Maharashtra Board Class 12 English Section 1 Prose Chapter 1.3 The Cop and the Anthem Solutions

Class 12 English Chapter 1.3 The Cop And The Anthem Question Answer Maharashtra Board

12th Std English Chapter 1.3 Brainstorming Question Answer

Yuvakbharati English Navneet 12th Digest PDF Free Download Maharashtra Board

 

Question 1. Suppose you have gone to a place where the winter season is very severe. Discuss with your partner the ways in which you would protect yourself in the cold climate. (The answer is given and underlined.)
ℹ️ चित्र व्याख्या (Diagram Explanation): यह चित्र एक फ्लोचार्ट या वेब-डायग्राम दिखाता है जिसमें "Ways to protect from cold climate" (ठंडी जलवायु से बचाव के तरीके) शीर्षक है। शीर्षक के नीचे और उसके दोनों ओर खाली आयताकार बक्से हैं, जो सुझावों को भरने के लिए बने हैं, और इन बक्सों से तीर बाहर निकल रहे हैं जो विभिन्न सुरक्षा उपायों का संकेत देते हैं।
Answer:Ways to protect from cold climate
wear warm clothes in layers
keep moving around
wear gloves, thick socks, mufflers, boots, etc.
drink lots of fluids
taking shelter in warm place
sitting near the fireplace
In simple words: When facing severe winter, it's essential to wear multiple layers of warm clothing, stay active, use protective accessories like gloves and boots, drink plenty of warm fluids, find indoor shelter, and stay close to a heat source like a fireplace to keep warm.

🎯 Exam Tip: For brainstorming questions, provide a diverse range of practical and relevant points. Ensure your answers are well-organized, such as using bullet points or numbered lists, for clarity.

 

Question 2. When you see a cop approaching, you feel either 'relieved' or 'scared'. Discuss with your partner and write down the situations when you feel 'relieved' or 'scared'.
Answer:Relieved:
(a) You are walking alone in a dark street.
(b) There is a fight taking place near you.
(c) A group of rough-looking people are coming towards you on a lonely road.
Scared:
(a) You are riding a bike without a valid driving licence.
(b) You have broken a traffic signal.
(c) You have been involved in a fight.
In simple words: People feel relieved when they see a cop in dangerous situations like walking alone at night or witnessing a fight, as it signifies safety. Conversely, they feel scared if they've broken laws, like driving without a license or being involved in a conflict, expecting consequences.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to differentiate between two feelings or situations, provide clear and distinct examples for each. Use sub-points (a), (b), (c) for better organization and readability.

 

Question 3. Discuss some of the motivating things that can change a person's life :
Answer:(a) Listening to an inspiring speech
(b) Reading motivating books and biographies of great people
(c) Reading epics and religious books
(d) Observing successful/happy people or watching biopics of their lives.
In simple words: Life can be transformed by positive influences such as hearing inspiring speeches, reading about great personalities, delving into moral texts like epics, or learning from the successes and happiness of others.

🎯 Exam Tip: For open-ended questions about life changes or motivations, offer a variety of factors, including intellectual, emotional, and observational aspects, to show comprehensive understanding.

(A1)

 

Question (i) Discuss with your partner and find out the different ways in which Soapy tried ; to get arrested. The first one is given.
Answer:(a) Tried to enter a luxurious cafe.
(b) Threw a stone and broke a shop window.
(c) Ate heartily at a restaurant and then said he had no money.
(d) Shouted and howled and raved and danced on the sidewalk.
(e) Stole an umbrella.
In simple words: Soapy made several attempts to get arrested, including trying to dine and dash at a fancy cafe, vandalizing property, causing a public disturbance by yelling and dancing, and stealing an umbrella, all in hopes of securing a winter stay in prison.

🎯 Exam Tip: When listing actions or examples from a story, ensure they are distinct and directly address the prompt. Using chronological order can also improve clarity if applicable.

 

Question (ii) Describe the atmosphere when Soapy reached near the Church.
Answer:(a) A soft light glowed through the violet-stained window.
(b) Sweet music drifted out of the quaint, old church.
(c) There was a full, radiant moon, and few vehicles and pedestrians.
(d) Sparrows twittered sleepily in the eaves.
In simple words: Upon reaching the Church, Soapy encountered a serene and tranquil atmosphere, marked by a soft light from a stained-glass window, gentle music, a full moon, and quiet sparrow sounds, creating a stark contrast to his usual chaotic life.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing atmosphere, use sensory details (sight, sound) to create a vivid picture for the reader. Specific elements mentioned in the text are key to a complete answer.

(A2)

 

Question (i) Read the story and match the incidents given in Column A with the consequences given in Column B.

Column A	Column B
(1) Soapy tried to enter a cafe.	The cop ran after another man.
(2) Soapy broke a glass window.	Suddenly a wonderful change came in his heart.
(3) Two waiters pitched Soapy on the callous pavement.	Dream of turning around in life was shattered.
(4) Soapy heard the anthem being played in the Church.	He stood up slowly beating the dust from his clothes.
(5) Cop arrests Soapy for hanging around.	Strong and ready hands of the head waiter turned him around.

Answer:1. Soapy tried to enter a cafe - Strong and ready hands of the head waiter turned him around.
2. Soapy broke a glass window - The cop ran after another man.
3. Two waiters pitched Soapy on the callous pavement - He stood up slowly beating the dust from his clothes.
4. Soapy heard the anthem being played in the Church - Suddenly a wonderful change came in his heart.
5. Cop arrests Soapy for hanging around. - Dream of turning around in life was shattered.
In simple words: This matching exercise connects Soapy's actions with their immediate outcomes, highlighting the ironic failures of his attempts to get arrested and the profound impact of the church anthem on his resolve.

🎯 Exam Tip: For matching questions, carefully read both columns. In your answer, clearly pair the corresponding items rather than just listing numbers or letters. Ensure a one-to-one correspondence based on the text.

 

Question (ii) Give reasons and complete the following: (The answers are given directly and underlined.)
Answer:(a) Soapy had confidence in himself because he was shaven, his coat was trim and he had a neat, black bow. The portion of him that showed above the table looked respectable and would raise no doubt in the waiter's mind.
(b) The head waiter of the luxurious cafe did not allow Soapy to enter because he saw Soapy's tattered trousers and old, worn out shoes, and knew that Soapy would not have money to pay for a meal.
(c) The cop did not arrest Soapy for breaking the glass window because Soapy was standing calmly and talking to him. The policeman felt that men who smash glass windows do not remain to chat with the police.
(d) The cop did not arrest Soapy for shouting and dancing because it was the time of celebrations for the local college boys. They were generally noisy but harmless, and he had been told by his superiors to let them be.
In simple words: Soapy's confidence stemmed from his appearance, but he was denied entry to the cafe due to his ragged trousers. Cops ignored his attempts to get arrested, once because his calm demeanor contradicted typical glass-smashers, and another time because they mistook his antics for harmless college celebrations.

🎯 Exam Tip: When providing reasons, directly quote or paraphrase relevant sections from the text to support your points. Ensure each reason clearly explains the given event or outcome.

(iii) Pick out the lines from the text which show that:

 

Question (a) Soapy wants to enter the cafe for two reasons.
Answer:1. A roasted mallard duck, thought Soapy, would be about the thing with a bottle of wine and then some cheese, a cup of coffee and a cigar.
2. The meat would leave him filled and happy for the journey to his winter island.
In simple words: Soapy intended to enter the cafe to enjoy a lavish meal, including duck, wine, cheese, coffee, and a cigar, and also because a good meal would prepare him for his desired "winter island" – prison.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to pick out lines, ensure your selected text explicitly demonstrates the intended meaning. Clearly list each separate reason or supporting line.

 

Question (b) Soapy was afraid that he won't be able to enter the prison.
Answer: It seemed that his route to the coveted island was not to be an easy one. Some other way of entering the limbo must be devised.
In simple words: Soapy's fear of not getting into prison arose as his initial plans failed, leading him to realize that his desired "coveted island" (prison) was proving difficult to reach, necessitating new strategies.

🎯 Exam Tip: For questions asking about character's feelings or thoughts, cite specific phrases that directly reflect their internal state or assessment of the situation.

 

Question (c) Soapy was not caught by the cop for throwing stones at the glass.
Answer:1. The policeman refused to accept Soapy even as a clue.
2. The policeman saw a man half-way down the block running to catch a car. With drawn club he joined in the pursuit.
In simple words: Soapy wasn't arrested for breaking the window because the policeman disregarded him as a suspect and instead chased another man who was running away.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining why something *didn't* happen, provide textual evidence that shows the alternative event or decision made by the characters involved. Be precise with your references.

 

Question (d) Soapy actually did not want the umbrella.
Answer: He hurled the umbrella angrily into the excavation.
In simple words: Soapy's action of angrily throwing the umbrella into an excavation clearly showed his true indifference towards possessing it, indicating he only wanted to be arrested.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on direct actions or dialogue that explicitly reveal a character's true intentions or feelings, especially when it contradicts a superficial action.

 

Question (e) Listening to the anthem, Soapy remembered his good old days.
Answer: He had known it well in the days when his life contained such things as mothers and roses and ambitions and friends and immaculate thoughts and collars.
In simple words: The church anthem evoked memories in Soapy of a time when his life was filled with positive elements like familial love, personal aspirations, friendships, and pure thoughts, contrasting sharply with his present degraded state.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining how an external stimulus affects a character's memory or emotions, identify the specific details of the memory that are triggered and how they relate to the stimulus.

 

Question (iv) 'He would make a man of himself again' - The word 'man' in the sentence means
Answer: 'He would make a man of himself again' - The word 'man' in the sentence means a responsible and worthy human being.
In simple words: In this context, 'man' implies becoming a respectable, accountable, and honorable individual, reclaiming self-worth and purpose.

🎯 Exam Tip: When defining a word in context, explain its nuanced meaning as it applies to the specific situation in the story, not just its dictionary definition. Consider the character's journey.

 

Question (v) Soapy's earlier life was much different from his present life. Complete the table to show this contrast. One is done for you.

Earlier life	Present life
(a) Contained friends and roses	(a) Unworthy desires
(b)	(b)
(c)	(c)

Answer:

Earlier life	Present life
(a) contained friends and roses	(a) unworthy desires
(b) eager ambitions	(b) dead hopes, degraded days
(c) clean thoughts and clothes	(c) wrecked faculties and base motives

In simple words: Soapy's past life was characterized by positive aspects like friendships, ambitions, and clean living, whereas his present life is marked by ignoble desires, shattered hopes, and a morally corrupted state.

🎯 Exam Tip: For contrast tables, ensure the corresponding entries in each column directly oppose or highlight the difference between the two subjects. Maintain parallel structure for clarity.

 

Question (vi) After listening to the sweet and solemn organ notes, Soapy decides to:
Answer:1. pull himself out of the mire, conquer the evil that had enslaved him and make a man of himself again
2. resurrect his old eager ambitions and pursue them without faltering
3. go into the roaring downtown district and find work
In simple words: Inspired by the church music, Soapy resolves to transform his life by overcoming his past evils, rekindling his former ambitions, and seeking honest work.

🎯 Exam Tip: When listing a character's decisions or resolutions, capture the essence of each point clearly and concisely. Focus on the core changes in their mindset or plan of action.

 

Question (vii) Write an incident in which you did something wrong and repented for it later. Give reasons.
Answer: A lady who stayed in my building used to shout at me for playing noisily under her window. One day, she shouted at me as usual from her window and went inside. I suddenly got angry and threw a stone at her window. The stone hit the glass which broke. I heard a loud shout of pain and ran away. I later came to know that she had been badly injured by the shattered glass. I repented for what I had done. Though I did not tell her that I was the culprit, I was very good to her after that.
In simple words: I once angrily threw a stone at a neighbor's window after she scolded me, accidentally injuring her. Learning about her injury filled me with deep regret, leading me to secretly help her afterwards as a form of repentance.

🎯 Exam Tip: For personal response questions, ensure your narrative has a clear beginning, middle, and end, detailing the action, the consequence, and your emotional reaction or lesson learned. Use descriptive language.

(A3)

 

Question (i) O'Henry has used different words to indicate prison where Soapy wants to reach. Make a list of those words from the extract.
Answer: the island
In simple words: O'Henry uses the term "the island" as a euphemism to refer to the prison where Soapy desires to spend the winter.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked for specific words or phrases, extract them precisely from the text. Ensure you only include terms that directly match the requested category.

 

Question (ii) Find out the words used for the 'degraded state of Soapy'.
Answer:1. the pit into which he had tumbled
2. the degraded days
3. unworthy desires
4. dead hopes
5. wrecked faculties
6. base motives
7. mire
8. evil that had enslaved him.
In simple words: Soapy's deteriorated condition is described using terms like "pit," "degraded days," "unworthy desires," "dead hopes," "wrecked faculties," "base motives," "mire," and "evil that had enslaved him," all conveying his moral and personal decline.

🎯 Exam Tip: When identifying descriptive phrases, gather all relevant expressions that collectively paint a picture of the character's state. List them clearly, often using numbered points.

 

Question (iii) The specific meaning of word 'anthem' in the content of the story is:
Answer: Anthem - a rousing or uplifting song.
In simple words: In the story, 'anthem' specifically refers to a powerful and inspiring piece of music, which has a significant emotional and transformative effect on Soapy.

🎯 Exam Tip: For vocabulary questions, provide a concise definition that specifically aligns with how the word is used within the story's context, rather than a general dictionary definition.

(A4)

 

Question (i) Convert the following sentences into the negative without changing their meanings:
(a) The policeman refused to accept Soapy even as a clue.
(b) Soapy drifted along, twice unsuccessful.
(c) Soapy stopped his unavailing racket.
(d) The island seemed very far away.
(e) The island seemed an unattainable Arcadia.
Answer:(a) The policeman did not accept Soapy even as a clue.
(b) Soapy drifted along, twice not successful.
(c) Soapy stopped his racket which was not successful.
(d) The island seemed not at all near.
(e) The island seemed an Arcadia which was not attainable.
In simple words: To change these sentences to negative without altering their meaning, we rephrase them using "did not" or "not" while maintaining the original sense, often by choosing antonyms or negating the verb.

🎯 Exam Tip: When converting sentences to negative without changing meaning, use transformations like 'not...any' for 'all', 'not...near' for 'far away', or 'not successful' for 'unsuccessful'. Always double-check that the core message remains identical.

 

Question (ii) Convert the following sentences into the affirmative without changing their meanings :
(a) Men who smash windows do not remain to chat with the police.
(b) On the opposite side of the street was a restaurant of no great pretensions.
(c) Why don't you call a cop?
(d) Noisy; but no harm.
(e) They seemed to regard him as a King who could do no wrong.
Answer:(a) Men who smash windows refrain from remaining to chat with the police.
(b) On the opposite side of the street was a very ordinary restaurant.
(c) Please call a cop.
(d) Noisy; but harmless.
(e) They seemed to regard him as a King who was always right.
In simple words: To make these sentences affirmative while keeping their original meaning, we replace negative constructions with positive synonyms or rephrased equivalents, for example, "do not remain" becomes "refrain from remaining," and "no great pretensions" becomes "very ordinary."

🎯 Exam Tip: When converting sentences to affirmative without changing meaning, replace negative words (e.g., 'not', 'no') with positive alternatives or rephrase the structure. For instance, 'do not remain' can become 'refrain from remaining', and 'no harm' simply 'harmless'.

(A5)

 

Question (i) 'Forgiveness is often better than punishment'. Write two paragraphs - one for and another against this notion.
Answer:1. To err is human, to forgive is divine.
We all make mistakes. Nobody is perfect. That is why we are human. However, mistakes should be forgiven if there is sufficient repentance. Forgiveness will make the guilty person feel ashamed of his conduct and he will not repeat it. It is easy to punish but very difficult to forgive someone. It needs a big heart and a lot of kindness. If we punish the guilty person we will only make him more defiant. If punishing someone could have solved the problem, criminals who have been jailed would never have repeated the crime. But this is not found to be so. Just as God forgives us our mistakes, we should forgive others their mistakes too.

2. Punishment is the only answer
Forgiveness may work in certain cases, but there are hardened criminals who will not respond to forgiveness. They will only be stopped by punishment. If a person has murdered another in cold blood, will he improve by forgiveness? Never. He has to be punished severely so that he does not repeat it and society feels safe. People only fear punishment. It can be easily seen at traffic signals - if there is no policeman to punish you, most people will break the signal. Then there will be chaos. If there is no punishment and no prisons, people will do whatever they want - rob, kill, etc. - and go off freely. No, in a society where it is not possible to expect everyone to have high values, punishment for misdeeds is the only solution.
In simple words: The argument for forgiveness highlights its power to inspire repentance and avoid defiance, suggesting it's a compassionate and often more effective path to change. Conversely, the argument for punishment emphasizes its necessity for deterring hardened criminals, ensuring societal safety, and maintaining order, especially when moral values are not universally upheld.

🎯 Exam Tip: For argumentative essays, present both sides of the argument fairly and with supporting points. Use clear topic sentences for each paragraph and ensure a logical flow between ideas. Conclude each perspective strongly.

 

Question (ii) You are the class representative and you have been asked by the Principal to conduct an interview of a cop. Frame 8-10 questions with the help of the following points, give introduction and conclusion.
• reasons for joining the department
• special trainings
• developing the skill to identify and locate criminals
• dealing with criminals
• achievements and awards
Answer: Good morning, Mr. Pawar. Congratulations on your excellent work in finding the bank robbers. May I ask you a few questions about your life? Thank you.
1. When did you join the police department?
2. Which examinations did you have to clear for the post?
3. What were your reasons for joining the department?
4. Did you have to go through any special training sessions?
5. What type of criminals do you come across most in this area-thieves, killers, molesters, etc?
6. How do you identify or locate criminals?
7. Once you catch the culprit-say a thief-how do you deal with him?
8. Can you tell me something about your achievements and awards?
9. How can you motivate others to join the force?
10. Any message to college students?
Thank you, Sir, for sparing the time for this interview. It will be published in our school magazine. Good day.
In simple words: This is an interview script designed for a class representative to question a police officer, covering aspects like their motivation for joining, training, methods for handling criminals, achievements, and advice for students, complete with a polite introduction and conclusion.

🎯 Exam Tip: When framing interview questions, ensure they are open-ended to encourage detailed responses. Structure your interview with a clear introduction and conclusion, and align your questions with the provided key points.

(A6)

 

Question (i) Make a list of jobs which would give you an opportunity to help the society or serve the country. Also mention the different ways in which they can be beneficial to the people and also the country,
Answer: [Answer not provided in source text]
In simple words: [Explain the core idea clearly in 1-3 highly simplified sentences for students.]

🎯 Exam Tip: [1-2 sentences highlighting scoring parameters or core evaluation criteria metrics.]

 

Question (ii) Go to your school/college library and read some other stories by O'Henry like, 'The Gift of the Magi', 'The Last Leaf and 'After Twenty years'. Write the stories in short in your notebook.
Answer: [Answer not provided in source text]
In simple words: [Explain the core idea clearly in 1-3 highly simplified sentences for students.]

🎯 Exam Tip: [1-2 sentences highlighting scoring parameters or core evaluation criteria metrics.]

Yuvakbharati English 12th Digest Chapter 1.3 The Cop And The Anthem Additional Important Questions And Answers

Read The Extract And Complete The Activities Given Below:

Global Understanding:

 

Question 1. Name the following:
Answer:1. This is where Soapy stopped at a luxurious cafe
2. This had been a gift to Soapy: a neat, black bow
3. This is what Soapy wanted to eat: a roasted mallard duck, some cheese a bottle of wine, a cup of coffee
4. This is what Soapy wanted to drink: Soapy's tattered
5. This is what the head waiter noticed:trousers and old shoes
6. This is where Soapy was left by the head: on the sidewalk
In simple words: This question asks to identify specific details from the story, such as the location Soapy aimed for, a gift he received, his desired meal, his drink, what the waiter observed, and where Soapy was ultimately left.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering "Name the following" questions, provide precise and concise answers directly extracted from the text. Ensure accuracy for each point to score well.

 

Question 1. Write if the following sentences are True or False. Correct the False sentences:
1. Soapy broke the glass of the shop window.
2. Nobody heard the breaking of the window.
3. The policeman chased Soapy.
4. Soapy did not run away from the place.
5. The restaurant Soapy entered was an ordinary one.
6. The policeman ate beefsteak, flapjacks, doughnuts and pie.
Answer:True sentences:
1. Soapy broke the glass of the shop window.
4. Soapy did not run away from the place.
5. The restaurant Soapy entered was an ordinary one.

False sentences:
2. Nobody heard the breaking of the window.
3. The policeman chased Soapy.
6. The policeman ate beefsteak, flapjacks, doughnuts and pie.

Corrected sentences:
1. A policeman as well as some people heard the breaking of the window.
2. The policeman chased a man running to catch a car.
3. Soapy ate beefsteak, flapjacks, doughnuts and pie.
In simple words: This task requires identifying true and false statements from the story and then correcting the false ones with accurate information, like clarifying who heard the window break, whom the policeman chased, and what Soapy (not the policeman) ate.

🎯 Exam Tip: For true/false questions, provide a clear 'True' or 'False' for each statement. When correcting false statements, ensure your correction directly addresses the inaccuracy and makes the sentence factually correct according to the story.

 

Question 2. Complete the table: (The answers is given directly and underlined.)
Answer:

The Words	mo said	To whom
1. Noisy, but no harm	A policeman	A citizen
2. I took it.	Soapy	The umbrella man
3. You know how these mistakes occur.	The umbrella man	Soapy
4. Of course it's mine!	Soapy	The umbrella man
5. We've instructions to let them be.	A policeman	A citizen
6. I hope you'll excuse me.	The umbrella man	Soapy

In simple words: This table identifies who spoke certain lines and to whom they were addressed, clarifying interactions between characters like the policeman, Soapy, and the umbrella man within the story.

🎯 Exam Tip: When completing tables related to dialogue, accurately identify both the speaker and the recipient for each line. Pay close attention to context clues to ensure correct attribution.

 

Question 3. Rearrange the following sentences according to their occurrence in the extract:
1. Soapy decided to go into the downtown district and find work.
2. A policeman caught Soapy's arm.
3. Soapy saw a quaint old church.
4. Soapy's ears caught sweet music.
Answer:1. Soapy saw a quaint old church.
2. Soapy's ears caught sweet music.
3. Soapy decided to go into the downtown district and find work.
4. A policeman caught Soapy's arm.
In simple words: The correct chronological order of events is Soapy first seeing the church, then hearing the music, which inspires his decision to find work, and finally, being arrested by a policeman.

🎯 Exam Tip: For sequence questions, carefully re-read the relevant part of the story and identify key events. Number them chronologically based on their appearance or implied order in the narrative.

 

Question 4. Complete the following: (The answers are given directly and underlined.)
Answer:1. A soft light glowed through one violet-stained window.
2. Soapy came to a standstill on an unusually quiet corner.
3. Soapy stood without moving near the iron fence listening to the anthem that the organist played.
4. Soapy planned to resurrect his old eager ambitions.
In simple words: This exercise involves completing statements with details from the story, focusing on the atmosphere around the church, Soapy's reaction to the music, and his subsequent decision to revive his past ambitions.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure that each completion accurately reflects details from the text. Pay attention to how the story describes scenes and character thoughts to provide precise answers.

Answer The Following In A Few Words Each:

 

Question 1. Who was lighting a cigar?
Answer: A well-dressed man
In simple words: A well-dressed man was seen lighting a cigar.

🎯 Exam Tip: For "who" questions, identify the specific character or description of the character mentioned in the text without adding extra details.

 

Question 2. Who twirled his club?
Answer: A policeman
In simple words: A policeman was twirling his club.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide the direct answer found in the text. Short, factual answers are best for "who" or "what" questions.

 

Question 3. Who grabbed the umbrella?
Answer: Soapy
In simple words: Soapy was the one who grabbed the umbrella.

🎯 Exam Tip: Directly state the character's name as the answer. Avoid elaborations unless explicitly asked for.

 

Question 4. Whom did the policeman help?
Answer: A tall blonde
In simple words: The policeman assisted a tall blonde individual.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the object or person of the action as stated in the text. Keep the answer brief and to the point.

Complex Factual:

 

Question 1. Give reasons and complete the following: (The answers are given directly and underlined.)
Answer: Soapy was disgusted with the policeman because he refused to accept that Soapy had broken the window, and he rushed off to chase another man.
In simple words: Soapy felt frustrated with the policeman because the officer dismissed his confession of breaking the window and instead pursued a different person, thwarting Soapy's attempt to get arrested.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to provide reasons, ensure your explanation clearly links the cause (policeman's action) to the effect (Soapy's disgust). Be specific with details from the narrative.

 

Question 2. Complete the web: (The answers are given directly and underlined.)
ℹ️ चित्र व्याख्या (Diagram Explanation): यह चित्र एक वेब-डायग्राम प्रस्तुत करता है जिसका केंद्रीय शीर्षक है "The things that Soapy did :" (वे बातें जो सोपी ने कीं:)। इस केंद्रीय शीर्षक से विभिन्न तीर निकलकर आयताकार बक्सों की ओर जा रहे हैं, जिनमें सोपी द्वारा की गई अलग-अलग क्रियाएँ सूचीबद्ध हैं, जैसे पत्थर फेंकना, पुलिसकर्मी को देखकर मुस्कुराना, जेब में हाथ डालकर खड़े रहना और भोजन करना।
Answer: The things that Soapy did :
took a stone and dashed it through a glass window
smiled at a policeman
stood still with his hands in his pockets
ate beefsteak, flapjacks, doughnuts and pie
In simple words: Soapy's actions included deliberately breaking a shop window with a stone, nonchalantly smiling at a policeman, standing motionless with his hands in his pockets, and consuming a large meal of beefsteak, flapjacks, doughnuts, and pie.

🎯 Exam Tip: For web diagrams or activity lists, ensure all actions listed are clearly identifiable from the story. Use precise phrasing to describe each action as it appears in the text.

 

Question 3. Describe Soapy's behaviour on the sidewalk.
Answer: [Answer not provided in source text]
In simple words: [Explain the core idea clearly in 1-3 highly simplified sentences for students.]

🎯 Exam Tip: [1-2 sentences highlighting scoring parameters or core evaluation criteria metrics.]

 

Question 4. Describe the wonderful change in Soapy's soul.
Answer: After listening to the anthem, Soapy remembers his earlier life, and is horrified to realize that he has indeed become a degraded person. He decides to pull himself out of the pit into which he has fallen and make a man of himself again. He determines to bring back to his life his old eager ambitions and pursue them. He makes up his mind to take up a job.
In simple words: Soapy's soul underwent a profound transformation after hearing the anthem; he recalled his virtuous past, recognized his degraded present, and resolved to reform his life by pursuing work and his lost ambitions.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing character transformations, ensure you detail both the 'before' and 'after' states, as well as the catalyst for change, for a comprehensive answer.

 

Question 5. Describe the end of the story in your own words.
Answer: Initially Soapy had felt that he would like to pass the winter months in prison, and he makes several efforts to get himself arrested. The notes of anthem transform him from within and he decides to give up his evil ways and become a man again. He resolves to work hard. At that very moment, ironically, a policeman arrests him for loitering and he is sent to prison for three months. Soapy faces the irony of fate as the moment he realizes that real freedom lies in a virtuous life, he is taken into confinement.
In simple words: Soapy, desiring prison for winter, undergoes a change of heart after hearing an anthem, deciding to live virtuously; ironically, at this exact moment of resolve, he is arrested for loitering and sent to prison for three months.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on capturing the irony and the complete narrative arc, including Soapy's initial goal, transformation, and the final twist, for full marks.

 

Question 6. Complete the following: Soapy was angry because ..........
Answer: Soapy was angry because when he wanted to fall into the clutches of the policemen. In order to be arrested, they seemed to regard him as a king who could do nothing wrong.
In simple words: Soapy was angry because his attempts to get arrested were repeatedly foiled; the police, ignoring his actions, seemed to perceive him as incapable of wrongdoing.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure your explanation directly addresses the "why" and is logically connected to the character's motivations and the story's events.

Inference/Interpretation/Analysis:

 

Question 1. Complete the following: (The answers are given directly and underlined.)
Answer: Soapy took a stone because he wanted to break the glass of the shop window. This would result in a policeman arresting him for this act, and he would be imprisoned for the winter, which was exactly what he wanted.
In simple words: Soapy broke the window intentionally to get arrested and secure a warm place in prison for the winter.

🎯 Exam Tip: For "complete the following" questions, provide a clear, concise statement that directly fulfills the prompt, highlighting the character's motivation.

Discuss the hidden meaning in the expressions/sentences.

 

Question 1. It catered to large appetites and modest purses.
Answer: The restaurant prepared food for ordinary workers who had large appetites but very little money.
In simple words: This phrase means the restaurant served generous portions of food at affordable prices, suitable for working-class individuals with big hunger and small budgets.

🎯 Exam Tip: When interpreting hidden meanings, explain both the literal context and the underlying implication, showing how the phrase reveals details about the setting or characters.

 

Question 2. He told the waiter the fact that the minutest coin and himself were total strangers.
Answer: He told the waiter that he did not have any money.
In simple words: This humorous statement means Soapy admitted to the waiter that he was completely penniless, having no money at all.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for figurative language and explain how it conveys a simple truth in a more elaborate or ironic way, reflecting the character's personality.

 

Question 3. A voice like butter cakes and an eye like the cherry in the Manhattan cocktail.
Answer: A very smooth voice and a hard, stony eye (a tough person).
In simple words: This describes someone with a deceptively pleasant, smooth voice, contrasting sharply with a cold, piercing, and uncompromising gaze, indicating a tough or intimidating personality.

🎯 Exam Tip: Analyze contrasting imagery within the description to fully capture the complexity of the character being portrayed.

 

Question 4. Discuss the meaning in the context: He caught at the immediate straw of 'disorderly conduct'.
Answer: Soapy wanted to be arrested by a policeman and imprisoned. However, his efforts towards this end had been unsuccessful, and he was worried that he would continue to be unsuccessful. When he suddenly came upon a policeman lounging in front of a theatre, an idea struck him. He felt that if he shouted and screamed and made a lot of noise, he would be arrested for behaving in a dangerous and disturbing way in public, and would be imprisoned, which was what he wanted.
In simple words: This means Soapy desperately seized upon the idea of causing a public disturbance to get arrested, as his previous attempts to land in prison had failed.

🎯 Exam Tip: Contextual questions require explaining the phrase's significance within the specific situation in the story, linking it to the character's goals and past actions.

 

Question 5. Complete the following: (The answer is given directly and underlined.)
Answer: Soapy was angry because even after he had stolen a man's umbrella, the man did not report him to the police, but instead apologized and said that perhaps he (the umbrella man) had made a mistake.
In simple words: Soapy was angry because despite stealing an umbrella, the owner did not call the police, further thwarting Soapy's attempts to get arrested.

🎯 Exam Tip: When completing sentences, ensure the addition flows grammatically and contextually, providing a clear reason for the stated emotion or action.

 

Question 6. The umbrella man did not call a policeman. Give reasons for this.
Answer: The umbrella man had himself probably stolen the umbrella from somewhere. When Soapy picked up the umbrella, the man first thought that he could get it back. But when Soapy spoke about calling a policeman, the man thought that the umbrella was actually Soapy's, and Soapy would hand him over to the police. Hence, he apologized quickly and walked away without calling a policeman.
In simple words: The umbrella man did not call the police because he likely stole the umbrella himself and feared Soapy would expose him if the police were involved.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide multiple, well-reasoned points when asked to give reasons, showing a deep understanding of character motivations and plot dynamics.

Personal Response:

 

Question 1. Give your opinion about Soapy's desire to enter prison.
Answer: I find it very strange that a person can actually want to enter prison, whatever be the reason. At least, from what I know of prisons, they are terrible places, and one has a very difficult time there. However, Soapy has obviously been to prison before, and probably enjoys the free food and protection from the winter that he gets there.
In simple words: It's unusual for someone to desire prison, but Soapy sees it as a practical solution for winter, offering free food and shelter, suggesting he's familiar with its 'benefits.'

🎯 Exam Tip: In personal response questions, clearly state your opinion and support it with logical reasoning, drawing connections to the text while adding your perspective.

 

Question 2. Have you ever bought/eaten something and then found that you did not have enough money to pay for it? Describe your feeling at that time.
Answer: Yes, it happened to me once. I went to a mall and bought a jacket for myself. I had been looking at a lot of jackets and I got confused with the prices. Finally, when the cashier was making the bill, I found that the jacket I had chosen was very expensive and I did not have enough money to pay for it. I was very embarrassed to tell the cashier this, but I had to. He gave me an angry look.
In simple words: Yes, I once mistakenly chose an expensive jacket, realizing at checkout I couldn't afford it, which led to significant embarrassment when I had to inform the cashier.

🎯 Exam Tip: Share a genuine, relatable experience and describe your emotional state clearly to make your personal response effective.

 

Question 3. Have you ever stolen/wanted to steal anything? Narrate in brief.
Answer: Yes, when I was about 12 years old, I stole my friend's remote-controlled toy car, which his uncle had sent him from abroad. It was a beautiful car. However, when I was playing with it at home my mother saw me, and she made me return the car. I later felt very ashamed of myself, but fortunately my friend forgave me.
In simple words: At 12, I stole a friend's toy car, but my mother made me return it, leading to shame, though my friend ultimately forgave me.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be honest and concise, focusing on the event, its consequences, and your feelings to demonstrate self-reflection.

Language Study.

 

Question 1. If only he could reach a table in the restaurant unsuspected, success would be his. (Rewrite using 'unless'.)
Answer: Unless he could reach a table in the restaurant unsuspected, success would not be his.
In simple words: The original sentence means success depends on reaching a table secretly; the rewritten sentence implies that without reaching a table secretly, success is impossible.

🎯 Exam Tip: When rewriting with "unless," remember it introduces a negative condition, so the main clause will also need to be inverted to maintain the original meaning.

 

Question 2. One dollar for the cigar would be enough. (Add a question tag.)
Answer: One dollar for the cigar would be enough, wouldn't it?
In simple words: To add a question tag, identify the auxiliary verb (or 'be' verb) and its tense, then use its negative form with the appropriate pronoun.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure the question tag matches the tense and auxiliary verb of the main sentence, and uses the correct pronoun.

 

Question 3. Some other way of entering the limbo must be devised. (Use an infinitive in place of a gerund.)
Answer: Some other way to enter the limbo must be devised.
In simple words: Replacing the gerund "entering" with the infinitive "to enter" maintains the sentence's meaning while altering its grammatical structure.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the gerund (-ing form used as a noun) and replace it with its infinitive equivalent (to + base verb) while ensuring the sentence remains grammatically correct.

 

Question 4. He had set his silk umbrella by the door on entering. (Rewrite using the verb form of the underlined word.)
Answer: He had set his silk umbrella by the door when he entered.
In simple words: The original uses a participle phrase; the rewrite converts "on entering" to a clause "when he entered," making 'entered' the main verb.

🎯 Exam Tip: When changing a word to its verb form, you might need to restructure the sentence, often by introducing a conjunction like "when" or "while" to form a clause.

 

Question 5. At length Soapy reached one of the avenues to the east. (Rewrite using another adverb phrase with the same meaning as the underlined phrase.)
Answer: After a long time Soapy reached one of the avenues to the east.
In simple words: "At length" means "after a long time," so replacing it with this phrase keeps the meaning identical.

🎯 Exam Tip: To replace an adverb phrase, find a synonymous phrase that conveys the same meaning of time, manner, or place, and ensure it fits naturally in the sentence.

 

Question 6. On an unusually quiet corner, Soapy came to a standstill. (Rewrite using 'that'.)
Answer: Soapy came to a standstill on a corner that was unusually quiet.
In simple words: The rewrite transforms the descriptive adjective phrase "an unusually quiet corner" into a relative clause "a corner that was unusually quiet" using 'that'.

🎯 Exam Tip: When rewriting with "that," often you're converting a pre-modifying adjective or adjective phrase into a relative clause to describe the noun.

Vocabulary:

 

Question 1. Guess the meaning of the following in the context:
1. winter island
2. eye fell upon
Answer:
1. winter island – prison.
2. eye fell upon - saw or noticed.
In simple words: "Winter island" metaphorically refers to prison, a place of forced refuge during winter, and "eye fell upon" means to notice something suddenly.

🎯 Exam Tip: When guessing contextual meanings, consider how the phrase is used in the story and what it signifies for the characters or plot.

 

Question 2. O'Henry has used different words to indicate prison, where Soapy wants to reach. Make a list of those words from the extract.
Answer:
1. winter island
2. coveted island
3. limbo
In simple words: O'Henry uses terms like "winter island," "coveted island," and "limbo" to allude to prison, highlighting Soapy's perception of it as a seasonal refuge or a transitional state.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to the author's word choice and recurring imagery; listing synonyms or metaphorical expressions for a key concept shows an understanding of literary technique.

 

Question 3. Make sentences using the following words/expressions :
1. eye fell upon
2. strolled
Answer:
1. My eye fell upon the clock, and I sat up with shock.
2. Seema strolled along the beach, enjoying the breeze.
In simple words: "Eye fell upon" means to notice, and "strolled" means to walk leisurely.

🎯 Exam Tip: Construct clear and grammatically correct sentences that effectively demonstrate the meaning and appropriate usage of each word or expression.

 

Question 4. Guess the meaning of:
1. napery
2. betook
3. brass buttons
Answer:
1. napery - table linen.
2. betook – to cause oneself to go.
3. brass buttons – the police.
In simple words: "Napery" refers to table linen, "betook" means to go or direct oneself, and "brass buttons" is a synecdoche for police officers.

🎯 Exam Tip: For vocabulary, differentiate between literal meanings and figurative or metonymic uses (like "brass buttons" for police), explaining both clearly.

 

Question 5. O'Henry has used different words to indicate prison where Soapy wants to reach. Make a list of those words from the extract:
Answer: the island
In simple words: The term "the island" is one of the author's subtle ways to refer to Soapy's desired destination, the prison.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be precise in extracting words directly from the text; sometimes the context provides the meaning for a seemingly simple word.

 

Question 6. Fill in the blanks with the correct nouns from the extract:
1. friendly
2. electric
3. large
4. callous
Answer:
1. friendly voice
2. electric lights
3. large appetites
4. callous pavement
In simple words: This exercise pairs adjectives from the text with the nouns they modify, showing how the author uses descriptive language.

🎯 Exam Tip: Match the adjective to the noun it modifies in the story; this checks your attention to detail and comprehension of descriptive phrases.

 

Question 7. O'Henry has used different words to indicate prison where Soapy wants to reach. Make a list of those words from the extract.
Answer: the island, Arcadia
In simple words: O'Henry refers to prison using various euphemisms such as "the island" and "Arcadia," reflecting Soapy's idealized view of incarceration.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to look for both direct and indirect references or euphemisms when identifying terms for a specific concept within the text.

 

Question 8. Pick out four verbs in the simple past tense from the extract.
Answer: danced, howled, raved, disturbed
In simple words: These words are verbs describing past actions, illustrating Soapy's disruptive behavior in his attempts to get arrested.

🎯 Exam Tip: Carefully scan the text for action words and verify they are conjugated in the simple past tense, paying attention to irregular verbs.

 

Question 9. Match the words in Column A with the meanings in Column B :
Answer:
1. disconsolate – very unhappy
2. sauntered – walked in a relaxed manner
3. raved - spoke wildly
4. rendered - made
In simple words: This exercise matches vocabulary words with their correct definitions, enhancing understanding of the text's language.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the nuances of each word; some words can have multiple meanings, but here you must select the definition that fits the context of the story.

Non-Textual Grammar

Do as directed:

 

Question 1. Shivani found a small box and dropped her bangles inside. (Rewrite the sentence, beginning 'Finding ...)
Answer: Finding a small box, Shivani dropped her bangles inside.
In simple words: This transformation uses a participial phrase ("Finding a small box") to combine two related actions into one smoother sentence.

🎯 Exam Tip: When starting with a participle, ensure the subject of the participle is clearly the subject of the main clause to avoid a dangling modifier.

 

Question 2. Sunlight from the window made her black hair appear brown. (Rewrite using 'that'.)
Answer: Sunlight that came from the window made her black hair appear brown.
In simple words: The rewrite expands "Sunlight from the window" into a relative clause "Sunlight that came from the window," providing more detail about the sunlight.

🎯 Exam Tip: Using "that" often introduces a descriptive clause, modifying a noun and providing additional information about it.

 

Question 3. On the day the school closed for the summer, no student was more delighted than Rithik. (Change the degree.)
Answer:
1. On the day the school closed for the summer, Rithik was the most delighted student. - Superlative degree
2. On the day the school closed for the summer, Rithik was more delighted than any other student. – Comparative degree
In simple words: The original sentence, a comparative negative, can be rephrased into both superlative (Rithik was the most delighted) and comparative affirmative (Rithik was more delighted than any other student) degrees.

🎯 Exam Tip: To change the degree of comparison, identify the comparative structure (e.g., "no other... as... as," "more... than") and transform it into an equivalent superlative or positive form, ensuring the meaning remains unchanged.

Spot the error in the following sentences and rewrite them correctly:

 

Question 1. There is room for much boxes in this cupboard.
Answer: There is room for many boxes in this cupboard.
In simple words: "Much" is used for uncountable nouns, while "many" is used for countable nouns like "boxes."

🎯 Exam Tip: Always use "many" with countable nouns (items you can count individually) and "much" with uncountable nouns (substances or concepts you can't count individually).

 

Question 2. If I requires help for him in public places, I was not embarrassed to seek it from people around.
Answer: If I required help for him in public places, I was not embarrassed to seek it from people around.
In simple words: The error is in subject-verb agreement and tense consistency; "requires" should be "required" to match the past tense of "was not embarrassed."

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure subject-verb agreement (I requires -> I require) and maintain consistent tense throughout conditional sentences for grammatical correctness.