MP Board 10th English Quick Revision Pocket Diary कक्षा 10 अँग्रेजी पॉकेट डायरी – his guide is designed for the intensive and exam-focused final revision of the MP Board Class 10th English syllabus, covering all sections as per the blueprint.
MP Board 10th English Quick Revision Pocket Diary
SECTION D: LITERATURE (FIRST FLIGHT – PROSE)
Chapter 1: A Letter to God
| Important Facts (Summary): Author: G. L. Fuentes Characters: Lencho (a poor farmer), the Postmaster (a kind, fat, amiable man). Setting: A house on the crest of a low hill; a post office. Plot: Lencho’s entire corn crop is destroyed by a hailstorm. He has “unshakable faith” in God. He writes a letter to God asking for 100 pesos. Resolution: The postmaster, impressed by this faith, collects 70 pesos from colleagues and himself (“an act of charity”) and sends it to Lencho, signing as “God”. Irony: Lencho receives the money but is angry, believing the post office employees stole 30 pesos. He calls them “a bunch of crooks” in his second letter to God. Theme: Unshakable faith, irony of life, humanity vs. nature. Important Objective Questions (1 Mark) 1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): (i) Lencho’s house was located on the crest of a: (a) High mountain (b) Low hill (c) Plateau (d) Valley Answer: (b) Low hill (ii) How much money did Lencho ask God for? (a) 100 pesos (b) 70 pesos (c) 1000 pesos (d) 100 dollars Answer: (a) 100 pesos 2. Fill in the Blanks: (i) Lencho called the post office employees _______. (a bunch of crooks) (ii) The postmaster decided to answer the letter to preserve Lencho’s _______. (faith in God) 3. True/False: (i) Lencho was very happy to see the 70 pesos in the envelope. (False) (ii) The postmaster was a cruel and unkind man. (False) 4. Match the Columns: Column ‘A’ Column ‘B’ (1) Lencho (a) A bunch of crooks (2) Postmaster (b) God (3) Post office employees (c) An amiable fellow (4) Lencho’s only hope (d) Unshakable faith Important Short & Long Answer Questions Q (1 Mark): What was Lencho’s only hope? Ans: Lencho’s only hope was “the help of God”. Q (2 Marks): Why was Lencho angry when he received the letter? Ans: Lencho was angry when he received the letter because the money was not 100 pesos as he had requested. He had received only 70 pesos and believed God could not have made a mistake, so the post office employees must have stolen the rest. Q (3 Marks): What did the postmaster do to preserve Lencho’s faith in God? Ans: The postmaster was deeply moved by Lencho’s faith. To preserve it: He decided to answer the letter. He put in part of his salary and collected money from his employees and friends as “an act of charity”. He managed to collect 70 pesos, put it in an envelope addressed to Lencho, and signed it “God”. Q (3 Marks): What is the irony in the chapter “A Letter to God”? Ans: The irony of the situation is that the very people who helped Lencho (the postmaster and employees) are the ones he accuses of stealing his money. He calls them “a bunch of crooks”, while they were the ones who selflessly helped him. This highlights the conflict between faith and reality. |
Chapter 2: Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
| Important Facts (Summary): Author: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (Autobiography). Event: The inauguration ceremony of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government (10th May 1994). Location: The Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria. Key Detail: Mandela became the first black president of South Africa. Mandela’s definition of Courage: “Courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” ‘Twin Obligations’: Mandela mentions two obligations: (1) to his family, parents, wife, and children; and (2) to his people, his community, and his country. Apartheid: The system of racial discrimination and segregation that existed in South Africa. Important Objective Questions (1 Mark) 1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): (i) The inauguration ceremony took place on: (a) 10th May (b) 10th March (c) 20th May (d) 20th June Answer: (a) 10th May (ii) According to Mandela, what is a country’s greatest wealth? (a) Its minerals (b) Its people (c) Its forests (d) Its rivers Answer: (b) Its people 2. Fill in the Blanks: (i) Mandela defines courage as the triumph over ______. (fear) (ii) The system of racial domination in South Africa was called ______. (Apartheid) 3. True/False: (i) Mandela was sworn in as the first white president of South Africa. (False) (ii) Mandela believed that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity. (True) Important Short & Long Answer Questions Q (1 Mark): What are the ‘twin obligations’ Mandela mentions? Ans: The twin obligations are: (1) obligation to his family, and (2) obligation to his people and country. Q (2 Marks): According to Mandela, what is true courage? Ans: According to Mandela, courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph (victory) over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. Q (3 Marks): What did ‘being free’ mean to Mandela as a boy, and as a student? Ans: As a boy: ‘Being free’ meant to run freely in the fields, swim in the clear streams, and ride the broad backs of bulls. As a student: ‘Being free’ meant the freedom to stay out at night, read what he pleased, and go where he chose. He later realized these were “transitory freedoms” and his true hunger was for the freedom of his people. |
Chapter 4: From the Diary of Anne Frank
| Important Facts (Summary): Author: Anne Frank (Autobiography/Diary). Diary’s Name: ‘Kitty’. Reason for writing: Anne had no “true friends” to confide in and believed “Paper has more patience than people.” Context: She was a 13-year-old Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis during World War II in Amsterdam (the “Secret Annex”). Key Characters (in the extract): Mr. Keesing: Her maths teacher, whom she found annoying. Kitty: A Diary (Her friend) The Essays: Mr. Keesing punished her for being a “chatterbox” by assigning extra essays: ‘A Chatterbox’ ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox’ ‘Quack, Quack, Quack, Said Mistress Chatterbox’ (This one was written in verse with help from her friend Sanne, and it finally silenced Mr. Keesing). Important Objective Questions (1 Mark) 1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): (i) What was the name Anne Frank gave to her diary? (a) Sanne (b) Kitty (c) Margot (d) Mr. Keesing Answer: (b) Kitty (ii) What subject did Mr. Keesing teach? (a) History (b) English (c) Maths (d) Science Answer: (c) Maths 2. Fill in the Blanks: (i) Anne believed that paper has more ______ than people. (patience) (ii) Anne’s final essay on the ‘chatterbox’ topic was written in ______. (verse/poetry) 3. True/False: (i) Anne had many true friends to confide in. (False) (ii) Mr. Keesing was annoyed by Anne’s talkative nature. (True) Important Short & Long Answer Questions Q (1 Mark): Why did Anne Frank decide to keep a diary? Ans: Anne Frank decided to keep a diary because she felt she had no “true friends” with whom she could share her innermost feelings. Q (2 Marks): Why was Mr. Keesing annoyed with Anne? What did he do? Ans: Mr. Keesing was annoyed with Anne because she talked too much in his class (she was a ‘chatterbox’). As a punishment, he assigned her extra homework in the form of essays on this topic. Q (3 Marks): How did Anne finally silence Mr. Keesing? Ans: After two essays, Mr. Keesing gave Anne a third essay titled, “Quack, Quack, Quack, Said Mistress Chatterbox.” Anne, with the help of her friend Sanne, wrote this essay in the form of a poem. The poem was about a father duck who bit his three ducklings to death because they quacked too much. Mr. Keesing took the joke the right way, read it to the class, and never punished Anne for talking again. |
Chapter 5 : His First Flight
| Important Facts (Summary): Author: Liam O’Flaherty Story About: A young seagull’s crippling fear of flying and how his family uses his hunger to help him overcome it. Context: The young seagull is on a high cliff ledge, too afraid to make his first flight, even though his siblings have already flown. Key Characters: The Young Seagull: The protagonist. He is overcome by fear, believing his wings will not support him. His Parents (Mother & Father): They try to coax, scold, and finally (the mother) trick him into flying. His two brothers and one sister: They have already learned to fly and serve as a contrast to his fear. The Plot: The seagull is left alone on his ledge for 24 hours after his family flies away. His parents taunt and scold him, but he is too afraid to jump. He becomes “maddened by hunger.” His mother flies towards him holding a piece of fish in her beak. She stops just out of his reach, forcing him to dive for the food. He falls, flaps his wings in terror, and discovers he can fly. His family joins him in celebration. Important Objective Questions (1 Mark) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): (i) Why was the young seagull afraid to fly? (a) He was lazy (b) He was sick (c) He thought his wings wouldn’t support him (d) His father told him not to. Answer: (c) He thought his wings wouldn’t support him (ii) What did the mother seagull use to tempt him to fly? (a) A piece of fish (b) A worm (c) A piece of bread (d) A crab Answer: (a) A piece of fish Fill in the Blanks: (i) The young seagull was left alone on his ______ for 24 hours. (ledge) (ii) The seagull was “maddened by ______,” which finally made him dive for the food. (hunger) True/False: (i) The seagull’s brothers and sister were also afraid to fly. (False) (ii) The seagull’s family left him alone because they didn’t care about him. (False) Important Short & Long Answer Questions Q (1 Mark): What did the young seagull fear would happen if he tried to fly? Ans: The young seagull feared that his wings would not support him and he would fall down into the great expanse of the sea below. Q (2 Marks): How did the seagull’s family (parents, brothers, sister) try to get him to fly at first? Ans: At first, his family tried to encourage him by calling to him shrilly. When that didn’t work, they began to scold him (upbraid him) and threatened to let him starve on the ledge if he didn’t at least try. Q (3 Marks): Describe the “trick” the mother seagull used to make the young seagull finally fly. Ans: The mother seagull knew her son was extremely hungry. She picked up a piece of fish and flew towards his ledge, making him excited. However, she did not land. She hovered just out of his reach. Maddened by the sight and smell of the food, the young seagull dove at the fish, fell from the ledge, and tumbled into the air. In his terror, he instinctively spread his wings, flapped them, and began to fly. |
Chapter 5(ii): The Black Aeroplane
| Important Facts (Summary): Author: Frederick Forsyth Story About: A pilot’s mysterious and dangerous flight through a storm, and his encounter with an unidentified “black aeroplane” that guides him to safety. Context: The narrator is flying his old Dakota aeroplane (call sign: DS 088) from Paris, France, back to London, England. He is happy and dreaming of his holiday. Key Characters: The Narrator (Pilot): He is flying the Dakota. He makes the risky decision to fly through a storm. The Pilot of the Black Aeroplane: A mysterious figure who appears in the storm, has no lights on his plane, and guides the narrator to safety before vanishing. The Woman in the Control Centre: The person who informs the narrator that no other plane was on the radar. The Plot: The flight from Paris starts smoothly. About 150 km past Paris, the narrator sees huge, black storm clouds (like “black mountains”). Wanting to get home for breakfast, he foolishly risks flying directly into the storm. Inside the storm, all his instruments (compass, radio) and his backup instruments fail. He is lost and has low fuel. Suddenly, he sees another plane—a black aeroplane with no lights—flying next to him. The mysterious pilot waves and signals for the narrator to follow him. He follows the black aeroplane for half an hour until he is guided out of the clouds and sees a runway. After landing safely, the narrator goes to the control tower to thank the other pilot, but the woman on duty informs him that his was the only plane on the radar. Important Objective Questions (1 Mark) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): (i) What was the call sign of the narrator’s aeroplane? (a) Dakota DS 088 (b) Black Aeroplane 007 (c) Paris Control 123 (d) England 150 Answer: (a) Dakota DS 088 (ii) Why did the narrator take the risk of flying into the storm? (a) He was ordered by Paris Control (b) He was low on fuel (c) He wanted to get home for breakfast (d) He couldn’t see the storm. Answer: (c) He wanted to get home for breakfast Fill in the Blanks: (i) The narrator was flying his old Dakota aeroplane from ______ to ______. (Paris, London) (ii) The strange black aeroplane had no ______ on its wings. (lights) True/False: (i) The narrator’s radio and compass worked perfectly inside the storm. (False) (ii) The woman in the control tower confirmed she saw the black aeroplane on the radar. (False) Important Short & Long Answer Questions Q (1 Mark): What did the narrator see inside the black clouds? Ans: He saw another aeroplane. It was a mysterious black plane with no lights on its wings, and it was flying right next to him in the storm. Q (2 Marks): What was the first “dead” instrument the narrator noticed? What happened to his other instruments? Ans: The first instrument he noticed was his compass; it was “turning round and round and round.” After that, he tried his radio to contact Paris Control, but it was “dead” too. All his instruments had failed. Q (3 Marks): What is the central mystery of “The Black Aeroplane”? Ans: The central mystery is the identity of the other pilot. After the narrator lands safely, he is told by the woman in the control tower that his was the only plane on the radar during the storm. This leaves the narrator (and the reader) to wonder who the helpful pilot was and where the black aeroplane came from, suggesting it might have been a ghost, a hallucination, or some form of divine help. |
Poem 1 & 2: Dust of Snow & Fire and Ice
| Important Facts (Summary): Poet: Robert Frost. ‘Dust of Snow’: Plot: A crow shakes “dust of snow” from a hemlock tree onto the poet. Theme: A small, seemingly negative event (crow, hemlock) can bring about a positive change in mood. The poet’s day, which was going badly, is “saved”. Symbols: Crow & Hemlock tree (sorrow/negativity); Dust of Snow (joy/nature’s healing). ‘Fire and Ice’: Theme: The destruction of the world. Symbols: ‘Fire’ symbolizes ‘Desire’, ‘Greed’, or ‘Passion’. ‘Ice’ symbolizes ‘Hatred’, ‘Indifference’, or ‘Coldness’. Poet’s View: The poet believes both fire (desire) and ice (hatred) are equally powerful and capable of ending the world. Important Objective Questions (1 Mark) 1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): (i) What did the crow shake on the poet? (a) Dust of snow (b) Rain (c) Leaves (d) A nut Answer: (a) Dust of snow (ii) In ‘Fire and Ice’, ‘Fire’ is a symbol for: (a) Desire (b) Hatred (c) Water (d) Nature Answer: (a) Desire 2. Fill in the Blanks: (i) The crow and the ______ tree are symbols of sorrow. (Hemlock) (ii) In ‘Fire and Ice’, ‘Ice’ symbolizes ______. (Hatred/Indifference) 3. True/False: (i) The dust of snow made the poet’s mood worse. (False) (ii) Robert Frost believes the world will end in either fire or ice. (True) Important Short & Long Answer Questions Q (1 Mark): What is a “hemlock tree”? Ans: A hemlock tree is a poisonous tree with small white flowers. Q (2 Marks): How did the poet’s mood change in “Dust of Snow”? Ans: The poet was in a sad or depressed mood (“rued” his day). When the dust of snow fell on him, his mood instantly changed. He became cheerful, and the rest of his day was “saved” from regret. Q (3 Marks): What is the central idea of the poem “Fire and Ice”? Ans: The central idea is that human emotions, when uncontrolled, can lead to the destruction of the world. The poet uses two symbols: ‘Fire’ represents human desire, greed, and passion, while ‘Ice’ represents hatred, indifference, and coldness. The poet argues that both ‘desire’ and ‘hatred’ are equally destructive forces, and either one is sufficient to cause the end of the world. |
Poem 3: A Tiger in the Zoo
| Important Facts (Summary): Poet: Leslie Norris. Theme: The poem contrasts a tiger in its natural habitat (the jungle) with a tiger in a zoo (a cage). The Caged Tiger: He has “vivid stripes” but “stalks the few steps of his cage.” His strength is “behind bars.” He is full of “quiet rage.” At night, he ignores the patrolling cars and “stares at the brilliant stars.” The Jungle Tiger: He should be “lurking in shadow,” “sliding through long grass” near a water hole to hunt a “plump deer.” He should be “snarling around houses” at the jungle’s edge, terrorizing the village. Central Idea: The misery of captivity; the importance of freedom for wild animals. Important Objective Questions (1 Mark) 1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): (i) Where should the tiger be “lurking in shadow”? (a) In the cage (b) In the long grass (c) In the houses (d) In the car Answer: (b) In the long grass (ii) At night, the caged tiger stares at: (a) The cars (b) The visitors (c) The brilliant stars (d) The other animals Answer: (c) The brilliant stars 2. Fill in the Blanks: (i) The tiger’s strength is locked _______. (behind bars) (ii) The tiger is in a state of ‘quiet ______.’ (rage) Important Short & Long Answer Questions Q (1 Mark): What does the tiger in the zoo do in his cage? Ans: He stalks (walks stiffly) the few steps of his cage in quiet rage. Q (2 Marks): How is the tiger in the jungle different from the tiger in the zoo? Ans: The tiger in the jungle is free, majestic, and powerful. He hunts for his food and terrorizes villagers. The tiger in the zoo is helpless, his strength is locked behind bars, and he is a mere showpiece, ignoring visitors in quiet anger. Q (3 Marks): What message does Leslie Norris want to convey through the poem “A Tiger in the Zoo”? Ans: The poet wants to convey that wild animals belong in their natural habitat (the jungle), not in cages. Freedom is essential for them. By contrasting the free tiger’s majestic life with the caged tiger’s helpless rage, the poet highlights the cruelty of captivity. The caged tiger loses his true identity and becomes a sad shadow of his former self. |
Poem 6: Amanda!
| Important Facts (Summary): Poet: Robin Klein. Structure: The poem alternates between the mother’s nagging (in regular stanzas) and Amanda’s imaginative escapes (in brackets/italics). The Nagging: The mother scolds Amanda for: biting her nails, hunching her shoulders, not finishing her homework, not tidying her room, and for being ‘sulky’ or ‘moody’. Amanda’s Escapes (Imagination): A mermaid, “drifting blissfully” in a green sea. An orphan, “roaming the street,” making patterns in the “soft dust” with her “hushed, bare feet.” (She values silence and freedom). Rapunzel, in a “tower tranquil and rare,” who will never let down her “bright hair.” (She values peace and solitude). Theme: Child psychology; the conflict between a child’s desire for freedom and the restrictions of parental control (nagging). Important Objective Questions (1 Mark) 1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): (i) What does Amanda imagine herself to be when she pictures herself in a tower? (a) A mermaid (b) An orphan (c) Rapunzel (d) A princess Answer: (c) Rapunzel (ii) What is Amanda doing while her mother is scolding her? (a) Biting her nails (b) Hunching her shoulders (c) Both (a) and (b) (d) Neither Answer: (c) Both (a) and (b) 2. Fill in the Blanks: (i) Amanda imagines being a ______ drifting blissfully in a green sea. (mermaid) (ii) Amanda says she will never let down her ______ from the tower. (bright hair) Important Short & Long Answer Questions Q (1 Mark): Why does Amanda wish to be an orphan? Ans: Amanda wishes to be an orphan so she can roam the streets freely and enjoy the “golden” silence and “sweet” freedom, making patterns in the dust with her bare feet. Q (2 Marks): Why does Amanda wish to be Rapunzel, but with a difference? Ans: Amanda wishes to be Rapunzel to live in a high, quiet tower (“tranquil and rare”) away from the daily nagging. However, she says she will never let down her hair, unlike Rapunzel, because she does not want anyone (like a prince or her mother) to climb up and disturb her peace. Q (3 Marks): What do you learn about Amanda’s character and her mother’s character from the poem? Ans: Amanda: She is a young, imaginative, and dreamy girl who craves freedom and silence. She feels oppressed by her mother’s constant nagging. She escapes into a fantasy world (mermaid, orphan, Rapunzel) to find peace. Amanda’s Mother: She is a typical, overbearing parent who constantly nags Amanda about small things (nails, shoulders, homework). She wants Amanda to be a well-behaved, “perfect” child, but her constant correction makes Amanda feel controlled and moody. |
Chapter 6(i): A Baker from Goa
| Important Facts (Summary): Author: Lucio Rodrigues Story About: The fond, nostalgic recollection of the importance of the traditional Portuguese-style baker (pader) in Goan village life. Context: This is the first of three parts in the chapter “Glimpses of India.” It highlights how the profession of baking, a legacy of the Portuguese, is still alive in Goa. Key Terms & Characters: Pader: The traditional name for the baker in Goa. Kabai: The peculiar single-piece long frock worn by bakers in the old days. Jhang-Jhang: The special sound made by the baker’s bamboo staff, which acted as his announcement. Bol: Sweet bread, essential as a part of marriage gifts. Bolinhas: Sweet biscuits/cookies, essential for Christmas and other festivals. The Plot / Description: The narrator recalls how the baker (pader) was an essential part of his childhood, acting as a “friend, companion and guide.” The baker would visit twice a day: once in the morning to sell bread, and again when returning with his empty basket. The children would be woken by the “jhang-jhang” of his bamboo staff and would run to meet him. The baker’s furnace and profession are described as still being active in Goa, even if the original bakers are gone. Bread is shown as central to all important occasions: sweet bol for marriages, bolinhas and cakes for Christmas, and sandwiches for engagements. The bakers were known to be prosperous, with a “jackfruit-like appearance,” and they kept their monthly accounts on a wall in pencil. Important Objective Questions (1 Mark) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): (i) What was the traditional baker in Goa called? (a) Kabai (b) Pader (c) Bol (d) Jhang Answer: (b) Pader (ii) What was the sweet bread essential for marriage gifts called? (a) Bolinhas (b) Kabai (c) Pader (d) Bol Answer: (d) Bol Fill in the Blanks: (i) The baker announced his arrival with the ‘jhang-jhang’ sound of his ______. (bamboo staff) (ii) In the old days, the baker’s traditional dress was a single-piece long frock called the ______. (kabai) True/False: (i) The baker visited the house only once a week. (False) (ii) The bakers were known to be prosperous and had a “jackfruit-like” appearance. (True) Important Short & Long Answer Questions Q (1 Mark): How many times a day did the baker visit, and when? Ans: The baker visited twice a day: once in the morning on his selling round, and a second time when he returned after emptying his huge basket. Q (2 Marks): Why did the children run to meet the baker? Ans: The children ran to meet the baker not just for the bread, but for the special “bread-bangles” he brought for them. They also loved the ‘jhang-jhang’ sound of his bamboo staff. Q (3 Marks): How was the baker’s importance visible in Goan culture? Ans: The baker’s importance was visible in all key events. A marriage was considered incomplete without the sweet bread called bol. For Christmas and other festivals, bolinhas and cakes were essential. The lady of the house would also prepare sandwiches for her daughter’s engagement. This shows the baker’s furnace was essential for every occasion. |
Chapter 6(ii) : Coorg
| Important Facts (Summary): Author: Lokesh Abrol Story About: A description of the scenic beauty, people, and culture of Coorg (Kodagu), the smallest district of Karnataka. Context: This is the second of three parts in the chapter “Glimpses of India.” It portrays Coorg as a “piece of heaven.” Key Terms & Places: Coorg (or Kodagu): The smallest district of Karnataka, located between Mysore and Mangalore. Kodavus: The local people of Coorg, known for their fierce independence and hospitality. Kuppia: The traditional long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt worn by the Kodavus. Kuffia: The similar garment worn by Arabs and Kurds, suggesting a possible Arab descent for the Kodavus. General Cariappa: The first Chief of the Indian Army, who was a Kodavu (Coorgi). Kaveri: The major river that gets its water from the hills of Coorg. Mahaseer: A large freshwater fish found in the waters of the Kaveri. Bylakuppe: India’s largest Tibetan settlement, located nearby. The Plot / Description: The narrator describes Coorg as a “piece of heaven” with evergreen rainforests, spices, and famous coffee plantations. The best season to visit is from September to March. The Kodavus are described as a “martial” race, possibly descended from Alexander’s army (Greek) or Arabs. The Coorg Regiment is highly decorated, and Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a license. The region offers high-energy adventure sports like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking. The wildlife (elephants, langurs, kingfishers) and the panoramic view from the Brahmagiri hills are key attractions. A visit to the nearby Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe is a “bonus.” Important Objective Questions (1 Mark) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): (i) Coorg is situated between… (a) Mysore and Mangalore (b) Bangalore and Mysore (c) Mysore and Ooty (d) Bangalore and Mangalore Answer: (a) Mysore and Mangalore (ii) The best season to visit Coorg is… (a) April to June (b) July to August (c) September to March (d) All year round Answer: (c) September to March Fill in the Blanks: (i) The first chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a ______. (Kodavu / Coorgi) (ii) The river ______ gets its water from the hills of Coorg. (Kaveri) True/False: (i) The people of Coorg are known for their hospitality and martial traditions. (True) (ii) Coorg is famous for its large tea plantations. (False – It is famous for coffee) Important Short & Long Answer Questions Q (1 Mark): Where is Coorg located? Ans: Coorg (or Kodagu) is the smallest district of Karnataka, situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. Q (2 Marks): What are the two main theories about the descent of the Kodavu people? Ans: The two theories are: Greek Descent: A part of Alexander’s army moved south and settled here when returning became impractical. Arab Descent: Their long, black coat (kuppia) resembles the kuffia worn by Arabs and Kurds, suggesting Arab origins. Q (3 Marks): What adventure sports and tourist attractions does Coorg offer? Ans: Coorg offers high-energy sports like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking. It also has numerous walking trails. Key attractions include the Brahmagiri hills (which offer a panoramic view), the River Kaveri, and the nearby Bylakuppe Tibetan settlement, which is the largest in India. |
Chapter 6 (iii): Tea from Assam
| Important Facts (Summary): Author: Arup Kumar Datta Story About: A train journey by two friends, Pranjol and Rajvir, to a tea estate in Assam, where Rajvir shares his extensive knowledge about tea. Context: This is the third of three parts in the chapter “Glimpses of India.” Key Characters & Places: Pranjol: A young boy whose family owns a tea garden in Upper Assam. Rajvir: Pranjol’s classmate from Delhi, who is visiting Assam for the first time. Dhekiabari: The name of the tea estate managed by Pranjol’s father. Assam: Known as the “tea country,” having the largest concentration of tea plantations in the world. Key Legends about Tea: The Chinese Legend: A Chinese emperor discovered tea when leaves from twigs burning under his pot of boiling water fell into it, giving it a delicious flavor. (The words ‘chai’ and ‘chini’ are Chinese). The Indian Legend (Bodhidharma): A Buddhist ascetic cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditation. Ten tea plants grew out of his eyelids, and their leaves, when boiled in water, banished sleep. The Plot / Description: Rajvir and Pranjol travel to Assam by train. Rajvir is amazed by the “magnificent view” of the tea gardens, but Pranjol, having grown up there, isn’t as excited. Rajvir tells Pranjol that over 80 crore (800 million) cups of tea are drunk every day worldwide. He then shares the two famous legends (Chinese and Indian) about the discovery of tea. They arrive at Dhekiabari, Pranjol’s family estate, and see women (tea-pluckers) with bamboo baskets, wearing plastic aprons, plucking the new tea leaves. Rajvir shows his knowledge again by mentioning the “second-flush” or sprouting period (May to July), which yields the best tea. Important Objective Questions (1 Mark) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): (i) What is the name of the tea estate managed by Pranjol’s father? (a) Bodhidharma (b) Dhekiabari (c) Assam (d) Kaveri Answer: (b) Dhekiabari (ii) The “second-flush” is the… (a) Chinese legend about tea (b) Sprouting period that yields the best tea (c) Name of the train (d) A book Rajvir was reading Answer: (b) Sprouting period that yields the best tea Fill in the Blanks: (i) The words ‘chai’ and ‘chini’ come from the ______ language. (Chinese) (ii) The Indian legend connects the discovery of tea to a Buddhist ascetic named ______. (Bodhidharma) True/False: (i) Rajvir was visiting a tea garden in Assam for the first time. (True) (ii) Pranjol was more excited than Rajvir about seeing the tea gardens. (False) Important Short & Long Answer Questions Q (1 Mark): What did Rajvir see on both sides of the gravel road when they reached the estate? Ans: As they entered the Dhekiabari tea estate, Rajvir saw acres upon acres of neatly pruned tea bushes on both sides of the gravel road. Q (2 Marks): What is the Chinese legend about the discovery of tea? Ans: According to the Chinese legend, an emperor who always boiled water before drinking it discovered tea by chance. A few leaves from twigs burning under the pot fell into the water, giving it a delicious flavor. Q (3 Marks): What is the Indian legend about the discovery of tea? Ans: The Indian legend tells of Bodhidharma, a Buddhist ascetic, who cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during his meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of these eyelids. The leaves of these plants, when put in hot water and drunk, were found to banish sleep. |
Chapter 7: Mijbil the Otter
| Important Facts (Summary): Author: Gavin Maxwell Story About: The author’s unique and strong bond with his pet otter, Mijbil, and the humorous challenges of traveling with him from Iraq to London. Context: An extract from the author’s book, “Ring of Bright Water.” Key Characters: Gavin Maxwell (Narrator): The author who decides to keep an otter as a pet after his dog dies. Mijbil (or “Mij”): The pet otter, playful, intelligent, and water-loving. The Air Hostess: A kind and “queenly” woman who helps the author on the plane when Mijbil escapes. Key Terms / Events: Basra, Iraq: The place where the author’s friend delivers the otter to him in a sack. Camusfearna: The author’s home in the West Highlands of Scotland, where he was taking Mijbil. Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli (Maxwell’s otter): The scientific name given to Mijbil’s species, which was previously unknown. Marbles: Mijbil’s favorite toys, which he would juggle and play with. The Bathtub: Mijbil loved playing in the bathroom, learning to turn on the tap himself. The Flight to London: The author had to fly via Paris because the British airline would not transport animals. The Box: The airline insisted Mijbil be kept in a box, which he destroyed from the inside, injuring himself. The Escape: Mijbil escaped from his box on the plane, causing chaos and screams of “A rat!” London Guesses: People in London, unfamiliar with otters, guessed Mijbil was a “baby seal,” “a squirrel,” “a hippo,” or “a beaver.” The Plot / Description: After his dog’s death, the author, living in Iraq, decides to keep an otter. His friend mails him an otter (Mijbil) in a sack. The author and Mijbil develop a strong bond. Mijbil loves to play with water in the bathtub and juggles his favorite toys, marbles. The author needs to take Mijbil back to his home in Camusfearna, Scotland (via London). The British airline refuses to fly animals, so he books a flight to Paris and then London. The airline insists Mijbil be put in a box. The author puts him in, but Mijbil tears the lining and cuts himself in a panic. On the plane, Mijbil escapes from the box and disappears, causing chaos. Passengers are frightened, with one woman screaming “A rat!” A very kind air hostess helps the author find Mijbil and return him to his box. In London, people have never seen an otter and make wild guesses about what kind of animal Mijbil is. Important Objective Questions (1 Mark) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): (i) Where did the author get Mijbil from? (a) London (b) Camusfearna (c) Basra (d) Paris Answer: (c) Basra (ii) What name was Mijbil’s species given by scientists? (a) Mijbil’s Otter (b) Gavin’s Otter (c) Maxwell’s Otter (d) Basra’s Otter Answer: (c) Maxwell’s Otter Fill in the Blanks: (i) The author’s home in the West Highlands of Scotland was called ______. (Camusfearna) (ii) Mijbil’s favorite toys to play with were ______. (marbles) True/False: (i) The author flew directly from Basra to London with Mijbil. (False) (ii) On the plane, a woman screamed, “A rat!” when she saw Mijbil. (True) Important Short & Long Answer Questions Q (1 Mark): What was Mijbil’s favorite thing to do in the bathroom? Ans: Mijbil loved to play in the bathtub. He would plunge, roll, and splash in the water, and he even learned how to turn on the tap by himself to get a flow of water. Q (2 Marks): Why did the author have to book a flight to Paris instead of London? Ans: The author had to book a flight to Paris because the British airline he was supposed to take to London would not allow animals (“pets”) to fly. He had to find a different airline that flew to Paris, which did allow animals. Q (3 Marks): What happened on the plane that caused chaos? How was it resolved? Ans: About an hour into the flight, Mijbil escaped from his box, which was at the author’s feet. He disappeared into the plane, causing a panic. A woman stood up screaming, “A rat!” The author crawled around trying to find him. Finally, a calm and kind air hostess found Mijbil, caught him, and returned him to the author, ending the chaos. |
Chapter 8 : Madam Rides the Bus
| Important Facts (Summary): Author: Vallikkannan (R. S. Krishnaswamy) Story About: An eight-year-old girl’s first secret bus journey from her village to the nearest town and back, and her mature observations about life and death. Context: The story explores themes of childish curiosity, careful planning, independence, and the realization that the world contains both joy and sorrow. Key Characters: Valliammai (Valli): An eight-year-old girl, very curious and a meticulous planner, who has a deep desire to ride the bus. The Conductor: A jolly, fun-loving man who is amused by Valli’s mature behavior and nicknames her “Madam.” Key Terms / Events: Valli’s Desire: Her “overwhelming desire” was to ride the bus that passed her house every hour. The Planning: Valli spent days listening to conversations to find out the bus fare (30 paise one way), the trip time (45 minutes), and the distance. Saving Money: She saved 60 paise for the two-way fare by resisting temptations like peppermints, toys, and merry-go-rounds. The Dead Cow: On the return journey, Valli sees the same young, happy cow she saw on the way to town, now lying dead, which makes her understand death. The Plot / Description: Valli is an 8-year-old girl who would stand in her doorway and watch the bus, which was her “favorite pastime.” She developed a strong desire to ride it. She meticulously planned for it by gathering information about the fare and journey time. She saved 60 paise for the round-trip fare. One afternoon, she secretly took the 1 o’clock bus to the town. She was very confident and acted like a grown-up, which amused the conductor, who called her “Madam.” Valli was fascinated by the sights from the bus: the canal, palm trees, green fields, and a young cow running happily in front of the bus. She refused the conductor’s offer of a free cold drink in town and stayed on the bus, as her only goal was the ride itself. On the return journey, she saw the same young cow lying dead by the roadside. This sight deeply saddened her. The memory of the dead cow haunted her, and she lost all her excitement. She returned home safely without her mother knowing about her adventure. Important Objective Questions (1 Mark) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): (i) What was Valli’s full name? (a) Vallikannan (b) Madam (c) Valliammai (d) Ammai Answer: (c) Valliammai (ii) What was the one-way bus fare from the village to the town? (a) 60 paise (b) 45 paise (c) 30 paise (d) 8 paise Answer: (c) 30 paise Fill in the Blanks: (i) The conductor, amused by her behavior, called Valli ______. (Madam) (ii) The sight of the ______ made Valli very sad on her return journey. (dead cow) True/False: (i) Valli’s mother knew about her bus journey. (False) (ii) Valli got off the bus to explore the town. (False) Important Short & Long Answer Questions Q (1 Mark): What was Valli’s “overwhelming desire”? Ans: Valli’s overwhelming desire was to have at least one ride on the bus that traveled between her village and the nearest town. Q (2 Marks): How did Valli save money for her first bus journey? Ans: Valli saved every stray coin that came her way. She had to resist many temptations, like buying peppermints, toys, and balloons, and she gave up her desire to ride the merry-go-round at the village fair to save 60 paise. Q (3 Marks): What made Valli sad on her return journey? How did it change her? Ans: On her return journey, Valli saw a young cow, the same one that had been running joyfully in front of their bus earlier, now lying dead by the roadside. This sad sight made her understand the reality of death. She was no longer excited by the sights outside and sat glued to her seat, quiet and thoughtful. |
Chapter 9: The Sermon at Benares
| Important Facts (Summary): Author: Betty Renshaw Story About: The first sermon given by Gautama Buddha after his enlightenment, focusing on his teachings to a grieving mother, Kisa Gotami. Context: The sermon was delivered in Benares (now Varanasi), a holy city. It teaches about the inevitability of suffering and death. Key Characters: Gautama Buddha: Born as Prince Siddhartha Gautama. He left his royal life at age 25 to seek enlightenment after witnessing human suffering (a sick man, an aged man, a funeral, and a monk). He achieved enlightenment under a Peepal tree (the ‘Bodhi Tree’). Kisa Gotami: A young mother whose only son has died. She is overwhelmed with grief and searches for medicine to revive him. Key Terms / Teachings: Enlightenment: The state of understanding the cause of suffering and the path to peace. Benares: The holy city on the river Ganges where Buddha gave his first sermon. The Mustard Seed Parable: Buddha’s task for Kisa Gotami. He asks her to bring a handful of mustard seeds from a house where no one (son, husband, parent, or friend) has ever died. The Great Truth: The realization that death is common to all, and no one can escape it. “The life of mortals in this world is troubled and brief and combined with pain.” “Arrow of Lamentation”: Buddha’s description of grief. He teaches that a wise person, understanding the world, does not grieve. To obtain peace of mind, one must “draw out the arrow” of lamentation, complaint, and grief. The Plot / Description: Prince Siddhartha Gautama, shielded from suffering, renounced his royal life to seek enlightenment after seeing the realities of old age, sickness, and death. After attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, he became known as the Buddha (“the enlightened”). He gave his first sermon in Benares. Kisa Gotami, a grieving mother, carried her dead son, asking for medicine. A man advised her to go to the Buddha. Buddha told her he could help, but first, she must bring him a handful of mustard seeds from a house where no one had ever died. Kisa Gotami went from house to house, but every family had experienced the death of a loved one. As she sat by the roadside watching the city lights flicker, she realized her grief was selfish. Death is common to all, and life is like the flickering lights—brief and then extinguished. She accepted this truth. Buddha then preached that all mortals must die, and just as a potter’s vessels are destined to break, so is the life of mortals. He concluded that the wise do not grieve, and only by overcoming all sorrow can one find peace. Important Objective Questions (1 Mark) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): (i) What was Gautama Buddha’s early name? (a) Sidhha (b) Sadhu (c) Siddhartha (d) Sidharth Answer: (c) Siddhartha (ii) What was the name of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment? (a) Banyan (b) Peepal (c) Mango (d) Oak Answer: (b) Peepal Fill in the Blanks: (i) Buddha gave his first sermon in the city of ______. (Benares) (ii) Kisa Gotami was searching for medicine to cure her ______. (dead son) True/False: (i) Kisa Gotami had lost her husband. (False – She had lost her son.) (ii) Buddha taught that death is common to all. (True) Important Short & Long Answer Questions Q (1 Mark): Where did Buddha preach his first sermon? Ans: Buddha preached his first sermon in the holy city of Benares, on the banks of the river Ganges. Q (2 Marks): What did Buddha ask Kisa Gotami to bring, and why? Ans: Buddha asked Kisa Gotami to bring a handful of mustard seeds from a house where no one had ever died. He did this not for medicine, but to make her realize through her own experience that death is universal and no family is free from it. Q (3 Marks): How did Kisa Gotami’s understanding of death change? Ans: Initially, Kisa Gotami was lost in her personal grief, selfishly wanting only to revive her son. After going from house to house for the mustard seeds, she found that every family had experienced loss. This made her realize that death is common to all and inevitable. She accepted this universal truth and was able to move beyond her selfish sorrow. |
Chapter 10: The Proposal
| Important Facts (Summary): Author: Anton Chekhov (A one-act play) Story About: A nervous and hypochondriac landowner (Lomov) who attempts to propose to his neighbor’s daughter (Natalya), but the proposal is repeatedly derailed by their petty, argumentative nature. Context: A satire on the land-owning class in Russia, showing how they prioritize property and social status over love, and are prone to foolish arguments. Key Characters: Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov: A landowner, Natalya’s father. He is practical and desperate to get his daughter married. Natalya Stepanovna: Chubukov’s daughter, 25 years old. She is strong-willed, quick-tempered, and argumentative, but also desperate to be married. Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov: A neighbor of Chubukov, 35 years old. He is wealthy but also nervous, anxious, and a hypochondriac (constantly complaining of palpitations and “pulls”). Key Terms / Events: The Proposal: The main event; Lomov comes in formal dress to ask for Natalya’s hand. Oxen Meadows: The first subject of argument. A piece of land between their properties that both families claim to own. Guess vs. Squeezer: The second subject of argument. They fight over whose dog is superior (Lomov’s dog is “Guess,” and Natalya’s dog is “Squeezer”). Hypochondria: Lomov’s imagined illnesses (his heart palpitations, the “pull” in his side, his foot going to sleep) that flare up when he is arguing. The Plot / Description: Lomov arrives at Chubukov’s house in formal evening dress. Chubukov initially thinks he has come to borrow money. Lomov, after a long, nervous speech, finally reveals he has come to propose to Natalya. Chubukov is overjoyed. Natalya is called in, but she doesn’t know about the proposal. Lomov tries to start his proposal but mentions the “Oxen Meadows” as his property. Natalya immediately objects, claiming they belong to her family. They get into a huge argument, insulting each other’s families. Chubukov joins in, and they kick Lomov out. After Lomov leaves, Chubukov accidentally tells Natalya that Lomov had come to propose. Natalya becomes hysterical, screams that she is “dying,” and demands her father bring Lomov back immediately. Lomov returns, and Natalya tries to steer the conversation back to the proposal by talking about hunting. This leads to their second major argument: whose dog is better. Natalya praises her “Squeezer,” while Lomov defends his “Guess.” The argument escalates, Lomov’s hypochondria acts up, and he faints. Chubukov panics, thinking Lomov is dead and that he has ruined his daughter’s chance. As Lomov stirs, Chubukov shoves Natalya’s hand into his, forces them to kiss, and declares them married. He shouts for champagne as the couple starts arguing again. Important Objective Questions (1 Mark) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): (i) Who is the author of the play “The Proposal”? (a) Anton Chekhov (b) Betty Renshaw (c) Gavin Maxwell (d) Vallikkannan Answer: (a) Anton Chekhov (ii) What was the name of Lomov’s dog? (a) Squeezer (b) Oxen (c) Chubukov (d) Guess Answer: (d) Guess Fill in the Blanks: (i) The first argument between Lomov and Natalya was over the ownership of ______. (Oxen Meadows) (ii) Lomov was ______ years old. (35) True/False: (i) Lomov came to Chubukov’s house to borrow money. (False – He came to propose.) (ii) Natalya was 35 years old. (False – She was 25.) Important Short & Long Answer Questions Q (1 Mark): Why did Lomov come to Chubukov’s house? Ans: Lomov came to Chubukov’s house, in formal evening dress, to ask for the hand of his daughter, Natalya, in marriage. Q (2 Marks): What were the two main arguments about? Ans: The first argument was over the ownership of a piece of land called the Oxen Meadows, which both families claimed. The second argument was about the superiority of their hunting dogs, Natalya’s “Squeezer” versus Lomov’s “Guess.” Q (3 Marks): How does Chubukov force the marriage, and how does the play end? Ans: After the second argument, Lomov faints from his palpitations. When he wakes up, Chubukov, desperate to seal the deal, quickly forces Lomov and Natalya’s hands together, gives them his blessing, and declares them married. The play ends comically as he calls for champagne while the newly “engaged” couple starts arguing once again. |
SECTION D: LITERATURE (FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET)
Chapter 1: A Triumph of Surgery
Important Facts (Summary):
Author: James Herriot (a veterinary surgeon).
Characters:
Tricki: A small, “fat like a bloated sausage” dog.
Mrs. Pumphrey: Tricki’s rich, over-indulgent, and foolish mistress.
Dr. James Herriot: The narrator; a practical veterinary surgeon.
Problem: Tricki was overfed by Mrs. Pumphrey (chocolates, cream cakes, etc.) and became listless, fat, and unable to walk.
The “Surgery”: Dr. Herriot’s “surgery” was not an operation. He simply took Tricki to his clinic, put him on a strict diet (no food for two days, then only water), and made him exercise by playing with other dogs.
Recovery: Tricki recovered completely, becoming a “hard-muscled animal.”
“A Triumph of Surgery”: Mrs. Pumphrey, in her ignorance, believed Tricki’s recovery was a victory of medical science (surgery), but it was actually a triumph of common sense and a proper lifestyle.
Important Objective Questions (1 Mark)
1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):
(i) What was the name of Mrs. Pumphrey’s dog?
(a) Tricki (b) Tommy (c) Tricky (d) Taffy
Answer: (a) Tricki
(ii) The “surgery” Dr. Herriot performed was:
(a) A major operation (b) A strict diet and exercise (c) Giving injections (d) A blood transfusion
Answer: (b) A strict diet and exercise
2. Fill in the Blanks:
(i) Mrs. Pumphrey thought Tricki was suffering from ______. (malnutrition)
(ii) Dr. Herriot gave Tricki no food for ______ days. (two)
3. True/False:
(i) Mrs. Pumphrey was a poor lady. (False)
(ii) Tricki’s only fault was his greed. (True)
Important Short & Long Answer Questions
Q (1 Mark): Who was responsible for Tricki’s poor condition?
Ans: His mistress, Mrs. Pumphrey, was responsible because she overfed him.
Q (2 Marks): How did Tricki recover at the surgery (clinic)?
Ans: At the surgery, Dr. Herriot did not give Tricki any food for the first two days, only plenty of water. On the third day, he started to play and run with the other dogs, which gave him the exercise he needed. This simple diet and exercise helped him recover.
Q (3 Marks): Why did Mrs. Pumphrey call Tricki’s recovery “a triumph of surgery”?
Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey was a foolish and ignorant lady who believed Tricki was seriously ill. She had no idea that her overfeeding was the real problem. When Dr. Herriot returned a lean, active, and healthy Tricki in just two weeks, she was astonished. She thought he must have undergone a major medical operation (surgery) to be cured so miraculously, which is why she called it “a triumph of surgery.”
Chapter 2: The Thief’s Story
Important Facts (Summary):
Author: Ruskin Bond.
Characters:
Hari Singh: The narrator, a 15-year-old, experienced thief.
Anil: A 25-year-old, “easy-going, kind and simple” writer.
Plot: Hari Singh (a fake name) meets Anil and starts working for him, planning to rob him. Anil trusts Hari and even teaches him to read, write, and add numbers.
The Theft: One night, Hari steals Anil’s money (600 rupees in 50-rupee notes) and runs away to the railway station.
The Change of Heart: Hari misses the train deliberately. His conscience pricks him. He realizes that by robbing Anil, he has lost the chance to get an education and become a “big man.”
The Return: He returns and secretly places the money (now damp from the rain) back under the mattress.
Resolution: Anil knows Hari stole the money (he gives him a 50-rupee note, which is still damp), but he does not say anything and forgives him, continuing to teach him.
Important Objective Questions (1 Mark)
1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):
(i) What was the name of the thief?
(a) Anil (b) Hari Singh (c) Harish (d) Mr. Singh
Answer: (b) Hari Singh
(ii) What did Anil do for a living?
(a) He was a wrestler (b) He was a shopkeeper (c) He was a writer (d) He was a teacher
Answer: (c) He was a writer
2. Fill in the Blanks:
(i) The thief was ______ years old. (15)
(ii) Anil was teaching Hari Singh to ______ and ______. (read, write)
3. True/False:
(i) Anil immediately handed the thief over to the police. (False)
(ii) Hari Singh missed the train to Lucknow deliberately. (True)
Important Short & Long Answer Questions
Q (1K Mark): How much money did Hari Singh steal?
Ans: 600 rupees.
Q (2 Marks): Why did Hari Singh return to Anil?
Ans: Hari Singh returned to Anil because he felt guilty. He realized that Anil’s trust was more valuable than the money. Most importantly, he knew that by robbing Anil, he had lost his only chance at getting an education, which would allow him to become a truly “big” and respected man.
Q (3 Marks): Anil’s way of handling the situation is better than punishing the thief. Do you agree? Why?
Ans: Yes, I agree that Anil’s way was better.
Forgiveness: Instead of scolding Hari or calling the police, Anil silently forgave him. This showed immense kindness.
Trust: The next morning, Anil gave Hari a 50-rupee note (which was still damp) and promised to pay him regularly. This act of trusting him again, even after knowing the truth, had a profound impact.
Transformation: This act of kindness and trust gave Hari Singh a chance to change. Punishment might have made Hari a hardened criminal, but Anil’s compassion and focus on education transformed him into a better person.
Chapter 7: The Necklace
Important Facts (Summary):
Author: Guy de Maupassant.
Characters:
Mathilde Loisel: A pretty young woman, born into a poor family, who dreams of a rich, luxurious life.
M. Loisel: Her husband, a simple clerk, who loves her.
Mme. Forestier: Mathilde’s rich friend.
Plot: The Loisels are invited to a grand party. Mathilde, having no good jewelry, borrows a “superb diamond necklace” from Mme. Forestier.
The Loss: Mathilde loses the necklace after the party.
The Ruin: To replace it, the Loisels buy a new diamond necklace for 36,000 francs, plunging themselves into massive debt. They spend the next 10 years in abject poverty, working tirelessly to pay it off. Mathilde becomes a “hard, crude” woman.
The Climax (Irony): After 10 years, Mathilde meets Mme. Forestier and tells her the truth. Mme. Forestier reveals that the original necklace was “false” (fake) and was worth 500 francs at most.
Theme: Pride, vanity, appearance vs. reality, dissatisfaction.
Important Objective Questions (1 Mark)
1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):
(i) Mathilde borrowed the necklace from:
(a) Her mother (b) Her sister (c) Mme. Forestier (d) M. Loisel
Answer: (c) Mme. Forestier
(ii) The original necklace was:
(a) Worth 40,000 francs (b) Worth 500 francs (c) Made of real diamonds (d) A family heirloom
Answer: (b) Worth 500 francs
2. Fill in the Blanks:
(i) It took the Loisels ______ years to repay the debt. (ten)
(ii) The original necklace was ______ (false/fake).
3. True/False:
(i) Mathilde was very happy and content with her life as a clerk’s wife. (False)
(ii) M. Loisel bought Mathilde a new dress for 400 francs. (True)
Important Short & Long Answer Questions
Q (1 Mark): Why was Mathilde always unhappy?
Ans: Mathilde was always unhappy because she was born into a simple family but dreamed of a life of riches, luxury, and parties.
Q (2 Marks): What did the Loisels do to replace the necklace?
Ans: M. Loisel used 18,000 francs he had inherited and borrowed the remaining 18,000 francs from moneylenders at high interest. They bought a new diamond necklace for 36,000 francs and returned it to Mme. Forestier.
Q (3 Marks): What was the cause of Mathilde’s ruin? How could she have avoided it?
Ans: The cause of Mathilde’s ruin was her pride, vanity, and her inability to accept her simple life. Her desire to look rich and impressive at the party led her to borrow and ultimately lose the necklace.
She could have avoided this ruin in two simple ways:
She could have been content with her own life and not borrowed the necklace at all, or worn natural flowers as her husband suggested.
After losing the necklace, she could have been honest and confessed the truth to her friend, Mme. Forestier. If she had done so, she would have learned it was fake and could have replaced it for only 500 francs, saving them 10 years of misery.
SECTION B: GRAMMAR (Very Important Types)
(This section focuses on ‘Do as Directed’ and ‘Fill in the Blanks’ formats)
1. Tenses (Fill in the Blanks)
He ______ (go) to school daily.
Ans: goes (Present Simple for daily habits)
They ______ (watch) TV at the moment.
Ans: are watching (Present Continuous for ‘at the moment’)
She ______ (just/arrive) from Mumbai.
Ans: has just arrived (Present Perfect for ‘just’)
I ______ (live) here since 2010.
Ans: have been living (Present Perfect Continuous for ‘since/for’)
When I reached the station, the train ______ (already/leave).
Ans: had already left (Past Perfect for the earlier of two past actions)
He ______ (visit) his uncle yesterday.
Ans: visited (Past Simple for ‘yesterday’)
2. Modals (Fill in the Blanks)
You ______ drive carefully. (Duty)
Ans: should/must
______ I come in, sir? (Permission)
Ans: May
I ______ swim across the river when I was young. (Past Ability)
Ans: could
It ______ rain today. (Possibility)
Ans: may/might
You ______ to respect your elders. (Moral Obligation)
Ans: ought
3. Determiners (some, any, much, many, a, an, the)
He did not give me ______ money.
Ans: any (Used in negative sentences)
I have ______ friends.
Ans: many (Used with countable nouns)
There isn’t ______ milk in the jug.
Ans: much (Used with uncountable nouns in negative)
He is ______ honest man.
Ans: an (Vowel sound ‘o’)
______ Ganga is a sacred river.
Ans: The (Unique object/River name)
4. Conjunctions (and, but, so, because, if, unless)
Work hard ______ you will fail. (Fill with ‘or’ / ‘otherwise’)
Ans: or / otherwise
He is slow, ______ he is sure.
Ans: but (Contrast)
______ you work hard, you cannot pass.
Ans: Unless (Condition)
He was punished ______ he was guilty.
Ans: because (Reason)
5. Do as Directed (Voice & Narration – 2 Marks)
Q: Change the Voice:
He plays cricket.
Ans: Cricket is played by him.
She is singing a song.
Ans: A song is being sung by her.
They have built a house.
Ans: A house has been built by them.
The peon opened the gate.
Ans: The gate was opened by the peon.
Shut the door. (Command)
Ans: Let the door be shut. (OR) You are ordered to shut the door.
Q: Change the Narration (Reported Speech):
He said to me, “I am your friend.”
Ans: He told me that he was my friend.
She said, “The sun rises in the east.” (Universal Truth)
Ans: She said that the sun rises in the east. (Tense does not change)
Ravi said to me, “Where are you going?” (Interrogative)
Ans: Ravi asked me where I was going.
The teacher said, “Sit down, boys.” (Imperative/Command)
Ans: The teacher ordered the boys to sit down.
SECTION B: WRITING
1. Letter Writing (Formal & Informal) – 3/4 Marks
Q (3 Marks): You are Ankit/Ankita Sharma, studying in Govt. H.S. School, Rewa. Write an application to your principal for three days’ sick leave.
Ans:
To,
The Principal,
Govt. H.S. School,
Rewa (M.P.)
Date: 25th October 2025
Subject: An application for three days’ sick leave.
Respected Sir/Madam,
I beg to state that I am a student of Class 10th (Section B) of your school.
I have been suffering from fever and flu (viral fever) since last night. The doctor has advised me to take complete rest for three days.
Therefore, I am unable to attend the school from 25th October to 27th October 2025.
Kindly grant me leave for these three days. I shall be highly obliged.
Thanking you,
Yours obediently,
Ankita Sharma
Class 10th (B)
Q (3 Marks): You are Rohan, residing at 54, MG Road, Indore. Write a letter to your friend Amit, congratulating him on his brilliant success in the High School Examination.
Ans:
54, MG Road,
Indore (M.P.)
Date: 25th October 2025
Dear Amit,
I am extremely happy today. I just saw your High School Examination result in the newspaper, and you have passed with flying colours, securing 95% marks and a distinction in all subjects. Please accept my heartiest congratulations on this brilliant success.
Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off. You have always been a sincere and hardworking student, and this result is a fitting reward. You have made your parents and all of us very proud.
I wish you all the best for your future studies. I am sure you will achieve great success in life.
Please pay my regards to your parents.
Yours sincerely,
Rohan
2. Article / Paragraph Writing (3/4 Marks)
Q (3 Marks): Write a short paragraph on ‘Importance of Trees’ (approx. 75-100 words).
Ans:
Importance of Trees
Trees are the most valuable gift of nature to mankind. They are often called the ‘green gold’ of the earth. The importance of trees cannot be overstated. They provide us with oxygen, which is essential for life, and absorb harmful carbon dioxide. They give us food (fruits, nuts), shelter, wood for furniture, and medicines. Trees are the natural habitat for countless birds and animals. They play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by preventing soil erosion and bringing rain. They reduce pollution and keep the environment cool. It is our moral duty to plant more trees and protect them for a healthier planet.