List of top English Core Questions on Literature

Wars with gas, wars with fire, Victory with no survivors.
(Keeping Quiet)
Pablo Neruda in the above lines highlights the futility of war. Gandhi also brought about the change in the plight of the Champaran sharecroppers through civil disobedience and not violence. Write an article on the importance of peace and the right way to resolve issues.

What was the servants’ reaction to Sadao’s decision of treating the American soldier?

How can you say ‘Students on Ice Programme’ was a step towards the future?

‘Soaf, you really should be sensible!’ What does Jansie’s advice to her friend Sophie reveal about their friendship?

What evidence from the text reveals that Rudyard Kipling did not walk the talk?

‘And such too is the grandeur of the dooms; we have imagined for the mighty dead.’ Explain the inference you can draw from the phrase ‘mighty dead’.

‘See you soon Amma.’ How are these words contrary to the speaker’s emotions?

“I was frightened, but not yet frightened out of my wits.” Says Douglas. Which qualities of the speaker are highlighted in the above statement?

When I sense a flash of it in Mukesh, I am cheered. How is Mukesh’s attitude of life different from that of his family and friends?

(b) Compare the joy that both Edla and Saheb experience after receiving their respective gifts.
{(The Rattrap, Lost Spring)}

“The words that Annan spoke to me that day made a deep impression on me.” What inference do you draw about the bond between Annan and Bama?
{(Memories of Childhood)}

“I must get rid of this man for your sake”. Said Dr. Sadao. How will you describe Dr. Sadao as a husband with reference to the above line?
{(The Enemy)}

Why was Charlie fascinated with Galesburg?
{(The Third Level)}

“Jansie, knowing they were both earmarked for the biscuit factory, became melancholy.” What inference about Jansie’s character is drawn from the above line?
{(Going Places)}

What is Pablo Neruda’s complaint against fishermen?
{(Keeping Quiet)}

The tigers in the panel that she made will go on prancing, proud and unafraid. What is the tone of the poet reflected in the above lines?
{(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)}

“Father laughed, but there was terror in my heart.” What does the above statement speak of the father?
{(Deep Water)}

Explain the inference that can be drawn from the line:
“Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?”
{(The Last Lesson)}

“The boy drank the milk of an English cow… and was tutored in English.” (\textit{The Tiger King})
Write an article using material from the text, on the pros and cons of western influence on Indian society.
You may begin like this: \textit{Indian’s exposure to English language and western influence…}

“It’s got nothing to do with my face and what I look like.” (\textit{On the Face of It})
As Derry, write a diary entry regretting how you wasted your time indulging in self-pity and frustration, and how your encounter with Mr. Lamb transformed your personality.
You may begin like this: \textit{I do really thank my stars for bringing Mr. Lamb into my life…}

Where the peasants are so crushed and fear-stricken, law courts are useless. (\textit{Indigo})
As a motivational speaker, give a speech advising students how to overcome fear and lead a successful life. Use material from the two texts to support your views.
You may begin like this: \textit{Dear Students, The emotion of fear will always interfere and interrupt your path to success…}

“Well I’ll be a manager then – yes, of course – to begin with.” (\textit{Going Places})
Sophie (\textit{Going Places}) lives in a world of fantasy. Douglas (\textit{Deep Water}) faces reality and realizes the importance of learning how to swim. Analyze based on the two texts the importance of doing things rather than mere dreaming. Write an article on how the youth of today must inculcate an attitude of doing rather than dreaming.
You may begin: \textit{The youth today must ……}