QUESTION BANK OF CLASS – VIII (ENGLISH)

HONEY DEW

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT IN THE WORLD

1. What did the author find in a junk shop?AnswerThe author found a very old 19th century roll-top desk in a junk shop. It was made of oak. It was in a very bad condition. The roll-top was broken into several pieces. One of the legs was clumsily mended and there were scorch marks down one side.

2. What did he find in a secret drawer? Who do you think had put it in there?AnswerIn a secret drawer of a roll-top desk, the author found a small tin box. There was a piece of lined note paper sello-taped to its top. It had, ‘Jim’s last letter, received January 25, 1915. To be buried with me when the time comes” written on it.Most likely, it was put there by Mrs. Jim Macpherson, who was Jim’s wife. Her name and address were on the envelope inside the box.3. Who had written the letter, to whom, and when?AnswerJim Macpherson had written the letter to his wife Connie Macpherson on December 26, 1914.4. Why was the letter written-what was the wonderful thing that had happened?AnswerJim wrote the letter to tell his wife about a wonderful thing that had happened on Christmas day. The British and the Germans were engaged in a war, yet on this day, both the troops met in no man's land. It was a thing of wonder because right in the middle of a war, the warring soldiers were making peace.5. What did the author find in a junk shop?AnswerThe author found a very old 19th century roll-top desk in a junk shop. It was made of oak. It was in a very bad condition. The roll-top was broken into several pieces. One of the legs was clumsily mended and there were scorch marks down one side.6. What did he find in a secret drawer? Who do you think had put it in there?Answer

In a secret drawer of a roll-top desk, the author found a small tin box. There was a piece of lined note paper sello-taped to its top. It had, ‘Jim’s last letter, received January 25, 1915. To be buried with me when the time comes” written on it.Most likely, it was put there by Mrs. Jim Macpherson, who was Jim’s wife. Her name and address were on the envelope inside the box.7. Who had written the letter, to whom, and when?AnswerJim Macpherson had written the letter to his wife Connie Macpherson on December 26, 1914.8. Why was the letter written-what was the wonderful thing that had happened?AnswerJim wrote the letter to tell his wife about a wonderful thing that had happened on Christmas day. The British and the Germans were engaged in a war, yet on this day, both the troops met in no man's land. It was a thing of wonder because right in the middle of a war, the warring soldiers were making peace.9. What jobs did Hans Wolf and Jim Macpherson have when they were not soldiers?AnswerHans Wolf was from Dusseldorf. He played the cello in the orchestra. Jim Macpherson was a school teacher from Dorset.10. Had Hans Wolf even been to Dorset? Why did he say he knew it?AnswerNo, Hans Wolf had never been to Dorset. He had learned all about England from school and from reading books in English.

THE TSUNAMI

1. How are Meghna and Almas's stories similar?AnswerBoth Meghna's and Almas' families were washed away. Both of them kept floating in the sea for days. Meghna floated in the sea for two days holding on to a wooden door. She was brought to the shore by a wave. Similarly, Almus climbed on to a log of wood and fainted. She woke up in a hospital. Both the girls were traumatised after the incident. While Meghna was seen walking on the seashore in daze, Almus does not talk about the incident to anyone.2. What are the different ways in which Tilly's parents could have reacted to her behavior? What would you have done if you were in their place?AnswerNot taking her seriously, Tilly's parents could have tried to calm her down thinking that she had been frightened by something. As a result, they could have been washed away by the tsunami waves.If I were in their place, I too would have listened to her and realised that there was a danger

approaching. Consequently, I too would have rushed away from the beach.3. If Tilly's award was to be shared, who do you think she should share it with - her parents or her geography teacher?AnswerIf Tilly's award was to be shared, she should share it with her geography teacher who made her aware of tsunami in the first place. It was this awareness that helped her save so many lives.4. What are the two different ideas about why so few animals were killed in the tsunami? Which idea do you find more believable?AnswerThe first idea is that the animals have a sixth sense. They know when the earth is going to shake. The second idea is that the animals have a more acute sense of hearing. This helps them to hear or feel the earth’s vibration. In this way they sense the coming disaster much before the human beings. So they run away to safer places.To me the first idea seems more believable. It is so because many animals get an idea of the coming rains. Now rain has nothing to do with the sense of hearing. So it is more sensible to think that nature has provided them some sixth sense which helps them get over the crises.

5.Why did Tilly’s family come to Thailand?

Answer

Tilly’s family had gone to Thailand to celebrate Christmas.

6.How many animals died in the Tsunami?

Answer

Very few animals died.

7.How many people and animals died in Yala National Park?

Answer

Sixty visitors and two animals.

8.What do people say about the elephants of Yala National Park?

Answer

The elephants ran from the beach an hour before the Tsunami hit the coast.

9.Whatt did the dogs in Galle do?

Answer

The dogs in Galle refused to go to the beach for their regular exercise.

10.When Ignasius felt the earth quake,do you think Ignasius immediately worried about a Tsunami?

Answer

No,Ignasius did not think about the Tsunami. He thought that it was just an earthquake.

GLIMPSES OF THE PAST

1. Who is an artisan? Why do you think the artisans suffered? (picture 3)AnswerAn artisan is a skilled manual worker who crafts items that may be functional or strictly decorative. The artisans suffered because the British were extracting very high taxes from them, which ruined them economically. Moreover, machine-manufactured goods imported from Britain were sold extensively, which ruined the business of the artisans' hand-made goods.2. Do you think the Indian princes were short-sighted in their approach to the events of 1757?AnswerYes, the Indian princes were short-sighted in their approach to the events of 1757.3. How did the East India Company subdue the Indian princes?AnswerThe Indian princes were constantly at war with each other. They called the English merchants to help them in their fights. The people had no peace due to such constant fights. The rivalries helped the East India Company subdue the Indian princes one by one.4. Quote the words used by Ram Mohan Roy to say that every religion teaches the same principles.AnswerAccording to Ram Mohan Roy, “Cows are of different colours, but the colour of their milk is the same. Different teachers have different opinions, but the essence of every religion is the same.”5. In what ways did the British officers exploit Indians?AnswerThe British officers exploited Indians in many ways. They imposed heavy taxes on Indians farmers and reduced import duty on goods manufactured in England and imported to India. Even they cut the thumbs of expert artisans.

6. Name these people(i)The ruler who fought pitched battles against the British and died fighting.(ii) The person who wanted to reform the society.(iii) The person who recommended the introduction of English education in India.(iv) Two popular leaders who led the revolt (Choices may vary.)Answer(i) Kunwar Singh(ii) Ram Mohan Roy(iii) Macaulay(iv) Maulvi Ahmedulla of Faizabad and Peshwa Nana Saheb7. Two examples of social practices prevailing then.

Answer Untouchability and child marriage8. Two oppressive policies of the British.

Answer

The British decided to do away with import duty on goods manufactured in England. This severely affected Indian industries.In 1818, they passed Regulation III. Under it, an Indian could be jailed without trial in a court.9.Two ways in which common people suffered.

Answer

They lost their old jobs and lands. They were being converted by the British.

10. Four reasons for the discontent that led to the 1857 War of Independence.Answer

Four reasons for the discontent that led to the 1857 War of Independence were:

→ Indians had become slaves in their own country.→ The East India Company destroyed Indian industries.→ There was huge difference in the treatment of the English men and the Indians.→ The use of grease on the bullet was spoiling the customs of Indians as it was made of the fat of the cows and pigs.

BEPIN CHOUDHERY’S LAPSE OF MEMORY

1. Why did the man stare at Bepin Babu in disbelief?AnswerThe man stared at Bepin Babu in disbelief because Bepin Babu did not recognise him even though he was sure that he knew him and had met him in Ranchi.2. Where did Bepin Babu say he went in October' 58?AnswerBepin Babu said that he spent the Puja holidays in '58 with a friend in Kanpur.3. Mention any three (or more) things that Parimal Ghose knew about Bepin Babu.AnswerParimal Ghose knew following things about Bepin Babu:→ That Bepin Babu slipped near Hudroo falls and hurt his leg.→ That Bepin Babu stayed in a Bungalow because he preferred food by bawarchi.→ That Bepin Babu’s wife died 10 years ago.4. Why did Bepin Babu worry about what Parimal Ghose had said?Answer Bepin Babu continuously worried about what Parimal Ghose had said because he had shown that he

knew many intimate facts about him. He knew about the bag of books, his wife's death and his brother's insanity. Considering that Parimal Ghose knew so much about him, Bepin Babu couldn't say with conviction that he was making a mistake about the Ranchi trip.

5. How did he try to decide who was right - his memory or Parimal Ghose?AnswerHe tried to decide whether his memory was right or Parimal Ghose by looking at his right knee where Parimal had claimed that there would be a cut. There was certainly a mark of an old cut. However, he could not decide if the cut was the result of his fall in Ranchi or due to some incident in his childhood. Then, he decided to ask Dinesh Mukherjee, who according to Parimal Ghose was with him in Ranchi. He felt that asking him would put an end to his confusion.6. Why did Bepin Babu hesitate to visit Mr Mukerji? Why did he finally decide to phone him?AnswerBepin Babu hesitated to visit Mr Dinesh Mukerji because he was afraid of the ruthless sarcasm he would have to face. He felt that if the whole story about Ranchi was false, then Mr Mukerji would think that he had gone insane.Being constantly troubled by the incident at the bookshop and having no other meansfor verifying the claims of Primal Ghose, Bepin Babu finally decided to ask Mr Mukerji. However, he decided to phone him because that way his embarrassment wouldn't be visible to the latter.7. What did Mr Mukerji say? Did it comfort Bepin Babu, or add to his worries?AnswerMr. Mukerji, after checking his diary ,said that they had visited Ranchi in October’58. This added to Bepin Babu's worries as he could not figure out how he could possibly have forgotten about the trip.8. Who was Chunilal? What did he want from Bepin Babu?AnswerChunilal was an old schoolmate of Bepin Babu. He had been having a rough time lately and had been coming to see Bepin Babu for a job.9. Why was Dr Chanda puzzled? What was unusual about Bepin Babu's loss of memory?AnswerDr Chanda was puzzled because he had never dealt with a case such as Bepin Babu’s. It was outside his field of experience.The unusual thing about Bepin Babu’s case was that he remembered everything in his past except for one particular incident. Dr Chanda said that Bepin Babu must have been to Ranchi. However, due to some unknown reason, the entire episode had slipped out of his mind.10. Had Bepin Babu really lost his memory and forgotten all about a trip to Ranchi?AnswerNo, Bepin Babu had not really lost his memory and forgotten all about a trip to Ranchi. It was a trick played by Chunilal.

THE SUMMIT WITHIN

1. What are the three qualities that played a major role in the author’s climb?

Answer

Endurance, persistence and will power are the three qualities that played a major role in the author’s climb.

2 Why is adventure, which is risky, also pleasurable?

Answer

Adventure is risky, but pleasurable. Though it presents great difficulties, man takes delight in overcoming such hurdles. Everest is the highest, the mightiest, and many attempts have been made to climb it. According to the author, when the summit is climbed, there is the feeling of “exhilaration, the joy of having done something, the sense of a battle fought and won”. There is a feeling of victory and of happiness. The physical conquest of a mountain is only one part of the achievement. It is followed by a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. The experience is not merely physical, but it is emotional and spiritual also.

3. What was it about Mount Everest that the author found irresistible?

Answer

Everest is one of the highest and mightiest mountains drew him towards itself by its beauty, aloofness, ruggedness and the difficulties encountered on the way. Climbing it, would take the last ounce of ones energy as it is a brutal struggle with rock and ice. Once taken up, it cannot be given up half way even when ones life is at stake. The passage back is as difficult as the passage onwards. Once the summit is climbed however there is the feeling of exhilaration, the joy of having done something, the sense of a battle fought and won, a feeling of victory and of happiness. All these were reasons why he found it irresistible.

4. One does not do it (climb a high peak) for fame alone. What does one do it for, really?

Answer

Climbing a peak means endurance, persistence and will power. The demonstration of these physical qualities is exhilarating for a climber. The experience, apart from being merely physical, is also emotional and spiritual. It surely presents great difficulties. However, man takes delight in overcoming obstacles. Therefore, it is not for fame alone that one climbs a mountain. It is actually for the joy of having done something, the sense of a battle fought and won, a feeling of victory and of happiness. There is a sense of fulfillment, the satisfaction of a deep urge to rise above ones surroundings, the eternal love for adventure in man.

5. “He becomes conscious in a special manner of his own smallness in this large universe.” This awareness defines an emotion mentioned in the first paragraph. Which is the emotion?

Answer

"He becomes conscious in a special manner of his own smallness in this large universe." This awareness defines the emotion of humility.

6. What were the “symbols of reverence” left by members of the team on Everest?

Answer

On Everest, a picture of Guru Nanak was left by the author; a picture of Goddess Durga was left by Rawat; a relic of the Buddha was left by Phu Dorji. Apart from these ‘symbols of reverence’ there was also the cross that had been buried by Edmund Hillary.

7. What, according to the writer, did his experience as an Everester teach him?

Answer

According to the writer, his experience as an Everester provided him with the inspiration to face life’s ordeals determinedly. It taught him that the conquest of the internal summit is as worthwhile as climbing the mountain. He also concluded that perhaps the internal summits are higher than Everest.

8.How did Ahluwalia feel standing on the summit?

Answer

It was an enriching experience for Ahluwalia. He was filled with humility.

9.How does Ahluwalia describe his achievement?

Answer

Ahluwalia experienced a sense of fulfillment. Experience was not just physical but also emotional and spiritual.

10.What are the problems the climbers face as they climb a mountain?

Answer

Breathing at great height is difficult. There are moments when he feels like going back for relief but there is something that does not let him give up the struggle

THIS IS JODY’S FAWN

1. Why does Jody want to bring the fawn home?

Answer

The fawn has become an orphan because its mother was killed by Jody. He wants to bring the fawn to return the obligation because he was the one who made the fawn an orphan.

2. How does Jody know that the fawn is a male?

Answer

Jody’s father told him that in a male fawn the spots are all in a line and in females they are randomly arranged. This knowledge helped him recognize it being a male fawn.

3. Jody didn’t want Mill-wheel with him for two reasons. What were they?

Answer

Jody did not want Mill-wheel with him for two reasons. First was that if fawn was dead then Jody didn’t want Mill-wheel to see the disappointment on his face. Second reason if the fawn was alive then Jody did not want to share his happiness with anybody else.

4. Why was Mill-wheel afraid to leave Jody alone?

Answer

Mill-wheel did not want to leave Jody alone as he was afraid that Jody could lose his way or get bitten by a snake.

5. How did Jody bring the fawn back home?

Answer

Jody did not want to scare the fawn away. That is why he first stroked its neck slowly, and then put his arms around it. Then, he picked it up and carried it through the thick bushes. He tried to shield its face from the sharp vines. He stopped to rest on his way home. On walking a little, he saw the fawn following him. After this, he would either carry the fawn, or put it down so that it would follow him by itself. When they reached home, it refused to climb the stairs. He then picked it up and took it inside the house.

6. Jody was filled with emotion after he found the fawn. Can you find at least three words or phrases which show how he felt?

Answer

Jody was filled with emotion after he found the fawn. When he stroked its neck, the touch made him ‘delirious’. When he realised that it was his fawn now, he was ‘lightheaded with his joy’. When he finally brought the fawn into the house, Penny thought that “the boy’s eyes were as bright as the fawn’s”.

7. How did the deer drink milk from the gourd?

Answer

The deer drank the milk from Jody’s hands. When Jody gave milk to the fawn in a gourd, it butted it suddenly, smelling the milk and not knowing what to do with the milk in the gourd. It was then that Jody dipped his fingers in the milk and pushed them into the fawn’s soft wet mouth so that it would drink the milk.

8. Why didn’t the fawn follow Jody up the steps as he had thought it would?

Answer

The deer is a wild animal. It is used to a life in the forest. When the fawn reached Jody's home, it did not follow Jody up the steps because of the strangeness of the house and the steps and everything. This is similar to its reaction to the milk in the gourd. It simply did not know what to do.

9. Why did Penny Baxter allow Jody to go find the fawn and raise it?

Answer

Penny allowed Jody to go find the fawn and raise it because it seemed ungrateful to him to leave the fawn to starve. He agreed with Jody that they had killed the doe for their purpose and the fawn was orphaned for no fault of its own. They could not let the fawn starve. They felt a responsibility towards it.

10. What did Doc Wilson mean when he said, “Nothing in the world ever comes quite free”?

Answer

Penny had killed the doe to save his life. Therefore, in regard for what the doe had done, its fawn needed to be taken care of and saved from starvation. It would be ungrateful to leave it alone. This was what Doc Wilson meant when he said that nothing in the world came for free.

SUPPLEMENTARY READER

HOW THE CAMEL GOT HIS HUMP

1. What tasks, do you think, were assigned to the dog and the ox?AnswerThe dog was assigned the task of fetching and carrying sticks, while the ox was assigned the task of ploughing.

2. Why did the camel live in the middle of the desert?AnswerThe camel lived in the middle of the desert because it did not want to work. It ate sticks, thorns, and prickles, and when anybody spoke to it, it said “Humph!” and nothing more.3. What made the dog, the horse and the ox very angry?AnswerThe man told the dog, the horse and the ox that since the camel cannot work, he would leave it alone and the three of them would have to work double-time to make up for the work not done by the camel. This made the three of them very angry.4. How did the Djinn know the horse was complaining against the camel?AnswerThe Djinn knew that the horse was complaining against the camel because he was the in charge of all deserts and knew about everything happening in relation to his deserts.5. The camel was looking at his own reflection in the pool. What does it suggest to you about the camel?AnswerThe camel's looking at his own reflection in the pool shows that he was proud of his appearance, especially his back. He liked admiring himself.6. The camel said, "Humph" repeatedly. How did it affect him?

AnswerWhen the camel said “Humph!” repeatedly despite the Djinn's warning, his back puffed up into a big hump.7. What, according to the Djinn, was the use of the "humph"?AnswerAccording to the Djinn, the hump was useful for storing his food and using it during continuous work for many days.8. "...he has never yet learnt to behave". In the light of this, what is the writer's opinion about the camel?AnswerAccording to the writer, the camel is still a very lazy animal that is unwilling to work. After he got the hump, the Djinn asked him to go out of the desert to help the other three animals. It seems that the camel still did not behave himself and worked lazily in the desert itself. It is for this reason that he was still unable to complete the pending work of those three missed days; and he continued carrying the hump and living in the desert.

9.Do you think hump on a camel’s back has no use?

Answer

The hump on a camel’s back contains fat which helps it to survive without food and water for several days.

10.Who was Djinn?

Answer

Djinn was the incharge of all deserts.

CHILDREN AT WORK

1. Velu stood on the platform but he felt "as if he was still on a moving train". Why?AnswerVelu stood on the platform but felt as if he was still on a moving train because his legs were still wobbly and shaky after the journey to Chennai. Usually, the effect of a moving train stays for some time after the end of the journey.2. What made him feel miserable?AnswerVelu felt miserable and exhausted because he had run away from his village two days ago and had not eaten anything except some peanuts and a piece of jaggery for the last two days.3. (i) Velu travelled without a ticket. Why?(ii) How did he escape the ticket collector's attention?Answer(i) Velu travelled without a ticket because he had no money to buy a ticket.(ii) He escaped the ticket collector's attention because luckily the ticket collector did not come to the unreserved compartment.

4. Why had Velu run away from home?

Answer

Velu had run away from home because his father used to beat him everyday. His father would also spend the money earned by Velu and his sisters on drinking.5. Why did he decide to follow the 'strange' girl?AnswerHe decided to follow the 'strange' girl because he did not know where to go and what to do.

6. Can Velu read Tamil and English? How do you know?AnswerVelu can only read Tamil but not English. He failed to read the signboards in English. However, he can read front. Velu read the Tamil sign, Central Jail.

7. “If you are not careful, you will soon be counting bars there,” the girl said.(i) What is she referring to?(ii) What does she mean when she says “If you are not careful...”?(She says something a little later which means the same. Find that sentence.)Answer(i) She was referring to the Central Jail.(ii) When she said “If you are not careful...” to Velu, she meant that he should not get caught. All he had

to do to stay away from jail was to not do something stupid and get caught by policemen.8. (i) Where did the girl lead Velu to?(ii) What did they get to eat?Answer(i) The Girl led Velu to the back of a wedding hall.(ii) Velu got a banana and a vada, while the girl got only one banana to eat.9. What work did she do? Think of a one-word answer.AnswerRag picking.10. What material are the 'strange' huts made out of?(ii) Why does Velu find them strange?Answer(i) The 'strange' huts were made out of metal sheets, tyres, bricks, wood, and plastic.(ii) Velu found the huts strange because in his village, the houses were made of mud and palm leaves. The huts he saw were made up of all sorts of things and looked like they could fall any moment.

THE SELFISH GIANT

1. Why is the Giant called selfish?AnswerThe Giant is called selfish because he did not allow children to play in the garden. He built a high walls around the garden. He also put up notice board with a warning on it.

2. On one occasion the children said: "How happy we are here!"Later they said: "How happy we were there!"What are they referring to in both the cases?AnswerIn the first case, they are referring to the Giant's garden where they would play while returning from school. They had a great time whenever they played in the garden.In the second case, they are again referring to the garden; talking about how happy they were before the Giant stopped them from playing in his garden.In both the cases, the children are referring to the Giant's garden.

3. (i) When spring came, it was still winter in the garden. What does winter stand for or indicate here?(ii) Winter has been presented like a story with its own characters and their activities. Describe the story in your own words.

Answer

(i)In the story, winter stands for a negative, desolate and lifeless environment. In this environment, trees and flowers do not blossom. Here, winter also refers to an atmosphere of depression and laziness. Since birds did not sing, children did not play and spring did not visit the garden, winter prolonged its stay in

the garden.

(ii)When spring came, the birds did not sing as there were no children. The trees too did not blossom. At a particular instance, a flower put its head out from the grass. However, when it saw the notice board put up by the giant, it felt sad and sorry for the children, got back inside the grass, and went off to sleep.On the other hand, snow and frost were very happy. While the snow covered the grass, the frost fell on all the trees. They invited the North Wind to stay with them, and later even the Hail was asked to visit. The Hail rattled the roof of the castle everyday until some of it started breaking, and then it ran round the garden again and again as fast as it could.

4. Was the Giant happy or sad over the state of the garden?AnswerThe Giant was sad over the state of his garden. He could not understand why spring was so late in coming.5. What effect did the linnet's song have over Hail and the North Wind?AnswerWhen the linnet sang, the Hail stopped dancing over his head, and the North Wind stopped roaring.6. (i) The Giant saw a most wonderful sight. What did he see? (ii) What did he realise on seeing it?Answer(i)The Giant saw that the children had entered the garden through a small hole in the wall, and were sitting on the branches of trees. There was a child on every tree. The trees had covered themselves with blossoms as they were glad to have the children back. The birds were flying about and twittering in delight, and the flowers and grass were laughing out loud.

(ii)He realised that spring did not come to his garden because he had prevented the children from playing in his garden. He realised that he was selfish not to allow the children to play in his garden.

7. Why was it still winter in one corner of the garden?

Answer

In one corner of the garden, there was a tree all covered with frost and snow. The North Wind was blowing and roaring above it. A little boy was standing in front of it, but could not reach its branches. As a result, there was still winter in this part of the garden.

8. Describe the first meeting of the little boy and the Giant.

Answer

The first meeting of the little boy and the Giant was beneath the tree that was covered with frost and snow. The Giant took him gently in his hands and put him up into the tree. The tree at once blossomed,

and the birds came and sang on it. The little boy stretched out his two arms, flung them round the Giant's neck, and kissed him.

9. Describe their second meeting after a long interval.

Answer

Their second meeting took place after a long interval; on a winter morning. The Giant was surprised to see that in the farthest corner of the garden, there was a tree covered with lovely white blossoms. Its branches were golden, and silver fruit hung down from them. The little boy stood underneath it. The Giant went towards him in great joy. As he came near the child, his face grew red with anger when he saw that there were imprints of nails on his palms and feet. The Giant asked the little boy who had wounded him, and told him that he would slay the one who had done so. The child answered that those were the wounds of love. Kneeling before the little child in awe, the Giant asked him who he was. The child smiled at the Giant, and said to him that since he had let him play once in his garden, that day he would come with him to his garden, which was paradise.

10. The Giant lay dead, all covered with white blossoms. What does this sentence indicate about the once selfish Giant?

Answer

The sentence indicates the Giant lay dead, all covered with white blossoms. The Giant had been blessed with paradise after his death. The Giant is no longer selfish and cruel. That’s why he is covered with white blossoms. White colour is a symbol of peace.

THE TREASURE WITHIN

1. What did Hafeez contractor have nightmares about?

AnswerHafeez Contractor got nightmares about appearing for a mathematics examination in which he did not know anything.2. What did the Principal say to him, which influenced him deeply?

Answer

The principal said to him how his mother toiled hard to bring him up inspite of his father’s death. She further said that he was grown up and should start taking care of himself. That he should start giving top priority to his study instead of sports.3. "... that year I did not step out onto the field." What was he busy doing that year?Answer

He was busy studying that year. He went for prayers, and just ate and studied.4. (i) What "distraction" did Hafeez Contractor create one day?(ii) Would you have liked to participate in the "distraction" had you been with him?Answer(i) He played chor-police for an hour and even school boy loves distractions very much.

(ii) Had I been with Hafeez Contractor, I would have definitely liked to particulate in the distraction.

5. Hafeez Contractor wanted to join the police force. Why didn't he?AnswerHefeez Contractor did not join the police force because his mother told him not to. His mother told him to do his graduation.6. In the architect's office, Hafeez Contractor was advised to drop everything and join architecture. Why?AnswerIn the architect’s office somebody was making a technical drawing of a window. Hafeez observed some lacunae in the drawing and convinced that person. Then Hafeez was asked to make a drawing for a house which Hafeez did surprisingly well. They were stunned to see Hafeez’s natural talent and advised him to join architecture.

7. (i) What was Mrs Gupta's advice to Hafeez contractor?(ii) What made her advise him so?Answer(i) Mrs. Gupta, who was Hafeez Contractor's teacher in the second and third grades, advised him to become an architect when he grew up.

(ii)She always said to him that he was quite useless in everything, except for his sketches, which were always very good. Therefore, she advised him to take up architecture.

8. How did he help fellow students who had lost a button?Answer

When his fellow students lost a button, he helped them by cutting a button from chalk, by using a blade.9. Which rules did he break as a school boy?AnswerHe broke many rules when he was a school boy. He would copy in class during Examination. Playing jobs and pranks on others. He would have gang fights and plan strategies. He was most interested in funny pranks. So he often created distractions. He also became a street Romeo.10. (i) What is Hafeez contractor's definition of mathematics? (ii) How would you want to define mathematics? Do you like the subject?Answer(i)He said that putting design, construction, psychology and sociology together, and making a sketch

from all that is 'mathematics'.(ii) I would like to define mathematics as the science of numbers, quantity and space. Arithmetic, algebra, geometry and trigonometry are some of its branches.

PRINCESS SEPTEMBER

1. How many daughters did the royal couple have?AnswerThe royal couple had nine daughters.2. Why were they named after the months of the year?AnswerThey were named after the months of the year because the King and the Queen had many daughters, and it confused the Queen to have to remember so many names.3. The King had a peculiar habit. What was it? Why is it called peculiar?AnswerThe King's peculiar habit was that instead of receiving gifts on his birthday, he gave them. It is called peculiar because usually, people receive gifts on their birthdays.4. (i) What was Princess September's reaction to the loss of her parrot?(ii) What was her mother's reaction to it?(iii) What do the reactions indicate about the nature and temperament of each?Answer(i) Princess September burst into a flood of tears at the loss of her parrot. She kept crying and nothing comforted her.(ii) Her mother declared it as nonsense, and said that she should go to bed without any supper.(iii) The Princess' reaction indicates that she was a young, sensitive child. That is why she cried over the loss of her parrot. It was a very important thing for her. The loss of her parrot filled her with grief.Her mother's reaction indicates that she was a little harsh. She did not understand her daughter's grief and console her. She did not think that the dying of the parrot was in any way a significant incident to shed tears.5. What pulled the Princess out of her gloom?AnswerWhen the Princess was lying on her bed crying, she saw a little bird hop into her room. She wiped her tears and heard the beautiful song that the bird sang. This brought the Princess out of her gloom.6. How did the Maids of Honour come to know that the Princess and the bird had become intimate friends?AnswerWhen the Maids of Honour brought in the princess' breakfast, they saw the bird eat rice out of her hand, and have its bath in her saucer. This showed them that the princess and the bird had become intimate friends.7. The new bird was full of new songs but the old parrots always repeated themselves. What did they say?

AnswerAll the old parrots could say 'God save the king' and some of them could even say 'Pretty Polly' in seven languages.

8. What is the King's opinion about his Councillors? Why did he form that opinion?AnswerThe King said that the parrots repeating 'Pretty Polly' in seven different languages reminded him of his Councillors who said the same thing in seven different ways, and meant nothing whichever way they said it. This was similar to the way the parrots kept repeating what they had learnt, without knowing the meaning of what they said.9. (i) The eight Princesses made an offer to Princess September. What was it? (ii) Why, in your view, did they do it?Answer(i) The eight princesses offered to buy a lovely green and yellow parrot for Princess September by putting in all their pocket money.

(ii) They did so because they were distressed by the fact that everybody was praising Princess September's bird, which could sing. Their parrots looked sad and repeated the same things. They wanted her to have the same pet as they had.

10. What did the sisters advise the Princess to do about her bird?AnswerThe sisters advised the Princess to keep her bird in a cage so that she could be sure of where it was.