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Section B: Context Questions
I. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
For the last twenty-two years, Bonku Babu had taught geography and Bengali at the Kankurgachhi Village Primary School. Every year, a new batch of students replaced the old one, but old or new, the tradition of teasing poor Bonku Babu continued among all the students.(i) What in the extract shows that the students were teasing Bonku Babu for a long time?
Ans: The phrase "for the last twenty-two years" in the first sentence of the extract suggests that Bonku Babu has been teaching at the Kankurgachhi Village Primary School for a long time. Additionally, the phrase "but old or new, the tradition of teasing poor Bonku Babu continued among all the students" implies that the students have been teasing Bonku Babu consistently throughout his time at the school, old students replace by the new students but the teasing is going on traditionally. These all things from the extract show that the students were teasing Bonku Babu for a long time.
(ii) What form of teasing was used by his students?
Ans: Despite of being an experienced and senior teacher at the Kankurgachhi Village Primary School students continuously tease him. Some drew his cartoon on the blackboard, others put glue on his chair; or, on the night of Kali Puja, they lit a chasing rocket and set it off right behind him.
(iii) How did Bonku Babu react to the teasing by the students?
Ans: Bonku Babu did not get upset by the teasing of the students. He remained calm and only sometimes he said, "shame on you boys". The tradition of teasing Bonku Babu continued among all the students. However, No one had ever seen Bonku Babu get angry, he could not afford to lose his temper and leave his job. Also, there were always a few good students in every class, which made teaching worthwhile for him. He invited those boys to his house, offered them snacks, and told them tales of foreign lands and exciting adventures.
(iv) According to the bank Babu, what made his life as a teacher worth living?
Ans: According to Bonku Babu, what made his life as a teacher worth living was the presence of a handful of good students in every class, even if the rest of the class was full of pranksters. Teaching these good boys was rewarding for him. He often invited them to his house, offered them snacks, and told them tales of foreign lands and exciting adventures, which he believed was an enriching experience for both him and the students.
(v) Why did Banku Babu put up with the teasing?
Ans: As a middle-aged man, he knew how difficult it would be for him to find another job if he left this. Therefore, he continued to put up with the teasing and maintained his calm. Additionally, he had few good students in every class, and teaching them was rewarding for him. He believed that sharing his knowledge and experiences with his students was enriching for both him and the students.
II. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Only the other day -- less than two months ago--, they were talking about ghosts. Usually, Bonku Babu kept his mouth shut. That day, for some unknown reason, he open it and declared that he was not afraid of the ghost that was all! but it was enough to offer a golden opportunity to others. On his way back home later, that night Banku Bhaiya was attacked by a spook.
(i) What made his associates arrange and attacked on Bonku babu by a spook? How is it shown in the story that the attack was arranged by associates?
Ans: During an evening gathering hosted by Sripati Majumdar, Bonku Babu's associates were discussing ghosts when he declared that he was not afraid of them, providing them with an opportunity to prank him. Later that night, as he was passing a tamarind tree, Bonku Babu was attacked by an apparition with black ink smeared on it, which suggests that the attack was premeditated and planned by one or more of the associates at the gathering.
(ii) Describe in your own words the attack by the spook.
Ans: According to the story, after the evening gathering hosted by Sripati Majumdar, Banku Babu was walking home when he was attacked by a spook. The spook was described as a tall, thin figure that leapt down from a tamarind tree and landed on Banku Babu's back. Banku Babu was not frightened, but he was injured, and his neck ached for three days. Furthermore, his new kurta was torn and had black stains all over it.
(ii) What happened to Bonku Babu as a result of the attack?
Ans: As a result of the spook attack, Bonku Babu was physically injured and his new kurta was torn with black ink stains all over it. He also suffered from neck pain for three days. The attack not only caused him physical discomfort but also emotional distress as he was the target of a planned prank by his associates.
(iv) What was the favourable conditions for the spook to attack?
Ans: The favourable condition for the spook to attack was when Bonku Babu was passing under a tamarind tree at night after attending an evening gathering where the topic of conversation was ghosts. Bonku Babu had declared that he was not afraid of ghosts, which gave the associates at the gathering a golden opportunity to prank him. this incident made a favorable condition for the spook to attack.
(v) Why did Bonku Babu attend a meeting despite the attack by the spook? If he were not to attend the meeting what would happen? what does it show about rural life in this area?
Ans: Bonku Babu attended the meeting despite the attack by the spook because he didn't want to offend Sripati Majumdar, who was an important figure in the village and the school committee. Moreover, he was aware that his absence would take away the only source of entertainment for the other members of the meeting. This highlights the importance of social etiquette, respect for elders and superiors, and maintaining social relationships in rural life.
III. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
That particular evening Bonku Babu was the first to spot the strange light. Then he call Nidhu Babu and showed it to him. However, when he arrived at the meeting, he found that Nidhu Babu has coolly claimed full credit for being a person to see it, and was boasting a great deal about it. Banku Babu said nothing
(i) Why did Nidhu Babu say that he was the first person to spot the strange light? What does it say about his character?
Ans: Nidhu Babu claimed credit for being the first person to spot the strange light because he wanted to appear knowledgeable and important in front of the group. It shows that he is a person who seeks attention and recognition. This says something about Nidhu Babu's character, as he seems to be someone who wants to take credit for things he did not do. He is an opportunity seeker, boastful and seeks attention from others.
(ii)What does Bonku Babu's silence show about his character?
Ans: Bonku Babu's silence in the situation where Nidhu Babu claimed credit for spotting the strange light, despite Bonku Babu being the actual first person to spot it, suggests that he is not confrontational and prefers to avoid conflicts. He is also humble and not interested in taking credit for his observations.
(iii) Later, why did they change the topic of satellites?
Ans: They changed the topic of satellites because Chandi Babu expressed Doubt about the hype surrounding a point of light in the sky and dismissed it as "humbug". This led to a discussion among the group about the value of satellites and their achievements. Nidhu Babu then redirected the conversation towards the topic of rockets, which was considered more meaningful and interesting than satellites by some members of the group.
(iv) What did Ramkanai say about human achievement?
Ans: Ramkanai said, "Not us" but it is a human achievement surely. And a great achievement" Ramkanai recognizes and appreciates the achievement of launching a satellite into space. He believed that the discovery of a satellite in space is a significant accomplishment for humanity.
(v) What is the prospect of a rocket landing in the village? Why? What was Bonku Babu's view on this?
Ans: The prospect of a rocket landing in the village was discussed among a group of people, including Bonku Babu, who believed it was unlikely to happen. Because rockets were not a common occurrence in their area, they also did not see any practical purpose or benefit for a rocket to land in their village. Bonku Babu remains silent, later he suggested the possibility of an alien visit.
IV. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
"Consider his looks, not to mention his brains... yes, Bunkum would be the ideal specimen!"
"Right. Suitable for keeping in a museum. Or a zoo," Ramkanat chipped in.
Bonku Babu did not reply, but wondered silently: if anyone were to actually look for a specimen, weren't the others just as suitable? Look at Sripati Babu. His chin was so much like a camel's. And that Bhairav Chakravarty his eyes were like tortoise. Nidhu Babau looks like a rat, Ramkhanai is like a goat and Chandi Babu is like a flittermouse. If a zoo really had to be filled up...!
Tears sprang to his eyes.
(i) Why did he call Bonk Babu an 'ideal specimen' and for whom?
Ans: Chandi Babu called Bonku Babu an 'ideal specimen' for aliens as a sarcastic remark because he thought Bonku Babu was being ridiculous by suggesting that aliens would want to come to their village. He said Bonky was the best human specimen for aliens. Chandi Babu was not serious about it and was just making fun of Bonku Babu's statement.
(ii) Why did he call him as "Bunkum"? what does it say about his perception of Bonku Babu?
Ans: Chandi Babu called Bonku Babu as "Bunkum" as a playful variation of his name. Referring to Bonku Babu as "Bunkum" suggests that Chandi Babu does not hold Bonku Babu in high regard and make funs of silent and innocent people. This derogatory nickname also indicates a lack of respect towards Bonku Babu.
(iii) Name three of his associates whom Bonku Babu says could be other specimens. what reasons does he gave for his choice?
Ans: Bonku Babu thinks that Sripati Babu, Bhairav Chakravarty, Ramkanai Chandi babu and Nidhu Babu could be other specimens. He gives reasons for his choices based on their physical appearance - Sripati Babu's chin resembling a camel's, Bhairav Chakravarty's eyes resembling those of a tortoise, and Nidhu Babu resembling a rat. Ramkanai like a goat, Chandi babu like a flittermouse.
(iv) Why didn't Bonku Babu wonder silently about his associates what would have happened if he had spoken?
Ans:
(v) How did Bonku Babu reply to each of his associates mentioned in the extract and the end of the story?
Ans: Bonku Babu had a few things to say to each of his associates at the meeting. Here are his responses:
- Nidhu Babu: "Nidhu Babu, if you call me Bunkum, I shall call you Nitwit, and you must learn to live with that!"
- Sripati Babu: "And Sripati Babu, you are an important man, of course you must have chamchas, but I am not. If you like, I can send my cat to you, it's quite good at licking feet."
V.Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Puzzled, Bonku Babu walked another 20 yards and then he suddenly saw the light. At first, he thought that a fire had broken out. Bang in the middle of Poncha Ghosh's the bamboo groove, in the clearing near a small pond, quite a large area was glowing pink. A dull light on every branch and every leaf. Down below the ground behind the pond was lit by much stronger, pink light.
(i) From where Bonku Babu was coming? Was he in a hurry that day?
Ans:
(ii) Describe what Bomku Babu saw in front of him?
Ans: Bonku Babu saw a glowing pink light in the middle of Poncha Ghosh's bamboo grove, in the clearing near a small pond. It was a quite large area that was glowing pink, and the dull light shone on every branch and every leaf. He noticed that down below, the ground behind the pond was lit by a much stronger pink light. At first, he thought it was a fire that had broken out, but then he realized that it was still. This mysterious sight puzzled him, and he kept moving towards it to find out more.
(iii) What made Bonku Babu think that fire had broken out in the area? How did he react?
Ans: When Bonku Babu saw the glowing pink light from a distance, he first thought that a fire had broken out in the area. The light was quite large and it was shining on every branch and every leaf. However, as he got closer, he realized that it was not a fire as everything was still.
He reacted with curiosity and intrigue, he saw that the light was coming from a clearing in Poncha Ghosh's bamboo grove. He continued to move closer to investigate what was causing the pink glow.
(iv) Briefly describe the object that Bonku Babu saw?
Ans: The object that Bonku Babu saw appeared to be a giant glass bowl turned upside-down, covering the pond completely. The bowl was translucent, and a strong, yet gentle pink light was shining out from it, illuminating the whole area. The light made every branch and leaf glow pink, and the ground behind the pond was also lit up by a much stronger pink light.
VI.Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
"I am Ang, from the planet Craneus. A far superior being than man". What! This creature, barely four feet tall, with such thin limbs and a weird face. Was superior to man? Bonku Babu nearly burst out laughing. Ang read his mind immediately. "There's no need to be so sceptical. I can prove it. How many languages do you know?"
(i) Who was Ang? and describe his appearance according to the extract.
Ans: Ang is an alien who is a creature from the planet Craneus. He is described as barely four feet tall with thin limbs, a head like a plain, smooth ball its whole body covered by a shiny, pink outfit. His eyes were round and bright yellow, He had tiny holes on each side of his head instead of ears, two holes on his face where there should have been a nose, and another gaping hole instead of a mouth.
(ii) Why does he say he is superior to human beings?
Ans: Ang says he is superior to human beings because he possesses abilities that surpass those of humans. Ang knows 14,000 languages, including those spoken on planets outside of Earth's solar system, and has travelled to 25 different planets. Additionally, he mentions that his instruments allow him to travel through space, which suggests that he possesses advanced technology that is not available to humans.
(iii) what does Ang say about his knowledge of language?
Ans: Ang claims to know 14,000 languages, including every language in their solar system and thirty-one languages spoken on planets outside of their system.
(iv) How does Bonku Babu react when Ang greeted him?
Ans: In the given extract, when Ang greeted Bonku Babu by saying "Namaskar!" (a traditional Indian greeting), Bonku Babu heaved a sigh of relief and returned the greeting by saying "Namaskar!" in response. This suggests that Bonku Babu was relieved and felt a sense of familiarity and comfort upon hearing a recognizable greeting.
VII.Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Bonku Babu peered through the glass and felt all his hair rise. Could this be true? Could he really believe eyes? Before him stretched and endless expanses of snow dotted with large Hill locks also covered with ice and snow. Above him, against a deep blue sky, all the colours of a rainbow were forming different patterns, changing every second. The Aurora Borealis what was that? An igloo. There was a group of polar bears wait, there was another animal, a strong, peculiar creature...
(i) What did Bonku Babu think he wanted to see?
Ans: Bonku babu thinks There was so much in Bengal itself that he had never had the chance to see;The snow-capped Himalayas, the seashore in Digha, the forests in the Sunderbans, or even that famous banyan tree in the Botanical Gardens of Shibpur. Bonku Babu admitted that there was so much he would like to see, but most of all, he would like to visit the North Pole because he came from a warm country and had never seen snow.
(ii) what was 'the glass' who gave it to Bonku Babu? Why?
Ans: The "glass" referred to in the passage is a small tube with one end covered by a piece of glass that Ang gave to Bonku Babu to look through. Through this tube, Bonku Babu was able to see amazing and wondrous sights, including the Aurora Borealis, polar bears, walruses, and a dense forest in Brazil. Ang gave him the tube so that he could experience these sights and expand his knowledge of the world beyond what he had previously known.
(iii) which was the strange peculiar creature?
Ans: The strange, peculiar creature that Bonku Babu saw through the glass was a walrus. He observed two of them, which were fighting with each other, with their tusks bared and attacking each other. The tusks were described as "large as radishes" and the two animals were inflicting serious injuries on each other, with streams of bright red blood flowing on the soft white snow. The vivid and graphic description of the scene made Bonku Babu break out into a sweat, even though he was just looking through a small glass tube.
(iv) when Ang mentioned Brazil what was the first thought that come to Bonku Babu? What does it show about Banku Babu's character?
Ans: When Ang mentioned Brazil, the first thought that came to Bonku Babu's mind was of piranhas, the deadly carnivorous fish. This shows that Bonku Babu is a person who is easily influenced by his surroundings and the things he reads or hears about. His imagination is vivid, and he tends to dwell on the negative aspects of things. Additionally, it also shows that he is a person who is interested in learning and gaining knowledge, as he has read about piranhas and is aware of their reputation as deadly predators.
(v) After watching through the tube for sometime, why could not Bonku Babu beer to watch anymore? what did and ask after Bonku Babu was it through the instrument?
Ans: After watching through the tube for some time, Bonku Babu could not bear to watch anymore because the scenes he saw were too intense and overwhelming for him. His limbs were trembling, and his head was reeling painfully.
After Bonku Babu was done looking through the instrument, Ang asked him if he was satisfied with what he had seen. Bonku Babu nodded and said that it was beyond his wildest imagination. Ang then told him that he could take the instrument with him and look at anything he wanted to see.
VIII. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Look, I have been observing you and I have examined your arms and legs you belong to a much inferior species. There is no doubt about that. However, as human beings go you are not too bad. I mean you are a good man but you have a major fault you a must to make and build. That is why you have have made so little progress in life. You must always speak up against injustice and protest. If anyone hurts or insult you without any provocation to take things quietly is wrong. Not just for Ma'am but for any creature anywhere anyway it was nice to have meet you all though. I wasn't really supposed to be here at this time. There's no point investing more time on your earth. I had better go."
(i) According to Ang what was Bonku Babu measure fault? Why did Ang says that manga Bonku Babu made little progress in life?
Ans: According to Ang, Bonku Babu's major fault was that he was too meek and mild. Ang believed that Bonku Babu needed to speak up against injustice and protest if anyone hurt or insulted him without any provocation. Ang said that taking things quietly was wrong not just for man, but for any creature anywhere. Ang believed that Bonku Babu's meekness and mildness were the reasons why he had made little progress in life.
(ii) What did Ang advise Bonku Babu to do if anyone hurt him without any provocation?
Ans: Ang advised Bonku Babu to speak up against injustice and protest if anyone hurts or insults him without any provocation. He suggested that taking things quietly is wrong, not just for man, but for any creature anywhere.
(iii) Why did Ang leave the planet in a hurry?
Ans: Ang leaves the planet in a hurry because he has to go to planet pluto but due to an issue with a spaceship he arrived at Earth further he felt there was no point in wasting more time on Earth. Additionally, he had already accomplished what he had come for, which was to speak with Bonku Babu and share his advice. Therefore, he quickly boarded his spaceship and left without any further delay.
(iv)Sate, whether Ang really existed or was a literally device to so one's self-confidence.
Ans:
(v) How did Bonku Babu take Ang's advise what was its result?
Ans: Bonku Babu followed this advice and confronted the people who were insulting him at the meeting. He spoke out against their behaviour and stood up for himself. He said Nidhu Babu if you call me Bunkum, I shall call you Nitwit, He said Sripati Babu that you are an important man but I am not you chamacha like others. As a result, he regained his self-respect and confidence, and he was no longer afraid to speak his mind. This is evident in his bold and confident speech at the meeting, where he asserts himself and even makes jokes at the expense of others.