GSEB Class 10 English Supplementary Solutions Chapter 15 Life in the Chair

GSEB Solutions

Read the passage and answer the questions.

The next day John and his mom cleaned the house. They cleaned upstairs, downstairs, inside, outside, until everything was spotless. Pointing to Pop-Pop's chair, John's mom exclaimed: "Oh my! That old chair has got to go. We'll buy Pop-pop a new one.”
It was true, John had to agree. The chair was faded and worn and in some places even torn.
"John, come and help me, we'll take the chair to the footpath. Tomorrow the garbage truck is going to come.”As they attempted to move the chair, Pop-Pop came through the door, "Oh, no!” he objected, “You can't take my chair.” “But Pop, we'll buy you a new one,” John's mom said. “I don't want a new one.”

Questions:

Question 1. What did John and his mom do to make everything spotless?
Answer: John and his mother cleaned all parts of the house—upstairs, downstairs, inside, and outside—to ensure everything was perfectly tidy.
In simple words: John and his mom cleaned the whole house until it was very, very clean.

Exam Tip: For descriptive answers, list the specific actions mentioned in the text that contribute to the overall outcome.

Question 2. What did mom say about the chair?
Answer: Mom stated that the old chair needed to be removed.
In simple words: Mom said the old chair had to leave.

Exam Tip: When asked about a character's statement, quote or accurately paraphrase their words from the passage.

Question 3. What was the condition of the chair?
Answer: The chair appeared worn out, with its color faded, and had rips in various spots.
In simple words: The chair was old, its color was dull, and it had tears.

Exam Tip: Describe the object's condition using specific adjectives provided in the text to show attention to detail.

Question 4. Mom wanted John to help her with what?
Answer: Mom wanted John to assist her in taking the chair to the footpath.
In simple words: Mom wanted John's help to move the chair to the sidewalk.

Exam Tip: Make sure your answer directly addresses the specific "what" being asked about the character's action or desire.

Question 5. What did Pop-Pop say when he saw them moving the chair?
Answer: When Pop-Pop noticed them trying to move the chair, he declared that they could not take his chair.
In simple words: Pop-Pop said they couldn't take his chair when he saw them moving it.

Exam Tip: Include the character's exact words or a very close paraphrase when the question asks what they "said."

Question 6. What did John's mom assure Pop-Pop?
Answer: John's mom guaranteed Pop-Pop that they would get him a brand new chair.
In simple words: John's mom promised Pop-Pop a new chair.

Exam Tip: Focus on the specific promise or guarantee made by the character when answering questions about assurances.

Question 7. What did Pop-Pop tell John's mom?
Answer: Pop-Pop informed John's mom that he did not want a new chair.
In simple words: Pop-Pop told John's mom he didn't want a new chair.

Exam Tip: Clearly state the character's preference or refusal as expressed in the text.

"You don't understand, John." Pop-Pop shook his head from side to side and after a long pause he said, “I sat in this chair, when I proposed your grandma to marry me. It was so long ago, but when I sit in this chair and close my eyes I feel she is near.” The old man passed his hand gently along the arm of the chair. “And the night your father was born, I sat in this chair.
I was nervous. I was scared when they placed the tiny baby into my arms, yet I was very happy." "I think I'm beginning to understand,” John said thoughtfully."Many years later," Pop-Pop's voice broke and he paused for a moment and said, “I sat in this chair when the doctor called and told me that your grandma was dead. I was lost without her but the chair gave me comfort and warmth.”

Questions:

Question 1. What does Pop-Pop feel when he sits in the chair?
Answer: When Pop-Pop sits in the chair, he feels as though his grandma is nearby.
In simple words: Pop-Pop feels like grandma is close when he sits in the chair.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to emotional descriptions and connections characters have with objects or places in a narrative.

Question 2. On what occasions did Pop-Pop sit on the chair?
Answer: Pop-Pop sat in the chair when he asked grandma to marry him, when John's father was born, and when grandma passed away.
In simple words: Pop-Pop sat in the chair for big life events: when he proposed, when John's dad was born, and when grandma died.

Exam Tip: List all significant events mentioned in the text where the specific action occurred to provide a complete answer.

Question 3. How did the chair help Pop-Pop?
Answer: The chair offered Pop-Pop a sense of comfort and warmth.
In simple words: The chair made Pop-Pop feel good and secure.

Exam Tip: Identify the specific benefits or support an object provides to a character as described in the passage.

Question 4. Pop-Pop was lost without whom?
Answer: Pop-Pop felt lost without his grandma.
In simple words: Pop-Pop missed his grandma a lot.

Exam Tip: When a question asks "without whom," identify the specific person whose absence caused a particular feeling or situation for the character.

Question 5. When they placed the tiny baby into Pop-Pop's arms, how did he feel?
Answer: When the tiny baby was placed into Pop-Pop's arms, he felt nervous and scared, yet he was also very happy.
In simple words: Pop-Pop felt scared but also very happy when he held the baby.

Exam Tip: Note all emotions expressed by a character in a specific situation, even if they seem contradictory, as feelings can be complex.

Vocabulary Recognition

Select the word having the nearest meaning.

Question 1. summit
(a) meeting
(b) length
(c) height
(d) peak
Answer: (d) peak
In simple words: "Summit" refers to the highest point or top of something, just like a "peak."

Exam Tip: When finding the nearest meaning, consider the primary definition of the word and choose the option that is most synonymous.

Question 2. ultimate
(a) last
(b) first
(c) warning
(d) notice
Answer: (a) last
In simple words: "Ultimate" means the final or most extreme point, similar to "last."

Exam Tip: Look for the option that represents the final or concluding stage when identifying the closest meaning for words like "ultimate."

Question 3. difficulty
(a) easiness
(b) trouble
(c) pain
(d) ache
Answer: (b) trouble
In simple words: "Difficulty" describes a challenging situation or problem, which is very similar to "trouble."

Exam Tip: Understand that difficulty often implies a state of trouble or hardship, guiding your choice of the closest synonym.

Question 4. overcome
(a) overrun
(b) overtake
(c) lose
(d) defeat
Answer: (d) defeat
In simple words: To "overcome" something means to successfully deal with or defeat it.

Exam Tip: Remember that "overcome" implies conquering a challenge, which aligns closely with the meaning of "defeat" in a positive sense.

Question 5. obstacle
(a) direction
(b) observation
(c) object
(d) difficulty
Answer: (d) difficulty
In simple words: An "obstacle" is something that blocks progress or creates a problem, which is a type of "difficulty."

Exam Tip: Think of an "obstacle" as a hinderance; the best synonym will express this idea of making things hard.

Question 6. will power
(a) strength of body
(b) strength of mind
(c) strength of power
(d) strength of limbs
Answer: (b) strength of mind
In simple words: "Will power" means having strong control over your own actions and thoughts, which comes from a strong mind.

Exam Tip: "Will power" relates to determination and mental fortitude, so look for options that refer to mental strength rather than physical.

Question 7. tough
(a) difficult
(b) easy
(c) simple
(d) common
Answer: (a) difficult
In simple words: "Tough" means something is hard to do or deal with, making "difficult" the closest meaning.

Exam Tip: Consider contexts where "tough" is used; it almost always implies a challenge or demanding situation.

Question 8. uneven
(a) not in level
(b) not in slope
(c) not in shape
(d) not in form
Answer: (a) not in level
In simple words: "Uneven" describes something that does not have a smooth, flat, or consistent surface, meaning it's "not in level."

Exam Tip: When evaluating words like "uneven," visualize the surface or condition it describes to pinpoint the most accurate synonym.

Question 9. conscious
(a) know
(b) ignorant
(c) aware
(d) unaware
Answer: (c) aware
In simple words: To be "conscious" means you are awake and know what is happening around you, which is the same as being "aware."

Exam Tip: "Conscious" implies having knowledge or perception of something, making "aware" a direct synonym.

Question 10. unique
(a) normal
(b) common
(c) one of its own
(d) one of its kind
Answer: (d) one of its kind
In simple words: "Unique" means being the only one of its type or having no equal, which fits "one of its kind."

Exam Tip: Look for options that emphasize individuality or singularity when defining "unique."

Question 11. achievement
(a) victory
(b) result
(c) success
(d) failure
Answer: (c) success
In simple words: An "achievement" is something good you have done or completed successfully.

Exam Tip: "Achievement" highlights the successful completion of a goal or task, making "success" the most fitting synonym.

Question 12. fulfillment
(a) affection
(b) satisfaction
(c) fifing
(d) emptiness
Answer: (b) satisfaction
In simple words: "Fulfillment" means feeling pleased because you have achieved something or made your life complete.

Exam Tip: "Fulfillment" implies a deep sense of contentment and satisfaction derived from meeting desires or goals.

Question 13. eternal
(a) brief
(b) short-lived
(c) everlasting
(d) temporary
Answer: (c) everlasting
In simple words: "Eternal" describes something that lasts forever, which is the definition of "everlasting."

Exam Tip: "Eternal" is related to infinity and endlessness; choose the option that conveys a sense of permanence.

Question 14. companion
(a) guide
(b) opponent
(c) enemy
(d) friend
Answer: (d) friend
In simple words: A "companion" is someone who spends time with you or travels with you, like a "friend."

Exam Tip: "Companion" emphasizes fellowship and shared experiences, making "friend" the most appropriate synonym.

Question 15. thrilling
(a) boring
(b) exciting
(c) frightening
(d) chilling
Answer: (b) exciting
In simple words: "Thrilling" means causing a sudden feeling of pleasure and excitement, so "exciting" is the correct choice.

Exam Tip: Focus on the positive and intense emotional impact implied by "thrilling" to select the best synonym.

Question 16. fearful
(a) scared
(b) brave
(c) tough
(d) strong
Answer: (a) scared
In simple words: "Fearful" means feeling or showing fear, which is the same as being "scared."

Exam Tip: Directly relate "fearful" to the emotion of fear, and choose the synonym that expresses this sentiment clearly.

Life in the Chair Summary in Gujarati

ભાષાંતર "મા! હું ઘેર આવી ગયો!” જોને જોરથી દરવાજો બંધ કર્યો અને પાસેની ખુરશી પર પોતાનાં પુસ્તકો મૂક્યાં. “અરે, જૉન, ધરે આવી ગયો?” તેની માએ તેને આવકાર્યો. તેની માએ તાજી બનાવેલી કૂકીની પ્લેટ ખુલ્લી બારી પાસેના ટેબલ પર હમણાં જ મૂકી હતી. જૉને કૂકી લીધી અને બહાર જોયું. જૉનના ધદા પૉપ-પૉપ અંદર આવ્યા. વસંતઋતુ આવી ગઈ,” પૉપ-પૉપે કહ્યું, “અને એટલે શું એ તું જાણે છો."

ચોક્કસ,” જન સંમત થયો, “આપણે માછલી પકડવાની વાર્ષિક સહેલ આવી પહોંચી.” “હું વાર્ષિક સાફસૂફીનો વિચાર કરી રહી હતી,” જૉનની માએ કહ્યું, “જૉન, તારે કાલે સ્કૂલમાં રજા છે અને હું થોડી મદદની અપેક્ષા રાખી શકું, ઓકે?” “સારું, સારું,” જૉન સંમત થયો.

બીજા દિવસે જન અને તેની માએ ઘર સાફ કર્યું. તેમણે ઉપર, નીચે, અંદર, બહાર, બધું જ ઘસીને ચોખ્ખચટ કર્યું. પૉપ-પૉપની ખુરશી દેખાડીને જૉનની માએ આશ્ચર્યથી કહ્યું, “અરે! પેલી જૂની ખુરશી કાઢી નાખવી જોઈએ. પૉપ-પૉપ માટે આપણે નવી ખુરશી લઈ આવીશું.”

જૂની ખુરશી કાઢી નાખવાનો વિચાર સારો છે? શા માટે? વાત સાચી હતી. જનને સંમત થવું પડ્યું. ખુરશીનો રંગ ઊડી ગયો હતો, (તે) ખવાઈ ગઈ હતી અને કેટલીક જગાએથી ફાટી પણ ગયેલી. જન, આવ અને મદદ કર, આપણે આ ખુરશીને ફૂટપાથ પર મૂકી દઈએ. આવતી કાલે કચરો લઈ જતી ગાડી આવશે.”

જેવો તેમણે ખુરશી ખસેડવાનો પ્રયત્ન કર્યો તે જ વખતે પૉમ-પૉપ અંદર આવ્યા. “અરે ના!” તેમણે વિરોધ કર્યો, “તમે મારી ખુરશી નહિ લઈ જઈ શકો.” “પણ, પૉપ, અમે તમને નવી ખુરશી લાવી આપીશું," જૉનની માએ કહ્યું. “મારે નવી (ખુરશી) નથી જોઈતી.” “પૉપ-પૉપ, તમારે આવી ગંદી ખુરશી શા માટે રાખવી છે?”

જનની મા બહાર ગઈ પછી, જૉને પૂછ્યું, “કેટલી જૂની છે.” “જન, તું એ નહિ સમજે." પૉપ-પૉપે માથે બંને બાજુ ઘુમાવી (ના કહી) અને પછી ઘણી વારે કહ્યું, "તારી દાદી પાસે મેં લગ્નનો પ્રસ્તાવ મૂક્યો ત્યારે આ ખુરશીમાં બેઠો હતો.

એ ઘણી જૂની વાત છે, પણ હવે જ્યારે હું આ ખુરશીમાં બેસી આંખો બંધ કરું છું ત્યારે મને લાગે છે તે (તારી દાદી) મારી પાસે જ છે.” ડોસાએ ખુરશીના હાથા પર ધીમેથી હાથ ફેરવ્યો. "અને જે રાતે તારા પિતાનો જન્મ થયો હતો ત્યારે હું આ ખુરશીમાં બેઠો હતો. હું ગભરાયેલો હતો. તેઓએ જ્યારે નાજુક બાળકને મારા હાથમાં લાવી મૂક્યો ત્યારે હું ડરી ગયો, તોપણ હું ખુશ હતો." મને લાગે છે કે હું તમારી વાતો સમજી રહ્યો છું," જોને વિચારપૂર્વક કહ્યું. જોન શું સમજી રહ્યો હતો?

ઘણાં વર્ષો પછી,” પૉપનો અવાજ તરડાઈ ગયો અને થોડી વારે અટકીને કહ્યું, “જ્યારે ડૉકટરને બોલાવ્યા અને તારી ધદીનું મૃત્યુ થઈ ગયું હતું એમ મને કહ્યું ત્યારે હું આ ખુરશીમાં બેઠો હતો. તેના વિના હું નોધારો થઈ ગયો પણ મને આ ખુરશીએ આશ્વાસન અને હૂંફ આપેલાં." પૉપ-પૉપ, હું દિલગીર છું,” જોને તેના દાદા સામે જોઈને કહ્યું, “હવે મને સમજાય છે. આ કંઈ માત્ર જૂની ખુરશી નથી. આ ખુરશી તમારા મિત્ર કરતાં પણ વિશેષ છે.” હા, અમે ઘણું સાથે રહ્યાં છીએ,″ પૉપ-પૉપે કહ્યું. એ રાત્રે જૉન અને પૉપ-પૉપ સૂતા હતા ત્યારે જનની માં અને તેના પિતા ખુરશીને ઊંચકીને બહાર ફૂટપાથ પર મૂકી આવ્યા.

તમે પૉપ-પૉપ હોત તો તમે શું કર્યું હોત?

બીજા દિવસે સવારે જૉન નીચે આવ્યો ત્યારે પૉપ-પૉપ બા૩ પાસે ઊભા રહી બહાર જોતા હતા. તેમના બેસી ગયેલા ગાલ પર એક આંસુ સરી પડ્યું. જૉને બહાર રસ્તાના ફૂટપાથ પર બરફથી ઢંકાયેલી ખુરશી જોઈ. કચરાની ગાડીનો અવાજ પાસે ને પાસે આવી રહ્યો હતો. તે બહાર દોડ્યો. "ઊભા રહો, ખુરશી લેશો નહિ.” તેણે બૂમ પાડી. પછી તે દોડીને અંદર ગયો અને તેની મા સામે જઈ ઊભો રહ્યો, “મા, પૉપ-પૉપ સામે જો. હું તેમની ખુરશી ફેંકી નહિ દઈ શકે. આ કંઈ ફક્ત ખુરશી નથી. કેટલાય લાંબા સમયથી ખુરશી પૉપ-પૉપ પાસે છે. આ ખુરશી તેમના મિત્ર જેવી છે.”

જૉનની માએ ફરીને વૃદ્ધ સામે નજર કરી, ધીમેથી તે તેમની પાસે ગઈ. તેણે તેની અનામિકા(ત્રીજી આંગળી)થી આંસુ લૂડ્યાં. પછી કહ્યું, “પૉપ-પૉપ, હું દિલગીર છું. આ ખુરશીનું તમારે મન કેટલું મહત્ત્વ છે હું સમજી નહિ. જૉન અને હું ખુરશીને પાછી ઘરમાં લઈ આવીશું." તેમણે ખુરશી પર જામેલો બરફ હાથેથી ખંખેરી નાખ્યો અને ખુરશીને ઘરમાં પાછી લઈ આવ્યાં. જૉન અને પૉપ-પૉપ બંને સમજી ગયા કે ખુરશી વિનાનો દીવાન-ખંડ સાવ નિસ્તેજ દેખાતો હતો. સ્મૃતિ એ વધારાનું જીવન છે.

Word Meanings

to slam (સ્લમ) જોરથી બંધ કરવું

spring (સ્પ્રિંગ) વસંતઋતુ

annual (अॅन्युअल) વાર્ષિક

to suggest (સજેસ્ટ) સૂચન કરવું

to expect (ઈક્સપેક્ટ) અપેક્ષા રાખવી

to agree (અગ્રી) સંમતિ આપવી, સહમત થવું

spotless (સ્પૉટલેસ) ચોખ્ખું

faded (ફેડીડ) રંગ ઊડી ગયેલું

worn (વૉર્ન) જીર્ણ થયેલું

torn (ટૉર્ન) ફાટી ગયેલું

garbage (ગાર્બિજ) કચરો

to object (ઑબજેક્ટ) વાંધો ઉઠાવવો

comfort (કમ્ફર્ટ) આરામ, આશ્વાસન

warmth (વૉથ) ઉષ્મા

hollow (હૉલો) ખાડો પડેલું

to realize (રિઅલાઈઝ) જાણવું, ભાન થવું

wholeheartedly (હોલહાર્ટિડલિ) હૃદયપૂર્વક

Phrase

to brush off (બ્રશ ઑફ) ખંખેરી નાખવું