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Question
Answer the following question in 120-150 words :
How did the order from Berlin change the situation in the school ? (The Last Lesson)
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Solution
The order from Berlin was received with an uncanny silence in the school. There were new copies for the students with ‘France, Alsace’ written on them. They looked like little flags floating everywhere in the classroom. This was in contrast to the usual scene when the school would be buzzing with activity. The sound of opening and closing of desks, lessons repeated in chorus and the teacher’s great ruler rapping on the table could be heard on the street. But that day everyone was working quietly and M. Hamel, who was dressed formally in the attire that he never wore except on special occasions, was walking up and down with his terrible iron ruler under his arm. The only sound that was heard was the scratching of pen over paper. The villagers had gathered in the classroom and sitting quietly on the back benches.
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Read the given extract and answer the questions.
| Usually, when school began, there was a great bustle, which could be heard out in the street, the opening and closing of desks, lessons repeated in unison, very loud, with our hands over our ears to understand better, and the teacher’s great ruler rapping on the table. But now it was all so still! I had counted on the commotion to get to my desk without being seen; but, of course, that day everything had to be as quiet as Sunday morning. Through the window I saw my classmates, already in their places, and M. Hamel walking up and down with his terrible iron ruler under his arm. I had to open the door and go in before everybody. You can imagine how I blushed and how frightened I was. |
- List any two sensory details present in this extract. (1)
- Why does the protagonist feel anxious about entering the classroom on this particular day? (1)
- The classmates have started the lesson
- The teacher is in a bad mood
- The classroom is too quiet
- The protagonist is running late
- Complete the sentence appropriately. (1)
The phrase "as quiet as Sunday morning" suggests that ______. - Pick evidence from the extract that helps one infer that this was not the protagonist’s first time being late to school. (1)
- What does the term 'terrible iron ruler' indicate about M. Hamel? (1)
- Which of the following headlines best suggests the central idea of the extract? (1)
- The Fears of a Latecomer
- The Importance of Punctuality
- The Rigidity of the School System
- The Anxiety of a Young Student
Answer the following question in about 40-50 words.
What were Franz's feelings as he set out for school and why?
- How was this year for you?
- Are you happy with what you could study this year?
- What did you miss, or could not do?
- What do you plan to do about it- about the things you could not do/study well?
- What was the best moment for you this year?
Form pairs. Write two sentences of two words each.
Form groups of three. Write three sentences of three words each.
In what region does the story take place?
Who is narrating the story?
How did M. Hamel dress up on special occasions?
Think and answer:
Why is it the last lesson?
Why did M. Hamel not scold Franz?
According to M. Hamel, who are the people that did not take education seriously? What examples does he give to support his view?
With the coming of the Prussians, will language be the only thing that will change? What other changes may take place?
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______ was in great dread of
What is the meaning of the following word and phrase in the passage? Choose the correct alternative.
______ did not know the first word about them
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______ got a little over my fright
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