Why Boys Fail in College?/Questions and answers

by Herbert E. Hawke

1. According to the author there are some boys who fail because they do not try. Who are they? Can we help them?
Some boys fail because they do not try. They are suffering from nervous habits. They have the ability to work hard. But, they cannot focus on their studies. They waste their precious time in useless activities. Such habits are not easy to finish. Only the boy can correct himself. We cannot do anything about him. He needs to change his habits. He should create balance and peace of mind in his personality.

2. How do mistaken ambition on the part of boys and their parents lead to the failure of the boys?
Sometimes mistaken ambition on the part of boys and their parents lead to the failure of boys. Parents choose ambitious careers for their boys. They want them to become engineers and doctors. But, they do not consider the wishes of their boys in selecting careers for them. They want them to choose such subjects in which they have no interest. As a result, the boys do not work hard and fail badly. We should let the students choose subjects of their choice to save them from failure.

3. There are some boys who have done well at school but fail to make their mark at college. Who are they? Do you have such boys in college in your country?
There are some bright boys who have done well at school. But, they fail in college simply because they are over-confident. They think that they can pass college exams as easily as they passed school exams. But, they are mistaken. They should understand that the level of college is different from that of school. In college, the course of studies is comprehensive. Such types of students are found everywhere. They need to change their attitude to utilize their talent to get success at college.

4. How does financial pressure lead to the failure of students described in the lesson? Do you have similar cases in your country?
Some students fail because they cannot meet their college expenses. They are suffering from financial problems. They cannot pay college fee. They cannot buy books and uniform. Some students do jobs to meet these expenses. They cannot focus on studies well. Their time is wasted. Their health is also affected while doing a job. Such types of students are found everywhere. It is the duty of the parents to provide enough money to their boys to meet their college expenses.

5. To what extent does the question of health lead to failure at college? How far can the college authorities with their medical officers help students in such cases?
Many students fail in college because they are mentally or physically unfit. They are suffering from various diseases. Therefore, they cannot focus properly on their studies. The students should regularly see a doctor for their medical check-up. A sound mind is in a sound body. The college should also provide medical assistance to the students. By improving the health of the students, they can be saved from failure.

6. What place would you accord to sportsmen in college?
Some students fail in college because they take interest only in sports and games. They ignore their studies. They do not keep balance between their studies and sports. Sports and games are necessary for their mental and physical fitness. But, they should not play at the cost of their studies. They must remember that education is their first duty and priority.

7. There are some students who join college for the fun of it. Should they be allowed to stay?
Some students do not have serious aim in life. They are fond of entertainment and merry-making. They join college just for fun. They are non-serious and showy. They waste their time in meaningless activities. They should be expelled from the college. So that they could know that what is the worth of lazy bluffers in the cold world.

Mustafa Kamal	Louis Pasteur	Sir Alexander Fleming	Hitch Hiking across the Sahara
First Year at Harrow	The Jewel of the World	Hunger and Population Explosion	China way to Progress
My Financial Career	The Man Who was Hospital	On Destroying Books	End of Terms
Why Boy Fail In College	Using the Scientific Method	The Dying Sun	Good Bye Mr. Chips

 

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Using the Scientific Method/ Questions and answers

by Darrel Bernard & Lon Edwards

1. How has the scientific method helped us in our fight against disease?
The scientific method has helped us a lot in our fight against disease. In the past, there were various diseases which were very deadly. They were incurable. They killed people on a large scale. Seven babies out of eight would die before reaching their first birthday. Child mortality rate was very high.Nowadays, science has very successfully discovered the treatment of fatal diseases like smallpox, yellow fever, diphtheria, measles,etc. Today, babies are born in hospitals. They are looked after well. Today, a person can expect to live upto seventy years due to life-saving medicines.

2. Write a note on the better sanitary conditions available in our cities today and compare them with what they were like a hundred years ago.
Today, our cities have better sanitary conditions. Our city streets are paved and well-drained. It is against the law to throw garbage in the open. The government has set up special departments which clean the cities regularly. Rubbish and other waste material is gathered from the cities and burned through treatment plants. The cities have seweage system throug which dirty water is taken to disposal plants. Clean drinking water is available to every household. A hundered years ago, cities were full of dirt and rubbish. The streets were unpaved. People had no sense of cleanliness. They threw garbage in the open. Animals used to wander in the streets and spread their waste here and there.

3. What are sanitary conditions like in our villages today and how would you improve them?
It is sad to note that even today, the sanitary conditions in our villages are not satisfactory. The streets are unpaved and poorly-drained. People are forced to take water from distant wells. There are heaps of rubbish here and there. People live in unhygienic conditions which cause diseases. Most of the areas are breeding grounds of germs of various diseases. We should set up proper drainage system in our villages. Streets should be paved. Special waste disposal plants should be set up. Clean drinking water facility should be ensured to all. The use of indoor toilets should be introduced.

4. How has the scientific method helped us in the production and preservation of food?
The scientific method has helped us in the production and preservation of food. Now, we can eat variety of foods throughout the year. We can store and preserve food for a long time through quick-freeze method. This food remains tasty and healthful. People in the past did not enjoy this facility. Through modern methods of farming and by making genetic changes in the seeds, we can now grow more food on a limited space to meet the needs of increasing population.

6. How has the scientific method enabled us to get over the old fears?
The scientific method has made us broad-minded and bold. We are now more critical in our thinking. Science has removed old fears from our minds. Our ancestors were superstitious. They believed in signs of good and bad luck. They were afraid of black cats, broken mirrors, and the number 13. They wore charms to prevent evil. Today, we have got over these old fears. Now, we know that there is a scientific reason behind every happening in the world.

7. What part did astrology play in the lives of men and women in the past? Give examples.
In the past, astrology played an important part in the lives of men and women. They believed in signs of good and bad luck. They wore charms to prevent evil. They used to go to fortune-tellers to ask about the events of their future lives like prospects of marriage, earning of wealth, birth of children,etc. They were extremely superstitious. Their lives were very much affected by such people as astrologers and palmists. As a result, they were often befooled and cheated by these people.

8. Describe some of the superstitions still current in our country. How do they affect the lives of those who believe in them?
There are a number of superstitions still current in our country. For example, people believe that black cat is a sign of bad luck. They believe that a guest is expected if a crow caws on the roof of their house. They believe that walking under a tree may invite a ghost at night. As a result, such superstitious people live under constant fear. They are easily cheated and befooled.

Mustafa Kamal	Louis Pasteur	Sir Alexander Fleming	Hitch Hiking across the Sahara
First Year at Harrow	The Jewel of the World	Hunger and Population Explosion	China way to Progress
My Financial Career	The Man Who was Hospital	On Destroying Books	End of Terms
Why Boy Fail In College	Using the Scientific Method	The Dying Sun	Good Bye Mr. Chips

 

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The Dying Sun /Question and answers

by Sir James Jeans

1. How is it that a star seldom finds another star near it?
It is very interesting and surprizing that a star seldom finds another star near it. There is a distance of millions of miles between one star and the other. The universe is so vast that they cannot hit one another. They continue their journey in loneliness.

2. What happened when, according to Sir James Jeans, a wandering star, wandering through space, came near the sun?
A star was wandering in the space blindly. A rare incident took place. By chance, it came near the sun. It raised tides on the surface of the sun. Then these tides formed a huge mountain on the surface of the sun. This mountain was unimaginable in size.

3. What happened when the wandering star came nearer and nearer?
When the wandering star came nearer and nearer the sun, the mountain on the surface of the sun rose higher and higher in size. It was, finally, exploded into pieces. This explosion took place due to powerful attraction between the sun and the wandering star.

4. What are planets and how did they come into existence?
Planets are heavenly bodies. They are broken pieces of the great mountain which was exploded on the surface of the sun. They came into existence due to this explosion. These pieces began to move round the sun ever since. Our earth is also one of them.

5. Why is there no life on the stars?
There is no life on the stars because they are extremely hot. They are a collection of fires. They have very harsh conditions. Life cannot exist on them. Life needs normal temperature that is not found on the stars.

6. Write a note on the beginning of life on the earth.
In course of time, one of the cooling pieces from the sun gave birth to life. We do not know how, when or why this happened. Life started in simple organisms. These organisms reproduced themselves before dying. Life became more and more complex . At last, it produced beings with feelings, ambitions, sense of beauty and religious beliefs. It is our guess that human race came into existence like this.

7. Why is the universe, of which our earth is a part, so frightening? Give as many reasons as you can.
The universe looks frightening because it is very great in size as compared to earth which looks like a small grain of sand. The universe looks frightening because of its immense distances.The universe looks frightening because of the unimaginable stretches of time. The universe looks frightening because of our extreme lonliness as there is no life on other parts of the universe.

8. What, in your opinion, should be the conditions necessary, for the kind of life we know to exist on other heavenly bodies? Do such conditions generally exist?
Life needs suitable physical conditions to exist. The most important of which is a temperature at which water could keep its liquid state. It should not be extremely hot or cold. Such conditions generally do not exist on any other part of the universe except on earth.

Mustafa Kamal	Louis Pasteur	Sir Alexander Fleming	Hitch Hiking across the Sahara
First Year at Harrow	The Jewel of the World	Hunger and Population Explosion	China way to Progress
My Financial Career	The Man Who was Hospital	On Destroying Books	End of Terms
Why Boy Fail In College	Using the Scientific Method	The Dying Sun	Good Bye Mr. Chips

 

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English Short Questions Notes /Intermediate part1

Click on the each chapter to see Questions and their asnwers

• Button Button: 

• Clearing in the Sky: 

• Dark they were, and Golden-Eyed: 
• Thank you, M’am: 
  
• The Piece of String:
  
   
• The Reward:
  
   
• The Use of Force:
  
   
• The Gulistan of Sa’di:
  
   
• The Foolish Quack: 
  
• A Mild Attack of Locusts:
  
• I have a Dream: 
  
• The Gift of the Magi: 
  
• God be Praised:
  
• Overcoat: 
  
• The Angel and the Author
  
   

• Heat Lightening
  
• The Oyster and the Pearl
  
• A Visit to a Small Planet
  
• A Visit to a Small Planet/Characters:
  

POEM SUMMARIES

• The Rain
  
• Night Mail
  
• Loveliest of Trees, the Cherry Now
  
• O Where are You Going
  
• In the Street of the Fruit Stalls

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In the Street of the Fruit Stalls Poem Summary

This poem has the background of world war. There is destruction and disorder everywhere. The world is full of misery and sufferings. When the poem opens, there is a street of fruit stalls. There is a variety of fruit piled up like cannon balls. The poor children enter the street of fruit stalls. They have just one coin each to spend. They are hungry. They buy fruit and satisfy their hunger. They forget the war and its destruction. The poem presents a very gloomy picture of the world. The poor have nothing to eat while big amounts of money are spent on war and its preparations. But, all this has failed to crush man’s love for nature. The humanity symbolized by poor children continues to enjoy life even in the darkest moments.

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O Where are You Going / Poem Summary

In this poem, the poet pays tributes to human spirit and courage. This poem is a dialogue between two imaginary persons. The first person is a reader who is a symbol of cowardice while the other person is a rider who is a symbol of bravery and courage. The bold rider wants to go out to conquer the world through his will-power and determination. But, the reader, who is a timid fellow, stops him from going out by saying that his way would be full of ups and downs. There would be diseases, calamities and other difficulties. He would be helpless and friendless. He may fall ill during his journey. But, the bold rider does not get discouraged and terrified. He says to him that all the difficulties and hindrances of the world are looking for him. It is rightly said that a coward dies many times before his death. The bold rider then ventures out to get success and glory. The poem teaches us the moral lesson that the way to glory and success may be uncertain but it can be paved through courage and perseverance.

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Loveliest of Trees, the Cherry Now / Poem Summary

In this poem, the poet describes the beauty and charm of cherry tree. The poet says that it is the loveliest of all trees. It is in full bloom. It is growing along the way that leads to forest. Its surroundings are so fascinating. It is covered with snow. It seems to be wearing white dress for celebrating Easter. The poet says that he is now seventy years old. He wants to be as young as twenty years old to enjoy the beauty of cherry tree. He then wishes to become fifty years old. But, even these fifty years are not enough to enjoy the amazing and matchless beauty of cherry tree. The poet desires to go to the woodland and see cherry covered with snow again and again

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Night Mail / Poem Summary

In this poem, the poet describes the journey of the night mail train which travels at night and brings letters, cheques and postal orders for the people. It does not discriminate between the rich and the poor. It serves them all. It is very punctual and regular in its duty. It is never late. Its way is full of ups and downs but it does not get tired and continues its journey smoothly. It passes through cotton fields and hilly areas. It also passes by populated areas. The sheepdogs do not bark at it because they know that they cannot change its course. They continue to slumber. A jug is shaken in the bed room by the vibration of night mail when it moves along the houses.

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The Rain / Poem Summary

In this poem, the poet describes the beautiful scene of falling rain. The rain is falling on everything. The falling of rain creates a beautiful symphony which is like sweet music. The whole atmosphere looks fresh and charming. The leaves on top of trees drink water first and then pass it down to the lower leaves which quench their thirst afterwards. These lines also offer a metaphor. The upper leaves of trees symbolize rich people who get every opportunity to make progress and mint money. The lower leaves of trees symbolize poor people who are at the receiving end. They do not get equal opportunities to make progress. As a result, they suffer from poverty and backwardness. In the end, the poet hopes that the sun will shine after the rain and it will be a lovely sight.

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A Visit to a Small Planet Play Characters /Question and answers

Q. Write a short note on:

1. Mr. Spelding
He is a newscaster and journalist by profession. He tells his people on TV not to be afraid of the flying object. He is a nervous fellow. He does not like Jhon who is fiance to his daughter. He becomes afraid to see Kreton. He co-operates with General Power. He wants to be the first journalist to interview Kreton.

2. Mrs. Spelding
She is a very polite and kind lady. She is worried about the safety of her house. She likes Kreton and welcomes him in her house. She is not interested in the live broadcasts of her husband.

3. Ellen
She is a very lively and passionate girl. She loves Jhon very much. She is not interested in the live broadcasts of her father. She argues with her father not to scold Jhon. She likes Kreton and wishes to travel in his space ship. She is quite frank with Kreton.

4. John
He is a very hard-working fellow. He grows English walnuts. He is fiance of Ellen. He is a bold fellow. He does not become afraid when the space ship lands at their house. He shakes hands with Kreton and makes friends with him.

5. General powers
The role of General Power in the play is very important. He is responsible for the security of USA. He is a very dutiful and strict fellow. He is very active and alert. He questions Kreton and tries to know his reality. He threatens to arrest him if he does not co-operate. He puts the house of Mr.Spelding under martial law.

6. Kreton
He is very polite and kind to everybody. He behaves very nicely and elegantly. Even when General Power behaves harshly with him, he does not mind and misbehave in response. He does not try to scare others. He does not punish those who try to damage his space ship. He is quite frank and soft with them all. Kreton belongs to some highly advanced world. He has certain extraordinary powers. For example, he can travel in a spaceship without instruments. He is a mind reader. He can speak all languages of the world. He does not die. He can defend himself against any attack.

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A Visit to a Small Planet Question and answers

1. How does kreton prove his extraordinary powers? Write five sentences?
Kreton belongs to some highly advanced world. He has certain extraordinary powers. For example, he can travel in a spaceship without instruments. He is a mind reader. He can speak all languages of the world. He does not die. He can defend himself against any attack.

2. What is the purpose of kreton’s visit?
The purpose of Kreton’s visit is to take control of the whole world. He is interested in the planet earth. He tells General Power that he can manage the affairs of the world all alone. He says that human beings are his hobby. He seems to have supernatural powers.

3. How much advanced is the civilization of kreton than of the Earth?
4. Can the people of the Earth compete with those of kreton?
NOTE: Both questions have the same answer.
The civilization of Kreton is so much advanced that the people of the Earth cannot compete with them. They are advanced scientifically and technologically. They can fly spaceships without instruments. The Earth people cannot do that. They can speak all languages of the world. The Earth people cannot do that. They do not die while the Earth people die. They can control their feelings. The Earth people cannot do that.

5. How damaging is violence in life? Write five sentences?
The violence is very damaging in life. It is very dangerous for a society. It destroys peace of a society. It creates feelings of hatred and enmity in human beings. It creates injustice and inequality in a society. It brutalizes human beings and makes them insensitive towards their fellow beings. As a result, they lack feelings of sympathy and brotherhood.

6. What type of life do you foresee in the year 5000?
The life would be quite advanced and forward both scientifically and technologically. There may be planes without instruments and engines. There may be robots replacing human workforce to a great extent. The means of communication may undergo unbelievable change. It may be possible to travel to other planets and live there.

7. How impressive were the morals of Kreton?
The morals of Kreton were very impressive and civilized. He is very polite and kind to everybody. He behaves very nicely and elegantly. Even when General Power behaves harshly with him, he does not mind and misbehave in response. He does not try to scare others. He does not punish those who try to damage his space ship. He is quite frank and soft with them all.

8. What is the role of General powers in the play?
The role of General Power in the play is very important. He is responsible for the security of USA. He is a very dutiful and strict fellow. He is very active and alert. He questions Kreton and tries to know his reality. He threatens to arrest him if he does not co-operate. He puts the house of Mr.Spelding under martial law.

9. What is the theme of Kreton’s study?
The theme of Kreton’s study is to control the world. He comes from a planet which is very advanced scientifically and technologically. He has studied the planet earth fully. He wants to take its charge. He is interested in earth. He likes human beings very much. Their lives are very charming and fascinating for him. He enjoys his stay in the earth.

10. How does Kreton impress General powers?
Kreton impresses General Power in various ways. General Power first tries to overawe Kreton to make him respond to his questions. But, Kreton impresses him by saying that he is a mind reader. He also impresses him by saying that he knows all the languages of the world. He further surprises him by saying that he does not die and he can travel in a space ship without instruments. General Power is also impressed when he cannot go even near Kreton in his attempt to arrest him.

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The Oyster and the Pearl Questions and answers

1. Do you think that it is right to allow Clay to believe that there is a pearl in the oyster ? Explain briefly.
Yes, it is right to allow Clay to believe that there is a pearl in the oyster. Clay belongs to a poor family. He needs money to bring his father back. It is right to save his innocent belief. He would be hurt if he is told that there is no pearl in the oyster.

2. In your opinion why is the writer willing to buy the pearl? What has he received in return? What does he mean by saying :”As far as I’m concerned the whole thing’s pearl.
The writer is willing to buy the pearl because he wants to help Clay financially. He comes to know that Clay belongs to a poor family. The writer has received the oyster in return. The whole thing was like a pearl for the writer because he could see what others could not.

3. What has attracted Harry and other people to O.K. by-the-sea? Is it the kind of town that appeals to you? Do you think that it resembles an ideal town? Give reasons for your answer.
The town of O.K. By-The-Sea is very attractive. Harry is attracted to this town due to its natural charm and simple people. It is full of natural beauty. The people of this town are very simple, hard-working and honest. This town is not an ideal town because many facilities of life are missing here. The people are mostly poor and uneducated.

4. Harry’s philosophy is of Take it easy (Relax and enjoy life) nature. How does that philosophy appeal to you? Why or why not? Do you think that this philosophy works better in small towns than in large cities? Explain.
The philosophy of life of Harry is very impressive and appealing. We should be happy and fresh. We should avoid tension and frustration. It depends on us to look young even in nineties and look old in thirties. This philosophy works better everywhere.

5. In your opinion does the play reveal the author’s view of life? If so, what is his view of life?
The play reveals the author’s view of life. The play shows that the poor people have to suffer from many hardships of life. They earn their living with great difficulty. They have no facilities of life. They still do not lose heart and carry on their lives happily.

6. Would you call this play on of “The action plays”? Why or why not? How would you describe the play to a friend?
This play cannot be called an action play in true sense. All the action of the play takes place in a shop. Harry is the main character of the play. All the other characters of the play interact with one another at his shop. All the events of the play take place at his shop.

7. Do you think that this would be a good play to produce? Why or why not?
Yes, it would be a good play to produce. The play is very interesting and informative. It shows that poor people suffer from ups and downs of life. They are often satisfied with their poor way of living. The play also shows that we should sacrifice for others to bring them comfort and joys of life.

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Heat Lightening short Question and answers

1. Why could not the girl describe the killer?
The girl could not describe the killer because she was very afraid. She could not see him clearly in the dark. She was quite nervous and upset. She was mentally confused. She was running away from the killer to save herself. She was not in her senses.

2. What were the circumstances that forced her to leave her car?
She was at a party. She was returning home when her car ran out of gas. She could not drive her car. It was dark outside and she could not get fuel from anywhere. She left her car and started walking along the road.

3. Why did she ask for help from the first man?
6. Does the girl become suspicious of the first man as the play progresses?
9. Why did the girl consider the first man her helper?
The girl was very afraid. She was running away from a killer. He was chasing her. She was in danger. She wanted to save her life. She wanted shelter and protection. She asked the first man for help because there was nobody to help her. She was friendless and helpless. Therefore, the girl did not become suspicious of the first man as the play progressed. She considered the first man her helper.

4. What was the condition of the weather?
The condition of the weather was very bad. It was a stormy night. It was continuously raining and thundering outside. There was flash of lightening. The bad weather increased the fear of the girl.

5. How did second man accuse first man of lying?
The second man accused the first man of lying because the first man had locked the door and told him that there was nobody in the room. The first man wanted to hide the girl. But, the second man had seen the girl in the room from outside. So, he accused the first man of lying.

7. What is her impression about the second man?
8. Why did not she accompany the second man?
The girl was very afraid of the second man. She thought that he was the killer. She was quite uncomfortable and nervous in his presence. Therefore, she did not accompany him when the bus arrived.

10. What are the factors that played a role in saving the girl?
There are many factors that played a role in saving the girl. Firstly, it was a chance that she saw the killer dimly in the dark and she started running in the dark. Secondly, it was the stormy weather that forced the second man to come to the station and stop the killer from killing the girl. Thirdly, it was her torch that helped her to recognize the killer. Finally, it was a stray dog that came there by chance and saved the girl from the killer.

11. How did she realize the truth?
The girl realized the truth when she saw her torch in the hands of the killer. She had thrown her torch on the way when the killer was chasing her. When she saw her torch in the hands of the first man, she quickly recognized the killer.

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Overcoat Short textual questions and answers

1. What was the colour of the overcoat of the young man?
The young man was wearing a brown overcoat. It looked nice and new. It was well-cut and made of fine material. It had hidden the real personality of the young man. It made him a new man. He looked dandy and rich.

2. How did he look like?
The young man was wearing a brown overcoat. It looked nice and new. It had hidden the real personality of the young man. It made him a new man. He looked dandy and impressive.Though he was poor, yet he looked like a rich man. His hair was sleek and shining and he wore side burns. He had a very beautiful thin moustache.

3. Why did the people come out on the Mall?
The people came out on the Mall to enjoy the pleasant weather. It was a cold that induced people to seek comfort in pleasure. The people seemed excited at the pleasant weather. They did not care for intense cold and started relishing it. They wanted to get some moments of joy out of their daily boring routine.

4. Who were the people wearing such dress and had come on the Mall?
At that time, all sorts of people came out from their homes and began to join the gaiety of the streets. They began to visit different shops, hotels, restaurants and snack bars to amuse themselves. They ate and danced with joy. Up and down the main road there was an unending stream of cars, buses, tongas and bicycles while the pavement was full of pedestrians.

5. Why was the cat shivering?
It was winter season. It was intense cold outside. The cat was shivering with cold. She began to rub herself with the legs of the young man who stroked her gently. The poor creature wanted to keep herself warm.

6. Why did the driver of the truck speed away after the accident?
The driver of the truck heard a shriek. He slowed down his truck for a moment. But, he realized that something serious had happened. He took advantage of the darkness and sped away into the night. He wanted to escape arrest by the police for murder.

7. Who took the young man to the hospital?
The young man met a serious accident. He was lying in a pool of blood. He was badly hurt. His life was in danger. Some passers-by showed great spirit of humanism and sympathy. They stopped a car and he was loaded into it and taken to a nearby hospital.

8. What kind of music was played in one of the restaurants?
An orchestra was playing in one of the restaurants. It was very charming and melodious. Many people were intently listening to it. Though the music was in foreign language, yet the people were much impressed with it.

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The Angel and the Author Short textual questions and answers

1. At what point of journey in his dream did the author hear the throbbing sound of wings?
The author dreamt that he was going up and up. The world grew smaller and smaller. The last thing he saw of London was the long line of electric lamps near the Embankment. Later nothing remained but a faint light. It was at this point of his journey that he heard behind him the slow, throbbing sound of wings.

2. What time of the year it was?
It was Christmas time. Everybody tries to become good and generous. On this holy occasion, the people take care of the poor and the needy. They turn to piety and purification of their souls.

3. What does the author like about Christmas?
The author likes Christmas because it makes everybody good and generous. Everybody tries to help the poor and the needy. These lovely sentiments are repeated at Christmas every year. The rich take care of the poor. These good deeds purify their souls.

4. Write down the good deeds the author has admitted are great joy at Christmas.
The good deeds that are a great joy for the author at Christmas include sweet child giving Bovril with her own dear little hands to the shivering street arab, the good old red-faced squire shovelling out plum pudding to the crowd of grateful villagers.

5. Why noble deeds are always a great joy for the author?
The noble deeds are always a great joy for the author because they create feelings of peace and happiness in him. His soul becomes satisfied by helping the poor and the needy. His sins are removed by the noble deeds and create feelings of generosity and sympathy in him.

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God be Praised Short textual questions and answers

1. What was alias Abul’s full name?
Abul’s full name was Maulvi Abul Barkat.

2. What was his turban known as and where did it originally come from?
He used to wear a turban on his head. It was known as Mashadi lungi, because it originally came from Mashad in Iran.

3. What did he always carry with him?
He always carried a walking stick, a sort of scepter with decorative bands of brass and gilt.

4. Describe Maulvi’s appearance.
Maulvi Abul had slightly bulging eyes. He had bright hair. He used fragrant oil for them. He wore silver rings with large turquoise on his fingers. He used to wear a turban on his head. He also carried a walking stick in his hand.

5. How much did the Maulvi collect on every Eid?
He collected from 150 to 200 rupees on every Eid. This amount was contributed by his followers.

6. How much was distributed among the needy and the poor?
Maulvi Abul used to distribute 40 to 50 rupees among the needy and the poor of the village. It showed his sense of humanism and generosity. He was a kind and sympathetic fellow.

7. What was the name of his eldest daughter?
The name of his eldest daughter was Mehrunnisa. She was the main cause of worries for her father because Maulvi Abul was worried about her marriage.

8. What was the name of the member of the District Board where the Maulvi lived?
The name of the member of the District Board was Chaudhry Fateh Dad. He was a pious man who helped Maulvi Abul through thick and thin.

9. What was the name of his wife?
The name of his wife was Zaibunnisa. She proved herself an ideal wife. She supported her husband in every difficulty.

10. Write the names of the other two daughters mentioned in the story.
The names of the other two daughters are: Zabda and Shamsun.

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The Gift of the Magi Short textual questions and answers.

1. How much did she save for Christmas?
She saved one dollar and eighty-seven cents in her careful buying of meat and other food. She was very economical. But, this amount of money was not enough to spend on Christmas. She was very poor and wanted to save as much money as possible to buy a suitable gift for Jim. It all showed her deep love and sincerity for Jim.

2. Why did she feel proud in the beauty of her hair?
Della had very beautiful hair. She was proud of their beauty. Even a queen did not possess such beautiful hair. She looked so charming with her long hair. But, now her hair was gone. She looked like a school boy. She lost her beauty and charm. Naturally she felt sad on losing her hair.

3. Why did she sell her hair?
Jim and Della loved each other. They could not celebrate Christmas without exchanging gifts. But, they were so poor that they could not buy suitable gifts for each other. Jim sold his precious gold watch to buy a gift for Della. She also sold her beautiful hair to buy a gift for him.

4. Why did Jim sell the gold watch?
Jim and Della loved each other. They could not celebrate Christmas without exchanging gifts. But, they were so poor that they could not buy suitable gifts for each other. Jim sold his precious gold watch to buy a gift for Della. She also sold her beautiful hair to buy a gift for him.

5. Why did they want to exchange the gifts?
They wanted to exchange the gifts out of love and respect for each other. They could not celebrate Christmas without exchanging the gifts. These gifts represented their depth of feelings for each other.

6. Why did she feel sad on losing her hair?
Della had very beautiful hair. She was proud of their beauty. She looked so charming with her long hair. But, now her hair was gone. She looked like a school boy. She lost her beauty and charm. Naturally she felt sad on losing her hair.

7. Why did Jim not welcome her when he stepped in?
Jim did not welcome her when he stepped in because he had purchased beautiful combs for her perfect hair. She had sold her hair to purchase a gift for him. Naturally he was shocked and surprised to see that her hair was gone.

8. What did he bring out of his coat?
Jim sold his precious watch to buy a gift for Della. He purchased beautiful combs for her. She liked these combs. He brought out an envelope from his coat. It contained beautiful combs for her perfect hair.

9. How beautiful was the gold watch chain?
The gold watch chain was very beautiful. It was simply made. Its value was in its rich and pure material. It had quietness and value. Della’s love and sincerity added to its value.

10. What was the wisdom in selling the most valuable things?
The selling of the most valuable things showed great spirit of love and sacrifice. It brought them more closer. By selling their most valuable things, they proved that they could do anything for each other. They sacrificed for each other and won hearts of each other.

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