Question

Read the following passage and do the given activities:

A1. Complete the following web:               [2]

Robert:	I told you to throw the girl out. You have fifty armed soldiers and dozens of strong servants to carry out my orders. Are they afraid of her?
Steward:	No sir, we are afraid of you, but she puts courage in us. She really doesn’t seem to be afraid of anything. Perhaps you could frighten her, sir.
Robert:	(grimly) Perhaps, where is she now?
Steward:	Down in the courtyard, sir.  (Robert goes to the window and asks the soldiers to send the girl up.) (The girl enters. She is a well-built, strong country girl of 17 to 18 years. The squire’s glare neither frightens her nor stops her. She speaks confidently.)
Joan:	Good morning, Captain squire. You are to give me a horse and armour and some soldiers, and send me to the Dauphin.
Robert:	This girl is mad. Why didn't you tell me so, you blockhead?
Steward:	Sir, do not anger her. Give her what she wants.
Robert:	I shall send you back to your father with orders to put you under lock and key.
Joan:	You think you will, squire. But it won’t happen that way. You said you would not see me. But here I am.
Robert:	So, you are assuming that I’ll give you what you want.
Joan:	Yes, squire. (Continues busily) A horse will cost sixteen francs. It is a big amount of money. But I can save it on the armour. I don't need beautiful armour made to my measure. I can find a soldier's armour that will fit me well enough. I shall not want many soldiers. The Dauphin will give me all I need to free Orleans.

A2. Complete the following:                      [2]

Joan wanted to meet Captain Squire .................

A3. Match the words in column ‘A’ with their meanings in Column ‘B’:           [2]

Column ‘A’ Words	Column ‘B’ Meanings
(i) Grimly	(a) Taken for granted
(ii) Armour	(b) Stupid person
(iii) Blockhead	(c) Seriously
(iv) Assuming	(d) Protective clothing of metal worn in battle.

A4. Do as directed:         [2]

1. Change into indirect speech: 
   Robert: Where is she now?             [1]
2. I shall not want many soldiers.
   (Rewrite as an Affirmative sentence)             [1]

A5. Personal response:                         [2]

Write a few lines of your own on any lady warrior from the history of India who was as brave as Joan of Arc.

Answer 1

A1. 

A2. Joan wanted to meet Captain Squire to ask him for a horse, armour and some soldiers and to be sent to the Dauphin.

A3. 

Column ‘A’ Words	Column ‘B’ Meanings
(i) Grimly	(c) Seriously
(ii) Armour	(d) Protective clothing of metal worn in battle.
(iii) Blockhead	(b) Stupid person.
(iv) Assuming	(a) Taken for granted.

A4. 

1. Indirect speech: Robert asked where she was.
2. Affirmative sentence: I shall want only a few soldiers.

A5. 

• Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi was a brave leader who fought the British in 1857.
• She rode into battle, led her troops herself, and defended her kingdom with great courage.
• Like Joan of Arc, she showed strong patriotism, determination, and fearlessness.