to go for trekking with her classmates. Her father replied that (b)_____________________ for a family holiday. Nandika told her father that (c)____________________ might not get another chance to visit that place. Q14. Read the dialogue given below and complete the paragraph that follows : Amit: Can you lend me your Physics book? Sunil: Yes, but only for one day. Will you be able to return it to me tomorrow? Amit: Definitely, Thanks. Amit asked Sunil (a) __________ . Sunil replied in the affirmative but told him (b) __________ . He then asked him (c) __________ . Amit replied that he would definitely return it to him. He also thanked him. Q15. Read the following dialogue given below and then complete the paragraph transforming the sentences into reported speech. Write your answer in your answer sheet with correct blank number. Do not copy the whole passage. Babita : where do you want to go? Pragati: I want to to to the drop point near the zoo. Babita: In that case you will have to get down at the Laxmi Nagar bus stop and take an auto. Pragati: How long will I take to reach there? Babita asked Pragati where she wanted to go. Pragati told her that (a) __________. Babita told her that in that case (b) __________ and take an auto. Pragati asked Babita (c) _____________. Q16. Read the dialogue given below and complete the report by transforming the sentences into reported speech. Write your answer in your answer sheet with correct blank number. Do not copy the whole passage. Seema: Do you know how to prepare custard? Roma: I do not enjoy working in the kitchen. Seema: But it is so easy. Roma: I will ask my mother to teach me. Seema asked Roma if (a) __________ prepare custard. Roma replied that (b) __________ in the kitchen. Seema commented that it was so easy. Roma said that (c) __________ teach her. Q17. Read the following dialogue and then complete the paragraph by transforming the sentences into reported speech. Write your answer in your answer sheet with correct blank number. Do not copy the whole passage. The Man scolded the servant (a) __________ . He questioned him if he had not asked him to get his breakfast ready by 8 O‟ clock. The servant apologized to him and explained that (b) __________ . The man asked him if he had not set the alarm before going to sleep. The servant answered politely that he had done so. His master further enquired the reason for the delay. The servant answered humbly that (c) __________ . Q18. Read the following dialogue and then complete the paragraph by transforming the sentences into reported speech. Write your answer in your answer sheet with correct blank number. Do copy the whole passage. Riya: When are you leaving for Kolkata? Sandhya: I will leave right after the examination. Riya: would you like me to drop you at the station? Sandhya: Thanks, it would really help me. Rita met Sandhya and asked her (a) __________. Sandhya replied (b) _________ . Rita then asked her (c) _________. Sandhy a thanked her and told her that it would really help her. Q19. Read the following dialogue and then complete the paragraph by transforming the sentences into reported speech. Write your answer in your answer sheet with correct blank number. Do not copy the whole passage. Father: When is the fancy dress competition in your school? Son: It is next week. Father: Are you taking part in it? Son: Yes, I am taking part as an engine driver. Father: Why have you chosen that role? Son: So that I can reach late. Father asked his son when the Fancy Dress competition in his school was. Son replied that (a) __________.Father enquired (b) _________.Son replied that he would be an engine driver. Father asked why he had chosen that role. He answered so that (c) __________. Q20. Read the following dialogue and complete the report that follows. Write your answers in your answer sheet against the correct blank numbers. Do not copy the dialogue and report. Shopkeeper : What can I do for you? Mohan : I want to purchase the sugar. Shopkeeper : Do you have the money? Mohan : No, I have the credit card. At the shop, the shopkeeper asked Mohan (a) __________. Mohan replied (b) __________. At this shopkeeper asked again (c) __________. Mohan replied in negative and told that he had the credit card. Answer key from Q11 to Q20 is available for download below: Recommended Reading: Competency-Based Grammar Worksheet Recommended Reading: Listening Skill Worksheet | Class XI-XII | Board Exam 2024| English Core (englishwithadifference.com)

Class 12, CBSE Page Highlights (Click on the Poems to go directly to the Questions) My Mother At Sixty Six by Kamala Das Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda A Thing of Beauty by John Keats My Mother At Sixty Six by Kamala Das Q1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow. Driving from my parent’s home to Cochin last Friday morning, I saw my mother, beside me, doze, open mouthed, her face ashen like that of a corpse and realized with pain that she was as old as she looked but soon put that thought away… 1.1 Choose the option that best applies to the given extract. 1) a conversation 2) an argument 3) a piece of advice 4) a strategy 5) a recollection 6) a suggestion a) 1, 3 & 6 b) 2, 4 & 5 c) Only 5 d) Only 1 1.2 Choose the option that applies correctly to the two statements given below Assertion: The poet wards off the thought of her mother getting old quickly. Reason: The poet didn’t want to confront the inevitability of fate that was to dawn upon her mother. a) Assertion can be inferred but the Reason cannot be inferred. b) Assertion cannot be inferred but the Reason can be inferred. c) Both Assertion and Reason can be inferred. d) Both Assertion and Reason cannot be inferred. 1.3 Choose the option that displays the same literary device as in the given lines of the extract. her face ashen like that of a corpse… a) Just as I had I had this thought, she appeared and… b) My thoughts were as heavy as lead that evening when … c) I think like everyone else who… d) I like to think aloud when … Q2. …I looked again at her, wan, pale as a late winter’s moon and felt that old familiar ache, my childhood’s fear, but all I said was, see you soon, Amma, all I did was smile and smile and smile...... 2.1 What is the speaker's emotional state when looking at her mother? A. Confused and disoriented B. Nostalgic and longing C. Empathetic and understanding D. Fearful and apprehensive 2.2 What does the use of the word "but" at the beginning of the line, ‘ but all I said..’, suggest ? 2.3 Select the word that WILL NOT complete the sentence appropriately. The description of the mother as "wan, pale / as a late winter's moon" creates a vivid image of ________ . A. vulnerability B. sensitivity C. frailty D. mortality 2.4 State whether the given statement is TRUE or FALSE. The poetic device used in the line, ‘pale as a winter’s moon’ is the same as the one used in the line, ‘the winter wind wistfully wailed at night’. 2.5 What message do these lines highlight, in the context of familial relationships, and the speaker’s sense of anxiety and fear at the prospect of losing her mother? 2.6 Complete the sentence appropriately. The repetition of the word, ‘smile’ suggests that _______________. Q3. And looked out at Young Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling out of their homes, but after the airport’s security check, standing a few yards away, I looked again at her, wan, pale as a late winter’s moon and felt that old familiar ache… 3.1 What is the most likely reason the poet capitalised ‘Young Trees’? This was to a) convey a clearer meaning. b) highlight the adj.-noun combination. c) enhance the contrast. d) draw a connection with the title. 3.2 Choose the option that appropriately describes the relationship between the two statements given below. Statement 1: The poet knows her mother has aged. Statement 2: The poet feels the pain of separation. a) Beginning – Ending b) Cause – Effect c) Question – Answer d) Introduction – Conclusion 3.3 Choose the option that completes the sentence given below. Just as the brightness of the winter’s moon is veiled behind the haze and mist, similarly, __________________. a) the pain of separation has shaded mother’s expression. b) age has fogged mother’s youthful appearance. c) growing up has developed a seasoned maturity in the poet. d) memories warm the heart like the pale moon in winter. Recommended Reading My Mother at Sixty Six |Stanza-wise Explanation | CBQs | Board Exam 2024 (englishwithadifference.com) Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda (1) What I want should not be confused with total inactivity Life is what it is about; I want no truck with death. If we were not so single-minded about keeping our lives moving– and for once could do nothing Perhaps a huge silence might interrupt this sadness of never understanding ourselves and of threatening ourselves with death. (A) The poet’s intention in the first line is to: (a) give warning to the readers. (b) give right direction to the readers. (c) give choice to the readers. (d) give a clarification to the readers. (B) Select the option that best explains the stand of the poet in the expression: ‘‘I want no truck with death’’. (a) He advises people to escape death. (b) He asserts that death is inevitable. (c) He assures that he does not advocate death. (d) He expresses his desire not to die. (C) Select the option that aptly describes the tone of the poet in the expression: ‘‘If we were not so single minded’’. (a) Regretful (b) Critical (c) Encouraging (d) Friendly (D) According to the poet who is to blame for the condition of threatening ourselves with death? (a) Stressful life (b) Keeping quiet (c) Lack of understanding (d) State of confusion (E) The tone of the poet in the expression ‘‘perhaps a huge silence might interrupt this sadness’’ is: (a) unsure yet optimistic. (b) sure and confident. (c) poetic & melodramatic. (d) hopeful but not confident. (F) “What I want should not be confused with total inactivity.” Choose the option that draws the most accurate parallel. keeping quiet: total inactivity = ______ : ______ a) reflection and death b) silence and chaos c) stagnation and introspection d) mindfulness and fear 2. If we were not so single-minded about keeping our lives moving, and for once could do nothing, perhaps a huge silence might interrupt this sadness of never understanding ourselves and of threatening ourselves with death. (A) What do you think is the mood of the poet in the above extract? a) gloomy, cynical b) reflective, inspired c) introspective, aware d) critical, demotivated (B) Pick the option that DOES NOT complete the given sentence suitably, as per the extract. Threatening ourselves with death __________ a) feeds on the fear of death. b) challenges finiteness of life. c) keeps us rushing through life. (C) What might the “huge silence” signify? a) melancholy b) understanding c) discomfort d) flexibility (D) Which of the following can be inferred to lead to ‘threatening ourselves with death’? (a) Constantly being silent (b) Constantly rushing about (c) Constantly being sad (d) Constantly doing nothing (E) According to the poet, it can be inferred that silence can help humans .................... (a) understand the earth. (b) understand each other. (c) understand themselves. (d) understand stillness. 3. For once on the face of the Earth let’s not speak in any language, let’s stop for one second, and not move our arms so much. It would be an exotic moment without rush, without engines, we would all be together in a sudden strangeness. (CBSE Question Bank 2021) (i) The poet uses the word ‘let’s’ to (a) initiate a conversation between the poet and the readers. (b) invite readers as part of the poem’s larger call to humanity. (c) welcome readers into the world of the poem and its subject. (d) address readers as fellow members of the human race. (ii) Margaret Atwood said, “Language divides us into fragments, I wanted to be whole.” Choose the option that correctly comments on the relationship between Margaret Atwood’s words and the line from the above extract – “let’s not speak in any language”. (a) Atwood endorses Neruda’s call to not speak in any language. (b) Atwood justifies Neruda’s request to not engage in any speaking. (c) Atwood undermines Neruda’s intent to stop and not speak in any language. (d) Atwood surrenders to Neruda’s desire for silence and not speak in any language. (iii) Why do you think the poet employs words like “exotic” and “strangeness”? (a) To highlight the importance of everyone being together suddenly for once. (b) To emphasise the frentic activity and chaos that usually envelops human life. (c) To indicate the unfamiliarity of a sudden moment without rush or without engine. (d) To direct us towards keeping quiet and how we would all be together in that silence. 4. “What I want should not be confused with total inactivity. Life is what it is about; I want no truck with death.” (i) About which confusion the poet is referring to here? (a) Keeping still means total inactivity. (b) Introspect for sometime while being active. (c) Stillness and keeping quiet for some time does not mean end of everything. (d) All of the above (ii) What is life about according to the poet? (a) Living it gainfully (b) Living a hectic life with no time for anything else (c) Multiple activities to earn as much money as possible (d) Gainfully occupied with time to analyse and introspect (iii) Choose the book title that perfectly describes the purpose of the given lines. (a) Silence: The Power of Quiet in the world full of Noise by Thick Nhat Han. (b) Of chaos and clarity by Rubu Yari (c) Awareness, Clarity, Power by Jill’s McDonald (d) The confusion by Neal Stephenson (iv) Explain: ‘No truck with death’. (a) Inactivity mean death (b) No association with death as life is to be lived fully (c) Stillness and inactivity for few minutes in different from death (d) Both (b) and (c) 5. Now we will count to twelve [All India 2016] and we will all keep still. For once on the face of the Earth let’s not speak in any language, let’s stop for one second, and not move our arms so much. Answer the following. (a) What does the poet urge humanity to do? Ans: The poet urges humanity to remain silent for the duration of twelve counts. (b) Why does the poet want us not to speak any language? Ans: The poet wants us not to speak any language as during the introspection, we shall all reflect on the universal language of love and brotherhood. (c) Why should we not move our arms so much? Ans: We should not move our arms so much so as to be able to focus on the task of introspection. (d) What will ‘counting up to twelve and keeping still’ help us to achieve? Ans: Counting up to twelve and keeping still will help us to realize the real impact of our selfish actions on each other and, finally, on the entire humanity. 6. It would be an exotic moment without rush, without engines, we would all be together in a sudden strangeness. Those who prepare green wars, wars with gas, wars with fire, victory with no survivors, would put on clean clothes and walk about with their brothers… 8. ...perhaps a huge silence [Foreign 2016] might interrupt this sadness of never understanding ourselves and of threatening ourselves with death. 9. Perhaps the Earth can teach us as when everything seems dead and later proves to be alive. Now I’ll count up to twelve and you keep quiet and I will go. Recommended Reading Keeping Quiet, Text Explanation , NCERT Solution, CBQs (englishwithadifference.com) A Thing of Beauty by John Keats 1. Pick the opinion that is NOT TRUE about the theme of the poem. (a) A thing of beauty transcends time and doesn’t fade away. (b) Beauty doesn’t dispel darkness and is surrounded by evil. (c) A thing of beauty is not only physical but spiritual as well. (d) A beautiful thing has a therapeutic quality and brings in a ray of hope. [CBSE Question Bank 2021] 2. Pick the statement that contradicts the idea as expressed by the poet: (a) People are beautiful not in looks but just in what they are. (b) Beautiful people have known suffering, struggle and loss. (c) We must think of all the beauty that is left around us and be happy. (d) We must dwell on the beauty in life and be inspired by it. [CBSE Question Bank 2021] Ans. (b) Beautiful people have known suffering, struggle and loss. Explanation: It can be inferred that only option (b) contradicts the idea of beauty as expressed by John Keats in his poem. Hence option (b) is the correct answer. Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect since they support Keats’ idea of beauty. 3. Choose the quote that best describes the poet’s attitude to beauty: (a) Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams. —Ashley Smith (b) The seeds of beauty are in humility. —Maxime Lagacé (c) Beauty is how you feel inside and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical. —Sophia Loren (d) Youth is happy because it has the capacity to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old. —Franz Kafka Ans: (a) Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams. —Ashley Smith Explanation: All the quotes talk about beauty but only one talks about noticing it and living life. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer. Options (b), (c) and (d) do not come close to John Keats’ vision of beauty. So, they are not the correct answer. 4. Choose the ‘unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways’ from this list: (1) indulge in excess of eating and sleeping (2) discover a new business idea (3) make deals with corrupt people (4) help other people earn money (a) (1) and (3) (b) (1) and (4) (c) (2) and (4) (d) (3) and (4) Ans. (a) (1) and (3) Explanation: Keats’ ‘unhealthy and o’erdarkened ways’ could be inferred to apply to one’s own and others’ physical and financial health as well. This points to option (a) as the correct answer. Options (b), (c) and (d) are partially correct, and hence not the correct answer. 5. Choose the word that DOES NOT mean ‘despondence’: (a) Unhappy (b) Melancholy (c) Misery (d) Exuberance Ans: Exuberance. 6. Which poetic device is used in this line: ‘of the gloomy days,/ Of all the unhealthy and o'er-darkn'd ways’? (a) Internal rhyme (b) Transferred epithet (c) Oxymoron (d) Inversion Ans. (b) Transferred epithet Explanation: The adjective ‘gloomy’ and ‘unhealthy and o'er-darkn'd ways’ describe the human but the epithet has been transferred to the objects like 'days & Ways' here. The poetic device used here is transferred epithet. Hence, option (b) is the correct answer. 7. What purpose do ‘sweet dreams, health and quiet breathing’ have in our lives? (a) To help us understand the origin of beauty in life. (b) To help us see the beauty of nature and human life. (c) To help us tolerate the trials and tribulations of life. (d) To help us appreciate the true beauty of human life. Ans: (d) To help us appreciate the true beauty of human life. Extract-Based Questions 1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: A thing of beauty is a joy forever: Its loveliness increases, it will never Pass into nothingness; but still will keep A bower quiet for us, and a sleep Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing. (A) Which poetic device is used in the first line: ‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever’? (a) Anaphora (b) Transferred epithet (c) Epigram (d) Metaphor Ans: (c) Epigram Explanation: Epigram: A short witty statement in verse or prose which may be complementary, satiric or aphoristic. Ex: A thing of beauty is a joy forever (B) Which of the following options describe ‘to pass into nothingness’ ? (a) To slip away (b) To survive (c) To become alive (d) To become extinct Ans: (d) To become extinct Explanation: ‘To pass into nothingness’ means to become extinct. Hence, option (d) is the correct answer. (C) Which poetic device is used in ‘but still will keep/A bower quiet for us’? (a) Anaphora (b) Transferred epithet (c) Epigram (d) Metaphor Ans: (d) Metaphor Explanation: Metaphor: A figure of speech in which one thing is described in terms of another. A comparison is usually implicit, whereas in simile it is explicit. For Example: A bower quiet for us (the clam and quiet of the bower is equated with the clam offered by beauty) … are we wreathing A flowery band to bind us to the earth, (beauty and beautiful things bind us to the earth) (d) According to the poet, it can be inferred that beauty can help us ................ (a) lead a healthy and wholesome life. (b) love each other and attain peace. (c) understand the human condition. (d) enjoy nature’s delightful bounty. Ans: (a) lead a healthy and wholesome life. 2. And such too is the grandeur of the dooms We have imagined for the mighty dead; All lovely tales that we have heard or read; An endless fountain of immortal drink, Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink. (A) Which of the following does the ‘grandeur of the dooms’ refers to? (a) The stories told to commemorate the dead. (b) The forests grown to give shelter to people. (c) The fountains built in honour of beauty. (d) The monuments erected to honour the heroes. Ans: (a) The stories told to commemorate the dead. (B) Which poetic device is used in this line ‘We have imagined for the mighty dead’? (a) Oxymoron (b) Apostrophe (c) Assonance (d) Symbol Ans: (a) Oxymoron Explanation: The poetic device ‘oxymoron’ is used in the phrase ‘mighty dead’. It is a figure of speech which combines incongruous and apparently contradictory words and meanings for a special effect. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer. (C) Whose tales has the poet heard of or read? (a) The joy of beauty (b) The eternal fountain (c) The heroic dead (d) Gods and goddesses Ans: (c) The heroic dead Explanation: The poet praises the heroic dead for their deeds and for inspiring the living through the tales of their bravery. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. (D) Which of the following pours from the heavens according to the poet? (a) nector (b) Beauty (c) Streams (d) Grandeur Ans: (a) nector Recommended Reading A Thing of Beauty , CBE & NCERT Questions , Poem Explanation | Board Exam 2024 (englishwithadifference.com) Questions with answers for MCQs of All Poems will be uploaded soon.

Class 9 , CBSE Page Highlights (Click on the Poems to go directly to the Questions) The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost Wind by Subramania Bharati The Lake Isle of Innisfree by W B Yeats The Road Not Taken NCERT Official Video on The Road Not Taken Q1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow. 1.1 What dilemma does the speaker face in the first stanza? a) Choosing between two career options b) Deciding between two roads in a forest c) Selecting a travel companion d) Picking between two modes of transportation 1.2. Why does the speaker choose one road over the other? a) It had more undergrowth. b) It was less traveled and wanted wear. c) It had a better view. d) It was shorter. 1.3 How does the speaker feel about not being able to travel both roads? 1.4 What does this decision-making process reveal about the speaker's character? 1.5 Explain the significance of the phrase "And looked down one as far as I could" in the context of the poem. How does it contribute to the theme of choice and uncertainty? 1.6 In what ways can the speaker's dilemma in this stanza be related to real-life situations where people must make choices with limited information and uncertainty? Provide an example. Answer key 1.1 b) Deciding between two roads in a forest 1.2 b) It was less traveled and wanted wear. 1.3 The speaker feels regretful about not being able to travel both roads. 1.4 This decision-making process reveals that the speaker is someone who takes decisions seriously and ponders over the choices before making them. 1.5 The phrase "And looked down one as far as I could" suggests that the speaker is trying to see as far as possible to make an informed choice. It contributes to the theme of choice and uncertainty by showing that the speaker is trying to anticipate the outcomes of his decision, but the future remains uncertain. 1.6 The speaker's dilemma can be related to real-life situations where people must choose between different career paths, educational opportunities, or life choices. For example, a student deciding between two colleges with different programs may face a similar dilemma. Q2. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow. 2.1 Why does the speaker believe that the second road had a "better claim"? a) It was shorter. b) It was less traveled. c) It was grassy and wanted wear. d) It had a clearer path. 2.2 What is the commonality between both roads that the speaker mentions in this stanza? a) They were both well-traveled. b) They were both covered in undergrowth. c) They both led to the same destination. d) They were both equally scenic. 2.3 What is the significance of the phrase "the passing there had worn them really about the same"? How does it reflect the speaker's perspective on life's choices? 2.4 How does the concept of "choice" evolve from the first stanza to the second stanza? 2.5 Relate the speaker's decision-making process in the extract to the idea of conformity and going against the norm. How might this relate to personal growth and individuality? Answer Key 2.1.c) It was grassy and wanted wear. 2.2. a) They were both well-traveled. 2.3 The phrase "the passing there had worn them really about the same" highlights that, in the grand scheme of things, the two roads were equally traveled. This reflects the speaker's perspective that the choices he makes may not have a significant impact on the outcome of his life. 2.4 The concept of "choice" evolves as the speaker initially chooses the road less traveled due to its unique attributes, but later realizes that both roads were similar. This reflects how our perception of choices can change over time as we reflect on our experiences. 2.5 The speaker's decision to take the less-traveled road can be related to the idea of individuality and the courage to forge one's path. It suggests that taking the road less traveled can lead to personal growth and a unique life journey. Q3. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow. 3.1 How does the speaker feel about the road not taken later in life? a) Regretful b) Content c) Indifferent d) Joyful 3.2 What does the speaker believe has made all the difference in his life? a) Choosing the less-traveled road b) Staying on the same path c) Consulting with others before deciding d) Taking both roads simultaneously 3.3 What emotions are conveyed in the line "I shall be telling this with a sigh"? 3.4 How does the poem explore the idea of the consequences of choices and the impact of those choices on a person's life journey? 3.5 In your opinion, does the speaker's reflection on the road not taken convey a positive or negative message about making unconventional choices? Explain your reasoning with examples from the poem. Answer Key 3.1a) Regretful 3.2 a) Choosing the less-traveled road 3.3 The line "I shall be telling this with a sigh" conveys a sense of regret. It reflects the speaker's mixed emotions about the choice he made and the path he took. 3.4 The final stanza explores the idea that the choices we make in life can have a profound impact on our future. It suggests that the speaker believes his choice to take the less-traveled road made a significant difference in his life journey. 3.5 The poem conveys a message that making unconventional choices can lead to a unique and meaningful life. While the speaker expresses some regret, he also acknowledges that his choice "has made all the difference." This suggests that taking risks and choosing the less conventional path can lead to personal growth and a fulfilling life. Q4. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow. 4.1. In the given lines, the speaker anticipates telling the story of his choice with a: a) Smile b) Sigh c) Laughter d) Frown 4.2. What does the phrase "that has made all the difference" in the extract suggest about the speaker's view of the road he chose? a) It made his life easier. b) It had no impact on his life. c) It had a profound and transformative effect on his life. d) It caused regret and disappointment 4.3. Interpret the significance of the phrase "Somewhere ages and ages hence" in the context of the poem. 4.4 Why does the speaker mention telling the story "with a sigh"? How does this express his feelings about the choice he made? 4.5 What is the "difference" the speaker is referring to, and how does it relate to the theme of choices and their consequences in the poem? Answer Key 4.1. b) Sigh Explanation: The speaker anticipates telling the story with a sigh, suggesting that they have mixed feelings about the choice they made and may have some regret. 4.2. c) It had a profound and transformative effect on their life. Explanation: The phrase "that has made all the difference" implies that the speaker believes the choice he made had a significant and transformative impact on his life, emphasizing the importance of his decision. 4.3 The phrase "Somewhere ages and ages hence" suggests that the speaker is reflecting on his choice from a distant future perspective. It indicates that the impact of his decision is long-lasting and will be remembered for generations. This reflects the speaker's belief that the consequences of his choice will endure through time. 4.4 The speaker mentions telling the story "with a sigh" to convey a sense of mixed emotions, including regret, about the choice he made. The sigh suggests a certain level of sadness or nostalgia when recounting the past decision. It implies that while the speaker acknowledges the significance of his choice, there may also be a sense of longing or wonder about what might have happened if he had taken the other road. 4.5. The "difference" the speaker is referring to is the impact that his choice of the less-traveled road has had on his life. It relates to the theme of choices and their consequences in the poem by emphasizing that even seemingly small decisions can lead to significant outcomes. The speaker believes that his choice to take the less-traveled road was pivotal and had a transformative effect on his life, highlighting the idea that the paths we choose can shape our future. Recommended Reading The Road Not Taken | Class IX | English | CBSE (englishwithadifference.com) WIND BY SUBRAMANIA BHARATI Q1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow. 1.1. In the extract, the speaker's plea to the wind to "come softly" primarily reflects his: a) Desire for a calm and gentle breeze. b) Fear of the wind's destructive power. c) Need for strong winds to clear the air. d) Enthusiasm for a stormy weather. Ans b) Fear of the wind's destructive power. In the provided extract, the speaker's plea to the wind to "come softly" and the subsequent descriptions of the wind's destructive actions (breaking shutters, scattering papers, throwing down books, tearing pages, and bringing rain) suggest that the speaker is primarily expressing a fear of the wind's destructive potential. The speaker wants the wind to be gentle and not cause havoc or damage. 1.2 How does the speaker's reaction to the wind's actions in the first stanza reflect his perspective on dealing with challenges and uncertainties in life? a) The speaker views the wind's actions as destructive and uncontrollable. b) The speaker is indifferent to the wind's actions. c) The speaker sees the wind's actions as an opportunity for growth. d) The speaker blames the wind for the challenges faced. Ans: c) The speaker sees the wind's actions as an opportunity for growth. In the first stanza, the speaker reacts to the wind's actions with frustration and upset, but this reaction reflects the speaker's perspective on dealing with challenges. The wind's actions are symbolic of challenges and uncertainties in life, and the speaker suggests that these challenges can be seen as opportunities for growth and resilience. 1.3 How does the speaker personify the wind in this stanza? What emotions and actions are attributed to the wind, and why? Ans: The speaker personifies the wind by suggesting that it has intention and action. The wind is portrayed as a mischievous force capable of causing destruction and chaos. The speaker attributes emotions such as cleverness and actions like throwing down books and tearing pages to the wind, creating an image of an unpredictable and powerful force of nature. 1.4 What is the significance of the speaker's plea to "build strong homes" and "joint the doors firmly" in response to the wind's actions? How does this relate to the broader theme of resilience? Ans: The plea to "build strong homes" and "joint the doors firmly" emphasizes the importance of resilience and preparedness in the face of challenges. The speaker suggests that by strengthening physical structures and individuals (both physically and emotionally), they can withstand the destructive power of the wind. This relates to the broader theme of resilience in the face of adversity. 1.5 Explain the symbolic meaning of the wind in this stanza. How does it represent challenges or adversities in life, and what is the speaker's advice for dealing with them? Ans: The wind symbolizes challenges and adversities in life, representing forces that can disrupt and destroy. The speaker's advice to build strong homes and strengthen one's body and heart suggests that by being prepared, resilient, and steadfast, individuals can overcome life's challenges and difficulties. Q2. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow. 2.1 In the extract, the phrase "the wind god winnows and crushes them all" implies that the wind: a) Protects weak and fragile things. b) Discriminates against strong structures. c) Selectively destroys vulnerable elements. d) Provides refuge to crumbling hearts. Ans: c) Selectively destroys vulnerable elements. Explanation: In the provided extract, the phrase "the wind god winnows and crushes them all" conveys the idea that the wind has a selective and destructive impact on vulnerable or weak elements. This statement symbolically portrays the wind as a force that discriminates against fragile structures and entities, causing them to crumble and be destroyed. The use of the term "winnows" suggests a process of separating or sifting, indicating that the wind sifts through and targets the vulnerable elements for destruction. This interpretation aligns with the broader theme in the poem, which emphasizes the challenges and adversities in life and their impact on fragile and vulnerable aspects of existence. 2.2 What is the primary purpose of the speaker's statement, "You’re very clever at poking fun at weaklings," in the context of the poem? a) To praise the wind god's wisdom and discernment. b) To highlight the wind's ability to protect fragile things. c) To criticize the wind god for being unkind to vulnerable entities. d) To personify the wind and emphasize its power over vulnerability. Ans: d) To personify the wind and emphasize its power over vulnerability. Explanation: In the provided extract, the phrase "You’re very clever at poking fun at weaklings" personifies the wind by suggesting that it possesses the ability to mock or challenge the weak and vulnerable elements. This personification highlights the wind's power and its impact on fragile structures and entities, emphasizing its dominance over vulnerability. 2.3 How does the speaker contrast the wind's behavior towards weak fires and strong fires? What does this reveal about the speaker's perspective on challenges and strength? Ans: The speaker contrasts the wind's behavior by stating that it blows out weak fires but makes strong fires roar and flourish. This contrast highlights the idea that challenges and adversity can extinguish weak efforts or resolve but can strengthen and invigorate those who are strong and resilient. 2.4 What is the central message or lesson that the speaker conveys in this stanza about dealing with adversity and challenges in life? Ans: The central message in this stanza is that challenges and adversities can have different effects on individuals. Weakness and vulnerability may lead to failure or setback, while strength and resilience can lead to growth and success. It encourages individuals to build inner strength and face challenges head-on. 2.5 In the context of the poem, explain the symbolic significance of the wind god's actions as described in the extract. Answer: The wind god's actions in the extract are symbolic of the challenges and adversities that individuals face in life. The wind is portrayed as a powerful force that targets and affects various aspects of existence, including physical structures (houses, doors, rafters), natural elements (wood), physical bodies, and even the emotional and spiritual aspects (hearts) of individuals. The act of "winnowing and crushing" represents the idea that adversity can sift through and impact the vulnerable and weak aspects of life, causing them to crumble and deteriorate. Q3. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow. 3.1. What does the speaker suggest about the wind's behavior in this stanza? a) The wind is always destructive. b) The wind can be tamed. c) The wind is uncontrollable. d) The wind is unpredictable. Ans: b) The wind can be tamed. 3.2. According to the speaker, what actions should individuals take in response to the wind's behaviour? a) Give in to the wind's power. b) Build strong homes and joint doors. c) Embrace weakness and vulnerability. d) Avoid the wind at all costs. Ans: b) Build strong homes and joint doors. 3.3 Analyze the significance of the speaker's advice to "joint the doors firmly" and "make the heart steadfast" in the context of this stanza. Ans: The advice to "joint the doors firmly" and "make the heart steadfast" emphasizes the importance of resilience and preparedness. Jointing doors firmly suggests reinforcing physical structures, while making the heart steadfast suggests strengthening one's resolve and emotional resilience. These actions relate to the theme of resilience by highlighting the need to be physically and emotionally prepared to face challenges. 3.4. Explain the speaker's message in poem regarding the relationship between individuals and the wind. Answer: In the poem the poet conveys the idea that the wind, symbolizing challenges and adversities in life, is not under one's control . To make the wind their "friend," the speaker suggests a metaphorical approach: individuals should build strong homes, joint doors firmly, practice to strengthen their bodies, and make their hearts steadfast. The metaphorical building of strong homes and jointing doors firmly represents the reinforcement of personal boundaries and defenses. Additionally, "making the heart steadfast" signifies emotional resilience and determination and by doing so, the "wind" or adversities will become more manageable or even supportive, becoming one's "friend." 3.5 What do you notice about the poet's evolving perspective on dealing with the wind as the poem progresses? Ans: The speaker's perception of the wind god changes from viewing the wind as a destructive force to seeing it as a force that can be influenced or managed . This change reflects the poet's evolving perspective on challenges, suggesting that with the right actions and preparations, individuals can mitigate the impact of adversity. **Stanza 4:** 6. MCQ: What is the speaker's attitude towards the wind's friendship in this stanza? a) The speaker is uninterested in the wind's friendship. b) The speaker is wary of the wind's friendship. c) The speaker values and praises the wind's friendship. d) The speaker is indifferent to the wind's friendship. Recommended Reading Wind | NCERT Solution | Class IX | English | CBSE (englishwithadifference.com) Rain on the Roof Recommended Reading Rain on the Roof| Analysis of the Poem |NCERT solution | Class IX (englishwithadifference.com) Questions with answers for MCQs of All Poems will be uploaded soon.

Lesson Architecture: Author Biography Theme Stanza-Wise Explanation NCERT Questions Competency Based Questions (CBQs) Author Biography An English poet who was an internationally celebrated poet, journalist, novelist, playwright and translator. He was a teacher in England and Sweden, Spain and Japan. His writings include around forty poetry collections, six books of autobiography etc. He used to write in ‘The Independent’ newspaper and wrote about three hundred obituaries. Atlantic Award for Literature from the Rockefeller Foundation. Japan P.E.N Club Prize for poetry. Theme The poem promotes Universal Love & Brotherhood. The poet suggests to us that all human beings are the same although there may be differences in religions, nationality, culture and languages. All human beings share the sun air and water and we all labour alike, prosper in peace and suffer during war. Human beings have commonality and they should foster bond of love and peace with one another. When we wage a war against a country, we pollute the environment and harm ourselves in the process. Stanza-Wise Explanation Stanza 1 Remember, no men are strange, no countries foreign Beneath all uniforms, a single body breathes Like ours: the land our brothers walk upon Is earth like this, in which we all shall lie. Vocabulary: Beneath all uniforms: Inside the common clothes. in which we all shall lie: We shall eventually get buried inside the earth. Paraphrase: The poet asks us to remember that no human being is a stranger to one another and no countries can be called foreign lands. Inside the common clothes all human beings breathe like one another. The land on which people of different countries walk is the same earth inside which all shall be buried after our death. Stanza 2 They, too, aware of sun and air and water, Are fed by peaceful harvests, by war’s long winter starv’d. Their hands are ours, and in their lines we read A labour not different from our own. Vocabulary: peaceful harvests – harvests during peaceful time. war’s long winter starv’d – Like the productivity becomes less in winter, similarly people starve for a long time during war. in their lines – in their hands. A labour: hard work/efforts Paraphrase: Human beings living in different lands can experience similar things like We share Sun, air and water. Same healthy harvests during peaceful time. Remain starved during the time of war. We all labour in the same manner. Stanza 3 Remember they have eyes like ours that wake Or sleep, and strength that can be won By love. In every land is common life That all can recognise and understand. Vocabulary: that wake Or sleep – People of different countries have eyes like us which are used for sleeping and waking. Paraphrase: We have same structure of eyes that wake up or sleep in the same manner. All human beings have strength that can be enhanced by mutual love. In every country we have common life style which we can identify and understand each other’s way of living. Stanza 4 Let us remember, whenever we are told To hate our brothers, it is ourselves That we shall dispossess, betray, condemn. Remember, we who take arms against each other Vocabulary: To hate our brothers – to hate people of another country. we shall dispossess – We destroy our own possessions when we hate others. condemn- speak ill of. Paraphrase: We should remember that whenever we are provoked to hate people of another country, it is us who are at a loss. In the process of hating others, we lose our own possessions, we are betrayed and condemned. We direct the hatred to ourselves in the event of hating other people. We should remember that when we take arms against people of another country, we (pollute the earth). Literary Devices Recapitulation: The poem conveys that we should build human relationship and foster universal love and brotherhood. Human beings belonging to different countries are not stranger to one another. They walk on the same earth and are fed by the same kind of harvest. The poet reminds us that whenever we hate others, we dispossess, betray & condemn ourselves. We pollute the air with fire and smoke when we indulge in air. The Poet reminds us that no man is strange and no country is foreign. NCERT Concept Video NCERT Solution Thinking about the Poem ( Page 81) 1.Answer the following questions (i) “Beneath all uniforms . ..” What uniforms do you think the poet is speaking about? Ans: The poet thinks about a variety of dresses that people of different countries wear. It could also mean different types of uniforms that soldiers of different countries wear. (ii) How does the poet suggest that all people on earth are the same? Ans: The poet suggests with the help of following instances: Inside the clothes all human beings have the common body that breathes like one another. The land on which people of different countries walk is the same earth. All human beings share the sun, air and water. They all labour alike, sleeps at the end of the day and wake up in the same manner. They prosper in peace and suffer during war. Thus nobody is foreign and no country is strange. 2. In stanza 1, find five ways in which we all are alike. Pick out the words. Ans: The following are the five ways in which we all are alike. No men are strange. No countries foreign a single body breathes. We all walk on the same earth. We all shall lie on the same earth after our death. 3. How many common features can you find in stanza 2? Pick out the words. Ans: The following are the common features of all human beings all over the globe: All human beings share the sun, air and water. They are fed by peaceful harvests and starved during war. All human being labour to make a living. 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: This happens when there is a conflict and violence which leads to war among different nations. It happens resulting out of arms race, land disputes, trade conflict between two/multiple nations. The people of the countries involved in conflict with one another tell us to hate our brothers. No, we should not indulge in spreading the poison of hatred for one another. If we do so, we ourselves will have to suffer the casualties. The poet says that In the process of hating others, we lose our own possessions, we are betrayed and condemned. We direct the hatred to ourselves in the event of hating other people. CBQs ( Competency Based Questions) 1.What does the poet ask us to remember in the first stanza of the poem ‘No Men Are Foreign’? Ans : In the poem ‘No Men Are Foreign’, the poet asks us to remember that under all uniforms, a single body breathes like ours. We all walk on the same land. We all live and work in the same way. So, we are not different from each other. 2. How does the poet justify in stanza III of the poem that no men are foreign? Ans: The poet does not believe in geographical boundaries and land demarcation that separate people of one country with another. He says human beings are equal. All the men have eyes like ours. They wake up and sleep in the same way. Relationship can be strengthened by fostering universal love and brotherhood. There is no difference among the nations. 3.“We are told to hate our brothers.” How does it affect us? Ans : The poet says that hatred pollutes our own air. When we hate others, we dispossess ourselves. We tend to betray and condemn ourselves. If we hate others, we defile our own earth. Hatred brings only destruction. 4. What message does the poet convey through the poem ‘No Men Are Foreign’? Ans: The poet conveys the message of universal love & brotherhood through the poem. He says that the people living in other parts of the world are like us in many ways. There are many common traits among people of different nations. All live, work, eat, walk and sleep in the same way. When we wage a war against a country, we pollute the environment and harm ourselves in the process. 5. Our hells of fire and dust outrage the innocence of air.’ Explain. Ans : Whenever we take arms against one another we pollute the living condition on earth. Our involvement in wars dilute the purity of air that is present everywhere for the sustenance of our life. The war replaces the innocence of the environment with hatred. 6. “It is ourselves that we shall dispossess, betray, condemn.” What does the poet convey? Ans: We should remember that whenever we are provoked to hate people of another country, it is us who are at a loss. In the process of hating others, we lose our own possessions, we are betrayed and condemned. We direct the hatred to ourselves in the event of hating other people. MCQ Worksheet will be uploaded Shortly. Keep visiting the site.

Lesson Architecture Author Biography Theme Stanza-wise Explanation Recapitulation NCERT Solution Bonus Information Competency Based Questions Author Biography Phobe Cary is an American poetess. She was required to do household chores due to which she could not attend school on a regular basis and was self-taught. She lost her mother at an early age and her step-mother was totally against their literary ambitions. She was an advocate of women’s rights. Some of her literary works include poems of Alice and Phoebe Cary, Poems of Faith, Hope and Love and Ballads for Little folk. Theme The central idea of the poem is that one should not be greedy and self-centred. The poem highlights that we should have values like love, fellow-feeling, sympathy and charity and serve humanity in whatever small way we can. People with negative, inhuman values like selfishness, greed and cruelty are ultimately punished. This poem narrates the legend of an old lady who angered Saint Peter because of her greed. Stanza 1 Away, away in the Northland, Where the hours of the day are few, And the nights are so long in winter That they cannot sleep them through; Vocabulary: Northland – a place near north pole. hours of the day : duration of the day sleep them through : Night hours are so long that falls short of sleep. Paraphrase This poem narrates a legend ( a historical story) about an old woman who lived in the cold Northland. Northland is near the polar region where the duration of the day is very less. Night hours, on the other hand, are so long that one cannot sleep them through. That is to say, one falls short of sleep at night. Stanza 2 Where they harness the swift reindeer To the sledges, when it snows; And the children look like bear’s cubs In their funny, furry clothes: Vocabulary: harness – tie the reindeers with a rope to a sledge. Children look like bear’s cubs : children look like young ones of a bear because they wear clothes made of fur which is like the furry skin of a bear. Paraphrase: The people of this place tie the reindeer with a rope to a sledge for transportation when the place is covered with snow. Children look like young ones of a bear because they wear clothes made of fur which is like the furry skin of a bear. Stanza 3 They tell them a curious story — I don’t believe ’tis true; And yet you may learn a lesson If I tell the tale to you. Vocabulary: They tell them – The elders of the Northland region tell an interesting story to the younger generation. If I tell the tale to you: The poet says that if he tells the readers the same story, they will learn a lesson. Stanza 4 Once, when the good Saint Peter Lived in the world below, And walked about it, preaching, Just as he did, you know, Vocabulary: Saint Peter: apostle/follower of Jesus Christ. preaching: give religious talks. Paraphrase: When Saint Peter who roamed around giving religious talks, one incident took place. Stanza 5 He came to the door of a cottage, In travelling round the earth, Where a little woman was making cakes, And baking them on the hearth; Vocabulary: hearth: fireplace where cooking is done. Paraphrase: While preaching to various places, he arrived at a cottage where a short-heighted woman was making cakes and baking them on the fireplace. Stanza 6 And being faint with fasting, For the day was almost done, He asked her, from her store of cakes, To give him a single one. Vocabulary: faint: weak and dizzy day was almost done: it’s getting dark. Paraphrase: The saint being weak with keeping fast and the day being almost over, he asked a piece of cake from her store of cakes. Stanza 7 So she made a very little cake, But as it baking lay, She looked at it, and thought it seemed Too large to give away Vocabulary: baking lay: when the cake was kept for baking, it appeared to be large. Paraphrase: As the saint asked for a single piece of cake, the little woman a very little cake. But as she lay it for baking, it appeared to be too large a cake to give it the saint. The little woman was a selfish woman and wanted to give the saint only a small single cake. Stanza 8 Therefore she kneaded another, And still a smaller one; But it looked, when she turned it over, As large as the first had done. Vocabulary: kneaded: make moistened flour into a dough. Paraphrase: In order to give a small cake to the saint, she kneaded another small dough. But again when she turned it over while baking the cake, it appeared to be as large as the first cake. Stanza 9 Then she took a tiny scrap of dough, And rolled and rolled it flat; And baked it thin as a wafer — But she couldn’t part with that. Vocabulary: tiny scrap : a very small part of dough. Dough: a thick malleable mixture of flour and water used for baking a cake, bread etc. Paraphrase: In order to serve a small cake, the little woman took a small dough and rolled it flat. She baked the dough as thin as a wafer. But again she could not give this small cake to the saint. Stanza 10 For she said, “My cakes that seem too small When I eat of them myself Are yet too large to give away.” So she put them on the shelf. Vocabulary: too small When I eat of them myself: Whenever the woman eats the cake herself, it becomes very small. Are yet too large to give away: But she makes the same-sized cake for the saint, it appears to be large enough. Paraphrase: She thought that when she eats the cake herself, it becomes very small. But when she makes the same-sized cake for the saint, it appears to be large enough. Therefore, she decides to put the cake on the shelf. Stanza 11 Then good Saint Peter grew angry, For he was hungry and faint; And surely such a woman Was enough to provoke a saint. Vocabulary: to provoke a saint : to anger a saint. Paraphrase: As the saint was very hungry and weak as a result of keeping fast for the whole day, he became angry when the woman delayed in serving a cake to him. Such a selfish and greedy woman angered the saint. Stanza 12 And he said, “You are far too selfish To dwell in a human form, To have both food and shelter, And fire to keep you warm. Vocabulary: You are far too selfish To dwell in a human form: the woman is so selfish that she does not deserve to live in the form of a human being. Paraphrase: The said told the woman angrily that as she was very selfish, she did not deserve to live in the society as human being. He further told her that she did not deserve to have food, shelter and fire to keep her warm like the other human beings. Stanza 13 Now, you shall build as the birds do, And shall get your scanty food By boring, and boring, and boring, All day in the hard, dry wood.” Vocabulary: Scanty food: very little food. Boring : make a hole in something with a tool. Wood: Here the trunk of a tree. Paraphrase: The saint cursed the woman saying that henceforth she has build her nest as the birds do and get insufficient food. She has to work hard for the whole day by boring all day in the dry wood. Note: The woodpecker gets her food by boring holes into trees. Woodpeckers drill on trees and extract insects with their long bills from deep within a hole of a tree. Stanza 14 Then up she went through the chimney, Never speaking a word, And out of the top flew a woodpecker, For she was changed to a bird. Vocabulary: through the chimney: through the hole of the chimney attached to the roof of the house. out of the top : from the top end of the chimney. Paraphrase: The woman in the shape of a woodpecker went through the hole in the chimney silently. From the top of the chimney a woodpecker was seen flying in the open space as the woman was changed into a woodpecker. Stanza 15 She had a scarlet cap on her head, And that was left the same; But all the rest of her clothes were burned Black as a coal in the flame. Vocabulary: scarlet cap: brilliant red colour crown that a woodpecker has on her head. that was left the same: the old woman in the guise of a woodpecker also had scarlet cap on her head. Paraphrase: Like the woodpecker has a scarlet cap on her head, she too was having the same. The rest of the clothes in her body were burned completely in the flame. Stanza 16 And every country schoolboy Has seen her in the wood, Where she lives in the trees till this very day, Boring and boring for food. Vocabulary: country schoolboy : school boy belong to a village. wood: Here a small forest covered with trees. Paraphrase: When she became a woodpecker, all the school boys in a village was able to see her in the wood. Henceforth she lived in the wood in the trees boring the trunk of the trees for her food. Recapitulation: The poem puts forward the idea that one should not be selfish, but always try to be helpful towards the needy. A person having selfish nature is likely to end up being cursed. The poem describes about Northland where nights are longer than days. Saint Peter while wandering in different places for preaching the words of God, arrived at woman's cottage. He was very hungry for keeping fast for the whole day and was feeling very weak. He asked for a single cake from the woman when the day was getting over. The lady was baking cakes on the hearth. The lady tried to make a tiny cake for him. But as she was baking even a small dough which she made appeared to be large enough to give away to the saint. The saint became very angry and cursed her and she became a woodpecker. She was made a woodpecker so that she had to work hard to manage her food. She was found to be in the woods by the schoolboys in the countryside. NCERT Solution Thinking About the Poem ( Page 67) 1. Which country or countries do you think 'the Northland' refers to ? Ans: The Northland refers to one of the cold countries close to the north pole. The countries might include Norway, Iceland , Sweden or Finland. 2. What did Saint Peter ask the lady for? What was the lady's reaction? Ans: Saint Peter asked the lady for a single cake. He felt hungry owing to his fast for the whole day and was feeling very weak. The lady was selfish enough to serve the Saint. She baked a small cake for him, but then thought it was too large to give away. 3. How did he punish her? Ans: Saint Peter punished the woman by changing her into a woodpecker. She had build the nest 'as birds do' and manage her food by boring all day in ' dry hard wood.' 4. How does the woodpecker get her food? Ans: The woodpecker gets her food by suing her long bill to peck at the trunks of the tree and makes holes in the them. In this process she finds out insects from the trees. 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: The old lady was selfish by nature. Selfishness was her inherent character trait. Therefore, she would remain ungenerous irrespective of who the person she was serving to. But of course the degree of her ungenerous trait would have been less if she discovered that the person was Saint Peter. She would have eventually served him for the fear of being punished by the saint. Her underlying fear for the failure in serving the Saint would have forced her to serve the Saint. 6. Is this a true story? Which part of this poem do you feel is the most important? Ans: No, it is not a true story. It is a legend. The most important part of the story is when the old woman was converted into a woodpecker as a result of the Saint's curse. It is important because the lady was punished due to her selfish and narrow mindedness. It teaches us the lesson that we should be humane and generous towards other human beings. 7. What is a legend? Why is this poem called a legend? Ans: A legend is a popular story about a person or an incidence passed down to us from generations in the past. This poem is a legend as there is no historical fact attached to it. We cannot verify the source of the story. The miraculous incidence of converting a woman into a woodpecker seems to be next to impossible from the perspective of any logic. 8. Write the story of ‘A Legend of the Northland’ in about ten sentences. Ans: While preaching to various places, Saint Peter arrived at a cottage where a small woman was making cakes and baking them on the fireplace. He demanded a single cake from her. The lady being selfish did not serve him any cake. She angered the saint who was hungry and weak after a day's fast. He told her that she did not deserve to live as human being in the society. She had no right to have food, shelter and fire to keep herself warmth like a normal human being. He cursed her and she became a woodpecker. She had to build her nest like birds do. She had to work hard all day and manage her food by boring all day in ' dry hard wood.' Henceforth she lived in the wood in the trees being seen by country school boys everyday. Bonus Information Folklore and its Use in Literature Folklore is the traditional knowledge, customs, stories, and practices passed down through generations in various cultures. It has ancient origins, evolving from oral traditions before being recorded in written form. Folklore served as a way for communities to explain natural phenomena, teach moral lessons, and celebrate cultural identity. In literature, folklore has been a rich source of inspiration, with authors often incorporating folktales, myths, and legends into their works. Classic authors like the Brothers Grimm used folklore to create enduring fairy tales. Modern literature also draws on folklore, with authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling creating intricate fictional worlds steeped in myth and legend. Folklore continues to influence and enrich literature across genres and cultures. History of Ballad Ballads have a rich history spanning centuries. Originating in medieval Europe, ballads were initially oral storytelling songs passed down through generations. They often featured themes of love, tragedy, and heroism. In the 16th and 17th centuries, they gained popularity in written form and were published as broadside ballads. During the 19th century, the Romantic movement revitalized the ballad tradition. Folklorists collected and preserved traditional ballads. In the 20th century, the folk revival brought a resurgence of interest in this form of storytelling through music. Ballads continue to evolve, influencing modern music and literature, and remain an essential part of cultural heritage worldwide. How is the poem a ballad? The Legend of Northland" by Phoebe Cary exhibits several characteristics of a ballad 1. Narrative Structure : Ballads typically have a narrative structure, and this poem tells a story about a woman who encounters Saint Peter and is transformed into a woodpecker as a consequence of her actions. 2. Simplicity and Directness : Ballads are known for their simple and direct language, and this poem employs straightforward storytelling that is easy to understand. 3. Repetition and Refrain While not as prominent as in some traditional ballads, the poem does feature repetition. The refrain, "Boring and boring for food," is used to emphasize the woman's transformation and her new life as a woodpecker. 4. Folklore and Legend : Ballads often draw from folklore and legend, and this poem incorporates elements of folklore in its storytelling, including the use of a supernatural figure (Saint Peter) and a moral lesson. 5. Moral Lesson: Many traditional ballads convey moral lessons, and "The Legend of Northland" serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of selfishness, which aligns with the didactic nature of ballads. While it may not fit all traditional ballad conventions, "The Legend of Northland" shares several characteristics with this genre, making it a ballad-like poem in terms of its storytelling style and thematic elements. Competency Based Questions 1. How does the transformation of the woman into a woodpecker serve as a moral lesson? Give examples of how this lesson can apply to real-life situations. 2. In the poem, Saint Peter punishes the woman for her selfishness. Can you think of any other stories, legends, or fables where supernatural or divine figures intervene to teach a moral lesson? What is the common theme in such stories? 3. Discuss the significance of folklore in the poem. How does the use of folklore elements contribute to the storytelling and the moral lesson in "The Legend of Northland"? 4. Think about a personal experience or a well-known anecdote where selfishness had consequences. How does this story or situation relate to the themes of the poem? 5. How might the story of the woman's transformation into a woodpecker be applied as a cautionary tale to encourage kindness and generosity in our own lives and society? 6. The woodpecker in the poem represents transformation. Can you think of other stories or myths where characters undergo significant transformations, and what do those transformations symbolize? Sample Answers Ans 1: Transformation as a Moral Lesson**: The transformation of the woman into a woodpecker serves as a moral lesson by illustrating the consequences of selfishness. In real life, this lesson can apply to situations where individuals prioritize their own needs and desires without considering the well-being of others. It highlights the importance of empathy, compassion, and the potential negative outcomes of selfish behavior. Ans 2: Supernatural Intervention in Moral Stories : Many stories, like Aesop's fables or parables from various religions, involve supernatural or divine figures intervening to teach moral lessons. The common theme in such stories is that actions have consequences, and moral behaviour is rewarded while immoral behaviour leads to negative outcomes. Ans 3: Folklore's Contribution: The use of folklore elements in the poem adds depth to the storytelling. It connects the narrative to cultural traditions and enhances the sense of wonder and mystery in the story. Folklore also makes the lesson relatable by drawing on familiar elements from cultural heritage. Ans 4. Consequences of Selfishness: The poem's moral lesson about selfishness relates to real-life scenarios where selfish actions can harm relationships or lead to missed opportunities. Anecdotes about people who prioritize their needs at the expense of others often highlight the long-term negative consequences of such behavior. Ans 5. Cautionary Tale for Kindness: The story of the woman's transformation into a woodpecker can be applied as a cautionary tale to encourage kindness and generosity by reminding people that their actions have consequences. It encourages individuals to think beyond their own interests and consider the well-being of others. Ans 6: Transformation Symbolism: Transformation in stories often symbolizes personal growth, change, or the consequences of one's actions. The woodpecker's transformation in the poem represents the woman's change from a selfish individual to a creature that must labor for its food as a consequence of her actions. This transformation is a symbol of her new life and the moral lesson that accompanies it. These answers illustrate how the themes and elements of the poem can be applied to real-life situations and broader cultural contexts to convey moral lessons and encourage reflection on human behavior and its consequences.

Q1.Read the follwoing text and answer the questions that follow (10 M) The Centre is methodical. The recently tabled press and registration of periodicals bill, 2023 appeared to many to be a methodical step in destroying freedoms. The government, however, declared that the bill would simplify the process of registration presented in the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867, which the new law will replace. It will aid transparency and ease of business and help small and medium publishers. But these uplifting goals have not prevented the government from opening up multiple centres of power that can decide the fate of journals. The alarm expressed by the Editors Guild of India over the bill’s ‘draconian provisions’ indicates how the bill threatens press freedom. The EGI has written about its areas of worry to the prime minister and highly-placed leaders and suggested that the bill be sent to a parliamentary select committee for discussion. ‘Registration’, not ‘regulation’, is what a free press requires. The 1867 law empowered only the district magistrate to suspend or cancel the certificate of registration for a publication. The new law gives this power not only to the press registrar but also to other ‘specific authorities’, suggesting that law enforcement agencies, too, could butt in. The EGI fears the possibilities of arbitrariness and intrusiveness because any of these authorities can enter publishing premises to question people and seize documents. The bill seems to have built-in guarantees of compliance. Anyone accused of terrorist activity and of actions detrimental to the security of the State would be barred from publishing. The ceaseless use of laws against terror and sedition is a constant threat to journalists, who are occasionally jailed. But criticism of the government was so far being suppressed by arresting individuals; the new law would ensure silence even before a line is published. Since the Centre will evolve guidelines for news publication, it could mean a full-blown shift from news to fairy-tale. Lightening the penal provisions of the 1867 Act is intriguing too. An improper declaration of publishers and printers before the district magistrate will not matter. And the law will tread lightly when there is publication without registration, making it punishable if publishing continues for six months after warning. Who are the intended beneficiaries? A free press is one of the most precious freedoms the country enjoys. This is now at grave risk. Source: The Telegraph (India) publihed on 11/08/23 Source Link: op-ed | Press for it: Editorial on the draconian provisions of the press and registration of periodicals bill - Telegraph India Answer the following Questions based on the above passage I. Select the option that best captures the central theme of the passage. (1 M) A. The evolution of press and registration laws in India B. The challenges to press freedom posed by new legislation C. The benefits of the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 D. The role of the Editors Guild of India in shaping press regulations II. What is the primary goal of the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, according to the government? (1M) A. To enhance transparency in press operations B. To simplify the process of press registration C. To promote ease of business for publishers D. To aid small and medium publishers financially III. Share evidence from the passage that supports the concern expressed by the Editors Guild of India (EGI) about the new bill. (1 M) IV. Complete the sentence appropriately with a characteristic or its description. (1M) Based on the information in the passage, the Editors Guild of India is portrayed as ____ V. What aspect of the new law raises concerns about potential abuse of power? (1M) A. The empowerment of district magistrates B. The inclusion of 'specific authorities' C. The provision for simplifying registration D. The focus on ease of business for publishers VI. Explain, in about 40 words, the potential implications of the new law on press freedom, as highlighted in the passage. ( 2 M) VII. In the context of the passage, how does the new laws' focus on "registration" rather than "regulation" impact the concept of a free press? (2 M) VIII. State TRUE or FALSE. (1M) The new law is designed to lighten the penal provisions of the 1867 Act, making it easier for publishers to operate without strict oversight. Answer Key I. Ans: B. The challenges to press freedom posed by new legislation II. Ans B. To simplify the process of press registration III. Answer: The passage mentions that the EGI has expressed alarm over the bill's 'draconian provisions' and suggested that it be sent to a parliamentary select committee for discussion. IV. Ans: vigilant, protective of press freedom, and willing to engage with authorities to safeguard the rights of journalists. V. Answer: B. The inclusion of 'specific authorities' VI. The new law, by granting additional power to various authorities to suspend registrations and seize documents, may lead to arbitrary actions against the press. It could enable pre-publication censorship, hindering open criticism of the government. VII. Answer: The emphasis on "registration" implies a bureaucratic process, potentially restricting the scope of a free press by creating barriers to entry and allowing authorities to exert control before publication. VIII. Answer: FALSE. The passage suggests that the new law may actually increase potential risks and barriers for publishers, including the possibility of arbitrary actions and pre-publication censorship. Q2. Read the following text and answer the questions that follow (10M) This is a time to understand things. Fundamental things. Like do you and I understand the same things when we say the same things? Or are those things different things? Watan? Where is it? Show please. Where is it? No please, not the map. And which map? There are many maps. Our maps. Their maps. Maps in atlases. Maps on negotiating tables. Maps on paper. Maps in our heads. Maps we are given. Maps we are kept from. Sanctioned maps. Maps that will violate sanction. I am right in thinking — let me not say it out aloud, or on record, you know how things are these days with such things — that different people are right to imagine different shapes (or maps) of the watan? I mean there is the akhand watan, call it vision or imagination or ambition, but there is that notion of the akhand watan. Then there is the vasudhaiv notion. The world in its entirety, not strictly a watan but a family, one family, the same family. Tough to tell how that happens. Especially given, you know... Just look around, you’ll see if you do not already. The whole blooming world a family? You must be either very funny or terribly cruel. Which probably reminds me of something worth mention. There is also the map that has been recently dented not in one place but several. Wonder what that makes the watan look like, nobody’s telling because nobody really knows. But watan is more than maps, a lot, lot more. Watan, more than anything else, is people. We are now the watan with the most people in it, happened sometime ago. But this too is happening — a lot of people, thousands and thousands, are choosing to leave the watan for other watans. And many more are being asked to leave the watan by people belonging to this watan. Watan people telling other watan people to go away to another watan, very often one particular watan. We shall not name the watan because what fault is it of that watan, bhai? Then there is always this thing lurking in the works, this provision, like a promise to some and an apprehension to scores of others, that will by statute enable the extending of this watan people to other watans, it is not clear which. Meantime, what’s approaching is this watan time (and also that watan time). It is that sort of time. Watan time. We do these things at this time. Watan things. You want to tell me You are this nation bar all I get it, oh I see Oh I see in you our fall. Source: The Telegraph, India Published 13.08.23, 05:49 AM Source Link op-ed | Sankarshan Thakur writes about Ai watan, Ai watan, Tujhko meri Kasam in his weekly column The Lazy Eye - Telegraph India Based on the above passage answer the following questions. I. Select the option that best captures the central theme of the passage. A. Exploring the concept of different maps and notions of "watan" B. The history and evolution of maps in various contexts C. The challenges of understanding and defining a nation D. The importance of global unity and cooperation II. What is the primary concern regarding the idea of a single, unified "watan"? A. The lack of accurate maps to represent the watan B. The struggle to define and imagine a united watan C. The difficulty in distinguishing different watans from each other D. The debate over whether the watan should be a family or a nation III. Share evidence from the passage that suggests the complexity and ambiguity of the concept of "watan." IV. Complete the sentence appropriately with a characteristic or its description. Based on the information in the passage, "watan" is portrayed as a complex and evolving concept that _________ V. What is the significance of the phrase "We do these things at this time. Watan time. We do watan things."? A. It emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation among different nations. B. It highlights the need to prioritize global issues over national ones. C. It reinforces the idea that actions and decisions are influenced by a sense of nationhood. D. It suggests a rejection of national identity in favor of a broader global perspective. VI. Explain, in about 40 words, how the passage portrays the concept of "watan" as both inclusive and exclusive. (2 M) VII. In the context of the passage, how does the concept of the "vasudhaiv notion" contrast with the idea of a single "akhand watan"? (2 M) VIII. State TRUE or FALSE. The passage primarily focuses on the technical aspects of cartography and map-making. Answer Key I. Answer: A. Exploring the concept of different maps and notions of "watan" II. Answer: B. The struggle to define and imagine a united watan III. Answer: The passage discusses various maps of the watan, including those in atlases, on paper, and in people's heads. It also mentions the notion of the akhand watan and the vasudhaiv notion, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the concept. IV. encompasses maps, people, and notions of unity and identity. V. Answer: C. It reinforces the idea that actions and decisions are influenced by a sense of nationhood. VI. The passage explores the concept of "watan" through various maps and notions, reflecting the inclusiveness of a united family while acknowledging the exclusiveness and challenges of defining a nation. VII. Answer: The "vasudhaiv notion" represents a global unity and interconnectedness, while the "akhand watan" represents a unified and indivisible nation. The passage suggests that reconciling these notions can be challenging. VIII. Answer: FALSE. The passage delves into the philosophical and complex nature of the concept of "watan," encompassing notions of identity, unity, and belonging. Competency-Based Reading Worksheet according to Board Exam 2024 Pattern will continue to be uploaded on a weekly basis. Keep visiting the site. Are you taking good care of your liver? Signs that say you don't The liver is a vital organ responsible for crucial bodily functions. It continuously produces bile, aiding fat-to-energy conversion which is important for digestion. It also removes toxins and harmful substances from the body, helping in regular purification. Overlooking its care can result in significant repercussions, often evident through subtle yet important signs. Here we list some symptoms that indicate whether your liver is in a bad shape, because recognizing these indicators is the initial step towards taking proactive measures to protect your liver and, by extension, your overall well-being. A noticeable reduction in appetite can be an initial sign that your liver might not be functioning optimally. Sudden change in food or eating patterns and having an aversion to some of your favourite foods could also be a sign of your liver not being in good health. The liver's involvement in metabolism and digestion means its impairment can affect your desire to eat and enjoy meals. Persistent feelings of vomiting, dizziness, and muscle pain can serve as a symptom of liver distress. As the liver aids in processing and removing waste products from the body, a malfunction will eventually lead to nausea symptoms because of the buildup of toxins in the bloodstream. Terry's nails are a medical condition characterized by a specific appearance of the fingernails. In this condition, the nail beds (the area under the nails) appear pale or white, often with a narrow band of normal pink or reddish color at the tips. This can be caused by various underlying health issues, dominantly liver damage. The altered nail appearance is attributed to changes in blood supply and protein composition in the nails. Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT) is a condition where the skin gets easily hurt and forms painful blisters when exposed to sunlight. This happens because of certain proteins (porphyrins) building up in your liver and then moving into your blood and skin. These proteins make your skin very sensitive, especially when you're out in the sun. This excess porphyrin accumulates in the skin, making it sensitive and causing blisters, scars and increased hair growth. Excessive insulin in the body due to insulin resistance, often associated with fatty liver disease and irregular liver function, can lead to acanthosis nigricans. This condition is characterized by darkening of the skin in certain areas like the neck crease, resulting from this surplus of insulin. Experiencing discomfort or a dull ache in the upper right side of your abdomen could signify underlying liver inflammation or congestion. The discomfort might range from a mild, nagging sensation to a more pronounced and persistent ache, depending on the extent of liver involvement. Monitoring and assessing this discomfort can offer insights into potential liver health concerns that might need immediate medical attention. Jaundice, recognizable by the yellowing of the eyes and skin, serves as a prominent indicator of compromised liver function. The liver's challenge in processing bilirubin, a yellow pigment derived from the breakdown of red blood cells, leads to its accumulation in the body, resulting in this distinctive discoloration. Bilirubin, typically metabolized and excreted by a healthy liver, can build up when the liver is not functioning optimally. Ascites, the accumulation of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity, can result from diminished albumin production by the liver. Albumin, a crucial protein, helps regulate fluid balance. Ascites can cause discomfort, abdominal swelling, difficulty in day to day movements and difficulty breathing. Normal stools derive their brown color from bile produced by the liver. If the liver isn't functioning optimally, it may produce inadequate bile, leading to pale or clay-colored stools. This alteration in stool color can serve as a noticeable indication of liver issues. The liver plays a vital role in producing essential proteins necessary for blood clotting. However, when the liver is damaged, its ability to generate these clotting proteins is compromised. This reduction in clotting protein production leads to a heightened vulnerability to bruising even from minor injuries. Moreover, the impaired clotting mechanism results in prolonged bleeding from wounds that would typically clot swiftly. If any of the above symptoms seem familiar, it is time to get checked by a medical professional to rule out any further complications and medicate as necessary. (Source: TOI, Oct 12, 2023) Q1. Select the option that classifies symptoms related to liver health. A) Symptoms of high blood pressure B) Symptoms of liver distress C) Symptoms of respiratory infections D) Symptoms of diabetes Q2. What is the significance of Terry's nails in the context of the passage? A) It's a cosmetic issue related to nail appearance. B) It's a sign of liver damage or underlying health issues. C) It's a common condition in healthy individuals. D) It's caused by excessive exposure to sunlight. Q3. Share evidence from the text to support the view that liver damage can lead to jaundice. A) "The liver's involvement in metabolism and digestion means its impairment can affect your desire to eat." B) "Experiencing discomfort or a dull ache in the upper right side of your abdomen could signify underlying liver inflammation." C) "Jaundice, recognizable by the yellowing of the eyes and skin, serves as a prominent indicator of compromised liver function." D) "Normal stools derive their brown color from bile produced by the liver." Q4. Complete the sentence appropriately with a characteristic or its description. Based on the information given in the excerpt, one can infer that liver damage may lead to ____________. A) Weight loss B) High energy levels C) Pale or clay-colored stools D) Improved appetite Q5.Select the option that is similar in meaning to "Ascites." A) Accumulation of fluid in the lungs B) Accumulation of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity C) Accumulation of excess fat in the liver D) Accumulation of blood in the liver Q6. Explain, in about 40 words, why the presence of acanthosis nigricans is associated with liver issues and what causes it. Q7. How does jaundice affect the physical appearance of a person with liver issues? Q8. Explain the role of the liver in processing waste products and its impact on feelings of vomiting and dizziness. Q9. Read the five headlines (a) -(e), given below: Identify the option that displays the headline/s that DOES/ DO NOT correspond with occurrences in the passage. (a) "Signs of Liver Distress: What You Need to Know" (b) "How to Maintain Healthy Nails" (c) "The Role of the Liver in Blood Clotting" (d) "Sunlight and Skin Sensitivity: A Deep Dive into Porphyria Cutanea Tarda" (e) "Preventing Jaundice: Tips for a Healthy Liver" Answer Key Q1. Select the option that classifies symptoms related to liver health. Ans: B) Symptoms of liver distress. (The passage discusses symptoms related to the liver's health and potential issues.) Q2. What is the significance of Terry's nails in the context of the passage? Ans: B) It's a sign of liver damage or underlying health issues. (The passage mentions that Terry's nails can be caused by various underlying health issues, dominantly liver damage.) Q3.Share evidence from the text to support the view that liver damage can lead to jaundice. Ans: C) "Jaundice, recognizable by the yellowing of the eyes and skin, serves as a prominent indicator of compromised liver function." (This statement directly links jaundice to compromised liver function.) Q4.Complete the sentence appropriately with a characteristic or its description. Based on the information given in the excerpt, one can infer that liver damage may lead to ____________. Ans: C) Pale or clay-colored stools (The passage mentions that if the liver isn't functioning optimally, it may produce inadequate bile, leading to pale or clay-colored stools.) Q5. Select the option that is similar in meaning to "Ascites." Ans: B) Accumulation of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity (The passage describes ascites as the accumulation of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity.) Q6. Explain, in about 40 words, why the presence of acanthosis nigricans is associated with liver issues and what causes it. Ans: Acanthosis nigricans is associated with liver issues due to excessive insulin in the body, often related to fatty liver disease. This condition results in darkening of the skin, particularly in the neck crease, as a consequence of insulin surplus. Q7. How does jaundice affect the physical appearance of a person with liver issues? Answer: Jaundice causes yellowing of the eyes and skin due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the body. Q8. Explain the role of the liver in processing waste products and its impact on feelings of vomiting and dizziness. Answer: The liver's malfunction leads to the buildup of toxins in the bloodstream, resulting in nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Q9. Read the five headlines (a) -(e), given below: Identify the option that displays the headline/s that DOES/DO NOT correspond with occurrences in the passage. (a) "Signs of Liver Distress: What You Need to Know"** (b) "How to Maintain Healthy Nails" (c) The Role of the Liver in Blood Clotting"** (d) "Sunlight and Skin Sensitivity: A Deep Dive into Porphyria Cutanea Tarda" (e) "Preventing Jaundice: Tips for a Healthy Liver"** Ans: Headlines (b) and (d) do not correspond to the occurrences in the passage. The other three are relevant to the passage's content. MCQ-based Reading Worksheet for Std. Class XI Q1. Read the following poem and answer the questions that follow. (a) In the above poem the bee asks the wasp, “Why ___________ (i) am I hated by the people ?” (ii) are you loved by the people more?” (iii) are you appreciated by all?” (iv) am I not liked by the people?” (b) A 'cousin' refers to ___________ (i) an uncle's child (ii) a relative (iii) an associate (iv) one's own brother (c) A wasp buzzes to ___________ (i) the people or crowd (ii) a dear cousin (iii) a bee (iv) itself (d) A wasp can sting ___________. (i) when offended (ii) on every trifling pretence (iii) when shooed away (iv) none of the above (e) The wasp is not loved by people because ___________. (i) it is not beautiful (ii) it has coloured wings (iii) it has a sharp sting (iv) it is not friendly (f) The wasp has a fine shape and delicate __________. (i) tail (ii) wings (iii) sting (iv) golden body (g) ''put up with‟ in the above poem means ___________ (i) stay with (ii) tolerate or bear (iii) hate (iv) love Q2. Read the following poem and choose the most appropriate options as your answer. Read the questions given below and write the option you consider the most appropriate in your answer sheet : (a) The lines _________ “ when the lion has eaten his fill he never attacks mean that the lion (i) becomes lazy on full stomach (ii) kills only to survive (iii) does not attack any easy prey (iv) likes to sleep under the shady tree (b) In case of a natural calamity, all the animals (i) run helter-skelter (ii) create confusion (iii) protect/safeguard each other (iv) takes cover in other’s home (c) ‘I have heard when the Lion has eaten his fill He never attacks’ : The emotion conveyed through the above line is (i) contentment (ii) selflessness (iii) community feeling (iv) cooperation (d) ‘Proclaim a Law’ means : (i) Make an announcement (ii) Break a law (iii) Change the law (iv) amend the city law (e) The poet prays to God for (i) turning the city into a jungle (ii) making people more empathetic (iii) killing all animals (iv) letting animals rule man (f) The meaning of the word ‘frail’ is : (i) fragment (ii) delicate (iii) pretty (iv) element (g) The myna (i) protects the silver fish (ii) shakes the branches (iii) protects her eggs and young ones (iv) protects the crow’s eggs Q3. Read the questions given below and choose the option you consider the most appropriate in your answer sheet : (a) ''She'' in the second line refers to (i) daughter of the warrior (ii) mother of the warrior (iii) sister of the warrior (iv) widow of the warrior. (b) When the body of the warrior was brought home, the woman (i) uttered a loud cry (ii) swooned (iii) remained quiet (iv) moved away from there. (c) To lessen the sorrow of the woman, people around her said that (i) she should die along (ii) she should weep (iii) she should go away from there (iv) she should call her father (d) The word ''swooned'' in line 2 means (i) died (ii) shouted (iii) cried (iv) fainted (e) The woman cried at last when (i) all the people praised the warrior (ii) all the people loved her (iii) the nurse set her child upon her knee (iv) he was called a true friend (f) The words ''friend'' and ''foe'' are (i) homonyms (ii) synonyms (iii) antonyms (iv) examples of irony (g) The woman did not move because she was (i) tense (ii) happy (iii) shocked (iv) excited. Note: The answer key is a password protected document. After you solve the above worksheet you need to text me on chat box. I shall text you the password to open the answer key document. ( For Visiting Students) AVN students can also request your English teacher for the answer key. Mention the worksheet number and category like Reading Worksheet, Grammar Worksheet or Listening Worksheet.