A Wrong Man in the Worker’s Paradise – Passage and Questions with Answers
Class 12 English | CG Board | Reading Skill Solution
Passage
A Wrong Man in the Worker’s Paradise (An Extract from the Story)
The man had never believed in mere utility. Having had no useful work, he indulged in mad whims. He made little pieces of sculpture—men, women and castles. He painted. Thus, he wasted his time on all that was useless, needless. People laughed at him. He spent his earth life in useless work and yet after his death the gates of heaven opened wide for him and he was sent to the Worker’s Paradise.
But this newcomer did not fit in with the scheme of things in the Worker’s Paradise. He loitered in the streets absently and jostled the hurrying men. He lay down in green meadows, or close to the fast-flowing streams.
A hustling girl went every day to a silent torrent to fill her pitcher. “Ah!” she cried with concern. “You have no work in hand, have you?” The man sighed. “Work! I have not a moment to spare for work.” The girl did not understand his words. She said, “I shall spare some work for you to do, if you like.” Then she asked, “What kind of work would you like?” The man replied, “Will you give me one of your pitchers, one that you can spare?” The girl said, “A pitcher? You want to draw water from the torrent?” The man said, “No, I shall draw pictures on your pitcher.”
At last the girl gave him one of her pitchers. The man painted pictures on it. The girl looked at it with surprise and asked, “What do they mean, all those lines and colours?” The man laughed and said, “Nothing. A picture may have no meaning and may serve no purpose.”
Later the man made a coloured ribbon for the girl’s hair. The busy girl now spent a lot of time tying the ribbon around her hair. Because of this, much work was left unfinished.
Soon the work in the Worker’s Paradise began to suffer. Many people started wasting their precious time on useless things such as painting and sculpture. The elders became worried and called a meeting. The aerial messenger confessed, “I brought a wrong man into this Paradise.”
Q.1(A) Answer the given questions by choosing the suitable option:
1. The man indulged in mad whims and made little pieces of sculpture as:
(a) He had no useful work
(b) He was mad
(c) He was an idler
(d) He was whimsical
Answer: (a) He had no useful work.
2. The newcomer was misfit in the worker’s paradise as:
(a) He made little pieces of sculpture
(b) He stood lazily in the streets and pushed others
(c) He spent his earth life in useless work
(d) He lay down on the footpath
Answer: (c) He spent his earth life in useless work.
3. The girl showed her concern at seeing the man because:
(a) He lay still in the fast-flowing stream
(b) He was wasting his energy
(c) He had no work in hand
(d) He had not a moment to spare for work
Answer: (c) He had no work in hand.
4. Work began to suffer in the Worker’s Paradise because:
(a) Only some workers enjoyed leisure
(b) Workers wasted time on painting and sculpture
(c) The elders gave up supervision
(d) The girl spent much time in tying the coloured ribbons
Answer: (b) Workers wasted time on painting and sculpture.
Q.1(B) Answer the following questions in short:
(a) How did the man waste his time?
Answer:
The man wasted his time by making small sculptures of men, women and castles and by painting pictures which had no useful purpose.
(b) What happened when he died?
Answer:
When he died, the gates of heaven opened for him and he was sent to the Worker’s Paradise.
(c) How did he spend his time in heaven?
Answer:
In heaven he spent his time wandering in the streets, resting near streams and later painting pictures on the girl’s pitcher.
(d) How was the Worker’s Paradise?
Answer:
The Worker’s Paradise was a place where everyone was busy doing useful work and nobody wasted time.
(e) Find the opposites of “dull” and “speech”.
Answer:
Dull – Bright
Speech – Silence
My Mother at Sixty-Six – Poem, Questions and Answers
Class 12 English | CG Board | Reading Skill Solution
Poem
My Mother at Sixty-Six
— Kamala Das
Driving from my parent's home to Cochin last Friday morning,
I saw my mother beside me,
Doze, open mouthed, her face ashen like that
Of a corpse and realized with pain
That she thought away, and looked but soon
Put that thought away, and looked out at young
Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
Out of their homes, but after the airport’s
Security check, standing a few yards
Away, I looked again at her, wan, pale,
As a late winter’s moon and felt that old
Familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,
But all I said was, see you soon, Amma…
All I did was smile and smile and smile……
— Kamala Das
Answer the following questions by choosing a suitable answer
1. From where was the poet coming?
(a) She was coming from hostel.
(b) She was coming from other city.
(c) She was coming from Cochin.
(d) She was coming from her parent’s home.
Answer: (d) She was coming from her parent’s home.
2. The poet looked out from the window of the car:
(a) To see the wild animals.
(b) To divert her mind.
(c) To seek the way to station.
(d) To see the beauty of nature.
Answer: (b) To divert her mind.
3. The poet’s mother has been compared to the late winter’s moon:
(a) To present the contrast between their respective brightness and laziness.
(b) To bring out the similarity of ageing and decay.
(c) To bring out her hidden beauty and glory.
(d) To present the silence and strength of the moon.
Answer: (b) To bring out the similarity of ageing and decay.
4. “Her face ashen like that of a corpse” the poetic device used in this line is:
(a) A simile
(b) A paradox
(c) An alliteration
(d) A metaphor
Answer: (a) A simile
5. The poet’s “familiar ache” or her “childhood’s fear” refer to:
(a) Her fear of being lost in darkness when left alone in childhood.
(b) Loss of her ancestral home after marriage.
(c) The fear of ageing and ultimate death / separation.
(d) Separation from mother while leaving for studies abroad.
Answer: (c) The fear of ageing and ultimate death / separation.
6. In the poem, the poet says parting words of assurance and smiles because:
(a) She hides her own pain to look cheerful.
(b) She comforts her mother.
(c) It is customary to do so.
(d) She wants to look cheerful.
Answer: (b) She comforts her mother.
Q.3 Read the passage carefully and answer the questions
Passage
Tourism has emerged as the world’s largest industry growing rapidly in the last two decades today. It accounts for 6% of world output and employs some 100 million people around the globe.
Tourism, the travel-based recreation, provides people with a change of place and a break from the monotony of daily life. It brings people of different nations together allowing them to come into close contact with each other’s culture and other aspects of life. It reveals the scenic and past heritage of a country. It can lead to greater understanding and tolerance and can even further world peace.
The contribution of tourism can be seen more clearly on the economic front. A study conducted by the United Nations has shown that developing countries in particular can reap handsome benefits of tourism which greatly boosts national income. Tourism generates employment and adds to the wealth of a nation. While tourism advantages are many, its undesirable side effects have also raised fresh problems.
Questions
(A) On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it and supply a suitable title.
Title: Importance of Tourism
Notes:
-
Tourism – world’s largest industry
-
Rapid growth in last two decades
-
6% of world output
-
Employs about 100 million people
-
-
Benefits of Tourism
-
Provides recreation and change
-
Break from monotony of daily life
-
Brings people of different nations together
-
-
Cultural Importance
-
Shows scenic beauty and heritage
-
Promotes understanding and tolerance
-
Helps in world peace
-
-
Economic Importance
-
Boosts national income
-
Generates employment
-
Adds wealth to a nation
-
-
Negative Effects
-
Some undesirable side effects
-
Creates new problems
-
(B) Do as directed
(i) Give adjective form of the word “recreation”.
Answer: Recreational
(ii) Give opposite word for “largest”.
Answer: Smallest
(iii) Give opposite word for “undesirable”.
Answer: Desirable
Section B – Grammar & Writing Solutions
Q4. NOTICE WRITING
NOTICE
D.P.S. School, Durg
NOTICE
Date: 10 July 2024
School Tour to Bhoramdev (Kawardha)
All the students are informed that our school is organizing an educational tour to Bhoramdev, Kawardha. Students who are interested in joining the tour should give their names to the undersigned before 15 July 2024.
For more information contact the school office.
Megha Sen
Head Girl
Explanation:
A notice must include school name, date, heading, information and signature.
Q5. APPLICATION TO COLLECTOR
Samata Colony
Raipur
10 July 2024
To
The Collector
Raipur (C.G.)
Subject: Request to impose restriction on the use of loudspeakers
Respected Sir,
I would like to bring to your notice the problem caused by the excessive use of loudspeakers in our area. Loudspeakers are used late at night during functions and celebrations which creates noise pollution.
This disturbs students, patients and elderly people. It also affects studies and sleep.
Therefore, I kindly request you to impose proper restrictions on the use of loudspeakers in residential areas.
Thanking you.
Yours faithfully
Rajendra Sharma
Explanation:
This is a formal application written to the Collector to control noise pollution.
Q6. ARTICLE WRITING
Modern Gadgets Have Made Us Slaves of Machines
In today's modern world, gadgets such as mobile phones, computers and televisions have become a part of our daily life. These machines make our work easy and save time.
However, people have become too dependent on these gadgets. Many students spend most of their time on mobile phones and social media instead of studying or playing outdoor games.
Because of this, physical activity has reduced and health problems are increasing. People are slowly becoming slaves of machines.
Therefore, we should use gadgets wisely and not depend on them too much.
Explanation:
The article explains advantages and disadvantages of modern gadgets.
Q7. NOTE – Do as directed
(a) An honest man speaks ______ truth.
Answer: the
Sentence:
An honest man speaks the truth.
Explanation:
“The” is used before truth because it refers to a specific idea.
(b) I am fond ______ music.
Answer: of
Sentence:
I am fond of music.
Explanation:
The correct preposition used with fond is of.
(c) People ______ drive carefully.
Answer: must
Sentence:
People must drive carefully.
Explanation:
“Must” shows duty or necessity.
(d) We acted ______ your instruction.
Answer: according to
Sentence:
We acted according to your instruction.
Explanation:
“According to” means following someone’s instructions.
Q8. Do as directed
(1) Combine using relative clause (who)
The boy is my brother. He is sitting outside.
Answer:
The boy who is sitting outside is my brother.
Explanation:
“Who” is used for people.
(2) Change the voice
I am going to write a novel.
Answer (Passive Voice):
A novel is going to be written by me.
(3) Combine using “where”
I know the place. You go there daily.
Answer:
I know the place where you go daily.
(4) Change into future perfect tense
The ship was burning.
Answer:
The ship will have burnt.
Q9. Attempt any two
(a) Use “No sooner…than”
As soon as he comes, his children cling to his knees.
Answer:
No sooner does he come than his children cling to his knees.
(b) Rearrange the words
I / back / till / waited / came / she
Answer:
I waited till she came back.
(c) Use “unless”
He can’t pass if he does not work hard.
Answer:
He can’t pass unless he works hard.
(d) Use “so…that”
He is too poor to buy the books.
Answer:
He is so poor that he cannot buy the books.
Poem (Extract)
When did my childhood go?
Was it the day I ceased to be eleven,
Was it the time I realized that Hell and Heaven
Could not be found in Geography,
And therefore could not be,
Was that the day!
Poet – Markus Natten
Poem – Childhood
Q10. Read the extract given above and answer the questions
(i) What are the different possibilities which act as an instrument in cessation of childhood?
Answer:
The poet thinks that his childhood may have ended when he stopped being eleven years old or when he realized that Hell and Heaven cannot be found in geography. These are the possibilities that may have ended his childhood.
(ii) When does the poet cease to be a child?
Answer:
The poet ceases to be a child when he realizes that Hell and Heaven are imaginary places and cannot be found anywhere on earth.
(iii) (a) What makes the child doubt the existence of hell and heaven?
Answer:
The child doubts the existence of Hell and Heaven when he studies geography and cannot find these places anywhere in the world.
(iii) (b) When did he come to know that these are mere imaginary concepts?
Answer:
He came to know this when he gained knowledge and started thinking logically about the world.
(iii) (c) Write the name of the poem and poet.
Answer:
Poem: Childhood
Poet: Markus Natten
Q11. Who was the writer of ‘Albert Einstein at School’?
Question Hindi explanation:
“Albert Einstein at School” कहानी के लेखक कौन थे?
Answer:
The story “Albert Einstein at School” was written by Patrick Pringle.
Answer Hindi explanation:
“Albert Einstein at School” कहानी के लेखक Patrick Pringle हैं।
Q12. How does the earth receive the rain and what changes occur there?
Question Hindi explanation:
पृथ्वी बारिश का स्वागत कैसे करती है और उससे पृथ्वी पर क्या परिवर्तन होते हैं?
Answer:
The earth receives the rain with love and gratitude. The rain quenches the thirst of the dry earth, cools the atmosphere, and helps plants, trees, and crops to grow. Because of rain, seeds sprout, plants flourish, and life on earth becomes fresh and beautiful.
Answer Hindi explanation:
पृथ्वी बारिश का खुशी और प्रेम से स्वागत करती है। वर्षा सूखी धरती की प्यास बुझाती है और वातावरण को ठंडा करती है। इससे पेड़-पौधे और फसलें उगती हैं। बीज अंकुरित होते हैं और धरती हरी-भरी और सुंदर बन जाती है।
Q13. Do you think that the poet regrets the loss of his childhood?
Question Hindi explanation:
क्या आपको लगता है कि कवि अपने बचपन के खो जाने का पछतावा करता है?
Answer:
According to the poem “Childhood”, growing up involves losing innocence and gaining knowledge and understanding. As children grow older, they begin to question things and understand reality. The poet does not exactly regret losing his childhood, but he wonders when it disappeared.
Answer Hindi explanation:
कविता “Childhood” के अनुसार बड़ा होने की प्रक्रिया में मासूमियत खत्म होती है और ज्ञान व समझ बढ़ती है। बच्चे बड़े होकर चीजों पर सवाल करने लगते हैं और सच्चाई को समझते हैं। कवि को अपने बचपन के जाने का पछतावा नहीं है, वह सिर्फ सोचता है कि उसका बचपन कब खत्म हुआ।
OR
What according to the poem is involved in the process of growing up?
Question Hindi explanation:
कविता के अनुसार बड़ा होने की प्रक्रिया में क्या-क्या शामिल है?
Answer:
Growing up means losing childhood innocence and gaining knowledge. A child begins to think logically and understand the truth of life.
Answer Hindi explanation:
बड़ा होने का मतलब है बचपन की मासूमियत खत्म होना और ज्ञान बढ़ना। बच्चा धीरे-धीरे समझदार बनता है और जीवन की सच्चाई को समझने लगता है।
Q14. Comment on the influence of English language and way of life on Indian life as reflected in “Ranga’s Marriage”.
Question Hindi explanation:
“Ranga’s Marriage” कहानी में अंग्रेजी भाषा और पश्चिमी जीवन शैली का भारतीय जीवन पर क्या प्रभाव दिखाया गया है?
Answer:
In the story “Ranga’s Marriage”, the influence of English language and Western culture on Indian life is clearly shown. When Ranga returns from Bangalore after studying English, the villagers are curious to see whether he has changed. However, Ranga remains simple and respectful toward Indian traditions.
Answer Hindi explanation:
इस कहानी में अंग्रेजी शिक्षा और पश्चिमी संस्कृति का प्रभाव दिखाया गया है। जब रंगा बैंगलोर से पढ़कर गांव लौटता है, तो गांव वाले यह देखने के लिए उत्सुक होते हैं कि क्या वह बदल गया है। लेकिन रंगा भारतीय परंपराओं का सम्मान करने वाला और सरल स्वभाव का ही रहता है।
Q15. Draw a character sketch of Grandmother.
Question Hindi explanation:
कहानी “The Portrait of a Lady” की दादी (Grandmother) का चरित्र चित्रण लिखिए।
Answer:
Grandmother was a very old, kind, and religious lady. She had white hair and a wrinkled face. She always wore white clothes and spent most of her time praying. She loved her grandson very much and took great care of him. In her old age she spent most of her time praying and feeding the sparrows.
Answer Hindi explanation:
दादी एक बहुत बूढ़ी, दयालु और धार्मिक महिला थीं। उनके सफेद बाल और झुर्रियों वाला चेहरा था। वे हमेशा सफेद कपड़े पहनती थीं और अधिकतर समय प्रार्थना करती थीं। वे अपने पोते से बहुत प्यार करती थीं और उसकी देखभाल करती थीं। बुढ़ापे में वे प्रार्थना करने और चिड़ियों को दाना खिलाने में समय बिताती थीं।
OR
Write the summary of the poem “Laburnum Top”.
Question Hindi explanation:
कविता “Laburnum Top” का संक्षेप (Summary) लिखिए।
Answer:
The poem “Laburnum Top” by Ted Hughes describes a laburnum tree in September. At first the tree is quiet. When a goldfinch bird comes to feed her babies, the tree becomes full of movement and sound. After feeding them, the bird flies away and the tree becomes silent again.
Answer Hindi explanation:
यह कविता सितंबर के महीने में एक लैबर्नम पेड़ का वर्णन करती है। शुरुआत में पेड़ शांत होता है। जब एक गोल्डफिंच चिड़िया अपने बच्चों को खाना खिलाने आती है तो पेड़ में चहल-पहल हो जाती है। चिड़िया के उड़ जाने के बाद पेड़ फिर से शांत हो जाता है।
Q16. Narrate the story “The Tale of Melon City” in your own words.
Question Hindi explanation:
कविता “The Tale of Melon City” की कहानी अपने शब्दों में लिखिए।
Answer:
“The Tale of Melon City” by Vikram Seth is a humorous poem about a foolish king and a strange system of justice. The king ordered an arch to be built over the city gate. When he passed under it, his crown fell because the arch was too low. Finally the king himself was hanged and a melon was made the new king.
Answer Hindi explanation:
यह कविता एक मूर्ख राजा और अजीब न्याय व्यवस्था के बारे में है। राजा ने शहर के द्वार पर एक मेहराब बनवाई, लेकिन वह नीची थी। जब राजा उसके नीचे से गुजरा तो उसका मुकुट गिर गया। अंत में राजा को ही फांसी हो गई और एक खरबूजे (melon) को नया राजा बना दिया गया।
OR
Justify the title “Birth”.
Question Hindi explanation:
कहानी “Birth” के शीर्षक को उचित ठहराइए।
Answer:
The title “Birth” is suitable because the story describes the birth of a baby and the efforts of a doctor to save both the mother and the child. Dr. Andrew Manson finally succeeds in bringing the baby back to life.
Answer Hindi explanation:
कहानी का शीर्षक “Birth” इसलिए उचित है क्योंकि इसमें एक बच्चे के जन्म और डॉक्टर के प्रयासों का वर्णन है। डॉक्टर कठिन परिस्थितियों में मेहनत करके बच्चे को जीवन दे देता है। इसलिए यह शीर्षक सही है।