kbl academy of english and sciences..0308-32-32-4-88 … › library › files › pdf › notes ›...

KBL ACADEMY OF ENGLISH AND SCIENCES..0308-32-32-4-88 of 9 ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH LIAQAT ALI MOHSIN M PHIL ENG. M.A ELT GOLD MEDAL M.A ENG PU. B ED. M ED

NOTES(SCIENCE STUDENTS) INTERMEDIATE PART I

SHORT STORIES

HUMBLE EFFORTS BY

LIAQAT ALI MOHSIN

M PHIL LINGUISTICS………….MA ENGLISH (PU)……MA ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING (NUML)

GOLD MEDAL….B ED…M ED

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH …GOVT. ISLAMIA DEGREE COLLEGE BADDOMALHI DISTT. NAROWAL

VISTING PROFESSOR: GOVT. MUSLIM WOMEN POST GRADUATE COLLEGE NAROWAL

KBL ACADEMY SHAKARGARH.

BOYS CAMPUS: NEAR THANA MORE RAILWAY ROAD SHAKARGARH

GIRLS CAMPUS: NEAR PARADISE COLLEGE RAILWAY ROAD SHAKARGARH

BRANCH 2: CHAN PEER ROAD OPPOSITE TO GRAVEYARD, NAROWAL

CELL: 0308-32-32-4-88


BOOK NO I STORY NO I “BUTTON, BUTTON”

1. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ARTHUR’S LIFE INSURANCE POLICY?

It is important because Norma gets double indemnity of the insurance amount of $ 25000. She doesn’t get any reward.

2. WHY DID MR. STEWARD CONTINUE PERSUADING NORMA?

He continued persuading her because he knew that Norma was greedy and ambitious and she could easily be trapped.

3. WHY DID ARTHUR DISAGREE WITH HIS WIFE?

Arthur disagreed with his wife because he considered it immoral to kill someone for nothing or for money. He was

humane and noble.

4. DID NORMA REMAIN NORMAL ON HEARING THE NEWS OF THE ACCIDENT OF HER HUSBAND?

No, she did not remain normal on the news. She was shocked and sad and she lost her senses for some time. She

could hardly walk and breathe.

5. WHAT WERE THE REASONS NORMA GAVE TO HER HUSBAND TO ACCEPT THE OFFER? OR WHY DID NORMA

PERSUADE HER HUSBAND TO AGREE WITH HER?

She persuaded and gave reasons to her husband that they would improve their life style, buy a cottage, have a visit to

Europe, buy nicer furniture, nicer apartment, nicer clothes and a car. She also said that it was some psychological

research.

6. WHAT WAS THE MESSAGE NORMA RECEIVED ON PUSHING THE BUTTON?

She received the message of the death of her husband in an accident. Someone had pushed Arthur in front of the train.

7. WHY DID NORMA CONSIDER THE TONE AND ATTITUDE OF MR. STEWARD OFFENSIVE?

She considered the tone of Steward offensive because he might have talked in a rude manner when Norma said that

she was rather busy.

8. WHERE WAS THE PACKAGE LYING? WHAT TYPE OF PACKAGE WAS THIS? WHAT WAS THE SHAPE OF THE CARTON?

WHAT WAS INSIDE THE PACKAGE?

The package was lying by the front door. It was a cube shaped carton sealed with tape. A dome shaped button unit

was inside it.

9. WHY DID NOT NORMA REMAIN TRUE TO HER HUSBAND?

She did not remain true because she wanted to fulfill her desires by accepting the offer. Moreover, she thought it some

research.

10. WHAT MORAL LESSON DOES THE STORY TEACH?

The moral of the story is that greed is curse. We should think about others humanely so that we may be blessed.

11. WHAT DID STEWARD TAKE OUT OF HIS COAT POCKET?

Steward took out a small sealed envelope. There was a key to the bell unit dome.

12. WHAT WAS THE OFFER OF STEWARD?

Steward offered that Norma would get 50,000 dollars if she pressed the button. Some unknown person would die as a

result.

13. WRITE A NOTE ON STEWARD.

He was a small man and might be an agent of a company.

14. WRITE A NOTE ON ARTHUR.

Arthur was a noble man. He was humane, selfless and peace loving. He didn’t like to kill anyone.

15. WRITE A NOTE ON NORMA.

Norma was a greedy and ambitious woman. She had high aims to improve her living standard.

BOOK NO 1 STORY NO I “CLEARING IN THE SKY”

1. WHY DID NOT THE OLD MAN FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF THE DOCTORS?

He did not act upon the advice because he did not believe in doctors and he wanted to work hard to bring up his family

of five children.

2. WHAT HAD THE DOCTOR TOLD THE OLD MAN? OR WHAT DID THE DOCTOR ADVISE JESS’ FATHER?

The doctor advised the old man to take rest and enjoy his remaining life. He told that his life was short and he

shouldn’t even walk the distance of a city block.

3. WHERE DID THE OLD MAN TAKE HIS SON?

Jess’ father took his son to the top of the mountain to show him the clearing. He had cultivated potatoes, tomatoes

and yams there.

4. HAD THE SON EVER BEEN THERE BEFORE?

Yes, his son had been there many times except last three years. He had passed his childhood there. He had many

memories there.

5. WHAT WERE THE NAMES OF VEGETABLES THE OLD MAN GREW ON HIS FARM?

The old man grew potatoes, yams and tomatoes on his farm. The vegetables had special flavor because of rich land.

6. WHY DID THE OLD MAN TAKE THE STEEP PATH? OR WHY DID OLD MAN ADOPT DIFFERENT WAYS TO REACH

CLEARING?

He was ill, so he couldn’t climb up the mountain straight. He made longer and easier paths to make climbing effortless.

As he got better, he made steeper paths. In this way, he came to know that he was getting better all the time.

7. WHY DID THE SON AT THE AGE OF SIX CRY? OR HOW DID THE SON REMEMBER HIS CHILDHOOD?

Jess often remembered his past days spent in the farm. He cried because he had lost his wooden plough in a furrow.

He cried until his father made him another one. But he didn’t like the second one.

8. WHAT WERE THE FEELINGS OF THE OLD MAN AT THE AGE OF SEVENTY?

He thought that he had completed his life period of 70 years according to the Good Book and his time was borrowed.

He remembered his old days and places. He was energetic and active even at that age.

9. WHY HAD THE OLD MAN PLANTED HIS SECRET GARDEN? HOW MUCH BENEFIT/GRAINS DID OLD MAN GET FROM THE

LAND?

He had planted his secret garden to grow tasteful vegetables. The land was fertile and he got barrel of grains from

each shock.


10. WHAT WAS THE APPEARANCE OF OLD MAN? WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE PERSONALITY OF OLD MAN?

He was an old man of seventy years with wrinkled face. He was a brave, hardworking, committed and determined

person.

11. WHAT IS THE MORAL LESSON OF THE STORY?

The moral lesson of the story is that old men become nostalgic in their old age. Secondly determination, will power

and hard work can defeat even death.

12. WHY DID OLD MAN REMEMBER WOODS/CLEARING? OR WHY DID OLD MAN WANT TO VISIT CLEARING?

He remembered the clearing to refresh his youth and old memories. The man in old age often remembers his past days.

BOOK NO I STORY NO 3 “DARK THEY WERE, AND GOLDEN-EYED”

1. WHY DID HARRY WANT TO GO BACK TO THE EARTH?

Harry wanted to go back to the earth because the climate of the Mars was very severe. He thought that it would harm

his identity, intelligence and soul.

2. WHY DID SHE WANT TO STAY?

She wanted to stay on the Mars because her family had travelled 60 million miles away. Moreover, there was the fear

of nuclear war on the Earth.

3. WHAT CLIMATE DID THEY FACE?

The climate was very intense and had burnt everything. The fog at night deformed the boards and peeled the paint. It

changed human beings physically and mentally and made them dark, smart, tall, healthy and golden eyed.

4. WHAT WAS THE CONDITION OF THE BITTERING FAMILY ON HEARING THE NEWS OF THE WAR ON THE EARTH? OR

WHAT WAS THE NEWS BROUGHT BY LAURA?

Laura brought the news of nuclear attack on New York. Harry did not believe in the incident while Laura and others

wept and cried. They thought themselves stranded on the Mars.

5. WHAT DID THEY WANT TO GROW?

The wanted to grow earthly fruit, crops and vegetables like peaches, grass and onion respectively. But their shapes

were odd and horrible.

6. WHAT WAS THE CONDITION OF THEIR HOUSE?

The hot wind in the day and fog at night had flaked away and peeled the house. The boards were deformed.

7. WHAT WAS THE ADVICE HARRY GAVE TO THE PEOPLE?

Harry advised the people to build a rocket to go back to the Earth because the climate was intense there.

8. HOW DANGEROUS CAN A MARTIAN VIRUS BE? OR WHAT WERE THE CHANGES BROUGHT IN BITTERING FAMILY BY

MARTIAN ENVIRONMENT?

A Martian virus/environment can be very dangerous because it can change human beings physically and mentally. It

can erase their memory and make them dark, smart, tall, healthy and golden eyed.

9. HOW SOCIAL WERE THE PEOPLE OF MARS?

They were friendly, social and peaceful. They took their life easy and enjoyed gossiping. They were not greedy and

selfish.

10. COMPARE THE ENVIRONMENT OF TWO PLANETS. HOW HAS THE WRITER CRITICIZED THE HUMAN BEINGS?

The writer has criticized the Earthan people who are apparently beautiful but they are greedy, materialistic and

violence loving. But the people of Mars are black in colour but they are peaceful, social and friendly.

11. WHAT WAS BITTERING FAMILY CONSISTED OF? WHY DID THEY COME TO THE MARS?

Harry’s family was consisted of Harry, his wife Cora, Laura, Dan and David. They had come to the Mars to avoid the

nuclear attack on the earth.

BOOK NO 1 STORY NO 4 “THANK YOU, M’AM”

1. WHAT WAS THE TIME WHEN THE BOY TRIED TO SNATCH THE PURSE OF THE WOMAN?

It was about eleven O’ clock at night when the boy tried to snatch the purse of woman. The woman was coming from

the hotel beauty shop.

2. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BOY WHEN HE TRIED TO SNATCH THE PURSE?

The boy got unbalanced and fell on his back when he tried to snatch the purse. His legs flew up.

3. WHAT WAS THE REACTION OF THE WOMAN? WHAT DID THE LADY DO WITH THE BOY WHEN HE FELL DOWN?

The woman became angry and she kicked him hard on his hips. She pulled him up and jerked him until his teeth

rattled.

4. WHAT WAS THE CONDUCT OF THE PEOPLE WHEN THEY SAW THE INCIDENT?

Two or three people stopped to see the incident. Some people went away while some kept standing there. Nobody

came to interfere the matter.

5. HOW DID THE BOY LOOK PHYSICALLY? OR DESCRIBE APPEARANCE OF THE BOY.

He was fourteen or fifteen years old. He was weak and thin and was wearing tennis shoes and blue jeans.

6. WHAT WAS THE CONDITION OF THE BOY WHEN THE WOMAN GAVE HIM A FEW JERKS?

The teeth of the boy rattled when woman gave him a few jerks. He was frightened.

7. WHY DID THE WOMAN ASK THE BOY TO WASH HIS FACE?

The woman wanted to clean the face of the boy because it was dirty. She wanted him to be a good looking person. She

also expressed her motherly affection.

8. WHY DID NOT THE BOY RUN FROM THE HOUSE OF THE WOMAN? OR WHAT WAS THE EFFECT OF THE BEHAVIOUR OF

THE WOMAN ON THE BOY?

He didn’t run away because the behaviour of the woman was motherly and impressive. The boy did not want to be

mistrusted. The woman had promised that she wouldn’t send him to a jail.

9. WHY DID NOT THE WOMAN WATCH THE BOY WHILE PREPARING A DISH?

She didn’t watch the boy because she was confident that boy would not run away as she had treated him with

motherly affection.

10. WHAT WAS THE NATURE OF THE WOMAN’S JOB? OR WHAT TYPE OF WOMEN DID VISIT HER SHOP?


The woman worked in a hotel beauty shop. It remained open late at night. Different women like blondes, redheads and

Spanish visited her shop.

11. WHY DID SHE TREAT THE BOY NICELY IN HER HOME AFTER PUNISHING HIM IN THE STREET?

She treated him aggressively in the street because she thought him a thief. Later, when she came to know that he was

a poor and an orphan, she treated him nicely.

12. WHAT DID THE WOMAN CARRY WITH HER DURING THE NIGHT?

She carried a large purse with her during the night. It had everything in it except a hammer and nails.

13. WHY DID BOY WANT TO SNATCH THE PURSE?

The boy wanted to buy a pair of suede shoes but he had no money. He wanted to snatch the purse of the woman to get

money.

BOOK NO 1 STORY NO 5 “PIECE OF STRING”

1. WHAT DID MAKE HUBERT SHAMEFUL?

Mayor accused him of theft. But he refused. The people also began to say him a liar. This made him shameful.

2. WHY DID MANANA ACCUSE HUBERT OF PICKING THE LOST POCKET BOOK?

Manana saw Hubert picking something from the ground. He considered that it was the lost pocket book of James.

3. WHY DID HE KEEP CLAIMING HIS INNOCENCE BEFORE HIS DEATH?

Hubert was an honest and innocent country man. He was very conscious of his honour. He didn’t want to die with the

blame of being a liar and a thief. So, he continued claiming his innocence.

4. WHY DID GEORGE GIVE THE POCKET BOOK TO HIS EMPLOYER?

George could not read the contents of the pocket book. Therefore, he gave it to his employer who gave it to Mr. James.

5. WHY DID THE PEOPLE MAKE FUN OF HIS INNOCENCE? OR WHAT WAS THE REACTION OF THE PEOPLE ON THIS

INCIDENT?

Hubert was a poor and honest countryman. He had no respect in the society. The People did not believe in his story of

string rather they made fun of him.

6. WHAT DID THE PEOPLE THINK OF HUBERT WHEN THEY HEARD THE RETURN OF THE POCKET BOOK BY SOME OTHER

PERSON?

They thought that Hubert had dropped the pocket book somewhere on the road to village market after picking it up.

They did not believe in his claim.

7. WHEN AND WHY HAD THE RICH PEOPLE GATHERED AT A GREAT HALL?

They had gathered in big hall for a great dinner at the end of market day.

8. WHAT DID EVERYONE TELL? OR HOW DID PEOPLE TALK ABOUT?

The people talked about their affairs about their sale and purchase. They also talked about the crops and weather.

9. WHY DID THE MAYOR NOT BELIEVE THE INNOCENCE OF HUBERT?

The Mayor didn’t believe in Hubert because Manana who was a man of worthy credence had accused him picking the

lost pocket book.

10. HOW DID ACCUSATION AFFECT THE HEALTH OF THE HUBERT? OR WHAT MADE HUBERT ILL?

Hubert fell ill when the people called him a liar and rascal. His self esteem and character had been injured because he

was sensitive and had great morals.

11. WHAT WAS SERVED IN THE GREAT DINNER?

Chicken, pigeons, roasted mutton and roasted beef with gravy and leaf were presented in the dinner.

12. WHAT WAS THE PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT? OR WHAT DID THE DRUM BEATER ANNOUNCE? WHAT WAS THE AMOUNT

OF THE REWARD?

The drum beater announced the loss of a pocket book having five hundred shillings and important documents. He

announced the reward of 20 shillings.

13. WRITE A NOTE ON HUBERT.

Hubert was a poor country man. He was sensitive and a man of great morals. He thought that there was nothing so

shameful as to be called a liar.

BOOK NO 1 STORY NO 6 “The Reward”

1. WHAT WAS THE SUBJECT DISCUSSED AT THE CLUB?

The subject discussed at the club was the necessity of determination and opportunity for success in life.

2. WHAT DID TERBUT THINK OF JORKENS’ ARGUMENT? OR WHAT WAS JORKEN’S IDEA? WHAT WAS THE DIFFERENCE

BETWEEN JORKEN AND TERBUT?

Terbut disagreed with Jorken’s arguments. He said that man could get success with only opportunity. On the other

hand, Jorkens favoured determination.

3. HOW DID JORKENS CONVINCE THAT A MAN CAN BECOME A SKATING CHAMPION OF THE SAHARA?

He said that the man should earn money, build a skating rink in the Sahara, organize a competition there and remain

stuck to his ambition to be a skating champion.

4. HOW DID GORGIOS PERSUADE HIS PEOPLE TO MAKE HIS COUNTRY STRONG?

He persuaded his people that the post of a court acrobat would increase the glory of their country and the ancient

throne, strengthen their country and encourage their soldiers.

5. WHAT WAS THE VIEWPOINT OF THE PARENTS OF GORGIOS?

They were in view that opportunity was necessary for success along with determination. But Gorgios wanted to prove

them wrong. He thought that only determination was needed.

6. WHAT WERE THE ARRANGEMENTS MADE FOR THE FUNCTION OF INAUGURATION?

There were red and golden curtains hung along the walls. The court room had been changed into a gymnasium. The

swings were hung to the ceiling. The hurdles were arranged on the neat and clean floor of the court room. The uniform

of Gorgios had been specially prepared.

7. DESCRIBE THE SCENE OF INAUGURATION?

Gorgios appeared in the red and golden uniform. Lights glittered and the doors opened with a flood of golden lights.

Gorgios touched the lowest end of ropes. He didn’t perform any feat.


8. WHAT WERE THE FEELINGS OF GORGIOS ON THE OCCASION?

Gorgios was happy because he had achieved his ambition. However, he was sad at the same time because he couldn’t

perform actual activity.

9. DID GORGIOS USE ANY SHORT CUT TO ACHIEVE HIS AMBITION?

No, he did not use any short cut to achieve his ambition. He simply remained stuck to his ambition, joined politics and

struggled hard to achieve it.

10. HOW LONG HAD GORGIOS BEEN STUCK TO HIS AMBITION?

He had been stuck to his life ambition for sixty years. He joined politics and convinced his people but remained

determined.

11. HOW DID GORGIOS ACHIEVE HIS AMBITION? OR WHY DID HE JOIN POLITICS? WHAT WAS HIS OBJECTIVE?

He entered politics to become a court acrobat. He got enough power to preach his ambition openly. Gradually, he

dominated the opposing arguments.

BOOK NO 1 STORY NO 7 “The Use of Force”

1. WHAT WAS THE CONDITION OF THE PARENTS ON THE ARRIVAL OF THE DOCTORS? WHY DID THEY KEEP THE GIRL

IN THE KITCHEN?

The parents were worried and confused because of the child’s sickness. Moreover, they were looking at the doctor

distrustfully. They had kept the girl in the kitchen due to humidity.

2. WHAT WAS THE BEHAVIOR OF THE CHILD WITH THE DOCTOR?

The behavior of the child with the doctor was aggressive, non cooperative and insolent because she didn’t want to

show her throat for examination. She even attacked the doctor and knocked away his glasses.

3. SHE HAD A FEVER FOR THREE DAYS. HADN’T SHE?

Yes, she had high fever for three days because she was suffering from diphtheria.

4. DID THE GIRL CHANGE HER EXPRESSION WHEN THE DOCTOR SAID, “DOES YOUR THROAT HURT YOU?”

The girl didn’t change her expression. She remained cold, irresponsive, stubborn and indifferent.

5. WHY DID THE DOCTOR CALL THE SICK GIRL BY HER FIRST NAME?

The doctor called the sick girl by her first name to show his friendly attitude. He wanted to convince her for

examination.

6. DID THE SICK GIRL PROMPTLY RESPOND TO THE INSTRUCTION OF THE DOCTOR?

No, she didn’t respond promptly because she was obstinate, cold, insolent and non-cooperative. She wanted to hide

her sickness.

7. WHY DID THE PARENTS REBUKE HER?

The parents rebuked her because she had insulted the doctor, attacked him and knocked his glasses away.

8. WHAT WAS THE THREAT OF THE DOCTOR TO THE CHILD IF SHE DIDN’T SHOW HER THROAT?

The doctor threatened her that he would use force if she didn’t show him her throat. He also threatened her that he

wanted to diagnose the disease at any cost.

9. WHY DID SHE BREAK THE WOODEN SPATULA?

She broke the wooden spatula because she didn’t want to show her throat for examination. She shut her mouth to hide

her sickness.

10. WHAT WAS THE CONDITION OF THE TONSILS OF THE SICK GIRL?

Both the tonsils were covered with a membrane. It indicated that she was suffering from diphtheria. Therefore, she

had high fever.

11. IS THE USE OF FORCE JUSTIFIED? OR WHAT IS THE MORAL LESSON OF THE STORY?

The moral lesson is that the use of force is justified in critical conditions. It can be used to save one’s life, keep peace

and implement law and order.

12. DESCRIBE THE APPEARANCE OF THE CHILD.

The girl was beautiful and attractive. She had blonde hair. Apparently, she was as strong as a heifer. She looked like a

picture child.

13. HOW DID THE DOCTOR CONTROL THE GIRL?

The doctor grabbed the neck and head of the girl and forced a heavy silver spoon into her throat to expose it.

BOOK NO 1 STORY NO 8 “Gulistan e Saadi”

1. WHAT WAS THE ADVICE GIVEN BY NUSHIRVAN TO HIS PEOPLE? OR WHO WAS NUSHIRVAN?

Nushirvan was a Persian king. He was famous for his justice and kindness. He advised his people to avoid even little

acts of oppression and injustice as they increase with the passage of time.

2. WHAT WAS THE REMEDY SUGGESTED BY THE PHYSICIANS FOR THE DISEASE OF THE KING?

The remedy suggested by the physicians was to use the bile of a person having certain qualities. A farmer’s son was

found with the qualities.

3. WHY DID THE BOY LOOK TO THE SKY AND SMILE?

The boy looked towards the sky to seek justice from God against the brutality of the king. He smiled ironically to

remember the selfishness of his parents who had agreed on his murder.

4. WHAT SHOULD BE THE ROLE OF A QAZI?

A qazi should be just, impartial and fair with everyone. He should not favour anyone because of his wealth and status.

He should decide on merit.

5. WHY DID THE KING WEEP?

The king wept because he realized his selfishness, injustice and brutality done with the boy.

6. HOW DID THE KING RECOVER?

The king recovered without any medicine. God blessed him for his mercy on the boy and his remorse for his

oppression.

7. HOW WAS GULISTAN FAMOUS IN THE WEST?

Gulistan was considered as one of the Bibles of the world. It was translated into different languages because it had

the universality of moral law.


8. WHY DID THE KING FEEL RESTLESSNESS? WHY DID THE SLAVE BEGIN TO TREMBLE AND CRY?

The Persian slave had not faced any calamity. When the boat was hit by a storm, he began to cry and tremble with the

fear of being drowned. This made the king restless.

9. WHAT WAS THE IDEA OF EMERSON ABOUT GULISTAN?

Emerson said that Gulistan had universality of moral law and perpetual appeal. It was one of the Bibles of the world.

10. WHAT WAS THE DECREE ISSUED BY THE QAZI?

The qazi issued a decree to kill a boy to get his bile for the health of the king.

BOOK NO 1 STORY NO 9 “The Foolish Quack”

1. WHAT IS A CLUMP OF TREES?

The clump of trees means a group or cluster of trees naturally grown closely. It may be an oasis.

2. WHAT WAS STUCK IN THE CAMEL’S THROAT? OR WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CAMEL?

A melon was stuck in the camel’s throat while grazing in a melon field. The camel man thought that the camel would

die.

3. WHAT DID THE QUACK PRETEND TO CURE?

The quack pretended to cure goitre. He presented himself a doctor.

4. WHAT DID THE QUACK DO WITH THE OLD WOMAN? OR WHAT WAS THE RESULT OF THE CURE?

The quack tied a blanket around her neck and hit the swollen part with a mallet forcefully. The weak and old woman

couldn’t bear the blow and died immediately.

5. WHAT WAS THE PUNISHMENT INFLICTED UPON THE QUACK BY THE VILLAGERS? OR FOR WHOM DID THE QUACK

DIG THE GRAVE?

The villagers inflicted the punishment of digging the grave of the old woman whom he had killed in his treatment of

goiter. Then they beat him well and let him go.

6. WHAT DID THE QUACK DO IN THE NEXT VILLAGE? OR DID HE LEARN LESSON FROM HIS PAST PUNISHMENT?

The quack showed himself the doctor of goiter in the next village. He didn’t learn any lesson from his previous

punishment.

7. WHY DIDN’T THE VILLAGERS LET THE OLD MAN GET CURED?

The villagers didn’t let the quack treat the old man because the quack started talking about the death and digging the

patient’s grave. They got doubtful of him.

8. WHY DID THE QUACK COME BACK TO THE CAMEL MEN?

The quack returned to the camel men to blame them for the woman’s death and to know about the correct way of

treating goitre.

9. HOW DID THE CAMEL MAN TEACH HIM A LESSON?

The camel man taught him the lesson by beating him with a heavy stick. The camel man showed him the difference of

effects of treatment on the animals and human beings.


The story teaches a moral lesson that man should not jump to conclusion. Moreover, he should realize the difference

between the treatment of animals and human

BOOK NO 1 STORY NO 10 “A Mild Attack of Locusts”

1. WHAT ARE LOCUSTS? OR HOW DO THE FARMERS DRIVE THEM AWAY?

The locusts are flying insects which eat up green crops. They breed quickly in favourable environment. The farmers

drive them away with a lot of noise and smoke.

2. WHY DID THE FARMERS THROW WET LEAVES ON THE FIRE?

The farmers threw wet leaves on fire to make the smoke acrid and black. They wanted to drive the locusts away.

3. WHAT WAS THE DESIRE OF EVERY FARMER? OR WERE THEY SINCERE TO ONE ANOTHER?

Every farmer wanted the locusts to overlook his farm and settle down somewhere else instead. The crops were their

only source of living.

4. DID MARGRET KNOW WHAT TO DO TO KEEP THE LOCUSTS AWAY?

Margret didn’t know what to do to keep the locusts away. She hadn’t experienced the calamity of the locusts before.

She was confused.

5. WHAT WAS THE CONDITION OF TREES?

The trees were loaded and bent with the locusts. The branches and leaves were being eaten to the ground.

6. HOW DID STEPHEN TREAT THE STRAY LOCUST WHICH HE FOUND ON HIS SHIRT?

Stephen split the stray locust with his thumbnail in anger. He found it on his shirt. The locust was filled with eggs.

7. ARE THE HOPPERS DIFFERENT FROM THE LOCUSTS?

The hoppers are the young ones while the locusts are grownups. The hoppers are less dangerous than the locusts.

8. DID MARGRET LOSE HEART ON THE LOSS OF CROPS?

Margret was depressed at the loss. She hadn’t seen such destruction before. She was trying to get used to idea of

three to four years of the locusts.

9. WHY ARE LOCUSTS COMPARED WITH BAD WEATHER?

The locusts are compared with bad weather because both are imminent and dangerous for crops. They are natural

calamities.

10. WHY DID THE MEN EAT SUPPER WITH GOOD APPETITE?

The men ate their supper with good appetite because they had worked laboriously. They were hungry after the day’s

work. Moreover, they were contended even at the loss.

11. WHO WAS GIVING INSTRUCTIONS TO THE VILLAGERS?

Stephen was giving instructions to the villagers to drive away the locusts by making a noise and producing the acrid

smoke.

12. HOW DID THE LOCUSTS DESTROY THE CROPS? OR WHAT WAS THE SCENE AT EVENING?

The locusts had eaten the crops to the ground up to the area of fifty miles. Everything was covered with the brown

masses. Everything was to be replanted.


13. WHY WAS THE PLOUGHSHARE USED?

The ploughshare was used to summon the labourers in some crisis. The ways of communication in the past were

simple.

BOOK NO 1 STORY NO 11 “I have a Dream”

1. WHAT WAS THE CAUSE OF NEGROES’ DISCONTENTMENT?

The Negroes’ discontentment was due to oppression and injustice done to them. They had not equal rights and were

considered inferior. They had poor housing. They were put into jails.

2. WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES OF THE VETERANS OF CREATIVE SUFFERINGS?

The veterans of creative sufferings don’t lose heart in difficulties. They hope that unearned sufferings are redemptive

and temporary. They continue working hard.

3. WHAT IS THE DREAM OF MARTIN LUTHER KING?

The dream of Martin Luther King is to prevail equality and brotherhood between the Negroes and the American. He

also dreamed justice, the abolition of oppression and injustice and freedom for the Black American.

4. WHAT SHOULD BE THE FAITH OF THE NEGROES?

The Negroes should have faith that they will rise one day and enjoy equality and brotherhood in America without

discrimination.

5. WHAT WAS THE NECESSITY OF PLEADING THE CAUSE OF THE NEGROES’ FREEDOM?

The pleading was necessary because they experienced oppression and injustice. They had not equal rights and were


6. WHAT SHOULD BE THE CRITERION OF JUDGMENT FOR A PERSON?

The criterion of judgment for a person should be the content of character rather the colour of skin. He should be

judged on the base of his bravery, knowledge and honesty.

7. DO THE NEGROES ENJOY LIBERTY IN ALL THE PARTS OF THEIR COUNTRY?

No, the Negroes experienced oppression and injustice throughout the country. They had not equal rights and were


8. FROM WHICH PART OF THE COUNTRY DID THE NEGROES GATHER THERE?

The Negroes had gathered from northern and southern parts of the country. They were mostly from those areas where

they were treated in an unjust and inhuman way.

9. WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF THE REPETITION OF WORDS?

The repetition of the words beautifies the speech and stresses the message. It also creates, charm, music and interest

in the speech.

10. WHAT SHOULD AMERICA DO IF IT BE A GREAT NATION?

If America is to be a great nation, it should abolish social differences, injustice, oppression, exploitation on the base of

races.

BOOK NO 1 STORY NO 12 “Gift of Magi”

1. HOW MUCH DID DELLA SAVE FOR CHRISTMAS?

Della saved one dollar and eighty seven cents in her careful buying for Christmas. She was frugal and wise.

2. WHY DID DELLA WEEP?

Della wept at her helplessness because she had only one dollar and eighty seven cents. She had no money to buy a gift

for her husband on Christmas.

3. WHAT WERE TWO THINGS JAMES DILLINGHAM YOUNGS PROUD OF?

The James Dillingam Youngs were proud of two things. One was Jim’s ancestral gold watch while the other was

Della’s long brown hair.

4. HOW DID DELLA LOOK AFTER HAVING HAIRCUT?

Della looked like a school boy after losing her hair because she was quite young.

5. WHY DID DELLA FEEL PROUD IN THE BEAUTY OF HER HAIR?

Della felt proud of the beauty of her hair because it was more beautiful than any queen’s jewels and gifts. Her hair

looked like a brown water fall.

6. WHY DID DELLA SELL HER HAIR?

Della sold her hair to buy a gift for her husband, Jim. She had not enough money to buy a gold watch chain.

7. WHY DID JIM SELL THE GOLD WATCH?

He sold his watch to buy a Christmas gift for his wife, Della because he loved her very much.

8. WHY DID DELLA AND JIM WANT TO EXCHANGE THE GIFTS?

They wanted to exchange the gifts because they loved each other very much. Secondly it was their religious practice

to exchange gifts on Christmas.

9. WHY DID DELA FEEL SAD ON LOSING HER HAIR?

She felt sad on losing hair because she thought that Jim might dislike her with her short hair.

10. WHY DIDN’T JIM WELCOME HER WHEN HE STEPPED IN?

Jim didn’t welcome her because he was shocked to see Della without beautiful hair. He had purchased combs for her

hair.

11. WHAT DID JIM BRING OUT OF THE POCKET OF HIS COAT?

Jim brought out something tied in the paper from the coat pocket. There were combs decorated with jewels inside the

paper.

12. HOW BEAUTIFUL WAS THE GOLD WATCH CHAIN?

The gold watch chain was very beautiful and simply made. It was made of rich and pure material. It had quietness and

value.

13. WHAT WAS THE WISDOM IN SELLING THE MOST VALUABLE THINGS? OR WHAT IS THE MAIN IDEA? OR WHAT IS THE

MORAL LESSON OF THE STORY?

The wisdom in selling the most valuable things was that Jim and Della sold their precious things to express love and

religious fervor and make their domestic life happy.


14. WHO WERE THE MAGI?

The Magi were three kings from the East. They brought the first Christmas gift for newly born Jesus Christ.

15. WHO ARE THE MAGI IN PRESENT TIME?

The Magi are those who sacrifice their precious things for the sake of love and religious fervour.

BOOK NO 1 STORY NO 13 “God be Praised”

1. WHAT WAS ALIAS ABUL’S FULL NAME?

Alias Maulvi’s full name was Maulvi Abul Barkat. He was the religious head of the village.

2. WHAT DID HE ALWAYS CARRY WITH HIM? OR WHAT WAS SCEPTER FOR MAULVI?

He always carried a walking stick in his hand. It was a kind of scepter for him. It was decorated with iron bands.

3. DESCRIBE MAULVI’S APPEARANCE.

Maulvi was healthy and smart with resonant sound. He had slightly bulging eyes. He wore a turban on his head and

rings on his fingers.

4. WHAT WAS HIS TURBAN KNOWN AS WHERE DID IT ORIGINALLY COME?

His turban was known as Mashadi Lungi because it had come from Mashad in Iran.

5. HOW MUCH WAS DISTRIBUTED AMONG THE NEEDY AND THE POOR? OR HOW MUCH MONEY DID HE GET ON EVERY

EID?

Maulvi Abul got 150 to 200 rupees from his devotees on every Eid. He was contended, so he distributed 40 to 50 rupees

among the poor and the needy.

6. WHAT WAS THE NAME OF HIS ELDEST DAUGHTER? TO WHOM WAS SHE MARRIED?

The name of his eldest daughter was Mehrunnissa. She was married to Shamim Ahmed who was a cloth merchant.

7. WHAT WAS THE NAME OF MEMBER OF THE DISTRICT BOARD WHERE MAULVI LIVED?

The name of member of the District Board was Chudhry Fateh Dad. He was the head of the village. He was a rich and

pious Muslim.

8. WHY DID HE ADMONISH MAULVI?

Once, Fateh Dad admonished Maulvi Abul for committing a mistake in Tarawi prayer. Maulvi was obsessed with the

thoughts of his daughter’s marriage.

9. WHAT WAS THE NAME OF HIS WIFE?

Her name was Zaibunnissa. She was wise and frugal and taught the Holy Quran to the girls of the village.

10. WRITE THE NAMES OF TWO DAUGHTERS MENTIONED IN THE STORY?

The names of other daughters mentioned in the story are Zabda and Shamsun.

11. WHAT WERE TWO SOURCES OF INSPIRATION FOR MAULVI?

Two sources of inspiration for Maulvi were Allah Almighty and Chaudhry Fateh Dad. He had implicit faith in them.

12. WHAT TYPE OF LIFE DID MAULVI PASS BEFORE MARRIAGE? OR WHAT WERE THE FEATURES OF MAULVI’S

PERSONALITY?

He led a comfortable and pompous life before his marriage. He had richness, peace of mind and freedom from care.

13. HOW MUCH DID HE PAY FOR THE SHOES OF UMDA?

Maulvi Abul had to pay five rupees and twelve annas. The shoemaker sold the shoes to him at low price.

14. WHY DID HIS PRAYERS PROLONG? WHY DID HE MAKE A MISTAKE IN THE RECITATION OF THE HOLY QURAN?

His prayers became prolonged and intense because he prayed for the marriage of his eldest daughter. He became

obsessed with this idea and often made a mistake in the Tarawi prayer.

15. WHO WAS SHAMIM AHMED? WHY DID HE GO TO THE CITY? WHAT DID HE DO IN THE CITY?

Shamim was the only son of a hafiz and erstwhile disciple of Maulvi Abul. At the age of 16, he went to the city for

better prospects. He worked in the house of a head clerk and later opened a cloth shop on the footpath.

16. HOW DID HE COME TO MARRY MEHRUN?

He celebrated his marriage with great pomp and show. He came to marry Mehrun amidst of singers and fireworks.

BOOK NO 1 STORY NO 14 “The Overcoat”

1. WHAT WAS THE COLOUR OF OVERCOAT OF THE YOUNG MAN?

The colour of the coat was brown. It was old but well cut. It was made of good quality material.

2. HOW DID HE LOOK LIKE?

He looked well groomed and quite young. He had shiny and soft hair, thin mustaches and side burns. He wore silk

scarf. He carried a walking stick.

3. WHY DID THE PEOPLE COME OUT ON THE MALL?

The people came to enjoy the gaiety of the bazaars and enjoy cold weather. They amused themselves with the variety

of hotels, restaurants, cafes and snake bars.

4. WHAT DID THE TONGA WALLA DO TO SEE HIM?

The Tonga driver whipped their horses and raced towards the young man. They thought him a wealthy fare.

5. WHO WERE THE PEOPLE WEARING SUCH DRESS AND HAD COME ON THE MALL? OR WHO CAME ON THE MALL?

The people who came on the mall were from all sections of the society. There were rich profligates, isolation loving

people, vendors and drivers. The people had worn overcoats of different kinds from Astrakhani to rough military khaki.

6. WHAT WAS HE DOING AT THE BENCH?

The young man was sitting on the bench to smoke cigarette and to look at the walking people.

7. WHY WAS THE CAT SHIVERING?

The young man found a cat there. It was shivering because of intense cold.

8. WHY DID HE CALL OUT THE PAN WALA?

The young man called out the pan wala to give him the change for a ten rupee note.

9. WHY DID THE DRIVER OF THE TRUCK SPED AWAY AFTER THE ACCIDENT?

The driver sped away after the accident because he realized that something serious had happened. He took the

advantage of darkness and fled away.

10. WHO TOOK THE YOUNG MAN TO THE HOSPITAL?

A traffic inspector and a few passersby took him to the hospital. They took him in a car.


11. WHAT KIND OF MUSIC WAS PLAYED IN ONE OF THE RESTAURANTS? OR HOW DID THE PEOPLE ENJOY THE MUSIC?

An orchestra was being played in one of the restaurants. A few passersby, drivers, labourers, beggars and fruit vendors

were enjoying the music. They listened to it attentively.

12. WHAT WAS THE CONDITION OF THE YOUNG MAN?

The young man was badly hurt. He was in precarious state. He was just alive when he was taken to the hospital.


The moral lesson is that appearance is always deceptive and all that glitters is not gold. Secondly man should cut his

coat according to his cloth.

BOOK NO 1 STORY NO 15 “The angel and the author”

1. WHAT DID THE AUTHOR DREAM?

The author dreamed that he was flying in the air in his night dress. He also met a recording angel in his dream.

2. AT WHAT POINT OF JOURNEY IN HIS DREAM DID HE HEAR THE THROBBING SOUND?

The author heard the throbbing sound when he was flying in the air in his dream. He could see only faint luminosity

buried under darkness at that time.

3. WHAT TIME OF YEAR WAS IT?

It was a fortnight after Christmas when the author dreamed.

4. WHAT DOES THE AUTHOR LIKE ABOUT CHRISTMAS? WHAT CHANGES DO OCCUR IN THE CHRISTIAN?

The author liked the change in attitude of the people at Christmas. They become generous and help others. They

themselves do noble deeds.

5. WRITE DOWN THE GOOD DEEDS?

The subscription for the unemployed, attending charity dinners and charity bazaars, funding curates and destitute and

taking part in rummage sale are a few examples of good deeds.

6. WHY ARE THE NOBLE DEEDS ALWAYS A GREAT JOY FOR THE AUTHOR?

The noble deeds are a great source of enjoyment because they satisfied him. He had religious fervor.

7. WHAT CHANGES HAPPEN IN THE CHRISTIAN?

The Christian become generous and kind. They help the poor and the needy. They preach lovely sentiments to others

and do noble deeds.

kbl academy of english and sciences..0308-32-32-4-88 … › library › files › pdf › notes ›...

Documents