Chapter 1. THE TRIUMPH OF SURGERY
Q1.This episode describes the silly behavior of a rich woman who is foolishly indulgent, Perhaps because she is lonely. Do you think such people are merely silly, or can their action cause harm to others?
Ans. Mrs Pumphrey is worried and distraught because Tricki would not eat anything. He even is not ready to eat his favorite dishes. Tricki has bouts of vomiting and spends all his time lying on the rug and panting. Tricki does not even want to go for walks or do anything.
Q2. What kind of a person do you think the narrator, a veterinary surgeon, is? Would you say he is tactful as well as full of common sense?
Ans. These sorts of people have enough disposable money but are ignorant about results of their actions. They show their excessive love and affection without knowing its consequences to others.Undoubtedly, their intentions are good and don’t have any sort of ill-will, these actions do more harm than good to the object of affection.
Q3. Why does Mrs Pumphrey think the dog’s recovery is “a triumph of surgery”?
Ans. I think the narrator; a veterinary surgeon seems to be a practical and tactful person. He knows how to deal with people. He adjusts himself well to the circumstances. He immediately understands Tricki’s problem. Tricki doesn't suffer from any sort of illness. The main cause of his illness is overfeeding. He takes the dog to his surgery. There the doctor keeps him on water diet and makes him physically active and treats without any medicine. The dog gets well under his supervision and natural environment of surgery.
Chapter 2. THE THIEF’S STORY
Q1. Why, according to Hari Singh, is it easier to rob a greedy man than a careless person like Anil?
Ans. Hari Singh has correlated theft with the sense of satisfaction; a thief gets pleasure when a person comes to know that he has been robbed. Hari Singh says that a greedy man can afford to be robbed too whereas a careless man at times may never come to know that he has lost something or he has been robbed. This carelessness, on the part of a person robbed, deprives a thief of the pleasure which he gets out of theft.
Q2. Money can’t make a man as much as education can. Elucidate the statement.
Ans. The statement stands true in almost all the aspects of life. Money may buy us all the luxuries and fulfill our needs but it cannot buy us knowledge, civilized thinking, skills and abilities to achieve our dreams. Education lays the platform for all to act upon our goals according to our abilities. Education enables us to keep up with the fast moving world. It opens the door to opportunities we do not know even exist. Money, on the other hand, can assist us to a certain level. It can buy us a plan but education gives us the knowledge of its execution. Just as in the story ‘A Thief s Story’, Hari Singh prioritized the chance of being literate over a few hundred rupees; we must understand that education can help us to achieve whatever we desire.
Q3. Hari Singh didn’t board the express and returned to Anil. Why did he return? On what values does this incidence put light on?
Ans. Hari Singh was a thief and he had stolen Anil’s money. After the theft, he realised that he had robbed not only Anil but also himself of the chance of being literate and having a bright future. His conscience pricked him to think what all he could have got had he not done this. It was difficult for him to rob Anil but it was tougher for him not to back. He realised that he could not make tea, buy daily supplies and learn how to read and write then. His inner self did not agree to bypass this and forced him to return. Hari’s return to Anil shows that despite indulging in criminal acts, he still had a practical and positive attitude towards life. It is the awakening of Hari’s conscience and Anil’s love and care that reformed Hari’s character. It teaches us that love alone can change a person. The understanding nature of Anil and his care changed Hari’s thinking to mend his ways for good.
Chapter 3. THE MIDNGHT VISITOR (deleted)
Chapter 4. A QUESTION OF TRUST (Deleted)
Chapter 5. FOOT PRINTS WITHOUT FEET
Q1. If, somehow you discovered how to become invisible, how would you use that opportunity?
Ans. If I discovered how to become invisible, I would use this opportunity to punish all those people who cause trouble to others for their own selfish motives. I would catch them and hand them over to the police without letting them know that I was behind them. I will also help the law-enforcing agencies when they conduct raids on criminal hideouts, as I will be able to move in the open without fear of being seen. This will help the people of the country to become more law-abiding citizens.
Q2. Griffin was not a true scientist as he misused his scientific discovery. Illustrate this point by giving two incidents from the story.
Ans. A true scientist is a law-abiding person. A scientist is also called a ‘natural philosopher’. Griffin was not a true scientist as he did not use his discovery of how to make himself invisible for good uses.He lost control of himself and behaved like a criminal. First, he set fire to his landlord’s house and ran away. Then he stole food without paying for it in a London store. Besides, he robbed the owner of a theatrical company and stole money from a clergyman’s desk.
Q3. What impression do you form of Griffin after reading the lesson, “Footprint, without Feet”?
Ans. Griffin was a brilliant scientist, as he discovered a drug due to which his body became transparent as a sheet of glass after swallowing it. This made him invisible. But he was a lawless person. Because of his misdeeds, he became a homeless wanderer without clothes and money. He was an introvert with a desire for solitude. He was always seeking adventure, being fond of mysterious things. However, he was unscrupulous, as he robbed various people to finance his work, besides he got angry very quickly, which caused him to become a fugitive.
Q4. “Griffin was rather a lawless person”. Comment on it.
ANS. Griffin was not bothered if he had harmed anybody in the fulfillment of what he wanted. He set his landlord’s house on fire because the landlord had tried to make him leave. Then his robberies at shop and later in the village indicate that he was a lawless person. When he encountered the landlady of the inn, he threw a chair at her and her husband. Lawless persons like Griffin never think about the safety and well being of others. They are only concerned about themselves.
Q5. How did the invisible man first become visible?
Ans. The invisible man first became visible when he accidentally stepped into some mud and his footprints started becoming visible to two boys who followed him until his footprints fainted and became invisible again. He got rid of them and spent a night at a large London store where he wore some clothes and slept on a pile of quilts. The next morning, when he was still sleeping, the store assistants started coming in and saw him which was actually the first time he was seen.
Q6. What other extraordinary things happen at the inn?
Ans. The landlord and his wife surprised to see the scientist’s door open. Usually it is shut and locked and he becomes furious if anyone enters his room. The opportunity seems too good to be missed. They peep round the door, see nobody and decide to investigate. The bedclothes were cold, showing that the scientist must have been up for some time. All of a sudden Mrs. Hall heard a sniff close to her ear. A moment later the hat on the bed post 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 sprits and the stranger had somehow caused these to enter into the furniture.
Q7. What curious episode occurs in the study?
Ans. A clergyman and his wife were awakened by noises in the study very early in the morning.Creeping downstairs, they heard the chink of money being taken from the clergyman’s desk. He 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.
Chapter 6. MAKING OF A SCIENTIST
Q1. Obedience, interest and love for subject can turn a child to become a great personality one day. Refer to the story of Ebright who was loved by his mother so much, fulfills his desire and becomes a great Scientist. Write about the statement expressing your views.
Ans. Richard H. Bright as a student was always curious to know, he was a determined child to perform better and the best. His devotion and constant encouragement from his mother and teachers turned him into a great scientist and later on a great personality.
Q2. How did Ebright show the science that he would do amazing things when he would grow up imagine you are Ebright what would you do?
Ans. Ebright was an excellent student he always wanted to learn. His mother’s love and encouragement helped him a lot. His curiosity and devotion to science made him to do amazing things. I would also do like him.
Q3. A mother can make her child what he /she wishes to become in life keeping in mind the role of Ebright Mother. Explain.
Ans. Ebright’s Mother was a devoted lady she always took great care of her son she developed his interest in learning she took him of trips and bought telescopes microscopes cameras and other materials by this way she helped her son.
Chapter 7. NECKLACE
Q1. Mrs Loisel led such a life which is inspirational for women as well as millions of people. What would you like to say about this statement?
Ans. Mrs Loisel was an extremely beautiful woman who was married to a clerk. She had her own way of leading a better life but fate was against her .She could not lead luxurious life still her husband made all possible efforts to make her happy. She had to do all the work of family herself when they lost a necklace.
Q2. Mr Loisel proved himself a very good husband. He always tried to help and please his wife and tried to convince her in all possible manners. Discuss.
Ans. When we read the story THE NECKLACE we come to know qualities of Mr Loisel who is the husband to Matilda. He earned not so much but proved a better companion for his wife .He always tried to convince her in all possible manners.
Q3. Never be over smart or over confident; lead your life as you can. We should not try to compete with the higher people. Comment.
Ans. One should live happily and not sad. We must enjoy life as it’s very precious. There are people who are rich. Others may have cars, big buildings still we need to live as per our limitations. Our mistakes might bring sufferings or pain.
Q4. People should always live within their means. Aspirations have no limits but one should never forget the ground realities. Elaborate on the basis of chapter-“The Necklace”.
Ans. The chapter “The Necklace” brings out the fact beautifully that people should always try to live within their means. Our desires have no limits but we must see our circumstances and try to live within our means. If we fail to accept the situation or put a stop to our aspirations, we can certainly land ourselves into trouble. It is better that we accept the life as it comes to us and do not keep on cribbing about unhappy circumstances.
As we read the story “The Necklace”, we find that Matilda is not at all happy on getting married to a clerk. She had wished her life to be luxurious. It is these aspirations and frustration of hers which puts her in trouble and spoils rest of her life. She does not work for solutions but rather complicates the situation for her. It is very essential to understand the ground realities and live accordingly. If Matilda had not borrowed a diamond necklace for the party and kept it carefully, things would not have been so complicated for her. Moreover, she did not confess the truth to her friend. If she had done so, she would not have lived the life of a pauper for a long period of her life.
Q5.The course of Loisel’s life changed due to the necklace. Comment.
Ans. It took a decade to pay back the money they borrowed to buy the necklace. And, it changed everything for them. They had to move to the poorest quarter of the city. With no maids or assistance ,Matilda had to cook, clean, mend, sew and bargain with the grocer and butcher to save every sou( a French coin of low value) just for mere survival. The husband had to work in the evening and night to pay their debt.
In this way, the course of the Loisel’s life changed due to the necklace.
Q6. Mme Loisel’s disposition invites her doom. Comment in the context of the text you have read.
Ans. Mme Loisel belongs to a family of clerks. Her assistance is quite average. They live on meager income, enough for basic needs but not to fulfill aspirations. She gets married to a clerk and is so caught up with her dreams of wealth and pleasure that she is out of touch with the truths of her real life.In order to keep up appearances and just to flatter her pride, she blows up 400 hundred francs on a gorgeous dress. And, not contended, she goes on borrowing a necklace from her friend. And, all of this is just to impress the wealthy and the rich with her beauty and glamour (even if on loan). No doubt, her pride is flattered and her wish of fine dining, expensive dresses and jewels satisfied but at a great price.Unfortunately, the necklace has lost and the couple has to cough up their entire inheritance and borrow as well to replace it. Repayment of the debt eats away the next ten years of their youth. They live poor. All the household chores and care of a life of poverty visits them. Hence, her disposition invites her doom.
Q7. Mme Forestier proved to be a true friend. Elucidate.
Ans. Mme Forestier turns out to be an interesting character. She plays a vital role in the story. As a friend to Matilda, we find her to be really genuine as she helps Matilda in the hour of her need. When Mme Loisel Needs to borrow jewels, she turns to Mme Forestier. Madam Forestier does not refuse. Displaying her generosity she opens up the entire array of her jewels for Matilda to choose from. Also, She is considerate when Loisel’s delay the return of the necklace. Surprisingly, at the end of the story, she concludes the entire narrative.
Without even a moments delay and hesitation, she reveals to Matilda that her necklace was just a fake.She is not at all worried in the light of the fact that she may have to return the necklace. It shows her honesty rather, she like a true friend feels bad for Matilda at her unnecessary suffering. We find her sympathizing with Mme Loisel. She is indeed a gem of a friend.
Q8. The story “The Necklace” teaches us many lessons which form the crux of human values. Discuss.
Ans. The story “The Necklace” teaches us many lessons which form the crux of human values. The very first thing it teaches us is the need to be content in life. Matilda, though born into a family of clerks and married to a petty clerk with the Board of Education, remains unhappy. She suffers from the feeling that she is born for all delicacies and luxuries, but has to live miserably in poverty. So, when she has to attend the office party with her husband, she asks him for money to get a new dress. Her husband sacrifices the money he has saved to buy a gun to get her the dress. Then also she is not content. She feels that she could look more beautiful with a jewel. She thus borrows a necklace from her friend,thinking that it is made of diamonds. At the party, she remains elegant, gracious, smiling and absolutely happy. She was thus the prettiest of all. But this vanity is short-lived and is the beginning of all troubles in her life. She loses the necklace and she gets a new diamond necklace as its replacement by borrowing heavily. Subsequently, she is pushed to live in poverty as she slogs for ten years to save money to pay back the huge debt. Then the horrible reality frightens her. She realizes how her false pride has taken away her otherwise happy contended life. The story thus discusses the negative effects of pride and vanity and stresses the importance of being satisfied with what one has honesty, love and sacrifice.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
SECTION A (WRITING)
1. You are Yashika/Yash of 191 Rose Enclave, Delhi. You have purchased a music system from a reputed showroom but within a week of the purchase it has started giving trouble. Write a letter of complaint in 120-150 words to the Manager, Sangam Electronics, Sarojini Market, New Delhi.
SECTION B (LITERATURE)
2. Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow.
Well, it’s time I did some real work, I told myself, and I’m out of practice. And if I don’t take the money, he’ll only waste it on his friends. After all, he doesn’t even pay me.
(a) What did he tell himself?
(b) Why did Hari decide to steal?
(c) Does Anil pay Hari a regular salary?
(d) What justification does Hari Singh give for stealing Anil’s money?
OR
He should be snarling around houses
At the jungle’s edge.
Baring his white fangs, his claws,
Terrorising the villagers!
a) What should he be doing near the houses?
b) How would he terrorize the villagers?
c) Where are the houses situated?
d) Name the poem and the poet.
3. Answer any two of the following questions in 30-40 words.
a) How does the poet contrast the tiger in the cage with the tiger in the forest?
b) Who was given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on their own soil?
c) What does he say about the different reactions of people when they are robbed?
SECTION C (GRAMMAR)
4. Fill in the following blanks choosing the most appropriate option from the ones given in the brackets
It is annoying to get stuck (a) ________ (in, on, from, to) a traffic jam in the morning. It is rush hour (b) __________________ (to, for, with, from) office goers who get exasperated (c) _________ (with, to, on, for) having to wait at road junctions (d) ___________ (if, when, but, so that) they are running short of time.
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