Climate Change: Its Causes And Effects - UNIT: 07 Effect Of Climate Change On The Society - English Paper II (Compulsory) - For Class XII (All Groups) - Text Book Exercise

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Unit 07: Effect Of Climate Change On The Society
Climate Change: Its Causes And Effects
English II (C)
For Class XII (All Groups)

• Pre-Reading
• While-Reading
• Post-Reading

Climate Change: Its Causes And Effects

Pre-Reading

 EXERCISE 01: 
Discuss the picture below and predict the theme of the text:

Ans: The theme of the picture is Climate Change and Its Effects.
The image shows multiple environmental changes and natural disasters linked to climat. change, such as:

• Changing rain and snow patterns
• Stronger storms and droughts
• Rising sea levels and warmer oceans
• Thawing permafrost and less snow and ice.
• Damaged corals and changes in plant and animal life cycles.

These visual elements highlight both causes and consequences of climate change, like extreme weather events, habitat loss, and ecosystem disruption.

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While-Reading

 EXERCISE 02: 
Work in pairs or groups. Match phrases with their contextual meaning.

Phrasal Verbs	Contextual Meanings
Alterations	Changes or modifications in the existing state
Deforestation	Cutting down or clearing forests
Emissions	Release of gases or pollutants into the air
Incineration	Burning of waste materials
Urbanization	Growth and development of cities and towns
Vulnerability	Being easily affected or harmed by something Extinction
Extinction	Complete disappearance of species from the Earth
Displacement	Forcing people or animals to leave their homes or habitats
Mitigation	Actions taken to reduce or lessen negative impacts
Adaptation	Adjusting to new conditions or environments

 EXERCISE 03: 
Read the statements and choose the correct option.
1. What is the primary cause of the recent changes in Earth's climate patterns?
(a) Natural variations in weather
(b) Human activities such as fossil fuel use and deforestation ✔
(c) Changes in the Earth's orbit
(d) Solar flares

2. Which greenhouse gas is over 25 times more potent than CO₂ in trapping heat?
(a) Nitrous oxide
(b) Methane ✔
(c) Oxygen
(d) Carbon monoxide

3. Which sector is identified as one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions?
(a) Education
(b) Manufacturing and industry ✔
(c) Tourism
(d) Healthcare

4. What major environmental issue results from deforestation?
(a) Increased rainfall
(b) Reduced solar radiation
(c) Increase in atmospheric CO₂ ✔
(d) Lower oxygen levels in oceans

5. Why might coastal communities be at greater risk from climate change?
(a) They are generally more developed
(b) They lack access to renewable energy
(c) Rising sea levels and storm surges threaten their existence ✔
(d) They depend heavily on air travel

6. What would be a logical consequence if sustainable waste practices are not adopted?
(a) Decrease in greenhouse gas emissions
(b) Reduced need for recycling
(c) Increased degradation methane emissions in environment ✔
(d) Better air quality

7. What is the main purpose of the passage?
(a) To provide weather forecasts
(b) To argue against industrialization
(c) To inform and persuade action on climate change ✔
d) To promote new technology for farming

8. How does climate change impact water availability?
(a) Reduces crops
(b) Increases floods
(c) Causes droughts ✔
(d) Melts glaciers

9. What happens as ocean temperature rises?
(a) Sea levels drop
(b) Ice sheets grow
(c) Ocean expands ✔
(d) Carbon reduces

10. What is a major economic impact of climate change?
(a) More forests
(b) Higher poverty ✔
(c) Job growth
(d) Fewer stores

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Post-Reading

 EXERCISE 04: 
Answer the following questions after reading the text:
Q.1: How does climate change affect water availability in different regions?
Ans: Climate change causes irregular rainfall, longer droughts, and melting glaciers, which affect freshwater supply. Some areas may experience flooding, while others suffer water shortages. This uneven distribution makes it harder for people to access clean and reliable water.

Q.2: How does climate change impact biodiversity and species survival?
Ans: Climate change alters ecosystems, changes temperatures, and destroys habitats. Many species can't adapt quickly enough, leading to extinction. Animals like polar bears lose ice habitats, while coral reefs die, due to warming oceans threatening thousands of marine species.

Q.3: How is the increase in poverty an effect of the climate change?
Ans: Climate change damages crops, water sources, and livelihoods, especially in poor regions. When people lose food, homes, or jobs due to floods, droughts, or storms, they fall deeper into poverty. Recovery becomes difficult without resources or support.

Q.4: What 's climate change and what are its main causes?
Ans: Climate change is the long-term change in Earth's climate, mainly caused by human activities such as:
• Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas)
• Deforestation
• Industrial pollution
• Agriculture and waste emissions
These actions increase greenhouse gases, which trap heat and warm the planet

Q.5: How does deforestation contribute to climate change?
Ans: Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂). When forests are cut down, this CO₂ is released into the atmosphere, adding to the greenhouse effect. Fewer trees mean less carbon absorption and more warming of the Earth. Cutting down forests is caused to demolish farmlands and pastures.

Q.6: Why might people in small island nations be more affected by climate change than others?
Ans: Small islands are at high risk of sea level rise, which can flood homes, contaminate freshwater, and even make islands uninhabitable. These nations have fewer resources to fight climate disasters, making them extremely vulnerable.

Q.7: Why is the ocean both a victim and a helper in the fighi against climate change?
Ans: Victim Oceans: absorb excess heat and CO₂, causing warming, acidification, and damage to marine life.
Helper Oceans: act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO₂ and slowing global warming.
Healthy oceans: help regulate the climate.

Q.8: Do you think switching to renewable energy can solve all climate problems? Why or why not?
Ans: Switching to renewable energy like solar, wind, and hydro can greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but not solve all climate problems alone. Other actions like reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and waste reduction are also needed. It's a combined global effort.

Q.9: What connection can you draw between climate change and poverty?
Ans: Climate change worsens poverty by damaging agriculture, housing, and health, especially in poor countries that lack resources to recover. Poor communities are less prepared for disasters and have fewer safety nets, making them more vulnerable.

Q.10: Why is climate change considered a global issue, not just a local or national one?
Ans: Climate change affects the entire planet i.e. weather patterns, oceans, wildlife, and human health across all continents. Carbon emissions in one country can impact the atmosphere worldwide. That's why it needs global cooperation to find and implement solutions.

 EXERCISE 05: 
Read statements and write 'True' or 'False' before each.

No.	Statement	True/False
1.	Buring fossil fuels release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.	True
2.	Deforestation helps reduce carbon dioxide in the air.	False
3.	Methane is greenhouse gas that is more powerful than carbon dioxide.	True
4.	Industrial activities have no rule in contributing to global warming.	False
5.	Transportation, especially road vehicles, is a major source of carbon dioxide emissions.	True
6.	The ocean absorbs both heat and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.	True
7.	Climate change has no impact on human health.	False
8.	More acidic oceans can harm marine life and coral reefs.	True
9.	Climate change only affects animals, not humans.	False
10.	Switching to sustainable practices can help reduce the effects of climate change.	True

 EXERCISE 06: 
Match the cause of global warming (Column A) with their corresponding effects (Column B) by writing the correct letter in the answer column.

Column A (Causes of Climate Change)	Column B (Effects of Climate Change)	Answer (A-G)
1. Buring fossil fules (coal, oil, gas)	A. Rising sea levels and coastal flooding.	F
2. Deforestation and land clearing.	B. Increased frequency of extreme weather event (Stroms, hurricanes, heatwaves)	E
3. Industrial and agricultural methane emissions.	C. Water scarcity and prolonged droughts in many regions.	G
4. Increased greenhouse gas emissions.	D. Damage to marine life, including coral reef destruction.	B
5. Melting ice caps and glaciers	E. Reduced ability of forests to absorb carbon dioxide.	A
6. Ocean warming and acidification.	F. Higher temperature and heatwaves affecting human health.	D
7. Changes in weather patterns.	G. Intensified wildfires and loss of biodiversity	C

Ans: Global warming - With their corresponding effects
1. Buring fossil fules (coal, oil, gas) - F. Higher temperature and heatwaves affecting human health.
2. Deforestation and land clearing - E. Reduced ability of forests to absorb carbon dioxide.
3. Industrial and agricultural methane emissions. - G. Intensified wildfires and loss of biodiversity.
4. Increased greenhouse gas emissions. - B. Increased frequency of extreme weather event (Stroms, hurricanes, heatwaves)
5. Melting ice caps and glaciers. - A. Rising sea levels and coastal flooding.
6. Ocean warming and acidification - D. Damage to marine life, including coral reef destruction.
7. Changes in weather patterns - C. Water scarcity and prolonged droughts in many regions.

 EXERCISE 07: 
Read the following statements carefully. Determine whether each statement is a fact or an opinion.
(Note:
Fact = Can be proven with evidence
Opinion = Based on personal belief or judgment)

Column A	Column B
1. The Earth's average temperature has increased by more than 1°C since the late 19th century.	Fact
2. Climate change is the biggest crisis humanity has ever faced.	Opinion
3. Deforestation contributes to global warming by reducing the number of trees that absorb carbon dioxide.	Fact
4. Everyone should stop using cars to fight climate change.	Opinion
5. Rising sea levels threaten coastal cities like New York and Mumbai	Fact
6. Renewable energy is the best solution to climate change.	Opinion
7. The burning of fossil fules releases greenhouse gases into the atomosphere.	Fact
8. Governments are not doing enough to combat climate changes.	Opinion
9. Ice caps in the Arctic and Antarctic are melting at an alarming rate.	Fact
10. The world would be a better place if everyone became vegetarian to reduce carbon emissions.	Opinion

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Climate Change: Its Causes And Effects - UNIT: 07 Effect Of Climate Change On The Society - English Paper II (Compulsory) - For Class XII (All Groups) - Short Question Answers

Go To Index
Unit 07: Effect Of Climate Change On The Society
Climate Change: Its Causes And Effects
English II (C)
For Class XII (All Groups)

Short Question Answers
From Text Book Exercise

Q.1: How does climate change affect water availability in different regions?
Ans: Climate change causes irregular rainfall, longer droughts, and melting glaciers, which affect freshwater supply. Some areas may experience flooding, while others suffer water shortages. This uneven distribution makes it harder for people to access clean and reliable water.

Q.2: How does climate change impact biodiversity and species survival?
Ans: Climate change alters ecosystems, changes temperatures, and destroys habitats. Many species can't adapt quickly enough, leading to extinction. Animals like polar bears lose ice habitats, while coral reefs die, due to warming oceans threatening thousands of marine species.

Q.3: How is the increase in poverty an effect of the climate change?
Ans: Climate change damages crops, water sources, and livelihoods, especially in poor regions. When people lose food, homes, or jobs due to floods, droughts, or storms, they fall deeper into poverty. Recovery becomes difficult without resources or support.

Q.4: What 's climate change and what are its main causes?
Ans: Climate change is the long-term change in Earth's climate, mainly caused by human activities such as:
• Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas)
• Deforestation
• Industrial pollution
• Agriculture and waste emissions
These actions increase greenhouse gases, which trap heat and warm the planet

Q.5: How does deforestation contribute to climate change?
Ans: Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂). When forests are cut down, this CO₂ is released into the atmosphere, adding to the greenhouse effect. Fewer trees mean less carbon absorption and more warming of the Earth. Cutting down forests is caused to demolish farmlands and pastures.

Q.6: Why might people in small island nations be more affected by climate change than others?
Ans: Small islands are at high risk of sea level rise, which can flood homes, contaminate freshwater, and even make islands uninhabitable. These nations have fewer resources to fight climate disasters, making them extremely vulnerable.

Q.7: Why is the ocean both a victim and a helper in the fighi against climate change?
Ans: Victim Oceans: absorb excess heat and CO₂, causing warming, acidification, and damage to marine life.
Helper Oceans: act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO₂ and slowing global warming.
Healthy oceans: help regulate the climate.

Q.8: Do you think switching to renewable energy can solve all climate problems? Why or why not?
Ans: Switching to renewable energy like solar, wind, and hydro can greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but not solve all climate problems alone. Other actions like reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and waste reduction are also needed. It's a combined global effort.

Q.9: What connection can you draw between climate change and poverty?
Ans: Climate change worsens poverty by damaging agriculture, housing, and health, especially in poor countries that lack resources to recover. Poor communities are less prepared for disasters and have fewer safety nets, making them more vulnerable.

Q.10: Why is climate change considered a global issue, not just a local or national one?
Ans: Climate change affects the entire planet i.e. weather patterns, oceans, wildlife, and human health across all continents. Carbon emissions in one country can impact the atmosphere worldwide. That's why it needs global cooperation to find and implement solutions.

More Short Question Answers

Q.11: How does urbanization contributr yo climate change?
Ans: Urbanization increases the demand for energy in transportation, housing, and industry. More people living in cities means more electricity usage like air conditioning, lighting, and appliances, most of which comes from burning fossil fuels. As cities expand, they also produce more waste, consume more goods, and increase vehicle use, all contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

Q.12: How does climate change affect human health?
Ans: Climate change harms health in many ways, including increasing air pollution, spreading diseases, and intensifying hunger and malnutrition. Extreme weather events like floods and heatwaves cause injuries, mental stress, and disrupt healthcare systems. Poor communities suffer the most, as they lack the resources to recover or protect themselves from these health threats.

Q.13: Why is sustainable waste management important in combating. clirnate change?
Ans: Sustainable waste management reduces greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane from landfills. Recycling, composting, and reducing single-use products prevent waste buildup and lower the need for energy-intensive processing. Poorly managed waste not only pollutes the environment but also adds to global warming, making proper disposal and recycling critical.

Q.14: Why are rising ocean temperatures and levels a major concern?
Ans: As oceans absorb more heat, their volume increases, causing sea levels to rise. Melting glaciers and ice sheets add more water to the oceans, threatening coastal communities. Warmer oceans also harm marine life and coral reefs, which are essential for biodiversity. Acidification from absorbing excess CO₂ turther endangers ocean ecosystems.

Q.15: How can individuals, contribute to slowtng down climate change?
Ans: Individuals can adopt eco-friendly habits like using energy-efficient appliances, reducing waste, recycling, walking or cycling instead of driving, and supporting renewable energy. Making climate-conscious choices in diet such as reducing meat consumption and buying locally can also lower emissions. Small lifestyle changes, when done collectively, can have a large impact.

Climate Change: Its Causes And Effects - UNIT: 07 Effect Of Climate Change On The Society - English Paper II (Compulsory) - For Class XII (All Groups) - (MCQs)

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Unit 07: Effect Of Climate Change On The Society
Climate Change: Its Causes And Effects
English II (C)
For Class XII (All Groups)

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
From Text Book Exercise

Read the following satatement and choose the correct option:
1. What is the primary cause of the recent changes in Earth's climate patterns?
(a) Natural variations in weather
(b) Human activities such as fossil fuel use and deforestation ✔
(c) Changes in the Earth's orbit
(d) Solar flares

2. Which greenhouse gas is over 25 times more potent than CO₂ in trapping heat?
(a) Nitrous oxide
(b) Methane ✔
(c) Oxygen
(d) Carbon monoxide

3. Which sector is identified as one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions?
(a) Education
(b) Manufacturing and industry ✔
(c) Tourism
(d) Healthcare

4. What major environmental issue results from deforestation?
(a) Increased rainfall
(b) Reduced solar radiation
(c) Increase in atmospheric CO₂ ✔
(d) Lower oxygen levels in oceans

5. Why might coastal communities be at greater risk from climate change?
(a) They are generally more developed
(b) They lack access to renewable energy
(c) Rising sea levels and storm surges threaten their existence ✔
(d) They depend heavily on air travel

6. What would be a logical consequence if sustainable waste practices are not adopted?
(a) Decrease in greenhouse gas emissions
(b) Reduced need for recycling
(c) Increased degradation methane emissions in environment ✔
(d) Better air quality

7. What is the main purpose of the passage?
(a) To provide weather forecasts
(b) To argue against industrialization
(c) To inform and persuade action on climate change ✔
d) To promote new technology for farming

8. How does climate change impact water availability?
(a) Reduces crops
(b) Increases floods
(c) Causes droughts ✔
(d) Melts glaciers

9. What happens as ocean temperature rises?
(a) Sea levels drop
(b) Ice sheets grow
(c) Ocean expands ✔
(d) Carbon reduces

10. What is a major economic impact of climate change?
(a) More forests
(b) Higher poverty ✔
(c) Job growth
(d) Fewer stores

More Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

11. What happens when forests are cut down?
(a) Oxygen level increases
(b) Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere ✔
(c) More rain occurs
(d) Biodiversity improves

12. Whet makes transportation a major source of climate change?
(a) Vehicles are electric
(b) Most vehicles burns fossils fuels ✔
(c) Roads are too narrow
(d) Planes are used less

13. Why are industrial activities harmful to the environment?
(a) They promote Job growth
(b) They emit large amounts Of greenhouse gases ✔
(c) They clean the atmosphere
(d) They recycle waste

14. Whet is a key environmental effect of rising global temperatures?
(a) Longer winters
(b) More frequent heatvvaves and wildfires ✔
(c) More glaciers
(d) Fewer storms

15. Why are coastal communities in danger from climate change?
(a) Better healthcare systems
(b) Higher education levels
(c) Rising sea levels and warming oceans ✔
(d) Fewer Jobs In cities



16. Why does agriculture contribute to climate change?
(a) It reduces land use
(b) It produces methane and nitrous oxide ✔
(c) It improves biodiversity
(d) It saves water

17. What is a serious health impact of climate change?
(a) More exercise
(b) Increased spread of diseases and malnutrition ✔
(c) Decrease in air pollution
(d) Improved mental health

18. Why is methane considered a danderous greenhouse gas?
(a) It is easy to store
(b) It is light in weight
(c) It traps more heat than carbon dioxide ✔
(d) It reduces ocean temperature

19. Which sector consumes more than half of the world's electricity?
(a) Transportation
(b) Residential and commercial buildings ✔
(c) Agriculture
(d) Industrial waste

20. What role do the oceans play in climate changp?
(a) They cool the land directly
(b) They absorb heat and carbon dioxide ✔
(c) They clean the atmosphere
(d) They provide electricity



21. What is the primary cause of climate change today?
(a) Natural disasters
(b) Movement of tectonic plates
(c) Human activities like burning fossil fuel's ✔
(d) Earth's rotation

22. Which gas is mainly released by burning fossil fuels?
(a) Oxygen
(b) Carbon dioxide ✔
(c) Nitrogen
(d) Hydrogen

23. How does deforestation contribute to climate change?
(a) It increases rainfall
(b) It blocks sunlight
(c) It reduces CO₂ absorption ✔
(d) It cools the Earth

24. Which of the following is a greenhouse gas?
(a) Hydrogen
(b) Nitrogen
(c) Methane ✔
(d) Argon

25. Why is methane considered dangerous for the climate?
(a) It increases oxygen levels
(b) It cools the Earth
(c) It traps heat more effectively than CO₂ ✔
(d) It disappears quickly

26. Which human activity contributes most to CO₂ emissions?
(a) Using paper
(b) Walking
(c) Burning fossil fuels ✔
(d) Eating vegetables

27. What is the main problem with rising ocean levels?
(a) They improve fishing
(b) They make oceans cleaner
(c) They threaten coastal areas ✔
(d) They create new islands

28. What is the impact of climate change on health?
(a) It improves immunity
(b) It increases energy
(c) It causes illness and stress ✔
(d) It reduces air pollution

29. Which sector produces the most greenhouse gas emissions?
(a) Education
(b) Fashion
(c) Manufacturing and industry ✔
(d) Tourism

30. How do agrcultural practices contribute to climate change?
(a) They reduce CO₂
(b) They help forests grow
(c) They release methane and nitrous oxide ✔
(d) They cool the atmosphere

31. What is one result of climate change on biodiversity?
(a) Growth of new species
(b) Slower evolution
(c) Extinction of species ✔
(d) Increase in forests

32. What effect does climate change have on food supply?
(a) Increases crop yield
(b) Improves quality
(c) Causes food scarcity ✔
(d) Reduces hunger

33. Which of these is a sustainable action to fight against climate change?
(a) Burning plastic
(b) Using public transport ✔
(c) Wasting electricity
(d) CUtting down trees

34. What agreement aims to limit global temperature rise?
(a) Paris Agreement ✔
(b) New York Protocol
(c) Rio Pact
(d) Kyoto Rule

35. What is the ideal global temperature rise limit to avoid worst climate effects?
(a) 3.1 "C
(b) 2.5 °C
(c) 1.5 °C ✔
(d) 4.0 °C

The Day The Dam Broke (By James Groves Thurber) - UNIT: Civic Responsibilities - English Paper II (Compulsory) - For Class XII (All Groups) - Text Book Exercise

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Unit 06: Civic Responsibilities
The Day The Dam Broke
English II (C)
For Class XII (All Groups)

• Pre-Reading
• While-Reading
• Post-Reading

The Day The Dam Broke
(By James Groves Thurber)

Pre-Reading

 EXERCISE 01: 
Discuss in pairs and answer the following questions:
1. How would you feel if you are told the news of a mishap in your vicinity?
Ans: If I were told about a mishap in my vicinity, I would likely feel shocked, anxious, and afraid. My initial reaction might be confusion, followed by concern for the safety of my family and neighbors. I might also feel the urge to act quickly, even without having full information about the authenticity of the news—whether it is true or just a rumor.

2. What civic responsibilities would you take in such a panicking incident?
Ans: In a panic situation, I would try to remain calm and verify the information before reacting impulsively. I would help ensure that correct and accurate information is spread to prevent further confusion. Assisting the elderly, children, and people with disabilities to stay safe would also be my responsibility.
Additionally, I would help manage the crowd if possible and cooperate with authorities to restore order and control the situation.

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While-Reading

 EXERCISE 02: 
Work in pairs or groups. Write phrases with their contextual meaning.

Phrasal Verbs	Contextual Meanings
Went through	To be pulled or led by others
Gave up	To face forward, toward the future or destination
Came to	To gradually disappear
Turned out	To switch off or extinguish
Drew along	To experience
Caught up (with)	To suddenly start moving faster (begin trotting)
Looked ahead	To stop trying or abandon an effort
Shut up	To fall silent or refuse to talk
Ran past	To reach the same level or position as someone ahead
Broke into (a trot)	To move quickly past someone or something
Melted away	To regain consciousness

Ans: Phrasal Verbs With Contextual Meanings

Phrasal Verbs	Contextual Meanings
Went through	To experience
Gave up	To stop trying or abandon an effort
Came to	To regain consciousness
Turned out	To switch off or extinguish
Drew along	To be pulled or led by others
Caught up (with)	To reach the same level or position as someone ahead
Looked ahead	To face forward, toward the future or destination
Shut up	To fall silent or refuse to talk
Ran past	To move quickly past someone or something
Broke into (a trot)	To suddenly start moving faster (begin trotting)
Melted away	To gradually disappear

 EXERCISE 03: 
Read the statements and choose the correct option.
1. The rumour The dam has broke!' triggered _____.
(a) the celebration among people
(b) assembly of mob on roads
(c) panic among people ✔
(d) parade of the militiaman

2 The grandfather mistakenly believes that the menace the city is facing during the flood is _____.
(a) the National Guard
(b) a gang of robbers
(c) Nathan Bedford Forrest's cavalry ✔
(d) the city engineers

3. The misconception about the dam breaking that caused panic was _____.
(a) the East Side was in imminent danger
(b) High Street would be engulfed in floodwaters ✔
(c) the water level would rise over two feet
(d) the West Side was under thirty feet of water

4. What did Dr. Mallory mistake for the sound of rushing water?
(a) Traffic noise
(b) A fire alarm
(c) Swishing of roller-skates ✔
(d) Children playing

5. The event that finally brought the order and dispelled fear after the panic was _____.
(a) fire-fighters arriving
(b) Militiamen announcing the dam had not broken ✔
(c) The rain stopping
(d) the river level dropping

6. The author's mother took eggs and loaves of bread with her and thought to _____.
(a) move to other city
(b) travel to East from South
(c) take refuge on top of Memorial Hall ✔
(d) escape with others to safer side

7. After two years, the city residents' reaction on the incident was that _____.
(a) They laughed about it jokingly. ✔
(b) They still spoke about it with fear.
(c) As if nothing had happened.
(d) They celebrated it as a historic event.

8. What does the story reveal about human behavior in groups?
(a) People become more logical in groups
(b) People seek leadership and clarity
(c) Panic can spread quickly without reason ✔
(d) Group behaviour prevents irrational action

9. The text, "The Day the Dam Broke" is _____ in nature.
(a) adventurous and explorative
(b) humorous and ironic ✔
(c) tragic and horror
(d) scientific and analytic

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Post-Reading

 EXERCISE 04: 
Answer the following questions after reading the text:
Q.1: What and where did the panic start?
Ans: The panic began in Columbus, Ohio, in 1913 when people suddenly started shouting that the dam had broken. It started when a few people ran in fear, and others, seeing them run, assumed it was due to a flood and joined in the stampede. No one verified the information everyone just followed the crowd. It was the situation of turmoil and confusion.

Q.2: In what ways does the text illustrate the theme of mob mentality?
Ans: The essay clearly shows mob mentality that people reacting emotionally and irrationally just because others are doing so. No one stopped to confirm the facts. Even those who didn't know what was happening ran simply because others were running. The fear spread like wildfire, showing how panic can override logic in a crowd facing the frightful and perilous situation on the roads in Columbus.

Q.3: How did different individuals and groups react to this news?
Ans: Civilians: Dropped everything and started running. Some didn't even know why they were running.
Older people: Recalled a real flood from 1884 and were more easily frightened.
Police, firefighters, and military: Surprisingly, they also joined the panic at first, adding to the confusion instead of calming it.
Everyone, regardless of age or status, was swept up in the fear without inquiring the reason.

Q.4: How did the panic end so abruptly and why nobody talked about it for the long time?
Ans: The panic ended when someone calmly said, "The dam hasn't broken." People suddenly stopped running, turned around, and went back to their routines as if nothing had happened.
No one spoke about it afterward because they felt embarrassed by their behaviour. Everyone wanted to forget the foolishness, so the incident was quietly buried in memory.

Q.5: How long did the panic last? How was the order restored?
Ans: The panic lasted for about two hours. Order was restored naturally when people realized there was no danger. There was no official announcement just someone spreading calm and people beginning to come to their senses. Once they knew the dam was intact, they returned home silently. The people cleared their profound misunderstanding related to the news of the dam.

OR

The panic lasted for not more than two hours in all, when the city authorities came to know that it was a false alarm. Order was restored by fear dispelled finally by means of militiamen riding about in motor lorries bowling through megaphones. The dam has not broken!'. However, the frightened minds mistook the announcement and thought that the men were announcing that the dam had then broken. Then they realized their mistake and started going back to normalcy.

Q.6: How does the author describe the business and behaviour of people in Columbus the next day of the panic?
Ans: The next day, people acted as if nothing had happened. Businesses opened as usual, and everyone behaved very formally and normally, trying to cover up their embarrassment. The author humorously noted that no one dared bring it up, and the entire city pretended the panic had never occurred. The people were sheepishly back to their homes and businesses.

Q..Q7: Describe the response of law enforcement, fire-fighters, and military personnel during the panic. How did their actions demonstrate civic duty?
Ans: Initially, even police and soldiers panicked, which added to the chaos. However, later, some of them tried to help restore order. Their initial reaction showed human weakness, but eventually, their efforts to calm people and return things to normal reflected their sense of civic duty, even though they were part of the confusion.

Q.8: Amidst the chaos and confusion, how did the author's family uphold their civic responsibilities during the incident?
Ans: The author's family, especially his grandfather, tried to act rationally. The grandfather refused to run, thinking it was nonsense, and tried to stop others. Thurber's family didn't spread rumors and tried to remain calm. This shows they held on to common sense and tried to act responsibly, even when the rest of the city in panic.

 EXERCISE 05: 
Read the following statement and write T for True of F for False.

No.	Statement	True/False
1.	The flood in Columbus, Ohio, in 1913 was real and caused extensive damage on the East Side.	F
2.	The panic started when people began running east, thinking the dam had broken.	T
3.	Aunt Edith was in a grocery store when she first heard about the supposed dam break.	F
4.	When the rumour spread, people ran in all directions away from the dam	F
5.	The police and firemen tried to calm people down by saying the dam had not broken.	F

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The Day The Dam Broke (By James Groves Thurber) - UNIT 06: Civics Responsibilities - English Paper II (Compulsory) - For Class XII (All Groups) - Short Question Answers

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Unit 06: Civic Responsibilities
The Day The Dam Broke.
English II (C)
For Class XII (All Groups)

Short Question Answers
From Text Book Exercise

Q.1: What and where did the panic start?
Ans: The panic began in Columbus, Ohio, in 1913 when people suddenly started shouting that the dam had broken. It started when a few people ran in fear, and others, seeing them run, assumed it was due to a flood and joined in the stampede. No one verified the information everyone just followed the crowd. It was the situation of turmoil and confusion.

Q.2: In what ways does the text illustrate the theme of mob mentality?
Ans: The essay clearly shows mob mentality that people reacting emotionally and irrationally just because others are doing so. No one stopped to confirm the facts. Even those who didn't know what was happening ran simply because others were running. The fear spread like wildfire, showing how panic can override logic in a crowd facing the frightful and perilous situation on the roads in Columbus.

Q.3: How did different individuals and groups react to this news?
Ans: Civilians: Dropped everything and started running. Some didn't even know why they were running.
Older people: Recalled a real flood from 1884 and were more easily frightened.
Police, firefighters, and military: Surprisingly, they also joined the panic at first, adding to the confusion instead of calming it.
Everyone, regardless of age or status, was swept up in the fear without inquiring the reason.

Q.4: How did the panic end so abruptly and why nobody talked about it for the long time?
Ans: The panic ended when someone calmly said, "The dam hasn't broken." People suddenly stopped running, turned around, and went back to their routines as if nothing had happened.
No one spoke about it afterward because they felt embarrassed by their behaviour. Everyone wanted to forget the foolishness, so the incident was quietly buried in memory.

Q.5: How long did the panic last? How was the order restored?
Ans: The panic lasted for about two hours. Order was restored naturally when people realized there was no danger. There was no official announcement just someone spreading calm and people beginning to come to their senses. Once they knew the dam was intact, they returned home silently. The people cleared their profound misunderstanding related to the news of the dam.

OR

The panic lasted for not more than two hours in all, when the city authorities came to know that it was a false alarm. Order was restored by fear dispelled finally by means of militiamen riding about in motor lorries bowling through megaphones. The dam has not broken!'. However, the frightened minds mistook the announcement and thought that the men were announcing that the dam had then broken. Then they realized their mistake and started going back to normalcy.

Q.6: How does the author describe the business and behaviour of people in Columbus the next day of the panic?
Ans: The next day, people acted as if nothing had happened. Businesses opened as usual, and everyone behaved very formally and normally, trying to cover up their embarrassment. The author humorously noted that no one dared bring it up, and the entire city pretended the panic had never occurred. The people were sheepishly back to their homes and businesses.

Q..Q7: Describe the response of law enforcement, fire-fighters, and military personnel during the panic. How did their actions demonstrate civic duty?
Ans: Initially, even police and soldiers panicked, which added to the chaos. However, later, some of them tried to help restore order. Their initial reaction showed human weakness, but eventually, their efforts to calm people and return things to normal reflected their sense of civic duty, even though they were part of the confusion.

Q.8: Amidst the chaos and confusion, how did the author's family uphold their civic responsibilities during the incident?
Ans: The author's family, especially his grandfather, tried to act rationally. The grandfather refused to run, thinking it was nonsense, and tried to stop others. Thurber's family didn't spread rumors and tried to remain calm. This shows they held on to common sense and tried to act responsibly, even when the rest of the city in panic.

More Short Question Answers

Q.9: What does the narrator mean by saying the family was "both ennobled and demoralized" by the experience?
Ans: The narrator suggests that although the flood panic was based on a false rumour, it brought out both ridiculous and admirable traits of people. For instance, his grandfather, though confused about the nature of the threat, displayed great courage and leadership by trying to defend the family. On the other hand, the entire family's forced flight with an unconscious grandfather highlighted how fear reduced everyone to irrational behaviour. This duality of bravery and foolishness is what the narrator reflects on.

Q.10: How does the narrator describe the reaction of people in business areas like High Street?
Ans: The narrator paints a vivid picture of how calm, composed businessmen suddenly abandoned their deals and offices to run in panic. Even powerful figures like lawyers and executives, usually proud and composed, joined the stampede. The chaos began with a few runners, perhaps over something unrelated, and quickly turned into mass hysteria as everyone assumed a disaster was imminent. This illustrates how easily rationality can be overwhelmed in group settings.

Q.11: How did women and children participate in the panic, according to the passage?
Ans: Women and children were swept into the frenzy just like the men. Housewives, children, even pets poured out of homes to follow the crowd. Some tried to find shelter, like the narrator's mother, who planned to hide in Memorial Hall. Others, like Aunt Edith, got caught in the chaos while watching a movie. The scene turned violent and frantic as people trampled and pushed each other in their desperate attempts to flee an invisible threat.

Q.12: What role did misunderstanding and miscommunication play in the mass panic?
Ans: Misunderstandings were at the core of the panic. The initial runners may have had personal reasons for hurrying, but others assumed the worst without confirmation. Dr. Mallory mistook roller-skates for floodwater, and a colonel spread the rumour further by trusting a child's fearful cry. When militiamen tried to announce the truth, their loudspeakers were misheard as confirming the flood, which worsened the chaos. These examples show how unchecked fear spreads faster than facts.

Q.13: What was the emotional state of the people after the panic ended, and how did they handle it? OR Why did the citizens of Columbus not care to talk about the events of the 12^th March 1913?
Ans: After the panic, people were deeply embarrassed. Though they returned to work and routine the very next day, no one dared to mention what had happened. The event became a silent memory, avoided in conversation because everyone had behaved foolishly. It took nearly two years before people could joke about it, and even decades later, some persons like Dr. Mallory would still go quiet when the topic came up. This reaction shows that shame can be stronger than fear.

OR

The citizens of Columbus were so ashamed of their behaviour, that nobody had the courage to talk about the event of 12^th March 1913. It was only after two years or more that the people dared, treat the breaking of the dam lightly.. But there were a few persons like Dr. Mallory who, even after twenty years, would shut up like a clam to mentioned the the Afternoon of the Great Run, because they were terribly ashamed of their conduct on that day.

Q.14: What caused the panic in Columbus, Ohio? OR How does the panic appear to have started?
Ans: The panic was caused by a false rumour that the dam had broken. Though no actual danger, existed, people started running east to escape what they believed to be a flood. The mass hysteria quickly spread throughout the city. The people thought that they were engulfed by the roaring waters and the cry spread like a grass fire.

OR

The author in the story recalled the real incident of his childhood when the rumour of Ohio Dam broken, spread in the city. It began in this the manner. A man, on High Street, the main trade centre in Columbus City, suddenly started to, walk quickly towards the east. The author, feels, perhaps, he was late for an appointment with his wife, at the Maramor Restaurant. So, lie walked at a trot. He was followed by a newsboy, in high spirits. He was followed by yet another, a-portly gentleman of affairs, for some reason. This started a panic and within ten minutes, Without trying to know the reason, every body followed suit and started running, shouting "The dam has broken". "Hundreds of people were streaming by their house in wild panic, Streaming "Go east! 'Go east!"

Q.15: What was the reaction of Thurber's grandfather during the panic?
Ans: Thurber's grandfather misunderstood the situation and thought Confederate soldiers were attacking. He grabbed his old army sabre and tried to stop the family from fleeing. Eventually, the family had to knock him' out with an ironing board to escape with the others.

Q.16: How did the author describe the spread of fear?
Ans: The fear spread like wildfire. People didn't stop to verify the rumour; they simply followed the crowd. Even calm and respectable individuals abandoned everything and ran in panic. People started running east to escape what they believed to be a flood. The mass hysteria quickly spread throughout the city. The people thought that they were engulfed by the roaring waters.

Q.17: What role did authority figures like policemen and military officers play?
Ans: Even authority figures joined the panic. A colonel, influenced by a little girl shouting "the dam has broke," began leading a crowd eastward. Their involvement added to the public's confusion and fear. Two thousand people were abruptly in full flight. One colonel was leading the exhausted child in his arms towards east in this panic.

Q.18: What was the actual risk of flooding on the East Side?
Ans: The East Side was a place where all the running occurred. City engineers later confirmed there was no real threat. Even if the dam had broken, the East Side would have risen only by two inches. It needed a 95-feet rise could have caused the flood waters to flow in any actual perilous situation.

Q.19: How did Aunt Edith Taylor respond to the panic?
Ans: Aunt Edith Taylor joined the fleeing crowd, running through the city. She met people along the way, including a woman who told her to "ask God" about what was happening. In spite of the confusion, she kept running out of fear.

Q.20: Who was Dr. Mallory and what mistake did he make? OR Why-did Dr. Mallory think that flood waters were about to engulf (drown) him?
Ans: Dr. Mallory was an elderly man known for his confident personality. During the panic, he mistook the sound of a boy's roller skates for the sound of the rushing water. Believing the flood was upon him, he kept running in fear. After he realized his mistake, he started running eastward again.

OR

Dr. Mallory too was among the crowd that was running to the East. There was a boy behind him on roller-skates. Dr. Mallory mistook the swimming sound of the skates for the sound of rushing waters. He felt certain that the floodwaters were about to engulf him.

Q.21: How did the city return to normal after the panic?
Ans: The panic ended when militiamen announced via megaphones that the darn had not broken. Even though the truth came out, people were embarrassed and rarely spoke of the event. For years, it remained a sensitive topic. No one dared to discuss about the Great Run before the eyewitness such as Dr. Mallory.

Q.22: What does the story reveal about human nature?
Ans: The story reveals how easily people can fall into mass hysteria. Rational thinking is abandoned when fear spreads. It also shows how rumors, once believed, can lead to irrational behaviour even in educated individuals. Rumors spread faster than the truth.

Q.23: How does Thurber use humour in the story?
Ans: Thurber uses exaggeration, irony, absurdity and irrational thinking to make the story humorous and full of comic scenes. He describes serious events, like his grandfather's confusion and people climbing statues, in a comical and amusing way. His storytelling has the mood of comedy and humour of what could have been a tragic event.

Q.24: How accurate is the title of Thurber's essay?
Ans: "The day the dam broke" is very appropriate title. The Columbus, Ohio, broken dam rumour set the whole population of the city to run in order to safe themselves from flood waters. The panic was so great that no one stopped to verify truth. Therefore, the title of Thurber's essay is very accurate.

Q.25: What can we gather about grandfather's age and his physique and mental condition?
Ans: From the description given in the essay we cannot form any exact idea of the grandfather's age. However, he was a a pretty old man and sturdy person. He was more than six feet tall and weighed about a hundred and seventy pounds. His mental condition was also very sound although his reaction was based upon a misunderstanding, that the Nathan Bedford Forests Cavalry had attacked the city.

Q.26: How did Thurber's mother cope with the situation?
Ans: The author's mother, did not panic. Being a mature and a caring mother, she behaved in a most sensible way. She turned out all the fires of the stove, and took took with her a dozen eggs and two loaves of bread. She had planned to take shelter somewhere, on the roof top of the Memorial Hall, but she was dragged along with the crowd, towards the east.

Q.27: How did the panic start in the cinema on High Street?
Ans: The writer's aunt, Edith Taylor was in the cinema. She could hear continuous shouts and the tramp of running feet and the persistent shouts of people outside. An elderly man sitting near author's aunt, mumbled something, got out of his seat & went up the aisle at a dogtrot. This start led everybody. In an instant the audience was jamming the aisle. A woman shouted, "fire". The shouts outside the cinema became louder and clear, "the dam has broken, Go east!" So, the writer's aunt and the rest, started running towards the east.

Q.28: What caused the lieutenant colonel of infantry to lead a fleeing company of 300 soldiers? Ans: The lieutenant colonel of infantry was sitting on the porch of Fort Hayes when he heard a little child cry out that "the dam has broken." This sudden warning startled him, and in his panic, he ordered his 300 soldiers to go east. The warning about the dam breaking caused panic among the people, leading them to flee from the danger. The officer didn’t initially understand why they were running, but when he asked the little child, the child explained that the dam had broken. Realizing the danger, the lieutenant colonel led the crowd of soldiers, carrying the tired child in his arms, away from the threat posed by the broken dam.

The Day The Dam Broke (By James Groves Thurber) - UNIT: 06 Civics Responsibilities - English Paper II (Compulsory) - For Class XII (All Groups) - (MCQs)

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Unit 06: Civic Responsibilities
The Day The Dam Broke
English II (C)
For Class XII (All Groups)

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
From Text Book Exercise

Read the following satatement and choose the correct option:
1. The rumour The dam has broke!' triggered _____.
(a) the celebration among people
(b) assembly of mob on roads
(c) panic among people ✔
(d) parade of the militiaman

2 The grandfather mistakenly believes that the menace the city is facing during the flood is _____.
(a) the National Guard
(b) a gang of robbers
(c) Nathan Bedford Forrest's cavalry ✔
(d) the city engineers

3. The misconception about the dam breaking that caused panic was _____.
(a) the East Side was in imminent danger
(b) High Street would be engulfed in floodwaters ✔
(c) the water level would rise over two feet
(d) the West Side was under thirty feet of water

4. What did Dr. Mallory mistake for the sound of rushing water?
(a) Traffic noise
(b) A fire alarm
(c) Swishing of roller-skates ✔
(d) Children playing

5. The event that finally brought the order and dispelled fear after the panic was _____.
(a) fire-fighters arriving
(b) Militiamen announcing the dam had not broken ✔
(c) The rain stopping
(d) the river level dropping

6. The author's mother took eggs and loaves of bread with her and thought to _____.
(a) move to other city
(b) travel to East from South
(c) take refuge on top of Memorial Hall ✔
(d) escape with others to safer side

7. After two years, the city residents' reaction on the incident was that _____.
(a) They laughed about it jokingly. ✔
(b) They still spoke about it with fear.
(c) As if nothing had happened.
(d) They celebrated it as a historic event.

8. What does the story reveal about human behavior in groups?
(a) People become more logical in groups
(b) People seek leadership and clarity
(c) Panic can spread quickly without reason ✔
(d) Group behaviour prevents irrational action

9. The text, "The Day the Dam Broke" is _____ in nature.
(a) adventurous and explorative
(b) humorous and ironic ✔
(c) tragic and horror
(d) scientific and analytic

More Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

10. What message does Thurber convey in this story?
(a) Dams should be banned
(b) Panic spreads faster than truth ✔
(c) Women are better runners
(d) war memories are harttful

11. What year did the events in the story take place?
(a) 1918
(b) 1903
(c) 1913 ✔
(d) 1925

12. What was the central reason for the mass panic?
(a) Earthquake
(b) Fire
(c) The belief that a dam has broken ✔
(d) War announcement

13. Who is the narrator of the story? OR
"The Day the Dam Broke" is a literary creation of: OR
The Day the Dam Broke" is written by:
(a) Edith Taylor
(b) James G Thurber ✔
(c) Dr. Mallory
(d) A traffic cop

14. What did Grandfather believe was the real threat?
(a) The dam breaking
(b) Earthquake
(c) Confederate soldiers ✔
(d) Riots

15. How did they stop Grandfather from attacking?
(a) By locking him in a room
(b) With sleeping pills
-(c) By knocking him out with an ironing board ✔
(d) By convincing him logically

16. What direction were people told to run?
(a) West
(b) East ✔
(c) South
(d) North

17. What was the actual water threat level on the East Side?
(a) Dangerous flooding
(b) Just below risk level
(c) No danger at all ✔
(d) Ten feet above street level

18. What happened to food and fires in homes during the panic?
(a) People locked everything before leaving
(b) Everything was destroyed
(c) Fires were turned off in panic
(d) Many people left them burning ✔

19. Who was Darius Conningway?
(a) A local doctor
(b) A movie star
(c) A famous lawyer ✔
(d) A police officer

20. How long did the entire panic last?
(a) 1 hour
(b) 3 hours
(c) About 2 hours ✔
(d) Half a day

21. How far did some people run during the panic?
(a) 1 mile
(b) 4 miles
(c) 12 miles ✔
(d) 20 miles

22. What did people think the megaphones were shouting?
(a) "It's a drill!"
(b) "Return home!"
(c) "The dam has now broken!" ✔
(d) "Stay indoors!"

23. How did Dr. Mallory misinterpret the sound of roller skates?
(a) As wind
(b) As rushing floodwater ✔
(c) As gunfire
(d) As train tracks

24. What did the story say about the weather during the panic?
(a) It was raining
(b) It was cloudy
(c) It was sunny and quiet ✔
(d) It was stormy

25. Where were some people climbing during the panic?
(a) Towers
(b) Buildings
(c) Trees and statues ✔
(d) Cars

26. What was ironic about the statue "These Are My Jewels"?
(a) It fell during the panic
(b) It seemed to encourage people
(c) It stood still while chaos happened ✔
(d) It pointed east

27. What was the reaction the next day in the city?
(a) People cried
(b) Life returned to normal ✔
(c) Everyone left the city
(d) Fires broke out

28. How did Dr. Mallory respond when the narrator asked about the panic?
(a) He joked
(b) He refused to speak ✔
(c) He explained calmly
(d) He apologized

29. What was Aunt Edith's physical condition described as?
(a) Weak and tired
(b) In poor health
(c) In excellent condition despite her age ✔
(d) Injured

30. What convinced Grandfather the threat was real?
(a) Seeing the water
(b) Hearing police orders
(c) Hearing the crowd and joining the cry ✔
(d) A letter

31. What genre does this story belong to?
(a) Tragedy
(b) Comedy/satire ✔
(c) Horror
(d) Mystery

32. What comparison is made to explain the absurdity of the scene?
(a) Titanic sinking
(b) Marie Celeste ship ✔
(c) War battlefield
(d) Abandoned zoo

33. "The Day the Dam Broke" is a good example of Thurber's View of human behavior:
(a) Tragically
(b) Sardonic ✔
(c) Farcical
(d) Comical

34. The rumor of the break of the dam spread on: OR The rumour about the breaking dam began at noon on:
(a) March 13, 1912
(b) March 12, 1913 ✔
(c) March 14, 1914
(d) March 15, 1915

35. The rumor of the break up of the Ohio River dam spread in the city of:
(a) Columbus ✔
(b) London
(c) Yorkshire
(d) Brussels

36. "City engineners pointed out even if the dam had broken, the water level would not have risen more than _____ additional inches in the west side."
(a) Five
(b) Four
(c) Three
(d) Two ✔

37. "The west side at the time of the dam scare was under feet of water during spring floods."
(a) Ten
(b) Fifteen
(c) Thirty ✔
(d) Twenty

38. "The west side was, at the time of the dam scare under thirty feet of water during spring floods of _____ years ago.
(a) Ten
(b) Twenty ✔
(c) Thirty
(d) Forty

39. The city engineers pointed out that only a rise of _____ feet could have caused the flood waters to flow over high street.
(a) 80
(b) 85
(c) 90
(d) 95 ✔

40. "A man suddenly began to run because he wanted to meet his wife at Restaurant."
(a) White Hart
(b) Maramor ✔
(c) Edinburg
(d) New castle

41. "Somebody else began to run, perhaps a ____.
(a) Shop boy
(b) Garage boy
(c) News boy ✔
(d) Factory boy

42. "According to James Thurber about _____ people were abruptly in full flight."
(a) Two thousand ✔
(b) One thousand
(c) Three thousand
(d) Four thousand

43. The author's _____ turned out all the fires.
(a) Father
(b) Grandfather
(c) Mother ✔
(d) Grand mother

44. "James Thurber's mother took with her a _____ eggs and two loaves of bread."
(a) Half-dozen
(b) Dozen ✔
(c) Quarter Dozen
(d) Dozen and a half

45. "As a little girl ran past a porch on which drowsed a _____ of infantry."
(a) Captain
(b) Major
(c) Lieutenant Colonel ✔
(d) Colonel

46. "He was soon leading with the exhausted child in his arms, a fleeing company of _____ persons."
(a) Five hundred
(b) Four hundred
(c) One hundred
(d) Three hundred ✔

47. "The shouting weeping, tangled evacuation of the city lasted not more than _____ hours in all.
(a) One
(b) Two ✔
(c) Three
(d) Four

48. "Order was restore and fear dispelled finally by means of:
(a) Police men
(b) Firemen
(c) Militiamen ✔
(d) Gun men

49. Many stampeders thought the soldiers war bellowing: "The dam has _____ broken!"
(a) Not
(b) Now ✔
(c) Never
(d) Also

50. The grand father of James Thurber was taller than _____ feet.
(a) Seven
(b) Five
(c) Six ✔
(d) Five and half

51. The grand father of James Thurber weighed almost _____ ponds.
(a) A hundred and fifty
(b) A hundred and sixty
(c) A hundred and sixty five
(d) A hundred and seventy ✔

52. "Later when the panic had died down and people had gone rather _____ back to their homes and their offices."
(a) Horribly
(b) Sheepishly ✔
(c) Weakly
(d) Family

53. "The fact that we were all as safe as _____.
(a) Chicken
(b) Doves
(c) Kittens ✔
(d) Fish

54. "Inside of _____ minutes, everybody on High Street from the union Depot to the court hours was running."
(a) Ten ✔
(b) Twenty
(c) Thirty
(d) Forty

55. "The cry spread like a _____ that the dam had given way." OR
The rumour spread like a _____ that the dam had given way.
(a) Fire
(b) Water
(c) Rumor
(d) Grass-fire ✔

56. The name of Thurber's aunt was:
(a) James Taylor
(b) Jimmy Taylor
(c) Edith Taylor ✔
(d) Julle Taylor

57. Edith Taylor was in a _____ on High Street.
(a) Cinema
(b) Factory
(c) Movie Theatre ✔
(d) Computer Lab

58. "I drew up alongside the woman with some effort, for although she was in her late _____, she had a beautiful easy running form."
(a) Forties
(b) Fifties ✔
(c) Sixties
(d) Thirties

59. Dr. H.P Mallory looked like _____.
(a) Robert Lynd
(b) Robert Kate
(c) Robert James
(d) Robert Browning ✔

60. Dr. Mallory mistook the swishing of the _____ for sound of rushing water.
(a) Motor-cycle
(b) Wheel barrow
(c) Skates ✔
(d) Spin

61. "There was a _____ on roller-skates behind Dr.Mallory.
(a) Robber
(b) Boy ✔
(c) Bandit
| (d) Man

62. "Looking back up the street, Dr. Mallory could see no sings of _____.
(a) Flood
(b) Rain
(c) Drain Water
(d) Water ✔

63. The after noon of March 12, 1913 is known as _____.
(a) The March Past
(b) The Great Run ✔
(c) The Great Flood
(d)The Great Rain

64. "A loud mumble gradually crystallized into the dread word _____.
(a) Dam ✔
(b) Danger
(c) Disaster
(d) Death

65. "The fear was put into words by a little _____.
(a) Man
(b) Old Lady ✔
(c) Old Boy
(d) Young Lady

66. The fear was put into words by a little old lady in an electric or by a _____.
(a) Traffic man
(b) Traffic sound
(c) Traffic cop ✔
(d) Traffic signal

67. Most of the others gave up exhausted or climbed trees in park:
(a) Hyde
(b) Franklin ✔
(c) White
(d) Night

68. The writer says that they were both _____ and demoralized by the experience.
(a) ennobled ✓
(b) demoralised
(c) frightened
(d) excited

69. According to the writer grand father especially rose to _____, which can never lose their splendour for him.
(a) magnificent heights ✓
(b) great height
(c) a great post
(d) the occasion

70. Grand father was a hurdle in their flight from the house. This problem was solved by:
(a) convincing him
(b) scolding him
(c) making him unconscious ✓
(d) carrying him

70. High street, the main canyon of trade was loud _____ and the buzzing of placid.
(a) with noise
(b) with laughter
(c) with the placid hum of business ✓
(d) with music

71. According to the author _____ was a favourite place for a man to meet his wife.
(a) The Holiday Inn
(b) Maramor Restaurant ✓
(c) The Taj Mahal
(d) The Inter Continental

72. The author’s mother intended to take refuge on the:
(a) terrace
(b) roof
(c) high tree
(d) top of the Memorial Hall ✓

73. Dr. Mallory mistook the _____ to be the sound of the gushing water.
(a) noise
(b) explosion
(c) swishing sound of the roller skates ✓
(d) shouting

74. All the time, the sun shone quietly and there was no where any sign of:
(a) the rushing crowd
(b) the people
(c) raining
(d) on coming waters ✓

75. Grand father regained full consciousness at:
(a) Regal Chowk
(b) Paradise Avenue
(c) Parson’s Avenue ✓
(d) Time, Square

76. A visitor in an airopIane, looking down would have been struck by a peculiar kind of terror, like the sight of the:
(a) conqueror
(b) sub-marine
(c) ship
(d) Marie Celeste ✓

77. Finally “order was restored and fear dispelled”, by _______ riding about in motor lorries.
(a) militia men ✓
(b) volunteers
(c) the police
(d) the rangers

78. Outside the theatre, a woman managed to get up on to:
(a) These are my Jewels’ statue’ ✓
(b) the pole
(c) the tree top
(d) roof

79. It was two years or more, before you dared treat the breaking of the dam:
(a) seriously
(b) lightly ✓
(c) very seriously
(d) emotionally

80. The next day, the city went about its business as if nothing had happened, but there was no joking because the people:
(a) were sad
(b) felt bad
(c) were terribly ashamed of their conduct ✓
(d) were in a state of shock

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

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

• Pre-Reading
• While-Reading
• Post-Reading

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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