Q1: Read the following extract and answer the questions: “I heard an old religious man But yesternight declare That he had found a text to prove That only God, my dear, Could love you for yourself alone And not your yellow hair.”
(i) Complete the sentence appropriately: The speaker addresses the person he is speaking to as “my dear” because _________ . (1 Mark)
Ans: The speaker uses “my dear” to express affection and familiarity with Anne Gregory, making the conversation personal and gentle while sharing a deep truth about love and beauty.
(ii) The poet mentions “yellow hair”. What is its significance in the context of the statement? Answer in about 40 words. (2 Marks)
Ans: “Yellow hair” represents Anne Gregory’s physical beauty. The speaker says that men usually admire her for her looks, not for who she truly is. It highlights how human love is often based on outward appearance rather than inner qualities.
(iii) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the brackets. The poet suggests that God’s love in comparison to that of a human being is _____________ (selfish/selfless). (1 Mark)
Ans: Selfless. The poet suggests that God’s love in comparison to that of a human being is selfless. God loves people for their true inner self, not for external features like beauty, hair colour, or physical appearance.
(iv): As per the above extract, what attributes does God not love a person for? Select the correct option. (1 Mark) 1. Wealth 2. Physical appearance 3. Intelligence 4. Inner qualities 5. Youth (a) 1 and 4 (b) 3, 4, and 5 (c) 2 and 4 (d) Only 4
Ans: (C) 2 and 4. The extract states that only God loves Anne “for herself alone” and not her “yellow hair,” indicating that God does not value physical appearance (2). Inner qualities (4) are what God loves, as they represent the true self, unlike wealth, intelligence, or youth, which are not mentioned.
Q2: The idea of beauty is a one-dimensional cultural conception or one that has been created by human beings themselves. Comment on the statement with reference to the conventional ideas of beauty in the poem ‘For Anne Gregory’. (Answer in about 40-50 words) (3 marks)
Ans: The poem shows that society often values beauty only in terms of outer appearance, like Anne’s golden hair. This creates a narrow, one-dimensional idea of beauty. Yeats challenges this by contrasting human love, which is based on such appearances, with God’s love, which is pure and values the person’s true inner self.
Q3: How does the poet present the concept of beauty in the poem ‘For Anne Gregory’? (Answer in about 40-50 words) (3 marks)
Ans: Yeats presents beauty as external and temporary, symbolised by Anne’s yellow hair. He shows that human love is mostly attracted to such outer beauty. However, through the religious man’s words, he explains that only God loves people for who they truly are, beyond their looks. This highlights the difference between superficial human love and divine, unconditional love.
Previous Year Questions 2023
Q1: In the poem for Anne Gregory, Anne Gregory’s suggestion to dye her hair serves two main purposes. What are these? [CBSE Practice Set-2 2023]
Present your response this way: One purpose is ………….. Another purpose is ……………. .
Ans: In the poem, Anne Gregory’s suggestion to dye her hair serves two main purposes:
Firstly, it aims to gain genuine love by indicating that she can change her hair colour, encouraging young men to love her for her inner self rather than just her yellow hair.
Secondly, it seeks to prove a point to the speaker, who doubts that anyone would love her for anything other than her external beauty.
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Previous Year Questions 2022
Q2: . Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: But I can get a hair-dye And set such colour there, Brown, or black, or carrot, That young men in despair May love me for myself alone And not my yellow hair.”
Select the sentence in which the word ‘set’ is used in the same manner as in line 2 of the extract. [CBSE SQP 2022]
(a) I want to set him up and get my work done this time. (b) Do you have another set of the books that I can read? (c) The dessert needs to set for two hours before being served. (d) The set for the school play looked quite grand.
Ans: (c)The dessert needs to set for two hours before being served.
Previous Year Questions 2020
Q3: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows: (2020) “Never shall a young man, Thrown into despair By those great honey-coloured Ramparts at your ear, Love you for yourself alone And not your yellow hair.”
(a) The lady’s hair is compared to _____. (i) ramparts (ii) ears (iii) honey (iv) despair
Ans: (i) The poet uses the term “ramparts” to describe the lady’s hair, implying that it acts as a protective barrier or attraction, similar to the walls of a fortress, surrounding her.
(b) The young man has fallen in love with the lady for her _____. (i) wealth (ii) social position (iii) looks (iv) mind
Ans: (iii) The young man is captivated by her physical appearance, specifically her “honey-coloured” hair, rather than her true self or inner qualities.
Ans: According to the poet, the lady wants the young man to love her for ‘herself’ and not just her outlook.
Also read: Worksheet: For Anne Gregory
Previous Year Questions 2019
Q4: The poet in the poem ‘For Anne Gregory’ conveys that we should give importance to the inner beauty and not to the physical appearance. Elaborate with reference to the poem. (Delhi 2019)
Ans: The poet in the poem ‘For Anne Gregory’ conveys that we should give importance to the inner beauty and not the physical appearance, and this is evident from the conversation that takes place between Anne and the speaker in the poem. The speaker says to Anne that her beautiful looks and honey-coloured hair can make men fall in love with her any given day. However, they shall never look past her outer appearance and take notice of her inner beauty or get to know the real Anne. Hence, the speaker is sure that no man would love her when her looks fade away. They will love her only for her gorgeous yellow hair. Anne points out that physical appearance is changeable and thus, secondary. She says that her looks can change, and so can the colour of her hair, for instance she can change it to brown or carrot, but she will remain the same person on the inside. She feels therefore, men should not love her for her superficial looks, they should learn to love the person that she is underneath her surface.
Q5: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows: (Delhi 2017) “But I can get a hair-dye And set such colour there, Brown, or black, or carrot, That young men in despair May love me for myself alone And not my yellow hair.’’
Q6: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows: (Al 2017) “Never shall a young man. Thrown into despair By those great honey-coloured Ramparts at your ear. Love you for yourself alone And not your yellow hair.”
Ans: The word ‘ramparts’ here refers to the lock of hair at the lady’s ear.
Q7: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows: (Foreign 2017) “I heard an old religious man But yesternight declare That he had found a text to prove That only God, my dear, Could love you for yourself alone And not your yellow hair.”
Q8: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows: (Al 2015) “Never shall a young man, Thrown into despair By those great honey-coloured Ramparts at your ear,”
(a) Who is the speaker of these lines? Who is he speaking to?
Ans: The word ‘despair’ refers to a state of hopelessness.
Also read: Worksheet: For Anne Gregory
Previous Year Questions 2014
Q9: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows: (Delhi 2014)
“I heard an old religious man But yesternight declare That he had found a text to prove That only God, my dear, Could love you for yourself alone And not your yellow hair.”
Ans: God’s love is different from the love of the young lovers because God loves the lady for herself alone, while the young lovers love her for her yellow hair.
(c) Which word in the extract means ‘a religious book’?
Ans: In A Letter to God, faith is portrayed as an unshakable belief in divine help. Lencho, a poor farmer, places complete trust in God’s power to rescue him after a hailstorm destroys his crop. His innocent and absolute faith leads him to write a letter asking God for money, showing how faith gives him strength and hope amid despair.
In The Sermon at Benares, faith takes a more spiritual form. Kisa Gotami’s faith in the Buddha’s wisdom helps her move from blind grief to true understanding. Through the Buddha’s sermon, she realises that death is universal and that peace comes from acceptance, not lamentation.
Thus, while Lencho’s faith is material and simple, Gotami’s faith is spiritual and transformative.
Q2: Explore the theme of loss as it is depicted in both the “Ball Poem” and “The Sermon at Benares” highlighting the inevitable nature of this aspect in life? (Answer in 100-120 words) (6 Marks)
Ans: In The Ball Poem, the theme of loss is shown through a young boy’s sorrow when his ball falls into the water. The loss teaches him that certain things cannot be replaced, symbolising the inevitable experiences of separation and grief in life. Through this simple incident, the boy learns to accept loss as a part of growing up.
Similarly, in The Sermon at Benares, Kisa Gotami’s loss of her only son makes her realise the universal truth that death comes to all. The Buddha teaches her that mourning cannot bring peace; only acceptance can.
Both works highlight that loss is an unavoidable part of human existence and that true wisdom lies in understanding and accepting this reality.
Q3: “Not from weeping or from grieving will anyone obtain peace of mind; on the contrary his pain will be greater and his body will suffer.” Validate this preaching of Buddha with reference to the story “A Sermon at Benares.” (Answer in about 40-50 words) (3 marks)
Ans: The Buddha’s preaching is validated through Kisa Gotami’s experience. Blinded by grief over her son’s death, she seeks a cure in vain. When she realises that death touches every family, she understands that endless weeping only deepens sorrow. Acceptance, not lamentation, brings true peace of mind, as the Buddha taught.
Q4: What did Buddha say about death and suffering? Explain this with reference to the story ‘The Sermon at Benares’. (Answer in about 40-50 words) (3 marks)
Ans: In The Sermon at Benares, the Buddha taught that death and suffering are inevitable parts of life. Every living being that is born must die one day. Just as ripe fruits fall and earthen pots break, mortals too perish. The wise, understanding this truth, do not grieve over death.
Previous Year Questions 2024
Q1: What message might the Buddha’s story hold for those who are in positions of power and privilege? (2024)
Ans. The story imparts the message that death is the ultimate truth and is common to all, irrespective of power and privilege. Every human is mortal, and all power, wealth and relatives are left behind.
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Previous Year Questions 2023
Q1: What did Siddhartha Gautama come across by chance when he was about twenty-five years old? (2023)
Ans: When Siddhartha Gautama was about twenty-five years old, he came across a series of sights by chance while out hunting. He first encountered a sick man, then an aged man, followed by a funeral procession, and finally, a monk begging for alms. These sights deeply affected Siddhartha and made him question the nature of human existence and the cause of suffering. These encounters were instrumental in his decision to renounce his life of luxury and seek enlightenment.
Q2: ‘As ripe fruits are in danger of falling early, so mortals when born are always in danger of death’. With this statement of the Buddha, find out the moral values that Kisa Gotami learnt after the death of her child. (2023)
Ans: The statement by the Buddha, “As ripe fruits are in danger of falling early, so mortals when born are always in danger of death,” taught Kisa Gotami the moral values of acceptance, impermanence, and the cycle of life and death. After the death of her child, Kisa Gotami realized that death is an inevitable part of life, just as birth is. She understood that all mortals, regardless of their age, intelligence, or social status, are always vulnerable to death. This realization taught Kisa the importance of accepting the natural order of life and finding peace by freeing oneself from grief and complaints.
Q3: Why did Kisa Gotami meet the Buddha? How did Buddha change her life? (2023)
Ans: Kisa Gotami met the Buddha after losing her only son. Overwhelmed with grief, she sought help from others to bring her child back to life. Finally, she approached the Buddha with her plea. Instead of granting her request, the Buddha taught her a valuable lesson. He asked her to bring a handful of mustard seeds from a house where no one had ever died. Through this task, Kisa Gotami realized the universality of death and the impermanence of life. The Buddha’s teachings changed her perspective and helped her understand that death is a natural part of the human experience. This realization transformed her life by freeing her from the burden of grief and allowing her to find peace within herself.
Q4: What does the Buddha say about the world? (Answer the following questions in 40-50 words) (CBSE 2023)
Ans: According to the Buddha, this world is full of sufferings, death and sorrows. And knowing the terms of this temporary world, no wise man should mourn for its loss. Mourning can only bring discord in life while acceptance is the key to peace.
Q5: Through the story of Kisa Gotami, what did the Buddha try to preach to the common man? (Answer the following questions in 100-120 words) (CBSE 2023, 2020)
Ans: Through the story of Kisa Gotami, the Budhha tried to teach the world the harsh truth of life and death. Kisa Gotami was a lady who had lost her only child to illness. She was so disheartened that she couldn’t accept his death. She asked everybody to bring her son back to life. Later, she went to ask Buddha for help. Buddha asked Kisa to bring mustard seeds from a house where no one has ever died, in order to bring his son back to life. Regretfully, Kisa couldn’t find such a house. Then, Budhha told her the truth of life, i.e., death is ultimate and inescapable. Every mortal has to die one day. This world is full of sorrows and griefs but a wise man should not mourn his loss for this temporary world. Surely, acceptance of loss and death is the only way to live with peace.
Previous Year Questions 2021
Q1: Grief is often seen as a measure of love. Justify your response to Buddha’s sermon. (Term II, 2021-22)
Ans: In Buddha’s sermon, he emphasizes that grief and love are not directly proportional. While grief may be a natural response to losing a loved one, it does not necessarily reflect the depth of love one had for that person. Grief is a result of attachment and clinging to the idea of permanence in a world where everything is impermanent. Buddha teaches that true love is unconditional and detached from the outcomes of life. Therefore, it is not necessary to measure love through grief, as love itself transcends the concept of suffering.
Q2: How, according to Buddha, can one obtain peace of mind? (The Sermon at Benares) (Term II, 2021-22)
Ans: According to Buddha’s sermon, one can obtain peace of mind by letting go of attachment and desire. Buddha teaches that suffering arises from craving and clinging to worldly desires and possessions. To attain peace of mind, one must cultivate a state of non-attachment and detachment from the transient nature of life. By accepting the impermanence of all things and practicing mindfulness and meditation, one can transcend suffering and find inner peace.
Q3: How does Buddha bring about a different perspective in Kisa Gotami’s understanding of life? (The Sermon at Benaras) (Term II, 2021-22)
Ans: In the Sermon at Benaras, Buddha brings about a different perspective in Kisa Gotami’s understanding of life by teaching her the universal nature of suffering and impermanence. He asks her to bring a handful of mustard seeds from a household where no one has experienced the loss of a loved one. As she goes from house to house, she realizes that death is inevitable and that everyone experiences loss. This understanding shifts her perspective and helps her accept the reality of death. She learns that clinging to the past and grieving does not bring peace of mind. Instead, she learns to let go and find inner peace by embracing the impermanence of life.
Q4:Kisa Gotami lost her only son, so grief overwhelmed her. How did she learn that death is as normal in life as birth is? (2021 C)
Ans: During Buddha’s time, Kisa Gotami lost her only son, which caused her immense grief. In her sorrow, she sought help from others, including the Buddha. Upon hearing her plea, the Buddha gave her a task. He asked her to bring a handful of mustard seeds from a house where no one has ever died. Kisa Gotami went from door to door, but she could not find a single house where no one had experienced death. Through this experience, she realized that death is a natural part of life and that every person is destined to die. This realization helped her understand that death is as normal in life as birth is.
Also read: PPT – The Sermon at Benares
Previous Year Questions 2020
Q1: Through the story of Kisa Gotami, what did the Buddha try to preach to common man? (CBSE 2023, 2020C)
Ans: Through the story of Kisa Gotami, the Buddha tried to preach to the common man about the realities of life and death. He emphasized that death is inevitable and that every person will eventually face it. The story of Kisa Gotami seeking a house where no one had ever died highlights the universality of death and the impermanence of life. The Buddha wanted to teach people that grieving and clinging to the past do not bring peace of mind. Instead, one should come to terms with the reality of death and understand that it is a natural part of the human experience.
Q2: What lesson did Kisa Gotami learn the second time that she had failed to learn the first time? (2020)
Ans: The second time Kisa Gotami went searching for mustard seeds from a house where no one had ever died, she learned the lesson of impermanence and the universality of death. The first time she approached the Buddha, she was consumed by grief and sought a way to bring her dead son back to life. The Buddha then instructed her to bring mustard seeds from a house untouched by death. When she couldn’t find such a house and realized that death is a natural part of life, she learned the truth about mortality. The second time she went searching, she already knew that death is inevitable and that no one is spared from it. This realization helped her accept her loss and find peace within herself.
Q3: What lesson on death and suffering did the Buddha teach Kisa Gotami in the chapter ‘The Sermon At Benares’? (2018, 2020)
Ans: In the chapter ‘The Sermon At Benares,’ the Buddha taught Kisa Gotami the lesson that death is an inevitable part of life and that grieving and lamentation do not bring peace of mind. When Kisa Gotami approached the Buddha, desperate to bring her dead son back to life, he asked her to bring a handful of mustard seeds from a house where no one had ever died. Through this task, Kisa Gotami realized that death is a universal experience and that no one can escape it. The Buddha’s teachings conveyed that grief and lamentation only prolong suffering and do not bring any benefit. By accepting the reality of death and freeing oneself from grief, one can find peace and liberation from suffering.
Previous Year Questions 2019
Q1: How did Kisa Gotami realise that life and death is a normal process? (CBSE 2019)
Ans: Kisa Gotami realized that life and death are a normal process through her encounter with the Buddha. When her son died, she was grief-stricken and desperate to find a cure. The Buddha asked her to bring him a handful of mustard seeds from a household where no one had experienced death. As she went from house to house, she realized that every family had experienced the loss of a loved one. This made her understand that death is inevitable and a part of the natural cycle of life. She realized that her grief was futile and that she needed to accept the reality of death.
Q2: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow. (Al 2019) At twelve, he was sent away for schooling in the Hindu sacred scriptures and four years later he returned home to marry a princess. They had a son and lived for ten years as befitted royalty. (a) Who does ‘he’ stand for? (b) What did ‘he’ study for four years? (c) What does the phrase, ‘as befitted royalty’ mean? (d) What happened after ten years?
Ans:(a) ‘He’ stands for Prince Siddhartha Gautama. (b) ‘He’ studied the Hindu sacred scriptures for four years. (c) The phrase ‘as befitted royalty’ means that Prince Siddhartha and the princess lived in accordance with the expectations and lifestyle of the royal family. They enjoyed the privileges and comforts associated with their royal status. (d) After ten years of marriage, Prince Siddhartha forsook the comforts and securities of the palace and set out into the world to seek enlightenment and find a solution to the suffering that prevailed.
Ans: In the chapter ‘The Sermon at Benares,’ the Buddha taught Gotami the lesson that death is an inevitable part of life and that one should not cling to the past or mourn excessively. When Gotami approached the Buddha, pleading for the revival of her dead son, he asked her to bring a handful of mustard seeds from a house where no one had ever died. As Gotami searched for such a house and realized that death is universal, she understood that grieving cannot bring back the dead. The Buddha’s teachings emphasized the impermanence of life and the futility of excessive lamentation. By accepting the reality of death and letting go of attachment, one can find peace and liberation from suffering.
Previous Year Questions 2016
Q1: “The life of mortals in this world is troubled and brief and combined with pain…. .” With this statement of the Buddha, find out the moral value that Kisa Gotami learnt after the death of her child. (Delhi 2016)
Ans: The moral value that Kisa Gotami learned after the death of her child, as conveyed by the statement of the Buddha, is the acceptance of the universal nature of suffering and the transient nature of life. Kisa Gotami realized that the life of mortals is filled with troubles, brief in duration, and accompanied by pain. She understood that death is an inevitable part of life and that clinging to the past and grieving does not bring peace of mind. The moral value she learned is to accept the reality of suffering, impermanence, and death, and to find inner peace by letting go of attachment and desire.
Q2: At about the age of twenty-five, the Prince, heretofore shielded from sufferings of the world, while out hunting chanced upon a sick man, then an aged man, then a funeral procession and finally a monk begging for alms. (AI 2016) (a) Name the Prince. (b) What are the sights of sufferings that the Prince saw? (c) Give the meaning of the word, ‘shielded’.
Ans: (a) The Prince is Siddhartha Gautama. (b) The sights of sufferings that the Prince saw were a sick man, an aged man, a funeral procession, and a monk begging for alms. (c) The word ‘shielded’ means protected or kept away from. In this context, it refers to Siddhartha Gautama being protected from the sufferings and harsh realities of the world.
Also read: PPT – The Sermon at Benares
Previous Year Questions 2015
Q1: Why was Kisa Gotami sad? What did she do in her hour of grief? (Delhi 2015)
Ans: Kisa Gotami was sad because she had lost her son, who was her only child. In her hour of grief, she carried the corpse of her son from house to house, asking for medicine to revive him. She was desperate and unwilling to accept the reality of death. Her sadness and grief consumed her, leading her to seek a solution to bring her son back to life.
Q2: What did the Buddha want Kisa Gotami to understand? (Delhi 2015)
Ans: The Buddha wanted Kisa Gotami to understand the universal nature of death and the impermanence of life. He wanted her to realize that death is inevitable and that everyone will eventually experience the loss of loved ones. By sending her to find a household where no one had experienced death, the Buddha wanted her to understand that her grief was futile and that she needed to accept the natural cycle of life and death.
Q3: Why did the Buddha choose Benares to preach his first sermon? (Al 2015)
Ans: The Buddha chose Benares to preach his first sermon because it was considered the most holy of the dipping places on the River Ganges. It attracted crowds of people who were seeking spiritual purification and relief from their sorrows and sufferings. By choosing Benares, the Buddha aimed to reach a large audience and alleviate their suffering by teaching them the path to enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Q4: Why did Kisa Gotami go from house to house? (AI 2015)
Ans: Kisa Gotami went from house to house in search of a remedy for her dead son. She carried the corpse with her and asked each household for medicine that could revive him. She was desperate and believed that someone might have a solution to bring her son back to life. Her grief and attachment to her son drove her to seek help from others in her community.
Q5: Mark! While relatives are looking on and lamenting deeply, one by one mortals are carried off, like an ox that is led to the slaughter. So the world is afflicted with death and decay. Therefore, the wise do not grieve, knowing the terms of the world. (Delhi 2015) (a) What is the fate of mortals? . (b) Why do the wise not grieve? (c) Write the meaning of the word, ‘lamenting’.
Ans: (a) The fate of mortals is to eventually die. They are carried off one by one, just like an ox that is led to the slaughter. (b) The wise do not grieve because they understand the universal nature of death and decay. They know that death is an inevitable part of life and that everyone will experience the loss of loved ones. Grieving does not change this reality, so the wise choose to accept it and find inner peace. (c) The word ‘lamenting’ means expressing deep sorrow or grief. It refers to the act of mourning and expressing sadness over the loss of a loved one.
Q6: Through ‘The Sermon at Benares’, the Buddha preached that death is inevitable and we need to overcome the suffering and pain that follows. Based on your reading of the lesson, write how one should cope with the death of a loved one. (Al 2015)
Ans: Coping with the death of a loved one requires accepting the inevitable nature of death and embracing the teachings of the Buddha. One should understand that death is a natural part of life and that everyone will experience the loss of loved ones. Instead of clinging to grief and allowing it to consume us, we should practice non-attachment and let go of our desire for permanence. By accepting the impermanence of life, we can find inner peace and overcome the suffering and pain that follows the death of a loved one. This can be achieved through mindfulness, meditation, and the cultivation of a compassionate and understanding mindset.
Previous Year Questions 2014
Q1: How did the Buddha teach Kisa Gotami the truth of life? (Al 2014)
Ans: The Buddha taught Kisa Gotami the truth of life by making her realize the universality of death and the impermanence of life. He asked her to bring him a handful of mustard seeds from a household where no one had experienced death. As she went from house to house, she discovered that every family had experienced the loss of a loved one. This experience made her understand that death is an inevitable part of life and that her grief was futile. The Buddha’s teaching helped her to accept the reality of death and find inner peace.
Q2: What did the Buddha do after he had attained enlightenment? (Foreign 2014)
Ans: After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha began to teach and share his newfound understanding. He traveled extensively, spreading his teachings and establishing a community of monks and nuns who followed his path. He delivered sermons, known as discourses, and guided his followers on the path to liberation from suffering. The Buddha dedicated the rest of his life to helping others attain enlightenment and find freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
Q3: The Buddha said, “The world is afflicted with death and decay, therefore the wise do not grieve, knowing the terms of the world.” Do you think the statement is appropriate even for today’s life? Write your views in the context of the above statement. (Delhi 2014)
Ans: The statement made by the Buddha, “The world is afflicted with death and decay, therefore the wise do not grieve, knowing the terms of the world,” is still relevant and appropriate in today’s life. Death is an inherent part of the human experience, and everyone will eventually face the loss of loved ones. Grieving is a natural response to such loss, but the Buddha’s teaching reminds us that excessive grief and clinging to the past only prolongs suffering. Accepting the reality of death and embracing the impermanence of life can help us find peace and move forward with compassion and understanding. The wisdom of the Buddha’s statement applies to all times and can guide us in navigating the inevitable losses we encounter in today’s world.
Ans: Ink, the little black kitten, and Blink, the little grey mouse, are portrayed as brave and boastful pets who claim to chase lions down the stairs. However, when real danger appears in the form of a pirate, they flee and hide, revealing that their bravery was only pretence.
Q2: Discuss how the writers use language to create humour in the poem ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ and the play ‘The Proposal’. (Answer in 100-120 words) (6 Marks)
Ans: In “The Tale of Custard the Dragon,” Ogden Nash creates humour through playful language, made-up words, and exaggeration. He uses poetic devices like repetition (“realio trulio”), onomatopoeia (“clatter,” “clank,” “meowch”), and similes (“as brave as a barrel full of bears”) to make the poem lively and amusing. The contrast between Custard’s fierce appearance and his timid nature adds to the comic effect.
In “The Proposal,” Anton Chekhov uses situational and verbal irony to evoke laughter. The exaggerated quarrels between Lomov and Natalya over petty issues like property and dogs make the play humorous. Both writers use irony, exaggeration, and playful language to expose human folly and create light-hearted entertainment.
Q3: Describe the changing reactions of Ink, Blink, and Mustard to Custard’s bravado. (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Ink, Blink, and Mustard initially mock Custard for being a coward, calling him “Percival” and laughing at his desire for a safe cage. However, when the pirate attacks, they flee in fear while Custard bravely fights and kills the pirate. Afterward, they praise him but still boast falsely about their own bravery.
Q4: Read the given extracts and answer the questions :
Belinda giggled till she shook the house, And Blink said Weeck! Which is giggling for a mouse, Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age, When Custard cried for a nice safe cage. Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound, And Mustard growled, and they all looked around.
I. What inference can be drawn from the repetition of ‘suddenly, suddenly’ in the above extract? (1 Mark)
Ans: The repetition of “suddenly, suddenly” emphasizes the unexpectedness and urgency of the situation, creating suspense and signaling a sudden shift from a playful mood to danger.
II. Despite its symbolism of captivity, what leads Custard to have a preference for staying in a cage? (2 Marks)
Ans: Custard prefers staying in a cage because, despite being a dragon with a fierce appearance, he is timid and fearful. The cage symbolizes safety and comfort, offering him protection from any danger.
III. Select the option that applies the same rhyme scheme as the lines of the first four lines of the given extract: (1 Mark)
(A) Through the telescope she saw a star which she thought was very far She stretched her hand and felt the crumple of the sand.
(B) Through the telescope she saw a star She stretched her hand As it was very far But felt the crumble of the sand.
(C) Through the telescope she saw a star Which she thought was very far Her hand she stretched But felt the crumble of the sand.
(D) Through the telescope she saw a star Which she thought was very far Her hand she stretched afar But felt the crumble of the sand.
In the given extract, the difference between the other animals and Custard is that Custard behaves like a coward.
Q5: Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears, And Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs, Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage, But Custard cried for a nice safe cage. Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful, Ink, Blink and Mustard, they rudely called him Percival.
(i) What poetic device is used in the first sentence ? (1 Mark)
Ans: The irony lies in the fact that Percival, one of King Arthur’s knights, was known for running away due to lack of courage. The pets mock Custard by calling him “Percival,” but later, Custard proves to be the only truly brave one.
(iii) Complete the following suitably: The word ‘unmerciful’ in the given context implies that Belinda is ________. (1 Mark)
Ans: The poem is funny and entertaining. There is use of vivid description, rhyming names of the pets, light-hearted tone and imagination. The light hearted story becomes serious when a pirate enters the scene and then the truth of bravery versus cowardice is brought to light.
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Previous Year Questions 2023
Q2: What character trait is revealed of Custard when he accepts that the other animals are braver than him. (2023)
Ans: Even though he was braver and more courageous than other characters during the pirate attack episode, Custard the Dragon was revealed to be a character full of humility. Although Custard was known to be extremely timid and shy, the entire Belinda household witnessed his bravery and couldn’t believe their eyes.
Q3: How does the poem ‘The Tale of Custard The Dragon’ differ from the traditional ballad ? (Answer the following questions in 40-50 words) (CBSE 2023)
Ans: The poem ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is not a traditional ballad as a ballad narrates the tale of courage and heroism and are usually not humorous. However, this poem is different as it is a humorous ballad that ends with a parody.
Previous Year Questions 2022
Q4: Give one reason why ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is more a fable than a ballad. (2022-23)
Ans: Fable is a fictitious narrative usually with animals, birds, etc. as characters. It also conveys a strong message. On the other hand, a ballad is a narrative verse that can be silly or heroic. The theme of a ballad is an adventure, bravery, romance etc. It is highly musical due to its rhyme scheme. The Tale of Custard the Dragon is a humorous and fictitious story of a dragon named Custard and how he bravely saved everyone from a pirate. The poem may have all the qualities of a ballad but it is a parody. Thus, it qualifies more as a fable than a ballad.
Also read: Very Short Questions: Poem – The Tale of Custard the Dragon
Previous Year Questions 2021
Q5: How would you describe Custard the Dragon? (Term II, 2021-22)
Ans: Custard the Dragon is a character in the poem who is initially portrayed as a cowardly dragon. However, he later proves this tag to be untrue by displaying bravery and courage.
Q6: How did Custard prove ‘the cowardly dragon tag’ to be untrue? (Term II, 2021-22)
Ans: When a pirate appeared, everyone refused to attack except Custard. He faced the pirate courageously, jumping in front of him and making dangerous gestures. The pirate fired shots at Custard, but he managed to swallow the pirate whole, proving his bravery.
Q7: A ballad includes the telling of a tale as well as a surprise ending. Using evidence from the poem, explain how these features are included in ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’. (Term II, 2021-22)
Ans: A ballad is a poem that tells a story. The theme of a ballad is an adventure, bravery, romance, etc. The ballad is highly musical due to its rhyme scheme. The Tale of Custard the Dragon has these qualities. But it is a parody of a ballad. The poet shows these qualities in a humorous way.
Custard was always teased as being the cowardly one, by all others.
When the pirate arrived, others ran away to hide
Custard was the only one who stood up to fight with him/who attacked him.
Previous Year Questions 2018
Q9: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (2018) Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful, Ink, Blink and Mustard, they rudely called him Percival, They all sat laughing in the little red wagon At the realio, trulio, cowardly dragon. (a) Who was tickled by Belinda? (b) Why did she tickle ‘him’? (c) Who are Ink, Blink and Mustard? (d) Why did they all laugh at ‘him’?
Ans: (a) Custard the dragon was tickled by Belinda. (b) She tickled him in order to tease or make fun of him. (c) Ink is a black kitten, Blink is a little grey mouse, and Mustard is a dog. (d) They all laughed at ‘him’ because they thought he was a coward.
Extract Based Questions Test: The Tale of Custard the Dragon
Previous Year Questions 2014
Q10: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (AI2014) Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful, Ink, Blink and Mustard, they rudely called him Percival, They all sat laughing in the little red wagon At the realio, trulio, cowardly dragon. (a) Who is Belinda? (b) Howdid Belinda and the other pets laugh at the dragon? (c) Which word in this extract means the same as ‘unkind’?
Ans: (a) Belinda is the little girl who is the owner of the cat, mouse, dog, and the dragon. (b) Belinda and the other pets sat in a little red wagon and laughed at the dragon. (c) The word that means the same as ‘unkind’ in this extract is ‘rudely’.
Q1: Amanda and Valli both represent a longing for freedom. Examine the above observation with reference to the two texts. (Answer in 100-120 words) (6 Marks)
Ans: Both Amanda and Valli long for freedom and independence, though in different ways. In the poem “Amanda”, the girl wishes to escape constant instructions and restrictions from adults. She dreams of being a mermaid, Rapunzel, or an orphan — all symbols of peace, freedom, and a life without control. Her imagination becomes her only escape from the nagging world around her.
In the story “Madam Rides the Bus”, Valli too desires freedom, but she expresses it through action. Her wish to ride the bus alone shows her determination, curiosity, and courage to explore the world outside her village. Both girls reflect a child’s natural urge for self-expression, independence, and discovery, showing how innocence seeks freedom in its own way.
Q2: Valli found joy and fascination in the simple act of watching the bus pass through her village. What does this reveal about her perspective on life and her surroundings? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Valli’s joy in watching the bus shows her curiosity, imagination, and appreciation for simple things. She finds excitement in everyday sights and turns an ordinary event into a dream. This reveals her keen observation, childlike wonder, and ability to find happiness in the small experiences of life.
Q3: How did Valli manage to gather information about the bus ride she was planning? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Valli gathered information about the bus ride by listening carefully to conversations between her neighbours and regular bus travellers. She also asked a few discreet questions. In this way, she learnt the distance to the town, the fare of thirty paise, and the time taken for the journey.
Q4: Saving money for the bus journey was not easy for Valli. Explain. (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Saving money for the bus journey was difficult for Valli because she received only a few stray coins occasionally. She had to resist temptations to buy peppermints, toys, and balloons. Even at the village fair, she controlled her desire to ride the merry-go-round, showing her strong determination and self-discipline.
Q5: Valli did not board the bus impulsively. Justify. (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Valli did not board the bus impulsively; she planned her trip carefully. Over months, she gathered details about the fare, distance, and timing, and saved sixty paise for the ride. She even chose the afternoon hours when her mother would be napping, showing her thoughtful preparation and maturity.
Q6: Why was Valli’s excitement on the bus dampened on her return journey? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Valli’s excitement was dampened on her return journey when she saw the same young cow lying dead by the roadside. Moments earlier, the cow had amused her, but now its lifeless body shocked and saddened her. This experience made her realize the harsh reality of life and death.
Q7: How does Valli’s journey to the city serve as her initiation into understanding the profound mysteries of life and death, and how does her inquisitive nature shape her perceptions as she encounters these aspects of human existence? (Answer in about 100-120 words) (6 Marks)
Ans: Valli’s bus journey marks her first step into the wider world beyond her village and introduces her to life’s deeper realities. Her inquisitive and observant nature drives her to explore the world with excitement and innocence. At first, she is thrilled by the sights outside the window — green fields, mountains, and bustling streets — which fill her with joy and wonder. However, when she later sees the dead cow on her return, her happiness turns into sorrow and reflection. Through this moment, she begins to understand that life also involves pain and loss. Thus, Valli’s simple bus ride becomes a journey of discovery, transforming her childish curiosity into a deeper awareness of life and death.
Q8: Self-doubt and fear often act as barriers to success. On the other hand, curiosity leads to learning new things. Justify the statement citing instances from ‘His First Flight’ and ‘Madam Rides the Bus’. (Answer in about 100-120 words) (6 Marks)
Ans: Both “His First Flight” and “Madam Rides the Bus” highlight how overcoming fear through curiosity and courage leads to growth and success. In “His First Flight,” the young seagull is afraid to fly despite knowing how to use his wings. His fear keeps him hungry and helpless until he finally takes a leap of faith, discovering the joy of flying. Similarly, in “Madam Rides the Bus,” young Valli’s curiosity about the world motivates her to plan and experience her first bus journey alone. Though small and inexperienced, she shows great determination and courage. Both characters prove that once fear and doubt are conquered, confidence and learning follow, turning simple acts into powerful steps of self-discovery.
Q9: Valli emerges as a meticulous planner. Elaborate with evidence from the text. (Answer in 30-40 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Valli is a meticulous planner as she gathers every detail about the bus journey — its fare, distance, and timings. She saves sixty paise carefully and chooses the time when her mother naps, ensuring her plan goes smoothly without anyone knowing.
Q10: The journeys of Anne Frank and Valli teach us the vital lesson that optimism and self-assurance empower women to rise above circumstances and overcome obstacles. Examine the similarities. (Answer in about 100-120 words) (6 Marks)
Ans: Both Anne Frank and Valli show how optimism and self-assurance help young girls overcome limitations. Anne, confined during the war, faces fear and uncertainty with hope and courage. Through her diary, she expresses faith in goodness and remains emotionally strong despite her situation. Similarly, Valli, a small village girl, displays remarkable confidence and independence when she plans and undertakes her first bus journey alone. Her curiosity, determination, and courage allow her to step beyond her restricted world. Both girls challenge societal and situational barriers with their inner strength and optimism, proving that even in difficult circumstances, self-belief empowers women to explore, learn, and rise above constraints.
Previous Year Questions 2023
Q1: How did Valli save money to travel by bus? (2023)
Ans: Valli saved every coin that came her way. She made great sacrifices by controlling her normal childish urges of having candies, toys, and joyrides.
Q2: Why did Valli spend her time all alone and what became her favourite pastime? (2023)
Ans: Valli spent her time all alone because there were no playmates of her own age group. Her favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house and watching what was happening in the street outside. For her, it was every bit as enjoyable as any of the elaborate games other children played.
Q3: What stopped Valli from going to the stall to have a drink? What do we learn about Valli from this? (2023)
Ans: Valli did not have any money to go to the stall and have a drink. Even when the conductor offered her a cold drink free of charge, she refused firmly and said that she only wanted her ticket. This shows that Valli had a lot of self-will and pride.
Q4: The people and surroundings are a great book to learn from, Valli in the lesson ‘Madam Rides the Bus’ learns a lot from others. Mention the traits of her character which help her to learn from people and her surroundings. (2023)
Ans: Valli possesses several traits that enable her to learn from people and her surroundings in the story ‘Madam Rides the Bus’. Firstly, she is curious and observant, constantly watching the hustle and bustle of the street and the people around her. This curiosity allows her to gather information and learn from the experiences of others. Secondly, Valli is proactive in seeking knowledge. She actively engages in conversations with her neighbors and asks questions to gather more information about bus rides. This shows her willingness to learn from others and her ability to seek out knowledge. Furthermore, Valli’s determination and resourcefulness play a role in her learning. She saves money and plans meticulously for her bus journey, showcasing her determination to achieve her dream. This determination helps her overcome obstacles and learn from her experiences. Overall, Valli’s traits of curiosity, proactivity, determination, and resourcefulness enable her to learn from both people and her surroundings, making her a character who seeks knowledge and grows through her experiences.
Q5: Whenever we want to achieve something, difficulties always come in our way. What did Valli have to do to go and ride in a bus? (CBSE 2023)
Ans: It is true that in order to achieve our desires, we have to struggle a lot. Valliammai, an 8-yearold girl, is a good example of this. Valli had a desire to ride a bus alone. To achieve her dream, she had to make so many efforts. She planned the entire journey on her own at such a young age. She discovered the bus timings, stops and its fare from her friends and people in general. Valli’s meticulous planning made her successful in her maiden bus journey. She paid her own fare, travelled alone and returned safely to her village the same day without getting down the bus. She even restrained herself from losing money to cold-drinks or toys in the town as she had to buy the return ticket with it. Valli’s journey proved us that even if difficulties come our way, we can achieve our dreams if we are headstrong.
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Previous Year Questions 2021
Q6:Valli was sensitive, but at the same time she was fearless and quite determined. Explain with reference to the text. (Term II, 2021-22)
Ans: In the story “Madam Rides the Bus,” Valli, an eight-year-old girl, displayed both sensitivity and fearlessness. Despite being sensitive, she was not afraid to pursue her desire to ride the bus. She gathered information about the bus by listening to conversations and asking questions, showing her determination. Valli also faced the temptation to spend her money on treats and toys but resisted it in order to save for her bus fare. When she finally boarded the bus alone, she showed fearlessness by refusing help, rejecting free treats, and not talking to strangers. These actions demonstrate Valli’s sensitivity towards her own desires and the determination and fearlessness she possessed to achieve them.
Q7:Valli was a mature girl and ahead of her age. Justify the statement with evidence from the text. (Madam Rides the Bus) (Term II, 2021-22)
Ans: The statement that Valli was a mature girl and ahead of her age is justified by her actions and decisions in the story “Madam Rides the Bus.” Despite being only eight years old, Valli displayed remarkable maturity in her planning and execution of her bus ride. She gathered all the necessary information and carefully saved money for her fare. Valli also showed independence and self-reliance by boarding the bus alone and refusing help from others. Her ability to handle herself confidently and responsibly in unfamiliar situations demonstrates a level of maturity beyond her age.
Q8:As Valli, make a diary entry about your experience of riding the bus alone for the first time. (Madam Rides the Bus) (Term II, 2021-22)
Ans: 17th July Saturday Dear Diary Today, I had the chance to experience and fulfil one of my dearest and lifelong dream- riding the bus. I have been always just a spectator, watching people travel by bus. But today, I was one of them. The bus ride in itself was a great experience. Not only was I able to travel successfully. I also managed to return safely, even paying for my own fares. I saw a lot of new things along the route, things outside of my small village. I really enjoyed the journey. But one thing that I learned out of the whole journey was the complexity of life. This was a result of the death of the young cow. I saw running in the traffic. While on my way to town, it was alive and trying to cross the road, which gave me a good laugh just watching the young animal. But on my way back home, I saw that same cow, dead on the side of the road. This left me wondering limited nature and complexity of our lives and how death can come anytime. I did not expect to encounter today’s tragic event. But I am also glad that I was able to experience it too. Good night Love Valli
Q9: Valli is very organized, bold and at the same time very sensitive. Comment. (2021C)
Ans: Valli displays traits of being organized, bold, and sensitive throughout the story. She meticulously plans her bus trip, collecting money for the fare and ensuring she is self-sufficient. Her determination and organization skills are evident in her refusal to accept help from others and her demand to be treated like an adult. This shows her boldness and independence. Additionally, Valli’s sensitivity is seen when she witnesses a tragic incident on her bus journey and is deeply moved by it. This indicates that she is emotionally sensitive and empathetic towards others. Overall, Valli’s combination of organization, boldness, and sensitivity make her a well-rounded and admirable character.
Previous Year Questions 2020
Q10: “Valli’s bus journey was a joyride full of pleasant and new experiences.” Why/ Why not? (2020C)
Ans: Valli’s bus journey can be described as a joyride full of pleasant and new experiences. Firstly, Valli had always dreamed of riding the bus, and being able to fulfill this dream brought her immense joy and excitement. The anticipation and thrill of the journey itself made it a pleasant experience for Valli. During the bus ride, Valli had the opportunity to observe the scenery from the window, which was a new experience for her. She was amused and excited by the sights she encountered along the way, such as a young cow running across the street. These new sights added to the joy and novelty of the journey. While on the bus, Valli also had interactions with the conductor and other passengers, which provided her with new experiences and perspectives. She was able to assert her independence and demand respect, which further added to the joy she felt during the journey. However, it is important to note that Valli’s joyride was not without its challenges and moments of sadness. She witnessed a tragic incident involving the death of a cow, which deeply moved and saddened her. This momentary sadness, though, does not overshadow the overall joy and pleasantness of Valli’s bus journey.
Q11: “Valli was a mature girl and ahead of her age.” Justify the statement with instances from the text. (100 – 150 words) (2020)
Ans: Valli’s character in the story ‘Madam Rides the Bus’ portrays her as a mature girl who is ahead of her age. One instance that showcases her maturity is her meticulous planning and organization for her bus journey. Despite being only eight years old, Valli saves money, gathers information, and plans her trip independently. This level of responsibility and foresight is characteristic of someone beyond her years. Furthermore, Valli displays a sense of self-confidence and assertiveness that is uncommon for her age. She refuses to accept help from others and demands to be treated like an adult. This shows her independence and a maturity in her understanding of her own capabilities. Additionally, Valli’s emotional intelligence is evident in how she handles a tragic incident during her bus journey. When she witnesses the death of a cow, she accepts it as a part of life and handles it with maturity and grace, showing empathy and understanding. Overall, Valli’s ability to plan and organize, her assertiveness, and her emotional intelligence demonstrate her maturity and place her ahead of her age.
Also read: Worksheet: Madam Rides the Bus
Previous Year Questions 2019
Q12: What was the most fascinating thing that Valli saw on the street? (CBSE 2019)
Ans: The most fascinating thing that Valli saw on the street was the sight of the bus which travelled from her village to the nearest town. The bus was filled with a new set of passengers each time. Watching the bus come and go was a source of unending joy for Valli. She harbours a strong desire to ride the bus one day and even plans for it meticulously.
Q13: Valli’s dream was to enjoy a ride on the bus to the nearest town. What preparations did she make to realize her dream? (Al 2019)
Ans: Valli made several preparations to realize her dream of enjoying a bus ride to the nearest town. Firstly, she gathered information about the distance, time, and ticket fare for the bus journey. She listened to conversations between her neighbors who frequently traveled by bus and asked questions to collect more information. This research helped her plan her trip effectively. Secondly, Valli saved money to pay for the bus fare. She resisted the temptation to spend her money on peppermints, candy, and the merry-go-round, and instead, saved every penny she could. This required discipline and self-control. Additionally, Valli planned the timing of her bus ride strategically. She chose to travel during a time when her mother would be fast asleep, ensuring that she could embark on the journey without any obstacles. Furthermore, Valli made the decision to travel alone, showing her independence and determination to fulfill her dream. She did not seek help from anyone and refused free treats from the conductor, wanting to be treated like an adult. In summary, Valli’s preparations included gathering information, saving money, planning the timing of her journey, and choosing to travel alone. These preparations demonstrate her determination and resourcefulness in realizing her dream.
Previous Year Questions 2017
Q14:Whenever we want to achieve something, difficulties always come in our way. What did Valli have to do to go and ride in a bus? (Delhi 2017)
Ans: Valli had to overcome several difficulties in order to ride the bus. She had to gather information about the bus by listening to others’ conversations and asking questions. Valli also had to save money for her fare, resisting the temptation to spend it on treats and toys. Additionally, she had to plan her journey carefully, choosing the right time to go when her mother was asleep. Despite these obstacles, Valli’s determination and perseverance allowed her to fulfill her desire of riding the bus.
Q15:Once we decide to achieve something, so many difficulties come in our way. With focused attention we can make that achievement. How did Valli succeed in fulfilling her desire of riding a bus? (Al 2017)
Ans: Valli faced numerous difficulties in her quest to ride the bus, but she was able to overcome them through focused attention and determination. She gathered information about the bus, saved money for her fare, and planned her journey meticulously. Despite the temptations of treats and toys, Valli remained focused on her goal and resisted the urge to spend her savings. She also navigated the bus journey alone, refusing help and staying cautious. Valli’s unwavering focus and determination allowed her to fulfill her desire of riding the bus.
Q16:We want to fulfill our desires. Some temptations always come in our way. We have to face them. How did Valli fight the temptations that came in her way and manage to fulfill her desire of enjoying a bus ride? (Foreign 2017)
Ans: Valli faced various temptations while trying to save money for her bus fare, but she fought against them in order to fulfill her desire of riding the bus. She resisted the temptation to spend her money on peppermints, candy, and a merry-go-round ride. Despite her longing for these treats and experiences, Valli stayed focused on her goal and prioritized saving for the bus ride. Her determination and self-control allowed her to overcome these temptations and ultimately enjoy the bus ride she had been longing for.
Q17:In the modern era, people are selfish and insensitive to the sufferings of their neighbors. But Valli is not one of them. She grieves over the accidental death of a young cow. Thus, Valli’s character brings forth some values. Discuss these values on the basis of ‘Madam Rides the Bus’. (Delhi 2017 C)
Ans: Valli’s character in “Madam Rides the Bus” exemplifies important values in the modern era, where people are often seen as selfish and insensitive. When Valli witnesses the accidental death of a young cow, she grieves over its loss, showing compassion and empathy. This demonstrates her value for the well-being and suffering of others, even animals. Valli’s sensitivity towards the cow’s death highlights the importance of caring for and showing concern for the lives of others, regardless of their species. It serves as a reminder that empathy and compassion are essential values that can make a positive impact on the world.
Ans: When Valli saw the dead cow by the roadside her enthusiasm dampened. She became sad and pensive as the memory of the dead cow kept coming back to her, making her think about the uncertainty and fragility of life.
Previous Year Questions 2015
Q19: Why didn’t Valli want to go to the stall and have a drink? What does it tell you about her? (Al 2015)
Ans: Valli didn’t want to go to the stall and have a drink because she was afraid that she would get lost if she got down from the bus. Besides, Valli had very limited money, just enough to buy a ticket for the return journey. This shows that Valli is a responsible and cautious girl who thinks ahead and considers the consequences of her actions.
Q20: Why does the conductor call Valli ‘madam’? (Al 2015)
Ans: The conductor called Valli ‘madam’ because even though she was just an eight-year-old girl, she behaved like a grown-up. She demanded respect and wanted to be treated like an adult because she too had paid her own bus fare like other adults present in the bus. The conductor, seeing Valli behave like that, treated her with respect even though he did it to humor her.
Q21: Give examples to show that Valli was a good planner. (Foreign 2015)
Ans: Valli was a good planner, as evident from the way she planned her first-ever bus journey. She gathered all the required information, such as distance covered, bus fare, arrival and departure time, time taken to travel one way, etc. Valli also made sacrifices to save money for the two-way journey and knew that noon would be the best time to travel because that was when her mother slept after lunch.
Q22: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (Delhi 2015) “Don’t you want to have a look at the sights, now that you’re here? “All by myself? Oh, I’d be much too afraid.Greatly amused by the girl’s way of speaking, the conductor said, “But you weren’t afraid to come in the bus.” “Nothing to be afraid of about that,” she answered. (a) Who is the ‘girl’ mentioned in the passage? (b) Why didn’t she get off the bus when she reached her destination? (c) Write the meaning of the word, “amused”.
Ans: (a) The ‘girl’ mentioned in the passage is eight-year-old Valli. (b) Valli didn’t get off the bus when she reached her destination, the town, because she was too afraid. (c) The word “amused” means to cause someone to find something funny or exciting.
Q23:“Never mind,” she said. “I can get on by myself.” “You don’t have to help me,” said Valli to the conductor. She shows extraordinary courage in making the bus journey all alone. Taking inspiration from Valli’s character, write how the ability and courage to take risks are essential to fulfill one’s dream. (Delhi 2015)
Ans: Valli’s ability and courage to take risks are essential qualities that enabled her to fulfill her dream of riding the bus. Despite being a young girl, she confidently asserted that she could get on the bus by herself and refused help from others. This demonstrates her courage and self-reliance in facing challenges and taking risks. To fulfill one’s dream, it is crucial to have the ability and courage to step out of one’s comfort zone, face uncertainties, and take risks. Valli’s example inspires us to embrace courage and take bold steps towards achieving our goals, even if it means venturing into the unknown.
Also read: Worksheet: Madam Rides the Bus
Previous Year Questions 2014
Q24: Give examples from the text to show that Valli was a meticulous planner. (CBSE 2014)
Ans: Valli was a meticulous planner, as seen in how she planned her first bus journey. She gathered all the necessary information, including the distance covered, bus fare, arrival and departure times, and the duration of the journey. She also saved money for the round trip and chose the best time to travel based on her mother’s schedule.
Q25: How can you say that the conductor was a good-natured jolly fellow? Support your answer with examples. (Foreign 2014)
Ans: The conductor can be considered a good-natured jolly fellow because he treated Valli with respect and humor. Despite her young age, Valli demanded to be treated like an adult and paid her own bus fare. The conductor, recognizing Valli’s confidence and maturity, called her ‘madam’ and treated her respectfully.
Q26: Why does Valli stand upon the seat? What does she see now? (Delhi 2014)
Ans: Valli stands upon the seat to get a better view of the city. From there, she sees the tall buildings, the shops, the people, and the traffic. This elevated perspective allows her to take in the sights and experience the thrill of being in a bustling city.
Q27: Why does the conductor refer to Valli as ‘Madam’? (Delhi 2014)
Ans: The conductor refers to Valli as ‘madam’ because even though she is just an eight-year-old girl, she behaves like a grown-up. Valli demands respect and wants to be treated like an adult because she has paid her own bus fare, just like the other adults on the bus do. The conductor calls her ‘madam’ to humor her and acknowledge her maturity.
Q28:Behavior of the conductor in ‘Madam Rides the Bus’ is an example of good manners. Mentioning the instances of good manners shown by the conductor in the story, write how you can make your life happy by observing good manners. (Al 2014)
Ans: The conductor in ‘Madam Rides the Bus’ displayed good manners throughout the story. First, he extended his hand to help Valli get on the bus, showing courtesy and kindness. He also ensured that Valli was comfortable during the journey and cautioned her about safety. When he learned that Valli would be scared to venture out alone in the town, he offered to fetch her something to drink. These instances of good manners from the conductor remind us of the importance of treating others with respect, kindness, and consideration. By observing good manners in our own lives, we can create a positive and harmonious environment, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to our own happiness as well as the happiness of those around us.
Q29:Valli was so overcome with sadness to see the dead cow that she lost all enthusiasm. Do you feel the same way? If you feel concerned about the plight of animals falling prey to the fast-moving traffic, what efforts will you make to make road travel safer? (Foreign 2014)
Ans: The death of the young cow in ‘Madam Rides the Bus’ deeply affected Valli, leading to a loss of enthusiasm. If I were in a similar situation and felt concerned about the plight of animals falling prey to fast-moving traffic, I would take the following efforts to make road travel safer:
Promote awareness: I would spread awareness about the dangers faced by animals on the road due to fast-moving traffic. This could be done through campaigns, educational programs, and social media platforms.
Advocate for animal-friendly infrastructure: I would raise my voice and advocate for the development of safe spaces for animals, such as animal crossings or fenced areas, to prevent them from accessing busy roads.
Support animal welfare organizations: I would contribute to and support organizations working towards animal welfare, such as those involved in rescuing and rehabilitating injured animals, providing veterinary care, and promoting responsible pet ownership.
Encourage responsible driving: I would promote responsible driving habits, such as obeying speed limits, refraining from using mobile phones while driving, and being vigilant for animals on the road.
Engage with local authorities: I would communicate with local authorities to address road safety concerns and advocate for the implementation of measures to protect animals, such as speed bumps, warning signs, or designated animal crossing areas.
By taking these efforts, we can contribute to making road travel safer for animals and prevent them from falling prey to fast-moving traffic.
Q30: How did Valli feel about seeing the dead cow on the road? (Answer the following questions in 40-50 words) (CBSE 2014)
Ans: When Valli saw the dead cow on the roadside, she became extremely sad and pensive. The dreadful event dampened her enthusiasm. Thereafter she had no desire to look out of the window and kept glued to her seat till she reached the village.
Previous Year Questions 2013
Q31: Why does Valli stand up on the seat? What does she see now? (CBSE 2013)
Ans: The canvas blind of the window had cut-off Valli’s outside view from the window. So, she stands up on her seat to take a view from the upper half of the window. Now, she saw that the road was very narrow, on one side of which there was the canal and beyond it were palm trees, grassland, distant mountains, and the blue sky.
Q1: Mijbil’s transportation to England was no less than a nightmare for the author. Justify the statement using incidents from the lesson. (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Mijbil’s transportation to England was indeed a nightmare for Maxwell. The airline refused to carry animals, forcing him to take another route via Paris. Mij injured himself while trying to escape from the box, leaving it blood-stained. During the flight, he escaped, causing chaos in the plane until the air hostess helped retrieve him.
Q2: What efforts did the narrator make to get his mail from Europe? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: The narrator went to the Consulate-General at Basra to collect his mail from Europe but found that only his friend’s mail had arrived. He cabled England for information and waited three days. He then tried to telephone, but due to technical faults and holidays, his call was repeatedly delayed.
Q3: Mijbil spent most of his time in play. Elaborate. (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Mijbil loved to play all the time. He would shuffle a rubber ball around like a four-footed soccer player and even throw it high using his neck. His favourite game was lying on his back and juggling marbles on his belly without dropping them, showing his playful and intelligent nature.
Q4: How was Mijbil to be transported to England? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Mijbil was to be transported to England by air. Since the British airline refused to carry animals, Maxwell booked a flight to Paris on another airline. The airline instructed that Mij be kept in a box not more than eighteen inches square, placed on the floor at Maxwell’s feet during the flight.
Q5: The inherent instinct for freedom is a fundamental trait in all living creatures. Justify this statement with reference to Mijbil the Otter and A Tiger in the Zoo. (100-120 words) (6 marks)
Ans: Both Mijbil the Otter and A Tiger in the Zoo highlight the natural instinct for freedom in animals. In Mijbil the Otter, Mij shows his playful and free spirit whenever he is near water. He loves plunging, rolling, and splashing around, and even learns to turn the tap himself. However, when confined in a small box during his journey to England, he injures himself trying to escape, showing his discomfort and longing for freedom. Similarly, in A Tiger in the Zoo, the tiger paces restlessly in his cage, yearning for the freedom of the forest where he could hunt and roam freely. Both animals reveal that captivity suppresses their natural instincts and that true happiness lies in freedom.
Q6: The story, Mijbil the Otter has it all – emotions, humour, certain surprising incidents and the freshness of a new and unique type of story. Explain how Maxwell has highlighted these in his story. (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Maxwell’s story beautifully blends emotion, humour, and surprise. His deep affection for Mijbil shows genuine emotion, while incidents like Mij opening the tap or creating chaos in the aircraft add humour. The story’s freshness lies in its unique subject — the author’s loving bond with an otter, an uncommon pet.
Q7:Mijbil the Otter is portrayed as an intelligent, friendly, and playful animal who thrives on affection. Discuss how these traits are depicted in the story Mijbil the Otter by Gavin Maxwell. (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Mijbil is shown as intelligent when he learns to open the tap and play with a ball like a soccer player. He is friendly and affectionate, shown by the way he nuzzles Maxwell’s face on the plane. His playful nature is evident in his love for water and juggling marbles.
Previous Year Questions 2024
Q1: Maxwell decides to keep an otter as a pet. Elucidate with reference to the fact that owning a pet is a life of commitment. (CBSE 2024)
Ans: Keeping a pet requires commitment. The pet is dependant on the master and so, one has to take care of it at all times. When Mijbil played with water in the bathroom, Maxwell had to take care the pet did not drown. Once when he left Mijbil unattended, the pet hurt itself and bled. The author had to change the airline because some of them did not fly animals. During the flight, Maxwell endured hardships due to Mijbil’s recklessness. Thus, Maxwell had to be highly committed to Mijbil.
Get additional INR 200 off today with EDUREV200 coupon.
Previous Year Questions 2022
Q2: Mijbil and the Tiger, both were looked after by humans. Assume they both meet each other in the zoo and have a conversation about their lifestyle and feelings. Write this conversation as per your understanding of Mijbil the Otter and A Tiger in the Zoo. You may begin like this Tiger: Thanks for visiting me, though I don’t usually like visitors. Mijbil: Oh? I would love visitors, I think. (2022-23)
Tiger: Thanks for visiting me, though I don’t usually like visitors
Mijbil: Oh? I would love visitors, I think
Tiger: Why do you think that is? How on earth can you appreciate these obnoxious people who put me in this cage?
Mijbil: This is how I feel comfortable. That is why I do not despise them and believe that I am safe in this way.
Tiger: How can you feel safe when you’re not in your natural habitat, the jungles?
Mijbil: I don’t think I’d be able to survive in the wild because I’m not as big and scary as you in the wild, any predator can easily harm me
Tiger: I see but they can learn to co-exist. It is their nonsensical activities such as hitting us with stones etc that make us attack them. If they learn how to behave then we will stay out of their way.
Mijbil: I understand your reasoning and am sorry for your predicament. I hope they can learn to coexist one day, but I also want you to be pleased about your circumstances.
Tiger: It is easier said than done, but I shall give it my best.
Also watch: Video: Mijbil the Otter
Previous Year Questions 2019
Q3: Why does Maxwell say that the air hostess was ‘the very queen of her kind? (2019 C)
Ans: Maxwell said that the air hostess was ‘the very queen of her kind’ because she was extremely friendly and helpful. He narrated the whole incident with the box to the hostess and he took her into his confidence. The air hostess suggested him to keep the pet in his knee. This had an impact and made an impression on the otter and its owner.
Q4: Why did Maxwell go to Basra? How long did he have to wait there and why? (2019 C)
Ans: Maxwell had to go to Basra to the Consulate-General, to collect and answer his mail from Europe and he had to wait there for five days. His mail had not reached on time and his telephone line was not working well. Only after waiting for five days his mail arrived.
Ans: Mr. Maxwell wanted an otter as a pet while travelling in southern Iraq. A few days later, in Basra, two Arab men delivered a sack to his hotel room. The note from Mr. Maxwell’s friend stated that he had sent the otter to him.
Q6: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (Delhi 2019) When I casually mentioned this to a friend, he casually replied that, I had better get one in the Tigris marshes, for there they were as common as mosquitoes, and were often tamed by the Arabs. We were going to Basra to the Consulate-General to collect and answer our mail from Europe. At the Consulate-General we found that my friend’s mail had arrived but that mine had not.
Ans: When Maxwell first took Mijbil to his bathroom, he couldn’t resist and went wild in the water. He plunged and rolled in the bathtub. Two days after that, Mijbil escaped to the bathroom himself and turned on the taps with his paws.
Previous Year Questions 2017
Q8: What game did Mijbil invent in London? (Delhi 2017 C)
Ans: The game that Mij invented in London was with a ping-pong ball. Mijbil would place the ball on the high end of a broken suitcase and when the ball would run down the length of the suitcase Mijbil would rush to the other end to ambush its arrival. Then he would do it all over again.
Ans: The game that Mij invented in London was with a ping-pong ball. Mijbil would place the ball on the high end of a broken suitcase and when the ball would run down the length of the suitcase Mijbil would rush to the other end to ambush its arrival. Then he would do it all over again.
Also watch: Video: Mijbil the Otter
Previous Year Questions 2015
Q10: What special characteristic of Mijbil did Maxwell learn after he took him to the bathroom? (Delhi 2015)
Ans: After he took him to the bathroom, Maxwell learned about a special characteristic of Mijbil. The otter went wild with joy in the water. He plunged into the water and rolled in it. Mijbil even splashed water to express his enjoyment. Watching Mijbil enjoying water, Maxwell realised that for otters, water must always be kept moving and must be made to do things; still or stagnant water caused them anger/frustration.
Q11: What guesses did the Londoners make about what Mijbil was? (Delhi 2015)
Ans: Londoners would never guess that Mijbil was an otter. Some of the random guesses were: baby seal, a squirrel, a walrus, a dog, a hippo, beaver, bear cub, leopard, even a brontosaur.
Q12: What compulsive habits had Mijbil developed? (Al 2015)
Ans: While they were in London, Mijbil developed some compulsive habits. Like children on their way to school, Mijbil would place his feet squarely on the centre of each pair of block or touch the iron railing or lamp post. Especially while coming back home, Mijbil would tug his owner to the wall of a primary school, jump on to it, and gallop the full length of its thirty yards.
Q13: What happened when Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom? What does it tell us about Mijbil? (Foreign 2015)
Ans: When Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom, Mijbil enjoyed himself immensely in the water in the bathtub. He would plunge into the water, roll in it, shoot up and down the length of the bathtub underwater. It shows Mijbil’s playfulness and love for water.
Q14: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (Delhi 2015)
Early in the New Year of 1956,1 travelled to Southern Iraq. By then it had crossed my mind that I should like to keep an otter instead of a dog, and that Camusfearna, ringed by water a stone’s throw from its door, would be an eminently suitable spot for this experiment.
(a) What ‘experiment’ did Maxwell think Camusfearna would be suitable for?
Ans: The phrase ‘crossed my mind’ means that the idea or thought came to one’s mind or was considered briefly.
Q15: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (Al 2015) When I casually mentioned this to a friend, he casually replied that I had better get one in the Tigris marshes, for there they were as common as mosquitoes, and were often tamed by Arabs.
(a) What did the author, Maxwell, casually mention to his friend?
Ans: Maxwell could easily get his pet in the Tigris Marshes because otters are found there as commonly as mosquitoes. Moreover, they are often tamed by Arabs.
Ans: When Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom, Mijbil enjoyed himself immensely in the water in the bathtub. He would plunge into the water, roll in it, shoot up and down the length of the bathtub underwater.
Q17: Give an example from the text to show that Mijbil is an intelligent animal. (Al 2015)
Ans: Two days after his first encounter with water in the author’s bathroom, Mijbil was seen (by the author) dashing towards the bathroom. When the author followed Mijbil there, he was amazed to see that Mijbil was fumbling at the chromium taps with his paws. In slightly more than thirty seconds, Mijbil had succeeded in turning the tap far enough to produce a trickle of water, and soon enough turned it some more to achieve the full flow. This shows that Mijbil was an intelligent animal.
Previous Year Questions 2025
Q1: Mijbil’s transportation to England was no less than a nightmare for the author. Justify the statement using incidents from the lesson. (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Mijbil’s transportation to England was indeed a nightmare for Maxwell. The airline refused to carry animals, forcing him to take another route via Paris. Mij injured himself while trying to escape from the box, leaving it blood-stained. During the flight, he escaped, causing chaos in the plane until the air hostess helped retrieve him.
Q2: What efforts did the narrator make to get his mail from Europe? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: The narrator went to the Consulate-General at Basra to collect his mail from Europe but found that only his friend’s mail had arrived. He cabled England for information and waited three days. He then tried to telephone, but due to technical faults and holidays, his call was repeatedly delayed.
Q3: Mijbil spent most of his time in play. Elaborate. (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Mijbil loved to play all the time. He would shuffle a rubber ball around like a four-footed soccer player and even throw it high using his neck. His favourite game was lying on his back and juggling marbles on his belly without dropping them, showing his playful and intelligent nature.
Q4: How was Mijbil to be transported to England? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Mijbil was to be transported to England by air. Since the British airline refused to carry animals, Maxwell booked a flight to Paris on another airline. The airline instructed that Mij be kept in a box not more than eighteen inches square, placed on the floor at Maxwell’s feet during the flight.
Q5: The inherent instinct for freedom is a fundamental trait in all living creatures. Justify this statement with reference to Mijbil the Otter and A Tiger in the Zoo. (100-120 words) (6 marks)
Ans: Both Mijbil the Otter and A Tiger in the Zoo highlight the natural instinct for freedom in animals. In Mijbil the Otter, Mij shows his playful and free spirit whenever he is near water. He loves plunging, rolling, and splashing around, and even learns to turn the tap himself. However, when confined in a small box during his journey to England, he injures himself trying to escape, showing his discomfort and longing for freedom. Similarly, in A Tiger in the Zoo, the tiger paces restlessly in his cage, yearning for the freedom of the forest where he could hunt and roam freely. Both animals reveal that captivity suppresses their natural instincts and that true happiness lies in freedom.
Q6: The story, Mijbil the Otter has it all – emotions, humour, certain surprising incidents and the freshness of a new and unique type of story. Explain how Maxwell has highlighted these in his story. (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Maxwell’s story beautifully blends emotion, humour, and surprise. His deep affection for Mijbil shows genuine emotion, while incidents like Mij opening the tap or creating chaos in the aircraft add humour. The story’s freshness lies in its unique subject — the author’s loving bond with an otter, an uncommon pet.
Q7:Mijbil the Otter is portrayed as an intelligent, friendly, and playful animal who thrives on affection. Discuss how these traits are depicted in the story Mijbil the Otter by Gavin Maxwell. (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Mijbil is shown as intelligent when he learns to open the tap and play with a ball like a soccer player. He is friendly and affectionate, shown by the way he nuzzles Maxwell’s face on the plane. His playful nature is evident in his love for water and juggling marbles.
Previous Year Questions 2024
Q1: Maxwell decides to keep an otter as a pet. Elucidate with reference to the fact that owning a pet is a life of commitment. (CBSE 2024)
Ans: Keeping a pet requires commitment. The pet is dependant on the master and so, one has to take care of it at all times. When Mijbil played with water in the bathroom, Maxwell had to take care the pet did not drown. Once when he left Mijbil unattended, the pet hurt itself and bled. The author had to change the airline because some of them did not fly animals. During the flight, Maxwell endured hardships due to Mijbil’s recklessness. Thus, Maxwell had to be highly committed to Mijbil.
Get additional INR 200 off today with EDUREV200 coupon.
Previous Year Questions 2022
Q2: Mijbil and the Tiger, both were looked after by humans. Assume they both meet each other in the zoo and have a conversation about their lifestyle and feelings. Write this conversation as per your understanding of Mijbil the Otter and A Tiger in the Zoo. You may begin like this Tiger: Thanks for visiting me, though I don’t usually like visitors. Mijbil: Oh? I would love visitors, I think. (2022-23)
Tiger: Thanks for visiting me, though I don’t usually like visitors
Mijbil: Oh? I would love visitors, I think
Tiger: Why do you think that is? How on earth can you appreciate these obnoxious people who put me in this cage?
Mijbil: This is how I feel comfortable. That is why I do not despise them and believe that I am safe in this way.
Tiger: How can you feel safe when you’re not in your natural habitat, the jungles?
Mijbil: I don’t think I’d be able to survive in the wild because I’m not as big and scary as you in the wild, any predator can easily harm me
Tiger: I see but they can learn to co-exist. It is their nonsensical activities such as hitting us with stones etc that make us attack them. If they learn how to behave then we will stay out of their way.
Mijbil: I understand your reasoning and am sorry for your predicament. I hope they can learn to coexist one day, but I also want you to be pleased about your circumstances.
Tiger: It is easier said than done, but I shall give it my best.
Also watch: Video: Mijbil the Otter
Previous Year Questions 2019
Q3: Why does Maxwell say that the air hostess was ‘the very queen of her kind? (2019 C)
Ans: Maxwell said that the air hostess was ‘the very queen of her kind’ because she was extremely friendly and helpful. He narrated the whole incident with the box to the hostess and he took her into his confidence. The air hostess suggested him to keep the pet in his knee. This had an impact and made an impression on the otter and its owner.
Q4: Why did Maxwell go to Basra? How long did he have to wait there and why? (2019 C)
Ans: Maxwell had to go to Basra to the Consulate-General, to collect and answer his mail from Europe and he had to wait there for five days. His mail had not reached on time and his telephone line was not working well. Only after waiting for five days his mail arrived.
Ans: Mr. Maxwell wanted an otter as a pet while travelling in southern Iraq. A few days later, in Basra, two Arab men delivered a sack to his hotel room. The note from Mr. Maxwell’s friend stated that he had sent the otter to him.
Q6: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (Delhi 2019) When I casually mentioned this to a friend, he casually replied that, I had better get one in the Tigris marshes, for there they were as common as mosquitoes, and were often tamed by the Arabs. We were going to Basra to the Consulate-General to collect and answer our mail from Europe. At the Consulate-General we found that my friend’s mail had arrived but that mine had not.
Ans: When Maxwell first took Mijbil to his bathroom, he couldn’t resist and went wild in the water. He plunged and rolled in the bathtub. Two days after that, Mijbil escaped to the bathroom himself and turned on the taps with his paws.
Previous Year Questions 2017
Q8: What game did Mijbil invent in London? (Delhi 2017 C)
Ans: The game that Mij invented in London was with a ping-pong ball. Mijbil would place the ball on the high end of a broken suitcase and when the ball would run down the length of the suitcase Mijbil would rush to the other end to ambush its arrival. Then he would do it all over again.
Ans: The game that Mij invented in London was with a ping-pong ball. Mijbil would place the ball on the high end of a broken suitcase and when the ball would run down the length of the suitcase Mijbil would rush to the other end to ambush its arrival. Then he would do it all over again.
Also watch: Video: Mijbil the Otter
Previous Year Questions 2015
Q10: What special characteristic of Mijbil did Maxwell learn after he took him to the bathroom? (Delhi 2015)
Ans: After he took him to the bathroom, Maxwell learned about a special characteristic of Mijbil. The otter went wild with joy in the water. He plunged into the water and rolled in it. Mijbil even splashed water to express his enjoyment. Watching Mijbil enjoying water, Maxwell realised that for otters, water must always be kept moving and must be made to do things; still or stagnant water caused them anger/frustration.
Q11: What guesses did the Londoners make about what Mijbil was? (Delhi 2015)
Ans: Londoners would never guess that Mijbil was an otter. Some of the random guesses were: baby seal, a squirrel, a walrus, a dog, a hippo, beaver, bear cub, leopard, even a brontosaur.
Q12: What compulsive habits had Mijbil developed? (Al 2015)
Ans: While they were in London, Mijbil developed some compulsive habits. Like children on their way to school, Mijbil would place his feet squarely on the centre of each pair of block or touch the iron railing or lamp post. Especially while coming back home, Mijbil would tug his owner to the wall of a primary school, jump on to it, and gallop the full length of its thirty yards.
Q13: What happened when Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom? What does it tell us about Mijbil? (Foreign 2015)
Ans: When Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom, Mijbil enjoyed himself immensely in the water in the bathtub. He would plunge into the water, roll in it, shoot up and down the length of the bathtub underwater. It shows Mijbil’s playfulness and love for water.
Q14: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (Delhi 2015)
Early in the New Year of 1956,1 travelled to Southern Iraq. By then it had crossed my mind that I should like to keep an otter instead of a dog, and that Camusfearna, ringed by water a stone’s throw from its door, would be an eminently suitable spot for this experiment.
(a) What ‘experiment’ did Maxwell think Camusfearna would be suitable for?
Ans: The phrase ‘crossed my mind’ means that the idea or thought came to one’s mind or was considered briefly.
Q15: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (Al 2015) When I casually mentioned this to a friend, he casually replied that I had better get one in the Tigris marshes, for there they were as common as mosquitoes, and were often tamed by Arabs.
(a) What did the author, Maxwell, casually mention to his friend?
Ans: Maxwell could easily get his pet in the Tigris Marshes because otters are found there as commonly as mosquitoes. Moreover, they are often tamed by Arabs.
Ans: When Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom, Mijbil enjoyed himself immensely in the water in the bathtub. He would plunge into the water, roll in it, shoot up and down the length of the bathtub underwater.
Q17: Give an example from the text to show that Mijbil is an intelligent animal. (Al 2015)
Ans: Two days after his first encounter with water in the author’s bathroom, Mijbil was seen (by the author) dashing towards the bathroom. When the author followed Mijbil there, he was amazed to see that Mijbil was fumbling at the chromium taps with his paws. In slightly more than thirty seconds, Mijbil had succeeded in turning the tap far enough to produce a trickle of water, and soon enough turned it some more to achieve the full flow. This shows that Mijbil was an intelligent animal.
Q1: Read the following extract and answer the questions: “The leaves strain toward the glass small twigs stiff with exertion long-cramped boughs shuffling under the roof like newly discharged patients half-dazed, moving to the clinic doors.”
(i) How does the comparison between the boughs and newly discharged patients contribute to the theme or message of the poem? (Answer in about 40 words.) (2 Marks)
Ans: The comparison between the boughs and newly discharged patients highlights a sense of renewal and struggle. Just as patients slowly recover and adjust to freedom, the boughs strain toward light after confinement, symbolising hope, transition, and gradual revival after a period of restriction.
(ii) Complete the sentence with the appropriate option. The imagery and descriptions in the poem create a mood of ____________ (1 Mark) (a) satisfaction and elation (b) transition and uncertainty (c) confusion and chaos (d) pessimism and certainty
Ans: The poet describes the bough as ‘shuffling’ to show its slow, hesitant movement as it adjusts to freedom and light, much like someone recovering after a long period of stillness or constraint.
Q2: Read the following extract and answer the questions. “I sit inside, doors open to the veranda writing long letters in which I scarcely mention the departure of the forest from the house. The night is fresh, the whole moon shines in a sky still open”
(i) What atmosphere or mood is created by the language and imagery used in the above lines? (1 Mark)
Ans: The language and imagery in the lines create a mood of calm reflection and quiet acceptance, suggesting peace mixed with a hint of melancholy over change or loss.
(ii) Choose the option that correctly pairs the two different meanings implied by the use of ‘open’ twice in the extract: (1 Mark) (a) entry point – vastness (b) sharing a common space – great view (c) allowing access and vision – expanse of space (d) advantage – obstacles ahead
Ans: (C) allowing access and vision – expanse of space
(iii) From the provided extract, what is conspicuously absent from the long letters the speaker is writing while they sit indoors with the doors open to the veranda? (1 Mark)
Ans: The departure of the forest from the house is conspicuously absent from the long letters.
(iv) How does the poet describe the night? (1 Mark) 1. dark 2. frightening 3. dense 4. fresh 5. bright Select the correct option: (a) 1 and 5 (b) Only 3 (c) 4 and 5 (d) 2 and 4
Q3: Both Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela and The Trees by Adrienne Rich explore themes of transformation, liberation, and the power to change. Examine the commonality of themes in both the works. (100-120 words) (6 marks)
Ans: Both “Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” and “The Trees” explore the themes of transformation, liberation, and the struggle for freedom. In Mandela’s autobiography, the transformation occurs as he moves from oppression to freedom, leading his people out of racial injustice and towards equality. His journey represents political and social liberation achieved through courage and sacrifice. In Adrienne Rich’s poem, the trees symbolise nature’s and women’s liberation from confinement, as they move out of the man-made house into the open, symbolising reclaiming their natural space and identity. Both works celebrate resilience and renewal, showing that freedom requires struggle and change, whether it’s for a nation or for the self, marking a powerful transformation toward independence and growth.
Q4: Read the given extracts and answer the questions. (5 Marks) My head is full of whispers which tomorrow will be silent. Listen. The glass is breaking. The trees are stumbling forward into the night. Winds rush to meet them. The moon is broken like a mirror, its pieces flash now in the crown of the tallest oak.
(i) The metaphorical expression used by the poet to describe the movement of the trees is ________.
Ans: Adrienne Rich presents the conflict between man and nature through a tone of resistance and awakening. She portrays nature, symbolised by the trees, as struggling to break free from human confinement. The poem criticises humanity’s control over nature and celebrates nature’s powerful reclaiming of freedom and balance.
(iii)What is the mood or atmosphere conveyed by the imagery in the passage? (1 Mark) (a) Calm and tranquil (b) Eerie and foreboding (c) Joyful and celebratory (d) Melancholic and traumatic
Ans: (b) Eerie and foreboding The mood is eerie and foreboding because the imagery of “whispers,” “glass breaking,” “trees stumbling,” and the “moon broken like a mirror” creates a sense of tension and unease. It suggests a powerful, unsettling moment of change as nature breaks free from human control.
(iv)Why would the whispers be silent tomorrow? (1 Mark)
Ans: The whispers would be silent tomorrow because the trees will have already broken free and left the house. Their quiet movement and struggle will end once they regain their freedom in the open, symbolising the completion of their liberation.
Previous Year Questions 2024
Q1: “The Trees” is a symbolic poem and Adrienne Rich has used trees as a metaphor for human beings. What do they symbolize ? Explain. (CBSE 2024)
Ans: In “The Trees,” Adrienne Rich uses trees as a metaphor for human resilience, growth, and liberation.
They symbolise:
The ability of humans to transform and free themselves from limitations.
The welcoming of new beginnings and opportunities.
The journey of reconnecting with nature, reflecting the trees’ movement from captivity to the forest.
Get additional INR 200 off today with EDUREV200 coupon.
Previous Year Questions 2020
Q2: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow: (CBSE 2020) _______ Winds rush to meet them. The moon is broken like a mirror, Its piece flash now in the crown of the tallest oak. (a) The above lines were written by (i) Robert Frost (ii) John Berryman (iii) Robin Klein (iv) Adrienne Rich
Ans: Flash The word “flash” in the poem conveys the meaning of something shining or reflecting light, like pieces of the broken moon.
Q3: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow: (2020) The trees inside are moving out into the forest, the forest that was empty all these days where no bird could sit no insect hide no sun bury its feet in shadow the forest that was empty all these nights will be full of trees by morning.
Ans: The forest was empty because there were no trees, birds or insects and it is because humans have destroyed the forest for building cities and other uses.
(c) All these days, the forest referred to here was (i) filled (ii) empty (iii) hidden (iv) separated
Ans: The poet is writing long letters probably to keep herself busy in some activity. She does not mention the departure of the trees in her long letters because she doesn’t want anyone to know that the trees inside her house are rebelling and fighting their way out to reach the forest. The trees struggle silently at night to break free from their captivity when no one is watching them. She wants the trees to be liberated and be one with nature where they belong. Therefore, she feels that it is best not to say a word about it to anybody.
Previous Year Questions2017
Q5: What are the three things that can’t happen in a treeless forest? (Delhi 2017)
Ans: The trees are inside the house. The roots, leaves, twigs, etc. all are trying to make an escape from the house. The roots disengage themselves from the cracks in the veranda floor, leaves strain towards the glass, small twigs and boughs move to the doors.
Q7: What happens to the house when trees move out of it? (Foreign 2017)
Q8: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow: (Al 2015) long-cramped boughs shuffling under the roof like newly discharged patients half-dazed, moving to the clinic doors. (a) What does the poet compare the branches to? (b) Name the figure of speech used in these lines. (c) What does the word ‘shuffling’ mean?
Ans: (a) The poet compares the branches to the newly discharged patients. (b) Simile – boughs are compared with the patients. (c) Shuffling means moving repeatedly from one position to another/ mixing up.
Also watch: Poem – The Trees
Previous Year Questions 2014
Q9: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow: (Foreign 2014) The trees inside are moving out into the forest, the forest that was empty all these days where no bird could sit no insect hide no sun bury its feet in shadow (a) Which three things cannot happen in a treeless forest? (b) Why was the forest empty? (c) Which word here means ’hide from view’?
Ans: (a) In a treeless forest, no birds could sit, no insect could hide and no sun could bury its feet in shadow. (b) The forests are empty because the trees have been cut down to create land for buildings, houses, etc. in other words, expansion of cities. (c) Hide means to hide from view.
Ans: Rajvir was very excited to see the vast tea plantations as it was his first visit to Assam, the land of tea gardens. He was fascinated by the beautiful scenery of green bushes and hills. On the other hand, Pranjol showed no enthusiasm because he was born and brought up on a tea plantation and was familiar with it.
Q2: How does the author support the view that the people of Coorg are possibly of Arabic descent? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: The author supports this view by pointing out similarities between the Coorgis’ culture and that of Arabs. Their traditional long black coat, called the kuppia, closely resembles the Arabic kuffia. Additionally, there are stories suggesting that some Arab settlers may have married locals, and traces of their customs can still be seen in Coorgi traditions, marriage rituals, and religious practices.
Q3: What according to Rajvir was the Indian legend about the origin of tea? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: According to Rajvir, the Indian legend says that Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, once cut off his eyelids to avoid sleeping during meditation. From those eyelids, ten tea plants grew, and when their leaves were boiled in hot water and drunk, they helped to banish sleep.
Q4: How does the description of the baker’s lifestyle in the past evoke a sense of nostalgia ? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: The description of the baker’s lifestyle evokes nostalgia through memories of the “good old Portuguese days” — the sound of his bamboo staff, the fragrance of freshly baked loaves, and the joy of children waiting for bread-bangles. These vivid recollections remind the author of a simpler, happier childhood in Goa.
Q5: How did the baker herald his arrival every morning ? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: The baker heralded his arrival every morning with the ‘jhang, jhang’ sound of his specially made bamboo staff. One hand supported the basket of loaves on his head while the other banged the bamboo on the ground, announcing his presence to the villagers and delighting the waiting children.
Q6: Why is the baker very important to the village folk? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: The baker is very important to the village folk because his bread is essential for every occasion. Sweet bread or bol is a must for marriages, cakes and bolinhas for Christmas and other festivals, and sandwiches for engagements. Without the baker’s products, no celebration in the village is complete.
Q7: The portrayal of the baker’s attire and role in the village emphasize the cultural and social significance of bread-making within the community. Elaborate. (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: The baker’s attire — the traditional kabai or knee-length frock — and his daily visits symbolize the deep-rooted Goan tradition of bread-making. His presence marked social occasions and celebrations, making him an essential part of village life. Bread was not just food but a cultural bond within the community.
Q8: Why does the author refer to Coorg as the kingdom of heaven? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: The author refers to Coorg as the “kingdom of heaven” because of its breathtaking natural beauty — rolling hills, lush evergreen rainforests, coffee plantations, and misty landscapes. Its serene environment, rich culture, and hospitality make it appear like a heavenly place on earth.
Q9: Mention any three surprises that await visitors in Coorg. (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Visitors to Coorg are delighted by many surprises — the panoramic view from the Brahmagiri hills, a walk across the rope bridge to the island of Nisargadhama, and meeting Buddhist monks in their red, ochre, and yellow robes at Bylakuppe, India’s largest Tibetan settlement near Coorg.
Q10: Pranjol seemed to have a different level of enthusiasm compared to Rajvir when they both saw the tree plantation. Justify. (Answer in 30-40 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Pranjol showed little excitement because he had grown up on a tea plantation and was used to such sights. Rajvir, however, was seeing the lush green tea gardens for the first time, which filled him with wonder and enthusiasm.
Q11: Why wasn’t Pranjol as excited as Rajvir during the train journey? (Answer in about 30-40 words) (3 marks)
Ans: Pranjol wasn’t as excited as Rajvir during the train journey because he was born and brought up in Assam, surrounded by tea plantations. For him, the sight of tea gardens was common, while for Rajvir, it was a new and thrilling experience.
Previous Year Questions 2023
Q1: A Baker from Goa is a nostalgic saga of childhood memories. (2023)
Ans: In the story “A Baker from Goa,” the author takes us on a journey back to their childhood, reminiscing about the memories associated with a baker from Goa. The story evokes a sense of nostalgia as it explores the special bond between the children and the baker, and the significance of traditional Goan bread in their lives. The author’s nostalgic tone and vivid descriptions transport the readers to a bygone era, where the aroma of freshly baked bread and the jingling thud of the baker’s bamboo were an integral part of their childhood experiences.
Q2: Who are paders and why are they friends of children? (2023)
Ans: Paders are the bakers in Goa who follow the traditional methods of bread making. The term “paders” is derived from the Portuguese word “padeiro,” meaning baker. They are called paders because they wear a single-piece frock known as kibei, which is a distinctive attire of Goan bakers. Paders are friends of children because their arrival in the neighborhood is eagerly awaited by the children. The jingling thud sound of the baker’s bamboo, announcing his presence, wakes up the children in the houses, and they rush out to meet and greet their beloved baker. The children have a special bond with the baker as he brings them freshly baked bread, including the sweet bread known as bolinhas and bangle-bread. The paders become companions and guides to the children, creating fond memories that last a lifetime.
Q3: What did Pranjol and Rajvir do during the journey? Why? (CBSE 2023)
Ans: Pranjol and Rajvir enjoyed their journey to Assam on a train. Rajvir was much excited as it was for the first time he was visiting Assam to see the tea gardens. So, he was looking at the lush greenery outside the train. However, Pranjol read stories and listened to Rajvir as Assam was his home so he had seen everything before.
Q4: Where is Coorg located? Write any two characteristics of the people of Coorg ? (CBSE 2023)
Ans: Coorg is in Karnataka. It is the smallest district of the state located midway Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. The people of Coorg are extremely brave and hospitable. They are fierce but welcoming towards the guests at the same time.
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Previous Year Questions 2021
Q5: How did the baker become synonymous with celebrations and occasions in Goa? (Glimpses of India) (Term II, 2021-22)
Ans: In Goa, the baker became synonymous with celebrations and occasions because bread, which was baked by the traditional bakers, became an integral part of every Goan tradition and festival. The baker’s arrival in the morning, announced by the thud and jingle of his bamboo staff, was eagerly awaited by the children who ran to meet him. The baker brought delicious bread bangles, especially for the children, which added to the festive spirit of the celebrations.
Traditional Goan Bakery
Q6: In Coorg, which is the season of joy? Why? (2021C)
Ans: The season of joy in Coorg is the period between September and March. During this time, the weather in Coorg is perfect with moderate showers, and the air is filled with the distinct aroma of coffee. The lush greenery of the evergreen rainforests, spices, and coffee plantations, combined with the pleasant weather, make this season a joyful time for visitors.
Q7: Why is Coorg called the land of the rolling hills? (Glimpses of India) (Term II, 2021-22)
Ans: Coorg is called the land of the rolling hills because the entire area is situated among gently sloping hills that seem to roll down in a panoramic view. The picturesque landscape of Coorg is characterized by these rolling hills, which add to its natural beauty and charm.
Q8: What attracts visitors to Coorg? (Glimpses of India) (Term II, 2021-22)
Ans: Visitors are attracted to Coorg by its scenic beauty and natural attractions. Coorg is known for its lush greenery, evergreen rainforests, spices, and coffee plantations. The region offers opportunities for outdoor adventures such as river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking. These attractions make Coorg a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Q9: Why did Pranjol not share Rajvir’s excitement at seeing the tea gardens? (2021C)
Ans: Pranjol did not share Rajvir’s excitement at seeing the tea gardens because he had been born and brought up on a tea plantation in Assam. For Pranjol, the sight of tea gardens was a familiar and everyday occurrence. He was used to the lush greenery and the scenic beauty of the tea gardens, as he had grown up surrounded by them. Therefore, the novelty and excitement that Rajvir felt as a visitor were not experienced by Pranjol.
Q10: How will a tourist enjoy when he climbs the Brahmagiri hills? (2021C)
Ans: When a tourist climbs the Brahmagiri hills, they can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg. The hills offer a stunning vantage point from where the tourist can take in the beauty of the surrounding nature. The lush greenery, the rolling hills, and the serene atmosphere create a sense of tranquility and awe. Additionally, there is a rope bridge that leads to the sixty-four-acre island of Nisargadhama, which is a popular attraction in Coorg. The climb to the Brahmagiri hills provides a memorable experience for tourists, allowing them to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.
Previous Year Questions 2019
Q11: How do we know that Goa’s bakers are very prosperous? (CBSE 2019)
Ans: The author judges this by the fact that a baker, his family members and people associated with the baker looked happy and had fatty physique. Their plump bodies were an open testimony to their prosperity.
Also read: Very Short Questions: Glimpses of India
Previous Year Questions 2018
Q12: What excited Rajvir? Why did Pranjol not share his excitement? (2018)
Ans: Rajvir was excited to see the tea garden in Assam because it was his first visit and he had never seen vast stretches of tea bushes growing in orderly rows against the backdrop of tall shade trees. The view of the tea garden was splendid to him. On the other hand, Pranjol did not share Rajvir’s excitement because he was born and brought up on a tea estate and was already familiar with the surroundings.
Previous Year Questions 2017
Q13: What do the elders in Goa still love to remember? (Delhi 2017)
Ans: The elders in Goa still love to remember the good old Portuguese days. They have fond memories of the authentic loaves of bread baked by traditional bakers, which were a part of Goan traditions and festivals. The time-tested furnaces used by the traditional bakers still exist and serve as a reminder of how bread was baked in the past.
Q14: What do we learn about the financial condition of the bakers of Goa? (AI2017)
Ans: The bakers of Goa had a profitable profession in the olden days. Bread was an integral part of every Goan tradition and festival, ensuring a consistent demand for it. As a result, the fire in the baker’s furnace never extinguished, and the baker and his family never had to face the situation of starvation. Instead, they appeared happy and prosperous.
Q15: When did the baker come every day? Why did the children run to meet him? (Foreign 2017)
Ans: The baker came twice a day, once in the morning and later after he had sold all the bread loaves. The children ran to meet him in the morning because they eagerly awaited his arrival. The baker brought delicious bread bangles, especially for the children, which they longed for. Sometimes, he also brought sweet bread of special make, adding to the excitement of the children.
Q16: The most laidback individuals become converts to the life of high-energy adventure with river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Numerous walking trails in this region are a favorite with trekkers. (Delhi 2017 C)
(a) What do the laidback persons get converted to?
Ans: The laidback individuals get converted to a life of high-energy adventure, engaging in activities such as river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking. They transition from a relaxed and leisurely lifestyle to one that is filled with thrilling and exhilarating adventures.
Ans: The trekkers are fond of the numerous walking trails in this region. These trails, with their scenic beauty and challenging terrains, are a favorite among trekkers. They offer opportunities for exploration, physical fitness, and the chance to connect with nature.
(c)Find the word from the extract which means ‘paths’.
Ans: There are two legends associated with the origin of tea. One legend tells the story of a Chinese emperor who accidentally dropped a few tea leaves into his boiling water, thus discovering its delicious taste. The other legend is from India and involves a Buddhist ascetic named Bodhidharma. According to this legend, Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids to prevent himself from falling asleep during meditation. From these eyelids, tea plants grew, and the leaves of these plants provided a remedy for sleep when put in hot water and drunk.
Q18: How can a baker be recognized? (Foreign 2016)
Ans: A baker can be recognized by certain characteristics. A traditional baker always carries a bamboo staff, which he bangs on the road, creating a thud and jingle sound. This is the way he announces his arrival. Additionally, traditional bakers in Goa wear a peculiar attire called Kabai, which is a single-piece long frock reaching down to their knees.
Previous Year Questions 2015
Q19: The people of Coorg have a tradition of courage and bravery. How has it been recognized in modern India? (Delhi 2015)
Ans: The tradition of courage and bravery among the people of Coorg has been recognized in modern India through the establishment of the Coorg Regiment, which is the most decorated regiment in the Indian Army. The people of Coorg have a long history of military service and have made significant contributions to the defense of the country.
Q20: Which season is the best to visit Coorg? (Delhi 2015)
Ans: The best season to visit Coorg is sometime between September and March. During this period, the weather in Coorg is perfect with moderate showers, and the air is filled with the distinct aroma of coffee. The pleasant weather and the scenic beauty of Coorg make it an ideal time for tourists to visit.
Q21: What proves Kodavu people’s Arab descent? (Al 2015)
Ans: The traditional attire worn by Kodavu people, called Kuppia, is similar to the attire worn by Arabs and Kurds called Kuffia. This similarity in attire suggests that the Kodavu people have Arab descent, as their traditional clothing resembles that of the Arabs.
Q22: “Do you know that over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world?” Rajvir said. “Whew!” exclaimed Pranjol. “Tea really is very popular.” The train pulled out of the station. Pranjol buried his nose in his detective book again. Rajvir too was an ardent fan of detective stories, but at the moment he was keener on looking at the beautiful scenery.(Foreign 2015)
Ans: We know that tea is very popular because Rajvir mentions that over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world. This staggering number indicates the widespread consumption and popularity of tea as a beverage.
(b) Rajvir was a great fan of reading detective stories. Why didn’t he like to read at that moment?
Ans: At that moment, Rajvir was keener on looking at the beautiful scenery outside the train. Although he was an ardent fan of detective stories, the allure of the scenic beauty captured his attention, prompting him to enjoy the view instead of indulging in his usual reading.
Ans: Rajvir was excited to see the tea garden because it was his first visit to a tea estate. He had never seen vast stretches of tea bushes growing in orderly rows against the backdrop of tall, sturdy shade trees. The view of the tea garden fascinated him and sparked his excitement.
Q24: How does Rajvir describe the tea garden at Dhekiabari? (Al 2014)
Ans: Rajvir describes the tea garden at Dhekiabari as having acre upon acre of tea bushes stretched on both sides of the gravel road. The tea bushes are perfectly pruned to the same height, and groups of tea pluckers can be seen wearing plastic aprons and carrying bamboo baskets on their backs. Rajvir visited during the second flush, also known as the sprouting period, when the tea leaves are plucked for processing.
Q25: What was the peculiar dress of the bakers during the Portuguese days? (Foreign 2014)
Ans: During the Portuguese days, the peculiar dress of the bakers in Goa was called Kabai. It was a single-piece long frock that reached down to their knees. This traditional attire was worn by the bakers while baking loaves of bread and was a distinctive feature of their profession.
Q26: Marriage gifts are meaningless without the sweet bread known as the bol, just as a party or a feast loses its charm without bread. Not enough can be said to show how important a baker can be for a village. The lady of the house must prepare sandwiches on the occasion of the daughter’s engagement. Cakes and bolinhas are a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. Thus, the presence of the baker’s furnace in the village is absolutely essential.(Delhi 2014)
(a) Why is the baker’s furnace essential for the Goan people?
Ans: The baker’s furnace is essential for the Goan people because bread, especially the sweet bread known as bol, holds significant cultural and traditional value in Goan society. Bread is an integral part of various occasions and festivals. Without the sweet bread, known as bol, marriage gifts would be meaningless, and parties or feasts would lose their charm. Therefore, the presence of the baker’s furnace in the village is considered absolutely essential to ensure the availability of bread for various celebrations and gatherings.
(b) On which occasions are the cakes and bolinhas necessary?
Ans: Cakes and bolinhas are necessary for Christmas as well as other festivals in Goa. They are an essential part of the festive celebrations and are enjoyed by the people during these joyous occasions.
(c) Which word in the passage is the opposite in meaning of ‘absence’?
Ans: The word in the passage that is the opposite in meaning of ‘absence’ is ‘presence.’
Q27: He would greet the lady of the house with “Good morning” and then place his basket on the vertical bamboo. We kids would be pushed aside with a mild rebuke, and the loaves would be delivered to the servant. But we would not give up. We would climb a bench or the parapet and peep into the basket, somehow. I can still recall the typical fragrance of those loaves. Loaves for the elders and the bangles for the children. (Delhi 2014)
Ans: The children would peep into the basket to catch a glimpse of the freshly baked bread and the sweet bread known as bangles. They were eager to see and savor the delicious treats that the baker had brought. Despite being pushed aside initially, the children’s curiosity and desire to enjoy the bread compelled them to find a way to peep into the basket.
Ans: He pushed aside the children to deliver the loaves of bread to the servant. The baker’s primary responsibility was to deliver the bread to the lady of the house, and the children’s presence could hinder the delivery process. Therefore, he gently rebuked the children and pushed them aside to ensure a smooth delivery.
(c) Which word in the passage means the same as ‘to take a quick look’?
Ans: The word in the passage that means the same as ‘to take a quick look’ is ‘peep.’=
Q28: Evergreen rainforests cover thirty per cent of this district. During the monsoons, it pours enough to keep many visitors away. The season of joy commences from September and continues till March. The weather is perfect, with some showers thrown in for good measure. The air breathes of invigorating coffee. Coffee estates and colonial bungalows stand tucked under tree canopies in prime corners. (AI 2014)
(a) Why is the monsoon season not the best period to visit Coorg?
Ans: The monsoon season is not the best period to visit Coorg because it receives heavy rainfall during this time, which is enough to keep many visitors away. The continuous downpour can make it challenging to explore the region and enjoy outdoor activities. Therefore, it is not the ideal time for tourists to visit Coorg.
Ans: The best period for visitors to Coorg is from September to March. During this time, the season of joy commences, and the weather is perfect. The days are pleasant, and the presence of occasional showers adds to the charm. It is a favorable time for tourists to explore Coorg and indulge in various activities while enjoying the invigorating aroma of coffee in the air.
(c) Which word in the passage means the same as ‘starts’?
Ans: The word in the passage that means the same as ‘starts’ is ‘commences.’
Q29: It was a magnificent view. Against the backdrop of densely wooded hills, a sea of tea bushes stretched as far as the eye could see. Dwarfing the tiny tea plants were tall sturdy shade-trees, and amidst the orderly rows of bushes busily moved doll-like figures. In the distance was an ugly building with smoke billowing out of tall chimneys. (Foreign 2014)
(a) Why does the author call the tea plants ‘a sea of tea bushes’?
Ans: The author calls the tea plants ‘a sea of tea bushes’ to emphasize their vastness and abundance. The tea plants cover the landscape extensively, resembling an expansive body of water, stretching as far as the eye can see. The imagery of a ‘sea’ conveys the sheer magnitude and visual impact of the tea bushes, creating a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.
Ans: The building has been described as ugly because it stands in stark contrast to the natural beauty of the densely wooded hills and the sea of tea bushes. The smoke billowing out of the tall chimneys further adds to its unattractive appearance. The author’s use of the word ‘ugly’ suggests that the building disrupts the picturesque scenery and is considered unappealing in comparison to the surrounding natural elements.
(c)Which word in the passage means ‘splendid/ attractive’?
Q1: Read the following extract and answer the questions: “Don’t bite your nails, Amanda! Don’t hunch your shoulders, Amanda! Stop that slouching and sit up straight, Amanda! (There is a languid, emerald sea, where the sole inhabitant is me- a mermaid, drifting blissfully)”
(i) How does the poet reinforce the contrast between what the narrator wants and what Amanda desires? (2 Marks)
Ans: The poet contrasts the mother’s demands for discipline and perfection with Amanda’s desire for freedom and peace. While the mother insists on correcting Amanda’s posture and habits, Amanda escapes into her imagination where she drifts freely as a mermaid in the calm, emerald sea, away from all restrictions.
(ii) What tone is conveyed through the repetition of Amanda’s name in the line? (1 Mark) (a) loving (b) instructive (c) indifferent (d) playful
Ans: (B) instructive The repeated use of “Amanda” reflects the mother’s commanding and instructive tone, as she continuously corrects her daughter’s behavior.
(iii) How does the imagery of the emerald sea with the mermaid contrast with Amanda’s actions? (1 Mark)
Ans: The imagery of the emerald sea and the mermaid represents calmness, freedom, and happiness, which sharply contrasts with Amanda’s restricted and scolded reality at home.
(iv) Select the option that applies the same rhyme scheme as the lines of the given extract. (1 Mark) (a) Sitting by the pond Waving my wand Awaiting my dearest I looked above and beyond Awaiting my love A sudden sound, fluttered the dove The crackle stopped, as so did my heart
(b) Sitting by the pond Holding tight to my bond I looked above and beyond Awaiting my love I heard her come, a sudden sound The crackle stopped, as so did my heart
(c) I sat beside the pond with her Awaiting for her to come I looked above and beyond Awaiting my love A sudden sound, I turned back The crackle stopped, as so did my heart
(d) Sitting by the pond Awaiting my love I looked above and beyond A sudden scream, I looked around Then a shadow fell and there was no sound The crackle stopped, as so did my heart
Ans: (a) The extract follows the rhyme scheme aaba ccc, which matches the rhyme pattern of option (a).
Q2: Read the following extract and answer the questions: “Don’t bite your nails, Amanda! Don’t hunch your shoulders, Amanda! Stop that slouching and sit up straight, Amanda! (There is a languid, emerald sea, where the sole inhabitant is me- a mermaid, drifting blissfully)”
(i) What image does the above extract create about Amanda’s mother? (1 Mark)
Ans: Amanda’s mother appears to be strict and over-controlling, constantly correcting Amanda’s posture and behavior. She focuses more on discipline than understanding Amanda’s feelings.
(ii) Why is the second verse written in brackets? (1 Mark)
Ans: The second verse is written in brackets to show Amanda’s thoughts and imagination, which contrast with her mother’s scolding. It separates her dream world from reality.
(iii)Amanda calls herself a mermaid because ______________ (1 Mark) (A) Mermaid is Amanda’s favourite fantasy character. (B) Amanda loves watching a mermaid drifting in water. (C) Amanda longs to be free like a mermaid which sails effortlessly in the sea. (D) Amanda wants to sail with a mermaid in the deep-sea water.
Ans: Amanda wishes to be alone in the calm, emerald sea as it symbolizes freedom from restrictions and commands. Being the sole inhabitant allows her complete independence and peace, away from the control and criticism she faces in real life.
Q3: Read the following extract and answer the questions: (I am Rapunzel, I have not care; life in a tower is tranquil and rare; I’ll certainly never let down my bright hair !) Stop that sulking at once, Amanda ! You’re always so moody, Amanda ! Anyone would think that I nagged at you, Amanda !
(i) Complete the following suitably: Amanda sulked and became moody because ________. (1 Mark)
Ans: Amanda constantly yearns for peace, freedom, and independence. She wishes to live without restrictions, imagining herself as Rapunzel or a mermaid to escape her mother’s constant commands. Amanda is imaginative, sensitive, and deeply desires a life free from control and criticism.
(iii): What kind of picture is painted by the poet through the line, ‘life in a tower is tranquil and rare’? (1 Mark)
Hide Answer Ans: The poet paints an image of peaceful solitude, where Amanda finds calmness and freedom away from the chaos of her real life. The tower symbolizes isolation and tranquility.
(iv) The tone of the speaker in the exclamation ‘Stop that sulking at once, Amanda!’ is: (1) uncertain (2) aggressive (3) dominating (4) meek (5) moody (A) 1, 2, 4 (B) 2 and 3 (C) 2, 4 and 5 (D) 4 and 5
Ans: (B) 2 and 3The mother’s tone is harsh and commanding, showing her authority and frustration over Amanda’s behavior.
Previous Year Questions 2024
Q1: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:(2024) Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda! Remember your acne, Amanda! Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you, Amanda! (I am Rapunzel, I have not a care; life in a tower is tranquil and rare;) (A) What is the central idea of the poem as reflected in the lines above? Answer in about 40 words.
Ans: The central idea of the poem seems to revolve around the tension between the demands and expectations placed upon “Amanda” in her everyday life and her inner world of imagination and freedom. The repeated instructions of her mother highlight the mundane concerns and pressures that Amanda faces.
(B)Complete the sentence with the appropriate option. “Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you, Amanda!” tells us that the mother’s attitude is________ . (a) loving (b) relaxed (c) authoritative (d) thoughtful
Ans: (c) authoritative In the line “Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you, Amanda!”, the mother’s tone suggests that she is giving instructions with an expectation of obedience. This reflects an authoritative attitude, as she wants Amanda to pay attention to her and follow her directives.
(C) Identify any one poetic device used in the above extract.
Ans: Amanda being frustrated from her mother’s continuous scoldings, imagines herself as a rapunzel who lives in a tower. There she will not be disturbed by anyone and will lead a life full of peace.
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Previous Year Questions 2023
Q2: What impression do you form about Amanda in the poem? (2023)
Hide Answer Ans: Amanda is a little girl in her teens who is constantly nagged by her mother about how to behave and what to do. Amanda feels her freedom is curtailed but she is helpless, so she imagines herself as a mermaid, an orphan and Rapunzel sets herself free in the imaginary world.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: Q3: Don’t eat that chocolate Amanda! Remember your acne, Amanda! Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you Amanda! (I am Rapunzel, I have not a care; life in tower is tranquil and rare, I’ll certainly never let down my bright hair) (2023) (i) The Speaker’s tone is (a) loving (b) hopeful (c) instructive (d) indifferent
Ans: True Amanda does indeed desire privacy and solitude, as shown by her fantasy of living like Rapunzel in a tower. However, the statement here is likely about her mother’s continuous interruptions, so it could be misunderstood as true based on interpretation.
(iv) Select the appropriate option: Amandas’s mother is continuously____Amanda. (a) encouraging (b) reprimanding (c) motivating (d) disappointing
Ans: In the two lines of the poem given, Amanda’s mother’s voice is more like an order rather than an instruction. This shows that she is a nagging mother who constantly nags and instructs Amanda for something or the other. Amanda is just a small child who will obviously do things differently. But at the same time, her mother’s restricting and authoritative voice seems to loom over her desire to be free and have her own space to learn/grow.
Q5: Amanda was blamed for a number of things. Mention any two. (Term II, 2021-22)
Ans: The poem ‘Amanda’ is about a girl being told what to do or not do. Being blamed for a number of things. Amanda had to listen to her mother’s instructions. Two things she was blamed for were that she shouldn’t bite her nails and eat chocolates.
Q6: Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda! Remember your acne, Amanda! Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you, Amanda! (I am Rapunzel, I have not a care; life in a tower is tranquil and rare; I’ll certainly never let down my bright hair!) (2021C)
(i) The speaker does not want Amanda to eat chocolate because _________ .
It is justified as Rapunzel lived with a witch wh would constantly keep a check on her and had seven rules to be followed.
Amanda too, feels caged by the impositions.
Amanda desires peace in isolation like Rapunzel ha in her tower; clarifying she will not let her hair dow for anyone.
Also read: Very Short Questions: Poem – Amanda!
Previous Year Questions 2019
Q8: (There is a languid, emerald sea, where the sole inhabitant is me a mermaid drifting blissfully.) (Delhi 20 19) (a) Who does ‘me’ stand for? (b) How does ‘me’ feel? (c) Who is ‘me’ compared to? (d) Which word in the extract means opposite of ’sorrowfully’?
Hide Answer Ans: (a) ‘Me’ stands for Amanda. (b) Amanda feels as if she is a mermaid, the only inhabitant of a languid, emerald sea in which she drifts blissfully. (c) ‘Me’ is compared to a mermaid. (d) The word ‘blissfully’ means the opposite of ‘sorrowfully’.
Q1: Read the given extracts and answer the questions: “Paper has more patience than people. I thought of this saying on one of those days when I was feeling a little depressed and was sitting at home with my chin in my hands, bored and listless, wondering whether to stay in or go out. I finally stayed where I was, brooding: Yes, paper does have more patience, and since I’m not planning to let anyone else read this stiff-backed notebook grandly referred to as a ‘diary’, unless I should ever find a real friend, it probably won’t make a bit of difference.”
(i) In light of the extract, what can we infer about the speaker’s emotional state? (1 Mark)
Ans: The speaker, Anne Frank, feels lonely, bored and slightly depressed, showing a sense of emotional isolation and a desire to express her feelings.
(ii) The narrator enhances the narrative technique of the extract by using: (2 Marks) (a) descriptive language (b) literary allusions (c) humour (d) reflective
The narrator enhances the narrative technique of the extract by using (d) reflective language. Anne reflects deeply on her feelings and thoughts, making the passage introspective and thoughtful.
(iii) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket: The narrator doesn’t plan to let anyone read her diary as she doesn’t have any real ____ (friend / incidents). (1 Mark)
Ans: Anne says that “paper has more patience than people” because paper listens silently and without judgment, unlike people who may not always be willing to listen or understand her feelings.
Q2: The journeys of Anne Frank and Valli teach us the vital lesson that optimism and self-assurance empower women to rise above circumstances and overcome obstacles. Examine the similarities. (6 Marks)
Ans: Both Anne Frank from “From the Diary of Anne Frank” and Valli from “Madam Rides the Bus” display remarkable optimism, courage, and self-assurance, which help them rise above their circumstances.
Anne Frank, a thirteen-year-old Jewish girl, remains hopeful even while living in hiding during the Nazi occupation. Despite fear, loneliness, and uncertainty, she finds comfort in writing her diary. Through her reflections, she shows emotional strength and maturity, believing in goodness and expressing hope for a better future. Her diary becomes her trusted friend and symbol of endurance.
Similarly, Valli, an eight-year-old girl, shows determination and independence. Her dream of riding a bus to the town is small but meaningful. She plans carefully, saves money, and confidently undertakes the journey alone. Her curiosity, courage, and sense of adventure reveal her self-confidence and independence.
Both Anne and Valli prove that age and gender are no barriers when one possesses inner strength. They teach that optimism, curiosity, and self-belief enable young girls to overcome fear, loneliness, and limitations, making them inspiring examples of youthful courage.
Previous Year Questions 2024
Q1: Read the following extracts and answer the questions: (CBSE 2024) (A) I started right away at the Montessori Nursery School. I stayed there until I was six, at which time I started in the first form. In the sixth form, my teacher was Mrs. Kuperus, the headmistress. At the end of the year we were both in tears as we said a heartbreaking farewell. In the summer of 1941, Grandma fell ill and had to have an operation, so my birthday passed with little celebration.
(i) “In the summer of 1941, Grandma fell ill and had to have an operation, so my birthday passed with little celebration.” State any one inference about Anne from the above context.
(ii) The first education of Anne started at ___________. (a) some Kindergarten School (b) a Nursery School (c) Montessori Nursery School (d) Elementary School
Ans: (c) Montessori Nursery School Anne Frank’s early education began at a Montessori Nursery School. This is documented in her diary and historical records, which highlight her early schooling in Amsterdam before her family went into hiding during World War II.
(iii) Who was Mrs. Kuperus? What kind of relationship did Anne share with her?
Ans: She was Anne’s teacher in the Sixth form and also the headmistress. Both were attached to each other.
(iv) Substitute the word ‘heartbreaking’ with a word similar in meaning in the following sentence: “At the end of the year we were both in tears as we said a heartbreaking farewell.”
(B) Anyone could ramble on and leave big spaces between the words, but the trick was to come up with convincing arguments to prove the necessity of talking. I thought and suddenly I had an idea. I wrote the three pages, Mr. Keesing had assigned me and was satisfied. I argued that talking is a students’ trait and that I would do my best to keep it under control, but that I would never be able to cure myself of the habit since my mother talked as much as I did if not more, and that there’s not much you can do about inherited traits. (From the Diary of Annie Frank) (CBSE 2024)
(i) State any one inference about Anne from the given context. “Anyone could ramble on and leave big spaces between the words, but the trick was to come up with convincing arguments to prove the necessity of talking.”
Ans: One inference about Anne from the given context is that she is thoughtful and reflective about her own behavior, specifically her talkative nature.
(ii) In about 40 words, elaborate on the justification Anne gives for her talkative nature.
Ans: Anne justifies her talkative nature by explaining that talking is not just about filling space with words, but about presenting convincing arguments and proving the necessity of communication. She believes that her talkativeness has a purpose and is not just idle chatter.
(iii) Which one of the following best describes the tone of the given extract? (a) derogatory (b) persuasive (c) nostalgic (d) cautionary
Ans: (b) persuasive The tone of the given extract is best described as (b) persuasive. Anne is trying to persuade the reader that her talkative nature is justified and necessary.
(iv) Which phrase would correctly substitute ‘ramble on’ in the given sentence from the extract?
Ans: The phrase that would correctly substitute ‘ramble on’ in the given sentence from the extract is ‘talk aimlessly’.
Q2: You have been chosen to address the school assembly on the occasion of Women’s Day. You choose to speak on the resilience and indomitable spirit of the young girls: Anne Frank and Valli. Prepare the speech draft, with reference to the commonality and contrast in the situations and circumstances of both the girls.(Madam Rides the Bus and From the Diary of Anne Frank)You may begin like this: Good morning everyone. Today, I’d like to express my insights on the resilience of two young girls ……….. . You may end this way : To conclude I’d like to say that ……………… . Thank you. (CBSE 2024)
Ans: Good morning everyone. Today, I’d like to express my insights on the resilience of two young girls Anne and Valli. Anne and Valli are lonely and do not have any friends. Anne’s desire to share her deepest feelings with a close friend makes her write her feelings in a diary which she calls her friend ‘Kitty’. Valli spends her time watching the street outside her house and is attracted to the bus which crosses the street as it goes from the village to the town and vice versa. She develops a desire to take the bus ride and does a lot of work to make it a success. When Anne faces a challenge of writing an assignment as a punishment for her talking in the Maths class, she accepts it and presents valid arguments and reasons that it is beyond her control. She successfully convinces the Maths teacher Mr Keesing who becomes jovial and stops pointing out Anne. When Valli encounters strangers and the over friendly bus conductor, she is on guard and does not accept any favours. When she sees the dead cow who had been running around sometime back, she learns an important lesson about the momentary nature of life. To conclude I’d like to say that both Anne and Valli are mature for their age. Both the girls are strong and fight their battles by themselves. Thank you.
Q3: Based on your understanding of the Play, ‘The Proposal’, what do you think of relationships? Prepare a speech draft on relationships based on Natalya’s and Anne Frank’s characters. You may begin this way. Good morning everyone. Relationships are the bond between two people based on mutual likes, understanding, need or love. I’d like to discuss relationships as portrayed in the two texts …….. You may end this way To conclude, I’d like to say that ….. . Thank you, (Reference : The Proposal & from the Diary of Anne Frank) (CBSE 2024)
Ans: Good morning everyone. Relationships are the bond between two people based on mutual likes, understanding, need or love. I’d like to discuss relationships as portrayed in the two texts The Proposal and From the Diary of Anne Frank. In The Proposal, we see the two characters of Natalya and Lomov who are grown up individuals but lack maturity. They enter into arguments on trivial matters and overlook the solemn relationship that they are about to enter into. This reflects their england pride which does not allow them to show affection towards each other. Thus, both of them try to show the other low. On the other hand, Anne Frank is a young girl who shows maturity through her diary entries. We get to know about the bond that she shares with her family. She has great attachment with her grandmother and did not even celebrate her birthday due to the grandmother’s illness. During the war, the family faces separation and a lot of trouble but they have the strength to support each other. To conclude, I’d like to say that relationships have to be maintained through understanding and affection. Mutual love and respect are the pillars of an everlasting relationship. Creating everlasting bonds is essential because a family is the biggest treasure. Thank you
Q4: Amanda from the poem ‘Amanda’ is a teenager like Anne Frank and lives in her fantasy world whereas Anne is a chatter box. What conversation will Anne Frank have with Amanda about different perspectives of life? Write your answer in about 120 words. (CBSE 2024)
Ans: As Anne is talkative in nature, she will start a conversation with Amanda. When Anne will come to know that Amanda is disturbed due to her mother’s constant nagging, Anne will understand her situation. Anne is a wise and mature girl. She will try to convince Amanda that her mother is scolding her for Amanda’s benefit. Anne will also advice her to think positively because parents think the best for their child. Anne will be sympathetic towards Amanda and she can also suggest that whenever Amanda’s mom scolds her, Amanda can try to justify her act just like Anne did with her Maths teacher. To conclude, Anne will sum up that Amanda should think positively and if she is justified for her acts, then she should come up with intelligent arguments to support her claim and try to convince her mother.
Q5: You have been chosen to address the school assembly, to speak on the epistemology of loss and the resilience of the human spirit during times of crisis. Prepare the speech draft, with reference to the commonality of themes in ‘The Ball Poem’ by John Berryman and ‘From the Diary of Anne Frank’. You may begin this way : Good morning everyone. Today, I’d like to discuss two pieces of literature that offer a powerful insight into how to deal with loss and the resilience of the human spirit required during times of crisis. You may end this way : To conclude, I’d like to say that ………….. . Thank you. (CBSE 2024)
Ans: Good morning everyone. Today, I’d like to discuss two pieces of literature that offer a powerful insight into how to deal with loss and the resilience of the human spirit required during times of crisis. In the poem titled the Ball Poem by John Berryman and the prose titled From the Diary of Anne Frank, the main character learns to cope up with loss and tells us about resilience when she and her family faced trouble. In The Ball poem the child loses his ball and the poet tells the boy that he has to learn how to handle loss and move ahead in life. He adds that gradually, the boy will cope up with the fact that his ball is lost forever and shall learn to bear losses. Anne Frank’s diary talks of the various times when she displayed courage and faced challenges with resilience. To conclude, I’d like to say that both pieces remind us that while loss is inevitable, our ability to endure and grow from it defines our resilience as individuals. Thank You
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Previous Year Questions 2023
Q6: Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: (2023) (a) I wrote the three pages Mr. Keesing had assigned me and was satisfied. I argued that talking is a student’s trait and that I would do my best to keep it under control, but that I would never be able to cure myself of the habit since my mother talked as much as I did, if not more, and that there’s not much one can do about inherited traits. (i) Who was Mr. Keesing? (a) Maths teacher (b) Social Science teacher (c) Warden (d) Principal
Ans: (a) Mr. Keesing is identified as Anne’s Maths teacher in The Diary of a Young Girl.
(ii) According to the extract, the incorrigible habit possessed by the speaker was I. making noise in class II. talking too much III. procrastinating IV. coming late to class V. asking irritating questions Select the correct option: (a) I and III (b) Only II (c) I, IV, and V (d) Only III
Ans: trait “Trait” aligns with the characteristic term here.
(iv) Select the reason why the narrator is unable to control her trait. (a) She had deliberately practiced it (b) She wanted to be different from her brother (c) Her teacher had encouraged her to continue as she was (d) She had inherited it
Ans: (d) Anne mentions that her mother was also talkative, suggesting a possible influence but not a direct inheritance.
(v) Which of the following most nearly means the opposite of the phrase ‘under control? (a) to spend less (b) unable to take on the challenge (c) find it difficult to manage (d) being very stubborn
Ans: (a) The correct answer is (a) a real friend as her diary itself, named “Kitty,” is considered Anne’s confidant.
Q9: ‘Paper has more patience than people’ (a) One can write anything on paper. (b) People have good ears for listening. (c) One can write one’s diary even at night. (d) One may express one’s anger on paper. (CBSE Term-1 2021)
Ans: (a) From the Diary of Anne Frank, Anne expresses that “Paper has more patience than people” because she feels she can confide anything in her diary without being judged or interrupted, unlike with people who may not always listen with patience.
Q10: Mr. Keesing was annoyed with Anne as: (a) she was weak in maths. (b) she had not done her home work. (c) she was a naughty girl. (d) she was very talkative. (CBSE Term-1 2021)
Ans: (d) Mr. Keesing, Anne’s teacher, was annoyed with her because she talked a lot in class, which he found disruptive. Her talkative nature led him to assign her extra homework as a punishment.
Previous Year Questions 2020
Q11: Anne writes that it was fortunate that Mr. Keesing took the joke the right way. Why does she feel so? (2020-21)
Ans: Mr. Keesing, her math teacher, appreciated her humorous and creative approach to the essay he assigned her as a punishment for talking too much. Instead of getting angry, he laughed at the poem Anne wrote, which humorously portrayed his strict nature. Mr. Keesing became more tolerant of Anne’s talkativeness after the incident, showing that he could take a joke and adapt his perspective. The situation highlighted how Anne’s creativity and wit could positively influence others, even authority figures.
Q12: What does Anne write in her first essay titled “A Chatterbox”? (CBSE 2020)
Ans: In her essay, Anne defends her habit of talking by stating that it is a natural characteristic of students, especially girls. She humorously justifies her talkativeness by saying it’s an inherited trait from her mother, who also talks a lot. Anne admits she cannot control her chatter but emphasizes that she would try to improve. Her creative and witty approach to the essay impressed Mr. Keesing, her math teacher.
Ans: Anne named her diary “Kitty” and treated it as a trusted confidante. She was a private person who rarely shared her thoughts with others, making the diary her emotional outlet. Receiving the diary on her thirteenth birthday was one of her best gifts. She recorded significant events, her feelings, and thoughts on love, morality, politics, and the war in her diary. It became her constant companion, helping her cope with loneliness and providing emotional support. Her diary played a crucial role in her life, capturing moments that no one else could.
Q14: Why did Anne think she could confide more in her diary than in people? (CBSE 2019)
Ans: Anne felt she lacked a true friend with whom she could share her thoughts and feelings. She believed people around her wouldn’t understand her or might judge her emotions. Her diary, which she named “Kitty,” became a trusted companion where she could freely express herself. She found solace in writing as paper, unlike people, had the patience to listen without any interruptions or criticism.
Also read: Practice Questions: From the Diary of Anne Frank
Previous Year Questions 2012
Q15: How did Anne regard her diary and what name did she give to it? (CBSE 2012)
Ans: Anne regarded her diary as her long-awaited friend. She considered it as one with whom she could share her deepest feelings and it would not judge Anne or find her talkative. She named it ‘Kitty’.
Q1: In ‘The Ball Poem’, Berryman explores the themes of loss, growing up, and transformation. Mandela also experienced loss of freedom and suffering along with his countrymen during his growing years on the basis of his race and colour. Compare and contrast the commonality of themes in both the texts. (Answer in 100-120 words) (6 Marks)
Ans: In “The Ball Poem”, John Berryman explores the theme of loss and growing up through a boy who loses his ball and learns to accept it as a part of life. The boy’s loss symbolises the inevitable experiences of pain, responsibility, and maturity that everyone faces. Similarly, in “Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”, Mandela experiences the loss of personal freedom and the suffering of his people due to racial discrimination. However, both texts highlight transformation through suffering — the boy grows emotionally stronger, while Mandela’s hardships shape him into a courageous leader who values freedom and equality. Thus, both works convey that loss and struggle lead to growth, strength, and wisdom.
Q2: How does “The Ball Poem” by John Berryman explore the theme of loss and its profound impact on an individual’s emotional state and perception of the world? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: In “The Ball Poem”, John Berryman explores the theme of loss through a boy who loses his ball, symbolising his childhood innocence. The incident deeply affects him, making him realise that loss is a natural part of life. It transforms his understanding, teaching him responsibility and emotional resilience.
Q3: Why did the poet not console the grief-stricken boy when he lost the ball? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: The poet did not console the boy because he understood that the boy must learn to deal with loss on his own. Offering money or another ball would not replace the lost one. The poet wanted the boy to realise that loss is inevitable and an essential part of growing up.
Q4: The loss of the ball is a lesson to the boy. Elaborate. (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: The loss of the ball teaches the boy an important lesson about accepting loss and growing up. He realises that certain things cannot be replaced by money or possessions. This experience helps him understand responsibility and the inevitability of loss, marking his first step toward emotional maturity.
Q5: What does the poet mean by the phrase ‘And no one buys a ball back’? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: By the phrase “And no one buys a ball back,” the poet means that some losses in life cannot be replaced or recovered, no matter how much money one has. It highlights that emotional attachments and memories connected to what is lost cannot be bought back, teaching the boy the true meaning of loss.
Q6: Explore the theme of loss as it is depicted in both the “Ball Poem” and “The Sermon at Benares” highlighting the inevitable nature of this aspect in life? (100-120 words) (6 marks)
Ans: Both “The Ball Poem” and “The Sermon at Benares” explore the inevitable nature of loss and its role in human growth. In “The Ball Poem”, the boy’s loss of his ball symbolises the loss of childhood innocence. He learns that such experiences are unavoidable and must be faced with courage and understanding. Similarly, in “The Sermon at Benares”, Lord Buddha teaches that death and loss are universal truths — no one can escape them. He advises acceptance and detachment from worldly attachments to overcome grief. While Berryman focuses on personal growth through emotional loss, Buddha’s message extends to spiritual enlightenment. Both texts emphasise that accepting loss leads to inner strength, wisdom, and peace.
Q7: “The Ball Poem” deals with the undertones of loss and responsibility. How is the poem very relatable to our lives and what important message/s do we learn from it? (Answer in about 40-50 words, 3 marks)
Ans:“The Ball Poem” is relatable because everyone experiences loss at some point in life. The boy’s reaction reflects our own feelings when we lose something precious. The poem teaches that loss is inevitable, but it helps us grow, accept reality, and take responsibility for facing life’s challenges with strength and understanding.
Previous Year Questions 2024
Q1: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (CBSE 2024) In a world of possessions. People will take Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy. And no one buys a ball back. Money is external He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes, The epistemology of loss, how to stand up Knowing what every man must one day know And most know many days, how to stand up. (A) Fill in the blank with one word. When the speaker says “People will take balls, Balls will be lost always, little boy”, his tone is ______.
Ans: resigned The speaker’s tone reflects a sense of resignation towards loss, indicating that it is an unavoidable part of life. This is evident in the following points:
The phrase “balls will be lost always” suggests a constant cycle of loss.
The speaker acknowledges that no one buys back a lost ball, highlighting the inevitability of loss.
His tone conveys a deep understanding of the nature of loss and the need to accept it.
This acceptance is a crucial lesson for the boy, teaching him how to cope with loss as he grows.
(B) The poet says that money is external. What inference can be drawn from this statement? Answer in about 40 words.
Ans: The inference drawn from the poet’s statement that “money is external” is that material wealth cannot compensate for emotional losses. It suggests that the true value of sentimental possessions cannot be replaced or restored with monetary means.
(C) Which of the following best describes the speaker’s attitude towards material possessions? (a) indifferent (b) emotional (c) casual (d) respectful
Ans: (d) respectful The speaker treats the boy’s sense of loss with respect, acknowledging the importance of understanding personal loss, which is beyond mere material value.
(D) Identify the poetic device used in “And no one buys a ball back’’.
Ans: The poetic device used in the given line is Alliteration. Alliteration is a poetic device where consecutive words in a sentence or phrase begin with the same consonant sound. Example – buys a ball back.
Q2: You have been chosen to address the school assembly, to speak on the epistemology of loss and the resilience of the human spirit during times of crisis. Prepare the speech draft, with reference to the commonality of themes in The Ball Poem’ by John Berryman and ‘From the Diary of Anne Frank’. (CBSE 2024) You may begin this way : Good morning everyone. Today, I’d like to discuss two pieces of literature that offer a powerful insight into how to deal with loss and the resilience of the human spirit required during times of crisis. You may end this way: To conclude, I’d like to say that _______ Thank you.
Ans: Good morning everyone. Today, I’d like to discuss two pieces of literature that offer a powerful insight into how to deal with loss and the resilience of the human spirit required during times of crisis. In “The Ball Poem” by John Berryman and the excerpt from Anne Frank’s diary, we see a common theme of loss and its impact on individuals. In Berryman’s poem, a young boy is shown struggling after losing his ball. Comparably, during the turbulent years of World War II, Anne Frank writes in her diary about her feelings of loss and loneliness. These works impart lessons about the struggles of life and the importance of resilience in the face of challenges. To conclude, I’d like to say that these pieces of literature serve as poignant reminders of our capacity to grow from the challenges that life throws at us rather than giving up. Thank you.
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Previous Year Questions 2023
Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow: Q3: What is the boy now, who has lost his ball, What, what is he to do? I saw it go Merrily bouncing, down the street and then Merrily over—there it is in the water! No use to say ‘O there are other balls’: (2023)
(i) What does the expression ‘what, what is he to do’ denote? (a) loss of the ball (b) ask the poet for another ball (c) boy’s grief over the loss of the ball (d) go down the street
Ans: The poet repeats the word ‘what’ in order to emphasize on his statement.
(iv) There is no use to say ‘O there are other balls’ indicates that the poet feels that it would be ________ to console the boy (a) helpful (b) futile (c) easy (d) shameful
Ans: (b) The poet feels that trying to console the boy by saying there are other balls would be futile, as it does not address the boy’s emotional attachment to the lost ball.
(v) Which feeling is expressed in the line ‘What is the boy now, who has lost his ball’? (a) regret (b) cheer (c) despair (d) thrill
Ans: (c) In The Ball Poem, after losing his ball, the boy experiences grief but ultimately learns a valuable lesson about loss and responsibility. The poet uses this incident to convey the message that losses are inevitable, and one must learn to accept and move forward with them.
Q5: ‘……. I would not in tru d e on him; A dime, another ball, is worthless. Now He senses first responsibility In a world of possessions. People will take Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy. And no one buys a ball back.’ (2021C)
Q6: ‘His ball went. I would not intrude on him; A dime, another ball, is worthless. Now He senses first responsibility In a world of possessions.’ (2020C)
(i) The loss of the ball will help the child to understand his________
Ans: The responsibility referred to here was that of taking care of his things in this world of possessions and learning to cope with loss. The boy must understand that one way or the other, he is always going to lose his most prized possessions. However, he should not feel sorry for his loss.
Also read: Practice Questions: Poem – The Ball Poem
Previous Year Questions 2016
Q8: Write the sum and substance of the poem “The Ball Poem”. (Answer the following questions in 40-50 words) (CBSE 2016)
Ans: The poet, John Berryman, wants to teach through his poem that how to cope with the loss of possessions and move on in life. The poem brings forth the fact that loss is an inevitable part of a person’s life. However, it is important for the person to bravely bear his loss as life goes on and no loss should bring life to a halt.
Q2: What efforts did the narrator make to get his mail from Europe? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
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