RBSE Solutions Class 10 English Supplementary Reader Chapter 7 The Man Who Knew Too Much

A. Tick the correct alternative:

Question 1. Private Quelch was nicknamed
(a) Sergeant
(b) Trainee
(c) Professor
(d) Corporal
Answer: (c) Professor
In simple words: Private Quelch was called 'Professor' by others because he knew a lot and always tried to show it off. His vast knowledge often made him seem like a teacher.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember key character nicknames as they often reveal important traits or story elements.

Question 2. The Sergeant was delivering a lecture regarding the handling of a service
(a) grenade
(b) aircraft
(c) pistol
(d) rifle
Answer: (d) rifle
In simple words: The Sergeant was teaching everyone how to use a service rifle. This was part of their military training.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to the specific details of the training sessions described in the story.

Question 3. According to Quelch, the exact number of fragments outside a grenade is:
(a) forty four
(b) forty two
Answer: (a) forty four
In simple words: Quelch knew that a grenade breaks into exactly forty-four pieces when it explodes. He was very precise with such facts.

🎯 Exam Tip: Factual details like numbers are often tested; try to recall them accurately.

Question 4. Private Quelch was later found imparting a lecture on the vitamin values of:
(a) potatoes
(b) raisins
(c) tomatoes
(d) eggs
Answer: (a) potatoes
In simple words: Private Quelch was seen giving a lecture about the vitamins found in potatoes. He liked to share his knowledge on many different topics.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note specific examples of Quelch's lectures to understand his character.

B. State whether the statements given below are True (T) or False (F):

Question 1. Private Quelch possessed great knowledge in every sphere of human activity.
Answer: True
In simple words: Private Quelch knew a lot about many different things, not just army work. He had knowledge in almost every area.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the extent of Private Quelch's knowledge as depicted in the story.

Question 2. Private Quelch was able to recognize a fighter plane without even looking up at it.
Answer: True
In simple words: Quelch could identify a fighter plane just by its engine sound, without needing to see it. This showed his sharp hearing and vast knowledge.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remarkable abilities of characters, like Quelch's identification skill, are important plot points.

Question 3. The Sergeant favoured Quelch for his unique talent.
Answer: False
In simple words: The Sergeant did not like Quelch's special talents; instead, he felt annoyed by them. Quelch's habit of correcting others often caused problems.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between knowledge and how it is received by others, especially superiors.

Question 4. Corporal Tumbull was impressed with Private Quelch's knowledge.
Answer: False
In simple words: Corporal Turnbull was not impressed by Quelch's knowledge. He found Quelch's interruptions annoying and disruptive during his lectures.

🎯 Exam Tip: Character interactions and reactions are crucial for understanding the story's development.

Question 5. Private Quelch became quiet after becoming the cookhouse in-charge.
Answer: False
In simple words: Private Quelch did not become quiet after being made cookhouse in-charge. His talkative and overconfident nature stayed the same.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that people's core personalities often remain unchanged even when their roles shift.

Question. क्या प्राइवेट क्वेल्च को अंतत: पदोन्नति मिली?
Answer: Private Quelch was not promoted; instead, he was given the job of permanent cookhouse duty by Corporal Turnbull. This was seen as a joke among the other soldiers, as Quelch often boasted about getting a commission soon. However, he was actually sent to the cookhouse, which was like being demoted. The Corporal wanted to put him in his place.
कारपोरल टर्नबुल द्वारा प्राइवेट क्वेल्च को ठुकरा दिया गया था। उन्हें स्थायी कुकिंग कर्तव्यों के लिए नामित किया गया था। यह उसके सभी साथी सैनिकों के लिए मजाक और खुशी की बात थी। उसका शीघ्र ही एक कमीशन प्राप्त करना निश्चित था। इसके विपरीत उसे कुकहाउस में काम करने के लिए भेजा गया था। वह उलटे डिकमीशन था।
In simple words: Private Quelch did not get a promotion. Instead, he was made the permanent cook in the army kitchen, which was a kind of punishment.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note how Quelch's ambition contrasted sharply with his actual fate, which was a setback rather than advancement.

D. Answer the following questions in about 30-40 words each:

Question 1. How did Private Quelch come to be known as 'the Professor? प्राइवेट क्वेल्च को एक 'प्रोफेसर' के रूप में में कैसे जाना जाता था?
Answer: Private Quelch was called 'the Professor' because he was very thin, stooped, and wore horn-rimmed glasses, making him look like a university professor. He was also known for his vast knowledge and excellent debating skills, which became clear even after a short chat. These qualities made his fellow soldiers give him the nickname.
प्राइवेट क्वेल्च लगभग एक 'प्रोफेसर' की तरह लगता था। वह पतला था। अपने झुके हुए घुमावदार चश्मे से झाँकता रहता। उसके साथ पाँचमिनट की बातचीत से निश्चित तौर पर उसकी बहस कौशल और क्षमता बाहर आ जाती। यह सभी लक्षण सामान्यतः विश्वविद्यालय के प्रोफेसरों में पाए जाते हैं। तो, वह प्रोफेसर के रूप में भी जाना जाता था।
In simple words: Quelch was called 'the Professor' because he looked like one with his thin body and glasses, and he knew a lot about everything.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing a character's nickname, always include both their physical appearance and their key personality traits.

Question 2. How did Quelch identify a North American Harvard Trainer? क्वेल्च ने उत्तरी अमेरिकी हार्वर्ड ट्रेनर की पहचान कैसे की?
Answer: Quelch identified the North American Harvard Trainer plane high above without even looking up. He recognized it purely by its distinctive engine sound. He knew that this particular aircraft was easily noticeable because of its harsh engine note, even when it was too high to be seen clearly against the bright sun.
उत्तरी अमेरिकी हार्वर्ड ट्रेनर। यह एक तरह का प्रशिक्षण विमान था।
In simple words: Quelch knew the plane was a North American Harvard Trainer just by hearing its engine sound, without needing to see it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on how Quelch demonstrated his extraordinary knowledge and observation skills, like identifying aircraft by sound.

Question 4. What was the topic of the lecture given by Corporal Turn bull? कॉरपोरल टर्नबुल द्वारा दिए गए व्याख्यान का विषय क्या था?
Answer: The topic of Corporal Turnbull's lecture was 'hand grenade'. He was known as a tough man from Dunkirk and wanted his lectures to be listened to very carefully. He always stressed the importance of paying close attention during his talks.
कॉरपोरल टर्नबुल द्वारा दिए गए व्याख्यान का विषय 'हैंड ग्रेनेड' था।
In simple words: Corporal Turnbull gave a lecture about hand grenades. He wanted everyone to listen very carefully.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the specific topics of lectures to show understanding of the story's military context.

Question. Did Private Quelch really know 'too much? क्या प्राइवेट क्वेल्च को वास्तव में बहुत ज्यादा' पता था?
Answer: Yes, Private Quelch truly knew 'too much'. He had memorized all the technical definitions, every part of the rifle, how to use it, and how to care for it. He also knew many other things related to his military profession by heart. His extensive knowledge covered all aspects of his job.
हां, निजी क्वेल्च वास्तव में बहुत अधिक जानता था। उसे तकनीकी परिभाषाएँ, राइफल के हिस्सों, इसका उपयोग और देखभाल, और अपने पेशे से संबंधित सभी चीजों की हृदय से जानकारी थी।
In simple words: Yes, Private Quelch really knew a lot. He had learned all the facts about rifles and his job by heart.

🎯 Exam Tip: Confirming Quelch's extensive knowledge is key to understanding his character and the conflicts he faced.

Question 4. Why was Private Quelch liked by no one? प्राइवेट केल्च को क्यों किसी ने पसंद नहीं किया?
Answer: Private Quelch was not liked by anyone because he had a show-off nature and always tried to outshine others. His feeling of being superior made him an unpleasant person whom people wanted to avoid. His constant corrections and extra information made others uncomfortable.
उनकी प्रकृति दिखावटी थी। उनकी दूसरों को पीछे छोड़ने की प्रवृत्ति थी। उनकी श्रेष्ठता की भावना ने उन्हें एक अप्रिय और परिहार्य चरित्र बना दिया इसलिए उसे किसी ने पसंद नहीं किया था।
In simple words: Nobody liked Private Quelch because he was always showing off and thought he was better than everyone else.

🎯 Exam Tip: When analyzing why a character is disliked, focus on their negative personality traits and how they affect others.

E. Answer the following questions in about 60-80 words each:

Question 1. How was the Sergeant cornered by Private Quelch? प्राइवेट केल्च ने कैसे सार्जेंट को घेर लिया?
Answer: Private Quelch knew too much and used his knowledge to publicly correct the Sergeant during the first lesson in musketry. He interrupted the Sergeant to state that a bullet leaves a rifle at two thousand and forty feet per second, which was a very specific detail. The Sergeant, who knew the speed was over 2000 feet per second, felt humiliated by this precise correction. This public display of superior knowledge made the Sergeant feel trapped and embarrassed. Later, seeking revenge, the Sergeant bombarded Quelch with a series of questions, which Quelch answered confidently. The Sergeant had a tough reputation and was usually not bothered by minor issues.
प्राइवेट क्वेल्च को बहुत ज्यादा पता था। बंदूक के पहले अध्याय के दौरान उन्होंने सार्वजनिक रूप से सार्जेंट को टोका। उन्होंने उनसे कहा कि एक गोली दो-हजार और चालीस फीट प्रति सेकंड की गति पर राइफल से छूटती है। सार्जेंट को पता था कि वह 2000 फीट प्रति सेकंड से अधिक की गति से छूटती है। उसने इस बात को आसानी से नहीं लिया। बदला लेने के उद्देश्य से उन्होंने प्रोफेसर पर प्रश्नों की बौछार कर दी।
In simple words: Private Quelch embarrassed the Sergeant by correcting his facts publicly during a lesson. Quelch knew the exact speed of a bullet, which made the Sergeant feel cornered.

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe the specific incident where Quelch corrected the Sergeant and explain how this made the Sergeant feel humiliated and led to a desire for revenge.

Question 3. Why did Corporal Turn bull make Quelch the permanent cookhouse in charge? कॉरपोरल टर्नबुल ने क्वेल्च को कुकहाउस का स्थायी चार्ज क्यों दिया?
Answer: Corporal Turnbull made Quelch the permanent cookhouse in-charge because Quelch interrupted him during a lecture on grenades. Turnbull was explaining that a grenade breaks into many fragments, and Quelch immediately corrected him, stating the exact number was forty-four. The Corporal, a man who disliked interruptions, silently showed his annoyance. He wanted to "cut the professor to size" and teach him a lesson for his constant overconfidence. By assigning him to cookhouse duties, Turnbull removed Quelch from a position where he could show off his knowledge during training.
कॉरपोरल टर्नबुल हथगोले के बारे में समझा रहा था। उनके अनुसार ग्रेनेडको बाहर से कई टुकड़ों में विभाजित किया गया था। प्रोफेसर ने तुरंत टोका। उन्होंने कहा कि सही संख्या चवालीस है। कॉरपोरल ने कुछ भी नहीं कहा, लेकिन उनकी भौहें तन गई। वह ऐसा आदमी था जिसे हलके से नहीं लिया जा सकता था। उसे किसी का टोकना पसंद नहीं था। उन्होंने प्रोफेसर को सही कर दिया। उन्होंने उसे स्थायी कुकिंग कर्तव्यों के लिए भेज दिया।
In simple words: Corporal Turnbull made Quelch the cookhouse in-charge because Quelch corrected him during a lecture, which Turnbull did not like. He wanted to humble Quelch.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the direct reason for Turnbull's action (Quelch's interruption) and the underlying motive (to humble Quelch and stop his show-off behavior).

Activity

Question 1. “Private Quelch spoke more than what was required. Do you think silence has got its own advantages sometimes? Have you faced a similar situation in your own life? Share your views in your class.” प्राइवेट क्वेल्च ने जरूरत से अधिक बात की थी। क्या आपको लगता है कि चुप्पी के कभी-कभी फायदे मिलते हैं? क्या आपने अपने जीवन में ऐसी स्थिति का सामना किया है? अपनी कक्षा में अपने विचार साझा करें।”
Answer: Yes, silence certainly has its own advantages sometimes. When you are true to yourself, you find inner peace. Showing off rarely pays off in the long run; it might impress some people for a little while, but not everyone, all the time. For example, my friend Ramesh often interrupts teachers in class. Once, when a teacher mentioned World War II ended in 1940, Ramesh immediately corrected him, stating the correct dates were 1939 to 1945. This habit of constantly interjecting, even when correct, can annoy others. It's often better to know when to speak and when to remain silent, especially in group settings.
जब आप अपने प्रति सच्चे हों तो आप शांति से रह सकते हैं। दिखावा लंबे समय तक नहीं चलता। यह कुछ समय के लिए किसी को प्रभावित कर सकता है लेकिन सभी को हमेशा नहीं। मेरे दोस्त रमेश इस श्रेणी में आते हैं। जब भी आप उसे देखें, हमेशा आधा दर्जन किताबों के साथ मिलेंगे। कक्षा में शिक्षकों को एक या दूसरे कारण टोकते रहते हैं। यदि शिक्षक कहता है कि द्वितीय विश्व युद्ध 1940 में लड़ा था, तो रमेश इस तरह के सामान्यीकरण को बर्दाश्त नहीं करता। वह खड़े होकर कहता है, “महोदय, सटीक उत्तर है 1939 से 1945 तक”। इस दुबले और पतले पतलून पहनने वाले लड़के ने एन.डी.ए. सहित कई साक्षात्कार का सामना किया। यह बोर्ड नहीं था जिसने उनसे साक्षात्कार किया था लेकिन यह रमेश था जिन्होंने बोर्ड का साक्षात्कार किया। परिणाम स्पष्ट था। हर बार उसे अस्वीकार होने का पत्र मिला।
In simple words: Speaking too much, like Private Quelch, can cause problems. Sometimes, being quiet is better because it shows humility and avoids annoying others. It helps maintain peace and good relationships.

🎯 Exam Tip: For reflective questions, provide personal examples and clearly link them back to the theme of the question and the character's behavior.