Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Instruction: Select the correct option for each question.
Q1. Why was the old woman afraid to cross the street?
(a) Because it was too dark
(b) Because the street was slippery with snow
(c) Because there were no traffic lights
(d) Because she had lost her way
Ans: (b) Because the street was slippery with snow
The poem mentions “slippery street” and “carriage wheels or horses’ feet,” showing her fear.
Q2. How did the other schoolboys behave towards the old woman?
(a) They teased her.
(b) They quickly helped her.
(c) They ignored her and passed by.
(d) They laughed at her.
Ans: (c) They ignored her and passed by.
The poem clearly says the children “hastened past” and “nor offered a helping hand.”
Q3. What was the young boy’s attitude after helping the woman?
(a) Angry and upset
(b) Proud and happy
(c) Careless and indifferent
(d) Sad and disappointed
Ans: (b) Proud and happy
The boy’s “young heart happy and well content” shows his pride and joy.
Q4. What prayer did the old woman make for the boy?
(a) That he would become rich
(b) That he would pass his exams
(c) That God be kind to him
(d) That he would become famous
Ans: (c) That God be kind to him
At night she prayed: “God be kind to the noble boy.”
Q5. What does the phrase “Somebody’s mother” mainly highlight?
(a) That the woman was poor
(b) That she was unknown to others but precious to her child
(c) That she had many children
(d) That she was waiting for her son
Ans: (b) That she was unknown to others but precious to her child
The repetition stresses empathy — every mother is precious to someone.
Fill in the Blanks
Instruction: Fill in the blanks with the correct word based on the chapter.
Q1. The poem Somebody’s Mother was written by __________.
Ans: Mary Dow Brine
She is the poet of this touching piece.
Q2. The boys came out of school like a flock of __________.
Ans: sheep
The simile compares the noisy schoolboys to a flock of sheep.
Q3. The woman’s feet were described as __________ and slow.
Ans: aged
This highlights her weakness and helplessness.
Q4. The boy guided the woman across the __________ street.
Ans: slippery
“Slippery street” reflects danger and the woman’s fear.
Q5. At the end, the woman prayed for the __________ boy.
Ans: noble
She called him noble for his kind action.
Very Short Answer Questions
Instruction: Answer the following questions in one line.
Q1. Who is the central character of the poem?
Ans: An old, ragged, and helpless woman.
Q2. How did the children react to the old woman at first?
Ans: They ignored her and hurried away.
Q3. Who helped the old woman cross the street?
Ans: A kind young schoolboy.
Q4. What was the boy proud of after helping her?
Ans: That his strong feet could guide her trembling ones.
Q5. What quality of the boy does the poem highlight?
Ans: His kindness and empathy.
Short Answer Questions
Instruction: Answer the following questions in 2–3 lines.
Q1. Describe the condition of the old woman in the poem.
Ans: The old woman was ragged, grey, and bent with the chill of the winter day. Her feet were aged and slow, making her too weak and fearful to cross the slippery street alone.
Q2. How does the poet show the difference between the old woman and the schoolboys?
Ans: The poet contrasts the timid and helpless woman with the boys who were cheerful, carefree, and energetic after school. While she stood alone and anxious, they rushed past laughing and enjoying the snow.
Q3. Why did the boy stop to help the woman?
Ans: The boy felt deep compassion when he saw her struggling and realized she could not cross by herself. He also thought of his own mother and hoped someone would help her in the same way if she was old and helpless one day.
Q4. What impact did the boy’s act of kindness have on the old woman?
Ans: The woman felt comforted and safe as the boy guided her across the street. That night, touched by his kindness, she prayed for the noble boy’s happiness and asked God to be kind to him.
Q5. What message does the poem convey to society?
Ans: The poem conveys that kindness and empathy are essential values in society. It teaches us to respect and support the elderly and reminds us that helping others today may bring help to our own loved ones tomorrow.
Match the Following
Instruction: Match Column A with the correct option in Column B.
Ans:
- The old woman’s condition → B. Aged and slow
- The schoolboys’ behavior → C. Rushed past without helping
- The young lad’s action → D. Guided her across the street
- The young lad’s feeling → A. Happy and content
- The poem’s message → E. Value of helping others
