1.

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

2. THE CURSE OF BASKERVILLES

-No questions have come from this lesson-
 3. THE PROBLEM
Why does Dr. Mortimer feel that ‘the thing is supernatural’? March – 2008, June – 2007
(Or)
While describing Sir Charles’ death, why does Dr.Mortimer think that the incident had something
super natural about it? March - 1999
Dr.Moritmer feels the thing is supernatural because several people have reported that they
have seen a creature on the moor which resembles the Baskerville demon which could not be
any animal known to science and also Dr.Mortimer believed in the story of the legend of the
Hound of Baskervilles.
Describe the yew Alley in about five sentences. March - 2008
There are two lines of old hedges, twelve feet high and impenetrable. There is a wall in centre
eight feet across and there is a strip of glass about six feet broad on either side. There is a
wicket gate which leads t the moor.
How did Dr. Mortimer’s version of Sir Charles death differ from the official account? March -
2002
According to official version, Charles might have died either, due to heart failure of some
organic disease. But Dr. Mortimer believed it was a mysterious death caused by a supernatural
thing, possibly by the Hound of the Baskervilles.
Barrymore made a false statement at the inquest. What was it? What was the truth? March -
2001
Barrymore made a false statement before the inquest that there were no traces of any footprints
near Sir Charles's dead body. The truth was that there were indeed some footprints of a
gigantic hound near his dead body which were seen by Dr. Mortimer only.
How does Sherlock Holmes come to the conclusion that Sir Charles had been frightened even
before he began to run? June – 2008
According to Mortimer, Charles was heading for a nervous breakdown. He believed the legend
connected with the Hound of the Baskerville and was convinced that a dreadful fate overhung
his family. When he saw savage hound with flames around his mouth he must have been
frightened to death.
Why did Dr. Mortimer think it unsuitable for Sir Henry to stay at Baskerville Hall? March -
2003
Dr. Mortimer thought there was danger for Sir Henry's life at the Baskerville Hall as he
believed in the legend connected with the hound of Baskervilles. So, Dr. Mortimer thought it
unsuitable for Sir Henry to stay at Baskerville Hall.
 4. SIR HENRY BASKERVILLE
On his first meeting with Sherlock Holmes, Sir Henry Baskerville tells him of two strange
experiences. What are they? March - 1999
The two strange experiences are firstly, soon after his arrival in London Sir Henry receives a
letter warning him to keep away from the moor and secondly, he lost one of his new boots that
he bought in London.
What was strange about the letter Sir Henry received after he arrived in London? What
message did it contain? June – 2001
"What was strange about the letter was that words cut out from an article in a newspaper were
pasted on a half sheet of foolscap paper in a zigzag manner. It said that Sir Henry should keep
away from the moor, if he valued his life.
What was written on the note that Sir Henry got on his arrival at the Northumberland Hotel?
March - 2005
It was written on the note that, “If you value your life or reason, keeps away from the moor”.
Holmes asked Cartwright to visit twenty-three hotels in the Charring cross area. What did he
hope to find? March - 2002
Holmes asked Cartwright to contact the porters of the twenty-three hotels near Charing Cross
and find out if the centre page of "The Times" with some holes cut in it with a scissors can be
traced from the waste papers of any of the hotels. He wanted to find out the identity of the
person who sent the letter of Warning to Sir Henry.
Sherlock Holmes reads out an article on Free Trade’ from the times to Watson, Dr.Mortimer
and Sir Henry. Why? Do his three listeners understand his intention? October- 1999
Sherlock Holmes reads out the article because he knew that the words “you”, “your”,” life”,
“reason”,” keep away” in the letter of warning were cut out from “The Times” and pasted on a
paper. The three listeners did not understand his intention till it was made clear.

5. THREE BROKEN THREADS

If Sir Henry were to die, who can inherit the fortune? June – 2007 March – 2007,October 1999
In the event of Sir Henry’s death Mr. James Desmond, an elderly clergyman in west moorland
would inherit the estate.
Who is John Clayton? What does he tell Holmes? March – 2008, (or)
What did Holmes learn from John Clayton, the cabman? June – 2001
John Clayton was the driver of the cab No.2704.He told Holmes that a bearded man hired his
cab for the whole day for two guineas. He followed two gentlemen and after some time he
hurriedly reached Waterloo station and got down. He said that he was Sherlock Holmes.
“There go two of my threads, Watson,” said Holmes.
What were the two threads? How did he lose them? March - 2001
Barrymore's presence at Baskerville Hall and Cartwright’s inability to trace the cut sheets of
times are the two broken threads Holmes was referring to.
 6. BASKERVILLE HALL
Describe Baskerville Hill in four to five sentences. June – 2008, March - 1999
The Baskerville Hill looks like a ghost. There was garden in front of the hall. A square,
ballustraded gallery ran round the top of the old hall. It could approach by a double stair. From
this central point two long corridors extended the length of the building.
What is the relation between the Barrymore’s and Selden? March – 2008, March - 2006
The escaped criminal Selden is Mr. Barrymore’s brother-in-law.
What is the relation between the Barrymore’s and Selden? June – 2007
The escaped criminal Selden is Mr. Barrymore’s brother-in-law.
Why are soldiers posted at different places at the time Sir Henry arrives in Devonshire? June –
2008, March – 2007,October 1999
Soldiers were posted at different places at time of Sir Henry’s arrival Devonshire, as a
notorious convict has escaped from Prince town. The prince has been searching fir him at
every station and road.
What was the explanation behind the mysterious sobbing that Dr. Watson heard on his first
night at Baskerville Hall? June – 2005, June – 2002
Mrs. Barrymore was sobbing at night for her brother, the escaped convict Selden. She was
afraid that he would be caught and hanged for the number of crimes he had committed. Her
husband supplied food to her brother every alternate night.

7. THE STAPLETONS OF MERRIPIT HOUSE

What did Dr.Watson discover when he visited the Grimpen postmaster? March - 2007
Dr. Watson contacted the postmaster with a view to finding out if the telegram was delivered
to Mr. Barrymore. He came to know that the telegram was delivered to Mrs. Barrymore.
What explanation doe Stapleton give Watson for having settled in a ‘gloomy’ place like
Devonshire? March – 2006, June – 2001,October 1999
Stapleton tells Dr. Watson that he has settled in Devonshire because moor is a wonderful place
and as he is a naturalist he is interested in rare plants, butterflies and birds in the hills there.
Why did Miss Stapleton ask Dr. Watson to return to London as soon as she met him? June –
2004, March – 2003
(Or)
When Miss Stapleton met Watson for the first time why did she order time to return to London
immediately? June – 2000
Miss Stapleton ordered Dr. Watson to return to London immediately because she mistook Dr.
Watson for Sir Henry. She secretly warned Henry to go back to London immediately and never
to return to the moor again.
Why was Barrymore crying at night? Why did she refuse to admit it? March - 2000
Mrs. Barrymore was crying at night because she was worried about the safety of her brother,
Selden, the escaped convict.
She refused to admit it because she feared a threat to her brother as well as her husband, Mr.
Barrymore.
What made Dr.Watson become suspicious of Barrymore? March - 1999
Barrymore lied when Watson asked about the subbing that he heard the previous night.
And also Watson observed Barrymore carrying a candle in to a room and looking at the moor at
midnight.
 8. FIRST REPORT OF DR.WATSON
When Dr. Watson follows Barrymore in the middle of the night, what does he find him doing
March – 2006, March – 2004, March - 2002
Following Barrymore Dr. Watson finds him enter one of the rooms at the end of the corridor.
Barrymore then crouches at the window with a candle held against the glass. He stares into the
dark moor expectantly. Remaining there for few minutes he groans and puts out the light
impatiently.

9. SECOND REPORT OF DR.WATSON

What is the relation between the Barrymore’s and Selden? March - 2008
The escaped criminal Selden is Mr. Barrymore’s brother-in-law.
What explanation does Stapleton give Sir Henry for his rude behavior? March - 2007
Stapleton told Sir Henry that his sister was everything to him. He could not bear the idea of
separation from his sister after marriage. He was shocked when he saw her with Henry
behaved in a rude way. But later he started regret ad realized. He said if she had to marry, it
would be better to marry a neighbor like Sir Henry. He requested him to give three months
time to get used to the idea.
What was the mystery behind Barrymore’s night walks? June – 2006
Mr. Barrymore was the butler at Baskerville Hall and Mrs. Barrymore the housekeeper. Her
brother, Selden was a notorious criminal. He escaped from Prince town prison and took refuge
at the Baskerville Hall. But when Sir Henry came, the couple sent him off to the moor where
he was starving. So Barrymore used to stand at a window and hold out a lighted candle to tell
Selden that food was ready. Selden, in turn, used a light to tell them where he was. Thus, the
mystery behind Barrymore's night walks was that he had been supplying his brother-in-law
food on alternate days.
Why does not Henry want Dr. Watson to accompany him when he goes for a walk on the
moor? March - 2006
Sir Henry fell in love with Miss Stapleton the moment he saw her. He, therefore, wanted to
meet her alone. He did not want Dr. Watson to be a spoilsport. He also wanted privacy to have
a free conversation with her. So Sir Henry did not want Dr. Watson to accompany him when he
started out for a walk on the moor.
Why did Barrymore stand at the window at night with a candle held against the glass? March –
2005, June – 2003,June – 2000
Barrymore stood by the window at night with a candle in his hand to signal Selden that food
was ready. Selden, the brother of Mrs. Barrymore, was the escaped convict from the Prince
town prison.
Why was Stapleton so angry to find Miss Stapleton and Sir Henry together on the moor?
March - 2003
Stapleton was angry to find Miss Stapleton and Sir Henry together on the moor because he
was afraid she might reveal his (Stapleton’s) true nature to Sir Henry. He was also jealous of
their intimacy as his wife (Miss Stapleton) was courting Sir Henry's attention. ,
Why did Barrymore refuse to tell Sir Henry the truth about the candle at the window? March -
2003
Mr. Barrymore refused to tell Sir Henry the truth about the candle at the window because it
was not his secret but his wife Mrs. Barrymore's. He was also afraid because he felt Sir Henry
might tell the police about his brother-in-law, Selden, the escaped convict.
What important information did Barrymore give Sir Henry about Sir Charles death, in return
for sparing is brother-in-law? March - 2001
Barrymore said that he had seen a burnt letter signed L.L. received by Sir Charles in his study
when Mrs. Barrymore was cleaning it.

10. AN EXTRACT FROM THE DIARY OF DR.WATSON

-No questions have come from this lesson-

11. THE MAN ON THE HILL

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

12. DEATH ON THE MOOR

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

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

Why does the Portrait of Sir Hugo Baskerville help Holmes to solve the mystery? June – 2002
(or)
Why was Holmes interested in the portrait of Hugo Stapleton? How did this help him in his
investigation? March – 2002
(Or)
Why was Holmes so fascinated y the portrait of Sir Hugo Baskerville? March - 2000
When Mr. Holmes saw the portrait of Sir Hugo, he was convinced that there was a close
resemblance between Mr. Stapleton and Sir Hugo. He guessed Mr. Stapleton was Baskerville
indeed and was trying to inherit the fortune. This information helped him in solving the
mystery.
 14. THE HOUND OF BASKERVILLES
Describe what Watson sees through the window in Merripit House June – 2006, March – 2004
Dr, Watson had seen Sir Henry and Stapleton through the window. They were sitting at a table
smoking. There were coffee and wine on the table. Stapleton seemed very excited while he was
talking. Sir Henry looked very pale. Stapleton left the room and went to the outhouse. There
was a scuffling noise inside. Mrs. Stapleton was not in the room.
Holmes devised a plan to catch Stapleton red-handed. What were the two thins that we did not
foresee? March - 2004
The two things Holmes did not for see were the diabolical monstrous beast and the dense
white fog settling like a wall on the Grimpen Mire.

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

Why did Stapleton plan to kill Sir Charles and Sir Henry? June – 2003
Stapleton was a Baskerville in disguise. He was the son of Rodger Baskerville, the younger
brother of Sir Charles. He was an evil-minded person. His enquiries revealed that only two
heirs came between him and the Baskerville fortune. So, he came and settled in Devonshire
disguising himself at Stapleton. He wanted to wipe out the rest of the family to inherit the
fortune.
What was the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of Sir Henry’s boots? Why did two
different boots go missing? June – 2005
Mr. Stapleton got the boots of Sir Henry stolen to use them as bait to kill Sir Henry by setting
the hound on him. One boot was new and was not worn by Sir Henry even once. It was of no
use for Mr Stapleton. So he got the old used black boot of Sir Henry to show its smell to the
hound and set it on him.
Why did Holmes disguise himself as the mysterious ‘man on the hill’? June – 2005
Holmes disguised himself because he wanted to catch Stapleton, the man behind the
mysterious deaths in the Baskerville family, red-handed. He observed the movements of
everyone secretly.
How did Stapleton use the hound to keep up the belief in the Curse of the Baskervilles? June –
2005, June – 2002
Stapleton made the hound look diabolical and painted it with phosphorus to make it shine in
darkness. He lurked around the moor several times at night to make the peasants believe in the
legend of the Baskervilles.
How was Mr. Stapleton related to the Baskervilles? March - 2005
Mr. Stapleton was the son of Rodger Baskerville, the younger brother of Sir Charles and who
was thought to have died unmarried. In this way, Mr. Stapleton was related to the Baskervilles.
Why did Mr. Stapleton introduce his wife as his sister? June – 2004
Mr. Stapleton introduced his wife as his sister to attract Sir Henry so that he would visit
Merripit house frequently. It was a part of his plan to kill Sir Henry in order to inherit the
Baskerville fortune.
Why was Stapleton angry with Sir Henry when he saw him with his Miss Stapleton? June –
2004, June – 2002
Stapleton was afraid his sister would be a spoil sport in his game plan for killing Sir Henry
and inheriting the Baskerville fortune. So, he was so upset when he saw his sister walking
with Sir Henry on the moor.
Why did Holmes come to Devonshire in disguise? June – 2004
Holmes disguised himself because he wanted to catch Stapleton, the man behind the
mysterious deaths in the Baskerville family, red-handed. He observed the movements of
everyone secretly.
Why was Sir Henry’s new boot returned and an old boot stolen the second time? June – 2003
(Or)
What was the mystery behind Sir Henry’s missing boot? March - 2000
One would want a single old boot to set loose hounds after a person who could be identified
by the smell of his used boot sensed by the hounds.
Why did Holmes come to Devonshire in disguise? June – 2003
Holmes disguised himself because he wanted to catch Stapleton, the man behind the
mysterious deaths in the Baskerville family, red-handed. He observed the movements of
everyone secretly.
Why does Stapleton force his wife to pretend that she was his sister? June – 2003
Mr. Stapleton introduced his wife as his sister to attract Sir Henry so that he would visit
Merripit house frequently. It was a part of his plan to kill Sir Henry in order to inherit the
Baskerville fortune.
How did Stapleton meet his end? June – 2002
Mr. Holmes shot the hound dead when it was about to reach Sir Henry's throat. Hearing the
gun shots, Mr. Stapleton realized his game was up and ran. to the shelter he had made for
himself beyond the Grimpen Mire. But he took a wrong foot and was buried in the great mine.
What was Sir Charles doing in the Yew Alley on the night of his death? June – 2000
Sir Charles was waiting for someone during his walk in the Yew Alley.
Mr. Stapleton needed the articles used by Sir Henry to set the hound on him. So, he got Sir
Henry's boot stolen from his hotel room.
How was Laura Lyons involved in the death of Sir Charles? March - 2000
Laura Lyons on the advice of Mr. Stapleton wrote a letter to Charles asking him to meet her at
the moor gate at 10 O'clock at night. After she had sent the letter he asked her not to keep the
appointment. Stapleton used that opportunity to set the hound on Sir Charles. Thus she was
instrumental in executing Stapleton’s plan to kill Sir Charles.
How did Stapleton make the hound look more fearsome than it really was? March - 2000
Stapleton bought the dog from a reputed dealer in London. He used artificial means to make
this creature look diabolical. Phosphorus applied by him around the muzzle of the dog made it
appear as if it was spitting fire.

Give two examples of Sherlock Holmes’ intelligence as a detective? March 1999

Making out the details of the letter received by Henry Baskerville and finding out the features
of Stapleton in Hugo Baskerville portrait are the best examples of Sherlock Holmes’
intelligence.
 1. CHARLES

Why the story is called ‘Charles’? June – 2008 (or)

Why had Charles become an institution? MARCH – 2008(or)
Why is the story entitled Charles not Laurie? MARCH -2006 (or)
Who really was Charles in the Story Charles?, September 99
Though the story is of Laurie, it deals with the pranks of Charles, an imaginary creation of
Laurie. In this story Laurie identifies himself with his imaginary character Charles and made
parents believe that Charles is a live character and thus Charles became an institution in
Laurie’s home. So, story is aptly given the title ‘Charles’.
Why did Laurie create the character of Charles? JUNE – 2005 & MARCH -2003 (or)
Why did Laurie tell stories about an imaginary Charles? JUNE - 2002
Laurie being highly imaginative he could create a character Charles and also make his parents
believe. Fooling his parents in this way might have given him a kind of pleasure.
How did Laurie behave during his first two or three weeks at kindergarten? MARCH -2002
• Laurie hit the teacher because she asked him to use red crayons instead of green ones.
• He bounced a seesaw onto the head of a little girl and made her bleed.
• He threw a chalk and hit a boy in the stomach and made him cry.
In the story Charles, Who was Charles? What did Laurie’s mother want to do at the PTA
meeting? Was she able to do that? MARCH -2001
Charles was an imaginary character created by Laurie. Laurie's mother wanted to meet
Charles' mother at the P.T.A. meeting. She was not able to meet her because Charles did not
exist at all.
Why did Laurie’s parents never find out that their son was often punished by being made to
stay back after class? MARCH -2000
Laurie created the character of Charles in such a way that his parents were totally convinced
by him and started believing that Charles was existing. Thus Laurie took the advantage of
their belief and fooled them by imposing all his mischievous acts and punishments on
Charles. So parents never found out that their son was often punished by being made to stay
back after class.

2. HENRY DAVID THOREAU

How is Thoreau’s unconventional behavior suggested in the description of his parentage,
appearance and early life? JUNE - 2006
Thoreau's father was part French and hids Mother was the daughter of a New England
minister. Besides being tough and strong, he was rather ugly with a short body, long legs and
a big nose and was extremely ill-mannered. He never followed an organized course of study.
Instead, he spent most of his time reading books. Ultimately, it was his careful reading that
became the basis of his education. Right from his youth, he wanted to be a free man with
utmost simplicity but with a wayward and rebellious behavior.
How did Thoreau earn his living at Walden Pond? JUNE - 2004
Thoreau earned his living at Walden Pond by doing small jobs and by selling vegetables
which he had grown on the land near his cabin. He traded some of the vegetables for food
that he couldn't grow himself.
‘Independent Man’ that’swhat Thoreau was.How? Why? MARCH -2004
Thoreau usually remained alone. He was not impressed by the ideas or action of others. He
believed that people should act according to their beliefs. He felt that if he could succeed in
remaining independent he would solve some of the problems of life and be an example to
others. Emerson recognized a similarity between Thoreau's thinking and his own and
admired this independent man.
It was said of Thoreau that: “His acts, his opinions, and his writings are one.” What does this
mean? MARCH -2003
His acts, his opinions and his writings are one. This means Thoreau lived what he wrote.
Whatever he expressed in his opinions and in his writings he implemented in his actions.
Why was the Thoreau sent to prison? What did say about the experience? JUNE - 2001
Thoreau was sent to prison for one night because he refused to pay a tax. He did not want to
support a Government that allowed slavery to exist or which made war. He knew that ideas
could not be imprisoned like people.
What were Thoreau’s ideas about a good government? MARCH -2001
Thoreau was of the opinion that Government should base its actions on what is right rather
than on what is necessary. In Thoreau's own words,, that Government is best which governs
least or which does not govern at all. Civil Disobedience was his main contribution to political
thought.
What was Thoreau’s doctrine of passive resistance? When did he believe it should be resorted
to? JUNE - 2000
Thoreau's doctrine of passive resistance was opposition without the use of force or violence.
He believed that if a Government bases its actions on what is necessary rather than on what is
right, individual in the society should resort to passive resistance.

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

3. THE DAY THE VICEROY CAME

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

How did the school authorities behave on the day the Viceroy visited? (MARCH – 2008)
What kind of challenge did the ant present to Gopal? MARCH – 2007
How were the people connected with the occasion of the Viceroy’s visit show their self
importance? JUNE - 2006
The Viceroy of India was passing through the small town. The headmasters and teachers were
in a state of nervousness for the fear that something might go wrong on that day. The
drillmaster walked up and down the line of students as if he was reviewing an army parade.
Even the headmaster consulted him and took his advice, so the drillmaster felt so important.
What kind of challenge did the ant present to Gopal? MARCH -2004
When Gopal saw a big black ant crawl up, he shook it off. The ant blindly turned and came
towards him again. Gopal pushed it away with a small twig. The ant returned brandishing its
whiskers. Gopal had a momentary misgiving about his own strength to cope with it. The ant
moved towards him like an enemy tank in a battle field.
Why was Gopal so happy to go to school on a Sunday? JUNE - 2003
There was a festive mood everywhere in the town on the day of the arrival of the Viceroy. All
the school children were presentably dressed and Gopal too wore a
of camphor and teakwood lifted his spirits and this gave an immense sense of importance. He
therefore felt happy to go to school on a Sunday.

Why was the school staff so nervous about the Viceroy’s visit? MARCH -2003
The school staff was so nervous about the viceroy's visit for fear that something might go
wrong on that day and their institution betray a lack of loyalty in any respect.

4. ANIMALS FOR EVER

What species of animals are in danger of extinction? (June – 2008)
According to Gerald Durrell, many animals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, fishes etc. are
endangered of extinction. He fears hat plants and shuns too are faced with extinction.
What are Red Data Books? Who produces them? (MARCH – 2008)
What species of living things are in danger of extinction? JUNE – 2007
What does the phrase ‘paper protection’ mean? JUNE - 2006
Government pass laws preventing the hunt of animals about to be extinct and provide
reserves for their conservation but will not allow sufficient funds to control them properly
and run adequately.
What does Durrell mean by the phrase “paper protection”? MARCH -2005
Government passes laws preventing the hunt of animals about to be extinct and provide
reserves for their conservation but will not allow sufficient funds to control them properly
and run adequately.
According to Durrell, what are the two important measures that we should take to conserve
wildlife? JUNE - 2004
Durrell has suggested two important measures to conserve wildlife. The first is that more
funds should be allotted for up-keeping the reserves. Countries should make laws to conserve
wildlife. The animal can be saved from extinction by being taken into zoological gardens and
bred under controlled conditions.
What doesspecies of living things are endangeredofextinction? MARCH -2004
Many birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians are endangered of extinction. North
American buffalo, the noisy scrub bird, pere David deer, the Hawaiian goose, European Bison
are some of the species endangered of extinction.
If it is not possible to protect endangered animals in the wild state, what else can we do? JUNE -
2003
Durrell has suggested two important measures to conserve wildlife. The first is that more
funds should be allotted for up-keeping the reserves. Countries should make laws to conserve
wildlife. The animal can be saved from extinction by being taken into zoological gardens and
bred under controlled conditions.
According to Durrell, what is the biological war that we are waging on the world around us?
MARCH -2002
We are sending our industrial waste into the rivers. We are polluting the sea and air. This
pollution of water and air cause destruction to a number of living things. In this way, we are
waging a sort of biological War on the world around us.
What is the story of a Passenger Pigeon that the writer tells us in Animals Forever? What are
their functions? JUNE - 2001
Everyone thought the passenger pigeons could never be exterminated. Flocks of them
estimated at two billion used to darken the skies. The weight of their numbers perching on
trees could break off quite large branches, so they killed and killed and the last passenger
pigeon in the world died in 1914. It proves that whatever be the numerical value of a species
they become extinct if they are not properly taken care of.
In Animals Forever, how did the North American buffalo come very near to extinction? MARCH
-2001
Buffaloes came very near to extinction in North America because the early settlers there began
to massacre the buffaloes as it resulted in starving the Red Indians. People killed them for
their meat.

According to Durrell, the problem of protection for wildlife does not end with the creating of
reserves why? JUNE - 2000
According to Durrell it is not enough to create reserves. The Government should also provide
adequate resources and money to maintain them.
What method of saving animals from extinction does Durrell refer to as a last ditch stand?
MARCH -2000
The method of breeding animals in zoos under controlled conditions is referred to as a last
ditch stand.
In a spider's web all threads are interconnected with one another. If we touch one thread, it
will disturb the whole web. In the same way, all creatures in the world are interdependent
and interconnected with one another. Any wild disturbance anywhere causes ecological
imbalance.

5. GROOMING
How many types of talking does Desmond Morris distinguish? JUNE – 2007
What are the different types of sub-activities of grooming? MARCH – 2007
How many types of talking does Desmond Morris distinguish? MARCH -2006
In Grooming, the writer talks about four kinds of ‘talking’. What are they? What are their
functions? JUNE - 2001
The four kinds of talking are grooming talk, information talking, mood talking and
exploratory talking. The function of grooming talking is to strengthen the bond of friendship,
information talking is to exchange information, mood talking is to sense the mood of others
and talk and exploratory talking is for talking sake or play talking.
What according to Desmond Morris, is “grooming talking” ? MARCH -2005
According to Desmond Morris, 'grooming talking' is the talking indulged in by the human
beings to strengthen bonds of friendship between the people of different communities in the
society.
How many types of talking does the writer distinguish? Why? MARCH -2004
The writer distinguishes four types of talking namely information talking, mood talking,
exploratory talking and grooming talking.
What are the two kinds of grooming mentioned by Morris? How do they differ? JUNE – 2003
Desmond Morris talks about two kinds of ‘grooming’ in the essay on Grooming. What are
these two types? Why is the distinction between the two necessary? September 99
How is grooming distinct from social grooming? JUNE - 2000
In the lesson, the author deals with grooming habits of birds and animals. Grooming in birds
is long and complicated whereas in mammals it is less complicated. Since the pattern of living
of the two types differ it's but necessary to note the grooming habits of the two.
One kind of grooming is for keeping the body clean and free from parasites. In another kind
motivation is more social than cosmetic. There are self- grooming and social grooming.
What is the human substitute for social grooming? What is its function in our society? MARCH -
2003
Smile is the human substitute for social grooming. Its function in our society is to continue
and strengthen the bond of friendship and social togetherness among the people.
What is the ‘grooming’ that human beings indulge in? JUNE - 2002
Grooming talk is an important substitute for social grooming. To reciprocate the grooming
signals fluffy or furry clothing is needed. This is the reason men are generally inclined to
groom the pet animals i.e., stroke the cat’s fur or scratch a dog behind the ear.
How are human beings similar to other creatures with regard to grooming habits?March-99
The basic principle of grooming is present in human beings also. Man evolved smiling in the
place of lip-smacking of animals. This smiling is reinforced by vocalization. These tendencies
are present in man because he is also a mammalian.

6. THE VILLAGER’S CURIOSITY

The villagers treated the writer with utmost respect? JUNE – 2007

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

What was the attitude of the villagers towards the author? Did they consider him to be a
stranger? JUNE - 2006
The villagers liked the author and held him in great respect. They went out of their way to
help him. They did not consider him to be a stranger.
Why didn’t the writer feel free with the people of the village? MARCH -2006
The author belonged to the village once but he had outgrown village life. So, he felt like a
stranger. He did not feel free with the people of his village because the village people had
pestered him with petty and personal questions out of their curiosity.
Why does the writer, M.N. Srinivas, refer to the villagers as ‘frogs in the well’? JUNE - 2005
The proverb "A frog in the well" is applied to the villagers in the essay. A frog in the well
thinks that the well is the whole world for it and it takes pride in it. In the same way, the
villagers thought the people of their State only were handsome and clever. They listed some
of the names of administrators whom they thought to be good administrators. Some of them
did not belong to Mysore at all.
Why was the writer in the village? How did the villagers receive him? JUNE - 2004
The writer M.N. Shrinivas was an anthropologist. He was in the village to collect information
about the way of life of people there so that he could present an account of their social life and
culture to the students in England. The villagers received him with great respect.
Why did M.N. Srinivas, the writer, keeps his Mysore visit a secret from the villagers? JUNE - 2002
The writer kept his Mysore visits a secret from the villagers because he did not want any
villager to come to Mysore and disturb him. He was already busy engaging the villager at the
village. He wanted to have some free time to recuperate and relax after four or five weeks of
his field work.
Why did headman’s son in The Villager’s Curiosity offer to steal the old woman’s hen?
What effect did he think this would have? JUNE - 2000
The headman's son wanted to provoke the old woman to display her mastery over the
vocabulary of curses and abuse. So, he offered to steal the old woman's hen. He thought this
would give some idea to the writer about the village women about whom the writer could
describe in his notes.

7. THE ROMANCE OF A BUSY BROKER

In what ways was Miss Leslie unlike the usual stenographs? JUNE - 2005
Miss Leslie, the stenographer in Maxwell's office, was extraordinarily beautiful in her plain
appearance. She forewent the pomp of alluring pompadour. She wore no chains, bracelets or
lockets. Her dress was grey and plain, but it fitted her figure with fidelity and discretion. Thus
she was unlike the usual stenographers.
Why did a lady from the Stenographer’s Agency come to see Mr. Maxwell? MARCH -2005
Mr. Pitcher, the confidential clerk of Mr. Maxwell, notified the Stenographer's Agency for a
stenographer. So, the lady from the Stenographer's Agency came to see Mr. Maxwell.
In what ways was Miss Leslie unlike the usual stenographers? MARCH -2002
Miss Leslie, the stenographer in Maxwell's office, was extraordinarily beautiful in her plain
appearance. She forewent the pomp of alluring pompadour. She wore no chains, bracelets or
lockets. Her dress was grey and plain, but it fitted her figure with fidelity and discretion. Thus
she was unlike the usual stenographers.
In “The Romance of a Busy Broker”, why had Maxwell instructed Pitcher to engage another
stenograph? MARCH -2000
Maxwell had instructed Pitcher to engage another stenographer because he had married his
own stenographer just the previous evening. He was an abnormally absent-minded stock
broker.

8. THE THRILLS OF BIRD WATCHING

What are the kinds of thrills in bird watching? MARCH – 2007(or)

What, according to Salim Ali, makes bird watching an exciting activity? JUNE - 2005
Bird watching is a thrilling activity according to Salim AH because it involves extracting
clues, following them up step by step and confirming of facts. Two of his thrilling experiences
are seeing a tusker elephant and fleeing away in Cochin forest when he was with Omar and
escaping miraculously from rolling down a steep while he was trying to get a better view of
the bird, Yuhina.
According to Salim Ali, what two circumstances can cause an elephant to be particularly
dangerous? MARCH -2000
It should be a rogue elephant or it must be a female one with a calf.
Describe two of Salim Ali’s thrilling experiences of bird watching? March – 99
In 1945 on his way to Lake Manasasarovar and Mount Kailas, Salim Ali notice a rare bird
called Yellow aped Yuhina. To have a better look he walked a few steps back. When he looked
back soon after hearing a pebble rolling down he found himself on the edge of the abyss there.
In February, 1946 Salim Ali and Omar went out bird collecting in Cochin forest. Suddenly he
noticed a tusker elephant striding down the same path from the opposite direction. They had
to run away for life. The elephant had not noticed them and they escaped fortunately.

9. THE BEAUTY OF BROTHERHOOD

According to Martin Luther King, what does the award of the Nobel Prize stand for? (June –
2008)
Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded Noble Prize in recognition of the service rendered by him
waging a non-violent war against racial injustice through civil rights movement.
By this he meant that he accepted the prize on behalf of all men who love peace and
brotherhood. In the deaths of his heart he felt that the prize was much more than an honor to
him personally.
What does the award of the prize stand for, according to Martin Luther King? JUNE – 2007
Why did Martin Luther King call the battle ‘creative’? MARCH – 2007
On whose behalf does Martin Luther King say he says the Nobel Prize? MARCH -2005
Martin Luther King accepts the Nobel Prize on behalf of the Civil Rights Movement which is
moving with determination and a majestic scorn for risk and danger to establish a reign of
freedom and a rule of justice.
According to Martin Luther King, what does the award of the Nobel Prize stand for? JUNE - 2004
According to Martin Luther King Junior the prize of the award stands for the recognition that
non-violence is the answer to the crucial political and moral problems of our age.
Why does Martin Luther King Jr. call himself a trustee when he accepts the Nobel Prize? JUNE -
2003
Martin Luther King Jr. said he came to Oslo to accept the prize on behalf of all men who love
peace and universal brotherhood. In the depths of his heart he felt that the prize was much
more than an honor to him personally. So, he calls himself a trustee when he accepts the
Nobel Prize.
How appropriate is Martin Luther King’s comparison of himself to the pilot of a plane on a
successful fight? JUNE - 2002
A dedicated pilot can make a successful flight only with the labor and sacrifices of the ground
crew. Martin Luther King, being humble enough to accept that his leadership of civil rights
movement was a success, considers himself as a pilot who has made a successful flight. The
Nobel Prize Award bestowed upon him is a vivid sign of the successful journey of the
movement under his leadership.
Why did Martin Luther King see himself as “a curator of some precious heirloom”? MARCH -2002
A dedicated pilot can make a successful flight only with the labor and sacrifices of the ground
crew. Martin Luther King, being humble enough to accept that his leadership of civil rights
movement was a success, considers himself as a pilot who has made a successful flight. The
Nobel Prize Award bestowed upon him is a vivid sign of the successful journey of the
movement under his leadership.
While accepting the Nobel Peace Prize, Martin Luther King said that he came to Oslo as a
trustee. What did he mean by this? JUNE - 2001
When Martin Luther King said that he came to Oslo as a trustee he meant that he alone was
not to be considered as the man dedicated to bring freedom to his people. He was accepting
the prize on behalf of all men who loved and worked for peace and the prize was much more
than honor to him personally.

10. THE FIRST PATIENT

Of the all patients waiting, who tried to behave like the bravest? Was she really brave? MARCH -
2006
Of all the patients waiting, Man - 14 behaves like the bravest. He says in the play let that
worry does never do anyone any harm. When the characters M-16, M-17 and M-18 leave the
stage, he calls every one of them cowards. He repeats it after W -11 and W -12 exeunt. He later
says to M -13 that he has heard of so many things that would make others' hair stand on end.
Thus he behaves like the bravest. He then notices the dentist enter and the next moment he
also slips off.
In The First Patient, the people waiting in the dentist’s waiting room show their anxiety in
different ways. How do they try to hide their anxiety? Give examples of two such persons in
the plays. MARCH -2001
The people in the dentist's waiting room tried to hide their anxiety by talking and entertaining
themselves with photographs. W. 13 talked about how one patient lost her false teeth and
why she wanted to have anesthetic this time when her tooth is extracted. W. 15 had brought
her holiday photographs with her and concentrated on enjoying and showing them to others.