Comprehension Check
1: Why did the man stare at Bepin Babu in disbelief?
A: The man stared at Bepin Babu in disbelief because he was shocked that Bepin did not remember their trip to Ranchi together.
Q2: Where did Bepin Babu say he went in October ’58?
A: Bepin Babu claimed that he went to Kanpur in October ’58.
Q3: Mention any three (or more) things that Parimal Ghose knew about Bepin Babu.
A: Parimal Ghose knew that Bepin Babu was a serious man, he enjoyed reading, and they had visited Ranchi together.
Q1: Why did Bepin Babu worry about what Parimal Ghose had said?
A: Bepin Babu worried because if Parimal was right about the trip, it would mean he had forgotten something significant, indicating a possible memory problem.
Q2: How did he try to decide who was right—his memory or Parimal Ghose?
A: He tried to recall his past experiences and went through his memories to see if he could remember the trip to Ranchi.
Q3: Why did Bepin Babu hesitate to visit Mr. Mukerji? Why did he finally decide to phone him?
A: He hesitated because he was uncertain about his memory but eventually decided to phone Mr. Mukerji due to increasing anxiety about his memory loss.
Q4: What did Mr. Mukerji say? Did it comfort Bepin Babu, or add to his worries?
A: Mr. Mukerji confirmed that Bepin had indeed been to Ranchi, which added to Bepin’s worries instead of comforting him.
Q1: Who was Chunilal? What did he want from Bepin Babu?
A: Chunilal was an old acquaintance of Bepin Babu who wanted financial help from him.
Q2: Why was Dr. Chanda puzzled? What was unusual about Bepin Babu’s loss of memory?
A: Dr. Chanda was puzzled because Bepin’s memory loss seemed selective; he remembered many things except the trip to Ranchi.
Q1: Had Bepin Babu really lost his memory and forgotten all about a trip to Ranchi?
A: No, Bepin Babu had not truly lost his memory; he had simply denied the trip, leading him to believe he had forgotten it.
Q2: Why do you think Chunilal did what he did? Chunilal says he has no money; what is it that he does have?
A: Chunilal tricked Bepin to get his attention and help, indicating that he had friendship and trust but lacked financial stability.
Working with Text
Q1: What evidence supports that Bepin Babu is a serious and hardworking man?
A: Bepin Babu is described as meticulous in his work and uninterested in frivolous matters, showcasing his seriousness and dedication.
Q2: Why did Bepin Babu change his mind about meeting Chunilal? What was the result of this meeting?
A: Bepin changed his mind due to a sense of guilt; the meeting revealed Chunilal’s financial struggles, prompting Bepin to reconsider his stance on helping him.
Q3: Why do you think Bepin Babu lost consciousness at Hudroo Falls?
A: Bepin likely lost consciousness due to stress, shock from his memory confusion, or physical exhaustion.
Q4: How do you think Bepin Babu reacted when he found out that Chunilal had tricked him?
A: Bepin may have felt a mix of anger and betrayal, but he also likely understood Chunilal’s intentions and might have felt sympathy for him.
Working with Language
Q1: Fill in the blanks using ‘had to’/ ‘have to’/ ‘has to’:
(i) I have to cut my hair every month.
(ii) We had to go for swimming lessons last year.
(iii) She has to tell the principal the truth.
(iv) They had to take the baby to the doctor.
(v) We had to complain to the police about the noise.
(vi) Romit had to finish his homework before he could come out to play.
(vii) I had to repair my cycle yesterday.
Exploring Idioms from the Story
Instructions: Below are a few idioms that you will find in the story. Follow the steps to understand their meanings better.
- Arrange the Idioms: First, arrange the idioms in the order in which you would find them in a dictionary. (Clue: An idiom is usually listed under the first noun, verb, adjective, or adverb in it. Ignore articles or prepositions in the idiom). To help you, we have put in bold the word under which you must look for the idiom in the dictionary.
- (i) at/from close quarters (close: adjective)
- (ii) break into a smile (break: verb; look under ‘break into something’)
- (iii) carry on (carry: verb)
- (iv) have a clean record (you may find related meanings under both these words)
- (v) beat about the bush (verb)
- Find Their Meanings: Now refer to your dictionary and find out what they mean.
Answers:
- (i) At/from close quarters: To stand near somebody to observe something about him.
- (ii) Break into a smile: To suddenly smile at another person.
- (iii) Carry on: To continue in a process.
- (iv) Have a clean record: To keep something documented for reference.
- (v) Beat about the bush: Not to say something directly or to avoid getting to the point.
3. Study the sentences in the columns below
Comparison of Sentences
Q(i) : Which column tells us that Bepin Babu is still working at the same place?
A: Column B.
Q(ii): Which column suggests that Chunilal is now waiting for a reply from the publisher?
A: Column B.
Q(iii): Which column suggests that the person still remembers the movie he saw?
A: Column A.
Q(iv): Which column suggests that the experience of visiting Ranchi is still fresh in the speaker’s mind?
A: Column B.
Jumbled Sentences
Q4: Rearrange the following jumbled sentences to form correct sentences with idioms:
(i) Jumbled: Stop and tell me beating about what you want the bush.
Answer: Stop beating about the bush and tell me what you want.
Idiom: beating about the bush: avoiding the main topic.
(ii) Jumbled: If you don’t pay attention, you might the wrong train to board the announcement.
Answer: If you don’t pay attention, you might board the wrong train.
Idiom: pay attention: to listen or focus on something.
(iii) Jumbled: The villagers tried the crime on the young woman to pin.
Answer: The villagers tried to pin the crime on the young woman.
Idiom: pin the crime on someone: to accuse someone of a crime.
(iv) Jumbled: Bepin Babu orders to telling people under doctor’s that he was loved eat early.
Answer: Bepin Babu loved telling people under doctor’s orders to eat early.
Idiom: under doctor’s orders: following a doctor’s instructions.
(v) Jumbled: The teacher raised his eyebrows when the students said that all their lessons they had revised.
Answer: The teacher raised his eyebrows when the students said that they had revised all their lessons.
Idiom: raised eyebrows: expressed surprise or disbelief.
Speaking and Writing
Q1: What do you think happened after Bepin Babu came to know the truth?
A: After learning the truth, Bepin Babu likely felt a mix of anger and regret for not helping Chunilal. He may have reached out to mend their friendship.
Q2: Imagine you are Bepin Choudhury. Write a letter to Chunilal promising to help him soon.
A:
Dear Chunilal,
I hope this letter finds you well. I have been reflecting on our recent conversation and am truly sorry for not being there when you needed me. I want to assure you that I will help you soon. Please let me know how I can assist you during this time.
Take care,
Bepin Choudhury.
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