Commerce (English Medium) कक्षा १२ - CBSE Question Bank Solutions for English Core

Why did Sophie like her brother Geoff more than any other person? From her perspective, what did he symbolise?

What socio-economic background does Sophie belong to? What are the indicators of her family’s financial status?

Discuss in pairs 

1. Sophie’s dreams and disappointments are all in her mind.

2. It is natural for teenagers to have unrealistic dreams. What would you say are the benefits and disadvantages of such fantasising?

What do you think is the colour of ‘sour cream’? Why do you think the poet has used this expression to describe the classroom walls?

Why didn’t Sophie want Jansie to know about her story with Danny? 

Did Sophie really meet Danny Casey? 

Which was the only occasion when she got to see Danny Casey in person?

Notice the following expressions. The highlighted words are not used in a literal sense. Explain what they mean.

1. Words had to be prized out of him like stones out of a ground.

2. Sophie felt a tightening in her throat.

3. If he keeps his head on his shoulders.

4. On Saturday they made their weekly pilgrimage to the United.

5. She saw… him ghost past the lumbering defenders.

The walls of the classroom are decorated with the pictures of ‘Shakespeare’, ‘buildings with domes’, ‘world maps’ and beautiful valleys. How do these contrast with the world of these children?

What does the poet want for the children of the slums? How can their lives be made to change?

Notice these words in the story. 

• “chuffed”, meaning delighted or very pleased

• “nosey”, meaning inquisitive

• “gawky”, meaning awkward, ungainly

These are words that are used in an informal way in colloquial speech.

Make a list of ten other words of this kind.

Look for stories or movies where this theme of hero worship and fantasising about film or sports icons finds a place.

What are some of the positive views on interviews?

Why do most celebrity wnters despise being interviewed? 

What is the belief in some primitive cultures about being photographed?

What do you understand by the expression "thumbprints on his windpipe'? 

Who, in today's world, is our chief source of information about personalities?

Do you think Umberto Eco likes being interviewed? Give reasons for your opinion.

How does Eco find the time to write so much?

What was distinctive about Eco's academic writing style?