AHSEC Class 12 English Solved Question Paper 2023 [AHSEC Class 12 Solved Question Papers]

English Solved Question Paper 2023
AHSEC Class 12 Solved Question Papers English

Full Marks: 100

Pass Marks: 30

Time: Three hours

The figures in the margin indicate full marks for the questions.

SECTION – A [Reading Skill: 10 Marks]

1. Read the following passage carefully:

Air pollution is an issue which concerns us all alike. One can willingly choose or reject a food, a drink or a life comfort, but unfortunately there is little choice for the air we breathe. All, what is there in the air is inhaled by one and all living in those surroundings.

Air pollutant is defined as a substance which is present while normally it is not there or present in an amount exceeding the normal concentrations. It could either be gaseous or a particulate matter. The important and harmful polluting gases are carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ozone and oxides of sulphur and nitrogen. The common particulate pollutants are the dusts of various inorganic or organic origins. Although we often talk of the outdoor air pollution caused by industrial and vehicular exhausts, the indoor pollution may prove to be as or a more important cause of health problems.

Recognition of air pollution is relatively recent. It is not uncommon to experience a feeling of ‘suffocation’ in a closed environment. It is often ascribed to the lack of oxygen. Fortunately, however, the composition of air is remarkably constant all over the world. There is about 79 per cent nitrogen and 21 per cent oxygen in the air; the other gases forming a very small fraction. It is true that carbon dioxide exhaled out of lungs may accumulate in a closed and overcrowded place. But such an increase is usually small and temporary unless the room is really airtight. Exposure to poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide may occur in a closed room, heated by burning coal inside. This may also prove to be fatal.

What is more common in a poorly ventilated home is a vague constellation of symptoms described as the sick-building syndrome. It is characterized by a general feeling of malaise, headache, dizziness and irritation of mucous membranes. It may also be accompanied by nausea, itching aches, pains and depression. Sick building syndrome is getting commoner in big cities with the small houses, which are generally over furnished. Some of the important pollutants whose indoor concentrations exceed those of the outdoors include gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and organic substances like spores, formaldehydes, hydrocarbon aerosols and allergens. The sources are attributed to a variety of construction materials, insulation, furnishings, adhesives, cosmetics, house dusts, fungi and other indoor products.

Smoking of tobacco is the closed environment is an important source of indoor pollution. It may not be high quantitatively, but significantly hazardous for health. It is because of the fact that there are over 3,000 chemical constituents in tobacco smoke, which have been identified. These are harmful for human health.

Obviously, the spectrum of pollution is very wide and our options are limited. Indoor pollution may be handled relatively easily by an individual. Moreover, the good work must start from one’s own house.

On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions:

(a) What is an air pollutant?         1

Ans: An air pollutant is a substance which is present when normally it is not there, or present in an amount exceeding the normal concentrations.

(b) In what forms are the air pollutants present?                2

Ans: Air pollutants are present in two main forms:

- Gaseous (like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ozone, and oxides of sulphur and nitrogen).

- Particulate matter (like the dusts of various inorganic or organic origins).

(c) Why do we feel suffocated in a closed environment? 1

Ans: The feeling of 'suffocation' in a closed environment is often ascribed to the lack of oxygen.

(d) What is sick building syndrome? Mention some of its major symptoms.            1+1=2

Ans: Sick building syndrome is a vague constellation of symptoms common in poorly ventilated homes. Its major symptoms include: a general feeling of malaise, headache, dizziness, and irritation of mucous membranes.

(e) How is smoking of tobacco an important source of indoor air pollution?            2

Ans: Smoking of tobacco in a closed environment is a significant source of indoor pollution because, although it may not be high quantitatively, it is significantly hazardous for health. This is due to the fact that over 3,000 chemical constituents in tobacco smoke have been identified, which are harmful for human health.

(f) Find a word in the passage which means “the state or process of dying from being deprived of air or unable to breathe”. 1

Ans: The word is suffocation

(g) Give an antonym of “reject”.                1

Ans: The antonym of "reject" is choose.

SECTION – B [Advanced Writing Skill: 25 Marks]

2. You are Anwesha / Anirban, Director of “Scholars’ Academy”, an institute that provides coaching to students for appearing in various competitive examinations. Write an advertisement for publication in a newspaper. (Word Limit: 50 words]            5

Or          

Design a poster in not more than 50 words to create awareness about the need of energy conservation.              5

3. You attended a Book Fair in your town organized by a local NGO in which a member of reputed publication houses of the country participated. Write a detailed account of the event in 100-125 words to be published in a newspaper. 10

Ans:

Or

You are Jahnavi / Javed. Your school has organized a Street Play on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26. Prepare a report on that event in 100-125 words to be published in your school magazine.           10

4. Write a letter to the Manager of a bank reporting the loss of your passbook and requesting him to issue a duplicate one.       10

Date: December 14, 2025

To The Branch Manager

Punjab National Bank

Tinsukia Branch

Tinsukia, Assam

Subject: Reporting the loss of savings bank passbook and request for issue of a duplicate.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to formally report the loss of my savings bank passbook for the account held at your branch. My account details are as follows:

Account Holder Name: Rajiv Singh

Account Number: [Your 16-digit Account Number]

I noticed the passbook was missing today, December 14, 2021, and despite an extensive search, I have been unable to locate it. I suspect it might have been misplaced or lost while traveling earlier this week.

I kindly request you to stop any unauthorized use of the lost passbook and urgently issue a duplicate passbook for my account. I understand that an indemnity bond and a nominal fee might be required for the issuance of a duplicate passbook, and I am prepared to complete all necessary formalities immediately.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.

Yours faithfully,

Rajiv Singh

C/o H. No. 12,

Main Road Tinsukia, Assam [Mobile Number]

 (Signature) Rajiv Singh

Or

You are President of the English Literary Forum of your college. Write a formal invitation inviting Dr. D. Baruah, a noted scholar to speak on the occasion of the “World Poetry Day” to be held on March, 21.        10

Date: December 14, 2025

To

Dr. D. Baruah

Near Railway Station, Guwahati

Subject: Invitation to Speak on the Occasion of World Poetry Day March 21.

Dear Dr. Baruah,

The English Literary Forum of Gauhati Commerce College is honoured to invite you as the Chief Speaker for our celebration of World Poetry Day. This annual event aims to promote the reading, writing, and teaching of poetry among our students and faculty.

The event details are as follows:

Event Detail	Information
Occasion	World Poetry Day Celebration
Topic	The Enduring Relevance of Poetry in the Modern World (Suggested)
Date	Thursday, March 21, 2026
Time	11:00 AM
Venue	The College Auditorium, Gauhati Commerce College

Your extensive research and profound contributions to the field of literature are highly respected by our community. We believe your address would be highly inspiring and enlightening for all attendees.

We sincerely request you to grace the occasion with your presence and consent to speak on this significant day. Kindly confirm your availability by February 10, 2026.

We look forward eagerly to a positive response.

Signature                                                                                                                                                 Yours faithfully,

Rohini Kashyap

The President, English Literary Forum

Gauhati Commerce College

R.G. Baruah Road, Guwahati, Assam

Or

Draft an application for the post of a Sports Teacher in Udayan Girls’ High School, Dibrugarh in response to their advertisement that appeared in the Assam Tribune dated 10^th February, 2023. Prepare a bio data to be enclosed. You are Sunil / Sunita.            10

Date: December 14, 2025

To

The President

Managing Committee

Udayan Girls’ High School

Dibrugarh, Assam

Subject: Application for the post of Sports Teacher.

Sir/Madam,

This is in response to your advertisement published in The Assam Tribune dated February 10, 2023, regarding the vacancy for the post of a Sports Teacher in your esteemed school. I wish to submit my application for the same.

I possess a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education along with relevant coaching certifications and two years of professional experience in coaching and fitness training. I am passionate about promoting physical fitness and sportsmanship among students. I believe in inspiring young minds to lead healthy and disciplined lives through sports.

As regards my detailed qualifications and experience, I have enclosed my comprehensive Bio-Data for your kind scrutiny.

I am confident that I can contribute positively to the development of your school’s sports curriculum and team performance. I shall be available for an interview on any day of your convenience.

If selected, I shall discharge my duties with utmost dedication, sincerity, and professionalism.

Yours sincerely,

(Signature)

Sunil / Sunita

ENCLOSURES:

1. Bio-Data

2. Copies of Testimonials

BIO-DATA

Personal Details
NAME	Sunil / Sunita
FATHER'S NAME	Mr. S. K. Das
ADDRESS	XYZ Road, Tinsukia, Assam
CONTACT NO.	9987XXXXXX
DATE OF BIRTH	15 May 1995
NATIONALITY	Indian
RELIGION	Hindu
MARITAL STATUS	Unmarried
GENDER	Male / Female
AGE	30 years

 

Academic Qualifications
YEAR	EXAMINATION	BOARD/UNIVERSITY	INSTITUTE	PERCENTAGE
20XX	Bachelor of Physical Education (B.P.Ed)	Matrix University, Rohtak	Matrix University	78%
20XX	H.S. 2nd Year	AHSEC	Tinsukia College	80%
20XX	H.S.L.C.	SEBA	A New High School	75%

 

Work Experience
S. NO.	ORGANISATION	POSITION HELD	FROM
1	XYZ School, Gurugram	Physical Education Teacher	Nov 20XX
2	ABC Sports Club, Guwahati	Sports Coach (Athletics)	Nov 20XX

 

Skills
Coaching Skills	SAI Certified Coach in Athletics; specialized training in Yoga and first aid.
Interpersonal Skills	Excellent communication, leadership, and motivational abilities to engage students.
Organizational Skills	Highly organized, dedicated to work, and adept at managing sports equipment and events.
Languages Known	Hindi, English, Assamese, Bengali.

Declaration: I solemnly declare that all the above information is correct and true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Date: December 14, 2025

Place: Tinsukia

(Signature)

Sunil / Sunita

SECTION – C [Grammar: 20 Marks]

5. Change the form of the narration of any two: 2x2 = 4

(a) The gentleman said to the salesman, “What is the price of this Dictionary?” The salesman said to him, “It is a bit expensive. But I can give it to you at a 10 per cent discount.”
Ans: The gentleman asked the salesman what the price of that dictionary was. The salesman replied that it was a bit expensive but he could give it to him at a 10 per cent discount.

(b) I asked the old lady where Professor Sarmah lived. The lady replied regretfully that she didn’t know.
Ans: I said to the old lady, “Where does Professor Sarmah live?” The lady said regretfully, “I don’t know.”

(c) The girl said to the teacher, “Madam, I am weak in English and seek your advice.” The teacher said, “Read the text thoroughly and try to express your ideas in simple correct English.”
Ans: The girl told the teacher that she was weak in English and sought her advice. The teacher advised her to read the text thoroughly and try to express her ideas in simple correct English.

(d) “Let’s buy some milk and prepare milkshake for us”, said Aruna. “The milkshake we’re drinking now is utterly tasteless.”
Ans: Aruna suggested that they should buy some milk and prepare milkshake for themselves. She added that the milkshake they were drinking then was utterly tasteless.

6. Change the voice of any three: 1x3 = 3

(a) He was instructed by his coach to play that shot.
Ans: His coach instructed him to play that shot.

(b) Please give me some more time.
Ans: You are requested to give me some more time.

(c) Is the gardener watering the plants?
Ans: Are the plants being watered by the gardener?

(d) Rome was not built in a day.
Ans: People did not build Rome in a day.

(e) The girl is reading a novel.
Ans: A novel is being read by the girl.

(f) I saw a road accident yesterday.
Ans: A road accident was seen by me yesterday.

7. Use the correct form of verbs (any five): 1x5 = 5

(a) This family (live) in this place since 1970.
Ans: This family has been living in this place since 1970.

(b) She (go) home when we met her.
Ans: She was going home when we met her.

(c) We reached the stadium after the match (start).
Ans: We reached the stadium after the match had started.

(d) Ice (float) on water.
Ans: Ice floats on water.

(e) If I (be) you, I would not do that.
Ans: If I were you, I would not do that.

(f) He suddenly realized that he (leave) the bag in the bus.
Ans: He suddenly realized that he had left the bag in the bus.

(g) We already (have) breakfast.
Ans: We have already had breakfast.

8. Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions (any four): 1x4 = 4

(a) They will come here _______ a month.
Ans: They will come here in a month.

(b) I am sorry _______ what I have done.
Ans: I am sorry for what I have done.

(c) She usually falls _______ her bicycle.
Ans: She usually falls off her bicycle.

(d) He is taller than you _______ three inches.
Ans: He is taller than you by three inches.

(e) I am not satisfied _______ my performance.
Ans: I am not satisfied with my performance.

(f) The police ran _______ the thief.
Ans: The police ran after the thief.

9. Rewrite the sentences as directed (any four): 1x4 = 4

(a) This fact is too evident to require any proof. (Use ‘so… that’)
Ans: This fact is so evident that it requires no proof.

(b) I shall remember your help forever. (Make it negative without changing the meaning)
Ans: I shall never forget your help.

(c) Having completed her project here she returned to her native. (Make it a complex sentence)
Ans: After she had completed her project here, she returned to her native.

(d) She is the tallest girl in the classroom. (Change it into comparative degree)
Ans: She is taller than any other girl in the classroom.

(e) No one can do this. (Make it interrogative)
Ans: Who can do this?

(f) There is a slight difference between the two shades. (Use the adjective form of ‘difference’)
Ans: The two shades are slightly different.

(g) As he was ill, he could not appear in the examination. (Make it a simple sentence)
Ans: Owing to his illness, he could not appear in the examination.

SECTION – D [Textbooks: 45 Marks]

10. Read the following extracts and the questions that follow:

(a) “But soon

put that thought away and looked out at

Young

Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling

Out of their homes’

Questions:

(1) Who looked out at the young trees?                 1

Ans: Ans: The poet looked out at the young trees.

(2) Which thought did the speaker put away?      1

Ans: The poet put away the thought of her mother approaching death.

(3) What do young sprinting tree signify?               1

Ans: Young sprinting trees signify the energetic action of the youth.

(4) What did the speaker see the children doing?               1

Ans: The poet sees the children coming out of their homes and playing.

Or

(b) “It would be an exotic moment

without rush, without engines, 

we would all be together

in a sudden strangeness.”

Questions:

(1) What does ‘it’ refer to?           1

Ans: Here it means ‘Exotic moment’ which means an extraordinary moment of peace that is away from the din and rush of the modem life.

(2) To whom is the poet speaking?           1

Ans: The poet is speaking to all human beings—to people across the entire world, urging them to pause their activities and indulge in introspection.

(3) What would be the moment like?       2

Ans: Ans: The moment would be exotic and characterized by sudden strangeness, as there would be no rush and no noise from engines or machinery. It would be a time when all people would be united in a common state of quiet reflection and mutual understanding, free from destructive activities.

11. Answer any three of the following questions in 30-40 words: 2x3=6

(a) Why was the roadside stand built?

Ans: The roadside stand was built by the rural folk on one side of the road. The stand had been set up to attract the city folk as customers. The idea was to bring in some cash after selling the farm products.

(b) How did the travelers on the highways react to the roadside stand?

Ans. Many things irritated those passersby who stopped at the roadside stand. The badly painted buildings spoilt the landscape, the writings on the signboard were defective, the letters ‘N’ and ‘S’ weren’t properly written and most importantly, the place didn’t provide much stuff for shopping.

(c) What does Pablo Neruda wish to achieve by keeping quiet?

Ans: Pablo Neruda wishes for people to keep silent to introspect and experience an exotic moment. This pause promotes peace and brotherhood among men, allowing us to reflect and achieve a total cessation of all kind of wars.

(d) What kind of images does the poet use to signify her mother’s ageing decay in the poem “My Mother at Sixty-Six’?

Ans: The poet uses two strong images signifying decay: her face, described as "ashen like that, of a corpse", explicitly showing ageing. Second, her "wan, Pale" face is compared to a "late winter’s moon", which is dull and symbolises the final, decaying phase of life.

(e) What, according to Keats, makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings?

Ans: Every morning, we wreathe a band of flowers to bind us to the beauty of the earth. A beautiful thing lifts the cover of gloom and darkness from our lives. It makes us love life in spite of troubles and sufferings. As we look at nature around us, we find many beautiful things that give us happiness and uplift us. Despite the sufferings and hardships of life, beauty makes life worth living and loving.

12. Answer any five of the following questions:                                1x5=5

(a) What creatures did the writer notice on the Peacock Island?

Ans: The writer noticed large, long-tailed monkeys and wild goats on the Peacock Island.

(b) What are epiphytes?

Ans: Epiphytes are air-plants that grow upon another plant, like a tree, non-parasitically.

(c) What did Gandhi do to improve the health condition in the Champaran Villages?

Ans: Gandhi arranged for a doctor to volunteer his services for six months. He also provided three medicines: castor oil, quinine, and sulphur ointment.

(d) Which book by Louis Fischer has been reviewed as one of the best books ever written on Gandhi by Times Educational Supplement?

Ans. The book, ‘The Life of Mahatma Gandhi’ by Louis Fischer has been reviewed as one of the best books ever written on Gandhi by Times Educational Supplement.

(e) Whom did Saheb observe standing at the fenced gate of the neighbouring club?

Ans: Ans. Standing at the fenced gate of the neighbourhood club, Saheb was observing two young men, dressed in white, playing a game of tennis.

(f) Who is the writer of the story “The Last Lesson”?

Ans: Alphonse Daudet

(g) Which is the only occasion that Sophie gets to see Casey in person?

Ans. The only occasion that Sophie got to see Danny Casey in person was when she went to see United’s football match. Casey was playing in the United football team.

(h) Name the sports for which Sophie’s father had a strong passion.

Ans: Football

13. Answer any five in 30-40 words:       2x5=10

(a) Why did Sophie share her feelings with her brother Geoff and not with her father?

Ans: Sophie's father is very strict with her, unlike her brother Geoff. She feels closer to Geoff than anyone else and wants to win his respect and approval. Geoff is a strong, silent person who patiently listens to her imaginative stories.

(b) Why, according to the writer, the advice she gave to Saheb seems hollow?

Ans. Anees Jung advises Saheb to go to school, instead of scrounging the garbage dumps.  The advice sounds hollow because the author knows that he is a rag picker. He is from a poor migrant family, and his parents cannot afford the cost of sending him to school to get education.

(c) What explanation does the author offer for the children not wearing foot ware?

Ans. Some of the children simply do not care to take the trouble of taking their slippers down from the shelf to wear them. Another explanation she receives is that not wearing footwear is a tradition. However, she feels that it is simply an excuse to hide a perpetual state of poverty, as many families cannot afford to buy footwear for their children.

(d) What does Rowntree talk often in ‘Memoirs of a Chota Sahib’?

Ans. In ‘Memoirs of a Chota Sahib’ Rowntree speaks about Gauhati and its importance. It was the point of entry into Assam. It was also a point in the passage of those travelling between Calcutta and Shillong, or going to districts further up in the valley. He speaks about the problem of travelling during monsoon, the North Bank and South Bank, and the two bungalows at Kulsi and Rajapara.

(e) How was a solution to the problems of indigo sharecroppers of Champaran found?

Ans. Gandhi's persistent efforts compelled the Lieutenant Governor of the province to set up an inquiry commission to look into the problems of the sharecroppers. The committee found the British landlords to be guilty of fleecing the poor peasants. The landlords were asked to give the money back to the peasants. Gandhi asked that 50% of the money be restored to the sharecroppers after that the planters suggested for 25% to be refunded. Gandhi agreed to this amount and thus a solution was found.

(f) Why did M. Hamel write “Viva La France” before dismissing his class?

Ans. M. Hamel was a strong patriot who loved his country and its language. At the end of the class, he was trying to say something but couldn't, so to express his emotions, he wrote the words 'Vive La France!' in big letters on the blackboard before dismissing the last class. These words meant, 'Long Live France!' This shows his patriotic nature.

(g) What changes came over Frantz after he heard M. Hamel’s announcement?

Ans. When Franz got to know that it was the last lesson in French that he was attending, the words had the effect of a thunderclap on him. He was sad to know that M. Hamel was going away, and he would never see him again. He felt sorry that he had missed school for other amusements. His books, which were a nuisance before now, seemed like dear old friends.

14. Answer any one of the following questions in 80-100 words:               5x1=5

(a) “Civil disobedience had triumphed, the first time in modern India” – Show, referring to the prose-piece ‘Indigo’, how this had happened?

Ans. This statement has been taken from the lesson 'Indigo' by Louis Fischer. When Gandhi was in Motihari, obeying summons by the court there, thousands of peasants showed up outside the courthouse to support him. The British authorities were shaken at this large crowd gathered for Gandhi and could not do anything without his support. Gandhi pleaded guilty and asked for the penalty due. The judge said that he would pass judgement after several days, and till then, Gandhi could remain at liberty. Rajendra Prasad and several other lawyers, too, had come there to support him. He asked them about their plan of action if he faced arrest. They said that if he was arrested, they would go back to their homes. Gandhi reminded them of the injustice faced by the sharecroppers. The lawyers thought that Gandhi being a stranger, was so concerned, and they, despite being from the nearby district were indifferent. This realization made them ashamed, and they assured him that they were ready to follow him to jail.

After several days, Gandhi received a communication from the magistrate that the Lieutenant Governor of the province had ordered the case against Gandhi to be dropped. This was the first triumph of civil disobedience in India.

(b) Describe the author’s experience with bats in the Rajapara forest bungalow as depicted in ‘Memoirs of a Chota Sahib’.

Ans. The author remembers life at the bungalow at Rajapara with mixed feelings. Life there would have been very charming if bats were not present there. The bats lived in the roof, and their droppings were a constant reminder of their presence. The fusty smell of bats always remained in the air. There was a tree outside the bungalow which was the dwelling place of huge fruit-eating bats. They had a wingspan of five feet. They used to set out at dusk in search of food. The author remembers them as a host of ghostly shapes gliding (move smoothly) through the air on silent wings.

15. Answer any one of the following questions in 125-150 words: 7x1=7

(a) What are the different ways in which Mr. Lamb tries to change Derry’s attitude to life?

Ans. Mr. Lamb is gentle and patient with Derry. He listens to Derry speak about his insecurities and his painful experiences. He does not judge him, but his attitude is full of encouragement. He makes him feel welcome and considers Derry a friend. He does not feel disappointment at the sight of Derry's burned face and accepts him as he is. He reminds Derry that he has all his faculties intact and if he decided to, he could do better than most others in life. He tells him the story of a man who was afraid of everything. To be safe, the man locked himself up in a room. A picture from the wall fell on his head, killing him. Through this story, he tries to tell Derry not to have baseless fears. Throughout the play, Mr. Lamb encourages Derry to look at the brighter side of life and not focus on the negative things alone.

(b) Describe the ironical ending of the story, “The Tiger King”.

Ans. The Maharaja's son celebrated his third birthday. The king wished to give him a special gift and went to the shopping centre in Pratibandapuram and searched for a gift. Finally, he saw a wooden toy tiger and decided that it was the perfect gift. The price of the tiger was two annas and a quarter but fearing punishment under the rules of the Emergency, the shopkeeper said that it costs three hundred rupees. Taking it home, father and son played with the wooden tiger. The tiger was carved by an unskilled carpenter and tiny slivers of wood stood up like quills all over it. One of these pierced the Maharaja's right hand. He pulled it out and continued to play with his son. The next day, there was an infection in his right hand, which developed into a sore that spread over his entire arm. Surgeons were summoned from Madras, and they operated on the king. They were not able to save him and he died. In this way, the hundredth tiger took its revenge upon the king. In this way, though the Tiger King killed ninety-nine tigers easily, the hundredth tiger took his life.

(c) There are moments in life when we have to make hard choices between our roles as private individuals and as citizens with a sense of national loyalty. Discuss with reference to the story, “The Enemy”.

Ans: The story "The Enemy" forces Dr. Sadao and Hana into a profound conflict between their private humanitarian role and their national duty. As a doctor, Sadao is bound by his oath to save the life of the wounded man, regardless of his identity. This is pitted against his role as a loyal Japanese citizen during wartime, where aiding the American soldier—an enemy—constitutes treason.

Their initial hard choice is to operate and save the man's life, prioritizing universal human values over wartime allegiance. This choice costs them the loyalty of their servants and endangers their family.

Sadao’s final, practical choice is to facilitate the prisoner’s escape. By doing this, he Honours his conscience by saving a life, while simultaneously resolving the treasonous situation in his home. The story demonstrates that in moments of crisis, the deeply ingrained professional and personal code of ethics can be a more compelling moral force than the demands of nationalist loyalty.

16. Answer any four of the following questions in 30-40 words:                2x4=8

(a) Why does the Tiger King get his name?

Ans.  When the Tiger King was born astrologers foretold that his death would be caused by a tiger as he was born in the hour of the bull. He made it his life’s mission to kill a hundred tigers. This is how he got the name of Tiger King.

(b) Why did the servants leave Dr. Sadao’s house?

Ans. The servants left the employment of Dr Sadao because they felt that it was wrong on his part to treat the wounded white man and nurse him back to health. According to them, it was treacherous on his part to save the life of the white man. World War II was going on at the time, and the Americans were the enemies of Japanese.

(c) Which trait of Mr. Lamb attracted Derry towards him?

Ans: Mr. Lamb's optimistic and positive outlook attracted Derry. He was gentle and non-judgmental, engaging Derry in conversation. He offered encouragement to see the whole picture of life, making Derry feel welcome and accepted as a friend. 

(d) Why did it take Bama to reach home in 30 minutes instead of 10 minutes?

Ans: The bazaar, on the way home, was always buzzing with activity. The snake charmer, street plays, puppet shows, and stunt performance were a few interesting things going on there. Bama used to love all these things. Due to this reason, it took Bama thirty minutes to cover a ten-minute distance.

(e) What is the significance of Uruka?

Ans: Uruka is the very important eve of Bihu. Women make preparations for the next day with chira, pita, and curd. Feasting is enjoyed with family or community. Temple-like structures called meji are built in the fields.

(f) How is the Meji made?

Ans: Mejis are temple-like structures. It is made with green bamboo, dried banana leaves and hay. The next day, at the crack of dawn, the mejis is set ablaze. The ashes and half-burnt sticks are scattered in the fields and among fruit trees to increase fertility.

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