CBSE Class 10 English The Book That Saved the Earth Assignment Set 01

Short Answer Type Questions
 

Question. A well known book of nursery rhymes saved the world from a Martian invasion. Comment with reference to ‘The Book that Saved the Earth’.
Answer: In ‘The Book that Saved the Earth,’ a book of nursery rhymes inadvertently saves the world from a Martian invasion by confusing the alien invaders with its nonsensical verses. The Martians, unable to comprehend the illogical content, retreat in confusion, highlighting the unexpected power of literature in unexpected circumstances.

Question. How did Think-Tank interpret the following nursery rhyme?
“How does your garden grow with cockle shells and silver bells ?”
                                                Or
How does Think-Tank interpret the nursery rhymes on Mistress Mary ?
Answer: Think-Tank was alarmed at learning that pretty maids are growing in a garden. Think-Tank is surprised at the discovery of Earthlings who have combined agriculture and mining. They can grow crops of rare metals such as silver and high explosives. Think-Tank orders Noodle to contact their invasion fleet.

Question. A satire is when a person, idea, or institution is criticised by highlighting their faults and weaknesses using humour. Describe how ‘The Book That Saved the Earth’ can be considered a satire with supporting examples from the text.
Answer: The Martians misinterpret Earth’s books, especially the nursery rhymes. This creates a satirical commentary on cultural misunderstandings and the dangers of jumping to conclusions. In the end, it was a simple book of nursery rhymes that became the key to saving the Earth from the invasion by an alien military force, creating an ironic and satirical twist to the story.

Question. Why did Think-Tank decide to evacuate the Mars?
Answer: Think-Tank misinterpreted the rhymes and thought the earthlings were a threat to him as well as to Mars. He got scared and called back Probe One, dropped the idea ‘of invading and escaped to Alpha Centauri, a hundred million miles away from Mars.

Question. How did Think-Tank interpret the nursery rhyme ‘Mistress Mary ...... in a row’?
Answer: On hearing the words like garden, cockle shells, and silver bells, Think-Tank is not amused. He concludes that the Earthlings have discovered how to combine agriculture and mining. They have discovered how to grow crops with metals like silver and also high explosives.

Question. What high levels of civilization have Earthlings reached according to Think-Tank?
Answer: According to Think-Tank the ‘high levels of civilization’ that Earthlings have reached is that they have taught their domesticated animals musical culture and space techniques. Even their dogs have a sense of humour and at that moment they were launching interplanetary attack of millions of cows.

Question. What happened between the Earthlings and Martians in the twenty-fifth century?
Answer: In the twenty-fifth century the Earthlings resumed contact with Mars and even became very friendly with Martians. By then the Great and Mighty Think-Tank had been replaced by the very clever, wise and wonderful Noodle. The Earthlings taught the Martians the difference between sandwiches and books and even taught them how to read. They also established a model library in the capital city of Marsopolis.

Question. What does Noodle tell Think-Tank about the books?
Answer: Noodle hesitantly informed Think-Tank that the books were a sort of communication device. He told that he had seen surveyor films of those ‘sandwiches’. He had noticed that the Earthlings did not eat them. They used them as sort of communication device.

Question. What does ‘Think-Tank’ infer on listening to the nursery rhyme, ‘Hey diddle diddle _____?
Answer: On listening to the nursery rhyme “Hey diddle diddle_____?,” Think Tank inferred that the earthlings have reached a high level of civilization. They had taught their domesticated animals musical culture and space techniques. Even their dogs had a sense of humour.

Question. How does Think-Tank interpret the library found by his crew on earth ? Why does he ask Omega to eat a book ?
Answer: Think-Tank makes ridiculous and fantastic guesses about books that are found on the planet Earth. Using his unusual fertile brain, he makes a wild guess that books are actually sandwiches, the staple diet of the Earthlings. To confirm his opinion, he asks the captain Omega to eat a book.

Question. How did the book change Think-Tank’s opinion about the Earthlings?
Answer: Think-Tank used to, believe that the Martian was a superior race to the Earthlings. But after cracking the so-called code of an old nursery rhyme book, he changed his view about the Earthlings. He now thought that the Earthlings had reached a high level of civilization and planning to invade the Mars. It made him call off his mission.

Question. In what way did Think Tank misinterpret the following innocent nursery rhyme as a threat to the Martians ?
‘Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall....’
Answer: Think-Tank interprets the rhymes in a complete verbal manner. He does not go into the depth of the words and the context in which they are used. The rhyme “Humpty Dumpty had a great fall .....” is making Think-Tank scream. He interprets “Had I great fall to the fall of Mars. He immediately turns to his plans of action of capturing Earth.

Question. How does Think-Tank compare the Martians with the people on Earth? What does he call the Earth mockingly?
Answer: Think-Tank considers earth ‘a ridiculous little planet’ and intends to put under his generous rulership. He feels the earth is actually an unimportant place where ugly earthlings, with their tiny heads, reside. He believes the Martians to be a superior race. He mockingly calls the earth’ primitive ball of mud’.

Question. What type of person is Think-Tank?
Answer: Think-Tank thought intelligent is a very proud person. He wishes to be addressed with great salutations as powerful, intelligent. His consulting the mirror for listening to the praise is true reflection of pride. He is also proud of belonging to handsome race. He thinks that he is always right and also poses as such.

Question. What was Oop’s opinion about the ‘sandwiches’ he had eaten?
Answer: Oop was forced to eat ‘sandwiches’ and he made terrible faces while chewing. He said that it was not delicious; rather as dry as Martian dust. He remarked that he could not understand how the Earthlings could get those ‘sandwiches’ down without water.

Question. What was Noodle’s version to describe the so-called ‘sandwich’?
Answer: Noodle hesitantly told Thin-tank that he had’ insignificant’ information about those ‘sandwiches’. He informed him that he had seen surveyor films of those films. He had noticed that the Earthlings did not eat them. They used them as some sort of communication device.

Question. What things does Historian speak about the books ?
Answer: The Historian spoke very high about the books. Books taught people how to and when to and where to and why to. The books also helped in illustration, education and even decoration. The best thing books did was to save the earth.

Question. What information do you gain about Lieutenant Iota?
Answer: Lieutenant Iota is introduced to us to be counting books in a book case. He is confused about his destination. He regards the books to be peculiar items. The place where books are kept must be a sort of a storage barn. Iota is also very cunning. He makes Oop eat up the so-called sandwich.

Question. How is it established that books are communication channels ?
Answer: When some insignificant bit of data flowed in the mind of Noodle, it was declared by Think-Tank that these are communication sandwiches. They can’t hear any sounds. Noodle being clever is able to recall that Earthlings watched them. Think-Tank clarifies that these are for eye-communication. Omega on Think-Tank’s suggestion swallows vitamins and is able to decipher the code.
 

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. How did Apprentice Noodle act smartly by suggesting something about the book without offending Think-Tank ?
Answer: In “The Book That Saved the Earth,” Apprentice Noodle acts smartly by suggesting that the book, initially misunderstood as a “sandwich” by Think-Tank, might be a communication device-specifically, a “corn communicator” due to its resemblance to corn, which they speculate could be Earth’s primary form of communication. This suggestion cleverly shifts Think-Tank’s perception of the book without directly contradicting or offending him, preserving his ego. Noodle’s tactful approach allows Think-Tank to reconsider his stance without feeling challenged, showcasing Noodle’s ability to navigate the delicate situation wisely. This move not only prevents direct confrontation but also plays a crucial role in the unfolding events, highlighting how diplomacy and creative thinking can influence outcomes positively

Question. It is morally incorrect to invade another country/ planet for one’s own benefit. The Martians did not understand the value of peaceful coexistence. How did the book of nursery rhymes save the Earth from the Martian invasion?
Answer: Great and Mighty Think-Tank believed that the Martians were a superior race so they must invade and put the Earth under his generous rulership. He scornfully called the Earth ‘primitive ball of mud’. The Martians did not understand the value of peaceful co-existence and sent a mission to invade the Earth. The crew landed in a library and could not make out what the books were actually. It was believed that the books were a sort of communication device. Think-Tank asked the members to decipher the code of the ‘sandwiches’. The nursery rhymes were totally misinterpreted and it was believed that the Earthlings had developed an advance civilization and were planning to invade the Mars. The mission was called off and the Martians escaped to a remote place to save their lives. Thus the books saved the Earth.

Question. What guesses are made by Think-Tank about the books found on Earth?
                                                Or
What does Noodle tell Think-Tank about the book?
                        ​​​​​​​                        Or
Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank but at the same time he corrects his mistakes. How does he manage to do that?
Answer: Think-Tank at first thinks the book found on Earth was a sandwich. His next opinion was that they were actually communication sandwiches which were meant for ear communication. Later, on Noodle’s suggestion, he agrees that the book is meant for eye communication. Noodle asks Think-Tank to observe these so-called ‘sandwiches’ by consuming certain vitamins given to the space people by the chemical department to increase their intelligence. The meaning of the code would then slowly unfold before them. In this way Noodle manages to correct him without offending him.

Question. How do the three nursery rhymes frighten Think-Tank in the story, ‘The Book That Saved the Earth’?
Answer: The rhyme ‘Mistress Mary, quite contrary’ makes Think-Tank believe that the Earthlings have discovered how to combine agriculture and mining. He thinks that they can grow explosives. The rhyme ‘Hey diddle diddle!’ makes him conclude that the Earthlings have reached a high level of civilization; even their animals have musical culture and know space techniques. He fears that at that very moment, the Earthlings might be launching an interplanetary attack of millions of cows. Oop reads the rhyme ‘Humpty Dumpty’ and shows him a picture of Humpty Dumpty. Think-Tank concludes that it is his picture and the Earthlings are planning to invade Mars.

Question. Who tried to invade the Earth in the twenty-first century and what saved it?
                        Or
What saved the Earth? How?
Answer: The creatures from Mars tried to invade Earth in the twenty-first century. A book saved the Earth from being invaded. The Martians could not understand and figure out the true utility, value and function of books. When they decided to decipher what was written in these books they were shocked. They took the nursery rhymes written in these books a little too seriously. They thought that the Earthlings had reached a high level of civilization and after reading the nursery rhyme ‘Humpty Dumpty had a great fall,’ the Martian leader Think-Tank decided to run for his life as he thought, ‘Humpty Dumpty’ referred to his own self because of their similar appearance. He thought that the Earthling’s were all set to attack him and bring about his fall. Thus, he ordered Noodle to get a space capsule ready for him so that he could escape to Alpha Centauri.

Question. How did one old book of nursery rhymes save the world from a Martian invasion?
Answer: The Martians sent a mission to invade the Earth. The crew landed in a library and could not make out what the books were actually. It was believed that the books were a sort of communication device. Think-Tank asked the members to decipher the code of the ‘sandwiches’. The nursery rhymes were totally misinterpreted and it was believed that the Earthlings had developed an advance civilization and were planning to invade the Mars. The mission was called off and the Martians escaped to a remote place to save their lives. Thus the books saved the Earth.

Question. What is Think-Tank’s opinion about the Earth?
Answer: Think-Tank called the Earth a ridiculous little planet and showed his wish to put it under his generous rulership. The planet Earth was insignificant to him. He believed that the Martians were the most handsome race. He referred to the people of the Earth as Earthlings and mocked their tiny heads. He showed his desire to invade ‘primitive ball of mud’ called Earth before lunch. But after misinterpreting the book of nursery rhyme he began to believe that the Earthlings had developed a more advanced civilization and were even planning to invade the Mars.

Question. Attempt character sketch of Great and Mighty Think-Tank.
Answer: Great and Mighty Think-Tank is introduced to us to be the most mighty, powerful and intelligent creature. He is regarded as the ruler of Mars who is very proud of being Martian. His pride makes him consult mirror to hear self-praise. He has a quick mind and wishes to attack the Earth in a great hurry. The ways he makes guesses about the book are also funny. He has respect for no one in front of him and regards others views as trifling. But still his wit is too great. He makes Omega swallow. the vitamin to decipher the code. At every nursery rhyme, he prepares to go to Earth for invasion. He is also fickle-minded. One moment he orders the invasion to be taken next day and then he orders for immediate invasion. He ordered the invasion flat to evacuate the entire planet and head for Alpha Centauri. It is his commanding power which earns him name of general.
 

Extract Based Questions

1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
THINK-TANK: Mirror, mirror, in my hand. Who is the most fantastically intellectually gifted being in the land?
OFFSTAGE VOICE : (after a pause) You, sir.
THINK -TANK : (smacking mirror) Quicker. Answer quicker next time. I hate a slow mirror. (He admires himself in the mirror.) Ah, there I am. Are we Martians not a handsome race? So much more attractive than those ugly Earthlings with their tiny heads. Noodle, you keep on exercising your mind, and someday you’ll have a balloon brain just like mine.
NOODLE : Oh, I hope so, Mighty Think-Tank. I hope so.
THINK -TANK : Now, contact the space probe. I want to invade that primitive ball of mud called Earth before lunch.
NOODLE : It shall be done, sir. (He adjusts levers on switchboard. Electronic buzzes and beeps are heard as the curtains open.)

Question. What does Think-Tank’s interaction with the mirror reveal about his attitude towards intelligence and appearance? Answer in 30-40 words.
Answer: Think-Tank’s interaction with the mirror reflects his extreme arrogance. He seeks confirmation of his intellectual superiority and places high value on physical appearance. His contempt for Earthlings and admiration for Martian aesthetics show a superiority complex rooted in intelligence and appearance.

Question. State whether TRUE or FALSE. Noodle’s hopeful response to Think-Tank’s comment lends an insight into the rich heritage and culture of the Martian society.
Answer: False

Question. Select the appropriate option to fill the blank. The desire to conquer a “primitive ball of mud” reflects a _____ mindset.
(a) diplomatic
(b) colonial
(c) conciliatory
(d) democratic
Answer: (b) colonial

Question. The playwright’s decision to put certain content in brackets serves the purpose of _____.
Answer: guiding the performance and production aspects of the play/providing stage directions.

2. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows :
OOP : I haven’t a clue. I’ve been to seven galaxies, but I’ve never seen anything like this. Maybe they’re hats. (He opens a book and puts it on his head.) Say, maybe this is a haberdashery! OMEGA: (bowing low) Perhaps the Great and Mighty Think-Tank will give us the benefit of his thought on the matter.
THINK-TANK : Elementary, my dear Omega. Hold one of the items up so that I may view it closely. (Omega holds a book on the palm of herr hand.) Yes, yes, I understand now. Since Earth creatures are always eating, the place in which you find yourselves is undoubtedly a crude refreshment stand. OMEGA: (to Iota and Oop) He says we’re in a refreshment stand.
OOP : Well, the Earthlings certainly have a strange diet.

Question. State any one inference about Oop and his crewmates from the given context.
I’ve been to seven galaxies, but I’ve never seen anything like this. Maybe they’re hats.
Answer: They were all dumb and clueless about earth and earthlings despite claiming to be more intelligent and visiting seven galaxies.

Question. State TRUE or FALSE.
Think-Tank thought that the crew had landed in a strange food stand stacked with tough to-eat sandwiches.
None of the terms (a)-(d) below, correctly corresponds to the idea of Think-Tank.
(a) a hypothesis or a possible explanation for something that has not yet been found to be true or correct
(b) an assumption that is accepted without any proof.
(c) a misconception is a wrong idea or understanding of something.
(d) a theory or a set of ideas that tries to explain something.
Answer: False (term (c) correctly corresponds to the idea of Think-Tank)

Question. Oop says, “Well, the Earthlings certainly have a strange diet.” What was wrong with the diet of human beings according to the aliens? Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference to the extract.
Answer: Think-Tank thought that books were actually sandwiches-the staple diet of Earthlings. Oop also wondered how could Earthlings swallow those sandwiches without water because they were as dry as Martian dust. No wonder they found this ‘diet’ strange.

Question. Which phrase or word would correctly substitute ‘rudimentary,’ in the given sentence from the extract.
I made my own rudimentary garden furniture that was beautiful but uncomfortable.
Answer: crude

3. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows :
“It’s me! It’s my Great and Mighty Balloon Brain. The Earthlings have seen me, and they’re after me. “Had a great fail”.... That means they plan to capture Mars Central Control and me! It’s an invasion of Mars! Noodle, prepare a space capsule for me. I must escape without delay. Space people, you must leave Earth at once, but be sure to remove all traces of your visit. The Earthlings must not know that I know”

Question. State any one inference about the speaker from the given context.
It’s an invasion of Mars!’
Answer: The speaker, Think Tank, the epitome of self-importance is overreacting and exaggerating as usual.

Question. State TRUE or FALSE.
Think Tank was worried about his ‘Great and Mighty Balloon Brain’ and thought that the earthlings would catch him because of this. This thought matches none of the options given below.
(a) It was a hypothesis.
(b) Think tank’s thought was based on an assumption.
(c) Think Tank’s premise was incorrect.
(d) This is not a valid theory.
Answer: False (The thought matches with option (c))

Question. Elaborate in about 40 words the irony in the statement.
“Had a great fail”.... That means they plan to capture Mars Central Control and me!’ with reference to the extract.
Answer: Think Tank is a self-obsessed Martian who takes a phrase from a book of nursery rhymes as a clue of the earthlings’ plan to attack and colonise Mars. Nothing could be further from the truth. The irony is that the Martians have such plans because they consider the earthlings to be less intelligent owing to their small heads.

Question. Which rhyme would correctly substitute ‘signs’ in the given sentence from the extract?
No signs of Jewish worship have been found at Ostia, but at Portus a considerable number of Jewish inscriptions in Greek have come to light.
Answer: Traces