Memories of Childhood Questions & Answers | Class 12 English | CBSE NCERT

1 marks · mcq

1. Q1. The phrase 'land of apples' is used by the narrator to refer to (a) an orchard where she used to play (b) the Carlisle Indian school and its cold, unfamiliar setting (c) her mother's village (d) a fruit farm in Dakota

The first day in the land of apples was a bitter-cold one; for the snow still covered the ground, and the trees were bare. A large bell rang for breakfast, its loud metallic voice crashing through the belfry overhead and into our sensitive ears. The annoying clatter of shoes on bare floors gave us no peace. The constant clash of harsh noises, with an undercurrent of many voices murmuring an unknown tongue, made a bedlam within which I was securely tied. And though my spirit tore itself in struggling for its lost freedom, all was useless.

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2. Q2. The noises described — the metallic bell, the clatter of shoes, the murmuring of an unknown tongue — together made 'a bedlam'. The word 'bedlam' means (a) a soft music (b) a scene of uproar and confusion (c) a bed room (d) a place of prayer

The first day in the land of apples was a bitter-cold one; for the snow still covered the ground, and the trees were bare. A large bell rang for breakfast, its loud metallic voice crashing through the belfry overhead and into our sensitive ears. The annoying clatter of shoes on bare floors gave us no peace. The constant clash of harsh noises, with an undercurrent of many voices murmuring an unknown tongue, made a bedlam within which I was securely tied. And though my spirit tore itself in struggling for its lost freedom, all was useless.

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3. Q3. 'A large bell rang for breakfast, its loud metallic voice crashing through the belfry overhead.' The phrase 'metallic voice' is an example of (a) simile (b) metaphor / personification (c) hyperbole (d) pun

The first day in the land of apples was a bitter-cold one; for the snow still covered the ground, and the trees were bare. A large bell rang for breakfast, its loud metallic voice crashing through the belfry overhead and into our sensitive ears. The annoying clatter of shoes on bare floors gave us no peace. The constant clash of harsh noises, with an undercurrent of many voices murmuring an unknown tongue, made a bedlam within which I was securely tied. And though my spirit tore itself in struggling for its lost freedom, all was useless.

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4. Q4. 'Though my spirit tore itself in struggling for its lost freedom, all was useless.' The line reveals the narrator's (a) excitement at school life (b) inner struggle and helpless longing for freedom (c) love of bells (d) hatred of apples

The first day in the land of apples was a bitter-cold one; for the snow still covered the ground, and the trees were bare. A large bell rang for breakfast, its loud metallic voice crashing through the belfry overhead and into our sensitive ears. The annoying clatter of shoes on bare floors gave us no peace. The constant clash of harsh noises, with an undercurrent of many voices murmuring an unknown tongue, made a bedlam within which I was securely tied. And though my spirit tore itself in struggling for its lost freedom, all was useless.

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5. Q5. The expression 'I was securely tied' within the bedlam suggests that the narrator felt (a) safe and protected (b) trapped, like a prisoner in the noisy school (c) warmly dressed (d) tied to her friends

The first day in the land of apples was a bitter-cold one; for the snow still covered the ground, and the trees were bare. A large bell rang for breakfast, its loud metallic voice crashing through the belfry overhead and into our sensitive ears. The annoying clatter of shoes on bare floors gave us no peace. The constant clash of harsh noises, with an undercurrent of many voices murmuring an unknown tongue, made a bedlam within which I was securely tied. And though my spirit tore itself in struggling for its lost freedom, all was useless.

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6. Q6. The tone of this extract can best be described as (a) cheerful and playful (b) bitter and anguished (c) neutral and factual (d) humorous and light

The first day in the land of apples was a bitter-cold one; for the snow still covered the ground, and the trees were bare. A large bell rang for breakfast, its loud metallic voice crashing through the belfry overhead and into our sensitive ears. The annoying clatter of shoes on bare floors gave us no peace. The constant clash of harsh noises, with an undercurrent of many voices murmuring an unknown tongue, made a bedlam within which I was securely tied. And though my spirit tore itself in struggling for its lost freedom, all was useless.

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7. Q1. Zitkala-Sa felt 'like sinking to the floor' because (a) she was tired from marching (b) her blanket had been stripped from her shoulders and she felt immodestly dressed (c) the floor was cold (d) she was afraid of the paleface woman

A paleface woman, with white hair, came up after us. We were placed in a line of girls who were marching into the dining room. These were Indian girls, in stiff shoes and closely clinging dresses. The small girls wore sleeved aprons and shingled hair. As I walked noiselessly in my soft moccasins, I felt like sinking to the floor, for my blanket had been stripped from my shoulders. I looked hard at the Indian girls, who seemed not to care that they were even more immodestly dressed than I, in their tightly fitting clothes.

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8. Q2. The Indian girls at the school wore 'stiff shoes and closely clinging dresses' and 'shingled hair'. These details show that the school (a) respected Native customs (b) systematically stripped away every mark of the children's Native identity (c) was very poor (d) loved modern fashion

A paleface woman, with white hair, came up after us. We were placed in a line of girls who were marching into the dining room. These were Indian girls, in stiff shoes and closely clinging dresses. The small girls wore sleeved aprons and shingled hair. As I walked noiselessly in my soft moccasins, I felt like sinking to the floor, for my blanket had been stripped from my shoulders. I looked hard at the Indian girls, who seemed not to care that they were even more immodestly dressed than I, in their tightly fitting clothes.

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9. Q3. The narrator walked 'noiselessly' because she wore (a) boots (b) soft moccasins (c) no clothes (d) new leather shoes

A paleface woman, with white hair, came up after us. We were placed in a line of girls who were marching into the dining room. These were Indian girls, in stiff shoes and closely clinging dresses. The small girls wore sleeved aprons and shingled hair. As I walked noiselessly in my soft moccasins, I felt like sinking to the floor, for my blanket had been stripped from my shoulders. I looked hard at the Indian girls, who seemed not to care that they were even more immodestly dressed than I, in their tightly fitting clothes.

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10. Q4. The irony noticed by the narrator was that (a) the paleface woman had white hair (b) the Indian girls, tightly dressed, seemed not to care though they were 'even more immodestly dressed' than she (c) the girls were marching (d) breakfast was late

A paleface woman, with white hair, came up after us. We were placed in a line of girls who were marching into the dining room. These were Indian girls, in stiff shoes and closely clinging dresses. The small girls wore sleeved aprons and shingled hair. As I walked noiselessly in my soft moccasins, I felt like sinking to the floor, for my blanket had been stripped from my shoulders. I looked hard at the Indian girls, who seemed not to care that they were even more immodestly dressed than I, in their tightly fitting clothes.

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11. Q5. 'A paleface woman, with white hair, came up after us.' The pronoun 'us' refers to (a) Zitkala-Sa and the three young braves (b) the teachers (c) all the white girls (d) the narrator and the paleface woman

A paleface woman, with white hair, came up after us. We were placed in a line of girls who were marching into the dining room. These were Indian girls, in stiff shoes and closely clinging dresses. The small girls wore sleeved aprons and shingled hair. As I walked noiselessly in my soft moccasins, I felt like sinking to the floor, for my blanket had been stripped from my shoulders. I looked hard at the Indian girls, who seemed not to care that they were even more immodestly dressed than I, in their tightly fitting clothes.

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12. Q1. Zitkala-Sa sat down first and then had to 'crawl back' into her chair because (a) she was very hungry (b) she did not understand the bell signals and table manners of the new school (c) the other girls pushed her (d) she was playing a game

While we marched in, the boys entered at an opposite door. I watched for the three young braves who came in our party. I spied them in the rear ranks, looking as uncomfortable as I felt. A small bell was tapped, and each of the pupils drew a chair from under the table. Supposing this act meant they were to be seated, I pulled out mine and at once slipped into it from one side. But when I turned my head, I saw that I was the only one seated, and all the rest at our table remained standing. Just as I began to rise, looking shyly around to see how chairs were to be used, a second bell was sounded. All were seated at last, and I had to crawl back into my chair again.

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13. Q2. The 'three young braves' who looked 'as uncomfortable as I felt' were (a) white soldiers (b) Indian boys from her own party, equally out of place (c) her brothers (d) teachers at the school

While we marched in, the boys entered at an opposite door. I watched for the three young braves who came in our party. I spied them in the rear ranks, looking as uncomfortable as I felt. A small bell was tapped, and each of the pupils drew a chair from under the table. Supposing this act meant they were to be seated, I pulled out mine and at once slipped into it from one side. But when I turned my head, I saw that I was the only one seated, and all the rest at our table remained standing. Just as I began to rise, looking shyly around to see how chairs were to be used, a second bell was sounded. All were seated at last, and I had to crawl back into my chair again.

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14. Q3. The phrase 'eating by formula' (implied by the bell-regulated meal) suggests that mealtimes were (a) festive and free (b) rigid, mechanical and regulated by signals (c) delicious (d) optional

While we marched in, the boys entered at an opposite door. I watched for the three young braves who came in our party. I spied them in the rear ranks, looking as uncomfortable as I felt. A small bell was tapped, and each of the pupils drew a chair from under the table. Supposing this act meant they were to be seated, I pulled out mine and at once slipped into it from one side. But when I turned my head, I saw that I was the only one seated, and all the rest at our table remained standing. Just as I began to rise, looking shyly around to see how chairs were to be used, a second bell was sounded. All were seated at last, and I had to crawl back into my chair again.

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15. Q4. 'Looking shyly around to see how chairs were to be used' shows the narrator as (a) rude and defiant (b) observant and anxious to learn the unfamiliar code (c) sleepy (d) confident and bored

While we marched in, the boys entered at an opposite door. I watched for the three young braves who came in our party. I spied them in the rear ranks, looking as uncomfortable as I felt. A small bell was tapped, and each of the pupils drew a chair from under the table. Supposing this act meant they were to be seated, I pulled out mine and at once slipped into it from one side. But when I turned my head, I saw that I was the only one seated, and all the rest at our table remained standing. Just as I began to rise, looking shyly around to see how chairs were to be used, a second bell was sounded. All were seated at last, and I had to crawl back into my chair again.

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16. Q5. The repetition of bell signals in this extract creates a mood of (a) celebration (b) regimentation and the narrator's growing humiliation (c) peaceful routine (d) mystery and adventure

While we marched in, the boys entered at an opposite door. I watched for the three young braves who came in our party. I spied them in the rear ranks, looking as uncomfortable as I felt. A small bell was tapped, and each of the pupils drew a chair from under the table. Supposing this act meant they were to be seated, I pulled out mine and at once slipped into it from one side. But when I turned my head, I saw that I was the only one seated, and all the rest at our table remained standing. Just as I began to rise, looking shyly around to see how chairs were to be used, a second bell was sounded. All were seated at last, and I had to crawl back into my chair again.

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17. Q1. Zitkala-Sa dropped her eyes when she caught the paleface woman watching her because she (a) was proud (b) felt intimidated and self-conscious under the stranger's scrutiny (c) was sleepy (d) wanted to wink

I heard a man's voice at one end of the hall, and I looked around to see him. But all the others hung their heads over their plates. As I glanced at the long chain of tables, I caught the eyes of a paleface woman upon me. Immediately I dropped my eyes, wondering why I was so keenly watched by the strange woman. The man ceased his mutterings, and then a third bell was tapped. Every one picked up his knife and fork and began eating. I began crying instead, for by this time I was afraid to venture anything more.

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18. Q2. The other pupils 'hung their heads over their plates' while the man spoke. This shows that they (a) were asleep (b) had been trained to obey mechanically and not look up (c) were ill (d) disliked the food

I heard a man's voice at one end of the hall, and I looked around to see him. But all the others hung their heads over their plates. As I glanced at the long chain of tables, I caught the eyes of a paleface woman upon me. Immediately I dropped my eyes, wondering why I was so keenly watched by the strange woman. The man ceased his mutterings, and then a third bell was tapped. Every one picked up his knife and fork and began eating. I began crying instead, for by this time I was afraid to venture anything more.

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19. Q3. 'The man ceased his mutterings, and then a third bell was tapped' — the 'mutterings' of the man at the head of the hall were most likely (a) a scolding (b) a recitation or prayer before eating (c) a song of welcome (d) a roll call

I heard a man's voice at one end of the hall, and I looked around to see him. But all the others hung their heads over their plates. As I glanced at the long chain of tables, I caught the eyes of a paleface woman upon me. Immediately I dropped my eyes, wondering why I was so keenly watched by the strange woman. The man ceased his mutterings, and then a third bell was tapped. Every one picked up his knife and fork and began eating. I began crying instead, for by this time I was afraid to venture anything more.

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20. Q4. 'I began crying instead, for by this time I was afraid to venture anything more.' The narrator wept because (a) the food was bad (b) confusion after confusion had broken her confidence, and she feared making another mistake (c) she missed breakfast (d) the man shouted at her

I heard a man's voice at one end of the hall, and I looked around to see him. But all the others hung their heads over their plates. As I glanced at the long chain of tables, I caught the eyes of a paleface woman upon me. Immediately I dropped my eyes, wondering why I was so keenly watched by the strange woman. The man ceased his mutterings, and then a third bell was tapped. Every one picked up his knife and fork and began eating. I began crying instead, for by this time I was afraid to venture anything more.

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21. Q5. The extract is chiefly concerned with the narrator's (a) joy at the new school (b) helplessness and alienation in an unfamiliar world (c) friendship with the paleface woman (d) success at lessons

I heard a man's voice at one end of the hall, and I looked around to see him. But all the others hung their heads over their plates. As I glanced at the long chain of tables, I caught the eyes of a paleface woman upon me. Immediately I dropped my eyes, wondering why I was so keenly watched by the strange woman. The man ceased his mutterings, and then a third bell was tapped. Every one picked up his knife and fork and began eating. I began crying instead, for by this time I was afraid to venture anything more.

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22. Q1. According to the narrator's mother, shingled hair was worn among her people by (a) brave warriors (b) unskilled warriors captured by the enemy, and by cowards (c) young girls at school (d) the elders of the tribe

But this eating by formula was not the hardest trial in that first day. Late in the morning, my friend Judewin gave me a terrible warning. Judewin knew a few words of English; and she had overheard the paleface woman talk about cutting our long, heavy hair. Our mothers had taught us that only unskilled warriors who were captured had their hair shingled by the enemy. Among our people, short hair was worn by mourners, and shingled hair by cowards!

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23. Q2. Among the narrator's people, short hair was worn by (a) mourners (b) chiefs (c) children (d) hunters

But this eating by formula was not the hardest trial in that first day. Late in the morning, my friend Judewin gave me a terrible warning. Judewin knew a few words of English; and she had overheard the paleface woman talk about cutting our long, heavy hair. Our mothers had taught us that only unskilled warriors who were captured had their hair shingled by the enemy. Among our people, short hair was worn by mourners, and shingled hair by cowards!

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24. Q3. Judewin's warning was 'terrible' because (a) she spoke in English (b) having her hair shingled would brand the narrator a coward in her own culture (c) the scissors were rusty (d) breakfast had been poor

But this eating by formula was not the hardest trial in that first day. Late in the morning, my friend Judewin gave me a terrible warning. Judewin knew a few words of English; and she had overheard the paleface woman talk about cutting our long, heavy hair. Our mothers had taught us that only unskilled warriors who were captured had their hair shingled by the enemy. Among our people, short hair was worn by mourners, and shingled hair by cowards!

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25. Q4. Judewin knew of the threatened haircut because she (a) saw the scissors (b) knew a few words of English and had overheard the paleface woman (c) was told by the boys (d) read a notice

But this eating by formula was not the hardest trial in that first day. Late in the morning, my friend Judewin gave me a terrible warning. Judewin knew a few words of English; and she had overheard the paleface woman talk about cutting our long, heavy hair. Our mothers had taught us that only unskilled warriors who were captured had their hair shingled by the enemy. Among our people, short hair was worn by mourners, and shingled hair by cowards!

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26. Q5. The narrator says 'eating by formula was not the hardest trial'. The hardest trial promised to be (a) the marching (b) the cutting of her long hair (c) the stiff shoes (d) the cold dormitory

But this eating by formula was not the hardest trial in that first day. Late in the morning, my friend Judewin gave me a terrible warning. Judewin knew a few words of English; and she had overheard the paleface woman talk about cutting our long, heavy hair. Our mothers had taught us that only unskilled warriors who were captured had their hair shingled by the enemy. Among our people, short hair was worn by mourners, and shingled hair by cowards!

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27. Q1. Zitkala-Sa decided to hide under a bed because (a) she was playing hide and seek (b) she refused to submit to having her hair shingled and would 'struggle first' (c) she was frightened of Judewin (d) she wanted to sleep

We discussed our fate some moments, and when Judewin said, "We have to submit, because they are strong," I rebelled. "No, I will not submit! I will struggle first!" I answered. I watched my chance, and when no one noticed, I disappeared. I crept up the stairs as quietly as I could in my squeaking shoes, — my moccasins had been exchanged for shoes. Along the hall I passed, without knowing whither I was going. Turning aside to an open door, I found a large room with three white beds in it. The windows were covered with dark green curtains, which made the room very dim. Thankful that no one was there, I directed my steps toward the corner farthest from the door. On my hands and knees I crawled under the bed, and huddled myself in the dark corner.

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28. Q2. The contrast between Judewin and Zitkala-Sa in this extract is that Judewin was (a) proud and defiant, while Zitkala-Sa was submissive (b) resigned and practical, while Zitkala-Sa was spirited and rebellious (c) older and wiser (d) white, while Zitkala-Sa was Indian

We discussed our fate some moments, and when Judewin said, "We have to submit, because they are strong," I rebelled. "No, I will not submit! I will struggle first!" I answered. I watched my chance, and when no one noticed, I disappeared. I crept up the stairs as quietly as I could in my squeaking shoes, — my moccasins had been exchanged for shoes. Along the hall I passed, without knowing whither I was going. Turning aside to an open door, I found a large room with three white beds in it. The windows were covered with dark green curtains, which made the room very dim. Thankful that no one was there, I directed my steps toward the corner farthest from the door. On my hands and knees I crawled under the bed, and huddled myself in the dark corner.

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29. Q3. 'My moccasins had been exchanged for shoes' — this detail symbolises (a) the forcible replacement of her Native identity with the white man's dress (b) a gift from her mother (c) the cold weather (d) her love of fashion

We discussed our fate some moments, and when Judewin said, "We have to submit, because they are strong," I rebelled. "No, I will not submit! I will struggle first!" I answered. I watched my chance, and when no one noticed, I disappeared. I crept up the stairs as quietly as I could in my squeaking shoes, — my moccasins had been exchanged for shoes. Along the hall I passed, without knowing whither I was going. Turning aside to an open door, I found a large room with three white beds in it. The windows were covered with dark green curtains, which made the room very dim. Thankful that no one was there, I directed my steps toward the corner farthest from the door. On my hands and knees I crawled under the bed, and huddled myself in the dark corner.

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30. Q4. The room in which she hid contained (a) three white beds, with windows covered by dark green curtains (b) rows of desks (c) the dining tables (d) the kitchen fire

We discussed our fate some moments, and when Judewin said, "We have to submit, because they are strong," I rebelled. "No, I will not submit! I will struggle first!" I answered. I watched my chance, and when no one noticed, I disappeared. I crept up the stairs as quietly as I could in my squeaking shoes, — my moccasins had been exchanged for shoes. Along the hall I passed, without knowing whither I was going. Turning aside to an open door, I found a large room with three white beds in it. The windows were covered with dark green curtains, which made the room very dim. Thankful that no one was there, I directed my steps toward the corner farthest from the door. On my hands and knees I crawled under the bed, and huddled myself in the dark corner.

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31. Q5. 'I crept up the stairs as quietly as I could' — her care to be quiet was defeated by (a) the squeaking of her new shoes (b) the bell (c) Judewin's calling (d) the moonlight

We discussed our fate some moments, and when Judewin said, "We have to submit, because they are strong," I rebelled. "No, I will not submit! I will struggle first!" I answered. I watched my chance, and when no one noticed, I disappeared. I crept up the stairs as quietly as I could in my squeaking shoes, — my moccasins had been exchanged for shoes. Along the hall I passed, without knowing whither I was going. Turning aside to an open door, I found a large room with three white beds in it. The windows were covered with dark green curtains, which made the room very dim. Thankful that no one was there, I directed my steps toward the corner farthest from the door. On my hands and knees I crawled under the bed, and huddled myself in the dark corner.

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32. Q1. When the women and girls found her under the bed, Zitkala-Sa resisted by (a) pleading politely (b) kicking and scratching wildly (c) calling for Judewin (d) running out of the room

From my hiding place I peered out, shuddering with fear whenever I heard footsteps near by. Though in the hall loud voices were calling my name, and I knew that even Judewin was searching for me, I did not open my mouth to answer. Then the steps were quickened and the voices became excited. The sounds came nearer and nearer. Women and girls entered the room. I held my breath and watched them open closet doors and peep behind large trunks. Some one threw up the curtains, and the room was filled with sudden light. What caused them to stoop and look under the bed I do not know. I remember being dragged out, though I resisted by kicking and scratching wildly. Inspite of myself, I was carried downstairs and tied fast in a chair.

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33. Q2. Though loud voices called her name and even Judewin searched for her, the narrator did not answer because (a) she was asleep (b) answering would mean surrendering to the haircut she was determined to resist (c) she could not speak (d) she was angry with Judewin

From my hiding place I peered out, shuddering with fear whenever I heard footsteps near by. Though in the hall loud voices were calling my name, and I knew that even Judewin was searching for me, I did not open my mouth to answer. Then the steps were quickened and the voices became excited. The sounds came nearer and nearer. Women and girls entered the room. I held my breath and watched them open closet doors and peep behind large trunks. Some one threw up the curtains, and the room was filled with sudden light. What caused them to stoop and look under the bed I do not know. I remember being dragged out, though I resisted by kicking and scratching wildly. Inspite of myself, I was carried downstairs and tied fast in a chair.

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34. Q3. The searchers found her when (a) Judewin told them where she was (b) someone threw up the curtains, filling the room with light, and they stooped to look under the bed (c) she sneezed (d) the bell rang

From my hiding place I peered out, shuddering with fear whenever I heard footsteps near by. Though in the hall loud voices were calling my name, and I knew that even Judewin was searching for me, I did not open my mouth to answer. Then the steps were quickened and the voices became excited. The sounds came nearer and nearer. Women and girls entered the room. I held my breath and watched them open closet doors and peep behind large trunks. Some one threw up the curtains, and the room was filled with sudden light. What caused them to stoop and look under the bed I do not know. I remember being dragged out, though I resisted by kicking and scratching wildly. Inspite of myself, I was carried downstairs and tied fast in a chair.

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35. Q4. 'In spite of myself, I was carried downstairs and tied fast in a chair.' The phrase 'in spite of myself' means (a) with my willing help (b) against my will, by superior force (c) by accident (d) with my friends' support

From my hiding place I peered out, shuddering with fear whenever I heard footsteps near by. Though in the hall loud voices were calling my name, and I knew that even Judewin was searching for me, I did not open my mouth to answer. Then the steps were quickened and the voices became excited. The sounds came nearer and nearer. Women and girls entered the room. I held my breath and watched them open closet doors and peep behind large trunks. Some one threw up the curtains, and the room was filled with sudden light. What caused them to stoop and look under the bed I do not know. I remember being dragged out, though I resisted by kicking and scratching wildly. Inspite of myself, I was carried downstairs and tied fast in a chair.

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36. Q5. Being 'tied fast in a chair' to have her hair cut shows the school's (a) gentleness towards children (b) brutality — treating a small girl as a captive for defending her culture (c) love of order (d) medical care

From my hiding place I peered out, shuddering with fear whenever I heard footsteps near by. Though in the hall loud voices were calling my name, and I knew that even Judewin was searching for me, I did not open my mouth to answer. Then the steps were quickened and the voices became excited. The sounds came nearer and nearer. Women and girls entered the room. I held my breath and watched them open closet doors and peep behind large trunks. Some one threw up the curtains, and the room was filled with sudden light. What caused them to stoop and look under the bed I do not know. I remember being dragged out, though I resisted by kicking and scratching wildly. Inspite of myself, I was carried downstairs and tied fast in a chair.

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37. Q1. 'Then I lost my spirit' because (a) she was tired after the struggle (b) her braid had been shingled and her resistance had failed completely (c) she missed breakfast (d) the scissors frightened her

I cried aloud, shaking my head all the while until I felt the cold blades of the scissors against my neck, and heard them gnaw off one of my thick braids. Then I lost my spirit. Since the day I was taken from my mother I had suffered extreme indignities. People had stared at me. I had been tossed about in the air like a wooden puppet. And now my long hair was shingled like a coward's! In my anguish I moaned for my mother, but no one came to comfort me. Not a soul reasoned quietly with me, as my own mother used to do; for now I was only one of many little animals driven by a herder.

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38. Q2. The narrator compares herself to 'one of many little animals driven by a herder' to convey (a) her loss of individuality and human dignity at the school (b) her love of animals (c) the playground games (d) her mother's kindness

I cried aloud, shaking my head all the while until I felt the cold blades of the scissors against my neck, and heard them gnaw off one of my thick braids. Then I lost my spirit. Since the day I was taken from my mother I had suffered extreme indignities. People had stared at me. I had been tossed about in the air like a wooden puppet. And now my long hair was shingled like a coward's! In my anguish I moaned for my mother, but no one came to comfort me. Not a soul reasoned quietly with me, as my own mother used to do; for now I was only one of many little animals driven by a herder.

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39. Q3. The simile 'tossed about in the air like a wooden puppet' expresses (a) how playful the school was (b) how she was handled as an object, without respect for her feelings (c) her skill at dancing (d) a puppet show she watched

I cried aloud, shaking my head all the while until I felt the cold blades of the scissors against my neck, and heard them gnaw off one of my thick braids. Then I lost my spirit. Since the day I was taken from my mother I had suffered extreme indignities. People had stared at me. I had been tossed about in the air like a wooden puppet. And now my long hair was shingled like a coward's! In my anguish I moaned for my mother, but no one came to comfort me. Not a soul reasoned quietly with me, as my own mother used to do; for now I was only one of many little animals driven by a herder.

1 marks · mcq

40. Q4. The indignities she had suffered since being taken from her mother include being (a) stared at, tossed in the air like a puppet, and now shingled like a coward (b) praised and rewarded (c) fed rich food (d) taught new songs

I cried aloud, shaking my head all the while until I felt the cold blades of the scissors against my neck, and heard them gnaw off one of my thick braids. Then I lost my spirit. Since the day I was taken from my mother I had suffered extreme indignities. People had stared at me. I had been tossed about in the air like a wooden puppet. And now my long hair was shingled like a coward's! In my anguish I moaned for my mother, but no one came to comfort me. Not a soul reasoned quietly with me, as my own mother used to do; for now I was only one of many little animals driven by a herder.

1 marks · mcq

41. Q5. 'In my anguish I moaned for my mother, but no one came to comfort me.' The word 'anguish' means (a) mild surprise (b) severe emotional pain (c) hunger (d) laughter

I cried aloud, shaking my head all the while until I felt the cold blades of the scissors against my neck, and heard them gnaw off one of my thick braids. Then I lost my spirit. Since the day I was taken from my mother I had suffered extreme indignities. People had stared at me. I had been tossed about in the air like a wooden puppet. And now my long hair was shingled like a coward's! In my anguish I moaned for my mother, but no one came to comfort me. Not a soul reasoned quietly with me, as my own mother used to do; for now I was only one of many little animals driven by a herder.

1 marks · mcq

42. Q1. The line 'I had already seen, felt, experienced and been humiliated by what it is' refers to (a) the long walk home (b) the practice of untouchability (c) the hardships of school (d) the noise of the bazaar

When I was studying in the third class, I hadn't yet heard people speak openly of untouchability. But I had already seen, felt, experienced and been humiliated by what it is. I was walking home from school one day, an old bag hanging from my shoulder. It was actually possible to walk the distance in ten minutes. But usually it would take me thirty minutes at the very least to reach home. It would take me from half an hour to an hour to dawdle along, watching all the fun and games that were going on, all the entertaining novelties and oddities is the streets, the shops and the bazaar.

1 marks · mcq

43. Q2. Bama's walk home from school, actually possible in ten minutes, usually took (a) half an hour to an hour (b) two minutes (c) half a day (d) exactly ten minutes

When I was studying in the third class, I hadn't yet heard people speak openly of untouchability. But I had already seen, felt, experienced and been humiliated by what it is. I was walking home from school one day, an old bag hanging from my shoulder. It was actually possible to walk the distance in ten minutes. But usually it would take me thirty minutes at the very least to reach home. It would take me from half an hour to an hour to dawdle along, watching all the fun and games that were going on, all the entertaining novelties and oddities is the streets, the shops and the bazaar.

1 marks · mcq

44. Q3. The delay on the way home was caused by (a) heavy traffic (b) her habit of watching all the fun, games, novelties and oddities of the streets, shops and bazaar (c) the school assembly (d) her mother's orders

When I was studying in the third class, I hadn't yet heard people speak openly of untouchability. But I had already seen, felt, experienced and been humiliated by what it is. I was walking home from school one day, an old bag hanging from my shoulder. It was actually possible to walk the distance in ten minutes. But usually it would take me thirty minutes at the very least to reach home. It would take me from half an hour to an hour to dawdle along, watching all the fun and games that were going on, all the entertaining novelties and oddities is the streets, the shops and the bazaar.

1 marks · mcq

45. Q4. 'I hadn't yet heard people speak openly of untouchability' suggests that in that society the practice was (a) unknown (b) so woven into daily life that it was not even named openly (c) recently abolished (d) confined to cities

When I was studying in the third class, I hadn't yet heard people speak openly of untouchability. But I had already seen, felt, experienced and been humiliated by what it is. I was walking home from school one day, an old bag hanging from my shoulder. It was actually possible to walk the distance in ten minutes. But usually it would take me thirty minutes at the very least to reach home. It would take me from half an hour to an hour to dawdle along, watching all the fun and games that were going on, all the entertaining novelties and oddities is the streets, the shops and the bazaar.

1 marks · mcq

46. Q5. The detail that Bama carried 'an old bag hanging from my shoulder' and walked home from the third class shows the narrator is remembering herself as (a) a school-going child of about eight (b) a university student (c) a young teacher (d) a shopkeeper

When I was studying in the third class, I hadn't yet heard people speak openly of untouchability. But I had already seen, felt, experienced and been humiliated by what it is. I was walking home from school one day, an old bag hanging from my shoulder. It was actually possible to walk the distance in ten minutes. But usually it would take me thirty minutes at the very least to reach home. It would take me from half an hour to an hour to dawdle along, watching all the fun and games that were going on, all the entertaining novelties and oddities is the streets, the shops and the bazaar.

1 marks · mcq

47. Q1. The cyclist in the bazaar had kept pedalling for three days because (a) he was training for a race (b) rupee notes were pinned on to his shirt to spur him on (c) he had lost his way (d) he was being punished

The performing monkey; the snake which the snakecharmer kept in its box and displayed from time to time; the cyclist who had not got off his bike for three days, and who kept pedalling as hard as he could from break of day; the rupee notes that were pinned on to his shirt to spur him on; the spinning wheels; the Maariyaata temple, the huge bell hanging there; the pongal offerings being cooked in front of the temple;

1 marks · mcq

48. Q2. The extract lists the performing monkey, the snakecharmer's snake, the cyclist, the spinning wheels and the Maariyaata temple in order to show (a) the boredom of village life (b) the lively, colourful spectacle that fascinated the child on her walk (c) the poverty of the villagers (d) the dangers of the street

The performing monkey; the snake which the snakecharmer kept in its box and displayed from time to time; the cyclist who had not got off his bike for three days, and who kept pedalling as hard as he could from break of day; the rupee notes that were pinned on to his shirt to spur him on; the spinning wheels; the Maariyaata temple, the huge bell hanging there; the pongal offerings being cooked in front of the temple;

1 marks · mcq

49. Q3. The huge bell mentioned in the extract hung (a) in the school (b) at the Maariyaata temple (c) in the church tower (d) on the cyclist's bicycle

The performing monkey; the snake which the snakecharmer kept in its box and displayed from time to time; the cyclist who had not got off his bike for three days, and who kept pedalling as hard as he could from break of day; the rupee notes that were pinned on to his shirt to spur him on; the spinning wheels; the Maariyaata temple, the huge bell hanging there; the pongal offerings being cooked in front of the temple;

1 marks · mcq

50. Q4. The style of this passage — a long list of sights without full sentences — reflects (a) the child's eager, breathless taking-in of everything at once (b) the writer's poor grammar (c) a legal document (d) a lullaby

The performing monkey; the snake which the snakecharmer kept in its box and displayed from time to time; the cyclist who had not got off his bike for three days, and who kept pedalling as hard as he could from break of day; the rupee notes that were pinned on to his shirt to spur him on; the spinning wheels; the Maariyaata temple, the huge bell hanging there; the pongal offerings being cooked in front of the temple;

1 marks · mcq

51. Q5. The temple and its pongal offerings in the middle of the bazaar scene tell us that the village world was one where (a) religion was banned (b) religious life and everyday commerce mingled in the same streets (c) only traders were allowed (d) the temple was far away

The performing monkey; the snake which the snakecharmer kept in its box and displayed from time to time; the cyclist who had not got off his bike for three days, and who kept pedalling as hard as he could from break of day; the rupee notes that were pinned on to his shirt to spur him on; the spinning wheels; the Maariyaata temple, the huge bell hanging there; the pongal offerings being cooked in front of the temple;

1 marks · mcq

52. Q1. 'Oh, I could go on and on' suggests that (a) Bama was bored of the bazaar (b) the list of attractions in the bazaar seemed endless (c) the street was too long (d) Bama was in a hurry

the dried fish stall by the statue of Gandhi; the sweet stall, the stall selling fried snacks, and all the other shops next to each other; the street light always demonstrating how it could change from blue to violet; the narikkuravan huntergypsy with his wild lemur in cages, selling needles, clay beads and instruments for cleaning out the ears — Oh, I could go on and on. Each thing would pull me to a stand-still and not allow me to go any further.

1 marks · mcq

53. Q2. 'Each thing would pull me to a stand-still and not allow me to go any further.' The expression 'pull me to a stand-still' is (a) personification — the sights act like hands holding the child back (b) a simile (c) an oxymoron (d) a rhetorical question

the dried fish stall by the statue of Gandhi; the sweet stall, the stall selling fried snacks, and all the other shops next to each other; the street light always demonstrating how it could change from blue to violet; the narikkuravan huntergypsy with his wild lemur in cages, selling needles, clay beads and instruments for cleaning out the ears — Oh, I could go on and on. Each thing would pull me to a stand-still and not allow me to go any further.

1 marks · mcq

54. Q3. The narikkuravan hunter-gypsy sold (a) fruits and vegetables (b) needles, clay beads and instruments for cleaning out the ears (c) coffee and snacks (d) toys

the dried fish stall by the statue of Gandhi; the sweet stall, the stall selling fried snacks, and all the other shops next to each other; the street light always demonstrating how it could change from blue to violet; the narikkuravan huntergypsy with his wild lemur in cages, selling needles, clay beads and instruments for cleaning out the ears — Oh, I could go on and on. Each thing would pull me to a stand-still and not allow me to go any further.

1 marks · mcq

55. Q4. The street light that 'was always demonstrating how it could change from blue to violet' caught the child's attention because (a) it frightened her (b) even an ordinary lamp was a novelty to be watched (c) it showed films (d) it burned her

the dried fish stall by the statue of Gandhi; the sweet stall, the stall selling fried snacks, and all the other shops next to each other; the street light always demonstrating how it could change from blue to violet; the narikkuravan huntergypsy with his wild lemur in cages, selling needles, clay beads and instruments for cleaning out the ears — Oh, I could go on and on. Each thing would pull me to a stand-still and not allow me to go any further.

1 marks · mcq

56. Q5. The stalls mentioned at the beginning of the extract stood 'by the statue of Gandhi', a detail that (a) grounds the scene in an Indian town and quietly hints at the caste politics to come (b) shows the narrator disliked Gandhi (c) proves the bazaar was new (d) has no significance

the dried fish stall by the statue of Gandhi; the sweet stall, the stall selling fried snacks, and all the other shops next to each other; the street light always demonstrating how it could change from blue to violet; the narikkuravan huntergypsy with his wild lemur in cages, selling needles, clay beads and instruments for cleaning out the ears — Oh, I could go on and on. Each thing would pull me to a stand-still and not allow me to go any further.

1 marks · mcq

57. Q1. 'All these sights taken together would tether my legs' — the word 'tether' means (a) to frighten (b) to tie, as an animal is tied (c) to count (d) to wash

At times, people from various political parties would arrive, put up a stage and harangue us through their mikes. Then there might be a street play, or a puppet show, or a "no magic, no miracle" stunt performance. All these would happen from time to time. But almost certainly there would be some entertainment or other going on. Even otherwise, there were the coffee clubs in the bazaar: the way each waiter cooled the coffee, lifting a tumbler high up and pouring its contents into a tumbler held in his other hand. Or the way some people sat in front of the shops chopping up onion, their eyes turned elsewhere so that they would not smart. Or the almond tree growing there and its fruit which was occasionally blown down by the wind. All these sights taken together would tether my legs and stop me from going home.

1 marks · mcq

58. Q2. The waiter cooling the coffee did so by (a) adding ice (b) lifting a tumbler high and pouring its contents into a tumbler held in his other hand (c) keeping it in the shade (d) blowing on it

At times, people from various political parties would arrive, put up a stage and harangue us through their mikes. Then there might be a street play, or a puppet show, or a "no magic, no miracle" stunt performance. All these would happen from time to time. But almost certainly there would be some entertainment or other going on. Even otherwise, there were the coffee clubs in the bazaar: the way each waiter cooled the coffee, lifting a tumbler high up and pouring its contents into a tumbler held in his other hand. Or the way some people sat in front of the shops chopping up onion, their eyes turned elsewhere so that they would not smart. Or the almond tree growing there and its fruit which was occasionally blown down by the wind. All these sights taken together would tether my legs and stop me from going home.

1 marks · mcq

59. Q3. People chopping onions 'with their eyes turned elsewhere' so that they 'would not smart' shows the narrator's eye for (a) laziness (b) small, humorous, everyday detail in the bazaar (c) workers' strikes (d) the price of onions

At times, people from various political parties would arrive, put up a stage and harangue us through their mikes. Then there might be a street play, or a puppet show, or a "no magic, no miracle" stunt performance. All these would happen from time to time. But almost certainly there would be some entertainment or other going on. Even otherwise, there were the coffee clubs in the bazaar: the way each waiter cooled the coffee, lifting a tumbler high up and pouring its contents into a tumbler held in his other hand. Or the way some people sat in front of the shops chopping up onion, their eyes turned elsewhere so that they would not smart. Or the almond tree growing there and its fruit which was occasionally blown down by the wind. All these sights taken together would tether my legs and stop me from going home.

1 marks · mcq

60. Q4. The mention of political harangues, street plays and puppet shows shows the neighbourhood as (a) dull and lifeless (b) bustling, politically and culturally alive (c) strictly disciplined (d) hostile to children

At times, people from various political parties would arrive, put up a stage and harangue us through their mikes. Then there might be a street play, or a puppet show, or a "no magic, no miracle" stunt performance. All these would happen from time to time. But almost certainly there would be some entertainment or other going on. Even otherwise, there were the coffee clubs in the bazaar: the way each waiter cooled the coffee, lifting a tumbler high up and pouring its contents into a tumbler held in his other hand. Or the way some people sat in front of the shops chopping up onion, their eyes turned elsewhere so that they would not smart. Or the almond tree growing there and its fruit which was occasionally blown down by the wind. All these sights taken together would tether my legs and stop me from going home.

1 marks · mcq

61. Q5. 'A "no magic, no miracle" stunt performance' in the context means (a) a religious festival (b) a performance that openly declared itself free of tricks — an item of street entertainment (c) a magic contest (d) a temple ritual

At times, people from various political parties would arrive, put up a stage and harangue us through their mikes. Then there might be a street play, or a puppet show, or a "no magic, no miracle" stunt performance. All these would happen from time to time. But almost certainly there would be some entertainment or other going on. Even otherwise, there were the coffee clubs in the bazaar: the way each waiter cooled the coffee, lifting a tumbler high up and pouring its contents into a tumbler held in his other hand. Or the way some people sat in front of the shops chopping up onion, their eyes turned elsewhere so that they would not smart. Or the almond tree growing there and its fruit which was occasionally blown down by the wind. All these sights taken together would tether my legs and stop me from going home.

1 marks · mcq

62. Q1. The cattle at the threshing floor were muzzled so that (a) they would not be dangerous (b) they would not help themselves to the straw (c) they could be sold later (d) the landlord feared them

And then, according to the season, there would be mango, cucumber, sugar-cane, sweet-potato, palm-shoots, gram, palm-syrup and palm-fruit, guavas and jack-fruit. Every day I would see people selling sweet and savoury fried snacks, payasam, halva, boiled tamarind seeds and iced lollies. Gazing at all this, one day, I came to my street, my bag slung over my shoulder. At the opposite corner, though, a threshing floor had been set up, and the landlord watched the proceedings, seated on a piece of sacking spread over a stone ledge. Our people were hard at work, driving cattle in pairs, round and round, to tread out the grain from the straw. The animals were muzzled so that they wouldn't help themselves to the straw. I stood for a while there, watching the fun.

1 marks · mcq

63. Q2. While 'our people' drove cattle round and round to tread out the grain, the landlord (a) worked beside them (b) sat on sacking spread over a stone ledge, merely watching (c) fed the cattle (d) played with the children

And then, according to the season, there would be mango, cucumber, sugar-cane, sweet-potato, palm-shoots, gram, palm-syrup and palm-fruit, guavas and jack-fruit. Every day I would see people selling sweet and savoury fried snacks, payasam, halva, boiled tamarind seeds and iced lollies. Gazing at all this, one day, I came to my street, my bag slung over my shoulder. At the opposite corner, though, a threshing floor had been set up, and the landlord watched the proceedings, seated on a piece of sacking spread over a stone ledge. Our people were hard at work, driving cattle in pairs, round and round, to tread out the grain from the straw. The animals were muzzled so that they wouldn't help themselves to the straw. I stood for a while there, watching the fun.

1 marks · mcq

64. Q3. The seasonal list of mango, cucumber, sugar-cane, guavas, jack-fruit and snacks like payasam, halva and iced lollies serves to (a) paint a carefree, abundant childhood world before caste breaks in (b) prove Bama was hungry (c) show a famine (d) list the harvest dues

And then, according to the season, there would be mango, cucumber, sugar-cane, sweet-potato, palm-shoots, gram, palm-syrup and palm-fruit, guavas and jack-fruit. Every day I would see people selling sweet and savoury fried snacks, payasam, halva, boiled tamarind seeds and iced lollies. Gazing at all this, one day, I came to my street, my bag slung over my shoulder. At the opposite corner, though, a threshing floor had been set up, and the landlord watched the proceedings, seated on a piece of sacking spread over a stone ledge. Our people were hard at work, driving cattle in pairs, round and round, to tread out the grain from the straw. The animals were muzzled so that they wouldn't help themselves to the straw. I stood for a while there, watching the fun.

1 marks · mcq

65. Q4. 'I stood for a while there, watching the fun.' The word 'fun' is significant because it shows (a) the child's innocent, playful gaze before she understands the scene's caste meaning (b) the workers' happiness (c) the landlord's cruelty openly (d) her boredom

And then, according to the season, there would be mango, cucumber, sugar-cane, sweet-potato, palm-shoots, gram, palm-syrup and palm-fruit, guavas and jack-fruit. Every day I would see people selling sweet and savoury fried snacks, payasam, halva, boiled tamarind seeds and iced lollies. Gazing at all this, one day, I came to my street, my bag slung over my shoulder. At the opposite corner, though, a threshing floor had been set up, and the landlord watched the proceedings, seated on a piece of sacking spread over a stone ledge. Our people were hard at work, driving cattle in pairs, round and round, to tread out the grain from the straw. The animals were muzzled so that they wouldn't help themselves to the straw. I stood for a while there, watching the fun.

1 marks · mcq

66. Q5. The threshing floor had been set up (a) in front of the school (b) at the opposite corner to her street (c) inside the temple (d) on the beach

And then, according to the season, there would be mango, cucumber, sugar-cane, sweet-potato, palm-shoots, gram, palm-syrup and palm-fruit, guavas and jack-fruit. Every day I would see people selling sweet and savoury fried snacks, payasam, halva, boiled tamarind seeds and iced lollies. Gazing at all this, one day, I came to my street, my bag slung over my shoulder. At the opposite corner, though, a threshing floor had been set up, and the landlord watched the proceedings, seated on a piece of sacking spread over a stone ledge. Our people were hard at work, driving cattle in pairs, round and round, to tread out the grain from the straw. The animals were muzzled so that they wouldn't help themselves to the straw. I stood for a while there, watching the fun.

1 marks · mcq

67. Q1. The elder held the packet of vadais by its string, without touching it, because (a) his hands were dirty (b) the vadai was hot (c) he believed that if a lower-caste man touched it, the food would be polluted for the upper-caste landlord (d) he wanted to make the child laugh

Just then, an elder of our street came along from the direction of the bazaar. The manner in which he was walking along made me want to double up. I wanted to shriek with laughter at the sight of such a big man carrying a small packet in that fashion. I guessed there was something like vadai or green banana bhajji in the packet, because the wrapping paper was stained with oil. He came along, holding out the packet by its string, without touching it. I stood there thinking to myself, if he holds it like that, won't the package come undone, and the vadais fall out?

1 marks · mcq

68. Q2. Bama wanted to 'double up' and 'shriek with laughter' at the sight because (a) the elder was walking in a funny way (b) to her innocent eye a big man carrying a small packet by its string looked absurd (c) the vadais smelled bad (d) the landlord was dancing

Just then, an elder of our street came along from the direction of the bazaar. The manner in which he was walking along made me want to double up. I wanted to shriek with laughter at the sight of such a big man carrying a small packet in that fashion. I guessed there was something like vadai or green banana bhajji in the packet, because the wrapping paper was stained with oil. He came along, holding out the packet by its string, without touching it. I stood there thinking to myself, if he holds it like that, won't the package come undone, and the vadais fall out?

1 marks · mcq

69. Q3. Bama guessed the packet contained vadai or green banana bhajji because (a) she had cooked it herself (b) the wrapping paper was stained with oil (c) the elder told her (d) it rattled

Just then, an elder of our street came along from the direction of the bazaar. The manner in which he was walking along made me want to double up. I wanted to shriek with laughter at the sight of such a big man carrying a small packet in that fashion. I guessed there was something like vadai or green banana bhajji in the packet, because the wrapping paper was stained with oil. He came along, holding out the packet by its string, without touching it. I stood there thinking to myself, if he holds it like that, won't the package come undone, and the vadais fall out?

1 marks · mcq

70. Q4. The child's practical worry 'if he holds it like that, won't the package come undone, and the vadais fall out?' is ironic because (a) the vadais did fall (b) she worries about the food while missing the indignity the posture reveals (c) the elder was strong (d) vadais never fall

Just then, an elder of our street came along from the direction of the bazaar. The manner in which he was walking along made me want to double up. I wanted to shriek with laughter at the sight of such a big man carrying a small packet in that fashion. I guessed there was something like vadai or green banana bhajji in the packet, because the wrapping paper was stained with oil. He came along, holding out the packet by its string, without touching it. I stood there thinking to myself, if he holds it like that, won't the package come undone, and the vadais fall out?

1 marks · mcq

71. Q5. The manner of the elder's walk is later explained by (a) Annan (b) the landlord (c) her mother (d) the threshing workers

Just then, an elder of our street came along from the direction of the bazaar. The manner in which he was walking along made me want to double up. I wanted to shriek with laughter at the sight of such a big man carrying a small packet in that fashion. I guessed there was something like vadai or green banana bhajji in the packet, because the wrapping paper was stained with oil. He came along, holding out the packet by its string, without touching it. I stood there thinking to myself, if he holds it like that, won't the package come undone, and the vadais fall out?

1 marks · mcq

72. Q1. Annan was 'not amused' by his sister's story because (a) he did not like vadai (b) he knew the elder's act was not comedy but the humiliation of untouchability (c) he was angry with the elder (d) he had heard it before

The elder went straight up to the landlord, bowed low and extended the packet towards him, cupping the hand that held the string with his other hand. The landlord opened the parcel and began to eat the vadais. After I had watched all this, at last I went home. My elder brother was there. I told him the story in all its comic detail. I fell about with laughter at the memory of a big man, and an elder at that, making such a game out of carrying the parcel. But Annan was not amused. Annan told me the man wasn't being funny when he carried the package like that. He said everybody believed that they were upper caste and therefore must not touch us. If they did, they would be polluted. That's why he had to carry the package by its string.

1 marks · mcq

73. Q2. Bama told the story 'in all its comic detail' and 'fell about with laughter'. This makes the moment more poignant because (a) her merry retelling contrasts with the grave truth Annan reveals (b) Annan laughed too (c) the landlord was present (d) vadai is a sweet

The elder went straight up to the landlord, bowed low and extended the packet towards him, cupping the hand that held the string with his other hand. The landlord opened the parcel and began to eat the vadais. After I had watched all this, at last I went home. My elder brother was there. I told him the story in all its comic detail. I fell about with laughter at the memory of a big man, and an elder at that, making such a game out of carrying the parcel. But Annan was not amused. Annan told me the man wasn't being funny when he carried the package like that. He said everybody believed that they were upper caste and therefore must not touch us. If they did, they would be polluted. That's why he had to carry the package by its string.

1 marks · mcq

74. Q3. The elder 'bowed low and extended the packet towards him, cupping the hand that held the string with his other hand.' This body language shows (a) respectful service (b) the forced deference and servility demanded of the lower caste (c) a religious salutation (d) that he was tired

The elder went straight up to the landlord, bowed low and extended the packet towards him, cupping the hand that held the string with his other hand. The landlord opened the parcel and began to eat the vadais. After I had watched all this, at last I went home. My elder brother was there. I told him the story in all its comic detail. I fell about with laughter at the memory of a big man, and an elder at that, making such a game out of carrying the parcel. But Annan was not amused. Annan told me the man wasn't being funny when he carried the package like that. He said everybody believed that they were upper caste and therefore must not touch us. If they did, they would be polluted. That's why he had to carry the package by its string.

1 marks · mcq

75. Q4. The landlord's response to receiving the vadais was to (a) thank the elder warmly (b) open the parcel and begin to eat the vadais (c) share them with the workers (d) refuse them

The elder went straight up to the landlord, bowed low and extended the packet towards him, cupping the hand that held the string with his other hand. The landlord opened the parcel and began to eat the vadais. After I had watched all this, at last I went home. My elder brother was there. I told him the story in all its comic detail. I fell about with laughter at the memory of a big man, and an elder at that, making such a game out of carrying the parcel. But Annan was not amused. Annan told me the man wasn't being funny when he carried the package like that. He said everybody believed that they were upper caste and therefore must not touch us. If they did, they would be polluted. That's why he had to carry the package by its string.

1 marks · mcq

76. Q5. According to Annan, 'everybody believed' that (a) vadais were tasty (b) they were upper caste and therefore must not touch them, or they would be polluted (c) the elder was clumsy (d) Bama should not watch the street

The elder went straight up to the landlord, bowed low and extended the packet towards him, cupping the hand that held the string with his other hand. The landlord opened the parcel and began to eat the vadais. After I had watched all this, at last I went home. My elder brother was there. I told him the story in all its comic detail. I fell about with laughter at the memory of a big man, and an elder at that, making such a game out of carrying the parcel. But Annan was not amused. Annan told me the man wasn't being funny when he carried the package like that. He said everybody believed that they were upper caste and therefore must not touch us. If they did, they would be polluted. That's why he had to carry the package by its string.

1 marks · mcq

77. Q1. Bama's laughter changed to sadness and anger because (a) Annan scolded her (b) she realised the elder's act was caused by the insult of untouchability (c) she was hungry (d) the landlord was unkind to her

When I heard this, I didn't want to laugh any more, and I felt terribly sad. How could they believe that it was disgusting if one of us held that package in his hands, even though the vadai had been wrapped first in a banana leaf, and then parcelled in paper? I felt so provoked and angry that I wanted to touch those wretched vadais myself straightaway. Why should we have to fetch and carry for these people, I wondered. Such an important elder of ours goes meekly to the shops to fetch snacks and hands them over reverently, bowing and shrinking, to this fellow who just sits there and stuffs them into his mouth.

1 marks · mcq

78. Q2. 'I felt so provoked and angry that I wanted to touch those wretched vadais myself straightaway.' The impulse reveals Bama's (a) greed for food (b) instinctive rebellion against an unjust custom (c) hatred of the elder (d) fear of Annan

When I heard this, I didn't want to laugh any more, and I felt terribly sad. How could they believe that it was disgusting if one of us held that package in his hands, even though the vadai had been wrapped first in a banana leaf, and then parcelled in paper? I felt so provoked and angry that I wanted to touch those wretched vadais myself straightaway. Why should we have to fetch and carry for these people, I wondered. Such an important elder of ours goes meekly to the shops to fetch snacks and hands them over reverently, bowing and shrinking, to this fellow who just sits there and stuffs them into his mouth.

1 marks · mcq

79. Q3. 'How could they believe that it was disgusting if one of us held that package in his hands, even though the vadai had been wrapped first in a banana leaf, and then parcelled in paper?' The question Bama raises is about the (a) unreasonableness of the caste belief (b) price of banana leaves (c) quality of the wrapping (d) freshness of the food

When I heard this, I didn't want to laugh any more, and I felt terribly sad. How could they believe that it was disgusting if one of us held that package in his hands, even though the vadai had been wrapped first in a banana leaf, and then parcelled in paper? I felt so provoked and angry that I wanted to touch those wretched vadais myself straightaway. Why should we have to fetch and carry for these people, I wondered. Such an important elder of ours goes meekly to the shops to fetch snacks and hands them over reverently, bowing and shrinking, to this fellow who just sits there and stuffs them into his mouth.

1 marks · mcq

80. Q4. Calling the landlord 'this fellow who just sits there and stuffs them into his mouth' shows Bama's (a) admiration (b) contempt for a man who does no work yet receives servile homage (c) pity (d) fear

When I heard this, I didn't want to laugh any more, and I felt terribly sad. How could they believe that it was disgusting if one of us held that package in his hands, even though the vadai had been wrapped first in a banana leaf, and then parcelled in paper? I felt so provoked and angry that I wanted to touch those wretched vadais myself straightaway. Why should we have to fetch and carry for these people, I wondered. Such an important elder of ours goes meekly to the shops to fetch snacks and hands them over reverently, bowing and shrinking, to this fellow who just sits there and stuffs them into his mouth.

1 marks · mcq

81. Q5. The pronoun 'they' in 'How could they believe...' refers to (a) Annan and Bama (b) the upper-caste people who held these beliefs (c) the elder's family (d) the school teachers

When I heard this, I didn't want to laugh any more, and I felt terribly sad. How could they believe that it was disgusting if one of us held that package in his hands, even though the vadai had been wrapped first in a banana leaf, and then parcelled in paper? I felt so provoked and angry that I wanted to touch those wretched vadais myself straightaway. Why should we have to fetch and carry for these people, I wondered. Such an important elder of ours goes meekly to the shops to fetch snacks and hands them over reverently, bowing and shrinking, to this fellow who just sits there and stuffs them into his mouth.

1 marks · mcq

82. Q1. The line 'But we too are human beings' expresses Bama's (a) fear of the landlords (b) assertion that her community deserves equal dignity and respect (c) acceptance of caste (d) desire to become rich

The thought of it infuriated me. How was it that these fellows thought so much of themselves? Because they had scraped four coins together, did that mean they must lose all human feelings? But we too are human beings. Our people should never run these petty errands for these fellows. We should work in their fields, take home our wages, and leave it at that.

1 marks · mcq

83. Q2. 'Because they had scraped four coins together' implies that the landlords' arrogance came from (a) their learning (b) a little wealth, which had made them lose all human feeling (c) royal birth (d) their hard work

The thought of it infuriated me. How was it that these fellows thought so much of themselves? Because they had scraped four coins together, did that mean they must lose all human feelings? But we too are human beings. Our people should never run these petty errands for these fellows. We should work in their fields, take home our wages, and leave it at that.

1 marks · mcq

84. Q3. According to Bama, her people should (a) run petty errands for the landlords (b) work in their fields, take home their wages, and leave it at that (c) leave the village (d) worship the landlords

The thought of it infuriated me. How was it that these fellows thought so much of themselves? Because they had scraped four coins together, did that mean they must lose all human feelings? But we too are human beings. Our people should never run these petty errands for these fellows. We should work in their fields, take home our wages, and leave it at that.

1 marks · mcq

85. Q4. 'The thought of it infuriated me.' The tone of the extract is one of (a) calm reflection (b) angry indignation (c) humorous detachment (d) sorrowful resignation

The thought of it infuriated me. How was it that these fellows thought so much of themselves? Because they had scraped four coins together, did that mean they must lose all human feelings? But we too are human beings. Our people should never run these petty errands for these fellows. We should work in their fields, take home our wages, and leave it at that.

1 marks · mcq

86. Q5. The rhetorical questions 'How was it that these fellows thought so much of themselves?' serve to (a) express Bama's contempt and challenge the landlords' arrogance (b) seek information (c) praise the landlords (d) apologise

The thought of it infuriated me. How was it that these fellows thought so much of themselves? Because they had scraped four coins together, did that mean they must lose all human feelings? But we too are human beings. Our people should never run these petty errands for these fellows. We should work in their fields, take home our wages, and leave it at that.

1 marks · mcq

87. Q1. The landlord's man asked Annan which street he lived on because (a) he wanted to visit him (b) knowing the street would reveal Annan's caste, since people of different castes lived in separate streets (c) he was looking for a tutor (d) he had lost his way

My elder brother, who was studying at a university, had come home for the holidays. He would often go to the library in our neighbouring village in order to borrow books. He was on his way home one day, walking along the banks of the irrigation tank. One of the landlord's men came up behind him. He thought my Annan looked unfamiliar, and so he asked, "Who are you, appa, what's your name?" Annan told him his name. Immediately the other man asked, "Thambi, on which street do you live?" The point of this was that if he knew on which street we lived, he would know our caste too.

1 marks · mcq

88. Q2. Annan was walking along the banks of the irrigation tank because (a) he was bathing there (b) he was on his way home from the library in the neighbouring village (c) he was working in the fields (d) he was fishing

My elder brother, who was studying at a university, had come home for the holidays. He would often go to the library in our neighbouring village in order to borrow books. He was on his way home one day, walking along the banks of the irrigation tank. One of the landlord's men came up behind him. He thought my Annan looked unfamiliar, and so he asked, "Who are you, appa, what's your name?" Annan told him his name. Immediately the other man asked, "Thambi, on which street do you live?" The point of this was that if he knew on which street we lived, he would know our caste too.

1 marks · mcq

89. Q3. Annan was at that time (a) a schoolboy (b) a university student home for the holidays (c) a farmer (d) a shopkeeper

My elder brother, who was studying at a university, had come home for the holidays. He would often go to the library in our neighbouring village in order to borrow books. He was on his way home one day, walking along the banks of the irrigation tank. One of the landlord's men came up behind him. He thought my Annan looked unfamiliar, and so he asked, "Who are you, appa, what's your name?" Annan told him his name. Immediately the other man asked, "Thambi, on which street do you live?" The point of this was that if he knew on which street we lived, he would know our caste too.

1 marks · mcq

90. Q4. The man addressed Annan as 'appa' and 'Thambi' — seemingly polite terms — while his real purpose was to (a) make friends (b) identify his caste so that distance and contempt could follow (c) invite him to the temple (d) borrow money

My elder brother, who was studying at a university, had come home for the holidays. He would often go to the library in our neighbouring village in order to borrow books. He was on his way home one day, walking along the banks of the irrigation tank. One of the landlord's men came up behind him. He thought my Annan looked unfamiliar, and so he asked, "Who are you, appa, what's your name?" Annan told him his name. Immediately the other man asked, "Thambi, on which street do you live?" The point of this was that if he knew on which street we lived, he would know our caste too.

1 marks · mcq

91. Q5. The man thought Annan 'looked unfamiliar', which is why he (a) greeted him silently (b) asked, 'Who are you, appa, what's your name?' (c) reported him to the police (d) offered him work

My elder brother, who was studying at a university, had come home for the holidays. He would often go to the library in our neighbouring village in order to borrow books. He was on his way home one day, walking along the banks of the irrigation tank. One of the landlord's men came up behind him. He thought my Annan looked unfamiliar, and so he asked, "Who are you, appa, what's your name?" Annan told him his name. Immediately the other man asked, "Thambi, on which street do you live?" The point of this was that if he knew on which street we lived, he would know our caste too.

1 marks · mcq

92. Q1. According to Annan, the way to throw away the indignities of caste was to (a) leave the village (b) earn money like the landlords (c) study hard, make progress and be always ahead in one's lessons (d) fight the landlords

Annan told me all these things. And he added, "Because we are born into this community, we are never given any honour or dignity or respect; we are stripped of all that. But if we study and make progress, we can throw away these indignities. So study with care, learn all you can. If you are always ahead in your lessons, people will come to you of their own accord and attach themselves to you. Work hard and learn." The words that Annan spoke to me that day made a very deep impression on me. And I studied hard, with all my breath and being, in a frenzy almost. As Annan had urged, I stood first in my class. And because of that, many people became my friends.

1 marks · mcq

93. Q2. 'If you are always ahead in your lessons, people will come to you of their own accord and attach themselves to you.' Annan's words suggest that (a) achievement forces society to look beyond caste (b) friendship cannot be earned (c) study is useless (d) teachers are kind

Annan told me all these things. And he added, "Because we are born into this community, we are never given any honour or dignity or respect; we are stripped of all that. But if we study and make progress, we can throw away these indignities. So study with care, learn all you can. If you are always ahead in your lessons, people will come to you of their own accord and attach themselves to you. Work hard and learn." The words that Annan spoke to me that day made a very deep impression on me. And I studied hard, with all my breath and being, in a frenzy almost. As Annan had urged, I stood first in my class. And because of that, many people became my friends.

1 marks · mcq

94. Q3. Bama acted on her brother's advice by (a) forgetting his words (b) studying hard, 'with all my breath and being, in a frenzy almost' (c) running away to the city (d) quarrelling with the teachers

Annan told me all these things. And he added, "Because we are born into this community, we are never given any honour or dignity or respect; we are stripped of all that. But if we study and make progress, we can throw away these indignities. So study with care, learn all you can. If you are always ahead in your lessons, people will come to you of their own accord and attach themselves to you. Work hard and learn." The words that Annan spoke to me that day made a very deep impression on me. And I studied hard, with all my breath and being, in a frenzy almost. As Annan had urged, I stood first in my class. And because of that, many people became my friends.

1 marks · mcq

95. Q4. As a result of standing first in her class, (a) the landlords apologised (b) many people became her friends (c) she left school (d) she was punished

Annan told me all these things. And he added, "Because we are born into this community, we are never given any honour or dignity or respect; we are stripped of all that. But if we study and make progress, we can throw away these indignities. So study with care, learn all you can. If you are always ahead in your lessons, people will come to you of their own accord and attach themselves to you. Work hard and learn." The words that Annan spoke to me that day made a very deep impression on me. And I studied hard, with all my breath and being, in a frenzy almost. As Annan had urged, I stood first in my class. And because of that, many people became my friends.

1 marks · mcq

96. Q5. Annan's counsel — that being born into the community stripped them of honour, but progress could restore it — carries the extract's central message that (a) caste is unchangeable (b) education and merit can restore the dignity denied by birth (c) money is everything (d) silence is best

Annan told me all these things. And he added, "Because we are born into this community, we are never given any honour or dignity or respect; we are stripped of all that. But if we study and make progress, we can throw away these indignities. So study with care, learn all you can. If you are always ahead in your lessons, people will come to you of their own accord and attach themselves to you. Work hard and learn." The words that Annan spoke to me that day made a very deep impression on me. And I studied hard, with all my breath and being, in a frenzy almost. As Annan had urged, I stood first in my class. And because of that, many people became my friends.

2 marks · short

97. Q1. Why does Zitkala-Sa call her first day in the "land of apples" a bitter-cold one, both literally and otherwise?

2 marks · short

98. Q2. Why did Zitkala-Sa feel more immodestly dressed than the other Indian girls?

2 marks · short

99. Q3. What is meant by "eating by formula" in the story?

2 marks · short

100. Q4. What warning did Judewin give to Zitkala-Sa, and why was it "terrible"?

2 marks · short

101. Q5. How did Zitkala-Sa try to save her hair from being cut?

2 marks · short

102. Q6. How was Zitkala-Sa finally forced to submit to the haircut?

2 marks · short

103. Q7. Why does Zitkala-Sa moan for her mother after her hair is shingled?

2 marks · short

104. Q8. What did the exchange of moccasins for squeaking shoes symbolise in Zitkala-Sa's life?

2 marks · short

105. Q9. Why had Bama not yet "heard people speak openly of untouchability" although she had felt its sting?

2 marks · short

106. Q10. How did Bama's ten-minute walk home from school stretch into an hour?

2 marks · short

107. Q11. What did Bama find so funny about the elder who came from the direction of the bazaar?

2 marks · short

108. Q12. Why did the elder carry the packet by its string and hand it over with bowed head?

2 marks · short

109. Q13. How did Bama react when she learnt the truth behind the elder's behaviour?

2 marks · short

110. Q14. What question did the landlord's man ask Annan, and what was its real purpose?

2 marks · short

111. Q15. What advice did Annan give Bama about study, and why?

2 marks · short

112. Q16. How did Annan's words change Bama's attitude to her studies?

2 marks · short

113. Q17. Why does Bama wonder whether having "scraped four coins together" entitled the landlords to lose all human feelings?

2 marks · short

114. Q18. What does the title "We Too are Human Beings" suggest?

2 marks · short

115. Q19. What kind of discrimination does Zitkala-Sa's experience depict, as distinct from Bama's?

2 marks · short

116. Q20. What common chord runs through both autobiographical episodes in "Memories of Childhood"?

3 marks · short

117. Q1. How does Zitkala-Sa use images of imprisonment throughout "The Cutting of My Long Hair"?

3 marks · short

118. Q2. Describe Zitkala-Sa's experience of her first breakfast at the school.

3 marks · short

119. Q3. "And though my spirit tore itself in struggling for its lost freedom, all was useless." How does the whole story bear out the truth of this line?

3 marks · short

120. Q4. Why was the cutting of hair such a grave matter for Zitkala-Sa, while it may seem trivial to others?

3 marks · short

121. Q5. How does the author bring out the contrast between Zitkala-Sa's life with her mother and her life at the school?

3 marks · short

122. Q6. What does the episode of the three bells and the dining-room routine reveal about the school system Zitkala-Sa entered?

3 marks · short

123. Q7. Bama's narrative moves from delight to disgust within a single walk home. Trace this movement.

3 marks · short

124. Q8. How does the incident of the vadai packet open Bama's eyes to untouchability?

3 marks · short

125. Q9. What picture of the caste system emerges from "We Too are Human Beings"?

3 marks · short

126. Q10. Why does Bama describe the elderly man's behaviour as making "such a game" of carrying the parcel, and how does this childish view sharpen the satire?

3 marks · short

127. Q11. How does Annan's encounter with the landlord's man on the tank bund illustrate the working of caste even among strangers?

3 marks · short

128. Q12. "But if we study and make progress, we can throw away these indignities." How does this statement of Annan reflect the central hope of Bama's narrative?

3 marks · short

129. Q13. Compare the ways in which the two child narrators respond to the humiliation they experience.

3 marks · short

130. Q14. Both narratives are told from a child's point of view. What effects does this choice create?

3 marks · short

131. Q15. How do the two episodes justify the observation that "the seeds of rebellion are sown early in life"?

5 marks · broad

132. Q1. Both Zitkala-Sa and Bama are victims of discrimination, but the forms of discrimination differ. Compare the two experiences.

5 marks · broad

133. Q2. Draw a character sketch of Zitkala-Sa as revealed in "The Cutting of My Long Hair."

5 marks · broad

134. Q3. "The thought of it infuriated me." Describe Bama's feelings on understanding the truth about the elder and the vadai packet, and what they tell us about her.

5 marks · broad

135. Q4. How does education emerge as the instrument of empowerment in Bama's narrative? Support your answer with details from the text.

5 marks · broad

136. Q5. "Injustice in any form cannot escape being noticed even by children." Discuss this statement with reference to both episodes in "Memories of Childhood."

5 marks · broad

137. Q6. What values do you learn from the two episodes, and how are they relevant today?

5 marks · broad

138. Q7. Imagine you are Annan. Write a letter to your younger sister Bama summarising your advice and the reasons behind it.