Prepared by Dr Rajit Yadav

Assistant Professor in English

AVDS Arts & Commerce College

Jamjodhpur

“We generate fears while we sit. We overcome them by action.”

1. What were the features of Greenwich Village that attracted the artists?

Ans: The artists chose Greenwich because it was a centre that promoted and supported art and
culture. It attracted artists from all over and a number of studio apartments were available for
these artists. It was quaint with Dutch attics and eighteenth century gables.

2. What, according to the doctor, was Johnsy’s chances of recovering? Why?

Ans: The doctor told Sue that Johnsy's chances of recovery were very few. She had lost the will
to live. He advised Sue to make Johnsy take interest in life. Only then she could be saved.

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3. What are the steps that Sue takes to prevent Johnsy from watching the leaves on the ivy
vine?

Ans: For Johnsy, watching the leaves of the ivy vine fall becomes an obsession. She watches
them obsessively and becomes convinced that she will die once the last leaf falls. For Johnsy,
then, the ivy leaf comes to symbolize death and giving up, while it can also come to symbolize
will to live and hope.

Johnsy finally confessed to sue that she had been a bad girl by not taking any measures
to regain her health. - Johnsy accepted that she had not eaten properly since she had fallen sick
and had lost her hope in living. She informed Sue that she will take all measures to regain her
health and her lost confidence.

4. Explain the significance of the title, ‘The Last Leaf’:

Ans: The title implies that the most important thing about the story is the leaf. On the one hand,
this makes sense because it is the leaves that make Johnsy think she is going to die and it is the
last leaf as painted by the old man that makes her live.

5. Describe Johnsy’s discovery:

Ans: Johnsy is one of the main characters in the short story The Last Leaf. She is a poor young
lady waiting for her death to come. Through her window she can see and old tree shredding
leaves and in her mind she determined that she will die when the last leaf will shred.

6. Sue and Johnsy’s friendship:

Ans: There is very a good friendship between Sue and Johnsy. They share room. Sue takes care
of Johnsy who was suffering from pneumonia and pessimism and says that she would die.
Friendship saves Johnsy's life.

Having called a doctor to their studio, Sue learns from him that Johnsy has only a slim
chance of living because she has lost her will to live. He tells Sue that she must get Johnsy
interested in something that will inspire her to get well. Now, Sue is a true friend who dearly
loves Johnsy.

The two young aspiring artists become "friendly" enough to find a studio apartment
together in Greenwich Village, Maine-born Sue worries about her Californian friend whom she
calls Johnsy. For, Johnsy has contracted pneumonia in the cold November of New
York. Having called a doctor to their studio, Sue learns from him that Johnsy has only a slight
chance of living because she has lost her will to live.

7. Johnsy’s transformation from despair to hope:

Ans: It is also noticeable that Johnsy very early on in the story gives up any hope of living or
beating pneumonia. This lack of hope in many ways is mirrored by the doctor. He remains
practical, aware that there is nothing he can do for Johnsy unless she herself also makes some
form of commitment to stay alive.

He feels that rather than focusing on the leaves on the vine it would be more practical
for her to focus on her recovery from pneumonia. Though it is also possible that Henry may have

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deliberately set the story with one medical doctor and three artists in it to highlight to the reader
the differences in interpretation of all three medical versus artist when it comes to defining
practical. This may further highlight the high levels of commitment to dying that are being
displayed by Johnsy. Just as all three artists are committed to giving their all for their art, likewise
Johnsy is committed to dying.

8. Behrman’s character:

Ans: Behrman is an old painter who lives in the basement apartment of the building Johnsy and
Sue live in. He is over sixty years old; he is small and weak and has a long gray beard.

When Sue informed him about Johnsy's condition, he visited Johnsy. Johnsy was
sleeping at that time. He noticed the only leaf on the creeper. He did not say anything and went
to the room. He was a kind person. He painted the leaf in the Icy cold night. It was raining
heavily and his cloth and shoes got wet. He was shivering with cold that night and sacrificed his
life to save Johnsy's life.

All his life he has spoken of painting a masterpiece, but he has never started work on it. Behrman
feels that the girls' safety is his responsibility. To save Johnsy’s life, Behrman paints an ivy leaf
on the brick wall that she believes to be the last leaf. Behrman contracts pneumonia while
painting and dies two days later.

9. Reason for Johnsy’s superstition:

Ans: Johnsy had developed a superstition that she would die with the fall of the last leaf.
Actually, a severe attack of pneumonia had left her mind morbid. When she saw the last leaf
surviving after the windy wet night, her will to live revived. It made her realise that it was really
a sin to want to die.

It is the determination and strong willpower that helps a patient recover sooner. Johnsy
felt dejected and depressed due to the attack of pneumonia. She had lost her will to live. Medicine
was ineffective. She thought that she would die with the fall of the last leaf on the ivy creeper.
But Behrman and Sue brought her out of this pessimistic idea and convinced her that there was
no relationship’ between her life and the falling of the leaf. Moreover, Behrman painted a leaf
so beautiful and so natural that would exist for ever. Thus, her willingness to live saved her. In
fact, a person with strong willpower and determination can do anything.

10. Discuss Johnsy’s psychological state of mind during her illness and recovery:

Ans: Johnsy's main problem is not pneumonia but psychological depression. She was a
struggling artist on the brink of failure, and now she can't even soldier on with her artistic career.
It is too much. She is ready to give up. She should be able to recover from the pneumonia because
she is young and strong. The doctor tells Sue in confidence.

This is a psychological story. The whole story is based on the last leaf. Johnsy was a
young artist girl. She and her friend Sue lived together. One day Johnny caught pneumonia.
There was an ivy creeper on the back wall of the next house. From her window, Johnsy watched

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that creeper. Its leaves were falling fast in the cold winds. Johnsy got a fancy that she would also
die when the last leaf of the creeper fell. She lost the will to live. Her condition became worse.
Barman, an old painter came to know of this fancy of Johnsy. The next night, the last leaf fell.
But the same night Hellman painted a leaf on the wall. It looked a real leaf. When Johnsy saw
that leaf, her will to live returned. That painted leaf saved Johnsy’s life. Thus the leaf plays an
important role in the story. So the title of the story ‘The Last Leaf’ is justified.

11. Describe the events leading up to the painting of Behrman’s masterpiece:

Ans: The story reveals Behrman’s sacrifice. He was a poor old artist. He had a dream to paint a
masterpiece. Once Johnsy fell ill and established a bond of her life with the ivy leaves. One day,
Sue found her whispering this. Sue looked after Johnsy and she informed Behrman about her
condition. It was a stormy night and there was a single leaf on the creeper. Behrman thought that
the leaf would fall that stormy night. So he decided to paint the leaf on the wall. He painted the
leaf so beautifully that it looked natural. But he got pneumonia that night and died two days after
his painting. Hence, this story becomes the story of supreme sacrifice.

Firm determination and strong will power are the tools of success in life. A person who
has a firm determination and strong will power can never feel depressed on small losses in life
and God blesses such a person with success. In the story, The Last Leaf, it is the determination
and strong will power that helps a patient Johnsy to recover fast. Johnsy who felt dejected and
depressed had lost the will to live. Medicine was ineffective. She thought that she would die with
the fall of the last leaf on the ivy. But Behrman and Sue brought her out of this fanciful idea and
convinced her that there was no relationship between her life and the falling of a leaf. Gradually,
with the efforts of Sue and Behrman she regained will power and thus her willingness to live
saved her.

12. When the family announced the arrival of the snake to Dasa, what did he do?

Ans: When the family announced the arrival of the snake to Dasa, he was sleeping in the shed.

They shook him out and announced about the arrival of Cobra.

13. Why was Dasa held responsible for the entry of the snake?

Ans: Dasa who spends most of his time sleeping. After finding him asleep while everyone is
looking for the snake, Dasa is scolded for not being more alert. It was the reason why Das was
scolded for the entry of Cobra. He was careless for the care of the house.

14. ‘A neighbour declared that you could not think of buying any article made of iron till
after the war.’ Why couldn’t anyone buy articles of iron during the war?

Ans: ‘A neighbour declared that you could not think of buying any article made of iron till after
the war the reason why couldn’t anyone buy articles of iron during the war is that iron has
become costlier and during war time weapons are made of iron so it might be prohibited at that
time.

15. The author calls one of the neighbours ‘eloquent’. What does he mean by?

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Ans: Eloquent means having the power of fluent, forceful, and appropriate speech. The author
calls one of the neighbours eloquent because he began to talk on black market. He changed the
topic impressively. He means that some people are good at speaking and they can change the
matter on other level.

16. Did Dasa actually catch the snake? How do you know?

Ans: I do not think that Dasa caught the Cobra because the Cobra was seen again after declaration
of Dasa that he had gone with the Cobra in a water pot covered with a slab of stone.

Short Notes and Long questions

17. What do you know about the family living the bungalow?

Ans: The family living in the bungalow consists of a mother and her four sons. They are
apparently wealthy enough to live in a compound and to be able to afford “an old servant” named
Dasa – the only character mentioned by name. Both behaviours suggest that the family members
– including the sons – are not especially kind.

18. What can you infer about the neighbours? Were they really helpful? Why/Why not?

Ans: Hearing the news of the cobra neighbours gathered on the gate of the bungalow. They
began to think any way to catch the cobra. The members of the family were worried. They shook
the body of the servant Dasa who was sleeping in a shed. Neighbours began to chide him for his
being lazy. They charged Dasa for not keeping the compound clean. They began to discuss on
grass cutter because it was made of iron and the iron was costly in the war time. They cleaned
the bushes and grasses with the family members.

We cannot say they were really helpful because they discussed more than help.

19. Why did no one knock the water pot out of Dasa’s hands? What risk was involved?

Ans: Dasa came suddenly and declared that he had put the cobra in the water pot. He put the
water pot down and narrated the strategy he had employed to catch it. The land lady thanked
him for his work. He told her that he was going to hand over the cobra to a snake charmer who
was living nearby. Then the land lady poured some milk in the pot but nobody dared to see in
the water pot that if there was the cobra there in the water pot. The risk was that if any one tried,
the cobra would bite them. It was poisonous snake.

20. Mention any one example of a superstitious belief in the story ‘A Snake in the Grass’:

Ans: A beggar woman at the gate says that Only God Subramaniya has entered the house in the
form a snake, and suggests not killing the snake. Mother accepts this and remembers the
forgotten Abhishekam to God. Abhishekam to God is a typical Indian ritual done as a token of
thanks to God for his grace in a difficult situation, though its impact on the expected events is
still not scientifically proved. Again, killing a snake, especially a cobra is a sin in Indian context.
That is why; the servant goes to leave the snake to the snake-charmer.

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21. Was there really a snake inside the water pot which Dasa brought? How do we know?
It there was no snake inside the pot, why did Dasa pretend there was?

Ans: Dasa is an old servant in the family. He is lazy, insincere, indifferent and irresponsible in
his work. He is found sleeping when the snake is reported to have entered the compound.
Neighbours also accuse him for being laziest person on the earth. But he is clever and cunning.
He knows very well that he will be dismissed from the job if the snake is not caught. So he
convinces everyone to have caught the snake in a pot. Thus he becomes the hero of the day. His
character is typically of Indian servants.

Dasa declared that he had put the cobra in the water pot and covered the mouth of the
water pot with a slab of stone so that nobody can see it. Actually there was no cobra in side of
the water pot because if there was cobra in side of water pot, it was never seen again but it was
seen again by the youngest son of the family after claiming that he had put it in the water pot.

22. What is the purpose of the story ‘A Snake in the Grass’?

Ans: Dasa is an old servant in the family. He is lazy, insincere, indifferent and irresponsible in
his work. He is found sleeping when the snake is reported to have entered the compound.
Neighbours also accuse him in their words that he is the laziest servant on the earth. But he is
clever and cunning. He knows very well that he will be dismissed from the job if the snake is
not caught. So he convinces everyone to have caught the snake in a pot.

Dasa declared that he had put the cobra in the water pot and covered the mouth of the
water pot with a slab of stone so that nobody can see it. Actually there was no cobra in side of
the water pot because if there was cobra in side of water pot, it was never seen again but it was
seen again by the youngest son of the family after claiming that he had put it in the water pot.

The purpose of the story is to show how the environment of petty scoundrels who are out
to cheat people. The victims in the story think they are clever but in reality, they are really easy
to fool. An unlettered work shirker gardener is able to successfully fool his much educated and
more intelligent employers.

23. What were the narrator's feelings about Deoli?

Ans: The narrator’s feelings about the Deoli station were curious. Deoli was a small station on
the narrator’s way to Dehra Dun, where he used to visit his grandmother during his vacations. It
was surrounded by thick jungle and had only one platform which was thinly lit by electric bulbs
and oil lamps.
24. How did the girl appear to the narrator the first time he saw her?
Ans: On first journey, the author happens to see a pale-looking girl selling baskets. She appears
to be poor, but with grace and dignity. Her shiny black hair and dark, troubled eyes attracts the
author. The girl offers to sell baskets to him. He initially refuses to buy and later when she insists,
happens to buy one with a little hesitation, daring not to touch her fingers in the clash. Both of
them just look at each other for quite some time, just as it strikes a chord of affection between
them. He longs to see her, her searching and eloquent eyes, again on his return journey. The
meeting helps to break the monotony of his journey & brings in a sense of attachment &
responsibility towards the girl.
25. Why was narrator’s grandmother displeased with his trip?

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Ans: Grandmother was not pleased with narrator’s visit after all because he did not stay at her
place more than a couple of weeks. He felt restless and the result was he took the train back to
the plains. He wanted to know about the girl.
26. What were the narrator’s thoughts during his last term in the college?
Ans: The narrator’s thoughts were during his last term in the college that he could not never
break his journey there. It might spoil his game. He preferred to keep hoping and dreaming and
looking out of the window up and down the lonely platform, waiting for the girl with the baskets.
: Short Notes and Long Questions:
27. The ambience (atmosphere) of Deoli station:
Ans: Ruskin Bond narrates his experience during one of his train journeys to Dehra as an
eighteen-year-old. He tells us that he used to spend his vacation every summer in his
grandmother’s place in Dehra and had to pass a small lonely station, Deoli amidst the jungle on
the way. This station appears strange to him as no one got on or off the train there & nothing
seemed to happen there.

The narrator vividly describes the ambience of the small railway station with just one
platform, that was dimly lit with electric bulbs and oil lamps and the jungle across the railway
tracks would just be visible in the faint light of dawn. No one ever got down or got into the train
here. There are no coolies at the platform. The platform boasted of a tea stall, an office and a
few stray dogs.

28. The narrator’s first meeting with the girl:

Ans: The Night Train at Deoli is a story of adolescent infatuation presented with great sensitivity.
It expresses the narrator's love for a poor basket-seller whom he encounters at a small station
while on his way to Dehra Dun. He meets the girl only twice, never to see her again, but she
remains in his memory ever after. The story focuses on the meeting of the two strangers and
their brief acquaintance. It captures the essence of a few moments with the unrestrained suspense
and all pervasive romanticism.

He once met a young girl selling cane baskets at Deoli station and was fascinated by her
charm. She was certainly not clothed ornately but possessed a graceful gait and a dignified look
that captivated the narrator's attention. She had a pale skin, shiny black hair and dark and
expressive eyes. He looked at her intently and even though she pretended not to notice, their
eyes met.

The narrator was infatuated by her beauty and got off the train to get to the tea-stall.
There was a mutual attraction between the two and the girl followed him there and asked him
whether he wanted to buy a basket. The narrator, although after some hesitation, bought a basket-
only not to disappoint the girl and paid her a rupee in return, hardly daring to touch her fingers.
Their conversation was cut short by the clanging of the bell by the station master and the narrator
had to rush back to his compartment. He watched the girl from his window smiling at him,
standing on the platform alone for long.

29. Why was the narrator’s grandmother not pleased with the narrator’s visit?

Ans: The narrator was infatuated by her beauty and got off the train to get to the tea-stall. There
was a mutual attraction between the two and the girl followed him there and asked him whether
he wanted to buy a basket. The narrator, although after some hesitation, bought a basket-only
not to disappoint the girl and paid her a rupee in return, hardly daring to touch her fingers. Their
conversation was cut short by the clanging of the bell by the station master and the narrator had

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to rush back to his compartment. He watched the girl from his window smiling at him,
standing on the platform alone for long.

The narrator felt a wild impulse to put her on the train and take her away with him as he couldn't
bear the idea of seeing her once again receding into distance of Deoli station. He held her hand
and told her that he was going to Delhi and promised to return. The girl in return, nodded to say
that she would be there to meet him again.
Grandmother was not pleased with narrator’s visit after all because he did not stay at her
place more than a couple of weeks. He felt restless and the result was he took the train back to
the plains. He wanted to know about the girl.

30. The narrator’s reasoning about not trying to meet the girl at the end:

Ans: The narrator also suggests to his readers that he did not want to project himself like a hero
of a movie where the hero would meet his sweetheart going through all hardships and win her
over. He prefers to keep hoping and dreaming, waiting for the girl.

The narrator brings the readers to a realistic world rather than a fictitious, imaginary,
unreal world, driving home the fact that life is not like a fiction novel or a movie; losing and
gaining becomes part of life’s journey that needs to be taken in our stride. Life is a constant
process, which cannot be stopped. We can only carry memories forward while life goes on. The
narrator admits that he would never break his journey at Deoli as it would spoil his 'game'- the
game of trying to spot the familiar and cheerful face of the girl at the station and experiencing a
thrill of expectation surging through him, from which he seemed to derive contentment.
The faint and bright memories of the dream like encounter create a world where passion
reigns supreme. The end too remains enveloped in mystery and the author lets it remain so like
a beautiful and curious dream, the memory of which creates a mysterious and charming effect.

31. Suppose the narrator of The Night Train at Deoli does meet the girl again. Imagine and
write a different ending for the story in your own words.

Ans: ‘The Night Train at Deoli’ is a short story by Ruskin Bond. It narrates the story of a short
meeting that takes place between an eighteen year old college student travelling by train and a
young girl selling baskets on a railway platform. He meets the girl only twice during his
travels. He understands that the girl had stolen his heart.

If the narrator meets the girl again at the Deoli platform, he will have taken her with him
because he has fallen in love with her. Girl has also shown a hint that she also likes him because
she keeps looking him until train leaves the station. The narrator attracts towards girl strongly
because he wants to meet her again so why he does not stay at his grandmother’s place more
than a few week more. His grandmother is displeased with his decision leaving before as usual.
Even he does not care for grandmother’s displeasures.

The story must be different if he would have met her. There will have chance to ask her
permission and later he will take her with him. His infatuation was very strong. It may drive him
to tell her his desire to take her with him. If she accepts his wish, he will have taken her with
him and the story will have happy ending.

32. Narrate the incidents at Deoli station from the point of view of the basket seller:

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In this short story, Ruskin Bond narrates his experience during one of his train journeys to Dehra
as an eighteen-year-old. He tells us that he used to spend his vacation every summer in his
grandmother’s place in Dehra and had to pass a small lonely station, Deoli amidst the jungle on
the way. This station appears strange to him as no one got on or off the train there & nothing
seemed to happen there. He wonders why the train stopped there for ten minutes regularly
without reason and feels sorry for the lonely little platform.
On one such journey, the author happens to see a pale-looking girl selling baskets. She
appears to be poor, but with grace and dignity. Her shiny black hair and dark, troubled eyes
attracts the author. The girl offers to sell baskets to him. He initially refuses to buy and later
when she insists, happens to buy one with a little hesitation, daring not to touch her fingers in
the melee. Both of them just look at each other for quite some time, just as it strikes a chord of
affection between them. The second time he sees her, both of them feel pleased to see each other,
a smile on their faces reinforcing it, it seems like a meeting of old friends. Silence reigns and
speaks more than words. He feels like taking her with him but does not do so. He tells her that
he needs to go to Delhi and she replies saying she need not go anywhere, perhaps expressing her
helplessness.

The basket girl is very shy and hesitates to talk to him. It is girl’s point of view that she
likes him but because of immaturity she cannot accept him fully. She belongs to a poor family.
Earning money is more important than falling in love for her. What she does is right for her.

33. ‘We cling to our last pleasures as a tree clings to its leaves.’ Explain the line with
reference to the context in the story ‘The Fly’.

Ans: Old Woodifield is at his last pins. He realizes that death is knocking hard at the door. He,
therefore, likes to suck pleasure as much as he can. He is allowed to enjoy freedom only Tuesday
by his wife and daughters so much great delight he wishes to enjoy pleasure. However, brief it
might have been, Katherine compares Woodifield’s preference to a tree which, it is thought,
clings to its last leaves in the autumn though it knows perfectly that the leaves will fall one day.
It is universally true that we human being always casts a longing lingering look for that which
we cannot hold back.

34. Was Mr Woodifield visiting the boss’s office for the first time after it was refurbished?
How do you know?

Ans: The boss furnishes his office with expensive items. There is big green leathered
armchair to sit for; the floor is covered with new red carpet with a pattern of large white rings, a
massive bookcase and a table with legs like twisted treacle. These are seen first time so this can
be said Woodifield was visiting the boss’s office for the first time after it was refurbished.

35. Briefly outline in your own words the changes made to the boss’s office:

Ans: The Boss decorated his office with expensive items to make it look cosy. There was a
comfortable green-leather armchair in the chamber of the Boss. The floor was covered with a
bright red new carpet with a pattern of large white rings. There was also new furniture- the
massive bookcase, the table with legs like twisted treacle. The Boss also showed to Woodifield
to the electric heating that he bought lately.

36. What do you gather from the story about the boss’s son?

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Ans: The boss' son was a young man, ready to take over the boss' business, when he was sent
off to war. He was killed in battle in Europe six years ago, an event that shattered the boss' life.

37. As Mr Woodifield left the boss’s office, the matter was at a loss for words. What do you
think was the reason for this?

Ans: Mr Woodifield is an ‘everyman’ in this material world. He serves as a foil to the Boss. He
came to the Boss and sharpened his nature to reveal his psychology. It is he who went to the
Boss and reminded him of his son’s death and disturbed his hidden sorrow.
: Short Notes and Long Questions:
38. The character of Mr Woodifield:
Ans: Woodifield has come to the boss’s office room to say something but he cannot remember
due to his infirmity. Basically Woodifield wants to report the boss about his daughters’ visit to
Belgium to have a look to their brother’s grave and the grave of the boss’s son also. He likes to
inform the boss about the hotel keepers who trade on our emotions and also of her daughter
Gertrude who teaches the hotel keepers a lesson by taking away the pot of jam for which they
charge ten francs.
Mr. Woodifield, are in the midst of their regular Tuesday social catch up at the boss’s
office in London. Having retired after a stroke, Woodifield enjoys visiting his former workplace
to converse with the boss; this is the one activity in which his well-
meaning wife and daughters still allow him independence. As with most of these weekly visits,
the boss takes great satisfaction in pointing out his luxurious new office furnishings to the
forgetful Woodifield. Woodifield meanwhile greatly admires the youthful energy of the boss,
who is five years his senior but as energetic as ever.
39. The significance of the fly in the story ‘The Fly’:
Ans: When the boss was lost in his thought suddenly he noticed that a fly had fallen in his big
inkpot. The fly tried desperately to climb out but failed. Its struggling legs were asking for help.
The boss took the pen and picked the fly out of the ink and shook it on to a piece of blotting
paper. After a fraction of second it started cleaning itself. At first it cleaned one wing by passing
a leg over and under the wing for a number of times and it cleaned the second wing in the same
way. It finally succeeded in cleaning and thought that the horrible danger was over. The fly is
now ready for life
The title of the story The Fly is given symbolically. Mansfield wants to show the
helplessness and wretchedness of the Boss through the helplessness of the fly in the cruel hand
of superpowers. The Boss plays the role of the Fate or Destiny of the fly. He inflicts pain to the
fly to enjoy pleasure. We, human beings, are also the playthings to the hand of Fate. God kills
us when he wishes to do so as the Boss’s son died in a very premature age. Thus the symbolic
title is just and appropriate.
40. ‘Time is a great healer’ as evident from the great story ‘The Fly’
Ans:
This incident very clearly depicts the helplessness and exhausted condition of the Boss.
Whose only son was killed in war and with it the dream and hope of the man and also got
shattered. The boss has played with the wretched fly in the same way, as once the Almighty has
played again with his life. The title of the short story thus reveals the central theme that is the
domination of human beings under the Mighty cruel hands of fate. So, concerning the symbolic
message of the short story the title The Fly proves highly significant and appropriate.

The constitution of the fly episode forms really an essential feature in the story of the
boss, of his suffering and sorrow for his dead son. It introduced both the lamentable note and the
psychic probe which manifest the profoundness of the short story. This episode concern with the

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inner meaning of the story, as well as human psychology, rigid enough, under the influence of
some trance inversion.

The time has power to make forget everything. Through this story it is learnt that time is
more powerful this is capable to do anything. The boss forgets his panic of losing his son after
killing the fly.

41. Can you compare the boss’s struggle in life with that of the fly? Give reasons for your
answer.

The boss has suffering and sorrow for his dead son. It introduced both the lamentable note and
the psychic probe which clear the profoundness of the short story. This episode concern with the
inner meaning of the story, as well as human psychology, rigid enough, under the influence of
some spell inversion.

The boss is a friend of Mr. Woodifield and receives his social visits in his slick city
office. In the first half of the story, he appears capable, strong, and masculine—the opposite of
a reeling Mr. Woodifield. Yet halfway through the story, once his friend exits, the boss' inner
life surfaces and he is revealed to be emotionally distressed.

The boss, for example, is known merely as the boss. Without a specific name, his
character contains allegorical potential and can be read as an abstract representation of systems
of power. First, the boss himself suffers from the violence and threat of war; World War I has
ravaged him through the death of his son. But the boss also enacts this violent dynamic with the
fly, playing cruel games with it until he finally dictates the terms of its death. In this way,
Mansfield illuminates the cyclical pattern of violence that is so common as to feel inescapable.
42. The prince lived in the palace called Sans Souci, which is a French phrase meaning
’without worry’. Contrast his life in the palace with his existence as a statue.
Ans: The Happy Prince told the swallow that he lived in a palace while he was alive and had a
kind human heart. There was no sorrow at all and his and his courtiers called him the happy
prince. After his death he had been set up on a high pillar, his heart is made up of Lead yet and
it always weeps when he see the ugliness and misery of his city.
43. Irony is technique in literature where the author says something but means the
opposite. Explain the irony in the title of the story.
Ans: The title is an ironical one, as it suggests that the story is about a Prince who is happy.
However, the readers soon realise that the Prince is not a human, but a statue. The prince had
been called a Happy Prince when he had been alive. At that time, he lived a sheltered and
privileged life, with no inkling of the suffering faced by the common people. After his death, his
statue was placed on a high column overlooking the city. Since the statue was placed at a high
point, he could see all the misery and sadness in the city, which made him sad.
Hence as the title of the story suggests happy but actually prince is sad. Irony is that
people find the statue happy but cannot see his sadness lies in his heart.
44. The swallow serves as a messenger for the prince to help the people of the city. Give
one instance from the story when the swallow contributes on his own, too.
Ans: The Happy Prince saw a writer. He was suffering from cold and was hungry. Happy Prince
asked the swallow to give one of the sapphires to the writer. The swallow did not want to pluck
out the sapphire from his eyes, but he obeyed him unwillingly. After that the Happy Prince saw
a match girl and her matches fall into the gutter. At his command the swallow very unwillingly
plucked out the sapphire from the other eye of the Happy Prince and now the Prince was totally
blind. the swallow slipped the sapphire into the palm of the match girl.

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 This one is an instance done by swallow in its contribution.
45. The prince was indifferent to his countrymen’s misery during his life time. How does
he atone for his indifference after death?
Ans: The prince was indifferent to his countrymen’s misery during his life time because he was
not allowed to play and go outside of palace. The Happy Prince told the swallow that he lived in
a palace while he was alive and had a kind human heart. There was no sorrow at all and his and
his courtiers called him the happy prince. After his death he had been set up on a high pillar, his
heart is made up of Lead yet and it always weeps when he see the ugliness and misery of his
city.
: Short Notes and Long Question:
46. The swallow’s love for the reed:
Ans: Instead of trying to talk any sense into the Swallow, they all fly away and abandon him.
With the Reed, the Swallow shares a flirtatious and superficial relationship that develops into a
short-lived marriage of mismatched types.
Although she appears relatively briefly in the story, the Reed still has an important role.
The Sparrow initially falls in love with her for her slenderness and beauty and delays his
migration to warmer territory in order to wait for the Reed. However, all his friends disapprove
due to her poverty and having so many relations. She decides not to travel with the Sparrow,
which ends their relationship and drives him away to the town where he meets the Happy Prince.
However brief, this romance sets the stage for the romantic love between the Sparrow and the
Prince. The ill-fated love between the Reed and the Sparrow also introduces the theme of judging
falsely by appearances and the negativity of gossip and peer judgment.
47. The life of the happy prince:
Ans: The Happy Prince is both the protagonist of this story and its namesake. Once a sheltered
prince who led a life of pleasure, the Happy Prince was turned into a gilded statue upon his death
and placed upon a pedestal overlooking his town. The Prince is described as exceedingly
beautiful with golden skin, sapphires for eyes, and a ruby on his sword-hilt. Although his external
beauty impresses everyone around him, he sees that beauty as only skin-deep; his true worth lies
in his compassion for his townspeople and his willingness to sacrifice for them. The Happy
Prince suffers, however, due to his sympathy for all of the misery he can see from his high perch.
The “happiness” of this name is thus ironic, as the Prince describes having only experienced a
false happiness in his previous life of pleasure, when he was ignorant of the true misery
surrounding him.
The Prince is ultimately a Christ-like figure, looking over humanity and sacrificing his
life to alleviate their pain. Descriptions of the Prince also allude to classical understandings of
wisdom and mentorship. The figure of the Prince, with his eloquent rhetoric and affinity for
morally upstanding behaviour, represents classical Greek and Roman ideals—in particular, the
relationship that he develops with the younger Swallow alludes to classical mentor/mentee
relationships.
48. The city as the swallow sees it:
The swallow sees when it flies over the city that the rich making merry in their beautiful houses.
Beggars are sitting at the gates. There are poor children in the dark lane .They are hungry and
their faces are white. Two little boys are lying under the bridge. They are lying in each other’s
arms to keep themselves warm. A Watchman drives them away from there.

Whenever the swallow continues to fly from over town, there is a proved useful
between some of the lifestyles including its wealth gap. He recognizes the super-wealthy
wanting to make joy throughout their huge mansions, although the beggars have been going to
sit at either the main gate. He continues to flow further into dark paths as well as recognizes
the smiling models of hungry children staring either at dark roads.

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49. The love of the prince and the swallow:

Ans: The two most precious things that the Angels pick up from the city are the dead swallow
and the lead heart of the Happy Prince. They picked these two because both the bird and the
statue had gone beyond their selfish interest and lost their lives serving the poor and down-
trodden. The bird had cancelled his plans to migrate to warmer climes for the winter, staying
back to help deliver valuables as directed by the statue, to those who were in dire need.

After the statue gave away his sapphire eyes and became blind, he did not have the heart
to fly away from his friend. Instead, he died in his attempt to keep him company. Similarly, the
statue had selflessly given away all the valuables that covered his body to help the poor and
hungry people in the city. It made him extremely sad to see their misery, so he chose to give
them everything he had. When at last his friend the swallow died, he was completely broken,
and his heart cracked into two. The angels valued their sacrifice and charitable acts, and chose
them as the most precious things

The friendship between the Happy Prince and the swallow is one that's based on love and
mutual respect. Although the swallow needs to migrate to Egypt for the winter, he's so drawn to
the kindness of the prince, the goodness of his heart, that he agrees to stay behind and help him
dispense gifts to the poor and needy.
50. Wilde glorifies the love for the poor and needy as well as other kinds of love in the story.
What other kinds of love do you find in the story ‘The Happy Prince’?
Ans: Humans are attracted to material things, and tend to appreciate only outer beauty. Thus, the
statue was considered beautiful when it was covered with gold leaf and precious stones like
rubies and sapphires. However, when it was stripped of the gold and jewels, they declared that
it was shabby and should be pulled down. On the other hand, the Angels looked into the mind
and heart of all creatures, and valued qualities like charity, selflessness and kindness above any
external materials.

In this story, we have two very noble characters—the swallow and the statue—who
together help out several poor people in the city quietly, without expecting praise or acclaim.
The statue gives every valuable part that can help someone, even though it makes him look
shabby and he goes blind. The swallow also risks his life by staying on in the cold weather
instead of flying to warmer climes like its friends. Instead, it stays back and helps the prince
alleviate the suffering of several people in the city. Thus, their actions make them the most
precious things in the city. It is love for humanity and selfless love.

51. The author makes several satirical references to the authorities in the city as well as the
professors of various subjects interpret the story as a social satire.

Ans: The Happy prince” is full of satire and ironical statements. Satire is a literacy term
which means to point out the absurdities and follies of the people of the, ruler, characters,
nature and countries in a server attack so that the people they can mend their ways and be
the good citizen. Satire is also used to point out the absurd customs and tradition of a
country. The exposure is made by attaching and exposing their futility. There are many
examples of satire in the story. The first example of satire comes in the beginning of the
story. When the mathematics master dies not think it good for the chicken to dream.
Although dreams play very vital role in the growth of young people yet the master was not
in favour of them. So here are the lines where lies the satire. “The Mathematics master
Frowned and looked very serve, for he did not approve of children dreaming.”
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 When the story moves, on, we get another satire when the councillors accept blindly
whatever their mayor or says to be correct. The satire is on the blind obedience. Sea the
following lines in the connection. Shabby indeed! Cried the Town Councillors, who Always
agreed with the Mayor, and they went up to look at it.,”.
Then in the story there is a satire on the character of woman in general. The satire becomes
clear when the little swallow says to the read.
“You have been trifling with me he cried, lam off to the pyramids.”
In the story there is satire on those rules that are ignorant of the suffering human beings.
They enjoy their power but neglect their duties. See the lines in the regard.

:Subject–Verb Agreement Rules:

Subjects and verbs must agree in number. In addition to the explanations on this page, also see
the post on Subject—Verb Agreement.

1. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular too.

Example: She writes every day.

Exception: When using the singular "they," use plural verb forms.
Example: The participant expressed satisfaction with their job. They are currently in a
managerial role at the organization.

2. If the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural.

Example: They write every day.

Sometimes, however, it seems a bit more complicated than this.

3. When the subject of the sentence is composed of two or more nouns or pronouns
connected by and, use a plural verb.

Example: The doctoral student and the committee members write every day.
Example: The percentage of employees who called in sick and the number of employees
who left their jobs within 2 years are reflective of the level of job satisfaction.

4. When there is one subject and more than one verb, the verbs throughout the sentence
must agree with the subject.

Example: Interviews are one way to collect data and allow researchers to gain an in-
depth understanding of participants.
Example: An assumption is something that is generally accepted as true and is an
important consideration when conducting a doctoral study.

5. When a phrase comes between the subject and the verb, remember that the verb still
agrees with the subject, not the noun or pronoun in the phrase following the subject of
the sentence.

Example: The student, as well as the committee members, is excited.

Example: The student with all the master’s degrees is very motivated.

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 Example: Strategies that the teacher uses to encourage classroom
participation include using small groups and clarifying expectations.
Example: The focus of the interviews was nine purposively selected participants.

6. When two or more singular nouns or pronouns are connected by "or" or "nor," use a
singular verb.

Example: The chairperson or the CEO approves the proposal before proceeding.

7. When a compound subject contains both a singular and a plural noun or pronoun joined
by "or" or "nor," the verb should agree with the part of the subject that is closest to the
verb. This is also called the rule of proximity.

Example: The student or the committee members write every day.

Example: The committee members or the student writes every day.

8. The words and phrases "each," "each one," "either," "neither," "everyone,"
"everybody," "anyone," "anybody," "nobody," "somebody," "someone," and "no one"
are singular and require a singular verb.

Example: Each of the participants was willing to be recorded.

Example: Neither alternative hypothesis was accepted.
Example: I will offer a $5 gift card to everybody who participates in the study.
Example: No one was available to meet with me at the preferred times.

9. Noncount nouns take a singular verb.

Example: Education is the key to success.

Example: Diabetes affects many people around the world.
Example: The information obtained from the business owners was relevant to include in
the study.
Example: The research I found on the topic was limited.

10. Some countable nouns in English such as earnings, goods, odds, surroundings,
proceeds, contents, and valuables only have a plural form and take a plural verb.

Example: The earnings for this quarter exceed expectations.

Example: The proceeds from the sale go to support the homeless population in the city.
Example: Locally produced goods have the advantage of shorter supply chains.

11. In sentences beginning with "there is" or "there are," the subject follows the verb. Since
"there" is not the subject, the verb agrees with what follows the verb.

Example: There is little administrative support.

Example: There are many factors affecting teacher retention.

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 12. Collective nouns are words that imply more than one person but are considered
singular and take a singular verb. Some examples are "group," "team," "committee,"
"family," and "class."

Example: The group meets every week.

Example: The committee agrees on the quality of the writing.

However, the plural verb is used if the focus is on the individuals in the group. This is
much less common.
Example: The committee participate in various volunteer activities in their private lives.

Here are nine subject-verb agreement rules.

1. A phrase or clause between subject and verb does not change the number of the subject.

Examples:

2. Indefinite pronouns as subjects

• Singular indefinite pronoun subjects take singular verbs.

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 • Plural indefinite pronoun subjects take plural verbs.

PLURAL: several, few, both, many

• Some indefinite pronouns may be either singular or plural: with uncountable,

use singular; with countable, use plural.

EITHER SINGULAR OR PLURAL: some, any, none, all, most

Sugar is uncountable; therefore, the sentence has a singular verb.

Marbles are countable; therefore, the sentence has a plural verb.

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3. Compound subjects joined by and are always plural.

4. With compound subjects joined by or/nor, the verb agrees with the subject nearer to it.

In the above example, the plural verb are agrees with the nearer subject actors.

In this example, the singular verb is agrees with the nearer subject director.

5. Inverted Subjects must agree with the verb.

6. Collective Nouns (group, jury, crowd, team, etc.) may be singular or plural, depending
on meaning.

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 In this example, the jury is acting as one unit; therefore, the verb is singular.

In this example, the jury members are acting as twelve individuals; therefore, the
verb is plural.

7. Titles of single entities (books, organizations, countries, etc.) are always singular.

8. Plural form subjects

• Plural form subjects with a singular meaning take a singular verb. (e.g. news,
measles, mumps, physics, etc.)

• Plural form subjects with singular or plural meaning take a singular or plural
verb, depending on meaning. (e.g. politics, economics, etc.)

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 In this example, politics is a single topic; therefore, the sentence has a singular verb.

In this example, politics refers to the many aspects of the situation; therefore, the
sentence has a plural verb.

• Plural form subjects with a plural meaning take a plural verb. (e.g. scissors, trousers)

Note: In this example, the subject of the sentence is pair; therefore, the verb must
agree with it. (Because scissors is the object of the preposition, scissors does not affect the
number of the verb.)

9. With subject and subjective complement of different number, the verb always agrees with
the subject.

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10-A. With one of those ________ who, use a plural verb.

The above example implies that others besides Hannah like to read comic
books. Therefore, the plural verb is the correct form to use.

10-B. With the only one of those ________who, use a singular verb.

The above example implies that no one else except for Hannah likes to read comic
books. Therefore, the singular verb is the correct for to use.

11-A. With the number of _______, use a singular verb.

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11-B. With a number of _______, use a plural verb.

12. With every ______ and many a ________, use a singular verb.

: Fill the exercises following:

Combine the following sentences using an appropriate form of the verb given in the
brackets.

1. Man and woman ………………… complementary to each other.

is

are
2. Plenty of mangoes and bananas ………………… available in this season.
is

are

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3. A dictionary and an atlas …………………… missing from the library.
is

are
4. The leader as well as his brothers ………………… to the same tribe.
belong

belongs
5. Cats and dogs ……………….…….. not get along.
do

does
6. The brothers as well as their sister …………………… .. good at their studies.
is

are
7. The students accompanied by their teacher …………………. gone on a picnic.
has

have
8. A lot of houses ………………… collapsed in the storm.
has

have
9. The children as well as their mother …………………. missing.
is

are
10. A large sum of money ………………… stolen.
was

were
Answers
1. Man and woman are complementary to each other.

2. Plenty of mangoes and bananas are available in this season.

3. A dictionary and an atlas are missing from the library.

4. The leader as well as his brothers belongs to the same tribe.

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5. Cats and dogs do not get along.

6. The brothers as well as their sister are good at their studies.

7. The students accompanied by their teacher have gone on a picnic.

8. A lot of houses have collapsed in the storm.

9. The children as well as their mother are missing.

10. A large sum of money was stolen.

Grammar Section

Tenses

The simple present tense is commonly used with the adverbs always, usually, seldom,
never, sometimes, often, frequently, generally, habitually, occasionally, every day once,
twice, thrice etc.

1. My father goes to gym every day.

2. She loves to play basketball.
3. She thinks he is very handsome.
4. I run every weekend.
5. We play tennis every morning.
6. Does he write an email?
7. They talk too much.
8. Does he go to school?
9. It usually rains every day here.
10. It smells very delicious in the kitchen.
11. My son lives in London.
12. My sisters do the ironing.
13. They make the bed.
14. My father always washes the cars.
15. My teacher sometimes forgets his keys.
16. I like ice-cream.
17. The students wear their uniform.
18. It smells very delicious in the kitchen.
19. Alex brushes her teeth twice a day.
20. He gets up early every day.
21. They speak English in USA.
22. We generally sing songs all together.
23. We go to a gallery every Sunday.
24. They drive their kids to school every day.
25. We walk slowly.

1. Positive sentences

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 subject + main verb

Present Simple

2. Negative and question sentences

subject + auxiliary do + main verb

conjugated in Present Simple

do, does base

Look at these examples with the main verb like:

subject auxiliary verb main verb

+ I, you, we, they like coffee.

He, she, it likes coffee.

- I, you, we, they do not like coffee.

He, she, it does not like coffee.

? Do I, you, we, they like coffee?

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 subject auxiliary verb main verb

Does he, she, it like coffee?

From the above table, notice the following points...

For positive sentences:

• There is no auxiliary verb.

• We conjugate the main verb by adding s to the third person singular.

For negative and question sentences:

• The auxiliary verb (do) is conjugated in the Present Simple: do, does
• The main verb is invariable in base form: base
• For negative sentences, we insert not between the auxiliary verb and the main
verb.
• For question sentences, we exchange the subject and the auxiliary verb.
Emphatic do
Normally, for positive sentences we do not use the auxiliary verb do. But if we want to
emphasize (stress) something, we may use it. For example, instead of saying "I like your
dress", we could say "I do like your dress", just to show how much we like it. Here are
some more examples:
• I do wish you'd stop.
• I do apologize.
• You do look smart today.
Present Simple with main verb be

The structure of the Present Simple with the main verb be is:

subject + main verb be

conjugated in Present Simple

am, are, is

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Look at these examples with the main verb be:

subject main verb be

+ I am French.

You, we, they are French.

He, she, it is French.

- I am not old.

You, we, they are not old.

He, she, it is not old.

? Am I late?

Are you, we, they late?

Is he, she, it late?

From the above table, notice the following points...

• There is no auxiliary verb, even for questions and negatives.

• The main verb (be) is conjugated in the Present Simple: am, are, is
• For negative sentences, we insert not after the main verb.
• For question sentences, we exchange the subject and the main verb.

How do we use the Present Simple tense?

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 We use the Present Simple to talk about:

• general time (action verbs)

• situations now (stative verbs)
• general time and situations now (verb be)
Present Simple for general time

We use the Present Simple tense when:

• the action is general

• the action happens all the time, or habitually, in the past, present and future
• the action is not only happening now
• the statement is always true

Pankaj drives a taxi.

past present future

It is Pankaj’s job to drive a taxi. He does it every day. Past, present and
future.

Look at these examples:

• I live in New York.

• The Moon goes round the Earth.
• Pankaj drives a taxi.
• He does not drive a bus.
• We meet every Thursday.
• We do not work at night.
• Do you play football?
Simple Part tense
Features; yesterday, last year, ago, in past year etc.

• I saw a movie yesterday.

• I didn't see a play yesterday.
• Last year, I travelled to Japan.
• Last year, I didn't travel to Korea.
• Did you have dinner last night?

28
• She washed her car.
• He didn't wash his car.
• I watched TV last week.

• 2. We ate meat with my best friend yesterday.

• 3. The bus stopped a few minutes ago.

• 4. I met my wife 9 years ago.

• 5. She left the school in 2010.

• 6. He bought a new house last month.

• 7. Did she clean her home?

• 8. I read an interesting book last month.

• 9. We did a lot of shopping at the shopping mall.

• 10. He cut his finger and went to hospital.

• 11. She finished her work at six o’clock.

• 12. The rain stopped an hour ago.

• 13. It discovered a new land.

• 14. We watched a movie last weekend.

• 15. We were good friends.

• 16. You were at station.

• 17. I went to bed early yesterday.

• 18. George came home very late last night.

• 19. I forgot my wallet.

• 20. He had a dog last year.

• 21. Last year I travelled to Germany.

• 22. Two boys played with a ball.

• 23. An old lady walked with her cat.

• 24. A nurse brought a little girl baby to the park.

• 25. An old man sat down and read his book.

29
 • 26. A large trunk came around the corner.

• 27. She finished all the exercises.

• 28. I enrolled to the pilates course.

• 29. Dr Smith healed the patient.

• 30. They bought 2 tickets for the U2 concert.

• 31. Michael studied hard all year.

• 32. Did you play football last day?

• 33. I missed the class last week.

• 34. My brother drank a glass of milk 2 hours ago.

• 35. They had a meeting with her colleagues.

• 36. They were students last year.

• 37. He smoked a cigarette.

• 38. They lived in the Spain.

• 39. Alex changed his place.

• 40. I liked the film.

• 41. Did they lose the match?

• 42. A gardener swept up dead leaves.

• 43. We listened to music.

• 44. Where was she at 7 o’clock last night?

• 45. Amelia chose to stay with her father.

• 46. Mary forgot to turn off the light.

• 47. I cancelled my meeting for tomorrow.

• 48. I went to school yesterday.

• 49. We played basketball last Sunday.

• 50. We saw the Eiffel Tower.

Simple future tense

Features: tomorrow, today, later today, in five minutes, in two hours, on Monday,
on Saturday afternoon, next week/month, this year, etc.

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The simple future is used:

• To predict a future event:

It will rain tomorrow.
• With I or We, to express a spontaneous decision:
I'll pay for the tickets by credit card.
• To express willingness:
I'll do the washing-up.
He'll carry your bag for you.
• In the negative form, to express unwillingness:
The baby won't eat his soup.
I won't leave until I've seen the manager!
• With I in the interrogative form using "shall", to make an offer:
Shall I open the window?
• With we in the interrogative form using "shall", to make a suggestion:
Shall we go to the cinema tonight?
• With I in the interrogative form using "shall", to ask for advice or instructions:
What shall I tell the boss about this money?
• With you, to give orders:
You will do exactly as I say.
• With you in the interrogative form, to give an invitation:
Will you come to the dance with me?
Will you marry me?

Note: In modern English will is preferred to shall. Shall is mainly used with I and we to
make an offer or suggestion, or to ask for advice (see examples above). With the other
persons (you, he, she, they) shall is only used in literary or poetic situations, e.g. "With rings
on her fingers and bells on her toes, She shall have music wherever she goes."

Forming the simple future

The simple future tense is composed of two parts: will / shall + the infinitive without to

Subject +will +infinitive without "to"

Affirmative

I will go

I shall go

Negative

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 Subject +will +infinitive without "to"

They will not see

They won't see

Interrogative

Will she ask?

Interrogative negative

Won't they try?

Contractions
I will = I'll
We will = we'll
You will = you'll
He will = he'll
She will = she'll
They will = they'll
Will not = won't

The form "it will" is not normally shortened.

To see: simple future tense

Affirmative Negative Interrogative Interrogative negative

I will see I won't see Will I see? Won't I see?

*I shall see *Shall I see?

You will see You won't see Will you see? Won't you see?

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 Affirmative Negative Interrogative Interrogative negative

He will see He won't see Will he see? Won't he see?

We will see We won't see Will we see? Won't we see?

*We shall see *Shall we see?

They will see They won't see Will they see? Won't they see?

*Shall is dated, but it is still commonly used instead of "will" with the affirmative or
interrogative forms of I and we in certain cases (see above).
Present continuous tenses
Features
• now.
• at the moment..
• at present.
•

is talking
• 1. My son (talk) on the phone right now.
Are you sleeping
• 2. (you / sleep)?
• 3. Jason (do) his homework at the moment.
• 4. Tom (work) on a project nowadays.
• 5. My kids (play) in the garden now.
• 6. Some people (wait) to talk to you.
• 7. My wife (not cook) today.
• 8. (Lucas / study) for his exam right now?
• 9. (Ryan / play) the piano now?
• 10. Lea and I (paint) the fences today.
• 11. Andrea (help) me at present.
• 12. My children (not listen) to the radio now.
• 13. Selena (not drink) tea now.
• 14. I (vacuum) the carpet right now.
• 15. My father (watch) TV now.
• 16. What (she / eat) right now?
• 17. (your dog / hide) from me?

33
 • 18. What book (you / read) nowadays?
• 19. Thomas (drive) me home now.
• 20. I (wash) my face at the moment.

is talking

2. are you sleeping

3. is doing

4. work

5. are playing

6. are waiting

7. isn't cooking

8. Is he studying

9. Is he playing

10. are painting

11. is helping

12. aren’t listening

13. isn’t drinking

14. am vacuuming

15. is watching

16. is she eating

17. is your dog hiding

18. are you reading

19. is driving

20. am washing
Past continuous tense
Features: then, while, when etc.

• I was studying while he was making dinner.

• While Ellen was reading, Tim was watching television.

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 • Were you listening while he was talking?
• I wasn't paying attention while I was writing the letter, so I made several
mistakes.
• What were you doing while you were waiting?
• Thomas wasn't working and I wasn't working either.
• They were eating dinner, discussing their plans, and having a good time.

1. My kids were playing basketball together for hours yesterday.

2. My daughter was planning to join the school band but chose the choir instead.
3. I was talking to my neighbour when she told me about the fire that started across
the street.
4. Our school was holding a pep rally when the fire alarm went off.
5. I was not giving to charity last year, but then I received a raise and started
contributing to the local animal shelter.
6. While I was getting ready for bed, I turned on the news to see what had happened
during the day.
7. My team was holding an offsite lunch n learn but discontinued it when people
stopped showing up.
8. My brother was dropping me off at school every morning so I didn’t have to wait
in the cold for the bus.
9. I was hanging more and more elaborate Christmas lights every year until I realized
I couldn’t do anything bigger this year so I stopped.
10. My friend was sleeping over every Friday for three months during the summer but
then we had to stop when school started.
Future continuous tenses
Future Continuous Tense Examples
• I will be writing articles on different topics.
• Robert will be reading various kinds of books.
• They will be playing football in that field.
• April will be having coffee in this coffee shop.
• Bob will be going to the library.
• We will be shopping in that market this Monday.
• Examples of The Perfect Tense:
• To form the perfect tenses, you must use auxiliary verbs.
• Present Perfect-Present tense of have + past participle
• Past Perfect-Past tense of have + past participle
• Future Perfect-Will or shall + have + past participle
• It is easier to understand the perfect tenses by looking at some examples:
• 1) I have put the money in the machine. (present perfect)
• 2) I had finished my homework before mom called me for dinner. (past perfect)
• 3) By the time the show is over, Marie will have danced for 40 minutes. (future
perfect)
• 4) The class has been outside for recess. (present perfect)
• 5) Jeff tried to hide the vase because he had broken it. (past perfect)
• 6) By the time I am 18, I will have saved over $2,000. (future perfect)
• 7) My sister has taken martial arts lessons for six years. (present perfect)

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 • 8) I had watched almost all of the show before the power went off. (past perfect)
• 9) Do you think the lunchroom will have cooked enough pizza for all of us? (future
perfect)
• 10) Will had won the race every year until this year. (past perfect)

Signal Words
▪ for
▪ since
▪ yet
▪ still
▪ already
▪ ever
▪ till now
Structure / Formula
Subject + has/have + Past participle (v3)
Subject (He/she/it) has Past participle(V3)

Subject (I/We/They) have Past participle(V3)

Positive Sentences
To make the positive sentences, we use this structure,

Subject + has/have + Past participle (V3)

Examples of positive sentences

▪ Julia has made a sponge cake.

▪ He has gone to the hill station.
Negative Sentences
We add ‘not’ after auxiliary verb to make the sentence negative.

Subject + has/have + not + Past participle (V3)

Examples of negative sentences.

▪ Julia has not made a sponge cake.

▪ He has not gone to the hill station.
Question Sentences
To make the question, auxiliary verb come at the start of the sentence and question mark
at the end.

Has/have + subject + Past participle (V3) + ?

Examples of question sentences.

▪ Has Julia made a sponge cake?

▪ Has he gone to the hill station?
Usage

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 Usage Example

I have been at work for

How long? six hours.

He has just
The work that has recently been completed. cooked the meal.

Time period that has not finished. She has drunk two cups of tea today.

We have lived in this house

To describe the specific moment of time. since 2015.

Present perfect tense

Example Sentences
▪ The labourer has pushed the cart.
▪ She has kneaded the flour.
▪ I have travelled to Rome.
▪ He has spent all his money.
▪ I have taken the examination this month.
▪ John has written an essay on education.
▪ Peter has rescued the cat.
▪ He has read his favourite book.
▪ The police have caught the thief.
▪ They have played badminton.
Passive Voice
Usually, passive voice of present perfect tense is made when the subject is not known. For
example,

▪ Flowers have been plucked. (affirmative)

▪ Flowers have not been plucked. (negative)
▪ Have the flowers been plucked? (question)
Structure of passive voice sentences,

Object + has/have + been + Verb(v3)

Exercises
1. _____ he ___________ the flowers? (pluck)
2. Jami __________ with the guitar. (play)
3. Anu _________ the flour. (knead)
4. The labourer _________ the carriage. (push)
5. We _____ not _________ the ruinations. (sketch)
6. I _________ an interesting essay. (write)
7. ________ you ________ holidays on the beach? (spend)
8. _______ our leaders ________ for the prosperity of our country? (work)

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 9. He ______ not _______ the M.A. Examination this year. (take)
10. I _________ my clothes. (iron)
11. The doctor _________ the pulse of the patient. (feel)
12. Jamid ________ on a foreign tour. (go)
13. He _____ not ________ the birds. (shoot)
14. They _________ the tea. (take)
15. Shiza _________ the dose of medicine. (take)
View: Present Perfect Tenses Practice Test /Exercise
Answers
1. Has he plucked the flowers?
2. Jami has played with the guitar.
3. Anu has kneaded the flour.
4. The labourer has pushed the carriage.
5. We have not sketched the ruinations.
6. I have written an interesting essay.
7. Have you spent holidays on the beach?
8. Have our leaders worked for the prosperity of our country?
9. He has not taken the M.A. Examination this year.
10. I have ironed my clothes.
11. The doctor has felt the pulse of the patient.
12. Jamid has gone on a foreign tour.
13. He has not shot the birds.
14. They have taken the tea.
15. Shiza has taken the dose of medicine.

Present perfect continuous tense

Exercises
1. He (write) an interesting essay.
2. I (take) the dose of medicine for two days.
3. The farmer (plant) since morning.
4. I (learn) English.
5. Rita (drive) the black car for five years.
6. The children (watch) the TV all day long.
7. John (smoke) for five years.
8. The mechanic (fix) my bike since morning.
9. I (plan) my holidays for one week.
10. He (obey) the orders of his boss.
Answers
1. He has been writing an interesting essay.
2. I have been taking the dose of medicine for two days.
3. The farmer has been planting since morning.
4. I have been learning English.
5. Rita has been driving the black car for five years.
6. The children have been watching the TV all day long.
7. John has been smoking for five years.
8. The mechanic has been fixing my bike since morning.
9. I have been planning my holidays for one week.
10. He has been obeying the orders of his boss.

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 Past perfect continuous tense
Past Perfect Continuous Tense
• He had been drinking milk out the carton when Mom walked into the kitchen.
• I had been working at the company for five years when I got the promotion.
• Martha had been walking three miles a day before she broke her leg.
• The program that was terminated had been working well since 1945.
Opposite Words for Difficult

What is the opposite of difficult?

The antonyms of difficult are:

• Simple
• Basic
• Straightforward
• Effortless
• Docile
• Tame
• Submissive
• Smooth
• Comfortable
• Compliant

Most Common Antonyms

Here are some of the most common antonyms that you should learn about:

Opposite Of Improve

• Worsen
• Impair
• Deteriorate

Preceding Antonym

• After
• Concluding
• Consequent
• Following

Opposite of Kind

• Unkind
• Inconsiderate
• Mean
• Cruel

Opposite of Lazy

• Active

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 • Industrious
• Energetic

Antonyms of Brave

• Cowardly
• Fearful

Opposite of Confident

• Wavering
• Speculative
• Unsettled

Opposite of Victim

• Attacker
• Assailant

Opposite Of Heavy

• Light
• Thin
• Wispy

Opposite of Misogyny

• Phylogeny

Opposite Of Optimistic

• Dejected
• Depressed
• Doubtful
• Hopeless

Opposite of Deep

• Shallow
• High

Opposite of Humble

• Proud
• Overbearing
• Noble

Top 50 Most Difficult Antonyms

1. Abundant – Scarce

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2. Artificial – Natural

3. Bold – Timid

4. Intrepid – Cowardly

5. Grumpy – Amiable

6. Castigate – Praise

7. Affable – Unfriendly

8. Tranquil – Excitable

9. Acme – Nadir

10. Boundless – Limited

11. Fiendish – Tender-hearted

12. Bashful – Bold

13. Ephemeral- Long-lived

14. Compress – Enlarge

15. Debilitate – Strengthen

16. Concise – Lengthy

17. Detrimental – Beneficial

18. Adulation – Criticism

19. Inception – Conclusion

20. Eccentric – Ordinary

21. Authentic – Fake

22. Emancipate – Enslave

23. Bewitch – Repel

24. Precarious – Safe

25. Aversion- Liking/Inclination

26. Fallacious – True

27. Avarice – Generosity

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28. Knavish -Virtuous

30. Colossal – Tiny

31. Decimate – Construct

32. Jabber- Quiet

33. Foster – Suppress

34. Yearn – Loathe

35. Frugal – Extravagant

36. Mitigate- Intensify

37. Perennial – Occasional

38. Obstinate – Amenable

39. Agile – Clumsy/Stiff

40. Clemency- Ruthlessness

41. Vendetta- Harmony

42. Adept – Amateur

43. optimistic – Pessimistic

44. Palatable – Tasteless

45. Arduous – Effortless

46. Circumscribed – Boundless

47 inactive: Active:

48. Relish – Apathy

49. Dearth – Abundance

50. Jeopardy – Safety

50 More Difficult Antonyms

51. Opposite of Benefit: Disadvantage, Drawback

52. Opposite of Kind: Unkind or Cruel
53. Opposite of Lazy: Active
54. Opposite of Victim: Attacker, Assailant
55. Opposite of Nocturnal: Diurnal

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 56. Opposite of Humble: Proud, Overbearing
57. Opposite of Deep: Shallow, High
58. Opposite of Heavy: Light, Thin, Wispy
59. Opposite of Selfish: Unselfish, Altruistic, Selfless, Kind
60. Opposite of Wise: Stupid, Silly, Foolish
61. Opposite of Wide: Narrow, Tight, Shut
62. Opposite of Confident, , Uncertain,
63. Opposite of Misogyny: Phylogeny,
64. Opposite of Sharp: Blunt, Blurred, Indistinct
65. Opposite of Fresh: Stale, Processed, Old, Well-worn
66. Opposite of Peace: Noise, Conflict, Irritation
67. Opposite of Loud: Quiet, Soft
68. Opposite of Polite: Rude, Impolite
69. Opposite of Optimistic: Pessimistic
70. Opposite of Shy: Bold, Brash, Confident
71. Opposite of Freedom: Captivity, Liability
72. Opposite of Tall: Short, Small, Low
73. Opposite of Improve: Worsen, Impair
74. Opposite of Honest: Dishonest, Insincere, Biased
75. Opposite of Dull: Bright, Interesting
76. Opposite of Proud: Ashamed, Concave, Flush
77. Opposite of Progress: Return, Regress
78. Opposite of Narrow: Wide, Broad, Spacious
79. Opposite of Expand: Contract, Shrink, Condense
80. Opposite of Clever: Stupid
81. Opposite of Support: Opposite, Contradict, Undermine
82. Opposite of Bright: Dull, Dark, Stupid
83. Opposite of Early: Late, Overdue
84. Opposite of Innocent: Guilty, Sinful
85. Opposite of Cheap: Costly, Expensive, Admirable
86. Opposite of Quiet: Loud, Public
87. Opposite of Genuine: Bogus
88. Opposite of Strong: Weak, Puny
89. Opposite of Modern: Past, Ancient
90. Opposite of Transparent: Opaque
91. Opposite of Gentle: Harsh, Unkind,
92. Opposite of Superior: Inferior
93. Opposite of Latter: Former, Prior
94. Opposite of Hope: Fear, Doubt
95. Opposite of Good: Bad, Wicked
96. Opposite of Empathy: Apathy
97. Opposite of Steep: Gentle, Reasonable
98. Opposite of Busy: Idle, Quiet, Unrestrained
99. Opposite of Boring: Interesting
100. Opposite of Foolish: Sensible, Wise

Add a Prefix to Create an Antonym

Add a prefix in- before these words:

• Tolerant- intolerant

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 • Excusable- inexcusable
• Decent- indecent
• Famous- infamous
• Audible- inaudible

Add a prefix dis- before these words:

• Appear- disappear
• Belief- disbelief
• Honest- dishonest
• Pleased- displeased
• Honour- dishonour

• Behave- misbehave
• Manage- mismanage
• Interpret- misinterpret
• Conduct- misconduct
• Lead- mislead

: Synonyms:

1. Magnify – expand: He magnified their happiness like their pain.

2. Baffle – confuse, deceive: The bad news he received consecutively confused him.
3. Beautiful – attractive, pretty, lovely, and stunning: You are the most beautiful woman I have
ever seen in my life.
4. Bossy – controlling, tyrannical: You have a structure that likes to bossy.
5. Fair – just, objective, impartial, unbiased: We believe you are impartial.
5. Funny – humorous, comical, hilarious, hysterical: My uncle is the funniest person in
the family, and when we all get together, they always make us laugh.

6. Happy – content, joyful, mirthful, upbeat: I think the most important factor in this life is to be
happy.
7. Hardworking- diligent, determined, industrious, enterprising: Maybe she was the quietest girl
in our class, but more hardworking than all of us.
8. Honest – honourable, fair, sincere, trustworthy: Being honest should be one of our most
important character traits.
9. Hypocrisy – duplicity, falseness: Everyone knows that they can never tolerate hypocrisy.
10. Important – required, vital, essential, primary, significant, critical: We need to talk to you
about this important issue immediately.
11. Intelligence – smart, bright, brilliant, sharp: We all know that you have unique intelligence.
12. Introverted – shy, bashful, quiet, withdrawn: You already have an extroverted personality;
we believe you will overcome all this.
13. Kind – thoughtful, considerate, amiable, gracious: We have always known you as a kind
person, I could not make sense of all this.
14. Lazy – idle, lackadaisical, lethargic, indolent: When I met her teacher today, she told me that
she was too lazy this year.
15. Lucky – auspicious, fortunate: How lucky you are! You won this game.
16. Mean – unfriendly, unpleasant, bad- tempered, difficult: I can’t figure out what this means
most, please speak a little more.
17. Old – antiquated, ancient, obsolete, extinct: Today we will visit old aunts.
18. Outgoing – friendly, sociable, warm, extroverted: I think it has an extroverted structure.

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19. Pacify – appease, placate: I came here to appease you.

20. Positive – optimistic, cheerful, starry- eyed, sanguine: I always recommend you to be
positive.
21. Recalcitrant – obstinate, stubborn: You are a very stubborn person.
22. Strong – stable, secure, solid, tough: We saw that he was a strong man this morning.
23. True – genuine, factual, accurate, correct, and real: What is the correct word called?
24. Unhappy – sad, depressed, melancholy, miserable: You are not unhappy, you just feel that
way.
25. Weak – frail, infirm, puny, fragile: I don’t think she is a weak woman.
26. About – approximately: I know very little about you.
27. Abstract – summary: Our topic today is abstract nouns.
28. To accomplish – to achieve: Please achieve this exam well.
29. Almost – nearly: We’re almost close, there is little left.
30. To answer – to reply: Please give me an urgent answer.
31. Anyway – besides: Anyway, this is the case.
32. Arise – occur: All these problems are occurring by your indifference.
33. Aromatic – fragrant: All this has an aromatic smell.
34. Awful- terrible: What is this awful smell?
35. To behave – to act: Act just how you want to treat me.
36. Believable – plausible: I told you that you are a believable person.
37. Beneficial – favourable: All of these fruits are beneficial for your health.
38. Bizarre – weird: Who is this bizarre looking man?
39. Business – commerce, trade: You’re too good for this business.
40. Candy – sweet: You are a girl like a candy.
41. Clever – intelligence: You have good intelligence.
42. To close – to shut: Please stay a little close to me.
43. Comfort – consolation: What does comfort mean to you?
44. Comic – comedian: We all know what a comic man he is.
45. Complete – total: Complete all these tests.
46. Completely – totally: I left my entire heritage to you completely.
47. To connect – to associate, to put through: I cannot connect the computer to the internet.
48. Considerate – thoughtful: Your father is a very thoughtful man.
49. Colossal – Immense: gigantic, gargantuan, monumental, giant like
50. Friendly– Warm: intimate, cordial, genuine, candid

: Comprehensions:

1.

In India the co-education has not been a long tradition. It only began in the pre-independence
period when education movements started as a part of the freedom effort: It was realised that co-
education was a part of the modern education which reduced gender biases. The girls and boys
needed to be allowed to interact to generate healthy respect for each other instead of suspicions
and the ignorances. In backward and rural areas there still are separate schools for boys and girls.
Now-a-days co-education is common in big towns and cities, especially in colleges and training
institutions. The trend is catching up because of many advantages it offers.

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 In the west, Switzerland was the first country to introduce co-education. Then, it spread
fast to other western countries. There now co-education is prevalent in all institutions and at all
levels.

This system of education is very economic besides being healthy. It dispenses with
separate school buildings, classes and teaching staff for boys and girls saving a lot of money. A
developing country like India, always short of funds, requires maximum value of budget to
afford universal and compulsory education.

A better understanding between boys and girls is created through co-education leading
to easy relationship. It is essential because they are to live together as husbands and wives in the
later period of life. So, they must get opportunity to mix up and know each other at the school
stage itself. They must understand each other better and grow healthy behaviour. That will help
them make better adjustments later as life partners. The girls will not look at boys as dangerous
creatures and boys will learn to treat girls in civilized manner. It is sure to bring down sex crimes
and violent behaviours. The different sexes must live in harmony to have a healthy society.

The indiscipline is also likely to lessen as it is observed that boys behave decently in the
presence of girls. Similarly, girls are also at their finest in the company of boys in groups. A
healthy competition gets generated. They study hard and excel in other fields of activities to
showcase their talents and capabilities. A desirable companionship refinement and good
manners result. The researches reveal that the boys of co-education institutions are disciplined,
well behaved and orderly. They don’t suffer from any mental blocks related to opposite sex.

Questions

1. When did co-education start in India?

2. Why should boys and girls study -together and interact?
3. How co-education is economic?
4. Which country introduced co-education first in the world?
5. How boys are found to behave in the presence of girls?

Fill in the blanks

6. Separate schools for boys and girl still exist in……

7. ……………………in the company of boys.

Answers

1. Co-education started in India during independence struggle as a part of the modern-

education feature.
2. It generates healthy respect for each other between boys and girls instead of suspicions.
3. An expense on education is reduced by co-education as boys and girls share the same
facilities and staff.
4. Switzerland was the first country to introduce co-education.
5. The boys are found to behave decently in presence of girls.
6. Separate schools for boys and girls still exist in rural and backward areas.
7. The girls are at their finest in the company of boys.

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 2.

Electricity is the life force of modern world. The use of electricity in daily life at all levels
is too expensive to be enumerated. The electric. Power has transformed human life into an
amazing experience of convenience, luxury, comfort and incredible ease. A great power became
the slave of a human finger’s push. Push to a button brings the light on and the same act sets
hundreds of thousands of gadgets in action. It simply is a miracle, very real and more bountiful
than genie of the Aladdin’s wonder lamp. The electricity revolutionized our houses, drawing
rooms and kitchen with useful implements.

The array of entertainment aids powered by electricity really created a fancy world
around us. The coming into the existence of a power like electricity that obeyed the command
of the human finger’s touch inspired the inventions and innovations of a mind boggling range of
electric implements. Infect all the manmade machines or gadgets wholly or partly run on
electricity.

It created wonders of entertainment like cinema, radio, TV, VCD, DVD and other audio-
video systems. The electricity helped man go to space, land on moon and harness natural powers
and resources. The mining, construction, irrigation, transport, printing and other industrial
activities are dependent on electric power. Even the computers won’t work any wonders without
the electricity. Today, the progress of a society or a nation or economy is so dependent on electric
power that all the power generating resources and options are being exploited or explored. Oil,
coal, water, air, sun light, tidal waves and atomic phenomena are being used for power
generation. The research on hydrogen as fuel and controlled fusion process are going on at
feverish pitch.

The oil and coal are non-renewable resources. Hydel power has limitations as no new
rivers can be created. Solar energy is yet costly to harness. The wind energy too has limitations.
The tidal wave processes are yet at an experimental stage. And so are hydrogen and fusion ideas.
Conventional atomic energy clearly is the best pollution free option but it entails the tricky
problem of atomic waste disposal.

Questions

1. To what wondrous world the electricity has transformed the human life?
2. What part of the human body controls the power of electricity?
3. What happens when the electricity is cut off in the modern day city?
4. Why hydel power has limitations?
5. What are the good points and the bad about nuclear power generation?

Answers

1. The human life has become a wondrous experience of luxury, convenience, ease and
comforts.
2. The tip of a human finger controls electric power by pressing switches.
3. The life comes to a standstill if power goes off in a modern city.
4. The hydel power has limitations because no new rivers can be created by human
endeavour. And only some places with suitable topographic setting allow dams on the
existing rivers.
5. The plus point of the nuclear power generation is it is totally pollution free. But the
nuclear waste disposal is very tricky and hazardous.

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