Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 2 – The Address (Margo Minco) Short Question Answers

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Snapshot     

Chapter 2 – The Address (Margo Minco)

Short Question Answers

Question 1:

What were the two reasons the narrator provided to explain her potential mistake?

Answer:

The narrator speculated that the woman might not be Mrs. Dorling, considering she had seen her only once, briefly, many years ago. Additionally, she considered the possibility of having rung the wrong bell.

 

Question 2:

How did the narrator reach the conclusion that she was correct?

Answer:

The woman was wearing the green knitted cardigan belonging to the narrator's mother, with the wooden buttons appearing faded from washing. When the narrator observed the woman's reaction to her scrutiny of the cardigan, particularly her attempt to conceal herself behind the door, she became convinced of her correctness.

 

Question 3:

What was the outcome of the interaction between Mrs. Dorling and the narrator?

Answer:

The interview proved unsuccessful for the narrator, as Mrs. Dorling consistently refused to see or engage in conversation despite the narrator's repeated requests.

 

Question 4:

Who provided the narrator with the address, when, and under what circumstances?

Answer:

The narrator's mother disclosed the address during the first half of the war, years ago. This revelation occurred when the narrator, visiting home for a few days, noticed changes in the rooms and inquired about missing items. Her mother then informed her about Mrs. Dorling and shared the address.

 

Question 5:

What information did the narrator learn about Mrs. Dorling from her mother?

Answer:

Mrs. Dorling was an old acquaintance of the narrator's mother, with several years having passed since their last meeting. She had unexpectedly reappeared and resumed their connection. The narrator's mother mentioned that every time Mrs. Dorling left their place, she took something with her, including table silver and antique plates.

 

Question 6:

What reason did Mrs. Dorling provide for taking away the precious belongings of the narrator's mother?

Answer:

Mrs. Dorling suggested to the narrator's mother that she should store her belongings in a safer place to prevent the loss of these valuable items in case they had to leave their current residence.

 

Question 7:

What impression do you form of the narrator's mother based on her conversations with (i) Mrs. Dorling and (ii) the narrator?

Answer:

The narrator's mother appears kind-hearted, generous, and liberal. In her conversation with Mrs. Dorling, she expresses concern for Mrs. Dorling's physical well-being, emphasizing that it would be an insult to ask her friends to keep the belongings forever. This indicates her compassionate nature. The narrator's questions suggest that she may not fully agree with her mother's perspective.

 

Question 8:

Did the narrator feel convinced about her mother's views regarding Mrs. Dorling? How do you know?

Answer:

The narrator did not feel entirely convinced about her mother's views on Mrs. Dorling. This is evident from Mrs. Dorling's keen interest in moving the precious possessions to her house, which the narrator seems to disapprove of. The questions posed by the narrator indicate her skepticism about her mother's stance.

 

Question 9:

What does the narrator remember about Mrs. Dorling from their first meeting?

Answer:

During their first encounter, the narrator observed that Mrs. Dorling was a woman with a broad back, wearing a brown coat and a shapeless hat. Mrs. Dorling picked up a heavy suitcase from under the coat rack and left their house. The narrator also learned that Mrs. Dorling lived at number 46, Marconi Street.

 

Question 10:

Why did the narrator wait a long time before going to the address, number 46, Marconi Street?

Answer:

Initially, after the liberation, the narrator had no interest in her mother's belongings stored at number 46, Marconi Street. She was also hesitant, fearing a confrontation with items that once belonged to her now-deceased mother.

 

Question 11:

When did the narrator become curious about her mother's possessions?

Answer:

The narrator became curious about her mother's possessions as life returned to normalcy in the post-liberation period. Realizing that those belongings must still be at the address her mother had given her, she wanted to see, touch, and remember them.

 

Question 12:

"I was in a room I knew and did not know," says the narrator in the story 'The Address.' What prompted her to make this observation?

Answer:

The narrator found herself surrounded by familiar things that she desired to see again. However, the arrangement of these items in a tasteless manner, coupled with the presence of ugly furniture and a muggy smell, created an atmosphere that seemed unfamiliar, prompting the observation.

 

Question 13:

"I just looked at the still life over the tea table," says the narrator in the story 'The Address.' What does she mean by 'the still life'? What prompted her to make this remark?

Answer:

By 'the still life,' the narrator refers to the items arranged over the tea table, such as the tablecloth, tea pot, cups, and spoons. The presence of an antique box and silver spoons prompted her to make this remark.

 

Question 14:

How was the narrator able to recognize her own familiar woollen tablecloth?

Answer:

The narrator recognized her own familiar woollen tablecloth by staring at it and following the lines of the pattern. She remembered that there was a burn mark somewhere on the tablecloth that had not been repaired. Eventually, she located the burn mark, aiding her in identifying her own article.

 

Question 15:

"You only notice when something is missing." What does the speaker exactly mean? What examples does she give?

Answer:

The speaker means that people become accustomed to the presence of their lovely things in the house and tend not to pay much attention to them. It is only when something is missing, either needing repair or lent to someone, that its absence becomes noticeable. The examples provided include instances when the narrator's mother asked her to help polish the silver cutlery, and when the narrator noticed missing items during her brief stay at home.

 

Question 16:

How did the narrator come to know that the cutlery they ate off every day was silver?

Answer:

The narrator learned that the cutlery they ate off every day was silver when her mother asked her to help polish the silver. The narrator, unaware of which silver her mother was referring to, asked for clarification. Her mother then specified that it included the spoons, forks, and knives—the everyday cutlery.

 

Question 17:

Why did the narrator suddenly decide to leave?

Answer:

The narrator decided to leave abruptly as she realized that the objects, once meaningful and belonging to her mother, had lost their value in the strange surroundings of Mrs. Dorling's house. The disconnect from their original context made the possessions irrelevant to her present life.

 

Question 18:

How did the narrator reconcile herself to the loss of her mother's precious belongings?

Answer:

The narrator reconciled herself to the loss by considering that her mother had only lent those belongings for safekeeping, and Mrs. Dorling was not meant to keep everything permanently. Although memories of her former life were stirred upon seeing the objects, she found no place for them in her current life and accepted her fate.

Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 1 – The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse (William Saroyan) Long Question answers

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Snapshot

Chapter 1 – The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse (William Saroyan)

Long Question answers

Question 1:

Describe the boys' joyride early one morning in your own words.

 

Answer:

In the early morning, at around 4 a.m., Mourad, a member of the honest Garoghlanian tribe, woke up Aram by tapping on his window. Aram, surprised to see a beautiful white horse, quickly realized it wasn't a dream. Mourad had come to invite him for a joyride. Without much thought about right or wrong, Aram jumped out of the window onto the horse behind Mourad. They explored vineyards, orchards, irrigation ditches, and country roads behind Aram's house, eventually reaching Olive Avenue. The fresh morning air invigorated them. Mourad, known for his eccentricity, sang as they made the horse run to their heart's content.

Mourad later rode the horse alone, commanding it with enthusiasm. When Aram wanted his turn, the horse initially refused to move until Mourad instructed him to kick its muscles. However, Aram struggled to control the horse and was thrown off, prompting the horse to run away. After a half-hour search, Mourad found the horse, and together they hid it in Fetvajian's deserted barn. Mourad's unique ability to tame the horse was evident. Both boys returned home, and Aram, having fulfilled his dream of riding a horse, enjoyed a hearty breakfast.

 

Question 2:

Compare and contrast the characters of Mourad and Aram.

 

Answer:

In "The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse," two central characters are Mourad and Aram. Aram, the narrator, is portrayed as a simple and straightforward individual. Mourad, on the other hand, is a more complex character with a unique connection to animals. Mourad, thirteen years old and four years older than Aram, is perceived as "crazy" by those who know him, but the narrator sees a different side of him one day.

Despite their poor backgrounds, both boys share a genuine friendship. Mourad surprises Aram by bringing a white horse, showcasing his inclination towards simplicity and generosity. Both agree not to sell the horse, considering it's not theft until they decide to sell it. However, their differing reactions to the revelation of the horse's true owner highlight their individual characteristics.

Mourad, with his mysterious ways and affinity for animals, proves to be an enigmatic and intriguing character. He displays a deep understanding of birds and animals, heals a hurt wing of a young robin, and possesses a peculiar ability to tame horses. Aram, while not as eccentric as Mourad, reveals his compassionate side when he pleads with Mourad to keep the horse for a year before returning it.

Overall, Mourad's eccentricities and unique connection with nature set him apart, while Aram represents a more straightforward and compassionate perspective. The two characters complement each other, creating a dynamic and engaging dynamic in the narrative.

 

Question 3:

The story revolves around the characters that belong to a tribe in Armenia. Mourad and Aram are members of the Garoghlanian family. Now locate Armenia and Assyria on the atlas and prepare a write-up on the Garoghlanian tribes. You may write about people, their names, traits, geographical and economic features as suggested in the story.

 

Answer:

The Garoghlanian tribes were historically situated across Assyria and Armenia in the Asian continent, spanning the period from 500 B.C. to 800 B.C. These tribes primarily engaged in farming, leading a simple and contented life. Renowned for their honesty and trustworthiness, the Garoghlanians upheld a moral code that discouraged stealing and prioritized integrity.

The people of the Garoghlanian tribes had distinct names, reflecting their cultural identity. Traits such as honesty, trust, and a connection with nature were hallmarks of their character. Economic prosperity and material gain were not their primary concerns; instead, they embraced a peaceful and modest lifestyle.

Geographically, the Garoghlanians inhabited the regions of Assyria and Armenia, surrounded by the natural beauty of the landscapes. They found contentment in their easygoing existence and demonstrated a commitment to peaceful coexistence with others in the world.

The Garoghlanian tribes, as depicted in the story, serve as a representation of a community with strong moral values, simplicity, and a deep connection to nature. The story highlights the enduring legacy of these tribes, emphasizing the importance of character and reputation within their cultural context.

 

Question 4:

The narrator’s uncle Khosrove was known to be a crazy fellow. Give a few instances of his craziness?

 

Answer.

The narrator's uncle Khosrove, a massive man with an imposing mustache, earned a reputation for eccentricity among those who knew him. His temperament was characterized by fury and impatience, and he had a tendency to easily get annoyed. He was not one to tolerate others expressing their opinions, often silencing them with a thunderous roar. A peculiar incident exemplifying his eccentricity occurred when his house caught fire. Despite his son rushing to the barber's shop to deliver the urgent news, Khosrove nonchalantly dismissed the situation, roaring, "It is no harm; pay no attention to it." Moreover, when John spoke about his stolen horse, Khosrove, irritated, abruptly left the room. Overall, his behavior marked him as a unique and unpredictable character.

 

Question 5:

Why did Mourad steal the horse? How did Aram and Mourad realize their mistake?

 

Answer.

 Mourad, inheriting the Garoghlanian family's "crazy streak," had an innate passion for horse riding, prompting him to steal the beautiful white horse. His love for riding and a lack of financial means led him to disregard the tribe's esteemed value of honesty. Inviting his cousin Aram to join in the horse riding escapade, Mourad indulged in this secret pleasure for a month alone and an additional two weeks with Aram. However, the realization of their mistake dawned on them when Aram shared John Byro's distress about the stolen horse. A chance encounter with John Byro, who did not suspect them of theft, further intensified their realization. Fearing damage to the family's reputation for honesty and trust, the boys promptly returned the horse.

 

Question 6:

How did Aram and Mourad enjoy their time with the horse? What happened when they met John Byro?

 

Answer.

 Aram and Mourad relished early morning rides on the beautiful white horse, hidden in the barn of a deserted vineyard. Their escapades included traversing fields, navigating irrigation ditches, and exhilarating sprints prompted by kicks to the horse's muscles. Aram, eager to learn horse riding, and Mourad, fulfilling his passion, planned to keep the horse for a maximum of six months. However, their idyllic enjoyment came to an abrupt halt when they encountered John Byro, the actual owner of the horse. Despite Byro's scrutiny and suspicion, the boys greeted him and allowed him to inspect the horse closely. Byro, convinced that the horse was a twin of his own, refrained from accusing the boys of theft, respecting their family's reputation. This encounter prompted Aram and Mourad to recognize the importance of their family's esteemed honesty, leading them to return the horse the next morning.

 

Question 7:

 What do you know about the Garoghlanian tribe?

 

Answer.

The Garoghlanian tribe is distinguished by the hallmarks of honesty and trust. Despite residing in comical poverty, the tribe takes immense pride in its reputation for integrity. Members of the Garoghlanian tribe staunchly uphold honesty and consider it a point of pride. Their ethical standards are unwavering, and they refrain from taking advantage of others. The notion of stealing is inconceivable to them, emphasizing their commitment to honesty and trust. Even though Mourad's act of stealing the horse deviates from these principles, it is considered an exception rather than the norm within the tribe's cultural values.

Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 1 – The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse (William Saroyan) Short Question answers

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Snapshot

Chapter 1 – The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse (William Saroyan)

Short Question answers

Question 1:

Certainly, you might agree that this narrative lacks breathless adventure and exciting action. What, in your view, contributes to its interest?

 

Answer:

The eccentric behavior of the Garoghlanian family adds an interesting element to the story. Uncle Khosrove's consistent response to every loss, big or small – 'Pay no attention to it. It's no harm' – further piques interest. The story becomes truly fascinating with Mourad's innocence and his mysterious approach in dealing with the 'horse,' 'dog,' and even the 'farmer.'

 

Question 2:

Was the return of the horse by the boys driven by a sense of guilt or fear?

 

Answer:

The boys returned the horse out of fear. The narrator discovered that the horse belonged to Farmer John Byro, whose surrey had become useless due to the lost horse for a month. Despite the narrator's advice to Mourad not to return the horse immediately, fear set in when they unexpectedly encountered John Byro, prompting them to secretly place the horse in Byro's barn the next morning.

 

Question 3:

To which tribe did Aram and Mourad belong? What was distinctive about their tribe?

 

Answer:

Aram and Mourad were members of the Garoghlanian tribe, renowned for its honesty and trustworthiness. Individuals from this tribe were known for being neither liars nor thieves.

 

Question 4:

Why did Mourad take John Byro's horse, and when did this happen?

 

Answer:

Mourad, driven by a peculiar streak in his character, took John Byro's horse because of his passion for horse riding. As a member of a poor family, he couldn't afford to fulfill his dream of riding a horse. He "stole" the horse one day and kept it hidden for at least a month before revealing it to Aram.

 

Question 5:

Why did Mourad bring the magnificent white horse to Aram?

 

Answer:

Mourad brought the horse to Aram, his cousin, knowing Aram's equal fondness for horse riding. After enjoying joyrides on the wonderful white horse for a month, Mourad wanted his cousin to experience the same joy.

 

Question 6:

How did Mourad manage to keep his 'deed' a 'secret'?

 

Answer:

Mourad ensured the secrecy of his action by enjoying joyrides on the white horse only during the early morning hours. As daylight broke, he would hide the horse in a deserted barn, providing oats and dry alfalfa to satisfy the horse's hunger.

 

Question 7:

How did the narrator discover the real owner of the horse, and what was his reaction?

 

Answer:

The narrator learned about the horse's true owner when an Assyrian visitor named John Byro, expressing sadness, revealed that his white horse had been missing for a month. The narrator, realizing that Mourad had the horse, felt panicky and went to disclose the news but requested Mourad to delay the return.

 

Question 8:

Why did the boys hesitate to return the horse immediately, and was their wish fulfilled?

 

Answer:

The boys hesitated to return the horse immediately because they both wanted to learn how to ride a horse properly. Mourad suggested keeping it for at least six months, but unfortunately, their wish was not fulfilled.

 

Question 9:

Why did the boys return the horse earlier than planned?

 

Answer:

One morning, while taking the horse to its hiding place after a joyride, the boys encountered John Byro, the real owner. John's claim that the horse looked identical to his own raised suspicions, making the boys fear exposure. Due to this fear, they returned the horse to its owner's barn the next day.

 

Question 10:

Who was John Byro, and why did he visit the narrator's house?

 

Answer:

John Byro, an Assyrian farmer, had settled somewhere in Armenia, about ten miles away from the narrator's home. He visited the narrator's house to express his distress over the loss of his only horse, missing for a month.

 

Question 11:

What impression did Khosrove leave on you?

 

Answer:

Khosrove, the uncle of Mourad and Aram, was characterized by a unique family trait: a crazy streak. An imposing figure with a powerful head of black hair and the largest mustache in the San Joaquin Valley, Khosrove easily lost his temper but often dismissed losses with the repeated phrase, "It is no harm; pay no attention to it."

 

Question 12:

'I couldn't believe what I saw.' What was so incredible to the speaker, and who is the speaker?

 

Answer:

The speaker, Aram, expresses disbelief when his cousin Mourad invites him to a joyride on a magnificent white horse one summer day before dawn. The incredibility stems from Aram questioning how Mourad obtained the horse without resorting to theft.

 

Question 13:

How was the act of taking someone else's horse and hiding it without the owner's knowledge not considered theft by the boys?

 

Answer:

According to the boys, taking John Byro's horse for joyrides did not constitute theft since they had no intention of selling the horse. They believed that it was only borrowing for enjoyment, not a criminal act until they offered it for sale.

Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 5 – Silk Road (Nick Middleton) Long Question Answers

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Hornbill

Chapter 5 – Silk Road (Nick Middleton)

Long Question Answers

Question 1:

Describe the writer's experience in Hor.

 

Answer:

Accompanied by Daniel and Tsetan, the writer reached the highest point at an altitude of 5,515 meters, marked by a cairn of rocks adorned with silk scarves and prayer flags. Following tradition, they circled the cairn clockwise before descending and stopping at Hor.

 

Hor proved to be a rather bleak and desolate place with accumulated garbage over the years. Situated on the shore of Mansarovar lake, a revered location in Tibet, the high altitude and low atmospheric pressure posed challenges for the author. That night, he struggled to lie down due to a severely blocked nostril and chest heaviness. Fearful that sleeping might result in not waking up again, he spent the night awake. Strangely, upon getting up, he felt relieved and went on to seek medical treatment for his cold the next day. After a day of treatment, he finally slept soundly.

 

Question 2:

Why did the author undertake such a difficult journey?

 

Answer:

The author embarked on this challenging journey to undertake the pilgrimage known as "kora," a tradition observed by devout believers. The pilgrimage involves circling a cairn of rocks at an altitude of 5,515 meters in a clockwise direction. While the exact purpose of this pilgrimage is not explicitly stated in the extract, it holds significant cultural and religious importance for the local people.

 

The author sought to experience the significance of this pilgrimage firsthand, taking the risk of traversing the challenging terrain in a vehicle. The journey proved hazardous, with steep slopes and rocks at high altitudes. The adverse effects of high atmospheric pressure took a toll on the author's health, causing sinus issues and chest heaviness.

 

Question 3:

Describe the author's meeting with Norbu.

 

Answer:

Left alone in the Darchen guesthouse with Daniel and Tsetan absent, the author felt disheartened by the bleak atmosphere of the place. The off-season for pilgrimage resulted in a lack of activity and tourists, contributing to an unhurried and relaxed state in the town. Displeased with the guesthouse's uninviting ambiance, the author positioned himself near a broken window to read his novel in the dim light.

 

At that moment, Norbu entered and sought permission to sit opposite the author at the rickety table. During their interaction, Norbu inquired if the author was English. After the author explained his purpose for being in Darchen, Norbu's eyes filled with joy. Norbu, a Tibetan working at a Chinese Institute of Social Science, had been writing academic papers on kora for years. Their meeting evolved into a meaningful companionship, as both were academics undertaking kora more for academic reasons than religious ones.

Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 5 – Silk Road (Nick Middleton) Short Question Answers

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Hornbill

Chapter 5 – Silk Road (Nick Middleton)

Short Question Answers

 

Question 1:

What farewell gift did Lhamo present to the author upon leaving Ravu, and what reason did she provide for it?

 

Answer:

Lhamo gave the author a long-sleeved sheepskin coat as a farewell gift when he was departing from Ravu. She explained that he would require warmer clothing as he headed towards Mount Kailash.

 

Question 2:

What motivated the author to visit Mount Kailash?

 

Answer:

The author desired to visit Mount Kailash to complete his 'kora,' a pilgrimage, possibly for academic reasons. He wished to experience this pilgrimage in his life and preferred to undertake it in the company of a devout believer.

 

Question 3:

What are the wild ass called in Ravu?

 

Answer:

The wild ass in Ravu is referred to as 'kyang,' likely a Tibetan term. These kyangs roam in large herds, galloping across the arid plains of Ravu.

 

Question 4:

How did the sheep react upon seeing the vehicle?

 

Answer:

The sheep would take evasive action upon encountering the speeding vehicle, veering away to avoid any potential collision.

 

Question 5:

How did the Tibetan mastiffs behave upon seeing the car?

 

Answer:

The Tibetan mastiffs, being strong, huge, and sturdy, displayed an offensive and attacking response upon seeing the car. They swiftly identified the vehicle and charged towards it, pursuing it fearlessly for a hundred meters or so.

 

Question 6:

What change did the author observe as they approached the rocky area?

 

Answer:

As they moved towards the rocky area, the ride became bumpier, and the atmosphere grew colder. The author experienced pressure building up in his ears, and his nasal passage felt blocked. Upon opening the car door, cold air rushed in.

 

Question 7:

How was the author's ride up the mountainous trail?

 

Answer:

The author's ascent was challenging. The trail was narrow and rocky, with ice blocking their path, making the ascent difficult. The higher they climbed, the colder it became. At elevations of 5,400 meters and above, the author struggled with sleepless nights due to a cold-stricken blocked nose.

 

Question 8:

What was the highest point of the author's ascent, and what did the team do there?

 

Answer:

The highest point was at an elevation of 5,515 meters. There, they encountered a large cairn of rocks adorned with white silk scarves and ragged prayer flags. Following tradition, they circled the cairn in a clockwise direction.

 

Question 9:

When did Daniel part ways with the author?

 

Answer:

Daniel left the author after the team completed the round at the highest point of their ascent, which was at an elevation of 5,515 meters in Hor. He returned to Lhasa in a truck.

 

Question 10:

Where was Hor situated?

 

Answer:

Hor was situated at an elevation of about 5,000 meters, on the shore of Lake Mansarovar, Tibet's revered body of water.

 

Question 11:

What was the belief associated with Lake Mansarovar?

 

Answer:

Lake Mansarovar was considered the most venerated water body in Tibet. According to ancient Hindus and Buddhists, it was the origin of four great Indian rivers: the Indus, the Ganges, the Satluj, and the Brahmaputra.

 

Question 12:

Describe the author's experience at Hor.

 

Answer:

The author found the village of Hor to be unimpressive, with minimal vegetation and an abundance of dust, dirt, rubbish, and rocks. It appeared grim and miserable, with accumulated garbage over the years. The author spent the first night in a state of sleeplessness due to a cold and chest heaviness, enduring sinus congestion and an odd sensation in his chest.

 

Question 13:

What significant drawback did Darchen possess?

 

Answer:

Darchen was perceived as a relaxed and unhurried town by the author, and this was considered a significant drawback. Additionally, it was an off-season for pilgrims, and the author had arrived too early, leaving him with no option but to wait. This lack of activity made the place seem more uninteresting.

 

Question 14:

What were Norbu's feelings upon meeting the author?

 

Answer:

Upon noticing an English novel in the author's hands, Norbu couldn't help but inquire if the author was English. Later, as the author explained his reason for being in Darchen, Norbu's eyes filled with joy. He felt immensely delighted upon discovering that the author was also an academic.