Maharashtra Board Class 10 English Chapter 4.2 The Luncheon Solutions

Std 10 English Poem The Luncheon 4.2 Question Answer Maharashtra Board

Class 10 English Chapter 4.2 Question Answer Maharashtra Board

The Luncheon Poem 10th Std Question Answer

The Luncheon Questions And Answers Class 10 Question 1.
Talk with your partner and discuss the following questions:
(a) Have you ever been invited to lunch, at any hotel, by your friend?
(b) What was the occasion?
(c) Did you enjoy the lunch? Why?
Answer:
(a) Have you ever been invited for a lunch to any hotel by your friend? (You can think of the name of the hotel, what you ate there, what you saw there, etc.)
(b) What was the occasion? (Was it for a birthday, a celebration of some sort, a get-together, etc.)
(c) Did you enjoy the lunch? Why? (Was the food good/bad, was the service good/bad, was the place clean/unclean/noisy, etc.)
In simple words: This question encourages personal reflection and discussion about past experiences of dining out with friends, focusing on the details of the event and personal enjoyment.

🎯 Exam Tip: For discussion-based questions, focus on articulating clear points and providing relevant personal examples to demonstrate understanding and engage with the topic.

 

Question 2.
Discuss in pairs:
People with foibles are often not conscious of them. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
Answer:
I agree with this. My grandmother has a foible that we all know about, but she is not conscious of it. When the house is untidy, she gets irritated. She will tuck in the edge of her sari and walk about the house, muttering to herself. She is not even aware of this peculiar behavior.
In simple words: Yes, people often have small, peculiar habits or weaknesses (foibles) that they themselves are unaware of, even though others might notice them.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to agree or disagree, always provide reasoning and examples to support your stance, showing critical thinking.

 

Question 3.
As you know, every country has its own currency. Find out the currency of at least 6 countries along with their current exchange rate in India, with the help of the internet. One is done for you.
For example, Switzerland: franc; 1 franc - 66.73 INR
Answer:

Country	Currency	Exchange Rate in Indian Currency
1. Switzerland	franc	1 franc = 66.73 Rs.
2. United States of America	Dollar	1 dollar = 72.04 rupees
3. Afghanistan	Afghani	1 Afghani= 0.9532 rupees
4. Japan	Yen	1 Yen =0.6422 rupees
5. Indonesia	Rupiah	1 Rupiah = 0.005 rupees
6. Malaysia	Malaysian ringgit	1 Malaysian ringgit = 17.412 rupees

In simple words: Different countries have their unique currencies, and their value against the Indian Rupee (Rs.) varies daily, which can be found using online resources.

🎯 Exam Tip: General knowledge questions about global currencies and exchange rates test your awareness of current affairs and research skills. Ensure your data is recent if specified.

 

The Luncheon Class 10 English Workshop Questions and Answers Maharashtra Board

 

Question 1.
Choose the correct option from the bracket and fill in the blanks given below. (addressed, luncheon, generously, unwise, insist)
(a) The chief guest __________ the students.
(b) The crow was __________ to sing.
(c) I invited my relatives to __________.
(d) Parents always __________ on children to be allrounders.
(e) The king decided to donate his wealth among his subjects __________.
Answer:
(a) addressed
(b) unwise
(c) luncheon
(d) insist
(e) generously
In simple words: This exercise tests your vocabulary and ability to choose the most fitting word from a given list to complete sentences grammatically and contextually.

🎯 Exam Tip: For fill-in-the-blanks, read each sentence carefully, consider the meaning of each option, and choose the word that makes the most sense in the context.

 

Question 2.
Go through the story again and find out various instances which create humour in 'The Luncheon'. Complete the table by picking up various humorous instances and the particular line from the story. One is done for you.
Answer:

Humorous Instance	Line from the story
The woman is a voracious eater	"Follow my example, and never eat more than one thing for luncheon."
1. The author ordered a single mutton chop.	(i) "I see you're in the habit of eating a heavy luncheon.” (ii) "Why don't you follow my example and eat just one thing?"
2. The woman wanted to eat asparagus.	(i) "I couldn't possibly eat anything more unless they had some of those giant asparagus. I should be sorry to leave Paris without eating some of them." (ii) "I'm not in the least hungry, but if you insist, I don't mind having some asparagus."
3. The writer was afraid that he would not have enough money to pay the bill.	I would put my hand in my pocket and with a dramatic cry, start-up and say that it had been picked.

In simple words: The humor in 'The Luncheon' arises from the stark contrast between the guest's stated intention to eat very little and her actual consumption of expensive, multiple dishes, often with ironic comments.

🎯 Exam Tip: When analyzing humor or irony in a story, identify specific actions, dialogues, or situations that create the humorous effect and quote directly from the text to support your points.

 

Question 3.
Who said these words/sentences? Under what circumstances?
Words/Sentences
1. I never eat anything for luncheon.
2. It's many years since we first met.
3. Are you still hungry?
4. I don't believe in overloading my stomach.
5. I'll eat nothing for dinner tonight.
Answer:

Words/Sentences	Who said?	Under what circumstances?
1. I never eat anything for luncheon.	Guest	When the writer was startled on seeing the prices on the menu.
2. It's many years since we first met.	The Guest	When she met the writer at a play and called him over during the interval to talk to him.
3. Are you still hungry?	Author	When the guest said that one should get up from a meal feeling that one could eat a little more, and she had already eaten quite a lot.
4. I don't believe in overloading my stomach.	Guest	When the writer ordered a mutton chop for himself.
5. I'll eat nothing for dinner tonight.	Author	When the luncheon was over and they were leaving the hotel, he knew that he had the whole month before him and he did not have any money for food. That was when he said the words.

In simple words: This table clarifies who spoke specific lines in the story and explains the context or situation surrounding those dialogues, helping to understand character motivations and plot development.

🎯 Exam Tip: For character and context questions, identifying the speaker and the circumstances accurately shows a deep understanding of the narrative and character interactions.

 

Question 4.
Answer in your own words.
(a) Although the author was not a vindictive man, he was very happy to see her weigh twenty one stone and had finally had his revenge. What makes him say this? Explain.
Answer:
Twenty years earlier, the writer was earning barely enough money to make both ends meet. The lady wanted him to give her a luncheon at Foyot's, an expensive restaurant. The writer thought that he could stand her a modest luncheon. The lady reassured him by saying that 'she never ate anything for luncheon'. However, she ended by eating about six different items, some of which were very expensive yet she insisted till the end that she never ate more than one thing for luncheon and advised him against 'filling his stomach with a lot of meat' when all he had eaten was one small mutton chop – the cheapest item on the menu. The writer was finally left with a whole month before him and no money in his pocket. He could not forget this incident, and when he met her twenty years later, she had become very fat and weighed twenty-one stone. This made the writer feel that though he was not a vindictive man, he had got his revenge.
In simple words: The author felt a sense of "revenge" because the woman who exploited his finances for an expensive lunch years ago had ironically become extremely overweight, which he saw as poetic justice for her gluttony and hypocrisy.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining character motivations, connect their actions or feelings directly to past events and ironic outcomes described in the story.

 

Question 4.
(b) There are quite a few places where the author uses the expressions 'My heart sank, panic seized' etc. What was the reason for this ? Explain.
Answer:
The writer was living in a tiny apartment in Paris and earning barely enough money to make both ends meet. The lady wanted him to give her a little luncheon at Foyot's, an expensive restaurant. When they met, she ordered some of the most expensive dishes available. The writer was terribly worried about whether he had enough money to pay the bill. Hence, he has used the expressions 'my heart sank', 'panic seized me', etc.
In simple words: The author used phrases like 'my heart sank' due to his financial struggles and mounting anxiety over the ever-increasing cost of the meal his guest was ordering at an expensive restaurant, which he could barely afford.

🎯 Exam Tip: Analyze how specific phrases or literary devices like imagery and idiom are used by the author to convey character emotions and financial distress effectively.

 

Question 4.
(c) What are the instances which create humour in "The Luncheon"?
Answer:
The instances in the story that create humour are:
(i) when the writer sees the woman at Foyot's.
(ii) when she orders dish after dish, after first saying that she eats nothing for luncheon, and then stretching the irony she insists that she ate only one thing for luncheon,
(iii) when she tells the writer, who is eating only a mutton chop – the cheapest item on the menu - that he should not overload his stomach,
(iv) when she says that the writer has insisted on her eating asparagus,
(v) when the writer imagines what he would do while paying the bill,
(vi) when the writer says that he would not eat anything for dinner that night,
(vii) when the writer tells us the woman's weight, when he sees her again after twenty years.
In simple words: Humor in "The Luncheon" stems from the guest's hypocrisy—claiming to eat little while ordering extravagantly, her constant contradictions, and the narrator's escalating financial panic and ironic observations.

🎯 Exam Tip: List specific examples directly from the text to illustrate the humorous elements, showcasing how the author uses character traits and situations for comic effect.

 

Question 4.
(d) Describe the use of irony and humour in "The Luncheon”.
Answer:
In this story, the writer uses humour and irony to depict the character of the woman. The narrator takes the woman to an expensive restaurant called Foyot's. He is startled when he sees the high prices on the menu, but relieved when his guest tells him, “I never eat anything for luncheon," and "I never eat more than one thing." After stating this, ironically, the woman eats some of the most expensive things available, like salmon and caviar, while the poor author only eats a mutton chop. Looking at it, she takes him to task for eating a 'heavy' luncheon, and tells him that he should follow her example and never eat more than one thing for luncheon. She said that she would eat the asparagus because the writer 'insists', when it was she who had asked for them. In the end, when she repeats once again that he should follow her example and never eat more than one thing for luncheon, the writer retorts that he would do better than that- he would not eat anything for dinner that night!
In simple words: The story uses irony to highlight the contrast between the guest's claims of being a light eater and her actual gluttonous behavior, creating humor through the narrator's mounting financial distress and his internal and external reactions to her hypocrisy.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing literary devices like irony and humor, provide detailed textual examples that clearly demonstrate how these techniques are employed to develop characters and convey themes.

 

Question 5.
Pick out the words and phrases in the story that indicate that the author was not financially well off. One is done for you.
Answer:

Words	Phrases
not afford	beyond my means
modest, cheapest, borrow, mean.	earning barely enough money, manage well enough, prices were a great deal higher, horribly expensive, ten francs short, what they cost, inadequate tip, not a penny in my pocket, eat nothing for dinner.

In simple words: Many words and phrases in the story directly convey the author's financial struggles and limited means, emphasizing his inability to afford the expensive luncheon.

🎯 Exam Tip: For vocabulary questions, meticulously scan the text to identify all relevant terms and phrases, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the requested indicators.

 

Question 6.
After reading the story, put the following events into correct order:
(a) She gave me her last kind advice how to improve my eating habits.
(b) I met her in the theatre after many years and I could hardly recognize her.
(c) Twenty years ago, I lived in Paris and earned just enough money to get by.
(d) I was really scared what could happen when I would pay the bill.
(e) "I never eat anything for luncheon."
(f) I ordered a mutton chop for myself.
(g) She had read a book of mine.
(h) She ordered asparagus.
(i) She suggested him to invite her to a famous and expensive restaurant.
(j) I didn't have dinner for the rest of the month.
Answer:
(c) Twenty years ago, I lived in Paris and earned just enough money to get by.
(b) I met her in the theatre after many years and I could hardly recognize her.
(g) She had read a book of mine.
(i) I invited her to a famous and expensive restaurant.
(e) "I never eat anything for luncheon."
(f) I ordered a mutton chop for myself.
(h) She ordered asparagus.
(d) I was really scared what could happen when I would pay the bill.
(a) She gave me her last kind advice on how to improve my eating habits.
(j) I didn't have dinner for the rest of the month.
In simple words: This question requires you to reconstruct the narrative sequence of the story, arranging key events in the order they occurred.

🎯 Exam Tip: To correctly sequence events, first identify the main plot points, then look for temporal markers or logical progression to establish the correct order.

 

Question 7.
The irony is the expression of meaning through the use of language signifying the opposite. Describe the use of irony in 'The Luncheon'. Pick the sentences from the story that are examples of irony. Fill in the table 'A' the general direct meaning while in table 'B' its hidden meaning or the opposite meaning intended by the speaker. One is done for you.
Answer:

Sentence	Direct Meaning	Irony (Hidden meaning)
If I cut out coffee for the next two days,	to stop drinking coffee	to stop spending money in order to save money for some purpose.
(1) I never eat more than one thing.	I am careful and do not eat much; I eat only one thing.	She goes on to eat six expensive items during the luncheon.
(2) I don't believe in overloading my stomach.	I do not eat much, but in limited quantities.	She has a hearty and expensive meal.
(3) If you insist, I don't mind having some asparagus.	I am eating asparagus because you are forcing me to.	The writer had certainly not insisted; she had asked for it.
(4) I'm not in the least hungry.	I am not at all hungry and cannot eat anything.	She thrusts the asparagus down her throat in large mouthfuls.
(5) One thing I thoroughly believe in-one should get up from a meal feeling one could eat a little more.	One should always leave space in the stomach for more food.	She has had a hearty meal and was probably very full.
(6) I have a cup of coffee in the morning and then dinner, but I never eat more than one thing for luncheon. I've just had a snack.	I am a very light eater; I hardly eat anything during the day.	She has had six different items for luncheon.
(7) You've filled your stomach with a lot of meat.	You have eaten a lot.	The writer had just one little miserable mutton chop.
(8) I'll eat nothing for dinner tonight.	I won't have anything for dinner tonight.	The writer had no money left.

In simple words: Irony in "The Luncheon" is primarily verbal, where the guest's words consistently mean the opposite of her true actions or intentions, creating a humorous disparity between what is said and what is done.

🎯 Exam Tip: To explain irony, clearly state the literal meaning of a statement and then contrast it with its hidden or intended meaning within the context of the story.

 

Question 8.
Fill in the blank a word or a phrase given in the brackets in their appropriate forms.
(startle, catch sight of, overload, water, pass)
1. "I never __________ my stomach", she said.
2. I was __________ when the menu was brought.
3. The author __________ the guest at the play.
4. I had seen asparagus in the shops, my mouth often __________ at the sight of them.
5. The author's guest was __________ through Paris.
Answer:
1. overload
2. startled
3. caught sight of
4. watering
5. passing
In simple words: This task requires selecting the correct word from the provided list and adjusting its form if necessary to logically complete each sentence.

🎯 Exam Tip: For fill-in-the-blanks, consider both the grammatical form (e.g., verb tense, noun form) and the contextual meaning required for each sentence.

 

Question 9.
Use appropriate articles.
1. I have just had __________ snack.
2. I have __________ cup of coffee in the morning.
3. I want just __________ ice cream and coffee.
4. Author and his guest gave __________ order and then waited for asparagus to be cooked.
Answer:
1. a
2. a
3. an
4. The
In simple words: This question tests your knowledge of indefinite articles ('a', 'an') and the definite article ('the') and how to use them correctly before nouns based on sound and specificity.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to use 'an' before words starting with a vowel sound, 'a' before words starting with a consonant sound, and 'the' for specific or already mentioned nouns.

 

Question 10.
Classify the following words in the given table appropriately. (modest, luncheon, generously, rank, restaurant, appearance, large, expensive, watch, coffee, brought, afford, practical, apartment, moment, brightly, started, thoroughly)
Answer:

Noun	Verb	Adjective	Adverb
luncheon, restaurant, appearance, watch, coffee, apartment, moment	brought, afford, started, sank	modest, large, expensive, practical	generously, brightly, thoroughly

In simple words: This exercise involves categorizing given words into their correct parts of speech: nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.

🎯 Exam Tip: To classify words, recall their definitions and typical functions in a sentence; nouns name, verbs show action, adjectives describe nouns, and adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

 

Question 11.
Study the different uses of 'could'. Identify what it indicates.
(a) Lack of rain could cause draught. (possibility/condition)
(b) Abhi could perform well in his school days. (suggestion/past ability)
(c) Instead of playing computer games you could play real games with friends. (past ability/suggestion)
(d) Could I use your computer for surfing net? (possibility/request)
(e) We could go on an excursion, if we didn't have exam. (suggestion/condition)
Answer:
(1) could – possibility
(2) could - past ability
(3) could - suggestion
(4) could – request
(5) could - condition
In simple words: The word 'could' is a versatile modal verb used to express various meanings, including possibility, past ability, suggestions, polite requests, and conditions.

🎯 Exam Tip: When identifying the function of a modal verb like 'could', consider the entire context of the sentence to determine if it expresses possibility, ability, permission, or a suggestion.

 

Question 12.
Fill in the gaps with appropriate Prepositions to make the passage meaningful.
I waited __________ the airport __________ Atlanta. My old school-mate was going to arrive __________ New Airlines __________ Mumbai, __________ 21st March __________ the year 2018. We had not met __________ 40 years __________ 1978. She was going to stay __________ a week __________ me __________ Atlanta __________ 21st __________ 27th March, 2018.
My joy knew no bounds, when I saw her __________ 40 years. __________ home, I introduced her __________ my family. Then I took her __________ a big mall __________ shopping. It was just __________ my house. We went __________ the street and climbed __________ using the elevator, __________ the staircase.
Answer:
I waited at the airport in Atlanta. My old school-mate was going to arrive by New Airlines from Mumbai, on the 21st of March in the year 2018. We had not met for 40 years, since 1978. She was going to stay for a week with me in Atlanta, from the 21st to 27th of March, 2018.
My joy knew no bounds when I saw her after 40 years. At home, I introduced her to my family. Then I took her to a big mall for shopping. It was just near my house. We went across the street and climbed up using the elevator near the staircase.
In simple words: This exercise focuses on correctly using prepositions to indicate location, time, direction, and relationships between words in a passage, ensuring clarity and coherence.

🎯 Exam Tip: For preposition-based blanks, consider the context and the common prepositions used with specific verbs, nouns, and expressions of time or place.

 

Question 13.
On the occasion of Diwali, write a letter to your friend to invite him/her to celebrate the festival in an innovative way. Use the following hints. time and place special dish is prepared – other friends have also invited post-lunch fun programs, innovative activity
Answer:
Manju Mhatre
8-B, Tulsi Angan
Garodia Nagar
Ghatkopar
Mumbai - 400 077
21st October, 2020

Dear Diya,

Hi there! How are you? You seem to have forgotten me completely after joining college! Well, I haven't, and I am writing this letter for a special reason.

This is an invitation for lunch at my place on 4 November on the occasion of Diwali. This will be a sort of house-warming too-you can see from the address above that I have shifted to a new place.

I have also called our other badminton friends-Divya, Rajni, Shubha and Kirti. My Mom has promised to prepare traditional Diwali dishes, which I am sure! you will enjoy. And after that-well, that's going to be a surprise! But I am sure all of us will enjoy this too.

So do come. Come at about 12.30. Be prepared to be here till 5. Bye.
Your friend,
Manju
In simple words: This is a formal invitation letter to a friend for a Diwali celebration, outlining the date, time, venue, special food, and activities planned, while adhering to a standard letter format.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing a formal letter, ensure you include all necessary details like date, address, salutation, clear purpose, specific event information, and a polite closing, following a standard format.

 

Question 14.
Further reading:
(a) "The Phantom Luncheon" by Saki.
(b) "The Ant and the Grasshopper" by William Somerset Maugham.
Form 4 groups of the class. Every group will visit the school's library or use the internet to read both the creations of Saki and W. S. Maugham. After reading them, every group will summarise both the creations and later read out in the class.
Answer:
In simple words: This is an activity designed for students to explore additional literary works by Saki and William Somerset Maugham, encouraging group research, reading, summarization, and presentation skills.

🎯 Exam Tip: For group activities, focus on collaboration, clear division of tasks, comprehensive research, and concise summarization to effectively present your findings to the class.

 

Question 15.
Choose the correct options from the bracket and fill in the blanks: (younger, eighty, twenty, interval)
(1) 1 went over during the __________ and sat down beside her.
(2) None of us are getting any __________.
(3) It was __________ years ago.
(4) I had __________ francs to last me the rest of the month.
Answer:
(1) interval
(2) younger
(3) twenty
(4) eighty
In simple words: This fill-in-the-blanks exercise tests your understanding of the story's details and your ability to select the correct words from the provided options to complete sentences accurately.

🎯 Exam Tip: When filling blanks, recall specific details and context from the story to ensure you choose the word that fits perfectly and maintains the original meaning.

 

Question 16.
Complete the following:
(1) The profession of the narrator: a writer.
(2) The lady was free on the following Thursday.
(3) At the time when the writer met the lady, he was living in a tiny apartment in Paris.
(4) The lady wanted to meet the narrator to have a chat with him.
Answer:
(1) a writer
(2) on the following Thursday
(3) tiny apartment in Paris
(4) have a chat with him
In simple words: This question asks for specific details from the story to complete given statements, demonstrating your comprehension of the narrative's key facts.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to character details, settings, and plot points while reading to accurately recall information for direct completion questions.

 

Question 17.
Where and when did they decide to have luncheon?
Answer:
They decided to have a little luncheon at Foyot's restaurant on the following Thursday.
In simple words: The luncheon was arranged for the upcoming Thursday at Foyot's, an expensive restaurant.

🎯 Exam Tip: For factual recall questions, ensure you provide precise details about location and time as mentioned in the text.

 

Question 18.
Choose the correct options from the brackets and fill in the blanks: (pass, caught sight of, overload, modest, addressed, luncheon, interval)
(1) The film was so boring that we went home during the __________.
(2) Though it was a __________ apartment, it was extremely clean.
Answer:
(1) interval
(2) modest
In simple words: This fill-in-the-blanks question tests your vocabulary, requiring you to select words that fit the context of each sentence.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always read the full sentence and consider all options to ensure the selected word provides the best contextual and grammatical fit.

 

Question 19.
Find out the 'Synonyms' from the passage for the words:
(1) A set of rooms:
(2) Acknowledged:
(3) Handle:
(4) Directed a remark:
Answer:
(1) Apartment
(2) Recognized
(3) Manage
(4) Addressed
In simple words: This task requires identifying words within the story that have similar meanings (synonyms) to the given terms.

🎯 Exam Tip: To find synonyms from a passage, re-read the relevant sections carefully, paying attention to context clues that suggest words with similar meanings.

 

Question 20.
Rewrite the following sentence using the antonym of the underlined word: We're none of us getting any younger.
Answer:
We're all of us getting older.
In simple words: This question asks you to rephrase a sentence by replacing a specific word with its antonym, changing the meaning to its opposite.

🎯 Exam Tip: When using antonyms, ensure the entire sentence remains grammatically correct and conveys the intended opposite meaning clearly.

 

Question 21. Rewrite the following sentence using 'except': The only free moment she had was on the following Thursday.
Answer: She had no free moment except on the following Thursday.
In simple words: The sentence means that Thursday was the only time she had available, implying no other day was free.

🎯 Exam Tip: When using "except," ensure it clearly indicates the sole exclusion from a general statement.

 

Question 22. I hardly think about it. (Begin the sentence with 'How ...!)
Answer: How little I think about it!
In simple words: This transforms a simple statement into an exclamation, emphasizing the small amount of thought given.

🎯 Exam Tip: Exclamatory sentences often start with 'How' or 'What' to express strong feelings or emphasis.

 

Question 23. She had read a book of mine. (Begin the sentence with 'Hadn't ...?)
Answer: Hadn't she read a book of mine?
In simple words: This changes the statement into a negative interrogative question, often used to express surprise or confirm something.

🎯 Exam Tip: When converting to a negative interrogative, ensure the auxiliary verb (had) comes before the subject (she) and includes 'not'.

 

Question 24. If you were in the place of the narrator, how would you have reacted in the given situation?
Answer: If I were in the place of the narrator, I would have bluntly told the lady that I was a struggling writer and could not afford to give her a luncheon at Foyot's. I would have suggested some cheaper restaurant that I could afford. I would not try to show off, or spend more than I can afford, just to impress someone.
In simple words: The narrator would have been honest about financial limitations and suggested a more affordable dining option rather than trying to impress with an expensive meal.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering hypothetical "what would you do" questions, provide a clear, reasoned response based on the context of the story and ethical considerations.

 

Question 25. They decided to have luncheon at Foyot's restaurant at half-past twelve on a Thursday.
Answer: Foyot's restaurant at half-past twelve on a Thursday.
In simple words: This appears to be a prompt or a sentence to be repeated, stating the time and place of the luncheon.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to instructions, as sometimes questions might ask for a direct repetition or confirmation of a detail from the text.

 

Question 26. The writer 'was startled when the menu was brought because ............
Answer: The prices were a great deal higher than what he had thought.
In simple words: The writer was surprised and worried because the menu showed very high prices, much more than he expected.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identifying cause and effect is crucial for understanding plot development and character emotions in a story.

 

Question 27. What do you think the woman reassured the narrator about?
Answer: The woman realized that the narrator was startled when he saw the prices on the menu. So she indirectly reassured him that he would not have to spend much, for she never ate anything for luncheon.
In simple words: She noticed his shock at the prices and tried to make him feel better by claiming she ate very little for lunch.

🎯 Exam Tip: Analyze character dialogue and actions to infer underlying motives and reassurances, especially when dealing with subtle cues.

 

Question 28. 'I never eat anything for luncheon'. Explain the irony in this line.
Answer: The irony is that after informing the author that she never ate anything for luncheon, the lady immediately wanted salmon and caviar, some of the most expensive items available.
In simple words: The irony lies in her saying she eats nothing for lunch, but then ordering many expensive dishes, directly contradicting her statement.

🎯 Exam Tip: Irony involves a contrast between expectation and reality; identify what is said versus what is actually done or implied.

 

Question 29. From the sentences given below pick out the sentence that indicates that the lady was doing exactly the opposite of what she was saying: (Board's Model Activity Sheet)
(1) 'I think you're unwise to eat meat."
(2) ''I don't believe in overloading my stomach."
Answer: "I don't believe in overloading my stomach.”
In simple words: This sentence is ironic because despite saying she doesn't overload her stomach, she orders a large, expensive meal.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for direct contradictions between a character's stated beliefs or advice and their subsequent actions to identify irony.

 

Question 30. Choose the correct options from the brackets and fill in the blanks: (pass, startled, overload, imposing, afford, generously, reassured, unwise)
(1) I was when I saw that I remembered all that I had revised.
(2) The monument was really very ............
(3) You cannot to waste time with friends during exams. (Board's Model Activity Sheet)
Answer:
(1) reassured
(2) imposing
(3) afford
In simple words: This question tests vocabulary by asking you to pick the best word to complete each sentence based on its meaning.

🎯 Exam Tip: Read each sentence carefully and consider the context to choose the most fitting word from the given options.

 

Question 31. Change the voice of the following sentences:
(1) She reassured me.
(2) I ordered it for my guest.
Answer:
(1) I was reassured by her.
(2) It was ordered for my guest, (by me)
In simple words: Changing voice involves switching the focus from who is doing the action (active) to who is receiving the action (passive).

🎯 Exam Tip: To change to passive voice, identify the object of the active sentence and make it the subject, using a form of 'to be' + past participle of the main verb.

 

Question 32. "You're unwise to eat meat," she said. (Rewrite in indirect speech)
Answer: She told him that he was unwise to eat meat.
In simple words: This converts a direct quote into a reported statement without using quotation marks, changing pronouns and tenses as needed.

🎯 Exam Tip: When converting to indirect speech, remember to change pronouns (you're to he was) and remove quotation marks.

 

Question 33. Are you careful in your eating habits?
Answer: My mother sees that I eat healthily, and I like fruits and salads. However, when I am with friends and we go out, I eat junk food. I know it is important to eat healthy food and I take good care to do so.
In simple words: This answer describes a balanced approach to eating, where healthy habits are maintained, but occasional indulgences happen with friends.

🎯 Exam Tip: Personal reflection questions require an honest and detailed response, often including examples or explanations of behavior.

 

Question 34. Name the food items mentioned in the passage
Answer: The food items mentioned in the passage are:
(1) caviar,
(2) mutton chops,
(3) salmon,
(4) asparagus
In simple words: The passage lists several food items, including luxurious ones like caviar and salmon, as well as more common ones like mutton chops and asparagus.

🎯 Exam Tip: Read the text carefully to extract specific details like lists of items or names mentioned by the author.

 

Question 35. Explain what the use of the word 'sank' suggests about the narrator's feelings.
Answer: The use of the word 'sank' suggests that the narrator was getting unhappy and worried about his guest's desire to eat expensive food.
In simple words: The word "sank" indicates a feeling of dread, despair, or anxiety, showing the narrator's increasing worry about the cost of the meal.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to strong verbs and descriptive language used by authors, as they often convey a character's emotional state or attitude.

 

Question 36. From the sentences given below, pick out the sentence that indicates that the lady was doing the exact opposite of what she was saying: (Board's Model Activity Sheet)
(1) "I see that you're in the habit of eating a heavy luncheon."
(2) "Why don't you follow my example and just: eat one thing."
Answer: "Why don't you follow my example and just eat one thing.”
In simple words: This sentence is ironic because the lady herself did not follow her own advice of eating just one thing for lunch, yet she lectured the author.

🎯 Exam Tip: To identify contradiction, compare a character's spoken advice or rule with their actual behavior in the story.

 

Question 37. Choose the correct options from the brackets and fill in the blanks: (pass, quite seriously, water, gaily, insist, mortifying, dramatic)
(1) The ............ turn of events shocked all of us.
(2) It was ............ to apologise to the bully.
(3) My mother waved ............ to me as she went for the hike.
(4) The author's guest took him ............ to task.
Answer:
(1) dramatic
(2) mortifying
(3) gaily
(4) quite seriously
In simple words: This question involves choosing the most suitable vocabulary word to complete each sentence's meaning.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the nuances of each word provided in the brackets to select the one that fits the context and tone of the sentence perfectly.

 

Question 38. Fill in the blanks with the words from the brackets: (Board's Model Activity Sheet)
(task, menu, wondered)
(1) The ............ to rescue the flood victims was very difficult.
(2) I was thinking about buying a new vehicle and ............ if we had the money.
(3) The restaurant ............ seemed to be tempting.
Answer:
(1) task
(2) wondered
(3) menu
In simple words: This question requires you to select the correct word from the given options to naturally complete each sentence.

🎯 Exam Tip: Read the entire sentence before choosing a word to ensure it makes logical sense and aligns with the sentence's grammatical structure.

 

Question 39. She ate the caviar and she ate the salmon. (Begin the sentence with not only ... but also and rewrite the sentence.)
Answer: Not only did she eat the caviar but she also ate the salmon.
In simple words: This restructures the sentence to emphasize that she consumed both items, using the "not only... but also" construction.

🎯 Exam Tip: When using "not only... but also," ensure the inverted form "Not only did she..." is correctly applied at the start of the sentence for emphasis.

 

Question 40. Rewrite the following sentence as an affirmative sentence: I couldn't possibly eat anything more unless they had some of those giant asparagus.
Answer: I could possibly eat something more only if they had some of those giant asparagus.
In simple words: This changes a negative condition into a positive one, stating that eating more is possible under a specific circumstance.

🎯 Exam Tip: To make a sentence affirmative, remove negative words and phrases, and rephrase to express the idea in a positive or conditional manner.

 

Question 41. Which food do you prefer to eat-home food or restaurant food. Why?
Answer: My mother cooks very tasty food and hence I prefer to eat home food. It is also always fresh. Restaurant food is generally oily, spicy and often prepared under unhygienic conditions. All this is unhealthy. I believe that health is wealth hence I prefer home food.
In simple words: The preference is for home-cooked food due to its taste, freshness, and healthier preparation compared to typically oily, spicy, and sometimes unhygienic restaurant food.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked for a preference and explanation, clearly state your choice and provide logical, well-supported reasons.

 

Question 42. Complete the web: (The answers are given directly and underlined.)
Answer:

ℹ️ चित्र व्याख्या (Diagram Explanation): यह आरेख उन खाद्य और पेय पदार्थों को दर्शाता है जो लेखक के मेहमान ने दोपहर के भोजन के दौरान खाए या पिए। इसमें शतावरी, आइसक्रीम, कॉफी, आड़ू, कैवियार और सैल्मन शामिल हैं।
In simple words: The web diagram illustrates the various food and drink items consumed by the writer's guest during the luncheon, highlighting their extensive order.

🎯 Exam Tip: For web diagrams, list all the connected elements to show a comprehensive understanding of the relationships or categories presented.

 

Question 43. 'There a terrible thing happened.' Describe the narrator's emotions at this point in the story. Why does he not express this emotion?
Answer: At this point in the story, the writer had given up all hopes that he could pay the bill. He was resigned to his fate. He had mentally decided on different methods to save his reputation. He does not express this emotion because the lady had already eaten a lot of expensive food: the damage was already done. Besides, he did not want to look mean in her eyes.
In simple words: The narrator felt despair and resignation, realizing he couldn't afford the meal. He hid his true feelings to avoid appearing stingy or causing a scene, as the expensive meal was already consumed.

🎯 Exam Tip: When analyzing character emotions and their expression (or lack thereof), consider both internal feelings and external social pressures or motivations.

 

Question 44. Match the columns:

'A'	'B'
(1) head	(a) peaches
(2) terrible	(b) mouthfuls
(3) huge	(c) waiter
(4) large	(d) thing

Answer:

'A'	'B'
(1) head	(c) waiter
(2) terrible	(d) thing
(3) huge	(a) peaches
(4) large	(b) mouthfuls

In simple words: This matching exercise pairs words from column 'A' with related words or phrases from column 'B'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Carefully read both columns and consider synonyms, antonyms, or common associations to correctly match the pairs.

 

Question 45. Complete the table:

Positive	Comparative	Superlative

Answer:

Positive	Comparative	Superlative
(1) hungry	hungrier	hungriest
(2) terrible	more terrible	most terrible

In simple words: This table shows the positive, comparative, and superlative forms of adjectives, demonstrating how to compare qualities.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the rules for forming comparative and superlative adjectives (e.g., adding -er/-est for short adjectives, using 'more'/'most' for longer ones).

 

Question 46. Rewrite the following in reported speech: "Are you still hungry?" I asked faintly.
Answer: I asked her faintly whether she was still hungry.
In simple words: This converts a direct question into reported speech, changing the question format to a statement and adjusting pronouns and tenses.

🎯 Exam Tip: For reported questions, use "asked" and introduce the reported question with "if" or "whether," then follow subject-verb order as in a statement.

 

Question 47. Pick out the modal auxiliaries from the following sentence and write what they indicate: "One should always get up from a meal feeling one could eat a little more."
Answer: Should - indicates advice. Could - indicates ability.
In simple words: "Should" suggests a recommendation or obligation, while "could" indicates a possibility or capacity.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the specific functions of modal verbs: "should" for advice, "could" for possibility or past ability, "may" for permission, "must" for obligation, etc.

 

Question 48. 'I was past caring now'. Explain why, in your view, the narrator feels this way.
Answer: The writer had been worried from the beginning that he would not be able to pay the bill. To add to that, his guest had ordered some of the most expensive items on the menu. He had now given up all hopes of being able to pay the bill. Hence, he says that he was past caring now.
In simple words: The narrator felt overwhelmed and resigned to his fate because the bill for the exorbitant meal was clearly beyond his means, leading him to give up worrying.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to explain a character's feelings, refer to specific events and preceding actions in the story that contribute to that emotional state.

 

Question 49. Write if the following statements are True or False:
(1) The writer thought that the lady was mean.
(2) The writer's tip was rather inadequate.
(3) The lady was now like a stone.
(4) The writer planned to have a heavy dinner.
Answer:
(1) False
(2) True
(3) False
(4) False
In simple words: This question asks you to evaluate statements based on the story's events, determining whether they align with the narrative.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always verify each statement against the explicit or implied details in the story to correctly determine if it's true or false.

 

Question 50. Complete the reasons:
(a) The writer planned to 'eat nothing' for dinner that night because....
Answer: The writer had no money left after paying for the luncheon. He also wanted to make his luncheon guest aware of how much she had made him spend. Hence, he said that he planned to 'eat nothing' for dinner that night.
(b) The lady thought that the writer was mean because ............
Answer: The writer had only three francs left to tip the waiter. His guest did not know this, and seeing this inadequate sum, thought he was mean.
In simple words: The writer decided not to eat dinner because he had no money left after the expensive lunch, and the lady perceived him as mean due to the small tip he could afford.

🎯 Exam Tip: Providing clear, logical reasons for character actions requires understanding their motivations and the consequences of their choices within the narrative.

 

Question 51. Complete the table by picking the various humorous instances and the particular lines from the passage.

Humorous instance	Line from the passage
1. The woman is a voracious eater.	"Follow my example, and never eat more than one thing for luncheon.” *
2. The writer had no money for dinner.	"I'll do better than that," I retorted, "I'll eat nothing for dinner tonight.”
3. The woman had become very fat.	Today she weighs twenty-one stone.

In simple words: This table highlights the ironic or funny moments in the story by pairing a humorous situation with the exact quote that illustrates it.

🎯 Exam Tip: When identifying humorous instances, look for situations where expectations are subverted, or characters act in a contradictory or exaggerated manner.

 

Question 52. Fill in the blanks with one word from the passage for the following: (The answers are given directly and underlined.)
(1) Something that is not enough: ............
(2) A man who is revengeful: ............
(3) A person who fills his or her writings with humour: ............
(4) A person who is stingy and does not like to spend money: ............
Answer:
(1) inadequate.
(2) a vindictive man.
(3) a humorist.
(4) a mean person.
In simple words: This vocabulary exercise matches definitions or descriptions to specific words used in the story.

🎯 Exam Tip: To answer this type of question, you must either recall the word from the passage or infer it based on its meaning in context.

 

Question 53. Pick out the verbs from the following sentences and write their tense:
(1) I' have just had a snack and I shall enjoy a peach.
(2) The bill came and when 1 paid it I found that I had only enough for a quite inadequate tip.
Answer:
(1) have had - present perfect tense; shall enjoy - simple future tense.
(2) came, paid, found, had - simple past tense.
In simple words: This identifies the action words (verbs) in sentences and specifies when those actions occurred in time (tense).

🎯 Exam Tip: To find verbs and their tenses, first identify the action or state of being, then determine the time frame (past, present, future) and aspect (simple, continuous, perfect, perfect continuous).

 

Question 54. Do you think that the lady never ‘ate more than one thing for luncheon' on a regular basis?
Answer: No, I'm sure she ate a large luncheon every day, but fooled herself into thinking that she was eating only one thing. She seems to be a foolish and thick-skinned woman who believes whatever is convenient to her.
In simple words: It is highly unlikely the lady regularly ate only one thing, as her behavior in the story suggests she was self-deceptive and indulgent.

🎯 Exam Tip: When evaluating a character's claim, consider their actions and personality traits throughout the story to form a logical conclusion.

 

Question 55.
(1) Pick out an infinitive from the lesson and use it in your own sentence.
(2) Punctuate: humorist she cried gailyumping into a cab youre quite a humorist
(3) Find out five hidden words from the given word: satisfaction
(4) Use the following phrase in your own sentence: the only free moment
(5) Spot the errors and rewrite the correct sentence: She have read a book of mine and have written to me about it.
(6) Identify the type of sentence: How time does fly!
(7) Write the correct verb + present/past participles from the following:
(1) attract
(2) write
(3) pass
(4) bear
(5) eat
(6) meet
(8) Arrange the following in alphabetical order: table, tumbler, tablespoon, teaspoon
Answer:
(1) to eat: I was hungry, and I knew it was time to eat.
(2) "Humorist!” she cried gaily, jumping into a cab. "You're quite a humorist!”
(3) satisfaction: fiction, fission, faint, stint, satin
(4) the only free moment: The Principal was so busy that the only free moment she had was during lunch.
(5) She has read a book of mine and had written to me about it.
(6) Exclamatory sentence
(7) (1) attract-attracting
(2) write-written
(3) pass-passing
(4) bear-bearing
(5) eat-eaten
(6) meet-met
(8) table, tablespoon, teaspoon, tumbler
In simple words: This is a multi-part question covering various English grammar and vocabulary skills, including infinitives, punctuation, hidden words, sentence construction, error correction, sentence types, verb forms, and alphabetical ordering.

🎯 Exam Tip: Break down multi-part questions into individual tasks. For verb forms, remember the base, present participle (-ing), and past participle (-ed/-en) forms. For alphabetical order, compare letters one by one.

 

Question 56. Use the following word and its homograph in two separate sentences : mine
Answer:
(i) I knew that the book was mine,
(ii) Three people entered the coal mine to inspect it.
In simple words: This demonstrates how the word "mine" can function both as a possessive pronoun (belonging to me) and as a noun referring to an excavation site.

🎯 Exam Tip: When using homographs, ensure the context of each sentence clearly distinguishes between the different meanings of the word.

 

Question 57. 'I'm not in the least hungry," my guest sighed, "but if you insist, I don't mind having some asparagus.” (Rewrite in reported speech.)
Answer: My guest told me with a sigh that she was not in the least hungry, but that if I insisted, she wouldn't mind having some asparagus.
In simple words: This converts the direct quote into reported speech, adjusting pronouns, tenses, and conjunctions while preserving the original meaning.

🎯 Exam Tip: When reporting dialogue, pay close attention to the speaker's tone ("with a sigh") and convey it in the reported version, along with correct grammatical changes.

 

Question 58. Word Register: Complete the web showing the things that the woman ate or drank throughout the luncheon.
Answer:

ℹ️ चित्र व्याख्या (Diagram Explanation): यह आरेख उन छह खाद्य और पेय पदार्थों को दर्शाता है जो महिला ने पूरे दोपहर के भोजन के दौरान खाए या पिए। इनमें आइसक्रीम, कॉफी, कैवियार, सैल्मन, शतावरी और एक आड़ू शामिल हैं।
In simple words: The diagram illustrates the variety of items, including ice cream, coffee, caviar, salmon, asparagus, and a peach, that the woman consumed during the meal.

🎯 Exam Tip: For web diagrams or word registers, ensure all items from the text that fit the category are accurately listed.

 

Question 59. Why don't you follow my example? (Change the voice beginning Why ....)
Answer: Why isn't my example followed (by you)?
In simple words: This changes an active question into a passive one, focusing on the action being done (following the example) rather than the person doing it.

🎯 Exam Tip: To change the voice of a question, identify the object of the active verb, make it the subject, and adjust the auxiliary verb and main verb into the passive form while retaining the interrogative structure.

 

Question 60. Use the following word as a verb and a noun in two separate sentences: mind
(2) I chose the cheapest dish on the menu. (Rewrite in the positive and comparative forms.)
Answer:
(1) Verb: "Mind your language, young man," said the shopkeeper angrily.
Noun: I knew that I had to keep all the instructions in my mind.
(2) Comparative: I chose the dish that was cheaper than all the other dishes on the menu.
Positive: No other dish on the menu was as cheap as the one I chose.
In simple words: This question demonstrates how "mind" can be used as both an action (verb) and a concept (noun), and how to transform a sentence into comparative and positive forms.

🎯 Exam Tip: For homonyms/homographs, practice constructing clear sentences that highlight each distinct meaning. For degree changes, understand how to use adjectives and adverbs to compare or state qualities simply.