Q Bank Xi

S.No. CONTENTS Pg.
No.
Hornbill
1. The Portrait Of A Lady - Khushwant Singh
2. A Photograph - Shirley Toulson
3. We’re Not Afraid To Die...If We Can All Be Together
- Gordon Cook And Alan East
4. Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues - A.R. Williams
5. The Laburnum Top-Ted Hughes
6. Landscape Of The Soul - Nathalie Trouveroy
7. The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role -
NaniPalkhivala
8. The Browning Version - Terence Rattigan
9. Childhood - Markus Natten
10. Silk Road - Nick Middleton
Snapshots
11. The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse : William
Saroyan
12. The Address : Marga Minco
13. Ranga’s Marriage : MastiVenkateshaIyengar

14. Albert Einstein at School : Patrick Pringle
15. Mother’s Day : J.B. Priestley
16. Birth :A.J. Cronin
17. Marking Scheme
ENGLISH
CLASS:XI
QUESTION BANK
(BASED ON ASSERTION,PROBLEM SOLVING,COMPREHENSION &
INFERENCE)
SESSION: 2020-21
1. The Portrait Of A Lady -Khushwant Singh
Q1 .Read the extract below and choose the most suitable alternative
(A)
“My grandmother, like everybody’s grandmother, was an old woman. She had been old
and wrinkled for the twenty years that I had known her. People said that she had once
been young and pretty and had even had a husband, but that was hard to believe. My
grandfather’s portrait hung above the mantelpiece in the drawing room. He wore a big
turban and loose-fitting clothes. His long, white beard covered the best part of his
chest”
(I)”She” in the above extract refers to the author’s __________
(a) Mother.
(b) Grandmother.
(c) Neighbourhood woman.
(d) None of the above.
(ii)The people thought she was_______________
(a) old and wrinkled.
(b) once young and attractive.
(c) beautiful though wrinkled.
(d) charming though old.
(iii)What was difficult for the author to believe?
(a) The portrait of the grandfather
(b) The prettiness of the grandmother in her youth
(c) The grandmother had children once
(d) The old age and her appearance
(iv) The word that does not describe the appearance of the grandmother is__________ .
(a) Youthful.
(b) Good-looking.
(c) Adolescent.
(d) Prepossessing.
(B). “Yes, she was beautiful. She was like the winter landscape in the mountains, an expanse
of pure white serenity breathing peace and contentment”
(i)The literary device used in the above extract is _________
(a) Metaphor
(b) Paradox
(c) Simile
(d) Oxymoron
(ii)The narrator describes the appearance of the grandmother as
(a) Symbolic of peace, serenity, contentment and spiritualism.
(b) Pretty, old and wrinkled.
(c) An Expansion of a landscape.
(d) A Grey haired lady with white clothes.
(iii) The grandmother was a kind- hearted woman since she____________
(a) escorted the author to the school
(b) was spinning the wheel
(c) fed the stray dogs and sparrows
(d) left the village and went to live in the city.
(iv) The grandmother had a divine beauty as______________
(a) she had silver locks and her lips always moved in inaudible prayer.
(b) she hobbled around the house in spotless white.
(c) she was always busy telling the beads of her rosary.
(d) all the above
(C). “When I went up to University, I was given a room of my own. The common link of
friendship was snapped. My grandmother accepted her seclusion with resignation. She
rarely left her spinning-wheel to talk to anyone. From sunrise to sunset she sat by her
wheel spinning and reciting prayers”
(i)The ‘common link’, described in this context is the bonding
(a) between the grandmother and her son

(b) between the author and the grandmother
(c) of the grandmother with the neighbourhood women
(d) of the grandmother with the sparrows
(ii) The ‘common link was________
(a) lost forever.
(b) an indelible mark in the sands of time.
(c) broken off after the narrator went to the university.
(d) nourished better.
(iii) The statement “accepted her seclusion with resignation” refers to
(a) the death of the grandmother
(b) loneliness and inactivity of sparrows
(c) isolation of the author in university
(d)The grandmother’s loneliness without being sentimental
(iv) The activity that was not done by the grandmother after the author went to the
university was____________
(a) feeding the sparrows
(b) spinning the wheel
(c) reading religious scriptures
(d) reciting prayers
Q.2. Choose the most suitable alternative.
(i) The turning point of the friendship between the grandmother and the author was
when_____
(a) he became an adult

(b) his parents called both to the city
(c) he left her to live in the city with his parents
(d) they stopped talking with each other
(ii) The statement, “His long, white beard covered the best part of his chest” describes
(a) the long white beard falling on the chest of the grandfather
(b) the chest was the best part of the grandfather’s appearance
(c) the long white beard covering the chest of the grandfather
(d) ‘a’ and ‘c’only
(iii) “the thought was almost revolting” reflects the author’s_____
(a) doubt that the grandmother was once young and pretty.
(b) pensive moments when he was separated from the grandmother.
(c) protest against his parents.
(d) mental afflictions when he left for the university.
(iv) Based on your understanding, choose the most suitable option that describes the plot of
the text.
(a) Turning point of the author and grandmother’s relationship.
(b) Sparrows mourning the death of the grandmother.
(c) Life of the author and the grandmother in Village.
(d) Grandmother’s secluded life in the city
(i) cabd (ii) dabc (iii) cadb (iv) cdab
(V) Which of the following statements does not describe the relationship between the author
and the grandmother?
(a) She thumped the sagging skins of the dilapidated drum and celebrated his home coming.
(b) The lips of the grandmother stopped moving and the rosary fell from her lifeless fingers.
(c) The grandmother accepted her seclusion from the author.
(d) The author thought she was like the winter landscape in the mountains.
Q3. Answer the following questions in about 30-40 words.
(i) The grandmother’s send off and the reception of her grandson were very touching.
Comment.
(ii) Explain, “As for my grandmother being young and pretty, the thought was almost
revolting”.
(iii) Evaluate, “Old, so terribly old that she could not have grown older....”
(iv) Interpret how the author brings out the feeling of divine beauty in the
grandmother.
(v) Why did the grandmother stop talking to anybody before her death?
Q4.Answer the following questions in about 120- 150 words.

(i) The grandmother herself was not formally educated but was serious about the author’s
education. Substantiate with evidence from the chapter.
(ii) “The Portrait of a Lady” partly dwells on the loneliness and insecurity of the old age and
effort of the old to fit in. Driven by such thoughts while reading the lesson, you think about
the life of many old men and women in India, who lead a lonesome existence towards the end
of their life. Analyse.
(iii) The Sparrows and the Grandmother in the story, “The Portrait of a Lady” reflect the
bonding of animals with human beings. But it is a matter of dismay that due to insensitive
and cruel attitude of humans, rare species of birds and animals have been disappearing from
our environment. Do you agree? Support your answer relating to the text.
2. A Photograph- Shirley Toulson
Q1 . Read the extract below and choose the most suitable alternative
(A)
1. “All three stood still to smile through their hair
At the uncle with the camera. A sweet face,
My mother’s, that was before I was born.
And the sea, which appears to have changed less,
Washed their terribly transient feet.”
(i) Name the figure of speech used in the last line?

a. simile
b. Metaphor
c. Alliteration
d. Personification
(ii) -------- has not changed over a period of time.
a. The photo
b. The cardboard
c. The uncle
d. The sea
(iii) Find a word from the extract which means “lasting only for a
short time”?
a. Still
b. Transient
c. Changed
d. Less
(iv) “All three refers” to ….
a. The uncle, the mother and the poet
b. The mother and two cousins
c. The uncle, the mother and their cousin
d. The poet, the mother their cousin
(B)
“Some twenty-thirty – years later
She’d laugh at the snapshot. “See Betty
And Dolly,” she’d say, “and look how they
Dressed us for the beach.” The sea holiday
Was her past, mine is her laughter. Both wry
With the laboured ease of loss.”
(i) ‘She’ refers to ------

a. The poet
b. The Poet’s mother
c. The poet’s grand mother
d. The poet’s cousin
(ii) ‘She’ laughed because of the funny -------
a. Dresses that they wore for sea holiday
b. Joke the uncle cracked
c. Dresses they were wearing at the party
d. Man they saw at the sea holiday
(iii) The figure of speech used in the last line is -----
a. Oxymoron
b. Simile
c. Metaphor
d. Hyperbole
(iv) The poet misses her …….
a. Mother’s past
b. Mother’s dress
c. Mother’s laughter
d. Mother’s sea holiday
( C)
“Now she’s been dead nearly as many years
As that girl lived. And of this circumstance
There is nothing to say at all.
Its silence silences.”
(i) The ‘girl’ being referred to here is…..
a. The poet
b. The Poet’s Mother
c. The poet’s grand mother
d. The poet’s cousin
(ii) The ‘circumstance’ being talked about is the …..
a. Death of the mother
b. Sea holiday
c. Growth of life
d. Washing of the feet by the sea
(iii) The poet says, ‘there is nothing to say’ because….
a. She feels helpless
b. Death is inevitable
c. She feels guilty
d. None of the above
(iv) “Its silence silences” means….
a. The silent sea affects the poet
b. The silent time affects the poet
c. The mother’s silence has silenced her
d. The mother’s death has surrounded her life with silence

1. Why does the poet say ‘the sea has changed less’?
a. It is a vast water body
b. Nature is immortal
c. Man cannot change nature
2. The other girls were holding the hands of the poet’s mother in the
poem ‘A Photograph’ because….
a. she was the eldest of all
b. being the oldest she must take care of all
c. she assumed the responsibility being the oldest one
d. All of the above
3. They “smiled through their hair”in the poem ‘A Photograph’
because……..
a. it was a style of posing for photograph
b. they wore long hair
c. of the strong sea wind
d. uncle asked them to pose for photograph in this style
4. The mother was nostalgic about losing ------- in the poem ‘A

Photograph’.
a. the golden period of childhood
b. her cousins
c. her youth
5. “Its silence silences” describes..

a. the silent nature of the poet
b. the silent nature of the mother
c. the sorrowful life of the poet
d. the void created due to the death of the mother.
Q.3. Answer the following questions in 30-40 words each.
1. Describe the loss of the poet and her reaction to it.

2. “Both wry with the laboured ease of loss.” Explain.
3. How has the poet used a contrast in the poem?
4. Elaborate the sense of loss as reflected in the poem ‘A Photograph’.
5. Describe the use of nostalgia as a powerful tool in the poem ‘A
Photograph’.
Q.4. Answer the following questions in 120-150 words each.

1. Compare the three phases of life reflected in the three stanzas of the
poem “A Photograph”.
2. Its silence silences,” writes Shirley Toulson. The loss of her mother
has silenced her. Do you think that this attitude of the poet is the right
attitude to live life? Justify.
3. Happy moments are short-lived but provide a lifetime impression on
our life. Describe such a situation in your life and relate the experience
to the poem ‘A Photograph’ by Shirley Toulson.
3. We’re Not Afraid To Die...If We Can All Be Together
Gordon cook and Alan East
Q1 . Read the extract below and choose the most suitable alternative
(A)
I knew we must have missed the island, and with the sail we had left, we
couldn’t hope to beat back into the westerly winds. At that moment, a
tousled head appeared by my bunk. “Can I have a hug?” Jonathan
asked .Sue was right behind him. “Why am I getting a hug now?” I asked.
“Because you are the best daddy in the whole world — and the best
captain,” my son replied. “Not today, Jon, I’m afraid”.
a) Jon called his father the best daddy and the best captain because he
i. was a caring father and a competent captain.

ii. involved them in the voyage
iii. immediately gave first aid to Sue
iv. did not give them any task during the voyage.
b) The Captain did not agree to ideas of having a hug because he
i. was not good at repairing .

ii. thought that he had missed the island
iii. was very rude to his children.
iv. was sure that he had made correct calculations.
c) The cold reaction of the Captain suggests
i. feeling of triumph
ii. feeling of hopelessness
iii. he was sick.
iv. he was hopeful.
d) A tousled head refers to
i. small head
ii. a tidy head
iii. a bald head
iv. untidy head
(B)
While I was thinking, Sue, moving painfully, joined me. The left side of her
head was now very swollen and her blackened eyes narrowed to slits. She
gave me a card she had made. On the front she had drawn caricatures of
Mary and me with the words: “Here are some funny people. Did they make
you laugh? I laughed a lot as well.” Inside was a message: ‘Oh, how I love
you both. So this card is to say thank you and let’s hope for the best.”
Somehow we had to make it. 1x3
a) Sue prepared a card for her father in spite of her pain suggests her
i. caring nature and matured mind
ii. awkwardbehavior
iii. carelessness about her eyes.
iv. attempt to make her father realize her pain
b) The purpose of the card was
i. urging the parents to take care of her eyes.
ii. the last message before death.
iii. to show her drawing skills.
iv. to show her love and attempt to make them feel comfortable.
c) The expression ‘Somehow we had to make it’ refers to
i. complete the voyage
ii. treat the swollen eyes of Sue.
iii. reach Ile Amsterdam
iv. repair the ship.
d)The tone in ‘Oh, how I love you both. So this card is to say thank you and
let’s hope for the best’ is
i. sarcastic
ii. melancholic
iii. humorous
iv. inspirational
(C.)
The weather continued to deteriorate throughout the night, and by dawn on
January 5, our situation was again desperate .When I went in to comfort the
children, Jon asked, “Daddy, are we going to die?” I tried to assure him that we
could make it. “But, Daddy,” he went on, “we are not afraid of dying if we can
all be together- you and Mummy, Sue and I.” I could find no words with which
to respond, but I left the children’s cabin determined to fight the sea with
everything I had. 1x3
a) According to Jon
i. death is something very scary
ii. he is too young to die
iii. all of them should die together
iv. death should not be feared as long as the family is together
b) Jon’s words made the Narrator
i. more determined to fight till the last
ii. realize that he is fighting a lost battle.
iii. decide to give up
iv. try to comfort everyone.
c) Jon’s statement implies -
i. his fearlessness
ii. his casual attitude
iii. happy to be together
iv. the hidden horror of death in his mind
d) The narrator went to comfort the children because he
i. knew the challenges ahead.
ii. had almost given up the chances of survival.
iii. the condition of the ship was not good
iv. all of the above
1. The hand pumps started to block up with the debris floating around the
cabins and the captain
(a) connected an electric-pump to an out-pipe
(b) took out water with the help of bucket
(c) repaired the hand pump
(d) instructed crew members to drain the water out
2. The first sign of the impending disaster was

(a) the ship breaking from inside
(b) the ship turning upside down
(c) the crew members slowing the boat down
(d) appearance of a gigantic wave vertical and almost twice the height
of other waves
3. The author hired the two crewmen
a. to take rest during the long voyage
b. to help tackle one of the world’s roughest seas, the southern Indian
Ocean
c. because he could no longer sail the ship
d. he wanted to spend some time with his family
4. The narrator calls Wavewalker a
a) wooden Titanic b) wooden hulled beauty
c) a honed boat d) a giant boat
5. "We are not afraid to die if we can all be together is a story of ...
a) courage b) determination
c) optimism d) all of the above

a. Sue decided to share her situation later with her father. Comment on her
decision
b. The narrator felt the island to be the most beautiful island. State the
reasons.
c. The narrator left no stone unturned for his round the world
voyage.Elucidate.
d. The islands were called as pinpricks in the vast ocean. Justify.
e. Explainwhy the narratorwas thankful to all once he had land under his feet
.
a.“Unity is strength ……. where there is team work and collaboration,
wonderful things can be achieved. The travelogue “We’re Not Afraid to Die
……….If we Can All Be Together” reiterates the concept of unity in times of
crisis. Discuss.
b. Sometimes the adults have to learn a lot from the children. Analyse the
statement in the context of the story ‘We are not afraid to die------if we are
together’
c.Success is a rare commodity but it can be achieved. It is in our hand to
decide whetherto succeed or fail. Comment on this with reference to the efforts
made by the crew in the story ‘We are not afraid to die------if we are all
together.’
4. Discovering Tut: TheSaga Continues - A.R. Williams
(A)
He was just a teenager when he died. The last heir of a powerful family that had
ruled Egypt and its empire for centuries, he was laid to rest laden with gold and
eventually forgotten. Since the discovery of his tomb in 1922, the modern world
has speculated about what happened to him, with murder being the most
extreme possibility. Now, leaving his tomb for the first time in almost 80 years,
Tut has undergone a CT scan that offers new clues about his life and death —
and provides precise data for an accurate forensic reconstruction of the boyish
pharaoh.
i. Tutankhamun was
A. A Geologist
B. A Scientist
C. An Egyptian king
D. A historian
ii. Tut died when he was
A. a teenager
B. old
C. in middle age
D. a child
iii. Tut's tomb was discovered by ____________ in __________
A. Adam Cooper, 1901
B. Howard Carter, 1922
C. Howard Carter, 1930
D. Sam Shaw, 1890
iv. ‘Forensic’ in the above extract means
A. Scientific
B. Theoretical
C. Practical
D. Original
(B)
Amenhotep III — Tut’s father or grandfather — was a powerful
pharaoh who ruled for almost four decades at the height of the
eighteenth dynasty’s golden age. His son Amenhotep IV succeeded
him and initiated one of the strangest periods in the history ofancient Egypt. The
new pharaoh promoted the worship of theAten, the sun disk, changed his name
to Akhenaten, or ‘servantof the Aten,’ and moved the religious capital from the
old city ofThebes to the new city of Akhetaten, known now as Amarna.
Hefurther shocked the country by attacking Amun, a major god,
smashing his images and closing his temples. “It must have been
a horrific time,” said Ray Johnson, director of the University of
Chicago’s research centre in Luxor, the site of ancient Thebes.
“The family that had ruled for centuries was coming to an end,
and then Akhenaten went a little wacky.”
i. Amenhotep III ruled Egypt for
A. 5 years
B. 20 years
C. 10 years
D. 40 years
ii. The worship of Aten (the sun disk) was promoted by
A. Tutankhamun
B. Amenhotep III
C. Amenhotep IV
D. Tutankhamun II
iii. Amenhotep IV changed his name to
A. Amarna
B. Atul
C. Akhenaten
D. Amenhotep III
iv. ‘Wacky’ in the above extract means
A. Goofy
B. Weird
C. Gifted
D. Miserable
(C)
Archaeology has changed substantially in the intervening
decades, focusing less on treasure and more on the fascinating
details of life and intriguing mysteries of death. It also uses more
sophisticated tools, including medical technology. In 1968, more
than 40 years after Carter’s discovery, an anatomy professor
X-rayed the mummy and revealed a startling fact: beneath the resin
that cakes his chest, his breast-bone and front ribs are missing.
i. In 1968, the anatomy professor examined the mummy using
A. CT scan
B. X-ray
C. MRI scan
D. Ultrasound scan
ii. When the mummy was first examined, his _____________ were missing
A. several possessions
B. hip bone
C. breast bone and front ribs
D. feet bone
iii. Now, archaeology focusses more on
A. tools
B. treasures
C. details of treasures
D. mysteries of death
iv. ‘Intriguing’ in the above extract means the same as
A. Mysterious
B. Dull
C. Fascinating
D. Humorous
1. CT scan stands for
A. Computed Telegraphy scan
B. Computed Tomography scan
C. Car Topology scan
D. Computer Technology scan
2. Tut's tomb can be described as
A. gold-plated
B. rock-cut
C. wall paintings with gold-plate
D. rock-cut, 26 feet underground, which had wall paintings
3. Carter removed the resinswith the helpof
A. chisel and hammer
B. chemicals
C. machinery
D. man power
4. Carter severed the body of Tut in the following way
A. First head and then every limb
B. first leg and then head
C. first legs, head and then limbs
D. limb, hand only
5. The workmen lifted the body for the scan using
A. the stairs
B. a hydraulic lift
C. a slide
D. an ordinary lift
1. A startling fact came to light in 1968 through X-ray. Explain it.
2. A CT scan can prove more effective than an X-ray. Elaborate on the
statement with reference to the chapter.
3. Archaeology has undergone changes in the twentieth century. Briefly
describe the changes with reference to the chapter.
4. ZahiHawass smiled and felt relieved. Reflect upon the statement.
5. Analyse the thoughts of the visitors who stood silently near Tut’s grave.
1. “He was the last of his family line.” Explain how the death rattle of King
Tut unlocks the mysteries of Egyptian kings and their dynasties.
2. Science helped to collect information about King Tut’s mummy, his life
and death in mysterious circumstances. Evaluate the statement with
reference to the chapter.
3. The chapter reveals that Tut’s mummy has fascinated the scientists and
commoners alike over decades. Justify the statement.

(A)
”The Laburnum Top is silent, quite still
in the afternoon yellow September sunlight,
a few leaves yellowing, all its seeds fallen.”
i. The Laburnum top is silent because
a. it has no occupants
b. the tree is deserted
c. the mother goldfinch is yet to arrive
d. Goldfinch was with her fledglings
ii. ‘Yellow September’ refers to
a. Summer
b. Winter
c. Autumn
d. Rainy
iii. ‘All its seeds fallen’ suggests that
a. Autumn has set in
b. the laburnum tree has no seeds
c. the laburnum tree is bare
d. it is a dead tree
iv. Here the colour ‘yellow’symbolises
a. goldfinch
b. death and decadence
c. the month of September
d. laburnum tree
B. “Till the goldfinch comes, with a twitching chirrup
A suddenness, a startlement,at a branch end
Then sleek as a lizard, and alert and abrupt,
She enters the thickness, and a machine starts up”
i. The goldfinch arrives with
a. excitement
b. expectation
c. fury
d. (a) and (b) only
ii. ‘Twitching chirrup” refers to_________
a. jerkness
b. lethargy
c. hopelessness
d. fear
iii. ‘Sleek as a lizard’is a
a. metaphor
b. personification
c. simile
d. transferred epithet
iv. ‘Alert and abrupt’ shows that the goldfinch is
a. in a haste
b. displaying concern
c. cautious
d. none of the above
C. “It is the engine of her family.
She stokes it full, then flirts out to a branch-end
Showing her barred face identity mask”
i. ‘It the engine of her family’ refers to”
a. The baby birds in the nest
b. the leaves of laburnum tree
c. laburnum tree
d. the nest of the bird
ii. The mother ‘stokes it full’signifies
a. feeding her babies
b. striking her enemies
c. entering her nest stealthily
d. refueling the engine
iii. ’Then flirts out to the branch end’ signifies that the goldfinch moves out
a. cautiously
b. quickly
c. carelessly
d. mindlessly
iv. The poetic device used in ‘Her barred face identity mask.’
a. simile
b. metaphor
c. imagery
d. oxymoron

i. The goldfinch makes her nest
a. on the top of the tree
b. among the branches of the tree
c. on the weakest branch
d. in the hollow of the trunk
ii.’ Eerie delicate “ means
a. Weird and strange
b. smooth and surprised
c. sweet chirruping
d. flying into the sky
iii. When the goldfinch leaves the tree
a. it becomes restless
b. it becomes lifeless
c. the predators sneak into tree
d. the fledglings fall asleep
iv. The seeds of the tree have
a. rotten
b. fallen
c. turned black
d. opened
v. The Goldfinch takes all care and precautions
a. to fly safe
b. not to harm the tree
c. to avoid attention
d. to enjoy her flight
1. “She launches away, towards the infinite.” Explain the line.
2. Justify the image of the engine as mentioned in the poem.
3. Describe the use of sounds and movements in the poem “The Laburnum
Top”.
4. Evaluate the significance of ‘yellow’ in the poem.
5. Explain the line, ‘And the Laburnum subsides to empty’.4. Answer the
following questions in 120-150 words each (1x5=5)
1. The goldfinch is concerned about the safety of her nestlings as a top
priority. Comment.
2. Illustrate the imageries used in the poem ‘The Laburnum Top’
3. Interpret the changes brought about by the goldfinch in her arrival and
departure .

(A)
One evening I’d told her through Daniel that I was heading towards Mount
Kailash to complete the kora, and she’d said that I ought to get some warmer
clothes. After ducking back into her tent, she emerged carrying one of the long-
sleeved sheepskin coats that all the men wore. Tsetan sized me up as we
clambered into his car. “Ah, yes,” he declared, “drokba, sir.”
1. The ritual performed by the Buddhist believers refers to
a) movement to Kailash
b) prayer to Lord Shiva
c) kora
d) reaching for Kora
2. The necessity of ducking back into the tent was to
a) take preventive measures
b) get the perfect attire
c) lead the team perfectly
d) get a warm coat
3. The reaction of Tsetanon clambering into his car was that he
a) did not take any notice of them
b) became very excited
c) looked at them attentively
d) shouted with happiness
4. The expression of shepherd is indicated by
a) drokba
b) sheepskin
c) clambered
d) ducking
(B)
By now we could see snow-capped mountains gathering on the horizon. We
entered a valley where the river was wide and mostly clogged with ice, brilliant
white and glinting in the sunshine. The trail hugged its bank, twisting with the
meanders as we gradually gained height and the valley sides closed in.
1. The narrator could clearly see the
a) Snowy mountains
b) Horizon
c) Movement of the mountains
d) Snow-capped mountains along the imaginary line
2. The brilliance of the sun is indicated by
a) Sparkling view of the sunshine
b) Shining white ice sheets
c) Day time
d) Presence of ice everywhere
3. As the narrator moved higher the
a) track moved along the river bank
b) trail got closer
c) valley closed
d) both a & c
4. The river in the valley was
a) wide
b) clogged with ice
c) over-flooded
d) both a & c
C.
Tired and hungry, I started breathing through my mouth. After a while, I
switched to single-nostril power which seemed to be admitting enough oxygen
but, just as I was drifting off, I woke up abruptly.
1. The narrator attempted breathing through his mouth
a) For proper inhalation
b) To get sufficient oxygen
c) As he was very weak
d) All the above
2. He switchedon to breathe through single nostril
a) For relaxation
b) As the other one was congested
c) For proper monitoring of health
d) To check the oxygen at this level
3. The narrator did not have a sound sleep
a) Due to higher altitude
b) As he was watchful
c) As he felt the trip dull and morose
d) As he was not feeling well
4. The improper sleep is indicated by
a) drifting off
b) woke up abruptly
c) breathing through single nostril
d) tired and hungry
1) The protagonist faced communication problems in Darchen as (1)

(a) he never wanted to talk to locals
(b) he was always busy in his meditation
(c) no one knew English
(d) None of the above
2) When they reached Darchen at night to stay in the guest house the
protagonist (1)
(a) slept well
(b) foundTsetan missing
(c) was sad
(d) wasn’t able to breathe properly
3) The old route from Lhasa to Kashmir was…..highway (1)
(a) east-west
(b) north-east
(c) west-south
(d) south-west
4) The protagonist’s head started pulsating again when he (1)

(a) reached his guest house
(b) was climbing the mountain
(c) was still in the car
(d) fainted
5)When the protagonist, Daniel and Tsetan saw the snow, they (1)
(a) triedto enjoy the snow
(b) saton a rock to take rest
(c) tried to move smoothly over the snowy surface
(d) tried to find a guest house

1) Describe Tsetan’s manoeuvres across the first patch of snow that they
come across? (2)
2) State the reasons for the narrator’s feeling unwell for the first time and
the steps that he took? (2)
3) Evaluate the belief of the pilgrims about the Lake Manasarovar and the
Kora. (2)
4) ‘Darchen didn’t look so horrible after a good night’s sleep.’ Project your
assertion to the statement. (2)
5) Explain the narrator’s elation on meeting Norbu. (2)
1) “He’s an adventurer, but at heart more a meticulous academic than a
daredevil”. Explain the truth of the statement about the author based on your
reading of the travelogue ‘Silk Road’ by Nick Middleton. (5 marks)
2) The narrator experienced the pangs of physical discomfort during his
movement in Darchen and ultimately finds the solution to relieve himself from
the situation. Elucidate. (5 marks)
3) The narrator was disappointed and desolate at the start of the Kora and it
became difficult for him to pass leisure time but soon he got over his
disappointment. Elaborate what brought relief to the narrator. (5 marks)
SNAPSHOTS
(A)
We were poor. We had no money. Our whole tribe was poverty stricken. Every
branch of the Garoghlanian family was living in the most amazing and comical
poverty in the world. Nobody could understand where we ever got money
enough to keep us with food in our bellies, not even the old men of the family.
Most important of all, though, we were famous for our honesty. We had been
famous for our honesty for something like eleven centuries, even when we had
been the wealthiest family in what we liked to think was the world. We were
proud first, honest next, and after that we believed in right and wrong. None of
us would take advantage of anybody in the world, let alone steal.
i. The People of the Garoghlanian tribe have been living in
a. Well to do condition
b. Poverty
c. Affluence
d. Without any financial crisis
ii. Their source of income to meet their daily needs was always
a. Consistent
b. Dependable
c. Inconsistent
d. Foolproof
iii. Despite financial scarcity, the Garoghlanian family members prefer to
a. Value honesty
b. Steal small things from others
c. Take advantage of people in adverse situations
d. Deceive others
iv. __________ is not a trait of the Garoghlanian tribe.
a. Proud of their family history
b. Preferring to stay honest
c. Being Ethical
d. Greed for money
B.
Tooth for tooth, he said. I would swear it is my horse if I didn’t know your
parents. The fame of your family for honesty is well known to me. Yet the horse
is the twin of my horse. A suspicious man would believe his eyes instead of his
heart. Good day, my young friends.
Good day, John Byro, my cousin Mourad said.
Early the following morning we took the horse to John Byro’s vineyard and put
it in the barn. The dogs followed us around without making a sound.
i. The above conversation took place________
a. In Aram’s house in the presence of uncle Khosrove
b. When John Byro spotted Aram and Mourad with the horse
c. During the first horse riding of Aram
d. When the horse was returned to its owner
ii. The farmer said- ‘Yet the horse is the twin of my horse’ because
a. He believed that the two boys may never have stolen it.
b. It was really the twin of his horse
c. Mourad convinced him to believe so
iii. The impact of the farmer’s words on the two boys was that they became
a. aggressive
b. cleverer
c. conscience-stricken
d. only (a) and (b)
iv. When John Byro says- A suspicious man would believe his eyes instead
of his heart, he means that he
a. suspects the two boys of theft
b. doesn’t suspect the two boys of theft
c. suspects only Mourad, not Aram
d. suspects only Aram, not Mourad
C.
My cousin Mourad put his arms around the horse, pressed his nose into the
horse’s nose, patted it, and then we went away.
That afternoon John Byro came to our house in his surrey and showed my
mother the horse that had been stolen and returned.
I do not know what to think, he said. The horse is stronger than ever. Better-
tempered, too. I thank God. My uncle Khosrove, who was in the parlour,
became irritated and shouted, Quiet, man, quiet. Your horse has been returned.
Pay no attention to it.
i. The most appropriate context for the extract above is when the
horse
a. was stolen.
b. riding was done
c. was returned
d. was spotted with the two boys
ii. Mourad’s feeling for the horse when he returned it was
a. emotional
b. trying to cope up with the horse
c. irritated with John Byro
d. indifferent
iii. John Byro felt__________ after getting back his horse
a. Indifferent
b. Very happy
c. Shocked
d. surprised
iv. Which one of the followings did John Byro feel about his horse
after it was returned to him?
a. Stronger
b. Better-tempered
c. More disciplined
d. All of the above

i. Both the boys had_____________ when they started riding the horse together
for the first time?
a. sorrowful experience
b. fulfilment of their dreams
c. unfulfilled desire
d. multiple injuries
ii. ‘A man could be the father of his son’s flesh, but that doesn’t mean that he
was also the father of his spirit’. The expression means that Mourad resembles
his father….
a. physically but not psychologically
b. psychologically but not physically
c. both physically and psychologically
d. neither physically nor psychologically
iii. ‘It is no harm, pay no attention to it’. The expression reflects that Uncle
Khosrove is
a. not a patriot
b. not rude
c. Sensible
d. crazy
iv. The two boys’ returned the horse after talking to John Byro because they
a. were conscience-stricken
b. didn’t care about John Byro’s trust
c. were afraid of punishment
d. were very innocent
V Which one is not true about Mourad?

a. adventurous
b. Egoist
c. Compassionate
d. amicable
1. Aram’s horse riding was worse than Mourad’s. Comment.
2. Evaluate why the boys finally returned the horse after they met John
Byro.
3. Describe the possible reasons behind uncle Khosrove’s – “It’s no
harm. Pay no attention to it”.
4. John Byro knew who had stolen his horse. Justify the reasons.
5. Despite poverty, Mourad and Aram successfully fulfilled their desire of
riding a horse. Explain.

1. Do you think the Garoghlanian family was suffering from extreme
poverty as a reason of their honesty and truthfulness? Should it be
considered as a hindrance to their development? Evaluate with reference
from the text.
2. The inevitability of change challenges existence of traditions and long
established beliefs. Substantiate the statement with your understanding of
Garoghlanian family as presented in the story.
3. As a counsellor who is about to address a gathering of students, analyse
the values or examples from the story The Summer of the Beautiful White
Horse which you would you like to share with them.
2. The Address :Marga Minco

(A)
A. She held her hand on the door as though she wanted to prevent it opening
any further. Her face gave absolutely no sign of recognition. She kept staring
me in silence.
Perhaps I was mistaken, I thought, perhaps it isn’t her. I had seen her only once,
fleetingly and that was years ago.it was most probable that I had rung the wrong
bell. The woman let go of the door and stepped to the side. She was wearing my
mother’s green knitted cardigan and half hid herself again behind the door. But I
knew now that I was right.
i. “Her face gave absolutely no sign of recognition” refers to
a. the narrator’s difficulty in recognising her.
b. her inability to recognise the narrator.
c. her pretention in recognising the narrator.
d. narrator’s effort to recognise her.
ii. Mrs Dorling’s treatment towards the author on her visit was
a. Warm and welcoming
b. Cold & inhospitable
c. Overjoyed
d. (a) and (c) only
iii. The attire Mrs Dorling was in is the
a. Narrator’s mother’s green knitted cardigan
b. Narrator’s green knitted cardigan
c. best casual winter wear.
d. Not mentioned in the extract.
iv. Choose the word which best matches the statement “But I knew now that I
was right”.
a. Apprehension
b. Appreciation
c. Confirmation
d. Assumption
B.
‘Every time she leaves here she takes something home with her’, said my
mother. She took all the table silver in one go. And then the antique plates that
hung there. She had trouble lugging those large vases, and I’m worried she got a
crick in her back from the crockery. My mother shook her head pityingly. ‘I
would never have dared ask her. She suggested it to me herself. She even
insisted. She wanted to save all my nice things. If we have to leave here we
shall lose everything, she says.’
‘Have you agreed with her that she should keep everything?’ I asked.
i. Mrs Dorling took the possession of the things on the pretence of
a.Using them
b. Selling them
c.Keeping them safe
d. (a) and (b) only
ii. The phrase ‘she even insisted’ expresses that the narrator’s mother is
a. influential
b. fool
c. credulous
d.sympathetic
iii. Which of the following statements is incorrect, according to the extract?
a.The narrator’s mother is sympathetic.
b. Mrs Dorling is good at instigating.
c. The narrator is fully convinced with her mother
d. It was troublesome to lug the large vases.
iv. The last statement in the extract expresses that the narrator is
a. Logical
b. Suspicious
c. Arrogant
d. Curious
C.
‘Won’t you sit down?’ asked the girl. She held open the door of the living-room
and I went inside past her. I stopped, horrified. I was in a room I knew and did
not know. I found myself in the midst of things I did want to see again but
which oppressed me in the strange atmosphere. Or because of the tasteless way
everything was arranged, because of the ugly furniture or the muggy smell that
hung there. I don’t know; but I scarcely dared to look around me. The girl
moved a chair. I sat down and stared at the woollen table cloth. I rubbed it. My
fingers grew warm from rubbing. I followed the lines of the pattern. Somewhere
on the edge there should be a burn mark that had never been repaired.
i. The statement “I was in a room I knew and did not know”, means the narrator
a. saw familiar things but in unfamiliar surroundings
b. saw unfamiliar things but in familiar surroundings
c. did not recognize the things she saw
d. did not want to remember anything
ii. Unlike Mrs Dorling, her daughter was __________ towards the author.
a. Rude
b. Mature
c. Hospitable
d. Mean
iii. The author describes the living room having a
a. Muggy smell
b. Strange atmosphere
c. Sophistication
d. (a) and (b) only
iv. The author remembered that the woollen table-cloth had _________.
a. an ink-mark.
b. a defect.
c. a burn mark.
i. For the narrator the objects had lost their value because
a. their prices fell down
b. they were difficult to take along
c. she had new objects
d. she saw them in different surroundings
ii. After reading the topic “The Address” Mrs Dorling can be described as
a. Materialistic
b. Selfish
c. Opportunist
d. All of the above
iii. At the end, the narrator’s decision was to
a. forget the address
b. visit next year again
c. remember the address forever
iv. The very first thing that the narrator noticed in Mrs Dorling’s house
was the
a. Hanukkah candle-holder
b. woollen table-cloth
c. white tea pot
d. green knitted cardigan
v. Arrange the following happenings in the lesson in proper sequence.
A. Shewas returning to the station and was lost in the memories of the days
gone by.
B. The woman didn’t allow her to enter into the house.
C. She resolved to forget the address.
D. A girl of about fifteen opened the door to her.
a. BCDA
b. ADCB
c. BADC
d. CBAD
i. Give reasons behind the narrator’s decision to forget the address.
ii. Write the opinion of the narrator’s mother about Mrs Dorling.
iii. Explain the reason for the narrator’s long time waiting to meet Mrs Dorling.
iv. What does the narrator mean by ‘As though each sound was different in this
room’?
v. Briefly explain how the narrator was received by Mrs Dorling.

i. The world is full of pretentious people alert to grab opportunities for shallow
fulfilments. Explain the mode of dealing with such characters with reference to
Mrs Dorling in the story ‘The Address’.
ii. It is good for everyone to accommodate with changing circumstances.
Narrate the philosophy highlighted in the “The Address”.
iii. Pain overcomes pain. Justify the statement with reference to the narrator’s
decision of forgetting the address.
5.Mother’s Day : J.B. Priestley
(A)
.
MRS PEARSON: Yes—well now I’ve decided I don’t like mending.
CYRIL: That’s a nice way to talk—what would happen if we all talked like
that?
MRS PEARSON: You all do talk like that. If there’s something at home you
don’t want to do, you don’t do it. If it’s something at your work, you get the
Union to bar it. Now all that’s happened is that I’ve joined the movement.
1. Cyril utters the above statements when Mrs Pearson refuses to

a) serve him tea.
b) pack his bag.
c) mend his dresses.
d) All of the above.
2. Mrs Pearson retorts that they

a) protest when their demands are not fulfilled
b) all talk like that.
c) don’t want to do any household work.
d) did not care for her mood.
3. Cyril objects to Mrs Pearson’s words because she
a) had not worked for eight hours.
b) did not do her duty.
c) was not caring as a mother.
d) had always been doing those works.
4. Mrs Pearson over here behaves in a strange manner as she was
a) drunk.
b) trying to be assertive.
c) trying to play fool.
d) ignorant about what she was doing.
B.
MRS PEARSON: Yours isn’t. I’ve had all I want. Might go out later and get a
square meal at the Clarendon.
DORIS: [hardly believing her ears] Who might?
MRS PEARSON: I might. Who d’you think?
DORIS: [staring at her] Mum—what’s the matter with you?
MRS PEARSON: Don’t be silly.
Doris : (Indignantly) It is not I who is being silly – and I must say it is a bit
much when I have been working hard all day and you can’t even bother to get
my tea ready. Did you hear what I have said about my yellow silk?
1. Doris thinks that Mrs Pearson is being silly because she
a) says that she had done her eight hours of work.
b) refuses to prepare tea for her.
c) refuses to press her yellow silk.
d) b) and c) only.
2. Annie Pearson didn’t get tea ready for Doris as she
a) was not interested in preparing it.
b) was smoking and had no time.
c) wanted Doris to realise her (mother’s) importance.
d) wanted Doris to prepare it herself.
3. Doris asks her mother to keep her yellow silk ready as she had
a) to go out with Charlie Spence.
b) to attend a party with friends.
c) to go to church.
d) curiosity about that particular dress.
4. The trait displayed by Doris here is
a) carelessness.
b) stoical nature.
c) stubbornness.
d) concerned.
C. Mrs. Pearson: (Taunting him) Why don’t you get off to your club? Special
night tonight, isn’t it? They’ll be waiting for you – wanting to have a good
laugh. Go on then. Don’t disappoint ’em.
1. Mrs. Pearson taunts Mr George saying that
a) he looked funny.
b) people in his club mocked at him.
c) people at his club praised him.
d) he was pompous at home also.
2. Mrs Pearson tells Mr. George sarcastically not to disappoint
a) his wife
b) his children
c) people in his office
d) people at the club
3. Mr George feels _________ at his wife’s taunting.

a) horrified
b) proud
c) offended
d) indifferent
4. Mrs Pearson criticized Mr Pearson only to
a) change him
b) reflect on his actions
c) insult him
d) degrade his status

1. Mrs. Fitzgerald plans to help Mrs. Pearson by
a) talking to Mrs. Pearson’s family

b) listening to Mrs. Pearson’s complaints
c) swapping personalities with her
d) (a) and (b) only
2. As soon as Doris enters the house she asks her mother to
a) serve her tea

b) cook something for her
c) tell her how her day was
d) iron her yellow silk
3. Doris was astounded
a) at the sight of her mother smoking

b) because the tea was not ready
c) because her mother was at home
d) none of the above
4. Mrs. Pearson wanted changes
a) in the treatment by her family

b) in her daily routine
c) related to her work
d) all of the above
5. The idiom ‘at sixes and sevens’ means in
a) a state of confusion and disorder

b) the middle of a conflict
c) the middle of taking a decision
d) a state of agony

a. Mrs Fitzgerald acts as a catalyst to bring about a transformation in
the Pearson family. Comment.
b. Explain how Annie Pearson was equally responsible for the sorry
state of affairs?
c. Mother is the axis around whom the family revolves. She should be
loved and respected. Elaborate with reference to the text.
d. Comment on the method Mrs Fitzgerald adopted to mend the
family.
e. Draw a comparison between the contrasting personalities of Mrs
Pearson and Mrs Fitzgerald.
a. Pick out the instances that bring out the element of humour in the
play.
b. Mrs Fitzgerald’s effort does not go in vain, as the family changes
for the better. Justify.
c. “Sometimes it does people good to have their feelings hurt.”
Justify.
(A)
“Eh, Doctor, I’m glad to see you. I been back and forward here this last hour.
The missus wants ye —before time, too.” Andrew, abruptly recalled from
the contemplation of his own affairs, told Morgan to wait. He went into the
house for his bag, then together they set out for Number 12 Blaina Terrace.
The night air was cool and deep with quiet mystery. Usually so perceptive,
Andrew now felt dull and listless. He had no premonition that this night call
would prove unusual, still less that it would influence his whole future in
Blaenelly.
1. _________was waiting for Andrew at midnight.
(a) Dr. Edward

(b) Christine
(c) Joe Morgan
(d) Mrs. Morgan’s mother
2. Andrew felt dull and listless as he was ...
(a) Reflecting about his own relationship with Christine

(b) Very tired
(c) Going to perform an operation
(d) None of the above
3. The author describes the night as...
(a) turbulent
(b) cool and quite mysterious
(c) an anguished one
(d) fresh and cool
4. Joe Morgan was in a ______ state of mind.
(a) anxious
(b) depressed
(c) excited
(d) joyous
B.
Mechanically Andrew wrung out his sleeve, pulled on his jacket. “I’ll fetch
my bag later, nurse.” He went downstairs, through the kitchen into the
scullery. His lips were dry. At the scullery he took a long drink of water. He
reached for his hat and coat. Outside he found Joe standing on the pavement
with a tense, expectant face. “All right, Joe,” he said thickly. “Both all
right.” It was quite light. Nearly five o’clock. A few miners were already in
the streets: the first of the night shift moving out. As Andrew walked with
them, spent and slow, his footfalls echoing with the others under the morning
sky, he kept thinking blindly, oblivious to all other work he had done in
Blaenelly, “I’ve done something; oh, God! I’ve done something real at last.
1. The phrase tense, expectant face expresses the sense of...
(a) anxiety
(b) loss
(c) optimism
(d) Fear
2. “Oh, God! I’ve done something real at last.” in this phrase, Andrew
reveals his _______ and _______.
(a) Satisfaction, Fear

(b) Hope, Pessimism
(c) Contentment, Delight
(d) Optimism, Despair
3. Joe’s standing on the pavement with a tense, expectant face shows that he
was
(a) Superstitious
(b) disturbed
(c) irritated
(d) worried
4. Andrew was oblivious of all the other work he had done in Blaenelly
because that night he...
(a) was all hopeless
(b) did something extraordinary.
(c) was leaving Blaenelly
(d) got tired
C.
And then, as by a miracle, the pigmy chest, which his hands enclosed, gave a
short, convulsive heave, another… and another… Andrew turned giddy. The
sense of life, springing beneath his fingers after all that unavailing striving, was
so exquisite it almost made him faint. He redoubled his efforts feverishly. The
child was gasping now, deeper and deeper. A bubble of mucus came from one
tiny nostril, a joyful iridescent bubble. The limbs were no longer boneless. The
head no longer lay back spinelessly. The blanched skin was slowly turning pink.
Then, exquisitely, came the child’s cry.
1. The birth of Susan’s child was ………. a turning point in Dr. Andrew’s
life.
(a) Absolutely
(b) Not at all
(c) Partially
(d) None of the above.
2. The sense of life, springing beneath his fingers after all that unavailing
striving, was so ……….it almost made him faint.
(a) exciting
(b) exquisite
(c) painful
(d) irritating
3. …………..is referred by the author as ‘a miracle’.
(a) Life getting into the stillborn

(b) Morgan’s family welcoming a child
(c) Susan getting consciousness
(d) Andrew becoming a skilled doctor
4. Dr. Andrew redoubled his efforts feverishly to revive...

(a) Joe’s wife
(b) the new born child
(c) Joe’s mother
(d) Christine.
1. “Don’t fret, mother, I’ll not run away.” Andrew said this to
(a) reassure Mrs. Morgan’s mother

(b) fulfil his obligations
(c) break the silence
(d) handle a critical situation well
2. Mrs. Morgan’s mother was afraid because
(a) she thought that something would happen to her daughter.

(b) it was a matter of waiting.
(c) the doctor would leave.
(d) All of the above.
3. Duringthe treatment of the child Andrew remembered about
(a) his love for Christine

(b) Morgan family’s longing for a child
(c) a similar case in Samaritan
(d) his obligation as a doctor
4. Andrew felt a state of queer lethargy as he
(a) was not interested

(b) could not have a wink of sleep
(c) wasveryexhausted.
(d) found the place shabby
5. Andrew decided to wait at Joe Morgan’s house as

(a) the case demanded his thorough attention
(b) he had a row with his girlfriend
(c) no one was there at his home
(d) he felt scared

1. Explain why the author said that the old woman’s ‘meditation had
pursued a different course.
2. Describe the dilemma that Andrew was caught in and how he resolved
it.
3. Interpret what Andrew thought was wrong with the child. How did he
use his expertise to save it?
4. The night proved Andrew to be a successful doctor and a good human

being. Substantiate with evidence from the text.
5. Elaborate the state that Andrew found the newborn child in.
1. In remote areas the doctors are considered to be angels and people feel
safe after handing over their loved ones in their custody. Elaborate with
reference to the text.
2. The chapter “Birth” represents the Andrew’s views on marriage. Decide

what makes him construct his views.
3. Formulate your opinion of Andrew Manson on the basis of the story ‘Birth’.
…………………………………………………………………
ANSWER KEY:
1.The Portrait Of A Lady - Khushwant Singh
1. A.
b)The author’s grandmother
(b)She was once young & pretty.
(d)The changing appearance of the grandmother over years.
(c)Adolescent
B.
(c)Simile
(a)Symbolic of peace, serenity, contentment and spiritualism
(c)Fed the stray dogs and sparrows
(d)All the above.
C.
(b)between the author and the grandmother
(c) broken off after the author went to the university.
(d) the grandmother’s loneliness without being sentimental
(c) reading religious scriptures
2.
Q2.I(b)When the parents called both to the city.
2.II(c) the long white beard covering the chest of the grandfather
2.III(a)the author’s doubt who finds it too hard to believe that the grandmother
was once young and pretty.
2.IV(iii)cadb
2.V(b)The lips of the grandmother stopped moving and the rosary fell from her
lifeless fingers.
Q. 3.
i. When the writer went abroad, the grandmother saw him off at the railway
station, silently praying and telling her beads, and she kissed his forehead.
When he returned, she expressed her joy by collecting women from the
neighbourhood, beating the drum and singing for hours of the home coming of
warriors.
ii. Grandmother terribly old----could not appear young and beautiful------ face
criss cross of wrinkles---- short, fat and silently bent------ idea of being young
and pretty did not appeal to the mind
iii.Grandmother looked extremely old-----could not have grown old
anymore------- looked same terribly old lady for the last twenty years.
iv.Grandmother’s silvery locks scattered untidily over her pale face and
wrinkled face----- looked like an expanse of pure white serenity----- had divine
beauty----looked like the winter landscape in the mountains.
v.
Grandmother fell ill---- had mild fever-------- doctor told she would be all right
soon------- grandmother declared her end-----forgotten to pray last evening-----
was not going to waste any more time talking to them.
Q.4.
i. The grandmother----- though not formally educated------ serious about
author’s education-------- could read scriptures¬¬¬¬------realized value of
education------- did not let author miss the school------- woke him up each
morning------- took care of his study materials------ served him breakfast--------
escorted him to school-------- read her scriptures during study hours of the
author------- in the city, could not accompany------ did not understand English &
believe in Sci-------- No scope to learn about God------ made her unhappy------
music lessons in the English school made her upset thinking its lewd
associations---------- Thus, took an interest in the author’s education
ii.No one wants to become old---- but everyone has to be----- No knowledge
what life would be---- in the old age----Old one awaits attention & care---- life
difficult for old in all ways---- physical strength low----- easily fall victim to
diseases----- financial condition poor---- limited income or nil----- loneliness,
most devastating---- big generation gap-----sons & daughters
preoccupation------ dismal situation should not be allowed to exist-------- Govt,
NGOs & social organization should provide the elderly with financial and
physical support----- family should have place for the old------
Nowadays---------- law demands----- young take care of their aged parents
iii.Relationship of grandmother and sparrows---- emotional bonding----
grandmother’s love for birds and animals----- feeding to sparrows not only
gives pleasure---- but also dispels isolation----- animals always trustworthy to
humans-----but dismay to note----- cruelty of humans on animals-------- must be
restricted----- active participation of common people in extending kindness to
animals----stringent actions to be taken by govt-------lawless and insensitive
people must be strictly penalised----- realization to dawn---- animals are the best
companions------ let’s take care of them in all possible ways
2. A Photograph - Shirley Toulson
Q.1 A
(i) –c,
(ii) – d,
(iii) – b,
(i) –b
B.
(i) – b,
(ii) – a,
(iii)- a,
(iv) - c
C. (i) – b,
(ii) – a,
(iii) - b,
(iv) - d
2.
1. .–b
2. –d
3. –c
4. –a
5. –d
3. 1. The poet remembers with sadness her mother’s laughter which she
cannot hear any more. The poet is full of a sense of loss and is
overpowered with unspeakable grief and tries to cope up with the
situation.
2. The poet’s mother feels pain whenever she sees the old photograph
because the innocent childhood days of her mother will never be back,
while the poet loses the innocent and carefree smile of the mother. Both
of them suffer from a sense of loss and try harder to cope up with the
loss.
3. The poet has used a contrast to show the transitoriness of human life
VS perennial nature. The mother who was a child has been affected by
time and is no more. The sea which has not changed by time is eternal.
4. The poet is filled with a sense of loss. Her mother is long dead and
though the poet has adjusted to her absence, she is not able to completely
overcome the loss. The death of the mother has enveloped her life with a
profound sense of grief. The loss has filled her life with silence.
5. Nostalgia is recalling the past memories. It is a powerful tool used in
the poem when the mother recalls her childhood days and relishes after
seeing the photograph. The poet too is reminded of the innocence of her
mother’s smile. Finally the poet remembers the mother after her death
and feels sorrowful.
4.
1. The entire poem presents development of life. The first stanza depicts
her mother’s childhood days when she was twelve years old or so. It talks
about a photograph of her with her two cousins on a beach holiday.
In the second stanza, the poet talks about the childhood days of the
mother when her mother used to look at the photograph and relishes the
old memories. She is a middle aged woman now and is surrounded by the
cares of life.
In the last stanza, the poet shares that her mother is dead as many years
ago as was her age in the photograph i. e. twelve years ago. The poet is
recalling her mother’s old memories while looking at the photograph. She
is in pain and
misses her deceased mother. She has no words to describe her grief and is
surrounded by a huge silence.
2. There is no doubt that Shirley Toulson has given a very touching
tribute to her mother by remembering her through her verses. It is
apparent that she is very much nostalgic and is grieving at the loss of her
mother.
Though she says that over the years she has adjusted to her mother’s
absence, but circumstances have surely filled her with silence and a deep
void. We cannot deny that it hurts very much to lose someone, but the
attitude shown by the poet at the end is not the right way to live your life.
Life will keep going on and death is inevitable. We should stop to lament
over our loss.
Loss is universal. It is the law of nature. We cannot let ourselves get
depressed just because of this. It is also understandable that we will
grieve. However, grieving to the point of hampering the normal
functioning of our lives is not acceptable.
3. Our life is a mixture of happy as well as adverse times. We must learn
to move on with the help of those happy memories which provide us with
so much enjoyment and happiness. As life is not a bed of roses, everyone
at one stage or another is likely to face difficulties.
At the time of difficulties, happy moments can give us solace and fill us
with positivity which is required during difficult times. Happy moments
will certainly provide us with a hope to live life. As happy moments are
short-lived, so are difficult times. One must learn to cope with the
situation. The memories of happy times can provide us a cushion to bear
difficulties with patience and peace.
3.We’re Not Afraid To Die...If We Can All Be Together
- Gordon Cook And Alan East
Q.1
A
a. was a caring father and a competent captain
b. thought that he had missed the island
c. feeling of hopelessness
d. untidy head
B.
a. caring nature and matured mind
b. to show her love and attempt to make them feel comfortable
c. reach Ile Amsterdam
d. inspirational
C.
a.death should not be feared as long as the family is together
b. more determined to fight till the last
c.his fearlessness
d. all of the above
Q.2.
1.(a) connected an electric-pump to an out-pipe
2.(d) appearance of a gigantic wave vertical and almost twice the height of
other waves
3.b) to help tackle one of the world’s roughest seas, the southern Indian Ocean
4. b) wooden hulled beauty
5.d) all of the above
Q.3.
a. doesn’t want to disturb her father
saving the ship and lives of all was more important
shows maturity.
b. made him feel secured
found a way of escape from the deadly sea.
was a silver lining in the cloud
c. prepared for it for 16 years

mastered the art of navigation
made changes in Wavewalker to face the challenges
honed the seafaring skills.
hired two crew members
d. these are very small islands,
much insignificant but at that situation these islands were the source of
survival.
difficult to find in the vast ocean
e. The narrator was thankful to all because without their support and
cooperation they couldn’t have been safe
each one had some special quality that helped in the voyage
patience of Mary, efforts of Larry and Herb and above all courage of
the children.
Q.4.
a.
The narrator along with his wife, Mary, daughter Suzanne
andson Jonathan along with Larry and Herb were on the voyage
took all the safety precautions
faced alarming attack by waves
were almost on the verge of death
showed remarkable guts and forbearance, worked relentlessly
hard work, cheerfulness and optimism in the face of disaster helped
them
ride out the storm
the narrator and hisfamily faced various troubles and were on .theverge
of dying
Not only theirfamily but Larry Vigil, as well as Herb Seigler,
made a great effort to savethemselves and pumped,steered and
worked upon the radio endlessly
Suzanne didn’t want to worry her father telling that shehad
got hurt and Jonathan was not afraid to die.
were united.
All of them tried to help in their own ways.
The narrator kept on makingcalculations and found out Ile
Amsterdam
b. The children, certainly braved the situation more maturely than their
years./ Sue had her head hit and swollen, worryingly. She had two
huge black eyes, and a deep cut on her arm but did not make much of
her injuries because she did not want to worry her father when he was
trying to save them. Jon, the narrator’s six-year- old son, assured him
that they were not afraid of dying if the family could all be together.
When Sue’s head injury worsened with her blackened eyes narrowed
to slits, she held on to her spirit and gave the narrator a card with
drawn caricatures of Mary and him with inspiring words.
The underlying message of love and positive hope overwhelmed the

narrator. He was touched with the thoughtfulness of a seven-year-old
girl, who did not want her parents to worry about a head injury, and
that of the boy who was not afraid to die.
children did not panic whereas the captain had almost given up.
c. success means realization of aim.

time, place and opportunities are beyond our control but
mental and physical abilities are within reach
intelligence, mental sharpness and fit body lead to success.
Steadiness and perseverance can surmount obstacles.
Man must know to control his senses and not panic even in
direst stress
Optimism and strong will power are key elements to make
every impossible looking task make possible.
4.Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues - A.R. Williams
Q.1
A
i. C. An Egyptian king
ii. A. a teenager
iii. B. Howard Carter, 1922
iv. Scientific
B
v. D. 40 years
vi. C. Amenhotep IV
vii. C. Akhenaten
viii. B. Weird
C
v. B. X-ray
vi. C. breast bone and front ribs
vii. D. mysteries of death
viii. C. Fascinating
Q.2.
1. B. Computed Tomography scan
2. rock-cut, 26 feet underground, which had wall paintings
3. chisel and hammer
4. First head and then every limb
5. a hydraulic lift
Q.3
1. In 1968, an anatomy Professor X-rayed the mummy- revealed a startling
fact - Tut’s breast-bone and front ribs missing beneath the resin that
covers his chest with a thick layer.
2. In a CT scan, hundreds of X-rays in cross section are put together like
slices of bread to create a three-dimensional virtual body. An X-ray
provides only a two-dimensional image.
3. The changes have occurred in two ways: approach and techniques. Now
Archaeology focuses less on ancient treasures, more on the fascinating
details of life and interesting mysteries of death. Secondly, it uses more
sophisticated tools including medical technology.
4. Clear images of CT scan revealed - the head, neck vertebrae and ribcage
were in proper order - ZahiHawass smiled and felt relieved that nothing
had gone seriously wrong - the curse of the Pharaoh had not hindered the
work of the technicians.
5. Amazed to see the Murals on the wall and the wealth recovered from the
tomb - Perhaps some of them were thinking deeply over Tut’s untimely
death in his teens - Others might be trembling with fear and wondering if
the Pharaoh’s curse was really true.
Q.4.
1. Tut’s grandfather - a powerful Pharaoh who ruled for almost four decades
at the height of the dynasty’s golden age - His son Amenhotep IV
promoted the worship of the Aten, the sun disc - shocked the country by
attacking Amun, a major God - the wacky king started one of the
strangest periods in the history of ancient Egypt.
After Akhenaten’s death, a mysterious ruler named Smenkhkare appeared
briefly and departed. Then a very young Tutankhaten took the throne -
known today as king Tut.
The boy king changed his name to Tutankhamun, “Living image of
Amun” - supervised the restoration of the old ways - ruled for about nine
years and then died unexpectedly - was laid to rest laden with lots of gold
ornaments, etc.
The Egyptian royals – believed in afterlife and resurrection – thought
they could take their riches with them- even after death they would enjoy
the same life- their near and dear ones buried them with everyday things
they would want in their afterlife
2. King Tut’s mummy – first discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter- was

buried in the Tomb with lots of gold ornaments, etc. – death was a big
event – last powerful ruling family – died in mysterious circumstances at
an early age – nine years after coming to the throne
In 1968, Tut’s body was X-rayed – anatomy professor found Tut’s
breastbone and front rib missing – researchers sought the help of
advanced technology to solve the mystery
January 2005 – Tut’s head was pushed into a CT scanner – died 3300
years ago – scanning took less than three hours – the pharaoh was rested
in peace again – mystery has not been resolved so far.
3. King Tutankhamun - the last of his family line - his funeral marked the
end of a dynasty - was laid to rest laden with gold - the royals thought
they could take their riches with them - His tomb was discovered by
Howard Carter, a British archaeologist in 1922, more than 3000 years
after his death.
The rich royal collection of jewellery and golden artifacts fascinated
Carter - Visitors thronged the boy King’s tomb. The particulars of King
Tut’s death and its aftermath are not clear.
In 1968, more than 40 years after Carter’s discovery, an anatomy
Professor X-rayed the mummy - revealed a startling fact - The breastbone
and front ribs of Tut were missing - 5 January 2005 a CT scan was done
to obtain precise data for an accurate forensic reconstruction of King Tut.
- new clues about his life and death - Tut’s mummy has been the centre of
fascination throughout the decades.
Q.1
A .i. (c) The mother goldfinch is yet to arrive
ii. (c) Autumn
iii. (a) Autumn has set in
iv. (b) Death and decadence
B .i. (b) (a) and (b)
ii. (b) jerkness
iii. (c) Simile
iv. ( c) Cautious
C .i. (c ) the baby birds in the nest
ii. (a) feeding her babies
iii. (a) cautiously
iv. (d) imagery
2. i. (a) among the branches of the tree
ii (b) weird and strange
iii. (b) it becomes lifeless
iv. (c) fallen
v. (c ) to avoid attention
3. a) The goldfinch brings with her excitement and cheers for her young ones.
The entire tree vivrats with joy. After feeding her nestlings and ensuring the
safety of her babies she flies away into the infinite vast sky.
b) The poet creates an imagery of a machine starting up when the goldfinch
arrives in the tree. The sudden noise and movement created by the young ones
are like the starting of the machine. The stoking of the engine is actually the act
of feeding the young ones and injecting energy and life into them.
c) The poem is full of sounds and movements. The tree is silent at the beginning
but becomes hilarious after the arrival of the mother bird. She arrives with a
twitching sound and the entire tree vivrats. As she she leaves her nest she takes
care her movements to prevent predators eyes.
d)The flowers of the Laburnum tree and its leaves (in autumn) both are yellow
in colour. Apart from this, the goldfinch’s feathers are also yellow in colour.
The poem highlights the high security that the mother bird (goldfinch) ensures
for her babies and the colour yellow helps in camouflaging the babies. Hence
they escape being noticed by any predator.
e)It describes that with the departure of the goldfinch from the Laburnum tree, it
falls silent. The tree was noisy and lively when the goldfinch came to feed its
chicks, but it reverted to its earlier self after its departure from the tree.
3. Answer the following questions in 120-150 words-
a) Goldfinch displays matchless love and a great concern for the safety of her
chicks.
Her meticulous selection of laburnum tree top proves her sense of providing
security to her family.
Laburnum tree with poisonous seeds and barks provides a primary layer of
protection
Yellow plays a dominant part in keeping predators from noticing her entry into
her nest
The mother bird’s precautions are outstanding - from arrival to departure
It’s a rare example of what a mother can do to provide her family unbreachable
security coverage
b) The poem is heavily loaded with imagery such as the ‘yellow afternoon
September sunlight’, ‘yellowing leaves’ and ‘fallen seeds’ convey a visual
image of autumn as clearly as the auditory imagery of onomatopoeic sounds
such as chitterlings, trillings, whistle chirrup, made by the goldfinch and its
family, convey an enchanting chaos.
The ‘abrupt, alert movements’ of the bird followed by its ‘flirting to a branch
end’ or ‘launching away to infinite’ form the tactile imagery in the poem. Even
the ‘barred face identity mask’ conjures a visual image of the bird in the poet’s
eye. Thus, Ted Hughes has used imagery quite successfully in the poem ‘The
Laburnum Top’
The imagery of life and sustenance comes from the mother goldfinch feeding its
young ones and the comparison to the stoking of an engine.
The imagery of the poem highlights the central message that the pattern of our
life has several ups and downs and ranges from dull and inanimate to chaotic or
even empty. It is however a person’s attitude which makes life meaningful and
gives a purpose to our existence.
c) At the beginning of the poem, the Laburnum tree's top is completely silent
and motionless. There's rarely any activity even during the day when sunlight
falls over it.
But the arrival of goldfinch breaks this silence and monotony. The twittering
and chirrupings of the goldfish and chicks make the tree a place of feverish
activities.
Thus, we can conclude that the change brought by goldfish at the top of the
laburnum tree top was good as it makes the tree alive by demolishing the
monotony and silence.
Change is one of the most constant things in life. It can be both good and bad
depending on the situation. But we need to go on with the flow and accept it, be
it good or bad.

I Content Based Very Short Answer Questions (Extract based)[Competencies-
comprehension and appreciation]
A.
1. c) kora
2. d) get a warm coat
3. c) looked at them attentively
4. a) drokba
B.
1. d) Snow-capped mountains along the imaginary line
2. b) Shining white ice sheets
3. d) both a & c
4. d) both a & c
C.
1. d) All the above
2. b) As the other one was congested
3. a) Due to higher altitude
4. b) woke up abruptly
Q.2.
1. (c) no one knew English
2. (d) wasn’t able to breathe properly
3. (a) east-west
4. (b) he was climbing the mountain
5. (c)tried to move smoothly over the snowy surface
Q.3.
1.Tsetan stopped at a tight bend and got out because the snow had covered the
path in front of them. This unexpected-depository was too steep for their vehicle
to mount. Tsetan stepped on to the covered snow, and stamped his foot to
determine how sturdy it was. The snow was not deep but the car could turn
over. Tsetan took handfuls of dirt and threw them across the frozen surface.
Daniel and the narrator, too, joined in. When the snow was spread with soil,
Tsetan backed up the vehicle and drove towards the dirty snow. The car moved
across the icy surface without noticeable difficulty.
2.When they went further up the trail and were 5,400 metres above the sea
level, the narrator got an awful headache. He took gulps from his water bottle,
which is supposed to help during a speedy uphill journey. His headache soon
cleared as they went down the other side of the pass.
3.According to ancient Hindu and Buddhist cosmology Manasarovar is the
source of four great Indian rivers: the Indus, the Ganges, the Sutlej and the
Brahmaputra. In actuality only the Sutlej flows from the lake, but the
headwaters of the all others rise nearby on the flanks of Mount Kailash and
Kora refers to the act of showing reverence to the holy aspects of the world that
the Tibetans believe to be holy and sacred and will in turn bring close to
divinity
4.The narrator had a very uncomfortable night at Darchen. After he rested,
although Darchen was dusty, with heaps of rubble and refuse, the bright sun in a
clear blue sky gave the narrator a view of the Himalayas. He also noticed the
huge, snow-capped mountain, GurlaMandhata, with just a tuft of cloud
suspended over its peak.
5.The narrator was quite relieved on meeting Norbu firstly because he was all
alone at Darchen. He found a companion in Norbu. He could speak English
fluently. He was educated. He didn’t believe in doing Kora on foot in the
conventional manner. Both of them decided to hire yaks. In every aspect, Norbu
appeared to be an ideal companion for the narrator.
Q.4.
1.Oxford Professor and travel writer, Nick Middleton is truly an adventurer, but
at heart more a meticulous academic than a daredevil adventurer. He is an
environmental consultant who has written many articles in journals, magazines
and newspapers as well as being the author of 16 books. Nick Middleton
teaches Geography at Oxford University and is a fellow of St.Anne’s College.
His main research interest is in the nature and human use of deserts and their
margins.
After reaching Hor, what he was struck by was not the natural beauty of the
place but the litter all around the area left by tourists. He was disappointed to
see how man was ruining the environment. Being an environmental consultant,
he was much disturbed at how the environment is slowly deteriorating due to
human activity. He gives a graphic detail of the mountainous terrain, the snow
covered mountains and the calm and relaxed people he met there. He strongly
believes that travel broadens our mind.
2.While in Darchen, it became extremely tough for the narrator as he got
extreme cold due to blocked sinuses. He was gasping for oxygen. He could
breathe through only one nostril. He could not sleep, felt utter restlessness. He
had fear that he might die if he would sleep. So, he sat up the whole night. Next
morning, Tsetan took him for the medical help to the Darchen Medical College.
He was given a five-day course of Tibetan medicine which gave him a lot of
relief and comfort. After undergoing the treatment, he felt somewhat better.
Now, he could sleep soundly.
3. The narrator had to do the Kora to Kailash and Mansarovar. He was
expecting to join the bands of pilgrims. But it was too early in the season when
he reached Darchen. He became so disappointed and desolate. He felt lonely
and unhappy without any companion. It became difficult for him to pass leisure
time. But, soon he got over this disappointment upon meeting Norbu.
He interacted with him and felt too comfortable in his company. Somewhere,
they had similar nature and thoughts which made them perfect for each other.
The narrator decided to do Kora with him. They decided to hire yaks as both of
them did not believe in doing Kora on foot in the conventional way.
The best part was that in spite of being a Tibetan, Norbu could converse well in
English. The narrator felt Norbu would be a perfect companion.
Snapshots
10. The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse : William Saroyan
A.
i. b. Poverty
ii. c. Inconsistent
iii. a. Value honesty
iv. d. Greedy for money
B
i. b. When John Byro spotted Aram and Mourad with the horse
ii. a. He believed that the two boys may never have stolen it.
iii. c. conscience-stricken
iv. b. doesn’t suspect the two boys of theft
C
i. c. was returned
ii. a. emotional
iii. b. Very happy
iv. d. All of the above
Q. 2
i. b. Fulfilment of their dream
ii. a. physically but not psychologically
iii. d. crazy
iv. a. were conscience-stricken
v. c. Egoist
Q. 3
i After Murad's turn, when Aram started riding the horse alone, he couldn't
control it. He fell off from horse's back, horse ran away and horse disappeared.
ii They suddenly became conscience-stricken after knowing John Byro's
trust on their family. They knew if they don’t return the horse immediately, then
they might dent their family name.
iii. For uncle Khosrove, the freedom of their motherland was the most
important thing. And all other things had no value for him. So repeats- It's no
harm, pay no attention to it.
iv. Yes, because the same was indicated when John Byro said 'It was a twin
of my horse'. He playfully dealt with the two boys. He wanted to give the
expression to them that he knew nothing about their involvement in stealing his
horse. But actually, in order to respect their family he pretended that he didn't
know that these two boys have stolen his horse.
v. In order to fulfill their long desire of horse riding, intially both boys got
deviated from the path of truth and honesty by stealing John Byro's Horse.
However, before it is too late, their conscince struck them and they rectified
their mistake.
Q. 4
i. Even the members of Garoghlanian family were suffering from comical
poverty, they never quit from the path of truth, honestyand integrity in life. And
it is mentioned in the chapter that they don’t believe in taking advantage of
someone in adversity. They never go against their ethics. And they also never
belived in development through unfair and unethical means. So they were
happy in their principles in life and they never believed that their principles are
hinderances in their development. Any other relevant points.....
ii. It is true that with the passage of time, human beings are getting exposure
to newness in life that affects their life in reality. With the changes around us as
a sign of modernity, unethical practices have emrged around us that go very
against our own culture and cutural values. our traditions and traditional values
are at risks. The new generations learn to embrace the modernity and forget the
very fabrics on which our culture is based on. Thats why the cultural values are
getting less importance by new generation. Same is observed in the chapter
when Murad steals a horse from John Byro for fulfilling his desire. However,
this is never expected from a person of Garoghlanian family because fo their
name and fame. So new generation is forgetting the traditional principles on
which our identity is based on. Any other relevant points.....
i. The values learnt from Garoghlanian family are that will be shared
with the students are: Sticking to your own tradition and heritage and
not to forget it at all, honesty and truthfulness are inseparable values in
human life and must be respected at any cost, not to take advantage of
anyone in adversity, playing our role well to build the society and
nation, and stealing is after all stealing and it can never be justified
and finally we shouldn't claim ownership on the possessions of others.
Any other relevant points.....
11. The Address :Marga Minco

Q.1
A.
i c. her pretention in recognising the narrator.
ii b. Cold & inhospitable
iii d. Both (a) and (b)
iv c. a burn mark
B.
i c. Keeping them safe
ii c. credulous
iii c. The narrator is fully convinced with her mother
iv a. Logical
C.
i a. The narrator saw familiar things but in unfamiliar surroundings
ii c. Hospitable
iii d. Both (a) and (b)
iv c. a burn mark
Q.2.
i d. she saw them in different surroundings
ii d. All of the above
iii a. to forget the address
iv d. Green knitted cardigan
v c. BADC
Q.3
(i) Disorderliness of mother’s belongings-strange surrounding-reminded

of former times-painful sight-now staying in a rented house.
(ii) Old acquaintance-suddenly turned up-renewed contact-visiting regularly-
empathetic-wanted to save all the nice things.
(iii) Waited till liberation-not interested in the stuff-afraid of confrontation with
things.
(iv) Strange atmosphere-tasteless arrangement of things-muggy smell.
(v) Unwelcoming-cold and inhospitable-rude-mean-her pretention in
recognising the narrator
Q.4.
(i) Hypocritical and cheaters-dishonest behaviour-untruthful manner in
accomplishing personal agenda-tendency to manipulate-lie for personal gains-
Mrs Dorling chose convenience over etiquettes-cunning and selfish-took away
all the expensive things on the pretext of saving them-took possession illicitly.
(ii) Normalcy after the war-plans to restore mother’s belongings-things/objects-
no point of belongingness-tasteless arrangement-strange surrounding-have been
severed by time-endured Mrs Dorling’s ill treatment-painful sight for the
narrator-connection with the memory of familiar life of former times-staying in
a small rented house-resolves to forget the address.
(iii) Decides to restore mother’s possessions after liberation-Mrs Dorling’s ill
treatment-awfully pained at the sight of tasteless arrangement-strange
atmosphere-severed the ravages of time and-the sight evoking the painful
memory of mother-takes the pain of forgetting the address.
14. Mother’s Day : J.B. Priestley

Q.1.A.
1. d) All of the above.
2. b) They all talk like that
3. d) had always been doing those works.
4. b) trying to be assertive
B.
1.d) b) and c) only
2.c) wanted Doris to realise her (mother’s) importance
3. a) to go out with Charlie Spence.
4. b) Stoical nature
C.
1. c) people at the club mocked him
2. d) People at the club
3. a) horrified
4. b) reflect on his actions
Q.2.
1. c)swapping personalities with her
2. d) iron her yellow silk
3. a) at the sight of her mother smoking
4. c)related to her work
5. a) a state of confusion and disorder
Q.3.
A)
- Mrs. Fitzgerald is quite experienced and smart with a sinister personality.
- She knows some esoteric magic that she learned in the East which she
uses to reprimand the family.
- In the guise of Mrs Pearson, she reminds the family that she has done her
forty-hours of work for the week. May not workon weekends. She
doesn’t get any thanks for her service.
- The dose given by Mrs Fitzgerald to the spoilt children and George brings
result. She is successful in her attempt to correct them.
B.
- Mrs. Pearson can be blamed partially for letting her family members
treat her so thoughtlessly and selfishly.
- She had spoilt them by running after them all the time, taking their
orders as if she were the servant in the house.
- She stayed at home every night while they went out enjoying
themselves. She did not complain about being treated like dirt.
- She should have asserted her rights in the family too. Her silent
acceptance of the injustice and selfishness of her family members
resulted in her miseries.
C.
- Yes,mother is the axis around whom the family revolves. Motheris really
important in a family.
- She does all the work starting from cooking to taking care of her kids like
Mrs Pearson does all the work. She manages the home.
- Even if she is tired, she never gives up.She works for the whole family
and asks for nothing in return.
- She never complains about anything however hurt she may be.
- All must respect their mothers for her unconditional love.
D.
- The method adopted by Mrs Fitzgerald wasto reform the errant Pearson
family.
- Mrs Pearson's family treated her like a servant.
- She did all the work at home for her husband and children but was
neverthanked for her work.
- A dose of strictness or may be a stern action becomes necessary in case of
callous attitude.
E.
- Mrs. Pearson appears to be a timid and confused lady in her forties.
- She is a devoted housewife and enjoys serving her husband and children.
- She is ignored and made to work throughout the day.
- In spite of the ill treatment, neglect and exploitation, she loves them all.
- In fact, she endures everything without any protest.
- On the other hand, Mrs. Fitzgerald is quite experienced, bold, imposing

and smart.
- She is confident and has a 'strong and sinister personality' which is in

sharp contrast to Mrs Pearson.
Q.4.
A.
- First is the scene where Doris is scolded for preparing to go out with
Charley Spence.
- Mrs. Pearson’s comments on Charley Spence and Doris’ reaction to

them/ Her weeping
- Doris and Cyril’s hushed discussion between them as to the possible

cause of -her mother’s strange behaviour
- The scene where Mr. Person finds his wife drinking wine for the first
time in his life and Mrs. Pearson’s answers to his questions.
- Mrs. Peasron’s comments about what others think about George in the
club and George’s reaction to them.
- Mrs. Pearson’s threatening to beat up her husband as reaction to her

husband’s uncivil behaviour towards Mrs. Fitzgerald.
B.
- Mrs. Pearson has a selfish and a thoughtless family, who is insensitive to
the feelings of the mother.
- After the staged trick, and when Mrs Fitzgerald leaves, the three -
George, Doris, and Cyril look anxiously at Mrs Pearson, who smiles.
- They are much relieved, and smile back at her.
- They decide to stay at home, they would have a nice family game of
rummy
- The children get the supper ready while she talked with their father.
- The family surrounds Mrs Pearson, implying a happy ending.
- It looks as if Mrs Fitzgerald's effort is rewarded and they seem eager to

appease the real Mrs Pearson.
C.
- Yes, sometimes it does good to have people’s feelings hurt.
- If the outcome is a positive one, it is good.
- Because their self esteem is questioned/challenged.
- One should be aware of himself/herself (self-knowledge) even if it is

harsh.
- Example: telling Mr Pearson what the people at the club thought of

him, telling Doris about her boyfriend, telling Cyril how he wasted
away his money etc.
- It applies every individual.
- Had Mrs Fitzgerald not helped Mrs Pearson the family would have not
changed.

Q.1.A.
1 c) Joe Morgan
2. a)Reflecting about his own relationship with Christine1
3. b) cool and quite mysterious
4. a) anxious
B.
1 a) anxiety
2 c)contentment, delight
3 d) worried
4 b) he did something extraordinary that night
C
1 a) absolutely
2 b) exquisite
3 a)life getting into the stillborn
4 b)the new born child
Q.2
1. a) reassure Mrs. Morgan’s mother
2. d) All of the above
3. c) a similar case in Samaritan
4. c) was very exhausted
5. a) the case demanded his thorough attention
Q.3.
1. -While Andrew was thinking about the futility of marriage and
relationships, the old woman was thinking about her daughter.
- She was concerned about both the mother and the child.
- She said that her daughter Susan did not want chloroform if it would
harm the baby.
- She really looked forward to having the child.
2.
- After an hour-long struggle, the child was born lifeless and the mother
was in a critical state.
- Andrew was in dilemma between his desire to attempt to save the child,
and his obligation towards the mother.
- He overcame the dilemma, instinctively; he gave the child to the nurse
and turned his attention to Susan Morgan.
3.
- Andrew saw the child was a perfectly formed boy.
- The head lolled on a thin neck and the limbs seemed boneless.
- He knew that the whiteness meant asphyxia pallida.
- He thought of the treatment, he remembered being used at the Samaritan.
- He applied the same to the stillborn child.
4.
- Andrew had been thinking about the unsuccessful married lives of some
persons he knew.
- Bramwell was foolishly devoted to a woman who deceived him
immorally. Edward Page was bound to quarrelsome Blodwen.
- Denny was living unhappily apart from his wife.
- His thoughts were muddled.
5.
- Andrew found the baby amongst wet newspapers under the bed.
- Its limp warm body was white and soft.
- Its head lolled on the thin neck.
- The limbs seemed boneless.
- The whiteness over the body meant suffocation caused by the lack
of oxygen.
Q.4.
1. Andrew Manson is a young man who has recently qualified as a doctor
and started his medical practice as an assistant to Dr Edward Page in the small
Welsh mining town of Blaenelly. He is in love with Christine and thinks of
marriage as an idyllic state. His heart is overflowing with love. His steady mind
and reason help him see the marriages of many persons as dismal failures.
Andrew is mature enough to keep his private and professional fives apart. Once
confronted with his responsibility, he discharges his obligations to the utmost
capacity. He is duty conscious. He is not a theorist only. He believes in practical
approach. He is pragmatic and is not afraid to try unique methods.
Andrew has a tender heart. He is aware of the feelings of others. He knows how
deeply Susan loved her coming baby. He has polite manners and reassuring
tone. On the whole, Andrew impresses us as a dedicated doctor and can be
considered as an angel who saved the life Mrs. Morgan and her child by his
sincerity and professional devotion.
2. Andrew was skeptical about relationships because of what he had closely
observed. His thoughts were serious and confused. The episode, he had
witnessed at Cardiff station, still obsessed him. He thought of Bramwell,
unwisely devoted to a woman who betrayed him; he thought of Edward Page
committed to the quarrelsome Blodwen.
His thoughts turned to Denny, living unhappily, away from his wife. His reason
told him that all these marriages were dismal failures. It was a conclusion,
which made him cringe in his present state. He wished to consider marriage as a
peaceful state. The conflict between his cynical mind and his ’ heart, eager to
love, left him bitter and confused.
3. Andrew Manson is a young man who has recently qualified as a doctor

and started his medical practice as an assistant to Dr Edward Page in the small
Welsh mining town of Blaenelly. He is in love with Christine and thinks of
marriage as an idyllic state. His heart is overflowing with love. His steady mind
and reason help him see the marriages of many persons as dismal failures.
Andrew is mature enough to keep his private and professional fives apart. Once
confronted with his responsibility, he discharges his obligations to the utmost
capacity. He is duty conscious. He is not a theorist only. He believes in practical
approach. He is pragmatic and is not afraid to try unique methods.
Andrew has a tender heart. He is aware of the feelings of others. He knows how
deeply Susan loved her coming baby. He has polite manners and reassuring
tone. On the whole, Andrew impresses us as a dedicated doctor.
---XXX---

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S.No. CONTENTS Pg.

13. Ranga’s Marriage : MastiVenkateshaIyengar

(I)”She” in the above extract refers to the author’s __________

(c) Neighbourhood woman.

(d) None of the above.

(ii)The people thought she was_______________

(a) old and wrinkled.

(b) once young and attractive.

(c) beautiful though wrinkled.

(d) charming though old.

(iii)What was difficult for the author to believe?

(a) The portrait of the grandfather

(b) The prettiness of the grandmother in her youth

(c) The grandmother had children once

(d) The old age and her appearance

(i)The literary device used in the above extract is _________

(ii)The narrator describes the appearance of the grandmother as

(a) Symbolic of peace, serenity, contentment and spiritualism.

(b) Pretty, old and wrinkled.

(c) An Expansion of a landscape.

(d) A Grey haired lady with white clothes.

(iii) The grandmother was a kind- hearted woman since she____________

(a) escorted the author to the school

(b) was spinning the wheel

(c) fed the stray dogs and sparrows

(d) left the village and went to live in the city.

(iv) The grandmother had a divine beauty as______________

(b) she hobbled around the house in spotless white.

(d) all the above

(i)The ‘common link’, described in this context is the bonding

(a) between the grandmother and her son

(c) of the grandmother with the neighbourhood women

(d) of the grandmother with the sparrows

(ii) The ‘common link was________

(a) lost forever.

(b) an indelible mark in the sands of time.

(c) broken off after the narrator went to the university.

(d) nourished better.

(iii) The statement “accepted her seclusion with resignation” refers to

(a) the death of the grandmother

(b) loneliness and inactivity of sparrows

(c) isolation of the author in university

(d)The grandmother’s loneliness without being sentimental

(a) feeding the sparrows

(b) spinning the wheel

(c) reading religious scriptures

(d) reciting prayers

Q.2. Choose the most suitable alternative.

(a) he became an adult

(d) ‘a’ and ‘c’only

(iii) “the thought was almost revolting” reflects the author’s_____

(b) pensive moments when he was separated from the grandmother.

(c) protest against his parents.

(d) mental afflictions when he left for the university.

(a) Turning point of the author and grandmother’s relationship.

(b) Sparrows mourning the death of the grandmother.

(c) Life of the author and the grandmother in Village.

(d) Grandmother’s secluded life in the city

(i) cabd (ii) dabc (iii) cadb (iv) cdab

(c) The grandmother accepted her seclusion from the author.

Q3. Answer the following questions in about 30-40 words.

Q4.Answer the following questions in about 120- 150 words.

2. A Photograph- Shirley Toulson