The Piece of String questions and answers

1. Why did Manana accuse Hubert of picking the lost pocketbook?
Manana accused Hubert of picking the lost pocketbook because he had seen him pick up something from the ground. Then, he blamed him for picking up the lost pocketbook without any proof. It is said that Manana had old enmity with Hubert and he thought it a golden opportunity to take revenge on poor Hubert. It seemed that Manana was a man of dead conscience. He tried to take away his honour through false blame.

2. What did the people think of Hubert when they heard the return of the pocketbook by some other person?
The people thought that Hubert was still blameworthy even when they heard the return of the pocketbook. They thought that he was acting cleverly. He might have thrown the pocketbook on the way to the village. It was a strange logic without any proof. They cursed and criticized him behind his back. They called him old rascal.

3. Why did George give the pocketbook to his employer?
George gave the pocketbook to his employer because he was an illiterate person. He did not know how to read it. He could have played an effective role in removing the false blame of theft on Hubert if he knew how to read. He could have explained the innocence of Hubert. But, both poverty and illiteracy often combine to bring miseries for the poor people like Hubert.

4. What made Hubert shameful?
Hubert felt shameful when he was falsely accused of theft. It was a baseless blame. He thought that nothing was more shameful in the world than to be called a liar. He was hurt at his disgrace and insult. His character and self-respect were in danger. He wanted to remove the stigma of theft from his character.

5. Why did the people make fun of his innocence?
The people made fun of his innocence. They thought that he was making lame excuses. They did not believe in his story of a piece of string. They abused him and called him old rascal. They thought that he might have thrown the pocketbook on the way to the village. They criticized him behind his back. The more he tried to explain, the more he was suspected.

6. Why did he keep claiming his innocence before his death?
He kept claiming his innocence before his death to show that he was speaking the truth and that a dying person could not tell a lie. He was in deep grief and sorrow over his insult and disgrace. He was a very sensitive fellow. He wanted to remove the stigma of theft from his character. He wanted to regain his lost honour and self-respect. He tried hard even at the last breath to convince people about his innocence.

Long textual questions and answers.

1. Write a note on the character of Hubert.
Hubert was a simple and honest country man. He was truthful and hardworking. He was an innocent fellow. He was falsely accused of theft. He felt shame and disgrace. He tried hard to convince the people about his innocence but all in vain. Nobody believed him. They called him a liar. They abused him and called him old rascal. At last, he could not bear his insult and died. A great flood proved his innocence. It destroyed the people and their belongings.

2. Write ten lines on the mentality of the people who did not believe Hubert.

1. They were very selfish people.
2. They were narrow-minded and cruel.
3. They had negative and sick mentality.
4. They had no respect for poor people like Hubert.
5. They had no moral courage.
6. They lacked sense of right and wrong.
7. They were so perverted that even when pocketbook was found, still they tortured Hubert.
8. They believed in what the powerful people like the Mayor told them.
9. They were morally corrupt.
10. They were sadistic people who took delight in torturing others.

3. Why did the Mayor not believe the innocence of Hubert?
The Mayor took the words of Manana as true. He considered Manana to be a man of worthy credence. He himself did not try to find out the reality. He showed a poor judgement. Also, Hubert was a poor and simple man. He could not clarify his point of view satisfactorily. His poverty and simplicity led the Mayor to believe that he was a thief.

4. Was it necessary for Hubert to continue pleading his innocence?
Yes, it was necessary for Hubert to continue pleading his innocence. He did not steal the lost pocketbook. He was called a liar which was very shameful for him. He was deeply hurt and shocked. His self-respect was injured. His character was suspected. Therefore, it was necessary for him to continue pleading his innocence to restore his lost honour and reputation.

5. What suggestions can you give to Hubert to save him from such a humiliating situation?
Hubert should have followed the following suggestions to save himself from such a humiliating situation.

1. He should have hired the services of a good lawyer for pleading his case properly before a court of law.
2. He should have reported the matter to the police when the lost pocketbook was found.
3. He should have brought a defamation case against those who falsely blamed him even when the lost pocketbook was found.
4. He should have spiritedly fought his case in a court of law when no evidence of theft was found against him.
5. He should have exposed the hypocrisy of Manana who falsely blamed and suspected him.

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Thank you, M’am questions and answers

1. What was the time when the boy tried to snatch the purse of the woman?
It was about eleven o’clock at night. It was pitched dark outside. She was walking alone. It was a deserted road. Nobody was around at that time. The atmosphere looked horrible and grim at dead of night. It was an ideal time for criminals to strike at a lonely woman.

2. What happened to the boy when he tried to snatch the purse?
The boy lost his balance and fell down on his back on the side walk. He wanted to run away quickly but the fate was not kind to him. The large woman simply turned around and kicked him right square in his blue jeans sitter. Then she reached down and shook him by his shirt front until his teeth rattled.

3. What was the reaction of the woman?
The reaction of the woman was very harsh and quick. She caught the boy instantly. She was angry and punished him severely. It showed her mental and physical alertness. The boy wanted to outsmart her by running away. But, she outclassed him and made a lesson of him.

4. What was the conduct of the people when they saw the incident?
The conduct of the people was different when they saw the incident. They did not intervene to free the boy. At that time two or three people passed, stopped, turned to look, and some stood watching. They seemed indifferent. They feared that they might be implicated by the police in this matter if they got involved in this matter for nothing. So, they preferred to look on and neither sided with the woman nor the boy.

5. How did the boy look physically?
The boy looked as if he were fourteen or fifteen, frail and willow-wild, in tennis shoes and blue jeans. He was in a miserable condition.

6. What was the condition of the boy when the woman gave him a few jerks?
The condition of the boy was very bad when the woman gave him a few jerks. He was afraid and nervous. He struggled to free himself. He thought that he would be taken to jail. He was trembling with fear. He began to apologize to the woman for his misbehaviour.

7. Why did the woman ask the boy to wash his face?
The woman asked the boy to wash his face because his face was dirty. He was in a bad condition. He had not anybody at home to tell him to wash his face. He was unclean, poor and hungry. Also, the woman asked him to comb his hair to look presentable. She was taking care of him like a mother.

8. Why did not the boy run from the house of the woman?
The boy did not run from the house of the woman because he did not want to lose the trust of the woman. He was much impressed with the kind and sympathetic behaviour of the woman. He was beginning to change. He thought it improper and immoral to deceive such a nice and caring lady who was treating him kindly instead of taking him to jail for his crime.

9. Why did not the woman watch the boy while preparing a dish?
The woman did not watch the boy while preparing a dish because she wanted to create the feelings of trust and confidence in him. Also, she did not want to make him feel guilty of his crime. She freed him in her house and showed frankness and friendship with him. Psychologically, the boy was impressed with such kind of trust and freedom. She successfully changed him into a good boy.

10. What was the nature of the woman’s job?
The woman worked in a hotel beauty shop that stayed open late. She was a beautician there. Her shop was visited by all kinds of women including blondes,redheads and Spanish. It showed that she was a famous beautician and ran her business successfully.

1. Write the incident in your own words.
A large woman was going home at night. Suddenly, a boy tried to snatch her purse. She caught the boy and punished him. She took him to her home where she treated him kindly and nicely. It had a good and positive effect on him. He left his bad ways and became a good person.

2. What was the effect of the behaviour of the woman on the boy?
The effect of the behaviour of the woman on the boy was very positive and good. She completely changed him through her kind and affectionate behaviour. The boy was much impressed with her nice treatment. She awakened his conscience. She taught him difference between right and wrong. He left his bad ways and promised to behave himself in future.

3. Why did she treat the boy nicely in her home after punishing him in the street?
First, the woman punished the boy to show that any crime is punishable and then she treated him nicely because she wanted to teach him good manners. She wanted to to make him a good human being. Her good and nice behaviour had a very positive effect on the boy. He left his bad ways and determined to show good behaviour in future.

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Dark they were and Golden Eyed questions and answers

1. Why did Harry want to go back to the Earth?
Harry wanted to go back to the Earth because he faced unsuitable living conditions on Mars. He felt strange and lonely there. The atmosphere of Mars was quite harsh and unfit for them. Their house was in bad shape. The Martian virus changed their identities.Even the food items began to change. He found the cities of Mars dead and deserted. That is why he wanted to go back to the Earth.

2. Why did he want to stay?
He wanted to stay on Mars for some time to build a rocket to go back. All the space rockets were destroyed and there was no way to go back to the Earth again. They were stranded there. He informed others about the need to build a rocket. He also tried to take help from them to make a rocket. But , instead of helping him, they made fun of him.

3. What climate did they face?
They faced very harsh and damaging climate on Mars. Their house was in bad shape. They all became dark and golden-eyed. Even the food items were changed. The Martian virus changed their identities. The summer was so extreme that all the canals became dry.

4. What was the condition of the Bittering family on hearing the news of the war on the Earth?
The condition of the Bittering family on hearing the news of the war on the Earth was very bad. They were in deep mental shock. They became nervous and upset. They began to weep and cry. They were worried about their safety. All the space rockets were destroyed. There was no way for them to go back to the Earth again. They felt stranded permanently on Mars. Their condition was quite miserable and alarming.

6. Why did the old man take the steep path?
The old man took the steep path to check his physical fitness and health. He was a heart patient. He could not go straight up to the mountain. He made steep paths to climb the mountain easily and comfortably. It showed his strong stamina and will-power. He was a lover of nature. He did not hesitate to do hard work which added to his health and strength.

7. Why did the son at the age of six cry?
The son at the age of six cried because he had lost his wooden plough. He loved his wooden plough very much. His father made another plough for him. But, he did not love it as much as he loved the first one. It was very amazing of the writer that he still remembered this incident which showed his innocent memory.

8. What were the feelings of the old man at the age of seventy?
The old man at the age of seventy was still confident and courageous.He was a man of strong will-power and stamina. He was cheerful and lively. He could still cover long distances on foot and climb the mountain top. He was full of strength and energy.

9. Why had the old man planted his secret garden?
The old man had planted his secret garden in the new and rich land because anything grown in this land had better flavour. It had a special fragrance. He also wanted to give his son a surprise. He was a lover of nature and he knew the amazing qualities of the new land. Its charm attracted the old man to come and clear it. That is why he had planted his secret garden over there.

Long textual questions and answers.

1. What circumstances did the Bittering family face?
The Bittering family faced very harsh and unsuitable circumstances on the Mars. They faced an unfriendly climate. There was fog at night. The canals were dry due to extreme summer. Their food was poisoned by the Martian virus. Their house was burned and discoloured by the extreme wind. They became dark and golden-eyed. They felt lonely and fearful.

2. How social were the people of Mars?
The people of Mars were very friendly and polite. They were civilized people. They did not bear any hatred or enmity against anybody. They were very co-operative people. They were harmless and did not tease anybody. They did not hesitate to mix with others. They were broad-minded and cheerful.

3. How did the life change finally? Was this better or worse?
The life on the Mars changed negatively. Harry and his family lost their earthliness. They lost their identities. They became dark and golden-eyed. Even their house and other things which they brought from the Earth changed in a negative way. They became slim and thin. It was proved that the Earth is the only suitable place where human beings can live comfortably and peacefully.

4. Write the story in your own words.
The Bittering family are emigrants who join the other Earth people to run away to the Mars to escape nuclear war on the Earth. They are stranded there because all the space rockets were destroyed. They are forced to stay there. During their stay on the planet Mars, they face unfriendly and unsuitable circumstances. They begin to lose their identities and earthliness. They begin to change. Finally, they become dark and golden eyed.

5. What differences can you point out in the life style of the people of two different planets?
There are many differences in the life style of the people of two different planets. The people of Mars were very friendly and polite. Whereas the Earth people are not so friendly and polite. They often mistreat and abuse one another. The people of Mars were civilized people. They did not bear any hatred or enmity against anybody. Whereas the Earth people are full of hatred and enmity. They are engaged in battles and wars. The people of Mars were very co-operative people. They were harmless and did not tease anybody. Whereas the Earth people are mostly selfish. They want to mint money at the cost of others. The people of Mars did not hesitate to mix with others. They were broad-minded and cheerful. Whereas the Earth people are narrow-minded and superstitious.

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Clearing in the Sky questions and answers

1. Why did not the old man follow the advice of the doctors?
The old man did not follow the advice of his doctors because he had to raise his family. He had to support them financially. He had iron will-power and a strong faith in God. Nobody was there to take care of his family. He did not care if it was extreme cold or heat. Once he made his decision, he stuck to it even if he had to crawl.

2. What had the doctors told the old man?
The doctors had told the old man to stop work and sit at home comfortably and enjoy the remaining few days of his life with his family. They did not give him long to live. He was a heart patient.They also stopped him from walking on foot. But, he proved them wrong. He cheated death many times. He was a man of strong determination and will-power.

3. Where did the old man take his son?
The old man took his son to the top of the mountain where he had planted his secret garden. It was a very difficult and rough area. It was a real feat to cultivate this barren and hilly area. The old man wanted to give his son a surprise. The son was amazed to see this secret garden. He was much impressed with the hard work of his father.

4. Had the son ever been there before?
The son had been over there many times with the exception of the last three years. He spent his childhood to youth days visiting this vast area.He had many unforgettable memories of this land. He cherished these memories and moments when he used to come here with his parents.

5. What were the names of the vegetables the old man grew on his form?
The old man grew potatoes, tomatoes and yams on his new farm. These vegetables were better flavoured in the new and rich land. The old man had tried every kind of land but this new land was unique and fertile. So, the taste of these vegetables was matchless and incredible.

6. Why did the old man take the steep path?
The old man took the steep path to check his physical fitness and health. He was a heart patient. He could not go straight up to the mountain. He made steep paths to climb the mountain easily and comfortably. It showed his strong stamina and will-power. He was a lover of nature. He did not hesitate to do hard work which added to his health and strength.

7. Why did the son at the age of six cry?
The son at the age of six cried because he had lost his wooden plough. He loved his wooden plough very much. His father made another plough for him. But, he did not love it as much as he loved the first one. It was very amazing of the writer that he still remembered this incident which showed his innocent memory.

8. What were the feelings of the old man at the age of seventy?
The old man at the age of seventy was still confident and courageous.He was a man of strong will-power and stamina. He was cheerful and lively. He could still cover long distances on foot and climb the mountain top. He was full of strength and energy.

9. Why had the old man planted his secret garden?
The old man had planted his secret garden in the new and rich land because anything grown in this land had better flavour. It had a special fragrance. He also wanted to give his son a surprise. He was a lover of nature and he knew the amazing qualities of the new land. Its charm attracted the old man to come and clear it. That is why he had planted his secret garden over there.

Long textual questions and answers.

1. Describe the physical appearance of the old man.
The old man had red-wrinkled face. He used to walk with a cane. He wore a big blue bandanna. Though he was physically weak yet he was mentally strong. He proved his doctors wrong and faced up to the hardships of life bravely.

2. How did the old man feel about the land?
The old man had very deep feelings about the land. He loved to farm and visit this land. He had no other source for livelihood than this land. He worked extremely hard to make it cultivable.He loved its soil and crops. It gave him strength and energy.

3. What did the son remember from his childhood? Were these good memories?
The son remembered that once his father had made a wooden plough for him in his childhood. Unfortunately, he had lost his wooden plough. He cried bitterly and his father made another plough for him. He also remembered that his father and mother used to farm in their fields and they hunted a lot of squirrels for cooking. These were good and pleasant memories for him.

4. Write the story in your own words.
In this story, an old man had a weak heart. The doctors did not give him long to live. But, despite their prediction, he lived to be seventy years old through his strong faith in God and will-power. He showed amazing stamina and courage.

5. What moral lesson does the story teach?
The story teaches us the moral lesson that human spirit is very strong.We can achieve anything with perseverance and hard work. We should neither lose heart nor get disappointed. Nothing is impossible for man. In the story, the old man had a weak heart. The doctors did not give him long to live. But, despite their prediction, he lived to be seventy years old through his strong faith in God and will-power. He showed amazing stamina and courage

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Button Button questions and answers

1. Why did Norma consider the tone and attitude of Mr. Steward offensive?
Norma considered the tone and attitude of Mr. Steward offensive because his behaviour was rude. He was nearly forcing her to take interest in his offer. He lacked decency and politeness in his conversation with Norma. He wanted to enter her house but she told him that she was busy. He should have walked away but he still insisted her to take interest in his offer.

2. Why did Arthur disagree with his wife?
Arthur disagreed with his wife because he thought that it was immoral to kill someone just for the sake of money. It was a murder. He was a kind and sympathetic fellow. He tried his best to stop Norma from pushing the button. He even forbade Norma to discuss this offer any more.

3. Why did Norma try to persuade her husband to agree with her?
Norma tried her level best to convince her husband to agree with her to accept the offer of fifty thousand dollars. She wanted to improve her life style. She dreamt of living a luxurious life. She was not satisfied with her present standard of living. She thought that this offer was a golden opportunity to realize her dreams.

4. What were the reasons Norma gave to her husband to accept the offer?
Norma wanted to improve her life style. She gave many reasons to her husband to accept the offer. She told him that they would visit Europe. They would buy a cottage on the Island. They would purchase nicer apartment, nicer furniture, nicer clothes and a car. She tried her best to convince him.

5. Why did Mr. Steward continue persuading Norma?
Mr. Steward was a very clever person. He was a mind reader. He had known the nature of Norma. He saw through her greedy nature. He knew it well that her greedy instinct would force her to take interest in his offer. Finally, he succeeded and got Norma to push the button.

6. What was the message Norma received on pushing the button?
Norma received a very shocking message on pushing the button. Someone informed her on phone about the subway accident in which her husband had died. This message jolted her emotionally and physically. She was not in her senses. She lost control over herself.

7. What is the significance of Arthur’s life-insurance policy?
Arthur had purchased a life-insurance policy of 25 thousand dollars which was to become double in case of his death. It was very ironic that Norma was about to receive her cherished 50 thousand dollars over the death of her husband. She had unintentionally killed her husband to get money.

8. Did Norma remain normal on hearing the news of the accident of her husband?
Norma did not remain normal on hearing the news of the accident of her husband. She was emotionally and physically broken. A wave of chill went through her. Her voice began to tremble with fear. She was breathing quickly. She struggled to stand on her feet. She lost control over herself. She was shrieking with grief and pain.

Long textual questions and answers.

1. Write a note on the character of Arthur.
Arthur was a very kind-hearted and sympathetic fellow. He was an honest and caring person. He thought it immoral to kill someone for the sake of money. He tried to stop Norma from pushing the button. He was content and satisfied with his life style. Norma could not understand him. He died in subway accident.

2. Why did not Norma remain true to her husband?
Norma did not remain true to her husband. She was a greedy woman. She was not satisfied with her standard of living. She wanted money by hook or crook to improve her life style. She could not understand the feelings of her husband. She was a complete contrast to him. She was blinded by her greed for money. She ignored the wishes of her husband and pushed the button. Indirectly she committed a murder. It was proved that she could kill anybody for the sake of money.

3. Do you agree with Norma’s assertion ( opinion) that the death of someone you have never seen is not important?
We cannot agree with Norma’s assertion ( opinion) that the death of someone you have never seen is not important. Every life is valuable. Human life is more important than money. We cannot kill anybody for the sake of money. Only a mad or cold-blooded person can do such an inhuman act. Norma proved herself to be a selfish and cruel lady. Her greed brought about her destruction.

4. Write the story in your own words.
Norma was a working lady. Arthur was her husband. Norma was a greedy woman. She wanted money by hook or crook. A salesman named Mr. Steward gave her an offer of 50 thousand dollars as a reward for pushing a button unit due to which some unknown person in the world would die. Norma was entrapped by him due to her greedy nature. Her husband tried to stop her from pushing the button but she did not listen to him. Finally, she pushed the button and indirectly got her husband killed.

5. What moral lesson does the story teach?
The story teaches us the moral lesson that greed is a curse. We should not kill anybody for the sake of money. Every life is valuable. Our greed should not blind us to basic human values of sympathy, care and kindness for others. Norma was blinded by her greed and consequently she lost her husband.

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Intermediate English Notes / E book library part 8

Part1    Part2    Part3     Paer4    

Part5    Part6    Part7     Part8

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Intermediate English Notes / E book library part 7

Part1    Part2    Part3     Paer4    

Part5    Part6    Part7     Part8

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Intermediate English Notes / E book library part 6

Part1    Part2    Part3     Paer4    

Part5    Part6    Part7     Part8

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Intermediate English Notes / E book library part 5

Part1    Part2    Part3     Paer4    

Part5    Part6    Part7     Part8

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Intermediate English Notes / E book library part 4

Part1    Part2    Part3     Paer4    

Part5    Part6    Part7     Part8

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Intermediate English Notes / E book library part 3

Part1    Part2    Part3     Paer4    

Part5    Part6    Part7     Part8

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