30 MCQs on "Bholi" by K.A. Abbas Class 10 English NCERT Solution

MCQs - "Bholi" by K.A. Abbas with the Answer Key at the end.

1. What was Bholi’s real name?

   • a) Champa
   • b) Sulekha
   • c) Radha
   • d) Mangla

2. Why did everyone call her Bholi?

   • a) Because she was clever
   • b) Because she was a simpleton
   • c) Because she was beautiful
   • d) Because she was the eldest

3. What happened to Bholi when she was ten months old?

   • a) She fell off the cot and hurt her head
   • b) She had a fever
   • c) She started speaking early
   • d) She was sent to school

4. How did Bholi’s appearance change when she was two years old?

   • a) She had a fever
   • b) She had smallpox and her face was disfigured
   • c) She fell ill and became weak
   • d) She was sent to school

5. What was the condition of Bholi’s speech?

   • a) She could speak fluently
   • b) She was mute
   • c) She stammered when speaking
   • d) She spoke in multiple languages

6. What was Bholi’s family background?

   • a) They were wealthy city people
   • b) They were poor villagers
   • c) They were prosperous farmers
   • d) They were shopkeepers

7. How many siblings did Bholi have?

   • a) Three
   • b) Four
   • c) Seven
   • d) Six

8. Why was Bholi sent to school?

   • a) Her parents wanted her to study
   • b) The Tehsildar asked her father to set an example
   • c) Her mother insisted she go
   • d) Bholi herself wanted to study

9. How did Bholi react when her father told her about school?

   • a) She was excited
   • b) She was scared
   • c) She was angry
   • d) She was indifferent

10. Why was Bholi given new clothes for her first day at school?

• a) Her parents wanted to celebrate
• b) The teacher asked for it
• c) To avoid embarrassment in front of others
• d) Her mother insisted on it

11. What fascinated Bholi at school during her first day?

• a) The other children
• b) The teacher’s voice
• c) The colorful pictures on the walls
• d) The headmistress’s speech

12. How did Bholi’s teacher encourage her to speak?

• a) By threatening her
• b) By being kind and patient
• c) By ignoring her stammering
• d) By giving her gifts

13. What promise did the teacher make to Bholi?

• a) That she would marry a rich man
• b) That she would be as learned as anyone in the village
• c) That she would become the school headmistress
• d) That she would never stammer again

14. How did Bholi feel after her first day at school?

• a) Sad and lonely
• b) Confident and hopeful
• c) Angry at her father
• d) Scared of her teacher

15. What proposal was made for Bholi’s marriage?

• a) A young, handsome man from the city
• b) An old, wealthy man named Bishamber
• c) A teacher from her school
• d) A poor farmer

16. What was Bishamber’s reaction when he saw Bholi’s face?

• a) He accepted her happily
• b) He demanded a dowry
• c) He rejected her immediately
• d) He praised her beauty

17. How did Bholi’s father respond to Bishamber’s dowry demand?

• a) He refused to pay
• b) He offered him two thousand rupees
• c) He called off the marriage
• d) He asked Bholi to reject the proposal

18. What did Bholi do when Bishamber tried to marry her after receiving dowry?

• a) She remained silent
• b) She threw the garland into the fire
• c) She cried and accepted her fate
• d) She begged her father to stop the wedding

19. What was Bholi’s main reason for rejecting Bishamber?

• a) His age
• b) His greed and lack of respect
• c) His appearance
• d) His wealth

20. How did Bholi’s parents react to her rejection of the marriage?

• a) They were proud of her
• b) They were ashamed and disappointed
• c) They supported her decision
• d) They arranged another match

21. How did the villagers react to Bholi’s actions at the wedding?

• a) They praised her bravery
• b) They called her shameless
• c) They offered her help
• d) They ignored her

22. What future plans did Bholi have after rejecting the marriage?

• a) To live alone
• b) To become a teacher
• c) To marry someone else
• d) To work in her father’s farm

23. What does the name "Bholi" mean?

• a) Intelligent
• b) Simpleton
• c) Brave
• d) Beautiful

24. Why was Bholi called "Sulekha" at the end of the story?

• a) To show her transformation into a confident woman
• b) Because her parents changed her name
• c) Because her teacher gave her a new name
• d) To honor her marriage rejection

25. What does Bholi’s rejection of Bishamber symbolize?

• a) The victory of greed
• b) The empowerment of women
• c) The failure of marriage traditions
• d) The importance of education

26. What lesson does Bholi's story teach about social attitudes?

• a) To follow traditions blindly
• b) To break barriers of discrimination and fight for dignity
• c) To always accept societal norms
• d) To depend on others for self-worth

27. How did Bholi’s family view her before she went to school?

• a) As an intelligent girl
• b) As a burden
• c) As a future leader
• d) As their pride

28. How did Bholi’s teacher change her life?

• a) By punishing her
• b) By encouraging her to learn and overcome her fears
• c) By arranging her marriage
• d) By making her the head girl

29. What is the primary theme of the story "Bholi"?

• a) Greed and wealth
• b) Education and self-respect
• c) Love and sacrifice
• d) Power and authority

30. What does Bholi promise her father at the end of the story?

• a) That she will take care of him in his old age
• b) That she will find a better husband
• c) That she will run away from home
• d) That she will never go to school again

---

Answer Key:

1. b
2. b
3. a
4. b
5. c
6. c
7. d
8. b
9. b
10. c
11. c
12. b
13. b
14. b
15. b
16. b
17. b
18. b
19. b
20. b
21. b
22. b
23. b
24. a
25. b
26. b
27. b
28. b
29. b
30. a

Bholi by KA Abbas Summary Q&A Solved

Summary of "Bholi" by K.A. Abbas

Bholi, originally named Sulekha, was the youngest daughter of Ramlal, a prosperous farmer. An injury in her childhood left her mentally slow, and smallpox disfigured her face. She also struggled with a speech defect, which led to ridicule from her peers and neglect from her family. Unlike her siblings, Bholi was considered unintelligent and unattractive, leaving her future uncertain. Her parents, worried that she might never marry, decided to send her to school as a last resort.

At first, Bholi was terrified of going to school, associating it with rejection like the family cow that was sold. However, her experience at school proved transformative. Her teacher treated her with kindness and patience, helping her build confidence and overcome her speech impediment. Over time, Bholi blossomed into a confident young woman.

Years later, Bholi’s parents arranged her marriage to Bishamber, an older man who limped and had grown children. Though initially willing to marry him, Bholi rejected the match when Bishamber demanded a dowry upon seeing her face. In a moment of strength and clarity, she stood up for herself, refusing to marry a greedy and unkind man. In the end, Bholi decided she would stay with her parents and become a schoolteacher, embracing her newfound self-worth.

---

Answers to Questions

1. Why is Bholi’s father worried about her?
   
   Bholi's father was worried because she was neither beautiful nor intelligent, and he feared that she would never get married.

2. For what unusual reasons is Bholi sent to school?
   
   Bholi was sent to school because her parents thought that due to her appearance and perceived lack of intelligence, she had little chance of finding a husband. They believed schooling might be a way to care for her since marriage was unlikely.

3. Does Bholi enjoy her first day at school?
   
   Initially, Bholi was scared on her first day at school, but her teacher's kindness made her feel safe and welcome. By the end of the day, she felt hopeful and excited about returning to school.

4. Does she find her teacher different from the people at home? 
   
   Yes, Bholi finds her teacher different because she is kind and supportive, unlike her neglectful family.

5. Why do Bholi’s parents accept Bishamber’s marriage proposal?
   
   Bholi’s parents accepted Bishamber’s proposal because they believed that despite his age and limp, Bholi was fortunate to marry a well-off man, especially since he initially demanded no dowry.

6. Why does the marriage not take place? 
   
   The marriage did not take place because Bishamber demanded a dowry of five thousand rupees upon seeing Bholi's pockmarked face. Bholi, realizing his greed and lack of compassion, rejected the marriage.

7. Why is Bholi called Sulekha again at the end of the story?
   
   Bholi is called Sulekha at the end of the story to signify her transformation. She had grown into a confident and independent woman, leaving behind the timid and fearful girl who was once called Bholi, meaning "simpleton."

Think About It (Q&A)

1. Bholi had many apprehensions about going to school. What made her feel that she was going to a better place than her home?
   

   
   Bholi was initially frightened of going to school because she didn't understand what school was like. However, she began to feel she was going to a better place when she was given clean clothes to wear and bathed properly, something she had never experienced before. This special treatment made her believe that school might be a place better than her home, where she had always been neglected.
   
   
2. How did Bholi’s teacher play an important role in changing the course of her life?
   
   
   Bholi’s teacher played a crucial role in transforming her life by showing her kindness, patience, and encouragement. The teacher helped Bholi overcome her fears and speech problems by making her feel confident and capable. She nurtured Bholi’s self-esteem and inspired her to continue her education, giving her the strength to stand up for herself later in life.
   
   
3. Why did Bholi at first agree to an unequal match? Why did she later reject the marriage? What does this tell us about her?
   
   Bholi agreed to the unequal match with Bishamber initially out of a sense of duty to her family. She believed it was her responsibility to marry him to preserve her family's honor. However, when Bishamber demanded a dowry upon seeing her pockmarked face, she realized his greed and cruelty. She rejected the marriage, showing that she had gained the confidence to stand up for herself. This reveals her inner strength, self-respect, and newfound belief in her own worth.
   
   
4. Bholi’s real name is Sulekha. We are told this right at the beginning. But only in the last but one paragraph of the story is Bholi called Sulekha again. Why do you think she is called Sulekha at that point in the story?
   
   Bholi is called Sulekha again at the end of the story to symbolize her transformation from a timid, insecure girl (Bholi, meaning "simpleton") to a confident, self-assured woman (Sulekha, her real name). The use of her real name at this point reflects her growth, maturity, and the realization of her true potential. It marks the completion of her journey from vulnerability to empowerment.

SHORT ANSWERS

1. What made Bholi feel she was going to a better place than her home?
   Bholi felt she was going to a better place because she was bathed, given clean clothes, and treated specially, unlike at home where she was neglected.
2. How did Bholi’s teacher change her life?
   Bholi’s teacher showed her kindness and encouraged her, helping her overcome her fears and stammer, building her confidence and self-respect.
3. Why did Bholi agree to the marriage and later reject it?
   Bholi agreed to the marriage out of duty but rejected it when Bishamber demanded dowry, showing she had gained self-respect and independence.
4. Why is Bholi called Sulekha at the end?
   She is called Sulekha at the end to symbolize her transformation into a confident and empowered person, shedding her old timid identity.

TALK ABOUT IT

Answer the following questions in simple and lucid language: 

1. Bholi’s teacher helped her overcome social barriers by encouraging and motivating her. How do you think you can contribute towards changing the social attitudes illustrated in this story? 
   
   I can help change social attitudes by treating everyone with respect, encouraging those who are marginalized, and speaking out against discrimination.
   
   
2. Should girls be aware of their rights, and assert them? Should girls and boys have the same rights, duties and privileges? What are some of the ways in which society treats them differently? When we speak of ‘human rights’, do we differentiate between girls’ rights and boys’ rights? 
   
   Yes, girls should know their rights and assert them. Both girls and boys should have the same rights, duties, and privileges. Society often treats them differently by limiting girls’ education and opportunities, and human rights should be the same for everyone without gender discrimination.
   
   
3. Do you think the characters in the story were speaking to each other in English? If not, in which language were they speaking? (You can get clues from the names of the persons and the non English words used in the story.) 
   
   The characters were likely not speaking in English; they were probably speaking in Hindi or another regional language, as indicated by their names and cultural context.

The Hack Driver SINCLAIR LEWIS - Footprints Without Feet - Class 10 - NCERT - Q&A Solved

Table of Contents

• Word Meanings
• Summary of the Story 'The Hack Driver'
• READ AND FIND OUT (Page 47) Q&A
• READ AND FIND OUT (Page 50) Q&A
• THINK ABOUT IT - Questions and Answers
• TALK ABOUT IT

Word Meanings of 'The Hack Driver'

Following is a list of potentially difficult words from the story "The Hack Driver" along with their simple definitions. The list may differ from student to student.

1. Summons - An official order to appear in court.
2. Magnificent - Extremely beautiful or impressive.
3. Self-confident - Feeling sure about oneself and one’s abilities.
4. Rejoiced - Felt great joy or happiness.
5. Agreeable - Pleasant or enjoyable.
6. Poker - A card game where players bet on the value of their cards.
7. Bargain - To negotiate the price of something.
8. Suspicious - Distrustful, thinking something is wrong.
9. Deceiving - Misleading someone, making them believe something that is not true.
10. Exhausted - Completely used up or tired.
11. Credit - The ability to obtain goods or services before payment.
12. Lingering - Staying in a place longer than necessary.
13. Greasy - Covered with or resembling oil.
14. Carter - A person who transports goods in a cart.
15. Philosophy - A way of thinking or a set of beliefs.
16. Terror - A person or thing that is very difficult or frightening.
17. Retreat - To move back or withdraw.
18. Summons - A legal document ordering someone to appear in court.
19. Gullible - Easily deceived or tricked.
20. Con man - A person who tricks others for personal gain.

Summary of the Story 'The Hack Driver'

"The Hack Driver" is a humorous story about a young lawyer who is sent to a small village called New Mullion to serve a summons to a man named Oliver Lutkins. When the lawyer arrives, he meets a friendly hack driver who offers to help him find Lutkins. The driver takes him around the village, visiting various places where Lutkins is supposed to be, but they never manage to find him. The lawyer enjoys the day, thinking the driver is very helpful and kind. However, in the end, he discovers that the hack driver was actually Lutkins himself, who had been fooling him the entire time.

Question and Answer of 'The Hack Driver'

READ AND FIND OUT (Page 47)

• Why is the lawyer sent to New Mullion? What does he first think about the place?
  The lawyer is sent to New Mullion to serve a summons to Oliver Lutkins. He initially expects the village to be a sweet and simple country place, but is disappointed when he finds it muddy, shabby, and unappealing.

• Who befriends him? Where does he take him?
  A hack driver, who later turns out to be Lutkins, befriends the lawyer. He takes the lawyer around the village, supposedly helping him search for Lutkins.

• What does he say about Lutkins?
  The hack driver describes Lutkins as a tricky fellow who is difficult to catch and often involved in various activities, like playing poker.

READ AND FIND OUT (Page 50)

• What more does Bill say about Lutkins and his family?
  Bill, the hack driver, mentions that Lutkins is known for being dishonest and not paying his debts. He also describes Lutkins' mother as a formidable woman who is quick-tempered and protective of her son.

• Does the narrator serve the summons that day?
  No, the narrator does not serve the summons that day because he never realizes that the hack driver is actually Lutkins himself.

• Who is Lutkins?
  Lutkins is the very hack driver who pretends to help the lawyer search for himself, fooling the lawyer throughout the day.

THINK ABOUT IT

1. When the lawyer reached New Mullion, did ‘Bill’ know that he was looking for Lutkins? When do you think Bill came up with his plan for fooling the lawyer?
   Yes, Bill (Lutkins) likely knew that the lawyer was looking for him from the very beginning. He probably devised the plan to fool the lawyer as soon as he learned the lawyer's purpose.

2. Lutkins openly takes the lawyer all over the village. How is it that no one lets out the secret?
   Lutkins manipulates the situation by always making the lawyer stay out of sight or remain quiet while they search for him. He likely informed others in the village to play along, ensuring that no one revealed his true identity.

3. Why do you think Lutkins’ neighbours were anxious to meet the lawyer?
   Lutkins' neighbors were likely amused by the situation and curious to see the lawyer who had been tricked by Lutkins all day.

4. After his first day’s experience with the hack driver, the lawyer thinks of returning to New Mullion to practice law. Do you think he would have reconsidered this idea after his second visit?
   After realizing that he was deceived by Lutkins, the lawyer would likely reconsider his idea of returning to New Mullion, as the people there were not as simple and honest as he initially thought.

5. Do you think the lawyer was gullible? How could he have avoided being taken for a ride?
   Yes, the lawyer was gullible. He could have avoided being deceived by asking more questions, verifying the information given by the hack driver, or by being more observant and cautious throughout the day.

TALK ABOUT IT

1. Do we come across persons like Lutkins only in fiction, or do we encounter them in real life as well?
   We do encounter people like Lutkins in real life, who are skilled at deceiving others for their benefit. These individuals can be found in various situations, from everyday life to stories in newspapers.

2. Who is a ‘con man’, or a confidence trickster?
   A ‘con man’ or confidence trickster is a person who gains the trust of others to deceive them and take advantage of their gullibility, often for financial gain.

Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 6 The Making of a Scientist by ROBERT W. PETERSON

Richard Ebright has received the Searle Scholar Award and the Schering Plough Award for

Monarch Butterfly

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. It was his fascination for butterflies that opened the world of science to him.

READ AND FIND OUT

(Page 32)

Question 1. 
How did a book become a turning point in Richard Ebright’s life?

Answer:

Richard Ebright's mother gave him a book title: "The Travels of Monarch X". This book helped young Richard develop his scientific curiosity. He got interested in the migration of Monarch butterflies which led him to other scientific experiments which established him as a great scientist. That is why the book is regarded as a turning point in Richard Ebright's life.

Question 2.
How did his mother help him?

Answer:
Richard Ebright's mother looked after him well. She ensured that Richard was busy in curricular and co-curricular activities. She spent time with him playing and helping in his studies. She took him to places and bought scientific equipment and books for him. In fact the woman behind Richard Ebright's success was her mother.

(Page 34)

Question 1.
What lesson does Ebright learn when he does not win anything at a science fair?

Answer:
When Ebright does not win anything at the science fair he realizes that the winners tried to do real experiments unlike Ebright who just showed frog tissues under the microscope.

Question 2.
 What experiments and projects does he then undertake?

Answer:
He undertook many projects and experiments. He worked on viceroy butterflies to show that they copied monarch butterflies. He studied bright spots on the monarch pupa and discovered a new hormone. Also, he found out how cells read their DNA.

Question 3.
What are the qualities that go into the making of a scientist?

Answer:
There are three qualities that go in the making of a scientist. First rate mind, curiosity and will to win. Ebright possessed all these which made him a great scientist.

THINK ABOUT IT

Question 1.
How can one become a scientist, an economist, a historian... ? Does it simply involve reading many books on the subject? Does it involve observing, thinking and doing experiments?

Answer:

Becoming a scientist typically requires a combination of education and experience. Here are some steps you can take to become a scientist:

Choose a field of study: Scientists work in a wide range of fields, including biology, physics, chemistry, and psychology. Decide which field you are interested in pursuing and focus your studies on that subject.

Earn a bachelor's degree: Most scientists have at least a bachelor's degree in their field of study. A bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete and includes coursework in math, science, and the specific field of study you have chosen.

Gain practical experience: Many scientists gain practical experience by participating in internships or research assistantships while they are in school. These opportunities allow you to work alongside experienced scientists and learn about the day-to-day work of a scientist.

Earn a graduate degree: Many scientists pursue a graduate degree, such as a master's degree or a PhD, in order to advance their careers and conduct more advanced research. A graduate degree usually takes two to six years to complete, depending on the program.

Find a job: Scientists often work in research and development for companies, government agencies, or universities. You can find job openings by networking with other scientists, attending job fairs, or searching online job boards.

It's important to note that becoming a scientist requires a strong foundation in math and science and a passion for learning and discovery. It can be a challenging career path, but it can also be extremely rewarding for those who are interested in advancing our understanding of the world and solving complex problems.

Question 2.

You must have read about cells and DNA in your science books. Discuss Richard Ebright’s work in the light of what you have studied. If you get an opportunity to work like Richard Ebright on projects

and experiments, which field would you like to work on and why?

Answer:

Richard Ebright is a biochemist and molecular geneticist who has made significant contributions to the field of molecular biology. One of his most notable works is the discovery of the mechanism behind transcriptional regulation, which is the process by which genetic information is transcribed into proteins.

Ebright's research has focused on understanding the mechanisms behind gene expression and regulation in bacteria. He has studied the proteins and enzymes that control transcription, as well as the transcriptional activators and repressors that bind to specific DNA sequences and regulate gene expression.

Ebright has also made significant contributions to the field of antibiotic resistance. He has studied the mechanisms behind bacterial resistance to antibiotics and has developed methods for identifying new antibiotics and for improving the efficacy of existing ones.

Ebright's work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Alan T. Waterman Award from the National Science Foundation, the ASM/AAAS Inventor of the Year Award, and the Franklin Institute's Bower Award for Achievement in Science. He is also a member of the National Academy of Sciences.

If I get a chance to work I would like to work on antibiotic resistance because mankind is suffering a lot due to this. Drugs are proving ineffective and a solution should be sought as soon as possible.

TALK ABOUT IT

Question1. 

 Children everywhere wonder about the world around them. The questions they ask are the beginning of scientific inquiry. Given below are some questions that children in India have asked Professor Yash Pal and Dr Rahul Pal as reported in their book, Discovered Questions (NCERT, 2006).

(i) What is DNA fingerprinting? What are its uses?

(ii) How do honeybees identify their own honeycombs?

(iii) Why does rain fall in drops?

Can you answer these questions? You will find Professor Yash Pal’s and

Dr Rahul Pal’s answers (as given in Discovered Questions) on page 75.

Answer (i)

DNA fingerprinting is a method used to identify an individual's unique DNA profile. It involves analyzing specific sequences of DNA called "short tandem repeats" (STRs), which are found at specific locations on a person's chromosomes. These sequences are unique to each individual, making them useful for identifying individuals through genetic testing.

There are many uses for DNA fingerprinting, including:

Criminal investigations: DNA fingerprinting is often used to identify suspects in criminal cases. It can help determine whether a suspect's DNA matches DNA found at a crime scene.

Paternity testing: DNA fingerprinting can be used to determine whether an individual is the biological parent of a child.

Identification of missing persons: DNA fingerprinting can be used to identify missing persons by comparing their DNA to DNA samples taken from family members.

Identification of human remains: DNA fingerprinting can be used to identify human remains, particularly in cases where the body has been decomposed or mutilated.

Immigration and citizenship: DNA fingerprinting can be used to verify family relationships in immigration and citizenship cases.

Medical research: DNA fingerprinting can be used to study genetic disorders and to identify genetic risk factors for certain diseases.

Answer (ii)

Honeybees use a combination of scent, shape, and location to identify their own honeycombs.

First, honeybees secrete a special scent, called the "brood scent," onto the cells of the honeycomb that contain eggs, larvae, or pupae. This scent is unique to the hive and serves as a marker for the bees to recognize their own brood cells.

Secondly, honeybees also use the shape and size of the cells on the honeycomb to identify their own. Each hive has a specific pattern of cell shapes and sizes, and the bees are able to recognize this pattern as unique to their own hive.

Finally, honeybees use the location of the honeycomb within the hive as a way to identify it. Each hive has a specific layout, with the queen's cells located in a central location, and the honey and pollen stores located in a different area. The bees are able to navigate the hive and locate their own honeycombs based on their knowledge of the hive's layout.

Answer(iii)

Rain falls in drops because of the way that water vapor condenses into liquid form in the atmosphere. When the air becomes saturated with water vapor, the excess vapor begins to condense onto tiny particles, such as dust or salt, in the air. As these particles accumulate more and more water, they become heavier and begin to fall towards the ground.

As the droplets fall, they also collide with other droplets, merging and growing in size. Eventually, the droplets become large enough to be visible as raindrops. The shape of the raindrop is influenced by the size of the droplet and the rate at which it is falling. Generally, smaller droplets fall more slowly and are more spherical in shape, while larger droplets fall more quickly and have a more tear-drop shape.

Overall, the reason rain falls in drops is due to the process of condensation and the gravitational force pulling the droplets towards the ground.

Question 2.

You also must have wondered about certain things around you. Share these questions with your class, and try and answer them.

Answer:
These are the things I wonder about:

• The way the leaves on the trees rustle in the breeze
• The intricate patterns on a butterfly's wings
• The clouds in the sky, constantly shifting and changing
• The diversity of plants and animals in my environment
• The way the sun casts shadows on objects
• The way different materials feel and look
• The sounds of nature, such as birds singing or the rush of a stream
• The technology and systems that make everyday life possible, such as electricity and transportation
• The cultural and social norms of my community
• The mysteries of the universe and the mysteries of the human mind.

Chapter 5 - Footprints without Feet - Class X - English - Solved Questions and Answers - NCERT

 

Read and Find Out

Q1. How did the invisible man first become visible?

ANSWER:  Griffin the scientist was completely invisible until he stepped in some mud, which caused him to leave footprints as he walked but his body was visible yet. He became completely visible when stealthily entered into a big London store and wore warm cloths stolen from there.

Q2. Why was he wandering the streets?

ANSWER: Griffin's landlord disliked him because of his eccentric behaviour therefore the landlord asked Griffin to vacate the rented house. In revenge Griffin set fire to his house. In order to escape he had to remove his clothes. This was why he had become a homeless wanderer—without clothes and money.

Q3. Why does Mrs. Hall find the scientist eccentric?

ANSWER: Mrs. Hall finds the scientist Mr. Griffin eccentric because of his uncommon appearance. He had wrapped bandages around his forehead, wore dark glasses, a false nose, big bushy side-whiskers, and a large hat. When Mrs. Hall tried to strike a conversation he told her that he had no desire to talk to anyone and his reason for coming to Iping was for solitude.

Q4. What curious episode occurs in the study?

ANSWER: The curious episode that occurred was that the clergyman and his wife were awakened by noises coming from the study. They could hear the chink of money being taken from the desk. But when they opened the door they found nobody in the room. 

Q5. What other extraordinary things happen at the inn?

ANSWER: The other extraordinary things that happened at the inn was the Mrs. Hall found Griffin's room open and when she and her husband went inside out of curiosity there was not one. They found his bedclothes cold, his usual clothes and hat lying about the room. To their surprise the chair started moving about and charged towards them and pushed them outside the room apparently on its own.

THINK ABOUT IT

Q1. “Griffin was rather a lawless person.” Comment.

ANSWER: Griffin never bothered about the law when it came to fulfil his own desires. When his landlord asked him to leave he set his house on fire and ran away. He stole from the store and playhouse and later in the village of Iping from the clergyman. All these incidents indicate that he was a lawless person.

Q2. How would you assess Griffin as a scientist?

ANSWER: Griffin discovered the scientific formula to make a human body invisible. This shows that he was a brilliant scientist. But instead of sharing his achievement with the scientific community he seemed to enjoy the power of invisibility and abuse it.

TALK ABOUT IT

1. Would you like to become invisible? What advantages and disadvantages do you foresee, if you did?

Yes, it would be so exciting to become invisible. This adventurous and unique experience of being invisible will enable me to help the poor and the deprived section of the society. I would hep the police to catch the criminals.

But the invisibility will also deprive me of my identity and I may lose my social capital of loving and being loved by family and friends. Therefore I would never prefer to be invisible permanently.

Moreover if a person is determined he/she can achieve whatever  noble deeds that person desires to perform. History is witness that all the noble works have been done by people who remained 'visible'.

2. Are there forces around us that are invisible, for example, magnetism? Are there aspects of matter that are ‘invisible’ or not visible to the naked eye? What would the world be like if you could see such forces or such aspects of matter?

We human beings are surrounded by energies which are invisible and beyond human perception. Radio waves, infra red light, sound waves at certain frequencies and laser are some of the examples. It would be very disturbing and unnerving for human beings to see such things all around us and in many cases passing through our body such as neutrinos. About 100 trillion neutrinos pass through your body every second. If we happen to see it we won't be able to live normally I guess.

Class X - Supplementary Reader - Footprints without Feet L10-The Book That Saved the Earth

Class X - Supplementary Reader- Footprints without Feet L10-The Book That Saved the Earth

READ AND FIND OUT

• Why was the twentieth century called the ‘Era of the Book’?
  
  The twentieth century was called the 'Era of the Book' because it this century knowledge was transferred and stored through books. There were books about everything and any imaginable topic.
• Who tried to invade the earth in the twenty-first century?
  
  Martians tried to invade the earth in the twenty-first century.
• What guesses are made by Think–Tank about the books found on earth?He guesses that the books found on earth are actually sandwiches. He later adds that these might be communication sandwiches used by the earthlings for communication.

THINK ABOUT IT

1. Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank but at the same time he corrects his mistakes. How does he manage to do that?
   
   Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank while correcting his mistakes by not correcting him directly. He always gives Think-Tank that he is just proving an extra information to his boss and master. The master is smart enough to improvise and use that information and correct himself.
2. If you were in Noodle’s place, how would you handle Think-Tank’s mistakes?
   
   I would handle the Think-Tank's mistakes the same way as Noodle did because it is the best method to correct someone without offending him.
3. Do you think books are being replaced by the electronic media? Can we do away with books altogether?
   
   Yes, I think that books are being replaced by electronic media. But it appears impossible to do away with books altogether in the near future.
4. Why are books referred to as a man’s best companion?
   
   Books are referred to as a man's best companion because books can be relied on in every situation. These guide and provide knowledge and provide solace to those who feel lonely.

Class X Literature - Footprints Without Feet - L-6 The Making of a Scientist

1. What lesson does Ebright learn when he does not win anything at a science fair? Ebright learns that it is the experimentation that is important in science and not just showing the process. 
2. What experiments and projects does he then undertake? He undertakes projects which involved the insect work.. In his eighth grade Ebright tried to find the cause of a viral disease that kills nearly all monarch caterpillars every few years.
3. What are the qualities that go into the making of a Scientist? Curious mind, competitive spirit, determination and positive thinking are some of the qualities that go into the making of a scientist.
   
4. How can one become a scientist? One can become a scientist or expert in any other subject by observing, thinking and doing experiments.