CBSE Class 10 English The Necklace Important Questions Set 01

Extract Based Questions

Extract 1

(a). State any one inference about Matilda from the given context.
“She could not marry a rich and distinguished man.”
Answer: Her middle-class family could not arrange a dowry for her.

(b). State which of these statements are facts (F) and which ones are opinions (O).
I. She was born into an ordinary family.
II. She dreamt of being famous and popular.
III. She married a government clerk.
IV. We know she led a simple life.
V. I think she was frustrated at heart.
VI. She perhaps loathed her life.
(a) I, II and IV (F); III, V and VI (O)
(b) I, III and IV (F); II, V and VI (O)
(c) I, III and V (F); II, IV and VI (O)
(d) II, III and IV (F); I, V and VI (O)
Answer: (b) I, III and IV (F); II, V and VI (O)

(c). What kind of person is Mme Loisel—why is she always unhappy? Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference to the extract.
Answer: Mme Loisel is a woman who lives in a world of dreams. She gives much value to her dreams and hence overlooks the realities of life. That is why she is always unhappy, as her dreams are wild and born of over-ambition. They can’t come true.

(d). Which word would correctly substitute ‘luxuries’ in the given sentence from the extract?
She suffered incessantly, feeling herself born for all delicacies and luxuries.
Answer: extravagances

Extract 2

(a). State any one inference about M Loisel from the given context:
“M Loisel is described as ‘stammering’ in the presence of his wife.”
Answer: He was a weak personality and lacked assertiveness.

(b). State which of the options from (i) to (iv) can be applied to the given situation in the extract.
(a) Climax – the highest point of tension or drama in a narrative’s plot
(b) Anti-climax – sudden transition in discourse from a significant idea to a trivial one
(c) Open-ended story – the reader is left to draw his conclusions from what is presented to him
(d) Expanded ending – a jump forward in time, and occasionally a change in perspective of the reader
Answer: (b) Anti-climax – sudden transition in discourse from a significant idea to a trivial one

(c). He stammered, “What is the matter? What is the matter?” What was actually the matter? What was her objective in crying? Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference to the extract.
Answer: Matilda complained to her husband that she didn’t have a good enough dress to wear to the ball. She asked him to give the invitation card to some colleague whose wife was better fitted out than she was. It was her way of pressuring him to buy her a new ball gown.

(d). Which word would correctly substitute ‘stupefied’ in the given sentence from the extract?
“He was silent, stupefied, in dismay, at the sight of his wife weeping.”
Answer: dazed

Extract 3

(a). State any one inference about M Loisel from the given context.
He threw around her shoulders the modest wraps they had carried whose poverty clashed with the elegance of the ball costume.
Answer: M Loisel was a caring husband who didn’t want his wife to fall sick due to the cold.

(b). State which of the options from 1 to 4 can be applied with reference to the given question or context: True (T), False (F), Partially or maybe true (PT), Not applicable (NA).
Which of the following interpretations best describes the attitudes of the men and women in the extract?
1. All the women were social beings; the men were private.
2. The men had vanity but the women were modest.
3. The men were reasonably balanced but the women were vain.
4. The men were social beings; the women were private.
(a) 3 - F, 2 - PT, 1 - T, 4 - NA
(b) 2 - T, 1 - PT, 3 - F, 4 - NA
(c) 4 - T, 1 - F, 2 - PT, 3 - NA
(d) 3 - T, 2 - F, 1 - PT, 4 - NA
Answer: (d) 3 - T, 2 - F, 1 - PT, 4 - NA

(c). ‘She went home towards four o’clock in the morning.’ What does this description tell us about Matilda? Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference to the extract.
Answer: Matilda enjoyed herself to the hilt at the ball. She danced with enthusiasm and was intoxicated with all the attention she received. The night of the ball was the realisation of a long-cherished dream when every eye admired her. She didn’t want to leave the party early.

(d). Which phrase would correctly substitute ‘the modest wraps’ in the given sentence from the extract?
“He threw around her shoulders the modest wraps they had carried.”
Answer: an ordinary shawl

Extract 4

(a). State any one inference about Mme Loisel from the given context.
‘One Sunday as she was taking a walk in the Champs-Elysees to rid herself of the cares of the week.’
Answer: Matilda was taking a break after a long week of hard labour.

(b). State which of the options from 1 to 4 can be applied with reference to the given statement or context: True (T), False (F), Partially true (PT), Not applicable (NA).
Mme Loisel says, ‘How singular is life, and how full of changes! How small a thing will ruin or save one!’ Because ______.
1. she had had a remarkable life.
2. her life had changed for the better.
3. her stubbornness had wrecked her life.
4. she had lived an ordinary life.
(a) 3 - F, 2 - PT, 1 - T, 4 - NA
(b) 3 - T, 1 - PT, 2 - F, 4 - NA
(c) 4 - T, 1 - F, 2 - PT, 3 - NA
(d) 2 - T, 1 - F, 3 - PT, 4 - NA
Answer: (b) 3 - T, 1 - PT, 2 - F, 4 - NA

(c). ‘Mme Loisel was affected. Should she speak to her? Yes, certainly. And now that she had paid, she would tell her all. Why not?’ Why does the author say, ‘Mme Loisel was affected’? Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference to the extract.
Answer: Matilda chanced to meet Mme Forestier, who still looked young and pretty, whereas Matilda had grown old and coarse because of her hardships. She was moved, and now that the debt was paid she decided to confess the loss and replacement of the necklace and face the truth.

(d). Which word would correctly substitute ‘singular’ in the given sentence from the extract?
How singular is life, and how full of changes!
Answer: remarkable

Extract 5

(a). How did Matilda feel about the invitation card?
(a) Rather happy
(b) A little happy
(c) Rather displeased
(d) Rather dissatisfied
Answer: (d) Rather dissatisfied

(b). Choose the option that lists the set of statements that are NOT TRUE according to the given extract.
(1) Matilda’s husband was a rich man.
(2) Matilda was a very rich lady.
(3) The ball was organised by a rich man.
(4) Matilda wanted to have a pretty dress.
(5) Matilda’s husband wanted to give the invitation to her neighbour.
(6) Matilda wanted some jewellery also.
(a) 2, 5 and 6
(b) 1, 2 and 5
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 4, 5 and 6
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 5

(c). Pick the option that correctly classifies fact/s (F) and opinion/s (O) of the students below.
(1) I think everybody keeps some pretty dress for party.
(2) We should not forget that Matilda was a young and pretty lady.
(3) In fact, her husband was ready to buy a beautiful dress for the party.
(4) Oh let’s not forget that our needs have no limitation. We must live according to our means.
(a) F – 1, 3 and O – 4
(b) F – 2, 3 and O – 1, 4
(c) F – 2, 4 and O – 3
(d) F – 2, 4 and O – 1, 3
Answer: (b) F – 2, 3 and O – 1, 4

(d). Which of these does ‘economical’ not correspond to?
(a) Careless to money
(b) Frugal
(c) Careful to money
(d) Thoughtful uses
Answer: (a) Careless to money

(e). Choose the characteristic displayed by Matilda when she said, “I cannot tell exactly, but it seems to me that four hundred Francs ought to cover it.”
(a) Hopefulness
(b) Satisfaction
(c) Encouragement
(d) Authority
Answer: (a) Hopefulness

(f). Why was Matilda not happy to receive the invitation to the ball?
Answer: Matilda was not happy to receive the invitation because she did not have a suitable dress to wear to the ball.

(g). According to Matilda how much would a new costume suitable for the occasion cost?
Answer: A new costume according to Matilda that would be suitable for the occasion would cost around four hundred francs.

(h). Why was Matilda worried that her husband might give her an immediate refusal?
Answer: Matilda was worried that she might get an immediate refusal because her husband income was not much and he could not afford to part with a big amount.

(i). Who is the economical clerk?
Answer: Matilda’s husband Mr. Loisel was the economical clerk.

(j). What was Loisel planning to do?
Answer: He was planning to give Matilda some money so that she could buy a fitting dress for the ball.

Extract 6

(a). What do you think was the real cause of Matilda’s being so sad?
(a) She was too poor to attend any function.
(b) She was very beautiful but she did not have ornaments.
(c) Her desire to lead a luxurious life.
(d) She did not have any rich friend.
Answer: (c) Her desire to lead a luxurious life.

(b). Choose the option that lists the set of statements that are NOT TRUE according to the given extract.
1. Matilda was born into a very poor family.
2. She was born into a middle class family.
3. She had some limited desire as per her social status.
4. She was a victim of inferiority complex.
5. She wanted to lead a very simple life.
(a) 1, 2, and 4
(b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 5
(d) 3, 4 and 5
Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 5

(c). Pick the option that correctly classifies fact/s (F) and opinion/s (O) of the students below.
(1) I think, Matilda was too poor to make two ends meet.
(2) No she was not so poor. But she had overwhelming desires.
(3) I feel, she could lead a happy life by limiting her desires.
(4) You are right. She belonged to a middle-class family but wanted to lead a luxurious life.
(a) F – 1, 3 and O – 2 , 4
(b) F – 2, 3 and O – 1 , 4
(c) F – 2, 4 and O – 1 , 3
(d) F – 3, 4 and O – 1, 2
Answer: (c) F – 2, 4 and O – 1 , 3

(d). Which word does ‘distinguished’ NOT correspond to?
(a) Influential
(b) Lonely
(c) Notable
(d) Esteemed
Answer: (b) Lonely

(e). What did Matilda think about her destiny?
(a) Her destiny was unfair to her.
(b) Her destiny was very good.
(c) Her destiny was excellent.
(d) Her destiny was good but not satisfactory.
Answer: (a) Her destiny was unfair to her.

(f). Why does the author say that Matilda’s birth was ‘an error of destiny’?
Answer: The author says that Matilda’s birth was an ‘error of destiny’, because Matilda was charming, delicate and beautiful and should have been born in a rich family instead of a poor family of clerks.

(g). Why did she marry a small clerk working in the office of the Board of Education?
Answer: Matilda had no dowry, no means of becoming known, loved and married by a man either rich or distinguished, so she married a small clerk in the office of the Board of Education.

(h). Why was Matilda unhappy?
Answer: Matilda was unhappy because she felt she had been born for a life of luxuries.

(i). How did the shabby walls and the worn out chain affect Matilda?
Answer: These things tortured and angered her.

(j). What did Matilda indulge herself in?
Answer: Matilda indulged in self pity, she is dissatisfied with what life has offered her.

Extract 7

(a). One Sunday Matilda was in Champs-Elysees to:
(a) hear the birds’ sing.
(b) jog around.
(c) feel the sunshine.
(d) take a walk.
Answer: (d) take a walk.

(b). The woman walking with a child was:
(a) Mme Forestier
(b) Mme Rorestier
(c) Mme Torestier
(d) Mme Worestier
Answer: (a) Mme Forestier

(c). How was she related to Mme Forestier?
(a) Her childhood friend
(b) Her childhood teacher
(c) Her childhood neighbour
(d) She had borrowed the necklace from her
Answer: (a) Her childhood friend

(d). What trait of her character is brought to light here?
(a) Her helplessness
(b) Her openness
(c) Her courage and honesty
(d) All of these
Answer: (c) Her courage and honesty

(e). Pick the option which is ODD one out with reference to the meaning of ‘affected’ as used in the extract.
AFFECTED
(1) Influenced
(2) Impressed
(3) Disturbed
(4) Moved
(a) Option (1)
(b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3)
(d) Option (4)
Answer: (b) Option (2)

(f). Why did Matilda go to Champs-Elysees one Sunday?
Answer: Matilda went to Champs-Elysees one Sunday to take a walk.

(g). Who did Matilda see at Champs-Elysees?
Answer: Matilda saw her friend Mme Forestier from whom she had borrowed the necklace to go to the ball.

(h). What did Matilda want to tell her friend Mme Forestier?
Answer: She wanted to tell her the whole story of the necklace and how they had to work for the last ten years to pay the debt back.

(i). Why did Matilda have a desire to talk to her friend?
Answer: She got the feeling that she must tell her friend how she suffered the last ten years because of the necklace.

(j). What is the irony about the necklace?
Answer: The irony is that the lost necklace was fake and Matilda thinking it to be a diamond one replaced a diamond one and worked hard for ten years.

Extract 8

(a). Choose the option that lists the set of statements that are NOT TRUE according to the given extract.
1. Matilda was very pleased with her life.
2. Matilda envied her friend for being well-off.
3. M Loisel didn’t appreciate what Matilda cooked.
4. Matilda despised the fact that she lived a life of poverty.
5. Matilda never felt troubled, though she desired a luxurious life.
6. Matilda thought of grand dinners and silverware sitting at the dinner table.
7. Matilda felt depressed after visiting her friend.
(a) 1, 3 and 6
(b) 3, 5 and 7
(c) 1, 3 and 5
(d) 2, 4 and 7
Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 5

(b). Which word does ‘delicacies’ NOT correspond to?
(a) etherealness
(b) elegance
(c) exquisiteness
(d) robustness
Answer: (d) robustness

(c). Choose the answer that lists the correct option of what a ‘tureen’ is.
(1) a frying pan with a lid and a long handle
(2) a cone-shaped clay cooking pot (tagine)
(3) a deep serving bowl with a lid and a ladle
(4) a shallow casserole dish with two handles
(a) Option (1)
(b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3)
(d) Option (4)
Answer: (c) Option (3)

(d). Choose the characteristic displayed by M Loisel in the extract.
(a) conceited
(b) contented
(c) appeased
(d) subdued
Answer: (b) contented

(e). The extract uses the phrase ‘elegant dinners’. Which of the following expressions is INCORRECT with respect to the word ‘elegant’?
ELEGANT
(1) Delicious
(2) Tasteful
(3) Intelligent
(4) Sumptuous
(a) Option (1)
(b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3)
(d) Option (4)
Answer: (c) Option (3)

(f). What kind of life did Matilda want to have?
Answer: She wanted a life of delicacies and luxuries — elegant dinners, fine frocks and jewels.

(g). How was her life different from her dream life?
Answer: In reality she lived in a poor apartment with shabby walls and worn chairs, and had neither frocks nor jewels.

(h). What did she often remember at the dining table?
Answer: She thought of elegant dinners of shining silver and exquisite food served in marvellous dishes.

(i). Why was she influenced by her schoolmate?
Answer: Her rich schoolmate’s luxurious life reminded her of all that she lacked, so she suffered after visiting her.

(j). How did she make her life a hell?
Answer: By constantly comparing her life with her dreams, she wept for whole days from despair and disappointment.

Extract 9

(a). What does ‘economical clerk’ indicate?
(a) M Loisel was a spendthrift even though he earned a lot.
(b) M Loisel was thrifty as he had a meagre income.
(c) M Loisel calculated money all the time as he was a clerk.
(d) M Loisel was stingy about money and didn’t spend it.
Answer: (b) M Loisel was thrifty as he had a meagre income.

(b). Pick the option that correctly classifies fact/s (F) and opinion/s (O) of the people below:
(1) I think that Matilda shouldn’t have insisted for costly dress and jewel.
(2) I feel that Matilda was right to have such desire.
(3) It was important for Matilda to have an elegant look in the party.
(4) I really don’t think so. It’s not fair to show up a superior status.
(a) F-1, 2 and O-3, 4
(b) F-3, and O-1,2, 4
(c) F-2, 4, and O-1,3
(d) F-2, 3, 4 and O-1
Answer: (b) F-3, and O-1,2, 4

(c). Pick the correct set that matches with the feelings of the highlighted words related to the characters: Matilda: By a violent effort, she had controlled... Mr Loisel: He was grieved....
(1) Matilda felt aggressive; Mr Loisel was troubled
(2) Matilda was irritated; Mr Loisel was upset and cried
(3) Matilda tried extremely hard; Mr Loisel felt intense sorrow
(4) Matilda was quite calm; Mr Loisel’s heart ached for love
(a) Option (1)
(b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3)
(d) Option (4)
Answer: (c) Option (3)

(d). Mr Loisel was astonished seeing his wife’s reaction. He writes a diary entry that night. Complete the entry with the missing words, by choosing the correct option. 11 January, Monday 9:00 pm I thought Matilda would be (1) ______________ seeing the invitation in my hand. However, her reaction has left me (2) __________________. I don’t know how I would be able to (3) _______________ a new dress for her.
(a) (1) vexed (2) disturbed (3) bring
(b) (1) vexed (2) disturbed (3) afford
(c) (1) keen (2) depressed (3) bring
(d) (1) elated (2) distressed (3) afford
Answer: (d) (1) elated (2) distressed (3) afford

(e). Choose the option that gives the most appropriate response to the statement made by the speaker. Mr Loisel over-pampered his wife and readily accepted her demands.
(a) I think Matilda was being unreasonable and unrealistic.
(b) I feel that Mr Loisel loved Matilda and wanted her to be happy.
(c) In my opinion Mr Loisel was being too harsh with Matilda.
(d) I feel that Mr Loisel should not have brought the invite home.
Answer: (b) I feel that Mr Loisel loved Matilda and wanted her to be happy.

(f). Why was Loisel surprised at Matilda’s behaviour?
Answer: He was surprised because he expected her to be delighted with the invitation, but she wept instead.

(g). What did she suggest an agreeable amount for a suitable dress?
Answer: She suggested four hundred francs as an agreeable amount for a suitable dress.

(h). How did her husband react when he heard average amount for a new dress?
Answer: He grew a little pale, as he had saved that very sum to buy a gun, but he agreed to give her four hundred francs.

(i). How would you conclude Loisel’s? life as an economical clerk?
Answer: As an economical clerk, Loisel led a simple, thrifty life within his meagre income.

(j). How is Matilda being a wife opposite to an ideal wife?
Answer: An ideal wife is content with her husband’s means, but Matilda was dissatisfied, demanding and lived beyond their means.

Extract 10

(a). Elaborate on the theme of superficiality as evident in the extract in about 40 words.
Answer: The theme of superficiality is evident in the extract through Matilda's obsession with appearances and social status. Despite her financial struggles, she prioritizes borrowing jewels to maintain a facade of wealth.

(b). For Matilda, there was nothing more humiliating than:
(a) looking poor among the rich women.
(b) attending the party with a simple clerk.
(c) going to the ball wearing no jewels.
(d) eating without table manners.
Answer: (a) looking poor among the rich women.

(c). Why does Matilda find it humiliating to have a "shabby air" in the midst of rich women?
Answer: Matilda finds it humiliating to have a “shabby air” in the midst of rich women because she is deeply aware of her lack of social standing and wealth. She feels inferior and has self-pity when she is surrounded by people who belong to the upper class.

(d). State TRUE or FALSE.
All of the terms (1)-(4) below can be applied to the question - What does Mme Loisel's reaction to her husband's suggestion reveal about her character and values?
(1) She believes that social status defines one's worth.
(2) She cares deeply about how others perceive her.
(3) She relies on external sources for validation.
(4) She hasn't accepted her present situation completely.
Answer: True

Extract 11

(a). Why is it fair to say that the tone of the line "Oh! a good pot pie! I know nothing better than that..." appears sarcastic or mocking in the context of Matilda's feelings? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: The words are spoken by her husband with genuine delight. Seen through Matilda’s eyes, however, they seem to mock the simple meal, because she is dreaming of exquisite food served in shining silver dishes. This contrast makes the line sound sarcastic.

(b). Which word does ‘delicacies’ NOT correspond to?
(a) exquisite food
(b) elegance
(c) grace
(d) robustness
Answer: (d) robustness

(c). Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and identify which theme would correctly correspond to the extract. (a) Social Comparison and Envy. (b) Materialism and Discontentment. (c) Self-Reflection and Personal Growth.
Answer: (b) Materialism and Discontentment.

(d). Comment on the author's use of language in these lines.
Answer: The author uses descriptive language and sharp contrasts. Matilda’s shabby walls and worn chairs are set against her dreams of shining silver and exquisite food. Strong words like ‘suffered’, ‘tortured’ and ‘wept’ show how deeply her discontent affects her.

Extract 12

(a). Who is ‘I’?
Answer: ‘I’ referred to here is Matilda Loisel.

(b). Why did it take them ten years to pay for ‘it’?
Answer: It took the Loisels ten years because they had no money and had to work hard to collect money to pay off the debt.

(c). Write the antonym of ‘nothing’.
Answer: Everything

Extract 13

(a). Why was Mme. Loisel sad and disturbed?
Answer: Mme. Loisel was sad and disturbed because she didn’t possess any suitable jewellery which could match the dress or the occasion of the ball.

(b). Why did she get a dress ready?
Answer: A ball was organised by M. Loisel’s boss, the Minister of Education. M. and Mme. Loisel were invited to the party. It was for this very occasion that Matilda had got her dress ready.

(c). What is a ball?
Answer: A formal social gathering for dancing.

Extract 14

(a). Choose the option that list the set of statements that are NOT TRUE according to the given extract. 1. Matilda was contented with her life. 2. Matilda felt troubled, because she desired a luxurious life. 3. M Loisel didn’t appreciate what Matilda cooked. 4. Matilda despised the fact that she lived a life of poverty. 5. Matilda always had grand dinners and silverware at her dinner table.
(a) 1, 2, 3
(b) 1, 3, 5
(c) 2, 3, 4
(d) 1, 3, 4
Answer: (b) 1, 3, 5

(b). “She suffered so much when she returned.” The reason for Matilda’s suffering was that _______.
(a) she was badly treated by her friend.
(b) she remembered her old school days after meeting her friend.
(c) she envied her friend for being well off and felt depressed after visiting her.
(d) she felt bad to see her friend’s poverty-stricken condition.
Answer: (c) she envied her friend for being well off and felt depressed after visiting her.

(c). Select the most appropriate option for (1) and (2). (1) Matilda longed for a luxurious life. (2) She was a very honest and reliable friend.
(a) (1) is true and (2) is false.
(b) (2) is the opposite of (1).
(c) (1) furthers the meaning of (2).
(d) Both (1) and (2) cannot be inferred from the extract.
Answer: (a) (1) is true and (2) is false.

(d). Select the option listing Matilda’s characteristics, as revealed in the extract. (1) conceited (2) depressed (3) appeased (4) envious (5) contented
(a) (2) and (4)
(b) Only (5)
(c) (1), (2) and (4)
(d) Only (2)
Answer: (a) (2) and (4)

(e). Select the suitable word from the extract to complete the following: elegant : clumsy : : hope : ______
(a) delighted
(b) exquisite
(c) marvelous
(d) despair
Answer: (d) despair

Extract 15

(a). What could have brought ‘an immediate refusal’ and ‘a frightened exclamation’ from M Loisel?
(a) His disbelief at the refusal of invitation.
(b) His surprise for his wife’s reaction.
(c) His inability to provide a new dress.
(d) The unreasonable amount demanded by his wife.
Answer: (d) The unreasonable amount demanded by his wife.

(b). M Loisel was astonished seeing his wife’s reaction. He writes a diary entry that night. Complete the entry by choosing the correct option. 11 January,Monday 9.00 pm I thought Matilda would be (i)_____seeing the invitation in my hand. However, her reaction has left me (ii)_________. I don’t know how I would be able to (iii)_______a new dress for her.
(a) (i) vexed (ii) disturbed (iii) bring
(b) (i) elated (ii) surprised (iii) afford
(c) (i) keen (ii) depressed (iii) bring
(d) (i) elated (ii) distressed (iii) afford
Answer: (d) (i) elated (ii) distressed (iii) afford

(c). Given below are the different opinions of M Loisel’s friends about the relationship of M Loisel and his wife, Matilda. Choose the most suitable opinion about them.
(a) I think Matilda was being reasonable and realistic.
(b) I feel that M Loisel loved Matilda and wanted her to be happy.
(c) In my opinion M Loisel was being too harsh with Matilda.
(d) I feel that M Loisel should not have brought the invitation home.
Answer: (b) I feel that M Loisel loved Matilda and wanted her to be happy.

(d). M Loisel was an ‘economical clerk’. It means that he was __________.
(a) spendthrift even though he earned a lot.
(b) thrifty as he had a meagre income.
(c) calculating money all the time as he was a clerk.
(d) stingy about money and didn’t spend it.
Answer: (b) thrifty as he had a meagre income.

(e). ‘He was grieved’, here the word ‘grieved’ can be replaced by:
(a) disappointed
(b) disturbed
(c) distressed
(d) perplexed
Answer: (c) distressed