Lesson 1 – The Last Lesson
1. What had been put up on the bulletin board?
An order from Berlin stating that only German would be taught in schools of Alsace and Lorraine was put up on the bulletin board.
2. What was Franz expected to be prepared with for school that day?
Franz was expected to be prepared with participles for his French lesson.
3. What changes did the order from Berlin cause in school that day?
French was to be taught for the last time, villagers attended school, and Mr. Hamel wore special clothes.
4. How did Franz's feelings about Mr. Hamel and school change?
Franz developed respect and admiration for Mr. Hamel and realized the importance of learning French.
Lesson 2 – Lost Spring
1. Who is Saheb? Where is he? Where has he come from?
Saheb is a ragpicker boy living in Seemapuri, Delhi. He came from Bangladesh.
2. What makes the city of Firozabad famous?
Firozabad is famous for its glass bangles industry.
3. Is Saheb happy working at the tea-stall? Explain.
No, he is not happy because he has lost his freedom, though he earns money.
4. What explanations does the author offer for the children not wearing footwear?
They are victims of poverty, tradition, and neglect, not choice.
5. How can Mukesh realise his dream?
Mukesh can realise his dream by breaking social barriers and learning the skill of driving.
Lesson 3 – Deep Water
1. What is the 'misadventure' Douglas speaks about?
Douglas was thrown into the YMCA pool, which caused his fear of water.
2. Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water?
Because it spoiled his enjoyment of swimming and water activities.
3. How did Douglas overcome his fear of water?
With the help of a swimming instructor and continuous practice.
4. How did this experience affect him?
It made him confident and fearless, teaching him the value of determination.
Lesson 4 – The Rattrap
1. What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?
She felt he was not truly a captain and sensed something suspicious.
2. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rat trap?
From his experience of life's temptations and hardships.
3. Why was he amused by this idea?
Because it explained how people get trapped by greed.
4. Why did the peddler decline the invitation?
He feared being caught for theft.
5. When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?
When he saw the peddler in daylight, he realized he was not the captain.
6. Why was Edla happy to see the gifts left by the peddler?
Because it showed that the peddler had changed and reformed.
7. What made the peddler finally change his ways?
Edla's kindness, trust, and sympathy.
8. Why did the peddler sign as Captain von Stahle?
To prove himself worthy of Edla's trust.
Lesson 5 – Indigo
1. Places Gandhi visited before reaching Champaran?
Patna → Muzaffarpur → Champaran
2. Why did the servants think Gandhi was another peasant?
Because he wore simple clothes and looked like a common man.
3. Why is Rajkumar Shukla described as resolute?
Because he persistently followed Gandhi until he agreed to visit Champaran.
4. How did the episode change the plight of the peasants?
They were freed from unjust indigo contracts.
5. How was Gandhi able to influence lawyers?
Through his moral strength and leadership.
Lesson 6 – Poets and Pancakes
1. Who is Subbu? Mention two qualities.
Subbu was a writer at Gemini Studios. He was creative and loyal.
2. Meaning of 'fiery misery'?
The pain and discomfort caused by heavy makeup.
3. Example of national integration
People from different regions and languages worked together at Gemini Studios.
4. Why was the office boy frustrated?
He wanted to be a writer, but remained unnoticed; he showed anger towards Subbu.
5. Why was MRA welcomed in Gemini Studios?
They believed it was a moral and cultural movement.
6. Meaning of 'The God That Failed'
It refers to Communism, which disappointed its followers.
Lesson 7 – The Interview
1. Why do celebrity writers hate interviews?
They feel interviews invade their privacy.
2. Positive views on interviews
They help understand the writer's thoughts and personality.
3. Reason for success of The Name of the Rose
Its mystery combined with intellectual depth.
4. How does Eco find time to write?
By using small intervals of time efficiently.
5. Belief about being photographed in primitive cultures
They believe it steals their soul.
6. Did Eco consider himself a novelist or scholar first?
He considered himself an academic scholar first.
Lesson 8 – Going Places
1. Why didn't Sophie want Jansie to know about Danny?
Jansie was practical and would spread the story.
2. Where would the girls most likely work after school?
In a factory or boutique.
3. Why did Sophie wriggle when Geoff told her father?
She feared being exposed as a liar.
4. Which country did Danny Casey play for?
Ireland
5. Did Sophie really meet Danny Casey?
No, it was only her imagination.