EXTRAPOLATORY QUESTIONS

Prose

1. The Last Lesson

1. The story The Last Lesson underscores the value of language as a cultural identity.
Discuss how Franz’s perspective on his native language changes during the lesson.
2. Imagine yourself as M. Hamel writing a letter to your students, urging them to
preserve their language and identity. Compose this letter.

2. Lost Spring

1. How does Anees Jung use the experiences of Saheb and Mukesh to critique systemic
poverty and the loss of childhood dreams?
2. Imagine Saheb reflecting on his life ten years later. Write a diary entry sharing his
thoughts about his childhood and what he has achieved since.

3. Deep Water

1. In Deep Water, William Douglas overcomes his fear of water through persistence and
determination. How can his story inspire individuals to face their fears?
2. Imagine yourself as William Douglas delivering a motivational speech to a group of
high school students about overcoming fear. Write the speech.

4. The Rattrap

1. How does the story The Rattrap use the metaphor of the rattrap to comment on human
greed and redemption? Support your response with textual evidence.
2. Imagine you are the ironmaster’s daughter. Write a diary entry reflecting on how your
compassion helped transform the peddler.

5. Indigo

1. Examine how Gandhi’s efforts to resolve the Indigo farmers’ plight in Champaran
highlight the themes of leadership and justice.
2. Imagine yourself as Rajkumar Shukla writing a letter to Gandhi, requesting him to
visit Champaran. Include details about the farmers’ struggles.

6. Poets and Pancakes

1. Compare and contrast Subbu’s creative aspirations with the narrator’s pragmatic
approach to life in Poets and Pancakes.
2. Imagine yourself as Subbu writing a reflective journal entry about your experiences at
the Gemini Studios and your role in its creative environment.

7. The Interview

1. How does the story The Interview explore the ethical dilemmas and impact of
journalism on individuals’ privacy?
 2. Imagine yourself as Mukund Padmanabhan writing a letter to Eco, sharing your
reflections after the interview.

8. Going Places

1. Compare Sophie’s unrealistic aspirations with her brother Geoff’s grounded

personality in Going Places. How do their differences reflect the challenges of
adolescence?
2. Imagine Sophie writing a letter to her imaginary hero, expressing how her dreams
shape her outlook on life.

Poetry

1. My Mother at Sixty-Six

1. How does the poet Kamala Das use imagery and contrasts to convey the inevitability
of aging in My Mother at Sixty-Six?
2. Imagine you are the poet’s mother. Write a letter to your daughter, sharing your
reflections on her love and concerns for you.

2. Keeping Quiet

1. How does Pablo Neruda use silence and introspection as a means to achieve harmony
with oneself and the world in Keeping Quiet?
2. Imagine you are the poet. Write a letter to a global leader urging them to adopt your
philosophy of stillness for world peace.

3. A Thing of Beauty

1. How does Keats’ A Thing of Beauty evoke sensory imagery to convey the everlasting
joy and comfort derived from beauty?
2. Imagine you are the poet. Write a note to a friend explaining how you draw
inspiration from nature to create your poetry.

4. A Roadside Stand

1. How does Robert Frost use the roadside stand to critique the disparity between rural
and urban lives in A Roadside Stand?
2. Imagine the owner of the roadside stand writing a journal entry about their hopes and
struggles. Compose this entry.

5. Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers

1. How does Adrienne Rich use the tigers as a symbol of Aunt Jennifer’s suppressed
desires and resilience?
2. Imagine a conversation between Aunt Jennifer and her tigers, where they encourage
her to overcome her struggles. Write this dialogue.

Vistas
1. The Third Level

1. How does Jack Finney explore the theme of escapism and nostalgia through Charley’s
obsession with the third level?
2. Imagine yourself as Charley writing a letter to Sam, explaining how the third level
provides solace in your chaotic life.

2. The Tiger King

1. How does The Tiger King by Kalki use satire to comment on human folly and
obsession with power?
2. Imagine the tiger king writing a diary entry about his fears and the consequences of
his actions. Write this entry.

3. Journey to the End of the Earth

1. How does Tishani Doshi use her journey to Antarctica to explore the fragile balance
of nature and humanity’s role in preserving it?
2. Imagine yourself as a student participating in the ‘Students on Ice’ program. Write a
letter to your school, sharing your transformative experience.

4. The Enemy

1. How does Pearl S. Buck highlight the conflict between duty and humanity in The
Enemy? Support your response with examples.
2. Imagine yourself as Dr. Sadao. Write a diary entry reflecting on the ethical dilemmas
you faced while treating the enemy soldier.

5. On the Face of It

1. How does Susan Hill explore the themes of acceptance and friendship through the
interaction between Mr. Lamb and Derry in On the Face of It?
2. Imagine yourself as Derry, writing a letter to Mr. Lamb after his death, sharing how
he inspired you to live courageously.

6. Memories of Childhood

Part 1: The Cutting of My Long Hair

1. How does Zitkala-Sa depict the pain of cultural loss and forced assimilation in The
Cutting of My Long Hair?
2. Imagine yourself as a grown-up Zitkala-Sa. Write a diary entry reflecting on how this
incident shaped your fight for your community’s rights.

Part 2: We Too Are Human Beings

1. How does Bama’s narrative highlight the impact of caste discrimination on her
childhood and her determination to rise above it?
2. Imagine yourself as Bama, writing a letter to your younger self, offering advice and
encouragement for the future
 1. Exploring Identity and Loss

 Both The Last Lesson and My Mother at Sixty-Six explore the theme of loss, whether
it is cultural identity or personal relationships. Compare how the two works depict the
emotional impact of losing something precious.
 How do Franz from The Last Lesson and the poet in My Mother at Sixty-Six develop a
deeper understanding of their emotions by the end of their respective journeys

2. Human Connections and Empathy

 In The Rattrap, the ironmaster’s daughter shows compassion that transforms the
peddler, while in A Thing of Beauty, Keats describes how beauty and kindness uplift
the human spirit. Discuss how empathy acts as a redemptive force in both texts.
 Compare the role of human connection in Deep Water and A Thing of Beauty. How do
the characters draw strength from others to overcome their struggles?

3. Power and Oppression

 Both The Tiger King and Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers explore power dynamics: the king
exerts power over nature, while Aunt Jennifer is oppressed by societal expectations.
Discuss how the texts critique the misuse of power.
 How do The Tiger King and Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers use symbols (tigers) to convey
different messages about authority and resistance?

4. Nature and Human Responsibility

 Journey to the End of the Earth highlights humanity’s role in preserving nature, while
Keeping Quiet urges introspection for harmony with the environment. Discuss how
both texts advocate for ecological awareness.
 Compare how Journey to the End of the Earth and A Thing of Beauty portray nature
as a source of wisdom and inspiration for humans.

5. Isolation and Alienation

 In On the Face of It, Derry feels alienated due to his appearance, while the poet in A
Roadside Stand highlights the loneliness of rural life. Discuss how the theme of
alienation is explored in both texts.
 How do Mr. Lamb from On the Face of It and the rural folk in A Roadside Stand cope
with their feelings of isolation?

6. Rebellion Against Oppression

 Both Memories of Childhood (The Cutting of My Long Hair) and Aunt Jennifer’s
Tigers portray individuals struggling against oppressive systems. Compare how
rebellion is expressed in both works.
 How do Bama’s experiences in Memories of Childhood and the poet in Aunt
Jennifer’s Tigers reflect courage in the face of societal norms?

7. Conflict and Transformation

  In The Enemy, Dr. Sadao transforms through his act of saving a soldier, while in
Keeping Quiet, Neruda calls for transformation through stillness and introspection.
Compare how both works depict conflict as a catalyst for change.
 How do Dr. Sadao in The Enemy and the speaker in Keeping Quiet emphasize moral
responsibility as essential to humanity’s progress?

8. Escapism and Reality

 Both The Third Level and A Thing of Beauty explore escapism as a way of coping
with harsh realities. Compare how the protagonists find solace in their respective
worlds of escape.
 Discuss how The Third Level and A Thing of Beauty highlight the human need for
imagination and beauty to counter the struggles of everyday life.

9. Childhood and Innocence

 Lost Spring and My Mother at Sixty-Six reflect on the fleeting nature of childhood and
innocence. How do the authors use imagery to evoke nostalgia and loss?
 Compare how Mukesh in Lost Spring and the speaker in My Mother at Sixty-Six
perceive the inevitability of growing up and change.

10. Challenges and Resilience

 In Deep Water, the protagonist overcomes his fear of drowning, while in Aunt
Jennifer’s Tigers, the tigers symbolize resilience. How do the two texts celebrate
human courage in the face of challenges?
 Compare William Douglas’s determination in Deep Water with Aunt Jennifer’s
symbolic fight in Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers. How do both characters demonstrate inner
strength despite their circumstances?

FILL IN THE BLANKS

1. In The Last Lesson, Franz feels the loss of his cultural identity, while the poet in
_________ experiences a sense of impending loss while observing her aging mother.
(My Mother at Sixty-Six)
2. Both The Rattrap and A Thing of Beauty emphasize that small acts of kindness and
beauty can transform lives. The peddler is transformed by the ironmaster’s daughter,
while beauty in Keats’ poem provides _________. (eternal solace)
3. In Keeping Quiet, the poet urges us to pause and introspect, much like the geologist in
Journey to the End of the Earth, who reflects on humanity’s ________ on nature.
(impact)
4. Both The Tiger King and Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers use the tiger as a symbol. In The
Tiger King, the tiger symbolizes the king’s false bravado, while in Aunt Jennifer’s
Tigers, it symbolizes _________. (female empowerment)
5. In Deep Water, William Douglas faces his fear of drowning, while in A Thing of
Beauty, natural elements like clear streams offer ________ to overcome struggles.
(peace and healing)
6. On the Face of It highlights the importance of human connections through the bond
between Mr. Lamb and Derry, while A Roadside Stand critiques the lack of
compassion toward _________. (rural communities)
7. Both The Third Level and Keeping Quiet explore escape—one through imagination
and the other through _________. (introspection)
8. Lost Spring discusses the loss of childhood dreams due to poverty, just as the poet in
A Roadside Stand laments the exploitation of _________. (rural farmers)
9. In Indigo, Gandhiji fights for the rights of poor peasants, while in Aunt Jennifer’s
Tigers, Aunt Jennifer symbolically fights against _________. (patriarchy)
10. Both The Enemy and Keeping Quiet focus on the value of _________, as Dr. Sadao
saves a wounded enemy soldier, and the poet advocates for stillness and peace.
(humanity)
11. In Memories of Childhood, Zitkala-Sa resists the oppressive treatment in school, just
as Aunt Jennifer’s embroidered tigers symbolize her ________ against societal norms.
(resistance)
12. The theme of alienation in On the Face of It resonates with the poet’s depiction of
isolation in _________, where the speaker empathizes with the struggles of rural life.
(A Roadside Stand)
13. In The Interview, Umberto Eco emphasizes the richness of simplicity, while A Thing
of Beauty underlines how simple things of beauty bring ________ to our lives. (joy
and comfort)
14. The poet in Keeping Quiet asks us to halt our destructive activities, just as the narrator
in Journey to the End of the Earth learns about the fragility of ________. (Earth’s
ecosystem)
15. Franz in The Last Lesson realizes the value of his language when it’s too late, just as
Aunt Jennifer expresses her feelings through her art despite ________. (oppressive
constraints)
16. Both Lost Spring and My Mother at Sixty-Six focus on human suffering, but while
Saheb suffers due to poverty, the poet suffers due to ________. (the fear of losing her
mother)
17. In Deep Water, Douglas overcomes his fear with perseverance, while the poet in Aunt
Jennifer’s Tigers uses the tigers to depict ________ that she aspires to achieve.
(fearlessness)
18. The Tiger King critiques the misuse of power, while Keeping Quiet advocates for
________ as a path to global harmony. (self-reflection)
19. In The Third Level, Charley seeks refuge from his stressful life in the imagined world
of Galesburg, while A Thing of Beauty shows that ________ can also provide a
similar escape. (nature’s beauty)
20. Both On the Face of It and Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers explore resilience. Derry finds hope
through Mr. Lamb’s words, while Aunt Jennifer finds expression through ________.
(her embroidery)

True/False questions

1. In The Last Lesson, Franz appreciates the value of his language from the beginning of
the story. (False)
2. Both Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers and The Tiger King portray tigers as symbols of freedom.
(True)
3. In Keeping Quiet, the poet emphasizes complete silence as a permanent solution to
conflicts. (False)
4. Lost Spring and A Roadside Stand explore the exploitation of the poor by wealthy
individuals. (True)
5. In A Thing of Beauty, Keats suggests that beauty is fleeting and temporary. (False)
 6. Dr. Sadao in The Enemy saves the American soldier, risking his own safety. (True)
7. Both Deep Water and On the Face of It highlight the theme of overcoming fears and
disabilities. (True)
8. Zitkala-Sa in The Cutting of My Long Hair passively accepts the humiliation she
faces. (False)
9. In My Mother at Sixty-Six, the poet feels reassured while leaving her mother at the
airport. (False)
10. The poet in A Roadside Stand sympathizes with the struggles of city dwellers. (False)
11. In Indigo, Gandhiji’s efforts to help the peasants reflect themes of self-reliance and
justice. (True)
12. Journey to the End of the Earth emphasizes the insignificance of human life in the
face of nature’s vastness. (True)
13. Both The Rattrap and Keeping Quiet promote self-reflection and the power of
kindness. (True)
14. In Poets and Pancakes, the story primarily focuses on the technical aspects of
filmmaking. (False)
15. The Third Level explores escapism through the lens of fantasy and imagination.
(True)
16. Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers portrays tigers as symbols of Aunt Jennifer’s fear and
subservience. (False)
17. Both On the Face of It and The Enemy depict human compassion transcending
societal barriers. (True)
18. In The Tiger King, the king succeeds in his goal of killing all tigers. (False)
19. In Memories of Childhood, the stories reflect the suppression of individual identities.
(True)
20. A Thing of Beauty and My Mother at Sixty-Six both emphasize the healing power of
familial relationships. (False)

Assertion and Reasoning Questions:

1. Assertion (A): Franz is upset when he learns that M. Hamel will no longer teach
French.
Reason (R): Franz feels guilty for neglecting his language lessons.
o (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
o (B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
o (C) A is true, but R is false.
o (D) A is false, but R is true.

2. Assertion (A): The poet in A Roadside Stand criticizes city dwellers for ignoring the
struggles of rural people.
Reason (R): Urban people exploit rural communities by imposing unfair economic
practices.
o (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
o (B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
o (C) A is true, but R is false.
o (D) A is false, but R is true.

3. Assertion (A): Saheb in Lost Spring works at a tea stall instead of going to school.
Reason (R): He prefers earning money over studying.
o (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
 o (B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
o (C) A is true, but R is false.
o (D) A is false, but R is true.

4. Assertion (A): Aunt Jennifer’s tigers symbolize courage and strength.

Reason (R): Aunt Jennifer is free from societal constraints in her life.
o (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
o (B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
o (C) A is true, but R is false.
o (D) A is false, but R is true.

5. Assertion (A): Douglas in Deep Water fears water due to a childhood incident at the
YMCA pool.
Reason (R): Overcoming his fear required professional training and self-discipline.
o (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
o (B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
o (C) A is true, but R is false.
o (D) A is false, but R is true.

6. Assertion (A): The King in The Tiger King kills a hundred tigers to avoid his
prophesied death.
Reason (R): The King believes killing the tigers will help him escape his destiny.
o (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
o (B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
o (C) A is true, but R is false.
o (D) A is false, but R is true.

7. Assertion (A): The poet in Keeping Quiet advocates for complete silence and
stillness.
Reason (R): He believes that silence can help people introspect and achieve peace.
o (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
o (B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
o (C) A is true, but R is false.
o (D) A is false, but R is true.

8. Assertion (A): In The Rattrap, the peddler leaves behind the stolen money.
Reason (R): He is moved by the kindness and trust of Edla.
o (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
o (B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
o (C) A is true, but R is false.
o (D) A is false, but R is true.

9. Assertion (A): Gandhiji stays at the house of an ordinary peasant during the Indigo
struggle.
Reason (R): Gandhiji believes in identifying with the lives of the common people.
o (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
o (B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
o (C) A is true, but R is false.
o (D) A is false, but R is true.
10. Assertion (A): The Third Level represents Charley’s desire to escape modern-day
anxieties.
Reason (R): The Third Level is a real place that connects people with the past.
o (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
o (B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
o (C) A is true, but R is false.
o (D) A is false, but R is true.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. In Lost Spring, the author uses the story of Saeeb's plight to highlight:
(A) The importance of parental guidance in a child’s life
(B) The exploitation of children by society and lack of opportunity
(C) The role of education in shaping a child’s future
(D) The impact of foreign trade on poverty
Answer: (B) The exploitation of children by society and lack of opportunity
2. In The Last Lesson, how does M. Hamel react when he learns that the French
language will no longer be taught in the school?
o (A) He becomes angry and punishes the students.
o (B) He expresses regret and teaches with renewed fervor.
o (C) He decides to quit teaching altogether.
o (D) He blames the students for the situation.
Answer: (B) He expresses regret and teaches with renewed fervor.
3. In Deep Water, how does the author describe his feelings after overcoming his
fear of water?
o (A) He feels relieved but indifferent.
o (B) He experiences a sense of achievement and newfound confidence.
o (C) He becomes obsessed with swimming.
o (D) He feels regret for not confronting his fear earlier.
Answer: (B) He experiences a sense of achievement and newfound
confidence.
4. Which of the following symbolizes the peddler's realization about life in The
Rattrap?
o (A) The rattrap itself as a metaphor for human entrapment
o (B) The iron money given to him by the capitalist
o (C) The kindness shown by the soldier
o (D) The trapped rat he encounters in the woods
Answer: (A) The rattrap itself as a metaphor for human entrapment
5. In The Tiger King, what does the king’s obsession with killing tigers reflect about
his character?
o (A) His desire to prove his power and superiority over nature
o (B) His deep respect for wildlife conservation
o (C) His love for animals and wildlife protection
o (D) His belief in fate and the inevitability of death
Answer: (A) His desire to prove his power and superiority over nature
6. In Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers, the contrast between Aunt Jennifer’s embroidery and
her real life suggests:
o (A) Her desire to escape reality and express freedom
o (B) Her inability to find happiness in her life
 o (C) The oppression she faces in her domestic life
o (D) Her deep connection with nature
Answer: (C) The oppression she faces in her domestic life
7. The central idea of the poem My Mother at Sixty-Six revolves around:
o (A) The tension between youth and aging
o (B) The regret of not spending enough time with one’s mother
o (C) The emotional realization of a mother’s mortality
o (D) The conflict between a mother’s duties and her personal desires
Answer: (C) The emotional realization of a mother’s mortality
8. In Keeping Quiet, Pablo Neruda calls for silence in order to:
o (A) Reflect on one’s inner thoughts and emotions
o (B) Engage in peaceful dialogue with others
o (C) Connect with nature and observe the world around
o (D) Avoid conflicts and end global violence
Answer: (A) Reflect on one’s inner thoughts and emotions
9. In The Interview, the author highlights the issue of:
o (A) Social inequality in the workforce
o (B) The tension between formal education and practical knowledge
o (C) The contradictions between a person’s background and their career
aspirations
o (D) The challenges of living up to societal expectations
Answer: (C) The contradictions between a person’s background and their
career aspirations
10. In Going Places, Sophie’s daydreams are indicative of:

 (A) Her desire for fame and recognition

 (B) Her dissatisfaction with her current life and the restrictions placed on her
 (C) Her deep love for nature and travel
 (D) Her fear of confronting reality
Answer: (B) Her dissatisfaction with her current life and the restrictions placed on
her

11. In The Tiger King, the king’s death was ironic because:

 (A) He was killed by a tiger after killing many of them

 (B) He died while trying to protect a tiger from poachers
 (C) He was killed in a car accident while hunting tigers
 (D) He died of natural causes after fulfilling his desire to kill tigers
Answer: (A) He was killed by a tiger after killing many of them

12. The protagonist of The Rattrap changes because he:

 (A) Learns to accept his fate

 (B) Understands the value of selflessness and kindness
 (C) Realizes his mistake of stealing from others
 (D) Finds redemption through his work with the soldier
Answer: (B) Understands the value of selflessness and kindness

13. In Lost Spring, the author emphasizes the importance of education through the
character of Saeeda by showing how:
 (A) She dreams of escaping her impoverished life
 (B) She works hard to support her family
 (C) She continues to be stuck in a cycle of poverty without education
 (D) She is able to change her life through education
Answer: (C) She continues to be stuck in a cycle of poverty without education

14. In The Last Lesson, what lesson does Franz learn at the end of the story?

 (A) The importance of learning a new language

 (B) The value of self-discipline and hard work
 (C) The significance of preserving one’s native language and culture
 (D) The need for education in times of political uncertainty
Answer: (C) The significance of preserving one’s native language and culture

15. In Keeping Quiet, Neruda suggests that silence would:

 (A) Help end the wars and bring world peace

 (B) Bring clarity and understanding to human life
 (C) Lead to deeper self-awareness and understanding
 (D) Eliminate social inequalities and injustice
Answer: (C) Lead to deeper self-awareness and understanding

16. The narrative technique used in The Rattrap involves:

 (A) Flashback and foreshadowing

 (B) A combination of dialogue and moral commentary
 (C) A detailed psychological exploration of the protagonist
 (D) A sudden twist in the end that changes the direction of the story
Answer: (D) A sudden twist in the end that changes the direction of the story

17. In The Enemy, the main conflict arises from:

 (A) The character’s guilt for betraying their comrades

 (B) The moral dilemma of helping an enemy during wartime
 (C) The physical injuries caused by a bombing
 (D) The fear of being caught by the enemy
Answer: (B) The moral dilemma of helping an enemy during wartime

18. In Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers, the tigers she embroiders represent:

 (A) Her desire for freedom and escape from her oppressive life
 (B) Her longing for companionship
 (C) Her deep connection with nature
 (D) Her rebellion against the societal norms of her time
Answer: (A) Her desire for freedom and escape from her oppressive life

19. In The Interview, the author portrays the tension between:

 (A) Talent and education

 (B) Appearance and reality
 (C) Knowledge and experience
 (D) Ambition and failure
Answer: (B) Appearance and reality

20. In The Third Level, the protagonist’s search for the third level is symbolic of:

 (A) His desire to escape from his mundane life into a fantasy world
 (B) His need to change the past
 (C) His obsession with time travel
 (D) His longing to find true love
Answer: (A) His desire to escape from his mundane life into a fantasy world