Class 10 English CBSE Guide - The Frog and the Nightingale by Vikram Seth - NCERT Solutions

Class 10 English CBSE Guide - The Frog and the Nightingale by Vikram Seth - NCERT Solutions

Class X English Literature Reader (Communicative)  

The Frog and the Nightingale by Vikram Seth

Class 10 NCERT English Literature Reader - CBSE Guide NCERT Solutions

NCERT Answers of Textbook Exercise (Important questions only)

Question 1: The following is a summary of what happened in the story, in mixed order. Write the events in their correct order to form a continuous paragraph.

     a)  As a result, her voice lost its beauty, and the other creatures stopped coming to hear her song.

     b)  Soon the nightingale became famous, and creatures for miles around came to hear the nightingale song.

     c)  All the other creatures in the bog cheered and clapped at her beautiful song.

     d)  He offered to train the nightingale, so that she could sing even more beautifully.

     e)  So the frog could once more sing at night in his bog, unrivalled.

     f)  The next night, the frog introduced himself.

     g)  The frog charged an admission fee, and earned a lot money from these concerts.

     h)  A frog croaked all night in a bog, in a loud unpleasant voice.

     i)  But the frog made the nightingale rehearse too much, and in the rain.

     j)  One night, a nightingale suddenly began to sing.

     k)  Finally, the nightingale burst a vein and died.

Answer:

     a)  A frog croaked all night in a bog, in a loud unpleasant voice. (h)

     b)  One night, a nightingale suddenly began to sing. (j)

     c)  All the other creatures in the bog cheered and clapped her beautiful song. (c)

     d)  The next night, the frog introduced himself. (f)

     e)  He offered to train the nightingale, so that she could sing even more beautifully. (d)

     f)  Soon the nightingale became famous, and creatures from miles around came to hear the nightingale sing. (b)

     g)  The frog charged an admission fee, and earned a lot of money from these concerts. (g)

     h)  But the frog made the nightingale rehearse too much, and in the rain. (i)

     i)  As a result, her voice lost its beauty, and the other creatures stopped coming to hear her song. (a)

     j)  Finally, the nightingale burst a vein and died. (k)

     k)  So the frog could once more sing at night in his bog, unrivalled. (e)

Question 2: Identify the poem's rhyme scheme.

Answer: The rhyme scheme of the poem is - aa, bb, cc.

Question 3: Now the frog puffed up with rage.

"Brainless bird - you're on the stage

Use your wits - follow fashion.

Puff your lungs out with your passion."

(a) Why was the frog so angry?

(b) Do you think that the nightingale was truly "Brainless"? (Give two reasons to support your answer).

(c) In what way did the frog become the unrivalled king of the bog once again?

(d) How did the creatures of Bingle Bog react to the nightingale’s singing?

(e) Which are the different ways in which the frog asserts his importance?

(f) Why is frog’s joy both sweet and bitter?

Answer (a): The frog was angry because the number of creatures who came to nightingale's performance decreased day by day.

Answer (b): Yes, I think the nightingale was truly 'brainless'. There are many reasons. First, she couldn't see through the trick of the frog who offered to train her. Secondly, she didn't know her real worth. Thirdly, she couldn't see through the treachery of the frog who made her sing non-stop. Fourthly, she couldn't understand the frog's hint when he said that she owed him "sixty shillings". Also, she was a poor judge of music and acted on his advice. Eventually, she sang loudly and burst her lung.

Answer (c): The cunning frog used to train the poor nightingale day and night. One day he told her to sing with all her passion and the nightingale puffed up her lungs and died of a vein burst. So, the frog became the unrivalled king of the bog once again.

Answer (d): The creatures of Bingle Bog shouted in appreciation to the nightingale’s singing. They said that she snag beautifully and her voice was heavenly. They requested her to sing once again.

Answer (e): The frog was a crafty fellow. He first pulled her down by pointing out the draw backs in her song. Then he offered to train her. He made her sing aloud and in cold weather. He made a fortune by organizing musical nights. He befooled her, misguided her, and drove her to untimely death.

Answer (f): The frog’s joy was sweet because he was earning a lot of money at the nightingale’s expense. His joy was bitter also because he was jealous of the nightingale’s fame.      

Question 4: Do you agree with the frog’s inference of the nightingale’s character? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer: I agree with the frog’s inference of the nightingale’s character. The nightingale did not trust in herself. She asked frog’s comments on her singing. The frog made tall and false claims about his talent in the field of music and writing. The nightingale got impressed and accepted him on face value. She believed that he was a great art critic and felt flattered to be his disciple. She did not recognize a crook and she hence, became his prey.

Question 5: "The Frog and the Nightingale" contains many words describing different kinds of noise. Find these words, and group them in the way you think is most suitable.

Answer: These words are: Croaked, cacophony, blared out, minstrelled, melody, serenaded, baritone, twittering, trills, zipped, bounced, foghorn.

These could be grouped according to their qualities- sweet / unpleasant or attractive / repulsive.

(a). croaked, cacophony, blared out, bounces, foghorn - unpleasant / repulsive.

(b). minstrelled, melody, serenaded - neither sweet nor repulsive.

(c). twittering, trills, zipped - neither sweet nor repulsive.

 The Frog and The Nightingale - More questions

CBSE Guide and CBSE Sample questions with answers for Class X English Poem - The Frog and The Nightingale

CBSE Guide Class X, Julius Caesar - NCERT Solutions of English Communicative Chapter Exercise Questions

CBSE Guide Class X, Julius Caesar - NCERT Solutions of English Communicative Chapter Exercise Questions

Class X English Literature Reader (Communicative)  

CBSE Class 10, English Literature Reader (Communicative)

JULIUS CAESAR (English Drama) by William Shakespeare

Class X, English - CBSE Guide and NCERT Solutions of Chapter Exercise Questions 

(Published in a series of posts)

For previous exercise questions visit:

Class 10, Julius Caesar - NCERT Solutions of CBSE English Literature Reader Communicative

Question.6 (h): Who says “Et tu Brute”? When are these spoken? Why?

Solution: The words “Et tu Brute” are spoken by Caesar before the conspirators when Cassius stabs Caesar with the other conspirators and Brutus. Caesar has been stabbed in the Senate House and his friend Brutus to stabs him. Finding Brutus a distrusting man, Caesar speaks these words, as Caesar has not expected such treacherous act from him. As Caesar tries to defend himself when Brutus stabs him. His heart is broken. He cries out ‘Et tu Brute’, which mean, “even you, Brutus.”

Question.6 (i): In the moments following Caesar’s death what do the conspirators proclaim to justify Caesar’s death?

Solution: In the moments following Caesar’s death, the conspirators proclaim that with the death of Caesar, tyranny has ended in Rome. They shout various slogans like ‘Peace, Liberty, freedom, and Enfranchisement’. Therefore, the conspirators tried to justify Caesar’s death as an end to tyranny and the beginning of liberty and freedom for the Romans.

Question.6 (j): Seeing the body of Caesar, Antony is overcome by grief. What does he say about Caesar?

Solution: Antony says that it is an extremely sorrowful sight to see the mighty Caesar lying on the ground in such an abject condition. His glories, victories, and gains in war have disillusioned him. He bids him farewell with a sorrowful heart. He says he is totally ignorant of their intentions. He himself is ready to die at their hands. His life is not half as valuable as Caesar’s and he will think himself to be fortunate if he is killed by them by the very swords with which they have killed Caesar. But Antony was shrewd enough not to react infront of the conspirators. Though his heart was burning with a desire to ruin the conspirators and avenge his friend’s death, outwardly he offered a hand of conciliation to them. He cleverly awaited for the right moment to show his loyalty to Caesar.

Question.6 (k): Whom does Antony call ‘the choice and master spirits of this age’? Why?

Solution: Antony calls the conspirators as ‘the choice and master spirits of this age’. He calls them with these remarks since they have killed the mighty Caesar and the leader of the Roman Empire who has brought glories and victories in the war to Rome.

Question.6 (l): How do Brutus and Cassius respond to Antony’s speech?

Solution: Brutus and Cassius respond to the speech of Antony in different moods. Cassius takes Brutus aside and asks him not to consent that Antony should speak in his funeral. His words will the audience. At this, Brutus tells that it will be his turn to address the public in the first instance showing the reasons of Caesar’s death. He (Antony) will speak with their due permission.

Question.6 (m): Why does Cassius object to allowing Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral? How does Brutus overcome this objection?

Solution: Cassius does not think it proper that Antony should speak at Caesar’s funeral because his words may appeal to the sentiments and change the mind of the audience. But Brutus tells that Antony will be allowed to say only through their permission and the speech will be first delivered by Brutus who will give the reasons of Caesar’s death.

Question.6 (n): What are the conditions imposed by the conspirators before allowing Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral?

Solution: The conspirators laid down certain conditions on Antony before he could speak at Caesar’s funeral. In the first place, Antony will not blame them in his speech. He has to speak all good things that he supposes to think about Caesar. He will speak with permission of the conspirators and only after Brutus has finished his speech from the same pulpit.

Question.6 (o): When he is left alone with the body of Caesar, what does Antony call Brutus and the others?

Solution: When Antony is left alone with the Corpse of Caesar, he gives vent to his griefs. He prays that Caesar will pardon Antony if he has been meek and gentle with his murderers. “Thou lie there,” says Antony, “the remains of the most illustrious man the world has ever known.” He curses the men who shed Caesar’s valuable blood. The gaping wounds look like rosy lips beseeching Antony to speak.

Question.6 (p): What prediction does Antony make regarding the future events in Rome?

Solution: Antony makes a dreadful prediction. He says that for their sin in murdering Caesar a curse will fall upon the Romans who will suffer from various terrible happenings. The country will plunge into a furious civil war, in which bloodshed and destruction will be frequent. Mothers shall smile to see their near and dear ones cut to pieces before their eyes. Cruel deeds will be committed very frequently. The soul of Caesar will roam about in search of vengeance.

Question.6 (q): What reasons does Brutus give for murdering Caesar?

Solution: Addressing the citizens, Brutus tells them that he killed Caesar because the latter had grown ambitious and wanted to become the king of Rome. Although he had intimate friendship with Caesar, he had to kill him for the good of Rome. He asserts that his love for Rome was far greater than his regard and love for Caesar.

He did not like that the citizens of Rome should live in a state of slavery under Caesar. He killed Caesar so that all of them should live in perfect freedom from tyranny and oppression.

Brutus tells the citizens that no freedom-loving man can disapprove of the murder of Caesar. Every true Roman should be happy that a tyrant has been killed. Every genuine patriot should support the murder of Caesar, who would have crushed the freedom of people. Thus, the murder of Caesar was no crime. Only people with a slavish mentality and devoid of any sense of honour would feel angry at the murder of Caesar.

Question.6 (r): Who says, “Let him be Caesar”? What light does this throw on the speaker?

Solution: It is Third Citizen who says, “Let him be Caesar.” He means to say that they should him in place of Caesar. This is the typical reaction of the mob, which has no mind, but is swayed by emotions. That is why; they talk of carrying noble Brutus to his home in a triumphal procession. Another suggests that they should erect a statue in his honour. Then the Third Citizen suggests making him ‘Caesar’. What an irony! The people are trying to make Brutus what he has been fighting against. This also shows the ignorance of the masses about the reason for Caesar’s assassination. They fail to understand their leader Brutus and just want a leader.

Question.6 (s): Why is Antony’s speech more effective?

Solution: Brutus appealed to the reason. His arguments were logical and rational. He blamed Caesar, cited reasons for killing Caesar as over-ambitious.

However, Antony made a direct appeal to the emotions of the people. He refutes the charge against Caesar that he was too ambitious. To justify this he reminded the people of the glories and wealth that were brought to the Roman Empire by Caesar. He also told that Caesar had refused the crown thrice. Finally, Antony arouses their greed by referring to a will, which would show that Caesar was the best friend of the people. He flatters the crowd, uses oratorical devices during the speech, and successfully steered the sentiments of the crowd in favour of Caesar and against the conspirators.

While Brutus talked like an idealist and patriot, Antony talked like a thorough politician and his speech was highly diplomatic and more effective.

Question.6 (t): At the end of the scene what is the fate of Brutus and Cassius?

Solution:  By his skillful oratory, Antony has aroused the anger and hatred of the mob against Brutus, Cassius and other conspirators. The mob plans to torch their houses with the burning sticks of wood from Caesar’s pyre. Pursued by such a hostile, furious and bloodthirsty mob, Brutus and Cassius have no option but to run away to save their lives. Their fate is sealed. As they leave Rome, Octavius Caesar the nephew of Julius Caesar arrives in Rome to join Antony and have revenge on the Conspirators. Ultimately, Brutus and Cassius commit suicide.

Question.10: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

                       1.      Cowards die many times before their deaths;

The valiant never taste of death but once.

Of all the wonders that I yet have heard.

It seems to me most strange that men should fear;

Seeing that death, a necessary end,

Will come when it will come.

a.    Whom is Caesar speaking to? Why does he say these words?

b.    What fears has the listener expressed?

c.    What is the basis for the fears expressed? 

Solution 10.1.(a): Caesar is speaking to his wife Calpurnia. She is afraid that her husband’s life might be in danger and so, prays to her husband not to go. Caesar pays no heed to her requests. Being a brave soldier, Caesar believes that cowards experience the torments of death many times before they actually die. Contrary to this, brave men die only once.

Solution 10.1.(b): Calpurnia had a horrible dream during the night in which she had seen Caesar’s statue having a hundred spouts emitting blood from them. Many vigorous Romans were bathing their hands in it. Calpurnia expressed her fears that the ominous signs might foretell that Caesar’s life is in danger.

Solution 10.1.(c): The fears are based on some unnatural happenings that have taken place in that stormy night. During which she too had an ominous dream. A lioness has given birth to her young ones in the streets. Ghosts have come out of their graves. There have been fierce fights in the sky and blood has showered down on the Capitol. Horses started neighing and dying men groaned. She regards them as ill omens.

2.     But here’s a parchment with the seal of Caesar;

I found it in his closet, ‘tis his will:

Let but the commons hear this testament

Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read

And they would go and kiss dead Caesar’s wounds

a.   Who speaks these words? Where is the speaker at this moment?

b.   What are the contents of Caesar’s will that he is referring to?

c.   Why does the speaker read Caesar’s will to the citizens?

d.   What is the reaction of the listeners to the reading of the will? 

Solution 10.2.(a): Antony speaks these words to the common people of Rome. He is in a pulpit in the forum i.e., the market place. It is the same place from where Brutus had addressed the mob.

Solution 10.2.(b): Caesar has left seventy-five drachmas (about three pounds) each to every citizen of Rome. Besides this, Caesar has left for them and their descendents all his pleasure grounds, his gardens, his summerhouses, and his newly planted fruit gardens on this side of the river Tiber.

Solution 10.2.(c): Antony read this will to the citizens to arouse the feelings of greed of the people, sympathy for Caesar and hatred against the conspirators. By reading the will, he tries to depict Caesar as a great ruler of Rome. Antony wants to conceive the citizens that they are the descendents of Caesar, who has provided for each one of them in his will.

Solution 10.2.(d): The listeners react on expected lines. They become furious against the conspirators whom they now call traitors. After hearing, the will the listeners call Caesar as noble and vow to take revenge against his murderers. They pursue Brutus, Cassius and other murderers of Caesar. They plan to kill them and burn their houses.

·       For previous exercise questions visit: Class 10, Julius Caesar - NCERT Solutions of CBSE English Literature Reader Communicative

·       Solutions of CBSE Sample Questions, MCQs and CBSE Notes for lesson (Drama) Julius Caesar (to be published)

A Shady Plot - NCERT Solutions and Answers of CBSE Class X, English Literature Reader Communicative

A Shady Plot - NCERT Solutions and Answers of CBSE Class X, English Literature Reader Communicative

Class X English Literature Reader (Communicative)  

A Shady Plot by Elsic Brown

Class 10, English Literature Reader

(English Communicative)

NCERT Solutions and Answers of NCERT textbook Chapter Exercise Questions

Page 33

Question 2: That title of the story is A Shady Plot. The dictionary defines the word as:

shady adjective

(a). Full of shade; shaded.

(b). Casting shade: a shady grove.

(c). Quiet, dark, or concealed; hidden.

(d). Of dubious character or of questionable honesty.

plot noun

(a) (i): a small piece of ground, generally used for a specific purpose: a garden plot.

(ii): a measured area of land.

(b): a ground plan, as for a building; a diagram.

(c): storyline - the plan, scheme, or main story of a literary or dramatic work, as a play, novel, or short story.

(d): a secret plan to accomplish a hostile or illegal purpose; a scheme.

Based on the definitions above can you predict what the story will be about? Make a brief more of your prediction in your notebook.

Answer: The story could be about a mysterious plan. It would deal with the solving of the mystery. May be one or more characters of dubious nature who make a scheme, which is illegal, of course. Then they would be executing their plan in a secret manner to accomplish their hostile purpose. The chapter would also be about writing a mystery story or a novel.

Page 46 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Question 4: Based on your reading of the story, answer the following questions by ticking the correct options.

(1) The narrator earns his  living by _________

(a) writing ghost stories

(b) working as a reader for a magazine

(c) working as a stenographer

(d) working as an accountant in a lumber company.

Solution: (d) working as an accountant in a lumber company.

(2) The writer was overconfident about his ability to write ghost stories because _______

(a) whenever magazines wanted a ghost story, they got in touch with him

(b) he was always able to write a ghost story whenever he had to write one

(c) the readers appreciated his ghost stories

(d) he knew the ghost lady would help him write a good ghost story.

Solution: (b) he was always able to write a ghost story whenever he had to write one.

(3) The sight of the ghost materialising in his room filled the narrator with _________

(a) fear

(b) excitement

(c) joy

(d) anticipation

Solution: (a) fear.

(4) The ghost wanted John to __________.

(a) stop his wife from using the Ouija board

(b) stop using the Ouija board himself

(c) stop his guests from using the Ouija board

(d) stop people from using the Ouija board

Solution: (d) stop people from using the Ouija board.

(5) John wants the ghost to disappear before his wife enters the room and waves his arms at the ghost with something of the motion of a beginner when learning to swim. His movement shows his ________.

(a) fear

(b) amusement

(c) desperation

(d) anxiety

Solution: (c) desperation.

(6) When the narrator says his wife is never so pretty as when she's doing something she knows he disapproves of, his tone is_________.

(a) amused

(b) ironic

(c) angry

(d) irritated

Solution: (b) ironic.

(7) The ghost says "It's all your fault." "It" here refers to _________.

(a) the narrator's wife's anger

(b) the ghost's anger

(c) the narrator's wife leaving him

(d) the ghost materialising in sections

Solution: (d) the ghost materialising in sections.

(8) Gladolia wishes to leave the narrator's house is ________.

(a) she does not like the Ouija boards

(b) she is afraid of the ghost

(c) she is afraid of magic and hoodoo

(d) she likes Ouija boards and hoodoo

Solution: (a) she does not like the Ouija boards.

Question 5: Answer the following questions briefly.

(a) What genre of stories does Jenkins want the narrator to write? Why?

Solution (a): Jenkins wanted the narrator to write in the supernatural genre. The public wanted ghost stories and the narrator's skill in writing ghost stories was exceptional. Jenkins thought his ghosts were live propositions and therefore asked him to come up with a ghost story.

(b) Does the narrator like writing ghost stories? Support your answer with evidence from the story.

Answer (b): There is nothing as such for the narrator to like or dislike writing ghost stories. It is more of a necessity for him to come up with good stories whenever Jenkins demands them. He says that the stories seemed to specialise in him. He had been able to produce good ghost stories under pressure in the past and had been overconfident regarding his ability.

(c) What makes Helen, the ghost, and her other co-ghosts organise The Writer's Inspiration Bureau?

Solution (c): When Helen was a human she had worked as reader for a magazine. The quality of stories and other work made life difficult for her. When she died, she found other ghosts who had suffered similarly and they organised "The Writer's Inspiration Bureau" to help writers who were looking for inspiration.

(d) Why had Helen, the ghost been helping the narrator write ghost stories? Why was she going on strike? What condition did she place for providing continued help?

Answer(d): The narrator had been desperate for inspiration. Helen found him easy to accept impression and helped him. She was going on strike because the new fad of Ouija boards had people calling up on ghosts to answer questions all the time. She was exhausted and needed rest. She wanted the narrator to exert his influence and get all his acquaintances to stop using the Ouija board.

(e) How does the ghost undermine the narrator's faith in his ability to write ghost stories?

Solution (e): The ghost undermined the narrator's faith in his ability to write ghost stories by telling him that she had been providing inspiration for his stories. She told him about "The Writer's Inspiration Bureau" and revealed that they helped writers who was without ideas and had a soft mind. The writer's overconfidence and cockiness disappeared when he was told this.

(f) Why does John want the ghost to disappear before his wife appears on the scene? What impression of his wife's character do you form from his words?

Solution (f): John was very protective of Lavinia, his wife. He knew that the sight of a ghost in the house would scare her out of her senses. He wished to protect her from such fear. His apprehension reveals that his wife is a fragile, sensitive person who cannot face fear. She rouses his protective spirit. She seems a vulnerable person.

(g) Why does the narrator hesitate to be a partner to Laura Hinkle during the Ouija Board Party?

Solution (g): The narrator had been warned in advance by Helen. He had been asked to convince people to stop using Ouija's boards. Now he was being forced to not only submit to holding an Ouija party at his home but also to participate in it. He feared that his participation would make the ghosts angry and would result in adverse consequences. Therefore, he hesitated to be a partner to Laura Hinkle.

(h) What message does the ghost convey to the group that had assembled in the narrator's house? What is their reaction to the message?

Solution (h): The ghost used the Ouija board to convey to the group that the narrator was a traitor. It managed to convey that he had perhaps cheated on his wife with a woman named Helen. The women in the group are horrified and consider him guilty.  They think he looks sly and is hiding something.

(i) Do you agree with the narrator calling the assembly of women "manipulators"? Give reasons.

Solution (i): Yes, the narrator is right to call the women manipulators. He is a bystander who pulled into the Ouija board game. First his wife refuses to return the Ouija board and holds a party at her house. He is forced to participate and partner Laura Hinkle. He is given no choice in the matter.

(j) Why is John's wife angry? What does she decide to do?

Solution: John's wife is angry because she believes he is cheating on her. At the Ouija party, the ghost of a woman named Helen tries to communicate with John and calls him a traitor. It makes everyone suspect John of doing something wrong. She decides to leave John and file for a divorce.

(k) Why does John wish he were dead?

Solution (k): John reads his wife notes in which she writes about leaving the house and filing for a divorce. He feels his entire world is crushing around him. He loves his wife a lot and cannot bear the thought of losing her forever. He is devastated and wishes that he was dead.

(l) When confronted by Lavinia about his flirtations over the Ouija Board, John insists that "the affair was quite above-board. I assure you, my love". Bring out the point in John's statement.

Solution (l): John states that his affair was "above-board". He means to say that there was nothing secretive going on at the Ouija party and that he had no such intentions towards Miss Hinkle. The point arises from his use of the word "above-board" suggesting that literally and metaphorically he had nothing to hide and his intentions were pure.

(m) John's apprehensions about his wife's reaction to her encounter with the ghost are unfounded. Justify.

Solution (m): John is unduly apprehensive and protective about Lavinia. He feels she is delicate and sensitive and cannot handle shock or strain. However, Lavinia does not shriek or scream when she sees the ghost. She talks to it and holds her nerves. She displays a strength he never dreamt of. His fears, therefore, are unfounded.

Question 6: Answer the following questions in detail:

(a) After her reconciliation with her husband, John Hallock, Lavinia writes a letter to her friend expressing how her relationship with him had almost been on the verge of breaking and what saved it. Write her letter.

(b) John Hallock reflects upon his experience with Helen's ghost and in retrospect, he finds it quite amusing. All the same, he is relieved that he is no longer plagued by it. Ironically, the self same ghost inspired his creativity and he writes a diary entry reflecting upon the comical aspect of his experience. Write his diary entry.

Answer (a):

XYZ Street,

1, ABC House

London.

Dated: 2^nd January, 2014

Dear Savina,

What is up there? I hope the letter of mine finds you in good health and high spirits.

I wished to share a life-changing experience with you, my dear. About a month ago I, along with the women in my group, was fascinated with Ouija boards and we organised a party at my home. We were all excited and John had to substitute for someone. The party progressed and you wouldn't believe what happened next. A ghost named Helen tried to communicate with John through all the five boards and called him a traitor. John looked uncomfortable and guilty. I was angry and jealous. I could not believe it and spent the while night crying. By moving I had packed and decided to file diye a divorce. I went to inform John and was shocked when he tried to hide someone in the room from me. I thrust him aside was greeted with a ghost! Can you believe it? She looked like phantom and I understood later that she had been providing John with inspiration for his stories. She was somewhat annoyed with him because she wanted him to convince people to stop using Ouija boards. I am so glad that my marriage did not break up. A ghost saved it, literally!

John and I share a wonderful life now. I hope you enjoyed reading about my encounter with a ghost.

Look forward to your reply.

Your friend,

Lavinia Hallock.

Answer (b):

12^th January,

There is an old adage: Truth is stranger than fiction.

I experienced this yesterday. It was a horrific experience to begin with but now I cannot help but be amused by it. I was a nervous about Lavinia and wanted her to stay away from Ouija boards. And I ended up being a participant in the party. It is quite funny indeed. Then Miss Hinkle's expressions and exclamation added spice to the situation. If I had been an outsider, I would have laughed out aloud. Imagine they thought I was having an affair with a ghost! If only Helen had appeared at that night and scared them senseless. When Lavinia told me that she was leaving me, I was devastated. I wanted her to leave the room then as Helen was there but I couldn't convince her. As she saw Helen I expected her to faint or shriek but she actually remained calm and talked to Helen. It could have been an ordinary conversation between two women. My wife does surprise me sometimes. Jenkins is quite pleased with my latest story "Helen of Troy.” I wish I could thank Helen for everything what happened.

WRITING TASK

Question 11: Do you think a story has an atmosphere? Complete the following blanks to make up your ghost story by choosing the correct options.

She opened the (a) _____ (secret door/spaceship's hatch/door of the cottage/cemetery gate/door of the castle/cockpit). (b) _____ (brashly/loudly/silently/stupidly/fearfully/joyously). Standing in front of her was a (c) ______ (terrifying/handsome/smelly/anonymous/tiny/huge/bossy). (d) _______ (policeman/spy/apparition/witch/prince/wizard) with a (e) _______ (wand/rose/rod/knife/scythe/coded message) in his/her (its) (f) _______ (ghoulish/bony/beautiful/fair/manly/gloved/magical) hand.

Answers:

(a): cemetery gate.

(b): fearfully.

(c): terrifying.

(d): apparition.

(e): scythe.

(f): ghoulish.

Class X, A Shady Plot - Further Study

Solutions of CBSE Sample Questions and MCQs (To be published here next)