9th Std ON KILLING A TREE

ON KILLING A TREE 

COMPREHENSION 

STANZA1                                                                  

It takes much time to kill a tree,

Not a simple jab of the knife

Will do it. it has grown

Slowly consuming the earth,

 Rising out of it, feeding

Upon its crust, absorbing

Years of sunlight, air, water,

 And out of its leprous hide

Sprouting leaves.

Questions :

(a) Name the poem and the poet.

(b) Can we kill a tree just with a simple jab of the knife?

(c) How does a tree grow up?

(d) What does it absorb for years?

(e) What does a tree symbolize in this poem?

Answers :

(a) The name of the poem is ‘On killing A Tree’ and the name of the poet is `Gieve Patel’.

(b) No, we can’t kill a tree just with a simple jab of the knife.

(c) A tree grows up consuming the earth.

(d) It absorbs sunlight, air and water.

(e) It symbolizes a deep-rooted evil.

STANZA 2

So hack and chop

But this alone won’t does it.

Not so much pain will do it.

The bleeding bark will heal

And front close to the ground

Will rise curled green twigs,

 Miniature boughs

Which if unchecked will expand again

 To former size.

 Questions :

 (a) How should we kill a tree?

(b) That alone can’t kill a tree?

(c) What will happen to Its bleeding skin?

(d) What rises from dose to the ground?

(e) What is the meaning of ‘miniature boughs’?

Answers :

(a) We should kill a tree by hacking and chopping it.

(b) lacking and chopping alone can’t kill a tree.

(c) It’s bleeding skin will heal very soon.

(d) Small green twigs rise from close to the ground.

(e) ‘Miniature boughs’ means small branches.

STANZA 3

No,

The root is to be pulled out-

Out of the anchoring earth;

It is to be roped, tied,

And pulled out-snapped out

 Or pulled out entirely,

Questions :

(a) What should we do to kill a tree entirely?

(b) What is the main anchor of the trees?

(c) Where does the strength of a tree lie?

(d) What should we do to its roots?

(e) Name the poem and the poet

 Answers :

(a) To kill a tree entirely we should pull out its root from the earth.

(b) The earth is the main anchor of the trees.

(c) The strength of a tree lies in its roots.

(d) The roots should be snapped and taken out of the earth

(e) The name of the poem is ‘On Killing A Tree’ and the name of the poet is ‘Cleve Patel’.

STANZA 4

Out from the earth-cave,

And the strength of the tree exposed

The source, white and wet,

The most sensitive, hidden

For years inside the earth.

Questions :

(a) What is taken out of the earth’s cave?

(b) What Is the source of the strength of a tree?

(c) Where does the root remain hidden for years?

(d) Name the most sensitive part of the tree.

 (e) How is the strength of the tree exposed?

Answers

(a) The root of a tree is taken out of the cave.

(b) Root is the source of the strength of a tree.

(c) Under the earth.

(d) The most sensitive part of the tree is its ‘root’.

 (e) The strength of a tree is exposed by Pulling out its root.

STANZA 5

Then the matter

Of scorching and choking

In sun and air,

Browning, hardening,

Twisting, withering,

 And then it is done.

Questions :

(a) Name the poem and the poet.

(b) What is scorching done by?

 (c) What is chocking done by?

(d) ‘And then it is done’. What is done?

 (e) In this poem what is a symbol of a tree?

 Answers :

(a) The name of the poem is ‘On Killing A Tree’ and the name of the poet is Gieve Patel’.

(b) Scorching is done by the heat of the sun.

(c) Chocking is done by the absence of the air.

(d) A tree is put to an end forever.

(e) In this poem the tree is a symbol of deep-rooted evil.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Q1.Can a “simple jab of the knife” kill a tree? Why not?

Ans:- simple jab of a knife can certainly not kill a tree. It can merely injure it and cause its sap to ooze out like blood. The real life of a tree comes from the roots that provide it nourishment and firmly hold it.

Q2.How has the tree grown to its full size? List words suggestive of its life and activity.

Ans:- The tree has grown to its full size gradually. It has grown by slowly consuming the earth. It has risen out of the earth and has fed upon its crust. It has also absorbed light, air and water for years. Leaves have sprouted out of its discoloured bark.

Q3.In the phrase ‘consuming the earth’, who consumes the earth and how?

Ans:- It is the tree that consumes the earth by drawing its nourishment from the soil through its root. The diet required by the tree lies deep inside the earth and the root sucks and absorbs nutrients and nourishes the tree.

Q4. What is meant by ‘years of sunlight, air and water’?

Ans:-Years of sunlight, air and water means that the tree takes years together to grow up fully. In this course of time, it draws energy from sunlight, air and water.

Q5.Why has the tree’s ‘hide’ been called leprous?

Ans:-The bark of the tree is uneven in texture and colour. Leprosy also robs the skin of the leper of its colour and evenness. Hence, the poet has drawn a metaphorical comparison between the discoloured bark of a tree and the diseased skin.

Q6. What is the role of hacking and chopping in killing a tree?

Ans:- Hacking and chopping wound the body of a tree causing it great pain. They peal the bark of the tree and it appears to be bleeding when the sap oozes out. However, this pain or bleeding does not manage to kill the tree.

Q7.What is the meaning of ‘bleeding bark’? What makes it bleed?

Ans:-The ‘bleeding bark stands for the sap oozing out of the tree trunk when it is attacked with a knife or an axe. The word ‘bleeding’ is metaphorically used to compare the sap to the blood from a wound of a human being. It signifies the pain of the tree.

Q8.What will rise from ‘close to the ground’? Why?

Ans:-Curled green twigs and miniature boughs will rise from the stump of the tree that is close to the ground. They will rise because the tree rejuvenates and revives itself as long as its root is intact.

Q9.’What will happen if the miniature boughs are left ‘unchecked’?

Ans:-‘Unchecked’ here means left free to grow without any harm or danger. If left ‘unchecked’, the new, green, delicate branches from the stump of a tree will expand and regain their original size.

Q 10. “No, The root is to be pulled out.” Why has the poet started this stanza with “No”? Or The poet says “No” at the beginning of the third stanza. What does he mean by this?

Ans:-The poet uses ‘No’ to emphasize the fact that merely hacking and chopping are not sufficient for killing a tree. They can injure it, make it bleed, and cause pain. But killing a tree requires more ruthlessness and much more effort.

 Q 11. What is the meaning of “anchoring earth” and “earth cave”?

 Ans:- “Anchoring earth” means the earth which gives a firm grip to the tree and keeps it from falling. Just as a ship anchored in the sea stays in its place securely and steadily, similarly the tree stands secure and stable with the support of the earth. “Earth cave” refers to the depth under the earth where the root of a tree remains sheltered safely for years. It is firmly attached to this point and a cave-like hollow is created when the root is pulled out.

 Q12. How is the root of the tree to be pulled out? What is the result of this pulling?

Ans:-The root of the tree is to be tied to a rope and pulled out with a great force. This pulling results in creating a cave-like hollow in the earth and exposes the root to the vagaries of weather that eventually cause the death of the tree.

Q13.What does the poet mean by The strength of the tree exposed”?

Ans:-The expression ‘the strength of the tree exposed’ means the root of the tree is pulled out of the earth and thrown open at the mercy of harsh weather. Root is the source of tree’s power. Once exposed to the scorching and choking sun and air, it withers away and the tree finally dies.

Q14.What is ‘the most sensitive’ part of the tree? What is it sensitive to and why?

Ans:- The root of the tree is its most sensitive part. It is sensitive to the heat and vagaries of weather on the open surface of the earth. It is so because it remains hidden safely under the earth.

Q15. How is the exposed root affected by the sun and air?

Ans:-Sun and air start drawing life out of the exposed root. It becomes discoloured, dry and hard. It starts withering and becomes gnarled and twisted. Devoid of all its moisture, it gradually becomes lifeless and the process of killing the tree is completed.

 Q16. What finally kills the tree?

 Ans:-The withering of the pulled out root finally kills the tree. The root of a tree is the source of its strength. Once it is pulled out, it can no longer nurture the tree. The root is sensitive to sunlight and air. Once exposed, it gets dehydrated, brown and twisted. Ultimately it dries up and the tree yields to death.

Q17. What message is conveyed by this poem?

Ans:-The poem conveys the message that human beings have destructive temperament towards nature, but Mother nature has regenerative powers and cannot be destroyed easily. It has the ability to resurrect itself. Also, the tree teaches us that mere physical assaults cannot ruin us. As long as our root, our soul, is intact we can rise again.

9th Std THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST

THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST

EXTRACTS FOR COMPREHENSION

Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow in one or two lines.

(I)

 The zip on the bag was jammed. So I pulled on it and yanked at it, with grunts and frowns and increasing consternation. I kept this up for some minutes but it wouldn’t budge, so I pulled harder and harder.

1.Which bag is being referred to in this extract?

Ans: The carry-on bag that was hanging around Bryson’s neck when he reached the Logan Airport in Boston on way to Europe along with his family is being referred to here.

2. What had happened to the zip on the bag?

Ans: The zip on the bag had got jammed and could not be opened in spite of hard efforts of Bryson.

3. Why did Bryson want to open the bag?

Ans: Bryson wanted to open the bag to take out his frequent flyer card and avail its benefits.

4. What happened when Bryson pull harder and harder at the zip?

Ans: When Bryson pulled harder and harder at the zip, the bag gave way abruptly and its entire contents spilt over, creating a mess.

(II)

 I would love, just once in my life, to rise from a dinner table without looking as if I have just experienced an extremely localized seismic event, get in a car and close the door without leaving 14 inches of coat outside, wear light-coloured trousers without discovering at the end of the day that I have at various times sat on chewing gum, ice cream, cough syrup and motor oil.

1.Who makes this wish and why?

Ans: Bill Bryson, the accidental tourist, makes this wish because he desires to behave like other normal people whom he sees carrying out routine actions with ease.

2. Explain: ‘extremely localized seismic event’.

Ans: The phrase, in a literal sense, means a kind of earthquake that affects a very small area. This is Bryson’s way of humorously describing the mess that he left behind after eating dinner.

3. How does the speaker wish to sit in a car?

Ans: The speaker, Bryson, wishes to sit in a car without leaving out any part of his coat while closing the door.

4. What does the writer find on his light-coloured trousers at the end of the day? What does this show about his character?

Ans: The writer finds stains of chewing gum, ice cream, cough syrup and motor oil on his light-coloured trousers at the end of the day. This shows that he is very clumsy in his manners and very careless in using public places.

 (III)

 Of course, this is only when I am flying with my family. When I am on my own, I don’t eat, drink or lean over to tie my shoelaces, and never put a pen anywhere near my mouth.

1.What is ‘this’ as mentioned by Bryson?

Ans: ‘This’ here means the instruction given by Bryson’s wife to his children. According to this instruction, his children would open the lids of food for Bryson when travelling.

2. Why doesn’t Bryson lean over to tie his shoelaces when he is on his own?

Ans: Bryson had once got trapped in a crash position while tying his shoelace on an aeroplane. He doesn’t lean over to tie his shoelaces in order to avoid his earlier mistake.

3. Why does Bryson avoid putting a pen near his mouth?

Ans: Bryson had once put his pen in his mouth while talking to a charming female co-passenger. He discovered 20 minutes later that the pen had leaked and his entire face was navy blue. He avoided a pen near his mouth after that to save himself from further embarrassment.

 4. Why wouldn’t Bryson eat or drink when travelling alone?

Ans: Bryson wouldn’t eat or drink when travelling alone because he was clumsy and prone to accidents. While lifting a glass of soft drink or any other food item, he would create a mess all over.

(IV)

 Everyone I know – everyone – is forever flying off to Bali first class with their air miles. I never get to collect anything. I must fly 100,000 miles a year, yet I have accumulated only about 212 air miles divided between twenty-three airlines.

1.According to Bryson, what is everyone doing?

Ans: According to Bryson, everyone he knows is forever flying off to Bali first class with their air miles.

2. Is there an exaggeration in this statement?

Ans: Identify it. The exaggeration in this statement is that ‘everyone is forever flying’. This is an expression to emphasize the difference between the flying patterns of others with that of Bryson. In reality, everyone cannot fly forever.

3.Why ha: Bryson accumulated only about 212 air miles?

Ans: Bryson has accumulated only about 212 air miles because he either forgets to ask for the air miles when he checks in or the airlines fail to record them due to the mismatch of names on his card and tickets.

4. How do if e above lines support the fact that Bryson flies a lot?

Ans: The above lines mention that Bryson flies 100,000 miles a year via twenty-three airlines. This shows that he travels a lot.


Short Answer Type Questions  (30 to 40 words)

Q.1. What does Bill Bryson tell us about his habit of getting confused?

Ans. Bill Bryson says that he gets easily confused at the things which the other people enjoy performing them. He says that he can’t remember the things for long. He forgets them again and again. He gives an example that when he is staying at some hotel he has to come to the reception counter two or three times to ask the number of his room.

Q.2. What happened at London Airport when the author was going to England on a long journey with family?

Ans. When the author was going to England on a long journey, he got in a troublesome situation at the London Airport. He had put his visiting card in the carry-on bag. When he tried to open it, it would not open because its zip got jammed. When he pulled it hard, it broke and all the contents of the bag disgorged on the ground.

Q.3. Narrate briefly the incident of spilling a soft drink on to a co-passenger in a plane by the author.

 Ans. During one of his air flights, the author spilt the soft drink on to the lap of a sweet lady sitting beside him. The flight attendant came and cleaned her up. The attendant brought him a replacement drink and he knocked it into the woman again. The lady looked at him with the stupefied expression.

Q.4. What two reasons does Bill Bryson give for the absence of air miles cards with hint?

Ans. He says that he is a frequent flyer. He must fly one lac miles a year. But he does not have more air miles cards. It is so because he forgets to ask for the air miles when he buys a ticket. And sometimes the clerk at the air-station makes an excuse of non-availability of the air miles cards.

Q5. What is the ‘most outstanding thing’ that the writer, Bill Bryson, thinks he is not good at? What does this reveal about Bryon’s traits?

 Ans: The writer, Bill Bryson, thinks that the ‘most outstanding thing’ he is not good at is living in the real world. This reveals that he is so lost in his own thoughts that he fails to conduct himself like a normal person and ends up causing accidents.

 Q6. Bill Bryson says, “I am, in short, easily confused”. What examples has he given to justify this?                                                              

 Ans: Bill Bryson supports his tendency to get confused easily by giving examples like his failure to look for a lavatory in a cinema. Instead, he ends up standing in the alley on the wrong side of a self-locking door. Another example is about his returning to hotel desks two or three times a day and enquiring about his room number.

Q7. Which two things did Bryson remember at the Logan Airport in Boston?

Ans: At the Logan Airport in Boston, Bryson remembered that he had recently joined the British Airways’ frequent flyer programme. He also remembered that he had put the card in the carry-on bag that was hanging around his neck.

Q8. What started the trouble for Bryson at the Logan Airport in Boston?

 Ans: The jammed zip of Bryson’s carry-on bag started trouble for him at the Logan Airport in Boston. He tried to open it using force and as a result, it gave way abruptly. Hundreds of items in the bag spilt over and created a mess.

Q9. What happened when Bryson pulled hard at the zip on his bag?

 Ans: Bryson’s side of the bag opened abruptly and its contents got scattered all over when he pulled hard at its zip. Newspaper cuttings, loose papers, tobacco tin, magazines, passport, English money, film – everything inside the bag spread over an area about the size of a tennis court.

 Q10. How did the contents of Bryson’s bag spill away at the Logan Airport? What was his reaction to it?

Ans: Hundreds of contents in Bryson’s bag spilt away when the side of the bag opened up abruptly. The coins tinkled as they bounced noisily. The lid of the tobacco tin came off and the tobacco got ejected when the lidless tin rolled. Bryson was dumbstruck to see his belongings rolling away.

 Q11. “My tobacco!” I cried in honour. Why does Bryson say so?

 Ans: Bryson says so because tobacco was many times costlier in England, especially after the recently passed budget. He was horrified at his monetary loss when he saw the tobacco getting ejected from the lidless tin.

 Q12. Why is Bryson’s finger bleeding? What is his wife’s reaction?                                            

 Ans: Bryson’s finger is bleeding because he has gashed it on the zip of his carry-on bag while attempting to open it. His wife’s reaction is of plain wonder, devoid of any anger or exasperation. She couldn’t believe he did such clumsy things.

 Q13. ‘Why did Bryson’s hair go into panic mode?

Ans: Bryson’s hair went into panic mode because he was confused and unable to help himself in controlling the situation that resulted after he ripped open his carry-on bag. All the contents of his bag were on the floor and his finger was bleeding.

Q14. How does Bill Bryson end up in a ‘crash position’ in the aircraft?                            

 Ans: Once on an aeroplane, Bryson had leaned over to tie a shoelace. At this time the person in the seat ahead of him threw back his seat into full recline, pinning Bryson helplessly in a crash position.

 Q15. How did Bryson drench his lady co-passenger twice?

Ans: Once, Bryson accidentally knocked off a soft drink onto the lap of a sweet little lady, a nun, sitting beside him. The flight attendant cleaned her up and brought a replacement drink for Bryson. The accidental tourist as Bryson was, he knocked it off again thus drenching his co-passenger twice.

Q16. What was the worst experience of Bryson while on a flight?


 Ans: Bryson’s worst experience while on a flight was when his teeth and gums turned navy blue. This happened because the end of the pen on which he had been sucking thoughtfully, had leaked. The worst part was that he discovered this only after twenty minutes of conversation with an attractive lady in the seat next to him.

Q17. Bill Bryson “ached to be suave”. Is he successful in his mission?

List his ‘unsuave’ ways.                                                                                                        

Ans: Bill Bryson was a person prone to accidents. Whenever he tried to be suave, he would cause yet another accident. His unsuave ways included littering food at the dinning-table, getting his coal trapped while closing the car door, and smudging his light-coloured trousers.

 Q18. Why do you think Bill Bryson’s wife says to the children, “Take the lids off the food fordaddy”?                                                                                                

 Ans: Responding humorously to her husband’s accidental tendencies, Bryson’s wife tells her children to take the lids off the food for their daddy. She knew from experience that Bill was likely to topple the food and create a mess if he would be allowed to unpack it himself.

Q19. What measures did the writer adopt when he travelled alone?

 Ans: The writer, Bill Bryson, would not drink or lean over to tie his shoelaces and never put a pen near his mouth when he travelled alone. He would just sit very quietly and control his hands from accidentally spilling over things.

 Q20. Why could Bryson not get his frequent flyer miles?

Ans: Bryson could not get his frequent flyer miles because either he forgot to produce the card when required or forgot to ask for air miles when he checked in. Besides, the airline failed to record his account because his name on the card and ticket did not match.

 Q21. Why was Bryson refused air miles when on a flight to Australia?

Ans: Bryson was refused air miles when on a flight to Australia because his card was in the name W. Bryson while the ticket was for B. Bryson. This mismatch in names made his claim to air miles invalid.

 Q22. Why does Bryson not feel bad about flying to Bali first class?

Ans: Bryson does not feel bad about flying to Bali first class because he had decided, as a precaution, not to eat anything when flying alone. The flight to Bali was a long distance and he knew he could never go that long without eating.

Q23. Why does Bryson find it difficult to do even the most routine things?

 Ans: Bill Bryson is a careless and unorganised person. He is also clumsy in his manners and hence finds it difficult to do even the most routine things. Besides, he does not take these shortcomings seriously. He laughs at himself and does not even try to correct his mistakes.

9th Std IF I WERE YOU

IF I WERE YOU

EXTRACTS FOR COMPREHENSION

Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow in one or two lines each.

(I)

I’m glad you’re pleased to see me. I don’t think you’ll be pleased for long. Put those paws up!

1. Who is speaking these lines and to whom? Where is the conversation taking place?

 The intruder is speaking to Gerrard. The conversation is taking ill place in Gerrard’s lonely cottage situated in the wilds of Essex.

2. Why is the speaker’ so sure that ‘his listener’ won’t be pleased for long?

The speaker is sure that his listener’s (Gerrard’s) pleasure is going to disappear into thin air the moment he hears about the speaker’s wicked plan to kill and later on impersonate him to dodge the law.

3. What does ‘paws’ mean here?

‘Paws’ here stands for ‘hands’.

4. Why is the speaker asking the listener ‘to put those paws up’?

The intruder asks Gerrard to put his ‘paws up’ to threaten and intimidate him. He wants to ensure that Gerrard is not able to use his hands for self- defence.

(II)

Thanks a lot. You’ll soon stop being smart. I’ll make you crawl. I want to know a few things, see.

1. Who is the speaker? Why is he thanking the listener?

The intruder is the speaker here. He is thanking the listener, Gerrard, as the latter had helped in while he was fumbling for a word and Gerrard had suggested the word ‘nonchalant’.

2. Why does the speaker think that the listener is trying to be smart?

The intruder feels that Gerrard is trying to be smart because instead of displaying any signs of fear, he helps the intruder complete his sentence when the former fails to find the right word -nonchalant’.

3. Why does the speaker expect the listener to soon stop being smart?

The speaker feels that Gerrard will be frightened out of his wits the moment he discloses his intention of killing him and will then forget all the witty retorts that he had been making till then.

4. What does the speaker mean by ‘I’ll make you crawl’?

The speaker means that he would bring the listener down on his knees and make him beg for mercy.

(III)

“At last a sympathetic audience!” (Textual)

1. Who speaks these words?

Gerrard, the protagonist of the play, speaks these words.

2. Why does he say it?

He says it because he wants to pretend that he does not feel threatened by the intruder’s presence. Actually, at a later stage, he intends to fool the intruder into believing that the former too is a criminal like him and is quite suave at such hostage games.

3. Is he sarcastic or serious?

He is certainly sarcastic because he knows that the intruder did not want to know about him out of sympathy. Rather, he wanted to gather information only to misuse it.

(IV)

 I’m sorry. I thought you were telling me, not asking me. A question of inflection; your voice is unfamiliar.

 1. Who is the speaker and who does he speak to?

 The speaker is Gerrard. He is speaking to the intruder.

2. What had the listener asked the speaker?

The listener had asked the speaker if he lived in the cottage all by himself.

3. What do these lines tell us about the speaker?

These lines show that the speaker is a very cool-headed man who can think of many ways to elude a question. His presence of mind and smartness are unparalleled.

4. What does ‘inflection’ mean here? What logic does the speaker give for misinterpreting the inflection of his voice?

‘Inflection’ here means ‘a tone of voice’. Gerrard says that since the intruder’s voice was unfamiliar, he couldn’t know whether he was asking a question or telling something.

(V)

 That’s a lie. You’re not dealing with a fool. I’m as smart as you and smarter, and I know you run a car. Better be careful, wise guy!

1. Who is the speaker? Which ‘He’ is he talking about?

The intruder is the speaker here. He is talking about the ‘lie’ that Gerrard told him about not running a car.

2. Why did the speaker think he was smarter than the listener?

The intruder considered himself smarter because he thought that he had made a very clever plan to kill Gerrard and impersonate him to elude the police. Apart from it, he had gathered all information about Gerrard before coming to his cottage.

3. Why did he warn the listener to be careful?

The intruder wanted to make it clear that Gerrard could not befool him by telling a lie because the intruder had already gathered information about him. So, he told Gerrard to be careful.

4. What does the extract reveal about the intruder?

The extract reveals that the intruder is over-confident about his abilities as a criminal and over-estimates his potential to escape the law.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

(to be answered in about 30 – 40 words each)

1. Describe Gerrard’s appearance.

Ans:- Gerrard is a man of medium height and wears horn-rimmed glasses. When the play opens, he is dressed in a lounge suit and a great coat. He talks in a cultured voice and his demeanour is confident.

2. What did Gerrard tell the intruder about himself? Was he telling the truth? Why/Why not?

Ans:- Gerrard told the intruder that as a child, he was stolen by the gypsies and now in his thirties, he was all alone in life. He was not telling the truth; he was just being funny as he wished to make it clear that he was not afraid of a gun-toting criminal. In fact,  Gerrard had already started concocting stories about himself.

3. What sort of information does the intruder want from Gerrard?

Ans:- The intruder wants personal details from Gerrard like whether in the lives alone, what his Christian name is, whether he has a car and whether people visit him. All this information is necessary for the execution of his plan to dodge the police by disguising it himself as Gerrard.

4. What made Gerrard ask the intruder, Are you an American”?

Ans:- Gerrard asked the intruder if he were an American as he had called him a ‘wise guy’. The guy is colloquial American expression for a man. Hence, the usage of this word by the intruder made Gerrard ask him this question.

5. What sort of a person is the intruder? Give examples to illustrate.

Ans:- The intruder is a dangerous person as he is carrying a pistol and claims to have killed a cop. He is mean, heartless and crafty, for he plans to kill Gerrard and assume his identity in order to escape the police. He is over-confident because he claims that Gerrard is no match to him. He is also boastful, uncouth and uncultured so as is evident from a remark he makes, ‘Put up your paws’.

6. The intruder announced, “I’m going to kill you”. Was Gerrard nervous? How would you describe Gerrard’s reactions?

Ans:- Confident of his presence of mind, Gerrard remained unruffled of on being threatened by the intruder. He remained so calm and too nonchalant that the intruder was irritated. His sense of humour for also enraged the intruder. Thus, Gerrard reacted in a calm and composed way.

7. Why does the intruder intend to kill Gerrard?

Ans:- The intruder is a criminal who is being chased by the police for having murdered a cop. As per his plan, the intruder intends to kill Gerrard in order to take on his identity and avoid being caught by the police. In this way, he can lead a peaceful life without being haunted by the fear of arrest and punishment.

8. Who was the intruder in Gerrard’s house? Why did he break into his house?

Ans:- The intruder, who broke into Gerrard’s house, was a criminal. He had murdered a cop and was being chased by the police. He intruded into Gerrard’s house with the intention to murder him and impersonate his identity to evade the police.

9. How did Gerrard behave on seeing a gun-toting stranger in his cottage?

Ans:- Gerrard kept his cool and remained absolutely unruffled when he saw the gun-totting stranger in his cottage. There was neither any panic nor any ring of tension in his voice. He remained his normal self and talked to him casually.

10. Why does the intruder not kill Gerrard immediately?

Ans:- The intruder does not kill Gerrard immediately because he first wants to get all the necessary information from him. Without this information, his plan to disguise and act as Gerrard will not succeed.

11. Where did Gerrard live? Why was it a suitable place for the intruder’s plan?

Ans:- Gerrard lived in a lonely cottage in a secluded place in the wilds of Essex. With hardly any population around, it was easy for one to commit a crime without getting detected. In addition, the place was visited by only a few people. Therefore, it was suitable for the intruder to carry out his plan successfully over here.

12. Why does the intruder call himself ‘a poor hunted rat’?

Ans:- The intruder describes himself as ‘a poor hunted rat’ because he is being chased by the police and he has to keep dodging them. He has killed a cop and is trying to escape punishment by hiding like a rat being chased by a cat.

13. Why did the intruder choose Gerrard as the man whose identity he wanted to take on?

Ans:- The intruder picked Gerrard because both of them were of the same physical structure. Moreover, as Gerrard lived alone, did not meet any people, and had irregular hours and habits, he thought it would be easy to kill him and assume his identity, and this way lead a life of peace. He will be away from the reach of the law.

14. Why has the criminal been called an intruder all through the play?

Ans:- An intruder is a person who forces his way uninvited and unwelcomed like a criminal. He is called an intruder throughout the play as after forcing his way into Gerrard’s cottage, he is trying to grab Gerrard’s identity as well. Moreover, he refuses to tell Gerrard anything about himself, even his name.

 15. Bring out the contrast between Gerrard and the intruder.

 Ans:- Coarse, crude, boastful and an irritable egoist, the intruder is overconfident and thinks that he is the smartest one around. Gerrard, on the other hand, is pleasant, cool-headed, refined, lively and very intelligent, but a modest and humble person. Although Gerrard does not brag, he proves to be much smarter and more intelligent than the intruder.

16. Why did very few people come to Gerrard’s house? Who were the few people who visited him?

Ans:- Gerrard lived all alone in a secluded place and his theatrical performances made his schedule irregular. He was hardly at home, so very few people came to his house. He was visited only by his regular suppliers like the baker, the greengrocer and the milkman.

17.”They cannot hang me twice.” Who says this and why?

Ans:- The intruder says this because he is already wanted for having murdered a cop. If he manages to kill Gerrard, as per his plan, the punishment for this murder too, like the first one, will be a death sentence. Hence, he cannot be hanged twice by the police.

18.”A mystery I propose to explain.” What is the mystery the speaker proposes to explain?

Ans:- Gerrard, the speaker, proposes to explain the mystery about his queer life in which he has an irregular routine, refuses to see tradesmen, goes away and comes back to the house hurriedly. Gerrard has already concocted a story attributing his strange behaviour to his being a criminal wanted in many cases of crime.

19.”This is your big surprise”. Who says these words in the play? When and where? What is the surprise?

Ans:- This has been said by Gerrard when the intruder asks him to clarify how he could still be killed after assuming Vincent Charles Gerrard’s identity. This is a surprise for the intruder who never suspected Gerrard to be a criminal. According to his information, Gerrard seemed to be the perfect person who could be easily eliminated and then impersonated.

20. Why and how did Gerrard persuade the intruder to get into the cupboard?

Ans:- Gerrard concocted a story about his own criminal background. He gave the intruder the impression that the police were looking for him and he expected a telephone call from a friend informing the police’s arrival. So when the telephone rang, he hurried the intruder into the cupboard and told him that it was connected to the garage which was an escape route.

21. How does Gerrard propose to use the intruder’s episode?

Ans:- Being a man of the theatre, Gerrard is amused at being able to turn the tables on the intruder. He finds the episode of outwitting a criminal by a clever but an innocent man so interesting that he proposes to use it as a plot for his next play.

22. Gerrard describes this encounter with the intruder as an amusing spot of bother’? What light does this attitude reflect on Gerrard?

Ans:- Any other person in Gerrard’s place would have been paralysed with fear under such circumstances. But Gerrard finds it an amusing spot of bother’ as his nonchalant (calm and casual) approach makes him handle the situation comfortably and outwit the intruder with ease.

 23. What is Gerrard’s profession? Quote the parts of the play to support your answer.

Ans:- Gerrard is associated with theatre as a writer, producer and director. He also supplies props and makeup materials to other theatre agencies. The following facts reveal his profession clearly.

He tells the intruder that his actions are ‘melodramatic’ but not ‘very original’.
He welcomes the intruder as a ‘sympathetic audience’.
He comments on the intruder’s ‘inflection of voice’.
He tells someone over the phone that he cannot deliver the props in time.
He also tells that person that he had ‘an amusing spot of bother’ which he might put into his next play.

24. Why was Gerrard’s schedule so irregular?

Ans:- Having a theatrical background, Gerrard devoted time to writing, producing and directing the plays. He also supplied other theatrical companies with props and make-up items. Therefore, his schedule was irregular as it had to suit the requirements at the theatres.

25. Gerrard said, ‘You have been so modest’. Was Gerrard being ironical or truthful?

Ans:- Gerrard’s remark ‘you have been so modest’ was ironical. The intruder had been boasting of his intelligence and smartness. Hence, Gerrard taunted him about his modesty and asked him to say something about himself.

26. Why did the intruder enter Gerrard’s cottage?

Ans. The intruder resembled Gerrard. He had committed a murder. He made a plan to save himself from the police. He decided that after killing Gerrard he would take on his identity and live without any fear. So he entered Gerrard’s cottage,

27. Why did the intruder want Gerrard to speak to him?

Ans. The intruder wanted to take on Gerrard’s identity after killing him. But before killing him he wanted to know how Gerrard talked and how he dealt with people. He could know this only when Gerrard spoke with him. So he wanted him to speak with him.

28. What crime had the intruder committed?

Ans. ‘the intruder was a jewel thief. When he was being chased by the police, he killed a policeman. So he was wanted for murder also

29. Why did he send for the sergeant?

 Ans. A jewel thief and murderer entered Gerrard’s cottage. He wanted to kill Gerrard also. Gerrard shut the murderer in a cupboard. Then he phoned the police. Ile sent for the sergeant to get the intruder arrested.

30. How does Gerrard imprison the intruder and save his life?

Ans. Gerrard asks the intruder to run away from there with him because the police may come any time. He opens a door. He says that this door leads to the garage. The intruder steps in. It was the cupboard door. Gerrard pushes the intruder in and shuts the door. Thus he imprisons the intruder and saves his life.

9th Std KATHMANDU

KATHMANDU

EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS

Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow in one or two lines each.

(I)
There are so many worshippers that some people trying to get the priest’s attention are elbowed aside by others pushing their way to the front.

1.Which place of worship is the narrator describing here?

 The narrator is describing Kathmandu’s Pashupatinath temple, which is sacred to the Hindus.

 2. Why are some people elbowed aside?

The temple is visited by many worshippers,  therefore there is a lot of pushing and jostling while people try to move ahead and get the priest’s attention. In this attempt, some people have elbowed aside.

3. Why do you think some people are pushing their way to the front?

Some people are pushing their way to the front to get a clear view of the deity and also to make their offerings through the priest.

4. What sort of atmosphere is being created by the crowd in the temple?

The indisciplined and unorganized crowd is creating chaos and confusion. Their unruly behaviour is robbing the temple of its sanctity.

(II)

 By the main gate, a party of saffron-clad Westerners struggle for permission to enter.

1. Which place is the author talking about here?

The author is talking of the famous Hindu shrine – the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.

 2. Who are the saffron-clad Westerners at the main gate?

The saffron-clad Westerners at the main gate are a group of ti tourists.

 3. Why do they struggle for permission to enter?

They struggle for permission to enter because the temple allows entry only to Hindus.

4. What does this show about the cultural practices of this place?

It shows that the authorities who look after this shrine are very rigid about maintaining the sanctity of the temple as a place of worship. They do not want it to be treated like a tourist spot.

(III)

1. Which river is referred to in this extract?

The river Bagmati that flows through Kathmandu near no Pashupatinath temple is referred to here.

2. What is the significance of this river?

The river Bagmati is significant as it is considered sacred by the Hindus. They worship it like a pious deity.

3. What is dropped into this river and from where?

A basket of withered away flowers, leaves and old offerings are thrown into the river from the balcony of the Pashupatinath temple.

4. What does dropping various things into the river reflect about the people?

Throwing of refuse into the sacred Bagmati reflects that these people lack concern for the environment. Their faith and behaviour do not match, for they pollute the very river which they consider to be sacred.

(IV)

I find it difficult to tear myself away from the square.

Who is ‘I’ in the above lines?

 ‘I’ stands for the narrator, Vikram Seth.

2. Which square does the speaker refer to?

The speaker, Vikram Seth, refers to the square near his hotel in Kathmandu.

3. Why does ‘he’ find it difficult to tear himself away from the square?

‘He’ finds it difficult to tear himself from the square because he is fascinated by the mesmerising flute-music being played there by the flute seller,

4. Why has the narrator used the expression ‘tear myself away’?

‘Tear myself away’ means to separate forcibly.H ence  the expression shows the effort on the part of the narrator to pull himself away from the alluring music of the flute.

 (V)

It weaves its own associations. Yet hear any flute is, it seems to me, to be drawn into the commonality of all mankind, to be moved by music closest in its phrases and sentences to the human voice.

1. What does ‘it’ stand for?

 ‘It’ stands for a flute.

2. How does ‘it’ weave its own associations?

The expression means that each kind of flute produces a different and unique type of music associated with some particular place.

3. Why does it draw the author in the ‘commonality of all mankind’?

The flute draws the author in the ‘commonality of all mankind’ because this instrument is found in all cultures and is played in a similar manner. Hence, it seems to connect the whole of mankind.

4. Why is its music closest to the human voice?

The music of the flute is closest to the human voice because pauses and breaths are needed to produce musical notes of the flute in the same manner in which phrases and sentences are uttered in a human voice.

Short Answer Type Questions  (30 to 40 words)

1. Where did the writer stay in Kathmandu? Which two different places of worship did he visit and with whom?

Ans:-The writer, Vikram Seth, stayed in a cheap room in the centre of Kathmandu town. He visited the Pashupatinath temple, sacred to the Hindus, and the Baudhnath stupa, the holy shrine of the Buddhists. He went with his acquaintances Mr Shah’s son and nephew.

Q2. What is written on the signboard outside the Pashupatinath temple? What does the proclamation signify?

Ans:-Outside the Pashupatinath temple, the signboard announces: “Entrance for the Hindus only”. It signifies the rigid sanctity that this place of worship associates with and the dogmatic discrimination practised to save this place from being treated like a tourist destination.

Q3.What does the author imply by ‘febrile confusion’ in the Pashupatinath temple?

Ans:-The author makes this remark to show the hectic and feverish activity that causes utter chaos. Around the temple, there is a huge crowd of priests, hawkers, tourists, and even cows, monkeys and pigeons. Inside the temple, there are a large number of worshippers who elbow others aside to move closer to the priest. Together, they create utter confusion.

Q4.Why did the policeman stop the Westerners wearing saffron-coloured clothes from entering the Pashupatinath temple?

Ans:-The policeman stopped the saffron-clad Westerners from entering the Pashupatinath temple as the entry of non- Hindus is banned in this temple and he didn’t believe that they were Hindus, despite their saffron clothes.

Q5.How does the author describe the fight that breaks out between the two monkeys around the temple of Pashupatinath?

Ans:-The author describes the fight that breaks out between two monkeys in which one chases the other. The monkey being chased jumps onto a shivalitiga, then runs screaming around the temples and finally goes down to the holy river, Bagmati.

 Q6.What activities are observed by the writer on the banks of the Bagmati river?

Ans:-The writer observes some polluting activities on the banks of river Bagmati. He notices some washerwomen washing clothes, some children taking a bath and a dead body being cremated on the banks of this sacred river. He also observes someone throwing a basketful of wilted flowers and leaves into the river.

 Q7. What is the belief at Pashupatinath about the end of Kaliyug?

Ans:- There is a small shrine on the banks of the holy Bagmati in the Pashupatinath temple. Half part of this shrine protrudes from a stone platform. It is believed that when the shrine will emerge completely from the platform, the goddess in the shrine will escape and that will mark the end of the Kaliyug.

 Q8. What are the author’s observations about the streets in Kathmandu?

Ans:-The author finds the streets in Kathmandu ‘vivid, mercenary and religious’. Extremely narrow and busy, these streets have many small shrines and some images clad in flowers. Stray cows roam about mooing at the sound of the motorcycles. Vendors sell their wares shouting loudly and radios are played at a loud pitch. In addition, the horns of the cars and the ringing of the bicycle bells increase this din.

Q9. What picture of the Baudhnath stupa does the author portray?

Ans:-The author gives a brief but vivid picture of the Boudhanath stupa. He admires the serenity and calmness of this shrine. There are no crowds even on the road surrounding the stupa which has some shops run by the Tibetan immigrants. The stupa has an immense white dome with silence and stillness as its distinctive features.

Q10. Describing the streets around the Baudhnath stupa, why does the narrator say this is a haven of quietness in the busy streets around?

Ans:-The narrator observes a sense of stillness at the Buddhist shrine, the Boudhanath stupa. Its immense white dome is ringed by a road with small shops selling items like felt bags, Tibetan prints and silver jewellery. The quietness of the stupa stands out amidst the busy business activities that go around it. Thus, the narrator regards this place as a haven of quietness in the busy streets around.

Q11. The writer says, “All this I wash down with Coca-Cola”. What does all this’ refer to?

‘Ans:-All this’ refers to the eatables that the writer enjoys on the road surrounding the Boudhanath stupa. It includes a bar of marzipan and a roasted corn-cob that he enjoys along with the fizzy, carbonated drink, Coca-Cola. Besides, he also gets some comics with love-stories and a copy of the Reader’s Digest magazine to indulge himself mindlessly.

Q12.Which is the longer route from Kathmandu to Delhi? Which route does the author opt for?

Ans:-The longer route from Kathmandu to Delhi is to first reach Patna by bus and train. Then go past Benaras, sail on the Ganges and reach Allahabad. Then cross the Yamuna and finally reach Delhi via Agra. The shorter option taken by the author is to fly via air, straight from Kathmandu to Delhi.

Q13.Why does Vikram Seth decide to buy a ticket directly for the homeward journey?

Ans:-Vikram Seth has been away from home since quite some time. He is feeling very exhausted and homesick. Though his enthusiasm for travelling tempts him to take a longer route to reach back home, his exhaustion and homesickness impel him to buy an air-ticket directly for the homeward journey to Delhi.

Q14.    What difference does the author note between the flute seller and the other hawkers?          

Ans:-The author points out that while other hawkers shout loudly to attract the customers for their wares, the flute seller plays upon his flute slowly and meditatively. He does not indulge in excessive display nor does he show any desperation to sell his flutes. Although the flute player does not shout, the sound of the flute is distinctly heard above the noise of the traffic and of the hawkers.

Q15.What does Vikram Seth compare to the quills of a porcupine?

Ans:-Vikram Seth found a flute seller in Kathmandu standing in a corner of the square near his hotel. He held a pole in his hand which had an attachment at the top. In this attachment, around fifty to sixty flutes were stuck that bulged out in all directions. The author compares these protruding flutes to the sharp, stiff and standing quills of a porcupine.

Q16.  Listening to the music of the flute in the square, the author is reminded of various kinds of flutes. Which kinds does he describe?

Ans:-As the author listens to the music of the flute being played by the flute seller, he is reminded of different kinds of flutes. He mentions certain kinds of them like the ‘cross-flutes’, the ‘reed new’, the recorder, the Japanese ‘shakuhachi’ and the Hindustani ‘bansuri’. Other flutes are distinguished by their tonal quality like ‘the clear or breathy flutes’ of South America and the ‘high-pitched’ flutes of China

Q17. What is the impact of the music of the flute on Vikram Seth?

Ans:-The music of the flute has a hypnotic effect on Vikram Seth. He finds it difficult to ‘tear’ himself away from the square where this music is being played by the flute seller. It has the power to draw him into the commonality of all mankind and he is moved by its closeness to the human voice.

Q18. Why does the author describe the music of the flute as “the most universal and most particular of sounds”?

Ans:-The music of the flute, according to the author, is the most ‘universal’ because this musical instrument, made of hollow bamboo is found in every culture in the world. But at the same time, its sound is the most ‘particular’ because each flute, though played in almost a similar manner, emits a distinct, unique, and individual kind of music.

19. What did the saffron-clad Westerners want?

Ans. The saffron-clad Westerners wanted to go inside the temple of Pashupatinath. But the policeman stopped them. He did not let them go inside the temple because they were not Hindus. The entrance was only for Hindus in the temple.

20. How did the author want to return to Delhi? What made him change his mind?

Ans. From Kathmandu, the author wanted to go Patna by bus or train. Then he would sail the Ganga though Benaras to Allahabad. Then he would sail the Yamuna through Agra to Delhi. But the author was already very much tired. So he decided to return to Delhi by air.

9th Std The bond of love

The bond of love

Q 1 Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
(a) After weeks of such advice she at last consented. Hastily, and before she could change
her mind, a letter was written to the curator of the zoo.
i. Who is referred to as ‘she’?
The narrator’s wife is referred to as ‘she’.
ii. What advice was given to her and by whom?
The narrator, his son and friends advised her to give Bruno to the Mysore zoo.
iii. What reply was given by the curator?
The curator replied in the affirmative that he would accept a tame bear in his zoo.
iv. Give the antonym of ‘consented’
forbade

(b) There followed the return journey to Bangalore and a visit to the superintendent’s
bungalow. A tearful pleading.
i. Who went to Bangalore and from where?
The narrator and his wife went to Bangalore after visiting Bruno at the Mysore zoo.
ii. Why did they visit the superintendent?
The curator at the Mysore Zoo told the narrator’s wife that she could take ‘Bruno’ back
home only if the superintendent agrees. Hence they travelled to Bangalore.
iii. What was the superintendent’s response?
The Superintendent was a kind fellow and he agreed. At his recommendation, the curator lent a cage for the safe journey of the bear back home to Bangalore.
iv. Find the synonym of the word-‘emotional appeal’.
pleading

Answer the following questions in 30 to 40 words each.

Q1. On two occasions Bruno ate/drank something that should not be eaten /drunk. What happened to him on these occasions?

Bruno ate some poison-barium carbonate He also vomited and breathed heavily, but was later cured. In another incident, he drank nearly a gallon of old engine oil. Fortunately, he remained unaffected.meant for the rats, which paralysed and weakened him.

Q2. Was Bruno a loving and playful pet? Why, then, did he have to be sent away?

Yes, Bruno was a loving and playful pet. Everybody in the family was attached to it,
especially the narrator’s wife. It had to be sent away to a zoo because it was getting too big to be kept at home.


Q3. How was the problem of what to do with Bruno finally solved?

Bruno was not happy at the zoo. Seeing its condition and its happiness at seeing the narrator’s wife, Bruno was allowed to go back to Bangalore. There, an island was made for the bear, keeping all its needs in mind.

Q4: Who was Bruno and how it was caught?
A: Bruno was a sloth bear. Once the author and his friends were passing through the sugarcane fields near Mysore. Bruno’s mother was shot during the village shooting. The author saved Bruno from the sugarcane field and put it in a gunny bag.

Q5: Bruno once got paralysis. Why? How was he treated?
A: The author kept barium carbonate in this library to kill mice. It was a poisonous chemical. Bruno ate some of it and was paralysed. Writer called a vet who gave it two injections of an antidote. Bruno could stand on his legs again after 30 minutes.

Q6: How did Bruno become attached to the family of the author?
A: Bruno got lot of love in the family of the author. It slowly got attached to two Alsatian dogs and to all the children of the tenants. It used to play and also enter kitchen. It is used to sleep in the beds.

Q7: Why was it decided to send Bruno away?
A: After few months Bruno had grown very huge. He was getting too big to be kept at home. Moreover it was dangerous for children of tenants. So it was decided that he should be sent away to the zoo.


Q8:“I got him for her by accident.”
(a) Who says this?
Answer: - The author says this to his wife.
(b) Who do ‘him’ and ‘her’ refer to?
Answer: - ‘Him’ refer to the baby bear and ‘her’ refer to the author’s wife.
(c) What is the incident referred to here?
Answer: - The incident of shooting wild pigs from the fields is being referred  here.

Q9: “He stood on his head in delight.
(a) Who does ‘he’ refer to?
Answer: - He refers to Bruno.
(b) Why was he delighted?
Answer: - He was delighted to see his mistress.

Q10: “We all missed him greatly: but in a sense we were relieved.”
(a) Who does ‘we all’ stand for?
Answer: - We all stand for the author and his family.
(b) Who did they miss?
Answer :- They missed Bruno, the bear.
(c) Why did they nevertheless feel relieved?
Answer :- They felt relieved because there was no more danger of the bear in the house.

Q11: On two occasions Bruno ate/drank something that should not be eaten/ drunk. What happened to him on these occasions?
A: Once Bruno ate the rat poison which was kept to get rid of rats from the  library. Bruno became paralysed to the extent that he couldn’t stand on his feet. He was taken to a veterinary doctor for treatment. Finally the antidote worked and Bruno could spring to life once again.Next time Bruno drank the discarded engine oil which was kept in the garage. Luckily nothing happened to him after drinking the mobil oil.

Q12: Was Bruno a loving and playful pet? Why, then, did he have to be sent away?
A: Bruno had become too big to be kept in the household. He had to be chained for children’s safety. Being a wild animal it needed lots of space which was not available in the author’s household. They thought that it will be taken care of in better way by trained personnel at a zoo. So they decided to send it away to the zoo.

Q13: How was the problem of what to do with Bruno finally solved?
A: As Bruno was not feeling happy after getting separated from its foster family and was getting weak as a result, the author’s wife went to meet Bruno. After seeing Bruno’s pitiful condition they decided to bring it back to their home. They built a special cordoned area for Bruno with all the facilities befitting a playful bear. And finally Bruno was back to its home.

Q14: ‘Love is mutual’. Illustrate with reference to “The Bond of Love”?
A: “The Bond of Love” is a story of emotional bonding between a woman and a bear. The author’s wife had pet bear called Bruno. She loved him deeply. She put a colored ribbon around his neck. She cooked a variety of dishes for him. He also performed many playful tricks which give pleasure to her. They enjoyed each other’s company. When bear grew big, he was dangerous for the children in the house. Author decided to send him to the zoo. His departure was very painful for the author’s wife. Finally she asked her husband to visit Baba in the zoo. They both felt relieved on meeting. They spend many hours together. So we can say “Love is Mutual’.

Q15: Why was Bruno sent away to the Zoo and why was he brought back?
A: The bear, Bruno, was very dear to the author’s wife. They spent many hours together and love each others company. But when he had grown very big and heavy, he was dangerous. He was very playful and mischievous. There were small children of the tenants’ family. So they had to chain him most of the time. The author felt that he was depriving Bruno of his natural freedom. So he decided to send him to a zoo. But his wife could not bear his separation. The author consoled her for three months, but at last he took her to the zoo. On seeing her Baba howled with happiness. They spend many hours together. She wanted to take him back to home. She requested the superintendent who allowed her.

9th Std The duck and the kangaroo

Q 1 Read the given extracts and answer the following questions.
(a) “Good gracious! how you hop!
Over the fields and water too,
As if you never would stop!
i. Who says the above lines and to whom?
The duck says the above lines to the kangaroo.
ii. Where did the speaker live and what did he feel about her life?
The speaker lived in a pond which she found ‘nasty’. She felt her life was a bore.
iii. What did the speaker wish to do?
The speaker wished she could hop like the kangaroo. She longed to go out in the world beyond.
iv. Find the synonym of the word –‘halt’.
stop
(b) And there seems but one objection,
Which is, if you’ll let me speak so bold,
i. Who was raising and objection and to what?
The kangaroo was raising an objection to the duck’s request of going around the world riding on the kangaroo’s back.
ii. What objection did the speaker have?
The Kangaroo feared that the Duck’s feet are always wet and cold. If she sits on his back, it would give him rheumatism.
iii. What solution was offered to him?
The duck had in anticipation, bought four pair of worsted socks so that her feet could
remain dry and warm. She also bought a coat. She planned to smoke a cigar daily to keep out the cold.
iv. Give the antonym of the word ’objection’.

Q 2 Answer each of the following questions in about 30-40 words.

(a) Why did the Duck ask the Kangaroo to give her a ride?
Living in her ‘nasty’ pond, day and night, the Duck had become tired of the monotony of her life. She had observed the Kangaroo hopping around all day long. So, she wished the Kangaroo to take her on a ride, to have fun, and to see new and exciting
Once the, trip is settled he gives instructions in advance to the Duck to sit steady on the tip of his tail so that he might not lose balance. The Kangaroo comes across as a
straight-forward creature that is polite but firm in his dealings. Once he makes a commitment, he keeps it. Thus, his frankness and honesty wins over the Duck’s heart and both he and the Duck thoroughly enjoy the ride.

(b) What values can you draw from the poem ‘The Duck and the Kangaroo’?
The poem teaches us the values of generosity and humility in winning friends and finding happiness. Those who are generous in acknowledging and appreciating the
capabilities of others gain a lot in life. Admiration and politeness are positive values that make others comfortable and help to win good friends and make life very happy and enjoyable.
The Duck and the Kangaroo, both are very polite and courteous with each other. The Duck acknowledges and admires the Kangaroo’s hopping skills. This wins the Kangaroo’s heart and he gives a serious thought to the Duck’s request. He puts forth
his objection in a very polite manner and accepts the Duck’s solution humbly. Mutual respect and politeness helps them to not only enjoy each other’s company but also fulfill the Duck’s desire to leave her boring pond and venture out into the world.

(b) What was the Kangaroo’s reaction to the Duck’s request?
The Kangaroo was a very sensible and a wise creature. When he was requested for a ride, he was slightly apprehensive as he knew that the wet and cold feet of the Duck may give him with rheumatism. So, before committing anything, he wished to give the
idea a good thought, even though the proposal could bring him good luck.

 (c) What instructions did the Kangaroo give the Duck before starting the journey? Did the Duck comply with the instructions?
The Kangaroo told the Duck to help him maintain his balance during the ride by
sitting absolutely still at the end of his tail. The Duck did comply with his instructions and the two had a smooth and an enjoyable journey. The happy pair hopped around the world three times.

(d) Which qualities of the Duck are highlighted in the poem?
The Duck was a very resourceful and far-sighted creature in addition to having an adventurous spirit. Although she was unable to hop, she convinced the Kangaroo to take her on a ride. Anticipating the requirements of the journey, she equipped herself
to prevent herself and the Kangaroo from catching cold and causing trouble to the Kangaroo. All this she did out of his true love for the kangaroo.

Q 3 Answer each of the following questions in about 100-150 words.
(a) What idea do you form about the Kangaroo after reading the poem?
The Kangaroo is an energetic creature who loves adventure and fun. Though he has a helpful attitude, he is sensible enough not to harm himself while offering help. That is why he very frankly but politely tells the Duck the reason for his reluctance to take her
on a trip. He is very cautious and practical and takes precautions in advance to avoid trouble.

EXTRA QUESTIONS :

Short answer type questions:-

1. Why was the Duck fascinated by the Kangaroo’s hopping?
Ans. The Duck was fascinated by the Kangaroo’s hopping because she herself could not hop. She had to lead a boring life swimming in a silly pond, so she admired the Kangaroo’s continuous hopping over the fields as well as water bodies.
2. Why did the Duck call the pond ‘nasty’?
Ans. The Duck called the pond ‘nasty’ because it was neither interesting nor vibrant. It made the Duck’s life monotonous boring and devoid of excitement. The Duck disliked the pond because it restricted her.
3. Where was the Duck’s home and what was her deep desire?
Ans. The Duck’s home was the ‘silly’ pond which she found boring and restrictive. Therefore she had a deep desire to see the wide world that lay beyond her ‘nasty’ and monotonous pond.
4. Why did the Duck wish the Kangaroo to take her for a ride?
Or      
Why did the Duck wish to ride on the Kangaroo’s back?
Or
Why did the Duck ask the Kangaroo to give her a ride?
Ans. Living in her ‘nasty’ pond, day and night, the Duck had become sick and tired of the monotony of her life. She had observed the Kangaroo hopping around all day long. So, she wished the Kangaroo to take her on a ride, to have fun, and to see new and exciting places.
5. What different traits of the Duck’s character are revealed in the first stanza?
Ans. Optimism and aspiration are the traits of the Duck’s character revealed in the first stanza. She is very appreciative of the Kangaroo’s hopping skills. She aspires to go away. from her pond and go out into the world.
6. What did the Duck promise the Kangaroo and why?
Ans. The Duck promised the Kangaroo that if he took her around for a ride she would fully co-operate with him. She would sit on his back very steadily and quietly so that he would neither be distracted nor lose his balance.
7. What did the Duck wish to do after leaving her pond? What places did she wish to visit in particular? Was she wish fulfilled?
Ans. The Duck wished to go all over the land and the sea. She wanted to visit the ‘Dee’ and ‘Jelly Bo Lee’ in particular. Her wish was finally fulfilled when the Kangaroo took her around the world three times.
8. What traits of the Duck’s character does the following line reveal?
Ans. I would sit quite still, and say nothing but ‘Quack’ This line reveals that the Duck is a very co-operative, considerate and thoughtful creature. She knows that if she would make noise or keep on moving, it would inconvenience and distract the Kangaroo. Hence, she voluntarily offers to co-operate by being quiet and still.
9. Why did the Kangaroo wish to ponder over the Duck’s request for a ride on Ida back?                                       Or
What was the Kangaroo’s reaction to the Duck’s request?
Ans. The Kangaroo was a very sensible and a wise creature. When he was requested for a ride, he was slightly apprehensive as he knew that the wet and cold feet of the Duck may afflict him with rheumatism, a disease marked by inflammation and joint pains. So, before committing anything, he wished to give the whole issue a good thought, even though the proposal could bring him good luck.
10. Why was the Kangaroo reluctant to carry the Duck on its back?
Or
What objection did the Kangaroo raise when the Duck requested him for a ride?
Ans. The Kangaroo was reluctant to carry the Duck on its back because he knew that the wet and cold feet of the Duck was unpleasant and could make him uncomfortable. He objected by saying that he might catch rheumatism because of the Duck’s feet.
11. How did the Duck prepare for the journey on the Kangaroo’s back?
 Or
What preparations did the Duck make for her ride on the Kangaroo’s back?
Ans. The Duck bought four pairs of worsted socks so that her cold and wet feet could be covered and protected from the cold. She also bought a cloak to keep the cold out. In addition, she decided to smoke a cigar daily to pass her time.
12. What instructions did the Kangaroo give the Duck before starting the journey? Did the Duck comply with the instructions?
Ans. The Kangaroo told the Duck to help him maintain his balance during the ride by sitting absolutely still at the end of his tail. The Duck did comply with his instructions and the two had a smooth trip and a very enjoyable journey.
13. How did the Duck and the Kangaroo benefit from the trip?
Or
Why did the Kangaroo and the Duck hop around the whole world three times?
Ans. The Kangaroo and the Duck’s trip resulted in immense joy for both the creatures. It made them the happiest pair of all. They hopped around the world three times which shows that it was a smooth sailing trip.
14. Besides her love for adventure, which other qualities of the Duck do you observe?
Ans. The Duck was a very resourceful and far-sighted creature in addition to her adventurous spirit. Although she was unable to hop, she convinced the Kangaroo to take her on a ride. Anticipating the requirements of the journey, she equipped herself with four pairs of woollen socks and a cloak to prevent herself and the Kangaroo from catching a cold. She also planned to smoke cigars during the trip to pass her time.
15. Where did the Duck live and what did she long for?
Ans. The Duck lived in a nasty pond. He was bored of his life. He wanted to leave that place and go out in the world beyond.
16. What was the Kangaroo’s reflection?
 Ans. The Kangaroo feared that the Duck’s feet are always wet and cold. If he sits on his back this will make him suffer from roomatiz.
17: What preparations did the Duck make for the ride on the Kangaroo’s back?
Ans. He bought four pairs of worsted socks so that his feet could remain thy and warm. He also bought an overcoat. He smoked a cigar daily to please the Kangaroo

A house is not a home

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Q1.Why did Zan feel awkward and isolated during his first year of high school?

Ans: Zan’s position during his first year of high school as the junior most class made him feel awkward. The big size of the new school and separation from his closest friends made him feel isolated.

Q2.Why did the author miss his old teachers?

Ans: The author missed his old teachers because they would encourage him to get involved in school activities so that he could meet new people. They also assured him that he would soon adjust to his new school. Their affection, warmth, and cooperation in making him feel special made the author miss them.

Q3. What kind of day it was when a fire broke out in the author’s house? What were the author and his cat doing at that time?

Ans: It was a Sunday afternoon of a cold and windy winter when the fire broke out. The author was at the dining-room table doing homework with the fire burning in the fireplace. His red tabby cat was lying over his papers, purring loudly and sometimes swatting at his pen.

Q4. What does the author notice one Sunday afternoon? What is his mother’s reaction? What does she do? 

Ans: One Sunday afternoon, the author smelled something strange and noticed smoke pouring in through the seams of the ceiling of his house. His mother reacted promptly and the two of them ran out into the front yard. However, she ran back into the house and brought out a small metal box full of important documents.

Q5. What happened to the narrator’s mother when she had run into the burning house?

Ans: The author’s mother inhaled a little smoke when she ran into the burning house. She was rescued by the firemen who put an oxygen mask on her after bringing her out. However, she was fine soon.

Q6. How did Zan’s mother save important documents from the burning house?

Ans: Zan’s mother saved important documents from the burning house by courageously rushing inside the house on fire and bringing out a small metal box that contained those documents. She thus risked her life but eventually succeeded in her mission.

Q7. Why did Zan’s mother run back into the house after having saved the important documents?

Or

 “I knew what she was after”. Why does Zan make this observation?

Ans: Zan’s mother ran back to save the pictures and letters of his father who had died when Zan was young. Zan knew that these memories of her husband were extremely precious for her and she did not want them to go up in flames.

Q8. Why did Zan try to run after his mother and why did the fireman hold him back?

Ans: Zan tried to run after his mother because he was afraid of losing her. He was afraid that she might get burnt in the fire. The fireman held him back because Zan’s act was very rash and illogical. the lie could not have saved his mother and would have risked his life as well.

Q9. Who brought out Zan’s mother from the burning house? Why was an oxygen mask put on her?

Ans: A fireman brought Zan’s mother out of the burning house. She had inhaled a little smoke and so he rushed her to the truck and put an oxygen mask on her to facilitate better breathing.

Q10.When did the author realise that his cat was missing?

Ans: After five hours of raging fire that burnt down the author’s house almost completely, he realised that his cat was missing. He had not seen her all this while and realised to his horror that she was nowhere to be found.

Q11. Why does the narrator say, “I was suffering loss, big time”?

Ans: The author feels that he was suffering loss, big time because he had lost his old dear school and teachers, he had lost his house to the fire, and now he had lost his dear cat whom he loved dearly.

Q12. Why does Zan break down in tears after the fire? 

Ans: Zan breaks down in tears after the fire because he had lately been suffering losses. His old school, his house and his cat – all had been lost. The tears were an emotional outburst of a teenager who was struggling with adjustment issues.

Q13. In what condition does the author go to school after the fire incident?

Ans: After the fire incident, the author goes to school wearing the dress that he had worn to church on Sunday morning and the tennis shoes that he had borrowed from his aunt. His shoes, clothes, books, homework, and backpack had been destroyed in the fire.

Q14.  Why is the author deeply embarrassed the next day in school? Which words show his fear and insecurity? 

Ans: The author is embarrassed because he feels that his appearance is weird without uniform, books and a backpack. His fear and insecurity are shown by the words: “Was I destined to be an outcast and geek all my life?”.

Q15. Why did the author dislike growing up?

Ans: The author disliked growing up because he felt that growing up had brought so many losses with it. He had lost his old school, his friends, his house and most of all his dear pet cat.

Q16.What is surreal? Why does the author feel that everything was surreal?

Ans: Surreal means something strange or unreal. The author felt that everything was surreal because too many unfortunate things had happened to him – his house was burnt down, his cat was lost, his mother was left with no money and he had no books, shoes, clothes and school uniform. His secure zone had been ripped away suddenly and the changes were too much and too many for him to handle.

Q17. What was the extent of damage caused by the fire?

Ans: All belongings except photo albums, documents and some personal items had got burnt in the fire. Whatever remained had got destroyed by the water and chemicals that had been used to put out the fire.

Q18. The author’s heart ached for his cat but there was no time to grieve. Why? The author felt pain at the loss of his cat but life had to move on.

Ans: He could not grieve as a new place to live had to be found and new clothes had to be bought for school.

Q19.Why did Zan’s mother have to borrow money from his grandparents?

Ans: Zan’s mother had to borrow money from his grandparents because her credit cards, cash and even identification that was needed to draw money from the bank had got burnt up in the fire. She had to rent a new place, buy new clothes for Zan and resettle quickly. She did not have time to wait for the recovery of her lost documents till then.

Q20. Why did the narrator go over to his burnt house even though they had rented an apartment nearby?

Ans: The narrator went over to his burnt house even though they had rented an apartment nearby because he hoped that his cat would be found somewhere. He would watch the clearing away of the debris expecting to see his cat.

 Q21. What thoughts crossed Zan’s mind when he missed his cat?

Ans: Zan thought of his cat as the vulnerable little kitten who would tag along after him in the morning. He thought of how she would climb up his robe and crawl into his pocket to fall sleep.

Q22.How and why were people acting stranger than usual at Zan’s school?

Ans: When Zan was getting ready for gym class at his locker, people were gathering around him asking him to hurry up. This was stranger than usual as they almost seemed to shove him into the gym. They behaved so because they had put up a surprise collection of school supplies and clothes etc for Zan in the gym.

Q23.What help did the author get from his schoolmates after the fire accident?

Or

 What kind of gesture did Zan’s schoolmates show to hint?

Ans: The author’s schoolmates helped him by getting him school supplies, notebooks, and different clothes – jeans, tops sweatshirts. Those who had never spoken to him introduced themselves and many invited him to their homes.

Q24. Why was the author overcome by emotions when he got help from his schoolmates?

Ans: The author was overcome by emotions when he got help from his schoolmates because they had gone out of their way to bring him the things he needed. He was touched by their genuine outpouring of concern.

 Q25. When does the author say “It was like Christmas”? Why?

Ans: The author says this when he gets inside the gym to see the surprise load of school supplies and different clothes on the big table only for him. This seemed like Christmas because these assorted gifts were similar to the surprise gifts that one gets from loved ones on Christmas.

Q26. What made the author finally breathe a sigh of relief?

Ans: The thought for the first time that things were going to be okay made the author finally breathe a sigh of relief. He had made friends in the new school who had a genuine concern for him.

Q27.Why was it different for Zan to see his house getting rebuilt? How did the fire help him?

Ans: It was different to see his house getting rebuilt because Zan wasn’t alone this time. Two of his new friends from school were with him. The fire had helped him by diverting his mind away from his feelings of insecurity. He now opened up to the wonderful people around.

Q28. Where was the cat after the fire? Who brings it back and how?

                                                                        Or                                                                                         

How did Zan get back his beloved cat?

Ans: The cat had been so freaked by the fire that she had run away over a mile away. A woman brings her back by locating the owners through different sources because the phone number etched on the cat’s collar could not be reached as it had been disconnected due to the fire.

 Q29. How did the author’s feelings of loss and tragedy seem to diminish?

Ans:  The author felt gratitude for life, his new friends, the kindness of the woman who had rescued his cat and certainly for the life of his beautiful cat. This gratitude diminished his feelings of loss and tragedy.

 Q.30. What problem does the author face when he moves to a new school?

 Ans. In the junior school,l he was the head boy of his class. He was very close to all the teachers. He enjoyed the seniority. But when he joins a new school at senior level, he faces many problems. This school was twice as big as his old school. He felt very isolated.