GSEB Class 10 English Solutions Chapter 4 From the Diary of Anne Frank

Oral Comprehension Check (Textbook Page No. 51)

 

Question 1. What makes writing in a diary a strange experience for Anne Frank?
Answer: Writing in a diary was a new experience for Anne Frank because she had never owned a diary, and it was a present for her 13th birthday. She considered it her closest companion, relying on it most and sharing all her joys and sorrows with it.

Exam Tip: When discussing character experiences, highlight the novelty or significance of the situation and the character's emotional connection to it.

 

Question 2. Why does Anne want to keep a diary?
Answer: Anne constantly feels alone and distressed, so to release all the burden and sorrow, she wishes to keep a diary. She finds a genuine friend in it, as she has hardly any friends she can trust and confide in.

Exam Tip: Explain Anne's core motivations (loneliness, need for a confidant) to fully answer why she wants a diary.

 

Question 3. Why did Anne think she could confide more in her diary than in people?
Answer: Anne felt that paper possessed more patience than people when listening to her problems. Therefore, it was simpler for her to record all kinds of thoughts she had in her mind. Her personal diary was not intended for anyone else to read.

Exam Tip: Emphasize the diary's passive, non-judgmental nature as the key reason Anne trusts it over people.

 

Question 4. Why does Anne provide a brief sketch of her life?
Answer: By offering a quick summary of her life, Anne intends to give an overview of her family, relatives, and her age. This helps the reader to establish a connection with the author.

Exam Tip: Note that authors often provide personal background to help readers relate to their experiences and build empathy.

 

Question 5. What tells you that Anne loved her grandmother?
Answer: Anne lived with her grandmother for some time while her parents settled down in Holland. She was very close to her Grandmother. She writes in her diary, "No one knows how often I think of her and still love her.” On her 13th birthday, by lighting up one candle for Grandmother, she shows her affection for her.

Exam Tip: Mention specific actions or quotes from the text that clearly demonstrate Anne's deep affection for her grandmother.

(Textbook Page No. 54)

 

Question 6. Why was Mr Keesing annoyed with Anne? What did he ask her to do?
Answer: Mr Keesing was irritated with Anne because she was very talkative. He disciplined her by giving her extra homework: writing essays to keep her quiet, and the topics were always related to her nature.

Exam Tip: When answering questions about a character's reaction, explain both the cause (Anne's talkativeness) and the effect (Mr. Keesing's annoyance and punishment).

 

Question 7. How did Anne justify her being a chatterbox in her essay?
Answer: Anne defended her talkativeness in her essay by explaining that it was due to her mother, who was also very talkative, and that nobody could do anything about their inherited characteristics.

Exam Tip: Identify the specific argument Anne used (inherited traits) to justify her behavior, showing her cleverness.

 

Question 8. Do you think Mr Keesing was a strict teacher?
Answer: No, Mr Keesing was not a bad or severe teacher because a teacher does things for the good of his students. Any teacher would become annoyed if children continued talking in class. Secondly, if he had been strict, he would not have laughed at Anne's amusing arguments.

Exam Tip: Support your opinion with evidence from the text, such as Mr. Keesing's actions (doing good for students, laughing at arguments) to show he wasn't overly strict.

 

Question 9. What made Mr Keesing allow Anne to talk in class?
Answer: Anne's final essay, written as a poem, revealed Mr Keesing the lighter side of a mischievous child. It helped close the gap between the teacher and the student.

Exam Tip: Focus on the specific event (the essay as a poem) that changed Mr. Keesing's perception of Anne and led to his leniency.

Thinking about the Text

 

Question 1. Was Anne right when she said that the world would not be interested in the musings of a thirteen-year-old girl?
Answer: Yes, Anne was correct when she said so, because most people do not wish to give importance to a child's perspective on the world, as they are too young for such matters. However, Anne Frank has become one of the most talked-about Holocaust victims. Her 'diary' has been translated into many languages.

Exam Tip: Acknowledge Anne's initial perception while also contrasting it with the historical impact of her diary, showing a complete understanding.

 

Question 2. There are some examples of diary or journal entries in the 'Before You Read' section. Compare these with what Anne writes in her diary. What language was the diary originally written in? In what way is Anne's diary different?
Answer: Anne's diary was completely different from most of the examples given before the text. It was somewhat closer to a memoir in which the name of Raj Kapoor has been mentioned. It was originally written in Dutch. It has an informal tone, which shows the careful nature of a teenager.

Exam Tip: When comparing, highlight unique characteristics of Anne's diary, such as its informal tone and original language, to differentiate it clearly.

 

Question 3. Why does Anne need to give a brief sketch about her family? Does she treat 'Kitty' as an insider or an outsider?
Answer: Anne gave an introduction of her family in the 'diary' because it was difficult to make others realize that a thirteen-year-old could write about her loneliness. Kitty was an 'outsider' given by her parents on her 13th birthday, but she considered it her best friend and treated it as an insider.

Exam Tip: When discussing Anne's relationship with Kitty, explain both the factual origin of the diary (gift) and her emotional connection to it (best friend, insider).

 

Question 4. How does Anne feel about her father, her grandmother, Mrs Kuperus and Mr Keesing? What do these tell you about her?
Answer: Anne has fond memories of her father, grandmother, Mrs Kuperus, and Mr Keesing, who have left lasting impacts on her mind and influenced her life greatly. The way she presents all of them in her diary shows that Anne was very good at understanding people and at developing interpersonal relations.

Exam Tip: Note how Anne's descriptions of others reveal her own qualities, such as her perceptiveness and ability to form relationships.

 

Question 5. What does Anne write in her first essay?
Answer: Mr Keesing asked her to write an essay on the topic 'A Chatterbox' as punishment. In the essay, she acknowledged the disadvantages of being talkative but argued that it was in her genes, as her mother was also very talkative. It was hard to stop the habit, and it was also a student's trait. Even Mr Keesing chuckled at the argument she had presented.

Exam Tip: When explaining Anne's essay, detail her reasoning and the clever justifications she used to defend her talkative nature.

 

Question 6. Anne says teachers are most unpredictable. Is Mr Keesing unpredictable?
Answer: Anne provided a perfect example of Mr Keesing being an unpredictable teacher because Mr Keesing initially seemed uninterested in Anne's behavior. Earlier, he laughed, but later he permitted Anne to speak in class after reading her essays.

Exam Tip: Use specific examples of Mr. Keesing's changing behavior (first annoyed, then amused, then permissive) to illustrate his unpredictability.

 

Question 7. What do these statements tell you about Anne Frank as a person?
(1) We don't seem to be able to get any closer, and that's the problem. Maybe it's my fault that we don't confide in each other.
(2) I don't want to jot down the facts in this diary the way most people would do, but I want the diary to be my friend.
(3) Margot went to Holland in December and I followed in February, when I was plunked down on the table as a birthday present for Margot.
(4) If you ask me, there are so many dummies that about a quarter of the class should be kept back, but teachers are the most unpredictable creatures on earth.
(5) Anyone could ramble on and leave big spaces between the words, but the trick was to come up with convincing arguments to prove the necessity of talking.
Answer:
(1) Anne is private.
(2) She is self-assured and creative.
(3) She is humorous as well.
(4) Anne is smart.
(5) She has a sense of proper conduct and a persuasive manner.

Exam Tip: For each statement, identify the dominant personality trait it reveals, ensuring your descriptions are concise and accurate.

Thinking about Language

 

Question. Match the compound words under column 'A' with their meanings under column 'B'. Use each in a sentence.
Answer:

(1 – d), (2 – g), (3 – f), (4 – a), (5 – h), (6 – b), (7 – e), (8 – c).

Exam Tip: Carefully cross-reference each compound word with its meaning to ensure accuracy, as some definitions might be subtle.

Phrasal Verbs:

 

Question. Find the sentences in the lesson that have the phrasal verbs given below. Match them with their meanings. (You have already found out the meanings for some of them.) Are their meanings the same as that of their parts? (Note that two parts of a phrasal verb may occur separated in the text.)
Answer:

(1 – g), (2 – i), (3 – h), (4 – a), (5 – d), (6 – c), (7 – b), (8 – f), (9 – e).

Exam Tip: Phrasal verbs often have meanings that differ from their individual words; memorize common ones or deduce meaning from context.

Idioms:

 

Question 1. Here are a few sentences from the text which have idiomatic expressions. Can you say what each means? (You might want to consult a dictionary first.)
1. Our entire class is quaking in its boots.
2. Until then, we keep telling each other not to lose heart.
3. Mr Keesing annoyed with me for ages because I talked so much.
4. Mr Keesing was trying to play a joke on me with this ridiculous subject, but I'd make sure the joke was on him.
Answer:
1. Trembling with fear and feeling nervous.
2. Not to think about the bad side, but hope for the best outcome.
3. For a very long period.
4. The joke would only impact him.

Exam Tip: Explain idioms in simple, direct language, focusing on their figurative meaning rather than a literal interpretation.

 

Question 2. Here are a few more idiomatic expressions that occur in the text. Try to use them in sentences of your own.
1. caught my eye
2. had enough
3. laugh ourselves silly
4. can't bring myself to
5. break somebody's heart
6. close/dear to heart
7. from the (bottom of your) heart
8. have a heart
9. have a heart of stone
10. your heart goes out to somebody
Answer:
1. While I was in the market, a beautiful purse had caught my attention.
2. The teacher said that he'd had enough and he wanted all the notebooks by Wednesday.
3. We giggled until we were silly at his ridiculous jokes.
4. I cannot make myself accept this tragedy.
5. It is not a good habit to sadden someone deeply.
6. I am very fond of my father.
7. I sincerely thank you for being my mentor.
8. I ask you to show compassion and re-examine my application.
9. It is said that individuals like Hitler lacked empathy.
10. As I observed the poorly dressed children, I felt deep sympathy for them.

Exam Tip: When using idioms in sentences, make sure the context clearly demonstrates the idiom's meaning and usage.

Contracted Forms:

 

Question 1. Make a list of the contracted forms in the text. Rewrite them as full forms of two words. For example: I've = I have
Answer:
1. I've - I have
2. Doesn't - does not
3. Won't - will not
4. I'm - I am
5. Don't - do not
6. Can't - cannot
7. it's - it is
8. That's - that is
9. I'd - I would/I had
10. Didn't - did not
11. Who'll - who will
12. You're - You are
13. We'll - We will
14. There's - there is
15. He'd - he would/he had
16. Who's - who is
17. Haven't - have not

Exam Tip: Pay attention to the context of contractions, as some (like 'I'd' or 'He'd') can represent different full forms.

 

Question 2. We have seen that some contracted forms can stand for two different full forms: For example: I'd – I had or I would Find in the text the contracted forms that stand for two different full forms, and say what these are.
Answer:
He'd - He had or He would

Exam Tip: Focus on contractions that share a common phonetic sound but can expand into different meanings based on usage.

GSEB Class 10 English From the Diary of Anne Frank Additional Important Questions and Answers

 

Question 1. Read the following passages and select the most appropriate answers for the questions given Below them:
Let me put it more clearly, since no one will believe that a thirteen-year-old girl is completely alone in the world. And I'm not. I have loving parents and a sixteen-year-old sister, and there are about thirty people I can call friends. I have a family, loving aunts and a good home. No, on the surface I seem to have everything, except my one true friend. All I think about when I'm with friends is having a good time. I can't bring myself to talk about anything but ordinary everyday things. We don't seem to be able to get any closer, and that's the problem. Maybe it's my fault that we don't confide in each Other. In any case, that's just how things are, and unfortunately they're not liable to change. This is why I've started the diary.
1. The writer does not feel lonely in the company of ..........................
(a) her parents.
(b) her elder sister.
(c) some thirty friends.
(d) All of these three
Answer: (d) All of these three
In simple words: The passage indicates that even with her parents, sister, and friends, Anne still feels a deep sense of loneliness, suggesting none of them truly fulfill her need for a confidant.

Exam Tip: For passage-based questions, carefully read the provided text to identify clues that support each option before selecting the best answer.

 

Question. 2. 'I seem to have everything, except my one true friend'. Who is this true friend of the writer?
(a) The one who is no more.
(b) Her elder sister
(c) Her diary
(d) Her loving aunt
Answer: (c) Her diary
In simple words: Anne states in the passage that she started the diary because she lacked a "true friend," implying the diary itself becomes this friend.

Exam Tip: Look for direct statements or strong implications within the passage that explicitly identify the 'true friend' mentioned.

 

Question. 3. The writer is not very happy in the company of her friends because ..........................
(a) her friends ignore her.
(b) she cannot be friendly with them as she should.
(c) they don't confide in each other.
(d) All of these three.
Answer: (c) they don't confide in each other.
In simple words: The passage highlights Anne's struggle to talk about deep things with her friends, indicating a lack of mutual trust and deeper connection.

Exam Tip: When asked about reasons for a character's feelings, seek evidence in the passage that explains the emotional state rather than just describing it.

 

Question. 4. The writer started writing a diary because ..........................
(a) she needed some company intensely.
(b) she wanted to make record of everything that she lived.
(c) it was her hobby.
(d) her parents had insisted her to do so.
Answer: (a) she needed some company intensely.
In simple words: The final sentence of the passage clearly states Anne started the diary because of her need for a true friend, which is equivalent to seeking deep companionship.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the concluding sentences of a passage, as they often summarize the main reason or outcome being discussed.

 

Question 2. Read the following passages and select the most appropriate answers for the questions given Below them:
I started right away at the Montessori nursery school. I stayed there until I was six, at which time I started in the first form. In the sixth form my teacher was Mrs Kuperus, the headmistress. At the end of the year, we were both in tears as we said a heartbreaking farewell.
In the summer of 1941 Grandma fell ill and had to have an operation, so my birthday passed with little celebration.
Grandma died in January 1942. No one knows how often I think of her and still love her. This birthday celebration in 1942 was intended to make up for the other, and Grandma's candle was lit along with the rest.
1. The word 'form' used in this passage stands for ..........................
(a) format
(b) standard
(c) drawing
(d) type
Answer: (b) standard
In simple words: In the context of schooling, 'form' refers to a class or grade level, indicating a standard of education.

Exam Tip: When a word has multiple meanings, choose the definition that best fits the context of the passage, especially in an educational setting.

 

Question. 2. Which sentence in the passage suggests that the writer was emotionally attached with her teacher?
(a) I stayed there until I was six, at which time I started in the first form.
(b) In the sixth form my teacher was Mrs Kuperus, the headmistress.
(c) At the end of the year, we were both in tears as we said a heartbreaking farewell.
(d) I started right away at the Montessori nursery school.
Answer: (c) At the end of the year, we were both in tears as we said a heartbreaking farewell.
In simple words: The act of both student and teacher crying during a farewell clearly shows a deep emotional bond between them.

Exam Tip: Emotional attachment is often shown through expressions of sadness, tears, or difficulty parting ways.

 

Question. 3. Owing to .......................... the writer could not celebrate her birthday with great celebration.
(a) her grandmother's death
(b) her grandmother's surgery
(c) a sad farewell from her school
(d) her own resistance
Answer: (b) her grandmother's surgery
In simple words: The passage states that Anne's birthday had little celebration because her grandmother had to have an operation, directly linking the event to the surgery.

Exam Tip: Pinpoint the exact cause and effect relationship mentioned in the passage to choose the correct reason for an event.

 

Question. 4. How did the writer pay homage to her late grandmother?
(a) By postponing the celebration of her birthday.
(b) By cutting the cake in her grandmother's memory.
(c) By lighting Grandma's candle along with the rest.
(d) By holding a prayer in the name of her late grandmother.
Answer: (c) By lighting Grandma's candle along with the rest.
In simple words: The passage explicitly mentions that a candle was lit for Grandma during Anne's 1942 birthday celebration, as a way to honor her.

Exam Tip: Look for specific actions described in the text that directly relate to showing respect or honor to a deceased person.

 

Question 3. Read the following passages and select the most appropriate answers for the questions given Below them:
That evening, after I'd finished the rest of my homework, the note about the essay caught my eye. I began thinking about the subject while chewing the tip of my fountain pen. Anyone could ramble on and leave big spaces between the words, but the trick was to come up with convincing arguments to prove the necessity of talking. I thought and thought, and suddenly I had an idea. I wrote the three pages Mr Keesing had assigned me and was satisfied. I argued that talking is a student's trait and that I would do my best to keep it under control, but that I would never be able to cure myself of the habit since my mother talked as much as I did if not more, and that there's not much you can do about inherited traits.
1. 'Chewing the tip of her fountain pen' in the passage suggests ..........................
(a) Anne's confusion.
(b) Anne's worry.
(c) Anne's anger.
(d) Anne's habit.
Answer: (a) Anne's confusion.
In simple words: The action of chewing a pen tip often shows deep thought or uncertainty, indicating Anne's confusion about how to approach the essay topic.

Exam Tip: Infer the character's emotional state by analyzing their actions and their internal monologue described in the passage.

 

Question. 2. The phrase 'come up with' in the passage means ..........................
(a) 'arrive at'.
(b) 'declare'.
(c) 'produce'.
(d) 'interrupt'.
Answer: (c) 'produce'.
In simple words: In this context, "come up with" means to create or generate an idea or solution, which is equivalent to producing it.

Exam Tip: Understand that phrasal verbs like 'come up with' often have specific meanings that can be best identified through synonyms in the given context.

 

Question. 3. What did the writer resolve?
(a) That she would follow a student-trait.
(b) That she would restrain her talking.
(c) That she would not do any assignment
(d) None of these three.
Answer: (b) That she would restrain her talking.
In simple words: Anne stated she would "do my best to keep it under control," indicating her resolution to limit her talkative nature.

Exam Tip: Look for phrases in the text that express a decision or promise made by the character to determine their resolution.

 

Question. 4. The writer could not keep her talking under control as ..........................
(a) she feared that she would stop talking for ever.
(b) the habit had been deeply rooted in her for years.
(c) she had inherited talking from her parents.
(d) None of these three.
Answer: (c) she had inherited talking from her parents.
In simple words: Anne directly argued that she couldn't cure herself of the habit because it was an "inherited trait" from her mother.

Exam Tip: When a character provides a direct explanation for their behavior, it is usually the correct answer for "why" questions.

Answer the following questions in five to six sentences each:

 

Question 1. Why did Anne think that she could confide more in her diary than in the people?
Answer: Anne Frank did not have a companion with whom she could share her thoughts. Although she had enjoyed her time with friends, she was unable to express her true opinions and feelings with them. When she received her diary, she decided to share everything with it because she believed no one would be sufficiently interested in her thoughts. Therefore, she treated her diary as her best friend; it would keep her life private and would not react like people. She confided all her family matters, her fears, her loneliness, and her life into the diary, considering it her closest friend.

Exam Tip: To explain Anne's preference for her diary, highlight its qualities (passive, private, non-judgmental) that people lack, making it a trusted confidant.

 

Question 2. Who helped Anne in writing the essay and how?
Answer: Anne enjoyed talking a lot. Mr Keesing disciplined her and kept giving her essays to write one after another as she continued talking in class. When asked to write on the topic 'Quack, Quack, Quack said Mistress Chatterbox,' she decided to make it original. Her friend Sanne helped her, as she was good at poetry and suggested she write the entire essay in verse. Anne tried to play a trick on Mr Keesing with the essay. Mr Keesing accepted it well and read it in class. He understood she was not a dull student but talkative, so he allowed her to speak and did not punish her again.

Exam Tip: Describe the collaboration and the unique approach (verse) taken for the essay, emphasizing how it changed the teacher's perception.

 

Question 3. 'Paper has more patience than people'. Justify.
OR
'Paper has more patience than people', Do you agree with the statement?
Answer: Anne believes that people are not interested in others' lives because they are busy with their own problems, making it difficult to find someone who values her diary. People get bored and grow impatient when we discuss our issues.
On the other hand, when we write our feelings and thoughts on paper, we can write as much as we want without thinking about anyone, as it does not respond. We can share our feelings, both sad and happy. It never gets tired or stops us from writing. It acts like a genuine friend who keeps your secrets and patiently listens to you. So she thinks that paper has more patience than individuals.

Exam Tip: Clearly articulate the contrast between human reactions (boredom, impatience) and paper's passive nature (non-reactive, secretive) to justify Anne's statement.

Writing

 

Now you know what a diary is and how to keep one. Can you keep a diary for a week recording the events that occur? You may share your diary with your class, if you wish to. Use the following hints to write your diary.

• Though your diary is very private, write as if you are writing for someone else.
• Present your thoughts in a convincing manner.
• Use words that convey your feelings, and words that 'paint pictures' for the reader.
• Be brief.

Answer:

Diary Writing September 9, 2021

I woke up quite late this morning because I had stayed awake the previous night watching a cricket match. My parents understood this, so they let me sleep in, as it was Sunday and I had no plans. It was my first free time in a long while, and I wanted to enjoy it fully. I read both Gujarati and English newspapers while enjoying coffee and snacks. Then I spent almost an hour taking a thorough bath. What a wonderful feeling after ages! After that, my mom had prepared a sweet dish I really liked for lunch, and I ate it until I was full. In the afternoon, I watched a movie with my friends and went window shopping at a nearby mall. The evening was dedicated to my long-awaited hangout with friends and pizza. What a great day!

September 10, 2021

Once more, at the start of a new week, getting up early, going to school, and seeing the same old faces of teachers felt quite daunting to me. However, I cheered up during recess while with my friends. We had our snack boxes, and sharing the food among ourselves really lifted my spirits. Learning English with my favorite teacher was truly energizing. Going back home riding bicycles with friends and playing pranks along the way was even more fun.

September 11, 2021

It was Tuesday, and most of the classes in school were Computer, P.T., and drawing. It was the most relaxing day of the entire week, and we had lots of chats and many more pranks. I had tuition class in the afternoon and a swimming session in the evening.

September 12, 2021

While cycling to school, I witnessed an accident. A scooterist, a young girl, accidentally knocked down an elderly lady because she was a beginner and had lost control. I parked my bicycle by the side of the road and quickly went to help the injured lady. She had bruises on her hand and a sprain

From the Diary of Anne Frank Summary in English

From the Diary of Anne Frank Introduction:

Annelies Marie Frank (12 June, 1929 - February or March 1945) was a German-born Jewish girl who gained fame posthumously with the publication of The Diary of a Young Girl, in which she documented her life in hiding from 1942 to 1944, during the German occupation of the Netherlands in World War II. It is one of the world's most widely known books and has been the basis for several plays and films.

From the Diary of Anne Frank Summary:

Writing in a diary was really a strange experience for Anne as she was writing it for the first time. She felt that nobody would be interested in the musings of a thirteen-year-old girl. But in her state of depression, she wanted a companion, and 'She found that only a diary could be her true and patient friend wherein she could squeeze out her boredom. She wrote that she had loving parents arid a sixteen-year-old sister, Margot. There were about thirty people whom she could call her friends. She also had a family, loving aunts and a good home, but still she wanted a true friend, which she found in the form of a diary and she fondly named it 'Kitty'.

Anne was sent to Montessori nursery school. She stayed there till she was six. That time their headmistress was Mrs Kuperus. She was given tearful farewell at the end of the year. Her grandma, whom she loved too dearly fell ill in 194], and was operated on. She died in 1942 which left her greatly shocked.

On the day of their result, all the students were nervous. Out of their nine teachers, Mr Keesing, her Mathematics teacher often kept annoyed with Anne as she was very talkative. As a punishment, she was given to write an essay-'A Chatterbox', which she was unable to write. Somehow she managed to complete her homework. She thought that talking was a student's trait.

She had inherited talkative nature from her mother. After reading the essay, Mr Keesing laughed heartily. Once again he gave another essay -'An Incorrigible Chatterbox' as a punishment. She did not talk for two lessons. During the third lesson, he again asked her to write on the topic' 'Quack, Quack, Quack, said Mistress Chatterbox'. At this, Anne laughed and the class also laughed loudly. Now she wanted to write something new and convincing on the topic but she could not write. Her friend, Sanne helped her to write. She wrote in verse.

Anne read the story in the class. It had a story of a mother duck and father swan with three ducklings. The father swan had bitten the three ducklings to death as they quacked too much. In fact it was a joke on Mr Keesing, but luckily he took it in right way. Then she was allowed to talk and no extra work was given. Mr Keesing was a changed person then, and he also started cutting jokes in the class.

10th Std English Questions And Answers: