CBSE Class 10 English Glimpses of India VBQs

A BAKER FROM GOA

Read the given extracts to attempt the questions that follow:

1. The baker or bread-seller of those days had a peculiar dress known as the kabai. It was a single piece long frock reaching down to the knees. In our childhood we saw bakers wearing shirt and trousers which were shorter than full-length ones and longer than half pants. Even today, anyone who wears a half pant which reaches just below the knees invites the comment that he is dressed like a pader!

A. Multiple Choice Questions

Question. When the writer says, ‘Baking was indeed a profitable profession in the old days.’, he means that:
(a) baking isn’t as popular in Goa currently
(b) bakers have chosen to adopt other professions
(c) baking, as a job, isn’t as gainful as it used to be
(d) bakers’ goods were of a better quality in earlier times
Answer. C

Question. The statement that is TRUE about payment collection, according to the passage is:
(a) The baker received payment on a daily basis.
(b) The baker was paid for his services at the end of the month.
(c) The baker insisted that customers pay before the month-end.
(d) The baker chose to receive payment any day of the month.
Answer. B

Question. The kabai was a ‘peculiar’ outfit as it was:
(a) a tight-fitting apparel
(b) too colourful
(c) made of unsuitable materials
(d) a dress-like attire
Answer. D

Question. The extract uses the phrase, ‘invites (the) comments’. Which of the following expressions is incorrect with respect to the word ‘invites’?
                       (1) Trouble
                             ↑
(3) Guests  ←  INVITE/S   →  (2) Prayers
                             ↓
                    (4) Applications 
(a) Option (1)
(b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3)
(d) Option (4)
Answer. B

B. Very Short Answer Questions

Question. What was the traditional dress of the baker?
Answer. The peculiar dress of the baker was known as the kabai.

Question. What was that dress like?
Answer. It was a single piece long frock reaching down to the knees.

Question. Who is a pader?
Answer. A pader is a person who bakes bread.

Question. When did the author usually see the baker?
Answer. He usually saw the baker in the morning.

Question. What was the part of the baker’s identity?
Answer. Wearing shirts and pants whose length was shorter than the usual ones, was a part of their identity so much that even if someones wears the trouser of that length now, he is a said to have dressed like a padar.

2. Our elders are often heard reminiscing nostalgically about those good old Portuguese days, the Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread. Those eaters of loaves might have vanished, but the makers are still there. We still have amongst us the mixers, the moulders and those who bake the loaves. Those age-old, time tested furnaces still exist. The fire in the furnaces has not yet been extinguished. The thud and jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo, heralding his arrival in the morning, can still be heard in some places. Maybe the father is not alive, but the son still carries on the family profession. These bakers are, even today, known as pader in Goa.

A. Multiple Choice Questions

Question. What does “the thud and jingle of the baker’s bamboo” reveal?
(a) His departure
(b) His arrival
(c) His disappearance
(d) None of these
Answer. B

Question. Choose the option that lists the set of statements that are NOT TRUE according to the given extract.
1. The story takes us back to the time when Portuguese ruled Goa.
2. The Portuguese left Goa and hence bakers do not exist at all.
3. Everything about baking is still the same.
4. Today we are deprived of hearing the sound of bakers’ arrival and the thud of their bamboo sticks.
5. The bakers were hardly known for their breads.
(a) 1,3,5
(b) 2,3,4
(c) 2, 4, 5
(d) 1,2,5
Answer. C

Question. Pick the option that correctly classifies fact/s (F) and opinion/s (O) of the students below.
(1) I think, the Portuguese's successors still exist and carry on their ancestral profession.
(2) Oh, No! It is not so. I feel, they completely vanished from India.
(3) Let's not forget that the author himself has mentioned that their successors still exist and are known as ‘paders’.
(4) In my opinion,‘paders’ are mentioned only in the book. There are no such persons anywhere in our country.
(a) F – 1, 3 and O – 2, 4
(b) F – 2, 3 and O – 1, 4
(c) F – 1, 2 and O – 3, 4
(d) F – 1, 4 and O – 2, 3
Answer. A

Question. What reminds us the existence of bakers in Goa?
(a) Age-old furnaces
(b) Mixers
(c) Moulders
(d) All of these
Answer. D

Question. The extract uses the phrase, ‘reminiscing nostalgically’. Which of the following expressions is INCORRECT with respect to the word ‘nostalgically’?
                      (2) Regretfully
                                ↑
(1) Wistfully  ←  NOSTALGICALLY  →    (3) Excitedly
                                ↓
                      (4) Sentimentally
(a) Option (1)
(b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3)
(d) Option (4)
Answer. C

B. Very Short Answer Questions

Question. What do our elders often reminisce?
Answer. Our elders fondly remember the Portuguese days and their famous loaves of bread.

Question. How are the age-old furnaces time tested?
Answer. The age-old furnaces still exist in Goa.

Question. What does the thud and jingle of the baker’s bamboo herald?
Answer. The thud and jingle of the baker’s bamboo heralds the arrival of the baker.

Question. What are bakers called in Goa?
Answer. The bakers are even today known as paders in Goa.

Question. What are the other time tested things which are still present in Goa?
Answer. We can still find the mixtures. The moulders and time tested furnaces in Goa.

3. The baker usually collected his bills at the end of the month. Monthly accounts used to be recorded on some wall in pencil. Baking was indeed a profitable profession in the old days. The baker and his family never starved. He, his family and his servants always looked happy and prosperous. Their plump physique was an open testimony to this. Even today any person with a jackfruit-like physical appearance is easily compared to a baker.

A. Multiple Choice Questions

Question. The baker records his accounts:
(a) in a notebook in pen.
(b) on the wall in pencil.
(c) on a sheet of paper.
(d) all of these.
Answer. B

Question. Which of these proves that the baker led a happy life?
(a) He wore good clothes.
(b) He ate good food.
(c) He had a plump physique.
(d) All of these
Answer. C

Question. A person is compared to a baker if he has:
(a) a jack-fruit-like physical appearance.
(b) earned a lot of money.
(c) talked to a baker.
(d) None of these
Answer. A

Question. How was baking profitable in Goa?
(a) The baker’s family was always unhappy.
(b) Children never liked to see the baker.
(c) The baker’s family never suffered hunger.
(d) The baker’s servants never remained faithful to them.
Answer. C

Question. What is the antonym of ‘plump’?
(a) Thin
(b) Slender
(c) Skinny
(d) All of these
Answer. D

B. Very Short Answer Questions

Question. How is baking profession reflected in the extract?
Answer. According to the extract, baking was a profitable profession in Goa. The baker and his family had a peaceful life.

Question. What evidences of the baker’s servants about their happiness is expressed in the extract?
Answer. The plump physique of the baker’s servants is an evidence that they were living prosperous life.

Question. What does the jackfruit-like physical appearance remind the Goans?
Answer. The Jack-fruit like physical appearance reminds the existence of the bakers in Goa.

Question. How in the Baker’s system of recording bills different from our billing?
Answer. The baker’s accounts was recorded on the walls and collected at the end of the month. Now billing in often completed either on papers or computers.

Question. What characteristic of the Goan society is brought to light in the extract?
Answer. The Goan society was based in the principle of mutual-understanding as people believed one another.

Glimpses of India

Coorg—by Lokesh Abrol

Summary

Lokesh Abrol gives a beautiful description of Coorg, the smallest district in Karnataka. It is the home of the Kodavas, a martial clan possibly descended from the Arabs or the Greek. Their traditional dress hints at a connection to the Arabs and the Kurds. The Kodavas are a brave clan with many joining the army. The natural beauty is worth a visit with animals from elephants to langurs and exotic birds. The best season to visit is from September to March—when it doesn’t rain. Another attraction is the Buddhist settlement right in the heart of the area.

Extract Based Questions

 Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow:

Coorg, or Kodagu, the smallest district of Karnataka, is home to evergreenrainforests, spices and coffee plantations. Evergreen rainforests cover thirty per cent of this district. During the monsoons, it pours enough to keep many visitors away. The season of joy commences from September and continues till March. The weather is perfect, with some showers thrown in for good measure. The air breathes of invigorating coffee. Coffee estates and colonial bungalows stand tucked under tree canopies in prime corners.

Question. How is the narrator trying to describe the environment of Coorg?
1. Mangrove forest
2. By its deciduous forests
3. By its evergreen rainforests
4. The smell of coffee
5. Perfect weather
Choose the correct option from the following
(a) (1) and (5)
(b) (3), (4) and (5)
(c) (2) and (3)
(d) (1) (2)and (3)

Answer : B

Question. From the options given below, identify the word in the extract that means the same as prevent?
(a) Commences
(b) Invigorating
(c) Good measure
(d) Keep away

Answer : D

Question. Select the most appropriate option for (1) and (2).
(1) During the monsoons it is a pleasant place for visitors.
(2) September to March is the season of joy.
(a) (1) is false and (2) is true.
(b) (2) is the opposite of (1).
(c) (2) furthers the meaning of (1).
(d) Both (1) and (2) cannot be inferred from the extract.

Answer : A

Question. Select the option which displays an example of ‘some showers’ in the extract.
(a) The little boy was dirty and mother asked him to take a bath.
(b) The boy ran and took shade under a tree to avoid getting wet from the unexpected rain.
(c) The woman washed her soiled clothes with the water from the pool.
(d) The woman washed her feet in the flowing stream.

Answer : B

Question. ‘Colonial bungalows’ in the above extract signifies bungalows built during the …
Choose one from the following to answer:
(a) Pre-British era
(b) Modern era
(c) Post British era
(d) British era

Answer : D

II.The fiercely independent people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent. As one story goes a part of Alexander’s army moved South along the coast and settled here when return became impractical. These people married amongst the locals and their culture is apparent in the martial traditions, marriage and religious rites, which are distinct from the Hindu mainstream. Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality, and they are more than willing to recount numerous tales of valour related to their sons and fathers. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army, and the first Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Even now, Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a license.

Question. How is the narrator trying to describe the special quality of the people of Coorg?
1. Ferocious
2. Fiercely independent
3. Greek or Arabic descent
4. dependent
5. not independent
Choose the correct option from the following
(a) (1) and (5)
(b) (3), (4) and (5)
(c) Only 2
(d) (2) and (3)

Answer : D

Question. Select the most appropriate option for (1) and (2).
(1) Alexander’s army married amongst the locals .
(2)Their culture is apparent in the martial traditions, marriage and religious rites, and are indistinct from the Hindu mainstream.
(a) (1) is true and (2) is false.
(b) (2) is the opposite of (1).
(c) (2) furthers the meaning of (1).
(d) Both (1) and (2) cannot be inferred from the extract.

Answer : A

Question. From the options given below, find a word from the extract that means the same as relating to war.
(a) Hospitable
(b) Fiercely
(c) Martial
(d) Humility

Answer : C

Question. Select the option which displays an example of ‘valour’.
(a) Jane picked up a bag found on the street and handed it over to the police.
(b) Raj patiently helped the old woman cross the road.
(c) Sam jumped into the water and saved the little boy from drowning.
(d) The ragged woman shared her food with the street children.

Answer : C

Question. Which group of people in India are allowed to carry firearms without licence?
Choose one from the following to answer:
(a) Gorkha
(b) Nagas
(c) Kodavus
(d) Toda

Answer : C

Read the extract to attempt the questions that follow.

“Our elders are often heard reminiscing nostalgically about those good old Portuguese days, the Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread. Those eaters might have vanished but the makers are still there. We still have amongst us the mixers, the moulders and those who bake the loaves. Those age-old, time-tested furnaces still exist. The fire in these furnaces has not yet been extinguished. The thud and jingle of traditional baker’s bamboo, heralding his arrival in the morning, can still be heard in some places.”

Question. The narrator says that the furnaces were ‘time-tested’ because
(a) they had been thoroughly tested each time, before being used
(b) they had proved the test of time and were working well
(c) they had been tested by modern day experts
(d) they had the power to withstand inexperienced usage
Answer : B 

Question. Those eaters might have vanished but the makers are still there.
Pick the option that expresses the tone of the narrator.
1. elated        2. morose
3. nostalgic   4. hopeful
5. sarcastic   6. critical
7. celebratory
(a) 1 and 7
(b) 2 and 6
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 4 and 5
Answer : C

Question. Pick the idiom that brings out the same meaning of ‘reminiscing’ as used in the passage.
(a) Train of thought
(b) Commit something to memory
(c) A trip down memory lane
(d) Jog somebody’s memory
Answer : C 

Question. Why do you think the baker came in with ‘a thud and a jingle’?
(a) He wanted to make everyone alert and active with his presence
(b) He wanted to wake up everyone from their slumber and ask them to visit the bakery
(c) He was used to making a loud noise as most people responded to just that
(d) He wanted to make people aware that he had come around to sell his goods
Answer : D

Question. The ‘fire in the furnaces has not yet been extinguished’ implies that
(a) the furnaces are still being used to bake the loaves of bread
(b) the fire is in the process of being reviewed as a replaceable method for heating furnaces
(c) the furnaces are very strong and cannot be shifted for use in other areas
(d) the fire in the furnaces takes a long time to cease burning, once lighted
Answer : D

Read the extract to attempt the questions that follow.

The baker made his musical entry on the scene with the ‘jhang jhang’ sound of his specially made bamboo staff. One hand supported the basket on his head and the other banged the bamboo on the ground. He would greet the lady of the house with ‘Good Morning’ and then place his basket on the vertical bamboo. We kids would be pushed aside with a mild rebuke and the loaves would be delivered to the servant. But we would not give up. We would climb a bench or the parapet and peep into the basket, somehow.

Question. How would the baker greet the lady of the house?
(a) With Good Evening
(b) With Good Morning
(c) With a Bow
(d) With a Smile
Answer : B

Question. Choose the option that lists the set of statements that are not true according to the given extract.
1. The baker was a celebrated individual.
2. The children loved the loaves of bread.
3. The baker was very rude.
4. Only the servant would address the baker.
5. The baker entered with a musical sound.
6. The baker carried the loaves of bread in a box.
(a) 1, 2 and 4
(b) 2, 5 and 6
(c) 1, 3 and 5
(d) 3, 4 and 6
Answer :D

Question. What did the baker do first once he reached a house?
(a) Place the basket and deliver the loaves
(b) Place the basket on the vertical bamboo and deliver the loaves to the servant
(c) Deliver the loaves to the lady of the house
(d) None of the above
Answer : B

Question. Why would the children not give up?
(a) Peeping into the basket
(b) Crying to peep into the basket
(c) To choose a bread bangle of their choice
(d) Pushing aside others to peep into the basket
Answer : C

Question.Select the correct option for (1) and (2).
1. The baker used to push aside the children.
2. The bread loaves were delivered to the servant.
(a) (1) is the result of (2)
(b) (2) is the result of (1)
(c) (1) is independent of (2)
(d) (1) contradicts (2)
Answer : C 

Multiple Choice Questions

Question. What is the apt term for ‘Midway’?
(a) Nearby
(b) Equidistant
(c) At a distance
(d) Not very far from

Answer : B

Question. What is the exact location of Coorg?
(a) Between Mangalore and the coastal town of Bangalore
(b) Between Mysore and the coastal town of Bangalore
(c) Between Mysore and the coastal town of Kerala
(d) Between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore

Answer : D

Question. The author refers to which place as piece of heaven?
(a) Mangalore
(b) Mysore
(c) Coorg
(d) Croog

Answer : C

Question. ‘piece of heaven’ can be attributed to which amongst the following figure of speech?
(a) Metapho
(b) Simile
(c) Hyperbole
(d) Transferred Epithet

Answer : A

Question. Which option correctly replaces the underlined word in the given line from Coorg? Must have drifted.
(a) Unlikely to have
(b) Sure to have
(c) Confident
(d) likely to have

Answer : D

Question. The cause of the drifting of the piece of heaven from the kingdom of God is……..
(a) Certainly Gods were angry
(b) Uncertain
(c) Unsure about God’s rage
(d) Certain

Answer : B

Question. Coorg is the land of rolling hills? This meAnswer :
(a) It is surrounded by hills
(b) It is a land of hills
(c) It has no vegetation
(d) It is barren

Answer : A

Question. The author refers to the men of Coorg as martial men. What do you understand by it?
(a) Humble men
(b) Martial art men
(c) Men of war
(d) Fierce men

Answer : C

Question. The other name for Coorg is ___________.
(a) Kodgau
(b) Kadgou
(c) Kodagu
(d) Kudago

Answer : C

Question. In the lesson ‘Coorg’, relate the words Mangalore: coastal town: Coorg: ___________
(a) Country
(b) State
(c) District
(d) Town

Answer : C

Question. As quoted by the author, Coorg is a home to _________ .
(a) Wild animals
(b) Fierce men
(c) Evergreen rainforests
(d) Evergreen canopies

Answer : C

Question. The evergreen rainforests cover_______per cent of Coorg.
(a) 50 per cent
(b) 75 per cent
(c) 30 per cent
(d) 25 per cent

Answer : C

Question. During the monsoon, it pours enough to keep many visitors away. What do you conclude?
(a) Visitors enjoy the rains
(b) Visitors shun the rains
(c) Visitors avoid coming during the rains
(d) Visitors enjoy this pleasant weather

Answer : C

Question. Identify the phrase from the text that have the same meaning.
During monsoons it rains so heavily that tourists do not visit Coorg.
(a) During monsoons the downpour keeps away the visitors.
(b) During monsoons it pours enough to keep many visitors away.
(c) The weather is not perfect and keeps many visitors away.
(d) Some showers thrown in good measure keeps many visitors away.

Answer : B

Question. Identify the word used by the author that means ‘start’ or ‘begin’.
(a) From
(b) Some
(c) Commence
(d) Inhabit

Answer : C

Question. The season of joy refers to the period _________
(a) From September to February
(b) Between September and March
(c) From December to March
(d) Between December and February

Answer : B

Question. What is the appropriate synonym for the word invigorating?
(a) Rejuvenating
(b) Tiring
(c) Sapping
(d) Wearying

Answer : A

Question. Tucked under tree canopies in prime corners. Here Prime implies________
(a) Good
(b) Best
(c) Beginning
(d) First

Answer : B

Question. Coorg is a _________according to its referral by the author.
(a) Tourist place
(b) Historical place
(c) Hill station
(d) Vacation place

Answer : C

Question. What does the author have to say about the inhabitants of Coorg?
(a) Fiercely Independent and Portuguese descent.
(b) Independent and Greek and Arabic descent.
(c) Fiercely independent and Greek or Arabic descent.
(d) Fiercely dependent and Greek or Arabic descent

Answer : C

Question. Identify the word that is the synonym to ‘not sure’.
(a) Hopefully
(b) Perhaps
(c) Maybe
(d) Possibly

Answer : D

Question. Identify the phrase from the text that has the same meaning.
Some people say that Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled there.
(a) As the story goes, Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled here.
(b) As one story goes, Alexander’s army moved north along the coast and settled here.
(c) As one story goes, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled here.
(d) As the story goes, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled here.

Answer : C

Question. The apt word for embroidered is_______
(a) Tailored with thread
(b) Stitched with thread
(c) Ornamented with thread
(d) Sewn with thread

Answer : C

Question. Who are the Kodavus in Coorg?
(a) The personel security in Coorg.
(b) The personel of the Coorg Regiment in the Indian Army.
(c) The locals of Coorg.
(d) The farmers of Coorg.

Answer : C

Question. Identify the other word for Tradition used in the lesson Coorg.
(a) Culture
(b) Mainstream
(c) Rites
(d) Martial

Answer : A

Question. Identify the phrase from the text that has the same meaning.
The theory of the Arab origin is supported by the long coat with embroidered waist- belt they wear.
(a) The theory is that the Arab origin is supported from the long coat with embroidered waist- belt they wear.
(b) The theory of Arab origin draws support from the long coat with embroidered waist-belt they wear.
(c) The theory behind the long coat with embroidered waist- belt they wear is drawn from the theory of the Arab origin.
(d) The theory is that long coat with embroidered waist- belt they wear is drawn from the theory of the Arab origin.

Answer : B

Question. The author says the kuppia worn by the Kodavus resembles the__________worn by the Arabs.
(a) Kufia
(b) Kaffia
(c) Kuffia
(d) Kauffi

Answer : C

Question. What makes the Coorg society different from rest of Indians?
(a) Their Greek -Arab descent.
(b) Their martial heritage.
(c) Their tradition of hospitality.
(d) Though being Hindus, the religious rites followed by them differ from the mainstream.

Answer : D

Question. What exactly is the author trying to highlight through this passage?
(a) The evergreen rain forests of Coorg.
(b) The beautiful hills of Coorg.
(c) The subtle aroma of coffee associated with Coorg.
(d) The martial society and the lifestyle of the people of Coorg.

Answer : D

Question. Identify the phrase from the text that has the same meaning. The Coorg people are always ready to tell stories of their son’s and father’s valour.
(a)The people of Coorg have a tradition of recounting numerous tales of valour related to their sons and fathers.
(b)The people of Coorg traditionally recount numerous tales of valour related to their sons and fathers.
(c)The Coorg people are more than willing to recount numerous stories of valour related to their sons and fathers.
(d)The people of Coorg never recount the tales of valour related to their sons and fathers.

Answer : C

Question. By tales of valour the author tells us about____
(a) History of the brave people of the past
(b) Freedom fighters
(c) Stories of courage and bravery usually in war
(d) Heroic deeds of freedom fighters.

Answer : C

Question. By most decorated the author relates to_____
(a) Having received the maximum number of medals for sports
(b) Having received maximum number of awards for bravery
(c) Having received rewards for extracurricular activities.
(d) Having received rewards for archery

Answer : B

Question. Which of these indicates a profound recognition of martial nature of the Kodavus by India?
(a) The first Chief of the Indian Army was from Coorg.
(b) The Coorgi regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army.
(c) No license is required by the people of Coorg to carry fire arms.
(d) Coorg people are believed to be of Greek and Arab descendance.

Answer : C

Question. The hills and forests of Coorg is from where the river________ obtains its water.
(a) Godavari
(b) Krishna
(c) Kaveri
(d) Yamuna

Answer : C

Question. The river Kaveri abounds in Mahaseer which is a large_________
(a) Monkeys
(b) Freshwater fish
(c) Langurs
(d) Elephant

Answer : B

Question. Kingfisher is a type of _______ that dives as revealed by the author.
(a) Airlines
(b) Sea farer
(c) Fish
(d) Bird

Answer : D

Question. What do langurs and squirrels enjoy doing mischievously?
(a) Throwing away partially eaten fruits in the muddy water.
(b) Throwing away partially eaten fruits in the clear water.
(c) Throwing away partially spoilt fruits in the dustbins.
(d) Throwing away partially stolen fruits in the clear water.

Answer : B

Question. The most laidback individuals become converts. What is the quality of the individual according to the author?
(a) Aggressive
(b) Demanding
(c) Relaxed
(d) Stubborn

Answer : C

Question. Individuals become converts. What does convert mean here?
(a) Change of attitude
(b) Change of religion
(c) Remain the same
(d) Change of apparel

Answer : A

Question. Pick the odd man out which does not refer to High-energy adventure.
(a) Canoeing
(b) Mountain biking
(c) Rappelling
(d) Horse riding

Answer : D

Question. Rappelling is _________.
(a) Trekking
(b) Sliding down a rope from a cliff
(c) Travelling on a raft
(d) Travelling on a narrow boat

Answer : B

Question. What in author’s mind is the best way to enjoy Coorg?
(a) Visit a local family
(b) Take a dive into Kodavu cuisine
(c) Enjoy the wild life
(d) Take part in outdoor activities

Answer : D

Question. Which of these can best describe the idea behind the phrase, ‘The most laidback individuals……’?
(a) Coorg is not for relaxing
(b) People who prefer to do active sports cannot enjoy Coorg
(c) Coorg is only for activity
(d) Even the people who prefer to chill will try adventure sports

Answer : D

Question. What do you think about this with reference to a trail?
(a) Every path is a trail
(b) Every trail is a path
(c) Every trail is not a path
(d) Not every trail is a path.

Answer : D

Question. From which place in Coorg could you get the panoramic view of the misty landscapes?
(a) Mountain
(b) Bylakuppe
(c) Brahmagiri
(d) Nisargadhama

Answer : C

Question. A walk across the rope bridge leads to the sixty-four-acre island of __________.
(a) Bylakuppe
(b) Nisargadhama
(c) Mysore
(d) Coorg

Answer : B

Question. What is the bonus that the author is talking about:
(a) Running into some macaques.
(b) Running into some langurs.
(c) Running into Buddhists monks.
(d) Running into some mountain trekkers.

Answer : C

Question. The ochre colour is nearest to which of the following options?
(a) Dark chocolate
(b) Teak colour
(c) Clay earth
(d) Coconut

Answer : C

Extract Based Questions

1. Read the extract to attempt the questions that follow.

We kids would be pushed aside with a mild rebuke and the loaves would be delivered to the servant. But we would not give up. We would climb a bench or the parapet and peep into the basket, somehow. I can still recall the typical fragrance of those loaves. Loaves for the elders and the bangles for the children.

Question. Who are ‘we’ in the extract?
Answer : We’ in the extract refers to the narrator and his friends.

Question. Why were the children pushed aside?
Answer : The children were pushed aside so that the bread can be delivered to the servant.

Question. Which word/phrase in the extract means the same as ‘an expression of disapproval/a scolding’?
Answer : The word ‘rebuke’ from the extract means ‘an expression of disapproval/a scolding’.

Question. What was there in the basket?
Answer : There were some loaves for the elders and some bangles for the children.

Question. What did children do when they were pushed aside by the baker?
Answer : When children were pushed aside by the baker then they climbed a bench or the parapet to peep into the baker’s basket.

2. Read the extract to attempt the questions that follow.

The baker usually collected his bills at the end of the month. Monthly accounts used to be recorded on some wall in pencil. Baking was indeed a profitable profession in the old days. The baker and his family never starved. He, his family and his servants always looked happy and prosperous. Their plump physique was an open testimony to this. Even today any person with a jackfruit- like physical appearance is easily compared to a baker.

Question. Where did the baker record his accounts?
Answer : The baker recorded his accounts on some wall with pencil.

Question. Why did the baker and his family never starve?
Answer : The baker and his family never starved because baking was a profitable profession.

Question. Which word in the extract is same in meaning of ‘build’?
Answer : ‘Physique’ fromthe extract is same inmeaning of ‘build’.

Question. How can a baker be identified in Goa?
Answer : Any person with a jackfruit-like physical appearance or plump physique is easily identified to a baker.

Question. “The monthly records were maintained an some walls in pencil”. What does this show about the relationship between the baker and the Goan people.
Answer : The baker and the Goan people shared a relationship based on trust and friendship as the baker did not require to remember the records of his sale.

Text Book Questions

Question. Where is Coorg?
Answer : Coorg is the smallest district of Karnataka and is situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore.

Question. What is the story about the Kodavu people’s descent?
Answer : Coorgis are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent. As one story goes, a part of Alexander’s army moved to south along the coast and settled there when their return became impractical. These people married amongst the locals and their culture is apparent in the martial traditions, marriage and religious rites, which are distinct from the Hindu mainstream.

Question. What are some of the things you now know about :

(i) the people of Coorg?
Answer : They are the only ones permitted to carry firearms.

(ii) the main crop of Coorg?
Answer : coffee

(iii) the sports it offers to tourists?
Answer : river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, mountain biking and trekking

(iv) the animals you are likely to see in Coorg?
Answer : Elephants, Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, slender loris, birds, bees and butterflies

(v) its distance from Bangalore and how to get there?
Answer : 260 kms, by road via Mysore or Neelamangal

Question. Here are six sentences with some words in italics. Find phrases from the text that have the same meaning. (Look in the paragraphs indicated)

(i) During monsoons it rains so heavily that tourists do not visit Coorg.(para 2)
Answer : to keep many visitors away.

(ii) Some people say that Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled there.(para 3)
Answer : As one story goes.

(iii) The Coorg people are always ready to tell stories of their  sons’ and fathers’ valour.(para 4)
Answer : they are more than willing to recount

(iv) Even people who normally lead an easy and slow life get smitten by the high-energy adventure sports of Coorg (para 6)
Answer : The most laid-back individuals become converts

(v) The theory of the Arab origin is supported by the long coat with embroidered waist-belt they wear. (para 3)
Answer : draws support from

(vi) Macaques, Malabar squirrels observe you carefully from the tree canopy. (para 7)
Answer : keep a watchful eye

Thinking about Language

Question. Which of the following nouns can collocate with which of the adjectives given below?
unique terrible unforgettable serious ancient wide sudden
(i) culture : unique culture, ancient culture
(ii) monks: ancient monks, serious monks, unforgettable monks
(iii) surprise: unforgettable surprise, terrible surprise
(iv) experience : unforgettable experience, terrible experience
(v) weather : terrible weather
(vi) tradition : ancient tradition, unique tradition

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. What did excite Rajvir? Why did Pranjol not share his excitement?
Answer : The beautiful scenery and wide range of green tea gardens excited Rajvir. Pranjol did not share his excitement since he was born and brought up in Assam, a place familiar to him.

Question. Why were the children fascinated by the baker? How did they show their eagerness to see him?
Answer : The baker or the pader used to be an essential part of the Goan’s life. He sold bread in different shapes and tastes which was a popular part of the Goan cuisine. The children were not fascinated by the baker’s jingle or by the loaves of bread he sold but attracted by the bread bangles or the special sweet bread that he sold.The children would know about his arrival from the ‘jhang, jhang’ sound of his bamboo stick. They would run to meet and greet him. They tried to surround the basket but were pushed aside until the bread was delivered to the maid. Then they were allowed to choose their bread-bangles. The breadbangles fascinated the children and made them eager for the arrival of the baker.

Question. How did the baker make his presence known in the morning?
Answer : The baker came in the morning with the ‘jhang jhang’ sound of his bamboo staff. He carried his basket on his head supported with one hand and in the other hand he had the bamboo staff which he banged on the ground. This sound marked his presence in the mornings. 

Question. Baking was considered essential in a traditional Goan village. What reasons does the writer give to support his point ?
Answer : Baking was considered important and essential in a Goan village, since the time of the Portuguese. Bread is an essential item for everyday and for every occasion. Marriage gifts were considered meaningless without sweet bread and festivals and celebrations were incomplete without cakes.

Question. What do we learn about the financial condition of the bakers of Goa ?
Answer : The bakers of Goa led a prosperous life. As bakers never starved, baking was a profitable profession in the old days. The families and servants of these bakers always looked happy and prosperous. Their plum physique is an open testimony to their prosperity.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. Give the two legends about the discovery of tea.
Answer : The Indian legend for the discovery of tea: There was a Buddhist ascetic named Bodhidharma. He often fell asleep during meditation. To stop this he cut off his eyelids. It is said that ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of this plant are put in hot water and drunk to banish sleep. The legend connects the energising quality of tea with the ascetic’s problem of sleep. The Chinese legend: There was a Chinese emperor who always had boiled water. Once a few leaves from a twig fell into his boiling water. They gave a delicious flavour to his water and from then, tea became popular in China

Question. Write a paragraph on Coorg.
Answer : Coorg is the smallest district in Karnataka, situated about 260 kms from Bangalore. It is situated between Mysore and Mangalore. There are hills all around the town which appears like a piece of heaven broken down from the Kingdom of God. It is the land of the brave martial clan of the Kodavus. There are coffee plantations in the area. The Coorgis are very hospitable people. They are a brave community with the first Army chief of our country being a Coorgi. The flora and fauna of the area is unique and one can easily encounter elephants, Malabar squirrels, langurs, loris etc. The best time to visit Coorg is from September to March when the rains have stopped. Coorg is also a haven for adventure sport enthusiasts.

Reference to Context Questions

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :

The theory of Arab origin draws support from the long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt worn by the Kodavus.

(a) Choose the answer that lists the correct option about the dress of the Arabs.

(a) Option 1
(b) Option 2
(c) Option 3
(d) Option 4

Answer : D

(b) The people of Coorg are known for their
(a) hospitality
(b) martial art
(c) descendancy from Alexander
(d) descendancy from the Arabs

Answer : A

(c) One can get a panoramic view of Coorg from the ________ hills.
(a) Bylakuppe
(b) Brahmagiri Hills
(c) Mariani junction
(d) None of these

Answer : B

(d) A walk across the rope bridge leads to the island of ________.
(a) Tibet
(b) Bylakuppe
(c) Nisargadhama
(d) All of these

Answer : C

(e) Which of the following words expresses the exact meaning of the phrase – ‘draws support’?

(a) Option 1
(b) Option 2
(c) Option 3
(d) Option 4

Answer : C

(II) Coorg

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question. Why does the author in 'Coorg' say that the visitors' search for the heart and soul of India would be found in Coorg?
Answer : Coorgis are famous for hospitality, valor which is the heart and soul of India. Apart from it, Coorg is a beautiful region of rolling hills and lush green rainforests. It is also famous for coffee and spices.

Question. Do adventure sports like river rafting and rock climbing require a person to possess just physical strength? Why/Why not?
Answer : Apart from physical strength, a person does require many other skills. The person must be jealous, confident courageous and flexible. He should have excellent public speaking skills. He should not only have a good memory but also good destination knowledge.

Question. Coorgis belong to a valorous and hospitable race. Comment on this statement with reference to the text.
Answer : Coorgis are a proud race of martial men and beautiful women. They are very hospitable and entertain their guests by relating stories of bravery of their sons and fathers. Coorgis soldiers are brave. Corgis are the only people who are permitted to carry firearms without a license.

Short Answer Type Question (40-50 words & 3 marks)

Question. The culture, lifestyle and traditions of a place are influenced by the people who lived or settled there at some point of time. Cultural assimilation adds flavour to the existing structure of a society. Summarise your opinion on the given idea.
Answer : The brave and independent people of Coorg are of Greek or Arabic descent. According to a story, a part of Alexander's army did not return and was settled here. They married among the locals. This culture assimilation can be seen in the martial tradition, marriage and religious customs.

Long Answer Type Question (100-120 words & 5 marks)

Question. Pen down a brief travelogue* entry, narrating any personal impression/s about a visit to Coorg. Include your reflections about the differences between the place where you live and the place you've visited. (* A travelogue is a person's account of a journey to another country or place. It can either be a written report with many factual details or a narrative story about personal impressions and experiences.) You may begin like this... As I stepped into the land of evergreen forest, I was blown away by the pristine beauty and ...................(continue)
Answer : As I stepped into the land of evergreen forest, I was blown away by the pristine beauty and lush green flora of the rain forests of Coorg. This place is really a piece of heaven that must have drifted form the kingdom of God.
This land of rolling hills is inhabited by a proud race of martial men, beautiful women, coffee and wild elephants.
The rain forests cover more than thirty percent of this district. Often it rains heaving. September is the most ideal time to enjoy the natural beauty of this place. The river Kaveri proves to the cherry on the cake. It obtains its water from the hills and rainforests of Coorg. The region abounds in langurs, bees, butterflies and a lot of birds. The Brahmagiri hills provide a panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg. Moreover, the sixty-four acre island of Nisargadhama is a little paradise for the tourists.

(III) Tea from Assam

Extract-Based Questions

Q. 1. "Tell me another!" scoffed Pranjol.
"We have an Indian legend too. Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water and drunk, banished sleep."
"Tea was first drunk in China," Rajvir added, "as far back as 2700 B.C.! In fact, words such as tea, chai and chini are from the Chinese. Tea came to Europe only in the sixteenth century and was drunk more as medicine than as beverage."

Question. Why do you think Pranjol 'scoffed'?
(a) He was upset with the legend Rajvir shared.
(b) He was mocking Rajvir for his lack of knowledge.
(c) He was amused and tickled at what Rajvir shared.
(d) He was impressed with what Rajvir had shared.
Answer : C

Question. Based on this extract, how do you think Rajvir felt while narrating?
(a) (i) excited (ii) agitated
(b) (i) hysterical (ii) nervous
(c) (i) nervous (ii) agitated
(d) (i) enthusiastic (ii) passionate
Answer : D

Question. Pick the option that includes the tea label information that corresponds to the given sentence.
"The leaves of these plants when put in hot water and drunk, banished sleep."
(1) Its calming effects may be attributed to an antioxidant called apigenin, which is found in abundance in chamomile tea. Apigenin binds to specific receptors in your brain that may decrease anxiety and initiate sleep.
(2) It increases levels of a neuro transmitter called gama-aminobiotique acid (GABA) and improves overall sleep quality by shortening the time it takes to fall asleep and decreasing night-time awakenings.
(3) It interferes with REM sleep, has some unwanted side effects, keeps sleep away and allows the possibility of inducing hours of sleeplessness and increased night-time awakenings.
(4) It alleviates anxious thoughts and soothes the spirit before bedtime. It improves energy levels and helps banish stress and results in a better night's sleep, naturally.
(a) Option 1
(b) Option 2
(c) Option 3
(d) Option 4
Answer : C

Question. Based on the inference from the extract, which of these is NOT TRUE about tea drinking in the sixteenth century Europe?
Dr. Smith is a doctor of sixteenth century Europe.
(a) Dr. Smith encouraged drinking of green tea whenever available, to reduce chances of tooth loss.
(b) Dr. Smith prescribed regular tea drinking to all his patients with a weak heart.
(c) Dr. Smith always served tea as refreshment when he has guests, as they all enjoyed this beverage.
(d) Dr. Smith usually recommended black tea to reduce inflammation in the body.
Answer : C

Question. The main idea of this extract is
(a) Tea as a popular beverage in Europe and how it spread.
(b) Origin of tea in India and why it became popular in Europe.
(c) Importance of India in popularising tea and influencing Europe.
(d) Indian legend on tea and how it travelled from China to Europe.
Answer : D

Very Short Answer Type Question

Question. Pranjol buried his head in his detective book while Rajvir was eager to look at the beautiful scenery during the train journey. Why was there a difference in their attitude?
Answer : Pranjol belonged to Assam. He was use to the scenic beauty of Assam since his childhood where as Rajvir was amazed to see huge fields full of green plantations. He was enjoying such natural beauty for the first time as he lived in Delhi.

Short Answer Type Question

Question. Rajvir did his study before his visit to the tea plantation. Is it good to do one's research before the start of a new venture or does it take away from the thrill of discovery? Elucidate your stance.
Answer : Indeed, Rajvir possessed qualities like time management positivity and humility. His research before the start to Assam helped him to explore more about the place. Knowing about the destination and being families with the real place is of utmost importance. Rajvir also surprised pranjol's father with his in-depth knowledge of the subject.