X STANDARD SECOND LANGUAGE ENGLISH-2020-21
STUDY MATERIAL FOR THE YEAR 2020-21
For Class 10 Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board Bangalore
SYLLABUS FOR THE YEAR 2020-21
PROSE:
1.A Hero
2. There’s a Girl by the Tracks!
3. Gentleman of Rio en Medio
4. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
5. The Concert
6. Colours of Silence
POETRY
1.Grandma Climbs a Tree
2. Quality of Mercy
3. The Song of India
4. Jazz Poem Two
5. Ballad of the Tempest
6. The Blind Boy
SUPPLEMENTARY READING
1.Narayanpur Incident
2. A Great Martyr Ever Cherished
1. A Hero
- R.K. Narayan
Two marks questions:
1.How can you say that the village lad was brave?
Ans: The village lad fought with a tiger while returning home by the jungle path. He stayed on the tree for
half a day till someone came and killed the tiger.
2. Why did Swami’s father want him to sleep alone in the office room?
Ans: Swami’s father wanted him to sleep alone in the office room to prove his courage. He wanted him to
learn not to be afraid of darkness.
3. The inspector suggests Swami to join the police department when he grew up. Why?
Ans: Swami had caught the most notorious burglar which the police couldn’t do. The inspector thought
that Swami was really a brave boy. So, he invited him to join the police.
4. How did Swami’s father defend his view on the news paper report?
Ans: Swami’s father defended his view by saying that courage was important. Strength and age were not
important. Even a weak man could fight if he had courage.
5. Why were congratulations showered on Swami? OR How was burglar caught?
Ans: In his fright Swami had bitten the burglar thinking him to be devil. The burglar’s cry made Swami’s
father and others to come there and caught him. Later the police arrested him.
6. How should Swami prove that he had courage?
Ans: Swami should prove that he had courage by sleeping alone in his father’s office room instead of
sleeping beside his granny.
Three marks questions:
1. How did Swami react when his father challenged him to sleep alone in the office room?
OR What ways Swami think of to escape from his father ? OR What excuses did Swami
give to escape from sleeping alone?
Ans:- Swami tried to change the subject while his father was talking to him. He said elders could join
the cricket club. He would sleep alone from the first of next month. The office room was dusty and there
may be scorpions. He went to bed very early that day to avoid his father
2. Newspaper report made Swami a hero. Explain . OR Describe how Swami became a hero
Over night. OR Swami was not really a hero but by chance he becomes a hero. Justify.
OR Why were congratulations showered on Swami ?
Ans: Newspaper carried a report about a village boy who fought with a tiger. Swami argued that boy could
not fight a tiger. He had to be a strong grown up person. His father disagreed saying that courage was
more important. Swami did not accept this. His father then challenged him to sleep alone in the office
room. While Swami was sleeping alone in the office room, he saw something moving in the room. In his
fright, he had bitten the burglar thinking him to be devil. His loud cry made others to come there. The
burglar was caught. Later he was arrested. Congratulations were showered on Swami.
3. Narrate Swami’s dreadful experience when he was lying under the bench.
Ans: Swami was racked with nightmares. A tiger was chasing him. He tried to escape, but he couldn’t.
He groaned in despair. Then he heard a rustling sound. When he saw something was moving in the
darkness, he felt that it was the devil it would attack him. In his fright, he had bitten it to save himself.
4. How was Swami appreciated for his heroic deed ?
Ans: People congratulated Swami. His classmates looked at him with respect. His teacher patted his back.
The headmaster said that he was a true scout. The inspector invited him to join the police
EXTRACTS:
1. ‘’ You must sleep alone hereafter’’.
a) Who should sleep alone ? / Who does ‘ you’ refer to ? Ans: Swami
b) Who did he usually sleep with ? Ans: his granny
c) Why should he sleep alone ? Ans: to prove his courage
d) Where should he sleep ? Ans: in the office room
2. ‘’ Aiyo ! something has bitten me’’.
a) Who said this ? / Who does ‘ me’ refer to ? / Who made this cry ? Ans: The Burglar
b) Who had bitten him ? Ans : Swami
c) Why was he bitten ? Ans : Swami mistook him to be devil, to save himself he bit him.
d) What was the result of it ? Ans: the burglar was caught
3. ‘’ Your office room is very dusty and there may be full of scorpions’’.
a) Who said this ? Ans: Swami
b) Why did he make this comment ? Ans: to escape from sleeping alone in the office room
c) What does it reveal about his character ? Ans: He was timid and was afraid to sleepalone
4. ‘’ Why don’t you join the police when you are grown up ?’’
a) Who gave this suggestion ? Ans : the inspector
b) Why did he give this suggestion ? Ans : Swami helped the police by catching a burglar.
c) What did the listener actually want to become later in his life ?
Ans : an engine driver, a railway guard or a bus conductor
5. ‘’ Congratulations were showered on Swami next day’’.
a) Why was Swami congratulated ? Ans: because he had caught the burglar.
b) What was the impact on Swami ? Ans: he became a hero overnight
c) How was Swami congratulated by his teacher and the head master ?
Ans: His teacher patted his back. The head master said that he was a true scout.
6. ‘’ From the first of the next month, I’ll sleep alone, father’’.
a) Who wanted to sleep alone ? Ans: Swami
b) Why did he sleep alone ? Ans: to prove his courage
c) Why did he request his father ? Ans: only to escape from sleeping alone in the office room
7. “N0, you must do it now’’.
a) Who commanded this ? Ans: Swami’s father
b) What does ‘ it ‘ refer to ? Ans: Swami sleeping alone in the office room
c) Why must he do it now ? Ans: to prove his courage
8. “ If you do it. I’ll make you the laughing stock of your school.”
a) Who is the speaker ? Ans: Swami’s father
b) What is the ‘ it ‘ ? Ans: Swami used to sleep beside his granny or mother.
c) Why did the speaker say so ? Ans: because Swami slept beside his granny like a baby.
9. “ A frightful proposition, Swami thought.”
a) What was the frightful proposition ? Ans: sleeping alone in the office room that night.
b) Why was it frightful ? Ans: Swami always slept beside his granny. So any change in this
arrangement made him frightful.
c) What was ‘ proposition’ mean in the context ? Ans: suggestion
d) Who made it ? Ans: Swami’s father
10. ‘’You are in the second form and I don’t like the way you are being brought up.’’ (june-20)
a) Who does ’I’ refer to? Ans: Swami’s father
b) Who was studying in the second form? Ans: Swami
c) When did the speaker say this? Ans: when Swami told his father that
he would sleep in the office room from the next month.
2. There’s A Girl by the Tracks !
- Devan Kanal
Two marks questions:
1. How did tempo truck driver help Baleshwar Mishra ?
Ans: The tempo truck driver helped Baleshwar to take Roma to the hospital in time. He also gave his Cell
phone to him to call her brother.
2. According to Baleshwar people of Mumbai were afraid. What were they afraid of?
Ans: People of Mumbai were afraid of being involved in the accident case. They were afraid of getting
trapped in the court or with the police.
3. If Baleshwar had not come forward to help Roma. What would have happened to her?
Ans: Roma would have not been admitted to the hospital. She would have bled to death.
4. Why did Baleshwar disagree to take Roma to Airoli?
Ans: Baleshwar felt that the girl was serious. She needed treatment immediately. Airoli wasfar away and
he knew of a small hospital nearby.
5. Why had Roma fallen by the tracks?
Ans: Roma tried to settle into a corner near the door. The train moved ahead. She got pushed, lost her
foothold and was thrown out of the coach.
6. Why did Baleshwar revisit the spot where Roma had fallen? ( June-20)
Ans: Roma’s brother told him that her cell phone and hand bag were missing. So, Baleshwar revisited the
spot to look for her belongings.
7. What qualities of Baleshwar do you appreciate?
Ans: Baleshwar was kind and helpful. He risked his life to save the life of a stranger.
8. Baleshwar had a good memory. Justify the statement.
Ans: When Roma told her brother’s phone number, Baleshwar quickly memorized it. He was able to call
him and inform about the accident.
9. What did Roma say about Baleshwar after her recovery ? OR Roma said, “ I think it’s
astonishing.” What was astonishing ? OR Why does Roma considering Baleshwar’s action
to be amazing ?
Ans: Roma could not imagine what would have happened, if Baleshwar had not helped her. She found it
astonishing that a stranger would jump off a train and risk his life to save her. She could never repay
Baleshwar.
Three marks questions:
1. Describe how Baleshwar rescued Roma Talreja. OR How did the tempo truck driver play
a vital role in saving Roma’s life? OR Give a brief account of how Baleshwar helped the Girl
on the tracks.
Ans : Baleshwar found Roma by the side of the tracks. She was unconscious. So he carried her in his arms
and walked towards the high way. He requested motorists to help him to take her to hospital.But none
could stopped. Finally, a tempo truck driver stopped and helped him to take her to the hospital nearby. As
this hospital did not have enough facilities, he drove them to a bigger hospital. On the way he lent his
phone to Baleshwar to call Roma’s brother. Both of them admitted her to the hospital in time. She cured
after a few days.
2. Write briefly about the personal details such as qualification and profession of RomaTalreja
and Baleshwar Mishra.
Ans: Roma Talreja was a B.Com graduate from Pune. She was working in Mumbai as a call centre
executive. She had been working there for two years. Baleshwar Mishra was an unemployed high school
dropout. He had come to Mumbai to look for a job.
EXTRACTS:
1. “ I hope I’m not too late.’’
a) Who was the ‘ I ’ ? Ans: Baleshwar Mishra
b) Why did he hope so ? Ans: He knew she was hurt badly and hoped he could help her
c) What did he do ? Ans: He took her to a nearby hospital
2. “ Take the girl to Airoli.”
a) Who suggested it? Ans: The COP
b) Who is the girl here? Ans: Roma Talreja
c) Who had taken her to Airoli? Ans: Baleshwar Mishra
d) Why did Baleshwar disagree to COP’s suggestion?
Ans: Because Airoli was far away and he knew a nearby hospital than that
3. “ There is a closer place I know of.”
a) Who is the speaker? Ans: Baleshwar Mishra
b) Why did he choose that place? Ans: Because Roma was serious, She needed treatment
immediately.
c) What happened after going to that place?
Ans: Roma got first aid. Then she was taken to a bigger hospital.
4.“ Whom can I call ?”. He asked quickly fearing that she would block out once more.”
a) Who does ‘ I’ refer to ? Ans: Baleshwar Mishra
b) What did the listener answer? Ans: Her brother Dinesh
c) What does ‘ block out’ mean ? Ans: become unconscious
5. “ I’m new to Mumbai, but I have noticed that people are here afraid.’’
a) Who is the ‘I’? Ans: Baleshwar Mishra
b) Why had he come to Mumbai? Ans: to look for job
c) Why were the people afraid of? Ans: They were afraid getting trapped in the courts or with the police
6. “I Can never repay Baleshwar”.
a) Who does ‘I’ refer to? Ans: Roma Talreja.
b) When did she say so? Ans: After her recovery
c) Why did she say so? / Why can’t she repay ? Ans: He saved her life taking a risk.
7.“I can’t imagine what would have happened if Baleshwar hadn’t been there”.
a) Who is the ‘I’? Ans: Roma Talreja
b) Why Was Baleshwar there? Ans: to help Roma
c) What would have happened if he hadn’t been there? Ans: She would have bled to death
d) What did Baleshwar do? Ans: He saved her life taking a risk.
8.“Chacha,can I borrow your mobile”?
a) Who does ‘chacha’ refer to? Ans: The truck driver.
b) Who was the ‘I’? Who wanted the mobile? Ans: Baleshwar Mishra.
c) Why did he want the Mobile? Ans: to InformRoma’s brother about her accident.
9.“Oh! I couldn’t thank him.”
a) Who is the ‘I’? Ans: Baleshwar Mishra
b) Who Couldn’t he thank?/ Who does ‘him’ refer to? Ans: the truck driver
c) What had he done? Why did the speaker want to thank him?
Ans: He helped him to get Roma to a hospital
d) Why couldn’t the speaker thank him? Ans: Because he already left the place with his truck.
10.“I think it is astonishing thing that a stranger jumped off a moving train and risked his
life for me.”
a) What happened to Baleshwar as soon as he jumped off a moving train?
Ans: A burst of pain shot up in his ankle.
b) How did Baleshwar help Roma Talreja? Ans: by admitting her to a hospital in time.
c) What would have happened if Baleshwar had not come to her help?
Ans: She would have bled to death.
11.“Let’s go and help her”.
a) Who said this? Who made this shout? Ans: Baleshwar Mishra
b) Who was it said to? Ans: train passengers.
c) Why didn’t they volunteer to help her? Ans: They were afraid of being involved
d) Why did she need help? / Why did they have to help?
Ans: She had fallen from the train. She was injured seriously.
12. “Behanji, app theek hai ?”
a) Who is the speaker? Ans: Baleshwar Mishra
b) Who does ‘Behanji’ refere to? Ans: Roma Talreja
c) Why was there no response? Ans: She was unconscious due to the fall
d) What did the speaker do ? Ans: He took her to the nearby hospital
13. ‘’ So why did he do it ?’’
a) Who is the ‘ he ‘? Ans: Baleshwar Mishra
b) What did he do? Ans: He risked his life to save her.
c) Why did he do it? Ans: because Roma needed his help
14. ‘’ Please help me to take her to the hospital.’’ But no one stopped.
a) Who is the speaker ? Ans: Baleshwar Mishra
b) Who does ‘ her’ refer to ? Ans: Roma Talreja
c) Why didn’t they stop ? Ans: They feared getting trapped in the courts or with the police.
3.Gentleman of Rio en Medio
- Juan A.A. Sedilo
Two marks questions:
1.Why do you think Don Anselmo didn’t sell the trees in the orchard ? OR ‘’ Don Anselmo
was very fond of children.’’ Justify. OR Don Anselmohad concern for the children of Rio- en -
medio. Explain briefly OR Don Anselmo was passionate about his land andthe children of Rio
en Medio. Support thisstatement with your answer. [ For 3 marks also]
Ans: Don Anselmo lived up in Rio en Medio. He tilled the same land his ancestors had tilled. He planted
a tree every time a Child was born in the village. He felt that they didnot belong to him but to the
children. He did not sell the trees when he sold the land to the Americans.
2.. Why do you think the Americans wanted to buy Don Anselmo’s property?
Ans : The little creek ran through his land. His orchard was gnarled and beautiful. So, to lead a happy and
peaceful life they buy his land.
3. How can you say that Don Anselmo was a man of principles ? OR How can you say that
the Americans were truthful to Don Anselmo ? OR Don Anselmo and the Americans
weregenerous in their own way. Justify. OR What makes you think that the Americans
weregood people ? ( June-20)
Ans : When the Americans discovered that Don Anselmo owned more than eight acres of extraland, they
offered him almost double the price. But Don Anselmo stuck to his word. He refused totake extra money.
4. What kind of a man was Don Anselmo?
Ans : Don Anselmo was generous. He was a man of principles.
5. How did the old man greet the people who had been waiting for him?
Ans: The old man bowed to all of them. Then he removed his hat and gloves, slowly and carefully.
6. Why did the Americans complain about the children of Rio en Medio?
Ans: The children were overrunning their property. They came every day and played under the trees.
They built little fence around the trees and took blossoms.
Three marks questions:
1. Don Anselmo’s appearance and manners were quite unusual. Explain briefly.
Ans:Don Anselmo wore an old, green faded coat. His gloves too were old and torn and his finger tips
showed through them. He carried a cane which was the skeleton of a worn – out umbrella. When he
entered the room he bowed to all and slowly removed his hat and gloves. This reminds the writer the style
of Charlie Chaplin.
Extracts
1. “We have made a discovery”.
a) Who is the speaker? Ans: Story teller/narrator
b) Who does ‘we’ refer to? Ans: Americans
c) What did they discover? Ans: Don Anselmo owned more than eight acres of land
d) What was the result of the discovery? / How did they respond after the discovery?
Ans: They offered him double the amount.
2.“ Friend’, he said I don’t like to have you speak me in that manner”.
a) Who does ‘I’refer to? Ans: Don Anselmo.
b) What made him react so? Ans: Americans offered him double the price for his extra land.
c) What was his decision? Ans: He refused to take more than the amount agreed upon
d) What is the mood of the speaker? Ans: He felt that he was being insulted.
e) Who did he address as friend? Ans: narrator / story teller
3.“I did not sell the trees because I could not.”
a) Who was the speaker here? Ans: Don Anselmo
b) Who was he speaking to? Ans: Story teller/narrator
c) Why could he not sell the trees?
Ans:- He thought the trees belonged to the children of Rio en Medio.
4.“These Americans are Buena gente.”
a) Who is the speaker? Ans: Story teller/narrator
b) What does ‘Buena gente’ mean? Ans: good people.
c) Why did the speaker call Americans Buena gente?
Ans: Because they offered double the price for Don Anselmo’s extra land.
5.“The trees in that orchard are not mine”
a) Who is the speaker? Ans: Don Anselmo
b) According to to Don Anselmo, who did the trees belong to? Ans: to the children of Rio-en –Medio
c) Why did he feel so? Ans: Because he planted a tree every time a child was born in the village
6.“I have agreed to sell my house and land for twelve hundred dollars and that is the price”.
a) Who does ‘I’ refer to? Ans: Don Anselmo
b) Why did he agree to sell the land for the Americans? Ans: because they were good people.
c) Why did he take only twelve hundred dollars for the land? / What does the statement tell
about the speaker ? Ans: he was a man of principles.
7.“Yes, I Admit that”.
a) Who is the ‘I’? Ans: Don Anselmo
b) Who is he speaking to? Ans: Story teller/ narrator
c) What did he admit?
Ans: If the land or orchard was sold the possession of the trees inthat place was also tobuyers.
8. “ I argued with him but it was useless.”
a) Who is the ‘ I ‘.? Ans: The narrator / story teller
b) What was the argument about? Ans: Americans were ready to pay more for Anselmo’s extra
land. But he didn’t agree.
c) Why was it useless? Ans: Because Don Anselmo refused to take extra amount.
9.“ This was bad, Don Anselmo.”
a) Who is the speaker ? Ans: The narrator / story teller
b) What was bad according to the speaker? Ans: Don Anselmo said that he sold only the land
but not the trees in the orchard.
c) How did Don Anselmo defend his action? Ans: Don Anselmo defended that he planted a tree
every time a child was born in the village. So, the trees belonged to the children ofthe village.
10. “ It took months of negotiation to come to an understanding with the old man.”
a) Who does ‘ the old man’ refer to ? Ans: Don Anselmo
b) What was the negotiation about ? Ans: sale of the old man’s land
c) Why do you think it took months to come to an understanding?
Ans: because the old man was in no hurry
d) Who is the speaker? Ans: The narrator / story teller
e) What does ‘ negotiation’ mean in the context ? Ans: official discussion
4.Dr.B.R.Ambedkar
- Sri R. Venkataraman
1. What was the greatest trait of Ambedkar as a student? OR How can you say that
Ambedkar was a voracious reader?
Ans: Ambedkar was a voracious reader. He had an insatiable thirst for books. He bought books by
curtailing his daily needs. In New York he purchased about 2000 old books. While he was in London he
bought many books.
2. Why did Nehru choose Ambedkar as the law minister?
Ans: Dr. Ambedkar had a great skill in the field of law and legislation. He had the vision of social justice.
Above all he had succeeded in his own campaigns against social injustice.
3.How did Dr.Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi try to wipe out caste discrimination from India?
Ans: Gandhiji reminded the higher castes of their duty towards the depressed classes. Ambedkar did the
same by reminding the depressed classes of their right to equality with the higher caste. Gandhiji stressed
the duties and Ambedkar stressed the rights. They brought revolution in social thought.
4. There were great luminaries in the Drafting Committee. Dr. Ambedkar is remembered as
the pilot. Give reasons.
Ans: Ambedkar was tactful, frank and had utmost patience. He explained clearly the meaning and scope of
the different provisions of the Draft Constitution. He explained it in such a way, that even a layman could
understand it.
5. How did the 14th amendment of the U.S Constitution influence Ambedkar ?
Ans: The 14thamendment to the U.S constitution gave freedom to the black Americans. Ambedkar saw at
once the parallel of the situation for the depressed classes in India.
6. What made Ambedkar describe the methods of civil disobedience, non- co operation and
satyagraha as the ‘Grammar of anarchy’?
Ans: These methods could be utilized in a struggle against the foreign rule. In Democracy such agitations
may results in the loss of lives and public property.
7. What is the difference between Gandhiji and Ambedkar in their approach to solving the
problem?
Ans: Gandhiji advocated satyagraha and non – violence. Ambedkar advocated the importance of
constitutional metods or means to solve problems.
8. Dr.B.R. Ambedkar worked for the upliftment of the depressed classes. Explain. OR How did
Dr. Ambedkar try to get social justice for the depresse classes. (June-20)
Ans: Dr.B.R. Ambedkar devoted all his time and talents for the betterment of the depressed classes. He
started newspapers- Mookanayak, Bahishkrit Bharat and Samata. He set up institutions- Hitakarni Sbha and
Independent Labour Party of India. He stressed the rights of the dpressed classes. He helped in rousing up
who had suffered for long in the past. He fought for social justice.
EXTRACTS
1.‘’ Who could have dreamt that one born to a Mahar family would one day become not only a
Law minister but a Law – maker ….?’’
a) Who is referred to as ‘ Law Minister’ here? Ans: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
b) Who chose him to be ‘ The Law Minister’? Ans: Jawaharlal Nehru
c) Why is he recognized as the Law Minister? Ans: because he had a great skill in the field of law and
legislation
2. ‘’ His flair for legislative work became evident to the whole nation’’.
a) Whose flair became evident? Ans: Dr. B, R. Ambedkar
b) When did it become evident ? Ans: When he made effective contributions to the debates on
variety of subjects in the Bombay Legislative Assembly
c) Pick out the word from the statement which means ‘ a natural ability to do something well’. Ans: flair
3. ‘’ One stressed the duties, the other stressed the rights.’’
a) Who stressed the duties? Ans: Gandhiji
b) Who stressed the rights? Ans: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
c) What did both of them bring about? Ans: a veritable revolution in social thought
4. ‘’ A Symbol of revolt.”
a) Who made this statement? Ans: Jawaharlal Nehru
b) Who is the symbol of revolt? Ans: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
c) Why was he described so? Ans: because he fought against the discrimination of the caste system
5.’’ He was drawn to the 14th amendment of the constitution of U.S.A.’’
a) Who does ‘he’ refer to ? Ans: Dr.B.R. Ambedkar
b) What was the importance of 14th amendment ? Ans: Which gave freedom to the black Americans
c) How did it influence him ? Ans: He saw at once a parallel to the situation of the depressed classes in India
6. ‘’ He had an insatiable thirst for books.’’
a) Who is the ‘he’ ? Ans: Dr.B.R. Ambedkar
b) How can you say that he had an insatiable thirst for books? Ans: He bought books by curtailing his daily
needs.
c) What does ‘ insatiable’ mean in the context ? Ans: that which cannot be satisfied
7. ‘’ They brought about a veritable revolution in social thought.’’
a) Who are ‘ they” ? Ans: Mahatma Gandhi and Dr.B.R. Ambedkar
b) What ‘ revolution’ is referred to here ? Ans: bringing equlity between higher castes and depressed
classes
c) How did they bring about the revolution ? Ans: Gandhiji reminded the higher castes of their duties
towards the depressed classes. Dr. Ambedkar reminded the depressed classes of their rights to equality.
5. The Concert
- Shantha Rameshwar Rao
1. How can you say that Anant was a talented boy? OR Why do you consider Anant a talented
boy? ( June-20)
Ans: Anant was the best table tennis player in the school. He was the fastest runner. He was learning to
play sitar. He was already able to compose his own tunes.
2. ‘ They had come with high hopes.’ What hopes did Anant’s parents have?
Ans: Due to the miracles of modern science, Anant would be cured at the hospital. He would again walk
and run. He would play the sitar and perhaps would be a great sitarist one day.
3. How did Smita fulfill her brother’s wish ? OR Suddenly a daring thought came to Smita
.What was the thought? OR Why do you think Pandit Ravishankar and Ustad Allah Rakha
agree to play for Anant ?
Ans: Smita planned to request Pandit Ravishankar to play for her brother. After the concert Smita went up
to the stage and approached Pandit Ravishankar. She explained the condition and the wish of her brother.
He was touched by her brother’s story. They came to her house and played for him.
4. What makes the readers appreciate Pandit Ravishankar and Ustad Allah Rakha ? OR The artists
visiting Anant was unusual. Justify. OR Why do you think the response of the artists was unusual?
Ans: Pandit Ravishankar and Ustad Allah Rakha were great maestros. They were busy people. Despite
their busy schedule, they accepted Smita’s invitation. They visited Anant’s home and played for him.
5. What was the intention of Smita’s going to the concert ?
Ans : Smita’s intention was to listen to the sitar by pandit Ravishankar. Then to request him to come to
her house and play for her brother Anant.She wanted to fulfill her brother’s last wish.
6. How did Anant’s family treat him without ‘ voicing their fears’ ?
Ans: They laughed and smiled and talked and surrounded Anant with whatever made him happy. They
fulfilled his every need and gave whatever he asked for.
7. How did Smita enjoy the concert?
Ans: As Pandit played the first notes, Smita filled with wonder. Spell bound, she listened to a variety of
ragas.
EXTRACTS
1.’’ Tomorrow morning we perform for the boy .”
a) Who is the speaker? Ans: Ustad Allah Rakha
b) Who is the ‘ boy’ here? Ans: Anant
c) Why would they perform for the boy? Ans: Because the boy was lying sick. He wanted to hear
Pandit Ravishankar and Ustad play.
d) Who does ‘ we’ refer to ? Ans: Pandit Ravishankar and Ustad Allah Rakha
2.’’ I’ ve- I’ve – always wanted to hear and see him.’’
a) Who is ‘ he’ here ? Ans: Anant
b) Who does ‘ him’ refer to ? Ans: Pandit Ravishankar
c) Why did he want to hear him and see him ? Ans: Anant loved playing the sitar. It was chance of a life
time to attend his concert.
3. ‘’ But they did not voice their fears.’’
a) Who does ‘ they ‘ refer to ? Ans: Anant’s family members
b) What did they fear? Ans: Anant had not many days to live
c) How did they behave towards him? Ans: They laughed and smiled and talked and surrounded Anant
with whatever made him happy.
4. ‘’ Panditji is a busy man , you must not bother him with such requests.’’
a) Who was bothering Panditji ? / Who does ‘ you ‘ refer to ? Ans: Smitha
b) What was the request ? Ans: to play for her brother Anant in her house
c) Who is the speaker ? Ans: Large moustachioed man
d) What does ‘ bother ‘ mean in the context ? Ans: Trouble / Worry
5.’’ We mustn’t miss the chance.’’
a) Who is the speaker? Ans: Anant
b) Who does ‘ we ‘ refer to? Ans: Anant and Smitha
c) What chance did he not like to miss? Ans: to attend the concert of Pandit Ravishankar
d) Why would he not get a chance in future? Ans: Due to cancer he had not many days to live
6. ‘’ What shall we do Ustad Sahib.?’’
a) Who is the speaker ? Ans: Pandit Ravishankar
b) Who does ‘ Sahib ‘ refer to ? Ans: Ustad Allah Rakha
c) What was the response ? Ans: They agreed to perform for the boy the next day
d) What made the speaker ask so ? Ans: Smita requested him to come to her house and play for her
brother.
7. ‘’ I must hear him and see him.’’
a) Who does ‘ I ‘ refer to? Ans: Anant
b) Who did he want to see? Ans: Pandit Ravishankar
c) What did he want to hear? Ans: the concert of Pandit Ravishankar
8. ‘’ They could not believe their eyes.’’
a) Who does ‘ they ‘ refer to ? Ans: the neighbours of Aunt Susheela
b) What was not possible for them to believe? Ans: Pandit Ravishankar and Ustad Allah Rakha visited
aunt Susheela’s house
c) Why did they feel so? Ans: because Pandit Ravishankar and Ustad played for Anant
9. ‘’ Take him home. Give him the things he likes, indulge him.’’
a) Who said these words? Ans: Doctors
b) Who does ‘ he / him ‘ refer to? Ans: Anant
c) Why did the speaker say so? Ans: Anant’s condition grew worse
10. ‘’The chance of a life time,’’ he was saying.
a) Who does ‘ he ‘ refer to ? Ans: Anant
b) What was the chance of a life time for him? Ans: to attend the concert of Pandit Ravishankar
c) Why was he feeling so? Ans: He was excited to see and hear Pandit Ravishankar, a sitar maestro as
he was also learning sitar.
11. " A walk in the park might make you feel better."
a) Who suggested it? Ans: Aunt Susheela
b) Who was it suggested to? Ans: Smita
c) Why did the speaker suggest it? Ans: because Smita was sad
d) What was the result of it? Ans: Smita approached Pandit Ravishankar and request him to play for her
brother
7. Colours of Silence
- National Book Trust of India
Two marks questions:
1.Satish saw a bird out of the window. How did the bird appear to him? OR Describe the bird
that Satish saw one day. OR What did Satish see at the far corner of the garden? Why did it
attract him?
Ans: Satish saw a bird. It was unlike any he had seen before. It had a longish tail and a black crest. It had
restless energy. Its eyes kept moving here and there.
2. What do we learn from Satish Gujral’s life?
Ans: From Satish Gujral’s life we learn that physical disability is no barrier to success.
3. Satish didn’t want to go to a new school. What was the reason?
Ans: Satish didn’t want to go to a new school where he couldn’t talk to the other children, where every
one would make fun of his deafness.
4. Why was Satish confined to bed? What was the worst thing for him?
Ans: After the accident, Satish’s legs became weak and required several operations. He suffered frequently
from bouts of fever and ear infection. He became deaf and could not bear the silence.
5. How did Satish’s brother Inder try to help him?
Ans: Satish’s brother Inder sat for hours with him and talked to him, teaching him words and
pronunciation.
6. Many schools refused to take in Satish. How did it affect him?
Ans: Satish became very moody. He couldn’t talk freely with anyone. He even avoided going out to play.
7. At the beginning , Avatar Narain did not like his son’s love for painting / drawing. Why?
Ans: Avatar Narain felt that painting would not bring enough money. Artists make pittance and live in
poverty.
8.What made Avatar Narain angry?
Ans: Avatar Narain took his son to a new school for admission. The headmaster said that it was a school
for normal boys. He suggested him to take hisson to the school for deaf and dumb children.
Three marks questions:
1.How did the bird in the garden change Satish’s life? OR How did the bird inspire Satish?
Ans:One day Satish saw a bird. It was energetic and active. It attracted him. He stared at the bird for a
long time. After it flew away, he took out his note book and pencil. He sketched the bird from memory.
Drawing became his passion. Later he became a foremost artist.
2. How can you say that Satish became popular all over the world?
Ans: Exhibitions of Satish Gujral’s work have been held all over the world. They displayed in prestigious
museums like the Museum of Modern Art, New York, the Hiroshima collection, Washington and the
National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi. He has published four books in the various arts.
3. How did Satish meet with an accident? OR Briefly describe how Satish met with an accident.
Ans: Once Satish had gone hiking with his father and brother Inder. As they were crossing a rickety bridge
over some rapids. Satish looked down at the swirling water. His foot slipped. He lost his balance and fell
into the rapids.
4. ‘’ Physical disability is no barrier to success to Satish.’’ Justify.
Ans: Satish met with an accident and became deaf. He was refused admission by schools. So he remained
at home. One day he saw a beautiful bird that made him take up drawing and painting. Today he is one of
the best artist in India. Exhibitions of his work have been held all over the world. He has published four
books in various arts. The Government of India has honoured him with Padma Vibhushan.
EXTRACTS
1.‘’ Why do you take away his source of entertainment?’’
a) Who is the speaker? Ans: Satish’s mother
b) Who does ‘ you ‘ refer to ? Ans: Avatar Narain
c) Whose source of entertainment was it? Ans: Satish’s
d) What was his source of entertainment? Ans: Drawing
e) Why did he take away his source of entertainment? Ans: It would not bring enough money
2. ‘’ This is an idle past time. You would do better to read and get some knowledge.”
a) Who is the speaker? Ans: Avatar Narain / Satish’s father
b) Who is the ‘ you ‘? Ans: Satish
c) What was his past time? Ans: Filling pages with doodles
d) Why did the speaker not like his past time? Ans: He felt that artists only made a pittance and lived in
poverty.
e) Why did the speaker give more importance for reading? Ans: He wanted Satish to study to make
something out of his life.
3. ‘’You want to do this very badly, don’t you?’’
a) Who is the speaker? Ans: Satish’s father
b) Who does ‘ you ‘ refer to? Ans: Satish
c) What does he want do badly? Ans: Drawing
d) What did the speaker do then? Ans: He put his hand on Satish’s shoulder.
4. ‘’ You will learn arts and make your life in your chosen field.’’
a) Who is the speaker? Ans: Satish’s father
b) Who is the ‘ you ‘? Ans: Satish
c) What did he want to become? Ans: an artist
d) How did he react to his father’s decision? Ans: His eyes filled with tears. He hugged his father tightly.
5. ‘’ If you want to get on in in life, you have to read a lot. You can learn a great deal of things
by reading.” ( June – 20)
a) Who is the speaker here? Ans: Avater Narayan / Satish’s father
b) Who does ‘ you’ refer to? Ans: Satish Gujral
c) How did the speaker encourage reading? Ans: Giving an armful of books
POETRY
Grandma Climbs A Tree
- Ruskin Bond
Two marks questions:
1. Why does the poet call his grandmother a genius? OR What qualities of grandma do you
appreciate?
Ans: Grandma was genius. She could climb trees. She climbed trees even at the age of 62. She had strong
determination and patience.
2. How did grandma feel while she lay in bed?
Ans: Grandma felt miserable. She loved to look at the dancing leaves. For her it was like a brief season in
hell.
3. ‘’ My dad knew his duties.’’ What did he think his duty was?
Ans: Poet’s father duty was to fulfill the wishes of his mother. When she wished a tree house, he made a
tree house with door and windows for his mother.
Summary (3/4 marks)
The poem ‘ Grandma Climbs A Tree’ is written by Ruskin Bond. The poet called his grandmother as a
genius. She could climb any tree high or wide in trice. Her brother taught her to climb trees. Even at her
old age, she used to climb trees.
One day she climbed a tree but couldn’t come down. Then she was rescued. The doctor advised
her to stay in a bed for a week. She felt miserable. It was like hell for her. After recovery she wanted a tree
house in a tree top. Her son agreed. He made a tree house with window and door. So that granny moved
up to the tree house. The poet would climb up everyday with glasses and a tray.They both sat there and
enjoyed the glass of sherry.
EXTRACTS
1. ‘’ I strongly recommended a quiet week in bed.’’
a) Who does ‘ I ‘ refer to? Ans: Doctor
b) For whom was the rest recommended and why? Ans: Grandma because she was ill.
c) What was the reaction of the family members? Ans: They sighed with relief
d) How did Granny feel? Ans: She felt miserable.
2. ‘’ I’ll lie here no longer.’’
a) Who is the ‘ I ‘? Ans: Grandma
b) Why was she forced to lie down? Ans: because the doctor advised her to take rest for a week
c) Why couldn’t she lie there no longer? Ans: because she wanted to climb up trees again
d) What did she ask for once felt stronger? Ans: a house in a tree top
e) What does’ here ‘ refer to? Ans: to be in bed
3. ‘’ I’ll start work tonight.
a) Who does ‘ I ‘ refer to? Ans: The poet’s father
b) What was the work? Ans: to build a house in a tree top
c) Why was he doing it? Ans: to fulfill his mother’s wish
4. ‘’Well I’ll grow gracefully, I can do it better.’’
a) Who is the ‘I’? / the speaker? Ans: Grandma
b) When did the speaker say so? Ans: When the people asked her to stop climbing trees
c) What was the speaker reply? Ans: She wouldn't stop climbing trees. She preferred to
grow old disgracefully.
The Quality of Mercy
- William Shakespeare
Two marks questions:
1.How do you interpret the speaker’s interpretation of mercy as twice blessed? OR
The speker says that mercy is twice blessed. What does she mean by this?
Ans: The speaker says that mercy brings blessings in two ways. The person who shows mercy and the
person who receives it are both blessed by God.
2. ‘’ Mercy is mightiest in the mightiest’’. Justify
Ans: The king’s sceptre shows his earthly power. It makes people fear him. But mercy is greater than
earthly power, because it is the special quality of God Himself. Mercy is so great that the heart of a king is
its throne.
EXTRACTS
1. ‘’ His sceptre shows the force of temporal power.’’
a) What does ‘ temporal power ‘ mean ? Ans: worldly power / earthlypower
b) What does sceptre create in the mind of the people? Ans: fear
c) What quality does mercy stand for in contrast to temporal power? Ans: divine quality
d) Who is the speaker? Ans: Portia
e) How does mercy differ from sceptre? Ans: Mercy is divine power but sceptre is worldly power.
2.’’And earthly power doth then show likest God’s
When mercy season justice.’’
a) When does earthly power becomes like divine power? Ans: When mercy seasons with justice
b) How should the king’s judgement be? Ans: It should be seasoned with mercy
c) What happens when mercy seasons justice? Ans: Earthly judgement becomes like God’s judgement.
d) What does earthly power mean? Ans: Temporal power
e) What are the symbols of earthly power? Ans: Sceptre, throne and crown.
3. ‘’ It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest;.’’
a) What is compared to the gentle rain? / What does ‘ it ‘ refer to ? Ans: mercy
b) What benefit does it bring to the people? / Why it is twice blest ?
Ans: It blesses both the giver and the taker.
c) Why does the king need it in the context? Ans: because his justice will be merciful
4. ‘’ The quality of mercy is not strain’d
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven.’’
a)What is mercy compared to?
Ans: Gentle rain from heaven
b) Why does the poet says that mercy is not strain’d?
Ans: Because it is divine power
c) What does ‘ strain’d’ mean in the context?
Ans: forced / compelled
Summary ( 3/ 4 marks):
Mercy cannot be forced. It comes naturally and brings joy of the spirit, like the rain which drops from
the sky. It is twice blessed. The person who shows mercy and the person who receives it are both blessd
by God.It is not a quality of the weak. It is strongest in the strongest. It adorns a king better than his
crown. His sceptre shows his earthly power. It makes people fear him. But mercy is greater than earthly
power, because it is the special quality of God Himself. Mercy is so great that the heart of a king is its
throne. A powerful man should blend justice with mercy, only then will he be most like God.
The Song of India
- V.K. Gokak
Two marks questions :
1. What are epics ? Why does the poet call the temples as ‘ epics in stone ‘ ?
Ans: Epics are long poems or stories of heroic deeds. In India, most of the ancient temples are built by
stones and their walls are filled with figures which tell stories of ancient times.
2. What, according to the poet, is the contribution of the seers and the prophets ?
Ans : They chopped the straight path for the man to end all the sufferings. They made the way for
extrication very difficult.
3. How does the poet praise India being developed in industry and technology ? OR
*What according to the poet, are the signs of the development of the modern India ?
Ans : The poet praises dams, lakes, industries, ship building yards, hard working Indians try to improve
technology and raise India’s global position in atomic science.
4. What do the night, the sun God and the clear dawn represent ?
Ans: The night represents all sorrows. The sun God represents washing all sorrows. . The clear dawn
represents the bright future of our country
5. What does ’ the Motherland writing the book of Morrow ‘ signify ?
Ans: The motherland writing the book of the morrow signifies the better future of our country. She has
to write the book of our destiny, cancelling all our sorrows.
6. How was the nature of India described by the poet ? OR What is the picture of India you get
in the poem ?
Ans : The poet describes the unique features of India. The beauty of the snow - covered Himalayas and
the three oceans that touch our shores. He also wants to speak about the beauty of the morning when the
golden rays of the Sun reach our land
Extracts:
1.‘’Shall I sing of your clear dawn with its pure gold-streaks?’’
a) Who is the ‘I’? Ans: The poet, Gokak
b) Who is the speaker addressing? Ans: Mother India
c) What does ‘clear dawn with its pure gold streaks ‘ suggest?
Ans: The beauty of the early morning with the golden rays of the sun.
2. ‘’ Sing of the wrinkled face
Indexing ignorance.’’
a) Who should sing this? Ans: The poet, Gokak
b) Who gives this suggestion? Ans: Mother India
c) What does ‘Indexing ignorance’ refer to? Ans: The old and illiterate people of the country.
Jazz Poem Two
- Carl Wendall Hines, Jr
Two marks questions:
1.What qualities of the Jazz player do you appreciate? ( June-20)
Ans: The Jazz player is a simple man. He is a pathetic figure, but at the same time, a commanding
artist. He has the power in hm to make people listen. He is silent in speech, but eloquent in music.
Summary (3/4marks)
Jazz player has a rough unshaven face. He has sagging stomach. He wears a faded blue shirt, a loose neck
tie and an old jacket. His shoes are run down. He has great artistic talent. He plays an alto saxophone. At
first he has a weary expression on his face. He keeps his head down and appears lifeless. When he plays
he is filled with new spirit. He is no longer an old black man. He is like a bird flying higher and higher.
Ballad of The Tempest
- James T. Field
When the captain shouted ‘’ we are lost‘’, how did his daughter react ? OR The crew-mates
kissed the maiden and spoke in better cheer. What made them feel cheerful ? OR The little
maiden filled the sailors with confidence. Justify. (June-20)
Ans : The sailors were in a great peril. Their ship was caught by a violent storm. They had lost all hope
that they would be saved. At that time, the captain’s little daughter held his hand gently and asked if God
protect them on land would he not protect them on the ocean. Her innocent words filled the sailors with
new hope.
EXTRACTS
1. “We were crowded in the cabin
Not a soul would dare to sleep”.
a) Who does ‘we’ refer to? Ans: the sailors
b) Not a soul would dare to sleep”. Why was it so? Ans: Their ship was caught by a violent storm.
So they feared for their lives.
c) Why were they crowded in cabin ? Ans: Their ship was caught by a violent storm.
c) Pick out the word from the above line which means ‘Private room on a ship or boat’. Ans: Cabin
2. “It is a fearful thing in winter
To be shattered by the blast”.
a) What is a fearful thing? Ans: to be hit by a violent storm at sea in winter.
b) How did it affect the sailors?
Ans: The sailors were crowded together in a cabin in fear and could not sleep.
c) What does ‘shatter’ mean in the context? Ans: to break apart
3. ``Isn’t God upon the
Just the same as on the land?”
a) Who asked this question? Ans: the captain’s daughter
b) What does it mean? Ans: God is omnipresent. God who cared for them on the land
was not different from the God upon the ocean .
c) What does these words show the attitude of the speaker? Ans: faith in God
d) What was the result Ans: the sailors were filled with new hope and they reached the harbor safely
e) When was this said ? Ans: The captain lost his confidence as the ship was caught in a storm.
4. “We are lost!”
a) Who made this shout? Ans: the captain.
b) Why did he say this? Ans: the storm was very fierce. So he feared that the ship would be destroy
any moment.
c) How did his daughter react to the situation? Ans: She held his hand gently and asked if God protected
them on the land would He not protect them on the ocean.
5. “Then we kissed the little maiden and we spoke in better cheer.”
a) Who does ‘we’ refer to? Ans: the sailors
b) Who was the ‘little maiden’? Ans: the captain’s daughter
c) What made the sailors kiss the captain’s little daughter?
Ans: her innocent words filled the sailors with new hope.
d) Why were they back in cheer ? Ans: Because they were filled with hope of survival and faith in God
6. ‘’ So we shuddered there in silence,
For the stoutest held his breath.’’
a) Who does ‘ we ‘ refer to ? Ans: the sailors
b) What does ‘ stoutest’ mean in the context ? Ans: brave / determined
c) Why did they shudder their in silence ? Ans: They were afraid that the storm would destroy the
ship and their lives.
Quote from memory: ( 4 marks )
The Blind Boy
Quality of Mercy
1.How does a blind person understand whether it is day or night? OR How does the blind boy
make his day or night?
Ans: A blind person / the blind boy thinks it is day when he awakes and play. It is night when he sleeps.
The day never goes away until he keeps awake or playing.
SUPPLYMENTARY READING
1. Narayanpur Incident
1. Why had the students been marching? How was it an unusual march? OR Why were the
students marching in the street? Why was it termed uncommon?
Ans: The students were marching to serve a notice to the collector for the British to quit India. They
marched as if the police didn’t exist. They walked in complete silence. There were no slogans, no shouts.
2.Babu and Manju were a bit disappointed with the way students were marching. What was
the reason ?
Ans: Babu and Manju expected a lot of slogan, Shouting and Violence. But the march was ended
peacefully.
3. What was there in the ‘mysterious parcel? What suspicion did the police have about that?
Ans: There was a cyclostyle machine in the mysterious parcel. The police suspected that Mohan and his
family were making copies of Mahatma’s speech.
4. Why had patil, the sub-inspector come to Mohan’s house? Who believed him? What was the
result?
Ans: Patil the sub-inspector come to Mohan’s house to give a warning about the raid on their house.
Mohan’s mother believed him. A raid from police was avoided.
5.What had the police expected above the way of protest? How did the students leader
manage the protest?
Ans: The police expected the students to shout slogans and cause violence. This would make the police to
arrest and kept them in prison. But the students leaders did not want to be arrest so, they marched back
silently.
3. A GREAT MARTYR EVER CHERISHED
1.The writer speaks of the ‘smile’ that welcomes anyone who enters Hanif’s house. What more
do we know about this ‘smile’?
Ans: Hanif was a soldier. He participated in the kargil war in 1999. He sacrificed his life for the sake of the
country.
2. What did Hanif choose as his mission?
Ans: Hanif joined the Indian army as a soldier. Because he knew that life for him was short. He wanted to
serve the nation.
3. ‘How does the writer describe the ‘introvert’ Hanif ?
Ans: Hanif began to make friends at the 14th year of age. He would often go out of his way to help
people. It gave him a certain kind of joy.
4. Hanif was a youngman with varied talents and interest. Illustrate this statement drawing
support from the text. ORHanifuddin “A Great Martyr” was a talented young Man”.
Describe./How was Hanif able to keep himself cheerful throughout?/How was life for Hanif
always ‘ekdam bindas’?
Ans: Hanif was a young soldier. He gave up his life at the age of 25. He dabbled in art, sketched verywell.
He made beautiful cards out of waste material. He read books. He loved playing drums.
5. The absence of mother from home taught the children something. What was that ?
OR How did Hema Aziz Teach her children the message that “ one’s duty is the most
important thing in life?”
Ans : Hanif’s mother Hema Aziz had a touring job. The absence of mother from home taught Hanifand his
brothers to do their work independently. They got up early on their own and got ready for school. They
learnt that one’s duty is very important to come up in life.
