CBSE Class 10 English A Triumph of Surgery Important Questions Set 01

Extract Based Questions

Extract 1

(a). The author describes the dog’s obesity as “like a bloated sausage”. State any one inference about Mrs. Pumphrey from the given context.
Answer: The dog’s mistress had been overindulging him despite the doctor’s earlier advice.

(b). Which of the terms (i) to (iv) given below can be applied to the question given below?
What is Mrs. Pumphrey’s belief that “Tricki was so listless, Mr. Herriot. He seemed to have no energy. I thought he must be suffering from malnutrition” based on?
(a) A hypothesis – a proposed explanation for a phenomenon.
(b) An assumption – something that is taken for granted or assumed to be true without proof.
(c) A premise – a proposition that forms the basis of an argument.
(d) A theory – a well-substantiated explanation for a natural phenomenon.
Answer: (b) An assumption – something that is taken for granted or assumed to be true without proof.

(c). ‘I thought he must be suffering from malnutrition, so I have been giving him some little extras between meals to build him up...’ What does the above statement reflect about both the mistress and her dog? Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference to the extract.
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey was blindly pampering and fussing over her pet, and the dog was also greedy and didn’t mind hogging the extra helpings day in and day out. It made him sick and listless and, ironically, he was fed more to overcome this.

(d). Which word would correctly substitute ‘bloated’ in the given sentence from the extract?
He had become hugely fat, like a bloated sausage with a leg at each corner.
Answer: overstuffed

Extract 2

(a). State any one inference about Tricki from the given context.
The other dogs, after sniffing round him for a few seconds, decided he was an uninteresting object and ignored him.
Answer: Tricki was not as active, energetic and noisy as them.

(b). Which of the terms (i) to (iv) given below can be applied to the question?
‘Out on the road, I glanced down at the pathetic little animal gasping on the seat by my side.’ What was wrong with the gasping dog?
(a) A hypothesis – a proposed explanation for a phenomenon: Maybe, Mrs. Pumphrey had not given him Horlicks that day.
(b) An assumption – something that is taken for granted or assumed to be true without proof: He had eaten more than on other days.
(c) A premise – a proposition that forms the basis of an argument: He had been indifferent and sickly the past few weeks.
(d) A theory – a well-substantiated explanation for a natural phenomenon: Dogs need ample exercise, playtime, and regular food for good health.
Answer: (c) A premise – a proposition that forms the basis of an argument: He had been indifferent and sickly the past few weeks.

(c). What do the author calling Tricki ‘pathetic’ and the expression “You haven’t a kick in you” mean? Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference to the extract.
Answer: The doctor pitied the dog because he was listless, indifferent and sick due to overindulgence. He had no thrill in life because he was busy dragging his weight around and eating whatever was given to him to recuperate.

(d). Which word would correctly substitute ‘surged’ in the given sentence from the extract?
At the surgery, the household dogs surged round me.
Answer: rushed

Extract 3

(a). State any one inference about Mrs. Pumphrey from the given context.
All the while Mrs. Pumphrey hovered anxiously in the background, ringing a dozen times a day for the latest bulletins.
Answer: She was an incorrigible dog parent who was unduly concerned about Tricki despite assurances by the vet.

(b). State which of the explanations given below can be applied to the question according to the given context.
‘I was able to tell her that the little fellow was out of danger and convalescing rapidly. The word ‘convalescing’ seemed to do something to Mrs. Pumphrey.’ Which is true for the doctor’s attitude?
(a) He lied knowing that the truth would hurt her.
(b) He was speaking a half-truth on the premise that the dog didn’t need surgery.
(c) He was speaking truthfully because the dog had undergone surgery.
(d) He gave her false hope because he didn’t want her to fall sick with anxiety.
Answer: (b) He was speaking a half-truth on the premise that the dog didn’t need surgery.

(c). ‘I dodged the questions about whether his cushions were being turned regularly or his correct coat worn according to the weather, but I was able to tell her that the little fellow was out of danger and convalescing rapidly.’ What does the above statement say about the doctor? Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference to the extract.
Answer: Although the doctor was vague about Tricki’s coats and cushions, he successfully tackled Mrs. Pumphrey’s constant queries regarding Tricki’s health and convinced her that the dog was on the path to recovery. She was told what the vet wanted her to hear.

(d). Which word would correctly substitute ‘possibilities’ in the given sentence from the extract?
For a happy period, my partner and I had two each for breakfast, but when the bottles of wine began to arrive, the real possibilities of the situation began to dawn on the household.
Answer: prospects

Extract 4

(a). State any one inference about Tricki’s show of emotions from the given context.
And then had to defend herself as he swarmed over her, licking her face and barking.
Answer: Tricki overwhelmed Mrs. Pumphrey with his love because he had never stayed apart from her.

(b). Which of the explanations given below can be applied to this statement that captures Tricki’s mood?
The chauffeur was still holding the car door open and when Tricki saw his mistress he took off from my arms in a tremendous leap and sailed into Mrs Pumphrey’s lap.
(a) Tricki had not enjoyed his stay at the vet’s hospital.
(b) He was relieved to be rescued from the big, shaggy dogs.
(c) Tricki had recognised his dog-parent and was happy to see her.
(d) He wanted to go home and be pampered again.
Answer: (c) Tricki had recognised his dog-parent and was happy to see her.

(c). ‘...he was keeping up well with the pack, stretching out in great bounds, his chest almost brushing the ground.’ Which treatment had transformed Tricki? Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference to the extract.
Answer: Tricki had become as healthy as the pack, discovering the joys of being bowled over, tramped on and squashed every few minutes. He also learned to fight for his share at mealtimes and to hunt rats in the old henhouse at night with his gang. A controlled diet and plenty of exercise transformed him.

(d). Which word would correctly substitute ‘lithe’ in the given sentence from the extract?
He (Tricki) had been transformed into a lithe, hard-muscled animal.
Answer: agile or active

Extract 5

(a). ‘‘ ______ maids rushed in and out bringing his day bed, his night bed, favourite cushions, toys and rubber rings, a breakfast bowl, a lunch bowl, and a supper bowl.’’ Mr. Herriot gives the above description in the story 'A Triumph of Surgery' to show how ______.
(a) spoilt and pampered Tricki was
(b) difficult it was to keep Tricki healthy
(c) privileged and rich Mrs. Pumphrey was
(d) important Mrs. Pumphrey was as a client
Answer: (a) spoilt and pampered Tricki was

(b). What does the phrase "threw an armful of the little coats through the window" suggest about Mrs. Pumphrey's emotions at that moment?
Answer: The expression implies that Mrs. Pumphrey was overcome with sadness and despair at the idea of Tricki leaving. The action of throwing the coats represents her emotional turmoil and her strong attachment to Tricki.

(c). Which of the following best describes the kind(s) of advertisement(s) that is/are likely to persuade Mrs. Pumphrey to buy something for Tricki?
(1) Statistics Appeal – Such advertisements use facts and data to convince consumers to buy products.
(2) Scarcity Appeal – Such advertisements create a feeling of exclusivity and are often used to convince people to take advantage of a sale or limited period offer.
(3) Personal Appeal – Such advertisements focus on evoking emotions to convince consumers and often relate to family or other inter-personal interactions.
(4) Fear Appeal – Such advertisements focus on inspiring some kind of fear to convince consumers to take action in order to avoid certain negative or undesirable consequences.
Select an appropriate option:
(a) (1), (2) and (4)
(b) (3) and (4)
(c) (1), (3) and (4)
(d) (2) only
Answer: (b) (3) and (4)

(d). The narrator describes Tricki as a “pathetic little animal”. What does the use of the word 'pathetic' indicate?
Answer: The expression "pathetic" implies that Tricki's situation was sad and pitiful. It highlights how concerned the narrator was for Tricki's health, as he was overweight and unwell due to his overindulgence in food.

Extract 6

(a). Which of the following is not a reason why Mr. Herriot thinks Tricki needs to be taken out of the house for a period?
(a) He wanted to keep Tricki away from Mrs. Pumphrey.
(b) He wanted to keep Tricki under observation.
(c) He wanted to do an experiment on Tricki.
(d) He wanted to improve Tricki’s health.
Answer: (c) He wanted to do an experiment on Tricki.

(b). What was the main reason for Mrs. Pumphrey to be distraught ? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey was distraught because her dog Tricki was sick. He would not eat anything, even his favourite dishes. He had bouts of vomiting and spent all his time lying on the rug and panting. He did not want to go for walks or do anything. Mrs. Pumphrey was very worried about him and did not know what to do.

(c). State True or False : When Mr. Herriot says, “I had made my plans in advance” - what he actually means is, he had already seen this trauma coming for Tricki.
Answer: True

(d). Which of the following best describes Mrs. Pumphrey? (CBSE 2024)
(a) unkind and inconsiderate
(b) impractical but compassionate
(c) anxious and ambitious
(d) fearful but confident
Answer: (b) impractical but compassionate

Extract 7

(a). Based on Tricki's condition and Mr. Herriot's suggestion to hospitalize him, what can be inferred about Mrs. Pumphrey's actions and concern for Tricki's well-being?
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey loved Tricki dearly and was very concerned about him, but her concern was misguided. She overfed and pampered him and did not give him enough exercise, which made him ill.

(b). State TRUE or FALSE: None of the terms (1)-(4) below can be applied to the question - on the basis of your reading of the extract, what inference can be drawn about Tricki? (1) Tricki's refusal to eat and bouts of vomiting were deliberate actions caused by his displeasure with his living conditions. (2) Tricki's lack of interest in going for walks indicates a permanent aversion to physical activity. (3) Tricki's health issues were solely a result of harsh behavior of Mrs. Pumphrey. (4) Tricki's struggle and drooping in his harness indicate a lack of energy and physical strength.
Answer: False. Term (4) can be applied, as Tricki’s struggling and drooping in his harness do show his lack of energy and physical strength.

(c). Which phrase would correctly substitute 'Tottering', in the given sentence from the extract? Tricki was tottering along in his little tweed coat.
Answer: walking unsteadily (moving with weak, shaky steps)

(d). What tone can be inferred from the following sentence in the extract? "I watched their progress with growing concern."
Answer: The tone is one of worry and concern.

Extract 8

(a). Why did the speaker try to sound severe?
Answer: The speaker tried to sound severe to make Mrs. Pumphrey take his advice seriously and act on it.

(b). For whom was the advice given and why?
Answer: The advice was given for Tricki because he had become obese and listless.

(c). Which word in the extract means ‘serious’?
Answer: Severe

(d). What is the opposite of ‘harden’?
Answer: Soften

(e). Who is the speaker in the extract given above?
(a) Herriot
(b) Chauffeur
(c) Mrs. Pumphrey
(d) Hodgkin
Answer: (a) Herriot

(f). The advice was given for :
(a) Mrs. Pumphrey
(b) Tricki
(c) Everybody in Mrs. Pumphrey’s house
(d) Mrs. Pumphrey’s driver
Answer: (b) Tricki

(g). Select the antonym of ‘hardened’.
(a) Chiselled
(b) Darkened
(c) Mellowed
(d) Softened
Answer: (d) Softened

Extract 9

(a). Where was the speaker going and with whom?
Answer: The speaker was going to the hospital with Tricki.

(b). Why was everybody in tears?
Answer: Everybody was in tears because Tricki was being hospitalised as he was ill. Everyone was worried about his health.

(c). Which word in the extract is the opposite of ‘cheerful’?
Answer: Despairing

(d). What is the meaning of the phrase ‘turn the corner’?
Answer: In the extract it simply means going round the bend of the drive. (Idiomatically, ‘turn the corner’ means ‘to start to improve’.)

Extract 10

(a). Why does the speaker say “poor old lad”?
Answer: The speaker addresses Tricki as a poor old lad because he is unwell and listless.

(b). What cure did the speaker know?
Answer: The speaker knew that the cure for Tricki’s illness was a strict diet and some physical exercise.

(c). What is the meaning of ‘a kick’ in the above lines?
Answer: The phrase means ‘any energy or alertness’.

(d). Find the word from the extract which means ‘heal’.
Answer: Cure

Extract 11

(a). What might the atmosphere of the household in the above extract signify?
(a) Mrs Pumphrey’s status in society reflected in Tricki’s lifestyle.
(b) The staff’s love for Tricki, which matched that of Mrs. Pumphrey
(c) The grand life of comforts and luxuries that Tricki enjoyed.
(d) Mrs. Pumphrey’s indulgence and anxiety acted upon by the staff.
Answer: (d) Mrs. Pumphrey’s indulgence and anxiety acted upon by the staff.

(b). Given below are the emoticons reflecting various expressions and reactions. Choose the option that correctly describes the narrator’s mindset in the given extract.
(i) a neutral face (ii) a face with rolling eyes (iii) a pensive, sad face (iv) a slightly frowning face (v) a face laughing with tears of joy
(a) Options (i) and (iii)
(b) Options (ii) and (iv)
(c) Options (iii) and (v)
(d) Options (ii) and (v)
Answer: (b) Options (ii) and (iv)

(c). Given below are some well-known quotes shared by the staff to console Mrs. Pumphrey, after Tricki’s departure. Choose the option that correctly identifies the quote that is NOT appropriate to the consolation offered.
(i) “Once you choose hope, anything is possible.” – Christopher Reeve
(ii) “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” – Leonard Cohen
(iii) “We grow fearless by walking into our fears.” – Robin Sharma
(iv) “Mostly it is loss which teaches us about the worth of things.” – Arthur Schopenhauer
(a) Option (i)
(b) Option (ii)
(c) Option (iii)
(d) Option (iv)
Answer: (d) Option (iv)

(d). As the extract indicates, Mrs. Pumphrey indulged Tricki and bought him many things. Choose the option that best describes the kinds of advertisement/s that seem likely to persuade Mrs. Pumphrey to buy something for Tricki. (i) Statistics Appeal – Such advertisements use facts and data to convince consumers to buy products. (ii) Scarcity Appeal – Such advertisements create a feeling of exclusivity and are often used to convince people to take advantage of a sale or limited period offer. (iii) Personal Appeal – Such advertisements focus on evoking emotions to convince consumers and often relate to family or other inter-personal interactions. (iv) Fear Appeal – Such advertisements focus on inspiring some kind of fear to convince consumers to take action in order to avoid certain negative or undesirable consequences.
(a) Options (i), (ii) and (iv)
(b) Options (iii) and (iv)
(c) Options (i), (iii) and (iv)
(d) Option (ii) only
Answer: (b) Options (iii) and (iv)

(e). The narrator describes Tricki as a ‘pathetic little animal’. The use of the word ‘pathetic’ indicates that the narrator.
(a) was very fond of Tricki.
(b) thought Tricki was contemptible.
(c) pitied Tricki’s condition.
(d) believed Tricki’s health was deteriorating
Answer: (c) pitied Tricki’s condition.

Extract 12

(a). Read the following statements, each of which describes the gist of the given extract. Select the option that captures the essence of the extract correctly. Statement I – It highlights the kind of comforts and luxuries that Tricki was used to at home. Statement II – It brings out a contrast between Tricki and Mrs. Pumphrey’s state of being. Statement III – It reflects that Tricki was happier at the surgery, and loved being with other dogs. Statement IV – It shows Tricki’s journey with his peers at the surgery, and documents his recovery.
(a) Statements I and II
(b) Statements III and IV
(c) Statements I and III
(d) Statements II and IV
Answer: (d) Statements II and IV

(b). What does the reference to Tricki as a ‘silky little object’ signify?
(a) Tricki was a very small and rather pampered dog.
(b) Tricki was comfortably attired in fine silk and warm coats.
(c) Unlike the other dogs, Tricki had lived in the lap of luxury with care and grooming.
(d) The narrator’s mockery of Tricki’s life and treatment with Mrs. Pumphrey.
Answer: (c) Unlike the other dogs, Tricki had lived in the lap of luxury with care and grooming.

(c). Why does the narrator describe being ‘tramped on and squashed’ as joys?
(a) To suggest the irony about the strange ways of dogs.
(b) To mention the simple pleasures of canine life.
(c) To compare it to Tricki’s earlier play-time at the house.
(d) To direct attention towards Tricki’s successful recovery.
Answer: (b) To mention the simple pleasures of canine life.

(d). “All the while, Mrs Pumphrey hovered anxiously in the background.” Given below are different types of pet parenting styles described in Country Living, an e-magazine. Choose the option that best reflects the kind of pet owner Mrs. Pumphrey was. (i) Traffic Light pet owners have a healthy balance of rules and freedom and give clear and consistent signals for ‘yes’ and ‘no’. (ii) Entranced pet owners have the best intentions, but as soon as their pet locks eyes with them and gives their command, they are at their pet’s beck and call. (iii) The Goose pet owners go all-out in protecting their pet. They often limit their time away from their pet, especially puppies. (iv) The Baggage Handler pet owners love being close to their pets and going on adventures together. They are always mindful of the pet’s comfort and security.
(a) Option (i)
(b) Option (ii)
(c) Option (iii)
(d) Option (iv)
Answer: (b) Option (ii)

(e). Pick the option that reveals Tricki’s characteristics in the context of ‘fighting like a tiger for his share at mealtimes and hunting rats in the old hen-house at night.’ (1) selfish (2) happy (3) greedy (4) confident (5) sturdy (6) cruel
(a) 2, 4 and 5
(b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 5
(d) 3, 4 and 6
Answer: (a) 2, 4 and 5

Extract 13

(a). The above lines were spoken by:
(a) Mrs. Pumphrey
(b) Mr. Herriot
(c) Chauffeur
(d) Tricki
Answer: (b) Mr. Herriot

(b). Choose the option that lists the set of statements that are NOT TRUE according to the given extract. 1. Tricki was an active dog. 2. The vet knew how to heal Tricki. 3. The vet enjoyed the treats sent for Tricki. 4. Tricki now needed the treats. 5. Tricki enjoy her stay at the vet’s for the ‘surgery’. 6. The vet felt guilty about enjoying the food. 7. The vet did the right thing.
(a) 1, 2, 4
(b) 1, 2, 3
(c) 1, 4, 6
(d) 3, 5, 7
Answer: (c) 1, 4, 6

(c). Pick the option that correctly classifies fact/s (F) and opinion/s (O) of the students below.
1. Tricki was well loved. 2. Tricki was being pampered too much. 3. I think he should not be given the treats. 4. Tricki took to the charge well.
(a) F – 1, 2 and O – 3, 4
(b) F – 1, 2, 4 and O – 3
(c) F – 1 and O – 2, 3, 4
(d) F – 3 and O – 1, 2, 4
Answer: (b) F – 1, 2, 4 and O – 3

(d). Who was informed that the dog was all right now?
(a) the doctor
(b) the nurse
(c) Mrs. Pumphrey
(d) the attendant
Answer: (c) Mrs. Pumphrey

(e). Who cured Tricki without any medication?
(a) The narrator
(b) Mrs. Pumphrey
(c) The nurse
(d) The junior doctor
Answer: (a) The narrator

Extract 14

(a). What is Mr. Herriot’s profession?
(a) Retired veteran
(b) College professor
(c) Veterinary surgeon
(d) None of the above
Answer: (c) Veterinary surgeon

(b). How did Mrs Pumphrey call out Tricki’s unbelievable transformation?
(a) as a triumph of surgery
(b) as a shock she could not get over
(c) as a completely predictable outcome
(d) as a successful therapy
Answer: (a) as a triumph of surgery

(c). “None of which had been used.” Why had they not been used by Tricki?
(a) because they were not fancy enough for him
(b) because he didn’t actually need expensive objects or clothes
(c) because they were used by other dogs
(d) because he didn’t like the toys, cushions or bowls
Answer: (b) because he didn’t actually need expensive objects or clothes

(d). Why did the narrator want to have Tricki as a permanent guest?
(a) because he was worried that Tricki will get sick again
(b) because Mrs Pumphrey did not want Tricki anymore
(c) because he and his staff wanted him to become extremely fit
(d) because they wanted to enjoy the extravagant delicacies sent by Mrs Pumphrey
Answer: (d) because they wanted to enjoy the extravagant delicacies sent by Mrs Pumphrey

(e). Was tricki happy on seeing Mrs. Pumphrey ?
(a) Yes
(b) No
(c) Maybe
(d) She showed no emotion
Answer: (a) Yes

Extract 15

(a). Who was Mrs. Pumphrey talking about? Why was she so worried?
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey was talking about her pet dog, Tricki. She loved him and overfed him unwittingly, thinking he had become malnourished which lead him to be fat and lethargic. She grew concerned about him as he showed almost no energy.

(b). What was Mr. Herriot’s profession? Why did he forbade Tricki to eat sweets?
Answer: Mr. Herriot was the town veterinarian. He figured that out of love, Mrs. Pumphrey already fed him a lot and the dog had never been known to refuse food. That is why he forbade Tricki to eat sweets as it may spoil his health.