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Showing posts with label English XII Notes - New Book 2025. Show all posts
Showing posts with label English XII Notes - New Book 2025. Show all posts

Wednesday, 10 June 2026

How Much Land Does A Man Need? (BY Leo Tolstoy) - UNIT # 05 Character Building - English Paper II (Compulsory) - For Class XII (All Groups) - Text Book Exercise

Go To Index
Unit 05: Character Building
How Much Land Does A Man Need?
English II (C)
For Class XII (All Groups)


How Much Land Does A Man Need?
(BY Leo Tolstoy)

Pre-Reading

 EXERCISE 01: 
Answer the following questions:
1. What do you think the title 'How Much Land Does a Man Need?' suggest?
Ans: The title suggests a question about human greed and contentment. It hints that no matter how much a person owns, he may still want more, and that in the end, a man needs only a little — just enough to be buried in.

2. Based on the title, what do you predict might be the main conflict in the story?
Ans: The main conflict is likely internal — between a man's desire for more and his inability to be satisfied. It may also involve the consequences of excessive greed and how it can lead to destruction.

3. Think about stories or fables you've heard where characters desire for more and more of something. Share with your classmates the moral you learn from them.
Ans: Here are some examples of stories or fables and their morals about characters who desire for more and more of something:
1. The Goose and the Golden Eggs: A farmer has a goose that lays golden eggs. He becomes greedy and kills the goose to get all the gold at once, but finds no eggs inside.
Moral: Greed can lead to losing what you already have.

2. King Midas and the Golden Touch: King Midas wishes everything he touches to turn to gold. He soon realizes that his greed makes him unable to eat or touch his loved ones.
Moral: Greed can make you blind to the true value of what you already possess.

3. The Fisherman and the Golden Fish: A fisherman catches a magical fish that grants wishes. His wife becomes increasingly greedy, demanding more and more, until the fish stops granting wishes altogether.
Moral: Greed can lead to losing everything.

4. The Ant and the Grasshopper: The grasshopper spends summer singing and not preparing for winter, while the ant works hard storing food. When winter comes, the grasshopper is hungry and regrets his greed for leisure.
Moral: Hard work and moderation are better than greed and laziness.

5. Greedy Dog: The dog had a bone but wanted another when he saw his reflection. He lost what he had.
Moral: The moral is: Greed leads to loss.

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While-Reading

 EXERCISE 02: 
Work in pairs.Write the contextual meaning of the following words.
Words Meaning
 Grew tired of Became bored or frustrated with something over time.
 To look after To take care of or manage something or someone.
 To reckon it out To calculate or figure something out (like distance, time, or amount).
 Go around on your feet To walk from place to place; to travel by walking.
 Get round To complete a round trip; to return to the starting point.
 Dispersed for Scattered in different directions for a purpose (e.g., people going for work).
 Saw through Understood the real meaning or intention behind something.
 Flashed above Quickly appeared or became visible in the sky (like the setting sun)
 Done up with Exhausted or extremel tired; having. no energy left.
 Giving way Losing strength or contro;: about to collapse or fall down.

 EXERCISE 03: 
Read the statements and choose the correct option.
1. One of the following objects used as metaphor in this story is _____.
(a) Sun
(b) Land ✔
(c) Spade
(d) fur cap

2. Pahom takes _____ with him as he starts measuring the land.
(a) a spade ✔
(b) a compass
(c) a map
(d) a sack of gold

3. The story expresses an irony on human's _____.
(a) success
(b) humility
(c) worldly possessions ✔
(d) desire to grasp more

4. Which of the following proverbs befit the message of the story?
(a) Tit for tat
(b) What you give, repays you
(c) Pride goes before a fall
(d) Greed is a bottomless pit ✔

5. Which of the following characteristics are found in Pahom?
(a) Unsatisfied and desirous ✔
(b) Contented and proud
(c) Humble and kind
(d) Wise and watchful

6. How does Pahom mark the land as he walks?
(a) He digs holes and piles up turf ✔
(b) He plants flags
(c) He piles the mud
(d) He digs holes and sows seeds

7. "Though it will make my land lopsided, I must hurry back in a straight line now...." the underlined word means.
(a) Balanced
(b) Uneven ✔
(c) Straight
(d) Round

8. The length of Pahom's grave at the end of the story symbolizes_____.
(a) His will for a simple burial
(b) His humility in death
(c) The irony of his greed for land ✔
(d) The Bashkirs' respect for his achievement

 EXERCISE 04: 
Answer the following questions after reading the text:
Q.l: What moral / lesson do you learn from the story of Pahom? Ans: The story teaches that greed can lead to one's downfall. Pahom was never satisfied with what he had and always wanted to get more land. In the end of the story, his uncontrolled desire for land caused his tragic death. Loe Tolstoy shows the message that humans often ruin themselves by wanting too much without any limit.
Moral: Be content with what you have, or you may lose everything chasing more.

Q.2: What urged Pahom to abandon his well-settled life and desire for more land?
Ans: Pahom heard from a man passing by that much land was for sale and the land was too good. Then, Pahom sold his land, homestead, and cattle and moved his family to the new settlement. This planted a seed of desire in his mind. He thought that if he had more land, all his problems would be solved. His increasing ambition and greed pushed him to leave his comfortable life in search of more land and wealth.

Q.3: Describe what thoughts Pahom had about grasping the land?
Ans: Pahom believed that the more land he owned, the happier, richer, and more powerful he would be. When he heard about the Bashkirs' offer_ thirteen thousand acres of land for only one thousand rubbles, he imagined owning a huge area and dreamed of endless fields, crops, and profit. His thoughts were filled with greed and avariciousness, with no concern for limits or danger.

Q.4: What strategy did Pahom use to mark the land that he covered while walking on it?
Ans: As Pahom walked, he dug small holes and placed pegs (sticks or markers) in the ground to show the corners of the land he was claiming. He tried to make a square or large loop, returning to the starting point by the sunset to make the land legally his.

Q.5: How did Pahom's attitude change, from being confident to fear of losing both life and land, as he went on in measuring the land?
Ans: At first, Pahom felt strong, excited, and confident, believing he could easily cover a massive area. But as the day went on, the sun got hotter, his body grew tired, and he realized he had gone too far. Fear gripped him, he was worried that he wouldn't make it back in time and would lose both the land and his life. He became desperate, panicked, and exhausted at the end of the story.

Q.6: Do you think Pahom was pushing himself too hard while walking to cover as much land as possible? How?
Ans: Yes, Pahom was pushing himself far beyond his physical energy and limits. Despite signs of fatigue, thirst, and pain, he kept walking and extending his route to claim more land. Even when he knew he might not make it back by the sunset, he chose greed over caution, ultimately collapsing from exhaustion just as he reached the finish line.

Q.7: Why was the Chief of Bashkirs laughing on Pahom's efforts?
Ans: The Chief laughed because he saw how foolish and desperate Pahom became in trying to claim more land. From the Chiefs point of view, it was obvious that Pahom's greed was leading him to destruction. The Chiefs laughter was not out of joy, but a reflection of how ironic and tragic human greed can be.

Q.8: What does the ending of the story reveal about Pahom's character?
Ans: The ending reveals that Pahom is blinded by greed and ignores all warnings and limits. He risks everything for more land and ends up with nothing but a grave. It shows that he lacks self-control, contentment, and wisdom, and that his downfall is caused by his own choices and the character flaw is uncontrolled greed.

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Post-Reading

 EXERCISE 05: 
Following table contains the events / Incidents occurring in the above-story. Read the story carefully and give numbers to the events / incidents in proper order as they occur in the story.

No. Event / Incident
5 He marks on the land by digging a hole and piling the turf on it.
7 He feels tired and exhausted yet does not stop from running to grasp more.
9. Out of exhaustion, fatigue and tiredness, he loses his breath and dies.
10 He is buried in the grave of six feet.
6 He runs hard to grasp as much land as possible when sun is above his head.
8 He feels he would not be able to reach at the starting point when the sun is about to set.
4 Bakhsir's chief shares the terms and conditions for the land purchase.
3 Bakhshir receive him and serve him with delicious food.
2 Pahom Sells his land, homestead, and other things to buy the land beyond Volga.
1 Pahom is introduced to the reader.

Answer: Event / Incident in Proper Order
1. Pahom is introduced to the reader.
2. Pahom Sells his land, homestead, and other things to buy the land beyond Volga.
3. Bakhshir receive him and serve him with delicious food.
4. Bakhsir's chief shares the terms and conditions for the land purchase.
5. He marks on the land by digging a hole and piling the turf on it.
6. He runs hard to grasp as much land as possible when sun is above his head.
7. He feels tired and exhausted yet does not stop from running to grasp more.
8. He feels he would not be able to reach at the starting point when the sun is about to set.
9. Out of exhaustion, fatigue and tiredness, he loses his breath and dies.
10. He is buried in the grave of six feet.

 EXERCISE 06: 
Read each statement below and write T for true or F for false.
No. Statement True/False
1. Pahom was a wealthy landowner who was satisfied with his land.F
2. Pahom heard about fertile land beyond the Volga from a passing traveler.-T
3. After selling his land and cattle, Pahom moved his family to new settlement.T
4. Pahom was content with his new land and did not want any more.F
5. A land dealer told Pahom that he could buy land from the Bashkirs for a very low price.T
6. The bashkirs sold land by the acre, and Pahom knew exactly how much he could buy.F
7. Pahom was required to return to the starting point before sunset to keep the land he covered.T
8. Pahom took many breaks during his land measuring journey.F
9. Pahom was able to successfully return to the starting point before the sun set.T
10. Pahom died of exhaustion just as he reached the cap marking the end of his journey.T

 EXERCISE 07: 
Match the sentences of actions by Pahom in column A with the reasons in column B and write the complete statements in your notebook.
Column A Column B
 Pahom was not satisfied with his forty acres of land Because he imagined the riches that owning more land could bring him.
 Pahom decided to sell his homestead and move to the new settlement Because he wanted to increase his harvest and earn more profit.
 APahom was motivated to seek out the Bashkirs' land Because he was driven by greed and the desire to claim as much land as possible.
 Pahom felt a growing sense of urgency Because he heard it was available at an incredibly low price.
 Pahom ultimately collapsed and died Because he believed that more land would lead to greater prosperity.
 Pahom ignored his physical limits during his journey. Because he was enticed by the tales of fertile land beyond the Volga.
  Pahom felt a sense of excitement and hope. Because the sun was setting, and he needed to return to the starting point to secure his land.
 Pahom rented additional land for wheat cultivation. Because he pushed himself too hard in his quest for more land.

Answer: Statements:
1. Pahom was not satisfied with his forty acres of land because he believed that more land would lead to greater prosperity.
2. Pahom decided to sell his homestead and move to the new settlement because he was enticed by the tales of fertile land beyond the Volga.
3. Pahom was motivated to seek out the Bashkirs' land because he heard it was available at an incredibly low price.
4. Pahom felt a growing sense of urgency because the sun was setting, and he needed to return to the starting point to secure his land.
5. Pahom ultimately collapsed and died because he pushed himself too hard in his quest for more land.
6. Pahom ignored his physical limits during his journey. because he was driven by greed and the desire to claim as much land as possible.
7. Pahom felt a sense of excitement and hope. because he imagined the riches that owning more land could bring him.
8. Pahom rented additional land for wheat cultivation. because he wanted to increase his harvest and earn more profit.

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Friday, 5 June 2026

How Much Land Does A Man Need? (BY Leo Tolstoy) - UNIT # 05 Character Building - English Paper II (Compulsory) - For Class XII (All Groups) - Short Question Answers

Go To Index
Unit 05: Character Building
How Much Land Does A Man Need?
English II (C)
For Class XII (All Groups)

Short Question Answers
From Text Book Exercise

Q.l: What moral / lesson do you learn from the story of Pahom? Ans: The story teaches that greed can lead to one's downfall. Pahom was never satisfied with what he had and always wanted to get more land. In the end of the story, his uncontrolled desire for land caused his tragic death. Loe Tolstoy shows the message that humans often ruin themselves by wanting too much without any limit.
Moral: Be content with what you have, or you may lose everything chasing more.

Q.2: What urged Pahom to abandon his well-settled life and desire for more land?
Ans: Pahom heard from a man passing by that much land was for sale and the land was too good. Then, Pahom sold his land, homestead, and cattle and moved his family to the new settlement. This planted a seed of desire in his mind. He thought that if he had more land, all his problems would be solved. His increasing ambition and greed pushed him to leave his comfortable life in search of more land and wealth.

Q.3: Describe what thoughts Pahom had about grasping the land?
Ans: Pahom believed that the more land he owned, the happier, richer, and more powerful he would be. When he heard about the Bashkirs' offer_ thirteen thousand acres of land for only one thousand rubbles, he imagined owning a huge area and dreamed of endless fields, crops, and profit. His thoughts were filled with greed and avariciousness, with no concern for limits or danger.

Q.4: What strategy did Pahom use to mark the land that he covered while walking on it?
Ans: As Pahom walked, he dug small holes and placed pegs (sticks or markers) in the ground to show the corners of the land he was claiming. He tried to make a square or large loop, returning to the starting point by the sunset to make the land legally his.

Q.5: How did Pahom's attitude change, from being confident to fear of losing both life and land, as he went on in measuring the land?
Ans: At first, Pahom felt strong, excited, and confident, believing he could easily cover a massive area. But as the day went on, the sun got hotter, his body grew tired, and he realized he had gone too far. Fear gripped him, he was worried that he wouldn't make it back in time and would lose both the land and his life. He became desperate, panicked, and exhausted at the end of the story.

Q.6: Do you think Pahom was pushing himself too hard while walking to cover as much land as possible? How?
Ans: Yes, Pahom was pushing himself far beyond his physical energy and limits. Despite signs of fatigue, thirst, and pain, he kept walking and extending his route to claim more land. Even when he knew he might not make it back by the sunset, he chose greed over caution, ultimately collapsing from exhaustion just as he reached the finish line.

Q.7: Why was the Chief of Bashkirs laughing on Pahom's efforts?
Ans: The Chief laughed because he saw how foolish and desperate Pahom became in trying to claim more land. From the Chiefs point of view, it was obvious that Pahom's greed was leading him to destruction. The Chiefs laughter was not out of joy, but a reflection of how ironic and tragic human greed can be.

Q.8: What does the ending of the story reveal about Pahom's character?
Ans: The ending reveals that Pahom is blinded by greed and ignores all warnings and limits. He risks everything for more land and ends up with nothing but a grave. It shows that he lacks self-control, contentment, and wisdom, and that his downfall is caused by his own choices and the character flaw is uncontrolled greed.

More Short Question Answers

Q.9: Why did Pahom keep moving from one place to another?
Ans: He moved because he believed he could get more fertile and cheaper land elsewhere. He was not satisfied with his current condition of life. He found that there was no charm left in his crops, grass and the land because these possessions were not different from any other landowners. His greed drove him to keep shifting in search of better opportunities.

Q.10: How did the Bashkirs welcome Pahom?
Ans: Pahom travelled more than three hundred miles and reached a place where the Bashkis pitched their tents. They saw Pahom from their tents and came out of them and gathered around the visitor. They welcomed and served him with tea, mutton to eat. Pahom later gave them some grifts as well.

Q.11: What attracted Pahom to the land of the Bashkirs?
Ans: A land dealer informed Pahom that he had bought thirteen thousand acres of land in the land of Bashkirs for only one thousand rubbles. In other words, he got the land for less than two pence an acre. The land was extremely cheap and fertile. The deal seemed profitable and sound he could get as much land as he could walk around in a day to fulfill his insatiable desire for the land.

Q.12: What mistake did Pahom make during his land walk?
Ans: Pahom made a fatal blow during his land walk because he allowed his insatiable greed to lead his actions towards the downfall. He did not realize that he could not walk more than his physical limits. He became obsessed with acquiring more land and ignored the warnings from the Bashkirs and his own body's exhaustion and fatigue. He made his route too wide, trying to cover more land than he could realistically return from before the sunset to fulfil the destructive nature of his unchecked ambition.

Q.13: How is irony used in the ending of the story?
Ans: Pahom is a hard-working peasant who becomes dissatisfied with his modest holdings. His relentless pursuit of land ultimately leads to his own demise. He spends his whole life trying to get more land, but in the end, the only land he truly needs is six-feet of land for his grave — a tragic irony.

Q.14: How does the story reflect the conflict between spiritual values and materialism?
Ans: Spiritual values mean inner peace, compassion and higher truth whereas materialism refers to wealth, possessions and worldly success. Tolstoy contrasts Pahom's simple living with material greed. His insatiable desire for land blinds him to spiritual truths like humility and contentment. The story criticizes the modern pursuit of wealth and teaches that spiritual peace is more important than possessions. Pahom's death shows how materialism leads to spiritual loss.

Q.15: Analyze Pahom's personality. How did his character lead to his downfall?
Ans: Pahom started as a hardworking but ambitious peasant who became arrogant, greedy, envious, prideful and obsessed with land. His inability blinds him to the potential consequences of his actions. along with his ego and refusal to listen to warnings, led him to make foolish choices. His personality driven by greed and pride directly caused his tragic end.


Thursday, 4 June 2026

How Much Land Does A Man Need? (BY Leo Tolstoy) - UNIT # 05 Character Building - English Paper II (Compulsory) - For Class XII (All Groups) - (MCQs)

Go To Index
Unit 05: Character Building
How Much Land Does A Man Need?
English II (C)
For Class XII (All Groups)

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
From Text Book Exercise

Choose the correct answer for each from the given option:
1. One of the following objects used as metaphor in this story is _____.
(a) Sun
(b) Land ✔
(c) Spade
(d) fur cap

2. Pahom takes _____ with him as he starts measuring the land.
(a) a spade ✔
(b) a compass
(c) a map
(d) a sack of gold

3. The story expresses an irony on human's _____.
(a) success
(b) humility
(c) worldly possessions ✔
(d) desire to grasp more

4. Which of the following proverbs befit the message of the story?
(a) Tit for tat
(b) What you give, repays you
(c) Pride goes before a fall
(d) Greed is a bottomless pit ✔

5. Which of the following characteristics are found in Pahom?
(a) Unsatisfied and desirous ✔
(b) Contented and proud
(c) Humble and kind
(d) Wise and watchful

6. How does Pahom mark the land as he walks?
(a) He digs holes and piles up turf ✔
(b) He plants flags
(c) He piles the mud
(d) He digs holes and sows seeds

7. "Though it will make my land lopsided, I must hurry back in a straight line now...." the underlined word means.
(a) Balanced
(b) Uneven ✔
(c) Straight
(d) Round

8. The length of Pahom's grave at the end of the story symbolizes_____.
(a) His will for a simple burial
(b) His humility in death
(c) The irony of his greed for land ✔
(d) The Bashkirs' respect for his achievement

More Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

9. What is the name of the main character in the story?
(a) Ivan
(b)Pahom ✔
(c) Dmitri
(d) Bashkir

10. What is Pahom's main desire in the story?
(a) Wealth through gold
(b) To own more and more land ✔
(c) Fame among villagers
(d) A peaceful retirement

11. How much land does Pahom initially own?
(a) Ten acres
(b) Twenty acres
(c) Forty acres ✔
(d) One hundred acres

12. Why is Pahom not satisfied even after acquiring good land?
(a) He wants to live in a city
(b) His crops fail
(c) He craves for more land ✔
(d) The weather is harsh

13. Where does Pahom hear about better land?
(a) From his brother
(b) From a passing traveller ✔
(c)From a merchant in town
(d) From the Bashkir chief

14. What convinces Pahom to go to the land of the Bashkirs?
(a) Free land
(b) Magical soil
(c) Very cheap land and high fertility ✔
(d) Invitation from Bashkirs

15. What do the Bashkirs offer Pahom?
(a) Land in exchange for gold
(b) As much land as he can walk around in one day ✔
(c) Half of their land
(d) A small piece of land near the river

16. What is the price for the Bashkirs' land?
(a) 500 rubbles an acre
(b) 10 rubbles a mile
(c) 1,000 rubbles per day ✔
(d) Free, but shared

17. What must Pahom do to get the land?
(a) Work on it for a year
(b) Circle it on horseback
(c) Walk around it before the sunset ✔
(d) Sign a treaty with the chief

18. What is used as the starting and ending point?
(a) A tree
(b) A cart
(c) A fox fur cap ✔
(d) A red flag

19. What does Pahom use to mark his path?
(a) Stones
(b) Red flags
(c) Turf with spade holes ✔
(d) Wood sticks

20. Why does Pahom keep extending his walk?
(a) He's lost
(b) He finds the land better and better ✔
(c) The Bashkirs encourage him
(d) He wants to show off

21. What emotion dominates Pahom's journey?
(a) Fear
(b) Greed ✔
(c) Confusion
(d) Gratitude

22. What happens as the sun begins to set?
(a) Pahom gives up
(b) The Bashkirs cancel the deal
(c) Pahom races desperately to return ✔
(d) He is robbed

23. What does Pahom throw away during his final run?
(a) His money
(b) His coat, boots, flask, and cap ✔
(c) His land papers
(d) His food

24. What happens to Pahom at the end?
(a) He wins the land and lives happily
(b) He loses his way and quits
(c) He collapses and dies ✔
(d) He is cheated by the Bashkirs

25. What causes Pahom's death?
(a) Hunger
(b) Dehydration
(c) Exhaustion and greed ✔
(d) Snake bite

26. What ironic truth is revealed at the end?
(a) He needed only a grave-sized land ✔
(b) The land was not fertile after all
(c) He died with riches
(d) His family rejected the land

27. The story is an example of what literary theme?
(a) Adventure and survival
(b) Simplicity and family
(c) Greed and its consequences ✔
(d) War and peace

28. What lesson does the story teach?
(a) Always aim higher
(b) Greed can destroy a person ✔
(c) Never trust strangers
(d) Hard work brings happiness

29. How far did Pahom travel on foot that day (approximately)?
(a) 2 miles
(b) 5 miles
(c) 10 miles
(d) Over 30 miles ✔

30. What does Pahom believe just before dying?
(a) The Bashkirs tricked him
(b) He was blessed
(c) He grasped too much ✔
(d) His servant betrayed him

31. Why does the Bashkir chief laugh at the end?
(a) He is happy for Pahom
(b) He sees the irony of the situation ✔
(c) He tricked Pahom
(d) He is drunk

32. What does the servant do at the end?
(a) Takes the land
(b) Buries Pahom ✔
(c) Runs away
(d) Returns home

33. What is the final answer to the story's title question: "How Much Land Does a Man Need?"
(a) None
(b) As much as he can farm
(c) Only six feet (a grave) ✔
(d) A full estate


Tuesday, 2 June 2026

Icarus And Daedalus (By Josephine Preston Peabody) - UNIT # 04 Self-Discipline - English Paper II (Compulsory) - For Class XII (All Groups) - Text Book Exercise

Go To Index
Unit 04: Self-Discipline
Icarus And Daedalus
English II (C)
For Class XII (All Groups)


Icarus And Daedalus
(By Josephine Preston Peabody)

Pre-Reading

 EXERCISE 01: 
Read and discuss the following quote.
1. "Discipline is the bridge between goals and actomplishments" by Harvey Mackay
Ans: Discipline leads a pivotal role with the help of self-control and consistent efforts in achieving desire results and outcomes. Discipline keeps the track of success and eradicates the hinderance and obstacles on the way of ultimate goals and targets. Discipline provides a momentum and gradually moves to turn our dreams into tangile results or realities.

2. "Self discipline is the key to personal greatness."
Ans: Self-discipline is the major theme of Icarus and Daedalus because unchecked ambition can be checked by the self-discipline on the track of goals and accomplishments. Icarus has no self-discipline against his wish of flight after the imprisonment ignoring the wise councel of his father related to the dangers of overreaching.
Daedalus symbolizes intelligence and Craftsmanship. He proposes a plan to escape from the imprisonment by crafting wings for himself and for his son Icarus but he fails to convey the significance of self-discipline to his son in freedom from the captivity. His son paid the price of freedom without discipline in drowning at the end of the story. To be precise, self-discipline is necessary for the personal growth.

3. "The difference between the successful and the unsuccessful is discipline." By Ed Mylett
Ans: This quote emphasizes that discipline is the key factor distinguishing success from failure. Consistent self-control and dedication enable individuals to achieve their goals, highlighting discipline as the foundation of success. Without it, even talented efforts may fall short.

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While-Reading

 EXERCISE 02: 
Work in pairs.Write the contextual meaning of the following words.
Words Meaning
 Winnow Drive way by fanning
 Cleave Split, Rive
 Fledgling Novice
 Cunning Crafty, foxy
 Draught A cold burst of wind

 EXERCISE 03: 
Read the following statements and choose the correct option.
1. The story challenges human limitations by implying _____:
(a) humans should defy nature
(b) knowledge is dangerous
(c) overconfidence leads to destruction ✔
(d) learning makes humans divine

2. _____ inspired Daedalus to escape:
(a) Dreams of flight
(b) Watching seagulls ✔
(c) A vision from gods
(d) A magical clue

3. Daedalus warned Icarus from _____:
(a) fear of drowning
(b) sun's heat danger ✔
(c) minos' revenge plan
(d) wings might break

4. In the story, Icarus symbolizes _____:
(a) wisdom and caution
(b) youthful recklessness
(c) divine punishment
(d) human ambition ✔

5. How does Daedalus feel after Icarus' fall?
(a) Vengeful and furious
(b) Proud but sad
(c) Grief-stricken and regretful ✔
(d) Fearful of Minos

6. The flight of Daedalus and Icarus is symbolic because it _____:
(a) represents human desires ✔
(b) shows gods' kindness
(c) means defying nature
(d) warns about risks

7. What ultimately caused Icarus' fall?
(a) Wind's strong force
(b) Sun's extreme heat ✔
(c) Weak feather glue
(d) Daedalus' miscalculation

 EXERCISE 04: 
Answer the following questions after reading the text:
Q.1: How does the story reflect the dangers of unchecked ambition?
Ans: The story reflects the character of Icarus who exhilarates the ever-tasting sensation of light and ignores the warnings and orders of his father Daedalus. This myth links the ideas of controlled ambitions rather than unchecked ambition which Icarus has who ignores the wise councel. It highlights the limits of the human ambiton and dangers of overconfidence.
Q.2: Compare and contrast Daedalus and Icarus.
Ans: Daedalus symbolizes intelligence and craftsmanship. He proposes a plan to escape from the imprisonment by crafting wings for him and for his son Icarus but he fails to convey the significance of discipline to his son in freedom from the captivity.
Icarus symbolizes unchecked ambition which leads him to ignore the wise councel and ultimately his wish of going beyond the horizons due to his uncontolled ambiton and overconfidence. He paid the price of freedom without discipline in drowning at the end of the story.

Q.3: What is the significance of Daedalus dedicating his wings to Apollo after Icarus' fall?
Ans: Daedalus is dedicating his wings to Apollo after Icarus' fall because he is in deep grief after the lost of his son and presents his wings as offering to Appollo. Daedalus returns wings to Apollo and declares that the humans should not defy nature and be submissive to the supreme power of nature without challenging the supremacy of their gods.
Q.4: What moral lessons can be drawn from the story? Provide examples from the text to justify each lesson.
Ans: The first moral lesson is to have controlled ambition raher than unchecked ambition like Icarus has who ignores the wise councel of his father ralated to the dangers of overreaching.
The second moral lesson is to have intelligence and craftsmanship like Daedalus has who proposes a plan to escape from the imprisonment by crafting wings for himself and for his son Icarus.

Q.5: Did Daedalus foresee Icarus. fall when he warned him about flying too high or too low? Justify your response with evidence from the text.
Ans: Deadalus has already foreseen Icarus' fall when he warns his son Icarus, "Remember. never to fly very low or very high, but the blaze of the sun will surely melt your feathers apart if you go too near." He knows that Icarus likes to do the rash adventures and does not care of his warnings in favor of his unchecked ambitions.

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Post-Reading

 EXERCISE 05: 
Work in a pair. Analyse the statements given below and write 'true' of 'false' before each.
No. Statement True/False
1. Daedalus built the Labyrinth for King Minos.True
2. Deadalus and Icarus escaped Crete using a boat.False
3. Icarus followed his father's advice carefuly while flying.False
4. The wax in lcarus's wings melted because he flow too close to the sun.True
5. Deadalus named a nearby island after his son, Icarus.True
6. Icarus' fall was caused by strong winds pushing him down.False
7. After Icarus' fall, Deadalus continued to experiment with flying.False
8. Deadalus made an offering to Apollo after his escape.True

 EXERCISE 06: 
Work in pairs. Read the statement of column "A" and write the cause / reason in column "B". First one is done as an example.
No. Column A Column B
1. Deadalus built the Labyrinth.Because King Minos orderd him.
2. Deadalus created wings for himself and Icarus.Because Daedalus wanted to escape from the imprisonment.
3. Daedalus warned Icarus not to fly too high or too low.Because thp fogs would weigh Icarus down or the blaze of the sun would melt wax and the feathers apart.
4. Incarus ignored his father's warning.Because he wanted to fly high and high after the captivity.
5. The wax in Icarus' wings melted.Because the heat of the sun melted the wax.
6. Icarus fell into the sea and drowned.Because the feathers were falling one by one due to heat of the sun and the feathers were afloat on the water.
7. Deadalus named an island lcarus.Because Icarus was drowned near that island and Daedalus gave the name in the memory of his son.

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Icarus And Daedalus (By Josephine Preston Peabody) - UNIT # 04 Self-Discipline - English Paper II (Compulsory) - For Class XII (All Groups) - Short Questions Answers

Go To Index
Unit 04: Self-Discipline
Icarus And Daedalus
English II (C)
For Class XII (All Groups)

Short Question Answers
From Text Book Exercise

Q.1: How does the story reflect the dangers of unchecked ambition?
Ans: The story reflects the character of Icarus who exhilarates the ever-tasting sensation of light and ignores the warnings and orders of his father Daedalus. This myth links the ideas of controlled ambitions rather than unchecked ambition which Icarus has who ignores the wise councel. It highlights the limits of the human ambiton and dangers of overconfidence.

Q.2: Compare and contrast Daedalus and Icarus.
Ans: Daedalus symbolizes intelligence and craftsmanship. He proposes a plan to escape from the imprisonment by crafting wings for him and for his son Icarus but he fails to convey the significance of discipline to his son in freedom from the captivity.
Icarus symbolizes unchecked ambition which leads him to ignore the wise councel and ultimately his wish of going beyond the horizons due to his uncontolled ambiton and overconfidence. He paid the price of freedom without discipline in drowning at the end of the story.

Q.3: What is the significance of Daedalus dedicating his wings to Apollo after Icarus' fall?
Ans: Daedalus is dedicating his wings to Apollo after Icarus' fall because he is in deep grief after the lost of his son and presents his wings as offering to Appollo. Daedalus returns wings to Apollo and declares that the humans should not defy nature and be submissive to the supreme power of nature without challenging the supremacy of their gods.

Q.4: What moral lessons can be drawn from the story? Provide examples from the text to justify each lesson.
Ans: The first moral lesson is to have controlled ambition raher than unchecked ambition like Icarus has who ignores the wise councel of his father ralated to the dangers of overreaching.
The second moral lesson is to have intelligence and craftsmanship like Daedalus has who proposes a plan to escape from the imprisonment by crafting wings for himself and for his son Icarus.

Q.5: Did Daedalus foresee Icarus. fall when he warned him about flying too high or too low? Justify your response with evidence from the text.
Ans: Deadalus has already foreseen Icarus' fall when he warns his son Icarus, "Remember. never to fly very low or very high, but the blaze of the sun will surely melt your feathers apart if you go too near." He knows that Icarus likes to do the rash adventures and does not care of his warnings in favor of his unchecked ambitions.

More Short Question Answers

Q.6: How did Daedalus fix his feathers before flying?
Ans: Daedalus gathered a store of feathers great and small and fastened with thread, moulded them in with wax, and so successfully made the two large feathers like a bird to fly. Deadalus fitted them to his own shoulders .He found that by waving his arms he was able to hold himself in air and wavered his flight with the wind.

Q.7: How did Daedalus get the idea of escaping from the imprisonment?
Ans: Daedalus was watching the seagulls flying in the sky and they were the only creatures were at liberty at that time. So he got the Idea of escaping from the impronsinment not only for himself but also for his son Icarus by crafting wings.

Q.8: What was the reaction of Icarus after listening to his father about the danger?
Ans: Icarus listened the warnings and precautions of his father and ignored them thoroughly. He asked the questions to himself: who could remember to be careful when he was to fly for the first time? Are birds careful? Icarus enjoyed the sensation of his flight of skyward till the last destiny that is the sun.

Q.9: What was the reaction the country folk after observing Daedalus and Icarus flying in the sky?
Ans: Both Daedalus and Icarus were ready to fly and checked all the wings put at their proper places. When they were flying, the country folks were watching and considering them as a vision of the gods Apollo and Cupid. Both of them were high above the tree-tops and moving towards the skyward.

Q.10: What was the terror in the joy of flying?
Ans: There was a terror in the joy because the empty space in the air dazzled them and a glance downward made them lose their balance and staggered violently. They were overwhelmed by the blow of the wind over their whole bodies especially their heads.

Q.11: Why did Icarus forget everyone and everything in the joy of the flight?
Ans: Icarus managed to fly with a blow of a great wind and sustained like a halcyon-bird in the hollow of the wave. He forgot everything in the world but joy. He forgot Crete and the other islands even he forgot his own father who was flying in the distance before him and wise councel that his father taught him. Icarus symbolizes the unchecked ambition.

Q.12: How did Icarus lose his life in the flight against the captivity?
Ans: Icarus decided to go near to the sun. When he was moving towards the sun, the wind turned out to warmer and warmer. The arms were not supporting the body of Icarus with the passage of time. He was falling towards the ground. At last, the heat of the sun melted the wax from his wings and feathers were falling one by one like snowflakes and there was no one to help him.

Q.13: What is the major theme of Icarus and Daedalus?
Ans: Self-discipline is the major theme of lcarus and Daedalus because unchecked ambition can be checked by the self-discipline on the track of goals and accomplishments. Icarus has no self-discipline against his wish of fight after the imprisonment ignoring the wise councel of his father related to the dangers of overreaching.
Daedalus symbolizes intelligence and craftsmanship. He proposes a plan to escape from the imprisonment by crafting wings for himself and for his son Icarus but he fails to convey the significance of self-discipline to his son in freedom from the captivity. His son paid the price of freedom without discipline in drowning at the end of the story.

Q.14: How was Icarus drowned?
Ans: Icarus ignored wise councel of his father and made his flight towards the sun. When the heat of the sun started melting the wax of the feathers, he was falling towards the ground. At last, the feathers were falling one by one like snowflakes and there was no one to help him. He felt like a leaf tossing down gradually towards the sea. Daedalus came and sought for his son but he saw nothing but the feathers afloating on the water and Icarus was drowned ultimately.

Q.15: What happened after the death of Icarus?
Ans: After the death of Icarus, Daedalus gave his son a tribute after naming the nearest island after his name 'Icarus' in the memory of his son. He went to the temple of Apollo in Sicily, Italy. He hang up his wings as an offering and never attempted to fly again in the worldly life.


Icarus And Daedalus (By Josephine Preston Peabody) - UNIT # 04 Self-Discipline - English Paper II (Compulsory) - For Class XII (All Groups) - (MCQs)

Go To Index
Unit 04: Self-Discipline
Icarus And Daedalus
English II (C)
For Class XII (All Groups)

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
From Text Book Exercise

Choose the correct answer for each from the given option:
1. The story challenges human limitations by implying _____:
(a) humans should defy nature
(b) knowledge is dangerous
(c) overconfidence leads to destruction ✔
(d) learning makes humans divine

2. _____ inspired Daedalus to escape:
(a) Dreams of flight
(b) Watching seagulls ✔
(c) A vision from gods
(d) A magical clue

3. Daedalus warned Icarus from _____:
(a) fear of drowning
(b) sun's heat danger ✔
(c) minos' revenge plan
(d) wings might break

4. In the story, Icarus symbolizes _____:
(a) wisdom and caution
(b) youthful recklessness
(c) divine punishment
(d) human ambition ✔

5. How does Daedalus feel after Icarus' fall?
(a) Vengeful and furious
(b) Proud but sad
(c) Grief-stricken and regretful ✔
(d) Fearful of Minos

6. The flight of Daedalus and Icarus is symbolic because it _____:
(a) represents human desires ✔
(b) shows gods' kindness
(c) means defying nature
(d) warns about risks

7. What ultimately caused Icarus' fall?
(a) Wind's strong force
(b) Sun's extreme heat ✔
(c) Weak feather glue
(d) Daedalus' miscalculation

More Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

8. Who was more cunning in the beginning of the story?
(a) Daedalus ✔
(b) Apollo
(c) Icarus
(d) Cupid

9. What did Daedalus build for King Minos of Crete?
(a) Palace
(b) Labyrinth ✔
(c) House
(d) Jungle

10. What was the trick to escape from labyrinth?
(a) Palace's store room
(b) A magic clue ✔
(c) Home's roof
(d) Jungle book

11. What did Daedalus offer at the end to Apollo?
(a) Palace
(b) Wings ✔
(c) Icarus
(d) Wax

12. What was Daedalus watching to have a plan of escaping from imprisonment?
(a) Fox
(b) Eagle
(c) Fly
(d) Seagulls ✔

13. According to Daedalus, Icarus will surely lose his life if he goes near to?
(a) The Clouds
(b) The Earth
(c) The Star
(d) The Sun ✔

14. How many wings did Daedalus make for his flight in air?
(a) Six
(b) Two ✔
(c) Four
(d) Three

15. Who was captive with Daedalus?
(a) Apollo
(b) Icarus ✔
(c) Minos' of crete
(d) Khan

16. Are _____ careful? Icarus asked it:
(a) Eagles
(b) Birds ✔
(c) Cocks
(d) Doves

17. Apollo's name is used with _____?
(a) Daedalus
(b) Cupid ✔
(c) Minos of Crete
(d) ICarus

18. Which name was given to the nearest island by Daedalus?
(a) Daedalus
(b) Cupid
(c) Minos of Crete
(d) Icaria ✔

19. Where did Daedalus go after the death of his son?
(a) Paris
(b) Sicily ✔
(c) London
(d) Athens

20. Which thing did Daedalus not do again after the death of his son?
(a) He did not eat anything
(b) He did not dance again
(c) He did not help anyone again
(d) He did not attempt to fly again ✔

21. What happened to the tragic death of Icarus?
(a) He killed himaself
(b) He was killed by a lion
(c) He was killed by his friend
(d) He was drowned ✔

22. What was the reason of Icarus' death?
(a) He did not eat anything
(b) He did not dance again
(c) He did not help anyone again
(d) The heat of the sun melted wax from his wings ✔

23. Who is the author of Icarus and Daedalus?
(a) John Milton
(b) Bertrand Russell
(c) William Shakeapeare
(d) Josephine Preston Peabody ✔


Monday, 25 May 2026

Conquest Of Happiness (By Bertrand Russell) - UNIT # 03 Managing Stress, Anger And People - English Paper II (Compulsory) - For Class XII (All Groups) - Text Book Exercise

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Unit 03: Managing Stress, Anger And People
English II (C)
For Class XII (All Groups)
Text Book Exercise


Conquest Of Happiness
(By Bertrand Russell)

Pre-Reading

 EXERCISE 01: 
Discuss the following quotes in pairs and answer the following questions.
  • "The happiness of your Iife depends upon the quality of your thoughts.", Marcus Aurelius
  • "Happiness is not the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.", Franklin D. Roosevelt
  • "Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions", Dalai Lions

1: What is the common theme of these quotations?
Ans: Happiness

2. What is your idea of happiness?
Ans: Happiness is the notion which can be acquired with the help of Allah and the prayers of the parents on the way to get success. Happiness is the outcome of the serving of humanity without any worldly favor. Happiness is the subjective experience of life.

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While-Reading

 EXERCISE 02: 
Work in pairs and write the meaning of the following words.
Words Meaning
 Distinguished Eminent
 Content Satisfied
 Blight Disease
 Flint Grey Rock
 Craving Yearning
 Inanimate Impersonal
 Obscure Unclear
 Fascination Charm
 Fads Recreational activity

 EXERCISE 03: 
Read the following statements and choose the correct option.
1. According to the passage, many scientists are among the happiest people because _____.
(a) They are paid more than others
(b) Their work is recognized by everyone
(c) They find deep satisfaction in meaningful work ✔
(d) They avoid interaction with the public

2. The main reason the man who wrote about rose blight was happy because he _____.
(a) Became famous worldwide
(b) Was admired for his artistic skills
(c) Found meaning in practicing his specialized skill ✔
(d) Recovered from his disability

3. What does the passage suggest about recognition and fame in relation to happiness?
(a) They are essential for happiness
(b) They should be ignored completely
(c) They help only in artistic careers
(d) Happiness can exist without them ✔

4. The quality in work that contributes more to happiness than skill alone is _____.
(a) Routine
(b) Flexibility
(c) Constructiveness ✔
(d) Difficulty

5. _____ is likely to cure the habit of hatred.
(a) Loveliness
(b) Constructive work
(c) Amusement ✔
(d) Idleness

6. Common mistake adults make about hobbies is _____.
(a) Thinking hobbies are only for the wealthy
(b) Believing hobbies should lead to careers
(c) Assuming hobbies are childish and beneath adulthood. ✔
(d) Spending too much time on hobbies

7. _____ leads to happiness, according to the text.
(a) Possessive and intense affection ✔
(b) Friendly and supportive interest in others
(c) Cold and distant admiration
(d) Competitive and goal-driven affection

8. An archaeologist takes interest in _____.
(a) Rocks
(b) Ruins ✔
(c) Buildings
(d) Earth

9. Interest in people and interest in things are _____.
(a) Analogous ✔
(b) Opposite
(c) Different
(d) Unrelated

10. What is the benefit of developing an interest in impersonal things like history or astronomy?
(a) It guarantees success in life
(b) It provides permanent happiness
(c) It offers a break from worries and brings balance ✔
(d) It distracts from social responsibilities

 EXERCISE 04: 
Each of the following statements conveys central idea in each paragraph of the text. Read the statement and write the number of the paragraph it belongs to. The first one has been done for you as an example.
No. Statement Paragraph
No.
1. A friendly interest in persons is source of happiness.05
2. The secret of happiness is wide interest and friendly reactions.07
3. One who has some specialised skill can find the pleasure of work.02
4. Constructiveness is more enjoyable than destructiveness.03
5. Hobbies also bring happiness.05
6. Interest in impersonal things can also be pleasurable.06
7. Scientists are the happiest among educated people. 01

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Post-Reading

 EXERCISE 05: 
Answer the following questions after reading the text:
Q.l: According to the author, why do scientists often experience deep satisfaction in their work?
Ans: Russell mentions that some eminent scientists are satisfied and glad because they are emotionally strong and gain deep satisfaction from their work. The scientists are engaged in their crearive cradle to advance the progress in science for the society at large and grasp the mastery over the domain like champions in their specific subjects.

Q.2: How does the element of constructiveness bring happiness in the work?
Ans: The element of constructiveness brings happiness in the work because it helps to gain contentment in life. A person has an ever lasting experience in the process of creation. The author highlights this point in the discussion of true happiness in the form of fulfilling goals through creation seem to be the staring point of series of achievements in a person's life. He proclaims that reaching a final destiny is the starting point of the new excursion of life.

Q.3: What role do hobbies play in the author's broader view of a happy life? What is your own hobby?
Ans: The author admits that the recreational activites and hobbies are the ways of escaping or forgetting some unbearable pain. He says that the true happiness lies in a friendly interest in people and other objects around the world. The friendly interest should be free of expected admiration or dominancy over others. Bertrand calls that person is content and satisfied who feels the submissive attitude towards people and objects. A person's happiness links with the happiness of others. My hobby is gardening. I love taking care of plants and water them to grow better trees. I like to spend my time to pluck yellow leaves and take care of green leaves.

Q.4: If you were to apply the author's ideas to your own life, what changes would you consider making in your daily routine or mind-set?
Ans: I would develop the interest in people and things because according to our norms of the society the worries of the life can be eradicated through the power of money management. I learnt that the interest in impersonal things helps to handle my worries not the wealith. Constructive work is far better than the destructive work

Q.5: What kind of interest in persons causes happiness and what causes unhappiness?
Ans: The friendly interest should be free of expected admiration or dominancy over others. Bertrand calls that person is content and satisfied who feels the submissive attitude towards people and objects. A person's happiness links with the happiness of others.
The friendly interest in people should not be possessive, controlling and dominating because they lead to unhappiness.

Q.6: Why interest in impersonal things is necessary for the happiness of human beings?
Ans: The author also appreciates a friendly interest in things for the happiness of human beings. He presents examples such as a geologist has in rocks, or an archacologist in ancient ruins etc. He emphasizes the love of impersonal things as pivotal norm in a person's life to gain happiness. A person can forget his worries by developing a sincere interest in history or astronomy. Persons can discover new inventions and experiences after their journey into the world of impersonal things, they retrun with a sense of calm, serenit and balance to handle their worries more effectively.

Q.7: In your opinion, is happiness more dependent on internal attitude or external circumstances? Explain.
Ans: In my opinion, happiness is more dependent on internal attitude because a person is content with the practice of their specliazed skill without widespread recognition and fame. Building things brings more happiness because it is internal and friendly interest in people is the result of internal pleasure in their unique qualities without demand admiration. Internal source is the greatest source of personal happiness.

 EXERCISE 06: 
Ask students to bring an empty box and blank paper chits. Write "The Happiness Box" on the box and distribute the chits among the students. Ask them to anonymously write down things tthat make them happy (e.g, people, activities, achievements, experiences). Collect the chits in the "Happiness Box" Read aloud to share various sources of happiness.
Ans: The Happiness Box has the following chits related to the sources of happiness: my mother, my father, my brother, spending time with grannies, my teacher, my friend, sleeping, exercising, get together with friends, picnic, summer vacations, winter season, rain, masjid, Namaz, Holy Quran, eating, studying, serving people, helping poor, visiting friends' home, party, birthday party etc.

 EXERCISE 07: 
Russell mentions hobbies as one of the sources of happiness. Give three examples of different kinds of hobbies. An example of each kind is given.

Physical Creative Mental Collecting Occupational
 Sports Painting Reading Stamps Gardening
 Gym Sketching Writng Coins Planting
 Weightlifting Sculpturing Yoga Ruins Farming
 Jogging Calligraphy Medidation Photos Fishing

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Conquest Of Happiness (By Bertrand Russell) - UNIT # 03 Managing Stress, Anger And People - English Paper II (Compulsory) - For Class XII (All Groups) - Short Questions Answers

Go To Index
Unit 03: Managing Stress, Anger And People
Conquest Of Happiness
English II (C)
For Class XII (All Groups)

Short Question Answers
From Text Book Exercise

Q.l: According to the author, why do scientists often experience deep satisfaction in their work?
Ans: Russell mentions that some eminent scientists are satisfied and glad because they are emotionally strong and gain deep satisfaction from their work. The scientists are engaged in their crearive cradle to advance the progress in science for the society at large and grasp the mastery over the domain like champions in their specific subjects.

Q.2: How does the element of constructiveness bring happiness in the work?
Ans: The element of constructiveness brings happiness in the work because it helps to gain contentment in life. A person has an ever lasting experience in the process of creation. The author highlights this point in the discussion of true happiness in the form of fulfilling goals through creation seem to be the staring point of series of achievements in a person's life. He proclaims that reaching a final destiny is the starting point of the new excursion of life.

Q.3: What role do hobbies play in the author's broader view of a happy life? What is your own hobby?
Ans: The author admits that the recreational activites and hobbies are the ways of escaping or forgetting some unbearable pain. He says that the true happiness lies in a friendly interest in people and other objects around the world. The friendly interest should be free of expected admiration or dominancy over others. Bertrand calls that person is content and satisfied who feels the submissive attitude towards people and objects. A person's happiness links with the happiness of others. My hobby is gardening. I love taking care of plants and water them to grow better trees. I like to spend my time to pluck yellow leaves and take care of green leaves.

Q.4: If you were to apply the author's ideas to your own life, what changes would you consider making in your daily routine or mind-set?
Ans: I would develop the interest in people and things because according to our norms of the society the worries of the life can be eradicated through the power of money management. I learnt that the interest in impersonal things helps to handle my worries not the wealith. Constructive work is far better than the destructive work

Q.5: What kind of interest in persons causes happiness and what causes unhappiness?
Ans: The friendly interest should be free of expected admiration or dominancy over others. Bertrand calls that person is content and satisfied who feels the submissive attitude towards people and objects. A person's happiness links with the happiness of others.
The friendly interest in people should not be possessive, controlling and dominating because they lead to unhappiness.

Q.6: Why interest in impersonal things is necessary for the happiness of human beings?
Ans: The author also appreciates a friendly interest in things for the happiness of human beings. He presents examples such as a geologist has in rocks, or an archacologist in ancient ruins etc. He emphasizes the love of impersonal things as pivotal norm in a person's life to gain happiness. A person can forget his worries by developing a sincere interest in history or astronomy. Persons can discover new inventions and experiences after their journey into the world of impersonal things, they retrun with a sense of calm, serenit and balance to handle their worries more effectively.

Q.7: In your opinion, is happiness more dependent on internal attitude or external circumstances? Explain.
Ans: In my opinion, happiness is more dependent on internal attitude because a person is content with the practice of their specliazed skill without widespread recognition and fame. Building things brings more happiness because it is internal and friendly interest in people is the result of internal pleasure in their unique qualities without demand admiration. Internal source is the greatest source of personal happiness.

More Short Question Answers

Q.8: What are the basic qualities do scientists have to gain deep satisfaction?
Ans: The scientists are considered to be the happiest people in the world because they are emotionally straightforward to gain such deep contentment in the life. To be precise, they find joy nearly everything. They are glad in their work because they continue to progress with the advancement of science and hold influence through their talents to society at large.

Q.9: How can a person find pleasure in his work?
Ans: Bertrand Russell proclaims that not only a scientist but also a person can find pleasure in their works. He further says that the pleasure of work is available to anyone who successfully develops a specilized skill. To be precise, the practice of the skill makes a person content and satisfied without needing widespread recognition and fame.

Q.10: What is the secret of the pure enjoyment of work?
Ans: The pure joy does not come from the sincere admiration of those whose praise is hard to earn. Bertrand Russell says that the pure enjoyment comes from the practicing of the artistic fonts of the craftsman. The skilled dancers are those dancers who enjoy the pure enjoyment through the practice of dancing only.

Q.11: What is the solution of the worries of a person?
Ans: Bertrand Russell relates a solution of all the worrie and troubles of a person to the warm attitude toward impersonal things and other people. A person can forget his worries by developing a sincere interest in history and astronomy which leads him to the journey into the world of impersonal things. At last, a person can return with a sense of calm and serenity and balance to handle their worries more effectively. He can enjoy both permanent and temporary kind of happiness in this love of impersonal things and people.

Q.12: Bertrand Russell is in favor of possessive or submissive attitude. Elabborate
Ans: Bertrand Russell is not in favor of possessive, controlling and craving for intense response. He wants the people to support the interests and joys of others without needing the control or demand admiration from them. A person feels true happiness by appreciating others and receives kindness in return.

Q.13: What is the everlasintg outcome of a hobby?
Ans
: Bertrand Russell thinks of the enormous joy that hobbies can bring to the people. He uses the terms 'mature' and 'sophisticated' for all the grown-ups when he describes the opportunities of simple joys which children enjoy in their childhood. He admits that the people ignore all of these simple joys beneath the adulthood. He says, "any harmless pleasure is worth valuing."

Q.14: What is the unusual thing in the friendly interest in things?
Ans: Bertrand Russell appreciates a friendly interest in things because some critics argue that it is impossible to feel friendly towards inanmated objects. The author presents the examples of a geologist who loves rocks and the affection of archaeologist towards ancient ruins. This love of inanmated objects decides the worth of a person related to the individuals and societies.

Q.15: What is the secret of happiness according to the text?
Ans: Bertrand Russell declares that the secret of happiness lies in the liberty of a person's interest in the broader perspectives. A true happy man tries to respond to the people and things in a friendly manner rather than a hostile manner.


Saturday, 23 May 2026

Conquest Of Happiness (By Bertrand Russell) - UNIT # 03 Managing Stress, Anger And People - English Paper II (Compulsory) - For Class XII (All Groups) - (MCQs)

Go To Index
Unit 03: Managing Stress, Anger And People
Conquest Of Happiness
English II (C)
For Class XII (All Groups)

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
From Text Book Exercise

Choose the correct answer for each from the given option:
1. According to the passage, many scientists are among the happiest people because _____.
(a) They are paid more than others
(b) Their work is recognized by everyone
(c) They find deep satisfaction in meaningful work ✔
(d) They avoid interaction with the public

2. The main reason the man who wrote about rose blight was happy because he _____.
(a) Became famous worldwide
(b) Was admired for his artistic skills
(c) Found meaning in practicing his specialized skill ✔
(d) Recovered from his disability

3. What does the passage suggest about recognition and fame in relation to happiness?
(a) They are essential for happiness
(b) They should be ignored completely
(c) They help only in artistic careers
(d) Happiness can exist without them ✔

4. The quality in work that contributes more to happiness than skill alone is _____.
(a) Routine
(b) Flexibility
(c) Constructiveness ✔
(d) Difficulty

5. _____ is likely to cure the habit of hatred.
(a) Loveliness
(b) Constructive work
(c) Amusement ✔
(d) Idleness

6. Common mistake adults make about hobbies is _____.
(a) Thinking hobbies are only for the wealthy
(b) Believing hobbies should lead to careers
(c) Assuming hobbies are childish and beneath adulthood. ✔
(d) Spending too much time on hobbies

7. _____ leads to happiness, according to the text.
(a) Possessive and intense affection ✔
(b) Friendly and supportive interest in others
(c) Cold and distant admiration
(d) Competitive and goal-driven affection

8. An archaeologist takes interest in _____.
(a) Rocks
(b) Ruins ✔
(c) Buildings
(d) Earth

9. Interest in people and interest in things are _____.
(a) Analogous ✔
(b) Opposite
(c) Different
(d) Unrelated

10. What is the benefit of developing an interest in impersonal things like history or astronomy?
(a) It guarantees success in life
(b) It provides permanent happiness
(c) It offers a break from worries and brings balance ✔
(d) It distracts from social responsibilities

More Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

11. According to the passage, the more highly educated members of society are emotionally _____.
(a) Straightforward ✔
(b) Calm
(c) Different
(d) Unrelated

12. All the elements of _____ are present in the life of a scientist.
(a) Happiness ✔
(b) Serenity
(c) Sadness
(d) Modern thinking

13. Is it necesaay for the public to understand the results of a scientist?
(a) No ✔
(b) Compulsary
(c) Yes
(d) Neutral

14. How can a person find pleasure in his work?
(a) By creating essential for happiness
(b) By ignoring others
(c) By developing artistic careers
(d) By developing a specialized skill ✔

15. According to the author, which two emotions a person should ignore to find pleasure in his work?
(a) Sadness and Shame
(b) Happiness and Serenity
(c) Curiosity and Enthusiam (d) Widespread recognition and fame ✔

16. Bertrand Russell knew a man who lost his _____ early in life.
(a) Legs ✔
(b) Eyes
(c) Shoulders
(d) Hands

17. Bertrand Russel knew a man who survived and yet remained happy throughout a long lifetime by writing a five-volume work on _____.
(a) Rose blight ✔
(b) Eyes
(c) Medical science
(d) Career Planning

18. Bertrand Russell compares the notion of joy with _____.
(a) Skilled cricket players
(b) Skilled Painters
(c) Skilled Actors
(d) Skilled Dancers ✔

19. What are the most fulfilling goals?
(a) Those do not flourish from one achievement to another
(b) Those lead continuous from one achievement to another ✔
(c) Those unfulfilled achievements
(d) Those produce lasting results

20. Which kind of attachment leads to unhappinss?
(a)Useful
(b) Possessive ✔
(c) Colorful
(d) Submissive

21. Which hobby is not mentioned in the text?
(a) Music
(b) Dancing ✔
(c) Gardening
(d) Cooking

22. One mathematician splits his _____ equally between solving mathematical problems.
(a) Stress
(b) Time ✔
(c) Anger
(d) Energy

23. Some may argue that it is impossible to feel friendly towards _____ objects.
(a) Useful
(b) Inanimated ✔
(c) Colorful
(d) Useless

24. What is the secret of happiness?
(a) Let your interest as small as possible
(b) Let your interest as broad as possible ✔
(c) Let your interest as creative as possible
(d) Let your interest as momentous as possible


Monday, 11 May 2026

Great Expectation (Novel) -- English Paper II (Compulsory) - For Class XII (All Groups) - MCQs

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Great Expectation (Novel)
By Charles Dicken
English II (C)
For Class XII (All Groups)

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
From Text Book Exercise

Choose the correct answer for each from the given option
1. Where does Pip meet convict?
(a) in the village
(b) In the marshes ✔
(c) in the forge
(d) In the church

2. What does the convict demand from Pip?
(a) Money and clothes
(b) Food and a file ✔
(c) A horse and a map
(d) A knife and a blanket

3. What does Pip hide in his trousers?
(a) A piece of bread ✔
(b) A piece of meat
(c) A piece of metal
(d) A piece of cloth

4. What do the guns firing in the distance signify?
(a) A celebration for victory
(b) A warning about escaped convicts ✔
(c) A military exercise
(d) A hunting party

5. What is Pip's reaction to the convict's threats?
(a) He laughs at the convict
(b) He refuses to help
(c) He promises to bring a file and food ✔
(d) He runs away without speaking

6. What does Pip notice about the second convict's face?
(a) It is badly bruised
(b) It is covered in dirt
(c) It is scarred ✔
(d) it is pale and clean

7. Where does Pip first meet Miss Havisham?
(a) In the village
(b) At Satis House ✔
(c) in the marshes
(d) At the blacksmith's forge

8. How does Estella treat Pip during their first meeting?
(a) Kindly
(b) With disdain ✔
(c) Admiringly
(d) fearfully

9. What does Pip feel after leaving Salts House?
(a) Happy and excited
(b) Ashamed of his common background ✔
(c) Angry at Estella
(d) Indifferent

10. What does Pip lie about to his family regarding his visit to Miss Havisham's house?
(a) His encounter with the convict
(b) His visit to Miss Havisham
(c) He made up a story ✔
(d) His fight with pale young gentleman

11. Who does Pip confess the truth to?
(a) Mr. Joe ✔
(b) Mrs. Joe
(c) Estella
(d) Pumblechook

12. What does Joe advise Pip about lying?
(a) Lies are never justified ✔
(b) Lies would not make him less common
(c) Lies are harmless
(d) Lies are fun

13. Who does Pip fight at Miss Havisham's house?
(a) Estella
(b) Pale young gentleman ✔
(c) Joe Gargery
(d) Pumblechook

14. What does the pale young gentleman do after the fight?
(a) He apologizes to Pip
(b) He shakes Pip's hand ✔
(c) He challenges Pip to another fight
(d) He runs away

15. How does Pip feel about becoming a blacksmith?
(a) Excited
(b) Dissatisfied ✔
(c) Indifferent
(d) Proud

16. Who informed Pip that convicts had broken into his home?
(a) Orlick
(b) Mr. Pumblechook
(c) Joe ✔
(d) Biddy

17. Who informs Pip about his "great expectations"?
(a) Joe
(b) Miss Havisham
(c) Mr. Jaggers ✔
(d) Mr. Pumblechook

18. What does Pip expect to become?
(a) A blacksmith
(b) A gentleman ✔
(c) A sailor
(d) A farmer

19. Where is Pip supposed to go to become a gentleman?
(a) London ✔
(b) Satis House
(c) The village
(d) The marshes

20. How does Joe react to Pip's news?
(a) He is angry
(b) He is sad but supportive ✔
(c) He is indifferent
(d) He is excited

21. Who becomes Pip's roommate in London?
(a) Joe
(b) Herbert Pocket ✔
(c) Bentley Drummle
(d) Mr. Jaggers
22. Who told Pip the tragic story of Miss Havisham?
(a) Mr. Jaggers
(b) Herbert Pocket ✔
(c) Biddy
(d) Orlick

23. What does Herbert teach Pip?
(a) How to behave like a gentleman ✔
(b) How to fight
(c) How to read and write
(d) How to cook

24. What do Pip and Herbert plan to do for Magwitch?
(a) Help him escape England ✔
(b) Find him a job
(c) Take him to Miss Havisham
(d) Turn him In to the police

25. What happens to Miss Havisham in last?
(a) She is burned in a fire ✔
(b) She dies of old age
(c) She leaves Satis House
(d) She marries Compeyson

26. What lesson does Joe Gargery teach Pip throughout the novel?
(a) That being a gentleman is about character, not money ✔
(b) That success is only measured by wealth
(c) That revenge is necessary for respect
(d) That intelligence is more important than kindness

27. What does Estella reveal to Pip?
(a) She is marrying Bentley Drummle ✔
(b) She loves Pip (c) She is leaving England
(d) She is Miss Havishamis daughter

28. Who helps Pip with the escape plan?
(a) Joe
(b) Herbert and Startop ✔
(c) Mr. Jaggers
(d) Miss Havisham

29. What happens during the escape attempt?
(a) Magwitch is captured ✔
(b) Magwitch escapes successfully
(c) Pip is arrested
(d) Compeyson helps Magwitch

30. What does Great Expectations ultimately suggest about social class?
(a) Wealth defines a person's worth
(b) Social mobility is impossible
(c) Kindness and integrity matter more than class status ✔
(d) Only education can change a person's class

More Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

31. Who raises Pip after the death of his parents?
(a) Miss Havisham
(b) His sister and Joe Gargery ✔
(c) Mr. Pumblechook
(d) Biddy

32. What is Joe Gargery's profession?
(a) Farmer
(b) Blacksmith ✔
(c) Lawyer
(d) Banker

33. What is Miss Havisham always wearing?
(a) A black cloak
(b) A red gown
(c) A wedding dress ✔
(d) A white shawl

34. Who is Estella raised to break the hearts of?
(a) Men ✔
(b) Children
(c) Criminals
(d) Servants

35. What does Pip think of himself after visiting Satis House?
(a) He feels proud
(b) He feels ashamed of his background ✔
(c) He wants to be a blacksmith
(d) He forgets Estella

36. Who informs Pip about his "great expectations"?
(a) Joe
(b) Miss Havisham
(c) Mr. Jaggers ✔
(d) Biddy
37. What is the name of the man who turns out to be Pip's benefactor?
(a) Mr. Jaggers
(b) Compeyson
(c) Abel Magwitch ✔
(d) Herbert

38. Who is Compeyson?
(a) A lawyer
(b) A criminal and Magwitch's enemy ✔
(c) Estella's father
(d) Pip's teacher

39. Who is Wemmick?
(a) Pip's servant
(b) Mr. Jaggers' clerk ✔
(c) Joe's neighbor
(d) A sailor
40. What is unusual about Wemmick's house?
(a) It is shaped like a factory
(b) It is built like a castle ✔
(c) It floats on water
(d) it is underground

41. What happens to Drummle?
(a) He is imprisoned
(b) He moves abroad
(c) He is killed by a horse ✔
(d) He becomes rich

42. Who is Estella's biological mother?
(a) Miss Havisham
(b) Molly ✔
(c) Biddy
(d) Mrs. Joe

43. What is Molly's relationship to Mr. Jaggers?
(a) His sister
(b) His wife
(c) His housekeeper ✔
(d) His client

44. Who teaches Pip good manners and helps him adjust to London society?
(a) Wemmick
(b) Herbert Pocket ✔
(c) Mr. Jaggers
(d) Startop

45. What does pip do after he loses his wealth?
(a) Becomes a teacher
(b) Works with Hertbert at Clarrikle ✔
(c) Marries Estella
(d) Move to America

46 What does Pip realtze about Estella in the end?
(a) She still hates him
(b) She has changed and softened ✔
(c) She plans to marry again
(d) She has joined a convent

47. How is Miss Havishem injured?
(a) She falls down stairs
(b) Her dress catches fire ✔
(c) She is attacked
(d) She is poisoned

48. What role does Mr. Joggers play in Pip's life?
(a) Doctor
(b) Loyal and guardian ✔
(c) Benefactor
(d) schoolmaster

49. What theme is repeatedly explored through Pip's journey?
(a) Violence
(b) Travel
(c) Social class and personal growth ✔
(d) Religion

50. What is the final fate of Magwitch?
(a) He escapes to Australia
(b) He dies in prison after being injured ✔
(c) He marries
(d) He is hanged publicly