FAQS ,SAQs, VBQs, BQs, SQPs
THE LAST LESSON
1. Explain the inference that can be drawn from the line; "Will they make them sing in German, even
the pigeons".[Board 2024 with Marking Scheme]
2. What does the contrasting imagery of the church clock and the Prussian trumpets represent, in
"The Last Lesson" ?[QB 2021 with Marking Scheme]
3. Comment on "Regret as a Theme" with any two examples from the story "The Last Lesson". In the
examples, do you think the characters' regret is justified? Explain in 120-150 words.
1. How do you think the author's life might have been impacted after her interactions with the
children and their families mentioned in 'Lost Spring'? [Board 2023 with Marking Scheme]
2. Listening to them, I see two distinct worlds . In the context of Mukesh, the bangle maker's son,
which two worlds is Anees Jung referring to? Board 2022 with Marking Scheme]
3. Why do the bangle makers of Firozabad have to live in poverty? Board 2021 with Marking Scheme]
4. Despite the difficulties that Mukesh's family goes through, his grandmother believes that their
occupation is their destiny. What could be a reason behind this belief? State your response in 30-40
words with evidence from the text 'Lost Spring'.[Compartment Paper 2023]
DEEP WATER
1. Fear is something that we must learn to overcome if we want to succeed in life. How did Douglas
get over his fear of water? [ Board 2018]
2. Explain Roosevelt's observation, "All we have to fear is fear itself".
3. Imagine that the bully who threw Douglas into the pool reads this chapter and realises his mistake.
As the bully, write a diary entry penning down your response to Douglas' perseverance and your own
feelings of guilt and regret. [ Board 2021]
Ans: Saturday, 1 May 20XX
9 p.m.
Dear Diary,
Today, I read the chapter 'Deep Water" by William O' Douglas. He is the same person whom, years ago, I
bullied, and out of fun and excitement, had almost drowned him in the YMCA pool.
The misadventure at the YMCA swimming pool affected Douglas for life. He was eleven at that
[Link] he was a learner and sat alone on the edge of the YMCA pool, I, just for fun, threw him into
the deep end of the pool. He almost drowned. I ran away in fear of getting caught. Though all his efforts
to save himself failed, he was rescued by the folks at YMCA. But the incident aggravated his fear of
water. This experience left a deep scar on his mind. For days, the panic and fear kept haunting him. He
began to fear water. He was possessed by it completely. It deprived him of the joy of canoeing, boating,
fishing, bathing and swimming-all water sports.
But finally, he decided to conquer it. He got the services of an instructor, who trained him. First every
part of his body and then bit by bit, he built a swimmer out of Douglas.
THE RATTRAP
1. She gave a little cry of joy. She found a small rattrap..... (The Rattrap) Saheb-e-Alam received a pair
of discarded shoes with a hole in one of them. In spite of this he was very happy. (Lost Spring)
Compare the joy that both Edla and Saheb experience after receiving their respective gifts. [ Board
2024]
2. Imagine that Edla Willmansson (The Rattrap), instead of Anees Jung, had the opportunity to interact
with Saheb and Mukesh of 'Lost Spring'. How would she react? Why do you say so? [APQ 2024 with
Marking Scheme]
Ans: As weknowabout Edla Williamson's compassionate nature, she would have empathised with Saheb
and Mukesh. Also, she would have shown concern for their miserable condition. As she had shown
kindness and sympathy towards the rattrap peddler, similarly, she might have helped Saheb and Mukesh
to improve their living conditions too. Her experience with the rattrap peddler had taught her about the
struggles of the marginalised and underprivileged. So, she might connect with them and offer them all
her support and assistance. She would have even tried to uplift their pitiable lives. Her willingness to
help those in need might lead her to take action to improve their situation.
INDIGO
1. While M. Hamel talks of language being the key to nationalism. Gandhi tells the court it is a 'conflict
of duties'. On the one hand, not to set a bad example as a law breaker, on the other hand, to render
the humanitarian and national service. You get inspired and decide to write an article for a youth
magazine urging the youth to dedicate themselves to the service, of the nation.
You may begin like this: [Board 2024 with Marking Scheme]
Youth plays an important role in the progress of the nation......
Ans: Youth play a significant part in the advancement of the country, embodying the vigour and promise
that can change the future. In the rich tapestry of national service, M. Hamel and Gandhi's remarks ring
true, emphasising the deep effect of language and the careful balance of competing responsibilities.
M. Hamel underlines the importance of language as the key to nationalism, and we, the youth, find
ourselves at the crossroads of cultural legacy and national identity. Our language prowess becomes an
effective instrument for preserving and sustaining our country's rich tapestry of diversity. By committing
to the mastering of our languages, we not only promote personal progress but also the preservation of
our cultural identity, generating a sense of unity in variety.
Gandhi's viewpoint introduces the concept of the "conflict of duties", which has tremendous
implications in the modern world. As young people, we must strike a delicate balance between personal
goals and community responsibilities. Gandhi's quandary of not setting a negative example as a
lawbreaker while both providing humanitarian and patriotic service exemplifies the complex dilemmas
we confront.
It is critical that the youth recognise their potential as catalysts for society's improvement. Service to the
nation can take many forms, ranging from supporting educational efforts and environmental protection
to pushing social justice concerns. Every deed, no matter how tiny, adds to the bigger story of nation-
building.
In conclusion, the youth must seize the mantle of responsibility and dedicate themselves to the service
of the nation. Let us harness the power of language to strengthen the bonds of our diverse society and
navigate the conflicts of duties with a steadfast commitment to humanitarian and national service. By
doing so, we not only shape our individual destinies but also contribute to the collective progress of our
beloved nation.
Where the peasants are so crushed and fear stricken, law courts are useless. The real relief for them is
to be free from fear (Indigo). The people of Firozabad (Lost Spring) are fear stricken to form a
cooperative as there is a vicious circle of middlemen, politicians, etc. These exploiters don't allow them
to take any initiative. You agree that fear is the worst deterrent factor in one's life.
[Link] a motivational speaker, give a speech advising students how to overcome fear and lead a
successful life. Use material from the two texts to support your views. (Board 2024 with Marking
Scheme)
You may begin like this
Dear Students
The emotion of fear will always interfere and interrupt your path to success...
Ans: Dear Students
The emotion of fear will always interfere and interrupt your path to success. As a motivational speaker, I
urge you to recognise fear as the greatest deterrent in life, as illustrated in the narratives of "Indigo" and
"Lost Spring". In these stories, we witness how fear cripples individuals and communities, rendering
them powerless against exploitation and injustice.
In "Indigo", the peasants are so crushed by fear that they find law courts useless in seeking justice. Their
real relief comes from being free from fear itself. Similarly, in "Lost Spring", the people of Firozabad are
trapped in a cycle of fear perpetuated by middlemen and politicians. This fear prevents them from
taking initiative and forming cooperatives to improve their lives.
To overcome fear and lead a successful life, it is crucial to adopt a mindset of courage and resilience.
Firstly, acknowledge your fears and confront them head-on. Understand that fear is often a product of
the unknown or of past experiences, and by facing it directly, you can diminish its power over you.
Secondly, cultivate a support system of friends, family, and mentors who can provide encouragement
and guidance along your journey. Surround yourself with positive influences that inspire confidence and
belief in your abilities.
Thirdly, embrace failure as a natural part of growth and learning. Understand that setbacks are not
permanent obstacles but opportunities for growth and improvement. Use each failure as a stepping
stone towards success, learning valuable lessons along the way.
Lastly, take proactive steps towards your goals, even if they seem daunting or out of reach. Break down
your objectives into manageable tasks and tackle them one step at a time. By taking action, you will
build momentum and confidence, gradually diminishing the power of fear in your life.
In conclusion, fear may be a formidable adversary, but it is not insurmountable. By acknowledging,
confronting, and ultimately overcoming fear, you can unlock your full potential and lead a successful and
fulfilling life. Remember, the only thing to fear is fear itself.
Believe in yourself, embrace challenges, and pursue your dreams with unwavering determination. The
world is yours to conquer.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
XYZ
3. Wars with gas, wars with fire. Victory with no survivors. (Keeping Quiet) Pablo Neruda in the above
lines, highlights the futility of war. Gandhi also brought about the change in the plight of the
Champaran sharecroppers through civil disobedience and non-violence. Write an article on the
importance of peace and the right way to resolve issues. [Board 2024 with Marking Scheme]
Ans: The Triumph of Peace
In a world filled with conflict, Pablo Neruda's statement, "Wars with gas, wars with fire, Victory with no
survivors", emphasises the hollowness of triumphs that come at the cost of devastation. It states that
wars are won on the foundation of destruction. This contemplation urges us to explore other methods
for resolving disputes.
Mahatma Gandhi's influence on the Champaran sharecroppers provides a compelling example of how
social change can be achieved through peaceful measures.
In a world confronted with various complex challenges, the importance of peaceful approaches becomes
evident. It fosters open dialogue, mutual understanding, and compromise, ultimately paving the way for
lasting and sustainable solutions. The destruction leaves a long-term impact on the future generations.
As conscientious citizens of the world, it is our duty to give precedence to peaceful methods when
addressing conflicts. Gandhi's principles provide a timeless roadmap for resolving disputes and fostering
harmonious coexistence.
In conclusion, the world calls for the wisdom to choose peace over conflict. Neruda's verses and
Gandhi's legacy illuminate the path towards a more just and compassionate world.
3. Lost Spring' and 'Indigo' highlight the apathy of society and exploitation by those in power.
Elaborate.
Apathy: Anees Jung portrays a society indifferent to the plight of children trapped in cycles of poverty.
Child labour is normalised, and the children of Seemapuri and Firozabad are resigned to their fate as
ragpickers and bangle-makers.
The children work in hazardous, unhealthy conditions for meagre wages. They are denied access to
education and a chance to break free from poverty, exploited by middlemen and those who profit from
their labour.
Apathy: Louis Fischer showcases the indifference of British colonial officials towards the suffering of
Indian peasants. They are unconcerned about the unjust sharecropping system, forcing farmers to grow
indigo that ruins their land.
Exploitation: Farmers are trapped by oppressive contracts, cheated by landlords and ruthlessly exploited
for the profit of the colonisers. Their pleas for justice are ignored, and protests are violently suppressed.
4. Both stories highlight how those with power often use that power to perpetuate systems of
exploitation while society turns a blind eye to the suffering of the marginalised.[Board 2024 with
Marking Scheme]
5. While M. Hamel talks of language being the key to nationalism. Gandhi tells the court it is a
'conflict of duties'. On the one hand, not to set a bad example as a law breaker, on the other hand, to
render the humanitarian and national service. You get inspired and decide to write an article for a
youth magazine urging the youth to dedicate themselves to the service, of the nation.[Board 2024
with Marking Scheme]
You may begin like this:
Youth plays an important role in the progress of the nation...
POETS AD PANCAKES
1. Author has used gentle and subtle humour to point out human foibles and idiosyncrasies in the
lesson' Poets and Pancakes'. Elucidate.[SQP 2020 with Marking Scheme]
2. Identify any three literary devices used by the author in the line below from 'Poets and Pancakes'
and analyse the effect each technique has on the reader. Answer in 120-150 words.[Board 2023 with
Marking Scheme]
THE INTERVIEW
[Link] you are Mukund Padmanabhan from the Indian (The Interview) and you interviewed M.
Hamel, after he finished delivering the last lesson. (The Last Lesson). Write a paragraph on Hamel's
views on individual responsibility and nationalism. [Board 2024 with Marking Scheme]
GOING PLACES
1. Well I'll be a manager then - yes, of course - to begin with". (Going Places)
Sophie (Going Places) lives in a world of fantasy. Douglas (Deep Water) faces reality and realises the
importance of learning how to swim. Analyse based on the two texts the importance of doing things
rather that mere dreaming. Write an article on how the youth of today must inculcate an attitude of
doing rather than dreaming.
You may begin
The youth today must-----
After reading 'Aunt Jennifer's Tiger' and 'Going Places', you realise that Aunt Jennifer and Sophie's
mother have been subdued by their respective husbands. As a social activist you have to write an
article to a newspaper on the need to empower women. You may begin like this. Empowerment of
women is a very essential social reform. It needs to be accelerated for any nation to
progress______[Board 2024 with Marking Scheme]
2. Their mother sighed.
Sophie watched her back stooped over the sink and wondered at the incongruity of the delicate bow
which fastened her apron strings'.
The prose selection, Going Places includes this telling comment about Sophie's mother.
In Aunt Jennifer's Tigers, we are told that -
""The massive weight of Uncle's wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer's Hand'...
Imagine a conversation between Sophie's mother and Aunt Jennifer. Create this exchange with
reference to the two extracts given above.
You may begin the conversation like this ...[SQP 2023 with Marking Scheme)
Ans:Sophie's mother: Your embroidery is so beautiful. Do you love tigers?
Aunt Jennifer: Thank you for your appreciative words.I'm now being recognised for my work otherwise
throughout my life I have been suffering from an identity crisis. So I have used art as a means to express
my deep-down desires and feelings.
Sophie's mother: My position is no better either. I have also been playing servile role for long. All my
time is spent meeting the needs of my family. I too have no life of my own. I stay at home while all
others go to witness Danny Casey's football match.
Aunt Jennifer: Yes, it is so unfortunate that we both feel burdened with responsibilities. We both are
suppressed by our domineering husbands. Sophie's mother: And we do not have a say in the family
matters.
Aunt Jennifer: True. There seems to be no likelihood of any change in our status. We can only wait and
watch for the time to conduct some transformation in our lives.
2. Mention two points that the story 'Going Places' teaches us about celebrity culture and worship.
Answer in 100-120 words.
MY MOTHER AT SIXTY SIX
Imagine the mother gets to know of the poet personal's fears. Write a letter, as the mother, telling the
daughter why she must not dwell on these fears.
You may begin this way:
Pallipuram Cochin, Kerala 22 August '60 My dear Kamala I am writing to you because when you left
me at the airport, I felt something wasn't right. Judging by how little you spoke that
day_______________ (continue)______________
With love Amma.
Pallipuram
Cochin, Kerala 22 August '60
My dear Kamala
I am writing to you because when you left me at the airport, I felt something wasn't right.
Judging by how little you spoke that day, I understand that you were trying to hide your fears. You are
afraid that you are going to lose me and I am going to die soon. My child, you can put your fears to rest
as I am enjoying the prime of my health. I am doing my daily chores actively, and I do not feel tired so
soon. I am looking forward to meet you soon. If all my plans work, I will be shifting near you in another
month or so. Having said that, my child, you need to understand that the death is the ultimate truth of
life.
The one who is born has to die. All of us have to meet this fate sooner or later. So, as your guide and
mentor, I would advise to face this truth boldly as a day will come when this truth will be realised in my
case also. Remember, when that day comes, I want you not to grieve but cherish the happy moments
we shared and move on with your life.
Looking forward to see you soon.
With love
Amma
2. Imagine you are the poet's friend. Write a dialogue exchange between yourself and the poet where
the latter confides in you about her fears and asks for your [Link] would your advice be-to face
her fears, to ignore them, or something else?[QB 2021 with Marking Scheme]
Ans: Poet: Hi, how are you doing?
Friend: I am good, but you are not your usual self. What happened? You seem lost somewhere else.
Poet: I met my mother over the weekend. She is just sixty-six but was looking older than her age.
Friend: O, they all look like that. My father is only fifty-nine but he already looks like seventy.
Poet: Not only that, but her health was also looking deteriorated. I had to shift over here due to
professional work. It was a pain leaving her alone at home. I have not spent enough time with her lately.
There is so much I want to discuss with her, but don't have time.
Friend: Don't worry, she will be well. We all seem afraid of the impending truth. But, come on, face your
fears boldly. Take a week's off and spend time with her. At least, you will not regret later in life.
Poet: But, boss will not allow me to take off. You know the work pressure we have right now at office.
Friend: Don't worry, I will take care of that. I will work overtime couple of days and cover up for you.
Poet: Thanks dear, you are truly a friend indeed. I will talk to boss in the morning. Thanks and good
night.
Friend: So, cheer up now. All will be well. Good night.
KEEPING QUIET
1. The tone of the poet in the expression: "If we were not so single minded' is________ .
Ans: Critical
2. The last two years of school tend to be about planning for life after school. This can be motivating,
overwhelming or encouraging for some and stressful for others.[QB 2021 with Marking Scheme]
3. Write a diary entry recording your thoughts on the following: Neruda's ideas in 'Keeping Quiet' as a
guide in this [Link] differently about your decisions with reference to Neruda's 'Keeping
Quiet'.
4. What is the significance of "wreathing a flowery band to bind us to the earth" in the passage? And
such too is the grandeur of the dooms; we have imagined for the mighty dead.' Explain the inference
you can draw from the phrase 'mighty dead'.
5. What is the theme of the poem-' AThing of Beauty'?
6. The objects of beauty remove the gloom from our lives. Discuss with reference to the poem 'A
Thing of Beauty'(2022)
A ROADSIDE STAND
1. 'A Roadside Stand' is a social satire depicting the two contradictory worlds existing in society.
Justify this statement with reference to the poem. R [Board 2023 with Marking Scheme]
2. Imagine you are Pablo Neruda of ‘Keeping Quiet'. He advises Robert Frost in the context of his
conflict and pain at the plight of the road side stand owners. Pen down your advice in a letter to
Robert Frost. You may begin Dear Frost.
3 You seem very pained at the plight of the roadside stand owners, and 1 would like to advise you...
[Board 2024 with Marking Scheme]
4. 'A Roadside Stand' and 'Lost Spring' depict two contrasting worlds existing in society.
Justify this statement with reference to the poem A Roadside Stand' and the text 'The Lost Spring'.You
may begin with:
Social satire in the two texts portrays two contrasting worlds that exist in society. [Board 2024 with
Marking Scheme]
AUNT JENNIFER'S TIGERS
Paradox- 'Fluttering fingers'
Contrast - Male dominated society subordinates women.
Pun- 'ringed' , 'lie'
Finger fluttering through her wool- highlights the widespread subjugation of the women.
1. Analyse the poems, A Roadside Stand' and 'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers' for the theme of inequality and
its impact on the bearers. (SQP 2025)
2. 'Turn your pain into art': it's a phrase most of us have heard before.
3. Do you think Aunt Jennifer 'turned her pain into art'? What kind of 'contagion' might her pain be a
result of? Evaluate Aunt Jennifer and her artistry in light of the above extract. [QB 2021 with Marking
Scheme]
4. Imagine that Aunt Jennifer read the poem that Adrienne Rich wrote about her. After much
contemplation, she decided to write a letter to her husband expressing her feelings and thoughts.
Write a letter as Aunt Jennifer. (SPQ 2024)
THE THIRD LEVEL
1. Interpret the significance of both literal and metaphorical journeys in the story, 'The Third Level'.
[SQP 2025 with Marking Scheme]
2. Discuss the narrative techniques used by the author in 'The Third Level'. How do these techniques
effectively convey the themes of escapism and nostalgia? Provide specific examples from the text to
support your analysis.[SQP 2025 with Marking Scheme]
3. In the story, 'The Third Level' by Jack Finney, Charley is obsessed with finding the third level.
4. In an attempt to thrash out whether this obsession is a good quality or a harmful one, Charley's
wife expresses her thoughts in a diary entry.
21 July 20XX,
Dear Friend
Hello! How are you doing? I hope you find this letter in the pink of your health. Recently, I got a chance
to revisit and embrace the life, the people lived in the year 1984 through time travel. When I revisited
those times I realised that the times and lifestyles of people has changed drastically. I could completely
differentiate between the tranquil pre-World War II era and the tension-ridden world of the present.
Then there was warmth, hospitality, and simple pleasures. The clean, carefree environment reflected
the mood of the people. It was like paradise as compared to the insecure and worrisome life that one
leads today.
Human beings are a collection of experiences they have been through. Their tendency to connect with
the past from time to time helps them to stay connected to their roots while helping them to face the
present and the future challenges with more strength. In the modern lifestyle, there is stress, pressure,
fear, insecurity and worry. Whereas life in the past was relaxed, worry-free, secure and smooth. People
seemed to be content with the limited resources available and lived a healthy life amidst the purity of
nature with the least technology use and enjoying each other's company. People in the present live a
fast competitive life, rat racing each other and wasting time on social media apps. The ambience was
peaceful, hospitable, and welcoming, unlike today where friendships and relations also seem distant.
The architecture in the past was old fashioned as compared to the modern interiors of the present.
Despite the material advantage, one would gladly exchange the current life for that life. I realised that it
is very important for us to persist in our pursuit and find the entrance to this captivating realm again.
With utmost enthusiasm
Your Dear Friend
1. The boy drank the milk of an English cow, was brought up by an English nanny, tutored in English. You
realise that western influence on Indian culture is deep rooted since the days of the Tiger King.
2. Write an article using material from the text, on the pros and cons of western influence on the Indian
society.[Board 2024 with Marking Scheme]
You may begin like this;
Indians' exposure to the English language and influence
3. The king in the story 'The Tiger King' was driven by the single purpose of staying alive based on the
prophecy that the hundredth tiger would kill [Link] hunted tigers out of fear.
4. Imagine that you are living in the King's times, and he has killed seventy tigers at this point. As
someone who cares about animal welfare, write a letter to the king convincing him to stop hunting
tigers.
You may begin this way:
My sincerest greetings to his majesty,
I am Rajan, a subject of your kingdom, and I am writing to you today because...
JOURNEY TO THE END...
1. On returning home, Tishani Doshi writes her thoughts reflecting on how her decision to enrol for the
Students on Ice programme has been the single most important decision of her life that has completely
transformed her. Imagine yourself to be Tishani and express these thoughts. You may begin like this: I
can't thank my stars enough for having cashed in on the opportunity of [SQP 2023 with Marking
Scheme]
2. What are phytoplanktons? How are they important to our ecosystem?
3. Based on the chapter, elucidate any three consequences that global warming will have on Antarctica.
[QB 2021 with Marking Scheme]
THE ENEMY
Stupor- unconscious state
Sluggish - lazy
1. After seeing off the enemy solider. Dr. Sadao must have felt relieved. He was able to uphold the
oath that he had taken as a doctor. Dr. Sadao made an entry into his daily diary explaining the
dilemma faced by him and how he resolved it.
2. Imagine yourself to be Dr. Sadao and express his thoughts. (You may begin like this: I was able to
uphold the oath that I had taken as a doctor.....) [Board 2023 with Marking Scheme]
3. Pearl S. Buck depicts the servants in a way to convey a message about Japanese people and culture.
Support your answer with textual evidence. [QB 2021 with Marking Scheme]
4. Imagine you are Derry speaking at 'the funeral of Mr. Lamb highlighting Mr. Lamb's optimism and
the change he brought about in your attitude towards life.
Dear friends,
You may begin like this: I will be eternally grateful to Mr. Lamb....[Board 2024 with Marking Scheme]
4. Mr. Lamb: Lord, boy, you've got two arms, two legs and eyes and ears
You could get on better than all the rest. Optimism is the best tool to face challenges in life. Imagine
you are Mr. Lamb. You want to give a motivational speech to a group of differently -abled students
urging them to be positive in their approach to life. Write the speech on behalf of Mr. Lamb.
You may begin like this:
Hello, Dear Students! Believe in yourself. Nothing is impossible.
Derry: Oh no, because if I don't go back there, I'll never go anywhere in 4 this world again.
5. Derry later realises that the decision taken at that moment helped him to come out of shell. As
Derry, write a diary entry expressing your happiness and thanking your stars for the right decision
taken.
You may begin like this:
I was so fortunate to be able to be decisive at the right moment _________. [Board 2024 with Marking
Scheme]
MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD
1. Both Bama and Zitkala-Sa were from marginalised communities. They challenged the system to
bring dignity into their lives. Justify. [Board 2023 with Marking Scheme]
2. The two accounts that you have read above are based on two distant cultures. What is the
commonality of theme found in both of them?
*************