Two Mark Questions

[Link] any two images to which Romeo compares

Juliet.
[Link] any two expressions that Juliet uses to
glorify Romeo’s charm.
[Link] did Romeo want to do after the ‘measure
done’? Why?
4. Mention any two qualities of night according to
Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet”.
[Link] will all the world do, according to Juliet, if
Romeo becomes stars?
Three Mark Questions
1. What figures of speech does Romeo use to convey
Juliet’s beauty?
[Link] according to Juliet would all the world stop
worshipping the garish sun?
Four Mark Question
1. Comment on the contrasting imagery in the poem.
What purpose does it serve in highlighting the intensity
of love?

Two Mark Questions

[Link] the two countries that bordered Monaco.
2. Name any two commodities that were taxed in
Monaco
[Link] any two reasons that made German sovereigns
forbid gaming houses
[Link] two things which Monaco did not have to
execute the criminal
[Link] work was assigned to the guard when the
criminal was kept in prison?
[Link] was the King of Monaco worried about the
expenditure of 600 francs for the criminal?
7. How much pension was fixed for the criminal and
how much money was received in advance?
Three Mark Questions
[Link] a note on the Kingdom of Monaco as in ‘Too
Dear’.
[Link] did the Germans stop gaming houses?
[Link] was the criminal reluctant to leave the prison?
Four Mark Question
Why did the authorities in Monaco fail to carry out the
death sentence?
 Two Mark Questions
[Link] are the two reasons given by the prophet to say,’
Your children are not your children’?

2. What parents may give and may not give to children

according to the Prophet?

3. What do bows and arrows refer to in the poem on

children?
[Link] to the Prophet, who bends the bow and why?

Three Mark Questions

[Link] does the poem ‘On Children’ bring out the
relationship between parents and children?

Four Mark Questions

1. How is the parent-child relationship brought out

using the metaphor of the bows and arrows.

2 Marks
1. What lessons did the author learn from nature?
2. According to the women, what do forests bear?
3. What is Navdanya Farm, and why was it established?
4. Explain the concept of Earth Democracy .
5. What are the two popular courses offered in Earth
University?

10. What was the result of the Idea of separateness?

11. What was Francis Bacon's view on science and
inventions?
13. How does Tagore describe forest?
Three Marks
[Link] did the author's ecology journey begin? What role
did her parents play?
2. Describe one of the significant Chipko actions that took
place in the village of Adwani?

Four Marks Questions.

1. What is Navadanya movement?
A Sunny Morning

2 Marks
1. Describe Laura 's personality.
2. Describe Gonzalo 's personality.

3 Marks
2. What fictitious story did Gonzalo spin about himself in
the name of his cousin?

2. Discuss the significance of the ending of "A Sunny

Morning."

When you are Old

2 Mark Questions
2. What does the poet want his beloved to do?
3. What does the poet think about others who loved her?
5. What is the warning given to the poet' beloved?
3 Marks

2. How does the speaker distinguish his love from that of

the others?
Four Marks
[Link] does the poem bring out the transient nature of
beauty and the permanence of love ?

1. What were the old man’s eyes suffused with in ‘The

Gardener’?
3. Mention any two changes that took place in the
owner’s lifestyle after the arrival of the old man.
4. How was the old man useful to the owner of the
garden?

5. How much land did Tammanna and Basavaiah own?

7. What were the two things done by Tamanna to

annihilate Basavaiah?
9. Mention any two things that Basavaiah did after
Tammanna became known as the best poet of his time.

3 Marks
1. How did the owner’s lifestyle change after the arrival
of the old man?
3. How did Basavaiah try to overcome his humiliation?

4 Marks
[Link] does Tammanna adopt a counter strategy to
challenge the material wealth of Basavaiah?
[Link] would the foot like to be?

4. How do the petaled toes of the child grow in the shoe

5. What form does the child’s foot take on?
6. Mention any two places where the foot walks in a shoe
as a blind man.

3 marks
2. How does Neruda describe the busy life of the
individual as represented by the foot?
4 Marks
[Link] how Neruda's poem works out the contrast
between colourful dreams and the humdrum reality of
life.

I BELIEVE THAT BOOKS WILL NEVER

DISAPPEAR

2 Marks
1. What was Borges’ first literary reading? Where did he
gain most of his education, according to him?
A. Grimm’s Fairy Tales in an English version and he
believed that he was educated more by his father’s library
than by any high school or university.

2. Mention any two qualities that describe his mother

according to him.
A. He said that she was an intelligent and gracious woman
who he believed had no enemies.
3. What was blindness according to Borges?
A. It had become a way of life for him that was not entirely
unhappy.

4. Why according to him do humiliations, misfortunes

and embarrassments happen to us ?
A . They are given to us as raw material as clay so that we
may shape our art.
5. What do the books contain according to Borges?
[Link] book always retains something sacred, mortal and
magical which brings happiness.
6. Name the two kinds of metaphors that Borges
mentions.
[Link] and Whimsical Metaphors

3 Marks
[Link] does Borges feel remorseful after his mother's
death? Can this experience be generalised?
A. According to Borges, his mother was an extraordinary
woman and was very kind. He was guilty for not being a
happy man in order to give her a deserved happiness. He felt
that he should have been more understanding of her. He
described his mother as an intelligent and gracious woman
who he believed had no enemies. After her death, he realised
that he had taken her for granted. He was of the opinion that
this experience could be generalised as children tend to take
our mothers for granted, just like we take the sun, the moon
or the seasons for granted.

2. How does Borges elaborate on Goethe’s words’ all that

is near becomes far’?
A. In this verse, Goethe does not only refer to the Sunset,
but also to life. The evening twilight that seems close, moves
away from us as the night approaches. This can be seen as a
reference to the impermanence of everything around us. All
things will eventually leave us. In Borges’ case, the visible
world had moved away from him but fortunately, it had been
replaced by other things. He had accepted his blindness and
had chosen to enjoy the other things that remained. He would
pretend that he was not blind and continued buying books,
filling his house with them. He stresses on appreciating the
present because nothing is permanent .

3. What according to Borges should one think of

humiliations and misfortunes?
[Link] Alifano asks Borges to respond to a quote from
Homer's Odyssey, Borges explains that humiliations,
misfortunes and discord are given to us so that we may
transmute them and create eternal works of art or works that
aspire to be so. Borges believed that the tragic circumstances
of life are a great resource. All that happens to us happens for
a reason and the artist must believe this more intensely. He
felt that our humiliations and misfortunes are raw materials
which can be shaped into art.

4 Marks
1. Discuss Borges’ views on poetry and the poem.
A. According to Borges, the poem is a series of symbols.
Poetry on the other hand cannot be defined without
oversimplifying it. Poetry is an aesthetic act. To attempt to
define it would be like attempting to define the colour
yellow, love or the fall of leaves in autumn. Poetry, he
believed, is the poetic act which takes place when the poet
writes it and the reader reads it. It happens in a slightly
different manner each time. It is a magical, mysterious and
unexplainable event although not an incomprehensible
event. He felt that if one did not feel the poetic act upon
reading it , the poet had failed.

2. Why is it important to learn a language precisely ?

What example does Borges use to demonstrate this aspect
of poetic language?
[Link] to Borges, it is important to find the precise
words while writing poetry because they elicit emotions.
Borges uses the example of Emily Dickinson’s poem. The
idea used in the following line is ordinary. “ This quiet dust
was gentlemen and ladies”. This dust refers to the dust of
[Link] idea is a cliche, but the phrase ‘gentleman and
ladies’ gives the line a magical and poetic quality. If she
had used the words men and women it would have been
trivial and would have failed as poetry. Therefore the precise
use of language in poetry was of utmost importance.
3. In spite of modern modes of communication, Borges
believes that books will not disappear. Illustrate.
A. According to Borges, books will not disappear in spite of
modern modes of communication because the book is the
most astounding invention of man. All other inventions are
extensions of our bodies. The telephone is the extension of
our voice. The telescope and the microscope are extensions
of our sight. The plough and the sword are extensions of our
arms. Only the book is an extension of our memory and
imagination and no modern mode of communication would
be able to substitute it. Books are the memories of all the
centuries. Their function is therefore irreplaceable. If books
disappear, history would also disappear and so would man.

HEAVEN IF YOU ARE NOT HERE ON EARTH

2 MARKS QUESTIONS
[Link] is heaven according to the poet?
A The poet says that gods and nymphs exist in us.
2. What does the poet want us to admire in nature?
[Link] stream, tender sunshine in verdant gardens , the
gentle sun and the splendour of harvest and moonlight.
3. How does the poet create heaven on earth?
[Link] imbibing and spilling the song of nectar.
3 MARKS QUESTIONS
[Link] the significance of the opening line: "Heaven, if
you are not here on earth, / Where else could you be!"
A. This opening line underscores the poet's belief that heaven
must exist in the present and immediate surroundings. It
challenges the traditional notion of heaven as a remote,
unattainable realm and suggests that it can be realized in the
natural world.
[Link] the phrase "If we ourselves cannot be gods, /
Then there can be no gods!"
A. This phrase conveys the idea that if humans cannot attain
a god-like existence, the concept of gods becomes irrelevant.
It highlights the interconnectedness between humanity and
divinity, suggesting that the potential for divinity lies within
human beings.
[Link] the symbolic meaning of “heavenly nymphs” in
the poem.
A. "Heavenly nymphs" symbolize purity, beauty, and an
ethereal quality. Their mention suggests that if humans
cannot embody these divine traits, then such celestial beings
cannot exist, emphasizing the idea that divinity is rooted in
human experience.
4. How does the phrase “imbibing and spilling the song of
nectar” reflect the relationship between nature and art?
A. This phrase illustrates how nature inspires artistic
expression. It implies that the sweetness and richness of life
can be captured through poetry, suggesting that art has the
power to distill the essence of beauty and create a heavenly
experience.
[Link] significance does the “harvest” hold in the poem?
A. The “harvest” symbolizes abundance and the rewards of
labour. It represents the cyclical nature of life and the beauty
found in the fruits of one's efforts, linking it to the notion of
heaven on Earth.

4 Marks Question
[Link] the relationship between humanity and divinity
as presented in the poem.
A. The poem 'Heaven if you are not here on earth',
originally written by Kuvempu in Kannada has been
translated by C. Naganna. The entire poem is divided into 3
stanzas. The poet feels that heaven cannot be anywhere else
other than on earth. He continues with the same idea that if
we cannot be gods, then there can be no gods. He feels the
same about the heavenly nymphs (Angels). He expresses this
idea with a strong belief that human beings are vessels of
divinity. The poet also presents glimpses of nature’s scenic
beauty describing the roaring stream that rushes fast, rolling
surf at the edge of waves. The tender sunshine that leans on
verdant gardens and the gentle sun that warms the earth, truly
allow a person to experience heaven on earth.
When we see a combination of these beautifully working in
nature, it is equated to heaven. The poet tries to describe the
joy of good harvest as experienced by the farmers. the
presence of the moon at night further tries to create a
heavenly atmosphere . This beautiful side of nature is
experienced by the poet and converted into words and
written in the form of a lyric or a poem. Thus the poet
creates heaven on earth through his verse.

JAPAN AND BRAZIL THROUGH A

TRAVELLER’S EYE
2 Marks
[Link] describes Japan and the people as
[Link] and Well mannered.
[Link] does Mikes call ‘a man’s castle’ and what do the
people of Japan highly respect in Japan?
A. Telephone receiver and Privacy
[Link] long does it take in Japan to get convinced that
one is among exquisitely well-mannered people?What is
mania in Japan according to Mikes?
A. Quarter of an hour , Bowing
 [Link] is the hierarchy followed in a Japanese family
according to Mikes?
A. Wife bows to the husband, children bow to their father,
younger brothers bow to their elder brothers and sisters bow
to their brother irrespective of their age.
[Link] do mothers in Japan carry and how?
A. Mothers carry their babies in clever little saddles.
[Link] place in Japan is connected by the Tokaido line?
A. Osaka and Tokyo.
[Link] Japanese stores employ bowing girls to greet
customers. They are the equivalent of the European page
boys.

[Link] enters the carriage in a slightly theatrical scene as

and what do they do?
A. The ticket collectors enter the carriage in a theatrical
scene and bow to each other and the people on both sides of
the carriage before checking tickets.
[Link] animal bowed to Mikes and where ?
[Link] deer bowed to the narrator in Nara.
[Link] did the deer do after bowing to Mikes in Japan?
A. Snatched the packet of food and ran away
[Link] are transformed into savages as soon as a bus
arrives in Japan? What do they do?
A. The Japanese people push each other aside, tread on each
other’s toes and shove their elbows into each other’s
stomachs.
[Link] must one do while eating soup in Japan and why
according to Mikes?
A. Make a fearful noise as it is considered a sign of
appreciation.
[Link] pavements in the streets of Copacabana in Brazil
are often decorated with and what does it show?
A. Beautiful black mosaic and it shows that they are a people
alive to beauty in their surroundings.
[Link] life is becoming hazardous everyday in Brazil
and as soon as a driver notices a pedestrian steps off the
payment in Brazil what do they do according to Mikes?
A. Pedestrians and they are regarded as fair game.
18.’The Avenida Presidente Vargas’ in Brazil is
described by Mikes as it has the worst traffic congestion
that the author has seen.

3 Marks
1. How have Japanese people substituted privacy with
courtesy ?
A: Japanese society values respect for others' privacy due to
their dense population. Public phones lack booths, but people
maintain privacy by not eavesdropping on conversations.
This silent social agreement allows individuals to discuss
personal matters openly without others intruding, showcasing
the Japanese dedication to respecting personal space.
Therefore in Japan Courtesy has a double function. It is
courtesy as well as substitute privacy.
2. Explain the mania for bowing in Japan and the
hierarchical structure followed.
A: Bowing in Japan is a symbol of respect and plays a role
similar to handshakes or greetings elsewhere. It is highly
structured, with bow depth and duration varying based on
factors like age, status, and social rank. People instinctively
know who bows first and for how long, reflecting Japan’s
cultural emphasis on order and respect. 3. Why do Japanese
people get offended when foreigners bow to them?
A: Foreigners often find it challenging to understand the
nuances of Japanese bowing customs. They may bow too
deeply, to the wrong person, or at the wrong time. The
cultural codes behind bowing, such as clasping hands or the
exact bow angle, are unfamiliar, making it difficult for
outsiders to convey proper respect without unintentional
mistakes.
4. Discuss the hierarchy of bowing followed by the
Japanese families.
A: Within Japanese families, bowing reflects respect
according to family roles and hierarchy. For instance, a wife
bows to her husband, children bow to their father, younger
siblings bow to older ones, and sisters bow to all brothers
irrespective of their age. This internal family hierarchy
shows the broader Japanese respect for structure and order in
personal relationships.
5. What is the role of ‘bowing girls’ in Japanese stores,
and what does it signify?
A: 'Bowing girls' in Japanese stores are employees who greet
customers with deep, respectful bows at escalators. Their
role exemplifies Japan’s customer service culture, where
bowing is used to convey gratitude and respect, mirroring the
high value placed on courtesy and professionalism in
Japanese
society.
6. How do Japanese train conductors demonstrate
respect when checking tickets on the Tokaido Line?
A: On the Tokaido Line from Tokyo to Osaka, conductors
bow to each other, then start checking the tickets.
[Link] how deers in Nara imitate bowing.
A: The narrator observed a deer in Nara that bowed before
taking food, showing how Japanese customs can even
influence animals. After bowing, the deer immediately
snatched the food packet and ran away. In this way the deer
proved to be a true Japanese.
8. Analyse the behaviour of Japanese people at bus stops.
What contrast does it reveal?
A: At the bus stop, the Japanese people bow to each other
though they are strangers exhibiting polite, formal behaviour
by bowing to each other. However, when the bus arrives,
they turn into savage monsters pushing and shoveling their
elbows into each other while boarding the bus . This contrast
reveals the flip side of Japanese culture.
9. Why does a Japanese host get offended if a European
makes a weird sound while drinking soup?
A: In Japan, making noise while eating soup is considered a
sign of appreciation whereas when a European makes these
noises the Japanese host gets offended. She would comment
that no well brought up European would make such noises
while eating soup. If you don't make the noise as well she
would get offended as she feels the food is not being
appreciated. Hence, a European can never impress a
Japanese host.

4 marks
1. Explain how the people of Japan respect each other’s
privacy according to Mikes.
[Link] people are extremely well mannered people. As
Japan is overcrowded, the people find no privacy in public
places. But they enjoy perfect privacy there. As Mikes puts
it, the Japanese respect each other’s privacy out of courtesy.
So courtesy plays the double function by replacing privacy.
That means courtesy is the substitute for privacy in japan.
For example; public phones are situated on tables or on a
counter as they have no space for telephone booths. One can
discuss his most confidential business transactions or or
one’s intimate love quarrels on public telephone yet in
perfect privacy. Anybody, any passerby can listen in but
nobody does. A man’s telephone receiver is his castle.
2. How does George Mikes describe bowing to be a
quainter and infectious trait of Japanese people? Or
How is bowing in Japan a complicated process?
[Link] is a mania in Japan. Everybody keeps bowing to
everybody else. It is ceremonious and solemn and inimitable.
It is just like kissing one’s cheek or shaking hands elsewhere
but here, it is quainter, more formal and oriental. A foreigner
cannot easily do this in perfect Japanese style. If two
Japanese meet, who to bow first; whom to bow; how long to
bow and who to straighten up first all these are done in a
fraction of second. The author says even a child in its clever
little saddle on the back of its mother bows somewhat
condescendingly from his majestic height. Inside the family
the wife bows to her husband; younger ones to elders. But
the strange thing inside the family is that the sister has to
bow to her brothers irrespective of their age. The conductors,
as Mikes observed in the Tokaido line, saluted the
commuters and then started checking tickets. When Mikes
comes across a deer in Nara, that too, came to him, bowing
in perfect Japanese manner.
[Link] is a pedestrian’s life in Brazil hazardous in Brazil
according to George Mikes. Or Describe the war between
drivers and pedestrians as explained by the narrator in
“Japan and Brazil through a traveler’s eye”
[Link] number of motor cars are increasing in leaps and
bounds in Brazil. One thinks that as if they are given freely
to all and sundry. This led to the worst traffic in Brazil. As a
result the pedestrians’ life has become hazardous day by day.
The author writes humorously that the drivers take much care
of the pedestrians. If any pedestrian steps off the pavement,
he says, the drivers aim at the pedestrians and accelerate; the
pedestrian, then, has to leap, jump and run to save his dear
life. But in the end, both smile at each other amicably.
[Link] an account of crawling traffic in Brazil as
mentioned by George Mikes. Or Write a note on the
traffic at Avenida Presidente Vargas in Brazil. Or
Describe how traffic in Brazil leads to humorous
observations.
[Link] is known for its worst traffic according to George
Mikes. In spite of murderous and crippling taxes, the number
of cars in Brazil is increasing day by day. It seems that as if
the cars were given for free to all and sundry. The life of
pedestrians is hazardous there. If any pedestrian steps off the
pavement by chance, he has to run, leap and jump for his
dear life. Avenida Presidente Vargas is the worst place of all
in Brazil. The author explains this with a humorous incident.
Suppose you are waiting at Avenida Presidente Vargas to
cross the road, you can never succeed because the fast
moving traffic seems to be crawling for no end of rushing
vehicles. You can’t find an auspicious time to cross the road.
At the time of waiting you see a person on your side catches
sight of his friend on the other side. He is completely
mystified to see his friend there on the other side. Then he
shouts at him asking what on earth has taken him there! His
friend is surprised at this silly question and replies that he
was born on the other side and still there and never crossed
the road.

THE VOTER

2 marks questions
1. Who was supposed to be very popular in his village
and what was he addressed as in ‘The Voter’
A: Rufus Okeke was a very popular man in his village and
was addressed as Roof in ‘The Voter’.
2. Where had Roof spent two years and what did he
work as?
A: Roof had spent two years as a bicycle repairer’s
apprentice in Port Harcourt in ‘The Voter’.
3. How long had Roof been a bicycle repairer’s assistant
in ‘The Voter’?
A: Roof had spent two years as a bicycle repairer’s
apprentice in Port Harcourt in ‘The Voter’.
4. To which village did Roof belong to and why was he
popular in ‘The Voter’?
A: Roof belonged to Umuofia and he was popular as he
guided the people of Umofia ‘The Voter’.
5. Who was PAP’s most illustrious son referred to and
what is it’s full form in ‘The Voter’?
A: Chief the Honourable Marcus Ibe was PAP’s most
illustrious son. PAP stands for Progressive Organisation
Party in ‘The Voter’.
6. Who was Marcus Ibe’s most trusted campaigner and
why in ‘The Voter’?
A: Roof was Marcus Ibe’s most trusted campaigner as he
knew the nuances of campaigning at the village, state and
national level in ‘The Voter’.
7. Who was the Minister of culture in the outgoing
government as well as the incoming government in ‘The
Voter’?
A: Chief the Honourable Marcus Ibe was the Minister of
culture in the outgoing government in ‘The Voter’.
8. Mention the promise made by PAP if they were voted
to power in ‘The Voter’?
A: PAP promised to give pipe-borne water to the village if
they were voted to power in ‘The Voter’.
10. Name the man of high traditional title in Umuofia.
What were they offered in ‘The Voter’.
A: Ogbuefi Ezenwa and they were offered 4 shillings.
11. Mention the honours/benefits politics had brought to
Marcus Ibe in ‘The Voter’.
A: Wealth, chieftaincy titles and doctorate degree.
12. Opposition to Marcus Ibe in ‘The Voter’ was like
A: a fly trying to move a dunghill.
13. What was Marcus Ibe before entering politics and
why did he enter politics in ‘The Voter’?
A: Marcus Ibe was a missionary school teacher before
entering politics.A female teacher’s complaint had resulted
in the dismissal of Marcus from the mission school in ‘The
Voter’.
14. What had Marcus Ibe named his new house and who
christened the house?
A: “Umuofia Mansions” and the Archbishop christened it.
15. Name 2 luxuries that Marcus had but the villagers did
not have.
[Link] had a private plant to supply electricity to his
house and had 2 long cars.
16. Who conducted the whispering campaign and when
in ‘The Voter’?
A: Marcus Ibe’s stalwarts conducted the whispering
campaign and was conducted during the night by Roof in
‘The Voter’.
17. How much had Marcus Ibe drawn in advance for the
election and why in ‘The Voter’?
A: Marcus Ibe had drawn five months’ salary in advance in
order to bribe the voters in ‘The Voter’.
18. Roof offered two shillings initially to the elders and
finally settled for four shillings for their votes in ‘The
Voter’.
19. What does the phrase ‘the enemy’ used by Roof refers
to in ‘The Voter’?
A: The phrase ‘the enemy’ used by Roof referred to the
‘Progressive Organization Party’.
20. Who had formed POP and what does POP stand for
in ‘The Voter’?
A: The tribes down the coast had formed [Link] stands
for ‘Progressive Organization Party’.
21. How much did the POP campaign team offer Roof for
his vote in ‘The Voter’?
A: The POP campaign team offered five pounds to Roof for
his vote in ‘The Voter’.
22. What was Roof asked to swear on and where did it
come from?
A: Roof was asked to swear on ‘the iyi’ and the iyi comes
from Mbanta.
23. Who competed against Marcus in the election and
What is the symbol of PAP in ‘The Voter’?
A: Maduka competed against Marcus in the election and
their symbol is the motor car.
24. What is the symbol of POP in ‘The Voter’?
A: ‘The man’s head’.
25. Where was Marcus Ibe seated on the morning of
election in ‘The Voter’?
A: Marcus Ibe sat in the owner’s corner of his enormous
green car on the morning of election in ‘The Voter’.
26. What precaution did Roof take while inserting the
ballot paper in ‘The Voter’?
A: Roof took the precaution of putting the first half of the
ballot paper into Maduka’s box and confirming the action
verbally: “I vote for Maduka”.
3 marks questions
1. Account for Roof’s popularity in ‘The Voter’.
A: Rufus Okeke was a very popular man in the village. His
popularity was due to the fact that unlike people of his age,
he did not abandon his village seeking work in the towns.
Moreover, Roof was not a village lout. People liked him
because they believed that he had given up a bright future
and returned to their village after spending two years as a
bicycle repairer’s apprentice in Port Harcourt with the
intention of guiding the people of the village in difficult
times.
2. Describe how Marcus Ibe had managed to become a
‘successful’ politician in ‘The Voter’.
A: The people of Umuofia witnessed the honours and
benefits received by Marcus Ibe to whom they had voted free
of charge five years ago. They realized how politics brought
wealth, chieftaincy titles, doctorate degrees and other
honours readily to Marcus Ibe. He became ‘Chief the
Honourable’ and was also the Minister of Culture in the
outgoing government. He had two long cars and had built
himself the biggest house in that village. He had lately
installed a private plant to supply electricity to his new house
while the village had neither running water nor electricity.
Despite all the comforts of life, Marcus still remained
devoted to his people and returned to the village whenever he
could and this helped him to remain as a successful
politician.
3. Explain the change that had come into the thinking of
Umuofia in ‘The Voter’.
A: The people of Umuofia witnessed how Marcus Ibe
became wealthy and got chieftaincy titles, doctorate degrees
and other honours after he was voted to power. They saw
how he became ‘Chief the Honourable’ and built himself the
biggest house in the village. On the day, the house was
opened by the Archbishop, he had hosted a grand lunch to
his people slaughtering five bulls and countless goats. The
people were full of praise for Marcus’s hospitality but they
also felt bitter after the feasting was over. The regret people
of Umuofia experienced was that they had underrated the
power of the ballot paper earlier and that they should not do
it again.
4. What was whispering campaign and how did Roof
conduct it in ‘The Voter’?
A: After Roof warned Marcus Ibe about the change that had
come into the thinking of the people of Umuofia, Marcus
arms his campaign boys with jute bags of money. His
campaign boys conducted their whispering campaign at night
while Marcus made speeches in the day. Roof was the most
trusted of these campaigners. During his whispering
campaigns, Roof uses a lot of political rhetoric and tells the
people convincingly that PAP favours the people of
Umuofia. He asks what greater honour can a village have. He
also reminds them about PAP’s promise to give pipe-borne
water to the village if they are voted to power.
5. What reasons are given for the formation of POP in
‘The Voter’?
A: The enemy of People’s Alliance Party was a new party
called the ‘Progressive Organisation Party’. It had been
formed by the tribes down the coast. The founders of the
party claimed that they had founded the party to save
themselves from ‘total political, cultural, social and religious
annihilation’. The party organizers knew that they had no
chance of winning against the PAP, yet they had taken the
plunge for a straight fight with PAP. They had also spent a
lot of money in Umuofia.
6. How did the POP campaign team trap Roof in ‘The
Voter’?
A: On the last night of campaigning, the leader of the POP
campaign team visits Roof. He places five pounds on the
floor before Roof and tells him that they want his vote. Roof
initially refuses in a feeble tone but when the POP campaign
leader tells him that Marcus would not be there when Roof
casts his vote. Roof readily accepts the money. Later, they
make Roof swear in the presence of ‘iyi’ that he would cast
his vote for Maduka, failing which the ‘iyi’ will take note.
This way, the POP campaign team traps Roof.
7. Give a picture of the activities on the election morning
in ‘The Voter’.
A: On the day of the election, there are weather-beaten
posters on the walls of houses, tree trunks and telegraph
poles that had messages telling people to vote for PAP and
POP. Marcus had hired a highlife band from Umuru and
stationed it at a distance considered lawful. Many villagers
danced to the music before they proceeded to the booths.
Some people shook hands with Marcus and congratulated
him in advance. Meanwhile, Roof and his campaign boys
gave last minute advice to the voters and thereby ensuring
that not a single vote goes to the other party.
8. How does Roof conceal his betrayal of Marcus in the
election?
A: On the day of the election, Roof and other organizers
were seen prancing up and down, giving last minute advice
to the voters. When Marcus asks Roof to go first to cast his
vote after the first rush of voters is over, Roof’s spirits fall,
but he lets no one see it. Roof dashes off in his springy
fashion towards the booths. Inside the booth, he tears the
ballot paper into two and drops the two halves in the boxes,
one for Maduka and the other for Marcus. Roof finishes his
voting and comes out of the booth as jauntily as he had gone
in. Thus, Roof is able to conceal his betrayal of Marcus in
the election.
9. Why was Roof in a fix when putting in his ballot paper
in ‘The Voter’?
A: When Marcus asks Roof to cast his vote, Roof goes into
the booth and faces a moral dilemma. His conscience tells
him that he ought not to betray Marcus. He also thinks to run
back and return the money he received from the leader of the
POP campaign team. But, when he recalls that he had sworn
in the presence of ‘iyi’ to vote for Maduka, he changes his
decision and tears the ballot paper into two halves. He drops
the first half into Maduka’s box and the other half into
Marcus’s box. He also confirms his vote for Maduka by
saying aloud, “I vote for Maduka” and then goes out happily.
4 marks questions:
1. ‘Roof is an intelligent manipulator.’ Justify with
reference to ‘The Voter’.
A: Roof was in the service of Marcus Ibe for the coming
elections. Roof was able to sense the radical change that had
come into the thinking of Umuofia. He was the most trusted
‘whispering campaigner’. During his whispering campaigns,
Roof uses a lot of political rhetoric and tells the people
convincingly that PAP favours the people of Umuofia. They
strike a bargain with Roof and agree to sell their vote for four
shillings each. Having worked as Marcus’s election
campaigner, Roof extracts enough money as well as other
benefits from Marcus during his term. On the last night of
campaigning when the leader of the POP election campaign
team offers him five pounds, Roof agrees to cast his vote in
favour of Maduka. On the day of election, Roof and the other
campaigners were prancing up and down, giving last minute
advice to the voters and thereby ensuring that people vote for
Marcus. When it was his turn to cast his vote, he was caught
in a dilemma. However, he solves the conflict in his mind by
tearing the ballot paper into two and casting his vote for both
parties. Therefore, one can conclude that ‘Roof is an
intelligent manipulator’ in ‘The Voter’.
2. Roof’s dilemma on the day of election is the result of
his own misdeeds. Do you agree? Give reasons.
A: On the day of the election, one can see Roof in a moral
dilemma. For the first time, his moral conscience pricks him
not to betray Marcus. But it is only a momentary impulse and
vanishes almost immediately when Roof recalls the picture
of iyi and the cocoa farmer harvesting his crop. Then he hits
on the idea of deceiving both Marcus and Maduka. He folds
the ballot paper, tears it in two at the crease and drops the
first half into the box meant for Maduka. He also confirms
the action verbally: “I vote for Maduka”. He then puts the
other half into the box meant for Marcus. Thus, the writer
successfully highlights how money and politics can corrupt
people at all [Link] is Roof who is responsible for this
moral degradation. The fall of Roof demonstrates the
deepening level of corruption and the dimming of moral
principles. Although Roof overcomes his personal dilemma
on election day by tearing his ballot paper in two halves, one
for Maduka and the other for Marcus, his act illustrates the
basic unreliability and political dishonesty of people working
for elections. Thus, one can argue that Roof’s dilemma on
the day of election is the result of his own misdeeds.
3. ‘The Voter’ is a comment on the awareness of voters.
Discuss.
A: In the text ‘The Voter’, Chinua Achebe ridicules
politicians and makes an attempt at how an election can
become laughable because of ignorance, illiteracy and
corruption. The people of Umuofia witnessed how Marcus
Ibe, the Minister of Culture in the outgoing government had
amassed a lot of wealth within a period of five years while
they remained poor and illiterate. Roof who was in the
service of Marcus Ibe, warned him about the radical change
that had come into the thinking of Umuofia since the last
national election. During his whispering campaigns, Roof
uses a lot of political rhetoric and tells the people
convincingly that PAP favours the people of Umuofia and
also bribes them to vote for Marcus. ‘The Voter’ also reveals
the contagious nature of an immoral attitude as the villagers
accept bribes from [Link]’s greed for wealth is kindled
by the opposition party, POP. The POP with a view of
making a dent in Marcus’s electorate lures Roof with an
offer of five pounds just to cast his vote for Maduka and also
force him to swear on the ‘iyi’. Though Roof is caught in a
dilemma on the day of election, he solves the conflict in his
mind by tearing the ballot paper into two and casting his vote
for both parties. On the whole, Roof represents all voters
who vote for money.
4. Demanding money to vote for a particular person is
not wrong. How is this brought out in ‘The Voter’?
A: Marcus Ibe was voted to power by the people of Umuofia
believing that he would work for their welfare and
upliftment. The people of Umuofia witnessed how Marcus
Ibe became wealthy and got chieftaincy titles, doctorate
degrees and other honours after he was voted to power. They
saw how he became ‘Chief the Honourable’ and built himself
the biggest house in the village. Later, they regret that they
had underrated the power of their vote and so they decide to
demand money to cast their vote for Marcus. This is the
reason, in the whispering campaign, when Roof offers two
shillings each, they tell him that it was too shameful to
accept just two shillings from Marcus for their vote because
Marcus was no longer a poor man as he was doing great
things. They agree to cast their vote in favour of Marcus only
after taking four shillings [Link], when the voters of
Umuofia demanded money to vote for Marcus, it only meant
that their real mandate had not given them what they needed
and they remain in poverty as before. Therefore, ‘The Voter’
justifies that demanding money to vote for a particular
person is not wrong.

5. Roof was the most trusted ‘whispering campaigner’.

To what extent is this true in ‘The Voter’?
A: Marcus Ibe is expecting to get re-elected to power again.
His most trusted ‘whispering campaigner’ Roof had worked
for his success in the previous election. He had been able to
convince the people of Umuofia that Marcus would work for
the welfare of the people and they would get many amenities
like running water and electricity. Roof was also clever
enough to perceive a change in the mood of the people and
warned Marcus about it. Marcus had drawn five months’
salary in advance and armed his campaign boys with jute
bags of money. During his whispering campaigns, Roof uses
a lot of political rhetoric and tells the people convincingly
that PAP favours the people of [Link] the last day of
the campaigning, Roof remains loyal and the most trusted of
Marcus’s whispering campaigners. But, the POP campaign
leader lures Roof to promise his vote for Maduka offering
five pounds. It is at this juncture that one sees a dent in his
loyalty towards Marcus. Even though he knows that a half
ballot is invalid, he tears the ballot paper into two and puts
one half into each box, thus resolving the moral dilemma in
his mind. This way he is only comforting his conscience and
does not truly remain loyal to Marcus.
6. Do you think that Roof was right in tearing the ballot
paper into two? Explain with reference to ‘The Voter’.
A: When Marcus asks Roof to cast his vote, Roof goes into
the booth and faces a moral dilemma. His conscience tells
him that he ought not to betray Marcus. He also thinks to run
back and return the money he received from the leader of the
POP campaign team. But, when he recalls that he had sworn
in the presence of ‘iyi’ to vote for Maduka, he changes his
decision and tears the ballot paper into two halves. He drops
the first half into Maduka’s box and the other half into
Marcus’s box. He also confirms his vote for Maduka by
saying aloud, “I vote for Maduka” and then goes out
[Link] act of Roof, of tearing the ballot in two,
invalidates his vote. When a person tears it in two, it is clear
that he has not chosen any person at all, though he may have
dropped the two halves of the paper into different boxes.
This act was only to resolve the moral dilemma he was
facing and not with the intention of exercising his choice.
The act did not mean that he had voted in favour of both.
Actually, it was an invalid vote. This was against the spirit of
elections.
7. ‘The Voter’ presents the role of money and ridicules its
power in an election. Explain.
A: ‘The Voter’ by Chinua Achebe is a satirical and realistic
portrayal of how corrupt politicians deceive people in
elections and what mediatory strategies they use to woo the
voters and subvert the power of the people’s mandate in
choosing a leader of their choice. The corrupt and greedy
political leader in the story is Marcus Ibe. The people of
Umuofia witnessed how Marcus Ibe became wealthy and got
chieftaincy titles, doctorate degrees and other honours after
he was voted to power. They saw how he became ‘Chief the
Honourable’ and built himself the biggest house in the
village while the people remained in poverty. Later, they
regret that they had underrated the power of their vote and so
they decide to demand money to cast their vote for Marcus.
On the other hand, Roof also falls into the trap laid by the
leader of the POP campaign team when they offer him
money in return for his vote. They make Roof swear in the
presence of ‘iyi’ that he would cast his vote for Maduka,
failing which the ‘iyi’ will take note. Thus, ‘The Voter’
presents the role of money and ridicules its power in an
election.

Where there is a Wheel- P. S Sainath

2 marks

1. How did Arivoli Iyakkam contribute to the promotion

of the cycling movement?
A. Arivoli Iyakkam(The light of knowledge) supported the
cycling movement by promoting it as a way to empower
women through increased mobility, confidence, and access to
literacy.

2. What obstacles did women encounter when they

started cycling?
A. Women faced social opposition, including rude comments
and character attacks, when they began to cycle.

3. Who composed the cycling anthem for the Arivoli

Iyakkam?
A. The cycling anthem for the Arivoli Iyakkam was written
by Muthu Bhaskaran, a male activist of the movement.

4. In what way did the cycling support the literacy

movement in Pudukkotai?
A. Cycling inspired the neo- literate women in Pudukkotai to
participate more actively in the literacy movement, as it
became a symbol of their independence and empowerment.

5. Which former district collector started the cycling

movement?
A. Sheela Rani Chaukath, a former district collector, was the
one who initiated the cycling movement.

6. In what way did UNICEF assist the women activists of

the Arivoli movement?
A. UNICEF supported the Arivoli women activists by
providing them with fifty mopeds.

7. What role did banks play in supporting the cycling

movement in Pudukkotai?
A. Banks supported the cycling movement in Pudukkotai by
offering loans to women to buy bicycles.

3 marks
1. How did the Arivoli Iyakkam contribute to the
empowerment of women?
A. The Arivoli Iyakkam, meaning "Light of Knowledge,"
empowered women by promoting literacy and teaching over
70,000 rural women to cycle in Pudukottai district. Despite
social opposition, it linked education with mobility,
increasing women's confidence and independence. Led by N.
Kannammal, the movement made cycling socially
acceptable, fostering both physical and emotional liberation
for rural women.

2. What are the various ways in which bicycles empower

rural women?
A. The bicycle empowers rural women by fostering self-
reliance, boosting confidence, and enabling access to remote
areas. It helps them manage daily tasks like fetching water,
carrying children, or transporting farm produce. Cycling
saves time, increases earnings through easier goods transport,
and most importantly, enhances their dignity and self-worth
by reducing dependence on others.

3. What similarities exist between neoliterates and

neocyclists?
A. Neoliterates and neocyclists share a common path of
empowerment and progress. Women who recently learned to
read also learned to cycle, gaining freedom, confidence, and
independence. Both skills helped break traditional barriers,
enabling access to education, work, and self-reliance.
Together, they symbolized a significant social transformation
in rural Tamil Nadu, promoting gender equality and change.

4. How did Sheela Rani Chunkath contribute to women’s

empowerment?
[Link] 1991, Sheela Rani Chunkath, Pudukkottai’s district
collector, empowered women by linking literacy with
mobility. She trained female literacy activists to cycle,
boosting their confidence and reach. This inspired village
women to learn cycling, turning it into a social movement.
Her innovative approach helped break barriers, promoting
freedom, education, and self-reliance among rural women.
 [Link] did women respond to the shortage of ladies’
cycles?
[Link] responded enthusiastically to the shortage of
ladies’ cycles in Pudukkottai. Determined to learn cycling,
they bought men’s cycles instead. Some even preferred them
for their sturdiness and utility, like carrying children. The
cycle symbolized independence, so the shortage didn’t stop
them. Many women still use men’s cycles today, while
others await the chance to own one.

4 marks
[Link] does P. Sainath highlight that the impact of
cycling goes beyond just economic benefits?
A.P. Sainath, in his first-hand account, highlights how
cycling became a powerful social movement in Pudukkottai,
Tamil Nadu. Led by Arivoli activists under N. Kannammal,
women embraced cycling through training camps linked to
the literacy movement.
Beyond mobility and economic gains ,like increased
incomes, reduced travel time, and expanded business reach;
cycling brought deeper changes. It empowered women,
boosted their confidence, and gave them a sense of dignity
and self-worth. For many, the cycle symbolized freedom and
independence. Sainath emphasizes that cycling's true impact
lies not just in financial upliftment, but in transforming
women’s roles and identities within rural society.
[Link] did bicycles improve the lives of women living in
remote or rural areas?
[Link] significantly improved the lives of women in
remote areas by offering them greater mobility and
independence. In places where public transportation was
scarce or unreliable, cycling became a practical means to
access distant markets, health services, and educational
institutions. It enabled women to manage their time more
efficiently and handle multiple responsibilities such as
fetching water, transporting children, and carrying goods or
farm [Link] increased access and convenience not
only reduced physical strain but also empowered women
economically and socially, especially in regions far from
main roads or without consistent access to buses and other
transport options.

[Link] what ways did UNICEF contribute to strengthening

the cycling movement?
A. UNICEF played a vital role in amplifying the impact of
the cycling movement by recognizing its success and
providing tangible support. By donating fifty mopeds to the
Arivoli women activists, UNICEF helped extend the reach of
the campaign into more remote and underserved regions.
This support not only improved mobility for the activists but
also enabled them to further promote literacy and women's
empowerment in rural communities. The involvement of an
international organization like UNICEF lent credibility and
global recognition to the movement, reinforcing its
significance and encouraging broader societal acceptance of
women's mobility and independence in Pudukkottai.

WATER
2 marks

1. What does the term ‘generation- old strife’ signify in

the poem?
A. The ‘generation- old strife’ refers to the deep-rooted
conflict and discrimination between the village and the wada.
It symbolizes the long history of untouchability and social
division that has been passed down through generations.

[Link] does the poem say that water “ignites many

struggles and strife”?
A. The poem suggests that water becomes a source of
conflict due to its limited availability. Disputes often arise
over access to water, especially among different castes,
communities, and social groups.

[Link] does the phrase “mighty movement” symbolize in

the poem?
[Link] phrase “mighty movement” symbolizes that water is
more than just a basic necessity. It stands for social struggle,
resistance, and the fight against inequality, much like the
historic Mahad movement for Dalit rights.

[Link] is the historical significance of the Mahad

struggle at the Chadar tank?
[Link] Mahad struggle at the Chadar tank was a landmark
protest led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, where oppressed
communities demanded their right to access public water. It
became a powerful symbol of their broader fight for dignity,
equality, and social justice.

5. What does the phrase “the poor are but playthings in

its vicious hands” suggest?
[Link] suggests that water-related issues impact the poor the
most, exposing them to severe shortages and making them
helpless against its harsh effects.

6. What is the symbolic significance of the burning of

Malapalle?
A. The burning of Malapalle represents the severe hardships
endured by marginalized communities, highlighting how
extreme water scarcity can result in devastating outcomes,
including the destruction of entire villages.

[Link] what way does the poem depict the community's

struggle for water in childhood?
A. The poet reflects on childhood memories of walking long
distances and carrying heavy pots of water, emphasizing the
physical strain and hardship they endured just to access a
basic necessity that others often overlooked.

3 Marks
1. In what ways does the poem depict caste-based
discrimination and untouchability?
A. The poem powerfully portrays caste discrimination by
illustrating how oppressed communities are denied access to
water and subjected to humiliation. Incidents like the
suffering of the Panchama and the wada girl’s disgrace
highlight how untouchability is enforced through everyday
practices, revealing the deep-rooted inequalities tied to basic
human needs.

[Link] does the poem use irony to portray the nature of

water?
[Link] poem uses irony to show water’s dual nature—it gives
life yet causes destruction. While the poor struggle for
access, the same water becomes a luxury in Bisleri or Pepsi
bottles. It highlights how water, essential yet unequal in
availability, sparks conflict and suffering among the poor but
is easily commodified by the wealthy.

3. What does the phrase “do many a circus feat” suggest

about the struggle for water?
[Link] phrase suggests that marginalized people are forced to
go through extreme, often humiliating efforts to obtain water.
It emphasizes the physical and emotional hardships they
endure for a basic necessity, underscoring the injustice of a
system where something so essential is easily available to
others but remains a daily struggle for them.

[Link] does the poet criticize the commercialization of

water by multinational companies?
A. The poet criticizes how multinational companies turn
water, a basic human need into a commercial product for
profit. By labeling it a “market commodity,” the poet
exposes the injustice of commodifying a life-sustaining
resource, emphasizing how this practice deepens the gap
between privileged consumers and marginalized
communities who struggle for access to clean water.

4 Marks
1.“Water is not a simple thing! It can give life but it can
also devour lives.” Explain this with reference to the
poem ‘Water’.
A. This line highlights the dual nature of water as both a
life-sustaining and destructive force. While water is essential
for survival, its scarcity leads to suffering and social strife,
and its abundance can cause devastating floods or tsunamis.
For marginalized communities, water symbolizes both hope
and threat, as its availability or absence directly impacts their
lives and livelihoods, shaping their daily existence.

[Link] does the commercialization of water affect the

poet’s perception of it as a natural resource?
A. The poet sees the commercialization of water as a betrayal
of its original purpose as a life-giving, shared natural
resource. What was once a symbol of survival and unity has
now been transformed into a profit-driven commodity,
controlled by corporations and out of reach for the poor. This
change deeply troubles the poet, as it reflects a larger societal
shift where human rights and basic needs are sacrificed for
commercial gain. The impact is especially severe on
marginalized communities, who already face challenges in
accessing water and now suffer further due to its exploitation
and privatization.

[Link] does the image of “the Malapalle burning”

represent, and why is it significant?
[Link] image of “the Malapalle burning” serves as a
powerful symbol of the destruction caused by extreme water
scarcity. It reflects the intense suffering and collapse that can
result when basic resources like water are denied to
marginalized communities. The burning of an entire
settlement illustrates how the lack of this essential resource
can devastate lives and livelihoods. This image highlights the
broader consequences of resource inequality, portraying
water not just as a necessity but as a force that, when
inaccessible, leads to social breakdown, displacement, and
tragedy for vulnerable populations who already live on the
margins of society.

2 Marks

[Link] appointed the commission and why?

[Link] was the chairman and the secretary of the
commission?
[Link] considered that the elephant had fulfilled the
sacred duty and what was that duty?
[Link] was the man not part of the commission ?

3 Marks
[Link] prompted the man to allow the animals into his
hut?

[Link] was the reason for the Lion to appoint the

commission?
[Link] does the man attempt to regain control over his
hut?
4 Marks
2. How does the story portray the theme of colonialism?

[Link] loves to rise on a summer morning and when?

[Link] two ‘ sweet company’ in the poem?

[Link] does the school going boy spend his day and
where?
[Link] drives all his joy away and by whom?
[Link] does bird and cage refer to?
3 Marks
[Link] the metaphor of the ‘caged bird’ in the poem
"The School Boy."
2. What does the schoolboy mean when he says, "But to
go to school in a summer morn, O! it drives all joy
away"?
[Link] the significance of the "learning's bower" in
the poem "The School Boy."
4 Marks
[Link] the contrast between the schoolboy’s
experiences in nature and in school.

2 marks

[Link] does the medicinal creeper look like?

[Link] does Mara have teeth only on the one side of his
mouth?
[Link] is Krishna and who treated him of his disease?

3 Marks
[Link] lesson does the narrator learn from Mara’s
stories about medicinal plants?
[Link] happen when milk was added with the juice of the
leaves of medicinal creeper?
4 Marks

4. How does the story reflect the oral tradition of

indigenous knowledge?
[Link] long did it take the narrator to learn the facts
about the medicinal creeper? What does it signify?

2 Marker
1. What reason did the narrator give for sleeping all day
and having food in the evening ?
3. What is significant about the city where the narrator is
located?

4. What does the restaurant owner threaten to do when

the narrator claims his wallet was stolen?

8. How does the stranger respond when asked about his

name?

3 Mark
1. Describe the people and the place where the incident took
place?

2. What was the routine of the narrator in the city?

Four Marks

[Link] an account of the embarrassing experience of the

narrator at the restaurant.
4. Does the story talk about transformation in a person?
Discuss.

Money Madness

Two Marks
1. What does the poet mean by "money madness"?

3. What feeling does the poet associate with handing out

money, especially large amounts?
4. What kind of power does money have, according to
the poet?

7. What does the phrase “let him eat dirt” imply?

8. According to the poet, what basic needs should be
free?
10. What does the poet suggest might happen if society
does not regain its sanity about money?
3 marks

4. How does the poet characterize the power of money in

human lives?
7. Discuss the societal question "How much is he
worth?" and its implications in the poem.

4 marks
1. How does money trigger fear in an individual?
 BABAR ALI

Two marks

2. Describe Babar Ali’s daily routine.

3. “Anand Siksha Niketan” begin?
9. Who is Tulu Rani Hazra, and what role does she play?
3 marks
2. Give a picture of Babar Ali’s school.

4 Marks
[Link] started as a game resulted in a much sought-
after school for the unprivileged.” Explain.
2. According to Nasiruddin ‘Education is man’s true
religion’. How does Babar Ali’s school prove this?

1. What would the bird not ask the tree? What

would it build?

3. Who are sheltered inside the sacred cow and when

would they touch the tree?
5. How might the pieces of dry wood be made pure?
6. Who would have a sweet friendship?

Three mark questions

[Link] do the life forces ‘sunlight and the cool breeze’

enforce nature’s idea of equality?

[Link] does the poem explore the relationship between

nature and freedom?

THE FARMER’S WIFE

Two marks
[Link] the poem ‘The Farmer’s wife’ who committed
suicide? What was the reason?
[Link] farmer committed suicide due to failure of his cotton
crops. He was unable to repay the debt.
[Link] are referred to as “virtuous” and “poor sinner” in
the poem, ‘The Farmer’s wife’?
[Link] farmer is referred to as “virtuous” and the farmer’s
wife is referred to as the “poor sinner”.

3. Who is the speaker in the poem "The Farmer's Wife"?

Who is it addressed to?
[Link] speaker is the farmer's wife, expressing her emotions
and struggles after her husband's suicide. The poem is
addressed to the farmer.

[Link] the things she fears she will have to face, now
that the farmer was dead.
[Link] feels angry and betrayed that he had left her alone to
answer the moneylenders in addition to bearing the burden of
four children.

[Link] does “harvest of my womb” refer to? What was

left to the wind?
[Link]-eaten cotton pods. The farmer's wife is talking
about their four children when she says “harvest of my
womb”. The worm eaten cotton pods were left to the wind.
[Link] happened to the debt and dignity of the farmer’s
family due to crop failure, in the poem ‘The Farmer’s
Wife’?
[Link] debt remained and their dignity hit the dust due to
crop failure.

[Link] did the farmer treat his wife when he was drunk?
[Link] abused her, reviled her and kicked her when he was
drunk.

Three mark
[Link] does the farmer's wife intend to teach her
children?
[Link] intention is made clear at the end of the poem when
she is determined to teach her children to clench a fist not
merely for a handful of rice but in [Link] wants to teach
them to live along with all the struggles and challenges rather
than easily giving up on life like the farmer. She wants them
to embrace life not death.

[Link] does the poem portray the theme of

responsibility?
[Link] theme of responsibility is central to the poem, as the
farmer’s wife is left to take on the burdens of the family after
her husband's death. She must care for her children, manage
the farm, and deal with the debt. The poem explores how,
despite the husband's escape, she has no option but to
continue struggling and she intends to teach her children to
embrace life in its entirety.
Societal judgments based on caste and rigid social structures
that oppress and divide people in human society.

Four mark questions

[Link] the concepts of defilement and purification as

illustrated in ‘If I was a Tree’?
[Link] poem reflects the speaker’s longing for a world
without discrimination by portraying the tree as an entity that
does not judge or discriminate based on caste, religion, or
social status. Birds would build their nest without asking
about caste, sunlight would embrace without prejudice, and
the tree’s shadow would not be deemed impure. The tree’s
connections with raindrops, breeze, and earth symbolize
pure, nondiscriminatory relationships. Even a sacred cow
with three hundred thousand gods sheltering inside it would
touch the tree without hesitation. If cut, the tree would still
serve sacred purposes, like wood for a holy fire or bier for a
sinless body carried by four good men. Through irony, the
poem highlights the unjust concepts of defilement and
purification.
WATCHMAN OF THE LAKE

Two mark

[Link] was Mara considered by the Village Headman?

Why was he angry at Mara?

[Link] was the Goddess’ first command to Mara?

[Link] was the command of the Goddess about the
creatures of the lake?

Three mark

2. Sketch the character of Mara in ‘Watchman of the

Lake’
Four mark questions
[Link] does the author portray the relationship between
the Mara and the Lake?

WIFE
Two mark questions

[Link] the poem ‘The Farmer’s wife’ who committed

suicide? What was the reason?
[Link] farmer committed suicide due to failure of his cotton
crops. He was unable to repay the debt.
[Link] are referred to as “virtuous” and “poor sinner” in
the poem, ‘The Farmer’s wife’?
[Link] farmer is referred to as “virtuous” and the farmer’s
wife is referred to as the “poor sinner”.

3. Who is the speaker in the poem "The Farmer's Wife"?

Who is it addressed to?
[Link] speaker is the farmer's wife, expressing her emotions
and struggles after her husband's suicide. The poem is
addressed to the farmer.
[Link] the things she fears she will have to face, now
that the farmer was dead.
[Link] feels angry and betrayed that he had left her alone to
answer the moneylenders in addition to bearing the burden of
four children.

[Link] does “harvest of my womb” refer to? What was

left to the wind?
[Link]-eaten cotton pods. The farmer's wife is talking
about their four children when she says “harvest of my
womb”. The worm-eaten cotton pods were left to the wind.

[Link] happened to the debt and dignity of the farmer’s

family due to crop failure, in the poem ‘The Farmer’s
Wife’?
[Link] debt remained and their dignity hit the dust due to
crop failure.

[Link] did the farmer treat his wife when he was drunk?
[Link] abused her, reviled her and kicked her when he was
drunk.

Three mark
[Link] does the farmer's wife intend to teach her
children?
[Link] intends to teach her children to clench a fist not
merely for a handful of rice but in battle. She wants them to
embrace life with all its struggles and not death.
[Link] does the poem portray the theme of
responsibility?
[Link] theme of responsibility is central to the poem, as the
farmer’s wife is left to take on the burdens of the family after
her husband's death. She must care for her children, manage
the farm, and deal with the debt. The poem explores how,
despite the husband's escape, she has no option but to
continue struggling and she intends to teach her children to
embrace life in its entirety.

Four mark
[Link] do you understand from the line “Little did I
dream you would deal me a death blow like this”?
[Link] farmer’s wife endured all the pain and atrocities doled
out to her in silence. She was compelled to live a life that
was dictated by cruel patriarchal norms. She was often
physically as well as mentally abused by her husband who
would be drunk. She would tolerate the humiliation of being
kicked and reviled, escaping death many times under the
vicious grip of her husband. However, she received the final
“death blow” when the farmer chose to abandon his wife and
kids by drinking poison and finding relief in death. She
points to the fact that his death was the ultimate blow that
had left her shattered. She has to now bear the burden of
looking after their four children all alone in an unforgiving
world.
[Link] role does motherhood play in shaping the
farmer’s wife’s decision?
[Link] plays a crucial role in the farmer’s wife’s
decision to live. Her responsibility towards her children gives
her strength and purpose. She refuses to leave them orphaned
and instead chooses to face hardships to raise them. She
intends to teach her children to clench a fist not merely for a
handful of rice but in battle. She wants them to embrace life
with all its struggles and not death. Her role as a mother
becomes a source of resilience and rebellion against societal
norms.
Frederick Douglass

2 marks
[Link] the book written by Frederick Douglass ?
[Link] of the life of Frederick Douglass.

[Link] his 2 autobiographical works.

[Link] Bondage and My Freedom and Life and Times of
Frederick Douglass.

[Link] was his mother's name?

[Link] Bailey

[Link] were his Grandparents?

[Link] and Betsey Bailey.

[Link] what age were the children separated from their

mothers?
A. As the child reached 12th month.

6 .Who had hired the mother and how far was the place?
[Link] Stewart 12 miles away from Maryland.

[Link] Frederick's first master and his overseer.

[Link] Anthony and Mr Plummer.

8. What was whispered about Frederick’s parentage?

[Link] his master was his father as well.

3 Marks
[Link] were the black children not aware of their age?
The black children did not know of their age as no authentic
record was ever maintained of their [Link] was the wish of
the master to keep their slaves thus [Link] seldom
came nearer to planting time,harvest time,cherry time ,spring
timer fall time. Any inquiries from the slave were considered
improper, impertinent and a sign of restless spirit.

[Link] hardships did the Mulatto children specifically

face ?
[Link] the Mulatto slaves shared the double relationship
with the master as master and father they suffered greater
hardships and were a constant offence to the [Link]
was most pleased to see them under the lash especially when
she suspected her husband of showing favours towards
[Link] master was compelled to sell this class of slaves to
human flesh mongers or would have to see them being
lashed by his white children or whip them himself.

[Link] was Mr Plummer and how did he treat the black

slaves?
Mr Plummer was the [Link] Captain Anthony [Link]
was a miserable drunkard ,a profane swearer and a savage
[Link] would always be armed with a cowskin and a
heavy [Link] would cut and slash the women's head and
their backs till they would be covered with blood.
The louder they screamed the harder he whipped and no
words , tears or prayers would make him stop until he
overcame fatigue himself.

4 marks
[Link] did Frederick receive the news of his mother's
death?
The common custom at Maryland was to separate a child
from the mother as it turned 12th month and place the child
in the an old woman too old for field [Link] was done in
order to hinder the development of natural affection between
[Link] Frederick mother was hired out in Mr Stewart
farm as a farm hand 12 miles away and would journey by
foot after her days work to visit him which would be only by
night .She would lie down and get him to sleep and would
leave long before he woke [Link] allowed to be present
during her illness ,death or burial he received the news if her
death with the same emotions as he would at the death of a
stranger.
[Link] does this passage throw light on the sufferings of
a black slave ?
[Link] passage is a narrative of how the black slaves suffered
inhuman treatment [Link] [Link] there was no
record of the slaves birth as if they were of no much
relevance the the horses in the [Link] desire to know of it
was considered as improper Nd impertinent and an evidence
of restless [Link] a black child was parted from his
mother as early as the 12th month in order to hinder the
natural affection between the two.
The master shared a double relationship with some of the
black slave but would never acknowledge it .Such mulatto
children suffered more from the wrath of the [Link]
Slaves would be whipped by the overseer for under
performance of the day's work until the lash would be blood
- clotted.
3.'Slavery would not always be able to hold me within its
foul embrace' how does this statement speak of the
narrator's will power?
[Link] says that from his earliest recollection he always
had this strong conviction that slavery would not always hold
him within its foul [Link] always believed that his
career as a slave would come to an end and for this he relied
upon the word of faith and spirit of hope.
This Faith and hope never departed from him and remained
like ministering [Link] thanks God for [Link] he
Addressed a convention in Massachusetts on anti Slavery he
was so impressive that numerous persons doubted if he ever
was a slave .
 An Old Woman

2 marks
[Link] does the old woman offer to do?
A. Take the passerby to the horseshoe shrine for a 50 paisa
coin.

[Link] does the speaker initially react to the old woman?

[Link] is irritated initially and wants to end the farce.

[Link] are the old woman's eyes compared to?

A. Two Bullet holes.

[Link] elements crack in the poem?

[Link], temples, and the sky crack.

[Link] does the phrase "shatterproof crone" imply?

A. It implies the old woman's resilience despite her harsh
life.

[Link] does the comparison of her eyes to bullet holes

signify?
A. It signifies her life filled with pain and suffering.

[Link] is the old woman described as a burr?

A. As she is persistent and doesn’t allow the speaker to go
ahead with a tight grip.
[Link] does the poet use imagery to depict the old
woman's hardships?
[Link] poet uses metaphors like "bullet holes" and "cracks"
to show her pain and resilience.

3 Marks
1. Describe the old woman in the poem "An Old
Woman"?
[Link] old woman who approaches the speaker as he is on a
journey to Jejuri mountains. She asks him for a fifty paise
coin to take him to the horseshoe shrine. Despite him having
already seen the shrine, she grabs onto him and insists on
going there with [Link] determination is strong as she
sticks to him like a ‘burr’.

2. What does the old woman want from the speaker?

A. The old woman wants a fifty paise coin from the speaker
in return for showing him the horseshoe shrine. Her desire to
go there signifies her hopefulness despite her old age and
wretched appearance. She tells him 'what else can an old
woman do in hills as wretched as these’, highlighting the
miserable state of her existence.

3: What does the speaker think about the old woman

initially?
A. At first, the speaker finds the old woman bothersome and
wants to end the situation. He feels frustrated, comparing her
to a burr ,as to how old women cling on. He sees the
encounter as a farce and wishes she would let go, showing
his initial lack of empathy for her
.
4: What does the old woman say to the speaker that
makes him sympathetic towards her?
A. The old woman says, "What else can an old woman do on
hills as wretched as these?" This statement makes the
speaker pause and reflect on her life. It highlights her
loneliness and struggle, making him reconsider his attitude
toward her and revealing the deeper meaning behind her
request.

5. How do the hills and temples relate to the old woman

in the poem?
A. The hills and temples parallel the old woman's state, as
both appear cracked,old and wretched. This imagery suggests
that her suffering is shared with her surroundings,
emphasizing themes of decay and hardship. It highlights the
idea that everything in life can be connected through shared
experiences of struggle.

4 Marks
1. How is the plight of the old woman depicted in the
poem?
A. The old woman in the poem symbolizes the marginalized
and neglected sections of society. She clings to the speaker,
asking for a mere fifty paise coin, reflecting her struggle for
survival. Her eyes, compared to "bullet holes," show the
deep scars of suffering and the harshness of her life. Despite
her age and frailty, she persistently tries to earn through
honest means, highlighting her dignity. The speaker initially
views her as a nuisance but later understands her misery,
which is a reflection of societal apathy towards the elderly
and poor.

2. How does the speaker's attitude undergo a change?

A. The speaker initially feels irritated and dismissive of the
old woman, seeing her as a bothersome figure clinging to
him for a coin. He tries to end the interaction, viewing it as a
farce. However, her question, "What else can an old woman
do on hills as wretched as these?" forces him to reflect on her
plight. He begins to see her suffering and resilience,
symbolized by her "bullet holes" and cracks. By the end, his
scorn changes to respect, recognizing her as a "shatterproof
crone," representing indomitable spirit amid societal neglect
.
3."The old woman dwarfs the self-esteem of the speaker
and makes him feel that he is nothing more than a small
change in her hand." Comment.
[Link] poem portrays a transformation in the speaker's
perception of self worth. Initially dismissive of the old
woman, the speaker feels superior. However, her persistence
and resilience force him to confront his indifference and
arrogance. Her plight makes him realize the depth of societal
neglect and the privilege he takes for granted. The metaphor
of being reduced to "small change" in her hand signifies the
humbling of his ego, as he recognizes her strength in the face
of adversity and his own insignificance in comparison.
[Link] speaker's perception of the old woman changes
from 'burr' to a 'shatterproof crone' in the poem "An
Old Woman." Elaborate.
A. Initially, the speaker finds the old woman's persistence
annoying, describing her as a "burr" that clings to him. This
reflects his irritation and condescension toward
her. However, as the interaction unfolds, the old woman's
resilience and dignity become evident. Her question about
what else she can do on the wretched hills forces
him to empathize with her situation. By the end, he sees her
as a "shatterproof crone," a symbol of strength and
endurance. This shift highlights his journey from apathy to
respect, mirroring society's potential for recognizing the
dignity of marginalized individuals..[Link] does the
comparison of her eyes to bullet holes signify?
Two Gentlemen of Verona
2 marks
[Link] did the narrator first meet the boys and what
were they selling?
[Link] of Verona and they were selling wild
strawberries.

[Link] doesn't approve of them and why?

[Link] driver Lungi, because of their shabby appearance.

[Link] were the boys wearing?

[Link] Jersey and cut-off khaki pants and shortened army
tunic .
[Link] two ways in which they proved useful to the
narrator and his friends.
[Link] got them American cigarettes,seats to opera and gave
the name of a good restaurant that served good ravioli.

[Link] the boys with their ages

[Link] was 13 years and Jacopo was 12 years old.

3 Marks
[Link] the narrator's first meeting with the two boys.
[Link] first met them in the foothills of Alps in the outskirts of
[Link] were selling wild strawberries in a wicker
[Link] driver warns them not to buy from these boys
disapproving of their shabby appearance and said they will
get much better ones in [Link] the narrator buys the
biggest basket from them anyways.

2. Mention the different Jobs the boys did in Verona?

[Link] showed unremitting willingness to work. On summer
days under the hot sun and during the long evenings when
the air blew chill from the mountains they shined shoes,sold
fruit,hawked newspapers, conducted tourists round the
town,ran errands,exploited every avenue which the troubled
economy of the town left open to them.

[Link] character of the boys attract the narrator ?

[Link] boys though shabby in appearance with their worn out
clothes and tangled hair had dark earnest eyes. They also had
remarkable demeanour and were lively and [Link]
boyish faces had seriousness which one respected and an air
of purpose far beyond their age.
The narrator was most struck by their unremitting
willingness to work.

[Link] did the boys go to Poleta every weekend?

[Link] went Poleta to meet their sister Lucia who was being
treated for tuberculosis of the spine which she had contracted
during the miseries of [Link] war had killed their father
who was a singer in La Scala and a bomb had destroyed their
home and thrown them [Link] streets .These kids were
exposed to the Veronese winter This was followed by the
German Elite guard establishing headquarters in Verona and
ruling it for 3 dreadful [Link] the boys returned after
being a part liberation movement they found their sister
unwell and admitted her in the hospital and made their
payment regularly.

[Link] the boys' sacrifice to save their sister, Lucia.

A: Nicola and Jacopo made great sacrifices to help their
sister Lucia, who was suffering from tuberculosis. They
worked tirelessly, taking on various jobs, and spent almost
all their earnings on her medical treatment. Instead of
spending money on themselves or having fun, they saved
every penny for her care. This dedication highlighted their
selflessness and strong bond as brothers. They even walked
long distances to visit Lucia in the hospital, prioritizing her
health above everything else. Their sacrifices demonstrated
their profound love and devotion, making them true heroes in
the eyes of the narrator.

[Link] does the war impact the lives of the boys in 'The
Two Gentlemen of Verona'?
A. The war had a significant impact on Nicola and Jacopo,
forcing them to grow up too quickly
They lost their father, home was bombed and their sister,
Lucia contracted tuberculosis of the spine .They had to admit
her to the hospital and had to do odd jobs in the troubled
[Link] harsh realities of war also made them more
mature and resilient, instilling values of sacrifice and
devotion. They became heroes in their own right, embodying
bravery during challenging times.

4 Marks
[Link] the statement: 'Yet this silent epic of youthful
devotion had touched me deeply.'
A: This statement reflects the narrator's profound admiration
for Nicola and Jacopo. Their silent devotion and sacrifices
for their sister Lucia created a powerful story of love and
commitment. The narrator saw how these young boys
embraced adult responsibilities despite their young ages.
Their tireless efforts to support their sister during the war
highlighted the beauty of selflessness. This experience taught
the narrator important lessons about courage and family.
Their actions moved him emotionally, showing that acts of
love can leave a lasting impact, inspiring him to appreciate
the nobility of human spirit and childhood sacrifice.
[Link] does the author feel that the two boys brought
new nobility to mankind?
A: The author believes that Nicola and Jacopo brought new
nobility to mankind because their selfless actions
demonstrate true character. During difficult times, these boys
chose to care for their sick sister, Lucia, prioritizing her
needs over their own wishes. Their determination to work
hard and face life's challenges at such a young age
showcased their admirable qualities, showing that nobility
isn't just about wealth or status but is based on love,
sacrifice, and kindness. These brave acts inspired others and
showed that even in dire situations, human compassion and
devotion can shine brightly, uplift spirits, and create hope.

[Link] the boys' sacrifice to save their sister, Lucia.

A: Nicola and Jacopo made great sacrifices to help their
sister Lucia, who was suffering from tuberculosis. They
worked tirelessly, taking on various jobs, and spent almost
all their earnings on her medical treatment. Instead of
spending money on themselves or having fun, they saved
every penny for her care. This dedication highlighted their
selflessness and strong bond as brothers. They even walked
long distances to visit Lucia in the hospital, prioritizing her
health above everything else. Their sacrifices demonstrated
their profound love and devotion, making them true heroes in
the eyes of the narrator.
[Link] had the war affected the boys in 'The Two
Gentlemen of Verona'?
A: The war had a significant impact on Nicola and Jacopo,
forcing them to grow up quickly. They lost their father,
which left them alone to care for their sick sister, Lucia. The
conflict stripped away their childhood innocence, making
them responsible for their family's well-being. Because of
the difficult circumstances, they had to work hard at various
jobs instead of going to school or playing. The harsh realities
of war also made them more mature and resilient, instilling
values of sacrifice and devotion. They became heroes in their
own right, embodying bravery during challenging times.

Do Not Ask of me ,My Love

2 Marks
[Link] does the speaker realise what he thought about
love was not true?
[Link] he experiences other joys and sorrows of the world.

[Link] any 2 phrases used to describe the sorrows of

the world described in the poem?
[Link] curses of count,bodies bathed in blood, smeared in
dust, sold from market place to market place,or bodies risen
from cauldron of diseases.

[Link] does the speaker describe his beloved's beauty?

[Link] beloved's beauty gave the Spring everlasting youth.

3 Marks
[Link] are the harsh realities of life that draw the
speakers attention?
[Link] speaker says that his young love is beautiful and
everlasting. His eyes have witnessed the harsh realities of
[Link] can't but notice the impact royalty has left on the poor
of the nation and people suffering from poverty and war.
He now notices that human beings are sold in the market
place and people suffering from life threatening diseases.

[Link] does the line,' those dark and brutal curses of

countless centuries’,suggest?
[Link] line suggest the impact of royalty on the poor who
ruthlessly have ruled the [Link] refers to the suffering of
the poor who have had to relief from poverty and sufferings
for centuries [Link] now wants to turn towards theses
problem and bring about egalitarian society rather than being
self observe in his love life.

4 Mark
[Link] the end of the poem ," the speaker doesn't love his
beloved less,but the suffering humanity more".
Substantiate
[Link] the above statement is [Link] fact that he addresses
the poem to the beloved first and speaks to her about his
feelings for her supports the [Link] seeks approval and
explains to her the reason of his absence .He says he is
'helpless 'as the problems of the nation like impact war,
slavery, diseases, poverty has caught his attention and he
needs to help in nation building by eradication of the
negative impact of [Link] assures her that she is ' beautiful
still' but there are other sorrows of the world than love and
other pleasures too.

[Link] Critics have pointed out that ' the beloved '
means not just the lover but the country. View this
statement in the context of Nationalism.
[Link] Poem is in genre of Ghazal .The reference made to
beloved in the first part poem is to his lady love .He in his
youth times loved her so much that nothing was beyond her
and her beauty gave spring everlasting youth .She was the
reason for his joy or [Link] the poem progress he realises
that there are far more compelling realities of life that he as
the youth of a newly established nation need to pay attention
[Link] the poem has the tone of Nationalism as the poet
now wants to shift his focus on the gripping need of the hour
like poverty, impact of war and slavery of people and people
suffering from various diseases.
His persistence in convincing my beloved [Link] poem
romantic but his realisation of nation building by the youth
makes the poem nationalist.