Tuesday, February 3, 2026

A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME

Who is the author of the story “A House Is Not a Home”?
Ans: Zan Gaudioso.
In which class did the narrator start his new school?
Ans: In high school as a freshman.
Why did the narrator feel awkward in high school?
Ans: Because he was starting over in a new and bigger school.
Where were his closest friends sent?
Ans: To a different high school.
Why did he feel isolated?
Ans: Because he had no close friends in the new school.
Whom did he visit after joining high school?
Ans: His old teachers.
What did the old teachers advise him?
Ans: To get involved in school activities and meet new people.
On which day did the fire break out?
Ans: On a Sunday afternoon.
Where was the narrator sitting when the fire started?
Ans: At the dining-room table.
What kind of day was it?
Ans: A cold and windy fall day.
What pet did the narrator have?
Ans: A cat.
What colour was the narrator’s cat?
Ans: Red tabby (orange).
What was the cat doing on his papers?
Ans: Lying on them and purring.
What did the narrator smell suddenly?
Ans: Something strange (smoke).
From where did the smoke enter?
Ans: Through the seams of the ceiling.
Where did the family run out?
Ans: Into the front yard.
Who ran back into the house first?
Ans: His mother.
What did the mother bring out first?
Ans: A small metal box with important documents.
Why did the mother run back into the house again?
Ans: To save his father’s pictures and letters.
Who stopped the narrator from going inside?
Ans: A fireman.
What did the fireman wrap around the narrator?
Ans: A blanket.
Where did the fireman make the narrator sit?
Ans: In their car.
What did the fireman put on the mother’s face?
Ans: An oxygen mask.
How long did it take to put out the fire?
Ans: Five hours.
What did the narrator realise after the fire was out?
Ans: His cat was missing.
Where did they spend the night?
Ans: At his grandparents’ house.
Why was the narrator embarrassed to go to school on Monday?
Ans: He had no proper clothes, books, or shoes.
Whose shoes did he borrow?
Ans: His aunt’s tennis shoes.
What had happened to his backpack?
Ans: It was destroyed in the fire.
What was saved from the burning house?
Ans: Photo albums, documents, and some personal items.
Why did they borrow money from grandparents?
Ans: Because all cash, cards, and identification were burned.
Where did they shift after the fire?
Ans: To a rented apartment nearby.
Who were aware of his plight in school?
Ans: Everyone, including teachers.
What did the classmates collect for him?
Ans: Money and items to help him.
What did the narrator receive from the students?
Ans: School supplies, clothes, notebooks, etc.
What did the narrator feel after seeing the gifts?
Ans: Deeply touched and emotional.
When did he make new friends?
Ans: The day he received help from classmates.
How far had the cat run away?
Ans: Over a mile away.
How was the cat finally returned?
Ans: A kind woman brought it back.
What was written on the cat’s collar?
Ans: Their phone number.
Why couldn’t the woman call them?
Ans: Their phones were destroyed and disconnected.
What did the narrator feel in the end?
Ans: Gratitude and happiness.

✅ SA (Short Answer) with Answers (3–4 marks)

Why did the narrator find his first year of high school difficult?
Ans: The school was bigger than his old one, he was starting as a freshman, and his closest friends went to another school. So he felt lonely and insecure.
How did the narrator’s old teachers help him emotionally?
Ans: They encouraged him to join school activities and meet new people. They told him he would adjust and later love the new school too.
Describe the situation in the house when the fire started.
Ans: The narrator was doing homework at the dining table. It was cold outside and a fire was burning in the fireplace. Suddenly smoke poured through the ceiling and the house caught fire quickly.
What did the narrator’s mother do during the fire? Why was it risky?
Ans: She ran into the burning house twice. First she saved documents, then she went again to save the father’s photos and letters. It was risky because she could have died.
Why did the narrator scream “Mom! No!”?
Ans: He feared his mother would get trapped and die inside the burning house.
How did the fireman handle the narrator when he tried to run inside?
Ans: The fireman held him tightly, wrapped a blanket around him and made him sit in the car to keep him safe.
What were the narrator’s feelings after he realised his cat was missing?
Ans: He felt shocked, heartbroken and helpless. He cried because he had already lost his home and now he might lose his beloved cat too.
Why did the narrator go to school the next day even though he didn’t want to?
Ans: His mother insisted. Though he felt embarrassed, he had no choice but to attend school.
What made the narrator feel like an outcast at school?
Ans: He wore strange clothes, had no books or homework, his backpack was gone, and he had borrowed shoes. All this made him feel awkward and different.
What did the narrator see when he visited the burned house the next day?
Ans: The house was destroyed. Whatever was not burned was damaged by water and chemicals used to stop the fire.
What important items were saved from the fire?
Ans: The mother saved photo albums, important documents and some personal items.
Why did they need to borrow money from grandparents?
Ans: Because all money, credit cards and identification were destroyed in the fire.
How did the narrator react when he found the cat was gone?
Ans: He broke down in tears. He felt great loss and kept hoping the cat would return.
Why was the narrator embarrassed that everyone knew about the fire?
Ans: He felt people were staring at him and he didn’t want attention. He felt as if he was responsible.
What surprise did the narrator get in the gym?
Ans: Students and teachers collected items for him. They gave him clothes, notebooks and school supplies.
How did the classmates’ kindness change the narrator’s life?
Ans: Their support made him feel accepted. He stopped feeling lonely and made new friends.
How did the fire become a turning point in the narrator’s life?
Ans: The tragedy helped him open up. He realised people were kind and supportive. His life began to rebuild like his house.
Why did the narrator say, “My life was doing the same thing” while the house was being rebuilt?
Ans: He meant his life was improving again. He was rebuilding emotionally with new friends and hope.
How did the cat survive and where was it found?
Ans: The cat ran away in fear and went over a mile away. A kind woman found and kept it safe.
What role did the unknown woman play in the story?
Ans: She rescued the cat and returned it. She showed kindness and care for a stranger.
What feelings did the narrator experience at the end of the story?
Ans: He felt grateful, happy, and relieved because he got his cat back and gained new friends.
How does the story show that a house is not always a home?
Ans: A house is only a building, but a home is made of love, family, memories, friends and care. Even after losing the house, the narrator found warmth through people and relationships.

THE HACK DRIVER

*MCQ* (The Hack Driver)

1. The narrator was sent to New Mullion to —

a) practise law

b) meet villagers

c) serve summons

d) attend court

Ans: c) serve summons

2. Oliver Lutkins was required by the law firm as a) criminal

b) judge

c) lawyer

d) witness

Ans: d) witness

3. Why had Lutkins ignored the letters sent to him?

a) He was ill

b) He was out of town

c) He did not want to be a witness

d) He could not read

Ans: c) He did not want to be a witness

4. The lawyer hated city work because —

a) it paid less

b) it was boring

c) it was dangerous and unpleasant

d) it had no future

Ans: c) it was dangerous and unpleasant

5. The lawyer expected New Mullion to be —

a) modern and clean

b) sweet and simple

c) crowded and noisy

d) rich and developed

Ans: b) sweet and simple

6. The streets of New Mullion were —

a) clean and wide

b) paved with stones

c) rivers of mud

d) full of traffic

Ans: c) rivers of mud

7. The shops in New Mullion were mostly —

a) brick-built

b) glass-fronted

c) wooden

d) cemented

Ans: c) wooden

8. Bill Magnuson was a —

a) shopkeeper

b) farmer

c) barber

d) hack driver

Ans: d) hack driver

9. Bill was about —

a) 25 years old

b) 30 years old

c) 40 years old

d) 50 years old

Ans: c) 40 years old

10. Bill looked —

a) thin and serious

b) weak and pale

c) red-faced and cheerful

d) tall and proud

Ans: c) red-faced and cheerful

11. Bill offered help mainly because —

a) he liked strangers

b) he was kind-hearted

c) he wanted the fare

d) he feared the court

Ans: c) he wanted the fare

12. Bill charged the lawyer —

a) one dollar an hour

b) two dollars an hour

c) three dollars an hour

d) four dollars an hour

Ans: b) two dollars an hour

13. Bill’s hack looked like —

a) a modern car

b) a bicycle

c) a black box on wheels

d) a horse cart

Ans: c) a black box on wheels

14. Bill pretended that Lutkins was —

a) honest

b) poor

c) clever and tricky

d) sick

Ans: c) clever and tricky

15. The first place Bill took the lawyer to was —

a) barber shop

b) poolroom

c) Fritz’s shop

d) hotel

Ans: c) Fritz’s shop

16. Lutkins was said to be fond of —

a) farming

b) reading

c) poker

d) travelling

Ans: c) poker

17. The lawyer hid behind Bill because —

a) he was shy

b) he feared villagers

c) Lutkins might recognize him

d) Bill advised him to rest

Ans: c) Lutkins might recognize him

18. At Gustaff’s barber shop, Lutkins was said to have gone to —

a) Fritz’s shop

b) Gray’s barber shop

c) the station

d) home

Ans: b) Gray’s barber shop

19. From Gray’s shop, Lutkins was said to have gone to —

a) poolroom

b) hotel

c) station

d) market

Ans: a) poolroom

20. The lawyer could not catch Lutkins because —

a) he was slow

b) Lutkins kept moving

c) Bill misled him

d) both b and c

Ans: d) both b and c

21. Where did Bill suggest having lunch?

a) restaurant

b) hotel

c) Wade’s Hill

d) station

Ans: c) Wade’s Hill

22. Bill preferred home-packed lunch because —

a) restaurants were costly

b) restaurants were bad

c) he disliked city food

d) all of the above

Ans: d) all of the above

23. The lawyer enjoyed Bill’s talk because it showed —

a) gossip

b) humour and wisdom

c) anger

d) pride

Ans: b) humour and wisdom

24. The lawyer felt New Mullion was —

a) boring

b) foolish

c) warm and human

d) dishonest

Ans: c) warm and human

25. Lutkins’ mother lived —

a) in the village

b) near the station

c) on a farm

d) in the city

Ans: c) on a farm

26. Bill described Lutkins’ mother as —

a) polite

b) gentle

c) terrifying

d) silent

Ans: c) terrifying

27. Lutkins’ mother threatened them with —

a) a stick

b) a knife

c) a gun

d) a hot iron

Ans: d) a hot iron

28. Lutkins’ mother was actually —

a) angry

b) frightened

c) pretending

d) joking

Ans: c) pretending

29. The lawyer failed to serve the summons because —

a) Lutkins escaped

b) he ran out of time

c) Bill fooled him

d) court was closed

Ans: c) Bill fooled him

30. On the second visit, the lawyer went with —

a) Bill

b) a policeman

c) a man who knew Lutkins

d) his boss

Ans: c) a man who knew Lutkins

31. The biggest shock to the lawyer was that —

a) Lutkins was rich

b) Lutkins was Bill

c) the village was dishonest

d) his job was lost

Ans: b) Lutkins was Bill

32. Lutkins and his mother laughed at the lawyer because —

a) he was rude

b) he was angry

c) he was easily fooled

d) he was late

Ans: c) he was easily fooled

33. The title “The Hack Driver” is ironic because —

a) the driver was poor

b) the driver was honest

c) the driver was Lutkins himself

d) the driver helped the law

Ans: c) the driver was Lutkins himself

34. The story mainly teaches that —

a) villages are peaceful

b) lawyers are foolish

c) appearances can be deceptive

d) city life is better

Ans: c) appearances can be deceptive

35. The lawyer’s main weakness was —

a) pride

b) anger

c) blind trust

d) laziness

Ans: c) blind trust

36. Bill/Lutkins was intelligent because he —

a) used force

b) ran away

c) used clever deception

d) hid permanently

Ans: c) used clever deception

37. The tone of the story is mostly —

a) tragic

b) humorous

c) fearful

d) serious

Ans: b) humorous

38. The narrator felt insulted because he was treated like —

a) a lawyer

b) a clerk

c) a detective

d) a criminal

Ans: c) a detective

39. The narrator thought of returning to his hometown because —

a) he missed his parents

b) city life disappointed him

c) village life attracted him

d) he lost his job

Ans: b) city life disappointed him

40. The narrator felt strengthened by Bill because Bill had —

a) education

b) wealth

c) philosophy of simplicity and laughter

d) power

Ans: c) philosophy of simplicity and laughter

41. The narrator paid Bill for —

a) four hours

b) five hours

c) six hours

d) seven hours

Ans: c) six hours

42. The narrator charged the expenses to —

a) himself

b) Bill

c) the court

d) the firm

Ans: d) the firm

43. Bill called Lutkins “Brother Lutkins” to show —

a) fear

b) anger

c) familiarity

d) respect

Ans: c) familiarity

44.. The lawyer described Bill’s hack as —

a) elegant

b) luxurious

c) modern

d) funny-looking

Ans: d) funny-looking

45. The chief in the law firm reacted with —

a) sympathy

b) patience

c) anger

d) humour

Ans: c) anger

46. Lutkins invited the lawyer for coffee to show-

a) anger

b) revenge

c) mockery mixed with kindness

d) fear

Ans: c) mockery mixed with kindness

47. The neighbours wanted to see the lawyer because —

a) he was famous

b) he was rude

c) he was fooled

d) he was rich

Ans: c) he was fooled

*THE HACK DRIVER* (Q-ANS)

1. Why was the lawyer sent to New Mullion?

Ans: c) To serve summons on Oliver Lutkins

2. What was the lawyer’s first impression of New Mullion?

Ans: c) Dirty and muddy

3. Who was the first person the lawyer met in New Mullion?

Ans: c) Bill Magnuson

4. What was Bill Magnuson’s profession?

Ans: c) Hack driver

5. Where did Bill first take the lawyer to find Lutkins?

Ans: b) Fritz’s shop

6. Why did Lutkins avoid being found?

Ans: b) He was afraid of the summons

7. Where did Bill say Lutkins finally went?

Ans: c) To his mother’s farm

8. Who turned out to be Oliver Lutkins?

Ans: d) Bill Magnuson

9. How did Lutkins and his mother react when the lawyer served the summons?

Ans: c) They laughed at him

10. What quality of Bill impressed the lawyer most?

Ans: c) His kindness and wisdom

11. Why did the lawyer hate his job in the city?

Ans: Because he had to serve summons in unpleasant and dangerous places.

12. What kind of place was New Mullion?

Ans: It was a muddy village with wooden shops.

13. What did Bill charge the lawyer per hour?

Ans: Two dollars an hour.

14. Why did the lawyer hide behind Bill while searching for Lutkins?

Ans: To avoid being recognized by Lutkins.

15. Where did Bill and the lawyer have lunch?

Ans: On Wade’s Hill.

16. Why was Lutkins needed by the law firm?

Ans: He was required as a witness in a case.

17. What did Lutkins’ mother threaten the lawyer and Bill with?

Ans: She threatened them with a hot iron.

18. Who accompanied the lawyer on his second visit to New Mullion?

Ans: A man who had worked with Lutkins.

19. What made the lawyer admire village life?

Ans: The simplicity, wisdom, and kindness of village people.

20. What was the lawyer’s final realization about Bill?

Ans: Bill was actually Oliver Lutkins himself.

21. Why did the lawyer feel happy when he was sent to New Mullion?

Ans:

The lawyer was tired of his dangerous and unpleasant city job. When he was sent to New Mullion, he felt happy because he expected a peaceful village life away from the city.

22. Describe the appearance and nature of Bill Magnuson.

Ans:

Bill Magnuson was a red-faced, cheerful man with a friendly nature. He was helpful, humorous, and appeared kind and trustworthy, which easily won the lawyer’s confidence.

23. How did Bill help the lawyer in searching for Lutkins?

Ans:

Bill took the lawyer around the village in his hack, visited shops, barber shops, and the farm, and asked people about Lutkins while keeping the lawyer hidden.

24. Why could the lawyer not find Lutkins during the whole day?

Ans:

The lawyer could not find Lutkins because Bill himself was Lutkins and deliberately misled him throughout the day.

25. Describe the behaviour of Lutkins’ mother.

Ans:

Lutkins’ mother was aggressive and loud. She threatened the lawyer and Bill with a hot iron and scared them away from her house.

26. What impression did New Mullion leave on the lawyer by the end of the day?

Ans:

By the end of the day, the lawyer found New Mullion simple, peaceful, and full of warm-hearted people.

27. How did the lawyer’s opinion about Bill change at the end of the story?

Ans:

Initially, the lawyer admired Bill as a kind guide, but later he felt hurt and foolish when he learned that Bill was actually Lutkins.

28. Why was the lawyer ordered to return to New Mullion?

Ans:

The lawyer was ordered to return because he had failed to serve the summons on Lutkins, which was necessary for the court case.

29. . Narrate how the lawyer searched for Oliver Lutkins with the help of the hack driver.

Ans:

The lawyer went to New Mullion to serve a summons on Oliver Lutkins. There he met Bill Magnuson, a friendly hack driver, who offered to help him. Bill took the lawyer to several places like Fritz’s shop, barber shops, the poolroom, and finally to Lutkins’ mother’s farm. At every place, Bill claimed that Lutkins had just left. The lawyer trusted Bill completely and followed him the whole day. In the end, the lawyer failed to find Lutkins because Bill himself was Lutkins and had cleverly fooled him.

30. Describe the character of Bill Magnuson. How did he successfully fool the lawyer?

Ans:

Bill Magnuson appeared to be cheerful, helpful, and wise. He spoke kindly and showed deep knowledge of village life. He gained the lawyer’s trust by offering help and guiding him around the village. In reality, Bill was Oliver Lutkins himself. He cleverly misled the lawyer by pretending that Lutkins was always just nearby. His friendly nature made the lawyer suspect nothing, allowing Bill to fool him successfully.

31. How does the story “The Hack Driver” show the contrast between city life and village life?

Ans:

The story contrasts city life and village life through the lawyer’s experiences. City life is shown as dangerous, stressful, and dishonest. In contrast, village life appears simple, peaceful, and friendly. The lawyer enjoys the warmth, humour, and simplicity of the villagers. However, the story also reveals that appearances can be deceptive, even in villages.

32. Explain the irony in the title “The Hack Driver.”

Ans:

The title is ironic because the hack driver, Bill Magnuson, who helps the lawyer search for Oliver Lutkins, turns out to be Lutkins himself. Instead of helping the lawyer, he fools him all day. Thus, the helper is actually the person being searched for.

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Fix preposition

Boast — of
Consist — of
Fond — of
Proud — of
Guilty — of
Accuse — of
Deprive — of
Rob — of
Remind — of
Smell — of
Taste — of
Die — of
Aware — of
Sure — of
Full — of
Dispose — of
Approve — of
Ashamed — of
Capable — of
Incapable — of
Short — of
Worthy — of
Certain — of
Conscious — of
Tired — of
Afraid — of
Proud — of
Ignorant — of
Independent — of
Jealous — of

ON

Depend — on
Rely — on
Insist — on
Base — on
Live — on
Concentrate — on
Focus — on
Count — on
Operate — on
Comment — on
Congratulate — on
Agree — on (plan only; still fixed)
Insistence — on
Dependence — on
Emphasis — on

WITH

Provide — with
Supply — with
Acquainted — with
Associate — with
Deal — with
Familiarize — with
Charge — with
Fill — with
Cover — with
Equip — with
Crowded — with
Packed — with
Loaded — with
Blessed — with
Concerned — with

AT

Good — at
Bad — at
Aim — at
Laugh — at
Arrive — at
Glance — at
Knock — at
Stare — at
Shout — at
Point — at
Present — at
Amazed — at
Surprised — at
Shocked — at
Skillful — at

IN

Interested — in
Succeed — in
Believe — in
Involved — in
Born — in
Rich — in
Weak — in
Skilled — in
Absorbed — in
Engaged — in
Faith — in
Confidence — in
Participation — in
Specialize — in
Result — in

TO

Listen — to
Reply — to
Belong — to
Object — to
Yield — to
Prefer — to
Lead — to
Apply — to
Attend — to
Submit — to
Loyal — to
Obedient — to
Faithful — to
Addicted — to
Injurious — to
Harmful — to
Useful — to
Senior — to
Junior — to
Opposed — to

FOR

Search — for
Ask — for
Prepare — for
Thank — for
Long — for
Hope — for
Wish — for
Blame — for
Wait — for
Fight — for
Famous — for
Responsible — for
Ready — for
Suitable — for
Eligible — for

FROM

Prevent — from
Suffer — from
Recover — from
Protect — from
Differ — from
Borrow — from
Escape — from
Abstain — from
Free — from
Absent — from
Separate — from
Safe — from
Released — from
Derived — from
Restrain — from

AFTER

Name — after
Take — after
Run — after
Seek — after

AGAINST

Fight — against
Warn — against
Guard — against
Protest — against
Insure — against

OVER

Preside — over
Rule — over
Triumph — over
Dominate — over
Power — over

UNDER

Work — under
Fall — under
Come — under
Remain — under
Hide — under

INTO

Break — into
Translate — into
Enter — into
Divide — into
Change — into

BY

Written — by
Travel — by
Judge — by
Stand — by
Abide — by

AS

Work — as
Act — as
Serve — as
Regard — as
Treat — as

ABOUT

Talk — about
Complain — about
Worry — about
Curious — about
Anxious — about

OTHER FIXED (NOUN / ADJ)

Sympathy — for
Preference — for
Confidence — in
Shame — on
Ban — on
Tax — on
Comment — on
Belief — in
Interest — in
Participation — in
Marriage — to

FINAL EXTENSION

Keen — on
Absent — from
Present — at
Similar — to
Different — from
Busy — in
Married — to
Married — into
Concern — for
Concern — about

EXTRA 100 (NO VARIATION WORDS)

Ashamed — of
Proud — of
Certain — of
Conscious — of
Independent — of
Crowded — with
Packed — with
Loaded — with
Filled — with
Equipped — with
Dependent — on
Insistent — on
Based — on
Reliant — on
Concentration — on
Skilled — at
Clever — at
Expert — at
Brilliant — at
Quick — at
Faithful — to
Devoted — to
True — to
Kind — to
Polite — to
Ready — for
Thankful — for
Suitable — for
Eligible — for
Eager — for
Free — from
Safe — from
Distant — from
Released — from
Protected — from
Presided — over
Ruled — over
Dominated — over
Triumphed — over
Authority — over
Broken — into
Divided — into
Converted — into
Entered — into
Translated — into
Judged — by
Written — by
Travelled — by
Guided — by
Influenced — by
Acted — as
Served — as
Worked — as
Treated — as
Regarded — as
Protest — against
Guarded — against
Warned — against
Insured — against
Protected — against
Worked — under
Fell — under
Came — under
Remained — under
Hidden — under
Succeeded — in
Believed — in
Engaged — in
Involved — in
Absorbed — in
Listened — to
Replied — to
Belonged — to
Yielded — to
Objected — to
Searched — for
Asked — for
Prepared — for
Thanked — for
Longed — for
Prevented — from
Suffered — from
Recovered — from
Protected — from
Differed — from
Named — after
Took — after
Ran — after
Sought — after
Boasted — of
Consisted — of
Deprived — of
Robbed — of
Reminded — of
Approved — of
Disposed — of
Ashamed — of
Capable — of
Worthy — of
Short — of

✅ GROUP VERBS (VERB + DIFFERENT PREPOSITIONS)

1. COMPARE

Compare with → show similarities & differences
Compare to → show similarity only

2. ANGRY

Angry with → person
Angry at → thing / action

❌ Angry to — wrong

3. MADE

Made of → material unchanged
Made from → material changed

4. AGREE

Agree with → person / opinion
Agree to → proposal
Agree on → decision / point

5. DIE

Die of → disease / hunger
Die from → injury / external cause
Die by → weapon / method
Die for → sacrifice
Die in → place / event
Die out → become extinct

6. LIVE

Live in → place
Live on → depend for food/money
Live by → follow principles
Live with → tolerate

7. LOOK

Look at → see
Look for → search
Look after → take care
Look into → investigate
Look down upon → hate / disrespect

8. TAKE

Take after → resemble
Take up → begin
Take off → remove / plane start
Take care of → look after

9. PART

Part with → give up unwillingly
Part from → separate

10. THINK

Think of → idea
Think about → consider
Think over → consider carefully

11. SEE

See to → take care
See through → understand clearly

12. RUN

Run after → chase
Run into → meet suddenly
Run over → knock down

13. TURN

Turn to → seek help
Turn into → change
Turn down → reject

14. FALL

Fall into → enter suddenly
Fall for → be deceived / attracted
Fall out with → quarrel

15. GET

Get into → enter trouble
Get over → recover
Get out of → escape
Get along with → have good relations

16. CONSIST

Consist of → be made up of
Consist in → lie in

17. COME

Come to → regain consciousness
Come across → find suddenly
Come back → return
Come under → be included

18. BREAK

Break into → enter forcibly
Break down → stop working
Break out → start suddenly

19. HOLD

Hold on → wait
Hold back → stop / restrain

20. GIVE

Give up → stop
Give in → surrender
Give away → donate

21. DIFFER

Differ from → not the same
Differ with → disagree

22. COMPLAIN

Complain of → illness / pain
Complain about → something wrong

23. CARE

Care for → like / look after
Care about → feel concern

24. HOPE

Hope for → desire
Hope to → intention

25. AIM

Aim at → target
Aim for → ambition

26. WARN

Warn of → inform about danger
Warn against → advise not to do

27. CHARGE

Charge with → accuse
Charge for → ask money

28. BLAME

Blame for → fault
Blame on → place responsibility

29. DEAL

Deal with → handle
Deal in → business

30. RESULT

Result in → cause
Result from → be caused by

31. PROVIDE

Provide with → supply
Provide for → make arrangements

32. WAIT

Wait for → expect
Wait on → serve

33. OBJECT

Object to → oppose
Object of → purpose

34. PASS

Pass by → go past
Pass through → cross

35. RECOVER

Recover from → become well
Recover of → regain possession (formal / rare)

Saturday, December 27, 2025

1. Identify the correct question tag

Answer: (b) shall we The question tag for a sentence starting with "Let us" or "Let's" is always "shall we".

2. Choose the right option that transforms the given sentence into assertive sentence without changing the meaning

Answer: (b) It is no use wasting time in reading trash. The assertive sentence conveys the same meaning as the rhetorical question, stating that there is no benefit to wasting time in reading trash.

3. Transform the given sentence into a simple sentence

Answer: (b) No branch of knowledge is too difficult to be conquered by perseverence. The original complex sentence is transformed into a simple sentence using the structure "too... to be" to express the same meaning.

4. Choose the correct option to fill in the blanks

Answer: (c) across, from "Across" is used to describe movement from one side of the street to the other, and "from" indicates the direction the car was coming in relation to the dog's path.

5. Choose the right word to fill in the gap

Answer: (b) little "Little" (without 'a') is used to indicate a very small or insufficient amount of rest, which fits the context of someone who rises late.

6. Choose the correct sentence from the options given

Answer: (d) None of my friends have come to school today. This sentence is grammatically correct. Option (a) has incorrect word order in the embedded question ("where he lives"). Option (b) uses an idiomatic expression that is less common than "by the arm" or "by the hand". Option (c) uses "shortly" (meaning soon) incorrectly to modify the visit, which should likely be "recently".

7. Choose the correct preposition to fill in the blank

Answer: (a) with The correct preposition to use with "gifted" in this context is "with", meaning endowed or provided with a natural ability or quality.

8. Identify the sentence where the word 'down' is used as an adverb

Answer: (d) The sun has gone down In this sentence, "down" modifies the verb "gone", indicating the direction or state of the sun's movement, thus functioning as an adverb. In the other options, it acts as an adjective, part of a noun phrase, or a preposition.

9. Choose the correct option to fill in the blank

Answer: (b) break through A "breakthrough" is a significant discovery or development, which fits the context of major progress in cancer research.

10. Fill in the blank choosing the right option

Answer: (d) walkover A "walkover" is a victory achieved without effort because of a lack of opposition, matching the scenario described in the sentence.

11. Identify the correct sentence

Answer: (c) You, Alice and I are friends.

The standard rule for the order of personal pronouns in English is the "2-3-1 rule," which places the second person ("You") first, the third person ("Alice," "he," "she," "they") second, and the first person ("I") last.

12. Select the correct combination of sentence given above that makes a simple sentence

Answer: (b) Zubeen Garg, a legendary singer, musician, composer, lyricist, instrumentalist, actor, director, film maker and philanthropist will always remain alive in the hearts of the people of Assam

A simple sentence contains one independent clause. Option (b) uses an appositive phrase ("a legendary singer, musician...") to provide extra information about Zubeen Garg without adding an additional clause or conjunction, making it a simple sentence.

13. Choose the indirect form of narration

Answer: (d) She told her teacher that she had had a headache the day before.

When converting direct speech in the past perfect tense ("I had a headache") to indirect speech, the tense typically remains past perfect ("she had had a headache"). Also, "yesterday" changes to "the day before".

14. Choose the option that correctly changes the voice

Answer: (b) The gates will have been locked by the guards by 2 p.m.

To change a sentence from active voice ("The guards will have locked the gates") to passive voice, the object ("The gates") becomes the subject, and the verb form changes to match the future perfect tense passive structure ("will have been locked").

15. Choose the correct option to fill in the blank

Answer: (a) rites

"Rites" refers to a formal ceremony or a solemn ritual, such as last rites or funeral rites. This fits the context of performing a final ceremony.

16. Choose the correct pair of preposition to fill in the blank

Answer: (c) to, by

The adjective "junior" is always followed by the preposition "to" when making a comparison. The phrase "by several years" is a standard way to express the extent of the difference in age or seniority.

17. Choose the correct tense form and fill in the blank

Answer: (a) have done

This is an example of a mixed conditional sentence (Type 3 in the "if" clause and a modal in the main clause). The structure for this type is "What would you (modal + have + past participle) if I had not lent you the money (past perfect)?".

18. Choose the correct tense form and fill in the blank

Answer: (c) were

The phrase "I wish" is followed by the subjunctive mood to express a hypothetical or unreal situation. In the subjunctive, "were" is used for all persons, including the first person singular ("I").

19. Choose the indirect form of narration

Answer: (d) She asked me if I knew I had killed her dog.

When converting an interrogative sentence to indirect speech, the reporting verb changes to "asked," and "if" or "whether" is introduced. The tenses shift (present simple "Do you know" becomes past simple "I knew," and past simple "you killed" becomes past perfect "I had killed"), and pronouns change ("my dog" becomes "her dog").

Would you like help with questions 20-24 or a deeper dive into any of these grammar rules?

AI responses may include mistakes.

20. Supply a single word for the underlined portion from the given options

Answer: (b) audience [1, 2, 3]

The word "audience" specifically refers to an assembly of listeners or spectators at a public event, such as a speech or performance.
"Spectators" typically refers to people who watch an event, especially a sports contest.
"People" is a general term for human beings and is less specific than "audience".
"Dignitaries" refers to people holding high office or status.

21. Choose the correct alternative to fill in the blank

Answer: (d) except that

The phrase "except that" is used to introduce a clause that states an exception to a general statement.
The sentence structure requires a conjunction to link the two clauses ("She is a good student" and "she is sometimes careless").
"Except" and "except for" are typically prepositions and do not fit the grammatical requirement of connecting two clauses in this way.

22. Identify the sentence that gives the positive degree of the given sentence

Answer: (b) Very few metals are so precious as gold.

The original sentence, "Gold is one of the most precious metals," is in the superlative degree.
To convert a superlative sentence containing "one of the" to the positive degree, the structure "Very few..." followed by "so... as" is used.
This structure indicates that gold is more precious than most metals, but not all of them.

23. Unit of electric power

Answer: (a) Watt/রাট/ बट/বাট

The unit of electric power in the International System of Units (SI) is the watt (W).
Volt is the unit of electric potential difference.
Joule is the unit of energy or work.
Kilowatt hour is a unit of energy, not power.

24. Choose the correct option for statement A and B

Answer: (a) Both statement A and B are true.

Statement A: "Corrosion of iron is commonly known as rusting." This is true; rusting is the specific term for the corrosion of iron and its alloys.
Statement B: "Diamond and graphite are allotropes of carbon." This is also true; allotropes are different structural forms of the same element in the same physical state.

Would you like to explore a deeper dive into any of these grammar rules or scientific concepts?

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.doubtnut.com/qna/649069132

[2] https://www.studyadda.com/sample-papers/english-olympiad-model-test-paper-12_q4/2132/472827

[3] https://askfilo.com/user-question-answers-smart-solutions/speaking-ability-direction-for-questions-7-and-8-change-the-3232373134303933

A SLUMBER DID MY SPIRIT SEAL (Class ix)

Q1. What does the poet mean by “A slumber did my spirit seal”?

Ans: By saying “A slumber did my spirit seal,” the poet means that he was so lost in love that he did not think his beloved could ever die, and when she died, he sank into deep sorrow and sadness.He felt as if his heart had stopped.

Q2. Who is the ‘she’ referred to in the poem?

ANS:- ‘She’ refers to the poet’s beloved, believed to be a girl named Lucy.

Q3. What is meant by “earthly years”?

ANS:- “Earthly years” means the passing of time in the world, which brings old age and death.

Q4. Why can the woman neither hear nor see now?

ANS :- She can neither hear nor see because she is dead and has lost all physical senses.

Q5. What is the “diurnal course”?

ANS :- The “diurnal course” means the daily movement or rotation of the Earth.

Q6. How does the poet describe his beloved's physical state in the second stanza?

ANZ :- He describes her as having no motion and no force, showing that she is lifeless.

Q7. How did the poet feel about his beloved when she was alive?

AND :-When his beloved was alive, the poet believed she was immortal. He had no fear of losing her and thought that time and death could not affect her.

Q8. How did she become a part of nature?

Ans: She became a part of nature after her death when her body was buried in the Earth. She now lies with rocks, stones, and trees and moves with the Earth’s daily rotation.

Q9. What did the poet feel when his beloved one died?

Ans: When his beloved died, the poet felt deep sorrow and sadness. He felt as if his heart had stopped.

Q10. What did the poet imagine her to be after death?

Ans: After death, the poet imagined her as a part of nature. She became a thing that could not feel the earthly years, she has no motion and no force. She lies in the Earth with rocks, stones, and trees, moving only with the Earth’s daily rotation.

Q11. When the poet’s beloved was dead, how did the poet feel?

ANS : When the poet’s beloved was dead, the poet’s heart became so sad that his heart sank into deep sorrow and sadness.

Chandraprabha Saikiani (class Viii)

1. Who was Chandraprabha Saikiani?

👉 She was a renowned social reformer from Assam.

2. Where was Chandraprabha Saikiani born?

👉 She was born in Assam.

3. On which date was Chandraprabha Saikiani born?

👉 She was born on 16 March 1901.

4. Who were Chandraprabha’s parents?

👉 Ratiram Mazumdar and Gangapriya.

5. In which village did she spend her early years?

👉 In Doisingari village.

6. In which district is Doisingari village located?

👉 Kamrup district.

7. What was the name of Chandraprabha’s sister?

👉 Rajaniprabha.

8. Why did Chandraprabha and her sister walk through mud?

👉 To attend school.

9. What kind of school did Chandraprabha first attend?

👉 A school meant only for boys.

10. What did Chandraprabha fight for throughout her life?

👉 The rights and education of girls.

11. What did she do after school for other girls?

👉 She taught them what she had learnt.

12. Who was impressed by Chandraprabha’s efforts?

👉 School sub-inspector Nilkanta Barua.

13. Where did she receive a scholarship to study?

👉 Nagaon Mission school.

14. What restriction did girls face in hostels at that time?

👉 They had to convert to Christianity.

15. What stand did Chandraprabha take on this issue?

👉 She strongly opposed it.

16. What change did her protest bring?

👉 Girls of all religions were allowed in hostels.

17. What custom did she challenge in 1925?

👉 Women sitting behind a bamboo screen.

18. Where did she give her powerful speech in 1925?

👉 Assam Sahitya Sabha session at Nagaon.

19. What did she demand in her speech?

👉 Removal of the bamboo screen.

20. Name the first women’s organisation formed by her initiative.

👉 Assam Pradeshik Mahila Samiti.

21. Which social evil deeply affected Chandraprabha?

👉 The caste system.

22. Which temple entry movement did she support?

👉 Entry into Hayagriva Madhava temple at Hajo.

23. Whom did Chandraprabha meet in 1921?

👉 Mahatma Gandhi.

24. What movement did she join after meeting Gandhi?

👉 The freedom movement.

25. What message did she spread during the freedom movement?

👉 Khadi and boycott of foreign clothes.

26. Name one social evil she worked against.

👉 Untouchability.

(also acceptable: opium, caste system)

27. How many times was she imprisoned?

👉 Three times.

28. Mention one year when she was imprisoned.

👉 1931 / 1942 / 1943.

29. What quality of Chandraprabha is shown by her actions?

👉 Courage / patriotic spirit.

30. How did she spread her ideas besides speeches?

👉 Through books.

31. Which national award was given to her?

👉 Padma Shri.

32. In which year did she die?

👉 1972.

33. How was she honoured after her death?

👉 By a commemorative postal stamp.

34. In which year was the postal stamp released?

👉 2002.

35. What was Chandraprabha’s main mission?

👉 Upliftment of women.

36. What did society not allow girls to do during Chandraprabha’s childhood?

👉 Girls were not allowed to step out of home.

37. Why was formal education difficult for girls in those days?

👉 Society restricted girls’ freedom.

38. What showed Chandraprabha’s eagerness to study?

👉 She walked several kilometres through mud to school.

39. What kind of barriers did women face in public meetings?

👉 They had to sit behind a bamboo screen.

40. What separated men and women in meetings?

👉 A bamboo screen.

41. Why was Chandraprabha’s speech in 1925 important?

👉 It challenged social restrictions on women.

42. What was Chandraprabha strongly against?

👉 Social restrictions on women.

43. What did Chandraprabha believe about education for girls?

👉 Girls deserved education equal to boys.

44. What inspired her lifelong fight against taboos?

👉 Injustice towards women.

45. What quality is reflected when she taught other girls after school?

👉 Leadership.

46. What proved Chandraprabha’s reformist nature?

👉 Her protests against social customs.

47. What was her attitude towards injustice?

👉 She rebelled against it.

48. What did Chandraprabha demand for women in society?

👉 Equality.

49. What kind of spirit could not be dampened in her?

👉 Patriotic spirit.

50. Which freedom values did she promote?

👉 Khadi and boycott of foreign goods.

51. What did Chandraprabha oppose in hostel rules?

👉 Religious discrimination.

52. What was the result of her opposition to hostel rules?

👉 Girls of all religions got hostel facilities.

53. What does her imprisonment show about her character?

👉 Fearlessness.

54. What type of leader was Chandraprabha Saikiani?

👉 A social and freedom fighter.

55. What kind of reforms did she fight for?

👉 Social reforms.

56. Why is Chandraprabha Saikiani remembered today?

👉 For her contribution to women’s rights and freedom movement.

57. What did Chandraprabha believe about caste and gender?

👉 Everyone should be treated equally.

58. What was her response to social evils?

👉 Active protest.

59. What does the bamboo screen symbolise?

👉 Gender discrimination.

60. What lesson do we learn from Chandraprabha Saikiani’s life?

👉 Courage to fight injustice.

Others

1. Why was Chandraprabha Saikiani sent to jail?

👉 For taking part in the freedom movement.

2. How many times was Chandraprabha imprisoned?

👉 Three times.

3. Mention one year when she was jailed.

👉 1931.

4. What does her imprisonment show about her character?

👉 Her courage and patriotism.

5. Which movement led to her imprisonment?

👉 The Indian freedom movement.

6. Did jail stop Chandraprabha from her work?

👉 No.

7. What quality helped her face imprisonment bravely?

👉 Indomitable spirit.

8. Which national award was given to Chandraprabha Saikiani?

👉 Padma Shri.

9. When was the Padma Shri awarded to her?

👉 A few days after her death.

10. Why was she awarded the Padma Shri?

👉 For her social and national service

11. How was Chandraprabha Saikiani remembered nationally?

👉 By a commemorative postal stamp.

12. In which year was the commemorative postal stamp released?

👉 2002.

13. Why was a postal stamp issued in her name?

👉 To honour her contribution to society.

14. What does the postal stamp signify?

👉 National recognition of her work.

15. In which year did Chandraprabha Saikiani die?

👉 1972.

16. How is Chandraprabha remembered today?

👉 As a great social reformer and freedom fighter.

17. What message does her life give us?

👉 Fight against injustice.

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

THE BALL POEM

1. Who loses the ball?

Answer:

A little boy loses the ball while playing near the harbour.

2. Where was the boy standing?

Answer:

The boy was standing near the harbour.

3. What does the boy stare at?

Answer:

The boy stares at the water of the harbour where his ball has fallen and disappeared.

4. Why does the poet call the loss the boy’s “first” loss?

Answer:

The poet calls it the boy’s “first” loss because this is his first experience of real emotional pain and grief.

5. What lesson does the boy learn?

Answer:

The boy learns that loss is an unavoidable part of life and one must accept it bravely.

6. What does “stand up” mean in the poem?

Answer:

“Stand up” means to face life bravely and move forward despite suffering loss and pain.

7. Why does the poet watch the boy silently?

Answer:

The poet watches the boy silently because he wants him to learn the lesson of loss on his own without interference.

8. What cannot money buy according to the poem?

Answer:

According to the poem, money cannot buy emotional attachment, memories, or the feelings connected with the lost ball.

9. What does the ball remind the boy of?

Answer:

The ball reminds the boy of his happy, innocent childhood days filled with joy and play.

10. Why does the poet say “people will take balls”?

Answer:

The poet says this to show that loss is inevitable in life and that people will lose things they love.

11. What does “in the world of possessions” mean?

Answer:

It means a world where people are identified by what they own, and where possessions are temporary and can be lost at any time.

12. What is the boy learning from the loss of the ball?

Answer:

The boy is learning the nature of loss and grief and is developing emotional strength to accept loss and move on in life.

13. “Money is external.” Explain.

Answer: Money is external” means that money can replace material objects, but it cannot buy emotions, feelings, or bring back memories attached to a thing.

14. Who is the poet of the poem "The Ball Poem ?"

Answer:

The poet of The Ball Poem is John Berryman.

15. Where did the ball go?

Answer:

The ball bounced down the street and finally fell into the harbour water.

16. What was the boy’s reaction after losing the ball?

Answer:

The boy stood still, trembling with grief, and kept staring down at the water in shock and sadness.

17. What does the ‘ball’ symbolize?

Answer:

The ball symbolizes the boy’s innocent childhood, happiness, and valuable possessions.

18. Which literary device is used in “merrily bouncing”?

Answer:

The literary device used is Personification, as the ball is given the human quality of being “merry.”

19. Why is the boy “trembling”?

Answer:

The boy is trembling because he is deeply shocked and upset by the sudden loss of his ball.

20. What “responsibility” does the poet refer to ?

Answer:

The poet refers to the responsibility of accepting loss and learning to cope with grief in life.

21. What does “balls” represent in the poem ?

Answer:

“Balls” represent valuable possessions, loved ones, or anything precious that can be lost.

22. Why does the poet say balls will be lost “always”?

Answer:

The poet says this to emphasize that loss is permanent, unavoidable, and a universal human experience.

*The Ball Poem*

1. Does the lost ball stand for the metaphor of the boy's lost childhood? How?

Answer:

Yes, the lost ball is a metaphor for the boy’s lost childhood. The ball represents his innocence and carefree days. When it is lost in the water, it shows that his childhood is gone forever. Like the ball, childhood cannot be recovered.

2. How is the boy learning the ‘epistemology of loss’ from the loss of his ball? What he has to learn?

Answer:

By losing the ball, the boy learns the 'epistemology of loss', the meaning and nature of loss. He understands that possessions do not last forever. He has to learn that loss is a part of life and one must accept it.

3. How can the boy stand up again? What every man must know one day?

Answer:

The boy can stand up again by accepting his loss and moving forward. Every man must know one day that loss is unavoidable in life. One must learn to live with pain and continue life with courage.

4. Why does the poet say, "I would not intrude on him"? Why doesn't he offer him money to buy a another ball?

Answer:

The poet does not want to intrude because he wants the boy to learn from his loss. He does not offer money because money can replace the ball but not the feelings and memories attached to it.

5. “—there it is in the water.” What does ‘it’ refer to here?

Answer:

Here, ‘it’ refers to the ball that the boy was playing with, which falls into the water.

6. Name the literary device used in --

“merrily bouncing, down the street, and then merrily over — there it is in the water!”

Answer:

(d) Anaphora

7. Name the literary device used in

“and no one buys a ball back”.

Answer:

8. Explain the expression “shaking grief”.

Answer:

(a) Trembling in grief