Biography After graduating with English and Economics, he spent two years teaching high school in Yakima. He then decided to pursue a legal career. He was a leading advocate of individual rights. He retired in 1975 and remained the longest-serving Justice in the history of the court. The story’ Deep Water’ is taken from his book ‘ Of Men and Mountains’ by William O Douglas. NCERT Official Discussion on Deep Water THEME The story is an autobiographical story of the author’s childhood misadventure at a swimming pool. The story describes the origin of fear, its effect and how to conquer it. The story highlights the positive aspect of how one can overcome negative emotion like fear with sheer will-power and determination. The story also throws light on the psychological aspect of how childhood fear leaves a residual fragments in our subconscious mind in the later part of our life and haunt us till we get rid of it. STORY AT A GLANCE The narrator recalls a horrific incident that happened to him when he was ten or eleven years old. He decided to learn swimming at YMCA pool, which was only two or three feet deep at the shallow end and, nine feet deep at the other end. He got a pair of water wings and went to the pool. The author then recounts his childhood experience of fear at a beach in California with his father. The waves knocked him down and swept over him. He was frightened. The introduction to the YMCA pool revived the narrator’s unpleasant memories and stirred his childhood fears. He gathered confidence and paddled with his new water wings. When he felt confident, an misadventure happened. An eighteen-year-old boy with a beautiful muscular body tossed him into the deep end of water. He landed in a sitting position, swallowed water and went at once to the bottom. He planned that when his feet would hit the bottom, he would make a big jump, come to the surface, lie flat on it and paddle to the edge of the pool. However, the nine feet down seemed more like ninety to poor Douglas. He was totally out of breath when his feet touched the bottom. He made a great spring upwards after summoning all his strength. He imagined he would bob to the surface like a cork. He came up slowly, opened his eyes and saw water with a dirty yellow tinge int it. He tried to yell, but no sound came out. His legs hung like dead weights. He started drowning. He had lost all his breath. His lungs ached and his head throbbed. He again jumped with all his might, but his jump went in vain. He was still under water. The stark terror took him more tightly in its clutches. Douglas describes how fear paralyzed him. His arms and legs stopped moving. He trembled with fright. He tried to call for his mother, but nothing happened. Suddenly, Douglas found himself coming out of the water. He sucked for air and got water. Then he started going down for the third time. Then all his efforts ceased and his body went limp. A blackness took over his brain which wiped out fear and terror. Everything went quiet and peaceful. Douglas felt as if he was wrapped in his mother’s arms. Then he fell unconscious. The next thing he remembers was lying on his stomach beside the pool, vomiting. Douglas couldn’t eat that night. He was weak and trembling. He shook and cried on his bed. He never went back to the pool. He feared water and avoided it whenever he could. Douglas couldn’t eat that night. He was weak and trembling. He shook and cried on his bed. He never went back to the pool. He feared water and avoided it whenever he could. Whenever he went near water, the terror that had seized him in the pool would return to haunt him. The fear paralysed him. This handicap stayed with him as years rolled by. It ruined his fishing trips and deprived him of the joy of canoeing, boating and swimming. He tried his best to overcome this fear, but it didn’t let go of him. Douglas decided to get a swimming instructor. He went to a pool and practised five days a week, an hour each day. The instructor put a belt with a rope around Douglas. This rope went through a pulley. The instructor held on to the other end of the rope. Each time the instructor relaxed his hold on the rope and Douglas went under, some of the old terror returned and froze his legs. It took him three months to get over this fear. The instructor taught him to put his face under water and exhale and raise his nose and inhale. Next he taught him to move his legs. Thus, piece by piece, bit by bit, he built a swimmer out of Douglas. Douglas went to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire and swam two miles across the lake. When Douglas was in the middle of the lake, he put his face under and saw nothing but bottomless water. The old sensation come back to haunt him. But this time Douglas was strong. He went to the Warm Lake. He swam to the other shore and back. He was thrilled with joy, as he had conquered his fear of water. The experience had a deep meaning for him. He explains that death was peaceful but it was the fear of death that crippled a person. Here he quotes President Roosevelt, saying, ‘All we have to fear is fear itself. Because he had experienced death and the terror that it could produce, his will to live somehow grew in intensity. RECAPITULATION In this story the author tells about his fear of water and how he conquered it by determination and will power. As a child, when he was 3 or 4 years old, he would go to the beach in California with his father. Huge waves which swept over him instilled a fear in his sub – conscious mind. He was pushed into the pool by a boy at YMCA pool, which he describes as misadventure in the story. He learned swimming with the help of an instructor who ensured that William knew swimming well enough to be able to swim in huge lakes and waterfalls also. Douglas went to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire. The old sensation come back to haunt him. But this time Douglas was strong. He went to the Warm Lake. He swam to the other shore and back. He was thrilled with joy, as he had conquered his fear of water. William realized that death is peaceful and it is the fear of death that is terrorizing. His will to live life grew intensely as he had overcome his fear and started living fearlessly. NCERT Solution: 1.What is the misadventure that William Douglas speaks about? Ans: The misadventure refers to the author's being ducked by the eighteen year old into the YMCA swimming pool. He could somehow manage to rescued himself from this dreadful incident. 2. What were the series of of emotions and fear that Douglas experienced when he was thrown into the pool? What plans did he make to come to the surface? Ans: The nine feet depth of the pool was like ninety feet for the author . Before he touched the bottom his lungs were ready to burst. His lungs ached and his head throbbed. He was getting dizzy. However, when he could not manage to come to the surface, he was gripped with panic and this paralyzed his limb. 3. How did this experience affect him? Ans: This experience left him so fearful and allergic to water bodies. He could not go near the pool, nor could he enjoy any water related sport and it robbed him of the joy of canoeing , boating and fishing. 4. Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water? Ans: Douglas was determined to conquer his fear of water as it prevented him from undertaking any water sports. He could not only go near any water body, but also from activities like canoeing, boating and fishing. 5. How did the instructor 'build a swimmer' out of Douglas? Ans: The instructor put a belt around Douglas. A rope attached to the belt went through a pulley that ran on an overhead cable. He held on to the end of the rope and they went back and forth across the pool. The instructor taught him to put his face under water and exhale and to raise his nose and inhale. Thus over a period of about three months, he was able t make a swimmer out of him. 6. How did Douglas make sure that he conquered the old terror? Ans: Douglas finally got rid of his fear of water when he went to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire, dived off a dock at Triggs Islands and swam two miles across the lake to Stamp Act Island. He swam the crawl, breast stroke, side stroke, and back stroke. Only once did the terror return. When I was in the middle of the lake, he put his face under and saw nothing but bottomless water. He shouted with joy at conquering his fear of water. Understanding the Text: ( Page 29) How does Douglas make clear to the reader the sense of panic that gripped him as he almost drowned? Describe the details that have made the description vivid. Ans: Douglas delineates with his pen the sense of panic that overpowered him to the extent of death. With a deft use of words he captivates those emotional states of his mind. In the first stage he recounts his experience of being ducked, he swallowed water and went to the bottom of the water almost to the point of drowning. He swallowed water and was choked. He lost all his breath. His lu1. ngs ached and head throbbed. The mass of yellow water that held him captive in its grip produced stark terror over which he had no control. When there attempts to rise to the surface failed, he fainted. His vivid description of this terrifying experience makes the reader feel empathetic towards him. 2. How did Douglas overcome his fear of water? Ans: The fear of water haunted Douglas for many years till eventually he made up his mind to hire a swimming instructor and get rid of his underlying fear of water. The instructor put a belt around Douglas. A rope attached to the belt went through a pulley that ran on an overhead cable. He held on to the end of the rope and they went back and forth across the pool. The instructor taught him to put his face under water and exhale and to raise his nose and inhale. Thus over a period of about three months, he was able t make a swimmer out of him. 3. Why does Douglas as an adult recount a childhood experience of terror and his conquering of it? What larger meaning does he draw from this experience? Ans: Douglas wanted to reaffirm his grit and determination to get over his underlying fear of water. In life we have a host of challenges. Overcoming these challenges gives us reassurance to view life with a renewed interest and optimism. As Douglas could overcome his childhood fear of water in later stage of his life, he felt a sense of achievement and fulfillment in overcoming a challenge which haunted him over the span of many years. His underlying fear deprived him of the joys of canoeing, boating and swimming. The larger meaning that he draws from his experience is that if we are committed and determined for a cause, we can end up conquering any challenge that works as a deterrent for us. The very quote of Roosevelt that he cites in the story-''All we have to fear is fear itself-speaks volume of his philosophy in life that with a fighting spirit we can overcome all challenges of life. CBE Questions ''From the beginning, however, I had an aversion to the water when I was in it''. When did it start and how? ''And then in the midst of terror came a touch of reason.'' What was this 'touch of reason'? What was his condition even after this 'touch of reason'? ''This handicap stayed with me as the years rolled by''. What was the 'handicap' and how it ruined the author's interest in fishing, boating, swimming etc? Describe the moments when Douglas' curtain of life' was falling on him. The instructor assured Douglas in April that he could swim. But he was not sure that completely. How did he feel during those months till July? What does the author mean when he says, ' The experience had a deep meaning for me'? Recommended Reading 1. The Rattrap | NCERT Solution| CBE Based Questions | Board Exam 2024 (englishwithadifference.com) 2. Lost Spring | | CBE-Based Questions | NCERT Solution |Board Exam 2024 (englishwithadifference.com) 3. Competency-Based Questions | Class 12 | CBSE 4. Journey To the End of the Earth |CBE Questions | Detailed Analysis

NCERT Official Live Discussion by Dr. Meenakshi Khar Theme The story deals with the untold tale of slum children who live a life of depression and poverty for generations together. Their forefathers are either immigrant from Bangladesh or migrant workers from different parts of the country. This story is divided into two parts- the first part describes the deplorable state of Saheb and his family, who have migrated from Bangladesh during 1971 war. The second part of the story describes about Mukesh, whose family tradition of bangle making continues for generations tighter in spite of health hazards of working in dingy cells, where bangles are manufactured. Mukesh belongs to a family which is engaged in bangle making like many other families. Firozabad is the hub of India’s glass blowing industry where generation after generation has been involved in this business. Lesson Summary In this lesson ‘Lost Spring’ , spring has been used in the context of ‘Childhood’. Spring is considered the most cherished season of the year when flowers bloom. Similarly, childhood is the most formative years of life . The story describes the pathetic life of the innocent children losing their childhood in the vicious circle of poverty and illiteracy. The deplorable condition of exploitation of slum children has been highlighted in the story. Saheb and Mukesh are metaphors for all slum children who fall prey to the family tradition of ragpicking and bangle making profession respectively, with Mukesh being the exception as he wants to be a motor mechanic breaking the family tradition of bangle making. The author’s acquaintance with Saheb and other barefoot ragpickers introduced her to Seemapuri. Seemapuri consists of people who left Bangladesh in the 1971 war. Saheb’s family is among them. About 10000 ragpickers live here. When Anees visits that place, she comes to know that these ragpickers have lived here for more than thirty years without any identity. They do not have permits but do have ration cards, thanks to the selfish whims and wishes of the politicians. With these they can get their name on the voter’s lists and buy grains. The family tradition of rag picking in the case of Saheb and Bangle making in the case of Mukesh is a deterrent for both the boys to think big and do something out of the box. However, Mukesh in the second part of the story wants to be a motor mechanic, something which is a night mare for his family members as they cannot afford to embrace any other profession besides bangle making. Therefore, Mukesh has been projected to be an iconoclast in the story. Saheb, too lost his freedom when he was working at a tea stall and was paid eight hundred rupees as well as his meals. Saheb was not happy as the steel canister seemed heavier than the plastic bag. He wanted to be his own master. Therefore, the longing for living a normal childhood can be seen in both the boys. The author feels that the slum people are caught in two distinct worlds. One is the family caught in the clutches of poverty and the stigma of caste and secondly the world of those rich people who exploit them for their selfish benefits. These people are caught in the vicious circle of Sahukars, middlemen, policemen, bureaucrats and politicians. It is because of these people that the child is weighed down with responsibilities at such a tender age. NCERT Solution: Think as You Read ( page 17) 1.What is Saheb looking for in the garbage dumps? Where is he and where has he come from? Ans: Saheb is looking for coins, which is considered as ‘gold’ in the story, in garbage dumps. He is presently living at Seemapuri, which is at the periphery of Delhi. He has come from Bangladesh in 1971. 2.What explanations does the author offer for the children not wearing footwear? Ans: The narrator found that children across the country walk barefoot in cities and on village roads. It is not lack of money always, but a tradition to stay barefoot. But the narrator wonders about the fact that the children are walking barefoot to explain away a perpetual state of poverty. 3.Is Saheb happy working at the tea-stall? Explain. Ans: No, Saheb is not happy working at the tea stall. As he was no longer his own master by working at the tea stall at a meagre salary of 800 with meals. The steel canister , which he was carrying in his hand, seemed heavier than the plastic bag he was carrying over his shoulder. Therefore, he left the tea stall. Think as You Read ( page 17) 4. What makes the city of Firozabad famous? Ans: Firozabad is famous for bangle industries. It is the centre of India’s glass-blowing industry. Families have spent generations working around furnaces, welding glass, making bangles for all the women in the land. 5. Mention the hazards of working in the glass industry. Ans: The glass bangle industry offers very unhealthy environment to the people. They have to work in the glass furnaces with high temperature in dingy cells. Their eyes are more adjusted to the dark than to the light outside. This makes them blind before they become adults. 6. How is Mukehs’s attitude to his situation different from that of his family? Ans: Mukush’s family looks at the family profession of bangle making as ‘karam’ or destiny. His grandmother perceives it as ‘god-given. They are ready to die out of blindness and grim poverty, but won’t defy this profession. On the other hand, Mukesh wants to be a motor mechanic and is therefore considered to be an iconoclast as he dares to deviate from taking to his family tradition of bangle making. Short Questions: 7.Why does the author say that the bangle makers are caught in a vicious web? Ans: Certain forces conspire to keep the workers in bangle industry of Firozabad in poverty. These include the money lenders, the middlemen, the policeman, the law keepers, the bureaucrats and politicans. They dictate their will to get their work done cheaply and impose a heavy burden on children. 8.Why could the bangle makers not organise themselves into a co-operative? Ans: The bangle makers are trapped in the vicious circle of sahukars, middlemen, policemen, bureaucrats and politicians. If they tried to organise themselves, they would be beaten by police and pout in jail. 9.Garbage to them is gold. Why does the author say so about the ragpickers? Ans: Garbage is gold to the rag pickers of Seemapuri because it provides them with food and is a means of survival. Moreover, it is gold also because the ragpickers can find stray coins and currency notes in it. 10. Can Mukesh realise his dream of becoming a motor mechanic? Ans: Man is a product of his environment around him. It is difficult to realise his dream as he is torn between his desires and his family , which firmly believes that the art of bangle making is a God given lineage that cannot be escaped. However, he is ambitious and is willing to walk a long way to the garage to give wings to his dreams. CBE-Based Extract Questions 1. ‘‘The young men echo the lament of their elders.’’ Select the option which indicates Anees Junge’s view on young men. (a) They don’t take any initiative. (b) They are as poor as their elders. c) They are as helpless as their elders. (d) They don’t support their elders. [CBSE Term-1 2021] 2. From this chapter, it is evident that the author has an attitude of: (a) sympathy (b) apathy (c) empathy (d) bewilderment [CBSE Question Bank 2021] 3. Choose the statement that is NOT TRUE about ragpickers in Seemapuri. (a) Children are equally involved in rag picking as their parents. (b) The ragpickers settle down in a place permanently. (c) Rag picking has accomplished itself as a skill and form of art. (d) Ragpickers live in unsteady shanties on the outskirts of Delhi. [CBSE Question Bank 2021] 4.. ‘Set amidst the green fields of Dhaka, his home is not even a distant memory’. What does the author mean when she says, ‘his home is not even a distant memory’? (a) He doesn’t remember his home at all. (b) He remembers his home a bit but it’s hazy. (c) He tries to remember his home but can’t. 5. Why was the author’s advice to Saheb to go to school ‘hollow’? (1) Because Saheb has a full-time job which he needs to go. (2) Because it is not Saheb’s problem but the problem with a system. (3) Because she realises Saheb is not playing truant. (4) Because she knows that there are no schools around. (a) (1) and (2) (b) (2) and (3) (c) (3) and (4) (d) (1) and (3) 6. Select the suitable option for the given statements, based on your reading of Lost Spring. (1) The writer notices that Saheb has lost his carefree look. (2) Saheb has had to surrender his freedom for ` 800 per month. (a) (1) is false but (2) is true. (b) Both (1) and (2) are true. (c) (2) is a fact but unrelated to (1). (d) (1) is the cause for (2). [CBSE Term-1 SQP 2021] 7. Saheb’s full name, Saheb-e-Alam, means ‘lord of the universe’, and it is the exact opposite of his situation in life. He is figuratively at the bottom of the world. This is an example of which literary device? (a) Simile (b) Metaphor (c) Irony (d) Imagery 8. Which of the following quotes captures the essence of Saheb’s and Mukesh’s stories? (a) As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality exist in our world, none of us can truly rest. —Nelson Mandela (b) God does not create poverty; we do, because we do not share. —Mother Teresa (c) Love conquers all things except poverty and a toothache. —Mae West (d) Poverty is not just lack of money; it is not having the capability to realise one’s full potential as a human being. —Amartya Sen 9. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: Together they have imposed the baggage on the child that he cannot put down. Before he is aware, he accepts it as naturally as his father. To do anything else would mean to dare. And daring is not part of his growing up. When I sense a flash of it in Mukesh I am cheered. “I want to be a motor mechanic,’ he repeats. He will go to a garage and learn. But the garage is a long way from his home. “I will walk,” he insists. “Do you also dream of flying a plane?” He is suddenly silent. “No,” he says, staring at the ground. In his small murmur there is an embarrassment that has not yet turned into regret. He is content to dream of cars that he sees hurtling down the streets of his town. Few airplanes fly over Firozabad. (A) Choose two meanings of the word ‘flash’. (1) A long, deep cut, especially in the skin (2) A sudden bright light that quickly disappears (3) To run or move very quickly or hastily (4) A sudden thought crosses one’s mind (a) (1) and (3) (b) (2) and (4) (c) (1) and (2) (d) (3) and (4) (B) Why does Mukesh go suddenly silent when asked if he dreams of flying a plane? (a) He doesn’t want to talk to the author. (b) He did not think about planes. (c) He has a secret desire to fly planes. (d) He doesn’t want to talk about planes. (c) Why has Mukesh’s embarrassment not turned to regret yet? (a) He is too brave. (b) He is too hopeful. (c) He is too young. (d) He is too tired. Q10. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: Mukesh insists on being his own master. “I will be a motor mechanic,” he announces. “Do you know anything about cars?” I ask. “I will learn to drive a car,” he answers, looking straight into my eyes. His dream looms like a mirage amidst the dust of streets that fill his town Firozabad, famous for its bangles. Every other family in Firozabad is engaged in making bangles. It is the centre of India’s glassblowing industry where families have spent generations working around furnaces, welding glass, making bangles for all the women in the land it seems. (A) How confident was Mukesh in pursuing his dream? (i) Not at all confident (ii) Overconfident (iii) Underconfident (iv) Confident Ans: (ii) Overconfident (B) Why does the author compare Mukesh’s dream to a mirage? (i) Because the author thinks it might not come true. (ii) Because Firozabad lies in the middle of a desert. (iii) Because the author can predict the future. (iv) Because the author saw a mirage in Firozabad. Ans: (i) Because the author thinks it might not come true. (C) Choose the literary device used in this line: ‘His dream looms like a mirage…’ (i) hyperbole (ii) metaphor (iii) simile (iv) personification Ans: (iii) simile (D) From the passage which two adjectives best describe Mukesh? (i) dreamer (ii) arrogant (iii) loyal (iv) funny (v) imaginative (vi) kind (a) (2) and (4) (b) (2) and (5) (c) (3) and (4) (d) (1) and (5) Ans: (d) (1) and (5) CBE-based Short Questions Q1. Do you believe that ‘God-given lineage can be broken’? Support your position with a rationale. [CBSE Question Bank 2021] Ans. I strongly believe that our dream is not determined by lineage but by our skill and commitment. Therefore, I certainly believe that 'God-given lineage' can be broken by hard work and dedication towards one's goal in life. History is replete with examples where we can see that family lineage has nothing to do with the success of individuals in their chosen field. Santosh Yadan, Kalpana Chawla, A P J Abdul Kalam are just a few names to justify my views on this topic. Q2. How do you think the author’s life might have been impacted after her interactions with the children and their families mentioned in ‘Lost Spring’? [CBSE Question Bank 2021] Ans. The author might have become highly touched by the despicable life which the slum children and their families were living. They live under unimaginable circumstances and still get along with drudgeries of life without giving up. So the author might have also thought about extending his helping hands for the upliftment of these slum children with some charity work or by mobilizing human resources to donate money and uplift the deplorable lifestyle of these slum populace. Q3. What does garbage mean to the adults and the children of Seemapuri? [CBSE 2015, 12] Ans. The adults view garbage as a means of survival from their cash-strapped life. They can use whatever stray coins come on their way in buying the household essentials. On the other hand, the children view garbage like a treasure hunt where they desperately forage through garbage on subsequent days to find ten rupee notes. Q4. Is there gender equality amongst the bangle sellers? Explain why/why not. Ans. Savita, the old woman, her husband and Mukesh’s family are all engaged in making bangles. Since both men and women are equally involved in bangle making there is some resemblance of gender equality. However, at home as in Mukesh’s sister-in-law’s case, it is always the woman’s responsibility to look after household affairs . In this sense, there is no gender equality. Question for Practice: 1. Explain the societal problem that the bangle makers are caught in Anees Jung’s ‘Lost Spring’. 2. Validate how similar and different Saheb’s and Mukesh’s stories are. Long Questions 1. Certain traditions and lineage, condemn thousands of children to a life of abject poverty and choke their aspirations. • Do you agree? Explain. • How can we change this? Suggest some ways to tackle this issue. [CBSE Question Bank 2021] 2. ‘Food is more important for survival than an identity.’ Examine ‘Lost Spring’ by Anees Jung in the light of this statement. Recommended Reading

Theme The poem contrasts a tiger in the zoo with the tiger in his natural habitat. The poetess describes how the basic freedom of movement and free will of a tiger is curtailed when he is imprisoned behind the confined space of a zoo. The Tiger in the poem is the metaphor for all the caged animals, who are stripped off their natural habitat and thereby restricting them to the miseries of the caged wall. They languish for the entire duration of their lifespan behind the caged cell of the zoo. The poem moves from the zoo to the jungle, and back again to the zoo. By comparison the poem shows the merits of roaming in his natural habitat vis a vis demerits of of caged life. Thus the poem conveys the message that wild animals appear to be beautiful in their natural habitat just like a child looks beautiful on the lap of his mother. We should not deprive them of their basic and rightful freedom by captivating them in the zoo cell. Vocabulary Stalks – Walks slowly Vivid – Clear Stripes – Lines Pads – Feet Velvet – Soft Rage – Anger Lurking – Hiding Sliding – Moving Water hole – A river where animals come to drink Plump deer – Young deer Snarling – Showing the teeth Jungle’s edge – Border of the forest Baring – Showing White fangs – White teeth Claws – Nails Terrorizing – Frightening · Concrete – Cemented · Cell – Cage · Behind bars – Caged; locked · Stalking – Walking NCERT Solution ( Page 30) Thinking about the Poem 1. Read the poem again and work in pairs or groups to do the following tasks. i) Find the words that describe the movements and actions of the tiger in the cage and in the wild. Arrange them in two columns. (ii) Find the words that describe the two places and arrange them in columns. 2. Notice the use of a word repeated in lines such as these: (i) On pads of velvet quiet, In his quiet rage. (ii) And stares with his brilliant eyes At the brilliant stars. What do you think is the effect of this repetition? The repetition is a poetic device which is used in order to give emphasis to the meaning of the words that are repeated. i) In the first sentence, ‘velvet quiet’ refers to soft velvet pads/feet of the tiger when it moves on the surface of the zoo, whereas the ‘quiet rage’ refers to the suppressed anger of the tiger at not being able to exercise his natural freedom of movement. ii) In the second sentence ‘brilliant eyes’ refers to the dazzling and beautiful eyes, which are the creation of the almighty God, yet confined in artificial zoo, which is contrasted with the natural ‘brilliant stars’, which are in their natural habitat. CBE-based Extract Questions Extract 1 He should be lurking in shadow, Sliding through long grass Near the water hole Where plump deer pass (i) According to the extract, the poet wishes for the tiger to be ‘sliding’ through the foliage as this would a) assist in keeping the prey unsuspecting of the predator’s sound. b) aid in camouflaging the presence of the predator before it rushes in. c) help the predator pounce on the prey comfortably without getting tired. d) Support the predator’s vision as it eyes its prey. (ii) Which fact DOES NOT connect with the significance of the water hole for the tiger? a) Many tigers chase prey into the water and holds the victim’s head under water until it drowns. b) Prey feed in the water on water-lilies, and often wander into the middle of the water hole, where they are vulnerable and easy for the tiger to kill. c) Prey that has quenched its thirst ensures consumption of hydrated meat for the tiger. d) Chasing the panicked prey from shallow to deep water where the tiger grabs it. (iii) Pick the option that DOES NOT use ‘lurking’ correctly to fill in the blank. a) The thug was _________ in the alley late evening, for unsuspecting passers-by. b) The hyena was __________ in its den after a good meal. c) The detective cautioned her team about the _________ dangers likely to impact the case. d) The prejudices __________beneath the surface create misunderstandings (iv) ‘shadow’ here, refers to the shadow of a) the tiger. b) long grass. c) water hole. d) deer (v) Pick the phrase that DOES NOT suggest that the forest in the extract is lush. a) long grass b) the water hole c) plump deer d) lurking in shadow Answers i. a) assist in keeping the prey unsuspecting of the predator’s sound. ii. c) Prey that has quenched its thirst ensures consumption of hydrated meat for the tiger. iii. b) The hyena was __________ in its den after a good meal. iv. b ) long grass. v. d) lurking in shadow Extract 2 But he’s locked in a concrete cell, His strength behind bars, Stalking the length of his cage, Ignoring visitors. He hears the last voice at night, The patrolling cars, … (i) Which option correctly lists the reason for the tiger ‘stalking the length of his cage’? a) Animals tend to cover large distances and burn a lot of their energy by hunting for prey, in their natural habitat. Zoos deprive them of such stimulation and they are restless and bored. b) Animals are scared of visitors gazing at them in their unnatural surroundings. Zoos are places where animals are far removed from the privacy of their natural habitat. c) Animals dislike human noises in the city and react to them aggressively. Zoos are often located in cities or outskirts. d) Animals require human love and care and miss this when in captivity. Zoos are places where they walk around mechanically to attract human attention. (ii) The main contrasting idea suggested by the extract is that of a) strength and weakness. b) nature and culture. c) beasts and mortals. d) confinement and freedom. (iii) Choose the option listing the most likely reason for the tiger to ignore visitors, according to the extract a) He is scared of their constant stares. b) The visitors don’t provide him with any food. c) He knows that none would help him out of captivity. d) The visitors don’t speak to him kindly. Answers: (i) Animals tend to cover large distances and burn a lot of their energy by hunting for prey, in their natural habitat. Zoos deprive them of such stimulation and they are restless and bored. (ii) d) confinement and freedom. (iii) c) He knows that none would help him out of captivity. (iv) Why is the word 'cell' used in the extract? Ans: The word 'cell' evokes the image of a prison in our mind. The poet uses the word in order to highlight that the tiger is caged inside a zoo. (v) Identify the use of alliteration in the exract. Ans: Alliteration is used with the phrase 'behind bars.' Extract 3 He hears the last voice at night, The patrolling cars, And stares with his brilliant eyes At the brilliant stars. (i) Whose voice does the tiger hear the last at night? Ans: The tiger hears the voice of the patrolling cars moving arond the zoo to keep watch over the surroundings. (ii) Why are the eyes of the tiger compared with the stars? Ans: The eyes of the tiger and the stars have been referred to as 'brilliant' because they shine at night. (iii) Which literary device is used for the word ' brilliant'. Ans: Here the literary device- 'Repetition' has been used as the word 'brilliant' has been repeated for both the eyes of the tiger and the star. CBE-based Short Questions 1. Compare the lesson 'Long Walk to Freedom' with the poem ' A Tiger in the Zoo'. Ans: Both 'Long Walk to Freedom' and the poem ' A Tiger in the Zoo' deal with the concept of freedom. In the first lesson, Mandela fights for the freedom of the Black community in South Africa from the policy of apartheid as practised by the White Governement. Mandela asserts the right of every citizen to live freely without having to face discriminations of any kind. On the other hand, in the poem ' A Tiger in the Zoo' we can observe that the tiger has been deprived of his freedom of movement in his natural habitat. As a result of habitat displacement, the tiger is unhappy in the zoo. Hence the two lessons as discussed above have a common theme and so they merit comparison. 2. Why do you think the tiger's rage has been referred to as 'quiet'? Ans: The tiger inside the zoo is helpless and is incapable of exerting his authority and strenght in the zoo. Therefore, he has subdued anger which is brewing inside. Therefore, the poet refers to his rage being 'quiet'. 3. Explain the line ' HIs strength behind bars'? Ans: The tiger is unable to assert his strength and launch attacks on humans due to confinement inside the zoo. The tiger's natural instinct of aggression is of no use as it has been stripped of owing to habitat displacement. Therefore, the writer says that his strength has been put to no use as he is confined behind the bars of the zoo. Questions for Practice Q4. It is said that an animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language. Explain with reference to the tiger. Q5. How does the poem point to the cruelty of animals in captivity? Q6. The poet celebrates the strength of the tiger in this poem. Counter the statement. Q7. Do you think the tiger in the poem had lost its natural instinct due to captivity? Support your response with evidence from the poem. Q8. What do you think the tiger would say to you, as a visitor? You may begin like this: Please stop staring. You have no idea……………(continue)……… Q9. Imagine that Man has been accused by the tiger of cruelty in an animal court. What would be the tiger’s two major accusations and how would Man defend them? Present your answer in two paragraphs. Q10. The tiger in the poem ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’ presents a contrasting image with the tiger in the poem ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’. Compare and contrast the two tigers with reference to the manner in which they have been presented in both poems.

Lesson Architecture Geo-Political Perspectives Theme Story-At-A-Glance Recapitulation NCERT Solution CBE Questions Geo-Political Perspectives In the context of the story "The Enemy" by Pearl S. Buck, the war between America and Japan serves as a pivotal backdrop that shapes the narrative's intricacies and the characters' dynamics. The war is a manifestation of the broader historical conflict of World War II, a global struggle that engulfed nations in a relentless battle for supremacy. Within this tumultuous period, the specific reasons for the war between America and Japan are rooted in complex geopolitical and ideological factors. The hostilities between America and Japan were catalyzed by a series of events that strained diplomatic relations and ultimately escalated into military confrontation. The bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, stands as a significant trigger, propelling the United States into the war and prompting the declaration of war against Japan. This attack, carried out by Japanese forces, marked a profound breach of trust and a direct assault on American territory. The narrative of "The Enemy" navigates the intricacies of this war-driven context, exploring how the conflict reverberates beyond the battlefields and onto the lives of individuals. The story delves into the profound impact of war on personal relationships, as well as the challenges posed by cultural differences and the quest for understanding amidst the chaos of conflict. Against the backdrop of this war, the characters' struggles and interactions are emblematic of the broader human experience during times of turmoil, encapsulating the universal themes of resilience, empathy, and the search for common ground in the face of adversity. Theme The story unfolds a moral dilemma of a Japanese doctor emotionally torn between his twin duty both as professional doctor and a real Japanese human being trained abroad. In the end his humanism coupled with professional morality wins over his nationalistic compulsions. He finds a way in between and proves his sterling qualities both as a doctor, as a true Japanese, and a true human being. The real human side of Sadao against the American prejudice makes him a symbol of what a real doctor should be irrespective of racism and narrow minded prejudice. Glossary of Important Line/Phrases It seems a pity that we cannot better combine the German ruthlessness with the American sentimentality. STORY-AT-A-GLANCE Concern of Sadao’s Father Dr. Sadao’s father was a serious kind of guy. His son’s education used to be his chief concern. For this he had sent his son at twenty-two to America for medical studies. Sadao returned at thirty. Before his father died, Sadao had become famous not only as a surgeon but as a scientist also. Reason for not sending Sadao abroad with Troops Dr. Sadao was not sent abroad with the troops during the World War because he was perfecting a discovery which would render woulds entirely clean. Secondly, the old General might need an operation and for that Dr. Sadao had to be there in Japan. Meeting between Sadao & Hana in America. Sadao had met Hana in America. But he waited to fall in love with her until he was sure she was a a true Japanese. His father would never have received her unless she had bee pure in her race. Sadao often told Hana how he had nearly not gone to professor Harley’s house due to their small rooms and bad food. The marriage between Sadao and Hana had been arranged in the old Japanese way on their return. They were a ahappy couple now with two children. Discovery of American Prisoners of war on the Sea Shore Both Sadao and Hana saw a man come out of the mists. He had been flung up out of the ocean. Sadao said that he could be a fisherman washed from his boat. The man had managed to come through the dangerous rocks. Sadao went near the man. He was wounded. He was in wet rags of garments. Hana whispered that he was a white man. He was unconscious. He had a ‘young and tortured face.’ Sadao began to search the wounds of the man . He saw that on the right side of his lower back a gun wound had bee reopened. Not many days ago he had been shot and had not been tended. The rock had struck the wound. He was bleeding. Sadao’s Hesitation in rendering treatment to the Prisoner-of War Sadao packed the wound with the sea moss. The man moaned but did not wake . Sadao told Hana that the best thing would be to put him back into the sea. Hana replied in the affirmative. Sadao then added that they sheltered a whilte man in their house, they would be arrested. And if they turned him over as a prisoner, he would certainly die. Identification of the American Prisoner of War Sadao told his wife that the man looked to be an American. The man was a prisoner of war. Hana cried that he escaped and that was why he was wounded in the back. Sadao said that if the man was ‘whole’ he could hand him over to the police without difficulty. But since he was wounded, he hesitated. Hana also added that they couldn’t throw him back into the sea. So they decided to carry him into the house. Arrival of the Prisoner of war to Sadao’s House. The wounded man was taken to Sadao’s father’s bedroom. Hana hesitated to take out a soft silk quilt as the man was so dirty. Sadao told her that he would better be washed. He told Hana that if she fetched hot water, he would wash him. Sadao decided to operate the patient at once; otherwise he would die. Sadao further said that at any rate something must be done with him. Differences in the minds of Sadao’s servants Sadao told the two servants about the man. The old gardener said that the master should not heal the wound of the man. The sea caught him an wounded him with her rocks. If he was healed, the gun and the sea would take revenge on him. Yuni got stubborn saying that she would not wash so dirty a man. Then she told Yumi that they wanted to bring the white man to his senses so that he could be handed over as a prisoner. Yumi refused to wash the American prisoner. Hana Washes the American Prisoner Hana washed the young man. She rose and put the quilt over the man lest he should be chilled. Sadao asked Hana to bring in the towels. Sada told Hana that she would have to give the man the anesthesia if he needed. He also instructed her how to administer it to the patient. Sadao starts the Surgery Sadao took out the packing. Blood started flowing more quickly. Hana’s face got sulphur-like. Sadao told her to be courageous. He also told her that if he stopped, the man would surely die. He wanted to get at the bullet in the man’s back. Hana felt choked. She ran out of the room and started retching. Sadao told her that it would be better for her to empty her stomach. Hana had never seen the surgery. Her distress and Sadao’s irritation made him think that there was no reason under heaven that the man should live. Hana returned and Sadao asked her to administer Anesthesia to the prisoner. Hana observed deep scars on the man’s neck, just under the ear. She spoke of them to Sadao. At that moment he felt his instrument had struck the bullet dangerously near the kidney. He felt a great pleasure. Sadao’s remembrance of his Professor’s Words. He probed with his fingers into the wound. He recollected what his old American professor of anatomy had stated: ‘Ignorance of the human body is the surgeon’s cardinal sin’ and ‘To operate without complete knowledge of the body as if you had made it-anything less than that is murder. ‘Sadao murmured ‘friend’ to the man forgetting that he was his enemy. He took out the bullet. American Prisoners of war comes back to senses The young man came back to senses and spoke a few English words. But he sank into silence once again. His pulse was faint and feeble. He gave him an injection. The man’s pulse grew stronger. Sadao said to Hana that the man would live. At last the young man woke up. When Hana spoke to him in English, he asked how she spoke English. Hana told him that she been in America for a long time. She told him that he would soon be strong. Sadao told the man that he did not know himself what he would do with him. He should be given to the police as he was a prisoner of war. Reactions of Sadao’s Servants Hana told Sadao that the servants felt they could not stay if they hid the man there anymore. The cook said hatefully that Sadao was proud of his skill to save life that he saved it. Yumi said that they must think of the children. What will be their fate if their father ( Dr. Sadao) was condemned as a traitor? Sadao’s Report to the Police Sadao checked the wound everyday He had pulled out the last stitches. The young man would be well in a fortnight. Sadao went back to his office. He carefully typed a letter to the chief of police reporting the whole matter. Departure of Servants On the seventh day two things happened. In the morning the servants left together. Hana did not show her injured pride as a mistress. She paid them off and thanked them. They were crying but she didn’t . The cook and the gardener had served Sadao since he was a little boy. Yumi cried because of the children. She told Hana that if the baby missed her she might be sent for. Sadao Meets the General In the afternoon the second thing occurred. Hana saw a messenger come to the house in official uniform. Sadao asked the messenger what the matter was. He replied that he was to go to the palace as the General was in pain again. Hana had a sight of relief. She told Sadao that she had thought they had come to arrest him. Sadao told Hana then that he must get rid of that man for their sake. The General repeated that Sadao had told him that he could stand ‘one more such attack.’ Sadao added that he could not stand more than one attack. The General stated that in that case he could allow nothing to happen to Sadao. The General’s face became expressionless. He asked Sadao what would happen if he had to have an operation and he ( Dr. Sadao) was condemned to death? Sadao replied that there were other surgeons. But the General told that he could trust none. German’s ruthlessness and American sentimentality The General explained that the best surgeons had been trained by Germans. They would consider the operation successful even if he died. It was a pity that they could not better combine the‘German ruthlessness with the American sentimentality.’ Then Sadao could turn his prisoner over to execution and yet he could be sure he won’t murder him while he was unconscious. He asked Sadao if he could not combine those two foreign elements. Sadao smiled that he would try for his sake. General’s offer of getting the man killed After some moments the General told Sadao that it would be best if the prisoner could be quietly killed. The General had his own private assassins. He asked Sadao to leave the outer partition of the white man’s room open to the garden. ‘The killing would be natural’, agreed Sadao. The General assured Sadao that the assassins were very capable of doing their job. There would be no traces of the killing. Sadao obeyed that it would be best. Sadao’s restless night Sadao slept badly that night. Time and time again he woke up thinking he had heard the rustling of footsteps etc of the assassins. The next morning he went to the guest room . If the American had gone he could tell Hana that the General had directed so. But he found him asleep. Hana asked Sadao what they would do to the American. He told her that he would decide in a day or two. The third night was to be decisive. Sadao slept a little better. But he woke up at the sound of a crash and leapt to his feet. He asked what was the noise about. Sadao found the American washed and on his feet. Sadao couldn’t go through another night. He decided that he must pack the American off. Sadao’s Plan to get rid of the American Prisoner Sadao told the American that he was well then. If he put his oat on the shore that night with food, clothing, water etc, he would be able to row to the little island. It was near the coast. Nobody lived on that. He could live there until he saw a Korean fishing boat pass by. As soon as it was dark Sadao put the boat down to the shore. He put food, bottled water and two quilts. Sadao checked carefully the American’s temperature, wound his heart and pulse. Sadao also decided to give his own small flashlight to the American. He told him to signal him two flashes at the time of the sunset if his food ran out. He should not signal in darkness, for it would be seen. He also told him that he could find fresh fish there. He should eat them raw as fire would be seen. The American finally escaped. Sadao slept that night. Sadao Meets the General Again Sadao had operated the General a week before. When he met him, the General asked him if the American had escaped. After a week when the General’s condition became well, Sadao told him that the American had escaped. The General recollected his promise of getting him killed for Sadao. He also admitted that he had forgotten that and it was very careless of him. He also said that ‘it was not lack of patriotism or dereliction of duty.’ Sadao’s Recollection of America Sadao stood on the veranda gazing out to the sea. In his mind there cam other white faces that he had known-the professor at whose house he had met Hana and his old teacher of anatomy who had insisted on mercy with the knife. He also remembered the landlady at whose house he had unwillingly stayed. It was because he, being a Japanese, had great difficulty to find a place to live. Sadao despised the ignorant and dirty old American woman for the prejudice. Once he had tried to be grateful to her because she had nursed him through influenza. But it was the same as she was no less repulsive to him in her kindness. So white people were repulsive. It was a relief to be openly at war with them. He also remembered the face of the prisoner-‘white and repulsive.’ He wondered why he could not kill him. Recapitulation: Dr Sadao was loyal to his profession which is shown when he volunteered to cure the American prisoner of war without caring for his identity. He had to struggle between loyalty to his country and his professional ethics. He decided in favour of his professional ethics. Although his impulse initially guided him to hand over the the prisoner to the police, his humanitarian feelings and professional ethics ruled the roost and compelled him to save the life of the Amercian prisoner of war.. Thus humanitarian consideration override man-made barriers of racial prejudice. Love and compassion are the basic tenets of humanity , which has been wonderfully illustrated with the characters of Dr. Sadao and his wife, Hana in the story. NCERT Solution 1. Who was Dr. Sadao? Where was his house? Ans: Dr. Sadao was a Japanese national who pursued his medicine in the USA. His house was situated on a spot near the Japanese coast. There were islands nearby this coast, which Dr. Sadao's father used to call as ' the stepping stones to the future for Japan'. 2. Will Dr. Sadao be arrested on the charge of harbouring an enemy? Ans: Under normal circumstances, Dr. Sadao would have certainly been arrested. But as the General needed him for his treatment, he woudn't be arrested . Moreover, Dr. Sadao confessed to the General that he had sheltered an enemy soldier as he was lying unconscious on the beach. So his chances of being arrested were remote. 3. Will Hana help the wounded man and wash him herself? Hana's maid Yumi being very much puritan in her approach towards the White soldier and refused to carry out the task of washing the White man. So Hana had to shoulder the task of washing the American soldier herself. 4. What will Dr. Sadao and his wife do with the man? Ans: If Dr. Sadao and his wife sheltered a white man in their house they could be arrested. It was the World War time and if they turned him over as a prisoner, he would certainly die. Dr. Sadao could not go against his medical ethics. He thought of attending the american prisoner and after the soldier became cured, he could be handed over to the Japanese authorities. 5. What will Dr. Sadao do to get rid of the man? Ans: Dr. Sadao dragged a boat down to the shore. He put food , bottled water and two quilts. He gave his own little flashlight to him. He told the american soldier to tow to the little island nearby and stay there until the Korean fish passed by. Reading with Insight Competency Based Questions 1. There are moments in life when we have to make hard choices between our roles as private individuals and as citizens with a sense of national loyalty. Discuss with reference to the story you have just read. Ans: We have to make hard choices between our roles as private individuals and as citizens as highlighted in the story 'The Enemy'. This is embodied in the characterization of Dr. Sadao. In conformity to his medical ethics, he decided to first nurse the American soldier back to recovery stage and then hand him over to the Japanese Authorities. On the other hand, his patriotic feeling was also prominent while tending the wounded man. He recalls the American prejudice against the Japanese. He feels guilty in attending the American soldier. He writes a report to the police and takes the General in confidence. After the American soldier was nursed back to recovery, Dr. Sadao was very restless to send him back to a nearby island and wait for Korean boats to pass by. It shows his patriotic zeal and loyalty for his country. Thus we can see that Dr. Sadao as a doctor did not hesitate in nursing the soldier as he showed his ethics in medical profession. On the other hand, he showed his patriotic zeal in sending the soldier to a nearby island. Therefore, he did justice both to his profession as well as to himself as a Japanese national. 2. Dr. Sadao was compelled by his duty as a doctor to help the enemy soldier. What made Hana, his wife, sympathetic to him in the face of open defiance from the domestic staff? Ans: Hana had to endorse the decision taken by her husband with regard to the enemy soldier. Both Dr. Sadao and Hana were kind and sympathetic by nature. So their values and loyalty towards their profession made them help the enemy soldier. They prioritized human life over nationalistic consideration. Thus in spite of open defiance from the domestic staff, they remained steadfast in their decision to heal the soldier first as they had been trained not to let a man die if they could help to rescue a patient. 3. How would you explain the reluctance of the soldier to leave the shelter of the doctor's home even when he knew he couldn't stay there without risk to the doctor and himself? Ans: The young man was not sure about his life as he was living in enemy country. However, he says that he ought to thank Dr. Sadao for having saved his life. He expressed his gratitude that if he had not met a Jap like him, he would not have been alive that day. And if all the Japs were like him there would not have been a war. The young soldier understood everything and accepted Dr. Sadao's plan to escape in the darkness. The kind of hospitality and concern that Dr. Sadao and Hana displayed in their treatment of the American soldier made him reluctant to leave the company of such a great personality like Dr. Sadao. 4. What explains the carelessness of the attitude of the General in the matter of the enemy soldier? Was it human consideration, lack of national loyalty, dereliction of duty or simply self-absorption? Ans: The General came up with a plan to get rid of enemy soldier from Dr. Sadao's house by deputing the private assassins. But unfortunately, he fell prey to his forgetfulness and failed to execute the plan. The General was operated upon a week before. He became totally self-absorbed that he forget his own commitment to Dr. Sadao in relation to the enemy soldier. In the meantime, Dr. Sadao himself took the initiative, packed the soldier off during the night and got rid of him eventually. However, the General recollects his promise after a week and praises Dr. Sadao for his initiative to get rid of the prisoner. He himself admitted to Dr. Sadao that the latter should not think that it was 'lack of patriotism or dereliction of duty' from the General's part. Thus his self-absorption owing to his declining health contributed to his carelessness in dealing with the enemy soldier. 5. While hatred against a member of the enemy race is justifiable, especially during war time, what makes a human being rise above narrow prejudices? Ans: Dr. Sadao demonstrated qualities of head and heart in the context of his dealing with the enemy soldier. On the one hand, he displayed ethics and commitment to his profession by agreeing to nurse the soldier back to recovery. On the other hand, he showed his loyalty and patriotic fervour by packing the enemy soldier off to a nearby island after the latter became fit enough to escape on his own. In saving the life of an enemy soldier he rose above the narrow prejudice of man-made nationalities. It was possible as he considered human life to be more precious than any other man-made barriers of race, colour and nationalities. It is owing to the innate values of universal feeling of love and brotherhood in Dr. Sadao and Hana, his wife, that he could rise above narrow prejudices and render his medical assistance to the enemy soldier. This is how Dr. Sadao has become a role model to other doctors as well all human beings. He has displayed exemplary acts of innate goodness in a human being as well the patriotic feeling in a critical situation . 6. Do you think the doctor's final solution to the problem was the best possible one in the circumstances? Ans: The General forgot his own commitment to get the enemy soldier quietly killed through his own private assassins. Therefore, Dr. Sadao wanted to get rid of the wounded soldier at the earliest as he himself stood in a grave risk of his life. He devised his own plan to pack the soldier off to the nearby island. He put his boat on the shore with food and extra clothing in it. He instructed the soldier how he should conduct himself on that unmanned island and get a Korean fishing boat only to escape. Thus we can say that under the given circumstances, it was the best possible escape plan that Dr. Sadao had devised for the enemy soldier. With his smart initiative he not only saved the life of his enemy soldier, but he himself could get a huge relief against the alleged seditious charges. 7. Does the story remind you of Birth by A. J. Cronin that you read in Snapshots last year? What are the similarities? Ans: Both the stories are the instances of intense love and profound loyalty for their profession. The American Soldier was in enemy territory and Dr. Sadao refused to take this fact into consideration while extending his medical help to the enemy soldier. Mr. Andrew in Cronin's story also went an extra mile in saving the life of a asphyxiated child while the midwife and nurse pronounced him dead. The following are the similarities in the two stories. (1) Both Dr. Sadao and Dr. Andrew were loyal to their respective professions and adhered to medical ethics while dealing with their respective patients. (2) Both of them made utmost use of their expertise in rendering medical assistance to their respective patients. (3) Both the doctors sacrificed their personal lives and gave priority to saving the lives of their respective patients. (4) Both the doctors rose above narrow prejudices, race or colour and prioritized only on saving the life of their patients. Their human values of innate love for humanity and loyalty to medical ethics raise them above the ordinary human beings in the society. Both are the role models for the humanity in general. Explanation of Important Paragraphs Page 40 (Flamingo) “There are other surgeons, Excellency,” Sadao suggested. “None I trust,” the General replied. “The best ones have been trained by Germans and would consider the operation successful even if I died. I do not care for their point of view.” He sighed. “It seems a pity that we cannot better combine the German ruthlessness with the American sentimentality. Then you could turn your prisoner over to execution and yet I could be sure you would not murder me while I was unconscious.” The General laughed. He had an unusual sense of humour. “As a Japanese, could you not combine these two foreign elements?” he asked. Explanation In this excerpt from "The Enemy" by Pearl S. Buck, the General and Sadao are discussing the complex and contrasting qualities of different nations' medical approaches, particularly in the context of war. The conversation revolves around the General's need for a surgery and his desire for a surgeon he can trust. The General expresses his lack of trust in other surgeons, even those who are skilled, because they have been trained by Germans and might prioritize success from a clinical perspective over his personal well-being. He refers to the perceived "German ruthlessness," which implies a willingness to prioritize objectives or outcomes over individual emotions or lives. Conversely, the General mentions "American sentimentality," describing the compassionate and empathetic nature that he believes American doctors might bring to their medical practice. The phrase implies that American doctors might be more inclined to consider the patient's well-being and emotions rather than just achieving a successful outcome. The General's statement highlights the tension between these two contrasting qualities – the strategic, objective-driven approach of the Germans and the empathetic, patient-centered approach of the Americans. He playfully suggests that if these qualities could be combined in a surgeon, it would ensure both his safety and the successful treatment of the prisoner, implying that he wishes for a surgeon who is both skillful and compassionate, bridging the gap between ruthlessness and sentimentality. This passage delves into the complexities of decision-making, ethics, and the clash of cultural values in the midst of war, further illustrating the intricate dynamics present in "The Enemy." It seems a pity that we cannot better combine the German ruthlessness with the American sentimentality. In the context of "The Enemy" by Pearl S. Buck, the statement "It seems a pity that we cannot better combine the German ruthlessness with the American sentimentality" reflects a nuanced perspective on the qualities of different nations and their approaches to war, conflict, and morality. The speaker, General Takima, is engaging in a conversation with Dr. Sadao Hoki, who is a skilled surgeon and the main character of the story. The General expresses a somewhat lighthearted and hypothetical wish that the best attributes of both German and American attitudes could be combined to achieve an ideal balance. This statement carries several layers of meaning: 1. **German Ruthlessness:** The General refers to the perceived ruthlessness of the German military. This quality suggests an unyielding and determined approach to achieving objectives, even if it means making difficult and harsh decisions. It is often associated with a strategic mindset that prioritizes success and victory in a conflict. 2. **American Sentimentality:** The General contrasts German ruthlessness with American sentimentality. He refers to the compassionate and empathetic nature often attributed to Americans, highlighting their consideration for human lives, emotions, and ethical considerations even in the midst of conflict. 3. **Balancing Perspectives:** The General's wish to combine these contrasting qualities reflects a desire for a balanced approach that takes into account both strategic determination and humanitarian values. He suggests that such a combination could lead to more effective decision-making in challenging situations. 4. **Personal Relationships:** The statement also serves to further develop the relationship between the General and Dr. Sadao. Their playful banter and shared perspectives on the complexities of wartime decisions add depth to their interactions and shed light on their personal values. 5. **Ethical Considerations:** The General's wish underscores the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals during times of war. It invites reflection on the moral challenges of making tough decisions while considering the broader consequences and implications. Overall, this statement adds a layer of complexity to the story by exploring the interplay between different cultural and national characteristics, as well as the challenges of navigating conflicting values and ethical dilemmas in the midst of war. It contributes to the broader themes of the story, including the exploration of cultural differences, humanity in the face of conflict, and the intricate dynamics of personal relationships during tumultuous times. 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Tips Read the passage paragraph wise and answer the questions accordingly. Don't read the whole passage together. Competency-Based Questions Q1. Read the passage given below and choose the best alternative from the options that follow. Mother In life, we generally come across various forms of relationships like father-son, husband-wife, love, friendship etc but the most dear and hearty relation of all is of a mother and her child. The bond of mother and child is the purest and holiest. Mother is next to GOD. She knows everything. A warm and affectionate touch of your mother will give you immense pleasure and you will feel as if you are in heaven. The relationship of a mother and a child carries deep emotions and feelings within it and it is always nurtured by love, affection and care. She is the one who gives birth to the child, brings him up, supports him when he needs someone the most, guides him in taking right decisions, stands against crowd and favours her child if he is right, suffers a lot of pain from the time of birth of a child till he becomes adult but never expects anything in return. Whenever you feel sad and tensed, she will embrace you and all your worries will come to an end. The most respectful and adorable person on this earth is “Mother”. Even if you fight with her, argue with her, pour you anger on her, she will forgive you for everything with a gentle smile on her face and without thinking for a second. Is there any relationship better than this relation where there is no ego, no fears, no hard feelings, just the feeling of love and affection? In today‟s world people get so much busy in their lives that they hardly find time for their mother, they don‟t even remember the things she has done for them to make their life smooth and comfortable. A person should always remember the efforts made by the mother for his betterment and should give utmost respect and care to his mother, as she really deserves it. He should let her mother know what she means to him and she will be the happiest person in this whole world. We celebrate mother' s day once in a year but tell me, do we need any special day to show our gratitude to our mother who has devoted and sacrifice her whole life for us. We should make her feel that she means a lot to us each day, that will be true gift to her. If you really want to express your love for your mother, don‟t wait for long now and don‟t hesitate, go to her and give a hug and tell her “Mother, you are next to GOD, thanks for everything you have done for me. You are the best person on this whole earth and I really mean it; you have given your whole life for us and you deserve the best of everything. I love you mother”. You can also express your feelings for your mother in a different way. You can take the help of poems and quotes, which will help you in expressing your feelings in a better way. Dedicate the poems to your mother and show your respect, affection and gratitude to her and you will see she will keep on smiling. I. Select the option that best captures the central theme of the passage. A. The importance of various relationships in life B. The significance of expressing love and gratitude to one's mother C. The challenges of maintaining a strong mother-child bond D. The role of mothers in shaping their children's personalities II. What is the author's perspective on the relationship between a mother and a child? A. It is a bond characterized by conflicts and misunderstandings. B. It is a one-sided relationship where the child does all the giving. C. It is a pure and selfless bond nurtured by love and care. D. It is a relationship built on expectations and demands. III. Share evidence from the passage to support the idea that a mother's love is unconditional. IV. Complete the sentence appropriately with a characteristic or its description. V. Select the option that is similar in meaning to the phrase "The most respectful and adorable person on this earth is 'Mother'." A. The person who commands the most respect and adoration on Earth is 'Mother.' B. The individual who deserves the highest regard and affection on this planet is 'Mother.' C. The most honorable and endearing individual in the world is 'Mother.' D. The individual with the most esteemed and cherished status in the world is 'Mother.' VI. Explain, in about 40 words, the significance of expressing gratitude and love to one's mother beyond special occasions. VII. In the context of the passage, what does the author suggest about the modern world's attitude towards mothers? VIII. How does the following impact the reader's understanding of the passage's message? "We celebrate mother's day once in a year but tell me, do we need any special day to show our gratitude to our mother who has devoted and sacrificed her whole life for us.'' IX. Read the five headlines (a)-(e) given below: (a) A MOTHER'S SACRIFICE AND DEVOTION: A LESSON IN SELFLESSNESS (b) THE ROLE OF FAMILY RELATIONS IN SHAPING INDIVIDUALS (c) EXPRESSING LOVE AND GRATITUDE BEYOND SPECIAL OCCASIONS (d) FINDING TIME FOR LOVED ONES IN A BUSY WORLD (e) UNDERSTANDING THE UNIQUE BOND BETWEEN MOTHER AND CHILD Identify the option that displays the headline/s that correspond with occurrences mentioned in the passage. A. (a) and (c) B. (b) and (e) C. (a) and (d) D. (c) and (e) Answer Key I. Answer: B. The significance of expressing love and gratitude to one's mother II. Answer: C. It is a pure and selfless bond nurtured by love and care. III. Answer: The passage mentions that even if someone fights, argues, or pours anger on their mother, she forgives everything with a gentle smile on her face without thinking for a second. IV. a mother's love is portrayed as selfless, forgiving, and characterized by a lack of ego or hard feelings. V. Answer: B. The individual who deserves the highest regard and affection on this planet is 'Mother.' VI. Expressing gratitude and love to one's mother beyond special occasions reinforces the idea that her sacrifices and efforts are valued and acknowledged consistently, emphasizing the depth of the relationship. VII. Answer: The author suggests that in today's busy world, people often neglect expressing gratitude and remembering the efforts made by their mothers, emphasizing the need for consistent appreciation. VIII. This statement challenges the idea of limiting appreciation to a single day and encourages the reader to express gratitude more frequently. IX. Answer: D. (c) and (e) For Students of Classes 6 & 7 On the basis of your reading of the above passage, complete the statements that follow with the help of given options. (a) The most dear and hearty relation of all is the relationship of __________. (i) father and son (ii) husband and wife (iii) mother and child (iv) friendship and love (b) This relationship carries__________ (i) worries (ii) suffering (iii) love for money (iv) deep emotions and feelings (c) This relation is devoid of__________ (i) ego and fear (ii) love and affection (iii) anger and hard feelings (iv) (i) and (iii) (d) Today‟s generation__________. (i) is very busy in their lives (ii) easily finds time for their mother (iii) remembers the things she has done for them (iv) shows respect and care for mother (e) Do we need any special day to__________? (i) show our anger (ii) show our gratitude towards her (iii) blame her (iv) disobey her (f) You can express your love towards your mother by__________. (i) writing poems and quotes (ii) showing respect (iii) hugging her (iv) all of the above (g) The word from the passage which means the same as „gratitude‟ is__________. (i) greatness (ii) thankfulness (iii) sacrifice (iv) respect Q2. Read the passage given below and choose the best alternative from the options that follow. SISTER COME HOME A child sitting under a tree prayed quietly to himself without anyone knowing – only the tree knew. The tree was several decades old, but it still stood straight and tall. The people in the village all knew that a while ago, this tree‟s bark was falling off and it was dying. But it was brought back to life by a short phrase that its caretaker said, and when other people asked the young girl how she healed the tree, the girl said with a sweet smile, “It‟s a secret”. Everyone was puzzled. A few years later, the girl went to a faraway place to earn money for her little brother‟s school tuition. When the young girl returned. She saw how haggard the old tree had become, and she was sad. She again said a few words to the tree. The tree unexpectedly became its old self once again, tall and straight. The villagers praised it as they came and went. After another week, the girl had to leave again. Crying, the girl‟s mother said, “Daughter, your father and I have let you down.”The girl, also crying, said, “Don‟t speak that way. Can you summon my little brother?” “Of course I can.” The sister said to her little brother, “This tree I give to you, when you look at it, it shall be the same as looking at me. Study hard, make me proud, and make mom and dad proud. You must safeguard the tree. I may be gone for 3-5 years. Take good care of mom and dad, and that will make me proud.” The little brother said, “Sister, I know I‟ll be industrious, and I‟II take good care of the tree.” Touching the tree last time, the girl turned and left. As each day passed, the boy grew up. During the day he studied and played beneath the tree, and at night, he sat against the tree and quietly prayed. After a few more months the boy ran to the top of a mountain and yelled out the words he‟d been wanting to say, “Sister, come home!” A few years later, he suddenly learned some startling news. It was said that the sister had died saving a little girl‟s life. This had happened several years before, and the money that was sent to the village was sent by the little girl‟s mother, because this was the sister‟s final request before she died. People all say that good people go to heaven after they die. I think that girl is surely in heaven watching over her brother! I. Select the option that best captures the central theme of the passage. A. The power of nature in healing and guiding human lives B. The bond between siblings and the impact of their actions C. The importance of secrets and mystery in life D. The role of trees in preserving memories and emotions II. What significant change did the young girl bring about in the tree's condition, and how did she achieve it? A. She made the tree taller by planting new seeds. B. She revived the dying tree by saying a few words. C. She pruned the tree's branches to improve its health. D. She watered the tree regularly to keep it alive. III. Share evidence from the passage that highlights the depth of the sibling bond between the girl and her little brother. IV. Select the option that is similar in meaning to the phrase "Can you summon my little brother?" A. Can you bring my little brother here? B. Can you call for my little brother? C. Can you scold my little brother? D. Can you find my little brother? V. Explain, in about 40 words, the symbolic significance of the tree in the story. VI. In the context of the passage, what does the boy's act of yelling out "Sister, come home!" symbolize? VII. How does the following impact the reader's perception of the passage's message? "People all say that good people go to heaven after they die. I think that girl is surely in heaven watching over her brother!" VIII. Read the five headlines (a)-(e) given below: (a) SIBLING BONDS: A STORY OF LOVE, SACRIFICE, AND GUIDANCE (b) THE MAGICAL HEALING POWER OF TREES (c) A SISTER'S LEGACY: CREATING A LASTING IMPACT (d) REMEMBERING GOOD DEEDS: A CELEBRATION OF A LIFE WELL-LIVED (e) THE ROLE OF FAMILY TRADITIONS IN NURTURING COMPASSION Identify the option that displays the headline/s that correspond with occurrences mentioned in the passage. A. (a) and (d) B. (b) and (c) C. (a) and (e) D. (c) and (d) Answer Key I. Answer: B. The bond between siblings and the impact of their actions II. Answer: B. She revived the dying tree by saying a few words. III. Answer: The girl entrusts the tree to her little brother, symbolizing that looking at the tree would be the same as looking at her. She also emphasizes the importance of taking care of their parents and studying hard. IV. Answer: Answer: B. Can you call for my little brother? V. The tree serves as a symbol of the girl's presence, guidance, and love for her little brother. It becomes a tangible connection between them and represents her wish for his growth and success. VI. Answer: The boy's act symbolizes his deep longing for his sister's presence and his yearning for her return, demonstrating the enduring impact of their relationship. VII. This statement reinforces the idea that the girl's selfless actions and love have left a lasting impact, suggesting a sense of comfort and guidance even after her passing. VIII. Answer: A. (a) and (d) Easy Questions for Std. 6 & 7 On the basis of your reading of the above passage complete the statement that follow with the help of the given options. (a) The dying tree was brought back to life by __________ (i) a child sitting under the tree (ii) the people of the village (iii) a short phrase that its caretaker said (iv) an old tree (b) The girl went to a faraway place to __________ (i) enjoy a picnic (ii) to keep her secret (iii) motivate the tree (iv) to earn money (c) When the young girl returned to her village, she found the tree __________ (i) in good shape (ii) completely bare (iii) in bad shape (iv) reduced to a stump (d) The girl summoned her little brother to __________ (i) look after the young tree (ii) look after the old tree only (iii) look after the parents only (iv) look after the old tree and his parents (e) The girl had died __________ (i) in a car accident (ii) saving a little girl (iii) while trying to cross the flooded river (iv) of snake bite Answer Key is available for download below.

Reading Comprehension Worksheet for High School Students Tips for Answering Questions Correctly Don't read the whole passage together. Read paragraph wise. For example, read paragraph 1 and try to find out the answers of the questions from Paragraph 1 and then read para 2 and so on.... Reading Paragraph-wise and attempting answers from each para will help you save your precious time in the exam/test. Don't just copy the lines from the paragraphs while answering a question. You can copy basic words from the passage, but you are instructed to make the answer in your own words. For a 1-mark question, write one or two sentences only. Remember copying the sentences verbatim or blindly from the passage is not advisable and the examiner has the discretion to deduct some marks for this. Competency-Based Reading Comprehension Q1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow An Independence Day is an annual celebration commemorating the anniversary of a nation’s assumption of independent statehood, usually after ceasing to be a colony or part of another state, more rarely after the end of a military occupation. Most countries honour their respective independence day as a national holiday. On 15 August 1947 , India attained freedom from the British Rule. Every year, August 15 is celebrated as the Independence Day in India. This national festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the country. The Independence Day of any country is a moment of pride and glory. On this special occasion, rich tributes are paid to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives and fought to free their motherland from the clutches of the oppressors – British who ruled the country. The British had initially come for trade but gradually took over the total administration of the country. At the strike of midnight of the August 15, 1947 ,India shook off the shackles of British Rule and became free. It was a night of celebration all over the country. I. Select the option that best describes the emotions associated with Independence Day celebrations as described in the passage. A. Sadness and sorrow B. Regret and remorse C. Joy and pride D. Fear and apprehension II. What event is being commemorated on Independence Day? A. The end of a military occupation B. The anniversary of a nation's assumption of statehood C. The beginning of a colony D. The end of a civil war III. Share evidence from the passage, in about 40 words, to support the idea that Independence Day is a time to honor those who fought for freedom. The passage mentions that on Independence Day, rich tributes are paid to freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives and fought against the British oppressors to free the country. IV. Complete the sentence appropriately with a characteristic or its description. Based on the information in the passage, Independence Day is typically celebrated with enthusiasm and patriotism, as it marks a significant milestone in a nation's history. V. Select the option that is similar in meaning to the expression, "shackles of British Rule." A. Legacy of British Rule B. Influence of British Rule C. Chains of British Rule D. Impact of British Rule VI. Explain, in about 40 words, the historical significance of the date August 15, 1947, for India. August 15, 1947, holds historical significance for India as it marks the day when India achieved freedom from British colonial rule after years of struggle and sacrifices by its citizens. VII. In the context of the passage, why is Independence Day referred to as a "national festival"? Independence Day is considered a national festival because it is celebrated throughout the country with great enthusiasm and serves as a unifying event that brings citizens together to commemorate their nation's freedom. VIII. How does the following impact the reader's perception of Independence Day celebrations? "At the strike of midnight of the August 15, 1947, India shook off the shackles of British Rule and became free." This statement creates a powerful and vivid image of a momentous historical event—the exact moment when India gained independence. It emphasizes the significance of that instant in the country's history. IX. Read the five headlines (a)-(e) given below: (a) NATION CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH PATRIOTIC FERVOR (b) THE ORIGINS OF INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS (c) FORMER COLONIES REMAIN UNDER FOREIGN RULE (d) FREEDOM FIGHTERS: UNSUNG HEROES OF INDEPENDENCE (e) HOW INDEPENDENCE DAY AFFECTS GLOBAL DIPLOMACY Identify the option that displays the headline/s that correspond with occurrences mentioned in the passage. A. (a) and (b) B. (c) and (d) C. (b) and (e) D. (a) and (d) Answer Key I. C. Joy and pride II. B. The anniversary of a nation's assumption of statehood III. On Independence Day, rich tributes are paid to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives and fought against the British oppressors to free their motherland. IV. Based on the information in the passage, Independence Day is typically celebrated with enthusiasm and patriotism, as it marks a significant milestone in a nation's history. V. C. Chains of British Rule VI. August 15, 1947, holds historical significance for India as it marks the day when India achieved freedom from British colonial rule after years of struggle and sacrifices by its citizens. VII. Independence Day is considered a national festival because it is celebrated throughout the country with great enthusiasm and serves as a unifying event that brings citizens together to commemorate their nation's freedom. VIII. This statement creates a powerful and vivid image of a momentous historical event—the exact moment when India gained independence. It emphasizes the significance of that instant in the country's history. IX. D. (a) and (d) Q2. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow. By the time our delayed train reached and I disembarked with my father and baby Lavanya, it was well past midnight. It was cold, dark and foggy. My husband, Manas, who was to receive us , was nowhere in sight. Soon the platform became deserted. Then, a burly man approached us and offered to carry our bags. He wasn't wearing the usual porter's red shirt and tag, and though I was wary, my father decided to hire him. Leaving Lavanya and me with the man, my father went to look for Manas. I took a closer look at the man and felt apprehensive. He was big hairy, his face was pock marked and his eyes looked bloodshot. Just then Lavanya, who had been sleeping in my arms, awoke and turned to look at the porter. He gave a playful smile and held out his arms. I thought she'd start crying and held her closer. But she smiled back and twisted herself out of my arms into his. Now I was really scared. What if he ran away with my baby ? He must have sensed my fear and , even before I reached out to take Lavanya back, he handed her to me. Turning around , he mumbled that though everyone was scared of him, my innocent baby had accepted him. His eyes had tears in them. I didn't know what to say. At that moment,my father returned with Manas. The man picked up our bags and walked towards the cars park. As we followed him, I asked Manas to pay him a little extra. But, having put our luggage in the car, the man refused to take payment from us. Coming up to me,he placed his hand on my baby's head for a moment as if to say, ''God bless you !'' and walked away. I. Select the option that best describes the initial emotion of the narrator upon disembarking from the train. A. Excitement and anticipation B. Anxiety and uncertainty C. Relief and happiness D. Indifference and boredom II. What caused the narrator's apprehension when approached by the burly man? A. The man's lack of a red shirt and tag B. The man's playful smile C. The man's offer to carry their bags D. The man's pock-marked face and bloodshot eyes III. Share evidence from the passage, in about 40 words, to support the idea that the narrator's baby, Lavanya, reacted positively to the porter. IV. Complete the sentence appropriately with a characteristic or its description. V. Select the option that is similar in meaning to the expression, "What if he ran away with my baby?" A. What if he took my baby and left? B. What if he played with my baby and left? C. What if he made my baby cry and left? D. What if he hugged my baby and left? VI. Explain, in about 40 words, the reason behind the narrator's fear turning into appreciation for the burly porter. VII. In the context of the passage, what is the significance of the porter placing his hand on the baby's head and uttering, "God bless you!"? VIII. How does the following impact the reader's perception of the porter's character? "His eyes had tears in them. I didn't know what to say." IX. Read the five headlines (a)-(e) given below: (a) STRANGERS CAN SOMETIMES BE ANGELS IN DISGUISE (b) UNEXPECTED ACTS OF KINDNESS: A STORY OF A BURLY PORTER (c) HANDLING FEAR AND APPREHENSION IN UNFAMILIAR SITUATIONS (d) A JOURNEY THROUGH THE DARK NIGHT: MEMORIES AND ENCOUNTERS (e) NAVIGATING THE CHALLENGES OF TRAIN TRAVEL WITH A BABY Identify the option that displays the headline/s that correspond with occurrences mentioned in the passage. A. (a) and (b) B. (c) and (e) C. (b) and (d) D. (a) and (c) Answer Key I. B. Anxiety and uncertainty II. D. The man's pock-marked face and bloodshot eyes III. When Lavanya awoke and saw the porter's playful smile, she smiled back and willingly moved into his arms, indicating a positive and friendly response. IV. Based on the information in the passage, the narrator's initial apprehension toward the burly porter transforms into a mixture of fear and then appreciation for his kind-heartedness. V. A. What if he took my baby and left? VI. The burly porter's gentle behavior towards Lavanya, his playfulness, and handing the baby back when sensing the narrator's fear showcased his innocence and kindness, causing the narrator's fear to give way to appreciation. VII. The gesture of placing his hand on the baby's head and uttering a blessing signifies the porter's goodwill and his genuine concern for the baby's well-being. It also reflects the porter's compassionate nature. VIII. This statement reveals the emotional depth of the porter, showcasing his sensitivity and contrasting with his initial intimidating appearance, thus adding complexity to his character. IX. B. (c) and (e) Extra Questions for Std. VI & VII (a) Choose the correct option to answer each question : 1. The author was apprehensive when a man approached her as : (a) he was scary looking (b) her father was not with her (c) he was drunk and had bloodshot eyes (d) her husband was nowhere in sight 2. The man refused payment because : (a) the money offered was less (b) he was not a porter (c) he sensed the woman‟s fears and wanted to help her (d) the baby had come to him 3. The man handed the baby back to the lady as : (a) he feared the baby would start crying (b) she reached out for the baby (c) he realized that she was scared (d) his eyes had suddenly filled up with tears 4. This incident made the author realize that one should : (a) not be scared of strangers (b) only take the services of a regular porter (c) not allow strangers to handle their children (d) not judge people by their appearance 5. ''Apprehensive‟ means : (a) appreciative (b) fearful (c) happy (d) sad 2 (b) Find words from the passage which mean the same as (i) get off (ii) speak unclearly Q3. Read the poem carefully answer the questions that follow: Where the mind is without fear and The head is held high ; Where knowledge is free ; Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls ; Where words come out from the depth of truth, Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection ; Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit; Where the mind is led forward by Thee into ever-widening thought and action- Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake. Rabindranath Tagore I. Select the option that best captures the central theme of the passage. A. Overcoming adversity and challenges B. Freedom from fear and narrow boundaries C. The power of knowledge and reason D. Celebrating cultural diversity II. What is the significance of the phrase "Where the mind is without fear"? A. It describes a mind that is fearless and brave. B. It emphasizes the importance of intellectual growth. C. It symbolizes a state of freedom and openness. D. It suggests a mind filled with doubt and hesitation. III. Share evidence from the passage to support the idea that the author envisions a society without divisions. IV. Select the option that is similar in meaning to the phrase "tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection." A. Continuous effort extends toward excellence. B. Relentless pursuit reaches absolute success. C. Unwavering endeavor leads to perfect results. D. Exhaustive work extends toward ultimate achievement. V. Explain, in about 40 words, the significance of the phrase "the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit." VI. In the context of the passage, why does the author use the metaphor of "heaven of freedom"? VII. How does the following impact the reader's understanding of the passage's message? "Where the mind is led forward by Thee into ever-widening thought and action." VIIII. Read the five headlines (a)-(e) given below: (a) BREAKING BARRIERS: OVERCOMING SOCIETAL LIMITATIONS (b) THE POWER OF FEARLESS MINDS IN A GLOBALIZED WORLD (c) EMBRACING TRUTH AND KNOWLEDGE FOR A BETTER SOCIETY (d) CREATING A WORLD WITHOUT CULTURAL BOUNDARIES (e) A VISION OF UNRESTRICTED THINKING AND ACTION Identify the option that displays the headline/s that correspond with occurrences mentioned in the passage. A. (a) and (c) B. (b) and (e) C. (c) and (d) D. (a) and (b) Answer Key I. B. Freedom from fear and narrow boundaries II. Answer: C. It symbolizes a state of freedom and openness. III. Answer: The phrase "Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls" indicates the author's vision of a united and undivided world. IV. Answer: A. Continuous effort extends toward excellence. V. The phrase highlights the importance of keeping rational thinking free from stagnation caused by unchanging routines and habits, ensuring that the flow of reasoning remains vibrant and purposeful. VI. Answer: The metaphor of "heaven of freedom" represents the author's ideal vision of a perfect and liberated society. VII. This phrase emphasizes the role of divine guidance in driving the mind towards progressive and inclusive thinking and action, reinforcing the theme of openness and growth. VIII. Answer: B. (b) and (e) More Questions for Std. VI & VII (Qs.) On the basis of your reading of the poem, answer the following questions by choosing the correct options given below. (a) ''The head held high'' means one is __________ . (i) full of arrogance (ii) having self-respect and dignity (iii) has a painful neck (b) ''domestic walls‟ stands for __________ . (i) wall of bricks and cement ii) the wall of anger and hate (iii) the wall of regional and religious differences (iv) the wall of isolation (c) Where words come out from the __________ . (i) depth of logic (ii) depth of truth (ii) analysis (iv) happiness (d) We can achieve ''perfection'' by __________ . (i) tired efforts (ii) tireless cribbing (iii) tireless striving (iv) tiring efforts (e) Where ''clear stream of season‟ has not lost its way to (i) dead logic (ii) unreasonable people (iii) dead habit (iv) uneasy efforts (f) The poet wants the mind to be led forward by God into __________ . (i) ever growing prosperity and abundance (ii) ever shrinking logic and knowledge (iii) ever living happiness and love (iv) ever widening thought and action (g) The opposite for the word “sleep” is __________ . (i) acknowledge (ii) accept (iii) awake (iv) embark For the answer key, Please Click Here

Learn the Trending Topics across the Globe in Conversational Mode. Plastic Pollution: Threat to Our Mother Earth | Board Exam 2024 John: Hey Jane, have you heard about the staggering amount of plastic pollution that our planet is facing? Jane: Yes, it's truly concerning, John. Plastic production has increased exponentially over the years, and a significant amount of it ends up in our oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems. It's alarming to think about the long-term consequences of this plastic crisis. John : Plastic pollution is indeed a pressing issue. According to the report by Nature, approximately 14 million tons of plastic find their way into the oceans annually. If we don't take action, this number is projected to increase to a staggering 29 million metric tons per year by 2040. The cumulative amount of plastic in the ocean, including microplastics, could reach 600 million tons by that same year. Jane: Those numbers are shocking. It's disheartening to think about the impact on our marine ecosystems. We need to find solutions to tackle this problem before it becomes even more severe. John: Absolutely, John. It's not just about the immediate harm to wildlife and habitats; plastic pollution has long-lasting effects. National Geographic revealed that only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled. This highlights a significant market failure and emphasizes the urgency to address this issue. Jane: You're right, John. The fact that plastic takes around 400 years to decompose means that it will persist in our environment for generations. The long-term consequences of plastic pollution on ecosystems, human health, and the overall balance of our planet are still not fully understood. John: So, what can we do to combat plastic pollution? Are there any solutions that can help us address this issue? Jane: There are several approaches we can take to tackle plastic pollution. Firstly, reducing the production and consumption of single-use plastics is crucial. We can opt for reusable alternatives such as cloth bags, metal straws, and refillable water bottles. By making these small changes in our daily lives, we can significantly reduce plastic waste. John: Education and awareness play a significant role too. We can spread knowledge about the harmful effects of plastic pollution and the importance of recycling. Encouraging others to join recycling programs and advocating for proper waste management and recycling infrastructure in our communities can make a difference. Jane: : Absolutely, Jane. Additionally, supporting policies and regulations that promote a circular economy, where plastic waste is minimized, recycled, and reused, is essential. This involves promoting extended producer responsibility, where manufacturers are held accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, including their disposal. Jane: It's good to know that there are tangible steps we can take. Apart from individual actions, are there any collective efforts or innovations being developed to combat plastic pollution? John: Yes, there are several collective efforts underway. Many organizations and governments are working towards developing innovative solutions. For instance, there are initiatives focused on developing sustainable packaging alternatives, promoting biodegradable plastics, and investing in improved waste management systems. Technological advancements, such as plastic-eating enzymes and recycling innovations, are also being explored. Jane: That's promising to hear. It shows that there is a growing awareness and commitment to addressing plastic pollution. I believe if we combine individual actions, collective efforts, and support innovative solutions, we can make significant progress in reducing plastic waste and protecting our environment. John: Absolutely, Jane. It will require a combination of personal responsibility, systemic changes, and global collaboration. By raising awareness, advocating for sustainable practices, and actively participating in solutions, we can work towards a cleaner, plastic-free future. Jane: Thank you for sharing this information and the potential solutions. It's essential for us to take action and be part of the solution. Let's do our part and inspire others to join us in fighting plastic pollution. John: You're welcome, Jane. Together, we can make a difference. Let's spread the word, make sustainable choices, and work towards a world where plastic pollution is minimized, allowing our environment and future generations to thrive.

English Article Writing , Board Exam 2024 EVs, or Electric Vehicles, are automobiles that are powered by one or more electric motors using electricity stored in rechargeable batteries. They have gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential to contribute to sustainable living and reduce environmental impact. Here are the objectives and benefits of EVs for sustainable living: Objectives of EVs for Sustainable Living: 1. Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: One of the primary objectives of EVs is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a major contributor to climate change. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, meaning they do not release any pollutants during operation. 2. Minimize Air Pollution: Traditional internal combustion engines emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to air pollution and negatively impact human health. By replacing these engines with electric motors, EVs help minimize air pollution and improve air quality. 3. Decrease Dependence on Fossil Fuels: EVs aim to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, which are finite resources and contribute to geopolitical tensions. By transitioning to electricity as a primary source of transportation energy, EVs promote energy diversification and increased reliance on renewable energy sources. 4. Economic Opportunities: EVs present opportunities for economic growth and job creation. The shift towards EVs fosters the development of new industries and business models, including the manufacturing of EV components, charging infrastructure installation, and the provision of related services. As the EV market expands, it can stimulate economic activity and create employment opportunities in various sectors. 5. Sustainable Mobility: EVs aim to provide sustainable and efficient mobility solutions. With advancements in battery technology and the expansion of charging infrastructure, EVs offer a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional vehicles. The objective is to create a transportation system that meets the needs of individuals and society while minimizing the negative impacts on the environment and public health. Benefits of EVs for Sustainable Living: 1. Environmental Sustainability: By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, EVs contribute to environmental sustainability. They help mitigate climate change, preserve ecosystems, and protect natural resources by minimizing the environmental impact of transportation. 2. Energy Efficiency: Electric motors are more energy-efficient than internal combustion engines. EVs convert a higher percentage of energy from the grid to power at the wheels, resulting in greater energy efficiency. This efficiency helps optimize resource utilization and reduces overall energy consumption. 3. Renewable Energy Integration: As the grid transitions to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, EVs offer the potential to integrate these clean energy sources. They can serve as energy storage devices, allowing excess electricity generated during peak renewable energy production to be stored in EV batteries and used during periods of high demand or when renewable energy generation is low. 4. Cost Savings: While the upfront cost of EVs may be higher compared to traditional vehicles, they offer potential long-term cost savings. Electric charging is generally less expensive than refueling with gasoline or diesel, and EVs typically require less maintenance due to their simpler mechanical structure, leading to reduced operating costs over time. 5. Technological Innovation: The rise of EVs has stimulated technological advancements in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and renewable energy integration. These innovations extend beyond transportation, benefiting other sectors and accelerating the overall transition to a sustainable future. 5. Noise Reduction: EVs produce less noise compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, contributing to reduced noise pollution in urban areas. By adopting EVs, we can move towards a more sustainable and cleaner transportation system, mitigating the impacts of climate change, improving air quality, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. EVs Adoption Across the Globe Several countries have made significant strides in adopting and promoting electric vehicles (EVs) to transition towards sustainable transportation. Here are a few examples: 1. Norway: Norway leads the world in EV adoption. It has implemented strong incentives such as exemptions from vehicle registration taxes, toll road fees, and reduced or free parking for EV owners. As a result, EVs accounted for over 75% of new car sales in Norway in 2020. 2. China: China is the world's largest EV market and has been actively promoting EV adoption. The government provides generous subsidies, offers license plate lotteries and exemptions, and has set sales quotas for automakers to produce a certain percentage of new energy vehicles (NEVs), including EVs. Chinese EV manufacturers like BYD and NIO have gained prominence globally. 3. Netherlands: The Netherlands has set ambitious goals to transition to electric mobility. It offers tax incentives, grants, and subsidies for EVs. Additionally, the government plans to ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars by 2030. The Netherlands has an extensive charging infrastructure network and EVs accounted for over 25% of new car sales in 2020. 4. Sweden: Sweden has been actively promoting EVs through various measures. The country provides financial incentives such as exemptions from vehicle taxes and reduced company car taxes for EV owners. Sweden aims to be climate-neutral by 2045 and has set a target of having only new EV sales by 2030. 5. United Kingdom: The UK has implemented several initiatives to accelerate EV adoption. It offers grants for purchasing EVs, has exempted them from certain taxes, and is expanding its charging infrastructure. The government has set a target to ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars by 2030. 6. Germany: Germany has been making efforts to boost EV adoption. It provides financial incentives and subsidies for EV buyers, including a grant program called "Umweltbonus." The country aims to have 7 to 10 million EVs on its roads by 2030 and has plans to expand its charging infrastructure. These examples demonstrate the commitment of various countries to transition towards sustainable transportation by adopting electric vehicles. The efforts include incentives, subsidies, infrastructure development, and policy targets to accelerate EV adoption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. Types of Electric Vehicles 1. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): These are fully electric vehicles that run solely on electricity. They are powered by rechargeable batteries and do not have an internal combustion engine. BEVs have zero tailpipe emissions and offer the longest driving ranges among EVs. 2. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): PHEVs combine an electric motor with an internal combustion engine. They can be charged from an external power source and also use gasoline or diesel. PHEVs offer both electric driving range and the ability to switch to the combustion engine for longer trips. 3. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs): HEVs utilize a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. However, they cannot be charged externally and rely on regenerative braking and the combustion engine to charge the battery. HEVs provide improved fuel efficiency compared to conventional vehicles. Key Components of EVs: 1. Electric Motor: The electric motor is the primary power source in an EV. It converts electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy to propel the vehicle. 2. Battery Pack: EVs use high-capacity lithium-ion or other advanced batteries to store electrical energy. The battery pack provides the required energy to power the electric motor. 3. Power Electronics: Power electronics control the flow of electricity between the battery pack and the electric motor. They convert the direct current (DC) from the battery to alternating current (AC) to drive the motor. 4. Onboard Charger: EVs have onboard chargers that convert AC power from an external charging station or wall outlet to DC power to charge the battery pack. 5. Regenerative Braking: EVs employ regenerative braking systems that capture and convert the kinetic energy generated during braking into electrical energy, which is then stored in the battery for later use. Charging Infrastructure: To support widespread EV adoption, the development of charging infrastructure is crucial. Charging options include: 1. Level 1 Charging: This involves using a standard 120-volt electrical outlet. It is the slowest method but can be convenient for overnight charging at home. 2. Level 2 Charging: Level 2 chargers use a 240-volt power source and provide faster charging compared to Level 1. They are commonly installed at homes, workplaces, and public charging stations. 3. DC Fast Charging: Also known as Level 3 charging, DC fast chargers provide rapid charging by delivering high-power DC directly to the vehicle's battery. They are typically found at public charging stations along highways and can charge an EV significantly faster. The continuous advancements in EV technology, battery capacity, and charging infrastructure are driving the transition towards a more sustainable transportation system. Governments, businesses, and individuals play significant roles in promoting and adopting EVs to achieve a greener future.

Lesson Architecture Concept Videos Theme Story-At-A-Glance NCERT Solution Extra Questions Theme The story has been taken from the novel of H. G.Wells’ ‘The Invisible Man’. The story suggests how Science can be a bad master of human beings if handled by a wrong person. The lesson is the story of Griffin, a Scientist who conducts various experiments to make the human body invisible. In spite of being a brilliant scientist, he is not a law-compliant person. He uses his own impulse to execute any kind of work. The story describes his adventures and lawless spree of activities aimed at resorting activities to gain advantage at the cost of violence and robbery. Story-At-A-Glance 1. INTRODUCTION OF A BRILLIANT BUT LAWLESS SCIENTIST: The lesson opens with two boys following muddy footprints that seem to form without feet. They are the footprints made by the invisible scientist and he starts roaming the streets of London invisibly to avoid getting caught. Griffin, the Scientist, started carrying out a series of experiments to prove that it was possible to make the human body become invisible. Eventually, he swallowed some rare drugs and his body became as transparent as a sheet of glass. In spite of being a Brilliant, Griffin was rather a lawless person. His landlord did not like him and tried to drive him out of his house. In revenge Griffin set fire to the house. In order to escape being caught, he had to take off his clothes. Thus he became a homeless wanderer, without clothes, without money, and quite invisible — until he happened to step in some mud, and left footprints as he walked! 2. Griffin tries to survive by robbing a store: He escaped easily enough from the boys who followed his footprints in London. . It was mid-winter. The air was bitterly cold and he could not manage without clothes. Instead of walking about the streets in bitter cold he decided to slip into a big London store for warmth. He enjoyed the food, wine and clothes. , but is he is traced and chased by the store assistants the next day. In the end he was able to escape only by quickly taking off his newly found clothes. So once more he found himself invisible but naked in the chill January air. 3. Griffin arrives in Iping: He stole some cash and items like bandages, a false nose an side-whiskers from a theatre supply shop and went to a village called Iping in order to avoid crowded London crowd. He booked two rooms at the local inn. He made it clear to Mrs. Hall, the landlady that wanted himself to be left alone and did not wish to be disturbed. He explained that his bandaged face was the outcome of an accident that he recently met with and which has left his face disfigured. Mrs. Hall excused his strange ways and irritable behavior thinking that he was an eccentric scientist. Moreover, he paid her in advance, which pleased her. However, the arrival of a stranger in winter with such a strange appearance made the villagers gossip about him. 4. Burglary at Clergyman’s House: A case of burglary at the clergyman’s house further raised suspicion about the stranger coupled with the incidence of some eerie happenings to Mrs. Hall’s furniture. Shortly after his arrival in Iping village, s a curious episode occurred. Very early in the morning a clergyman and his wife were awakened by noises in the study. Creeping downstairs, they heard the chink of money being taken from the clergyman’s desk. The clergyman and his wife looked under the desk, and behind the curtains, and even up the chimney. There wasn’t a sign of anybody. Yet the desk had been opened and the housekeeping money was missing. 5. Mysterious Incidence at Mrs Hall’s Residence: On finding the Scientist’s door wide open one morning, Mr. and Mrs Hall entered the room to investigate. Griffin was nowhere around and his clothes and bandages were lying about the room. All of a sudden Mrs Hall heard a sniff close to her ear. A moment later the hat on the bedpost leapt up and dashed itself into her face. Then the bedroom chair became alive. Springing into the air it charged straight at her, legs foremost. As she and her husband turned away in terror, the extraordinary chair pushed them both out of the room and then appeared to slam and lock the door after them. Mrs Hall almost fell down the stairs in hysterics. She was convinced that the room was haunted by spirits, and that the stranger had somehow caused these to enter into her furniture. The successive incidents in the neighbourhood confirmed suspicion of the villagers on Griffin. Suspicion grew even stronger when he suddenly produced some ready cash, though he had admitted not long before that he had no money. 6. Mr. Griffin’s Reaction at Mrs. Hall’s Enquiry: On being asked by Mrs. Hall as to what Griffin had been doing to her chair upstairs and how Griffin came out of an empty room and how he entered a locked room, Griffin lost his temper. He threw off bandages, whiskers, spectacles, and even nose. It took him only a minute to do this. The horrified people in the bar found themselves staring at a headless man! 7. Arrival of Jaffers for Griffin’s Arrest: Mr Jaffers, the constable, now arrived, and was quite surprised to find that he had to arrest a man without a head. There followed a remarkable scene as the policeman tried to get hold of a man who was becoming more and more invisible as he threw off one garment after another. Finally a shirt flew into the air, and the constable found himself struggling with someone he could not see at all. 8. Griffin Escapes : In the end Jaffers was knocked unconscious as he made a last attempt to hold on to the unseen scientist. Griffin had shaken himself free, and no one knew where to lay hands on him. Some people tried to help him, but found themselves hit by blows that seemed to come from nowhere. Griffin had the last laugh. Conclusion: Griffin was a brilliant scientist, but he was also a lawless person. He struggled hard to become a scientist and went on to experiment till he found the way to become invisible. He was so passionate about his invention that he even experimented on himself by swallowing certain rare drugs. But on the flip side, he lacked the professional ethics and values that every scientist must have because he misused his power to gain things such as clothes, food and money in the most unethical manner. Towards the end, he even escaped the law because he had become invisible. Thus from this story we can learn that Science is both a blessing as well as a bane. It is up to us to decide which way we shall use it…. NCERT solution Read And Find Out ( Page 26) 1. How did the invisible man first become visible? Ans: The invisible man wore clothes from a big London store and became visible. After the store closed for the day, he broke pen boxes and wrappers and fitted himself out with warm clothes. With shoes, an overcoat and a wide-brimmed hat, he became a fully dressed and visible person. 2. Why was he wandering the streets? Ans: The invisible man had no home of his own. After the landlady asked him to leave the house, he set fire to the house. In order to escape being seen, he had to remove his clothes which made him invisible. Thus he was wandering the streets without any clothes or a home. READ AND FIND OUT (Page 28) 1. Why does Mrs Hall find the scientist eccentric? Mrs Hall, the landlord’s wife, made every effort to be friendly with Griffin. But he had no desire to talk, and told her that he had come to Iping to stay in solitude and therefore, he should not be disturbed. Thus Mrs. Hall found the scientist eccentric. 2. What curious episode occurs in the study? Ans: Early one morning a clergyman and his wife were awakened by noises in the study. Creeping downstairs, they heard the chink of money being taken from the clergyman’s desk. Without making any noise and with a poker held firmly in his hand, the clergyman flung open the door. But to their surprise they could not see anybody in the room. But the housekeeping money was missing from the desk. 3. What other extraordinary things happened at the inn? Ans: The landlord and his wife were up very early, and were surprised to see the scientist’s door wide open. The opportunity seemed too good to be missed as his doors are usually shut. They peeped round the door, saw nobody, and decided to investigate. The bedclothes were cold and the clothes and bandages that he always wore were lying about the room. All of a sudden Mrs Hall heard a sniff close to her ear. A moment later the hat on the bedpost leapt up and dashed itself into her face. Then the bedroom chair sprang into the air and hit her. As she and her husband turned away in terror, the extraordinary chair pushed them both out of the room and then appeared to slam and lock the door after them. Think About It 1. ‘Griffin was rather a lawless person. Comment. Ans: In spite of being a brilliant scientist, Griffin was lawless. He had hardly any sense of moral values. The following incidents stand testimony to his lawless nature. 1. He set fire to his landlord’s house because his landlord disliked him and had tried to evict him from the inn. 2. He stole clothes and food from the London store. 3. He then broke into a theatre company at Drury Lane to get some clothes for him. 4. At Iping he sneaked into the clergyman’s house and stole money from his study. He then paid his bills at the inn with this money. 5. He attacked Mr. and Mrs. Hall when they entered his room to investigate. 6. At the time of his arrest, he hit out at people and knocked the constable, Mr. Jafferes, unconscious. 2. How would you assess Griffin as a Scientist? ( HOTS Question) Ans: Griffin was a hard-working scientist. He kept on experimenting till he discovered how to project himself invisible to others. Finally, he swallowed certain rare drugs and his body became as transparent as a sheet of glass — though it also remained as solid as glass. A true scientist works for the good of humanity. He wants to make man’s life easier, more comfortable and enjoyable. He does not misuse his discoveries for personal gains or selfish ends. But Griffin, though a brilliant scientist, misuses his discovery. By his experiments, he has been able to make his body transparent and invisible. He uses this discovery to cause harms to others. The following are the instances of his harmful acts. He enters stores and shops unseen. He robs people of their money or things and escapes. He sets fire to the house of his landlord who tried to eject him. He steals food, sweets and wine. Griffin brought a bad name to science by misusing his invention. He lacked the values of sensitivity and social behaviour. Invisibility also posed a host of challenges for Griffin. He could not wear clothes as they would cover his body and make him visible to others. During cold weather day, it is very inconvenient to remain invisible. Eating food is another hurdle for Griffin. If he ate food, people will be able to see the food being chewed, swallowed and digested. Thus we can conclude with the judgment that Griffin although a brilliant Scientist, he was not altogether successful in rendering himself invisible. The pursuit of science without adequate precautions or without taking counter measures to ensure safety, becomes a failure and inflicts pain and suffering to humanity. We got evidence of this when Griffin had to face to certain inconveniences owing to being invisible. He therefore, became disappointed and resorted to committing a series of crimes. Thus Griffin’s brilliant discovery proved to be incompatible with the welfare of the society. Extra Questions 1.What kind of experiments did Griffin conduct? What was the outcome of these experiments? Ans : Griffin conducted many experiments and discovered a drug which if swallowed could make a person invisible. Griffin made bad use of his invention for his personal gains. He resorted to a spree of anti-social and unethical activities and caused harm to the people of the society. 2. How did the invisible man react when a constable went to catch him? Ans : The invisible man threw one shirt after another in order to be completely invisible. A shirt flew into the air and the constable found himself difficult to catch the invisible man. When some people tried to help him, they were hit by blows that appeared to come from nowhere. 3. Why did Griffin slip into a big London store? What did he do inside the shop? Ans : Griffin was wandering on the streets of London in mid-winter. The air outside was chilling cold and he needed clothes to save himself from this unbearable weather. Griffin decided to enter a London store. Griffin broke open the boxes and wrappers and dressed himself in warm clothes. He ate cold meat and had coffee in the restaurant followed by sweets and wine from the grocery store. 4. Why were the landlord and his wife surprised to see the scientist’s door wide open? Ans : The landlord and his wife woke up very early in the morning and were surprised to see the scientist’s door wide open. Usually it was shut and locked, and he was furious if anyone entered his room. Thus they became surprised on finding the door wide open. 5. Three extraordinary things happened in the room. What were they? Ans : The following three things happened in the room • Mrs Hall heard a sniff quite close to her ears. • The hat on the bedpost leapt up and dashed into her face. • The bedroom chair sprang into the air and pushed them out of the room.

Theme, Story-At-A-Glance, NCERT Solution, CBQs, Concept Videos Lesson Architecture Theme Story-At-A-Glance NCERT Solution CBE Questions Concept Videos Theme: The story is an account of the mystery surrounding the boy King Tut. Being the last heir to the most powerful family that ruled Egypt and its empire for centuries, Tut was laid to rest, laden with gold and eventually forgotten after his reign of about nine years. His tomb was discovered by a British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. It also describes how a CT scan was performed on the King’s mummy and interesting facts were revealed. Story-At-A-Glance: Para 1 Tutankhamun or King Tut was only in his teens when he died. He was the last heir of a powerful dynasty that ruled Egypt for centuries. He was buried laden with gold and was eventually forgotten with time. After about 3300 years, his tomb was discovered in 1922, which started speculations about his untimely death. After about 3300 years, his tomb was disc overed in 1922 when there was speculation about his untimely death. Again after more than 80 years hs body was taken out of the tomb and put through a CT scan. This event exposed some startling facts about his life and death. Para 2 A strong dusty wind blew when King Tut was taken out of his tomb in the ancient cemetery of Egyptian royals called the Valley of the Kings. In the evening of the 5th day of January 2005, the world’s most famous mummy was put through a CT scanner. It was done with the intention of probing into the unravelled mystery shrouding the little understood young ruler who died more than three thousand years ago. Para3 Tourists from all across the world went to Egypt to know more about King Tut. They went into the rock cut tomb some 25 feet underground. They gazed at the murals and paintings on the walls of the burial chamber and at the young King’s gilded face. Some read in whispers from the guidebooks, others stood silently pondering over the truth of a belief in the pharaoh’s curse. Para 4 The secretary general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, Zahi Hawass leaned over the mummy to have the first long look and commented that it was in a very bad condition. British archaeologist, Howard Carter, was the first to discover the elusive tomb of Tutankhamun. The contents of this tomb remain the richest royal collection till date and have become part of the pharaoh’s legend. Besides brilliant artifacts in gold, he was buried with everyday things that he might require in after life. Para 5 Carter began investigating Tut’s three tier coffin and it took him months to record the pharaoh’s burial treasures. When he opened the first coffin, he found a shroud decorated with garlands of willow and olive leaves, wild celery, lotus petals and cornflower. The presence of these flowers is a vague inference to a funeral that took place in springtime. In the coffin that held the king’s mummified body, Carter faced a big problem. They had used a sticky substance called resin in the funeral. Over thousands of years, the resin had cemented the mummy to the bottom of the coffin. Para 6 In an effort to loosen the resin the coffin was placed in the blazing sun, but to no avail. The body had to be chiseled away from beneath the limbs and trunk so that it could be raised from the coffin. Para 7 Carter defended his action justifying that there was no other option of removing the body. If he did not do it, then thieves could have ripped it apart and decamped with the huge amount of gold. Tut’s coffin had precious collars, bracelets, necklaces, amulets , rings, sheaths, coffin, mask etc all in pure gold. To separate Tut from this adornments, Carter’s men removed the mummy’s head and broke almost every major joint. Then they reassembled the same on a bed of sand in a wooden box with padding where it rests even now. Para 8 & 9 Archaeological concepts have vastly changed over the past decades. The focus has shifted from ancient treasures to interesting details of life and mysteries of death. In 1968 more than forty years after Carter’s discovery, a professor of anatomy x-rayed Tut’s mummy and revealed an astonishing fact that beneath the resin, his breast bone and front ribs were missing. Today CT scans can create a virtual body. Cold such a scan of Tut’s mummy answer the two biggest questions-how did he die and how old was he at the time of death? Para 10 to 12 Descendant of Egypt’s most powerful dynasty King Tut’s death was an important event event by any royal standards. Last in the lineage, his death brought an end to a grand phase of Egyptian history. Amenhotep III, Tut’s predecessor was a powerful pharaoh who ruled for almost forty years at the height of the dynasty’s golden age. His son Amenhotep IV succeeded him . His reign marked the strangest period in Egypt’s history. Demolishing all temples and images of Amun , the major God in Egypt, he started the worship of Aten, the Sun God. He even changed his name to Akhenaten meaning servant of the Aten and shifted the religious capital from Thebes to Akhenaten ( now Amarna) After Akhentanen’s death, a mysterious insignificant ruler named Smenkhkare appeared for a brief period. Then came Tutankhaten, who ascended the throne at the age of eleven. He restored the old ways that his predecessor had destroyed. The worship of Amun was revived. He even changed his name to Tutankhamun, meaning the living image of Amun. After just nine years of rule, he met an unexpected death. Para 13 Despite the fame and mystery attached to Tutankhamuns’ mummy, it is just one of the many that have been found in Egypt. As per the inventory of the Egyptian Mummy Project, there are 600 mummies recorded till now and the count is still going on. The next phase is scanning these mummies in a CT scanner that has been donated by the National Geographic society and Siemens. King Tut, even in death, has been ahead of others in the fact that his mummy is the first to be scanned. Para 14 The scan machine created 1700 diital x-ray images in cross section of the mummy which was scanned from head to toe. A whole team of radiologist , forensic experts and anatomy specialists began to delve into the secrets that the winged goddesses of a gilded burial shrine protected for so long. Para 15 & 16 On the cheduled night, the workmen carried the mummy of Tutankhamun from the tomb in a box lifted by hydraulic system in to the trailer that held the scanner. But the portable scanner failed to work due to sand in the cooler fan. Two men ran to a nearby office and came back with white plastic fans. A frightened guard joked that it could be the curse of the pharaoh. Replacement fans worked well enough to complete the scan and obtain the valuable data. The technicians then handed over the royal mummy back to the workmen. In less than three hours of his displacement, the pharaoh once again rested in peace at the same place where the funerary priests had laid him 3300 years ago. Para 17 & 18 The technicians generated surprising images on the computer screen. From the scattered dots, a grey head took shape which was turned and inclined in every direction. The spinal cord was as clear as shown in anatomy classes. Other images showed a hand, sections of the rib cage and of the skull. A relieved Zahi Hawass sat back in his chair and smiled that nothing had gone wrong. He decided to go and sleep for a while. By the time the work was over, the wind had stopped. It was chilly and still in the valley of the dead pharaohs. Just above the entrance of the tomb, the constellation of Orion, considered the god of afterlife, stood brilliantly watching over the boy king. Recapitulation: 1. King Tut was the last pharaoh of a glorious Egyptian dynasty. 2. He reigned for about nine years and ided unexpectedly. 3. His tomb was discovered by Howard Carter in 1922 in the Valley of Kings 4. Curious tourists arrived from around the world to get a glimpse of the mummy of one of history’s most intriguing character. 5. The mummy was damaged in Carter’s investigation. 6. It was a three-tiered coffin and the king was placed in the innermost coffin of solid gold. 7. The resins used in funeral had solidified and Carter had problems separating the mummy. 8. Carter had to chisel out the mummy resulting in major damages. 9. King Tut succeeded Akhenaten and restored the worship of Amun. 10. He changed his name to Tutankhamun, the living image of Amun. 11. The sky as well as the desert wore a strange look when the mummy was taken out of the tomb. 12. A CT scan created a three-dimensional virtual body of the king. 13. Technological advancements and sophistication has revealed many startling facts. 14. After the scan , his mummy was put back in his eternal resting place where he was ritually placed some 3,300 years ago. Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their meaning from the context. ( Page 22) Forensic reconstruction: building up evidence from the remains. Scudded across: the dark clouds moved very fast across the sky. Casket grey : dark and gloomy as a grave. Resurrection: rebirth of the King. Funerary treasures: the riches buried with the person. Circumvented: thieves would have found a way to avoid the guards. Computed tomorgraphy: displaying cross section of the human body using x rays. Eerie detail: strange and frightening details. NCERT Solution Understanding the Text ( Page 28) 1. Give reasons for the following (i)King Tut’s body has been subjected to repeated scrutiny. Tut’s tomb was discovered in 1922. Since then there has been a lot of speculation about his untimely death. So in order to find answers to how he died and how old he was at the time of his death, his body was subjected to repeated scrutiny. (ii)Howard Carter’s investigation was resented. Ans : Howard Carter discovered Tut’s tomb in 1922. But his discovery and subsequent investigation caused irreparable damage to the mummy. It was found out that Tut’s skull was separated, all the major joints were broken, the breast bone and front ribs were also missing. Thus his investigation was resented. (iii) Carter had to chisel away the solidified resins to raise the king’s remains. Tut’s body was laid in a gold coffin. It lay on a bed of ritual resins which had hardened and cemented the body to the bottom of the solid gold coffin. He tried to loosen it with exposure to the scorching heat. But it refused to budge. So he had to chisel the solidified resins to raise it. (iv) Tut’s body was buried along with gilded treasures. The Egyptians believed in after-life. So they buried Tut with gilded treasures because they hoped that their eternal brilliance will ensure his resurrection. (v) The boy king changed his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun. Amun was a major God in Egypt. But Tut’s predecessor destroyed all images and temples of Amun and started the worship of Aten, the Sun God. When Tut became the king, he restored the old practice and changed his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun, which means living image of ‘Amun.’ 2 (i) List the deeds that led Ray Johnson to describe Akhenaten as ‘wacky’. Ray Johnson called Akhenaten wacky because of the following reasons: (i) He suddenly discarded the worship of Amun, the traditional god of Egypt. (ii) He adopted the sun god Aten. (iii) He moved the religious capital from Thebes to the new city of Akhetaten. (iv) He closed the temple of Amun. (ii) What were the results of the CT Scan? The city scan provided clear details of (i) Tut’s head from every angle. (ii) Neck vertebrae. (iii) Tut’s hand and several views of his rib cage. (iv) Transection of his skull. (iii) List the advances in technology that have improved forensic analysis. There has been rapid advancement in technology. An X-ray image could give the picture of bones inside the body. CT scan can provide three-dimensional pictures of the whole body from every possible direction. It provides precise data for an accurate forensic reconstruction. (iv) Explain the statement, ‘King Tut is one of the first mummies to be scanned-in death as in life…..’ Tut’s life is as mysterious as his death. It has intrigued the archaeologists and historians. With the advances in technology, doctors and archaeologists have got clues as to how Tut dies and how old he was when he died. Even in death, he remains celebrated for the virtue of being the first mummy to be scanned. TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT Discuss the following in groups or two pairs, each pair in a group taking opposite points of view: Q1. Scientific intervention is necessary to unearth buried mysteries. For: Scientific intervention is of utmost importance in order to find out the intriguing facts about the dead remains buried underground. Technological advancement in the field of medical science has helped human kind to unravel the mysteries. Advanced technologies like CT Scan, X-rays help the doctors, archaeologists to solve mysteries not only of the present, but of buried past as well. This in turn enables authentication of historical events. Against: Archaeologists have given us enough knowledge of past events in the form of history, architecture and culture based on which the modern world had progressed. Scientists and technicians cause damage to environment as well as wastage of resources. For example, a million-dollar machine was transported into the deserts of Kings Valley in Egypt just to experiment on the dead body of King Tut. The machine could be used to help the living rather than scanning a three thousand year old dried and shrunk body of a boy king. Q2. Advanced technology gives us conclusive evidence of past events. For: Without scientific intervention archaeology verges on mythology. With the help of advanced technologies it is very much possible to unravel mysteries of the past. Technology provides us facts which are more reliable than simple historical facts. With the help of technology, we have come to know how animals lived on earth at different periods of time. Against: Scientific findings alone do not provide conclusive evidence of past event. What we need to know is the history of the period, societal and political history and the people to arrive at a conclusion. Technologies give us the clue, but the real findings can be obtained with the help of historians and archaeologists. For example, no technology can give us evidence of how dinosaurs disappear from the earth? How pyramids were built and so on…. Q3. Traditions, rituals and funerary practices must be respected. For : Traditions, rituals and funerary practices have the sanctity of religion and faith. They must be respected. People of ancient Egypt buried their pharaohs with gilded treasures. It is part of Egyptian custom, which we should respect. By digging them out, we against the prevailing practices of a particular nationality. Against: If traditions, rituals and funerary practices get outdated and have outlived their utility, they must be changed. No human society can progress if it moves in ruts. If the tradition is accompanied with superstitions and blind faiths, they should be discarded. Our beliefs and traditions should always be for the benefit of humanity. If it is rooted in superstition and discrimination, we should immediately shun it. Q4. Knowledge about the past is useful to complete our knowledge of the world we live in. Ans: For: Every today is based on yesterday. Similarly, every tomorrow is built on the foundation of every today. Therefore, the knowledge of the past is essential to complete our knowledge of the present. So we study history and other subjects of humanities. We have a lot to learn from ancient civilizations which boast of astounding inventions and discoveries on which our knowledge stands today. Against: If we have to progress, we need to look forward. History of the past might have helped us how the human society has shaped up today. But in order to carry the present into future, we need to be forward-looking without scientific bent of mind. Science and technology is advancing very fast. So we need to keep pace with the changing time so as to remain progressive. Therefore, with the knowledge of the past we need to go forward to shape up a better tomorrow. For this reason there needs to be a perfect blend between History and Science. They should go hand in hand….. To Visit Question Bank in Library Section for practising extra questions, please CLICK HERE Competency Based Questions To uploaded shortly. Keep visitng the site. Concept Videos Additional Resource

A Question of Trust: Competency Based Questions, NCERT Solution, Extract Questions, English Board Exam 2024 Lesson Architecture Theme Story At a Glance Explanation of Important lines NCERT Solution CBE Questions Recommended Reading Theme The theme of the story "A Question of Trust" revolves around the idea that trust and honor are not necessarily present among individuals involved in illegal or dishonest activities. The story presents a cautionary tale about misplaced trust and the consequences of deception, especially in criminal circles. 1. Deception and Betrayal : The story highlights how easily trust can be broken in the criminal world. Horace Danby, the protagonist, is a skilled thief who appears to be good and respectable on the surface. However, he falls victim to a young woman who also happens to be a thief. She deceives him into believing that she is the owner of the house and manipulates him into breaking open the safe. This deception leads to Danby's arrest, revealing that there is no honor or trust among thieves, even when they seem to share a similar profession. 2. The Fragility of Trust: The story shows how trust can be fragile and easily exploited, especially when dealing with individuals engaged in criminal activities. Horace Danby's trust in the young woman leads him to make a grave mistake, resulting in his arrest and imprisonment. It underscores the idea that trust should be placed with great caution, especially among people involved in illegal endeavors. 3. The Irony of Deceit: The story highlights the irony of a professional thief being deceived by another thief. Horace Danby, who is accustomed to planning his burglaries meticulously, becomes a victim of clever manipulation, making him realize that he cannot trust anyone, even those within his own criminal profession. 4. The Consequences of Dishonesty: "A Question of Trust" illustrates the repercussions of dishonesty and criminal behavior. While Danby himself is a thief, he experiences the harsh reality of being deceived, leading to his arrest and imprisonment. The story emphasizes that dishonest actions have consequences, and no one is exempt from facing the outcomes of their deeds. Overall, the theme of the story serves as a moral lesson about the importance of caution, integrity, and the understanding that trust should not be taken for granted, especially in a world where dishonesty and deception are prevalent. It warns against assuming that there is honor among thieves, as even those within the same profession may exploit trust for their own gain. Story-At-A-Glance Plot: A Question of Trust -------------------------------------------------------------- | Horace Danby's Background | |--------------------------------------------------------------| | - Believed to be good and honest citizen | | - Fifty years old, unmarried, lived with housekeeper | | - Suffered from hay fever in summer | | - Successful business of making locks, well-off financially | |--------------------------------------------------------------| | Horace's Weakness | |--------------------------------------------------------------| | - Obsessed with rare and expensive books | | - Robs a safe every year to buy the books he loves | | - Previously served a prison sentence for this | |--------------------------------------------------------------| |Planning the Robbery at Shotover Grange | |--------------------------------------------------------------| | - Studied the house for two weeks | | - Housekeeper hung the key to the kitchen door outside | | - Opens the door, sneezes due to flowers, starts working | | - Encounters a young and pretty woman in the drawing room | |--------------------------------------------------------------| |Encounter with the Young Woman | |--------------------------------------------------------------| | - Horace tries to convince her not to report the robbery | | - Promises never to steal again if she lets him go | | - She agrees but asks him to open the safe for her | | - Horace opens the safe, gives her the jewels, and escapes | |--------------------------------------------------------------| |Aftermath of the Robbery | |--------------------------------------------------------------| | - Horace keeps his promise for a couple of days | | - Eventually, he decides to plan another robbery | | - He gets arrested by the police, leaving fingerprints | | - No one believes his story of the woman's involvement | | - Ends up serving his second prison sentence as librarian | |--------------------------------------------------------------| |Horace's Thoughts and Regrets | |--------------------------------------------------------------| | - Reflects on being tricked by the clever young lady | |--------------------------------------------------------------| Explanation of Important Lines Yes, Horace Danby was good and respectable — but not completely honest. (Page 20/Paragraph 1) Explanation: In brief, Horace Danby was perceived as a good and respectable person, but he had a hidden flaw: he was not completely honest. Despite his outward appearance, he engaged in illegal activities, robbing safes each year to support his love for rare and expensive books. This contrast between his public image and his hidden dishonesty adds complexity to his character. Horace saw them go, and he felt happy in spite of a little tickle of hay fever in his nose. (Page 20/Paragraph 3) In this sentence, the author describes how Horace Danby observed the two servants leaving the house, likely creating an opportunity for him to carry out his planned robbery. Despite experiencing a mild tickle of hay fever in his nose (a minor discomfort), Horace still felt happy or content with the situation because the absence of the servants allowed him to proceed with his burglary without interruption. The mention of the hay fever tickle adds a touch of realism to the character's experience, showing that even though he is engaged in unlawful activities, he is still subject to ordinary human sensations and emotions. There were about fifteen thousand pounds’ worth of jewels in the Grange safe. If he sold them one by one, he expected to get at least five thousand, enough to make him happy for another year. There were three very interesting books coming up for sale in the autumn. Now he would get the money he wanted to buy them. (Page 20-21/Paragraph 4) Explanation: In brief, the passage explains that the safe at Shotover Grange contains jewels worth fifteen thousand pounds. Horace Danby plans to steal these jewels and sell them individually, expecting to make at least five thousand pounds, which would be enough to satisfy his desires for another year. With this money, he looks forward to purchasing three intriguing books that will be available for sale in the upcoming autumn. How foolish people are when they own valuable things, Horace thought. A magazine article had described this house, giving a plan of all the rooms and a picture of this room. The writer had even mentioned that the painting hid a safe! (Page 21/Para 7) Explanation: In brief, Horace Danby reflects on people's foolishness when they possess valuable items. He realizes that the owners of the house at Shotover Grange have made a mistake by publicly revealing information about the location of their safe in a magazine article. The article provided a detailed plan of the house and even mentioned that the painting in the room hid a safe. This careless disclosure makes it easier for Horace to plan his burglary and access the valuable items in the house. The voice went on, “You can cure it with a special treatment, you know, if you find out just what plant gives you the disease. I think you’d better see a doctor, if you’re serious about your work. I heard you from the top of the house just now.” (Page 21/Para 11) Explanation: In brief, the lady advises Horace Danby to seek medical attention for his ailment, which seems to be caused by exposure to a specific plant. She overhears him from a distance and suggests that he should see a doctor if he is serious about his work. It was a quiet, kindly voice, but one with firmness in it. A woman was standing in the doorway, and Sherry was rubbing against her. She was young, quite pretty, and was dressed in red. She walked to the fireplace and straightened the ornaments there. (Page 22/Para 1) Explanation: In the story "A Question of Trust," this passage introduces a woman who unexpectedly enters the scene while Horace Danby, the protagonist, is in the process of attempting a burglary at Shotover Grange. The woman's voice is described as quiet and kindly, yet with a sense of firmness, suggesting she has a certain authority or confidence. As the woman stands in the doorway, Horace notices her pet cat, Sherry, rubbing against her, indicating a friendly and familiar relationship between them. Her appearance is described as young, pretty, and dressed in red. Without appearing alarmed or disturbed by the presence of a burglar in the house, the woman casually walks to the fireplace and starts straightening the ornaments there. This behavior implies that she is comfortable in the house and familiar with her surroundings, suggesting that she might be connected to the place in some way. The passage adds an element of surprise and tension to the story, as Horace is caught off guard by the unexpected presence of the woman. Her confident demeanor and ease in the house create uncertainty for Horace and lead to a twist in the plot, making the reader curious about her identity and role in the unfolding events. Horace said, “I would, of course, cut the telephone wires first and then...,” he hesitated, a smile on his face, “I would make sure that you could do nothing for some time. A few hours would be enough.” (Page 23, Para 1) Explanation: In brief, Horace suggests a plan to disable the telephone wires and prevent the person from seeking help or contacting anyone for a few hours. His statement indicates that he has devious intentions and is willing to take drastic measures to achieve his goals. The smile on his face while mentioning this plan adds to the intrigue and ambiguity surrounding his character. “Before we left for London, I promised my husband to take my jewels to our bank; but I left them here in the safe. I want to wear them to a party tonight, so I came down to get them, but…” (Page 23) Explanation: The woman confesses that she had promised her husband to take her jewels to the bank before leaving for London, but she left them in the safe at Shotover Grange instead. She now wants to retrieve the jewels to wear them to a party that night. However, her hesitation suggests that something has gone wrong or she is facing an unexpected obstacle in accessing the safe. Horace is now the assistant librarian in the prison. He often thinks of the charming, clever young lady who was in the same profession as he was, and who tricked him. He gets very angry when anyone talks about ‘honour among thieves’. (Page 24) Explanation: In this passage, it is revealed that Horace Danby is currently working as the assistant librarian in prison. Despite his imprisonment, he often reflects on the memory of the charming and clever young lady who deceived him. The lady was also a thief like him, but she tricked him during their burglary attempt at Shotover Grange. Horace's anger is evident when the topic of "honour among thieves" is brought up. This phrase refers to the belief that even criminals have a code of conduct or a sense of loyalty to each other. However, his personal experience has shattered this notion. Being deceived by someone within his own profession makes him dismiss the idea of trust or honor among thieves, as he realizes that even those in the criminal world can betray one another. NCERT Solution Read and Find Out [Page 20] Q1. What does Horace Danby like to collect? Ans. Horace Danby likes to collect rare and expensive books. He has a passion for these valuable books, which he finds worth stealing from safes every year to support his collection. Despite his respectable appearance and successful lock-making business, his weakness lies in acquiring these cherished books through his illegal activities. Q2. Why does he steal every year? Ans. Horace Danby steals every year because he has an intense passion for collecting rare and expensive books. However, his love for these books exceeds his financial means. To support his book-collecting hobby, he resorts to robbing a safe annually, ensuring that he acquires enough money to buy the books he desires through an agent secretly. Despite the risk and the consequences of his criminal behavior, his overwhelming desire to possess these valuable books compels him to engage in theft regularly. Read and Find Out [Page 22] Q1. Who is speaking to Horace Danby? Ans. It is a woman who enters the room unexpectedly while Horace is attempting a burglary at Shotover Grange. She is described as young, pretty, and dressed in red. Q2. Who is the real culprit in the story? How do you Know? Ans. In the story "A Question of Trust," the real culprit is the young and pretty woman who deceives Horace Danby. She poses as the owner of the house at Shotover Grange, tricks Horace into believing her story, and manipulates him into breaking open the safe for her. In reality, she is a fellow thief who takes advantage of Horace's trust and commits the burglary herself while shifting the blame onto him. Her cunning deception leads to Horace's arrest, making her the true mastermind behind the crime. Think About It (Page 25) Q1. Did you begin to suspect, before the end of the story, that the lady was not the person Horace Danby took her to be? If so, at what point did you realise this, and how? Ans: As the story progresses, suspicions about the lady's true identity start to arise before its conclusion. Her calm and composed demeanor upon encountering Horace Danby appears peculiar and raises doubts about her authenticity. The doubts solidify into clarity when she requests Horace to break open the safe for her, claiming that she had forgotten the combination. It becomes evident that something is not quite right about her story. If she truly had access to the house, she could have simply called a locksmith to open the safe instead of resorting to blackmailing a thief to do it for her. This discrepancy in her actions points to the fact that she may not be who she claims to be. Moreover, her assurance that the safe will be fixed before her husband's return only adds to the suspicion. If she were the legitimate owner, she could have taken a more reasonable approach to resolve the situation rather than involving a burglar. Another telltale sign is the absence of the servants in the house. If the lady of the house had truly returned, the servants would not have gone to the movies, as they would be needed to attend to her. Collectively, these indications lead to the conclusion that the lady is not what she seems. Her calmness, unusual request, and the absence of servants all point to a possible deception, making the reader question her true intentions and identity as the story unfolds. Q2. What are the subtle ways in which the lady manages to deceive Horace Danby into thinking she is the lady of the house? Why doesn't Horace suspect that something is wrong? Ans: The lady skillfully employed subtle details to deceive Horace into believing she was the mistress of the house: (i) Her appearance was impeccable, befitting the mistress of a large estate, which created the illusion of authority and ownership. (ii) The dog's calm and affectionate behavior towards her reinforced the perception that she belonged there, as she lovingly interacted with the pet and addressed it by name. (iii) Her confident and familiar movements as she walked to the fireplace, straightened the ornaments, and casually took a cigarette from a silver case gave the impression that she was at ease in the surroundings. (iv) By insisting on calling the police to protect society from Horace's actions, she cleverly reinforced her role as the homeowner, adding to the illusion of her authority. Horace, already anxious about getting caught, easily fell for these small indications, further convincing himself that she was indeed the rightful owner of the house. Upon realizing that she would release him if he opened the safe for her, Horace didn't hesitate to comply. The combination of her deceptive details and her offer of freedom was enough for him to act without suspicion, thus falling into her trap. Q3. 'Horace Danby was good and respectable - but not completely honest." Why do you think this description is apt for Horace? Why can't he be categorised as a typical thief? Ans: Horace's characterization as atypical for a thief is accurate, as his lifestyle starkly contrasts with that of the stereotypical criminal. For most of the year, he maintains the appearance of a respectable individual, leading a quiet life as a fifty-year-old unmarried businessman. Unlike the common image of a thief engaged in illicit activities for personal gain, Horace's motivations are rather unique—he steals with the sole purpose of acquiring rare and expensive books, an inherently more cultured pursuit. However, despite his relatively refined tastes and appearances, it is important to acknowledge that Horace is still a thief, engaging in dishonest and illegal behavior. While he may possess qualities that appear respectable on the surface, his criminal activities raise questions about the true extent of his respectability. The contradiction lies in the fact that even though he pursues an intellectual interest like collecting books, his actions still place him in the category of being dishonest and untrustworthy. Hence, labeling him as entirely "respectable" becomes questionable due to his dual identity as both a businessman and a thief. Q4. Horace Danby was a meticulous planner but still he faltered. Where did he go wrong, and why? Ans: At Shotover Grange, Horace's lack of critical thinking and trust in his observations proved detrimental. Despite spending two weeks studying the household, he failed to rely on his own knowledge and instincts. He noticed the absence of the servants, which indicated that the mistress of the house was not present or returning soon. However, when confronted by the mysterious woman, he naively believed her entitled demeanor and fell for her deception. Unlike the composed and quick-thinking woman, Horace became fearful and desperate to avoid prison. His fear clouded his judgment, and he pleaded with her to release him. His desperation led to carelessness, as he heedlessly removed his gloves to please her, unknowingly leaving behind incriminating fingerprints for the police to find. Horace's behavior serves as a cautionary example of how those engaged in wrongdoings often encounter the consequences of their actions. His blind trust and fear allowed him to be easily deceived, emphasizing the notion that trouble will inevitably catch up with those who engage in dishonest and unlawful activities. CBE Questions Q1. Horace Danby was punished for a crime he did not commit. Do you feel sorry for him? Why? Why not? Ans: Horace Danby's situation is indeed complex, as he is punished for a crime he did not commit at Shotover Grange. However, it is essential to recognize that he has committed several other similar crimes in the past, stealing from various homes throughout the years. Despite only being caught once, it is reasonable to assume that Horace has likely engaged in these criminal activities for a long time, given his age and experience. While it may be tempting to feel sympathy for him due to the wrongful accusation, there are several factors that dampen this sentiment. Horace's criminal record shows a pattern of unlawful behavior, making it difficult to entirely view him as an innocent victim. He has consistently used his skills to break into safes and steal valuables, albeit escaping detection in most instances. Furthermore, the story highlights that Horace's downfall was due to being outsmarted by the young lady. If she had not intervened, he would have successfully stolen the jewelry from Shotover Grange, adding to his list of successful burglaries. This indicates that Horace does not have remorse for his actions, as he would have taken pride in his criminal accomplishments, whether it involved breaking safes or evading capture. Ultimately, while the situation of being falsely accused might evoke some sympathy, the overall character of Horace and his repeated criminal activities make it challenging to feel sorry for him. The story portrays him as a seasoned and unrepentant thief, making it difficult to view his punishment as entirely undeserved. Q2. Is it fair to say that Horace Danby was good and respectable but not entirely honest? Please provide reasons to support your answer. Ans: Horace Danby is widely perceived as a good and respectable citizen due to his stable life as a bachelor and the success of his lock-making business. He has managed to maintain a clean reputation, with no negative rumors surrounding him. However, there lies a hidden secret that undermines this seemingly blameless facade. Behind his respectable exterior, Horace indulges in a criminal activity: robbing people to support his passion for collecting rare and expensive books. Given the severity of his secret actions, describing Horace as "not completely honest" appears to be an understatement. His behavior goes beyond mere dishonesty; it involves committing illegal acts that are inexcusable. While Horace might argue that he only targets wealthy individuals and steals for a supposed "good reason," such justifications do not excuse his criminal behavior. Robbing others cannot be justified under any circumstance. The statement that Horace is good and respectable seems to downplay the seriousness of his offense. Engaging in theft goes against the very definition of being a good and respectable person. The characterization of Horace as "not completely honest" appears to soften the truth about his criminality, almost as if using euphemistic language to mitigate the severity of his actions. In summary, the assessment that Horace Danby is good and respectable is not entirely fair, as it fails to acknowledge the gravity of his criminal activities. His unlawful actions tarnish his image as an upstanding citizen, highlighting the need for a more accurate and critical evaluation of his character. Q3. What is your interpretation of 'honour among thieves'? Is it genuinely possible for thieves to have honor among themselves? Discuss your views in the context of the story. Ans: In the context of the story "A Question of Trust," "honour among thieves" refers to the belief that criminals, despite their illicit activities, adhere to a code of conduct or loyalty to each other. Horace Danby, the protagonist, claims to follow this principle, asserting that he only steals from the wealthy and for a just cause. However, the arrival of the cunning young lady challenges this notion. The lady pretends to be the owner of Shotover Grange, a fellow thief who deceives Horace and manipulates him into breaking open the safe for her. This betrayal highlights the absence of true honor among thieves. Despite Horace's belief in their camaraderie, the lady prioritizes her own interests and escapes while leaving him to face the consequences of the crime. The story demonstrates that "honour among thieves" is merely an illusion. Self-interest and deception override any loyalty or integrity. Horace's blind trust in the lady and his eagerness to please her lead to his downfall, exposing the vulnerability of those who put their faith in such an idea. Ultimately, the story suggests that genuine honor is not achievable in the criminal world, where deceit and self-preservation often prevail. Recommended Reading The Midnight Visitor |NCERT Solution|CBE Questions | Board Exam 2024 |CBSE (englishwithadifference.com) Answer Key | English Competency-Based Questions | Class X (englishwithadifference.com)

Lesson Architecture Story -At-A- Glance NCERT Solution CBE Questions STORY-AT-A-GLANCE Young writer Fowler meets Secret Agent Ausable: Following Ausable down the musty corridor of the gloomy French hotel, which was a small room on the sixth and top floor, Fowler, a young writer, felt let down. Ausable was a smart secret agent, but his profile did not match his constitution ( body structure) as he was short and very fat. Fowler was interested to write about Ausable. For this reason he spent an evening with him. Ausable entered the room, closed the door and turned on the light. He then told Fowler that they would soon be seeing a paper for which a lot of men and women had risked their lives and that report was very important. Another Secret Agent Max seen with a Pistol : When both Ausable and fowler entered Ausable’s hotel room, another secret agent named Max was waiting in the room with an automatic pistol pointed at them. When Ausable asked Max what he was doing in his room and why he had come to his room, Max responded saying that he was waiting for the report that Ausable was likely to get soon concerning the secret missiles. Ausable sank into a chair and started speaking that he would inform the management of the hotel as this was the second time that someone had climbed up from the balcony of the room. Max replied that he came through the master key and did not know about the balcony. If he had known previously about the balcony, his work would have been much easier. Ausable then started explaining things to Fowler that his room used to be a part of a large unit and the room next to his room was a living room. The room had a balcony that came till the window of his room. Then Ausable reported that somebody did climb up the balcony last month as well. He also told Fowler that the management had told him that they would surely get it blocked but they still hadn’t done so. Max looked at Fowler who was standing near Ausable. Max asked Fowler to sit down as there was still half an hour for the report to reach Ausable. Ausable in a mocking tone said that it was not 30 minutes but 31 minutes were left for the report to reach them. The report was supposed to come in around 12:30 at night. Ausable wished he had known how Max had come to know about the report. Max smiled mockingly and continued that he also wished he knew how Ausable and his team had got the report. A Repeated Knock is heard outside Ausable’s Room Then suddenly a knock is heard on the door and Max panics. Fowler is also scared by the knock on the door. Ausable replied to Max’s question that it must be the police because he had asked them to check on him as the report he was likely to receive merited extra attention. Ausable added that the door was unlocked and if he did not let him open the door, the police would enter anyway and would shoot Max if they saw him with a gun. The knocking on the door got repeated and someone from outside called for Mr. Ausable twice. Max jumps out of the window and Dies. Max was sitting on the window sill with his gun pointing towards Mr. Ausable and Fowler. Max then sat at the window sill with both legs outside. The doorknob turned and Max fearing that the Police were entering the room, jumped from the sill to fall on the balcony. There was a loud and shrill scream as Max jumped out of his window. Ausable’s Presence of Mind rescues him from Max Then the door opened, a waiter stood at the door with a tray, a bottle of wine and two glasses. He came inside with a bottle that Ausable had ordered for. He opened the cork of the bottle deftly and left. When Fowler enquired about the police, Ausable informed him that it was just the story he made about Police like he made a story about the balcony so as to get rid of Max. Then again Ausable asked about the man outside the window to which Ausable replied that he would never come back as there was no balcony and that Max had fallen on the ground from the top floor of the building. Theme The theme of "The Midnight Visitor" revolves around espionage, mystery, and the unexpected alliances that can form in high-stakes situations. Some key themes explored in the story include: 1. Espionage and Intrigue: The story delves into the world of secret agents and espionage, highlighting the risks, challenges, and intrigue associated with their covert operations. Ausable's role as a smart secret agent and the mission to retrieve an important report from a dangerous spy add tension and excitement to the narrative. 2. Unlikely Partnerships: The story showcases how individuals from vastly different backgrounds and professions can come together and form unexpected partnerships. Fowler, a young writer, finds himself entangled in Ausable's world of espionage, and their collaboration demonstrates how unique skills can complement each other. 3. Courage and Risk: Both Ausable and Fowler display courage in their pursuit of the important report. They knowingly put themselves in danger for a cause they believe in, showing the lengths to which people may go when facing perilous situations. 4. Deception and Perception: The story plays with the theme of deception and perception. Ausable, a short and fat man, does not fit the typical image of a secret agent, challenging the stereotypical notions of appearance and abilities. It highlights the importance of looking beyond appearances to understand people and their true capabilities. 5. Thrill and Adventure: As the story unfolds, it takes readers on a thrilling adventure through the dimly lit streets of Paris, filled with suspense, unexpected twists, and the thrill of the chase. Overall, "The Midnight Visitor" weaves these themes together to create an engaging and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers intrigued and entertained as they follow Ausable and Fowler on their mission. NCERT Solution READ AND FIND OUT ( Page 14) Q1. How is Ausable different from other secret agents? Ans: Ausable was different as he was a fat, sloppy and short man. He has a prominent American accent in spite of living in Paris for the past twenty years. Q2. Who is Fowler and what is his first authentic thrill of the day? Ans: Fowler was a young writer who was interested to write about Ausable. His first authentic thrill of the day is experienced when he and Ausable on entering the latter’s hotel room discovered that a man was standing half way across the room holding a small automatic pistol that is pointed at them. READ AND FIND OUT ( Page 15) Q1. How has Max got in? Ans: Max has got inside Ausable’s hotel room on the sixth floor by making use of a passkey to the door. Q2. How does Ausable say he got in? Ans: Ausable says that Max go in through the balcony that belonged to the next apartment, but extends below his window. Think About It ( Page 18) 1. “Ausable did not fit any description of a secret agent Fowler had ever read.” What do secret agents in books and films look like, in your opinion? Discuss in groups or in class some stories or movies featuring spies, detectives and secret agents, and compare their appearance with that of Ausable in this story. (You may mention characters from fiction in languages other than English. In English fiction you may have come across Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, or Miss Marple. Have you watched any movies featuring James Bond?) Ans: In books and films, secret agents are often portrayed as charismatic, dashing, and physically fit individuals. They are usually depicted as skilled in combat, espionage, and have a talent for quick thinking and problem-solving. Some common traits and appearances often associated with secret agents in popular culture include: 1. Suave and Stylish: Secret agents are often shown as well-dressed and elegant individuals, who exude charm and sophistication. 2. Fit and Athletic: Physical fitness is a common attribute of secret agents, as they often engage in action-packed and dangerous missions. 3. Disguise Experts: Secret agents are skilled in adopting various disguises to blend in with different environments and situations. 4. Gadgets and Technology: They often have access to high-tech gadgets and cutting-edge technology to aid them in their missions. 5. Mysterious and Enigmatic: Secret agents typically have a mysterious aura, keeping their true intentions and identities concealed. In the story "The Midnight Visitor," Ausable challenges these typical stereotypes of secret agents. He is described as short and very fat, not fitting the traditional image of a suave and athletic spy. However, his unconventional appearance allows him to operate under the radar and surprise his adversaries with his wit and resourcefulness. In comparison to other famous fictional detectives and secret agents, such as Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, or James Bond, Ausable's appearance stands out as unique and unorthodox. These other characters are often portrayed as more conventionally attractive and physically capable. Sherlock Holmes, for example, is known for his tall, lean figure, keen observational skills, and remarkable deduction abilities. Hercule Poirot is depicted as a meticulous and precise Belgian detective, while James Bond is the epitome of a suave and action-oriented secret agent, known for his charisma and expertise in handling gadgets and weaponry. "The Midnight Visitor" challenges the traditional image of a secret agent and emphasizes the importance of intelligence and creativity over physical appearance. This could be a thought-provoking topic for discussion in groups or in class, exploring how different authors and filmmakers present secret agents and detectives in their works, and how these portrayals impact our perceptions and expectations of these characters. 2. How does Ausable manage to make Max believe that there is a balcony attached to his room? Look back at his detailed description of it. What makes it a convincing story? Ans: Ausable wins over a very critical situation by his sheer presence of mind without using any physical force. He was a quick witted secret agent. He made Max believe that he was scared on finding him inside his room with a pistol in his hand. Ausable had realised that Max had no idea about the balcony in his house. He quickly thought of a plan. Ausable fabricated a story to convince Max about the balcony. Ausable said that his room used to be a part of a large unit and the next room was a living room. So the balcony of the next room extends under his window. When there was a knock at the door Ausable convinced Max that it was police. He excited him to hide himself on the non-existent balcony. Max, in terror, jumped from the sixth floor and met his end. Ausable was an intelligent secret agent. He could think quickly. He knew that Max was scared and he used his ignorance and foolishness in his own favour. His intelligence and presence of mind helped him in a dangerous and critical situation. 3. Looking back at the story, when do you think Ausable thought up his plan for getting rid of Max? Do you think he had worked out his plan in detail right from the beginning? Or did he make up a plan taking advantage of events as they happened? Ans: Ausable managed to cook up a story that he was angry with the management of the hotel as on an previous occasion as well, somebody entered his room from the balcony under his window. The management was supposed to close the balcony, but did not do so yet. He befooled him about the balcony, knowing very well that there was no balcony in that room. He fabricated a story about the arrival of the report and the police. When there was a knock at the door, he convinced Max that it was police. Max got scared and jumped into the non-existent balcony to death. This is how Ausable proved that presence of mind is more powerful than physical force. Ausable had the qualities of being calm, quiet and wise in a dangerous situation. These are the values that one can practise in adversity. Ausable overpowered Max because of these qualities. Competency-Based Questions (CBE) 1. Why did Fowler want to meet Ausable? Why was he disappointed? Ans : Fowler was a young romantic writer. He loved adventure and thrill. He wanted to meet Ausable because he was intrigued by the idea of writing about a secret agent and being drawn to the world of espionage. However, he was disappointed as Ausable's appearance didn't fit the typical image of a spy, making him doubt whether Ausable was truly a skilled secret agent. 2. How do you know that Ausable was a clever secret agent?Give instances from the story. (120 words) Ausable's cleverness as a secret agent is evident in several instances throughout the story. Firstly, he surprises Fowler with his unassuming appearance, which defies the typical portrayal of spies. Despite this, he successfully carries out covert operations, showcasing his ability to blend in and avoid suspicion. When facing Max's threat, Ausable cleverly misleads him by claiming there is a balcony, prompting Max to attempt an escape. However, Ausable reveals there is no balcony, trapping Max outside. Furthermore, Ausable arranges for the waiter's timely arrival, diverting attention from Max's escape attempt. This display of quick thinking allows Ausable to maintain control of the situation. These instances demonstrate Ausable's intelligence, resourcefulness, and ability to manipulate events to his advantage, solidifying his status as a clever and effective secret agent. 3. Do you agree with the assessment that Max's downfall as a spy was due to his overconfidence? Provide reasons to support your answer. Despite Max's initial success in intercepting important information about Ausable's mission, his downfall can be attributed to his overconfidence. At first, Max manages to enter Ausable's room undetected, surprising Ausable, who believed Max was in Berlin. Max holds the upper hand, armed with a pistol and appearing more physically agile compared to the heavyset Ausable. The odds seem in Max's favor if a confrontation were to occur. However, Max's smug demeanor and overconfidence become his undoing. He underestimates Ausable's skills in espionage, failing to realize how quickly situations can change in this line of work. Despite being in the same profession, Max naively believes all the lies Ausable feeds him, not questioning the authenticity of the story about the balcony or the possibility of someone else at the door. Had Max been more cautious and skeptical, he might have successfully obtained the important papers. However, instead of carefully considering the situation, Max hastily accepts defeat, which mirrors the overconfidence he displayed in thinking he had outsmarted Ausable. His failure to exercise discernment and his unwarranted belief in his own superiority ultimately lead to Max's downfall as a spy. 4. In the story, Ausable was unarmed, whereas Max carried a pistol. Surprisingly, it was Ausable who emerged unscathed, while Max met a tragic end falling off the building. This illustrates the superiority of brain over brawn. It emphasizes that intelligence, resourcefulness, and quick thinking, as demonstrated by Ausable, can be more powerful and decisive than physical strength or weaponry, as exhibited by Max. Ans: In the critical situation that unfolds in Ausable's room, it becomes evident that the strength of the mind triumphs over the strength of the body. Both Ausable and Max are secret agents, but Max holds physical advantages with his slender, agile physique and possession of a gun, while Ausable lacks these attributes, being overweight and unarmed. Despite being at a physical disadvantage, Ausable demonstrates remarkable intelligence and resourcefulness. Realizing that he cannot overpower Max physically, Ausable resorts to his wit as his only option. He fabricates a story about a balcony under his room and the presence of police at the door to check on him. Max, unquestioningly trusting Ausable's tale, attempts to escape through the window. Unfortunately, this decision proves disastrous as he falls six floors to the ground, sustaining severe injuries. Through his quick thinking and presence of mind, Ausable extricates himself from a dangerous predicament and safeguards the important papers from falling into Max's hands. The incident exemplifies how intelligence and mental acuity can overcome physical limitations and secure success in challenging situations. 5. How did Max enter the room? Why did he do so? Ans: Max entered the room using a passkey, granting him unauthorized access. He infiltrated the room with a specific objective: to intercept important papers that Ausable was expecting. As a fellow secret agent, Max was aware of the significance of these papers and sought to gain control over them. Armed with a pistol and possessing a slender and agile physique, Max appeared to have the upper hand. However, his overconfidence and underestimation of Ausable's intelligence proved to be his downfall. Ausable's quick thinking led him to fabricate a story about a non-existent balcony and police presence, deceiving Max into attempting an escape through the window, which ultimately led to his dramatic and unfortunate fate.