1. SHERLOCK HOLMESWhat makes Dr.Watson conclude that the visitor is a doctor? Is his conclusion right? June –2008Dr.Watston guessed that the visitor was a doctor as it was engraved on the stick “To JamesMortimer, M.R.C.S. from of the C.C.H. 1884.”According to Dr.Watston Dr.Mortimer was a successful elderly medical man.He was a country doctor who does a lot of visiting on foot.Perhaps Dr.Mortimer might havegiven treatment to local Hunt members and as a token of gratitude he might have received thispresentation.His conclusion is not right.How does Dr. Watson guess that the visitor is a doctor? Is he right? June – 2007Dr.Watston guessed that the visitor was a doctor as it was engraved in the stick “To JamesMortimer, M.R.C.S. from of the C.C.H. 1884.” Yes! He is right.“I would not lose that stick for the world.”Who said these words? How was the stick so important to that person? June – 2001Dr. Mortimer said these words. The stick was a presentation to him by his friends at theCharing Cross hospital where he was a house surgeon.“Some people, without actually possessing genius, have a remarkable power of stimulatingit.”Who was Holmes referring to? What was he talking about? March - 2001Holmes was referring to Dr. Watson. He was talking about the conclusions drawn by Dr.Watson about the owner of the stick which helped Sherlock Holmes in getting onto the realtruth.

2. THE CURSE OF BASKERVILLES-No questions have come from this lesson-

3. THE PROBLEMWhy does Dr. Mortimer feel that ‘the thing is supernatural’? March – 2008, June – 2007(Or)While describing Sir Charles’ death, why does Dr.Mortimer think that the incident had somethingsuper natural about it? March - 1999Dr.Moritmer feels the thing is supernatural because several people have reported that theyhave seen a creature on the moor which resembles the Baskerville demon which could not beany animal known to science and also Dr.Mortimer believed in the story of the legend of theHound of Baskervilles.Describe the yew Alley in about five sentences. March - 2008There are two lines of old hedges, twelve feet high and impenetrable. There is a wall in centreeight feet across and there is a strip of glass about six feet broad on either side. There is awicket gate which leads t the moor.How did Dr. Mortimer’s version of Sir Charles death differ from the official account? March -2002According to official version, Charles might have died either, due to heart failure of someorganic disease. But Dr. Mortimer believed it was a mysterious death caused by a supernaturalthing, possibly by the Hound of the Baskervilles.Barrymore made a false statement at the inquest. What was it? What was the truth? March -2001Barrymore made a false statement before the inquest that there were no traces of any footprintsnear Sir Charles's dead body. The truth was that there were indeed some footprints of agigantic hound near his dead body which were seen by Dr. Mortimer only.How does Sherlock Holmes come to the conclusion that Sir Charles had been frightened evenbefore he began to run? June – 2008According to Mortimer, Charles was heading for a nervous breakdown. He believed the legendconnected with the Hound of the Baskerville and was convinced that a dreadful fate overhunghis family. When he saw savage hound with flames around his mouth he must have beenfrightened to death.Why did Dr. Mortimer think it unsuitable for Sir Henry to stay at Baskerville Hall? March -2003Dr. Mortimer thought there was danger for Sir Henry's life at the Baskerville Hall as hebelieved in the legend connected with the hound of Baskervilles. So, Dr. Mortimer thought itunsuitable for Sir Henry to stay at Baskerville Hall.

4. SIR HENRY BASKERVILLEOn his first meeting with Sherlock Holmes, Sir Henry Baskerville tells him of two strangeexperiences. What are they? March - 1999The two strange experiences are firstly, soon after his arrival in London Sir Henry receives aletter warning him to keep away from the moor and secondly, he lost one of his new boots thathe bought in London.What was strange about the letter Sir Henry received after he arrived in London? Whatmessage did it contain? June – 2001"What was strange about the letter was that words cut out from an article in a newspaper werepasted on a half sheet of foolscap paper in a zigzag manner. It said that Sir Henry should keepaway from the moor, if he valued his life.What was written on the note that Sir Henry got on his arrival at the Northumberland Hotel?March - 2005It was written on the note that, “If you value your life or reason, keeps away from the moor”.Holmes asked Cartwright to visit twenty-three hotels in the Charring cross area. What did hehope to find? March - 2002Holmes asked Cartwright to contact the porters of the twenty-three hotels near Charing Crossand find out if the centre page of "The Times" with some holes cut in it with a scissors can betraced from the waste papers of any of the hotels. He wanted to find out the identity of theperson who sent the letter of Warning to Sir Henry.Sherlock Holmes reads out an article on Free Trade’ from the times to Watson, Dr.Mortimerand Sir Henry. Why? Do his three listeners understand his intention? October- 1999Sherlock Holmes reads out the article because he knew that the words “you”, “your”,” life”,“reason”,” keep away” in the letter of warning were cut out from “The Times” and pasted on apaper. The three listeners did not understand his intention till it was made clear.

5. THREE BROKEN THREADSIf Sir Henry were to die, who can inherit the fortune? June – 2007 March – 2007,October 1999In the event of Sir Henry’s death Mr. James Desmond, an elderly clergyman in west moorlandwould inherit the estate.Who is John Clayton? What does he tell Holmes? March – 2008, (or)What did Holmes learn from John Clayton, the cabman? June – 2001John Clayton was the driver of the cab No.2704.He told Holmes that a bearded man hired hiscab for the whole day for two guineas. He followed two gentlemen and after some time hehurriedly reached Waterloo station and got down. He said that he was Sherlock Holmes.“There go two of my threads, Watson,” said Holmes.What were the two threads? How did he lose them? March - 2001Barrymore's presence at Baskerville Hall and Cartwright’s inability to trace the cut sheets oftimes are the two broken threads Holmes was referring to.

6. BASKERVILLE HALLDescribe Baskerville Hill in four to five sentences. June – 2008, March - 1999The Baskerville Hill looks like a ghost. There was garden in front of the hall. A square,ballustraded gallery ran round the top of the old hall. It could approach by a double stair. Fromthis central point two long corridors extended the length of the building.What is the relation between the Barrymore’s and Selden? March – 2008, March - 2006The escaped criminal Selden is Mr. Barrymore’s brother-in-law.What is the relation between the Barrymore’s and Selden? June – 2007The escaped criminal Selden is Mr. Barrymore’s brother-in-law.Why are soldiers posted at different places at the time Sir Henry arrives in Devonshire? June –2008, March – 2007,October 1999Soldiers were posted at different places at time of Sir Henry’s arrival Devonshire, as anotorious convict has escaped from Prince town. The prince has been searching fir him atevery station and road.What was the explanation behind the mysterious sobbing that Dr. Watson heard on his firstnight at Baskerville Hall? June – 2005, June – 2002Mrs. Barrymore was sobbing at night for her brother, the escaped convict Selden. She wasafraid that he would be caught and hanged for the number of crimes he had committed. Herhusband supplied food to her brother every alternate night.

7. THE STAPLETONS OF MERRIPIT HOUSEWhat did Dr.Watson discover when he visited the Grimpen postmaster? March - 2007Dr. Watson contacted the postmaster with a view to finding out if the telegram was deliveredto Mr. Barrymore. He came to know that the telegram was delivered to Mrs. Barrymore.What explanation doe Stapleton give Watson for having settled in a ‘gloomy’ place likeDevonshire? March – 2006, June – 2001,October 1999Stapleton tells Dr. Watson that he has settled in Devonshire because moor is a wonderful placeand as he is a naturalist he is interested in rare plants, butterflies and birds in the hills there.Why did Miss Stapleton ask Dr. Watson to return to London as soon as she met him? June –2004, March – 2003(Or)When Miss Stapleton met Watson for the first time why did she order time to return to Londonimmediately? June – 2000Miss Stapleton ordered Dr. Watson to return to London immediately because she mistook Dr.Watson for Sir Henry. She secretly warned Henry to go back to London immediately and neverto return to the moor again.Why was Barrymore crying at night? Why did she refuse to admit it? March - 2000Mrs. Barrymore was crying at night because she was worried about the safety of her brother,Selden, the escaped convict.She refused to admit it because she feared a threat to her brother as well as her husband, Mr.Barrymore.What made Dr.Watson become suspicious of Barrymore? March - 1999Barrymore lied when Watson asked about the subbing that he heard the previous night.And also Watson observed Barrymore carrying a candle in to a room and looking at the moor atmidnight.

8. FIRST REPORT OF DR.WATSONWhen Dr. Watson follows Barrymore in the middle of the night, what does he find him doingMarch – 2006, March – 2004, March - 2002Following Barrymore Dr. Watson finds him enter one of the rooms at the end of the corridor.Barrymore then crouches at the window with a candle held against the glass. He stares into thedark moor expectantly. Remaining there for few minutes he groans and puts out the lightimpatiently.

9. SECOND REPORT OF DR.WATSONWhat is the relation between the Barrymore’s and Selden? March - 2008The escaped criminal Selden is Mr. Barrymore’s brother-in-law.What explanation does Stapleton give Sir Henry for his rude behavior? March - 2007Stapleton told Sir Henry that his sister was everything to him. He could not bear the idea ofseparation from his sister after marriage. He was shocked when he saw her with Henrybehaved in a rude way. But later he started regret ad realized. He said if she had to marry, itwould be better to marry a neighbor like Sir Henry. He requested him to give three monthstime to get used to the idea.What was the mystery behind Barrymore’s night walks? June – 2006Mr. Barrymore was the butler at Baskerville Hall and Mrs. Barrymore the housekeeper. Herbrother, Selden was a notorious criminal. He escaped from Prince town prison and took refugeat the Baskerville Hall. But when Sir Henry came, the couple sent him off to the moor wherehe was starving. So Barrymore used to stand at a window and hold out a lighted candle to tellSelden that food was ready. Selden, in turn, used a light to tell them where he was. Thus, themystery behind Barrymore's night walks was that he had been supplying his brother-in-lawfood on alternate days.Why does not Henry want Dr. Watson to accompany him when he goes for a walk on themoor? March - 2006Sir Henry fell in love with Miss Stapleton the moment he saw her. He, therefore, wanted tomeet her alone. He did not want Dr. Watson to be a spoilsport. He also wanted privacy to havea free conversation with her. So Sir Henry did not want Dr. Watson to accompany him when hestarted out for a walk on the moor.Why did Barrymore stand at the window at night with a candle held against the glass? March –2005, June – 2003,June – 2000Barrymore stood by the window at night with a candle in his hand to signal Selden that foodwas ready. Selden, the brother of Mrs. Barrymore, was the escaped convict from the Princetown prison.Why was Stapleton so angry to find Miss Stapleton and Sir Henry together on the moor?March - 2003Stapleton was angry to find Miss Stapleton and Sir Henry together on the moor because hewas afraid she might reveal his (Stapleton’s) true nature to Sir Henry. He was also jealous oftheir intimacy as his wife (Miss Stapleton) was courting Sir Henry's attention. ,Why did Barrymore refuse to tell Sir Henry the truth about the candle at the window? March -2003Mr. Barrymore refused to tell Sir Henry the truth about the candle at the window because itwas not his secret but his wife Mrs. Barrymore's. He was also afraid because he felt Sir Henrymight tell the police about his brother-in-law, Selden, the escaped convict.

What important information did Barrymore give Sir Henry about Sir Charles death, in returnfor sparing is brother-in-law? March - 2001Barrymore said that he had seen a burnt letter signed L.L. received by Sir Charles in his studywhen Mrs. Barrymore was cleaning it.

10. AN EXTRACT FROM THE DIARY OF DR.WATSON-No questions have come from this lesson-

11. THE MAN ON THE HILLWhat information does Dr.Watson get from Laura Lyons? June – 2006, March - 2006Laura Lyons told Dr. Watson that she wrote to Sir Charles and met him once or twice. She firstdenied this and admitted it later. She said that she did not keep the appointment on the nightSir Charles died because she got the help she needed from another source. She wanted to meetSir Charles on the next day and tell him why she could not keep the appointment but shelearnt that he was dead. Dr. Watson felt that Laura Lyons was hiding some informationbecause she didn't inform Sir Charles that the help she needed had been received from anothersource.

12. DEATH ON THE MOORWhy cannot Holmes arrest Stapleton immediately? June – 2008,March – 2008, March – 2007(or)Why did Holmes disguise himself as the mysterious ‘man on the hill’? March – 2002(or)Watson suggested that Stapleton be arrested when he came to the scene of Seldon’s murder.Why did Holmes not want to do so? March - 2001Holmes cannot arrest Stapleton immediately because there is no substantial proof thatStapleton is instrumental in Selden's death. Though they knew that the convict died of frightand they knew what frightened him there was no evidence to present before the jury.Why do Watson and Holmes think that the dead man is Sir Henry ? June – 2006, March - 2004Hearing a terrible scream on the moor near the hut Holmes and Dr. Watson ran fast towardsthe direction from where the sound had come. Holmes thought Henry had been attacked bythe hound. In the darkness they saw a body with the face laying downwards. Theyremembered the peculiar reddish suit Sir Henry had worn. The same suit they saw in theflickering light of the match. Thus, they concluded the dead man was Sir Henry. Later theysaw that the man had a beard and identified the dead person as Selden.Why was Selden attacked by the hound? June – 2000Selden on the moor was wearing the peculiar reddish suit that Sir Henry had worn when hevisited Baker Street. Incited by its master, the hound attacked Selden mistaking him to be SirHenry.

13. FIXING THE NETS

Why did Laura Lyons write the note to Sir Charles? June – 2005, March - 2003Laura Lyons wrote the note to Sir Charles, on Mr. Stapleton's advice. Of course she did notkeep the appointment with Sir Charles, again on the advice of Mr. Stapleton.Why did Mrs. Laura Lyons from Coombe Tracey not keep her appointment with Sir Charles?March - 2005Mr. Laura Lyons from Coombey Tracey did not keep her appointment with Sir Charlesbecause she received the help from some other source i.e., Mr. Stapleton who advised her notto keep the appointment with Sir Charles.What plan did Holmes make to arrest Stapleton? June – 2004Holmes asked Sir Henry to convince the Stapleton’s that he and Dr. Watson had gone toLondon. But actually they would return at the moment they were needed with the police andarrest Stapleton. Sir Henry would tell Mr. Stapleton that he would walk back to the Hallthrough the moor after dinner. Surely Stapleton would use this chance to attack Sir Henry thusgiving Holmes the opportunity to catch him red-handed.What was Laura Lyon reaction when Holmes tells that Stapleton was a married man? March –2004,October 1999(or)Why was Laura Lyons very upset when she was told that the person who had passed forStapleton’s sister was really his wife? June – 2001Laura Lyons was very upset about it because she had hoped to marry Stapleton after shedivorced her husband. She believed that Stapleton was an unmarried man. Stapleton hadpromised to marry her if she divorced her husband.

Why does the Portrait of Sir Hugo Baskerville help Holmes to solve the mystery? June – 2002(or)Why was Holmes interested in the portrait of Hugo Stapleton? How did this help him in hisinvestigation? March – 2002(Or)Why was Holmes so fascinated y the portrait of Sir Hugo Baskerville? March - 2000When Mr. Holmes saw the portrait of Sir Hugo, he was convinced that there was a closeresemblance between Mr. Stapleton and Sir Hugo. He guessed Mr. Stapleton was Baskervilleindeed and was trying to inherit the fortune. This information helped him in solving themystery.

14. THE HOUND OF BASKERVILLESDescribe what Watson sees through the window in Merripit House June – 2006, March – 2004Dr, Watson had seen Sir Henry and Stapleton through the window. They were sitting at a tablesmoking. There were coffee and wine on the table. Stapleton seemed very excited while he wastalking. Sir Henry looked very pale. Stapleton left the room and went to the outhouse. Therewas a scuffling noise inside. Mrs. Stapleton was not in the room.Holmes devised a plan to catch Stapleton red-handed. What were the two thins that we did notforesee? March - 2004The two things Holmes did not for see were the diabolical monstrous beast and the densewhite fog settling like a wall on the Grimpen Mire.

15. A RETROSPECTIONWhy did Stapleton want t wipe out the rest of the Baskerville family? March – 2007, June –2006(Or)What was Stapleton‘s interest in the Baskerville inheritance June – 2000Stapleton was a Baskerville in disguise. He was the son of Rodger Baskerville, the youngerbrother of Sir Charles. He was an evil-minded person. His enquiries revealed that only twoheirs came between him and the Baskerville fortune. So, he came and settled in Devonshiredisguising himself at Stapleton. He wanted to wipe out the rest of the family to inherit thefortune.

Why did Stapleton plan to kill Sir Charles and Sir Henry? June – 2003Stapleton was a Baskerville in disguise. He was the son of Rodger Baskerville, the youngerbrother of Sir Charles. He was an evil-minded person. His enquiries revealed that only twoheirs came between him and the Baskerville fortune. So, he came and settled in Devonshiredisguising himself at Stapleton. He wanted to wipe out the rest of the family to inherit thefortune.What was the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of Sir Henry’s boots? Why did twodifferent boots go missing? June – 2005Mr. Stapleton got the boots of Sir Henry stolen to use them as bait to kill Sir Henry by settingthe hound on him. One boot was new and was not worn by Sir Henry even once. It was of nouse for Mr Stapleton. So he got the old used black boot of Sir Henry to show its smell to thehound and set it on him.Why did Holmes disguise himself as the mysterious ‘man on the hill’? June – 2005Holmes disguised himself because he wanted to catch Stapleton, the man behind themysterious deaths in the Baskerville family, red-handed. He observed the movements ofeveryone secretly.How did Stapleton use the hound to keep up the belief in the Curse of the Baskervilles? June –2005, June – 2002Stapleton made the hound look diabolical and painted it with phosphorus to make it shine indarkness. He lurked around the moor several times at night to make the peasants believe in thelegend of the Baskervilles.How was Mr. Stapleton related to the Baskervilles? March - 2005Mr. Stapleton was the son of Rodger Baskerville, the younger brother of Sir Charles and whowas thought to have died unmarried. In this way, Mr. Stapleton was related to the Baskervilles.

Why did Mr. Stapleton introduce his wife as his sister? June – 2004Mr. Stapleton introduced his wife as his sister to attract Sir Henry so that he would visitMerripit house frequently. It was a part of his plan to kill Sir Henry in order to inherit theBaskerville fortune.Why was Stapleton angry with Sir Henry when he saw him with his Miss Stapleton? June –2004, June – 2002Stapleton was afraid his sister would be a spoil sport in his game plan for killing Sir Henryand inheriting the Baskerville fortune. So, he was so upset when he saw his sister walkingwith Sir Henry on the moor.Why did Holmes come to Devonshire in disguise? June – 2004Holmes disguised himself because he wanted to catch Stapleton, the man behind themysterious deaths in the Baskerville family, red-handed. He observed the movements ofeveryone secretly.Why was Sir Henry’s new boot returned and an old boot stolen the second time? June – 2003(Or)What was the mystery behind Sir Henry’s missing boot? March - 2000One would want a single old boot to set loose hounds after a person who could be identifiedby the smell of his used boot sensed by the hounds.Why did Holmes come to Devonshire in disguise? June – 2003Holmes disguised himself because he wanted to catch Stapleton, the man behind themysterious deaths in the Baskerville family, red-handed. He observed the movements ofeveryone secretly.Why does Stapleton force his wife to pretend that she was his sister? June – 2003Mr. Stapleton introduced his wife as his sister to attract Sir Henry so that he would visitMerripit house frequently. It was a part of his plan to kill Sir Henry in order to inherit theBaskerville fortune.How did Stapleton meet his end? June – 2002Mr. Holmes shot the hound dead when it was about to reach Sir Henry's throat. Hearing thegun shots, Mr. Stapleton realized his game was up and ran. to the shelter he had made forhimself beyond the Grimpen Mire. But he took a wrong foot and was buried in the great mine.What was Sir Charles doing in the Yew Alley on the night of his death? June – 2000Sir Charles was waiting for someone during his walk in the Yew Alley.Mr. Stapleton needed the articles used by Sir Henry to set the hound on him. So, he got SirHenry's boot stolen from his hotel room.How was Laura Lyons involved in the death of Sir Charles? March - 2000Laura Lyons on the advice of Mr. Stapleton wrote a letter to Charles asking him to meet her atthe moor gate at 10 O'clock at night. After she had sent the letter he asked her not to keep theappointment. Stapleton used that opportunity to set the hound on Sir Charles. Thus she wasinstrumental in executing Stapleton’s plan to kill Sir Charles.How did Stapleton make the hound look more fearsome than it really was? March - 2000Stapleton bought the dog from a reputed dealer in London. He used artificial means to makethis creature look diabolical. Phosphorus applied by him around the muzzle of the dog made itappear as if it was spitting fire.

Give two examples of Sherlock Holmes’ intelligence as a detective? March 1999Making out the details of the letter received by Henry Baskerville and finding out the featuresof Stapleton in Hugo Baskerville portrait are the best examples of Sherlock Holmes’intelligence.

1. CHARLES

Why the story is called ‘Charles’? June – 2008 (or)Why had Charles become an institution? MARCH – 2008(or)

Why is the story entitled Charles not Laurie? MARCH -2006 (or)Who really was Charles in the Story Charles?, September 99

Though the story is of Laurie, it deals with the pranks of Charles, an imaginary creation ofLaurie. In this story Laurie identifies himself with his imaginary character Charles and madeparents believe that Charles is a live character and thus Charles became an institution inLaurie’s home. So, story is aptly given the title ‘Charles’.Why did Laurie create the character of Charles? JUNE – 2005 & MARCH -2003 (or)

Why did Laurie tell stories about an imaginary Charles? JUNE - 2002

Laurie being highly imaginative he could create a character Charles and also make his parentsbelieve. Fooling his parents in this way might have given him a kind of pleasure.How did Laurie behave during his first two or three weeks at kindergarten? MARCH -2002

• Laurie hit the teacher because she asked him to use red crayons instead of green ones.• He bounced a seesaw onto the head of a little girl and made her bleed.• He threw a chalk and hit a boy in the stomach and made him cry.

In the story Charles, Who was Charles? What did Laurie’s mother want to do at the PTAmeeting? Was she able to do that? MARCH -2001

Charles was an imaginary character created by Laurie. Laurie's mother wanted to meetCharles' mother at the P.T.A. meeting. She was not able to meet her because Charles did notexist at all.Why did Laurie’s parents never find out that their son was often punished by being made tostay back after class? MARCH -2000

Laurie created the character of Charles in such a way that his parents were totally convincedby him and started believing that Charles was existing. Thus Laurie took the advantage oftheir belief and fooled them by imposing all his mischievous acts and punishments onCharles. So parents never found out that their son was often punished by being made to stayback after class.

2. HENRY DAVID THOREAU

How is Thoreau’s unconventional behavior suggested in the description of his parentage,appearance and early life? JUNE - 2006

Thoreau's father was part French and hids Mother was the daughter of a New Englandminister. Besides being tough and strong, he was rather ugly with a short body, long legs anda big nose and was extremely ill-mannered. He never followed an organized course of study.Instead, he spent most of his time reading books. Ultimately, it was his careful reading thatbecame the basis of his education. Right from his youth, he wanted to be a free man withutmost simplicity but with a wayward and rebellious behavior.How did Thoreau earn his living at Walden Pond? JUNE - 2004

Thoreau earned his living at Walden Pond by doing small jobs and by selling vegetableswhich he had grown on the land near his cabin. He traded some of the vegetables for foodthat he couldn't grow himself.‘IndependentMan’that’swhatThoreauwas.How?Why?MARCH -2004

Thoreau usually remained alone. He was not impressed by the ideas or action of others. Hebelieved that people should act according to their beliefs. He felt that if he could succeed inremaining independent he would solve some of the problems of life and be an example toothers. Emerson recognized a similarity between Thoreau's thinking and his own andadmired this independent man.It was said of Thoreau that: “His acts, his opinions, and his writings are one.” What does thismean? MARCH -2003

His acts, his opinions and his writings are one. This means Thoreau lived what he wrote.Whatever he expressed in his opinions and in his writings he implemented in his actions.Why was the Thoreau sent to prison? What did say about the experience? JUNE - 2001

Thoreau was sent to prison for one night because he refused to pay a tax. He did not want tosupport a Government that allowed slavery to exist or which made war. He knew that ideascould not be imprisoned like people.What were Thoreau’s ideas about a good government? MARCH -2001

Thoreau was of the opinion that Government should base its actions on what is right ratherthan on what is necessary. In Thoreau's own words,, that Government is best which governsleast or which does not govern at all. Civil Disobedience was his main contribution to politicalthought.What was Thoreau’s doctrine of passive resistance? When did he believe it should be resortedto? JUNE - 2000

Thoreau's doctrine of passive resistance was opposition without the use of force or violence.He believed that if a Government bases its actions on what is necessary rather than on what isright, individual in the society should resort to passive resistance.

Why did Thoreau rebel against the conventions of his society? Was it necessary for him to doso? March - 99Thoreau rebelled against the conventions of the society because he believed that peopleshould act according to their beliefs and should not do anything just because it was theaccepted thing to do. He also believed that-one need not blindly follow conventions. As a manof independent thinking, it was necessary for him to do so.

3. THE DAY THE VICEROY CAME

How Gopal is different from others? (June – 2008)From Gopal’s behavior we understand that he is an inquisitive boy. The coming of Viceroyhardly matters him. He whiles his time playing with an ant where as his friends squatted inthe scorching sun.

How did the school authorities behave on the day the Viceroy visited? (MARCH – 2008)

What kind of challenge did the ant present to Gopal? MARCH – 2007How were the people connected with the occasion of the Viceroy’s visit show their selfimportance? JUNE - 2006

The Viceroy of India was passing through the small town. The headmasters and teachers werein a state of nervousness for the fear that something might go wrong on that day. Thedrillmaster walked up and down the line of students as if he was reviewing an army parade.Even the headmaster consulted him and took his advice, so the drillmaster felt so important.What kind of challenge did the ant present to Gopal? MARCH -2004

When Gopal saw a big black ant crawl up, he shook it off. The ant blindly turned and cametowards him again. Gopal pushed it away with a small twig. The ant returned brandishing itswhiskers. Gopal had a momentary misgiving about his own strength to cope with it. The antmoved towards him like an enemy tank in a battle field.Why was Gopal so happy to go to school on a Sunday? JUNE - 2003

There was a festive mood everywhere in the town on the day of the arrival of the Viceroy. Allthe school children were presentably dressed and Gopal too wore aof camphor and teakwood lifted his spirits and this gave an immense sense of importance. Hetherefore felt happy to go to school on a Sunday.

Why was the school staff so nervous about the Viceroy’s visit? MARCH -2003

The school staff was so nervous about the viceroy's visit for fear that something might gowrong on that day and their institution betray a lack of loyalty in any respect.

4. ANIMALS FOR EVERWhat species of animals are in danger of extinction? (June – 2008)According to Gerald Durrell, many animals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, fishes etc. areendangered of extinction. He fears hat plants and shuns too are faced with extinction.What are Red Data Books? Who produces them? (MARCH – 2008)

What species of living things are in danger of extinction? JUNE – 2007What does the phrase ‘paper protection’ mean? JUNE - 2006

Government pass laws preventing the hunt of animals about to be extinct and providereserves for their conservation but will not allow sufficient funds to control them properlyand run adequately.What does Durrell mean by the phrase “paper protection”? MARCH -2005

Government passes laws preventing the hunt of animals about to be extinct and providereserves for their conservation but will not allow sufficient funds to control them properlyand run adequately.According to Durrell, what are the two important measures that we should take to conservewildlife? JUNE - 2004

Durrell has suggested two important measures to conserve wildlife. The first is that morefunds should be allotted for up-keeping the reserves. Countries should make laws to conservewildlife. The animal can be saved from extinction by being taken into zoological gardens andbred under controlled conditions.Whatdoesspeciesof livingthingsareendangeredofextinction? MARCH -2004

Many birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians are endangered of extinction. NorthAmerican buffalo, the noisy scrub bird, pere David deer, the Hawaiian goose, European Bisonare some of the species endangered of extinction.If it is not possible to protect endangered animals in the wild state, what else can we do? JUNE -2003Durrell has suggested two important measures to conserve wildlife. The first is that morefunds should be allotted for up-keeping the reserves. Countries should make laws to conservewildlife. The animal can be saved from extinction by being taken into zoological gardens andbred under controlled conditions.According to Durrell, what is the biological war that we are waging on the world around us?MARCH -2002We are sending our industrial waste into the rivers. We are polluting the sea and air. Thispollution of water and air cause destruction to a number of living things. In this way, we arewaging a sort of biological War on the world around us.What is the story of a Passenger Pigeon that the writer tells us in Animals Forever? What aretheir functions? JUNE - 2001

Everyone thought the passenger pigeons could never be exterminated. Flocks of themestimated at two billion used to darken the skies. The weight of their numbers perching ontrees could break off quite large branches, so they killed and killed and the last passengerpigeon in the world died in 1914. It proves that whatever be the numerical value of a speciesthey become extinct if they are not properly taken care of.In Animals Forever, how did the North American buffalo come very near to extinction? MARCH-2001Buffaloes came very near to extinction in North America because the early settlers there beganto massacre the buffaloes as it resulted in starving the Red Indians. People killed them fortheir meat.

According to Durrell, the problem of protection for wildlife does not end with the creating ofreserves why? JUNE - 2000

According to Durrell it is not enough to create reserves. The Government should also provideadequate resources and money to maintain them.What method of saving animals from extinction does Durrell refer to as a last ditch stand?MARCH -2000The method of breeding animals in zoos under controlled conditions is referred to as a last

ditch stand.In a spider's web all threads are interconnected with one another. If we touch one thread, itwill disturb the whole web. In the same way, all creatures in the world are interdependentand interconnected with one another. Any wild disturbance anywhere causes ecologicalimbalance.

5. GROOMINGHow many types of talking does Desmond Morris distinguish? JUNE – 2007What are the different types of sub-activities of grooming? MARCH – 2007How many types of talking does Desmond Morris distinguish? MARCH -2006

In Grooming, the writer talks about four kinds of ‘talking’. What are they? What are theirfunctions? JUNE - 2001

The four kinds of talking are grooming talk, information talking, mood talking andexploratory talking. The function of grooming talking is to strengthen the bond of friendship,information talking is to exchange information, mood talking is to sense the mood of others

and talk and exploratory talking is for talking sake or play talking.What according to Desmond Morris, is “grooming talking” ? MARCH -2005

According to Desmond Morris, 'grooming talking' is the talking indulged in by the humanbeings to strengthen bonds of friendship between the people of different communities in thesociety.How many types of talking does the writer distinguish? Why? MARCH -2004

The writer distinguishes four types of talking namely information talking, mood talking,exploratory talking and grooming talking.What are the two kinds of grooming mentioned by Morris? How do they differ? JUNE – 2003

Desmond Morris talks about two kinds of ‘grooming’ in the essay on Grooming. What arethese two types? Why is the distinction between the two necessary? September 99How is grooming distinct from social grooming? JUNE - 2000

In the lesson, the author deals with grooming habits of birds and animals. Grooming in birdsis long and complicated whereas in mammals it is less complicated. Since the pattern of livingof the two types differ it's but necessary to note the grooming habits of the two.One kind of grooming is for keeping the body clean and free from parasites. In another kindmotivation is more social than cosmetic. There are self- grooming and social grooming.What is the human substitute for social grooming? What is its function in our society? MARCH -2003Smile is the human substitute for social grooming. Its function in our society is to continueand strengthen the bond of friendship and social togetherness among the people.What is the ‘grooming’ that human beings indulge in? JUNE - 2002

Grooming talk is an important substitute for social grooming. To reciprocate the groomingsignals fluffy or furry clothing is needed. This is the reason men are generally inclined togroom the pet animals i.e., stroke the cat’s fur or scratch a dog behind the ear.How are human beings similar to other creatures with regard to grooming habits?March-99The basic principle of grooming is present in human beings also. Man evolved smiling in theplace of lip-smacking of animals. This smiling is reinforced by vocalization. These tendenciesare present in man because he is also a mammalian.

6. THE VILLAGER’S CURIOSITYThe villagers treated the writer with utmost respect? JUNE – 2007

The villagers treated the writer with utmost respect? (MARCH – 2008)

What was the attitude of the villagers towards the author? Did they consider him to be astranger? JUNE - 2006

The villagers liked the author and held him in great respect. They went out of their way tohelp him. They did not consider him to be a stranger.Why didn’t the writer feel free with the people of the village? MARCH -2006

The author belonged to the village once but he had outgrown village life. So, he felt like astranger. He did not feel free with the people of his village because the village people had

pestered him with petty and personal questions out of their curiosity.Why does the writer, M.N. Srinivas, refer to the villagers as ‘frogs in the well’? JUNE - 2005

The proverb "A frog in the well" is applied to the villagers in the essay. A frog in the wellthinks that the well is the whole world for it and it takes pride in it. In the same way, thevillagers thought the people of their State only were handsome and clever. They listed someof the names of administrators whom they thought to be good administrators. Some of themdid not belong to Mysore at all.Why was the writer in the village? How did the villagers receive him? JUNE - 2004

The writer M.N. Shrinivas was an anthropologist. He was in the village to collect informationabout the way of life of people there so that he could present an account of their social life andculture to the students in England. The villagers received him with great respect.Why did M.N. Srinivas, the writer, keeps his Mysore visit a secret from the villagers? JUNE - 2002

The writer kept his Mysore visits a secret from the villagers because he did not want anyvillager to come to Mysore and disturb him. He was already busy engaging the villager at thevillage. He wanted to have some free time to recuperate and relax after four or five weeks ofhis field work.Why did headman’s son in The Villager’s Curiosity offer to steal the old woman’s hen?What effect did he think this would have? JUNE - 2000

The headman's son wanted to provoke the old woman to display her mastery over thevocabulary of curses and abuse. So, he offered to steal the old woman's hen. He thought thiswould give some idea to the writer about the village women about whom the writer coulddescribe in his notes.

7. THE ROMANCE OF A BUSY BROKER

In what ways was Miss Leslie unlike the usual stenographs? JUNE - 2005

Miss Leslie, the stenographer in Maxwell's office, was extraordinarily beautiful in her plainappearance. She forewent the pomp of alluring pompadour. She wore no chains, bracelets orlockets. Her dress was grey and plain, but it fitted her figure with fidelity and discretion. Thusshe was unlike the usual stenographers.Why did a lady from the Stenographer’s Agency come to see Mr. Maxwell? MARCH -2005

Mr. Pitcher, the confidential clerk of Mr. Maxwell, notified the Stenographer's Agency for astenographer. So, the lady from the Stenographer's Agency came to see Mr. Maxwell.In what ways was Miss Leslie unlike the usual stenographers? MARCH -2002

Miss Leslie, the stenographer in Maxwell's office, was extraordinarily beautiful in her plainappearance. She forewent the pomp of alluring pompadour. She wore no chains, bracelets orlockets. Her dress was grey and plain, but it fitted her figure with fidelity and discretion. Thusshe was unlike the usual stenographers.

In “The Romance of a Busy Broker”, why had Maxwell instructed Pitcher to engage anotherstenograph? MARCH -2000

Maxwell had instructed Pitcher to engage another stenographer because he had married hisown stenographer just the previous evening. He was an abnormally absent-minded stockbroker.

8. THE THRILLS OF BIRD WATCHING

What are the kinds of thrills in bird watching? MARCH – 2007(or)What, according to Salim Ali, makes bird watching an exciting activity? JUNE - 2005

Bird watching is a thrilling activity according to Salim AH because it involves extractingclues, following them up step by step and confirming of facts. Two of his thrilling experiencesare seeing a tusker elephant and fleeing away in Cochin forest when he was with Omar andescaping miraculously from rolling down a steep while he was trying to get a better view ofthe bird, Yuhina.According to Salim Ali, what two circumstances can cause an elephant to be particularlydangerous? MARCH -2000

It should be a rogue elephant or it must be a female one with a calf.Describe two of Salim Ali’s thrilling experiences of bird watching? March – 99In 1945 on his way to Lake Manasasarovar and Mount Kailas, Salim Ali notice a rare birdcalled Yellow aped Yuhina. To have a better look he walked a few steps back. When he looked

back soon after hearing a pebble rolling down he found himself on the edge of the abyss there.In February, 1946 Salim Ali and Omar went out bird collecting in Cochin forest. Suddenly henoticed a tusker elephant striding down the same path from the opposite direction. They hadto run away for life. The elephant had not noticed them and they escaped fortunately.

9. THE BEAUTY OF BROTHERHOODAccording to Martin Luther King, what does the award of the Nobel Prize stand for? (June –2008)Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded Noble Prize in recognition of the service rendered by himwaging a non-violent war against racial injustice through civil rights movement.By this he meant that he accepted the prize on behalf of all men who love peace andbrotherhood. In the deaths of his heart he felt that the prize was much more than an honor tohim personally.What does the award of the prize stand for, according to Martin Luther King? JUNE – 2007Why did Martin Luther King call the battle ‘creative’? MARCH – 2007On whose behalf does Martin Luther King say he says the Nobel Prize? MARCH -2005

Martin Luther King accepts the Nobel Prize on behalf of the Civil Rights Movement which ismoving with determination and a majestic scorn for risk and danger to establish a reign offreedom and a rule of justice.According to Martin Luther King, what does the award of the Nobel Prize stand for? JUNE - 2004

According to Martin Luther King Junior the prize of the award stands for the recognition thatnon-violence is the answer to the crucial political and moral problems of our age.Why does Martin Luther King Jr. call himself a trustee when he accepts the Nobel Prize? JUNE -2003Martin Luther King Jr. said he came to Oslo to accept the prize on behalf of all men who lovepeace and universal brotherhood. In the depths of his heart he felt that the prize was muchmore than an honor to him personally. So, he calls himself a trustee when he accepts theNobel Prize.

How appropriate is Martin Luther King’s comparison of himself to the pilot of a plane on asuccessful fight? JUNE - 2002

A dedicated pilot can make a successful flight only with the labor and sacrifices of the groundcrew. Martin Luther King, being humble enough to accept that his leadership of civil rightsmovement was a success, considers himself as a pilot who has made a successful flight. TheNobel Prize Award bestowed upon him is a vivid sign of the successful journey of themovement under his leadership.Why did Martin Luther King see himself as “a curator of some precious heirloom”? MARCH -2002

A dedicated pilot can make a successful flight only with the labor and sacrifices of the groundcrew. Martin Luther King, being humble enough to accept that his leadership of civil rightsmovement was a success, considers himself as a pilot who has made a successful flight. TheNobel Prize Award bestowed upon him is a vivid sign of the successful journey of themovement under his leadership.While accepting the Nobel Peace Prize, Martin Luther King said that he came to Oslo as atrustee. What did he mean by this? JUNE - 2001

When Martin Luther King said that he came to Oslo as a trustee he meant that he alone wasnot to be considered as the man dedicated to bring freedom to his people. He was acceptingthe prize on behalf of all men who loved and worked for peace and the prize was much morethan honor to him personally.

10. THE FIRST PATIENTOf the all patients waiting, who tried to behave like the bravest? Was she really brave? MARCH -2006Of all the patients waiting, Man - 14 behaves like the bravest. He says in the play let thatworry does never do anyone any harm. When the characters M-16, M-17 and M-18 leave thestage, he calls every one of them cowards. He repeats it after W -11 and W -12 exeunt. He latersays to M -13 that he has heard of so many things that would make others' hair stand on end.Thus he behaves like the bravest. He then notices the dentist enter and the next moment healso slips off.In The First Patient, the people waiting in the dentist’s waiting room show their anxiety indifferent ways. How do they try to hide their anxiety? Give examples of two such persons inthe plays. MARCH -2001

The people in the dentist's waiting room tried to hide their anxiety by talking and entertainingthemselves with photographs. W. 13 talked about how one patient lost her false teeth andwhy she wanted to have anesthetic this time when her tooth is extracted. W. 15 had broughther holiday photographs with her and concentrated on enjoying and showing them to others.