The Rattrap (Selma Lagerlof) 28/04/20

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Detail of the story "The Rattrap" by Selma Lagerlof -:

Main characters in the story-:

1. The peddler - He is the Rattrap seller ( चूहे दानी बेचने वाला). He is very poor. 

2.  The crofter-: He is an old man. He lives in a wayside cottage. He has a cow. He welcomes the peddler in his cottage.

3. Iron master -: He is a rich man. He is the owner of Ramsjo Ironworks. 

4. Edla Willmansson:-  She is ironmaster's daughter. She is gentle and kind to the peddler. 

5. Captain von Stahle-:  The ironmaster mistakes the peddler as his old friend Captain von Stahle. ( आयरन मास्टर गर्मी से पैडलर को अपना पुराना मित्र कैप्टेन वोन स्टेहल समझ लेता है।)

6 Elizabeth-:  She was ironmaster's wife. She had died. 

7. The blacksmith and his apprentice-: They work in ironmaster's forgery.

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Examination type of Questions -: 

A) Multiple choice type Questions-; 

1.When did the peddler make small rattraps ?

Ans a) at odd moments b) everyday c) in the morning d) at night.

2. What material was used by the peddler to make rattraps?

Ans a) iron and wood b) only iron c) wire d) only wood.

3. Which one of the following statements is not true about the peddler?

a)  His business was not profitable.

b) He had to resort to both begging and petty thievery.

c) He purchased rattraps from the market and sold them.

d) He made the rattraps himself at odd moments.

4. Which one option is true about the physical appearance of  the  peddler/ tramp?

a) His clothes were in rags.

b) His cheeks were sunken.

c) Hunger gleamed in his eyes.

d) All of the above.

5. The peddler got the material for making rattraps from -----------

a)  the stores or big farms.

b) the market.

c) big farms.

d) the stores.

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1. The peddler's life was.........

a) very happy b) hectic c) joyous d) monotonous.

2. The peddler was suddenly struck by the idea about the world one day . What was it?

a) The world  was nothing but a dream.

b) The world was a stage.

c) The world was nothing but a big Rattrap.

d) None of these.

3. What temptations are offered by the world to the man?

a) riches and joy

b) shelter and food.

c) heat and clothing.

d) all of the above.

4. What is used as bait in the rattrap?

a) meat

b ) cheese

c) pork

d) both b &c .

5. The peddler was amused by the idea of the world being a big Rattrap because.......

a) the world had been very kind to him.

b) the world had never been kind to him.

c) both a & b

d) none of the above.

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Q 1. Why was the peddler given to begging and petty thievery? ( पैडलर भीख और छोटी-छोटी चोरी का सहारा क्यों लेता था?)

Ans- a) Because his business was not profitable.

b) Because his business was profitable.

c) Because he had a habit of it.

d) None of the above.

2. Where did the peddler seek shelter one evening?

Ans- a) In a forge

b) In a big farm.

c) In a little cottage by the roadside.

d) None of the above.

3. What kind of hospitality did the peddler receive from the crofter?

Ans-: a) The crofter welcomed the peddler.

b) He gave him supper.

c) He played Mjolis with him.

d) All of the above.

Q4. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?

Ans- a) The crofter was a lonely person.

b) The crofter was without wife or chid.

c) both a& b

d) none of the above.

Q5. Where did the crofter work in his days of prosperity?

Ans- a) He worked on the land of Ramsjo iron  works.

  b) He worked in a creamery

c) both a& b.

d) None of the above.

Q6-. How much money did the crofter earn by selling the milk?

Ans- a) Three Kronors  b) Thirty cronors

c) Thirteen Kronors d) none of the above

    

Q7-. Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in him?

Ans-: a) Yes, he did.

b) No, he did not.

Q8. The peddler stole the money from the crofter. What did he do then?

Ans-: a) He walked straight on high way.

b) He took his way through the forest.

c) He hid himself in a forge.

d) None of the above.

Q9-. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?

Ans- a) He was moved to pity over his miserable condition.

b) He mistook the peddler for his regimental acquaintance.

c) Both a & b.

d) None of the above.

Q10. Why did the peddler decline the ironmaster's invitation to come to his home?

Ans. A) He was feeling embarrassed.

B) He had the crofter's stolen money in his pocket.

C) He feared of being caught .

D) All of the above.

Q11. Who was Edla Willmansson?

Ans:- a) Crofter's daughter.

b) Peddler's friend.

c) Ironmaster's daughter.

d) An old lady.

Q12. Edla's behaviour with the tramp was .....

A) Compassionate

B) Modest

C) Friendly

D) All of the above.

Q13. What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?

Ans. a) The peddler was a thief.

b) He had escaped from jail.

c) both a & b

d) None of the above.

Q14. When the ironmaster realised his mistake , how was his attitude to the peddler changed?

Ans-: a) He still shows sympathy for the peddler.

b) He at once orders him to get out of his house.

c) He rebukes him for pretending a captain.

d) He calls in the police and gets him arrested.

Q15. What gift was left by the peddler for Edla?

Ans:- a) A Rattrap

b) Thirty Kronor

c) A diamond ring.

d) A gold ring.

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Q1. How was the peddler entertained by Edla in her house?

Ans-: a) As a captain.

b) As a tramp

c) As a friend.

d) as a stranger.

Q2. The peddler leaves a packet for Edla as a Christmas gift. What was in it?

Ans-: a) small rattrap

b) three wrinkled ten krona notes

c) a letter.

d) all of the above.

Q3. Krona is a currency of......

a) Britain

b) Japan

C) Sweden 

D) Burma 

Q4. What did the peddler sign at the end of the letter?

Ans-: a) Captain

b) Captain Von Stahle-

c) Peddler.

d) none of the above.

Q5. What did the old crofter do for a living?

Ans:- a) He worked in an ironmill.

b) He was owner of an iron mill.

c) He sold the milk of his cow to a creamery.

d) He worked on his farm.

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Summary :-

The Rattrap brings out the idea that no one is evil by birth or by nature. Every one has goodness in his heart. An evil person can change to become a good one if he is treated in a nice way.  The Rattrap is a story of a peddler who goes round selling rattrap which he makes himself by using wires. His business in not much profitable. So he is given to petty thievery. He thinks evil about the world. One night he takes shelter in a wayside cottage . Its owner is an oldman who lives alone. He welcomes the peddler in his cottage. He provides him food. He plays and talks intimately with the peddler. But the peddler robs him of his thirty Kronor. He breaks his faith. After stealing the money the peddler takes his way through the forest so that he may not be caught. But he is lost in the mazy forest. He can not find a way to come out of the forest. He realises that he has been trapped in the rattrap of the world. Just then he hears the sounds of hammer strokes coming from an iron mill. He enters the forge to warm himself. After a short time the owner of the mill comes there. He mistakes the peddler for his old acquaintance  and asks him to accompany him to his home. But the peddler wants to stay there. The ironmaster returns to his home. He tells his daughter about his old companion. His  daughter goes to the mill. She requests the peddler in a very humble way. The peddler gets ready to accompany her. On reaching the ironmaster's home, the peddler is bathed. His beard is trimmed. He is given the ironmaster's clothes to wear. In broad daylight ,the ironmaster realises his mistake. The peddler is not his old acquaintance. The ironmaster scolds him. He calls him a cheater. He asks him to leave his home at once. But his daughter intervenes. She requests her father to let him stay with them on the Christmas Eve. She says that the peddler never posed to be their acquaintance. It was all due to mistake. Thus Edla helps the peddler. She treats him nicely. Next morning the father and his daughter go to the church for morning prayer. There they hear that a peddler robbed the crofter of his thirty Kronor. When the girl hears this she is embarrassed very much. She repents that she let a rouge stay in her home. But when she comes to her home, she is amazed. The stranger had left. He did not take any thing with him. On the other hand he had left a packet for Edla. In the packet, there was a rattrap and a letter and three notes of ten Kronor each. In the letter he had written," Since you have been so nice to me all day long, I also want to be nice to you in return. You can give back the money to the old man on roadside. The Rattrap is a Christmas present from a rat who would have been caught in this world's rattrap if he had not been treated as a captain." Thus the nice behaviour of the girl transformed a ragamuffin.

Q1.From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?

Answer

One day the peddler was thinking of his rattraps. Suddenly he was struck by an idea that the whole world with its lands and seas, its cities and villages was nothing but a big rattrap. It offered riches and joys, shelter and food as baits in the same manner as the rattrap offered cheese and pork. As soon as someone touches the bait, he finds himself in the trap.

Q2.Why was he amused by the idea?
Ans. The peddler was struck with the idea that the whole world with its riches and joys; with its lands and seas; its cities and villages was nothing but a big rattrap. This idea gave him much satisfaction. The world had never been kind to him so it gave him unwanted joy to think I'll of it.

Q3. Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter?
Ans. No, he didn't expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter. He was often scolded and chased away by the people. 

Q4.Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?
Ans. The crofter was an old person who lived alone in his cottage. He was a very kind person. He welcomed the peddler thinking that he would have someone to talk in his loneliness. He played mjolis with him. He offered him food. He talked to him intimately.

Q5.Why did the crofter show pouch of thirty Kronor to the peddler?
Ans. The crofter told the peddler that he earned thirty Kronor by selling milk last month. The peddler seemed to be incredulous. So he showed him thirty Kronor to make him believe his story.

Q6. Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in him?
Ans. The peddler was not a trustworthy fellow. The crofter offered him food and shelter. He talked to him very intimately. But the peddler shattered the faith reposed in him. He robbed the crofter of his thirty Kronor.

Q7.What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?

Ans. After stealing thirty Kronor from the crofter, the peddler took his way through the forest so that he might not be caught. But the forest was mazy. He could not find a way out of it. Then he realised that he had fallen into a rattrap.

Q8. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?
Ans. The ironmaster mistook the peddler for his old acquaintance. He was moved to see his miserable condition. So he spoke to him kindly and invited him to his house.

Q9. Why did the peddler decline his invitation?
Ans. The peddler had thirty Kronor with him which he had stolen from the crofter. He feared that he would be caught by police. So he declined the ironmaster's invitation.

Q10.What made the peddler accept Edla Williamson's invitation?
Ans. Edla Williamson was a kind and gentle lady. She spoke in a very friendly way . The peddler could not decline her request.
Q11. When did the ironmaster realise his mistake? What did he do then?

Ans. The ironmaster realised his mistake when he saw the peddler next day in broad daylight. The peddler had been washed, his hair was cut, his beard was trimmed. He was not an acquaintance of the ironmaster. The ironmaster scolded him and called him a cheater. He asked him to leave his home at once.

Q12. What did the peddler say in his defence when it was clear that he was not the person the ironmaster had thought he was?
Ans. The peddler defended himself. He said that it was not his fault. He never posed to be a former captain and his acquaintance. He wanted to stay in the forge. But the ironmaster and his daughter Edla Williamson forced him to move in his home.

Q13. Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?
Ans. Edla Williamson was a generous lady. She came to know that the peddler was not an old acquaintance of her father. It was all a mistake due to darkness of night. She knew that the peddler never posed to be what he was not. She wanted to celebrate her Christmas with him. By serving him food on Christmas , she wanted to prove her charity and nobleness of heart.

Q14. What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?
Ans. The peddler looked very absurd in his rags. His looks and behaviour seemed doubtful. It appeared to Edla that he had stolen something or had escaped from jail. 

Q15. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?
Ans. The peddler was entertained as a captain in the ironmaster's home. Edla addressed him as Captain all the time. It was in this role that his conscience was awakened and he escaped falling in world's rattrap. That's why he signed himself as Captain Von Stahle.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1.Write a brief character-sketch of the peddler. OR
     Who was the peddler? Why did he think that the whole world is a rattrap?
OR
The peddler comes out as a person with a great sense of humor. How does this serve in lightening the seriousness of the theme of the story and also endear him to us?

Ans. Consult the summary of the story.

How does the metaphor of rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?

Ans. The metaphor of rattrap rightly serves to highlight the human predicament. The world is a big rattrap with all its riches and joys; food and shelter; heat and clothing. These worldly things serve as baits and dupe a noble man. These enticements serve same as pork and cheese serve to a rat. Just as the rat is entrapped as soon as he touches the pork or cheese similarly an honest and nobleman is entrapped in rattrap of the world. The peddler realises this when he finds no way out of the mazy forest. But Edla's nice behaviour serves as a medicine for his evilness and he escapes from falling in the rattrap of the world. His hidden nobleness comes to the brim.

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""Do not care what people say , only care what your conscience says"

""Always hear your inner voice - the voice of conscience because it is true"


"" I have seen strange unity in people to pull down the living persons and lifting the dead ones"

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                                             SAT FOR MAY 2018     M.M. 40 Time 1 h.
**Note -      All Questions are compulsory
Q1-8 1 Mark each
Q9-13 2 Marks each
Q14-17 3 Marks each
Q18-19  5 Marks each

Q1. Who is the writer of the lesson "The Rattrap"?
Q2. Who was Franz?
Q3. Which language was imposed in Alsace after the district was annexed by the German Forces?
Q4. Name the daughter of the iron master?
Q5. Which city is famous for making bangles?
Q6. Which pool was considered safe for swimming?
Q7. What is metaphor?
Q8. Who is Savita?                                              1*8= 8 marks
Q9. What changes were noticed by Franz in the school on that day?
10  What was Franz expected to learn on that day?
11. Why did the peddler decline the iron master's invitatation?
12.  How is Mukesh's attitudde different from his family?
13. What happened when the writer was 3 or 4 year old? (From Deep Water)
14. When did the ironmaster realise his mistake? what did he do then?
15. Mention the hazards of working in a glass blowing industry?
16. How did Douglas overcome his fear of water?
17. What happened when the church clock struck 12?
18. You are Harminder of 20 Tolstoy Marg, New Delhi. People in your area have been getting polluted water supply for sometime. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper about it.
19. Write in brief the summary of the lesson 'The Rattrap'
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Deep The Lost Spring -The stories of stolen childhood (Anees Jung) by Anees Jung and The Deep Water by Williom Douglas

(Updated on 16/7/2021)

"Stay at Home Stay Safe" 
(updated on 20/4/2020)


Summary of the Lesson (The Lost Spring)

 Author- Anees Jung

(Detailed Analysis by Baljit Singh)

 Lost Spring brings out the plight(दुर्दशा) of the poor children especially those who live in slum like areas where they have no basic amenities (सुख सुविधाएं) such as schools , parks or playgrounds. Such children have to work in hotels or tea-stalls  to earn some money. Some even resort to ( सहारा ) ragpicking or something like that. The writer has explained three children and their family in a very vivid way . He is a ragpicker. His family lives in Seemapuri which is situated on the outskirts of Delhi. All the families in Seemapuri  migrated from Bangladesh in1971 when their green fields and homes were swept away in floods and storms . They pitched their tents in Seemapuri which was a wilderness at that time.Thousands of boys like Saheb live in Seemapuri. Rag picking is means of survival for them. Garbage is gold to them. They have dreams in their eyes but they remain unfulfilled. Similarly there is a poor boy. His name is Mukesh. He belongs to a family of bangle-maker. But he wants to do something different. He wants to become a motor mechanic. He doesn't dream big. He knows his limitations . Savita is also a poor girl . She also belongs to the family of bangle-maker. Her family works in dark and dingy rooms from morning to evening. Still  they don't get two squre of meals at the end of the day. Thus the story justifies it's title also. The childhood is the spring of one's life.  But this spring of poor boys has been snatched away by poverty or misfortune and the children live a pathetic life.

Short Answer Type Questions
Q1. Who is Saheb- e- Alam? Does Saheb know it's meaning?
Ans. Saheb-e-Alam is a poor rag picker.His name means the Lord of the Universe. He doesn't know what it means.

Q2 What is Saheb looking for in the dump of garbage? Where has he come from?
Ans. Saheb is looking for some valuable thing in the garbage such as a note, or a coin. He has come from Dhaka with his family and lives in Seemapuri.

Q3 Where is Seemapuri situated? Why does  the writer say that it is metaphorically miles away from Delhi?
Ans Seemapuri is situated at the outskirts of Delhi. It is metaphorically miles away from Delhi because it lacks the facilities as are provided in a capital city.

Q4. Is Saheb happy working on a tea-stall? Why?
Ans. Saheb finds a job on a tea-stall .He gets 800 rupees and all his meals. But he is not happy with his job. Now he has lost his freedom. He has to work as per instructions of his owner. The canister he bears on his back seems heavier than the garbage bag.

Q5. Mention the hazards of working in a glass blowing industry.

Ans. Working in a glass- blowing industry is very difficult and dangerous. The workers have to work in dark and dingy rooms from morning to evening. Still they don't get two squares of a meal. Their lives remain an untold story of pain and misery. There is no air or ventilation. Sometimes they lose their eyesight due to glass dust. Children lose their eyesight before they grow adults. They can not raise their voice against their exploitation. If they do so, they are dragged and beaten by the sahukaars. Thus working in a glass blowing industry is very hazardous.

Q6. What is Firozabad famous for?
Ans. Firozabad is famous for its glass-blowing industry. Every other family in Firozabad is engaged in the profession of bangle- making. Every yard or street or pushcart is filled with mounds of bangles of different colours - sunny gold, paddy green, violet , grey, royal blue or pink ; all the seven colours of a rainbow.
Q7.How is Mukesh's attitude diffrent from his family?

Or

Who was Mukesh? What was his aim of life?
Ans. Mukesh belongs to the family of bangle makers. All the members of his family are engaged in bangle making. No one of them thinks of doing different. But Mukesh wants to become a motor mechanic. He wants to break the traditional customs. Thus he is different from his family in his attitude.
Q8." Garbage is to them gold' What literary device has been used in this statement?
Ans. Metaphor.

        Unit Test from "The Lost Spring"

Q1. What does Saheb-e-Alam stand for?
Q2. Where does Saheb find a job? How much salary does he get?
Q3. Where is Seemapuri situated?
Q4. Which town is famaof for glass blowing industry?
Q5. Where does Savita work?
Q6- What is impact of glass blowing industry on the health of the workers?
Q7. What does Mukesh want to become?
Q8. Who exploit the bangle makers?
Q9. What is the occupation of the most families in Firozabad?
Q10. What is the complaint of the people working in the glass blowing industry?

Hints- 1. Lord of the universe
2. in a tea shop. 800 rupees3. at the outskirts of Delhi.4 .Firozabad 6 Lose eye sight .5 in a glass blowing industry.7. a motor mechanic 8. The sahukaars, politicians and police. 9 bangle making.10 They have  not get a two times meal a day in whole life. If they raise voice , they are harrassed.






Lesson Third

Deep Water (William Douglas)

Short Answer Type Questions:-

Q1. Why does the author call Yakima River as  treacherous?
Ans. Yakima River had swallowed many lives. Every day there was one or another incident of drowning . The writer's mother usually warned him against going near to it.. That's why Yakima is called as treacherous.

Q2. Why do you think YMCA pool as safe place for the novice swimmer?
Ans. YMCA pool was not very deep. It was only 2 or 3 feet deep at the shallow end while nine feet deep at the other end and the drop was gradual. It was a good place for a novice swimmer.

Q3. What happened when the writer was there or four year old?
Ans:- When the writer was three or four year old , an unpleasant thing happened. He went to California beach with his father where he was swept away by a strong wave. He was buried deep in water. He was out of breath . Although his father was nearby ,yet the terror seized him.

Q4. What misadventure happened at the YMCA pool? OR
Narrate briefly the writer's emotions and fears when he was thrown into the pool. What plan did he make to come to the surface?
Ans. The writer decided to learn swimming. He joined the YMCA pool. He got water wings. One day he was sitting alone at the edge of the pool. He was afraid of going into the water alone. He was waiting for others to come. Just then a strong boy of eighteen or nineteen years came there. He picked up the writer and tossed him into the pool. The writer was frightened. But he not out of his wits. He planned to hit the bottom with his legs and make a big jump to the surface . But his plan proved useless. He came up very slowly. Water filled in his lungs. He could not scream. He came on the surface for few seconds. He tried to grab something but he got only water. He started again towards the bottom of the pool. He grew panicky. He again tried to jump but in vain. At last he stopped all efforts. He relaxed. Luckily he was saved by someone. Thus the writer had a bitter experience at the YMCA pool.

Q5. How did the misadventure at the YMCA pool affect the writer?
Ans. The misadventure at the YMCA pool filled him with great panic. It affected him badly. However, he was able to walk back home, he felt very weak. He was trembling. He cried when he lay on his bed. He could not eat that night. For many days, terror gripped him body and soul. He became very abnormal.

Q6. Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water?
Ans. Douglas's fear of water spoiled all his joys of fishing,boating and swimming. So he was determined to get over his fear of water.

Q7. How did Douglas overcome his fear of water?    OR
How did the instructor build a swimmer out of Douglas?
Ans:- Douglas decided to get an instructor and learn to swim. The instructor was an experienced person.He used a new method to train the writer. He put a belt round the writer and a rope was attached to it. The rope went through a pulley which ran on an overhead cable. The writer went back and forth across the pool. He practised for many weeks. Slowly he gathered confidence. But his old fear returned to him when he was alone in water. Once he went to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire. He swam two miles across it. His old fear returned a little but soon he overcame it. On another occasion he went to Warm Lake and dived into it. He swam across to the other shore and back. He shouted with joy. He he had conquered his fear of water.



Summary of the story:-

Deep Water is the story of the author himself explaining how he became a perfect swimmer. He explains his experiences in a very vivid way . As a child ,he had a harrowing experience when he went to California beach with his father. He was swept away by a strong wave . He developed a sense of aversion and fear to water. But his determination, hard work and craze to learn swimming made him overcome all his fear of water. He ultimately became a famous swimmer.
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Objective type of Questions

1. Which river is called treacherous by the writer?

Ans- Yakima

2. What does YMCA stand for?

Ans- YMCA stands for Young Men's Christian Association

3. Which pool was safe?

Ans- YMCA pool was safe.

4. Why was YMCA safe?

Ans- YMCA pool was safe because it was two or three feet deep at the shallow end, and nine feet deep at the other end.

5. Why did the writer hate to walk naked in water?

Ans- The writer hated to walk naked in water because he had skinny legs.

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Q1. What aversion did the writer have?

Ans- Aversion to water.

Q2. When did the narrator develop aversion to water.

Ans - The writer developed an aversion to water when he was three or four years old.

Q3. Where did his father take him when the writer was three or four years old?

Ans- His father took him to the beach in California.

Q4. What happened at the beach?

Ans- A powerful wave of water knocked the writer down and swept over him.

Q5. What filled the writer with terror?

Ans- Overpowering force of water filled the writer with terror.

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Q1. What did the big boy do to the author?

Ans- He picked him up and tossed him into the deep end.

Q2. What is the author talking of when he says 'long way down'?

Ans-:  It means long way to the bottom of the pool.

Q3. What did the narrator see when he opened his eyes?

Ans-: He saw nothing but water.

Q4. "I summoned all my strength". What does "I" refer to?

Ans-: Here "I" refers to the author.

Q5. Who said," All we have to fear is fear itself"

Ans-: Roosevelt.

Q6-. "The will to live somehow grew in intensity." What does "will" here mean?

Ans- 'Will' here means desire or longing. (इच्छा)

Q7- fill in the blanks

 There is terror only in the ........of death.

Ans- a) risk b) fear c) danger d) coming.

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Fill in the blanks selecting appropriate option

1. I got a pair of water....... and went to the pool. 

Ans-: a) cannon b) bottle c) wings d) fountain

Q2. There was terror in my heart at the ......... force of water.

Ans-: a) strong b) Overpowering c) moving d) increasing

Q3. I landed in a ------------- position.

Ans-: a) good b) standing c) sitting d) walking.

Q4.I opened my eyes and saw nothing but -----------

Ans- a) terror b) ice c) smoke d) water.

Q5. The next I remember I was lying on my --------- beside the pool , vomiting.

Ans-: a) back b) bottom c) stomach d) none of these

Q6-. For days, a -------------- was in my heart.

Ans-: a) pleasure b) sadness c) haunting fear d) chanting fear.

Q7-. I shook and cried when I ........ in my bed.

Ans-: a) sleep b) sat c) lie d) lay.

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Lay out plan for exam

Q1- unseen passage for comprehension -4marks
Q2- unseen passage for note making-        
 5 marks
Q3- grammar (narration,voice,modals,articals and tenses) 2 marks each=10 marks
Q4. Notice, advertisement,poster(any two each of 3 marks= 6marks
Q5. Report/ Paragraph (100-125 words) 5 marks.
Q6.Letter/ Application -5marks
Q7. Passage for comprehension from Flamingo -5 marks.
Q8. One essay type question from Flamingo - 5 marks
Q9. 5 short answer type questios from Flamingo- (2×5=10 Marks)
Q10. One paragraph for comprehension from poetry- 5 marks
Q11.Two questions from poetry- each of 3 marks-(3×2=6 marks)
Q12.One essay type question from Vistas - 5 marks.
Q13. Three questions from Vistas each of three marks-(3×3=9 marks)

Students are advised to focus on reading and understanding the text from the book and develop a habit of vast reading rather than mugging up the questions.

Students should develop sound vocabulary and their descriptive power.

Poets and Pancakes (Asokamitran)

Q1 What does the writer mean by 'the fiery misery' of those subjected to make-up?

Ans. In the make room of the Gemini Studio , there were large mirrors with mercury lights all around. The heat of these lights was terrible. The actors who went in the make up room had to bear the heat of these lights. The writer calls it 'the fiery misery'.

Q2. Who was the office boy? Why did he join the studio?
Ans. The office boy was a grown-up person. His duty was to make-up the actors who played the crowd. He had joined the studio to become a star or a screen writer. He also hoped to become a director or a lyric writer. But his hopes proved false and he was diappointed.

Poets and Pancakes (Asokamitran)

Q1 What does the writer mean by 'the fiery misery' of those subjected to make-up?

Ans. In the make-up room of the Gemini Studio , there were large mirrors with mercury lights all around. The heat of these lights was terrible. The actors who went in the make up room had to bear the heat of these lights. The writer calls it 'the fiery misery'.

Q2. Who was the office boy? Why did he join the studio?
Ans. The office boy was a grown-up person. His duty was to make-up the actors who played the crowd. He had joined the studio to become a star or a screen writer. He also hoped to become a director or a lyric writer. But his hopes proved false and he was diappointed.

Q3.Why did the author appear to be doing nothing at the studio?
Ans. The author was assigned the duty of cutting news from the news papers. He remained busy in this work. So he seemed doing nothing to all other workers.

Q4. Who was the boss of the Gemini Studio?
Ans. Mr. Vasan was the boss of the Gemini Studio.

Q5.Who was the English visitor to the studios? Why is his visit referred to as unexplained mystery?
Ans. He was Stephen Spender, the English poet. His speech to the audience remained totally unintelligible.He did not tell about himself. He did not tell why he had visited the studio. That is why his visit is reffered to as unexplained mystery.

Q6. What does 'The God that Failed' refer to?
Ans. It was the name of a book published by six eminent scholars. One of them was Stephen Spender. This book brought out the disillusionment of the writers with the wave of internatiinal communism.

Q7. Why and how was the Moral Rearmament Army welcomed at the Gemini Studio?
Ans. MRA( Moral Rearmament Army) in fact was a team of about two hundred artists from diffent nations . They visited the Gemini studios in Madras and performed two plays which entertained the artists in Gemini Studios. These plays left a deep impression on the Gemini family and other citizens of Madras. The setting of these plays impressed the artists in the Gemini Studios. There was always a Bare stage, a white background curtain and a tune played on the flute . These settings were followed by Gemini family in a number of plays later on.

Q8. Subbu is described as a many sided genius. List four of his abilities?
Ans. Subbu was a versatile person. He had the following qualities.
1.He had the ability to look cheerful all the time.
2.He was loyal to the boss.
3. He was an amazing actor.
4. He had a ready solution for all problems. He had a loving and charitable nature.

Q9. The author has used gentle humour to point out human foibles. Pick out instances from the lesson to explain it.
Ans. The author uses gentle humor and satire to point out human weaknesses and eccentricities. His humour is not bitter. It does not reduce or mortify any character. At first the author portrays the make-up department in a very interesting way. It is interesting that make-up material arrived in truck loads and a hierarchy was maintained in make up department. Then there is a humorous explaination of Subbu and the visit of MRA in the studio. Description of Stephen Spender is also very amusing. The author does not leave any space where humour is not created. The way legal advisor's career is ended is also very interesting. In brief we can say that Poets and Pancakes is a masterpiece of satirical humour.

Q10. Subbu was 'tailor-made for films'. How did he use his genius in various activities in the Gemini Studio?
Ans. Subbu was a versatile person. He was an amazing actor but he never aspired to lead role. Whatever role he played , he performed with full might and cofidence. He was very close to the boss. So other artists in the studio were envious to him. He looked very cheerful all the time. He had a solution for all problems. He was considered no. 2 in the studio. He was a good writer also. In fact he was a many sided genius. It can be said that he was tailor-made for films.

Note- tailor-made means suitable

Q11. Draw a character- sketch of Subbu.
Ans Subbu was a versatile character. He was a nice person. He was an amazing actor as well as a writer.  He never aspired for lead roles .But he played very effectively. He had joined the studio to become an actor or a script writer or a director or a lyric writer. But his hopes proved false. His entry in films was full of difficulties. He belonged to a Brahmin family. So soon he settled. He became no. two in the Gemini studio. He had the ability to look cheerful in every situation. He had a solution for every problem. He developed a sense of love with everyone who came across him. He was very amicable , charitable and improvident. His house had become a permanent resort for near and far relatives and acquaintances. Still he had enemies. It was because his demeanor resembled to a sycophant.

Letters in simple language

Letter Writing

You are Harminder of 20 Tolstoy Marg, New Delhi. People in your area have been getting polluted water supply for sometime. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper about it.

20, Tolstoy Marg,
News Delhi.
Feb.9,2018

To
The Editor,
The Times of India,
New Delhi.

Subject:- Polluted water supply in our locality

Dear Sir,

I would like to draw your kind attention to the subject cited above. We have been getting polluted water for a long time in our area. It seems that something goes wrong in water supply tanks or pipe lines because we are getting stinking water which causes vomitting or diarrhea. People are falling ill and there is fear of epidemic in our area. So please look into the matter and oblige. I shall be very thankful to you.

With thanks and regards,

Yours truly,
Harminder.

2. Suppose you are Mahender Singh of 110, Friends Colony, Hisar. Write a letter to the SHO of your area complaining about poor law and order situation in your area. Invent all the necessary details.

110, Friends Colony,
Hisar.
Feb. 14, 2018

To
The SHO,
Friends Colony,
Hisar.

Subject:- Poor Law and Order situation

Sir,
I would like to draw your attention to the subject cited above. We, the residents of Friends Colony, are facing a great problem these days. Everyday there is one or other incident of chain snatching, thievery, burglary or eve-teasing in our locality. Sometimes these incidents happen during day times also. The wrong-doers have no fear of police. They commit the crime and go scot-free. People suspect that police are hand in glove with the culprits. Please beef up security in our area so that the residents may live a peaceful and fearless life. I shall be very thankful to you.

With thanks and warm regards!

Mahender Singh
Friends Colony
Hisar.

3. Write a letter  to the SDO Electricity of your area complaining about frequuent breakdown of electricity in your colony . Sign yourself as Arun Kumar of 358, Bhasker Street, Bhagat Singh Colony, Jhajjar.

358, Bhasker Street,
Bhagat Singh Colony,
Jhajjar.
Feb.15,2018

To
The SDO UHBVN
Jhajjar.

Subject:- Frequent Breakdown of Electricity

Dear Sir,
I would like to draw your attention to the subject cited above. We, the residents of Bhagat Singh Colony, are herried a lot these days because of frequent breakdown of electricity in our colony. Power supply is very irregular and sometimes we have to face many undeclared power cuts that cause a lot of inconvenience to the residents. The situation becomes even more gruesome in hot summer days when mercury shoots up alarmingly. As you know , sir, annual exams are also drawing near. So the students suffer a lot due to power cuts. We have complained many times earlier but the problem remains the same. I hope you will look into the matter and solve the problem.
Thanking you in anticipation!

Your sincerely,
Arun Kumar.

4. Write a letter of application for the job of a clerk in a school.

110,Friends Colony,
Jhajjar
Feb.17,2018

To
The Deputy Commissioner,
Jhajjar.
Subject:- Application for the post of a clerk

Sir,
I came to know from an advertisement published in 'The Times of India' that you need a clerk in your school. I offer myself as a suitable candidate for the same. I am an energetic young man . I graduated from MDU Rohtak  in Commerce in first division . I have an experience of three years working as an accountant in a reputed firm. I assure you that I shall perform the work given to me with integrity and devotion.
I hope you will give me a chance to serve you.
Thanking you in anticipation!

Yours Faithfully,
ABC.

My bio-data is enclosed herein.

5. Write a letter to Shyam Electronics, Nagori Gate, Hisar complaining about the colour television you purchased last month against a warranty of two years. Now you find that it is not functioning properly. Its volume keeps fluctuating. Pictures are also not clear. Sign yourself as Josheph of 110, Friends Colony, Hisar.

110,Friends Colony,
Hisar.
March 7, 2018

To
Shyam Electronics,
Nagori Gate,
Hisar.

Subject:- Compaint about colour T.V.

Dear Sir,
I purchased a colour T.V. from your shop vide cash memo no. 123/1 dated January 15,2018 under a warranty of two years. But I regret to inform you that it has stopped working properly now. Its volume keeps flactuating from time to time. Pictures are also not clear. There is something wrong in its picture tube. We showed it to a local mechanic but he could not detect the problem. I request you to replace the piece with a new one or send some expert mechanic to handle it as the piece is under warranty. I hope you will understand my problem and do the needful to maintain your reputation .

Thanking in anticipation!
Yours sincerely
Josheph.

6.You are Pulkit of 110, Friends colony, Hisar. The postman of your area does not behave properly with the people. He is irregular in his duties and throws letters here and there or hands over the letters to the children. Write a letter to the postmaster complaining against the postman.

110,Friends Colony,
Hisar.
March 7, 2018

To
The Postmaster,
General Post Office,
Hisar.

Subject:- Complaint against the Postman

Sir,
I would like to draw your attention to the subject cited above. We, the residents of Friends Colony, are herried a lot due to the behaviour of the postman of our area. He is very irregular in his duties. He does not deliver the letters in time and at the proper address. He does not put letters in letter box. Often our important letters reach to us late. When we point it out to him, he speaks very rudely. He lacks manners. He even uses obscene language while talking to children. Please look into the matter and take proper steps against him.

Thanking in anticipation!

Yours faithfully,
Pulkit

7 Write a letter to the Manager, National Book Trust of India, New Delhi placing an order for books for your library. Sign yourself as Principal Govt. Sr. Sec. School, xyz.

Principal,
Govt. Sr. Sec. School,
xyz.
March7,2018

To
The Manager,
National Book Trust of India,
New Delhi.

Subject:- Order for books

Dear Sir,
Please supply the following  books for the library of our school on reasonable rates as soon as possible.

1. Flamingo - 20 copies
2. Vistas        : 20 copies
3. Hornbill    :30 copies
4.Snapshot    :30 copies
5. English
    Grammar    : 50 copies

Please send the quotations and bills also with the books. Payment will be made through Ac/payee check on delivery of books.

With thanks.
R.K Sareen.

8. Write an application to the Principal of your school requesting him to change the subject. Sign yourself as Karan/ Kareena of Govt. Senior Secondary School, Goria.

To
The Principal,
Govt. Senior Secondary School,
Goria, Jhajjar.

Subject:- Change of subject

Sir,
I beg to say that I am a student of 12th class of your school. I am a brilliant student. I am an arts student. I opted History, Geography and Political Science. But now I find that I am not very comfortable in pursuing History . It seems very confusing to learn so many dates. I want to opt Sanskrit in place of History. Please allow me to change the subject. I hope you will understand my genuine problem and oblige.

Thanking you in anticipation!

Yours sincerely,
Karan/ Kareena.
Class 12th Arts.
__________________________________________
9. Write a letter to a friend congratulating him on winning a lottery prize.
_________________________---__________

Examination Hall,
XYZ.
March 3, 2020
To
110, Friends Colony,
Jhajjar.

Dear Vinu,
How are you? I think you will be very happy. I have heard that you have won a big lottery prize of rupees ten lakh. I extend my heartiest congratulations to you on this joyous occasion. Now all your family will be happy and you might be planning to spend this big amount in a useful way. I hope you will spend the money on your education. I know that you were facing a hard time because of shortage of money as your parents are very poor . Now you will continue your higher studies . You will also spend some money in helping some poor students .

Waiting for a sweet get together with friends to memorize the occasion.

Your loving friend,
Sunny.
_______________________________--------____------
10 Write a letter to the General Manager of Haryana Roadways complaining against the rude behaviour of the conductor in a Roadways bus.
________;_________________________________
Examination Hall,
XYZ,
March 3, 2020.
To
The General Manager,
Haryana Roadways,
Depot. Jhajjar.

Subject- Complaint against Rude Behaviour                 of the Conductor
Dear Sir,
I am a commutter and travel from Kosli to Jhajjar and back in a Haryana Roadways bus no. HR-14R 8765 . I want to bring to your kind notice that the behaviour of Mr. Anil Kumar conductor is not proper with the common man. Often he talks in a foul language and insults the passengers. He misbehaves with the girls and young ladies. He has a support of some college going goon type of students. They occupy many seats and don't let any body sit there. They willingly leave some seats vacant and let some girls sit there so that they may tease them. The girls keep mum in order to avoid the hussle. If any one objects, she is mocked and harrassed. The passengers witness the whole event silently . If anyone raises the voice he is beaten harshly. So all the passengers are herried a lot but no one dares to complain against him. I hope you will look into the matter and take appropriate action against the wrong-doer.

Thanking you in anticipation!

Yours faithfully,
Pawan.
_____________________

11. Write an application to the Principal of your school requesting him to grant you two days sick .

           Sick Leave

To
The Principal
GSSS X.Y.Z.

Sir,
With due respect I beg to say that I am a student of your school. I read in tenth class. I am ill today . So I cannot come to school. Please grant me sick leave for two days.  I shall be very grateful to you for this act of kindness.

Yours faithfully,
Ankit
Roll no. 25
Class 10th

Memories of Childhood

Memories of childhood
1. The Cutting of My Long Hair
Main Characters:
1 Zitkala-Sa-   She was a native American. She belonged to a tribe of people who were the original inhabitants of America.
2. Judewin- She was a friend of Zitkala-Sa. She knew a few words of English.

Summary

This extract is a painful revelation of a particular period of the life which the writer had to suffer during her hostel days. It was the first day of her boarding school situated in the land of apples. The children were given the task of apple picking in the bitter and biting cold. They were taken to the breakfast hall and the girl was feeling stressed. She did not know the table manners. She was being watched very carefully by a strange pale-faced woman. The girl felt very fearful and insulted. Her friend who could understand some English, told her that the pale strange woman intended to cut her long hair. Zitkala-Sa learned from her mother that hair would be shingled only for the unskilled warrior, cowards and mourners. She decided to fight back and got herself hidden in a dim room under the bed. Everybody looked for her and called her name but eventually caught. Her long hair was cut, although she resisted a lot. She spent her rest of the life there like a small animal being a part of a herd, which was driven by a herder.

Q1.How did Zitkala-Sa feel when a large bell rang for breakfast?  OR
     Describe Zitkala-Sa's experience on her first day in the 'land of apples'.
Ans. Zitkala-Sa felt very miserable when a large bell rang for breakfast. She went to the breakfast hall with other girls. She was feeling very stressed. She did not know the table manners. She did not like the manner of eating by formula. She felt very insulted when she could not act according to the command of bells as other girls were doing. She was almost crying.

Q2. Why was Zitkala-Sa in tears? OR How did Zitkala-Sa feel after her long hair had been shingled?
Ans. Zitkala-Sa was forced to part with her long thick hair. She felt humiliated and shocked after her long hair had been shingled.She was moaning but no one came to comfort her. She felt herself as one of many little animals driven by a herder.

Q3. How was Zitkala-Sa's long hair shingled?
Ans. Zitkala-Sa was a native American. She loved her long thick hair very much. She did not want them shingled. But she was forced by the school authorities to part with her braids.  She hid herself in a dark room but she was found out and tied fast in a chair.Then the blades of the scissors ran through her thick hair and cut off one of the braids.

Q4.How long did Bana take to reach home from school and why? Write briefly what she did on her way.

Ans. Bama was a dalit girl. Her school was hardly a ten minutes walk from her home. But usually she took thirty minutes to reach there. It was because she came watching all the little things happening on the way. She used to see games of performing minkey, snake charmer, a cyclist riding on cycle continuously for three days. She used to see huge bell hanging in the temple and pongle offerings being cooked in front of the temple. Sometimes she saw a puppet show or a magic show. She enjoyed all these sights with childish longing  and reached home late.

Evans Tries an O-Level

Main Characters in the story:(Brief introduction of the characters)

1. James Evans:- He is a congenital kleptomaniac(a person who has a tendency to steal). He has been arrested many a time for stealing. Three times he had managed to escape from prison. The prison officers called him 'Evans the Break'
2. Reverend Stuart McLeery:- He was a parson. He had been put on duty to invigilate during Evans' examination. But he was tied in his room by Evans' helpers and someone else impersonated in his place.
3 Mr. Jackson:- He is a prison officer.
4. Stephens: Another prison officer, junior to Jackson.
5. The Governor of the Oxford Prison
6. The Secretary of Examination Board.

Places:-
1. Oxford Prison: Name of prison
2  Elsfield Way: The Examination Board was here.
3  Golden Lion: a hotel where Evans went impersonating McLeery.
4. Radcliffe:- Name of a hospital.
5  Newbury: Historic market town in England.
6. Chipping Norton: a market town in Oxfordshire district of England
7. Oxford Road

IMPORTANT EXAMINATION TYPE QUESTIONS

Q1.What sort of a person was Evans? Why was he called as 'Evans the Break'?
Ans. Evans was a pleasant sort of person. But he was a congenital kleptomaniac. He had been arrested many a time for stealing. Three times he had managed to escape from prison. That is why he was called Evans the Break by the prison officers. He was very clever and intelligent also. He had many friends who helped him escape the prison.

Q2.What were the precautions taken for smooth conduct of examination?
Ans. The Governor of the Oxford Prison knew that Evans would try to escape the prison again. So precautions were taken for smooth conduct of the examination. The examination was arranged in the prison cell and the cell was locked from inside. Two police officers were put to keep eye on Evans. Evans' nail-scissors, nail-file and razor were taken away from him so that he might not harm himself.
His invigilator was also thoroughly searched by senior police officer himself. A device was put above the door of the cell so that the Governor could hear all the conversation going on in the cell during the examination. In spite of all these precautions, Evans managed to escape from the prison.

Q3.Do you think Evans was really keen to get some sort of qualification?        OR
     Why did people doubt Evans' sincerity towards taking the O-level exam?
Ans.  Evans was really not keen to get some sort of qualification He was a congenital kleptomaniac. He had been arrested many a time for stealing. Every time he managed to escape from the prison. Taking O' Level seemed a part of his plan to escape again. So people doubted his taking O'Level exam.

Q4. Reflecting on the story, what did you feel about Evans' having the last laugh?
Ans. 'Having the last laugh' means gaining victory over one's rival in the end. We know that Evans was a congenital kleptomaniac. He had been arrested many a time for stealing. Three times he had managed to escape from prison. He was called 'Evans the Break' by the prison officers. He had many friends who helped him escape the prison. This time he was again in the prison cell. The governor of the prison knew that Evans would try to escape the prison again. So precautions were taken for smooth conduct of the examination. The examination was arranged in the prison cell and the cell was locked from inside. Two police officers were put to keep eye on Evans. Evans' nail-scissors, nail-file and razor were taken away from him so that he might not harm himself.
His invigilator was also thoroughly searched by senior police officer himself. A device was put above the door of the cell so that the Governor could hear all the conversation going on in the cell during the examination. In spite of all these precautions, Evans managed to escape from the prison.

Q5. Will the clues left behind on the question paper put Evans back in prison again?
Ans. In fact, the clues left behind on the question paper were all a part of Evans' plan. They meant to mislead the police officers. It was from the clues that they knew that Evans had hit MacLeery. But, in fact, Evans himself had left in the prison impersonating MacLeery. Then Evans impersonating MacLeery kept police busy in Newbury while he himself had gone to the hotel Golden Lion in Chipping Norton.

Q6. What did the injured MacLeery hand over to the Governor?
Ans. He handed over a German question paper to the Governor. On its last blank page,  Evans had pasted a photocopied sheet of paper written in German. It had all the details of  Evans' plan to escape from the prison. The injured MacLeery said that he knew where Evans could be found. But these clues only misled the police officers.

Q7. How did Evans reach Chipping Norton safely?
Ans. Evans was a clever person. He impersonated MacLeery and stayed back in the prison cell. Prison officers thought that Evans had injured MacLeery and escaped from the prison. When they came in the cell, MacLeery showed them a slip of paper pasted on the last page of the question paper. It was written in German. It had all the details of Evans' plan to escape from the prison. Near the Radcliffe hospital, he requested the police to follow Evans to Newbury and then he escaped to the hotel, Golden Lion in Chipping Norton.

Q8. How did the Governor come to know that Evans had gone to the Golden Lion hotel?
      OR
What clues helped the governor to follow Evans to the Golden Lion hotel?

Ans. During the examination, Evans was asked to write Index number 313 and Centre number 271 on his answer sheet. He was also asked to make a correction 'goldenen Lowen' in place of 'goldene  Lowen'. Fortunately, the Governor could remember these words. These clues indicated that Evans had gone to the Golden Lion hotel.

Q9. The Governor caught Evans at the Golden Lion. Did he bring him back to prison or not? What does his final act of foolishness prove? Was he really a gullible Governor?
Ans.It was by chance that the Governor could remember the contents of the correction slip. We must praise him for his intelligence. But he was again fooled by Evans' men. He handed Evans to fake police officers who were Evans' men. He did not verify their identity. Thus he was a gullible governor. He knew that Evans had been pulling the wool from their eyes, still, he commits another mistake and hands over him to unknown police officers. He could have intensified the security because Evans was not an ordinary criminal. He could have accompanied him to the prison. Thus, because of his foolishness, Evans was able to leave the prison once again.

THANKS. HAVE A NICE TIME!
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The Going Places

 THE GOING PLACES By A.R.Barton( Notes by Baljit Singh)
#Stay home ,Stay safe 

4/08/2020

Main characters of the story:

1. Sophie- She is a school going teenager filled with fantasies and desires. She comes from a poor background. She is a dreamer.
2. Jansie- She is Sophie's friend and classmate. She is a practical girl.
3.Geoff- Sophie's elder brother.
4 Derek- Sophie's younger brother.
5.Danny Casey- He is a young Irish football player.
6.Tom Finney- He is a great football player.
7.United- name of a football team.
8.Father and mother of Sophie.

Essay type Questions with Answers

Q1.Compare and contrast Sophie and Jansie highlighting their temperament and aspirations?

Ans. Sophie and Jansie are classmate and friends. Both of them are teenagers. They belong to poor families. But they are poles apart in temperament and aspirations. Sophie is filled with fantasies and desires. She is ambitious and a dreamer. She wants to have a boutique or she wants to become a manager. She also wants to become a fashion designer. She visualizes meeting Danny Casey. She is not constant in her views. On the other hand, Jansie is a practical girl. She is a realist. She knows her limits. She says to Sophie,'' We are earmarked for biscuit factory.'' Thus both the girls are poles apart in temperament and aspirations.

Q2.Describe the character of Sophie's father and the role played by him?

Ans. Sophie's father is a careless and carefree person. He belongs to the labour class. He often goes to a pub to enjoy himself. His face is plump and greasy. His eating manners are clumsy. He understands his daughter's nature. He knows that she makes wild stories to impress others. He does not believe her when she says that she met Danny Casey.He looks at her in disdain. He says to her,"One of these days you are going to talk yourself into a load of trouble."He is very fond of football. He shouts instructions to Casey at the playground. When Casey beat the hesitant goalkeeper, Sophie's fathers screams with joy and pride. Then he goes to a pub to celebrate the victory.

Q3.Sophie's dream and disappointments are all in her mind. Discuss.

Ans.Sophie is a teenager. She is filled with fantasies and desires. She is ambitious and a dreamer. She belongs to a poor labour class still she wants to have a boutique or she wants to become a manager. She also wants to become a fashion designer. These things are all in her mind. She visualizes meeting Danny Casey. This is again her imagination. Her father does not believe her wild stories. They are all in her mind. Her fantasies and dreams only bring disappointment to her.

Q4. What socio-economic background did Sophie belong to? What are indications of her family's financial status?
Ans. Sophie belongs to a poor family. There are many indications of her family's financial status. She
lives in a small house. Her father has an old cycle on which he travels to his place of work.He is a careless person and he is not worried about his children' education. He goes to pub daily and enjoys himself. Sophie's elder brother is out of school for three years. He is still a mechanic apprentice.Sophie's mother has to do all household work. Sophie herself is a good for nothing girl. She does not have a penny still she hopes to have a boutique in the city. She is lost in daydreams and visualizes meeting Danny Casey, a celebrity. She has a fancy of the girl who belongs to the poor class. Thus the story has many indications that Sophie's family was poor and deprived.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS.

Q1. Why did Sophie like her brother Geoff more than any other person? From her perspective. what did he symbolize?
Ans. Sophie liked her brother Geoff because she believed that he would not let her down. She considered him a good friend. She shared all her secrets with him. For her, he was a confidential friend. He was a symbol of trust for her.

Q2. Which was the only occasion when Sophie got to see Danny Casey in person?
Ans Danny Casey was a brilliant football player. He played for Ireland. Sophie had fantasized meeting him. But she got to see him in person only when she went with her family to watch the match in which Danny was playing. She was sitting near the goal. She saw Danny closely when he scored a brilliant goal for his team.

Q3.How does Sophie's father react when he learns of Sophie's meeting with Danny Casey? Does he believe her story?
Ans. He understands his daughter's nature. He knows that she makes wild stories to impress others. He does not believe her when she says that she met Danny Casey.He looks at her in disdain. He says to her,"One of these days you are going to talk yourself into a load of trouble."

Q4. What do you know about Jansie? How was she different from Sophie?
Ans. Jansie was Sophie's classmate and close friend. But she was quite different from her. She was a practical girl. She knew her limits. She was not a victim of false dreams like Sophie. She knew that they were made for working in a biscuit factory. She is quite wise and sensible. She is a very true friend. She promises her to keep her meeting with Danny a secret. Thus Jansie and Sophie are poles apart in aspirations and temperament.

   ______________________________________ 

The Interview

THE INTERVIEW-( by Christopher Silvester) Notes by Baljit Singh

copyright

TEXTUAL AND OTHER EXAMINATION STYLE QUESTIONS WITH MODEL ANSWERS

Q1 Write in brief the various views expressed by celebrities about the interview in journalism.

Ans. The interview is an effective mode of communication in journalism. But opinions of the interview- of its functions, methods and merits vary considerably. Some claim it as a source of truth and in its practice, an art. Others despise the interview as an ‘unwarranted intrusion into their lives’. They feel it diminishes them. Silvester lists out well – known writers who are against interview. Lewis Carroll had a horror of the interviewer. Rudyard Kipling regarded interviewing as immoral. H.G. Wells called interview as an ordeal though he had interviewed many personalities. Saul Bellow called interviews thumb imprints on his windpipe. It is surprising to notice that as an interviewer, each one is comfortable, whereas, as an interviewee, they feel it much disturbing and diminishing. Yet in the words of the writer, ‘it is a serviceable medium of communication’.

Q2. What light does Eco throw on his famous novel The Name of the Rose?

Ans.The Name of the Rose is a famous novel written by Umberto Eco. It is a detective novel but it deals with metaphysics, theology and medieval history. It is a deep and difficult novel still between 10 million to 15 million copies of this novel were sold. Its success was a mystery for the writer. It broke the illusion that people liked trash.

Q3.Explain what Eco says about his activity of novel writing.

Ans. Umberto says that he started writing novels by accident. One day he had nothing to do so he started writing novels. It satisfied his taste for narration. His first novel, The Name of the Rose, was a huge success. Though it deals with difficult and serious subjects of metaphysics, theology and medieval history, its 10-15 million copies were sold. Its success was a mystery for the writer. It broke the illusion that people liked trash.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q1 What are some of the positive views on interviews?

Ans The interview is an effective mode of communication in journalism. It is a source of truth. In practice, it is an art. It leaves in our mind the most vivid impression of our contemporaries.

Q2. Why do most celebrity writers despise being interviewed? (अधिकतर सेलेब्रिटी लेखक interview देने से नफरत क्यों करते थे?
Ans  Celebrity writers did not have a good view about being interviewed. They usually despise d (नफ़रत करना) the interview . They consider it as an ‘unwarranted (बेवजह) intrusion (घुसपैठ) into their lives’. They felt थर it diminishes ( छवि धूमिल करना) them. Silvester lists out well – known writers who are against interview. Lewis Carroll had a horror (दहशत) of the interviewer. Rudyard Kipling regarded interviewing as immoral(अनैतिक) H.G. Wells called it as an ordeal, (कठिन कार्य) though he had interviewed many personalities. Saul Bellow called interviews thumb imprints on his windpipe.(श्वास नली).

Q3. Despite its drawbacks, what place does the interview have in journalism?

अपनी कमियों के बावजूद साक्षात्कार का पत्रकारिता जगत में क्या स्थान है?
Ans. Over last 130 years, the interview has become the most effective mode of communication in journalism. It leaves in our minds the most vivid impression of the person being interviewed. Everything reaches us raw about the person being interviewed.

Q4. Who was Umberto Eco? What does he say about his novel writing?
Ans. He was a university professor. He started writing novels by accident. One day he had nothing to do so he started writing novels. It satisfied his taste for narration. His first novel, The Name of the Rose, was a huge success. Though it deals with difficult and serious subjects of metaphysics, theology and medieval history, its 10-15 million copies were sold. Its success was a mystery for the writer. It broke the illusion that people liked trash.

Q5. How does Eco find the time to write so much?
Ans. Eco says that everyone has empty spaces in his life. He calls these empty spaces as interstices. He says that he writes in these empty spaces. He says, 'I am a university professor who writes novels on Sundays'

Q6.What was unique and distinctive about Eco's academic style?
Ans. Eco's writing style was playful and personal. Even his essays had a narrative aspect which made them interesting.

Q7.What is the reason for the huge success of the novel, 'The Name of the Rose'?
Ans. The Name of the Rose is a famous novel written by Umberto Eco. It is a detective novel but it deals with metaphysics, theology and medieval history. Its huge success was a mystery for the writer. The reason for its success was perhaps its narrative aspect and theme of medieval history.

Q8. What did the publisher think of 'The Name of the Rose'?
Ans.The publisher was an American lady. She said that she loved the novel but she did not hope to sell more than 3000 copies of this novel.