English I Year

Story 1
Playing the Game
Arthur Mee
I. Answer the following questions in about 100 words each:
a) Write a paragraph on how Alan…
Refer to the answer in the textbook on Page 80.

b) Narrate the feelings of Alan as he was not able to reach the

ground on time after meeting the old man on his way.
Answer: The old man whom Alan met on his way to the cricket
match asked Alan to see him home. Alan was conflicted as he did
not want to abandon the helpless old man, nor did he want to be
late for his match. The old man stumbled over a loose paving
stone and fell heavily on the ground. He then requested Alan not
to leave him. Alan reassured him that he would stay there until
help arrived. Then as the minutes almost seemed like hours, Alan
started staring anxiously up and down the road, wondering
whether he would be able to reach the school on time after
ensuring that someone took charge of the old man.

c) Helping the old is as good as playing the game. Elucidate with

reference to the story.
Answer: Alan stayed back to help the old man and missed his
chance to play in the cricket match. But at the end of the story,
Alan’s father was pleased with his son’s kind gesture towards the
old man. He knew that Alan had made the right choice even
though it was a difficult one for the young schoolboy. Alan was
not able to participate in the cricket match, but his father knew
he had played the game of life and won the gratitude and
appreciation of those around him. Alan’s father rewarded Alan
with the bicycle he had promised to buy for him. From this story,
we learn that showing concern for those in need, especially the
old, is as rewarding as playing the game.