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What is India’s HDI rank in the world?

Question:  What is India’s HDI rank in the world? Answer:  India has been ranked 131st out of 188 countries in  the 2017 Human Development Index (HDI), as per  latest Human Development Report (HDR) 2016  by the United Nations Development Programme  (UNDP)

Why do we use averages to compare the development of countries? What are the limitations in using it? Explain. (Board Term-I, (70), 2012)

Question:  Why do we use averages to compare the  development of countries? What are the  limitations in using it? Explain.  (Board Term-I, (70), 2012) Answer:  Use of averages to compare development : (i) Averages are used for better understanding. (ii) For comparison between countries, total income  is not very useful. (iii) Different countries have different populations,  so total income will not tell us what an average  person is likely to earn. (iv) According to the World Bank, countries with  per capita income of US $ 12616 per annum and  above in 2012 are called rich countries, and those  below US $ 1035 per annum or less are poor. Limitation: Average income does not depict how  the income is distributed among the people. Some  may be very rich but the masses may be poor.

How has the World Development Report classified countries? What are the limitations of this report? (Board Term-I, (501), 2013, (62), 2012)

Question:  How has the World Development Report  classified countries? What are the limitations of  this report? (Board Term-I, (501), 2013, (62), 2012) Answer:  (i) World Bank classifies countries according to  the Per Capita Income. (ii) Countries with PCI of more than US $ 12616 per  annum and above are called rich countries. (iii) Countries with PCI less than US $ 1035 are called  poor countries. (iv) Countries with income between US $ 1530 per  annum are called low middle income countries. The limitations of this report are: (i) It considers only income and not other aspects  such as literacy, health, life expectancy, etc. (ii) World Development Report (WDR) only tells  about income and not how it is distributed  among the citizens.

What is the main criterion used by the World Bank in classifying different countries? Describe its limitations. (Board Term-I, (Set-OEQL2HT), 2016-17)

Question:  What is the main criterion used by the World  Bank in classifying different countries? Describe  its limitations.  (Board Term-I, (Set-OEQL2HT), 2016-17) Answer:  The average income, i.e., per capita income is  the main criterion used by the World Bank in  classifying different countries  Limitations (a) It covers only the economic aspect ignoring  factors like infant mortality rate, literacy rate,  no attendance ratio for class I-V, etc., which are  important indicators for development. (b) This method also does not provide us the  distribution different levels of income.

How is it that the average person in Punjab has more income than the average person in Kerala but it lags behind in many other crucial areas? Explain. (Board Term-I, (Set-6HTQGTF), 2016-17)

Question:  How is it that the average person in Punjab has  more income than the average person in Kerala  but it lags behind in many other crucial areas?  Explain. (Board Term-I, (Set-6HTQGTF), 2016-17) Answer:  (i) Per capita income of Punjab is ` 26,000 and  Kerala is ` 22,800. (ii) Literacy rate of Punjab according to 2001 is  70% and Kerala is 91%, i.e., Punjab lags behind  Kerala. (iii) Therefore, income by itself is not a completely  adequate indicator of material goods and  services that citizens are able to use. (iv) Over the past decade, health and education  indicators have come to be widely used along  with income as a measure of development. (v) Human Development Report Published by  UNDP compares countries on the basis of  educational levels of the people health status  and per capita income. (vi) Kerala has a low infant mortality rate as it  has adequate provision of basic health and  educational facilities.

Explain with reasons why state of Punjab with a very high per capita income has a very low literacy rate. (Board Term-I, 2015, Set-C5JWEVD) (Board Term-I, (52), 2012)

Question:  Explain with reasons why state of Punjab with  a very high per capita income has a very low  literacy rate. (Board Term-I, 2015, Set-C5JWEVD)  (Board Term-I, (52), 2012) Answer:  (i) Per capita income of Punjab is ` 26,000 and  Kerala is ` 22,800. (ii) Literacy rate of Punjab according to 2001 is  70% and Kerala is 91%, i.e., Punjab lags behind  Kerala. (iii) Therefore, income by itself is not a completely  adequate indicator of material goods and  services that citizens are able to use. (iv) Over the past decade, health and education  indicators have come to be widely used along  with income as a measure of development. (v) Human Development Report Published by  UNDP compares countries on the basis of  educational levels of the people health status  and per capita income. (vi) Kerala has a low infant mortality rate as it  has adequate provision of basic health and  educational facilities.

Why is “Per Capita Income” not an adequate indicator of economic development of a country? Explain. (Board Term-I, (67), 2012)

Question:  Why is “Per Capita Income” not an adequate indicator  of economic development of a country? Explain.  (Board Term-I, (67), 2012) Answer:  (i) Per capita income is the average income. It is  income per head of the population per year. (ii) Per Capita Income =  Total income of country  Total population (iii) It is not an adequate indicator because : (a) It does not tell us how this income is distributed.  Per Capita Income might not be the income of  every individual in the state. (b) Life expectancy and Infant Mortality Rate  are other important criteria for measuring  development. (c) Education and literacy level are other indicators  of development. (d) Pollution free environment, less corruption,  gender equality etc. are also important.

What is Per Capita Income? How is it calculated?

Question:  What is Per Capita Income? How is it calculated? Answer:  (i) Per capita income is the average income. It is  income per head of the population per year. (ii) Per Capita Income =  Total income of country  Total population (iii) It is not an adequate indicator because : (a) It does not tell us how this income is distributed.  Per Capita Income might not be the income of  every individual in the state. (b) Life expectancy and Infant Mortality Rate  are other important criteria for measuring  development. (c) Education and literacy level are other indicators  of development. (d) Pollution free environment, less corruption,  gender equality etc. are also important.

Is per capita income a true measure of development? Elaborate. (Board Term-I, (3K), 2013)

Question:  Is per capita income a true measure of  development? Elaborate.  (Board Term-I, (3K), 2013) Answer:  (i) Per capita income is the average income. It is  income per head of the population per year. (ii) Per Capita Income =  Total income of country  Total population (iii) It is not an adequate indicator because : (a) It does not tell us how this income is distributed.  Per Capita Income might not be the income of  every individual in the state. (b) Life expectancy and Infant Mortality Rate  are other important criteria for measuring  development. (c) Education and literacy level are other indicators  of development. (d) Pollution free environment, less corruption,  gender equality etc. are also important.

What is development? Why do different people have different developmental goals? Explain with four examples. (Board Term-I, Set-6AP67LB, 2015-16)

Question:  What is development? Why do different people  have different developmental goals? Explain with  four examples.  (Board Term-I, Set-6AP67LB, 2015-16) Answer:  Development means continuous progress or  increase in real per-capita income. In other  words, there is improvement in economic  welfare of the people and their standard of  living. The four characteristics of development are : (i) Developmental goals are different for different  people. (ii) What may be development for one may not be  development for the other. (iii) For development people look at a mix of goals. (iv) Different persons could have different as well as  conflicting notions of country’s development.

Mention any three characteristics of development

Question:  Mention any three characteristics of development. Answer:  Characteristics of Development : (i) What may be development for one may not be  development for the others. (ii) For development, people look at mix goals. (iii) Income is the most important component of  development, but along with income, people also  seek equal treatment, good health, peace and  security, etc. 

“For development, people look at a mix of goals”. Support the statement with three suitable examples. (Board Term-I (580011, 13), 2016)

Question:  “For development, people look at a mix  of goals”. Support the statement with three  suitable examples.  (Board Term-I (580011, 13), 2016) Answer:  It is true that for development, people look at a  mix of goals, e.g., : (i) If women are engaged in paid work, their dignity  in the household and society increases. So dignity  is an important goal. (ii) However, it is also the case that if there is respect  for women there would be more sharing of  housework and greater acceptance of women  working outside. (iii) A safe and secure environment may allow  more women to take up a variety of jobs  or run a business. These are goals other than  income. Hence development goal is not only  for better income but for other important things  in life.

Explain the role of education and health in the overall development of a country. (Board Term-I, (3K), 2013)

Question:  Explain the role of education and health in the  overall development of a country.  (Board Term-I, (3K), 2013) Answer:  (i) Role of education: It plays a vital role in  the overall development of a human being  and society, therefore stress on imparting  education has been given up in our  constitution. (ii) Role of Health: The general health standard  in India is quite low. This is quite inevitable as  nearly one fourth of the population lives below  the poverty line. (iii) A community: based programme on health care  and medical services in rural areas are launched.  As a result of these efforts, there has been a fall in  the incidence of certain diseases like tuberculosis,  leprosy and polio.

Which three development goals will you like to prescribe for rural labourers? (Board Term-I, Set-M, DDE-2015)

Question:  Which three development goals will you like to  prescribe for rural labourers?  (Board Term-I, Set-M, DDE-2015) Answer:  Three development goals for rural labourers : (i) More days of work and better wages. (ii) Local schools to provide quality education for  their children. (iii) There will be no social discrimination.

Describe any three features of a developed country. (Board Term-I, (H3), 2013)

Question:  Describe any three features of a developed  country. (Board Term-I, (H3), 2013) Answer:  (i) High per capita income. (ii) High HDI. (iii) Greater focus on economic growth rather than  development. (iv) High standard of living. (v) Most of the population has access to basic  healthcare and education. (vi) High quality of life parameter—including  freedom, equal opportunities etc.

“Different persons can have different developmental goals.” Support the statement with an example. (Board Term-I, (580023, 26, 36, 45), 2011)

Question:  “Different persons can have different developmental  goals.” Support the statement with an example.  (Board Term-I, (580023, 26, 36, 45), 2011) Answer:  Development goals may be common, different  or conflicting : (i) Common Goals : There are some needs which  are common to all like income, freedom, equality,  security, respect, friendship, etc. (ii) Different Goals : Development or progress  does not mean the same thing for every  individual. Each individual has his own idea of  development. For example, development for  a farmer might be irrigation facilities; for an  unemployed youth it may mean employment  opportunities, etc. (iii) Conflicting Goals : What may be development  for some may become destruction for some  others. Example, Industrialists may want  dams for electricity, but such dams would  displace the natives of a region by submerging  their land.

Explain common, different, and conflicting goals by giving appropriate examples. (Board Term-I, (64), 2012)

Question:  Explain common, different, and conflicting goals  by giving appropriate examples.  (Board Term-I, (64), 2012) Answer:  Development goals may be common, different  or conflicting : (i) Common Goals : There are some needs which  are common to all like income, freedom, equality,  security, respect, friendship, etc. (ii) Different Goals : Development or progress  does not mean the same thing for every  individual. Each individual has his own idea of  development. For example, development for  a farmer might be irrigation facilities; for an  unemployed youth it may mean employment  opportunities, etc. (iii) Conflicting Goals : What may be development  for some may become destruction for some  others. Example, Industrialists may want  dams for electricity, but such dams would  displace the natives of a region by submerging  their land.

Why do different individuals have different as well as conflicting notions of development goals? (NCERT) (Board Term-I, (WQ7FXWC), 2014(55), 2012)

Question:  Why do different individuals have different  as well as conflicting notions of development  goals? (NCERT)  (Board Term-I, (WQ7FXWC), 2014(55), 2012) Answer:  Development goals may be common, different  or conflicting : (i) Common Goals : There are some needs which  are common to all like income, freedom, equality,  security, respect, friendship, etc. (ii) Different Goals : Development or progress  does not mean the same thing for every  individual. Each individual has his own idea of  development. For example, development for  a farmer might be irrigation facilities; for an  unemployed youth it may mean employment  opportunities, etc. (iii) Conflicting Goals : What may be development  for some may become destruction for some  others. Example, Industrialists may want  dams for electricity, but such dams would  displace the natives of a region by submerging  their land.

“People have conflicting developmental goals”. Support the statement with suitable example. (Board Term-I, (NLTM8TU), 2016-17)

Question:  “People have conflicting developmental goals”.  Support the statement with suitable example.  (Board Term-I, (NLTM8TU), 2016-17) Answer:  Different persons could have different as well as  conflicting notions of a country’s development.  In fact; two persons or groups of persons may  seek things which are conflicting. To get more  electricity, industrialists may want more dams.  But this may submerge the land and disrupt the  lives of people who are displaced - such as tribes.  They might resent this and may prefer small  check dams or tanks to irrigate their land.

Explain the factors on which the quality of life depends. (Board Term-I, (OEQL2HT), 2016-17, Set-XOKG2SB, 2015)

Question:  Explain the factors on which the quality of life  depends. (Board Term-I,  (OEQL2HT), 2016-17, Set-XOKG2SB, 2015) Answer:  The quality of life depends upon the following  factors : (i) Money and material things. (ii) Presence of family members, friends and relatives. (iii) Good working atmosphere at the office. (iv) An opportunity to learn. (v) A position of self respect in the family. (vi) A safe and secure environment.

What is development? What are the indicators used by UNDP for measuring development? Compare it with the World Bank report. (Board Term-I, (82), 2012)

Question:  What is development? What are the indicators  used by UNDP for measuring development?  Compare it with the World Bank report.  (Board Term-I, (82), 2012) Answer:  (i) Development refers to the process as a result  of which along with increase in real per-capita  income, there is improvement in the economic  welfare and well-being of people. The UNDP has taken : (a) Education, (b) Health and (c) Per-capita income as the indicators. (ii) Compared to the World Bank Report : (a) It is a broader concept of development. (b) Countries have been ranked and goals other than  level of income are being taken into account.

State the criterion used by the World Bank as per World Development Report 2012, in classifying the countries. How did the World Bank define low and high income countries (based on this report)? (Board Term-I, KVS-2014)

Question:  State the criterion used by the World Bank as per  World Development Report 2012, in classifying  the countries. How did the World Bank define  low and high income countries (based on this  report)? (Board Term-I, KVS-2014) Answer:  (i) The World Bank defined low and high  income countries according to per capita income  (PCI). (ii) Countries with per capita income of US $ 12616 per  annum and above are called rich countries. (iii) Countries with per capita income of US $ 1035 or  less are called low-income or poor countries.

“Money cannot buy all the goods and services that a person may need to live well”. Explain the statement with suitable examples. (Board Term-I, Set-CB4QHT1, 2016-17)

Question:  “Money cannot buy all the goods and services  that a person may need to live well”. Explain the  statement with suitable examples.  (Board Term-I, Set-CB4QHT1, 2016-17) Answer:  Money cannot buy all the goods and services that  a person may need to live well. Income by itself is  not a completely adequate indicator of material  goods and services that citizens are able to use.  For example, normally, money cannot buy  a pollution-free environment or ensure that a  person gets unadulterated medicines, unless a  person can afford to shift to a community that  already has all these things. Money may also  not be able to protect individual from infections,  disease, unless the whole of our community  takes preventive steps.

What is the meaning of development? Explain the two aspects of development. (Board Term-I, C5JWEVD, 2015-16)

Question:  What is the meaning of development? Explain  the two aspects of development.  (Board Term-I, C5JWEVD, 2015-16) Answer:  Development refers to progress or improvement  in life style. Important aspects of development are: (i) Different persons can have different  developmental goals. (ii) What may be development for one may not  be development for the other. It may even be  destructive for others.

Why do people look at a mix of goals for development? (Board Term-I, Set-NLTM8TU, 2016-17)

Question:  Why do people look at a mix of goals for  development?  (Board Term-I, Set-NLTM8TU, 2016-17) Answer:  For development, people do look at a mix of  goals-which not only focus on seeking/earning  more income but also on non-material aspects  like equal treatment, respect of other, dignity  of labour, a safe and secure work environment,  pollution free surroundings etc.

What is meant by economic development? What are the two bases of measuring economic development of a country? (Board Term-I DDE 2015-16, (580015,39), 2011)

Question:  What is meant by economic development?  What are the two bases of measuring economic  development of a country?  (Board Term-I DDE 2015-16, (580015,39), 2011) Answer:  Economic development means the rate of  production is greater than the rate of increase in  population and the rate of growth of GDP is high  enough to fulfil the basic needs of the population. Two bases of measuring development of a country are: (i) Average or per capita income. (ii) National income and public facilities.

If there are 4 families in a country with per capita income of $ 15000. The income of 3 families is $ 10000, $ 20000, and $ 12000. What is the income of the 4th family? (Board Term-I, Set-WQ7FXWC, 2014)

Question:  If there are 4 families in a country with per capita  income of $ 15000. The income of 3 families is $  10000, $ 20000, and $ 12000. What is the income of  the 4th family?  (Board Term-I, Set-WQ7FXWC, 2014) Answer:  $ 18000

In what respect is the criterion used by the UNDP for measuring development of the countries, different from the one used by the World Bank? (Board Term-I, Set-C5JWEVD, 2015)

Question:  In what respect is the criterion used by the UNDP  for measuring development of the countries,  different from the one used by the World Bank?  (Board Term-I, Set-C5JWEVD, 2015) Answer:  UNDP compares countries on educational level,  health status and per capita income whereas.  World Bank uses only per capita per capita  income for measuring development.

Write a paragraph each about Gerrard and the intruder to show what qualities they have. (You can use the words given above)

Question:  Write a paragraph each about Gerrard and the intruder to show what qualities  they have. (You can use the words given above) Ans: Gerrard: Gerrard was a smart, humourous and confident person. He did not loose  his cool when he was in a life-threatening situation. When the intruder entered his  house and took out his gun, he confronted him with courage and cool. He very cleverly  cooked up a story, that was very humourous as far as the reader was concerned. Being  a playwright, he used his wit and smartness at the right time and gave the intruder a  “taste of his own medicine.  Intruder: He was also very smart. To even make a plan like the one he had for his  future, requires a lot of ‘intelligence’. He had done adequate research before deciding  whose place he was going to take on the earth. He wears very flashy clothes, which in  itself was adequate to frighten people. He has a lot of wit and smartness as is evident  from the confidence and nonchalance with which he behaves

Convert the play into a story (150—200 words). Your story should be as exciting and as witty as the play. Provide a suitable title

Question:  Convert the play into a story (150—200 words). Your story should be as  exciting and as witty as the play. Provide a suitable title. Ans: Gerrard in disguise  Gerrard was preparing to go for his drama practice. Dressed in his character’s clothes,  he had packed the props that he had laid out on his bed in a box, and was just about to  leave.  Lo Behold!! There was a knock on the door. He noticed a man at the door, dressed very  flashily, wearing a strange look on his face. Assuming him to be a tradesperson, he  receives him, to be cut short by the intruder. He takes out his gun and threatens to kill  Gerrard. The smart playwright quickly comprehended the intentions of the intruder.  He was not very pleased or interested in common courtesies (welcome). He tells  Gerrard that he has not gone there with noble intentions. “I have been on the run for a  long time, and I would now like to retire and lead a peaceful life. For this, you have to  sacrifice your life. Gerrard pretende

This is your big surprise. (i) Where has this been said in the play? (ii) What is the surprise?

Question:  “This is your big surprise. (i) Where has this been said in the play? (ii) What is the surprise? Ans: (i) This line appears twice in the play. First, when the intruder reveals his  intentions to Gerrard, and the second time, when Gerrard was going to reveal “the truth  about himself to the intruder. (ii) The surprise in the first case was that the intruder planned to kill and impersonate as  Gerrard. He was a wanted criminal who has been on the run. He wanted to settle down  as Gerrard because the latter matched his physical appearance, and lead a comfortable  life free of all fears of being caught by the police.  In the case of Gerrard, it was the fabricated story, wherein, he claims that he was a  wanted criminal, who had murdered someone when things got sour. He tells the intruder  that he himself was in hiding, as he was a crook and not a sunday-school teacher. He  warns him by saying that if he kills him and takes over his place, he would be caught  and hung because the

A mystery I propose to explain. What is the mystery the speaker proposes to explain?

Question:  “A mystery I propose to explain. What is the mystery the speaker proposes to  explain? Ans: The mystery that he was proposing to explain to the intruder was that he himself  was a wanted criminal who was in hiding. He elaborates by saying that it was for this  reason that he lived a secret life, without meeting people, and kept going from place to  place to avoid being caught. The crime he was supposed to have committed was, to kill  someone when things got out of hand. He says that one of his men was arrested.  Besides, the police had got hold of some important papers that could be used to convict  him, which his men should have burnt and destroyed. To make it furthur authentic, he  says that he had packed his bag and was on his way to stage another disappearing act,  as he suspected some problem that night.

They can’t hang me twice. (i) Who says this? (ii) Why does the speaker say it?

Question:  “They can’t hang me twice. (i) Who says this? (ii) Why does the speaker say it? Ans: (i) These lines are being spoken by the intruder. (ii) He says this line to Gerrard when the latter asks him why he wanted to add murder  to his list of crimes. The intruder tells that he is already wanted for murder, and he  cannot be hung twice.

What is Gerrard’s profession? Quote the parts of the play that support your answer

Question:  What is Gerrard’s profession? Quote the parts of the play that support your  answer. Ans: Gerrard seems to be a person who was involved in the business of theatre and  art. It is mentioned that he was a playwright. When he saw the intruder first, he reacts  by saying, “this is all very melodramatic, not very original. Later, when he enters into a  conversation with the threatening intruder, he says, “at last a sympathetic audience! He  also asks the intruder, “are you American, or is that merely a clever imitation, when he  warns him by saying, “better be careful, wise guy! Further, when the intruder goes about  elaborating his plan for impersonation, Gerrard says, “In most melodramas, the villain is  foolish enough to delay his killing long enough to be frustrated.  Yet again, while he was making up a story about his own identity, Gerrard tells him  about his attire, “that’s a disguise outfit; false moustaches and what not. And finally,  after trapping the intruder in his w

I said it with bullets (i) Who says this? (ii) What does it mean? (iii) Is it the truth? What is the speaker’s reason for saying this?

Question:  “I said it with bullets. (i) Who says this? (ii) What does it mean? (iii) Is it the truth? What is the speaker’s reason for saying this? Ans: (i) Gerrard says this line. (ii) He says that when something went wrong he reacted not by speaking but by using  his gun and shooting the person down with his bullets. (iii) He says so because having understood the intruder’s intentions, he was putting on  an act of being a dangerous person, so as to save himself. He had not killed anyone.

You’ll soon stop being smart. (i) Who says this? (ii) Why does the speaker say it? (iii) What according to the speaker will stop Gerrard from being smart?

Question:  “You’ll soon stop being smart. (i) Who says this? (ii) Why does the speaker say it? (iii) What according to the speaker will stop Gerrard from being smart? Ans: (i) The intruder says these lines to Gerrard. (ii) The intruder was a little confused as Gerrard did not show any sign of being afraid or  worried. Irritated by this, he says the above lines, as if to warn him of the situation  Gerrard was going to find himself in. (iii) According to the speaker, if Gerrard would get to know of his plan of murdering him  and impersonating as the latter, he would stop being smart, and begin to worry.

Why does the intruder choose Gerrard as the man whose identity he wants to take on?

Question:  Why does the intruder choose Gerrard as the man whose identity he wants to  take on? Ans: The intruder had chosen Gerrard as his target whose identity he wanted to take on  because he was of the same physical structure. Besides, as Gerrard, he could move  around freely doing nothing in particular. He could lead a comfortable life without  running at the sight of a cop.

At last a sympathetic audience (i) Who says this? (ii) Why does he say it? (iii) Is he sarcastic or serious?

Question:  “At last a sympathetic audience. (i) Who says this? (ii) Why does he say it? (iii) Is he sarcastic or serious? Ans: (i) This has been said by Gerrard. (ii) He says so because the intruder had asked him to talk about himself. (iii) He is being sarcastic because he knew about the intruder’s intentions.

Bring out the irony in the poem

Question:  Bring out the irony in the poem. Ans: The poet’s description of his beloved as having ‘no motion or force’ and she is  ‘revolving with the earth around the sun’ actually implies that she is dead and the poet  cannot be  with her. This is also because the poet, unlike his beloved, was always alienated from  nature.  This mismatch between what is said and what is meant is an example of irony. The  poet’s opinion that it was because of ‘the slumber’ which ‘sealed’ his spirit that he felt  that his beloved was ‘untouched’ by earthly things like mortality is ironic because it is  not really the slumber, but his desire that his beloved should not be touched by death as  he loves her deeply, that has made him blind to the fact that she is dead.

Why does it appear that the poet is not ascertaining death in the first stanza?

Question:  Why does it appear that the poet is not ascertaining death in the first stanza? Ans: The choice to hide the death between the stanzas is interesting. It could possibly  be because of the inability of the poet to express in words, his pain and sudden loss.  It can also be inferred that the poem may be less about the poet’s lack of having any  human fears, than about his belief in the young woman’s power. Indeed, he seems to  have built her up in his mind into a Goddess, untouched by age and mortality. This  desire to keep her perpetually young is a testament to the poet’s feelings for the young  woman.

Why does the poet repeat “no motion has she now, no force—she neither hears nor sees?

Question:  Why does the poet repeat “no motion has she now, no force—she neither hears  nor sees? Ans: The poet, Wordsworth offers an eerie description of the woman’s current situation.  She is blind and deaf—wholly incapable of taking in the world around her. This is a  particularly painful idea in a Wordsworth poem because he is generally focused on  experiencing the senses. He also mentions that she is now without motion or force.  This, of course, is true of all dead people, but by stating the obvious, the speaker helps  the reader to imagine the way the young woman once was: full of life and vigour.

Write an analysis of the poem in a paragraph

Question:  Write an analysis of the poem in a paragraph. Ans: This is a poem that is a part of the Lucy series. In this poem, the poet speaks  about being introduced to the realities of life only when his beloved slips into eternal  slumber. He had no fears with regard to her life, but unfortunately, she fell prey to the  laws of nature. However, the poet is perhaps taking a positive view of the situation, by  saying that she has blend with nature, and perhaps, continues to live with the rocks,  stones and trees. She has gone back to the place she came from. He has accepted the  fact that she is no more, but chooses to believe that perhaps she has been immortalised  by nature.

Rolled round in earth’s diurnal course With rocks and stones and trees. (a) What does ‘rolled round’ mean? (b) Who has rolled round? (c) What is ‘diurnal course’? (d) What is the significance of rocks, stones and trees?

Question:  Rolled round in earth’s diurnal course  With rocks and stones and trees. (a) What does ‘rolled round’ mean? (b) Who has rolled round? (c) What is ‘diurnal course’? (d) What is the significance of rocks, stones and trees? Ans: (a) ‘Rolled round’ means that she has rolled down to blend with the earth. (b) The poet’s beloved has rolled round. (c) ‘Diurnal course’ refers to the rotation of the earth. (d) “The rocks, stones and trees imply that though inanimate, they have life and his  beloved continues her journey with nature, along with them.

A slumber did my spirit seal— I had no human fears. (a) Name the poem and the poet. (b) What is the meaning of ‘slumber’? (c) What sealed the spirit of the poet? (d) What are ‘human fears’?

Question:  A slumber did my spirit seal—  I had no human fears. (a) Name the poem and the poet. (b) What is the meaning of ‘slumber’? (c) What sealed the spirit of the poet? (d) What are ‘human fears’? Ans: (a) The poem is “A Slumber Did My Spirit Seal and the poet is “William  Wordsworth. (b) Slumber here refers to the state of permanent sleep. (c) The slumber of his beloved sealed the poet’s spirit. (d) The human fears refer to the fears that pass through the human minds, especially  related to the fear of losing a loved one.

The passing of time will no longer affect her, says the poet. Which lines of the poem says this?

Question:  The passing of time will no longer affect her, says the poet. Which lines of the  poem says this? Answer:  He is referring to his belief that she would not age, or be affected by time. The  lines of the poem that mentions this thought of the poet with regard to his loved one is,  “she seemed a thing that could not feel the touch of earthly years. Here the death is  only implied, and is not ascertained.

Make a diary entry of the day that changed your life for the better. You are Zan

Question:  Make a diary entry of the day that changed your life for the better. You are Zan. Answer: Thursday, 14 July 20XX                                                        10 p.m. Dear Diary,  I was up in the morning at the usual time. I missed kitty a lot. Mom forced me to go to  school. I hesitated as I did not have shoes and clothes. Aunt gave me my cousin’s  clothes, that were ill-fitting and looked weird on me. Feeling very low and desperate, I  walked down to school. When I reached, I observed the unusual looks that the students  were giving me. Little bit I realised what was in store for me. In the course of the day, I  was shocked to see, as I was being pushed into the gym, a table filled with stuff  donated by my friends. I was overwhelmed. These were the people who had hardly  interacted with me. They had got to know about my tragic situation, and worked as a  team to help in rehabilitating me and my family. This was a turning point in my high  school life. I developed

What is the most important aspect in the story that appealed to you?

Question:  What is the most important aspect in the story that appealed to you? Answer:  This true story, that was a turning point in the author’s life, appeals very strongly to  one’s emotions. It touches the right cord in our heart. The unfortunate tragedy,  accompanied by the mental discomfort of the teenager, churns within us the feelings of  sorrow, empathy and brotherhood. A child who was a new entrant into the portals of the  high school, had no friends at school or in the neighborhood. She was in a state of  extreme depression. But the reaction and support provided by her schoolmates is really  commendable. The young girl who felt all alone and desolate, suddenly feels  overwhelmed and emotional with the way she was absorbed by her peers and society.  Her life takes a turn for the better, and she identifies with her true self.

What was the sight that shocked the author? Why was there no time to grieve?

Question:  What was the sight that shocked the author? Why was there no time to grieve? Answer:  As she walked past her house, while returning from school, she was shocked to  see the pathetic condition of her house. Everything had been reduced to ashes. If not  for her mother’s presence of mind, all their documents and photo albums too, would  have got burnt. She had lost her cat which made her feel extremely sad. Despite all the  losses, they did not have time to grieve because they had to secure themselves, till  such time, they set their house in order.

What was unusual and strange in the school the next day?

Question:  What was unusual and strange in the school the next day? Answer:  The news of the tragedy had spread like wild fire and everybody in the school  knew about it. This made her feel uncomfortable, as though, she was responsible for  their plight. People at school were looking and behaving with her in a strange and  unusual way, and were milling around her. This was not the kind of attention she was  looking forward to. She was in for a great surprise, that paved the way to a better life.

Justify the title, ‘A House Is Not a Home.’

Question:  Justify the title, ‘A House Is Not a Home.’ Answer:  A house is defined as a structure made for human habitation, while a home is the  place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household.  There is love, happiness, sorrow, birth, and death, in a home. Emotions make a house a  home. In this lesson, the house had burnt, but the love of her mother, the support and  empathy from her friends, neighbours and teachers, and the little kitten, enabled them  to overcome the loss of the house because home was what they finally acquired. Thus,  the title aptly fits the story of the author’s life.

Who provided immediate financial help to the author and her mother? Why?

Question:  Who provided immediate financial help to the author and her mother? Why? Answer:  The author’s mother had lost all her credit cards, and cash in the fire. Having lost  all proof of identity, she could not go and withdraw money from the bank. So in their  state of despair and severe crisis, it was her grandparents who helped them financially,  emotionally and physically.

Is it normal to feel lost and lonely in new surroundings?

Question:  Is it normal to feel lost and lonely in new surroundings? Answer:  It is normal for one to feel lost and depressed in unfamiliar surroundings. Just like  Zan did, when she moved from her junior school to the higher school. She felt detached  from everyone, and probably did not make an attempt to interact and communicate with  her peers as she should have. It needed a major tragedy to change the course of her  life.

What is the meaning of “My cat was back and so was I? Had the author gone anywhere? Why does she say that she is also back?

Question:  What is the meaning of “My cat was back and so was I? Had the author gone  anywhere? Why does she say that she is also back? Answer:  As the author sat with her friends and the cat curled up in her lap, all the  overwhelming feelings of loss and tragedy seemed to diminish. She felt grateful for her  life, her new found friends, the kindness of the lady, who rescued her cat, and the purr  of her beloved four legged friend, her cat. The line above means that she had secured  and recovered her original identity once more. She was once again the junior school girl  who loved life. She had not gone anywhere physically, but mentally had got lost in a  lonely world with depression as her only companion. With the arrival of her cat, she  feels that she has also come back to being herself in every sense.

How does the poet imagine her to be, after death? Does he think of her as a person living in a very happy state (a ‘heaven;)? Or does he see her now as a part of nature? In which lines of the poem do you find your answer?

Question:  How does the poet imagine her to be, after death? Does he think of her as a  person living in a very happy state (a ‘heaven;)? Or does he see her now as a part  of nature? In which lines of the poem do you find your answer? Answer:  The poet says that she is in a state where she cannot feel, hear or sense  anything. He does not say anything of her being in a happy state in heaven after her  death. It is with the nature that he feels she has blend with, “Rolled round in the earth’s  diurnal course, with rocks and stones and trees.

“A slumber did my spirit seal, says the poet. That is, a deep sleep ‘closed off’ his soul (or mind). How does the poet react to his loved one’s death? Does he feel bitter grief? Or does he feel a great peace?

Question:  “A slumber did my spirit seal, says the poet. That is, a deep sleep ‘closed off’  his soul (or mind). How does the poet react to his loved one’s death? Does he feel  bitter grief? Or does he feel a great peace? Answer:  The poet is totally shattered with the death of his loved one. He says that all along  he believed that no harm would come to her. He was a very strong person, but when  tragedy struck he could probably not handle the grief, and is not at peace with himself.

What actions of the schoolmates change the author’s understanding of life and people, and comfort her emotionally? How does her loneliness vanish and how does she start participating in life?

Question:  What actions of the schoolmates change the author’s understanding of life and  people, and comfort her emotionally? How does her loneliness vanish and how  does she start participating in life? Answer:  The author had gone to the school with a lot of bitterness and hesitation. She was  however in for a great surprise, when all her schoolmates had donated school supplies,  notebooks, and different kinds of clothes, when they got to know about the tragedy. Zan  was overwhelmed, and it felt like Christmas. It would not be wrong to say that the fire  had ironically brought a positive change in the child. She developed a better  understanding of life, and people. She gathered friends and began living life to its  fullest. The actions of her schoolmates created a very significant change in her.

The cat and the author are very fond of each other. How has this been shown in the story? Where was the cat after the fire? Who brings it back and how?

Question: The cat and the author are very fond of each other. How has this been shown in the story? Where was the cat after the fire? Who brings it back and how? Answer:  The author would go every day while the rubble was being cleared in the hope that she would find her vulnerable little kitten. She was recollecting their interaction every morning and missing her immensely. One day, as she sat with her friends on the curb, she noticed a lady coming up with a kitten in her hand. The author leapt up and grabbed her off the lady’s arms, and hugged her. The little one had run off because of the fire. The lady enquired, who the cat belonged to, and returned her to the rightful owner.

Why is the author deeply embarrassed the next day in school? Which words show her fear and insecurity?

Question: Why is the author deeply embarrassed the next day in school? Which words show her fear and insecurity? Answer:  The author and her mother had moved to their grandmother’s house after the tragedy. She had no clothes or shoes to wear as everything was swallowed by the fire. Her mother would not allow her to stay at home, so she went to school wearing clothes in which she looked weird. She felt embarrassed because of this, and also because she did not have a bag or books to work with. She expresses her insecurity by saying, “Was I destined to be an outcast and a geek all my life?.... I just wanted to curl up and die. All the security, she had known, had been ripped away.

Why does she break down in tears after the fire?

Question: Why does she break down in tears after the fire? Answer:  The author burst into tears, when she realised that her cat was no where to be seen. The loneliness, she experienced in her new school, the unfortunate fire, the sorrow of seeing one’s house being brought down to ashes, uncertainty of the future, and her missing cat, was too much for the teenager to bear. She burst into tears as she could not control her bursting emotions any more.

What does the author notice one Sunday afternoon? What is her mother’s reaction? What does she do?

Question: What does the author notice one Sunday afternoon? What is her mother’s reaction? What does she do? Answer:  One Sunday afternoon, while the author was sitting and doing her homework at the dining table, she smelled something strange and noticed smoke pouring in through the seams of the ceiling and began filling the room at great speed, and everything was engulfed in smoke, barring normal vision. The family got out on to the front yard. Her mother ran out with a small box that was full of important documents. She ran back again, probably to rescue the pictures of her dead husband. As for the author, she ran to the neighbour’s house to request them to call for the fire department.

Science wasn’t the only thing that appealed to the dashing young man with the walrus moustache. (interested, challenged, worried)

Here are some sentences from the story. Choose the word from the brackets which can be substituted for the italicised words in the sentences. Question:  Science wasn’t the only thing that appealed to the dashing young man with the walrus moustache. (interested, challenged, worried) Answer:  (vii) interested

Five years later, the discovery of nuclear fission in Berlin had American physicists in an uproar. (in a state of commotion, full of criticism, in a desperate state)

Here are some sentences from the story. Choose the word from the brackets which can be substituted for the italicised words in the sentences. Question:  Five years later, the discovery of nuclear fission in Berlin had American physicists in an uproar. (in a state of commotion, full of criticism, in a desperate state) Answer:  (vi) in a state of commotion

At the age of 15, Einstein felt so stifled that he left the school for good. (permanently, for his benefit, for a short time)

Here are some sentences from the story. Choose the word from the brackets which can be substituted for the italicised words in the sentences. Question:  At the age of 15, Einstein felt so stifled that he left the school for good. (permanently, for his benefit, for a short time) Answer:  (v) permanently

Einstein got ever more involved in politics, agitating for an end to the arms buildup. (campaigning, fighting, supporting)

Here are some sentences from the story. Choose the word from the brackets which can be substituted for the italicised words in the sentences. Question:  Einstein got ever more involved in politics, agitating for an end to the arms buildup.  (campaigning, fighting, supporting) Answer:  (iv) campaigning