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Showing posts from July, 2024

I Sell My Dreams By Gabriel Garcia Marquez

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                                                                                I Sell My Dreams By Gabriel Garcia Marquez   Gabriel Garcia Marquez (1927-2014) was a Colombian novelist, short story writer, journalist, and one of the most significant authors of the 20th century. He is best known for his masterful use of magical realism, blending fantastical elements with everyday life. His most famous works include “One Hundred Years of Solitude” and “Love in the Time of Cholera.” Marquez received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982, recognized for his vivid storytelling and imaginative narratives that explore themes of love, politics, and human nature. “I Sell My Dreams” is a short story that explores themes of superstition, belief, and survival through the character of Frau Frieda, a woman who claims to have the ability to predict the future through her dreams. Set against a backdrop of magical realism, the story narrates how she uses her supposed gift to navigate and thrive
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The Thief's Story by Ruskin Bond (Study Questions and Answeres)

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  The Thief’s Story By Ruskin Bond   Q: Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story?   The ‘I’ in the story refers to Hari Singh, a young thief who narrates the story. He uses the first-person perspective to recount his experiences with Anil.   Q: What is he “a fairly successful hand” at?   Hari Singh describes himself as “a fairly successful hand” at stealing. He prides himself on his ability to commit thefts skilfully and without getting caught.   Q: What does he get from Anil in return for his work?   In return for working for Anil, Hari receives food and shelter. Anil also teaches him to read and write, providing him with the opportunity to get an education and learn new skills. This education is perhaps the most valuable thing he receives, as it offers him a chance to change his life.   Q: How does the thief think Anil will react to the theft?   Hari Singh, the thief, believes that Anil will be sad when he discovers the theft, not because of the loss of m
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A Triumph of Surgery by James Herriot (Study Questions and Answers)

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  A Triumph of Surgery By James Herriot   Q: Is the narrator as rich as Tricki’s mistress?   The narrator, a veterinary surgeon, is not as wealthy as Mrs. Pumphery. Mrs. Pumphrey is depicted as a wealthy and indulgent lady, evidenced by her luxurious lifestyle and the way she spoils her dog. The narrator’s profession suggests a comfortable but not affluent lifestyle.   Q: How does the narrator treat the dog?   The narrator treats Tricki with a combination of professional care and common sense. He recognizes that the dog’s health issues are due to overfeeding and lack of exercise, so he implements a strict diet and exercise regimen to restore Tricki’s health.   Q: Why is he tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest?   The narrator is tempted to keep Tricki because of the generous gifts and attention from Mrs. Pumphery. She sends the narrator and his staff with food and treats for Tricki which they enjoy themselves as the narrator considers the stuff harmfu
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A House is not a Home By Zan Gaudioso (Study questions and answers)

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  A House is not a Home By Zan Gaudioso   Q: What does the author notice one Sunday afternoon? What is his mother’s reaction? What does she do?   The author notices smoke pouring in through the seams of the ceiling one Sunday afternoon. His mother reacts with panic and disbelief. She quickly rushes out of the house to grab a few important things and tries to call the fire department. Despite her efforts, the house is engulfed in flames, and they are forced to stand by helplessly.   Q: Why does he break down in tears after the fire?   The author breaks down in tears after the fire because he feels an overwhelming sense of loss and despair. Not only has he lost his home and all his possessions, but he also feels like he has lost his sense of security and the familiar environment that was his world. The fire also made him feel disconnected and lonely.   Q: Why is the author deeply embarrassed the next day in school? Which words show his fear and insecurity.   The
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Weathering the Storm in Ersama by Harsh Mander (Study Questions and Answers)

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  Weathering the Storm in Ersama By Harsh Mander   Q: What havoc has the super cyclone wreaked in the life of the people of Orissa?   The super cyclone caused widespread devastation in Orissa, especially in the village of Ersama. Homes were destroyed, and many people lost their lives. The survivors were left without food, clean water, and shelter. The cyclone also led to the destruction of livestock and crops, causing severe food shortages and economic hardships for the villagers. The psychological impact was immense, with people mourning the loss of loved ones and facing an uncertain future.   Q: How has Prashant, a teenager, been able to help the people of his village?   Prashant, despite being a teenager, emerged as a leader in the aftermath of the cyclone. He took charge of the relief efforts by organizing the survivors, ensuring they had access to food and clean water, and providing medical aid. He encouraged people to rebuild their homes and lives. Prashant’s de
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In the Kingdom of Fools by A.K. Ramanujan (Study Questions and Answers)

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  In the Kingdom of Fools By A.K. Ramanujan   Q: What are the two strange things the guru and his disciple find in the Kingdom of Fools?   The first strange thing the guru and his disciple find is that everyone in the Kingdom, including the king and his minister, sleeps during the day and works at night. The other strange thing in the kingdom was that everything, including food costs the same-a single duddu.   Q: Why does the disciple decide to stay in the Kingdom of Fools? Is it a good idea?   The disciple decides to stay in the Kingdom of Fools because he is attracted to the cheap price of food. He believes he can live lavishly by spending very little money. No, it is not a good idea. The guru senses danger in a place where everyone is foolish and the laws are absurd, but the disciple ignores his warning and stays, which leads to trouble later.   Q: Name all the people who are tried in the king’s court, and gibe the reasons for their trial.   Several people
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The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde (Study questions and answers)

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  The Happy Prince By Oscar Wild   Q: Why do the courtiers call the prince “The Happy Prince”? Is he really happy? What does he see all around him?   The courtiers call the prince “The Happy Prince” because when he was alive, he lived a life of luxury and joy in a palace where sorrow was not allowed to enter. He was always happy and thus earned the title. However, after his death, his statue is placed high above the city, and he sees all the misery and suffering around him. So, in reality, he is not happy because he is deeply affected by poverty and sufferings he witnesses.   Q: Why does the Happy Prince send a ruby for the seamstress? What does the swallow do in the seamstress’ house?   The Happy Prince sends a ruby to the seamstress because she is very poor and unable to take care of her sick son. The ruby can help her buy food and medicine. The swallow takes the ruby from the statue and flies to the seamstress’ house, placing the ruby on the table beside her. In th
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Iswaran the storyteller by R.K. Laxman (study questions and answers)

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  Iswaran the Story teller By R.K Laxman   Q: In what way is Iswaran an asset to Mahendra?   Iswaran is an asset to Mahendra in multiple ways. He is an excellent cook, providing Mahendra with delicious meals. Additionally, Iswaran takes care of all the household chores, ensuring that Mahendra’s living quarters are always clean and well-maintained. His storytelling skills provide Mahendra with entertainment and companionship, making his otherwise monotonous life enjoyable. Iswaran’s resourcefulness and ability to handle various situations also make him indispensable to Mahendra.   Q: How does Iswaran describe the uprooted tree on the highway? What effect does he want to create in his listeners?   Iswaran describes the uprooted tree on the highway with dramatic flair, turning a simple event into and exciting tale. He vividly describes how the tree was uprooted by a powerful storm, blocking the road completely. Iswaran adds elements of suspense and danger, making the sit
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The Beggar by Anton Chekhov (Study Questions and Answers)

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  The Beggar By Anton Chekhov   Q: Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstances or by choice?   Lushkoff became a beggar due to circumstances. He was a former notary who lost his job due to his drinking problems. His downfall was a combination of his own actions and the unfortunate circumstances that followed.   Q: What reasons does he give to Sergei for his telling lies?   Lushkoff tells Sergei that he lies out of necessity. He claims that he is ashamed of begging and lies to gain sympathy and assistance from others, as he believes telling the truth would not prompt the same response.   Q: Is Lushkoff a willing worker? Why, then, does he agree to chop wood for Sergei?   Lushkoff is not a willing worker because he is feeble and remains always drunk. He agrees to chop wood for Sergei because he is desperate and has no other means to support himself. Moreover, Sergei left him no option and trapped him by his own words. He consented to work simply from pride and
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The lost child by Mulk Raj Anand (Study questions and answers)

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  The Lost Child By Mulk Raj Anand   Q: What are the things the child sees on his way to the fair? Why does he lag behind?   The child sees several things which fascinates him on his way to the fair. He observes toy shops, a flowering mustard field, dragonflies, little insects and worms, and doves that flutter about. He is captivated by the natural beauty and the vibrant surroundings, which make him constantly stop and lag behind. His curiosity and amazement about everything he sees cause him to fall behind his parents.   Q: In the fair, he wants many things. What are they? Why does he move on without waiting for an answer?   The child is attracted to many things in the fair. He desires toys, burfi, garlands of Gul mohar, rainbow-coloured balloons, and he wants to ride on a roundabout. However, each time he asks for something, he moves on without waiting for an answer because he knows that his parents would either refuse by saying he is too old to play with such thing
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The Adventures of Toto by Ruskin Bond (Study Questions and Answers)

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  The Adventures of Toto By Ruskin Bond   Q: How does Toto come to Grandfather’s private zoo?   Toto is bought by Grandfather from a tonga driver for the sum of five rupees. Grandfather decides to add Toto to his private zoo, which already has a collection of various animals.   Q: “Toto was a pretty monkey.” In what sense is Toto pretty?   Toto is described as a pretty monkey because of his bright eyes that sparkled with mischief beneath deep-set eyebrows, and his pearly white teeth, which often displayed a wide grin that frightened elderly Anglo-Indian ladies. His skin was wrinkled but made him appear more adorable, and his hands were quick and dexterous. His long tail, which he often used like an additional hand, added to his charming and pretty appearance.   Q: Why does Grandfather take Toto to Saharanpur and how? Why does the ticket collector insist on calling Toto a dog?   Grandfather takes Toto to Saharanpur because he did not want Toto to discovered by
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The Sound of Music by Deborah Cowley (Study Questions)

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  The Sound of Music By Deborah Cowley   Q: How old was Evelyn when she went to the Royal Academy of Music?   Evelyn was 17 years old when she went to the Royal Academy of Music.   Q: When was her deafness first noticed? When was it confirmed?   Evelyn’s deafness was first noticed when she was 8 years old. It was confirmed by the time she was 11 years old.   Q: Who helped her to continue with music? What did he do and say?   Ron Forbes, her percussion teacher, helped Evely continue with music. He encouraged her to feel the music through vibrations instead of hearing it. He told her to sense the vibrations in different parts of her body.   Name the various places and causes for which Evelyn performs .   Evelyn performs in concert halls around the world, at prestigious events, and for various charitable causes. She also plays in hospitals, schools, and prisons, aiming to inspire and bring joy through her music.   How does Evelyn hear music?   Eve
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