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WIND (POEM) Q1. Textual Questions (Think about the poem) 1)What are the things the wind does in the first stanza? (ANS)In the first stanza the wind breaks the shutters of the windows, it scatters the papers. It even throws down the books and tears the pages. Then it brings rain and disturbs everything. 2)Have you seen anybody winnow grain at home or in a paddy field? What is the word in your language for winnowing? What do people use for winnowing? (Give words in your language if you know them.) Personal response (ANS)Yes, I have seen women winnowing grain at home in the villages. Winnowing is generally known as phatkna, pichorna or anaj parchana in Hindi. The villagers use the winnowing fork and more commonly, the winnowing fan, known as chhaaj (in Hindi, for winnowing). 3)What does the poet say the wind god winnows? (ANS)The poet says that the wind makes fun of the weak. It crumbles the doors, houses, rafters, wood, bodies, lives and heart. In a way the wind god separates t...

Topic: The Adventures of Toto ANSWER THESE QUESTION 1)How does Toto come to grandfather’s private zoo? (ANS)Toto was in the custody of a tonga- driver. When grandfather saw the monkey he was filled with sympathy for the monkey and thought that his private zoo would be a better place for Toto. So he purchased Toto from the tonga-driver for the sum of five rupees. 2)"Toto was a pretty monkey.” In what sense is Toto pretty? (ANS)The definition of beauty can vary according to the subject. For an animal its shining fur or long horns or mane can add to its appearance. In case of Toto, his bright mischievous eyes along with pearly white teeth and tail enhanced his appearance. Generally, monkeys are naughty, so the naughty glint in Toto’s eyes clearly told about his nature. Teeth are used by animals to show ferocity and Toto’s teeth did frighten others. 3)Why does grandfather take Toto to Saharanpur and how? Why does the ticket collector insist on calling Toto a dog? (ANS)Toto wa...

SOUND OF MUSIC (PART 2) Answers to Text book Questions  Question 3: Answer these questions in 30 – 40 words. 1.Why did Aurangzeb ban the playing of the pungi?  (ANS) Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi in the royal residence for it had a shrill and unpleasant sound. It became the generic name for reeded noisemakers.  2.How is a shehnai different from a pungi?  (ANS)Shehnai is a pipe with a natural hollow stem that is longer and broader than the pungi. It has seven holes on its body. When it is played, the closing and opening of some of the holes produces soft and melodious sounds.  3.Where was the shehnai played traditionally? How did Bismillah Khan change this?  (ANS)Traditionally, the shehnai was part of the traditional ensemble of nine instruments found at royal courts. It was used only in temples and weddings. However, Ustad Bismillah Khan brought in 4.the change by bringing it onto the classical stage.  When and how did ...

THE LOST CHILD  (MOMENTS) TEXTUAL QUESTIONS Answer the following in 30- 40 words. (a) What did the child want from the fair? Why does he move on without waiting for an answer from his parents? (ANS) The child like any other child wanted to have everything from the fair: toys, balloons, sweets, and a garland of gulmohar. He wanted to watch the snake charmer play the flute to a snake and ride in the roundabout. The boy moved on without waiting for an answer because he knew that his request would be denied at each step. He knew that his father won’t buy anything. (b) How was the child lost in the fair? (ANS) The child was fascinated with many things which he saw in the fair and wished to possess everything but deep down in his heart he was aware of his parents’ refusal. When he saw people whirl pooling and shrieking in a roundabout, he made a bold request to his parents. However, he received no reply and when he turned to see his parents, he found them nowhere in the sig...

SOUND OF MUSIC (PART 1) Answers to Text book Questions  Question 1: Answer these questions in a few words or a couple of sentences each. 1.How old was Evelyn when she went to the Royal Academy of Music?  (ANS) Evelyn was seventeen years old when she went to the Royal Academy of Music in London.   2. When was her deafness first noticed? When was it confirmed?  (ANS) Her deafness was first noticed by her mother when Evelyn was eight years old. She was once waiting to play the piano. When her name was called, she did not move. That was when her mother realized that Evelyn had not heard anything. Her deafness was confirmed when she was eleven. Her marks had deteriorated and her headmistress had urged her parents to take her to a specialist. It was then discovered that gradual nerve damage had severely impaired her hearing.  Question 2: Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (30 – 40 words). 1.Who helped her to continue with music? What d...