Samacheer Kalvi Class 10 English Solutions Chapter 5 A Day in 2889 of an American Journalist

A. Answer the following questions in two or three lines.

Question 1. Why did Francis Bennett wake up with a bad temper?
Answer: Francis Bennett woke up in a bad mood because he felt lonely and bored. It had been eight days since his wife left for France. Being alone for a long time can often make someone feel annoyed or upset.
In simple words: Francis Bennett woke up angry because he felt lonely and bored, as his wife had been in France for eight days.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining character emotions, always provide the reason from the story to support your answer.

Question 2. What was a mechanized dressing room?
Answer: A mechanized dressing room was a special room equipped with machines that could wash, shave, and dress a person. These machines would even button up their clothes from top to toe, preparing them for the office automatically. This highlights the advanced level of automation in daily life.
In simple words: It was a room with machines that would wash, shave, and dress a person fully.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define futuristic concepts clearly by describing their function and purpose as explained in the text.

Question 3. How was food served to him?
Answer: Food was served to him through a network of pneumatic tubes. This delivery system was quite expensive, but the text notes that traditionally cooked food was considered better. This contrasts futuristic convenience with old-fashioned preference.
In simple words: Food reached him through tubes that used air pressure. It was costly, and traditional cooking was still preferred.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing a system, explain its mechanism and any notable characteristics mentioned in the passage.

Question 4. What was Bennett curious about astronomy?
Answer: Bennett was curious about astronomy because an astronomer had just discovered and mapped out the details of a new planet named 'Gandini'. He was very pleased and amazed by the accuracy of this new finding. His interest shows a fascination with scientific progress.
In simple words: Bennett was interested in astronomy because a new planet, 'Gandini', was found, and he was impressed by how accurate the details were.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect a character's interest to the specific event or discovery that triggered it, based on the story details.

Question 5. Why did he visit Niagara?
Answer: He visited Niagara to check on his accumulator works there. He then used the powerful force of the waterfalls to generate energy, which he would either sell or lease to consumers. This shows his involvement in the energy business.
In simple words: He went to Niagara to see his energy plants. He used the waterfalls to make energy and then sold it.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked for the reason behind an action, provide the primary motivation and any subsequent outcomes mentioned in the text.

Question 6. How did Bennett travel?
Answer: Bennett traveled by an aero-car, a vehicle that flew through the air at a speed of about 400 miles an hour. He managed to reach his workplace in Niagara in just half an hour, demonstrating extremely fast futuristic travel. This mode of transport highlights the advanced technology of the time.
In simple words: Bennett traveled in a fast-flying aero-car, moving at 400 miles per hour, reaching Niagara in half an hour.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention both the mode of transport and any specific details like speed or travel time if provided in the story.

Question 7. Give three instances of how mechanization has changed life at home in 2889?
Answer: Mechanization significantly changed home life in 2889 in three ways. First, vision and speech were transmitted through a phonotelephote. Second, a machine could get a person ready for the office in just two minutes without assistance. Third, food was served directly through pneumatic tubes. These changes point to a highly automated and convenient home environment.
In simple words: At home, machines sent pictures and sound through phonotelephote, dressed people quickly, and delivered food through tubes.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked for multiple examples, list each one distinctly and concisely, ensuring each point comes directly from the text.

Question 8. How is advertising in this age different from what we have today?
Answer: Advertising in that age was very different because gigantic advertisement signs were projected onto the clouds. These signs were so huge and colorful that they could be seen across the entire country. A thousand projectors were constantly used to display these immense advertisements in color on the clouds. This illustrates a highly pervasive and technologically advanced advertising method.
In simple words: Advertisements were huge, projected onto clouds by many projectors, and could be seen all over the country.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to compare, highlight the key unique features of the described scenario that distinguish it from the present day.

B. Identify the character/speaker.

Question 1. As soon as he woke up, he switched on his phonotelephote.
Answer: Francis Bennett. This action shows his daily routine and reliance on futuristic communication technology.
In simple words: Francis Bennett.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the character who performs the action described, based on the narrative flow.

Question 2. Well, Cash, what have you got?
Answer: Francis Bennett. This is Francis Bennett addressing his assistant, Cash, to get updates or information. It shows his managerial role.
In simple words: Francis Bennett.

🎯 Exam Tip: The name in the question ("Cash") directly indicates the speaker is asking someone else, helping identify them.

Question 3. 'Photo telegrams from Mercury, Venus, and Mars, Sir.'
Answer: Cash. This is Cash replying to Francis Bennett, delivering information received from other planets. This shows his role as an information provider.
In simple words: Cash.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for direct responses that provide information, as these are typically given by an assistant or subordinate.

Question 4. 'Interesting! And Jupiter?'
Answer: Francis Bennett. He asks this question as a follow-up, showing his continued interest in astronomical news. It highlights his curiosity.
In simple words: Francis Bennett.

🎯 Exam Tip: Questions that extend a conversation or express continued interest usually come from the main questioning character.

Question 5. 'Not yet, Mr.Bennett.'
Answer: Cash. This is a direct answer to Francis Bennett, indicating that something (likely related to Jupiter) has not happened yet. It is a factual report.
In simple words: Cash.

🎯 Exam Tip: Answering "not yet" implies a previous question about an awaited event, helping to link the speaker to their role.

Question 6. 'No, it's the inhabitants.'
Answer: Corley. This line is a correction or clarification, suggesting Corley is providing specific details about who or what is being referred to. It indicates an informed character.
In simple words: Corley.

🎯 Exam Tip: Lines that correct or clarify previous statements often belong to characters providing expert or precise information.

Question 7. 'Where are we going, Sir?'
Answer: Aero - coachman. This question is typical of a driver asking for directions from their passenger. It establishes his professional role.
In simple words: Aero - coachman.

🎯 Exam Tip: Consider the character's role or profession; certain questions are typical for specific job roles.

Question 8. 'Then, Sir, I shall really have discovered the absolute'?
Answer: The young inventor. This statement reflects his confidence and ambition in making a significant scientific breakthrough. It showcases his pioneering spirit.
In simple words: The young inventor.

🎯 Exam Tip: Lines expressing profound discovery or ambition are often associated with characters identified as inventors or scientists.

Question 9. 'Are you saying you're going to be able to construct a human being?'
Answer: Francis Bennett. This question conveys his astonishment and disbelief at the ambitious claim of creating human life. It highlights his reaction to a major scientific proposal.
In simple words: Francis Bennett.

🎯 Exam Tip: Questions that show surprise or seek clarification on an extraordinary claim are often spoken by a central character like Bennett.

Question 10. 'I'm going to start this moment.'
Answer: Edith. This line indicates her immediate resolve and readiness to begin a task. It portrays her as decisive.
In simple words: Edith.

🎯 Exam Tip: Statements of immediate intent or determination usually come from characters known for their strong will or leadership.

C. Choose the best answer.

Question 1. Bennette's wife was in ..........................
(i) Germany
(ii) Australia
(iii) France
(iv) Holland
Answer: (iii) France
In simple words: Bennett's wife was in France.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always remember specific details about characters, like their location, as these are direct facts from the story.

Question 2. The data from the stellar world was gathered by ..........................
(i) Bennette
(ii) astronomical reporters
(iii) the computer
(iv) telephote
Answer: (ii) astronomical reporters
In simple words: Reporters who study stars gathered the information from space.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between general characters and specialized roles when identifying who performs specific tasks.

Question 3. The food was delivered through .......................... tubes.
(i) pneumatic
(ii) shallow
(iii) hollow
(iv) virtual
Answer: (i) pneumatic
In simple words: Food was sent through pneumatic tubes, which use air pressure to move things.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the key terms related to the futuristic technology described in the story.

Question 4. The wayfarers were carried from one place to another by the ..........................
(i) bullet train
(ii) jet
(iii) moving pavement
(iv) heli-taxi
Answer: (iii) moving pavement
In simple words: Travelers moved around on moving pavements, which are like automatic sidewalks.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to the specific transportation methods described for general public movement within the story.

D. Fill in the story map given below.
Answer:
Title: A Day in 2889 of an American Journalist. This title clearly introduces the setting and main character.
Setting: The office block of the managing editor of the journal 'Earth Herald'. This is the primary location where the story unfolds.
Characters: Francis Bennett, Mrs. Edith Bennett, Cash, Corley, Aero-coachman, Two young men. These individuals are the key players in the narrative.
Problems: Indifference to the presence of each new marvel. To the people, all seems to be natural. This reflects a theme where advanced technology is no longer surprising.
Your Views: It is a futuristic story written in the 19th century. Imaginations may come true or may vanish. There is a limit for imaginations and inventions. It may be a boon or a bane. This personal reflection considers the implications of imagination and invention.
In simple words: The story map contains the title, where the story happens, the people in it, the main problem, and your own thoughts about the story.

🎯 Exam Tip: When completing a story map, identify the core elements accurately: the story's name, its location, the main characters involved, the central challenge, and a reflective summary of its themes.

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:

1. A second inventor, using as a basis some old experiments that dated from the 19th century, had the idea of moving a whole city in a single block. He suggested, as a demonstration, the town of Saaf, situated fifteen miles from the sea; after conveying it on rails down to the shore, he would transform it into a seaside resort.

Francis Bennett, attracted by this project, agreed to take a half-share in it. The proposals heard and dealt with, Francis Bennett went to stretch himself out in an easy-chair in the audition-room. Then, pressing a button, he was put into communication with the Central Concert.

After so busy a day, what a charm he found in the works of our greatest masters, based on a series of delicious harmonico- algebraic formulae during his meal, phonotelephotic communication had been set up with Paris.

Question 1. In which century were the old experiments dated? And what was it?
Answer: The old experiments were from the 19th century. The idea behind these experiments was to move an entire city as one single block. This shows a very imaginative and ambitious approach to engineering from the past.
In simple words: The old experiments were from the 1800s. They were about moving a whole city at once.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pinpoint exact dates or periods and the corresponding concepts as stated in the passage.

Question 2. Where was Saaf situated?
Answer: Saaf was situated fifteen miles away from the sea. Its location was important for the inventor's plan to turn it into a seaside resort. This detail explains why the city needed to be moved.
In simple words: Saaf was located fifteen miles from the sea.

🎯 Exam Tip: Extract specific geographical information directly from the passage for location-based questions.

Question 3. What was the proposal awaiting for Saaf?
Answer: The proposal for Saaf was to transport it on rails down to the seashore. After reaching the shore, the plan was to transform it into a seaside resort. This demonstrates a unique urban development idea.
In simple words: The plan for Saaf was to move it by rails to the sea and change it into a seaside holiday spot.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state the main plan or idea concerning the subject mentioned in the question.

Question 4. How and to whom was Francis Bennett connected?
Answer: Francis Bennett connected with the Central Concert by simply pressing a button. This allowed him to access the artistic works of great masters remotely, combining leisure with advanced technology. This system highlights his use of technology for entertainment.
In simple words: Francis Bennett connected to the Central Concert by pushing a button.

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe both the method of connection and the entity or service being connected to, as mentioned in the text.

Question 5. Pick out any two words that refer to technology?
Answer: Two terms that refer to technology are "Harmonico – algebraic formulae" and "Phonotelephotic communication." These phrases represent advanced scientific and communication systems of the future. They show the story's futuristic elements.
In simple words: "Harmonico – algebraic formulae" and "Phonotelephotic communication" are two technical words.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify compound words or specific scientific terms that describe devices or concepts indicating advanced technology.

2. The next room, a broad gallery about a quarter of a mile long, was devoted to publicity, and it well may be imagined what the publicity for such a journal as the Earth Herald had to be. It brought in a daily average of three million dollars. They are gigantic signs reflected on the clouds, so large that they can be seen all over the whole country.

For that gallery, a thousand projectors were unceasingly employed in sending to the clouds, on which they were reproduced in colour, these inordinate advertisements. At that moment the clock struck twelve. The director of the Earth Herald left the hall and sat down in a rolling armchair. In a few minutes, he had reached his dining room half a mile away, at the far end of the office.

Question 1. What was the next room devoted to?
Answer: The next room, a wide gallery, was entirely dedicated to publicity, meaning it was used for advertisements. This shows the significant role of media and promotion for a publication like the Earth Herald. It highlights the importance of making things known.
In simple words: The next room was used for publicity, meaning advertising.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state the primary function or purpose of the place being asked about, based on the passage.

Question 2. What was the breadth of the gallery?
Answer: The gallery was about a quarter of a mile long, which indicates its impressive and expansive size. This large space was needed for its function. It suggests a grand scale for its operations.
In simple words: The gallery was about a quarter of a mile wide.

🎯 Exam Tip: Extract specific measurements or dimensions directly provided in the text for accuracy.

Question 3. How much did the gallery bring in?
Answer: The gallery generated a daily average of three million dollars. This substantial income highlights its immense economic value and the profitability of publicity in that era. It was a very successful operation.
In simple words: The gallery made three million dollars on average every day.

🎯 Exam Tip: State financial figures accurately and include units (like "dollars" or "daily average") if mentioned.

Question 4. How was the advertisement done here?
Answer: Advertisements were created by using a thousand projectors to send gigantic signs to the clouds. These signs were reproduced in color on the clouds, making them so large and visible that they could be seen all over the country. This describes a highly advanced and pervasive advertising technique. It was a grand spectacle.
In simple words: Huge, colorful ads were projected onto the clouds by many projectors, visible across the whole country.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the method and scale of advertising, including any specific technologies or visual effects described.

Question 5. Where did the director of the Earth Herald sit?
Answer: The director of the Earth Herald sat in a rolling armchair. This suggests a modern and comfortable workspace, allowing for easy movement. It highlights the convenience of the future office.
In simple words: The director sat in a chair that could move on wheels.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention specific details about objects or furniture associated with characters in the passage.