1.Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : One boy had on a worn jersey and cut-off khaki pants; the other a shortened army tunic gathered in loose folds about his skinny frame. Yet, gazing at the two little figures, with their brown skins, tangled hair and dark earnest eyes, we felt ourselves strangely attracted. (a) Who were the two boys? (b) What were the two boys doing there? (c) What is the meaning of ‘tangled’? (d) What makes the author and his friend feel strangely attracted? Ans : (a) Nicola and Jacopo were the two boys. (b) They were selling strawberries. (c) The word ‘tangled’ means twisted together untidily. (d) The shabby clothes of the two little boys strangely attracted the author and his friend. 2. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : When the resistance movement began secretly to form they were among the first to join. When the war was over, and we had peace at last, they came back to their beloved sister. (a) Who are ‘they’ here? (b) Why did they join the resistance movement? (c) What is the meaning of ‘resistance’? (d) Why did they (two brothers) come back to their beloved sister? Ans : (a) The two brothers Nicole and Jacopo. (b) They joined the movement because the war waged by Germany had destroyed their family. It had killed their father. Their house had been destroyed and their father also died. (c) ‘The refusal to accept’ or ‘comply with something’. (d) Their beloved elder sister Lucia was suffering from tuberculosis of the spine and was in the hospital. 4 3. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : “We do many things, sir,” Nicola answered seriously. He glanced at us hopefully. “Often we show visitors through the town... to Juliet’s tomb... and other places of interest.” (a) What all things did the boys do? (b) Why did the boy glance hopefully? (c) What is the meaning of the phrase ‘Juliet’s tomb’ here? (d) What did they show visitor through the town? Ans : (a) The boys sold strawberries, newspapers, polished shoes and did all odd jobs. (b) The boy thought that the author would provide them with some work. (c) The place where Juliet, the woman Romeo loved was buried. (d) They showed visitors Juliet’s tomb and other places of interest through the town. 4 4. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : “All right,” I smiled. “You take us along.” As we made the rounds, my interest was again provoked by their remarkable demeanour. (a) Where did the boys take the author? (b) What made the author inquisitive about the two boys? (c) What is the meaning of the word ‘demeanour’? (d) Why did the author smile while he asked the boys to take them along? Ans : (a) The boys took the author to see the places around. (b) The two boys did all kind of jobs and each time the author saw them, they were doing different jobs. (c) The word ‘demeanour’ means appearance or behaviour. (d) The author was impressed to see their willingness to do any kind of work with pleasure. So, he smiled. 4 5.Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : They were childish enough, and in many ways quite artless. Jacopo was lively as a squirrel. Nicola’s smile was steady and engaging. Yet in both these boyish faces there was a seriousness which was far beyond their years. (a) What is the meaning of the word ‘artless’? (b) What do the lines tell us about the character of two boys? (c) How could author judge so much about the character of the two boys? (d) Jacopo was lively as a squirrel. Which figure of speech is used in this line? Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : “It won’t be any trouble. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : There was a pause. they did not want him to know about their invalid sister. Nicola was glaring at his young brother in vexation. (d) When the narrator presumed the boys were hoarding up their money to emigrate to the United States. (c) The boy speaks with an effort because he was ashamed of the question asked by the author. (b) He bit his lip because he didn’t want to take favour from anyone. then. 4 6. But here.” “What plans?” (a) Why did ‘he’ colour deeply under his sunburn? (b) What is the meaning of ‘emigrate’? (c) Why did the boy speak with an effort? (d) “At present. childish but still had some maturity in their eyes. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : He coloured deeply under his sunburn.” He bit his lip. (c) The world ‘put out’ means annoyed. “We could not think of troubling you. “Very well. (d) The boys thought that the narrator might be annoyed to take them to a nearby village Poleta. What do you learn about the boys from their attitude? Ans : (a) The author asked the two boys why they worked so hard and ate so meagre. (c) Nicola glared at his brother because he had asked for a favour from the author. “We should greatly like to go to the States.” I suggested. he said. spoke with an effort. put her finger to her lips. sir. (b) ‘Emigrate’ means leaving one’s own country and going to some other place. (a) Who is she in the lines? (b) What is the meaning of ‘vestibule’? (c) What did the author see through the glass cubicle? (d) What impression do you have about the nurse’s dealing with the narrator? Ans : (a) ‘She’ in above lines is the nurse. (c) The two boys had met author many times and everytime the author was somehow attracted by their demeanours. then grew pale. (d) Nicola was not willing to accompany them to a trip to a nearby village. “You must be saving up to emigrate to America. he said “very well” with disgust.Ans : (a) The word ‘artless’ means innocent.” The following afternoon we drove to the tiny village set high upon the hillside. So. and with a smile bade me look through the glass partition. He looked at me sideways. but his brother Jacopa agreed. tiled vestibule into the hospital —for hospital the villa had become. (b) The word ‘vexation’ means annoyance. we have other plans”. (a) What won’t be any trouble? (b) Why did he bite his up? (c) What is the meaning of ‘put out’? (d) Why did Nicola say ‘very well’ in a ‘put out’ tone? Ans : (a) Taking the two boys to the nearby village won’t be a trouble. He looked to the ground.” (a) Why was there a pause? (b) What is the meaning of ‘vexation’? (c) Why did Nicola glare at his brother? (d) What kind of trouble they are thinking of? Ans : (a) There was a pause because the author had offered to take the two boys to a nearby village. we have other plans. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : She led me through a cool. 4 9. (b) The two boys were simple. 4 7. at present. (d) The figure of speech used here is simile because comparison is made between two different things—Jacopo and a squirrel. (c) The author saw two boys seated at the bedside of a girl of about twenty. in a rather put out tone. 4 8. . (b) The word ‘vestibule’ means lobby. At the door of a little cubicle the nurse paused. speaks these lines to the author. selling fruits. sir”. the driver. (a) What time of the day it was? (b) What do the words ‘sitting upright’ suggest? Does it mean one can sit upside down too? . They did not want anyone to pity on them. Though the boys were shabbily dressed. (a) In the above line. She welcome the narrator and very politely guided him to see the two boys sitting before their ailing sister in the hospital. Nicola answered seriously. (c) The narrator thought that they picked wild strawberries for earning their livelihood.(d) The nurse was cordial and cooperative. (d) The boys. (b) They greeted the narrator in a very respectful and courteous manner. 4 11. (d) What impression do you have about their attitude? Ans : (a) The boys did many things such as shoeshining. Read the extract given below and answer briefly the questions that follow. He doubts them as cheats or thieves. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : “You will get fruit much better in Verona. (c) Wild strawberries have been referred to here. A bundle of unsold newspapers lay at his feet. Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow: Nicole sat upright. and the narrator was impressed by the earnestness and genuineness he saw in their eyes. his head resting upon his brother’s shoulder. I said. though fairly young. (c) ‘Carelessly’ is the antonym of seriously. was wrong. Nicola and Jacopo. (c) ‘Frowned’ is the antonym of ‘simile’. (b) The speaker does not like their shabby appearance. (d) ‘Friendly faces’ implies they were sincere and honest.” he answered in a low voice. 4 12. Jacopo. tired. “Just plans. hawking newspapers and conducting tourists round the town and running errands. Besides.. 4 13. were dignified and self-reliant. the speaker. Read one of the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow: “We do many things. who is talking and to whom? (b) What plans is the speaker referring to? (c) Give the antonym of ‘smiled’. (b) The speaker Nicola is referring to their plans for saving money for the treatment of their sister. (d) No. these boys. (d) Why did Nicola smile uncomfortably? Ans : (a) Nicola is talking to the narrator. sir. 4 10. Luigi. (d) He smiled uncomfortably because he did not want any favour from anybody. (b) They were doing these things to earn money for the treatment of their sister who was in hospital. Read one of the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow: He smiled uncomfortably. (a) Who are ‘they’? (b) How did ‘they’ greet the narrator? (c) What did the narrator think ‘they’ did for a living? (d) What does ‘friendly faces’ imply in the given extract? Ans : (a) ‘They’ here stands for the two boys. “I thought you picked fruit for a living”. was asleep. they were not cheats or thieves at all. (a) What many things did the boys do? (b) Why did they have to do them? (c) Give the antonym of ‘seriously’.” (a) Who speaks these lines and to whom? (b) Why does the speaker disapprove of the boys? (c) What fruit has been referred to here? (d) Do you think that the speaker in the extract commented rightly against the boys? Ans : (a) Luigi. 4 14. They greeted us with friendly faces.. He glanced at us hopefully. 2 20.(c) Why were they carrying newspapers with them? (d) What do you guess about the nature of the boys? Ans : (a) It was midnight. implied in the extract? (b) What was Nicola’s reaction to his brother’s demand? (c) Why did the author ask the boy if he could do anything before he went away ? (d) What the narrator could do for them before they left the place? Ans : (a) The author was kind hearted and had empathy for them. Why was the author surprised to see two brothers shining shoes? Ans : The author was surprised to see the two boys working as shoeshiner because the previous day when he met them on the hills. Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow: ‘Well’ I said. 4 15. sold strawberries. (d) They were innocent and hard-working. It just suggests that the person was sitting confidently and with alert mind. They ran errands and they were always eager to work. Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow: I could scarcely believe my eyes and before I could recover breath my two passengers had leaped from the car. (d) The narrator was surprised as the boys guided him to a large villa. He didn’t know that the two boys did various jobs. (b) It means to sit with one’s back straight. 2 . conducted tours of the town. 4 17. I did not say a word—I knew they would prefer to feel that they had safely kept their secret. and so they were resting after day’s work on the stone pavement beneath the light. 2 19. is there anything I can do for you before we go ?” (a) What was the attitude of the author. (c) Author was surprised to see that the two passengers ran inside a large roofed villa. They sold newspapers in the midnight. they were selling strawberries. What errands did Nicola and Jacopo do to earn their living? Ans : The two boys did all kind of odd jobs. Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow: For my part. (a) Who are the two passengers here? (b) What movement to the word ‘leap’ suggest here? (c) Why could the speaker scarcely believe his eyes? (d) ‘I could scarcely believe my eyes’. (c) The author knew that they were in need of help. “we’re leaving on Monday. (d) The narrator knew that they would prefer to feel that they had safely kept the secret. The boys and their sister were thrown in the streets. 4 16. (b) The word ‘leap’ suggests ‘Jumped out’. What made the two boys take part in resistance movement? Ans : The two boys had a happy family and they were well bred children. The boys were forced to live in a shelter. They polished shoes. (d) The narrator could send them to Poleta by car. (c) They wanted to sell them in the last bus from Padua. The two boys never shied from work. (c) The secret was that their sister was suffering from tuberculosis. Their father was also killed in the war. (b) The nurse told the secret to the author. (a) Which word in the text best replaces the word ‘utter’? (b) Who had divulged the secret to the author ? (c) What was the secret? (d) Why did not the narrator say a word while driving them back to the city? Ans : (a) The word ‘utter’ can be replaced with the word ‘say’. 2 18. So. they joined the resistance movement. to show their hatred towards the Germans. (b) Nicola glared at his younger brother in vexation. What does this line indicate? Ans : (a) Two passengers were Jacopo and Nicola. The Germans bombed their city and destroyed their home. 2 25. Their father was a well known singer. They paid her a visit once in a week. They worked really hard to earn money. He was touched by their devotion to their sister. 2 28. Poteta. What were the two boys doing sitting on the pavement in the deserted square? Ans : . The two boys were wearing shabby clothes but had earnest eyes. Then they told the author that they worked as a guide too. Why did Nicola say ‘just plans’ when the author asked them what their plans were? Ans : Nicola says just plans because he didn’t want to disclose anything about their life to the author. Though they were small. he just behaved normally with them as if he didn’t know anything. They were not ashamed of any kind of job. They had kept their sister in an hospital and gave all the money they earned for her treatment. the younger brother Jacopo asked him to drop them to a nearby village. So. They had bare minimum needs. How was the life of the boys before the war? Ans : The two boys had a very comfortable and cultural life. Ans : Nicola and Jacopo both were very hard-working children who worked day and night to earn money. The elder brother didn’t like taking favour from anyone. Their sister Lucia had been training herself as a singer. they were trying hard to earn some money. How did the two boys take care of their sister? Ans : The two boys worked hard day and night. 2 31. They did all kind of odd Jobs. by car. What was the thing about the boys that struck the author the most? Ans : The author was struck by their willingness to work. conducted tourists around the town and ran errands. The two boys were very secretive about their personal life. Then the next day they saw them polishing shoes in the public square. 2 24. The war destroyed their life totally. 2 22. 2 26. Why was Nicola annoyed when Jacopo asked the author for a favour? Ans : When the author asked the two boys if before going back he could do anything for them. So. They had a comfortable house to live in. sir’. he was annoyed. A bomb destroyed their home and thrown the three children into the streets. If the author and his friend wanted a pack of cigarettes or seats for the opera or the name of a good restaurant. He safely kept their secret. “We do many things. The two boys were very hardworking and even during the hot summer season they shined shoes. They had a lot of self-respect and didn’t want anyone’s help or sympathy. 2 23. They did many a job willingly and never said no to any job of the author. they had a zest to work and earn money. sold fruits. hawked newspapers.21. For months they kept themselves alive in a sort of shelter built with their own hands amid sort the rubble. How did the war change their life? Ans : Their father was killed in the war. They wore simple clothes and ate very meagre food. 2 30. How were the two boys helpful for the author? Ans : The two boys ran errands for the author and his friend. The author and his companion first saw the two boys when they were selling strawberries. Why were the author and his friend attracted towards the two boys? Ans : The author and his companion saw the two boys selling strawberries and were strangely attracted towards them. 2 27. They suffered horribly from near starvation and exposure to cold weather. Rather than fooling around like other kids of their age. Explain this statement with reference to context. Nicola and Jacopo could be relied upon to satisfy their needs. They were young but had a zest to earn money. 2 29. What happened when the boys rejoined the author? Ans : The author got to know about the painful story of the two boys but didn’t want them to feel let down. they lived a life of nobility and sacrifice. They never complained to anyone about it. They had suffered horribly from near starvation and exposure to the cold winter. just 13 and 12 years old. Ans : War brings nothing but destruction. The author is himself fascinated by the two boys and wants to help them. 2 33. the cause and the maturity they display in their actions give a new hope to humanity. They did all sort of physical labour to earn money. The author was impressed by the way the boys tried to keep their secret. Ans : The story ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ is a heart-warming story of two brothers Jacopo and Nicola. War brings nothing but destruction. ate meagre and kept themselves awake tell late at night to earn and save money. The author is impressed by their willingness to work. polishing shoes. horrible and evil. Ans : The two boys had lost their mother at a very young age. Elaborate. Though very young. They sacrifice all the pleasures and desires for the treatment of their sister. People become homeless. Their house was destroyed and they were rendered homeless. They were waiting for the last bus from Padua in the midnight to sell all their papers. Write a character-sketch of two boys—Nicola and Jacopo. They kept their life simple and were always willing to work. aged 12 and 13. They were never afraid of doing hard work. were mature beyond their age. their sincerity and devotion. Everyone hates war because its another name is destruction. They never begged in front of anyone and didn’t like taking favours from anyone. Their father also died in the early stages of war. But the two boys don’t want anyone’s help. selling newspapers and sometimes acting as guides to the tourists. 8 . They lived a very cultured and comfortable life but the war totally destroyed their life. The two boys chose a hard life for themselves so that they could pay for the treatment of their sister afflicted with tuberculosis. so they did all sorts of odd jobs. The boys’ sacrifice. Ans : The two boys Nicola and Jacopo. They didn’t want sympathy from anyone. They were full devoted to their sister. The war had not broken their spirit. The boys were thrown on the streets but still their spirits were not broken. Their only concern was to earn money. 8 37. They suffered horribly from near starvation and exposure to cold winter. A true gentleman is one who does great deeds and possesses nobility and magnanimity of heart. They never resort to evil means to earn their living. They neither ate well nor did they bother about their clothes. Their home had been destroyed by a bomb throwing the three children into streets. The two boys wore simple clothes. 8 36. They worked hard day and night to earn money. War is always ugly. The two boys. 4 38. They made a shelter from the rubbles and stayed there for many days. though very young in age. They took the responsibility of their sister upon themselves as any parent would do. At this tender age. They were very proud of themselves and never felt bad doing lowly jobs. Comment. the boys’ father died in the war. the two boys should have been to school and enjoyed their life playing and having fun with their friends but they lived a very tough life. They met the needs of her sister and even paid her a visit once in a week. The two boys did all the jobs such as. Their selfless action brought a new nobility to human life. They were very tired and sleepy. dignity and righteousness. The boys exhibit sincerity and devotion and do every odd job to get their sister treated. Ans : The story unfolds and gives us the definition of a real gentleman. kids become orphans and many die of hunger and because of the aftermaths of war the people suffer a lot. They adopt the path of truth. The two boys lived a life of comfort but the war totally changed their life. Explain. The two little brothers set an example for everyone and showed how one can behave and be a gentleman even in the adverse situation of life. were very mature in their deeds. They were proud of themselves and the work they do. Why did the boys hate the Germans? Ans : The boys hated the Germans because their father had been killed in the war against the Germans. They show maturity beyond their age. yet they didn’t complain. They belong to a very good family but never feel shy of doing odd jobs. In the story also. What touched the author deeply in the end? Ans : The author was touched by their deep devotion to their sister.The two boys were in a great need of money. 2 32. The author is filled with admiration for the relentless efforts of the boys. Even war couldn’t break their spirits 8 35. Explain. gave promise of a greater hope for human society. 8 34. ‘Yet their devotion had touched me deeply. Hardships grow our compassion and humility. had been killed in the early part of the war. 8 42. we could not keep going unless we charged a fee. shattered economies and unemployed youth. Our family values make us the person we are. gave promise of a greater hope for human society. has never been satisfied by his achievements. The materialistic things cannot bind a person of strong values and he is bound to reach at the top. morality and integrity of character’ write a letter to your younger brother in the hostel who always looks down upon himself and lacks confidence. 8 41. A person who has morality and integrity of character is respected by all. . The result of wars is orphaned children. But every week. Lucia’s brothers have made their payment.”’–Tough situations bring out our hidden qualities and talents. food so scarce and dear. The values and principles play a very important role as they teach us the essence of life. War had not broken their spirit. power and grace. morals and integrity together make us a person. Write a paragraph explaining the above statement. Ans : Tough situations teach us a lot in our life. Many epidemics and diseases spread during the war which cause more deaths. If we have integrity of character we will have to face the difficulties in life but still we will come out as winners. The infrastructure of the country is damaged and the life is totally disturbed. On the basis of the story ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’. But the common people are the sufferers of the wars. One has to face the problems with dignity without compromising one’s morality. I do not ask. When we go through difficult times it is an opportunity to realise god’s faith. Morality is not just a subject. People suffer physically as well as emotionally. But whatever it is. Children also suffer from trauma. a widower. giving financial and emotional support to the other members of the family make us a good and strong human being with a courage to move mountains. They propel us to do something interesting. 8 40. Ans : It is very important to stand upon the family values as they help us take decisions and move ahead in the tough times of our lives. They are separated from their parents and have to live in orphanages. Our character is what we really are. ‘People respect. They help us to be more creative when life is difficult. Trials and tribulations of life help us understand the greater scheme of things. he will actually practice it and make others proud of it. compassion. a well-known singer. Integrity is the adherence to a code or standard of values. So. one must not be afraid of the hardships of life and should face all the problems and hurdles of life with a balanced mind.’–On the basis of the statement. People will respect the persons who adhere to a code of moral values. Ans : Man faces many problems in life.’ If one has got ‘family values one can surmount all the hurdles and emerge as a winner. They help us exploit our hidden talents and energies. dedication. homeless people. Our mind gets creative. Sharing of the responsibilities. The results of wars leave a permanent scar on the mind and soul of the people. Work is scarce in Verona. It is important to value and treasure the relationships. ‘“Of course. honesty. Ans : Man. People and even soldiers suffer from high level of stress after such large scale killings. Morals are rules or habits of conduct with reference to standards of right or wrong. write a paragraph to support the above statement. Character. collectivism and sacrificing individual interests for collective interest are some of the things which help us face the oddities of life with all our strength. If a person with integrity says something. Truth. shattered economics and unemployed youth. I know they do it well. They had always known a comfortable and cultured life.’–The result of wars is orphaned children. They help us cope up the situations of life and make us a better human being. The hunger for power and money has led to wars in the world. “I don’t known what they do. everything is so difficult now. Shortly afterward a bomb had destroyed their home and thrown the three children into the streets. Our character is build up by our morality and ethical values.39. it is life put to test in dozens of moments. Their selfless action brought a new nobility to human life. Write a passage with reference to the text.” She added simply. Tribulations are constructive rather than destructive. ‘Their father.