Category: Important Questions

Bihar Board Class 12th English Grammar Active and Passive Voice Important Questions

1. He is writing a letter.
Answer:
A letter is being written by him.

2. Meena is reading a book.
Answer:
A book is being read by Meena.

3. The CM is giving a speech.
Answer:
A speech is being given by the CM.

4. The Principal is distributing prizes.
Answer:
Prizes are being distributed by the Principal.

5. Mohan is singing a song.
Answer:
A song-is being sung by Mohan.

6. Farmers are irrigating fields.
Answer:
Fields are being irrigated by fanners.

7. A good lawyer is fighting our case.
Answer:
Our case is being fought by a good lawyer.

8. He is writing a new book.
Answer:
A new book is being written by him.

9. She has written a new book.
Answer:
A new book has been written by her.

10. Raju has made a mistake.
Answer:
A mistake has been made by Raju.

11. The publisher has published a new book.
Answer:
A new book has been published by the publisher.

12. We have written letters to the C.M.
Answer:
Letters to the C.M. have been written by us.

13. The new teacher has taught us very well.
Answer:
We have been taught very well by the new teacher.

14. Radha missed this good lecture.
Answer:
This good lecture was missed by Radha.

15. We visited all the historical monuments in Delhi.
Answer:
All the historical monuments in Delhi were visited by us.

16. Dr. Sharma taught us algebra.
Answer:
Algebra was fought to us by Dr. Sharma.

17. Manorma told us a funny story.
Answer:
A funny story was told by Manorma.

18. The doctor examined the patient.
Answer:
The patient was examined by the doctor.

19. The old gardener looked after the house.
Answer:
The house was looked after the old gardener.

20. The police caught all the thieves.
Answer:
All the thieves were caught by the police.

21. The police arrested the notorious criminals.
Answer:
The notorious criminals were arrested by the police.

22. The magistrate issued orders for his arrest.
Answer:
Orders for his arrest were issued by the magistrate.

23. Ram killed Ravan.
Answer:
Ravan was killed by Ram.

24. The maid served us a tasty meal.
Answer:
A tasty meal was served to us by the maid.

25. The auditor detected many errors in the bill.
Answer:
Many errors in the bill were detected by the auditor.

26. Mr. Sinha investigated this case of murder.
Answer:
This case of murder was investigated by Mr. Sinha.

27. The new doctor changed a few medicines.
Answer:
A few medicines were changed by the new doctor.

28. The king gave the stranger a necklace.
Answer:
A necklace was given to the stranger by the king.

29. The Headmaster distributed the prizes.
Answer:
The prizes were distributed by the Headmaster.

30. The new Vice-Chancellor inaugurated the science Book.
Answer:
A Science Block was inaugurated by the new vice chancellor.

31. The peon opened the gate.
Answer:
The gate was opened by the peon.

32. She can win the prize.
Answer:
The prize can be won by her.

33. People speak Hindi in Bihar.
Answer:
Hindi is spoken by the people in Bihar.

34. The minister visited many foreign countries were visited countries last year.
Answer:
Many foreign countries were visited countries last year by the minister.

35. The army men killed the terrorists.
Answer:
The terrorists were killed by the army men.

Bihar Board Class 12th English Important Questions

Bihar Board Class 12th English Grammar Narration Important Questions

1. Das said, “Where is the snake ?“
Answer:
Das asked where the snake was.

2. The snake charmer said, “There in no cobra here”
Answer:
The snake charmer said that there was no cobra there.

3. The lady said, “I am going to walk where I like.”
Answer:
The lady said that she was going to walk where she liked.

4. The beggar said to my mother Don’t kill the snake. It is God Subramanya who has come to visit you”
Answer:
The beggar forbade my mother to kill the snake. He said that it was God Subramanya who had come to visit us.

5. They said to the snake charmer, “How do you catch the snakes.”
Answer:
They asked the snake charmer how he caught the snakes.

6. Mr. Kedia said, ‘You talk English to me ? How dare you talk.”
Answer:
Mr Kedia expressed his surprise over his talking English and asked how he dared talk.

7. I said to Mr. Kedia “He was doirig only his duty.”
Answer:
I said to Mr Kedia that he had been doing only his duty.

8. Roop Singh said to Kedia, “It is not my fault, Sir. I was just doing my duty.”
Answer:
I said to Mr Kedia that he had been doing only his duty.

9. The young lady said to the dentist “Do you own the whole house?”
Answer:
Roop Singh said respectfully to Kedia that he was just doing his duty and it had not been his fault. The young lady asked the dentist if he owned the whole house.

10. Azad said to Gandhi What are the three vows, Sir ?”
Answer:
Azad asked Gandhi respectfully what the three vows were.

11. Gandhi said to Azad, “How can I help with your novel ? I have not read a novel since I was a student in London.”
Answer:
Gandhi asked Azad how he could help with his novel. He further said that he had not read a novel since he had been a student in London.

12. Desai said to Azad, “Gandhij i expects everyone to walk with him at 5 a.m. on the dry bed of sabarmati.”
Answer:
Desai said to Azad that Gandhij i expected everyone to walk with him at 5 am. on the dry bed of sabarmati.

13. Mother announced, “Nanukaka is coming.”
Answer:
Mother announced that Nanukaka was coming.

14. I said to mother, “What is Nanukaka coming to Delhi for heat.
Answer:
I asked mother what Nanukaka was coming to Delhi for – in this ‘ in this heat ?”

15. Mother said,” Nanukaka wants to see some minister in Delhi.”
Answer:
Mother said that Nanukaka wanted to see some Minister in Delhi.

16. Nanukaka said to me, “Do you know him at all ?”
Answer:
Nanukaka asked me if I knew him at all.

17. Seibi said to the shop keeper, “Can I have a look?”
Answer:
Seibi asked the shopkeeper if he could have a look.

18. Seibi’s father shouted “Idipt there’ sabsolutely no future for a boy like you.”
Answer:
Seibi’s father shoulded, called him an idipt and angrily said that there was absolutely no future for a boy like him.

19. Benjy’s father said, “what are you going to do with the money”
Answer:
Benjy’s father asked what he was going to do with the money.

20. Lomov said, “I’ve burst in on you, my esteemed neighbour, in order to ask a favour of you.”
Answer:
Lomov explained to his neighbour that he had burst in on him in order to ask a favour of him.

21. Hari said, “Two and two makes four:’
Answer:
Hari said that two and two makes four.

22. He said, “Hurrah ! we’ve won the match.”
Answer:
He exclaimed with delight and said that they had won the match.

23. The teacher said to me, “Why do they go to Delhi?”
Answer:
The teacher asked me why they went to Delhi.

24. The teacher said, “Honest labour never goes in vain.”
Answer:
The teacher said that honest labour never goes in vain.

25. My mother said. ” Put on warm clothes when you go out in die evening.
Answer:
My mother advised me to put on warm clothes when went out in the evening.

26. The doctor said to the patient, “Do you have a pain in the chest ?”
Answer:
The doctor asked the patient if he had a pain in the chest.

Bihar Board Class 12th English Important Questions

Bihar Board Class 12th English Grammar Analysis Important Questions

Question 1.
Analyse the following sentences:—
(A) I hope to convince you that your complaints have no real cause.
(B) Men fear death as children fear to go in the dark.
(C) He told us that he had read Milton when he was fourteen.
(D) Milton said that he did’not educate his daughters in the languages because one tongue was enough for a woman.
(E) History says that Socrates, when he was given the cup of hemlock, continued to talk to the friends who were standing around him.
Answer:
(A)
(a) I hope to convince you — Principal Clause
(b) That your complaints have no real cause — Noun Clause

(B)
(a) Men fear death — Principal clause
(b) as children fear to go in the dark —Adverb clause of comparison.

(C)
(a) He told us — Principal clause
(b) that he had read .Milton — Noun clause
(c) When he was fourteen—Adverb clause of time.

(D)
(a) Milton said — Principal clause
(b) that he did not educate his daughters in the languages — Noun clause
(c) because one tongue was enough for a woman — Adverb clause of Reason.

(E)
(a) History says — Principal clause
(b) that Socrates continued to talk to. the friends —ytfaun clause
(c) when he was given the cup of hemlocjc — Adjective clause
(d) Who were standing around him — Adjective clause

Question  2.
Analyse the following sentences:—
(A) The letter brought money which was badly needed.
(B) The dog that bites does not bark.
(C) I returned home because I was tired.
(D) That you should say so surprises me.
(E) If it rains we shall stay at home.
Answer:
(A)
(a) The letter brought money — Principal clause
(b) Which was badly needed. — Adjective clause

(B)
(a) The dog does not bark. — Principal clause
(b) that bites — Adjective clause

(C)
(a) I returned home — Principal clause
(b) because I was tired — Adverb clause of Reason.

(D)
(a) It surprise me — Principal clause
(b) that you should say so — Noun clasue

(E)
(a) We shall stay at home — Principal clause
(b) If it rains — Adverb clause of condition

Question 3.
Analyse the following sentences —
(A) The house that I live in belongs to my brother.
(B) When he had uttered these words he sat down.
(C) The passage is so difficult that I can not comprehend it.
(D) He tells a tale that sounds untrue.
(E) The exercise is so difficult that I cannot do it.
Answer:
(A)
(a) The house belongs to my brother — Principal clause
(b) that I live in — Adjective clause

(B)
(a) He sat down — Principal clause
(b) when he had uttered these words — Adverb clause of time

(C)
(a) The passage is so difficult — Principal clause
(b) that I can not compretend it — Adverb clause of consequence

(D)
(a) He tells a tale — Principal clause
(b) that sounds untrue — Adjective clause

(E)
(a) The exercise is so difficult — Principal clause
(b) that I cannot do it — Adverb clause of consequence.

Question 4.
Analyse the following sentences —
(A) Servants that are honest are trusted.
(B) Forgive us as we forgive our enemies.
(C) They were commanded to wait till the signal was given.
(D) We obeyed the order the teacher gave us.
(E) Do you deny that you stole the watch ?
Answer:
(A)
(a) Servants are trusted — Principal clause
(b) that are honest — Adjective clause

(B)
(a) Forgive us — Principal clause
(b) as we forgive our enemies — Adverb clause of comparison

(C)
(a) They were commanded to wait—Principal clause
(b) till the signal was given—Adverb clause of time

(D)
(a) We obeyed the order — Principal clause
(b) The teacher gave us — Adjective clause

Question 5.
Analyse the following sentences—
(A) He drew his sword in order that he might defend himself.
(B) Unless(you work hander you shall fail.
(C) He replied that he would come.
(D) Can you guess what I want ?
(E) All that glitters is not gold.
Answer:
(A)
(a) He drew his sword — Principal clause
(b) in order that he might defend himself—Adverb clause of purpose

(B)
(a) You shall fail — Principal clause
(b) Unless you work harder — Adverb clause of condition

(C)
(a) He replied — Principal clause
(b) that he would come — Noun clause

(D)
(a) Can you guess ? — Principal clause
(b) What I want — Noun Clause

(E)
(a) All is not gold — Principal clause
(b) That glitters —Adjective clause

Bihar Board Class 12th English Important Questions

Bihar Board Class 12th English Grammar Combination of Sentences (Synthesis) Important Questions

Question 1.
Combine the following sentences into one sentences:—
(a) I shall never do it again. I am determined.
(b) He was tired. He sat for some rest.
(c) She has come. We know it.
(d) Ram has gone to Calcutta. He will buy some new books.
(e) I could not catch the train. I was late.
Answer:
(a) I am determined that shall never do it again.
(b) He sat for rest as he was tired.
(c) We know that she has come.
(d) Ram has gone to Calcutta to buy some new books.
(e) As I was late I could not catch the train.

Question 2.
Combine the following sentences into one sentences:—
(a) Raju was ill. He appeared at the test.
(b) He worked very hard. He topped in the examination.
(c) Raju is intelligent. His younger brother is dull.
(d) The doctor tried his test. He could not same Rits’s life.
(e) It was very dark. I could not locate my friend’s house.
Answer:
(a) Although Raju was ill he appeared at the test.
(b) As he worked very hard he topped in the examination.
(c) Raju is intelligent but his younger brother is dull.
(d) Although the doctor tried his best he could not same Rita’s life.
(e) A sit was very dark I could locate my friend’s house.

Question 3.
Combine the following sentences into one sentence:—
(a) He wrote a letter to his father. He requested him to send one thousand rupees.
(b) The teacher was angry. He asked the students to remain silent.
(c) Seema was walking in the lawn. She saw a snake near the gate.
(d) He is writing. He is listening to radio.
(e) He will get a first class. It is certain.
Answer:
(a) He wrote a letter to his father requesting him to send one thousand rupees.
(b) Being angry, the teacher asked the student to remain silent.
(c) While Seema was walking in the lawn she saw a snake near the gate.
(d) He is writing and listening to the radio.
(e) Certainly he will get a first-class.

Question 4.
Combine the following sentences into one sentence:—
(a) Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India. He was born in Bihar.
(b) My brother is an engineer. He lives in the USA.
(c) Your examination is at hand. You should study regularly.
(d) The doctor examined his chest. He said that he should continue the medicines.
(e) Sudha opened the drawer. She saw that her perse was not there.
Answer:
(a) Dr. Rajendra Prasad, The first President of India,was born in Bihar.
(b) My brother, an engineer gives in the USA.
(c) As your examination is at hand you should study regularly.
(d) Hawing examined is chest, the doctor said that he should continue the medicines.
(e) On opening drawer Sudha saw that her puse was not there.

Question 5.
Combine the following sentences into one : –
(a) Radha left the meeting. Her baby tooK ill suddenly.
(b) I kicked the ball hard. I could not score a goal.
(c) He was not sent up for the annual examination. His attendance was very poor.
(d) Rajiv was very thirsty. He was walking in the sun.
(e) Gandhiji wrote articles for newspapers. He gave speeches.
Answer:
(a) Radha left the meeting because her baby had taken ill suddenly.
(b) Although I kicked the ball hard I could not score a goal.
(c) Since his attendance was very poor he was not sent up for the annual examination.
(d) As he was walking in the sun Rajiv was very thirsty.
(e) Gandhiji wrote articles for newspapers and gave speeches.

Question 6.
Combine the following sentences into one sentence
(a) You like Premchand. I like Sharat chandra.
(b) He likes mangoes. His sister likes apples.
(c) He is good in studies. He is a cricketer also.
(d) I wake up in the morning. I saw a sparrow sitting at the window.
Answer:
(a) You like Premchand but I like sharat Chandra.
(b) He likes mangoes but his sister likes apples.
(c) He is good in studies and he is a cricketer also.
(d) When I wake up in the morning I saw a sparrow sitting at the window.

Question 7.
Combine the following sentences into one sentence:—
(a) Gandhiji lived in London for a few years. He did not like the British way of.
(b) Nanukaka is coming. My mother announced this.
(c) The introduction was over. The secretary was sent to bring coffee for Nanukaka.
(d) I could not understand it. Nanukaka was talking of the minister as his friend.
(e) Martin Luther king was a black leader. He changed the lives of the Negroes.
(f) It is a famous speech. It was given by Martin Luther king.
Answer:
(a) Although Gandhiji lived in London for a few years he did not like the British way of life.
(b) My mother announced that Nanukaka was coming.
(c) The introduction being over, the secretary was sent to bring coffee for Nanukaka.
(d) I could not understand why Nanukaka was talking of the minister as his friend.
(e) Martin Luther king, the black leader, changed the lives of the Negroes.
(f) It is a famous Speech, given by Martin Luther King.

Question 8.
Combine the following sentences into one sentence—
(a) The boy got a prize. He was very glad.
(b) The captain was killed. The soldiers were seized with panic.
(c) You gave a pen. The pen was costly.
(d) The thief was running. The police chased the theif.
(e) He bought a watch. The watch was precious.
Answer:
(a) The boy was very glad to get a prize
(b) The captain being killed the soldiers were seized with panic.
(c) You gave me a costly pen.
(d) The police chased the running thief.
(e) He bought a precious watch.

Bihar Board Class 12th English Important Questions

Bihar Board Class 12th English Grammar Modal Auxiliaries Important Questions

1. …….. I go out? (can, may)
Answer:
May I go out ?

2. You …….. obey your parents. (should, may)
Answer:
You should obey your parents.

3. I …….. go at once. (must, could)
Answer:
I must go to at once.

4. You …….. get up early. (should, could)
Answer:
You should get up early.

5. It …….. rain to night (must, might)
Answer:
It might rain tonight.

6. …….. you be happy ! (may, can)
Answer:
May you be happy!

7. …….. I come m ? (can, may)
Answer:
May I come in?

8. You …….. give up smoking. (may, should)
Answer:
You should give up smoking.

9. I……. be there before ten, (shall, may)
Answer:
I shall be there before ten.

10. …….. you please lend me your car? (would, should)
Answer:
Would you please lend me your car?

11. You …….. finish this job by (must, can) tomorrow.
Answer:
You must finish this job by tomorrow.

12. The meeting …….. be over by now. (should, can)
Answer:
The meeting should be over by now.

13. Weeatthatwe …….. live. (may, can)
Answer:
We eat thatwe may live.

14. We …….. keep our promises. (must, may)
Answer:
We must keep our promises.

15. The teacher said that he …….. (should, would) me.
Answer:
The teacher said that he would help me.

16. Take heed lest you …….. fall. (should, would.)
Answer:
Take heed lest you should fall.

17. He …….. smoke a pipe. (used to, could)
Answer:
He used to smoke a pipe.

18. He cried aloud so that his friend. (hear, him.)
Answer:
He cried aloud so that his friend might hear him.

19. Pupils …….. bring their textbooks. (may, must)
Answer:
Pupils must bring their textbooks.

20. …….. get a cup of tea? (may, will)
Answer:
May I get a cup of tea ?

21. She …….. speak many languages.(may, can) .
Answer:
She can speak many languages.

22. Practise regularly that you …….. play well. (may, shall) well.
Answer:
Practise regularly that you may play

23. He died so that others live. (might, could)
Answer:
He died so that others might live.

24. When …….. I report for duty? (should, could)
Answer:
When should I report for duty?

25. …….. I wait for you? (shall, can)
Answer:
Shall I wait for you?

26. People …….. not throw litter on the road. (should, can)
Answer:
People should not throw litter on the road.

27. I ……. drive a car. (can, should)
Answer:
I can drive a car.

28. Anybody …….. make can mistakes. (should, can)
Answer:
Anybody can make mistakes.

29. The children asked if they have some ice-cream. (could, may)
Answer:
The children asked if they could have some ice-cream.

30. I talk to him about it.(must, need)
Answer:
I must talk to him about it.

31. He to be here by now. (ought, need)
Answer:
He ought to be here by now.

32. I swim across the river. (can, may)
Answer:
I can swim across the river.

33 you lift this box? (can, may)
Answer:
Can you lift this box?

34 success attend you! (may, can)
Answer:
May success attend you !

35. I swim across the river when I was young.(could, might) I was young.
Answer:
I could swim across the river when I was young.

36. I thought he be at home.(might, could)
Answer:
I thought he might be at home.

37. I will be twenty-five next year. (shall, may)
Answer:
I shall be twenty-five next year.

38. Tomorrow be Sunday. (will, may)
Answer:
Tomorrow will be Sunday.

39. You have a holiday …..tomorrow. (shall, can)
Answer:
You shall have a holiday tomorrow.

40. ………. you have your tea? (will, may)
Answer:
Will you have your tea?

Bihar Board Class 12th English Important Questions

Bihar Board Class 12th English Grammar Tenses Important Questions

Question 1.

(a) I (know) him for a long time.
Answer:
I have been knowing him for a long time.

(b) When evening (come), it (get)
Answers
When evening comes it gets dark.

(c) If water (freeze), it (turn) into ice.
Answers
If water freezes, it turns into ice.

(d) I never (forget) what you just (tell) me.
Answers
I shall never forget what you have just told me.

(e) After you (go) I went to sleep.
Answers
After you had gone I went to sleep.

(f) He (ring) me up on the Telephone.
Answers
He rang me up on the telephone.

(g) The prisoner was (bind) hand and foot.
Answers
The prisoner was bound hand and foot.

(h) This trouble (not bear) by me.
Answers
This trouble shall not be borne by me

(i) When I (be) a boy, T (live) with my parents.
Answers
When I was a boy I lived with my parents.

(j) When I last (see) him, he was living in London.
Answers
When I last saw him he was living in London.

Question 2.
(a) We now (learn) English.
Answer:
We are now learning English.

(b) The Sun now (Set)
Answer:
The sun has now set.

(c) She (wake up) at five every day.
Answer:
She wakes up at five every day.

(d) He (know) me for five years.
Answer:
He has been knowing me for five years.

(e) It (rain) in winter. it (rain) now.
Answer:
It rains in winter. It is raining now.

(f) Joan (swim) very will, but she (not dive).
Answer:
Joan swims very well but she does not dive.

(g) Wood (float) on water, but iron (not float).
Answer:
Wood floats on water, but iron does not float.

(h) No, he isn’t here. He just (go) out
Answer:
No, he isn’t here. He has just gone out

(I) I(not sec) you for a long time.
Answer:
I haven’t seen you for a long time.

(j) How long you (learn) English?
Answer:
How long have you been learning English?

Question 3
(a) We (live) in France when the war begain.
Answer:
We had been living in France when the war began.

(b) It (rain) this morning when I got up.
Answer:
It was raining this morning when I got up.

(c) I read a book when he came in.
Answer:
I was reading a book when he came in.

(d) He (walk) across the bridge when his hat blew off.
Answer:
He was walking across the bridge when his hat blew off.

(e) He (work) all day yesterday.
Answer:
He worked all day yesterday.

(f) I (finish) long before you get back.
Answer:
I shall have finished long before you get back.

(g) They (lose) the match if they (not play) better.
Answer:
They will lose the match if they do not play better.

(h) Large crowds (wait) at the station when the prime minister (arrive).
Answer:
Large crowds were waiting at the station when the Prime Minister arrived.

(I) I (try) to learn English for years, but I (not succeed) yet.
Answer:
I have been trying to learn English for years, but have not yet succeeded.

(J) You already (drink) three cups of tea since I (sit) here
Answer:
You have already drunk three cups of tea since I have been sitting here.

Question 4
(a) We (win) the match yesterday.
Answer:
We won the match yesterday.

(b) Columbus (discover) America.
Answer:
Columbus discovered America.

(c) She (go) to school every day.
Answer:
She goes to school every day.

(d) It (rain) during the rainy season.
Answer:
It rains during the rainy season.

(e) The sun always (shine) in Egypt.
Answer:
The sun I ways shines in Egypt.

(f) She (watch) the television now.
Answer:
She is watching the television now.

(g) The train often (arrive) here late.
Answer:
The train often arrives here late.

(h) She (live) here since 1970.
Answer:
She has been living here since 1970.

(I) He (buy) a pen a week ago.
Answer:
He bought a pen a week ago.

(j) I (not hear) about her since 1980.
Answer:
I have not heard about him since 1980.

Question 5.
(a) This boy never (seen) the sea.
Answer:
This boy has never seen the sea.

(b) (i) The earth (move) round the sun.
Answer:
The earth moves round the sun.

(ii) The sun (not move) round the earth.
Answer:
The sun does not move round the earth.

(c) Have you (write) down all the questions ?
Answer:
Have you written down all the questions ?

(d) We (not buy) any new books.
Answer:
We have not bought any new books.

(e) We (study) English for ten years.
Answer:
We have studied English for ten years.

(f) I wish I (be) rich enough to buy a car.
Answer:
I wish I were rich enough to buy a car.

(g) Newton (discover) the laws of gravitation.
Answer:
Newton discovered the laws of gravitation.

(h) He (speak) as one who (know).
Answer:
He speaks as one who knows.

(I) He ran away because he (be) afraid
Answer:
He ran away because he was afraid.

(j) I waited for my friend until he come.
Answer:
I waited for my friend until he came.

Question 6.
(a) The village girl never (see) a train.
Answer:
The village girl has never seen a train.

(b) She (finish) the work before I went to her house.
Answer:
She had finished her work before I went to her house

(c) Rajesh (discover) that some one (steal) his watch.
Answer:
Rajesh discovered that some one had stolen his watch.

(d) He promised that he (work) hard.
Answer:
He promised that he would work hard.

(e) He (come) here a month ago.
Answer:
He came here a month ago.

(f) He (not speak) to me for over three years.
Answer:
He has not spoken to me for over three years.

(g) The train (leave) already.
Answer:
The train has already left.

(h) The body (fall down) while he (run).
Answer:
The body fell down while he was running.

(i) When (go) out the sun was setting.
Answer:
When I went out the sun was setting

(j) He (go) to Delhi last weak.
Answer:
He went to Dethi last week.

Question 7.
(a) What’s the time ? My watch (stop)
Answer:
What’s the time? My watch has stopped.

(b) The rats (eat) the pages of your
Answer:
The rats have eaten the pages of book. your books.

Bihar Board Class 12th English Important Questions

A Pinch of Snuff Summary Questions and Answers

Question 1.
Write down a summary of A Pinch of snuff.
Answer:
Given the prevalence of VVIP culture in India, it is quite natural to have a comic fallout in everything about the so-called influential persons. We have politicians and ministers who are pompous but basically ignorant. They depend on their secretaries and pas for disposal of their files. Ministers are an insecure lot. They aspire for all kinds of comfort and luxury; but they are afraid of losing their, portfolios or are desirous of such assignments which could improve their fortunes astronomically. They are therefore always in need of men who could help them their material goals.

In such a scenario enters a man like Nanukaka. Being endowed with a gift of acting and discerning eyes he is a fit person to prey upon such VVIPs. He can put on airs, he can disguise himself quite skilfully and can manipulate persons and things in his favour.

Manohar Malgonkar has created fin Nanukaka an endearing example of a resourceful person who, by his tricks, is able to befool the mighty officials and ministers and enjoy his success. We also enjoy his stratagems and feel the power of poetic justice in his pranks.

The young narrator, working in the Delhi secretariat, is informed by his mother of the arrival of Nanukaka. The latter is to meet a minister. The narrator dutifully escorts him to the residence of the minister. Nanukaka emerges back in a sullen mood.

The next day the narrator takes Nanukaka to Lala Sohanlal. As they are waiting to be ushered in the presence of the Lala, Nanukaka goes on eulogizing Hajrat Barkat Ali. The effect is magical. Lala comes out to receive Nanukaka personally. He then pleads humbly to Nanukaka to do a favour for his son. In a more adventurous turn, Nanukaka dons the role of an astrologer and makes a stunning impression upon the Welfare Minister.

Question 2.
Write down a character sketch of Nanukaka.
Answer:
Nanukaka is a man of the world who has knowledge of the selfishness and weaknesses of highly placed individuals over whom he can play any trick without compunction. He typifies the class of men that are found everywhere, especially in the Indian power circle. After independence, unfortunately, power has remained in most cases in the hands of the people who have risen in politics either because of wealth or of muscle power Naturally, their people are quite vulnerable-anybody who promises to further enhance their interest can have an easy influence over them. Nanukaka is one person who understands the basic hollowness of the so called powerful people and makes them bend before him by using psychological pressure.

Interestingly, Nanukaka is shown to be in love with the regional costumes. But again he wears a silk turban or carries a countrymade towel, not for patriotic reasons but to create an impression of being the son of the soil, of being a man of the grassroots.

Nanukaka can disguise himself so well that he can be taken to be a person that he wishes to be understood. He forces the narrator also to wear jodhpurs so that their princely connections could be apparently spotted.

And Nanukaka is a great conversationalist. He uses words, phrases and even distorted facts to make an impression on the listeners. It is by feigning intimacy with Hajrat Barkat Ali that he gains the audience of Lala Sohanlal.
“Quite a resourceful person in his own ways, Nahtikaka regains a comic figure” as he is used by the author to expose-the horrible weaknesses of the Indian political system.

Question 3.
Discuss the significance of the title. How is it related to the theme of the story?
Answer:
The title ‘A Pinch of Snuff’ is very appropriate and very symbolic. Like tobacco, snuff is also a thing, of addiction. But stuff has been a favourite of aristocratic people who keep a stall silver vial from which they take out snuff in small quantities and thrust it gently into their nostrils. The entire paraphernalia-from holding the silver vial to feeling the snuff and pushing it gently inside the nostrils-makes an interesting spectacle. Nanukaka, whether he is addicted to snuff or not, understands the aristocratic touch it gives to his personality. Therefore, he has stuck to the habit of taking a pinch of snuff, especially during moments of dramatic significance. To suggest how deeply he is in through or to show that he is quite relaxed he would put a pinch of snuff into his nostrils.

Since everything inNanukaka’s personality is designed to make impressions on powerful people this pinch of snuff is also calculated to make others understand his superior status. Naturally A Pinch of Snuff makes a very appropriate title.

Bihar Board Class 12th English Important Questions

How Free is the Press Summary Questions and Answers

Question 1.
The editorial policy of a popular daily is controlled by two chief factors. Which are they? Explain.
Answer:
The editorial policy of a popular daily is controlled by two chief factors; the first is the interest of the advertisers from how it gets the money which enables it to keep up its large circulation. No widely circulated newspaper dare support a public policy, however much in the national interest, that might conflict with the vested interests of its advertisers. Thus, any proposal to control the marketing of branded goods (as. For example, of margarine in 1939) will be violently opposed. On the latest hygienic grounds, by the papers that cany the branded advertising. On the other hand, any product that refuses to play the high advertising rates of a powerful national organ will be again on the highest moral grounds denounced, smashed and driven off the market.

Question 2.
Describe in your own words the instance of deliberate miracle mongering?
Ans. Deliberate Miracle-mongering it was recently reported in various local papers that, in a public address, I had delivered some 20,000 words in the space of an hour and a quarter. This would in any case have been impossible actually, the reporter had the full text of my speech in his hands and could have seen for himself that it consisted of almost exactly 8000 words. The error was thus precisely 150 percent, a useful figure on which to base one’s estimate of truth in reporting.

Question 3.
Have you ever written a letter of protest to any Newspaper? What was the fate of this letter?
Answer:
No, I do not ever write a letter of protest to any newspaper, flat suppression letters of protest man are written these may be (a) England, (b) Printed in full or in part, accompanied by an editorial comment to the effect that the words reported were actually said, and that the speaker must not expect to monopolise are paper’s valuable space (c) Answered privately by the editor, a manoeuvefe that does nothing to correct the false impression left in the public a maneuver that does nothing to correct the false impression left in the public mind only occasionally and usually from a provincial paper, does one receive a full apology and correction let me quote honoris cause, a note written to me from an editor of the lower school.

Bihar Board Class 12th English Important Questions

I Have a Dream Summary Questions and Answers

Question 1.
Write down a summary of I Have A Dream.
Answer:
It is a very painful fact of the modem age that racial discrimination continued for a very long time — the whites in America denied the Negroes their citizenship rights and they tortured and persecuted them latter’without a feeling of guilt. The Americans forgot that Abraham Lincoln, their great president, more than a hundred years ago signed the Emancipation proclamation and promised to bring the Negroes on par with the Americans.

Martin Luther king, the great Negro leader, in this speech, sums up the actual conditions of poverty, discrimination and torture which the Negroes suffered in his time and exhorts them to wage a struggle against this injustice.

He reminds Americans of the big noble gesture shown by Lincoln and asks them to honour his commitment. He tells them that their belief inequality will remain a hollow slogan if they continued their policy of segregation.

To the Negroes Martin Luther king makes a fervent appeal to remain patient and unyielding in the face of violence and persecution. He tells them that this – was the beginning of a great movement that will stop only when the Negroes are given citizenship rights. He is aware of their suffering, but he believes that this suffering has powers of redemption.

Observing the presence of some Americans in the meeting he says that this is symbolic of goodwill that exists between the two communities. Although Martin Luther king believes in the Negro cause he does not believe that all Americans are enemies of Negro freedom. He tells his audience that one day the American nation will rise up and follow its creed of equality in true sense.

The tone of the speech is highly optimistic. Being a churchman king’s speech has the strength of conviction. His language has a biblical eloquence, his ideas have a religious basis. He feces the tragic facts of racial discrimination quite boldly and suggests that the ultimate solution will not be merely political, it will in feet come from spiritual understanding and deliver the Negroes from the darkness.

Question 2.
What would be fatal for the nation? Why? Explain.
Answer:
Martin Luther King belonged to the mainstream of the Negro movement and he knew that it had gathered such force that the Americans would be wrong if they deferred the granting of citizenship rights to Negroes. By 1963 there was a worldwide sympathy for the Negro cause-The Negroes themselves stood united and determined. Undeterred by torture and violence they were opposing the Americans with great dignity and discipline. Barring a few incidents of violence on both sides the Negroes remained peaceful and non-violent. This non-violence gave them the power of endurance and also great determination. On sensing, this very mood of the Negroes Martin Luther King asserts that it would be fatal to overlook the urgency of the moment.

Question 3.
What does Martin Luther King urge his people to do? How Should it be conducted?
Answer:
Martin Luther King believed in the power of non-violence. He, therefore, asks the Negroes to follow always the path of non-violence. He asks them to be patient and courageous in the face of violence. He asks them to cultivate the power of the soul to meet physical violence. And he also assures them that there is tremendous goodwill in the Americans as a whole: a small minority of the American population may entertain racial prejudices but majority of the Americans were in favour of justice and equality.

Question 4.
What was Martin Luther King’s dream? Elaborate.
Answer:
Martin Luther king believed in the ultimate reconciliation between the Americans and the Negroes. It is this idea of reconciliation that he expresses by reiterating his dream in various details. He had the dream of the American nation rising up and following its creed of equality in the true sense. He also had the vision of complete fraternity -he believed that a day will come when the colour of skin will not matter; a person will instead be judged by his character.

Another vision of his was that in Albania where there was presently much hostility the situation will be reversed and the Americans and the Negroes will walk one day on its street as brothers and sisters. And, finally, his vision was that the glory of God will be revealed to all the people, which will bring a complete cessation of all miseries.

Bihar Board Class 12th English Important Questions

A Marriage Proposal Summary Questions and Answers

Question 1.
Write down a summary of the play A Marriage Proposal.
Answer:
A Marriage Proposal is a very amusing comedy by Anton Chekhov; the Russian writer. The comedy results from the temperamental weaknesses of the characters who display a total disregard of commonsense.

Choobookov and Lom Lomov are neighbours. One day the latter calls on his neighbour in morning coat and gloves. Choobookov is naturally happy to welcome him. But he wants to know why the young man should be unnecessarily so formal about his dress. Lomov goes on talking pleasantries. But he is quite nervous and goes talking sips of water to regain his composure and strength. In the midst of this mental condition anyhow Lomov manages to inform, Choobookov that he has come to ask for Natalia’s, his daughter’s hand in marriage. Choobokov is delighted. He goes inside to call Natalia. But he does not tell her why Lomov has come.

Natalia enters the drawing room and speaks words of welcome to Lomov. She also expresses her surprise to see that her neighbour has come to see her in such formal dress. In order to be pleasant to Natalia Lomov starts talking about the cordial relations that have prevailed between the two families for a long. And then he inadvertently refers to the OX Meadows which he calls his family property. This is a topic that angers Natalia who has always known that there was formerly some dispute over it but now the Meadows are settled in the name of their family. The debate between them takes an interminable form, making Lomov completely forget the marriage proposal he had come for.

As the debate continues and both try to shout the other down there comes Choobookov who does not need much persuasion from Natalia in joining it. He also asserts his family’s claim to the Ox Meadows and tries to correct Lomov’s approach when Lomov does not relent both indulge in a sort of digging skeletons from the cupboard of their family histories. Finally, Lomov just staggers out of the drawing room.

It is then that Choobookov tells Natalia that Lomov had come with a proposal to marry her. Strangely, this has a hysterical effect on the girl who wants Lomov to be brought back. And when he comes they both forget the purpose of the resumption of the meeting. They now argue over the superiority of their hounds — Lomov says that his Guess is superior to the pug-jawed Leap of Natalia. In the meantime the condition of Lomov takes a worse turn — he almost gasps for breath and appears to have collapsed Natalia wishes to commit suicide. Lomov is revived after a few draughts of water. And then Choobookov, almost with a force, pushes their hands into a union and the marriage proposal is seasoned to be accepted.

Question 2.
Write a short note on the character of Lomov on the basis of his self-revelation in Scene I.
Answer:
Lomov is a young man, wanting confidence and abilities. No person in his sense would have gone in morning coat and gloves to make a marriage proposal. It is again surprising that in countries where the marriage takes place after courtship he should have thought of speaking to the father instead of to Natalia.

The way he says that he has come to seek Choobookov’s help makes the latter think that the boy needs money. That is, Lomov does not know how to speak plainly and directly At last, Choobookov has to warm him against beating about the bush.

By his own admission, Lomon’s nerves are in terrible condition and he frequently needs draughts of water to steady himself. All this suggests that Lomov has entered the house of Chbobookov in utter thoughtlessness. He should have taken some care of himself before venturing out in this manner. And it is this absolute lack of preparedness that makes Lomov a fool of him. In spite of the encouragement of Choobookov the young man fails to have control of himself and speak of his proposal in a proper way. Lomov turns out into a comic and ridiculous figure because of this lack of self-control.

Bihar Board Class 12th English Important Questions

The Earth Summary Questions and Answers

Question 1.
Write down a summary of The Earth.
Answer: it is quite sad that children who owe so much to their parents do not look after them. As they depended on their parents in their infancy the latter also depends on them in old age. The theme of neglect of the parents in the current writing makes a painful but compelling note. There is another side to the issue: some parents by their pampering approach encourage children to become self-centered. H E Bates in this story presents such a case of defective upbringing. By their imprudence, the parents here make a young man selfish and cruel.

The story is about the Johnsons and their child Benjy. Johnson is a preacher who develops an excessive fondness for talking that virtually incapacitates him for hard work. He neglects work on his farms, his economic transactions and is unaware of what is happening in his household.

His son, Benjy, shows symptoms of mental retardation. He however manages to read write and learn elementary arithmetic. The doctor suggests that he should be put on some practical task. The parents accordingly give him a piece of land where he sets up a poultry business.

The result is startling. In a short time, Benjy turns out to be quite prosperous by practicing modem methods. His deposits in the local bank increase not only because of rising business but also because of the kindness of the parents who never demand any money from him. When Benjy turns twenty-one Johnson hands over to him the bank passbook. Benjy takes it without a show of gratitude, without even the formal thank you. The parents sense something abnormal in this gesture, but they keep mum.

There is a maid, Florence, on the farm who is now married to Benjy. This marriage took place in spite of the opposition of Mrs. Johnson. When Mrs. Johnson objected to certain habits of Florence, she was coolly told by Benjy to live separately. By this time the farms of Johnsons had become unproductive for want of attention. The final below to them came when Benjy took away their lands and turned them out.

The story makes a bitter reading. It is a psychological study of a callous child. But the writer does not ignore the shortcomings of Johnson who talked so much that he must have had an idea that the earth designed, created, and nourished by God would take care of itself… They had lived a vague, trusting life without a system as a result they had nothing.

Question 2.
Sketch the character of Johnson.
Answer:
Johnson has been presented in this story as a victim of the cunning and cruelty of his simple-looking son, Benjy. But H. E. Bates has made a critical study of the principal weakness of Johnson also. There is one crucial remark about him – he himself was lazy man with too large a trust in Providence. And this laziness combined with this obvious positive – like trust in providence ruins Johnson.

Johnson is a preacher who loves talking so much that he indulges in it more as giving vent to his ideas than as serious business which should be conducted at the appropriate time. Faith in God he had, but this faith should have been joined to industry and commonsense. Instead of attending to farming, he wastes his time over idle talk.

But Johnson is a very kind and considerate father. The retarded mental development of Benjy makes Johson more favrourably disposed to him than usual Again, his treatment of Benjy is guided by misguided kindness. He watches Benjy grow into a selfish and cruel young man without thinking of any suitable corrective step. The upshot of all this poor neglect of practical business is that the arrival of Florence creates a barrier between the son and the parents.

With great insight into human affairs. H,E. Bates has presented this shocking case of Johnson in order to highlight the value of prudence and practicality.

Question 3.
Sketch the character of Benjy.
Answer:
The complete focus in the story is on the nature and disposition of Benjy, the only child of Johnson born with ugly features. Benjy shows signs of mental retardation for whose treatment he is taken to a doctor. The latter advises Johnson to put the boy to some practical business to make him use the mental powers that he has. Benjy is asked to keep hens.

The boy who is otherwise imbecile understands every aspect of poultry farming. In a short time, he uses his studies to organise his business very scientifically, leading to his quick prosperity. But Benjy grows also into an utterly selfish and cruel person who pockets the passbook of his account in the bank without a word of thanks to his parents.

Benjy marries Florence in a heat of passion and this brings a woman who creates a barrier between him and his parents. A woman of poor taste, she shows a complete disregard of the feelings of Benjy’s parents, leading to final separation.

The way Benjy turns out his parents from their land is almost difficult to understand. Here is a case of cunning transforming itself into incurable cruelty and self-centeredness. H.E. Bates has therefore rightly repeated that behind simplicity Benjy had sharp cunning that deceived everybody.

Bihar Board Class 12th English Important Questions