GSEB Class 10 English Solutions Chapter 1 A Letter To God

Oral Comprehension Check (Textbook Page No. 5)

 

Question 1. What did Lencho hope for?
Answer: Lencho wished for a good rainfall for his crops. He was looking forward to a great harvest.
In simple words: Lencho hoped for rain to help his crops grow well.

Exam Tip: When asked about a character's hopes, always state the primary desire clearly and briefly.

 

Question 2. Why did Lencho say the raindrops were like 'new coins'?
Answer: Lencho thought these raindrops would help him get a good crop, which would then give him a lot of corn to sell for his family. This is why he compared the raindrops to 'new coins', meaning wealth.
In simple words: Lencho saw the raindrops as 'new coins' because they would bring a good harvest, giving him money for his family.

Exam Tip: Understand the metaphorical meaning behind such comparisons; they often relate to value or future prosperity.

 

Question 3. How did the rain change? What happened to Lencho's fields?
Answer: The rain quickly changed into a hailstorm. This hailstorm completely ruined Lencho's crop fields, leaving nothing behind.
In simple words: The rain turned into hail, and all of Lencho's crops were destroyed.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to the sequence of events and their direct impact on the characters or setting.

 

(Textbook Page No. 6)

 

Question 4. What were Lencho's feelings when the rain/hail stopped?
Answer: Lencho was deeply sad after the rain and hail ended. His corn was completely ruined. He told his sons that they would not have any corn to eat that year. However, he still had hope for assistance from God.
In simple words: Lencho felt very sad when the hail stopped because his crops were destroyed, but he still hoped God would help.

Exam Tip: Describe the character's initial reaction, the cause of their feelings, and any underlying hope they maintain.

 

Question 5. Who or what did Lencho have faith in? What did he do?
Answer: Lencho had deep faith in God. He decided to write a letter to God, asking Him to send money because his entire crop had been completely destroyed.
In simple words: Lencho believed in God and wrote a letter asking for money after his crops failed.

Exam Tip: Directly answer both parts of the question, identifying the object of faith and the action taken.

 

Question 6. Who read the letter?
Answer: The postmaster was the one who read the letter.
In simple words: The postmaster read the letter.

Exam Tip: For simple identification questions, provide a concise and direct answer.

 

Question 7. What did the postmaster do then?
Answer: To maintain Lencho's strong trust in God, the postmaster chose to reply to the letter as if he were God. He gathered money from his colleagues and friends and also contributed a portion of his own earnings to send to Lencho. He placed the money inside an envelope and then mailed it.
In simple words: To keep Lencho's faith, the postmaster collected money from others and gave some of his own salary, then sent it to Lencho in an envelope, pretending to be God.

Exam Tip: Explain the postmaster's motivation and the specific actions he took to help Lencho.

 

(Textbook Page No. 7)

 

Question 8. Was Lencho surprised to find a letter for him with money in it?
Answer: Lencho was not surprised at all to receive a letter containing money. He was absolutely sure that the money had come from God. Such was the strength of his faith.
In simple words: Lencho wasn't surprised by the money because he strongly believed God would send it.

Exam Tip: Connect the character's reaction directly to their personality or core beliefs demonstrated in the story.

 

Question 9. What made him angry?
Answer: Lencho became angry after opening the letter because he found only seventy pesos inside the envelope. He had asked God for a hundred pesos. Instead of being angry at God, he directed his anger towards the post office employees, believing they must have stolen the missing money.
In simple words: Lencho was angry because he only received seventy pesos instead of a hundred, and he thought the post office workers had taken the rest.

Exam Tip: Clearly state the reason for the character's emotion and whom they blamed.

 

Thinking About The Text

 

Question 1. Who does Lencho have complete faith in? Which sentences in the story tell you this?
Answer: Lencho has complete trust in God because he has been taught that God knows everything and assists us with our problems. Several sentences highlight this:
"But in the hearts of all who lived in that solitary house in the middle of the valley, there was a single hope: help from God."
"All through the night, Lencho thought only of his one hope: the help of God, whose eyes, as he had been instructed, see everything, even what is deep in one's conscience."
"“God”, he wrote, “if you don't help me, my family and I will go hungry this year”."
"He wrote 'To God' on the envelope, put the letter inside and, still troubled, went to town."
"God could not have made a mistake, nor could he have denied Lencho what he had requested."
In simple words: Lencho deeply trusted God, believing God knew everything and would help him. This is shown when he only hoped for God's help, thought about God all night, wrote a letter to God, and believed God could not make a mistake.

Exam Tip: When asked to support an answer with textual evidence, quote the relevant sentences directly from the story.

 

Question 2. Why does the postmaster send money to Lencho? Why does he sign the letter 'God'?
Answer: The postmaster sends money to Lencho to keep Lencho's trust in God strong and alive, as he was deeply affected by it. When the postmaster read Lencho's letter to God, he became serious and wanted to avoid shaking Lencho's belief, so he decided to reply. He gathered funds with the help of his post office colleagues and friends on behalf of God and signed the letter 'God' so that Lencho's faith would not waver.
In simple words: The postmaster sent money to keep Lencho's strong faith in God alive. He signed the letter 'God' so Lencho would think the money came from God, not from people, and his belief would stay firm.

Exam Tip: Address both parts of the question clearly, explaining the postmaster's motive and the reason for his specific action (signing as 'God').

 

Question 3. Did Lencho try to find out who had sent the money to him? Why or why not?
Answer: Lencho did not try to find out who had sent the money to him because he never doubted God's presence and had complete trust in God. He could not believe that anyone else but God would send him the money. His faith in God was so strong that he felt God had sent him money to help him with his problem.
In simple words: Lencho didn't try to find out who sent the money because his faith in God was so strong that he believed only God could have sent it.

Exam Tip: Clearly state the character's action (or inaction) and provide the underlying reason based on their personality or beliefs.

 

Question 4. Who does Lencho think has taken the rest of the money? What is the irony in the situation? (Remember that the irony of a situation is an unexpected aspect of it. An ironic situation is strange or amusing because it is the opposite of what is expected).
Answer: Lencho believes that the post office workers have taken the remaining funds because he had asked God for a hundred pesos, but only seventy pesos were in the envelope. He felt that God would not make such an error, so he assumed they had stolen the money. The irony here is that the people who actually helped him with his problem and tried to keep his faith in God were the ones he suspected of stealing.
In simple words: Lencho thought the post office workers stole the missing money. The irony is that these same workers were the ones who kindly helped him, but he thought they were thieves.

Exam Tip: Define irony as asked, then clearly explain the ironic element by contrasting Lencho's perception with the reality of the situation.

 

Question 5. Are there people like Lencho in the real world? What kind of a person would you say he is? You may select appropriate words from the box to answer the question. greedy, naive, stupid, ungrateful, selfish, comical, unquestioning
Answer: It is quite difficult to find someone like Lencho in today's world, as he is a very trusting and simple-minded person. He isn't stupid for not knowing who sent him money or thinking a letter would reach God without an address; this simply shows Lencho's immense faith in God. In the real world, people are often self-centered and greedy, which makes Lencho seem endearing and unique.
In simple words: It's hard to find people like Lencho today; he is very trusting and simple, not stupid, which shows his great faith in God. Unlike many selfish and greedy people, Lencho is quite special.

Exam Tip: Analyze character traits and connect them to real-world observations, explaining why a character might be rare or unique.

 

Question 6. There are two kinds of conflict in } the story between humans and nature and / between humans themselves. How are these conflicts illustrated?,
Answer:
**Conflict between Humans and Nature:**
This conflict is shown through the ruin of Lencho's crop by the hailstorm. Lencho was hoping for good rain to get a good harvest, as that was his only source of income. He worked so hard to feed his family, but nature turned destructive and ruined everything.
**Conflict between Humans and Humans:**
The story also shows another disagreement, between humans themselves. The postmaster, along with his friends and staff, sent Lencho money that he had requested from God, even though they did not know him. Lencho, however, blamed them for taking some of the money. He called them 'a bunch of crooks'. This demonstrates that people sometimes lack trust in each other, which then leads to such conflicts.
In simple words: The story shows two main fights. First, humans versus nature, when a hailstorm destroyed Lencho's crops, which he worked hard for. Second, humans versus humans, when Lencho accused the post office workers (who actually helped him) of stealing money, showing a lack of trust.

Exam Tip: Identify each type of conflict, then explain how it is portrayed in the story with specific examples from the plot.

 

Thinking About Language

 

Question 1. There are different names in different parts of the world for storms, depending on their nature. Can you match the names in the box with their descriptions below, and fill s in the blanks? You may use a dictionary to help you.
gale,
whirlwind,
cyclone,
hurricane,
tornado,
typhoon
(1) A violent tropical storm in which strong winds move in a circle – cyclone
(2) An extremely strong wind – gale
(3) A violent tropical storm with very strong winds – typhoon
(4) A violent storm whose centre is a cloud in the shape of a funnel – tornado
(5) A violent storm with very strong winds, especially in the western Atlantic Ocean – hurricane
(6) A very strong wind that moves very fast in a spinning movement and causes a lot of damage - whirlwind
Answer:
(1) A violent tropical storm in which strong winds move in a circle – cyclone
(2) An extremely strong wind – gale
(3) A violent tropical storm with very strong winds – typhoon
(4) A violent storm whose center is a cloud in the shape of a funnel – tornado
(5) A violent storm with very strong winds, especially in the western Atlantic Ocean – hurricane
(6) A very strong wind that moves very fast in a spinning movement and causes a lot of damage - whirlwind
In simple words: Match the storm names with their descriptions: cyclone is a circular tropical storm; gale is a very strong wind; typhoon is a violent tropical storm; tornado is a funnel-shaped cloud storm; hurricane is a strong Atlantic storm; and whirlwind is a fast, spinning, damaging wind.

Exam Tip: For matching exercises, ensure each item from one list is correctly paired with its corresponding description from the other.

 

Question 2. Match the sentences in column 'A' with the meaning of ‘hope' in column 'B':

Answer:
(1 - b) thinking that this would happen (it may or may not have happened.)
(2 - e) showing concern that what you say should not offend or disturb the other person: a way of being polite.
(3 - a) a feeling that something good will probably happen.
(4 - f) wishing for something to happen, although this is very unlikely.
(5 - d) wanting something to happen (and thinking it quite possible)
(6 - c) stopped believing that this good thing would happen.
In simple words: Pair each sentence with the meaning of 'hope' it uses: (1) means thinking something will happen; (2) means being polite; (3) means feeling good things will happen; (4) means wishing for something unlikely; (5) means wanting something to happen and thinking it possible; and (6) means losing belief that good things will occur.

Exam Tip: Carefully read each sentence and its potential meaning, identifying the nuance of "hope" in each context.

 

Join the sentences given below using who, whom, whose, which, as suggested:

 

Question 1. I often go to Mumbai. Mumbai is the commercial capital of India, (which)
Answer: I often go to Mumbai, which is the commercial capital of India.
In simple words: I often visit Mumbai; it is India's business hub.

Exam Tip: Use 'which' to add extra information about a place or thing, often with a comma before it.

 

Question 2. My mother is going to host a TV show on cooking. She cooks very well, (who)
Answer: My Mother, who cooks very well, is going to host a TV show on cooking.
In simple words: My mother, a great cook, will host a cooking TV show.

Exam Tip: Use 'who' to refer to people, usually when adding more information about them.

 

Question 3. These sportsperson are going to meet the President. Their performance has been excellent. (whose)
Answer: These sportspersons, whose performance has been excellent, are going to meet the President.
In simple words: These excellent-performing athletes will meet the President.

Exam Tip: Use 'whose' to show possession or a relationship between a person and something associated with them.

 

Question 4. Lencho prayed to God. His eyes see into our minds, (whose)
Answer: Lencho prayed to God, whose eyes see into our minds.
In simple words: Lencho prayed to God, who sees into our thoughts.

Exam Tip: Remember 'whose' indicates possession and can refer to both people and abstract entities like God.

 

Question 5. This man cheated me. I trusted him. (whom)
Answer: This man, whom I trusted, cheated me.
In simple words: The man I trusted cheated me.

Exam Tip: Use 'whom' as the object of a verb or preposition, often referring to a person.

 

Find sentences in the story with negative words, which express the following ideas emphatically:

 

Question 1. The trees lost all their leaves.
Answer: Not a leaf remained on the trees.
In simple words: The trees had no leaves left.

Exam Tip: To express something emphatically in a negative way, use words like 'not a single' or 'no' with a strong verb.

 

Question 2. The letter was addressed to God himself.
Answer: It was nothing less than a letter to God.
In simple words: The letter was definitely for God.

Exam Tip: Emphasize importance by using phrases that highlight the uniqueness or significance of something.

 

Question 3. The postman saw this address for the first time in his career.
Answer: Never in his career as a postman had he seen that address.
In simple words: The postman had never seen that address before in his entire working life.

Exam Tip: Use an inverted sentence structure with a negative adverb (e.g., "Never...") at the beginning for emphasis.

 

Question. In pairs, find metaphors from the story to complete the table below. Try to say what qualities are being compared. One has been done for you:

Answer: The table above shows the correct metaphors and their comparisons from the story.
In simple words: The table lists objects from the story, their metaphorical names, and what qualities are being compared for each.

Exam Tip: When identifying metaphors, look for direct comparisons where one thing is said to *be* another, and then explain the shared quality.

 

GSEB Class 10 English A Letter to God Additional Important Questions and Answers

 

Question 1. Read the following passages and select the most appropriate answers for the questions given below them:
“Now we're really going to get some water, woman.”
The woman who was preparing supper, replied, “Yes, God willing”. The older boys were working in the field, while the smaller ones were playing near the house until the woman called to them all, “Come for dinner". It was during the meal that, just as Lencho had predicted, big drops of rain began to fall. In the north-east huge mountains of clouds could be seen. approaching. The air was fresh and sweet. The man went out for no other reason than to have I the pleasure of feeling the rain on his body, and when he returned he exclaimed, “These aren't raindrops falling from the sky, they are new coins. The big drops are ten cent pieces and the little ones are fives.”
1. The meaning of the phrase 'God willing' is
(a) 'By the grace of God'.
(b) 'If God wants it to happen'.
(c) 'God will not wish this to happen'.
(d) 'Man proposes, God disposes'.
Answer: (b) 'If God wants it to happen'.
In simple words: 'God willing' means 'if God allows it to happen.'

Exam Tip: Pay attention to context clues to understand the meaning of phrases or idioms within a passage.

 

2. Lencho had predicted that
(a) they would surely have rain soon.
(b) they would not have the rain that year.
(c) there would be a great hailstorm soon.
(d) they will have very nice crop that year.
Answer: (a) they would surely have rain soon.
In simple words: Lencho predicted that rain would come very soon.

Exam Tip: Reread the beginning of the passage to confirm what Lencho explicitly predicted.

 

3. Lencho went out in the rain
(a) to see the huge north-east clouds.
(b) to see his crop swaying in the breeze.
(c) to have the pleasure of feeling the rain on his body.
(d) to give offerings to the first rain.
Answer: (c) to have the pleasure of feeling the rain on his body.
In simple words: Lencho went outside to enjoy the feeling of the rain on his skin.

Exam Tip: Look for the specific reason provided in the text for a character's actions.

 

4. Seeing the raindrops falling from the sky, Lencho exclaimed that they were
(a) ten cent coins.
(b) five cent coins.
(c) new coins.
(d) All of these three
Answer: (d) All of these three
In simple words: Lencho said the raindrops were like new coins, specifically ten-cent and five-cent pieces.

Exam Tip: Always consider all options carefully in MCQs, especially when an option like "All of these" is present.

 

Question 2. All through the night, Lencho thought s only of his one hope : the help of God, whose eyes, as he had been instructed, see everything, ? even what is deep in one's conscience. Lencho s was an ox of a man, working like an animal in the fields, but still he knew how to write. The following Sunday, at daybreak, he began to write a letter which he himself would carry to town, and place in the mail. It was nothing less than a letter to God.
'God,' he wrote, “if you don't help me, my family and I will go hungry this year. I need a hundred pesos in order to sow my field again ? and to live until the crop comes, because the s hailstorm.............."
1. After his crops having been completely ruined, Lencho hoped that
(a) the next year he would have good crop.
(b) he would get help from God.
(c) other villagers would help him to recover the loss.
(d) None of these three.
Answer: (b) he would get help from God.
In simple words: After his crops were destroyed, Lencho hoped that God would help him.

Exam Tip: Focus on the central theme of Lencho's faith in God when answering questions about his hopes.

 

2. 'Lencho was an ox of a man' means
(a) 'Lencho was a simple man'.
(b) 'Lencho was strong like an ox'.
(c) ‘Lencho was a very hard-working-man',
(d) 'Lencho had sense like an ox'.
Answer: (c) 'Lencho was a very hard-working-man',
In simple words: Saying 'Lencho was an ox of a man' means he worked very hard, like an ox.

Exam Tip: Understand common idioms and metaphors in English; 'an ox of a man' implies strength and diligent work.

 

3. Lencho needed money from God to
(a) sow his field again and to live until he had new crop.
(b) rebuild his house.
(c) help his family.
(d) buy seeds for his field.
Answer: (a) sow his field again and to live until he had new crop.
In simple words: Lencho needed money from God to plant new crops and to live until the next harvest.

Exam Tip: Refer back to Lencho's letter or thoughts in the passage to identify his exact needs.

 

4. Lencho's crop was ruined because of
(a) heavy rain.
(b) hailstorm.
(c) hailstones.
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer: (d) Both (b) and (c)
In simple words: Lencho's crops were destroyed by both the hailstorm and the hailstones that fell.

Exam Tip: Distinguish between general weather conditions and the specific elements that cause damage.

 

Question 3. Lencho showed not the slightest surprise on seeing the money; such was his confidence – but he became angry when he counted the money. God could not have made a mistake, nor could he have denied Lencho what he had requested.
Immediately, Lencho went up to the window to ask for paper and ink. On the public writing- table, he started to write, with much wrinkling of his brow, caused by the effort he had to make to express his ideas. When he finished, he went to the window to buy a stamp which he licked and then affixed to the envelope with a blow of his fist. The moment the letter fell into the mailbox the postmaster went to open it. It said: "God: Of the money that I asked for, only seventy pesos reached me. Send me the rest, since I need it very much. But don't send it to me through the mail because the post office employees are a bunch of crooks. Lencho."
1. The sentence showing Lencho's confidence is
(a) God could not have made a mistake, nor could he have denied Lencho what he had requested.
(b) Lencho showed not the slightest surprise on seeing the money.
(c) he became angry when he counted the money.
(d) Both (a) and (b).
Answer: (d) Both (a) and (b).
In simple words: Lencho's confidence is shown by his lack of surprise at receiving money and his belief that God would not make a mistake or refuse his request.

Exam Tip: Identify sentences that explicitly convey confidence, even if they appear in different parts of the passage.

 

2. Lencho's brow got wrinkled for
(a) the efforts he had to make to express his ideas.
(b) getting angry.
(c) the disappointment he had.
(d) not getting favourable reply from God.
Answer: (a) the efforts he had to make to express his ideas.
In simple words: Lencho's forehead wrinkled because he was concentrating hard to write down his thoughts.

Exam Tip: Distinguish between physical descriptions (like wrinkled brow) and their stated causes in the text.

 

3. Lencho affixed the ticket on the envelope
(a) by applying gum to it.
(b) by applying saliva on it.
(c) with a blow of his fist.
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer: (d) Both (b) and (c)
In simple words: Lencho put the stamp on the envelope by licking it and then hitting it with his fist.

Exam Tip: Note all actions mentioned in the text related to a specific event to ensure a complete answer.

 

4. Lencho refused God to send money by post because
(a) he had a doubt that the post office employees would take away that money.
(b) he thought that money sent by post did not reach in time.
(c) he did not have trust on the postmaster.
(d) he had a doubt that others would come to know about it if thus sent.
Answer: (a) he had a doubt that the post office employees would take away that money.
In simple words: Lencho did not want God to send money by post because he suspected the post office workers would steal it.

Exam Tip: Identify the specific reason given in Lencho's letter for his distrust of the postal service.

 

Answer the following questions in three to four sentences each:

 

Question 1. Give a brief description of Lencho's house.
Answer: Lencho's house was the only one situated in the entire valley. It was positioned on the top of a low hill, providing views of the river and the fertile cornfield that was dotted with flowers. These flowers always indicated a good harvest was coming.
In simple words: Lencho's house was alone in the valley, sitting on a low hill. From there, he could see the river and his cornfield, which was always full of promising flowers.

Exam Tip: When describing a setting, include details about its location, surrounding landscape, and any unique features.

 

Question 2. Give a brief description of Lencho's family.
Answer: Lencho had a wife and at least four sons. They were a happy family. All the family members were quite religious. They resided in a secluded house on a hilltop.
In simple words: Lencho had a wife and at least four sons, making a happy family. They were all very religious and lived together in a lone house on a hilltop.

Exam Tip: When describing a family, mention its members, their characteristics, and their living situation if relevant.

 

Question 3. When did the rain start? How did the family of Lencho welcome the rain?
Answer: The rain began during the family's mealtime. Lencho's family warmly greeted the rain. Lencho was so happy that he went outside to feel the rain on his body.
In simple words: The rain started during dinner. Lencho's family welcomed it gladly, and Lencho even went out to feel the drops on himself because he was so excited.

Exam Tip: Clearly state the timing of the event and describe the family's collective and individual reactions.

 

Question 4. Describe the destruction caused by hailstones in Lencho's fields.
Answer: The hail rained down on Lencho's house, garden, cornfield, the hillside, and the entire valley for one hour. The field turned white, as if covered with salt. Not a single leaf was left on the trees, and the corn in Lencho's field was completely ruined.
In simple words: Hailstones fell for an hour, covering Lencho's fields like salt. All the trees lost their leaves, and his corn crops were totally destroyed.

Exam Tip: Use vivid descriptive language to portray the extent of the damage, specifying affected areas and duration.

 

Question 5. What did Lencho write in the first letter addressed to God?
Answer: In his first letter, Lencho wrote, "God, if you don't help me, my family and I will go hungry this year. I need a hundred pesos to sow my field again and to live until the crop comes, because the hailstorm has ruined everything."
In simple words: Lencho wrote to God, asking for a hundred pesos to replant his field and live until the next harvest, because the hailstorm had destroyed everything.

Exam Tip: When asked to quote, reproduce the exact words used in the story, including punctuation.

 

Question 6. Why was the postmaster amazed after seeing the letter?
Answer: The postmaster was astonished to see that the letter was addressed to no one else but God. He was particularly impressed by the sender's deep trust in God.
In simple words: The postmaster was amazed because the letter was sent directly to God, showing how much faith the sender had.

Exam Tip: Focus on the unique aspect of the letter and the emotion it evoked in the postmaster.

 

Question 7. What did the postmaster do in order to not break Lencho's firm belief/faith in the Almighty / God?
Answer: To avoid weakening Lencho's strong trust in God, the postmaster decided to reply to the letter as if he were God. He collected money from his staff and friends and also contributed a portion of his own earnings to send to Lencho. He placed the funds inside an envelope and sent it.
In simple words: To keep Lencho's strong faith in God, the postmaster decided to answer the letter himself. He gathered money from his employees and friends, added some of his own salary, and sent it to Lencho.

Exam Tip: Outline the postmaster's motive and the detailed steps he took to preserve Lencho's faith.

 

Answer the following questions in five to six sentences each:

 

Question 1. Who was Lencho and what circumstances forced him to write a letter to God?
Answer: Lencho was a hardworking farmer who lived with his family on the crest of a low hill. He was a very caring and God-loving man. Even though he was a farmer, he could read and write. Lencho eagerly awaited rainfall for a good harvest and was happy when it arrived. However, the pleasant rain soon turned into a hailstorm and completely destroyed his crops. He became sad and worried about his family possibly going hungry that year. His last hope was help from God, as he had unwavering faith in Him. Therefore, he wrote a letter to God, asking for a hundred pesos to survive and to replant his field.
In simple words: Lencho was a hardworking farmer living on a hilltop who loved God and his family. He was happy for rain, but it turned into a hailstorm, destroying his crops and making him fear hunger. Because of his strong faith, he wrote a letter to God, asking for money to live and replant.

Exam Tip: Begin by introducing the character, then detail the sequence of events that led to their desperate action, emphasizing their core beliefs.

 

Question 2. Give a character sketch of Lencho.
Answer: Lencho was a simple and hardworking farmer who toiled in his field like an ox. His entire crops were severely damaged by the hailstorm, making him very sad and worried about his family. However, he was an optimistic person. Even though his only source of income was taken away, he did not lose hope. His last hope rested in God, and he was confident that God would help him in his difficult situation. Lencho was an innocent and trusting individual who believed that only God could send him money. He possessed blind faith in God and sought a solution to his problem only from God.
In simple words: Lencho was a simple, hardworking farmer who became sad after a hailstorm destroyed his crops. Despite this, he remained hopeful and optimistic, placing his complete faith in God. He believed only God could help him, showing his innocent and unwavering trust.

Exam Tip: Describe multiple facets of the character's personality, providing examples from the story to support each trait.

 

Question 3. Sketch the character of the postmaster in the story 'A Letter to God'. OR How do you like, the character of the s postmaster in the story 'A Letter to God'?. Give reason for your answer.
Answer: The postmaster was a fat and friendly man. He was a kind human being who initially laughed upon seeing the letter with its strange address. However, he soon became serious. He was surprised by Lencho's strong faith in God and did not want to weaken it. The postmaster himself contributed a portion of his salary and also asked his employees and a few friends to donate for charity. He felt happy and satisfied when Lencho received the money. This shows that he was a kind and empathetic person who loved to help others.
In simple words: The postmaster was a friendly, kind, and empathetic man. Though he first laughed at Lencho's letter to God, he quickly became serious, admired Lencho's strong faith, and worked to help him by collecting money from others and giving some of his own salary. He felt good about assisting Lencho, showing his caring nature.

Exam Tip: Describe the character's physical traits, initial reactions, and significant actions, explaining what these reveal about their personality and motivations.

 

Question 4. How did the postmaster and post office Employees help Lencho? How did he react to their help? OR Why does the postmaster send money to Lencho? Why does he sign the letter 'God'? (August 20)
Answer: The postmaster and postal workers were very kind and gave money for charity. At first, they laughed when they saw Lencho's letter to God, but soon they were deeply moved by his strong belief. They decided to send Lencho some money so his trust in God would not waver. They gathered seventy pesos and sent them to Lencho. When Lencho received the envelope and opened it to count the cash, he became upset. He then wrote another letter to God, asking for the remaining thirty pesos. He thought the postal staff had taken the rest of the money and called them "a bunch of crooks," which was unfair since they were the ones who had assisted him. This event shows his pure nature and unwavering trust in God.

Exam Tip: When discussing character reactions, clearly state the action (e.g., helped, became angry) and then explain the underlying reasons or beliefs that caused it.

 

Question 5. How did the hailstones affect Lencho's field? What was Lencho's only hope?
Answer: Lencho, a diligent farmer, toiled very hard for a plentiful harvest, relying entirely on his lands to support his family. He was hoping for a good yield that year. He required rain for his crops to mature, but the rainfall turned into a hailstorm and totally ruined his harvest. This made him quite sad. He was anxious about his family because he cared for them deeply. However, Lencho had strong belief in God and thought no one would die from lack of food. Therefore, he chose to ask for assistance from God. He penned a letter to God, asking for a hundred pesos to live and plant new seeds.

Exam Tip: For questions about natural disasters, describe the specific damage first, then focus on the character's emotional response and subsequent actions or hopes.

 

Question 6. 'Lencho had immense faith in God.' - Comment. (March 20)
Answer: Lencho had absolute trust in God, as he was taught that 'God knows all things and assists us in our difficulties.' Throughout the hail-storm night, his thoughts were fixed on a single hope: divine help. He believed that God's eyes see everything, even hidden thoughts within a person's mind. He was confident that God does not allow anyone to starve. With this profound trust, he wrote a letter to God, explaining that if he didn't receive assistance, his family and he would suffer hunger that year. He addressed the envelope 'To God,' placed the letter inside, and traveled to town to mail it. When he got the money he requested, it was less than what he asked for. He strongly felt that God could not have made an error, nor would God deny his request. So, he wrote again to God, saying, “Send me the remaining money because I truly need it.” This truly shows his immense trust in God!

Exam Tip: To comment effectively on character traits like faith, provide specific examples from the story that clearly demonstrate that quality.

Grammar

 

Question 1. Rectify the errors in each of the following lines as shown in the example:
Answer:

Exam Tip: When correcting grammar, focus on common errors like prepositions, articles, and verb forms, ensuring the corrected sentence makes complete sense.

 

Question 2. Convert the following dialogue into Indirect Speech:
Wife: There is no one who can help us. We'll all go hungry this year.
Lencho: Don't be so upset, even though this seems like a total loss.
Answer: Lencho's wife sadly informed him that no one could assist them. She also mentioned that they would all starve that year. Lencho then comforted her, advising her not to be so sad, even though it looked like everything was lost.

Exam Tip: When converting to indirect speech, remember to change pronouns, tenses, and time/place expressions appropriately, and use reporting verbs like 'told,' 'added,' or 'consoled.'

 

Question 3. Rewrite as directed:
(1) The only thing the earth needed was a downpour. (Use 'what'.)
(2) The air was fresh and sweet. (Use 'not only...but also'.)
(3) The man went out for no other reason than to have the pleasure of feeling the rain on his body. (Use 'only'.)
(4) What a satisfied expression! (Turn into Assertive.)
(5) It's really getting bad now. (Turn into Negative.)
(6) The field was white, as if covered with salt. (Use 'yet'.)
(7) A plague of locusts would have left more than this hailstorm. (Change the Degree.)
Answer:
(1) What the earth needed was a heavy rainfall.
(2) The air was not only cool but also pleasant.
(3) The man went out solely to enjoy feeling the rain on his skin.
(4) It was truly a pleased look.
(5) It is really not becoming good or desirable now.
(6) The field was not covered with salt, but it still appeared white.
(7) This hailstorm had not caused as much damage as a locust plague (would have).

Exam Tip: When rewriting sentences as directed, focus on applying the specific grammatical rule or word usage requested, ensuring the new sentence maintains the original meaning and is grammatically correct.

A Letter To God Summary In English

A Letter To God Introduction:

Gregorio Fuentes (July 11, 1897-January 13, 2002) worked as a fisherman and was the first mate of the Pilar, the vessel belonging to the American author Ernest Hemingway. Fuentes is considered by some to be a model for Hemingway's main character, Santiago, in The Old Man and the Sea. However, this is likely because of Fuentes' long life and how he intentionally adopted the persona of Santiago for visitors to Cojimar.

A Letter To God Summary:

'A Letter to God' tells a tale of strong belief in God. The author aimed to show the devotion of a humble and ordinary farmer towards God. Lencho was an honest and diligent farmer. One time, a hailstorm occurred. It entirely ruined his crops. Lencho had immense trust in God. He requested God to send him funds. The postmaster read the message. He chose to assist Lencho. He gathered some cash. He placed it inside the cover. Lencho visited the post office to check for his mail. The postal workers handed him the envelope. Lencho opened the envelope. He removed the money and tallied it. He discovered it was less than what he had requested. He wrote a second letter to God. He asked God to dispatch the remaining funds. However, he preferred God not to send the money via post. He viewed the post office staff as a group of dishonest people who had taken thirty pesos from the hundred pesos sent by God.