Evans Tries An O-Level - English Core - Class XII - MCQs - Summary Q&A Solved

About the Author

Colin Dexter first saw the light of day in Stamford, Lincolnshire, where his parents, Alfred and Dorothy Dexter, welcomed him into the world. In his family constellation were an elder brother named John, who, like Colin, was a connoisseur of classics and taught the subject at The King's School in Peterborough. A sister by the name of Avril also graced the family. Alfred, the patriarch, operated a modest garage and taxi establishment located on Scotgate in Stamford.

Dexter's educational journey began at St. John's Infants School, followed by Bluecoat Junior School, where his academic prowess earned him a scholarship to Stamford School—a prestigious boys' public institution. It was here that he encountered M. J. K. Smith, renowned not only as England's international cricket captain but also as a prominent figure in international rugby.

The year 1996 brought recognition to Dexter in the form of a Macavity Award for his compelling short story "Evans Tries an O-Level." In 1980, he received the honor of becoming a member of the exclusive Detection Club through invitation only. An important milestone occurred in 2005 when Dexter was granted the distinction of being elected as a Fellow by Special Election at St Cross College, Oxford.

Dexter's contributions to literature were acknowledged in 2000 with the bestowal of an Officer of the Order of the British Empire title. The year 2001 further added to his accolades as he was granted the esteemed Freedom of the City of Oxford. September 2011 marked a notable occasion, as the University of Lincoln conferred upon Dexter an honorary Doctor of Letters degree—a testament to his influence and achievements.

Theme

The story "Evans Tries an 'O' Level" centers around a clever plan orchestrated by a prisoner. This prisoner pretends to be participating in a language exam while actually using it as a ruse to carry out a daring escape from prison. What's noteworthy is that even though the prisoner gets caught in the process, he still manages to outwit his captors and ultimately succeeds in making his escape. This adds an element of irony to the situation, as the prisoner's escape becomes a surprising twist despite the obstacles he faces.

Justification of the Title

In the narrative, the term "O-Level" pertains to a fundamental examination. This specific test serves as the focal point of Evans' triumphant escape. It's under the pretext of participating in the O-level exam for the German language that Evans strategizes and effectively carries out his successful getaway.

Characters

1. The secretary of the examinations board.
2. The Governor of the H.M. Prison Oxford.
3. James Roderick Evans (Popularly known as Evans the break, the protagonist of the story) and a prisoner.
4. Mr Stephens, a Prison Officer
5. Mr Jackson, a Prison Officer
6. Stuart McLerry- An Invigilator (Parson)
7. Mr Carter – Detective Superintendent
8. Mr Bell- Detective Chief Inspector

Summary of "Evans Tries an O-Level" by Colin Dexter:

The story revolves around James Evans, a cunning prisoner at Oxford Prison, known for his multiple escape attempts. He expresses a desire to take the O-Level exam in German, raising suspicion among the prison authorities. The prison governor, determined to prevent Evans from using the exam as an opportunity to escape, takes several precautions, including strict surveillance and frisking the invigilator, Reverend Stuart McLeery.

However, despite these measures, Evans manages to pull off a brilliant escape. Disguised as McLeery, who was supposedly injured, Evans tricks the prison officers into believing he was the invigilator. The real McLeery is found bound and gagged later. The authorities are misled into chasing after false clues, and Evans successfully escapes.

In a twist, the governor later finds Evans at a hotel, but due to a final oversight, Evans manages to escape again, this time with the help of his friends. The story ends with Evans getting the last laugh as he escapes once more.

"Evans Tries an O-Level" की हिंदी में कहानी सारांश:

कहानी ऑक्सफ़ोर्ड जेल के कैदी जेम्स इवांस के बारे में है, जो अपने कई बार जेल से भागने के लिए जाना जाता है। इवांस ओ-लेवल की जर्मन परीक्षा देने की इच्छा व्यक्त करता है, जिससे जेल अधिकारियों को संदेह होता है। जेल अधीक्षक उसकी परीक्षा के दौरान भागने से रोकने के लिए कड़े इंतजाम करते हैं, जिसमें इवांस के सेल की निगरानी और परीक्षा कक्ष में माइक्रोफोन लगाने जैसी व्यवस्था शामिल है।

हालांकि, सभी एहतियातों के बावजूद, इवांस एक होशियारी से तैयार की गई योजना के तहत सफलतापूर्वक भाग जाता है। वह परीक्षा निरीक्षक स्टुअर्ट मैक्लीरी का वेश धारण करता है और खुद को घायल दिखाता है। जेल के अधिकारी उसे असली निरीक्षक समझकर उसे बाहर ले जाते हैं। असली मैक्लीरी बाद में बंधा हुआ पाया जाता है।

कहानी के अंत में, जब जेल अधीक्षक इवांस को एक होटल में पकड़ता है, तो वह फिर से एक गलती करता है जिससे इवांस दोबारा भागने में सफल हो जाता है। कहानी इवांस की होशियारी और अंतिम हंसी के साथ समाप्त होती है।

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"Evans Tries an O-Level" کا اردو میں خلاصہ:

یہ کہانی جیمز ایوانز کی ہے، جو آکسفورڈ جیل کا ایک چالاک قیدی ہے، جو کئی بار جیل سے فرار ہو چکا ہے۔ وہ او-لیول کی جرمن امتحان دینے کی خواہش ظاہر کرتا ہے، جس پر جیل کے حکام کو شبہ ہوتا ہے۔ جیل کے گورنر ایوانز کی امتحان کے دوران نگرانی کے لیے سخت احتیاطی تدابیر اپناتے ہیں، جیسے کہ اس کے سیل کی نگرانی اور امتحان کے کمرے میں مائیکروفون نصب کرنا۔

تاہم، ایوانز بڑی ہوشیاری سے تیار کی گئی ایک منصوبہ بندی کے تحت کامیابی سے فرار ہو جاتا ہے۔ وہ امتحان کے انویجیلیٹر سٹیورٹ میکلری کا بہروپ اختیار کرتا ہے اور خود کو زخمی ظاہر کرتا ہے۔ جیل کے حکام اسے اصل انویجیلیٹر سمجھ کر باہر لے جاتے ہیں۔ بعد میں اصل میکلری کو باندھا ہوا پایا جاتا ہے۔

کہانی کے آخر میں، جب جیل کا گورنر ایوانز کو ایک ہوٹل میں پکڑتا ہے، تو وہ ایک بار پھر غلطی کرتا ہے، اور ایوانز دوبارہ فرار ہونے میں کامیاب ہو جاتا ہے۔ کہانی ایوانز کی چالاکی اور آخری کامیابی کے ساتھ ختم ہوتی ہے۔

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Comprehension Questions and Answers:

1. What kind of person was Evans?

   • Evans was a clever and cunning prisoner known for his multiple escapes. Despite appearing harmless, he was a master at manipulating situations to his advantage. His knack for escaping earned him the nickname "Evans the Break."

2. What precautions were taken for the smooth conduct of the examination?

   • The prison authorities took several precautions to prevent Evans from escaping. His cell was thoroughly checked, officers were posted nearby, and even the invigilator, Reverend McLeery, was frisked before entering the cell. A microphone was also placed in Evans's cell to allow the Governor to listen to the proceedings.

3. How did Evans escape from the prison?

   • Evans cleverly disguised himself as Reverend McLeery after incapacitating the real invigilator. He faked an injury, convincing the prison officers to help him leave the prison under the guise of taking him to the hospital. The prison staff failed to recognize the impersonation, allowing Evans to escape.

4. What could the Governor have done to securely bring back Evans to prison when he caught him at the Golden Lion?

   • The Governor could have taken stricter measures, such as ensuring that Evans was handcuffed securely and personally overseeing his transport back to the prison. Instead, his lack of caution and overconfidence allowed Evans to escape once again.

5. Reflecting on the story, what did you feel about Evans’ having the last laugh?

   • Evans' final escape, despite the Governor’s efforts, emphasizes his cunning nature and intelligence. While the Governor had moments of victory, his underestimation of Evans led to his failure, allowing Evans to have the last laugh.

6. When Stephens comes back to the cell, he jumps to a conclusion, and the whole machinery blindly goes by his assumption. Does this show how hasty conjectures can prevent one from seeing the obvious?

   • Yes, Stephens' assumption that the injured man was McLeery, without verifying his identity, demonstrates how hasty decisions can lead to serious consequences. Evans had anticipated this negligence, using it to his advantage.

7. While we condemn the crime, we are sympathetic to the criminal. Is this the reason why prison staff often develop a soft corner for those in custody?

   • Prison staff might develop a soft corner for prisoners due to prolonged interactions and understanding of their circumstances. However, this sympathy can sometimes cloud their judgment, as seen with the Governor, who underestimated Evans' capacity for escape.

8. Do you agree that between crime and punishment, it is mainly a battle of wits?

   • Yes, in this story, the entire episode is a battle of wits between Evans and the prison authorities. Evans outsmarts the system through his clever planning, while the authorities, despite their efforts, fail to anticipate his ingenuity.

 Multiple Choice Question and Extract Base Questions on 'Evans Tries an O-Level

Class 6 Coursebook 6 Unit 4 Dignity of Work - Solved

The solution to Page 76

A. Who does the following for you? Can you name them?

• Cooks your meals for you: Mother / Cook
• Does your laundry: Parent / Laundry worker
• Cleans your house: Housekeeper / Domestic worker
• Sweeps/cleans your classroom: School cleaner / Janitor
• Cleans your washroom in school: School cleaner
• Guards your school (offers security): Security guard

B. Choose one of the names you have written in the table above.

(For example, you could write "School cleaner.")

C. Imagine you are that person and answer these questions.

1. How do the people you work for treat you?
   Sometimes they treat me kindly, but they often ignore me.

2. Do you like what you do?
   Yes, I like keeping the place clean and safe for everyone.

3. Why do you do it?
   I do it because it is my job, and it helps support my family.

D. Think of one thing you can do for this person to make his/her job easier.

• Keep the classroom clean and avoid littering to reduce the cleaner's workload.

How to Write a Report – Format, Topics, and Samples

What is Report Writing?

Report writing is a formal method of communication used to present information systematically and succinctly. It aims to convey findings, opinions, or data from various sources to a specific audience, ensuring the information is clear, accurate, and relevant.

Types of Reports:

1. Newspaper Report: Focuses on an event, incident, or issue of public interest.

2. Magazine Report: A more detailed and analytical version, usually covering a topic or event in depth.

3. School Report: A concise, formal account of an academic or extracurricular activity or event.

Report Writing Format:

When writing a report, it’s important to follow a structured format:

1. Heading/Title:

• Should be brief and eye-catching.
• Must convey the essence of the report.

2. Byline:

• This indicates the author of the report.
• Do not include personal information like roll numbers or class unless required.

3. Introduction/Lead Paragraph:

• The first paragraph should introduce the event, place, time, and other relevant details.
• It sets the tone and provides the context for the reader.

4. Body of the Report:

• This section provides more details regarding the event or topic.
• Follow a logical order and ensure the facts are accurate.
• Mention key participants, actions, and outcomes.
• You can break the body into multiple paragraphs for clarity and coherence.

5. Conclusion:

• Summarize the key points of the report.
• If applicable, suggest future actions or consequences.

6. Facts and Data:

• Incorporate statistical data, quotes, or factual information that support your report.

Sample Report Topics:

1. School Events:

Example: Annual Sports Day, Science Fair, Debate Competition

2. Accidents and Disasters:

Example: Road Accident, Fire Breakout, Floods

3. Social Issues:

Example: Increasing Air Pollution, Water Scarcity, Poverty

4. Current Affairs:

Example: Elections, New Government Policies, International Summit

Sample Report (School Event):

Title: Annual Sports Day Celebrated at ABC School

By: XYZ, Class 12

The Annual Sports Day of ABC School was held on September 25, 2024, with great enthusiasm and zeal. The event commenced at 9 AM on the school grounds, where the students, teachers, and parents gathered in large numbers.

The chief guest, Mr. Arun Prakash, an eminent sports personality, inaugurated the event with a brief motivational speech. Students from all grades participated in various sports competitions, including track and field events, basketball, and cricket matches.

The highlight of the day was the 100-meter sprint, in which Saurabh from Class 11 won first place. The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, where the winners were felicitated by the chief guest.

The event was a grand success, thanks to the efforts of the sports faculty and student volunteers. It reinforced the spirit of teamwork and healthy competition among the students.

Class 7 Workbook Unit 4 Birds and Animals

Table of Content

• Page 42
• Page 43
• Page 44
• Page 45
• Page 46
• Page 47
• Page 48
• Page 50

The Solution to Page 42

Let's solve these sentence joining exercises:

1. Go to your class after the assembly is over.

2. Always wash your hands before you have your meals.

3. She danced while the band played some lilting music.

4. The children were excited when the helicopter landed on the roof of the school.

5. The alarm bell will go on ringing until you switch it off.

6. We went for a walk as soon as it stopped raining.

Unit 1 A Bottle of Dew Q&A Solved - Class 6 Textbook Poorvi

Let Us Discuss (Part 1)

1. What did Rama Natha believe?
   
   ANSWER:
   Rama Natha believed that there was a magic potion that could turn any object into gold.
   
   
2. How did the sage help Rama Natha?
   
   ANSWER:
   The sage told Rama Natha that he could make the magic potion by collecting five litres of dew from banana plants during winter. He also said that he would chant magic words to turn the dew into the potion.
   
   
3. Do you think Rama Natha will be able to collect the dew? Give a reason.
   
   ANSWER:
   It will be very hard for Rama Natha to collect the dew because winter is short, and collecting five litres of dew will take many years.
   
   

Let us discuss (Part 2)

1. Why was Rama Natha angry?
   
   ANSWER:
   Rama Natha was angry because the magic potion did not work, and he felt he had wasted six years of his life collecting dew.
   
   
2. How did Rama Natha and Madhumati create wealth?
   
   ANSWER:
   Rama Natha and Madhumati created wealth by working hard on their banana plantation. They grew many banana plants and sold the bananas in the market, which helped them earn money over the years.

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Read the following lines and answer the questions that follow.

(a) He spent all his time to learn about the magic potion. People cheated him often, promising to tell him about it, but he did not give up. His wife, Madhumati, was tired of this and also worried because she saw how much money Rama Natha was spending. She was sure that soon they would be without money.

(i) Complete the sentence with a suitable reason.

Rama Natha did not ‘give up’ because he believed in the magic potion and wanted to learn how to make it.

(ii) Read the column which shows ‘what happened’ and write the correct outcome in the next column.

What Happened	Outcome
a. People promised to tell Rama Natha about the magic potion.	a. Rama Natha was cheated.
b. Rama Natha was spending a lot of money.	b. Madhumati was worried they would run out of money.

(iii) Write whether the following statements are True or False.
a. Madhumati was troubled about what her husband did. — True
b. Rama Natha was very happy digging his fields. — False
c. The sage wanted to show the right path to Rama Natha. — True

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(b) Carefully, he took the bottle to the sage. The sage smiled and muttered something over the water. Then he returned the bottle and said, “Try it out.” Rama Natha sprinkled a few drops on a copper vessel and waited for it to turn to gold. To his surprise nothing happened!

(i) Choose the option that lists the events given below in the correct order.

1. a, e, d, b, c
2. b, a, d, c, e
3. c, d, a, b, e
4. a, d, b, e, c

Correct answer: 2 (b, a, d, c, e)

(ii) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the lines given above.
Seeing that the plant had dried up, the gardener sprinkled some water on it.

(iii) How might Rama Natha have felt when nothing happened to the copper vessel?
Rama Natha probably felt disappointed and angry when nothing happened to the copper vessel because he expected the water to turn it into gold.

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Let us learn

1. Use the words correctly to complete the paragraph given below. There are two extra words in the box that you do not need.

There was a farmer who had a huge coconut plantation. He worked hard and did not depend on luck. Every day was difficult but he did not give up. One day, a man bought a bag of coconuts from him and promised to pay him the money the next day. Days passed, and the man did not pay him anything. The farmer felt cheated. About two months later, he met the same man and asked him about his money. The man said, “Oh! I had forgotten. Now, I remember buying coconuts from you.” And he paid the money.

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2. Complete the meanings of the words in Column B.

Column A	Column B	Meaning of words in Column B
I	eye	A part of your body used to see things
your	you’re	short form of ‘you are’
dew	due	happening at some time in the future
son	sun	the star that gives light to the Earth
one	won	past tense of win
ate	eight	the number after seven
see	sea	large body of salt water

3. Choose four pairs of homophones from the table above, and write a sentence for each pair.

1. I can see the boats in the sea.
2. The sun is shining bright while my son is playing outside.
3. You’re very kind to share your food with me.
4. He won the race by just one second.

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Let us speak

1. Words with 's' sound:

• beds = /z/
• sand = /s/
• clothes = /z/
• sea = /s/
• was = /z/
• keys = /z/
• bags = /z/
• nose = /z/

20 MCQs on Poem 'How to Tell Wild Animals' with Answer - Class 10 NCERT Solution

20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the poem, covering comprehension aspects such as inferential, factual, vocabulary, and literary devices

Factual Questions:

1. Which animal is described as "large and tawny"?
   a) Bengal Tiger
   b) Asian Lion
   c) Leopard
   d) Bear
   Answer: b) Asian Lion

2. What will help you identify a Bengal Tiger?
   a) Its roar
   b) Its noble appearance
   c) Black stripes on a yellow ground
   d) Its large size
   Answer: c) Black stripes on a yellow ground

3. Which animal is known for hugging very hard?
   a) Leopard
   b) Crocodile
   c) Bear
   d) Hyena
   Answer: c) Bear

4. How can you tell a Crocodile from a Hyena?
   a) By their size
   b) Hyenas smile; Crocodiles cry
   c) Hyenas roar; Crocodiles are silent
   d) Crocodiles are larger than Hyenas
   Answer: b) Hyenas smile; Crocodiles cry

5. What feature does the Chameleon lack?
   a) Eyes
   b) Ears and wings
   c) Tail
   d) Spots
   Answer: b) Ears and wings

Vocabulary Questions:

6. What does the word "tawny" in the poem most closely mean?
   a) Green
   b) Brownish-yellow
   c) Black
   d) White
   Answer: b) Brownish-yellow

7. What is the meaning of "discern" as used in the line "The Bengal Tiger to discern"?
   a) Escape
   b) Notice
   c) Capture
   d) Fear
   Answer: b) Notice

8. In the line "’Twill do no good to roar with pain," what does "'Twill" mean?
   a) It is
   b) They will
   c) It will
   d) She will
   Answer: c) It will

9. What does the word "nonplus" mean in the context of the poem?
   a) To confuse
   b) To amaze
   c) To frighten
   d) To challenge
   Answer: a) To confuse

10. The phrase "peppered with spots" refers to which animal?
    a) Bengal Tiger
    b) Leopard
    c) Chameleon
    d) Asian Lion
    Answer: b) Leopard

Inferential Questions:

11. What is implied when the poet says, "If he roars at you as you’re dyin’"?
    a) The lion roars after attacking its prey.
    b) The lion roars to scare people away.
    c) The lion roars to protect its territory.
    d) The lion is a gentle creature.
    Answer: a) The lion roars after attacking its prey.

12. What can be inferred about the Leopard from the line "He’ll only lep and lep again"?
    a) The Leopard attacks multiple times.
    b) The Leopard flees after one attack.
    c) The Leopard is weak.
    d) The Leopard is friendly.
    Answer: a) The Leopard attacks multiple times.

13. Why does the poet suggest "If they weep they’re Crocodiles"?
    a) Crocodiles are known to cry when eating.
    b) Crocodiles are emotional animals.
    c) Crocodiles and hyenas cry in the same way.
    d) Crocodiles weep to show sadness.
    Answer: a) Crocodiles are known to cry when eating.

14. Why would meeting a Chameleon be tricky, as described in the poem?
    a) It moves too fast to see.
    b) It blends perfectly into its surroundings.
    c) It flies away quickly.
    d) It hides in water.
    Answer: b) It blends perfectly into its surroundings.

15. What does the poet mean by "If there is nothing on the tree, ’Tis the chameleon you see"?
    a) The tree is empty.
    b) The chameleon has camouflaged so well that it's invisible.
    c) The chameleon has left the tree.
    d) The chameleon is hiding behind the tree.
    Answer: b) The chameleon has camouflaged so well that it's invisible.

Literary Devices Questions:

16. Which poetic device is used in "If he roars at you as you’re dyin’"?
    a) Simile
    b) Alliteration
    c) Personification
    d) Rhyme
    Answer: d) Rhyme

17. What literary device is used in the line "A noble wild beast greets you"?
    a) Simile
    b) Metaphor
    c) Irony
    d) Hyperbole
    Answer: b) Metaphor

18. Identify the rhyme scheme of the first stanza.
    a) ABAB
    b) AABB
    c) ABCD
    d) ABBA
    Answer: a) ABAB

19. The phrase "peppered with spots" is an example of which literary device?
    a) Simile
    b) Alliteration
    c) Imagery
    d) Hyperbole
    Answer: c) Imagery

20. What is the tone of the poem?
    a) Serious
    b) Humorous
    c) Sad
    d) Angry
    Answer: b) Humorous

Simple line by line explanation of 'A Lecture upon the Shadow' by John Donne

Here’s a simple explanation, line by line, for John Donne’s poem "A Lecture upon the Shadow":

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Stand still, and I will read to thee
A lecture, love, in love's philosophy.

• Stop for a moment, and I will give you a lesson about love.

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These three hours that we have spent,
Walking here, two shadows went
Along with us, which we ourselves produc'd.

• In the last three hours, as we walked together, we saw two shadows following us, created by our own bodies.

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But, now the sun is just above our head,
We do those shadows tread,
And to brave clearness all things are reduc'd.

• Now the sun is directly overhead, so the shadows are beneath our feet, and everything around us is clear and bright.

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So whilst our infant loves did grow,
Disguises did, and shadows, flow
From us, and our cares; but now 'tis not so.

• When our love was young and growing, we had hidden feelings and pretended (represented by shadows), but now those are gone.

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That love has not attain'd the high'st degree,
Which is still diligent lest others see.

• Love hasn't reached its highest point if it still worries about being seen or judged by others.

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Except our loves at this noon stay,
We shall new shadows make the other way.

• If our love doesn't stay perfect at this midday moment, new shadows (doubts or problems) will appear in the other direction.

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As the first were made to blind
Others, these which come behind
Will work upon ourselves, and blind our eyes.

• The first shadows were meant to hide things from others, but now the new shadows will deceive us, confusing our own judgment.

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If our loves faint, and westwardly decline,
To me thou, falsely, thine,
And I to thee mine actions shall disguise.

• If our love weakens and starts to fade (like the sun setting), you will act falsely towards me, and I will hide my true feelings from you.

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The morning shadows wear away,
But these grow longer all the day;
But oh, love's day is short, if love decay.

• Morning shadows disappear as the sun rises, but as the day goes on, shadows grow longer, and if love fades, its "day" is short.

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Love is a growing, or full constant light,
And his first minute, after noon, is night.

• Love should be like the light that grows stronger or remains steady. But if it starts to fade after reaching its peak (noon), it quickly turns into darkness (night).

 

8. Reach for the Top - Part 2 - Maria Sharapova - Beehive - Class 9 - English - Q&A Solved

Summary

The passage about Maria Sharapova highlights her journey to becoming the world’s number one tennis player. Born in Siberia, Maria moved to the United States at a young age to pursue her tennis career. This decision required her to endure significant hardships, including a two-year separation from her mother and dealing with loneliness and tough training conditions. Despite these challenges, Maria’s determination and mental toughness helped her rise rapidly in the competitive world of tennis. By 2005, she had reached the pinnacle of her sport, driven by a strong desire to succeed and an unwavering focus on her goals. Although she speaks with an American accent, Maria proudly identifies as Russian and remains committed to representing her country. Her story is one of sacrifice, hard work, and relentless ambition, showing that success in tennis—and in life—comes at a price, but it is a price Maria was willing to pay.

Thinking about the Text

1. Their humble beginning

   • Santosh Yadav: "She was born in a society where the birth of a son was celebrated, but not that of a daughter."
   • Maria Sharapova: "When you come from nothing and you have nothing, then it makes you very hungry and determined."

2. Their parents’ approach

   • Santosh Yadav: "Her parents reluctantly agreed to send her to school when she threatened to never get married."
   • Maria Sharapova: "Little Maria had not yet celebrated her tenth birthday when she was packed off to train in the United States."

3. Their willpower and strong desire to succeed

   • Santosh Yadav: "She left home and got herself enrolled in a school in Delhi."
   • Maria Sharapova: "I never thought of quitting because I knew what I wanted."

4. Evidence of their mental toughness

   • Santosh Yadav: "She decided to fight the system when the right moment arrived."
   • Maria Sharapova: "Instead of letting that depress me, I became more quietly determined and mentally tough."

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Thinking about Language

I. Identify the two parts in the sentences:

1. Where other girls wore traditional Indian dresses, Santosh preferred shorts.

   • (Contrasts her dress with that of others)

2. She left home and got herself enrolled in a school in Delhi.

   • (Tells us what happened after the first action.)

3. She decided to fight the system when the right moment arrived.

   • (Tells us when she was going to fight the system.)

4. Little Maria had not yet celebrated her tenth birthday when she was packed off to train in the United States.

   • (Tells us when Maria was sent to the U.S.)

---

II. Rewrite the pairs of sentences as one sentence:

1. Grandfather told me about the old days when all books were printed on paper.

2. Perhaps you just throw the book away after you finish it.

3. He gave the little girl an apple while he took the computer apart.

4. Having nothing makes you very determined.

5. I never thought of quitting because I knew what I wanted.

---

Speaking

If you were to deliver a motivational speech as Maria Sharapova at an All India Girls’ Athletic Meet, you might say:

"Dear young athletes, I stand before you today not just as a champion but as someone who has faced challenges and hardships just like many of you. I know what it means to sacrifice, to be lonely, and to push through pain and discouragement. But I also know the power of determination, confidence, and self-belief. Never let anyone tell you that you can't achieve your dreams. Be sure of yourself, believe in your abilities, and let no defeat demoralize you. Remember, the road to success is paved with challenges, but it is your unwavering desire to succeed that will lead you to victory. Dream big, work hard, and stay true to yourself. The world is yours to conquer." 

10 Multiple Choice Questions on Maria Sharapova

1. What significant achievement did Maria Sharapova reach on 22 August 2005?

a) Winning her first Grand Slam

b) Becoming the world’s number one in women’s tennis

c) Winning an Olympic gold medal

d) Moving to the United States for training

Answer: b) Becoming the world’s number one in women’s tennis

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2. How long did it take Maria Sharapova to become a world-class tennis player after turning professional?

a) Four years

b) Nine years

c) Two years

d) Five years

Answer: a) Four years

---

3. What was the primary reason Maria Sharapova moved to the United States as a child?

a) To pursue a better education

b) To receive specialized tennis training

c) To escape harsh living conditions in Siberia

d) To reunite with her father

Answer: b) To receive specialized tennis training

---

4. Which of the following best describes Maria Sharapova's attitude towards the challenges she faced during her early years in tennis?

a) Depressed and discouraged

b) Quietly determined and mentally tough

c) Confused and uncertain

d) Reluctant and hesitant

Answer: b) Quietly determined and mentally tough

---

5. Why was Maria Sharapova separated from her mother for two years?

a) Her mother was not supportive of her tennis career.

b) Her mother stayed back in Siberia due to visa issues.

c) Her parents were divorced.

d) Her mother was training in a different country.

Answer: b) Her mother stayed back in Siberia due to visa issues.

---

6. What lesson did Maria Sharapova learn early in life about achieving tennis excellence?

a) It requires natural talent and luck.

b) It comes at a price, involving sacrifices.

c) It can be achieved easily with enough money.

d) It is impossible without family support.

Answer: b) It comes at a price, involving sacrifices.

---

7. What does Maria Sharapova mean when she says, "I would have put up with much more humiliation and insults than that to steadfastly pursue my dream"?

a) She was willing to endure any challenge to achieve her goals.

b) She did not face any difficulties in her career.

c) She enjoyed the hardships she encountered.

d) She considered quitting several times.

Answer: a) She was willing to endure any challenge to achieve her goals.

---

8. Despite having a pronounced American accent, how does Maria Sharapova identify herself?

a) As an American

b) As a Russian

c) As a European

d) As a global citizen

Answer: b) As a Russian

---

9. Which of the following best reflects Maria Sharapova’s attitude towards money?

a) It is the most important aspect of her career.

b) It is a motivation but not the main focus.

c) She is indifferent to it.

d) She believes it is unimportant in tennis.

Answer: b) It is a motivation but not the main focus.

---

10. What can be inferred about Maria Sharapova’s personality based on her journey and achievements?

a) She is easily discouraged by challenges.

b) She is focused, resilient, and determined.

c) She is more interested in fashion than tennis.

d) She lacks a clear sense of identity.

Answer: b) She is focused, resilient, and determined.

8. Reach for the Top - Part 1 - Santosh Yadav - Summary, Explanation & Q&A Solved - Beehive Class 9 NCERT English

Table of Content

1. Summary of Reach for the Top - Part 1 - Santosh Yadav
2. Thinking About the Text (Q&A)
3. 20 Multiple Choice Questions on 'Santosh Yadav'

Part 1 Santosh Yadav

Summary

The passage describes the inspiring journey of Santosh Yadav, the first woman in the world to scale Mount Everest twice. Born in a conservative society in Haryana where daughters were often not welcomed, Santosh defied traditional norms from a young age, choosing her own path in life. Determined to pursue education, she left home at sixteen when pressured to marry, enrolling herself in a school in Delhi despite her parents' initial resistance. Her passion for mountaineering began in college when she joined a group of climbers in the Aravalli Hills. With her strong will, physical endurance, and mental toughness, Santosh rapidly excelled in mountaineering, eventually becoming the youngest woman to climb Everest at the age of twenty. She displayed remarkable concern for her teammates during her expeditions, and her environmental consciousness was evident when she collected 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas. Her achievements earned her the Padmashri award and a unique place in the history of mountaineering.

 Thinking about the Text

I. Answer these questions in one or two sentences each.

1. Why was the ‘holy man’ who gave Santosh’s mother his blessings surprised? (1)
   The ‘holy man’ was surprised because Santosh's grandmother told him that they did not want a son, which was unusual in their society where sons were generally preferred.

2. Give an example to show that even as a young girl Santosh was not ready to accept anything unreasonable. (2)
   Santosh wore shorts instead of the traditional Indian dresses worn by other girls, showing she was determined to live life on her own terms.

3. Why was Santosh sent to the local school? (3)
   Santosh was sent to the local school because it was the prevailing custom in her family, despite her parents being affluent enough to send her to a better school in New Delhi.

4. When did she leave home for Delhi, and why? (4)
   Santosh left home for Delhi when she was sixteen because she wanted a proper education and refused to get married at an early age.

5. Why did Santosh’s parents agree to pay for her schooling in Delhi? What mental qualities of Santosh are brought into light by this incident? (4)
   Santosh’s parents agreed to pay for her schooling when she informed them that she would work part-time to fund her education. This incident highlights her determination and independence.

---

II. Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (about 30 words).

1. How did Santosh begin to climb mountains?
   Santosh began climbing mountains when she saw mountaineers from her hostel room and decided to join them. She was encouraged by their positive response and soon developed a passion for mountaineering.

2. What incidents during the Everest expedition show Santosh’s concern for her teammates?
   During the Everest expedition, Santosh tried to save a dying climber and shared her oxygen with another, Mohan Singh, showing her deep concern and selflessness towards her teammates.

3. What shows her concern for the environment?
   Santosh showed her concern for the environment by collecting and bringing down 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas during her expeditions.

4. How does she describe her feelings at the summit of the Everest?
   Santosh described her feelings at the summit as indescribable and spiritual. She felt immense pride as an Indian when she unfurled the Indian tricolour at the top of the world.

5. Santosh Yadav got into the record books both times she scaled Mt Everest. What were the reasons for this?
   Santosh set records by becoming the youngest woman to scale Everest at barely twenty and the first woman to climb it twice, securing a unique place in mountaineering history.

---

III. Complete the following statements.

1. From her room in Kasturba Hostel, Santosh used to watch villagers going up the Aravalli Hills and disappearing after a while.
2. When she finished college, Santosh had to write a letter of apology to her father because she had enrolled in a mountaineering course at Uttarkashi without his permission.
3. During the Everest expedition, her seniors in the team admired her climbing skills, physical fitness, and mental strength while her concern for others endeared her to fellow climbers.

---

IV. Pick out words from the text that mean the same as the following words or expressions. (Look in the paragraphs indicated.)

1. took to be true without proof (1): assumed
2. based on reason; sensible; reasonable (2): rational
3. the usual way of doing things (3): custom
4. a strong desire arising from within (5): urge
5. the power to endure, without falling ill (7): endurance

20 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) based on Part 1 'Reach for the Top'

1. What is Santosh Yadav known for?
   a) Being the first woman pilot in India
   b) Being the first woman to climb Mount Everest
   c) Being the first woman to climb Mount Everest twice
   d) Being the youngest woman to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
   Key: c

2. Where was Santosh Yadav born?
   a) New Delhi
   b) Rewari District, Haryana
   c) Jaipur, Rajasthan
   d) Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
   Key: b

3. What unusual wish did Santosh's grandmother express to the holy man?
   a) She wanted twins
   b) She wanted a daughter instead of a son
   c) She wanted wealth for her family
   d) She wanted a son with good health
   Key: b

4. How many brothers does Santosh Yadav have?
   a) Four
   b) Six
   c) Five
   d) Three
   Key: c

5. Why did Santosh choose to wear shorts instead of traditional dresses?
   a) To conform to societal norms
   b) Because it was comfortable for mountaineering
   c) To assert her independence and reject traditional norms
   d) Because her family forced her to
   Key: c

6. Why was Santosh initially sent to a local school?
   a) Her family couldn't afford better schools
   b) It was the custom in her family
   c) She didn't want to leave her village
   d) There were no other schools nearby
   Key: b

7. At what age did Santosh leave home to pursue her education in Delhi?
   a) Fifteen
   b) Eighteen
   c) Sixteen
   d) Seventeen
   Key: c

8. What did Santosh threaten to do if she was not allowed to pursue education?
   a) She would never marry
   b) She would run away from home
   c) She would climb Everest
   d) She would refuse to eat
   Key: a

9. How did Santosh fund her education when her parents refused to pay?
   a) She received a scholarship
   b) She worked part-time
   c) She borrowed money from friends
   d) She sold her belongings
   Key: b

10. What inspired Santosh to take up mountaineering?
    a) Watching a documentary on Everest
    b) Observing villagers climbing the Aravalli Hills
    c) Reading about mountaineering in a book
    d) Her father’s encouragement
    Key: b

11. Where did Santosh receive her mountaineering training?
    a) Himalaya Institute
    b) Aravalli Institute of Mountaineering
    c) Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi
    d) Mount Everest Base Camp
    Key: c

12. What was Santosh’s achievement at the age of twenty?
    a) Completing her education in Delhi
    b) Becoming the first woman to fly a plane
    c) Becoming the youngest woman to climb Mount Everest
    d) Leading a mountaineering expedition
    Key: c

13. During her Everest expedition, how did Santosh display her concern for her teammates?
    a) By cooking for them
    b) By sharing her oxygen with a fellow climber
    c) By carrying extra supplies
    d) By arranging for medical assistance
    Key: b

14. Which climber did Santosh save during her Everest expedition?
    a) Mohan Singh
    b) Tenzing Norgay
    c) Edmund Hillary
    d) Ang Dorjee
    Key: a

15. What did Santosh do to contribute to environmental conservation during her expeditions?
    a) Planted trees on the mountain slopes
    b) Built shelters for animals
    c) Collected and brought down 500 kilograms of garbage
    d) Organized clean-up drives in her village
    Key: c

16. What honor did the Indian government bestow upon Santosh Yadav for her achievements?
    a) Bharat Ratna
    b) Padma Shri
    c) Arjuna Award
    d) Param Vir Chakra
    Key: b

17. How did Santosh describe her feelings when she was at the summit of Mount Everest?
    a) Fearful
    b) Exhausted
    c) Indescribable and spiritual
    d) Lonely
    Key: c

18. What record did Santosh set with her second climb of Mount Everest?
    a) First woman to reach the summit without oxygen
    b) First woman to climb Everest twice
    c) First Indian woman to climb Everest
    d) Fastest climb of Everest by a woman
    Key: b

19. What motivated Santosh to challenge traditional customs and pursue her own path?
    a) The support of her family
    b) Her rational and determined nature
    c) Financial incentives
    d) Peer pressure
    Key: b

20. What does the name "Santosh" mean?
    a) Courage
    b) Contentment
    c) Ambition
    d) Strength
    Key: b

Unit 3 Against All Odds page by page solution - Workbook 6 - New Learning to Communicate

Page 29: Present Perfect Tense

A. Fill in the blanks in these short news items with the present perfect form of the verbs given in brackets.

1. M. Sreeshankar has jumped (jump) a massive 8.28m at a training camp for long jumpers.
2. Tejaswin Shankar has cleared (clear) a height of 2.29m in the high jump. He has been (be) a student of Kansas State University, USA.
3. Jinson Johnson has run (run) faster than any other Indian in the 1500m this year. He has performed (perform) creditably in the 800m too.

Page 30:

4. Neeraj Chopra has thrown (throw) the javelin further than any other Indian. He has beaten (beat) the best javelin throwers in Asia with ease.
5. Hima Das has clinched (clinch) the silver medal in the 400m at the 2018 Asian Games. She and Dutee Chand have emerged (emerge) as India’s best sprinters.

B. Use the correct adverb forms of the words given in brackets and complete these sentences.

1. Ravi has hurt his wrist so he is writing rather slowly (slow).
2. All our plans are going smoothly (smooth).
3. The NCC cadet marched smartly (smart) up to the dais and received the trophy.

Page 31:

4. Sheela announced publicly (public) that she was resigning.
5. Test cricketers traditionally (tradition) wear white when they play.

Exercise C:

Complete the conversation with the correct words chosen from the box.

• C: Honestly, I found it difficult to sit through the performance! She danced so clumsily and carelessly.
• L: I don’t know how you can say that! I think she danced gracefully and rhythmically. I don’t think you really know Indian classical dance.

Exercise D:

Fill in the blanks in the sentences with appropriate pairs of adverbs from the box.

1. Meenakshi always expresses her opinions frankly and freely. She is not afraid of anyone.
   
   

Page 32:

2. Shireen speaks English fluently and correctly. No wonder she won a prize in the elocution contest!
3. What a wonderful singer Rafi was! He sang so sweetly and melodiously.
4. Shikhar needs to improve his batting technique. At present he is batting rather awkwardly and stiffly.
5. Slowly and steadily, Nasreen has worked her way to the top of the organization.
6. On the eve of his retirement, the General thanked his colleagues graciously and profusely.
7. Because of the bomb scare, the meeting ended abruptly and dramatically.

Part E:

Comparison of adverbs:

1. A: How’s it going?
   B: Pretty good.

Page 33:

Continuation from Page 32:

Fill in the blanks:

3. She has lost her job. Even worse, she has lost her house too.
4. A: Want a cup of tea?
   B: There's nothing I'd like more!
5. With her eyesight failing, my grandmother reads less now than she used to.
6. Now that we are friends, we should meet more often.
7. He read the letter more carefully the second time to make sure he hadn’t missed any details.
8. Stop worrying, we’ll be there in less time than no time.
9. The rooms in the hotel were awful, and the food was worse than anything we had ever had.
10. You’ll like her when you get to know her better.

Words in Action:

Choose the correct word:

1. If you were an orthopaedic specialist, you would be interested in bones (teeth/bones/eyes).
2. If you were an ophthalmologist, you would be interested in eyes (teeth/bones/eyes).

Page 34:

A. Fill in the Blanks

3. If you were a psychiatrist, you would be interested in the mind.
4. If you were a dermatologist, you would be interested in the skin.
5. If you were a cardiologist, you would be interested in the heart.

B. Use -er or -or to Complete the Words

1. solicitor
2. supervisor
3. engineer
4. sailor
5. actor
6. miner
7. councillor
8. producer

C. Match the Expressions with the Settings

1. "Can I help you, madam?" — in a shop
2. "Please take a seat." — in an office
3. "How long have you had this lump?" — in a doctor’s clinic
4. "Stop talking!" — in a classroom
5. "Objection, Your Honour." — in a court of law
6. "The salt, please, son." — at home
7. "What would you like to have, sir?" — in a restaurant

Page 35:

D-004 Wellkin Park
Begumpet
Hyderabad-500016

10 December 2024

Dear Parthiban,

Thank you so much for inviting me to the hockey match! I would love to come with you next Saturday. It sounds like a lot of fun, and I am looking forward to it.

See you then!

With best wishes,
Yours sincerely,
Abhishek

Text (Page 36 and 37):

There was once a wise king called Shantanu. He ruled over the kingdom of Hastinapura. The people of Hastinapura loved and respected him. They were truly happy when he made his only son, Devavrata, heir to the throne. They were happy because Devavrata was the best person to take over from Shantanu. Schooled in warfare and horseback riding, Devavrata had all the qualities to succeed to the throne.

However, a little later, Shantanu fell in love with Satyavati, the daughter of a poor fisherman, and wanted to marry her. But the fisherman would not approve of the marriage unless Shantanu promised that Satyavati's sons alone, and not prince Devavrata, would succeed him as king. Shantanu, though, was not prepared to make the promise the fisherman wanted. Since he could not forget Satyavati, he became sad and lonely and shut himself in his palace.

Devavrata soon found out why his father was troubled. He went to the fisherman and begged him to give Satyavati in marriage to his father. But the fisherman turned down his request. Devavrata then promised the fisherman that he would never marry and that Satyavati's sons alone would rule Hastinapura after Shantanu's death. At that moment, a chorus of voices from heaven cried out ‘Bhishma!’ in appreciation of Devavrata's great promise. Since that day, Devavrata was known as Bhishma, or ‘the one who makes and keeps a great promise’.

Comprehension Questions (Page 37 and 38):

1. Now answer these questions:

• a. Why were the people of Hastinapura happy when Shantanu made Devavrata his heir?
  
  The people of Hastinapura were happy when Shantanu made Devavrata his heir because Devavrata was the best person to take over as king. He was skilled in warfare and horseback riding and had all the qualities to be a great ruler.
  
  
• b. Why was the fisherman not willing to let Shantanu marry his daughter?
  
  The fisherman was not willing to let Shantanu marry his daughter because he wanted Satyavati's sons to become kings, not Devavrata.
  
  
• c. What happened to Shantanu when he realized that he could not marry Satyavati?
  
  When Shantanu realized that he could not marry Satyavati, he became sad and lonely and shut himself in his palace.
  
  
• d. How did Devavrata persuade the fisherman to let his daughter marry Shantanu?
  
  Devavrata persuaded the fisherman by promising that he would never marry and that only Satyavati's sons would rule Hastinapura after Shantanu.
  
  
• e. What does ‘Bhishma’ mean?
  
   ‘Bhishma’ means ‘the one who makes and keeps a great promise’.
  
  
2. Put the following eighteen words into six groups, according to their meanings. The first group has been made for you.
   
    palace, knowledge, power, institute, altar, horseback, school, battlefield, science, laboratory, warfare, worship, church, courtroom, classroom, justice, court, throne

ANSWER:

a. school, classroom, knowledge

b. palace, throne, power

c. church, alter, worship

d. battlefield, horseback, warfare

e. institute, laboratory, science

f. court, courtroom, justice