A Legend of the Northland by Phoebe Cary - Summary Q&A Solved

 A Legend of the Northland

Suumary | Literary Devices | Difficult Words | Thinking About the Poem (Q&A) | MCQs

Summary of the Poem "A Legend of the Northland" (by Phoebe Cary)

The poem tells the story of an old lady who meets Saint Peter while he is preaching on Earth. Saint Peter, feeling weak from hunger, asks her for a cake. However, the lady, despite having enough dough, is too selfish to give him any. She bakes smaller and smaller cakes, but always finds them too big to part with. Angry at her greed, Saint Peter curses her, turning her into a woodpecker, condemning her to peck at wood for her food. The poem highlights the moral that greed and selfishness can lead to unfortunate consequences.

Literary Devices Used

1. Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows an ABAB rhyme pattern, making it musical. For example, "snows" rhymes with "clothes" and "you" rhymes with "true."
2. Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds can be seen in phrases like "faint with fasting."
3. Simile: The children in the Northland are described as looking "like bear’s cubs in their funny, furry clothes."
4. Personification: The woodpecker is personified, originally being a woman who can think and feel.

Difficult Words

• Northland: A cold, snowy region.
• Legend: A traditional story passed down through generations.
• Provoke: To make someone angry.
• Scarlet: A bright red color.
• Scanty: Barely enough.

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Thinking about the Poem - Questions and Answers

I.

1. Which country or countries do you think "the Northland" refers to?

   • The "Northland" likely refers to cold, northern countries like Norway, Sweden, or Canada, where winters are long and snowy.

2. What did Saint Peter ask the old lady for? What was the lady’s reaction?

   • Saint Peter asked the old lady for a cake. The lady, although she had enough dough, was selfish and did not want to give him any cake, always finding them too big to give away.

3. How did he punish her?

   • Saint Peter punished the lady by turning her into a woodpecker, forcing her to search for food by pecking wood.

4. How does the woodpecker get her food?

   • The woodpecker gets her food by pecking at the wood of trees, symbolizing the punishment for her greed.

5. Do you think that the old lady would have been so ungenerous if she had known who Saint Peter really was? What would she have done then?

   • If the old lady had known Saint Peter’s true identity, she might have been more generous, fearing the consequences of denying him food.

6. Is this a true story? Which part of this poem do you feel is the most important?

   • No, this is not a true story; it is a legend meant to teach a moral. The most important part is when the lady’s greed leads to her transformation into a woodpecker.

7. What is a legend? Why is this poem called a legend?

   • A legend is a traditional story that often carries a moral or lesson. This poem is called a legend because it narrates a fictional story with a moral lesson about greed.

8. Write the story of ‘A Legend of the Northland’ in about ten sentences.

   • In the cold Northland, there lived an old lady who once met Saint Peter. Saint Peter, tired and hungry, asked her for a cake. The lady, despite having enough dough, was too selfish to share even a small cake. She made the cakes smaller and smaller, but always found them too large to give away. Angered by her greed, Saint Peter cursed her, turning her into a woodpecker. She was forced to peck at trees for food, living in the forest for the rest of her life. She retained her red cap, but the rest of her clothes were burnt black. To this day, people see the woodpecker as a reminder of this legend.

II.

1. Find more rhyming words.

   • Words like “earth” and “hearth,” “done” and “one,” “flat” and “that” also rhyme within the poem.

2. Find legends in your own language and share them.

   • This question encourages students to explore and present legends from their own culture, fostering a sense of connection between folk stories and moral lessons.

20 Multiple Choice Questions(MCQs) on the poem 'A Legend of the Northland'

MCQs on "A Legend of the Northland"

1. Where is the Northland located, according to the poem?
a) In the east
b) In the tropics
c) In the northern snowy regions
d) Near the equator

2. What is the primary theme of the poem?
a) Bravery
b) Greed and selfishness
c) Kindness and compassion
d) Fear

3. What did Saint Peter ask the old woman for?
a) A glass of water
b) A piece of cake
c) Shelter for the night
d) Some wood for a fire

4. How did the old woman react when Saint Peter asked her for food?
a) She gave him a large cake
b) She refused to give him any food
c) She baked small cakes but found them too big to give
d) She gave him water instead

5. Why did Saint Peter punish the old woman?
a) She insulted him
b) She was rude to him
c) She was too selfish to share her cakes
d) She lied about her food

6. What form did the old woman take after Saint Peter's curse?
a) A reindeer
b) A crow
c) A woodpecker
d) A squirrel

7. What characteristic did the woman retain after being turned into a woodpecker?
a) Her scarlet cap
b) Her black dress
c) Her ability to bake cakes
d) Her speech

8. What lesson does the poem convey?
a) Always follow rules
b) Greed leads to punishment
c) Wealth brings happiness
d) Respect the elderly

9. What kind of poem is "A Legend of the Northland"?
a) A ballad
b) An epic
c) A sonnet
d) A haiku

10. Who wrote "A Legend of the Northland"?
a) William Wordsworth
b) Robert Frost
c) Phoebe Cary
d) Emily Dickinson

11. What does the reindeer symbolize in the poem?
a) Speed
b) The cold, snowy environment of the Northland
c) The people of the Northland
d) Strength

12. How does the poem describe the children of the Northland?
a) Like bears
b) Like angels
c) Like cubs in furry clothes
d) Like snowflakes

13. What moral lesson is highlighted in the transformation of the old woman?
a) Help others even when you are in need
b) Be wise in making decisions
c) Selfishness leads to unfortunate consequences
d) Share your wealth generously

14. What literary device is used in the line, “Where the children look like bear’s cubs”?
a) Simile
b) Metaphor
c) Alliteration
d) Personification

15. What was the lady doing when Saint Peter approached her?
a) Harvesting crops
b) Baking cakes
c) Knitting
d) Sewing clothes

16. Which lines from the poem tell us that the poet is skeptical about the truth of the story?
a) "Away, away in the Northland"
b) "They tell them a curious story — I don’t believe 'tis true"
c) "And still a smaller one"
d) "Now you shall build as the birds do"

17. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
a) ABAB
b) AABB
c) ABCD
d) AAAA

18. What happened to the old woman’s clothes after she was transformed?
a) They turned into gold
b) They turned black like coal
c) They were left behind
d) They were burnt to ashes

19. What does the woodpecker do to get its food?
a) Flies and hunts insects
b) Borrows food from other birds
c) Bores into trees for insects
d) Builds a nest in trees

20. Why is this poem called "A Legend of the Northland"?
a) It tells a mythological story set in the Northland
b) It is based on a true story in the Northland
c) It describes the real events in history
d) It talks about historical events from the North

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Answer Key:

1. c) In the northern snowy regions
2. b) Greed and selfishness
3. b) A piece of cake
4. c) She baked small cakes but found them too big to give
5. c) She was too selfish to share her cakes
6. c) A woodpecker
7. a) Her scarlet cap
8. b) Greed leads to punishment
9. a) A ballad
10. c) Phoebe Cary
11. b) The cold, snowy environment of the Northland
12. c) Like cubs in furry clothes
13. c) Selfishness leads to unfortunate consequences
14. a) Simile
15. b) Baking cakes
16. b) "They tell them a curious story — I don’t believe 'tis true"
17. a) ABAB
18. b) They turned black like coal
19. c) Bores into trees for insects
20. a) It tells a mythological story set in the Northland

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

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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

The Proposal by Anton Chekhov - Summary, Q&A, Important Questions and MCQs

Summary of "The Proposal" by Anton Chekhov

"The Proposal" is a one-act farce that explores the comedic and absurd nature of courtship between the wealthy landowners Ivan Lomov and Natalya Stepanovna. Lomov visits Stepan Chubukov’s house to propose to his daughter, Natalya. However, instead of smoothly asking for her hand in marriage, they begin to argue over trivial matters like the ownership of Oxen Meadows and whose dog is better. These petty arguments escalate to the point where the proposal itself is almost forgotten. In the end, despite their endless bickering, Chubukov persuades them to get married, although they continue arguing even after their engagement is secured.

Answers to Questions

1. What does Chubukov at first suspect that Lomov has come for? Is he sincere when he later says, "And I've always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son"?

   • Chubukov initially suspects that Lomov has come to borrow money. He is not entirely sincere when he later claims that he has always loved Lomov like his own son. His exaggerated reaction to Lomov's proposal, followed by the rapid change in his behavior when Lomov starts arguing with Natalya, shows that his affection is more tied to the material benefit of the marriage than genuine emotion.

2. Chubukov says of Natalya: "...as if she won’t consent! She’s in love; egad, she’s like a lovesick cat..." Would you agree?

   • Yes, Chubukov's statement is partly true. Natalya’s reaction after learning that Lomov came to propose — she becomes extremely upset and demands that he be brought back immediately — suggests that she has feelings for Lomov, even if they are not overtly romantic. Her sudden switch from arguing with Lomov to eagerly accepting his proposal reflects emotional confusion, much like a "lovesick cat."

3. (i) Find all the words and expressions in the play that the characters use to speak about each other, and the accusations and insults they hurl at each other.

   • Lomov calls Chubukov a "malicious, double-faced intriguer" and accuses him of being a "grabber." Chubukov, in turn, calls Lomov a "fool," a "pettifogger," and an "intriguer." Natalya and Lomov also insult each other, with Lomov claiming that Natalya’s dog, Squeezer, is "overshot" and a poor hunter, while Natalya calls Lomov’s dog, Guess, "old" and "ugly."

   (ii) Five adjectives to describe each character:

   • Lomov: Nervous, argumentative, insecure, excitable, indecisive.
   • Natalya: Stubborn, emotional, quarrelsome, passionate, prideful.
   • Chubukov: Manipulative, opportunistic, impatient, hypocritical, dramatic.

   (iii) What will they quarrel about next?

• They are likely to quarrel about household matters, future decisions regarding their land or livestock, or continue bickering about trivial matters like their dogs, as their argumentative nature seems to be a core part of their personalities.

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

20 MCQs on The Last Lesson - Class 12 Flamingo book

20 MCQs to Test Comprehension of the story 'The Last Lesson': Best for exam prep!

1. Who is the narrator of the story "The Last Lesson"?

   • A) Mr. Hamel
   • B) Franz
   • C) The Prussian soldier
   • D) The village mayor
   • Answer: B) Franz

2. Why was Franz reluctant to go to school?

   • A) He was afraid of Mr. Hamel
   • B) He did not like the subject
   • C) He hadn’t prepared for the test on participles
   • D) He wanted to play outside
   • Answer: C) He hadn’t prepared for the test on participles

3. What surprised Franz when he arrived at school?

   • A) The school was closed
   • B) Mr. Hamel was absent
   • C) The classroom was unusually quiet
   • D) There were new students in the class
   • Answer: C) The classroom was unusually quiet

4. What was different about Mr. Hamel on the day of the last lesson?

   • A) He was more cheerful than usual
   • B) He was dressed in his best clothes
   • C) He was angry and scolding students
   • D) He brought gifts for the students
   • Answer: B) He was dressed in his best clothes

5. What order had come from Berlin?

   • A) To close all schools
   • B) To teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine
   • C) To remove Mr. Hamel from his post
   • D) To increase the school fees
   • Answer: B) To teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine

6. How did the villagers react to the news of the last lesson?

   • A) They protested
   • B) They ignored it
   • C) They attended the class with Franz
   • D) They celebrated
   • Answer: C) They attended the class with Franz

7. What did Mr. Hamel regret?

   • A) Not leaving the village earlier
   • B) Not enforcing discipline in the class
   • C) That the people of Alsace did not take their education seriously
   • D) That he didn’t teach German
   • Answer: C) That the people of Alsace did not take their education seriously

8. What does Mr. Hamel say about the French language?

   • A) It is difficult to learn
   • B) It is the clearest and most logical language
   • C) It is less important than German
   • D) It is a dying language
   • Answer: B) It is the clearest and most logical language

9. Why did Mr. Hamel emphasize the importance of language?

   • A) To ensure that students pass exams
   • B) To maintain the cultural identity of the people
   • C) To make students fear the Prussians
   • D) To increase school attendance
   • Answer: B) To maintain the cultural identity of the people

10. What was written on the blackboard at the end of the lesson?

    • A) "Farewell, Students!"
    • B) "Learn German!"
    • C) "Vive La France!"
    • D) "Good Luck!"
    • Answer: C) "Vive La France!"

11. How did Franz feel after attending the last lesson?

    • A) Indifferent
    • B) Regretful
    • C) Angry
    • D) Excited
    • Answer: B) Regretful

12. What was Mr. Hamel's attitude during the last lesson?

    • A) Sad and emotional
    • B) Happy and excited
    • C) Indifferent and careless
    • D) Angry and harsh
    • Answer: A) Sad and emotional

13. What does the story "The Last Lesson" primarily highlight?

    • A) The importance of punctuality
    • B) The impact of war on education
    • C) The significance of one’s language and culture
    • D) The effectiveness of German language education
    • Answer: C) The significance of one’s language and culture

14. Why were the villagers present in the classroom?

    • A) To protest the new order
    • B) To say goodbye to Mr. Hamel
    • C) To show their respect and attend the last French lesson
    • D) To demand a change in the school’s curriculum
    • Answer: C) To show their respect and attend the last French lesson

15. What emotion does Franz experience towards the end of the story?

    • A) Hatred
    • B) Fear
    • C) Pride
    • D) Confusion
    • Answer: C) Pride

16. What was the impact of the new order on Mr. Hamel?

    • A) He became more disciplined
    • B) He decided to leave the village
    • C) He was deeply saddened and emotional
    • D) He welcomed the change
    • Answer: C) He was deeply saddened and emotional

17. How does Mr. Hamel react when Franz is late?

    • A) He scolds him harshly
    • B) He punishes him
    • C) He is calm and understanding
    • D) He sends him back home
    • Answer: C) He is calm and understanding

18. What does Franz realize about his books and language?

    • A) They are boring
    • B) They are precious
    • C) They are useless
    • D) They are difficult
    • Answer: B) They are precious

19. What was Mr. Hamel’s role in the village apart from being a teacher?

    • A) Mayor
    • B) Baker
    • C) Postmaster
    • D) Scribe
    • Answer: D) Scribe

20. What does the phrase "Vive La France!" signify in the context of the story?

• A) A hope for liberation
• B) A love for France and its language
• C) A demand for rebellion
• D) A farewell message
• Answer: B) A love for France and its language

Click Here to Read the Summary and Subjective Questions and Answers of the story 'The Last Lesson'

Top 20 Challenging MCQs for Class 10 English - The Hack Driver | Comprehensive Test

Here are 20 challenging multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that test both factual and inferential comprehension of "The Hack Driver". Answer Key is given at the end.

1. What was the primary reason the young lawyer was sent to New Mullion?

   • A) To investigate a crime
   • B) To serve a summons
   • C) To buy property
   • D) To find a missing person

2. How did the young lawyer initially perceive the village of New Mullion?

   • A) As a thriving city
   • B) As a charming, picturesque town
   • C) As a dull, unimpressive place
   • D) As a dangerous and hostile environment

3. What was the lawyer's first impression of the hack driver?

   • A) Suspicious and unfriendly
   • B) Trustworthy and friendly
   • C) Arrogant and dismissive
   • D) Wealthy and influential

4. What was the hack driver’s real identity?

   • A) Oliver Lutkins
   • B) A hired hand of Lutkins
   • C) A local sheriff
   • D) A farmer from the nearby village

5. Which location did the hack driver first take the lawyer to in the search for Lutkins?

   • A) The local inn
   • B) Lutkins' house
   • C) Fritz’s shop
   • D) The courthouse

6. What reason did the hack driver give for Lutkins’ absence from Fritz’s shop?

   • A) He was hiding from the law
   • B) He was visiting his mother
   • C) He was playing poker
   • D) He was working on his farm

7. What was the lawyer's final realization about the hack driver?

   • A) That he had been a helpful guide
   • B) That he was Lutkins himself
   • C) That he was a government official
   • D) That he had been cheated out of money

8. Why did the people of New Mullion assist in deceiving the lawyer?

   • A) Out of loyalty to Lutkins
   • B) Because they disliked outsiders
   • C) They were unaware of the deception
   • D) They were paid to deceive him

9. What did the lawyer decide about practising law in New Mullion after his experience?

   • A) He was eager to return
   • B) He was hesitant and reconsidered
   • C) He vowed never to return
   • D) He decided to take revenge on Lutkins

10. How does the story "The Hack Driver" primarily convey its humour?

    • A) Through exaggerated characters
    • B) Through wordplay and puns
    • C) Through the irony of the lawyer’s situation
    • D) Through slapstick comedy

11. Which emotion best describes the lawyer’s feelings towards the hack driver during the search?

    • A) Fear
    • B) Anger
    • C) Admiration
    • D) Suspicion

12. What does Lutkins' behaviour throughout the story suggest about his character?

    • A) He is honest but misunderstood
    • B) He is deceptive and manipulative
    • C) He is fearful of the law
    • D) He is a victim of circumstance

13. How does the lawyer's inexperience play a role in the story?

    • A) It makes him more suspicious of others
    • B) It leads him to underestimate Lutkins
    • C) It causes him to solve the case quickly
    • D) It leads to his decision to quit law

14. Which of the following themes is most prominent in "The Hack Driver"?

    • A) Justice and the law
    • B) Deception and gullibility
    • C) Friendship and loyalty
    • D) Wealth and poverty

15. How does the lawyer’s attitude towards his job change by the end of the story?

    • A) He becomes more confident in his abilities
    • B) He becomes disillusioned with his profession
    • C) He decides to pursue a different career
    • D) He becomes more passionate about serving justice

16. What lesson does the lawyer learn by the end of the story?

    • A) To trust everyone
    • B) To be more skeptical and discerning
    • C) That the law always prevails
    • D) That people in small towns are simple and honest

17. What role do the other villagers play in the deception of the lawyer?

    • A) They actively conspire with Lutkins
    • B) They are unaware of the lawyer’s purpose
    • C) They warn the lawyer about Lutkins
    • D) They try to help the lawyer but fail

18. Why did the lawyer enjoy his day in New Mullion despite not finding Lutkins?

    • A) He enjoyed the rural scenery
    • B) He was amused by the hack driver’s stories
    • C) He was glad to escape his office work
    • D) He believed he was making progress in the case

19. How might the story be different if the lawyer had not been so trusting?

    • A) He would have found Lutkins immediately
    • B) He would have been less successful in his career
    • C) He would have been less likely to enjoy the day
    • D) He might have avoided being deceived

20. What is the significance of the title "The Hack Driver"?

    • A) It reflects the lawyer's profession
    • B) It misleads the reader about the true nature of the story
    • C) It highlights the importance of transportation in the plot
    • D) It reveals the hack driver's central role in the story

 Answer Keys:

1. C. Summons
2. D. He was actually Oliver Lutkins
3. B. Bill Magnuson
4. C. At a farmhouse on Gustaff’s farm
5. D. Deceived the lawyer
6. A. Lutkins had deceived him
7. C. He was naive and inexperienced
8. B. He failed to realize that the hack driver was Lutkins himself
9. A. Lutkins’ mother
10. D. Summons to court
11. B. He enjoyed the countryside and the people
12. C. They did not give any information about Lutkins
13. A. The lawyer’s colleague
14. C. He found out he had been deceived by Lutkins
15. B. He was impressed by Lutkins’ knowledge of the village
16. D. Bill pretended to help the lawyer but actually misled him
17. A. The lawyer’s naivety and trust in Bill
18. C. Lutkins was Bill, the hack driver
19. D. A little less smart and knowledgeable than he thought
20. C. Lutkins and his mother played the lawyer for a fool

MCQs - Class 12 - Flamingo - Chapter 1 - The Last Lesson - by Alphonse Daudet

MCQs - "The Last Lesson" by Alphonse Daudet

1. Why was Franz afraid of going to school in the beginning? a) He didn’t finish his homework
   b) He was late
   c) He forgot about an exam
   d) He was sick

2. Which subject was Franz supposed to be tested on that day? a) Geography
   b) History
   c) French grammar
   d) Mathematics

3. What unusual thing did Franz notice on his way to school? a) The streets were crowded with people
   b) There was no sound of students practicing lessons
   c) The school bell was not ringing
   d) Soldiers were patrolling the streets

4. Who was M. Hamel? a) A baker
   b) The village postman
   c) The French teacher
   d) A Prussian soldier

5. What announcement did M. Hamel make at the beginning of the lesson? a) The school was closing down
   b) This was the last French lesson
   c) The exam was postponed
   d) A holiday was declared

6. Why was this the last French lesson? a) M. Hamel was retiring
   b) The school was shifting to another village
   c) German was to be taught instead of French
   d) The students had learned everything

7. What was the atmosphere in the classroom when Franz arrived? a) Chaotic and noisy
   b) Calm and serious
   c) Jubilant and festive
   d) Confused and anxious

8. What was written on the blackboard at the end of the class? a) "Vive la France"
   b) "Farewell"
   c) "Long live Prussia"
   d) "The last lesson"

9. How did the villagers react to the announcement of the last lesson? a) They protested outside the school
   b) Many of them attended the lesson
   c) They refused to send their children to school
   d) They celebrated the change

10. What did Franz realize about the time he had wasted in learning French? a) He was proud of his efforts
    b) He regretted not learning more
    c) He thought he had learned enough
    d) He wanted to quit school

11. What did M. Hamel wear on the day of the last lesson? a) His usual working clothes
    b) A new suit
    c) His special green coat and black silk cap
    d) A military uniform

12. Why did M. Hamel say that everyone, including parents, was to blame for not valuing French lessons? a) They were too busy with work
    b) They sent children to work on farms
    c) They wanted their children to learn German
    d) They believed learning French was unnecessary

13. How did Franz feel when M. Hamel asked him to recite the grammar lesson? a) Confident
    b) Ashamed
    c) Angry
    d) Happy

14. What did M. Hamel say about the French language? a) It was the easiest language to learn
    b) It was a key to unity and freedom
    c) It was outdated and should be replaced
    d) It was unimportant now

15. How did M. Hamel act during the lesson? a) Angry and impatient
    b) Gentle and patient
    c) Excited and loud
    d) Distracted and uninterested

16. What did the old villagers at the back of the classroom represent? a) Nostalgia for the past
    b) Resistance to the Prussians
    c) Their inability to learn French
    d) A silent tribute to M. Hamel

17. How did Franz’s feelings about school change during the lesson? a) He became eager to escape
    b) He realized the importance of learning
    c) He decided to drop out
    d) He became angry with M. Hamel

18. What did M. Hamel write on the board at the end of the class? a) The final grammar lesson
    b) His farewell message
    c) "Vive la France"
    d) The names of the students

19. Why did the Prussian government order that only German should be taught in schools? a) To promote cultural unity
    b) To suppress the French identity
    c) To simplify communication
    d) To improve education

20. What lesson did Franz learn by the end of the story? a) Learning is a lifelong process
    b) French grammar is easy
    c) School doesn’t matter
    d) He didn’t want to learn any more

21. What did Franz think of M. Hamel during the lesson? a) He hated him
    b) He felt sorry for him
    c) He thought M. Hamel was too harsh
    d) He found him boring

22. What did the phrase ‘Vive la France’ symbolize in the story? a) The importance of education
    b) Resistance to oppression
    c) Hatred for Prussians
    d) Celebration of school

23. What was the significance of the church bell in the story? a) It marked the end of the lesson
    b) It was a reminder of the approaching end of French rule
    c) It rang in celebration of the Prussian victory
    d) It had no special significance

24. Why did Franz find it difficult to pay attention to the lesson? a) He didn’t understand the grammar
    b) He was distracted by the noise outside
    c) He was overcome by emotions of regret and sadness
    d) He was tired and sleepy

25. How did the story of "The Last Lesson" end? a) The students cheered for M. Hamel
    b) Franz ran out of the school crying
    c) M. Hamel dismissed the class quietly and wrote ‘Vive la France’ on the board
    d) The Prussian soldiers stormed the school

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Answer Key:

1. a) He didn’t finish his homework
2. c) French grammar
3. b) There was no sound of students practicing lessons
4. c) The French teacher
5. b) This was the last French lesson
6. c) German was to be taught instead of French
7. b) Calm and serious
8. a) "Vive la France"
9. b) Many of them attended the lesson
10. b) He regretted not learning more
11. c) His special green coat and black silk cap
12. b) They sent children to work on farms
13. b) Ashamed
14. b) It was a key to unity and freedom
15. b) Gentle and patient
16. a) Nostalgia for the past
17. b) He realized the importance of learning
18. c) "Vive la France"
19. b) To suppress the French identity
20. a) Learning is a lifelong process
21. b) He felt sorry for him
22. b) Resistance to oppression
23. b) It was a reminder of the approaching end of French rule
24. c) He was overcome by emotions of regret and sadness
25. c) M. Hamel dismissed the class quietly and wrote ‘Vive la France’ on the board

Extract Based MCQs

I. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:

"M. Hamel mounted his chair, and in the same grave and gentle tone which he had used to me, said, 'My children, this is the last lesson I shall give you.'"

1. Who is M. Hamel?

   (A) A soldier

   (B) A student

   (C) A teacher

   (D) A mayor

2. What tone did M. Hamel use while speaking?

   (A) Harsh

   (B) Gentle

   (C) Angry

   (D) Indifferent

3. Why was this the last lesson?

   (A) M. Hamel was retiring

   (B) The order from Berlin

   (C) The school was closing

   (D) It was a holiday

4. What did M. Hamel's demeanour signify?

   (A) His indifference

   (B) His sadness

   (C) His joy

   (D) His anger

 Answer key :-

1. (C)

2. (B)

3. (B)

4. (B)

II. ...I had counted on the commotion to get to my desk without being seen; but, of course, that day everything had to be as quiet as Sunday morning...

1. Who is the 'I' in the above lines?

   (A) M. Hamel

   (B) Franz

   (C) The village elder

   (D) The Prussian soldier

2. What was the 'commotion' about?

   (A) A festival in the village

   (B) The order from Berlin

   (C) M. Hamel's farewell

   (D) A parade

3. What does the comparison to 'Sunday morning' imply?

   (A) It was noisy

   (B) It was silent

   (C) It was chaotic

   (D) It was festive

4. How did the narrator feel about being late?

   (A) Unconcerned

   (B) Relieved

   (C) Anxious

   (D) Indifferent

Answer key:-

1. (B)

2. (B)

3. (B)

4. (C)

III. ...he had the courage to hear every lesson to the very last. After the grammar, we had a lesson in writing...

1. Who is 'he' in the above lines?

   (A) Franz

   (B) M. Hamel

   (C) The Prussian soldier

   (D) The village elder

2. What lesson did they have after grammar?

   (A) History

   (B) Geography

   (C) Writing

   (D) Arithmetic

3. What does 'the courage to hear every lesson' suggest about M. Hamel?

   (A) He was strict

   (B) He was dedicated

   (C) He was indifferent

   (D) He was fearful

4. How did the students feel during the last lesson?

   (A) Happy

   (B) Indifferent

   (C) Emotional

   (D) Excited

Answer key:-

1. (B)

2. (C)

3. (B)

4. (C) 

Coorg by LOKESH ABROL - 10 MCQs for Practice

10 MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) for Practice - Coorg by Lokesh Abrol

1. Coorg is located:
   a) Between Mysore and Mangalore
   b) In the Himalayas
   c) Near the Arabian Sea
   d) In the Thar Desert
2. The main crop grown in Coorg is:
   a) Tea
   b) Rice
   c) Wheat
   d) Coffee
3. Which of the following activities is NOT mentioned as available for tourists in Coorg?
   a) Birdwatching
   b) Mountain biking
   c) Shopping for spices
   d) Visiting coffee plantations
4. The Kaveri river is important to Coorg because:
   a) It provides drinking water for the people
   b) It is a popular tourist destination
   c) It supplies water for the coffee plantations
   d) All of the above
5. Which sentence best describes the Kodavu people?
   a) They are known for their religious diversity.
   b) They are famous for their hospitality and storytelling.
   c) They are skilled farmers and fishermen.
   d) They live in large, extended families.
6. Which literary device is used in the sentence "This land of rolling hills is inhabited by a proud race of martial men, beautiful women and wild creatures"?
   a) Simile
   b) Metaphor
   c) Personification
   d) Hyperbole
7. How does the passage suggest the connection between the Kodavu people and nature?
   a) They wear traditional clothing made from natural materials.
   b) They live in houses built from wood and bamboo.
   c) They have many stories about animals and the forest.
   d) All of the above
8. What piece of evidence supports the theory that the Kodavu people might have Greek ancestry? a) Their love of coffee
   b) Their skill in martial arts
   c) Their long, black coats
   d) Their colorful religious ceremonies
9. What is the main difference between the monsoon and dry seasons in Coorg?
   a) The temperature
   b) The amount of rainfall
   c) The types of activities available
   d) The traditions celebrated by the people
10. Why might the author mention the fact that the Kodavus are allowed to carry firearms without a license?
    a) To show their connection to the Indian Army
    b) To emphasize their fierce and independent nature
    c) To warn tourists about potential danger
    d) To explain a unique cultural practice

ANSWER KEY:

1. a) Between Mysore and Mangalore
2. d) Coffee
3. c) Shopping for spices
4. d) All of the above
5. b) They are famous for their hospitality and storytelling.

6. c) Personification
7. d) All of the above
8. c) Their long, black coats
9. b) The amount of rainfall
10. b) To emphasize their fierce and independent nature

Bonus Questions

11. If you were planning a one-day trip to Coorg, which three activities would you choose from the passage and why?
12. Imagine you are a Kodavu storyteller. Write a short tale about a brave ancestor who encountered a wild elephant in the forest.
13. Compose a haiku poem inspired by the description of the misty landscape of Coorg.
14. Research the history of the Coorg Regiment and present your findings in a brief infographic.
15. Compare Coorg to another hill station in India, like Munnar or Darjeeling. What are the key similarities and differences in terms of scenery, activities, and culture?

16. Do you think the author's description of Coorg is too idealized or unrealistic? Explain your answer.
17. What are some potential challenges or drawbacks that tourists might face when visiting Coorg?
18. How might the increasing popularity of tourism in Coorg affect the local environment and culture?
19. Discuss the ethical implications of allowing the Kodavus to carry firearms without a license.
20. Imagine you are the Chief Minister of Karnataka. What policies would you implement to protect the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Coorg while promoting sustainable tourism?