10th class-cbse english (NCERT BOOK-Footprints without feet)( Short Answers) chapter-8 (The Hack Driver)(Sinclair Lewis)

 

The hack driver

Important questions for board examination.

Q) What was the impression the hack driver made on the narrator when he first met him?

Ans) Narrator was disappointed when he saw the muddy streets and wooden shops in New Mullions. The only agreeable sight was the hack driver. He was very friendly with a smiling face. It appeared that he was a man who loved people.

Q) Who was Oliver Lutkins? Why were summons issued on his name?

Ans) Oliver Lutkins was a countryman. He was needed as a witness in a case by  narrator's law firm. His witness can easily solve the case.  Firm issued many summons on his name but he refused all of them.

Q) What was the deal between the hack driver and the narrator?

Ans) Hack driver promised the narrator that he would help him in searching the Oliver lutkins because it was very difficult for a city man to catch a parson like Lutkins.And narrator would pay two dollar per hour for using his cart.

Q) The narrator knew that the hack driver wanted business yet he accepted his services. Why?

Ans) The narrator knew very well that hack driver wanted business. He hired him at very high rate. Hack driver even charged him for the lunch. Yet narrator accepted his services because he was impressed by the helping nature, simple philosophy, wisdom and pleasing personality of the Bill. Narrator was happy that the money went to a good man.

Q) How did the hack driver describe lutkins?

Ans) The hack driver described Lutkins  in very good light. He told that he never stay at one place. He was always busy. He was very clever. He was very good in deceiving others. He never returned money. Hack driver appreciated him for his dishonesty.

Q) Who was the hack driver? How was he recognised? What really hurt the narrator's feelings?

Ans) Hack driver was Oliver Lutkins himself. When narrator was sent to new million again, he was accompanied by a colleague who was familiar with the Oliver Lutkins. He identified the Lutkins immediately at the railway station.

Narrator’s feelings were hurt when he saw that Lutkins was laughing at him and treated him as a boy of seven year.

More questions for practice.

Q) What job did the narrator get after graduation? Did he like his work?

Q) Why did the narrator not like his job?

Q) Why was the narrator happy with Bill?

Q) Where did the narrator have his lunch at new Mullion? What was special about the lunch?

Q) Why did the hack driver and the narrator go to Gustaff's shop? Did they succeed in their mission?

Q) Who was Oliver lutkins ? Who was Bill and who was William magnuson?

Q) How was the summons finally served on lutkins?

10th class-cbse english (NCERT BOOK-Footprints without feet)( Long answers) chapter- 10 (The Book That Saved the Earth)(Claire Boiko)

 The book that saved the Earth

Important questions for board examination.

Answer the following questions in about 100 to 150 words.

Q) Attempt character sketch of Great and mighty Think Tank?

Ans) The think tank was the commander-in-chief of Mars Control Center. He had a big balloon brain. He was proud of that. He considered himself the mightiest and wisest creature in the universe. He consulted nobody but the mirror. But when he interpreted the poem he looked very funny. He was very arrogant. He never allowed noodle to take credit for his thoughts and ideas. Probe crew members were also afraid of him. His opinion about earthlings was low. he thought that they were primitive creatures who knew no technology and kept eating something or other all the time. In the end his coward personality came forth and he ran away from the Mars to protect himself.

Q) How is the historian indebted the existence of books for saving the earth?

Ans) In the 20^th century Mars control centre’s commander-in-chief Think Tank decided to attack Earth. he thought that Earth was inhabited by primitives who were very weak. He could easily capture Earth that he called a mud ball. He sent a space probe with three crew members on the earth to gather information. They landed on earth in a library. They knew nothing about the books. So they contacted the Think Tank to know about them. Think Tank was also ignorant but he pretended to know everything. He considered them firstly sandwiches then ear communication devices and finally eye communication devices. He ordered crew members to decipher the code in the book - the Mother goose. He interpreted the nursery rhyme in a very funny way and concluded that earthlings were very advanced and planning to capture him. He became frightented and ran away. Thus a nursery rhyme book saved the earth.

10th class-cbse english (NCERT BOOK-Footprints without feet)( Long answers) chapter- 7 (The Necklace)(Guy de Maupassant)

 

The Necklace.

Important questions for board examination.

Answer the following questions in about 100 to 150 words.

Q) Give the character sketch of Matilda.

Ans) Matilda was a beautiful young girl. She was born in a middle class family. She was very unhappy and unsatisfied. She thought that she was born for delicacies and luxuries. She loved sophisticated things like jewels, exquisite dinner, a high class living but in a real life she had nothing like these things.

With no hope in her sight she agreed herself to marry a clerk in Board of Education. She suffered from the shabby walls and worn furniture of her apartment. She remained unsatisfied and then an incident took place that turned her life.

For a party in the office of her husband she borrowed a diamond necklace from her rich friend Madam Forestier and she lost it. She had to replace it by purchasing a new diamond necklace for thirty six thousand francs. To repay this debt she and her husband worked day and night. They lived a miserable and hard life. It took them long ten years to repay the debt. At the the end of this period Matilda turned into a hard woman of a poor household but now she was satisfied as they have removed a big burden from their head.

Alternate answer

Matilda was a pretty young girl. She was born in a middle class family. She was not happy in her life. She thought that she was born for the delicacies of life and God had sent her in a poor family. It might be a mistake of destiny. Since she had no hope she allowed herself to marry a clerk. She suffered from the poverty.

She was tactful and convinced her husband to buy a party dress for her. She had a showy nature. She was very desperate to look good in party. She even borrowed a diamond necklace from her friend. When she lost the necklace a new hue of her character came forth. She determined to repay her loan. She supported her husband. She sacrificed very much and was satisfied in the end.

Q) What changes came in the lifestyle of Matilda and her husband after she lost the necklace?

Ans)  For the ball in the office of her husband Matilda needed some jewels. So she borrowed a diamond necklace from her rich friend Madam forestier. In the party she lost the necklace. They had to purchase the new diamond necklace for 36000 francs. Mr Loisel had only 18 thousand francs and he had to borrow remaining money from money lenders at very high interest rate.

It was a big amount for them. To repay it they lived a horrible life of necessity. First of all they left their apartment and rented some rooms in the attic. Mr Loisel worked overtime. In the evening he managed book of a merchant. He also did translation at 5 sous a page. Matilda also started doing all house chore by herself. She cooked food, washed dishes and clothes, clean floor, did marketing and bargained for every single sou of her miserable money. They lived this hard life for 10 years to finish their debt. At the end of this period Matilda turn from a pretty girl to a hard woman but now she was more satisfied.

More questions for practice.

Q) Write the character sketch of Mr Loisel.

Q) What would happen if Matilda had spoken the truth to her friend?

10th class-cbse english (NCERT BOOK-Footprints without feet)( Short answers) chapter- 7 (The Necklace)(Guy de Maupassant)

 

The necklace

Important questions for board examination.

Q) Why does the writer say that Matilda was born as if through an error of destiny into a family of clerk?

Ans) Matilda was a pretty young lady. She felt that she was born for delicacies and luxuries. But she belonged to a middle class family where she always suffered from the poverty and deficiency. That’s why the writer said that she was born as if through an error of destiny into the family of clerk.

Q) What was the financial position of Matilda's husband?

Ans) Matilda’s husband was a clerk in the Board of Education. His apartment had the shabby walls and the worn furniture.  Like any other middle class man he could fulfill all necessities but no luxury.

Q) Why did Matilda not like to visit her rich friend?

Ans) Matilda was very disappointed and unhappy in her life. She loved delicate and luxurious things like silver plates, exquisite food, jewels etc. But she had none of them. When she visited  her rich friend who had all these things, she suffered. After returning she wept for whole day in despair and disappointment.

Q) What happened at the ball? Was her dream fulfilled?

Ans) At ball Matilda was a great success. She was the prettiest of all – elegant, gracious, smiling and full of joy. All man noticed her, asked her name and wanted to be presented. She danced with enthusiasm till the early morning. All these things were too sweet to her heart.

Yes, her dream was fulfilled.

Q) How did Mr Loisel manage to buy another necklace?

Ans) Mr Loisel found a substitute for the lost necklace in the market. It cost forty thousand francs. They could get it for thirty six thousand. He possessed eighteen thousand francs which his father had left for him. He borrowed the rest from usurers and the lenders at very high interest rates.

Q) Why did Jeanne not recognise her friend Matilda?

Ans) Matilda had lived a very difficult life for ten years. To repay the debt, she worked hard with her husband. The hardship of life changed her into a crude woman of the poor household. Therefore her friend could not recognise her.

 Q) Was Madam Forestier responsible for their sufferings? Why did Matilda say so?

Ans) Madam Forestier was not responsible for the sufferings of Matilda. In fact she helped Matilda by giving her a diamond necklace for the ball. It was Matilda who lost it carelessly. But Matilda had gone through a very challenging time due to this necklace. And necklace belonged to the Madam Forestier. So in despair Matilda blamed her.

More questions for practice.

Q) Why was Matilda not happy when her husband showed invitation for the ball?

Q)Why did Matilda refused to go to the ball even when her dress was about to complete?

Q) What spoiled the pleasure of Matilda and her husband?

Q) How did Mr Loisel work to repay the borrowed money?

Q) Mention the instances from the text that  show Loisel was a simple man and loved his wife?

10th class-cbse english (NCERT BOOK-Footprints without feet)( Long answers) chapter- 5 (Footprints without feet)(H. G. Wells)

 Footprints without feet

Answer the following questions in about 100 to 150 words.

Q) Griffin was not a true scientist because he misused a scientific discovery. Discuss.

OR

Q) Write the character sketch of Griffin.

Ans) Griffin was a brilliant scientist. He discovered some rare drugs and swallowed them to become invisible.

But he was a lawless person. He had the least regard for the laws and society norms. In revenge he set the landlords house on fire. In the departmental store in London he used things without payment. He stole materials and clothes from a theoretical company and attacked the shopkeeper and robbed him.

In the village iping he continued his lawless activities. He stole the clergyman’s money. He attacked Mrs Hall. He knocked the constable jaffer  conscious and hit other people who tried to catch him.

He had irritable temper. He was not a true scientist.

Q) Why did griffin entered in the big london store? How did he behaved there?

Ans) Griffin had chosen a wrong time to become invisible. To escape from his landlord’s house he took off his clothes and became invisible naked wanderer  in the London streets. It was middle of the winter. Air was bitterly cold. To get some warmth he entered in a big departmental store.

He waited for the store to be closed. Then he open the boxes, tore the wrappers and found clothes for himself. He wore shoes, overcoat and a large brimmed hat. Then he went in the kitchen and ate cold meat and coffee. He enjoyed sweets and wine after the food. He used things without the regard for payment. Finally he slept over the pile of quilts.

In the morning he got up late. Employees of the store reached and approached him. To got rid of them Griffin had to remove all his clothes. He escaped but reached in the  same condition again - invisible without clothes.

Q) What was the curious episode that took place in the clergyman’s study?

Ans) One early morning clergymen and his wife heard some sound from their study. They came downstairs quietly with a poker in clergyman’s hand. They reached near the door silently and heard the chink of the coins. Clergymen flung open the door and shouted “surrender”. To their surprise there was nobody inside the study. They searched everywhere beneath the table, behind the curtain, even in the chimney but in vain.  But the drawer was open and housekeeping money was missing. Actually Griffin had entered in their study invisibly and had stolen their money.

Q) What happened to the landlord and his wife in Griffin’s bedroom?

Ans) One morning Mr and Mrs hall found that door of Griffin's room was open. Usually he kept his room closed and locked. So they thought it is a good chance to go inside. They peeped through the door. There was no one inside. The bed was cold. it seemed that Griffin had got up much early. His bandages, false nose, hat and other clothes were lying on the bed. But suddenly Mrs hall heard a sniff close to her ear. Furnitures of the room became alive. A chair rose in the air and attacked directly at her leg. Then her mother’s chair pushed them out of the room. Mrs hall was about to fell in the stairs in hysteria. They thought that it was the act of some spirits . Griffin had done some wirchcraft.

More questions for practice.

Q) Describe the adventures of Griffin in London.

Q) Describe the adventures of Griffin in village of  Iping.

Q) Describe Mr jaffer's fight with the Invisible man in the bar.

Q) What will you do if you become invisible?

10th class-cbse english (NCERT BOOK-Footprints without feet)( Short answers) chapter- 5 (Footprints without feet)(H. G. Wells)

 

Footprints without feet

Q) Why were the two boys in London surprised?

Ans) Two boy were surprised because they saw muddy footprints in the street of London which were appearing from nowhere. They chased them but to no help. They were clueless about the origin of footprints.

 Q) Why was the scientist angry with the landlord and what did he do?

Ans) Landlord of Griffin was unhappy with him because of his weird behaviour and short tempered nature. He wanted to eject Griffin from his house. That’s why Griffin was angry with his landlord.

When he became invisible, he set the house on fire and escaped.

Q) Why did Griffin become a homeless wanderer without clothes?

Ans) Griffin was a scientist. He had discovered some rare drugs. He swallowed them and became invisible. He was angry with his landlord. In revenge he set his house on fire. To escape without being seen he removed his clothes and became a homeless wanderer.

Q) Why did Griffin enter the theatrical company?

Ans) Invisible Griffin was finding it difficult to wander in London streets in winters without clothes. Moreover he wanted something to cover his face. In a theatrical company he could find both clothes as well as materials for his face.

Q) Why was the arrival of Griffin in the village inn an unusual event?

Ans) Griffins arrival in the village inn was an unusual event because of two reasons. Firstly his weird appearance and his short tempered nature. Secondly it was a mid winter time and nobody came in the village at this time.

Q) What reason does Griffin give to Mrs hall for coming to lping?

Ans) Griffin told Mrs hall that he had come to the village in the search of solitude. He didn’t like if anybody disturb him. Moreover His face was damaged in an accident.

Q) Why were the people in bar horrified?

Ans) When Griffin was in the bar, Mrs Hall came and inquired about the peculiar incident that happened in his room today morning. Griffin became furious. He wanted to teach her a lesson. He removed his bandages, whiskers, false nose and wide brimmed hat. He became a headless person. Thus the people in the bar were horrified.

Q) How did griffin escaped from the bar?

Ans) Griffin removed his clothes one by one and became invisible. He knocked the constable jaffer unconscious. He hit the people in the bar who tried to catch him. Nobody could see him. So, he escaped easily.

Q) The scientist was a man of “irritable temper”? give some examples to prove this.

Ans) There are incidents in the story which proves that Griffin was a man of irritable temper. He set the house of his landlord on fire only because he wanted revenge. He hit the shopkeeper in theatrical store from behind and robbed him. He attacked Mrs Hall by her furniture. When she questioned him in the bar, he removed his bandages etc and became a headless man. He also knocked constable Jaffer unconscious.

More questions for practice.

Q) Why did Griffin entered the departmental store in London?

Q) How did griffin manage to get away from the crowded London?

Q) Why did people suspect that Griffin had some hand in burglary at clergyman’s study?

Q) Who hit the people at bar and why?

10th class-cbse english (NCERT BOOK-Footprints without feet)( Long answers) chapter- 4 (A Question of Trust)(Victor Canning)

 A Question of Trust

Q) Write the charactersketch of Horace Danby.

OR

Q) Why is Horace Danby described as good and respectable, but not completely honest?

Ans) Horace Danby was a  successful business man. He dealt in locks and safes. He was unmarried and a servant looked after him. He was suffering from hay fever. During summers it disturbed him.

 He was fond of expensive and rare books. He had a good collection of them. He was a good and respectable person but not completely honest. Every year he committed one robbery. From the robbed money he purchased books through an agent. He planned  and executed the robbery very carefully. Opening safes was not a big deal for him, he had spent his life with locks and safes. But at Shotover Grange he was oversmarted by a lady. He was arrested and sentenced.

Q) How did the lady in red turn out to be the smarter and cleverer then Horace Danby?

Ans) Every year Horace Danby planned a robbery for purchasing expensive and rare books. As usual this year also he planned a robbery very carefully. He studied the layout of  Shotover Grange in a magazine. He obtained the minutest detail. During a summer day when family was in London and servants were out for a movie he decided to execute his plan.

Every thing was going as planned. But a young lady who pretended to be the owner’s wife befooled him. She convinced him that she was the real owner and persuaded him to open the safe for her. He broke the safe carelessly and removed his gloves. His fingerprints were everywhere which helped police to arrest him. Only after his arrest he realised that lady in red was also a thief.

 

More questions for practice.

Q) Why did Horace get very angry when anyone talk about “honour among thieves”?

10th class-cbse english (NCERT BOOK-Footprints without feet)( Short answers) chapter- 4 (A Question of Trust)(Victor Canning)

 A Question of Trust

Q) What was Horace Danby's passion? How did he satisfy it?

Ans) Horace Danby's passion was to collect and read expensive and rare books. To buy these books he used to rob a safe every year. He purchased these books through an agent.

Q) What was his plan about his next robbery at Shotover Grange?

Ans) Horace Danby collected information about Shotover Grange from a magazine. He studied the detailed layout of the house. There was a safe in the drawing room behind the painting. He came to know that the family would be in London in the summer. So he planned to rob Shotover Grange when servants were not at home.

Q) How did Horace Danby's hay fever cause his failure in his robbery?

Ans) Horace Danby was suffering from hay fever. He had allergy to some flowers. When he entered the drawing room of Shotover Grange he felt some sensation in his nose. There were some flowers in the drawing room. He started sneezing and alerted the lady in red dress.

Q) How was the women treating Horace and why did she not inform the police?

Ans) The women talk very softly but firmly to the Horace Danby. Firstly she convinced him that she was the wife of house owner. Then she gained his trust and persuaded him to open the safe for her. She did not inform the police because she was in the same profession as the Horace was. She had used him for her purpose.

Q) Why did Horace Danby remove his gloves and to what effects?

Ans) Horace Denby was convinced that the lady in red dress was the wife of the owner. When he agreed to open the safe for her there was no fear of being caught. So he became careless and removed his gloves. Later police searched him easily because  his fingerprints were everywhere in the room.

Q) When did Horace Danby realise that the lady in red had befooled him?

Ans) After the Shotover Grange episode, Horace Danby stay at home for two days. In the afternoon of third day he was arrested by the police. In the police station he saw the wife of the house owner. She was a sixty year old lady. Then he realised that the lady in red had befooled him.

More questions for practice.

Q) Why was it not difficult for Horace to open the safe?

Q) What did Horace Danby know about the shortover Grange house?

Q) Why did Horace mistake the young lady for the mistress of the house?

Q) Do you think that the young lady was smarter than Horace Danby?

10th class-cbse english (NCERT BOOK-Footprints without feet)( Long answers) chapter- 3 (The Midnight Visitor)(Robert Arthur)

Answer the following questions in 100 to 150 words.

Q) What impression do you form of Ausable as a secret agent after reading the story “the midnight visitor” ?

OR

Q) Write the character sketch of Ausable.

OR

Q) Who was smarter – Max or Abusable?

Ans) Ausableb was a short and fat person who did not fit any description of a spy. But he was a clever secret agent. He outsmarted the Max. In a french hotel he was waiting for a very secret and important documents related to the missile technology. When he entered in his room with writer Fowler he found Max was waiting for him in the room. Max had a pistol in his hand. Ausable had no weapon. Even then he got rid of Max easily. He cooked a story instantly and convinced the Max, and also the Fowler, that there was a balcony beneath the window. He had ordered wine and was expecting waiter Henry anytime. When waiter knocked at the door he told the Max that it must be police. To hide himself Max jump from the window.

 

More questions for practice.

Answers the following questions in about 100 to 150 words.

Q) How did Max attempt but failed to acquire the secret paper from  Ausable?

Q) In difficult times we can always find the solutions if we keep our cool. Taking the example of the secret agent Ausable, Elaborate.

10th class-cbse english (NCERT BOOK-Footprints without feet)( Short answers) chapter- 3 (The Midnight Visitor)(Robert Arthur)

 The Midnight Visitor

Answer the following questions in about 40 to 50 words.

Q) Who was Fowler? why was he disappointed?

Ans) Fowler was a writer. He had come to the hotel to meet a spy. He was expecting a thrilling experience  of mysterious figures, the crack of guns  and drugs in the wine. Instead he found a fat man who didn't fit any description of a spy he had ever read. That’s why he was disappointed.

Q) What was the fowler’s first authentic thrill of the day?

Ans)  Fowler spent his evening with Ausable in the Music Hall of a french hotel. Ausable received a call that some secret papers were about to come in his room. He also took Fowler with him. When they entered the room on the sixth floor and switched the light on they found another spy in the room with a pistol in his hand pointed towards them. Fowler was startled and experienced his first thrill of the day.

Q) How does Ausable manage to make Max believe that there is a balcony attached to his room?

Ans) Ausable told the Max that it was the second time that someone entered in his room. It was due to the balcony beneath the window of the room.  Ausable showed his anger on the hotel management who had promised him to block the balcony.This convinced the Max that there was some balcony.

Q) Looking back at the story when do you think Ausable thought of his plan for getting rid of Max?

Ans) When Abusable entered his room with Fowler he had no idea that the Max was waiting for him in the room. It seems that he thought of his plan in few moments when he saw Max and slowly sat on a chair. He kept his cool and came out with a smart idea. He acted equally smartly.

Q) Did Fowler find this episode thrilling or disappointing? Give reasons for your answer?

Ans) Initially Fowler was disappointed. He was feeling let down. Because he was expecting a thrilling experience with a spy. But in the end he was thrilled by the way Ausable get rid of Max. Even Fowler believed that there was a balcony beneath the window. He inquired about the Max when waiter had gone.

10th class-cbse english (NCERT BOOK-Footprints without feet)( Long answers) chapter- 2 (A Thief's Story)(Ruskin Bond)

 The Thief's Story.

Answer the following questions in 100 to 150 words.

Q)Who was Anil? Give his character sketch?

Ans) Anil was writer. He wrote for the magazines and got paid for it. His income was not regular. One day he borrowed and next day he lend money. He was a simple and easygoing person. He spent all his money carelessly on his friends in the parties.

He was a kind person. He knew very well that Hari singh was stealing about one rupee daily from the shopping. But he ignored it. When Hari Singh could not make food on the first day he encouraged him and promised him to teach how to cook. He also promised to teach him reading and writing skills. By his kindness he changed Hari singh completely. Hari singh could not escape with the stolen money and came back to Anil. In fact he came back to life. Hari Singh was completely reformed by the generous methods of Anil.

Q) Love and sympathy can transform even a thief. How is it true in case of Hari Singh?

Ans) It is absolutely true that love and sympathy can transform anyone even a thief. These are the powerful feelings that can affects everyone's heart. If someone is on the wrong path due to his circumstances, he can be reformed by love, trust and sympathy.

In this story are Hari singh was a thief. He was only 15 years old. He persuaded Anil to get jobs. But his actual purpose was to rob him. He did everything to gain the confidence of Anil. Anil trusted him blindly and ignored all his mistakes. This had deep impact on the Hari Singh. These methods reformed him. In the force of his old habits he stole money from the Anil's house but he could not run away. Love and innocence of Anil pulled him back. Hari singh as thinking of the bright future after acquiring education. This dream was implanted in his mind by the Anil.

More questions for practice.

Q) Give a character sketch of Hari Singh?

Q)Why did Hari Singh decide to return the stolen money? What light does it throw on his character?

10th class-cbse english (NCERT BOOK-Footprints without feet)( Short answers) chapter- 2 (A Thief's Story)(Ruskin Bond)

 The Thief's Story.

Q) Why did Hari singh decide to go back to Anil?

Ans) Hari singh knew that Anil trusted him. Anil taught him cooking and writing his name. Anil promised to teach him writing full sentences. Hari singh thought if he would be literate, he would earn money and respect both. Moreover simplicity and generosity of Anil compelled him to go back.

Q) Who is “I” in this story why did he changed his name every month?

Ans) Here “I” stand for Hari singh. He was a thief. He changed his name every month to stay ahead of police and his previous employers.

Q) What was Anil’s job? What did he usually do with the money he earned?

Ans) Anil was a writer. He wrote for the magazines and charged money for it. He was a easy going and a bit careless person. He spent all the money on his friends in the parties.

Q) What does the thief say about the reactions of the different types of people when they were robbed?

Ans) The thief had studied the faces of different types of people after they had been robbed. Greedy man felt fear, rich man got angry and poor man showed acceptance.

Q) Why did the thief smile without any effort towards the end of the story?

Ans) When Hari singh stole money, he was in delimma. He was unable to run away. He came back to Anil and returned his money. He listened to his conscience. This act of goodness made him smile effortlessly towards the end of the story.

Q) What lies did Hari Singh tell Anil and why?

Ans) First lie that Hari singh told Anil was his name. He kept changing his name every month. Then he lied that he knew cooking. His motive was to get into the confidence of Anil and then rob him.

Q) How did Anil encourage Hari Singh when he could not cook meal properly?

Ans) The first day when Hari sigh cooked food, his lie was caught. He cooked so miserably that Anil threw the food to the stray dogs. Anil was angry and asked him to leave the job. But Hari singh lingered around. Finally Anil forgave him and promised him to teach how to cook.

Q) What happened when Hari Singh reached the railway station?

Ans) When Hari singh reached the station the Lucknow express was departing slowly. He could easily caught the train. But something stopped him. He remembered the innocent face of Anil and his promise of teaching him. In the excitement of theft he forgot the prospect of being an educated person. So, he returned back to Anil.

 

More questions for practice.

Q) Do you think people like Anil and Hari Singh are found only in fiction, or are there such people in real life?

Q) What prompted Hari Singh to steal Anil’s money?

Q) How did Anil treat Hari Singh, the next day?

Q) Why is it easy to rob a greedy man but difficult to rob a careless man?

 Q) How did Hari Singh steal the Anil's money? What justification did he give?

10th class-cbse english (NCERT BOOK-Footprints without feet)( Long answers) chapter-1 (A Triumph of Surgery)(James Herriot)

 Important questions for board examination.

Chapter - 1 Triumph of Surgery.

Answer the following questions in 100 to 150 words.

Q) Give a brief character sketch of doctor Herriot.

Ans)Mr Herriot was a veterinary surgeon. He had much regard for Mrs pumphrey. He regularly visited her to see her little dog tricki. He was concerned about the health of tricki. He was a professional doctor. He strictly advised Mrs Pumphrey to cut down the food items of tricki especially the sweet dishes. He advised her to give him plenty of exercise. When situation was out of control he took tricki to his surgery.

 He knew his work skillfully. He treated tricky in a very natural way without using any medicine or surgery. He knew the real cause of the problem and directly dealt with it. He was a honest man. When Mrs Pumphrey send eggs, wines and Brandy for tricki, doctor and his staff tempted to keep tricky forever. But considering the situation of Mrs Pumphrey he called her to take her dog who was completely fit now.

Q) How did the vet cure tricki?

Ans) Mr Herriet took tricki to his surgery for the treatment. Actually tricki's mistress Mrs Pumphrey was unable to take strict actions.

At the surgery doctor put the tricki with the other dogs. For two days he gave him nothing to eat but only plenty of water to drink. Third day tricki started to take interest in his surroundings. He struggled with other dogs for his share of food. He could not compete. Next day doctor put separate bowl for the tricki. He enjoyed his food. In few days he became part of the gang of dogs. In the daytime he played with them, struggle for food and at night he hunted for the rats in the old hen house. Slowly he started losing his fat and become fast and muscular. He was out of danger and completely fit now. Doctor treated him very cleverly.

More questions for practice.

Q) Write the character sketch of Mrs. Pumphrey.

Q) What was the reason of Tricki's ailment? How was Mrs. Pumphrey responsible for his condition? 

10th class-cbse english (NCERT BOOK-Footprints without feet)(short answers) chapter-1 (A Triumph of Surgery)(James Herriot)

 Important questions for board examination

Lesson 1 - A Triumph of Surgery

Q) Do you think there are parents like Mrs pumphrey ?

Ans) Mrs. Pumphrey loved her dog very much. She overfed him and provided him all the facilities. But excess of all these things created trouble for the tricky. He fell ill.

Parents like Mrs Pumphrey are very common. They think that pampering is good for their children. But this is making them addict to junk foods , Internet and video games. These parents must understand the difference between caring and pampering.

Q) “Tricki’s only fault was greed.” how did it get him into trouble?

Ans) Tricki’s mistress was a rich lady. He lived a very cozy and luxurious life. He kept eating all the time. He never refused any food. He always avoided exercises. This affected his health badly. He became lethargic and listless. Finally doctor was called to take care of him.

Q) What did Mrs Pumphrey tell doctor Herriot about Tricki?

Ans) Mrs pumphrey told the doctor that Tricki was seriously ill. He was not taking interest in any thing. He was not eating even his favourite dishes. For some days he was too weak to move. She wanted some help from the doctor.

Q) What was tricki’s condition when doctor Herriot carried him in his car?

Ans) Trick was seriously I’ll.He was spending his time lying on a rug, panting. He had bouts of vomiting. He didn't want to do anything. Mr Herriot had no choice but to take him to his surgery.

Q) What was Mr Herriot's strict advice? Did Mrs Pumphrey listen to him? what excuses did she make?

Ans) Mr Herriot warned Mrs Pumphrey to cut down the food of Tricki. Sweets like chocolates and cakes must be removed from his diet. He should be taken to a walk daily. There should be regular exercise like ring throwing for him.

Q). Why was it a temptation to keep tricki as a permanent guest?

Ans) When Tricki was in the surgery of Mr Herriot, Mrs Pumphrey called frequently to know the latest condition of her little dog. When she came to know that he is improving, she started to send eggs, wine and later brandy for Trick. All these things were consumed by the doctor and his staff. So, they are tempted to keep the Trick as a permanent guest. 

More questions for practice.

Q) Why was the call from Mrs. Pumphrey expected?

Q) Why did Mrs. Pumphrey send eggs, wine and brandy?

Q) How did Trick surprise Mrs. Pumphrey after the surgery?

Q) Why did Mrs. Pumphrey say " This is a triumph of surgery." ?

CORONA – PARAGRAPH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSE.

CORONA – A PANDEMIC 

This topic is important from the examination point of view. You can easily find information on the various aspects of the corona in the newspaper, TV and Internet. In fact there is an information overload. It’s a problem for the students. In the examination there is always a word limit in the answers. You have to write within the prescribed word limit. Moreover time is also restricted. So students have to choice their words judiciously.

Here three paragraphs are given for junior and senior classes. These paragraphs are only indicative. We can write them in different ways. You should read them as an example, then try to build your own paragraphs. Try not to touch many aspects in a paragraph. Ideally one paragraph should have only one theme. But  in the examination condition you can highlight two or three points, for the ease of writing.

 

 

Paragraph on corona (50 to 80 words)

(For junior classes)

Corona is a pandemic which affected the whole world. It is caused by a virus called COVID-19. It has done a lot of damage to the every sphere of life. Many lost their loved ones. Many lost their jobs and employment. Poors are affected the most. Corona has posed a great challenge before the humanity. We have to fight back. Scientists,  Health workers, Governments are working at war footing. It is our duty to follow all the norms and guidelines and defeat the Corona.

 

 

Paragraph on Corona ( 150 words )

( For 10^th class )

Corona is an ongoing pandemic. It is the largest pandemic of human history. Moreover it is changing its form very rapidly and becoming more lethal. It has taken the whole world under its ambit. It has affected the various countries physically, financially and emotionally.

We are fighting very bravely. On the one hand we are taking protective measures to reduce the pace of spread of corona and on the other hand we are finding effective vaccines and medicines. The medical facilities for the affected people have also increased manifolds. We will definitely win.

In this difficult time many persons, institutions and governments are coming forward for helping one other. There are many instances of sacrifices and donations. Together we will surely cross all barriers.

But it is also a time for introspection.  The coronavirus  enter the human beings from the bats. We were interfering with the Nature. Is it justified ?

 

Paragraph on Corona ( 250 words)

( For 12^th class )

In the long journey of human development we have faced many challenges. Sometimes in the form of climate change sometimes in the form of war and some other times in the form of disease. This time the challenge is posed by a deadly virus COVID-19. With patience and courage we will find a way out.

Corona is caused by a zoonotic virus SARS-CoV-2. Starting from one city  it spread in the whole world in a short span of time. It spreads in air. Many people were infected  in different countries and many lost their lives. Coronavirus attacks the lungs. Victims face difficulty in breathing. Most of the time they need oxygen supply. It also damages other organs like kidney. So it infects rapidly and severely.

All countries of the world stand firmly against this invisible enemy. Individuals, institutions, societies and governments play their role aptly. Our scientists have developed many vaccines. Experiments are going on to find medicines. People in various parts of the world observing lockdown and maintaining social distancing.

In this difficult time we must cooperate with one another. Countries who have vaccines and other resources must provide them to others also. It’s a fight between humans and a lethal virus. We cannot survive in isolation. We must join hands. Help must reach to the last man.

In future, to deal with such global problems we must develop international institutions in which all countries should participate and contribute. There should be international laws to be followed by all the nations in the  situation of emergency.  As united we stand, divided we fall.

 

You can also read " How to write good paragraphs"

 

 

 

 

Epidemic and Pandemic?

 

Q) What is the difference between epidemic and pandemic?

OR

Describe the terms outbreak, epidemic, endemic and pandemic.

Ans)

In this article we will try to understand the meaning of outbreak, endemic, epidemic and pandemic.

Endemic - lf an infectious disease is  regularly  present in a community or a people for long time then it is called endemic.

In some parts of Africa malaria is endemic. Dengue is endemic to many Caribbean nations.

Disease is restricted to  a region or country. And number of cases does not go beyond a threshold.

Outbreak  - If there are greater than anticipated increase in the number of endemic cases, it is called outbreak.

If a infectious disease spread to some new area then it is an outbreak even if only one case is there.

Epidemic - It affects a large number of people within a community, population or region. Here the rate of increase in cases is rapid.

 In the case of COVID-19, it was epidemic until disease was restricted to the city Wuhan in China.

Pandemic - If an epidemic spread over multiple countries or continents then it is called pandemic.

 For example COVID-19. WHO declared it a pandemic on 11^th March 2020.

(Note - One should always remember that epidemics and pandemics are defined on the basis of rate  and distance of spread and not on the severity of the disease.)

To editor- plight of students dealing with online classes.

 

Q) You are Naresh resident of 15/2,kailash nagar,Delhi. You are Concerned about the plight of the students dealing with online classes. Write a letter to the editor, Hindustan times and request for raising this issue in his newspaper.

 

Ans)

 

Examination Hall          

27^th May, 2021

 

To

      The Editor,            

      Hindustan Times,

      Delhi.

 

Sub-> plight of students dealing with online classes.

Respected sir,

Through your esteemed newspaper I want to draw attention of concerned authorities towards the plight of students dealing with online classes.

Due to corona pandemic schools are closed for almost a year. The students are compelled to get instructions from the school online. Some of the private schools are providing online live classes.

But most of the other private schools and government schools are not in a position to provide these online classes. Here students are given guidance and study material on the WhatsApp group. But it is just not possible for a student to study from these materials by their own. This practice is futile. 

Students are worried about their studies. This year is almost zero year for them. Even the private schools which are providing online live classes are not doing any good. Most of the time quality of video and audio is to compromising that students are getting nothing. 

Moreover in many schools final term examinations were not conducted. They are promoted to the next class on the basis of the average performance throughout the year. The students know very well that they will suffer in the next class.

I expect that you will understand the gravity of the problem. Kindly provide some space in your newspaper.

 

Thanking you

 

Yours sincerely

Naresh

Online teaching

 

How is online teaching or virtual classes?

 

Virtual world of education

Question)

Write a paragraph or article on the advantages and disadvantages of online teaching?

Or

What are the pros and cons of online/ virtual teaching?

Answer)

Definition

Online teaching is gaining Momentum day by day. Online teaching simply means teacher and students are far apart connected by high speed internet . It can be divided broadly into two parts - live classes of different teachers and institutes and recorded videos lectures.

Only three facilities are needed to conduct online classes. Firstly one needs a smartphone, PC or laptop. Another facility required is a high speed internet. Finally there should be uninterrupted supply of electricity.

 

Advantages

 There are many advantages of online classes. There are many good teachers available on the Internet. A student is not restricted to choose a teacher or institute from the neighbourhood. He can find a teacher in another city or even in another country.

Online coaching is generally economical as compared to the offline classes.

In online mode a teacher can give better illustrations by using graphics, pictures, videos and animations. It is the power of audio video medium. A teacher can carry the students in depth. A student will have enriched learning experience. Things will be easy to understand, memorize and recall later.

A student in the remote  Area or a student belonging to lower strata of the society can also access a fine quality, experienced teacher of a metropolitan city. This leads to the democratization of the education.

Online teaching-virtual school

Disadvantages

Online teaching has some limitations also. Firstly there are many areas in the world where Internet connection is not available or Internet speed is very slow. In such areas online teaching is a distant dream.

Students in financially weaker section can not afford costly PCs or smart phones.

The students are deprived of direct observation and eye contact of teachers.  We need to device new methods of testing and examinations so that students level of understanding can be judged.

Many good experienced teachers are unable to work on modern gadgets and technologies. They need to  upgrade their technical skills or we will lose their valuable teaching experience.

 

Conclusion

Online teaching has its own pros and cons. In most of the cases it is advantageous. With the advent of 4G and 5G Internet and reduction in the cost of Internet services and smart phones it seems that online teaching has a bright future.

 

Corona and students

 

 

Effects of Covid Pandemic on the Students

 Covid pandemic has widespread effects on every sphere of life and students are not spared.

 They are affected physically, mentally and emotionally. 

For a long period, they are unable to meet with their mentors and class fellows. They can’t go outside. They can’t meet with their friends and relatives. They are lonely. This is hampering there growth.

 

Why Can’t we open the schools?

Kids are not  Mature enough to follow  covid appropriate behaviour (CAB). 

It is very difficult for them to maintain the social  distancing in the classroom. In a class of 40 to 50 students it is just not possible. 

Kids are not expected to communicate with masks on their faces. 

Moreover a student has low immunity as compared to adults.  

If there is any spread of corona in the schools, it will be very difficult to control. Schools can be hub of Corona. Schools can be main corona spreader if they are opened without preparation.

 

Problems if schools remain closed for long time.

Schools are integral part of a student life. A major part of his day is spent in the school. If schools remain closed for long then it will have very negative effect on the students.

 This will affect not just their studies but also their personalities. Students are facing very difficult time.

 

Limitations of online classes

There are no offline classes as schools and coaching centers are closed. So students are deprived of valuable suggestions and guidance of their teachers. 

Although many schools are providing online classes but they cannot compensate for the offline classes where the student has direct interaction with a teacher. He can put his doubts and ask questions directly.

In online classes there is one more problem which is faced by most of the students in India that is the poor quality of Internet. Many times classes got disconnected and sometimes picture and voice quality is compromising . 

Moreover there is no eye to eye contact between teacher and his students. So teacher is unable to judge if students are getting whatever he is delivering. It is almost impossible to create conducive teaching learning experience in an online class.

 

No examination for one year

In April 2020 first wave of corona pandemic started and in the beginning of 2021 its second wave spread all over the India. Therefore schools and other educational institutions remain closed for more than one year. 

During this time there was no pen paper examination of the students. It is almost impossible for a teacher to find out if a student is understanding everything that is taught in the online classes without examinations. 

Exams are not only the test of understanding of the students but it also provides basis for the remedial classes. A teacher after studying the result of the class decides which topics need to be revised in the class. 

He also comes to know the types of mistakes the students are committing. It gives her an insight about the level of understanding of the syllabus. 

In the absence of any examination the whole learning process is deteriorating. It will be very difficult to fill this gap in the future.

 

In remote and backward areas

In the backward areas of the country where economic status of the people is already low the position of education is even more disadvantageous . 

The students of these areas belong to the poor families and most of them study in the government run schools. It is not possible for them to manage costly smart phones or computers for taking online classes. 

Most of the students do not have good Internet connection . Even in many areas there is irregular supply of electricity. 

In such a scenario it is just not possible to acquire education by online mode. 

For these students this year is almost a zero year. Although most of the state boards and CBSE have promoted the students to the next class but we know it very well that they do not acquire proper knowledge in the previous class . This will definitely affect their study in the next class also.

 

Mental  And emotional stress on the students

During the Corona time many families suffered directly and indirectly. Some families lost their jobs and  there is decline in income of self dependent families. 

In some families members are affected by the Corona . Some of them were hospitalized. There was a scarcity of medicines, oxygen cylinders and even beds in the hospitals. This causes additional tension in the families. Children also face this stress. 

These circumstances leads to an environment where learning activities cannot go on. We cannot expect a student to carry his studies if family is passing through such a challenging time. This creates a great mental and emotional stress on the family members especially the children

Uncertain future

Students who are in the higher most class of their institutions are facing one more problem. After completing the education in their Institute they need to be transferred to the next higher Institute. In this pandemic situation it is very difficult for them to get admission. 

Moreover students who are planning for some professional courses after completing the school are also in dilemma. Their future is very uncertain. There is a great loss of their valuable time. At this time they should focus on the preparation for the competitive examinations but they are fighting with the disease and family problems.

 

3^rd wave of corona

Doctors and other experts are claiming that danger is not over yet. There will be a 3^rd wave of Corona that will affect the children the most.  This is creating a panic among the parents. 

When a hope was in sight that school will open after this short lockdown and decline in Corona cases, at this time this declaration of 3^rd way of Corona is not a good sign. 

We need a widespread preparation to tackle this coming danger. Government should improve facilities in the hospitals and other health care centers. Necessary supplies of medicines and other equipments should be maintained in advance. 

On the other hand people should understand their responsibilities. They should maintain social distancing. One should not stop wearing masks even after vaccination.

 

Ray of hope

Even in this distress one should not lose hope. We should also see the positive side. 

Our country is one of the few nations in the world which has developed vaccine for Corona. Vaccination drive is moving very fast and we should expect that majority of our population will be vaccinated in a few months only. 

There is research going on to develop vaccine for children. I am confident that it will be available very soon. We should observe Corona appropriate behavior until at least 70% of our population including children is vaccinated.

We will definitely win over this deadly virus.

 

8th class-cbse english (It so happen) Chapter-11 (Ancient education system of India)

Ancient Education System of India

(I)

Q1) Why were travellers attracted towards India?

Ans) In the ancient time India was famous for its culture, wealth, religion, art, architect and educational practices. Our education system was known for the openness, humanity, all-round-development of students and higher standards of teachers. Many travellers were attracted towards India because of this fame.

Q2) What were the sources of the ancient education system?

Ans) There was wide range of sources in ancient education system of India. Prominent among them were

(i) Vedas, Upanishads, Brahmanas and Dharamsutras.

(ii) Writings of Aryabhatt, Panini, Katyayana and Patanjali.

(iii)Medical treatises of the Charak and Sushruta.

(iv) Various Shastras and Kavyas.

Q3) What were the features of education system in Ancient India?

8th class-cbse english (It so happen) Chapter-10(Comet - II) [Jayant Narlikar]

Chaper 10 ( Comet-II )

(I)

Q1) “ For a moment James wonders if he had done his sums right” Why was James doubtful about his sums and calculations?

Ans) From the window of his room in hotel in London, James was looking at the peaceful star-studded sky. In such atmosphere it was hard to believe that a calamity was so near. He wondered, for a moment, if he had done his sums right.

Q2) What did the scientists at the conference say about James’s ‘sums’?

Ans) Scientists at the conference checked and rechecked the calculations of James’ paper and concluded that calculations were correct and his prediction was right. Collision with the comet Dutta was inevitable. Only slight possibility was that it missed the head on collision and just grazed the atmosphere of the earth. In that case total loss of life would not happen but harm would be big.

Q3) Immediate action was needed, scientists decided. Give one example each of ‘defensive’ and ‘offensive’ action mentioned in the text.

8th class-cbse english (It so happen) Chapter-9(Comet - I) [Jayant Narlikar]

Chapter 9 ( Comet-I )

                                                            (I)

                                                                               

Q1) Why does Indrani Devi dislike Duttada’s ‘hobnobbing’ with Dibya?

Ans) Dibya was the telescope of Duttada. He bought it after his retirement. It was his dream for long to have both - his own telescope and time to observe the night sky. He spent lot of time with the telescope. When he was with Dibya, he became so absorbed that he forgot the world around him, even his wife. That’s why his wife disliked the Dibya.

Q2) She is complaining and smiling. Why is she smiling?

Ans) On one winter night Indrani devi’s sleep was disturbed by the cool breeze. She awoke and found that Duttada was not on his bed. She became annoyed but smiled on a second thought. Duttada was so attached to his telescope Dibya and his star-observations that he even forgot to wore his sweater in this cold December night. Indrani Devi accepted that he could not remember to close the door.

Q3) (i) What was Duttada’s secret ambition?

8th class-cbse english (It so happen) Chapter-8(Jalebis) [Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi]

(Translated from urdu by Sufiya Pathan)

Part (I)

Q1) Why didn’t he pay the school fees on the day he brought money to school?

Ans) He could not pay the fees on the day he bought money to school because the teacher who collected the fees, Master Gulam Mohammad, was on leave. Fees and funds were to be collected the next day.So, he brought money back.

Q2) (i) What were the coins ‘saying’ to him?

Ans) Coins were persuading him to spent the money and purchase the crispy, syrupy jalebis. They told him to look at the hot jalebis that are coming out from the kadhao in the shop to be eaten by someone who had money. And you had the money.

Q2) (ii) Do you think they were misguiding him?

8th class-cbse english (It so happen) Chapter-7(The open window) [Saki (H.H. Munro)]

Answer the following questions in short ( 30 to 40 words)

Q1) Why had Framton Nuttle come to the “rural retreat”?

                        

Ans)  Framton Nuttle had a problem of nerve. Doctors had advised him to stay away from excitement and any short of violence. He was expecting that calm atmosphere of rural area might help him to overcome his problem of nervousness. He decided to meet people there and discuss his problem with them. This might help.

Online / Digital Study

School anytime anywhere

Online study/classes

(advantages and disadvantages)

Online study is not new to the modern students. Along with their regular classes in schools and coaching centers, they are watching online lectures, as an additional support material. It adds to their understanding. Some students prefer online coaching as compared to the local area coaching. Online study / classes are growing day by day. It has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Mobile and Internet - impact on a student

Mobile and Internet

(Its effect on students and their studies)

(A)   Introduction

Mobile and Internet are the modern time technologies that affect the students and their studies in a big way.  No other single phenomenon has impacted the learning habits of the students to this extent. This impact is both beneficial and harmful, all depends upon the way students use it.