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GNDU Question Paper-2023
Bachelor of Business Administration
B.B.A 1
st
Semester
ENGLISH (Compulsory)
Time Allowed: Three Hours Max. Marks: 100
Note: Attempt Five questions in all, selecting at least One question from each section. The
Fifth question may be attempted from any section. All questions carry equal marks.
SECTION-A
1. Attempt all the following problems:
Put in had better where suitable. If had better is not suitable, use should
(i) When people are driving, they keep their eyes on the road.
(ii) I'm glad you came to see us. You come more often.
(iii) She'll be upset if we don't invite her to the party, so we invite her.
(iv) These biscuits are delicious. You try one.
Make one sentence from Two:
(v) It will stop raining soon. Then we'll go out.
We'll go……………………………………….
(vi) I'll do the shopping. Then I'll come straight back home.
After…………………………………………..
(vii) It's going to get dark. Let's go home before that.
…………………………………..before………………………….
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(vii) What is going to happen in these situations? Use the words in brackets:
There are a lot of black clouds in the sky.
(rain) It's………………………………….
(ix) It is 8.30. Tom is leaving his house. He has to be at work at 8.45, but the journey takes
30 minutes.
(late) He…………………………………
(x) There is a hole in the bottom of the boat. A lot of water is coming in through the hole.
(sink) The boat....................................
2. Attempt all the following problems:
Read the situations and complete the sentences:
(1) I had arranged to meet Tom in a restaurant. I arrived and waited for him. After 20
minutes I realised that I was in the wrong restaurant.
I……………………….for 20 minutes when I………………………...the wrong restaurant.
(ii) Sarah got a job in factory. Five years later the factory closed down.
At the time the factory………………………..Sarah……………………………… there for five years.
Which is correct?
(iii) We haven't got much time. We must/mustn't hurry.
(iv) We've got plenty of time. We mustn't/don't need to hurry.
(v) I have to talk to Cary. I must/mustn't remember to call him.
For each situation, write a sentence ending with never... before. Use the verb in brackets.
(vi) The man sitting next to you on the plane was very nervous. It was his first flight.
(fly) He…………………………………
(vii) Somebody sang a song. I didn't know it.
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(hear) I…………………………..
(viii) Sam played tennis yesterday. He wasn't very good at it because it was his first game.
(play) He…………………………
Put in been or gone.
(ix) Hello! I've just…………………… to the shops. I've bought lots-
(x) Alice isn't here at the moment. She's... ……………. To the shop to get a newspaper.
SECTION-B
3. (a) Write a paragraph on the Indian Space Program in the light of its recently launched
Chandrayaan III.
(b) Attempt the following:
Put the words in the correct order:
(i) serviced/her car/Sarah/once a year/has Sarah ............................
(ii) twelve pounds have/cleaned/it/mysuit/cost/to ………………………………….
Write these sentences in another way, beginning in the way shown.
(iii) They asked me some difficult questions at the interview.
I …………………………………………….
(iv) Amy's colleagues gave her a present when she retired.
Amy ………………………………………
Put the verb into correct form:
(v) I can't afford to buy a car. If I (buy) a car, I'd have to borrow the money.
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4. (a) Write a paragraph on Women Empowerment.
(b) Attempt the following:
Write these sentences in another way, beginning in the way shown.
(i) How much will they pay you for your work?
How much will you……………………………………
(ii) I think they should have offered Tom the job.
I think Tom…………………………………….
Rewrite these sentences. Instead of using somebody, they, people etc., write a passive
sentence:
(iii) They cancelled all flights because of fog.
All …………………………………………………..
(iv) Somebody accused me of stealing money.
I …………………………………………………….
Write the given sentence in some other form using the underlined word:
(v) It is reported that the building has been badly damaged by the fire.
The building....................................
SECTION-C
5. Write an essay on the author's technique in "The Story Teller."
6. (a) Write a character sketch of the lady in "The Luncheon."
(b) Write a character sketch of lona Potapov.
SECTION-D
7. (a) How are Grimsdyke's life deeply influenced by the "Power of Women"?
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(b) In what way is a spendthrift selfish ?
8. What are the different definitions of Democracy proposed in "A Dialogue on
Democracy"? Do they arrive at any final definition?
GNDU Answer Paper-2023
Bachelor of Business Administration
B.B.A 1
st
Semester
ENGLISH (Compulsory)
Time Allowed: Three Hours Max. Marks: 100
Note: Attempt Five questions in all, selecting at least One question from each section. The
Fifth question may be attempted from any section. All questions carry equal marks.
SECTION-A
1. Attempt all the following problems:
Put in had better where suitable. If had better is not suitable, use should
(i) When people are driving, they keep their eyes on the road.
(ii) I'm glad you came to see us. You come more often.
(iii) She'll be upset if we don't invite her to the party, so we invite her.
(iv) These biscuits are delicious. You try one.
Ans: (i) When people are driving, they should keep their eyes on the road.
(ii) I'm glad you came to see us. You should come more often.
(iii) She'll be upset if we don't invite her to the party, so we had better invite her.
(iv) These biscuits are delicious. You should try one.
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Make one sentence from Two:
(v) It will stop raining soon. Then we'll go out.
We'll go……………………………………….
(vi) I'll do the shopping. Then I'll come straight back home.
After…………………………………………..
(vii) It's going to get dark. Let's go home before that.
…………………………………..before………………………….
(vii) What is going to happen in these situations? Use the words in brackets:
There are a lot of black clouds in the sky.
(rain) It's………………………………….
(ix) It is 8.30. Tom is leaving his house. He has to be at work at 8.45, but the journey takes
30 minutes.
(late) He…………………………………
(x) There is a hole in the bottom of the boat. A lot of water is coming in through the hole.
(sink) The boat....................................
Ans: (v) It will stop raining soon. Then we'll go out.
We'll go out when it stops raining.
(vi) I'll do the shopping. Then I'll come straight back home.
After I do the shopping, I'll come straight back home.
(vii) It's going to get dark. Let's go home before that.
Let's go home before it gets dark.
(viii) There are a lot of black clouds in the sky. (rain)
It's going to rain.
(ix) It is 8.30. Tom is leaving his house. He has to be at work at 8.45, but the journey takes 30
minutes. (late)
He is going to be late.
(x) There is a hole in the bottom of the boat. A lot of water is coming in through the hole.
(sink)
The boat is going to sink.
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2. Attempt all the following problems:
Read the situations and complete the sentences:
(1) I had arranged to meet Tom in a restaurant. I arrived and waited for him. After 20
minutes I realised that I was in the wrong restaurant.
I……………………….for 20 minutes when I………………………...the wrong restaurant.
(ii) Sarah got a job in factory. Five years later the factory closed down.
At the time the factory………………………..Sarah……………………………… there for five years.
Ans: (i) I had arranged to meet Tom in a restaurant. I arrived and waited for him. After 20
minutes I realised that I was in the wrong restaurant.
I had been waiting for 20 minutes when I realised I was in the wrong restaurant.
(ii) Sarah got a job in a factory. Five years later the factory closed down.
At the time the factory closed down, Sarah had been working there for five years.
Which is correct?
(iii) We haven't got much time. We must/mustn't hurry.
(iv) We've got plenty of time. We mustn't/don't need to hurry.
(v) I have to talk to Cary. I must/mustn't remember to call him.
Ans: (iii) We haven't got much time. We must hurry.
(iv) We've got plenty of time. We don't need to hurry.
(v) I have to talk to Cary. I must remember to call him.
For each situation, write a sentence ending with never... before. Use the verb in brackets.
(vi) The man sitting next to you on the plane was very nervous. It was his first flight.
(fly) He…………………………………
(vii) Somebody sang a song. I didn't know it.
(hear) I…………………………..
(viii) Sam played tennis yesterday. He wasn't very good at it because it was his first game.
(play) He…………………………
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Ans: (vi) The man sitting next to you on the plane was very nervous. It was his first flight.
(fly)
He had never flown before.
(vii) Somebody sang a song. I didn't know it. (hear)
I had never heard it before.
(viii) Sam played tennis yesterday. He wasn't very good at it because it was his first game.
(play)
He had never played tennis before.
Put in been or gone.
(ix) Hello! I've just…………………… to the shops. I've bought lots-
(x) Alice isn't here at the moment. She's... ……………. To the shop to get a newspaper.
Ans: (ix) Hello! I've just been to the shops. I've bought lots.
(x) Alice isn't here at the moment. She's gone to the shop to get a newspaper.
SECTION-B
3. (a) Write a paragraph on the Indian Space Program in the light of its recently launched
Chandrayaan III.
Ans: The Indian Space Program and Chandrayaan-III
Sometimes, great achievements start in the most unexpected ways. Imagine a small group
of scientists in the 1960s, working in a shed by the beach in Thumba, Kerala. They didn’t
have fancy laboratories, high-tech computers, or even proper offices. The parts of rockets
were carried on bicycles and bullock carts because trucks were too expensive. The locals
probably looked at them with curiosity, wondering, “What are they up to?” That humble
beginning was the seed from which India’s space program grew into one of the most
respected space agencies in the world — the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
From those early days, ISRO’s mission was clear: use space technology to solve real-life
problems for India — whether it’s predicting the weather, helping farmers, improving
communications, or studying our Earth and the universe. Over the decades, ISRO launched
satellites for television, GPS navigation, disaster management, and climate monitoring. But
in recent years, India also began to dream bigger — exploring the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
One of the most shining examples of this dream came in 2023 with Chandrayaan-III.
Why the Moon Again?
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You might wonder — “Didn’t we already go to the Moon with Chandrayaan-I and
Chandrayaan-II? Why go again?”
Well, here’s a short story to explain. Imagine a mountaineer climbing a mountain for the
first time. They almost reach the top but slip near the summit. Will they give up? No. They
will study their mistakes, prepare better, and return with stronger determination. That’s
exactly what happened with India’s Moon missions.
• Chandrayaan-I (2008) was a huge success. It discovered water molecules on the
Moon’s surface, something scientists around the world had not clearly proven
before.
• Chandrayaan-II (2019) successfully reached the Moon’s orbit, but its lander, Vikram,
crash-landed due to a technical glitch during the final descent.
The failure was heartbreaking, but instead of losing hope, ISRO treated it as a lesson. They
decided to try again, but this time, make the mission even more reliable. That led to
Chandrayaan-III.
The Mission of Chandrayaan-III
Chandrayaan-III had one very clear goal: land safely on the Moon — specifically on its south
pole. Why the south pole? Because this part of the Moon has areas that never get sunlight.
Scientists believe these regions may contain large amounts of frozen water, which can be
valuable for future space missions and possibly even human settlements.
The mission was designed with three main parts:
1. Propulsion Module – This acted like the “bus” that carried the lander to the Moon’s
orbit.
2. Vikram Lander – Named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space
program. Its job was to land gently on the Moon’s surface.
3. Pragyan Rover – This small six-wheeled robot would come out of the lander to
explore, study rocks, and send back data to Earth.
The Journey to the Moon
On 14 July 2023, Chandrayaan-III was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in
Sriharikota aboard the powerful LVM3 rocket. Step by step, it moved from Earth’s orbit into
the Moon’s orbit, carefully adjusting speed and direction. ISRO followed a cost-effective
method — instead of going in a straight line, the spacecraft moved in wider and wider
elliptical orbits until the Moon’s gravity captured it.
Finally, on 23 August 2023, history was made. At around 6:04 PM IST, Vikram Lander
touched down gently on the Moon’s south pole. This made India the first country in the
world to land in that region, and only the fourth country (after the USA, USSR/Russia, and
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China) to achieve a soft landing on the Moon. The whole nation erupted in joy, and
scientists at ISRO hugged each other with tears in their eyes.
What Chandrayaan-III Achieved
Once Vikram landed, the Pragyan Rover rolled out and began its short but exciting life on
the Moon. It explored the surface for about 14 Earth days (which equals one lunar day),
studying soil composition and looking for minerals. Some key achievements were:
• Detection of sulphur and other minerals in the lunar soil.
• Understanding the Moon’s temperature variations near the surface.
• Testing India’s landing technology, which can now be used for future missions.
Even after completing its planned mission, the lander and rover are expected to be useful
for research if they can “wake up” after the freezing lunar night.
Why This Matters for India
Chandrayaan-III is not just about landing on the Moon. It is about showing the world that
India can do world-class space exploration at a fraction of the cost. While other countries
spend billions on such missions, ISRO managed this mission for around ₹615 crore — less
than the budget of some Hollywood movies!
This mission inspires students, scientists, and entrepreneurs. It shows that science and
determination can make even a developing nation a leader in space technology. It also
opens doors for future projects like Gaganyaan (India’s first human spaceflight mission) and
possibly even missions to Mars and Venus.
A Lesson in Perseverance
The story of Chandrayaan-III is also a lesson in not giving up. Failure in Chandrayaan-II could
have discouraged ISRO. But instead, the scientists went back, studied every detail of the
problem, improved their designs, tested their systems again and again, and finally
succeeded.
It’s like the famous saying by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, “Failure will never overtake me if my
determination to succeed is strong enough.” Chandrayaan-III is living proof of this.
Conclusion
From carrying rocket parts on bicycles to making a soft landing on the Moon’s south pole,
India’s space journey has been extraordinary. Chandrayaan-III is not just a scientific mission
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— it’s a symbol of national pride, global respect, and human curiosity. It shows that with
courage, creativity, and careful planning, even the biggest dreams can come true.
In the years to come, when future astronauts walk on the Moon and look at the spot where
Vikram and Pragyan once worked, they might remember the story of a country that started
small but aimed for the stars — and reached them.
(b) Attempt the following:
Put the words in the correct order:
(i) serviced/her car/Sarah/once a year/has Sarah ............................
(ii) twelve pounds have/cleaned/it/mysuit/cost/to ………………………………….
Ans: (i) Sarah has her car serviced once a year.
(ii) It has cost twelve pounds to have my suit cleaned.
Write these sentences in another way, beginning in the way shown.
(iii) They asked me some difficult questions at the interview.
I …………………………………………….
(iv) Amy's colleagues gave her a present when she retired.
Amy ………………………………………
Ans: (iii) I was asked some difficult questions at the interview.
(iv) Amy was given a present by her colleagues when she retired.
Put the verb into correct form:
(v) I can't afford to buy a car. If I (buy) a car, I'd have to borrow the money.
Ans: I can't afford to buy a car. If I bought a car, I'd have to borrow the money.
4. (a) Write a paragraph on Women Empowerment.
Ans: Women Empowerment
On a bright morning in a small village, a little girl named Meera sat under a banyan tree,
watching her brother go to school with a satchel swinging behind him. She wanted to go
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too, but her parents said, “Girls don’t need education.” Years later, when she finally got a
chance to study through a women’s self-help group, she not only learned to read and write
but also started her own tailoring business. Meera’s life changed — and so did her family’s
fortune. This is the magic of women empowerment: turning “can’t” into “can,” and
“impossible” into “possible.”
Women empowerment means giving women the power, freedom, and opportunity to make
their own decisions, shape their own lives, and contribute to society without discrimination.
It is not just about education or jobs — it’s about changing attitudes, breaking barriers, and
ensuring equality in every sphere of life. When women are empowered, they are no longer
silent spectators; they become active participants in building a stronger family, community,
and nation.
Historically, women have faced many challenges — being denied education, restricted from
working outside, or forced into early marriages. These were not just personal hardships;
they were roadblocks that kept entire societies from progressing. Imagine half of a country’s
population being unable to use its full potential — that’s like trying to run a race with one
leg tied. Women empowerment is the process of untying that leg so the whole society can
run faster and stronger.
Education plays a crucial role in this journey. When a girl learns to read and write, she gains
more than just knowledge — she gains confidence, independence, and the ability to dream
bigger. Educated women are more likely to get jobs, stand up for their rights, and make
better decisions for their families. The famous saying “If you educate a man, you educate an
individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a family” is not just a nice quote — it’s
a fact proven across the world.
Economic independence is another pillar of women empowerment. When women earn
their own income, they are no longer dependent on others for basic needs. This not only
improves their self-respect but also benefits the economy as a whole. For example, in
Bangladesh, microfinance programs gave small loans to women to start businesses, and the
results were incredible — families rose out of poverty, children went to school, and
communities became more prosperous.
But empowerment is not only about education and jobs; it is also about freedom of choice.
A woman should have the right to decide whom to marry, when to have children, and how
to live her life. Freedom means being able to walk safely on the streets, speak up in
meetings, and express opinions without fear of being judged or silenced.
One inspiring story is of Kalpana Chawla, the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. She
came from a small town where girls often had limited dreams, yet she dared to aim for the
stars — literally. Her journey showed that when women are supported and encouraged,
there is no limit to what they can achieve.
The government and various organizations have taken many steps to promote women
empowerment. Laws against dowry, domestic violence, and workplace harassment aim to
protect women’s rights. Programs like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao encourage parents to
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educate their daughters. Reservation for women in local government bodies ensures that
their voices are heard in decision-making.
However, true empowerment does not come from laws alone. It comes from changing the
mindset of society. We must challenge stereotypes like “Women are only meant for
household work” or “A girl’s education is a waste of money.” Families should support
daughters as much as they support sons. Boys should be taught from an early age to respect
girls and treat them as equals.
The benefits of empowering women are enormous. An empowered woman raises healthier
children, manages finances better, and contributes positively to her community. She
becomes a role model for others, inspiring more women to break barriers. Economists say
that if women participated in the workforce at the same rate as men, the world economy
could grow by trillions of dollars.
But empowerment is not a one-day task; it is a continuous process. It requires efforts from
all — governments, NGOs, communities, and individuals. It means creating safe spaces,
providing equal opportunities, and encouraging women to take leadership roles. It also
means celebrating their successes, no matter how small, and standing beside them when
they face challenges.
In simple words, women empowerment is like planting a seed and nurturing it until it
becomes a strong tree that can provide shade and fruit for generations. Just like Meera,
who once sat under the banyan tree wishing for education, today millions of women around
the world are waiting for someone to believe in them, support them, and give them the
opportunity to grow. When we empower women, we empower humanity itself.
So, the next time you see a girl with a dream in her eyes, remember: helping her achieve it is
not just kindness — it’s an investment in a better future for everyone. Women
empowerment is not about making women stronger — they are already strong. It’s about
changing the way the world recognizes and values their strength. And when that happens,
no dream will be too big, and no star will be too far.
(b) Attempt the following:
Write these sentences in another way, beginning in the way shown.
(i) How much will they pay you for your work?
How much will you……………………………………
(ii) I think they should have offered Tom the job.
I think Tom…………………………………….
Ans: (i) How much will you be paid for your work?
(ii) I think Tom should have been offered the job.
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Rewrite these sentences. Instead of using somebody, they, people etc., write a passive
sentence:
(iii) They cancelled all flights because of fog.
All …………………………………………………..
(iv) Somebody accused me of stealing money.
I …………………………………………………….
Ans: (iii) All flights were cancelled because of fog.
(iv) I was accused of stealing money.
Write the given sentence in some other form using the underlined word:
(v) It is reported that the building has been badly damaged by the fire.
The building....................................
Ans: (v) The building is reported to have been badly damaged by the fire.
SECTION-C
5. Write an essay on the author's technique in "The Story Teller."
Ans: Essay on the Author’s Technique in "The Story-Teller"
It was a hot summer afternoon, and a train rattled lazily through the countryside. Inside one
of its compartments sat a bachelor, quietly minding his own business. Across from him,
three restless children fidgeted, sighing and asking endless questions. Their aunt tried her
best to keep them entertained, but her stories were too long, too sweet, and—worst of all—
too boring. Then, unexpectedly, the bachelor took over and began to tell a story. Within
moments, the noisy children were silent, their eyes wide, hanging on to every word.
This little scene, which forms the core of Saki’s short story The Story-Teller, is a masterclass
in storytelling itself. But the real magic lies not only in the story told inside the story—it lies
in the author’s technique. Saki uses a blend of wit, irony, realism, and narrative control to
turn a simple train ride into a sharp commentary on life and morality.
Let’s step inside Saki’s workshop and see how he builds his masterpiece.
1. Framing the Story: A Story Within a Story
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One of Saki’s most interesting techniques in The Story-Teller is the frame narrative. The
story has two layers:
• Outer Story – The train journey, the restless children, the aunt’s attempts to tell a
moral tale.
• Inner Story – The bachelor’s story about a little girl named Bertha who is "horribly
good" and meets an unexpected fate.
This technique is clever because it allows Saki to show two kinds of storytelling in action.
The aunt’s version is moralistic, dull, and predictable; the bachelor’s version is gripping,
ironic, and amusing. This contrast makes the reader think about what makes a story truly
engaging.
It’s like watching two chefs in a kitchen—one overcooks the food, and the other serves a
perfect dish. The audience instantly knows which one they prefer.
2. Irony and Satire
Saki was a master of irony, and this story is soaked in it. The aunt wants to teach the
children about goodness being rewarded. The bachelor, on the other hand, creates a tale
where goodness leads to disaster.
In Bertha’s case, her spotless behaviour earns her three medals for good conduct. But those
very medals make a jingling sound that leads a wolf straight to her—and she gets eaten. The
irony is sharp: goodness doesn’t protect her; in fact, it becomes her downfall.
This satirical twist isn’t just for humor—it’s a gentle jab at the overly moralistic, sugar-
coated children’s stories of Saki’s time. He’s saying, “Real life doesn’t always reward you for
being good, and children can handle stories that reflect that.”
3. Realism in the Outer Story
While the bachelor’s tale is exaggerated for effect, the outer story in the train feels entirely
real. Anyone who has travelled with noisy children can imagine the scene—the constant
movement, the boredom, the endless “Why?” questions.
Saki doesn’t romanticize the aunt’s struggle; instead, he paints her frustration plainly. This
realism makes the setting relatable, and it also sets the stage for the bachelor’s storytelling
to shine.
4. Economy of Words
Saki’s sentences are sharp and purposeful. He doesn’t waste words on unnecessary
description, yet we can picture everything clearly—from the sweltering train to Bertha’s
three clinking medals.
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This economy of words keeps the pacing tight. The children’s boredom builds quickly, and
the bachelor’s story unfolds without dragging. In fact, part of the story’s charm comes from
this brisk, confident style—it respects the reader’s attention span, just as the bachelor
respects the children’s desire for excitement.
5. Unexpected Ending (The Twist)
Saki believed in delivering an ending that surprises without feeling forced. In The Story-
Teller, Bertha’s fate is both shocking and darkly funny. The wolf catching her because of her
goodness flips the moral lesson upside down.
This twist works because it’s set up perfectly. The medals are introduced early in the
bachelor’s tale, so when they become the cause of her death, it feels inevitable yet
surprising. That’s the mark of a well-built ending—it satisfies and shocks at the same time.
6. Engaging the Audience
Saki doesn’t just write a story for readers—he writes a story about telling a story. The
children in the compartment act as stand-ins for the real audience. When they lean forward,
wide-eyed, we feel ourselves doing the same.
This is also a subtle lesson in audience psychology: the bachelor uses just enough suspense,
humor, and danger to keep his listeners hooked. For example, when he mentions the wolf,
the danger is clear. But instead of rushing, he lets the tension build, making the children—
and the readers—eager to know what happens next.
7. Blending Humor with Darkness
Saki’s humor is never silly; it’s witty and often tinged with darkness. The idea of a “horribly
good” child is funny in itself. But pairing that humor with a grim ending gives the story an
edge.
This mix keeps the tone fresh. If the story were purely moralistic, it would be dull; if it were
purely tragic, it would be heavy. Instead, Saki finds a balance, making us laugh and think at
the same time.
8. A Small Story to Explain the Point
This reminds me of a teacher I once had in school. She was explaining the dangers of being
too perfect. Instead of giving us a lecture, she told us about a boy in her old neighborhood
who never broke a rule—not once. One day, he refused to climb a tree to escape a stray dog
because “climbing was forbidden.” The dog didn’t hurt him, but the story made us all realize
that following every rule blindly could be foolish.
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Like the bachelor’s tale in The Story-Teller, this teacher’s little story had humor, suspense,
and an unexpected lesson. That’s why we remembered it years later—because it wasn’t a
dry moral, it was a living, breathing tale.
9. Subtle Commentary on Society
Beneath the humor and cleverness, Saki is making a bigger point. He’s gently criticizing a
society that shelters children with unrealistic morals, ignoring that the real world can be
unpredictable and even dangerous. By letting the bachelor’s story “win” the children’s
attention, Saki is showing that honesty—even when it’s uncomfortable—can be more
powerful than sugar-coated lies.
10. Conclusion
In The Story-Teller, Saki is not just telling us a tale about a train ride and a wolf. He’s
teaching us, without saying it outright, what makes a story truly work:
• A strong frame to hold the plot.
• Humor mixed with reality.
• A dash of irony.
• Pacing that respects the audience.
• An ending that surprises but makes sense.
Through the bachelor’s victory in capturing the children’s attention, Saki quietly proves his
own point—good storytelling is not about preaching morals; it’s about sparking curiosity,
provoking thought, and leaving an impression.
Like the children in the train, we come away remembering the bachelor’s story, not the
aunt’s. And that, perhaps, is the biggest compliment to Saki’s technique—he doesn’t just tell
us how to tell a story; he shows us, and we can’t look away.
6. (a) Write a character sketch of the lady in "The Luncheon."
Ans: A Fresh Beginning
Sometimes, life teaches us its sharpest lessons not through textbooks, but through the
people we meet—especially the ones who look harmless at first glance but end up turning
our day upside down. The narrator of “The Luncheon” had one such encounter. It wasn’t
with a villain, a thief, or an enemy—it was with a lady who smiled sweetly, spoke gently, and
yet, in her own polite way, gave him one of the most unforgettable (and expensive)
experiences of his life.
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Who Was This Lady?
She wasn’t a movie star or a queen. She was an acquaintance of the narrator—a woman he
had met earlier through correspondence. She wrote to him saying she was visiting Paris and
would love to have lunch with him at the famous Foyot’s, a restaurant known for its high
prices and fine dishes.
At first glance, she appeared to be a charming, well-mannered, and cultured person. She
had a refined way of speaking and an air of sophistication, as if she belonged to the world of
literature and art. She gave the impression of being sensible and considerate. But as the
narrator soon discovered, appearances can be very misleading.
Her Favorite Words: "I Never Eat Much"
Right at the start of their meal, she reassured the narrator:
• “I never eat anything for luncheon.”
For a young writer who had a modest income, this was music to his ears. He thought this
would be an inexpensive meal. But this one sentence turned out to be one of the most
misleading promises ever made in the history of dining!
Her definition of “never eating much” was… unusual. She didn’t order just one dish; she
ordered a series of expensive delicacies, each one more costly than the last.
Her Eating Habits
The lady’s eating style was polite and slow, as if she was doing everything with grace. But
the items she chose revealed a lot about her character:
1. Salmon – She began with this expensive fish, something far beyond the narrator’s
simple budget.
2. Champagne – Though she initially refused wine and said she only drank water, she
quickly changed her mind when champagne was suggested, saying she “never drank
anything except champagne.”
3. Caviar – A luxury item that most struggling writers wouldn’t dream of ordering.
4. Asparagus – She declared it was her “favourite” vegetable. It just so happened that
asparagus was out of season and priced like gold.
5. Peach – To end the meal, she selected the most costly fruit available that day.
Her choices weren’t accidental—they showed that while she acted refined, she had no
hesitation in enjoying the finest (and priciest) things at someone else’s expense.
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A Story Within the Story
This whole situation reminded me of a friend I once knew in college. He invited a girl he
liked for a “simple coffee.” She promised she only liked “light snacks.” But when they
reached the café, she ordered the most expensive milkshake, a platter of fries, pasta, and
dessert. My friend sat smiling while silently calculating if his bus fare home was still
affordable. That’s exactly what happened with the narrator—only in his case, the setting
was much grander and the bill much bigger!
Her Personality Traits
If we take a closer look, the lady’s character can be described in the following ways:
1. Pretentious
She wanted to appear modest (“I never eat much”) but her actions showed the opposite.
Her refined speech and careful manners were like a mask that hid her greed for fine things.
2. Self-Centered
She never thought about the narrator’s financial situation. While he was mentally counting
every franc, she was happily talking about art, literature, and food—especially food.
3. Polite Yet Manipulative
She never openly demanded expensive items. Instead, she casually mentioned that she
“loved” asparagus or that champagne was her “only drink.” In this way, she got what she
wanted without appearing rude.
4. Overconfident
She behaved as though she had every right to order anything on the menu, even though she
wasn’t the one paying.
5. Unaware of the Impact
The lady didn’t even seem to notice that the narrator was growing more anxious with each
dish. She was living in her own world of flavours and conversations.
The Narrator’s View of Her
At the time of the luncheon, the narrator was too polite (and too nervous) to stop her. He
smiled, nodded, and pretended everything was fine while silently praying that the bill
wouldn’t be more than the money in his pocket.
When the bill finally came, it was far more than he could afford. He paid it—but it meant he
would have to live on nothing but coffee for the rest of the month.
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This lunch left a lasting impression on him. Years later, he saw the same lady again. Time
had changed her—she was now older, heavier, and far less glamorous. Seeing her then, the
narrator felt no anger. Instead, he had a quiet, private sense of victory, as if life itself had
balanced the scales.
Another Small Story for Perspective
This reminds me of a saying: “Some people eat your food, drink your drink, and still leave you
hungry.” A shopkeeper I knew once offered free tea to a wealthy-looking customer. That
customer drank three cups, took some biscuits “just to taste,” and left without buying
anything. The shopkeeper only smiled and said, “Well, at least he enjoyed himself.” That’s
the narrator’s tone at the end of The Luncheon—not angry, but wiser.
Why She’s Important to the Story
The lady isn’t just a person; she’s a symbol. She represents the kind of people who seem
harmless but can cause trouble through their selfishness and lack of awareness. She also
becomes a lesson in life for the narrator—and for us.
Through her, we learn:
• Not everyone who looks refined is truly considerate.
• One should be cautious when agreeing to plans without checking the cost.
• Life’s awkward experiences can turn into great stories later.
Final Character Sketch
The lady in “The Luncheon” is a fascinating mix of charm and selfishness. She’s graceful in
her manners but careless about others’ situations. She can talk beautifully about art and
literature while quietly emptying your wallet. She believes herself to be modest but shows
extravagance in every choice.
And yet, she’s not a villain in the traditional sense. She doesn’t set out to hurt the narrator—
she’s simply too wrapped up in her own enjoyment to see his discomfort. That’s what makes
her so realistic and memorable.
In the end, she becomes less of a person and more of a life lesson: a reminder that good
manners without consideration are just another form of selfishness, and that sometimes,
the most expensive meals are the ones that teach us the cheapest truths about human
nature.
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(b) Write a character sketch of lona Potapov.
Ans: Character Sketch of Iona Potapov
Sometimes, the most touching stories are not about kings, heroes, or famous people, but
about ordinary men whose lives pass quietly in the shadow of the world. Iona Potapov, the
central figure of Anton Chekhov’s short story "The Lament", is one such man. He is a humble
sledge driver in the cold streets of Russia, yet his heart carries a weight heavier than the
snow piling up around him. If you truly want to understand him, you need to see him not
just as a character in a story, but as a lonely soul trying to survive in a world too busy to
listen.
His Physical Appearance
Iona is an old man, wrapped in a shabby, worn-out coat that hardly keeps the biting Russian
winter away. His small figure seems almost lost under the big white snowflakes falling
endlessly from the sky. He hunches over in his seat, almost melting into the sledge, as if he
is trying to protect himself not only from the cold but also from the coldness of people’s
hearts. His horse, thin and weary like him, completes the picture of a man whose whole life
has been spent in hard work and silent endurance.
A Heart Full of Grief
The most striking thing about Iona is his grief. He has recently lost his son, and the pain is so
fresh that it seems to seep into every word he speaks. But here’s the tragedy — he has no
one to share this grief with. Imagine carrying a heavy bag all alone, day after day, without
anyone to help you lift it. That is Iona’s heart — heavy, aching, and desperately in need of
relief.
When he tries to talk to his passengers about his son’s death, they brush him off, too busy
with their own lives to notice the tears behind his words. This is where the reader begins to
feel a deep sympathy for him — he is surrounded by people, yet he is completely alone.
Loneliness in a Crowded World
Iona’s loneliness is not just physical; it is emotional. He drives passengers through the busy
streets, but nobody truly sees him. This reminds me of a true story I once heard about an old
shopkeeper in a busy market. He would sit at his counter every day, greeting customers with
a smile, but when his wife passed away, no one in the market even knew. People came,
bought things, and left — never noticing that behind the smile was a man aching for
someone to ask, “How are you, really?”
In the same way, Iona moves through life unseen. His passengers talk about their own
problems, their own plans, but no one pauses to hear his pain. This makes his grief even
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sharper — it’s not only about losing his son, but also about having no one to share that loss
with.
Kindness and Gentleness
Even in his sadness, Iona remains gentle. He does not shout at passengers, even when they
are rude or impatient. He does not beat his horse, even though it moves slowly. In fact,
there’s a quiet kindness in the way he treats his old horse — perhaps because he sees
himself in the animal: tired, overworked, and unnoticed.
There’s a beautiful little moment in the story where, after being ignored all day, Iona finally
talks to his horse about his son’s death. Some might find it strange, but this actually shows
the depth of his heart. He just needs to let out his pain, and if no human will listen, then an
animal will do.
Symbol of Human Neglect
Iona’s life represents something larger — the way people in society often ignore the quiet
suffering of others. Everyone is rushing, everyone is busy, and so the lonely, the grieving,
and the poor are left unheard. In this way, Iona is not just a character; he’s a reminder of
the silent struggles that surround us every day.
Think of how many times we pass a rickshaw puller, a sweeper, or a delivery person without
really looking at them, without realizing they might be carrying a story of loss, love, or
hardship. Iona’s character forces us to stop for a moment and think: How many Ionas are
around us right now?
A Man of Few Words but Deep Emotion
Although Iona does not speak much in the story, every word he utters is loaded with
emotion. When he tells a passenger about his son, he does it simply — without drama or
exaggeration. This shows that his grief is genuine, not something he says for sympathy or
attention. He is not trying to make others feel sorry for him; he just wants someone to share
his pain.
A Small Story Within His Life
To understand Iona better, picture this:
Imagine a man standing in a train station, holding a photograph of his family. Hundreds of
people pass by, rushing to catch their trains. The man tries to show the photograph to
someone, saying, “This is my son… he’s gone now.” But everyone is too busy. Hours later,
when the station is empty, he sits on a bench and begins talking to the photograph itself.
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That is Iona’s life in a nutshell — trying to reach out, being ignored, and finally talking to
someone who cannot respond, simply because he cannot keep the words inside anymore.
Patience and Endurance
Life has clearly not been easy for Iona, yet he continues to work, to face the bitter weather,
and to go on living even with a broken heart. This shows his patience and inner strength.
Many people, when faced with such loneliness, might give up. But Iona keeps going. His
endurance is quiet, without complaint, but it speaks volumes about his character.
Why Iona Potapov Stays in Our Hearts
What makes Iona unforgettable is not some great achievement or heroic act. It is the
simplicity of his suffering and the universality of his need to be heard. Almost everyone, at
some point in life, has felt the pain of being ignored when they needed comfort. Iona’s story
makes us realize how powerful listening can be — and how cruel silence can feel.
When the story ends, and Iona is talking to his horse in the snowy night, we feel both
sadness and respect for him. Sadness because no human being should be so lonely, and
respect because he still finds a way to express himself, even if it’s only to an animal.
Conclusion
Iona Potapov is a portrait of loneliness, patience, and quiet dignity. He teaches us an
important lesson — that sometimes the smallest kindness, like simply listening to someone,
can be more valuable than money or gifts. Through Iona, Chekhov shows us the deep
emotional needs that exist behind ordinary faces in the crowd.
In the end, Iona is not just a poor sledge driver in a Russian winter — he is every human
being who has ever longed for a listener, every heart that has carried pain in silence, and
every soul that has kept going despite the coldness of the world.
SECTION-D
7. (a) How are Grimsdyke's life deeply influenced by the "Power of Women"?
Ans: The Power of Women in Grimsdyke’s Life
Some people say that “Life is shaped by the choices we make.” But in the case of Dr. Simon
Sparrow’s friend, Dr. Grimsdyke, life seemed to be shaped by something else entirely — the
influence of women. If you look closely at his journey, it is almost like women were the
invisible hands steering the wheel of his life, taking him from one turn to another.
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This influence was not always obvious at first glance. Sometimes it came in the form of
affection, sometimes as pressure, and other times as sheer determination from the women
around him. But whichever way it appeared, it left a deep mark on his actions, decisions,
and even his personality. Let’s explore how this happened in a way that feels like we’re
watching his life unfold scene by scene.
1. Grimsdyke – The Man Who Was Always in Someone’s Plan
Dr. Grimsdyke was a charming, good-looking doctor, but also one who never seemed fully
settled in his profession. He was capable and intelligent, yet often appeared more
interested in enjoying life than in building a serious medical career. And here’s the
interesting part: whenever something significant happened to him, there was almost always
a woman involved somewhere in the background.
Sometimes, women tried to encourage him towards ambition. Other times, they pushed
him into responsibilities he wasn’t ready for. And at certain moments, they pulled him away
from stability altogether.
2. The Story of the Fiancée Who Tried to “Fix” Him
One of the most striking examples of the power women had over Grimsdyke’s life is the
story of his fiancée. She was elegant, practical, and had a very clear vision of the life she
wanted — a respectable home, a stable career for her husband, and a place in high society.
When she looked at Grimsdyke, she saw potential — but also a project. She believed she
could transform him into a perfect, ambitious, socially polished doctor. This meant changing
his casual ways, making him attend serious functions, and encouraging him to take up
prestigious medical opportunities.
At first, Grimsdyke tried to go along with it. After all, he liked her and didn’t want to
disappoint. But it quickly became clear that her plans were not his dreams. The more she
pushed him towards the life she wanted, the more he began to feel trapped.
It’s almost like watching a bird who enjoys flying freely suddenly being asked to live in a
golden cage. No matter how beautiful the cage is, it’s still a cage. Eventually, the
relationship ended — but the experience showed how a woman’s vision for him could
completely redirect his path, even if temporarily.
3. The Aunt Who Practically Raised Him
Another major influence was his aunt, who had helped him financially and emotionally in
earlier stages of his life. She had her own expectations for him and often used her position
as a benefactor to push him in certain directions.
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Her belief in him was genuine — she truly wanted him to be successful. But like many well-
meaning relatives, she sometimes measured success by her own standards, not his. When
she thought he was wasting his potential, she would remind him (in a not-so-subtle way) of
all she had done for him.
This shaped Grimsdyke’s sense of obligation and sometimes made him take decisions just to
please her. It’s another example of how women’s influence wasn’t always about romance —
it could also be about family pressure and expectations.
4. Women as Mirrors – Reflecting His Own Character Back at Him
If we look at Grimsdyke’s life carefully, women didn’t just influence his actions — they also
acted like mirrors, reflecting parts of his own personality.
• Ambitious women made him aware of his own lack of long-term ambition.
• Caring women made him realize his softer, compassionate side.
• Controlling women made him recognize how much he valued freedom.
Through these interactions, Grimsdyke wasn’t just passively influenced — he was learning
about himself, even if he didn’t always admit it.
5. The Nurse Who Understood Him
While some women in his life wanted to change him, others seemed to understand and
accept him as he was. There’s a small but touching episode where a nurse he worked with
showed genuine respect for his medical skills and friendly personality.
She didn’t try to push him towards something he didn’t want. Instead, she appreciated his
humor, his light-hearted approach, and his ability to connect with patients. This kind of
influence was quieter but perhaps more valuable — it gave Grimsdyke a sense of self-worth
without conditions.
It’s almost like a gentle breeze compared to the strong winds that try to change your
direction. You don’t notice it immediately, but it makes your journey more comfortable.
6. The Push and Pull of Influence
The “Power of Women” in Grimsdyke’s life can be seen as a constant push and pull:
• Push – Women trying to guide or even pressure him into a certain lifestyle or career
path.
• Pull – Women drawing him back into comfort, affection, or a sense of belonging.
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This push-and-pull created a sort of rhythm in his life — periods of ambition followed by
periods of relaxation or even avoidance of responsibility.
7. Why This Influence Was So Deep
There are a few reasons why women’s influence over Grimsdyke was so strong:
1. His personality – He was easy-going, liked to please people, and didn’t have a rigid
personal plan. This made him more open to influence.
2. Emotional connections – Whether it was love, family affection, or friendship, he
valued relationships and didn’t want to hurt people.
3. Search for direction – Because he wasn’t strongly fixed on a career path, other
people’s visions often filled that gap.
This combination meant that whenever a strong-willed woman came into his life, she could
leave a lasting mark.
8. The Bigger Picture – A Man Shaped by Relationships
If you step back and look at the whole picture, Grimsdyke’s life seems like a painting in
which women’s influence is the brightest color. Whether it was:
• The fiancée trying to turn him into a perfect doctor,
• The aunt guiding him with high expectations, or
• The nurse who quietly respected him,
— each one left a layer of color that contributed to the final portrait.
In the end, Grimsdyke was not a man who lived in isolation. He was deeply connected to
people, and women, in particular, had the strongest impact. Their opinions, actions, and
emotions often became turning points in his story.
Conclusion
Dr. Grimsdyke’s life is almost a living example of how the power of women can shape a
man’s path in ways big and small. From career decisions to personal growth, from feeling
pressured to feeling supported, women’s influence ran through his life like an invisible
thread.
What makes it so interesting is that this influence wasn’t just about romance — it included
family, colleagues, and friends. Sometimes it helped him, sometimes it confused him, but it
always left a mark.
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In short, Grimsdyke was like a ship that could sail on its own but often found its direction
changed by the strong winds of women’s influence — sometimes toward safe harbors,
sometimes toward unplanned adventures. And that is why we can say, without doubt, that
his life was deeply shaped by the “Power of Women.”
(b) In what way is a spendthrift selfish ?
Ans: A spendthrift and selfishness – understanding the connection
You must have seen a fountain in a park — water splashing everywhere, sparkling in the
sunlight. Beautiful, right? But here’s the thing: the fountain does not keep a single drop of
water for itself. It sprays everything out, and if there’s no fresh water supply, it soon runs
dry.
A spendthrift is quite like that fountain — always throwing away money on things that bring
temporary excitement, never thinking about the future, and often ignoring what others
around them might need.
Now, the question is: How does that make them selfish? At first glance, it might seem the
opposite. “If a spendthrift spends so much money on others or on fancy things, isn’t that
generous?” But the truth is more complicated. Selfishness isn’t always about taking from
others; sometimes it’s about putting your own pleasure and impulses above the needs,
safety, or well-being of yourself and the people who depend on you.
Understanding a spendthrift’s mindset
A spendthrift is someone who spends money carelessly, without thinking about whether it’s
needed, affordable, or wise. They might buy clothes they’ll never wear, gadgets they don’t
need, or throw parties they can’t afford — just for the thrill of spending.
This habit often comes from wanting instant pleasure. They live for the present moment and
ignore the future. In doing so, they risk:
• Wasting resources that could have been used for meaningful purposes
• Neglecting the needs of family or community
• Creating problems that others will have to fix later
And that’s where selfishness hides behind the glitter of generosity.
Why spending without thought can be selfish
Let’s break this into smaller ideas:
1. Putting personal desires above responsibilities
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Imagine a father earning a modest salary. He knows that part of this money should go
toward rent, school fees, and groceries. But instead, he buys the latest smartphone just
because it’s trending. The children’s school fees remain unpaid, and groceries are cut short.
Even though the father may tell himself, “It’s my money, I can do what I like,” the truth is
that his spending is self-centered — it serves his own temporary joy at the cost of the
family’s real needs.
2. Ignoring the future
A spendthrift rarely saves for emergencies. They often think, “We’ll deal with tomorrow
when it comes.” But when a crisis arrives — job loss, illness, or unexpected expenses — they
have nothing to rely on. In such moments, they may have to borrow from friends or
relatives, making others bear the cost of their poor choices.
That’s selfish because their short-term fun forces others to share the burden of their long-
term carelessness.
3. Using generosity as a disguise
Sometimes spendthrifts appear generous — they might treat everyone at a restaurant, buy
expensive gifts, or fund unnecessary events. But this “generosity” often hides a desire for
attention, admiration, or social approval. It’s less about helping others and more about
feeding their own ego.
A simple story to understand the selfishness of a spendthrift
Let’s take the example of Ramesh, a young man who had just started earning.
Every month, on the day he got his salary, Ramesh would head straight to the shopping
mall. He would buy branded shoes, order expensive food, and treat his friends like a king.
His friends loved him for it — who wouldn’t enjoy free dinners?
But here’s the hidden side:
• His parents needed money for medical check-ups.
• His younger sister’s tuition fees were pending.
• He had no savings for emergencies.
At the end of each month, Ramesh would be broke and sometimes even borrow money
from his relatives. Slowly, people began to realise that his “generosity” wasn’t really
kindness — it was just his desire to feel important and stylish in front of others. And when
the family was in trouble, he had nothing to offer them.
In this way, Ramesh’s spending was selfish — not because he was stealing from others, but
because he was ignoring his duties and putting his own thrill above the real needs of those
who depended on him.
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The selfishness is in the consequences
We often think of selfishness as taking something away from others. But in reality,
selfishness can also mean:
• Wasting resources others might need later
• Refusing to think about how actions affect others
• Choosing personal pleasure over shared responsibilities
A spendthrift’s behaviour often matches all three points. Even if they don’t harm anyone
immediately, their spending habits can lead to situations where others are forced to make
sacrifices or help them out.
Another short story for a sharper picture
In a small village lived Meena, a tailor who earned a steady income. She loved dressing in
the latest fashions, so she often bought silk sarees, gold-plated jewellery, and imported
perfumes. Every festival, she would show off her new purchases, earning compliments from
neighbours.
But when her sewing machine broke, she had no money to repair it. She had to ask her
cousin for a loan, promising to return it in two months. The cousin gave her the money but
later faced trouble paying his own children’s school fees because of it.
Meena’s spending habits were not only reckless for herself but also ended up creating
problems for others. The root cause? She valued her own appearance and pride more than
financial security — which is a quiet but clear form of selfishness.
The bigger lesson: why a spendthrift should change
If you look closely, the selfishness of a spendthrift isn’t about greed — it’s about neglect.
They may not intentionally harm anyone, but their inability to control spending means they
fail to meet responsibilities, fail to plan ahead, and sometimes leave others to handle the
consequences of their choices.
True unselfishness means:
• Spending wisely
• Saving for emergencies
• Meeting responsibilities before indulging in luxuries
A person who does this can still enjoy life but will also be dependable and respected.
Final Answer in a nutshell
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A spendthrift is selfish because they prioritise their own momentary pleasure over long-
term responsibilities and the needs of others. Their spending habits, though they may seem
generous, often leave them unprepared for emergencies and dependent on others, thereby
shifting their personal burdens onto family, friends, or society. In short, their carelessness
with money is a hidden form of self-centeredness.
8. What are the different definitions of Democracy proposed in "A Dialogue on
Democracy"? Do they arrive at any final definition?
Ans: A Simple Story to Begin
It was a cool winter evening, and four friends were sitting in a small tea shop near their
college. The topic of discussion was democracy. One of them, Ravi, stirred his tea slowly and
said,
“Everyone keeps talking about democracy, but do we even know what it really means?”
His friends laughed, but soon they all realised — the word was common, but its meaning
was not so simple. This is exactly the situation in “A Dialogue on Democracy”, where
different people share their views about what democracy really is, and through their
discussion, we get several definitions — but also realise that no single one can capture it
fully.
The Scene in “A Dialogue on Democracy”
In this text, there are different participants, each with their own way of defining democracy.
They are not fighting, but politely discussing — almost like a group of friends in a tea shop.
Each person adds their own perspective, based on their understanding of politics, history,
and society.
Let’s go step by step through these different definitions.
1. Democracy as Majority Rule
One speaker says:
“Democracy is a system where the majority rules.”
The idea is simple — people vote, and whichever side gets more votes makes the decision.
This seems fair because it reflects the will of most people.
Example:
Imagine a class deciding whether to go on a picnic or watch a movie. If 25 students vote for
a picnic and 15 vote for a movie, the picnic wins. That’s majority rule.
Strength:
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• It is straightforward and gives power to the people.
Weakness:
• The minority’s voice may be ignored, which can be unfair.
2. Democracy as Government by Discussion
Another speaker believes that democracy is not just about counting votes; it’s about talking
and listening. He says:
• “Democracy is government by discussion.”
This means before decisions are made, people debate, share ideas, and try to understand
each other. It’s like a family meeting where everyone explains their point before deciding
together.
Strength:
• It values reasoning, not just numbers.
Weakness:
• Discussions can take a lot of time and sometimes no final decision is reached.
3. Democracy as Equality
One participant focuses on equality and says:
• “In a democracy, everyone is equal — in rights, in opportunities, in dignity.”
Here, democracy is less about voting and more about ensuring no one is treated as less
important because of caste, wealth, gender, or religion.
Strength:
• Promotes fairness and justice.
Weakness:
• True equality is hard to achieve in real life because of economic and social
differences.
4. Democracy as Liberty
Another speaker says:
“Democracy is the guarantee of liberty.”
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This view emphasises that people should be free to express themselves, criticise the
government, follow their beliefs, and choose their way of life without fear.
Strength:
• Protects personal freedom and creativity.
Weakness:
• Too much freedom without responsibility can lead to chaos.
5. Democracy as the Welfare of the People
One person defines it in terms of results:
• “Democracy is a system that works for the welfare of the people.”
This means democracy should not just be about elections or speeches — it should improve
the lives of citizens, provide education, healthcare, jobs, and a decent standard of living.
Strength:
• Focuses on the actual benefits for people.
Weakness:
• Hard to measure exactly what counts as “welfare” for all.
How the Dialogue Unfolds
As the conversation moves forward in “A Dialogue on Democracy”, each person listens to
others and adds new points. Slowly, they realise that democracy is not just one thing. It is
not only majority rule, only discussion, only equality, or only liberty.
They also notice something important — every definition has strengths but also
weaknesses. If we take just one definition, it will miss some part of the truth.
Why No Final Definition is Agreed Upon
At the end of the dialogue, they don’t arrive at a single “perfect” definition. Instead, they
understand that democracy is a combination of different ideas:
• It needs majority rule to make decisions.
• It must have discussion so decisions are wise, not rushed.
• It must ensure equality so no group feels left out.
• It must protect liberty so people can live freely.
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• It must aim for welfare so everyone’s life improves.
Democracy, they see, is like a multi-flavoured dish — you can’t describe it by naming just
one ingredient.
A Short Story to Summarise
Think of democracy like a big music concert.
• The majority rule is like choosing the main singer based on the audience’s vote.
• Discussion is like the band members talking about the song list before the show.
• Equality is making sure all the musicians get the same chance to perform, no matter
where they come from.
• Liberty is letting each artist sing in their own style.
• Welfare is ensuring the audience enjoys, feels inspired, and leaves happy.
If any one of these is missing, the concert will not be perfect. That’s why the friends in the
dialogue realise — democracy is best understood as a combination of values, not a single
sentence.
Final Understanding
Even though no final single definition is agreed upon, the discussion teaches an important
lesson:
• Democracy is dynamic, meaning it changes with time and situations.
• It is inclusive, meaning it tries to involve everyone.
• It is balanced, meaning it protects both the will of the majority and the rights of the
minority.
The absence of a final definition is not a weakness — it’s actually the beauty of democracy.
It allows space for growth, new ideas, and continuous improvement.
So, like Ravi and his friends in the tea shop, we may never settle on one perfect line to
define democracy. But through talking, listening, and respecting each other, we keep its
spirit alive.
“This paper has been carefully prepared for educational purposes. If you notice any mistakes or
have suggestions, feel free to share your feedback.”
