Tuesday, 19 November 2024

BONKU BABU'S FRIEND: MULTIPLE CHOICE & PASSAGE BASED QUESTION ANSWERS

 
ASSIGNMENTS
 
A. Text-based Multiple Choice Questions
 
Answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate options.
 
1. Select the option that shows the correct relationship between statement (1) and statement (2).
 
1. Bonku Babu was a timid fellow.
 
2. He did not protest against his constant bullying by others
 
(a) 1 is independent of 2
 
(b) 1 is a contradiction of 2
 
(c) 1 is an example of 2
 
(d) 1 is the cause for 2.
Ans. (d) 1 is the cause for 2.
 
2. "Consider his looks not to mention his brains yes, Bunkum would be the ideal specimen!"
 
Which of the following words best describes the speaker's tone?
 
(a) frustrated
 
(b) satirical
 
(c) ironic
 
(d) irritated
Ans. (b) satirical
 
3. Choose the option that lists the sequence of events in the correct order.
 
1. One day Bonku Babu had a meeting with an Alien Ang.
2. Bonku Babu continued to be bullied by one and all because he never retaliated.
3. Bonku Babu went to Sripati Babu's house and surprised everyone with his bold and sarcastic comments.
4. Ang advised him to stand up against any injustice.
 
(a) 2,3,4,1
 
(b) 1,2,3,4
 
(c) 2.1.4.3
 
(d) 2. 1, 3, 4
Ans. (c) 2.1.4.3
 
4. Ang's words of advice made Bonku Babu feel.........
 
1. ambitious
 
2. bold
 
3. confident
 
4. frustrated
 
(a) Only 1
 
(b) Only 4
 
(c) 3 and 4
 
(d) 2 and 3Ans. (d) 2 and 3
 
 
5. 'In the same instant, the cup fell from Ramkanai's hand, shattering to pieces, and splattering hot tea on most of the others.
 
Which of the following statements, shows the reason for what Ramkanai did?
 
(a) Ramkanal forgot what he was doing.
 
(b) He lost his senses.
 
(c) He was so shocked by Bonku Babu's behaviour that he lost self-control.
 
(d) He had a fit of epilepsy.
Ans. (c) He was so shocked by Bonku Babu's behaviour that he lost self-control.
 
 
6. Bonku Babu had been teaching geography and Bengali at a village school for the last
 
(a) ten years
 
(b) two years
 
(d) twenty two years
 
Ans. (d) twenty two years
 
7. Bonku enjoyed telling his students stories about
 
(a) life in Africa
 
(b) discovery of the North Pole
 
(c) the fish in Brazil that ate human flesh
 
Ans. (d) all of the above
 
8. As Bonku was passing under a tamarind tree he was attacked by
 
(a) some dacoits
 
(b) a ghost
 
(c) men of Sripati Majumdar
 
(d) a spook
Ans. (d) a spook
 
9. The moving point of light seen by the residents of Kankurgachhi three months ago turned out to be......
 
(a) a shooting star
 
(b) a Russain satellite called Khotka
 
(c) a Chinese satellite
 
(d) an American spaceship
Ans. (b) a Russain satellite called Khotka
 
 
10. Bonku Babu was the first person to spot the strange light but another got the credit for it. Who was that person?
 
(a) Sripati Majumdar
 
(b) Chandi Babu
 
(c) Nidhu Babu
 
(d) Ramkanai
Ans. (c) Nidhu Babu
 
11. According to Sripati Babu if someone from a different planet came to earth, he would land in
 
(a) India
 
(c) USA
 
(b) some eastern country
 
(d) some western country
Ans. (d) some western country
 
 
12. The object that Bonku saw behind the pond looked like a big
 
(a) satellite
(b) glass bowl turned upside down
(c) mountain
(d) a tomb
Ans. (b) glass bowl turned upside down
 
13. The eyes of the alien were
 
(a) round and bright yellow
(b) shining red
(c) small and lustreless
(d) all of the above
Ans. (d) all of the above
 
14. The alien had landed on the Earth by mistake. Where was he supposed to go?
 
(a) Mars
(b) Jupiter
(c) Venus
(d) Pluto
Ans. (d) Pluto
 
15. The Alien named Ang had come down to earth from the planet
 
(a) Saturn
(b) Neptune
(c) Craneus
 
 
(d) Uranus
Ans. (c) Craneus
 
16. The small object, which looked like a pebble, the object which Ang showed to Bonku could
 
(a) kill the enemy
 
(b) make Ang a millionaire
(c) make an enemy powerless
(d) make Bonku very powerful
 
Ans. (c) make an enemy powerless
 
 
B. Answer the following questions by choosing the correct answer from the options given below:
 
1. The name of the alien was:
 
a. Sripati
 
b. Ang
 
c. Bonku
 
d. Bunkum
 
Ans. b. Ang
 
2. What does the word apparition mean?
 
a. alien
 
b. appearance
 
c. ghost
 
d. creature
 
Ans. c. ghost
 
3. Why was it difficult to imagine what Bonku Babu might say or do even when others played pranks on him?
 
a. He was never cross.
 
b. He was cross.
 
c. No one had ever seen him being crossed.
 
d. There was reason for him to be cross.
 
Ans. a. He was never cross.
 
4. Which tradition never changed at the school where Bonku Babu was a teacher?
 
a. The tradition of drawing on the blackboard
 
b. The tradition of teasing Bonku Babu
 
c. The tradition of lighting crackers.
 
d. The tradition of new students replacing joining each year.
 
Ans. b. The tradition of teasing Bonku Babu
 
5. Choose the sentence which tells us that sometimes Bonku Babu did get upset with the pranksters at school?
 
a.’ Bonku Babu did not get upset by any of this.’
 
b. ‘Only sometimes he cleared his throat and said Shame on you, boys!’
 
c. ‘He told them about his life in Africa.’
 
d. ‘He told them, I have been to the North Pole.’
 
Ans. b. Only sometimes he cleared his throat and said Shame on you, boys!
 
6. What prank did the boys play on Bonku Babu on Kali Puja night?
 
a. The boys lit fireworks.
 
b. The boys put glue on his chair.
 
c. The boys lit a chasing rocket and set it off to chase him.
 
d. Bonku Babu continued teaching
 
Ans. The boys lit a chasing rocket and set it off to chase him.
 
7. What indication is given in the story to show that Bonku Babu was conscious of his age?
 
a. He knew it would be difficult to find another job.
 
b He did not lose his temper
 
c. There were good students in his class.
 
d. He has memories of his past.
 
Ans. a. He knew it would be difficult to find another job.
 
8. What did Bonku Babu do on weekend nights?
 
a. He went to resolve some legal matters.
 
b. He put up with the pranks of the boys.
 
c. He kept his mouth shut.
 
d. He went to the lawyer, Sripati Majumdar's house to spend the evenings with others.
 
Ans. d. He went to the lawyer, Sripati Majumdar's house to spend the evenings with others.
 
9. What unusual thing did Bonku Babu do at Sripati Majumdar's house one evening!
 
a. He spoke up.
 
b. He spilled the tea.
 
c. He fought with the others.
 
d. He was frightened by ghosts.
 
Ans. a. He spoke up.
 
 
C. Comprehension Passages
 
Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
 
PASSAGE-1
 
It was not as if there was never any reason for him to lose his temper. For the last twenty-two years, Bonku Babu had taught Geography and Bengali at the Kankurgacchi Village Primary School. Every year a new batch of students replaced the old one, but old or new, the tradition of teasing poor Bonku Babu continued among all the students. Some drew his cartoon on the blackboard, others put glue on his chair; or, on the night of Kali Puja, they lit a chasing rocket and set it off right behind him.
 
Bonku Babu did not get upset by any of this. Only sometimes, he cleared his throat and said, "Shame on you, boys!"
 
(i) What encouraged the students to tease Bonku Babu?
 
(ii) Which tradition continued among the students?
 
(iii) The students teased Bonku Babu in different ways. What were they?
 
(iv) How did Bonku Babu sometimes lightly condemn the students?
 
(v) What impression do you form of Bonku Babu?
 
Ans. (i) Bonku Babu was calm and composed, and he rarely showed anger or annoyance. He was timid, and didn't stand up for himself due to his job in a private school. He was considered weak and a coward by some. Taking advantage of his helpless circumstances, the students teased him.
 
Ans. (ii) The tradition of teasing Bonku Babu continued among the students despite the arrival of new batches of students. Students teased him in various ways, including drawing his picture on the blackboard, putting glue on his chair, and setting off a “chasing rocket” to chase him. He would sometimes say, “Shame on you, boys!”
 
Ans. (iii) The students teased Bonku Babu in several ways, such as drawing his picture on the blackboard, putting glue on his chair, lighting a “chasing rocket” and setting it off to chase him.
 
Ans. (iv) Bonku Babu was a school teacher who was often the target of pranks and mockery by his students. When the students played pranks on him, instead of getting angry with them, he would usually just say "Shame on you boys!"
 
Ans. (v) Bonku is known for being charming, witty, and intelligent. He is also a good storyteller, and is able to solve mysteries that others find difficult. He is kind, generous and compassionate. He helps others without expecting anything in return. Before meeting Ang, the alien, he is portrayed as introverted and isolated, and is more interested in his scientific pursuits than social interactions. After meeting Ang, he becomes more open-minded, bold and outspoken, and is willing to face the situations confidently.
 
PASSAGE-2
 
Only the other day - less than two months ago they were talking about ghosts. Usually, Bonku Babu kept his mouth shut. That day for some unknown reason, he opened it and declared that he was not afraid of ghosts, that was all! But it was enough to offer a golden opportunity to the others. On his way back home later that night, Bonku Babu was attacked by a spook. As he was passing under a tamarind tree, a tall thin figure leapt down and landed on his back. As it happened this apparition had smeared black ink all over itself possibly at the suggestion of someone at the meeting.
 
(i)  What did Bonku Babu declare in the group?
 
(ii)  What offered a golden opportunity and to whom? What did they plan?
 
(iv)  Who do you think was the lean, thin figure that landed on Bonku's back?
 
(v) Why could Bonku Babu not recognise the apparition?
 
(vi) How did this encounter with the ghost affect Bonku Babu?
 
Ans (i) Bonku Babu declared that he wasn’t afraid of ghosts.
 
Ans. (ii) Bonku Babu’s statement about not fearing ghosts presented a golden opportunity for the others. Likely, they planned to prank him with a fake ghost encounter.
 
Ans. (iii) The text doesn’t explicitly name the figure, but it suggests it was someone from the gathering, appearing like a ‘spook’, possibly inspired by their discussion about ghosts. The use of black ink indicates that it was a planned prank.
 
Ans. (iv) The darkness and the surprise attack perhaps prevented Bonku Babu from recognizing the figure. Additionally, the black ink smeared all over the figure would further disguise their identity.
 
Ans. (v) Bonku Babu was not particularly frightened, but injured. He injured his neck when the spook jumped on him. Worst of all, his new kurta was torn and had black stains all over it.
 
PASSAGE-3
 
Even, so, Bonku Babu had to come to these meetings. If he didn't, what would Sripati Babu think? Not only was he a very important man in the school committre and in the village, but he couldn't do without Bonku Babu who could provide amusement to all. On one particular day, the topic of conversation was space - in other words, they were talking about spaceships and space travel.
 
(i) Why was the presence of Bonku Babu important in the meetings at Sripet's house?
 
(ii) Bonku came even though he didn't want to come. Why?
Ans. Bonku Babu attends the meetings despite disliking them because he fears Sripati Babu’s disapproval. Sripati holds a powerful position in the school committee and village, possibly influencing Bonku Babu’s job security. Additionally, Bonku might feel a social obligation or fear being ostracized further if he doesn’t attend.
 
(iii) Why was Bonku so afraid of Sripati Majumdar?
Ans. Sripati Babu’s importance in the school committee and village likely translates to power over Bonku Babu’s professional life. Fearing job loss or negative influence on his career prospects compels Bonku to be subservient and endure the group’s amusement at his expense.
 
 
(iv) Sometimes Bonku tried to keep away from this group. Why?
Ans. The extract suggests Bonku dislikes being the target of amusement. He likely feels uncomfortable, embarrassed, and possibly humiliated by the jokes about his speech. This motivates him to avoid the group at times. 
 
(v) One day what topic came up for conversation? What were the views of most of the persons?
Ans. The topic that came up for conversation that day was space, specifically spaceships and space travel. Chandi Babu represents a skeptical viewpoint, dismissing the sighting of the light and space exploration as “humbug” (nonsense). Most of the group didn’t have much knowledge about satellites, suggesting they weren’t deeply invested in understanding the technology.
Ramkanai, being younger, offered a more positive view, acknowledging the accomplishment of space travel as a human feat.
 
 
PASSAGE-4
 
Everyone agreed, with the sole exception of Bonku Babu. Chandi Babu decided to take things a bit further. He nudged Nidhu Babu silently, pointed at Bonku Babu and spoke innocently: "Why, I think Bonku is quite right. Isn't it natural that aliens should want to come to a place where there's a man like our Bonkubihari ? If they wanted to take away a human specimen, could they find anything better?"
 
"No, I don't think so!" Nidhu Babu joined in.
"Consider his looks, not to mention his brains …. yes. Bunkum would be the ideal specimen!
 
"Right. Suitable for keeping in a museum or a zoo. Ramkanai chipped in.
 
 
 
(i) What had Sripati Babu said to which almost all agreed?
Ans. Sripati Babu was of the opinion that aliens were not fools to land in a place like Kankurgachhi. They were sahibs and so they would land in a western country where all sahibs lived. All agreed with him with the sole exception of Bonku Babu.
 
 (ii) Who nudged Nidhu Babu? Why?
 
(iii) When Chandi Babu says “I think Bonku is quite right’, does he mean it? In which tone he speaks?
Ans. No, Chandi Babu doesn’t mean it. He speaks in a sarcastic tone to further ridicule Bonku Babu.
 
(iv) For what would Bonku Babu be suitable according to Ram Kanai?
Ans. Ram Kanai thinks Bonku Babu would be suitable for a museum or zoo exhibit.
 
(v) What impression do you form of the speakers participating in the discussion?
Ans. The speakers come across as insensitive and cruel. They make fun of Bonku Babu presumed, highlighting their own lack of empathy and understanding.
 
PASSAGE-5
 
Bonku Babu did not reply, but wondered silently if anyone were to actually look for a specimen, weren't the others just as suitable? Look at Sripati Babu. His chin was so much like a camel's. And that Bhairav Chakravarty, his eyes were like the eyes of a tortoise. Nidhu Babu looked like a rat, Ramkanai like a goat, and Chandi Babu like a flittermouse. If a zoo really had to be filled up…..!
 
Tears sprang to his eyes. Bonku Babu had come to the meeting hoping, for once, to enjoy himself. That was clearly not to be. He could not stay here any longer. He got up to his feet.
 
(i) Did Bonku Babu reply to the derogatory remarks of the regulars? Why?
Ans. Bonku Babu was a timid and meek person. He wished to avoid conflict at all costs. He avoided replying to the regulars’ derogatory remarks likely because he was used to such treatment and knew arguing won’t change anything.
 
(ii) What did Bonku think about Bhairav Chakravarty?
Ans. Bonku believes Bhairav Chakravarty’s eyes resembled a tortoise’s, implying slowness or lack of intelligence.
 
(iii) According to Bonku how could a zoo be filled up?
Ans. Bonku Babu humorously imagined the gathering as a collection of “specimens” suitable for a zoo based on their exaggerated physical features. Sripati Babu as a camel, Bhairav Babu as a tortoise, Nidhu Babu as a rat, Ramkanai as a goat, and Chandi Babu as a flittermouse. 
 
(iv) Why had Bonku come to the meeting?
Ans. Bonku attended the meeting hoping to enjoy himself and socialize, a rare desire for him.
 
 
(v) How did Bonku Babu feel?
 
PASSAGE-6
 
Puzzled, Bonku Babu walked another twenty yards, and then he suddenly saw the light. At first, he thought that a fire had broken out. Bang in the middle of the bamboo grove, in the clearing near a small pond quite a large area was glowing pink. A dull light shone on every branch and every leaf. Down below, the ground behind the pond was lit by a much stronger pink light. But it was not a fire, for it was still.
 
Bonku Babu kept moving.
 
(i) Which light is referred to in the second line?
 
(1) Why did Bonku think that a fire had broken out?
 
(1) How did the ground behind the pond look?
 
(iv) What could be seen in the middle of the bamboo grove? How did it impact every branch and every leaf?
 
(v) What effect did the noise have on Bonku Babu? Why did he move forward?
 
PASSAGE-7
 
Through that door emerged a head-like a plain, smooth ball - and then the body of a weird creature. Its arms and legs were amazingly thin. With the exception of its head, its whole body was covered by a shiny, pink outfit. Instead of ears, it had tiny holes on each side of its head. On the face were two holes where there should have been a nose, and another gaping hole instead of a mouth. There was no sign of hair anywhere. Its eyes were round and bright yellow. They appeared to be glowing in the dark.
 
(i) Who came out of the strange object? 
Ans. The extract describes a strange creature emerging from an unspecified object. The creature is an alien named Ang.
 
(ii) How did that creature look? 
Ans. The creature is described as having a smooth, ball-like head with thin limbs. Its entire body, except for the head, is covered in a shiny pink outfit. It lacks hair, ears, a nose, and a mouth, with only holes where those features would be. Its bright yellow eyes seem to glow in the dark.
 
(iii) What did it have instead of ears? 
Ans. The creature doesn’t have traditional ears. Instead, it has tiny holes on either side of its head, possibly serving as auditory receptors.
 
(iv) Describe the face of the ‘person’. 
Ans. The text avoids calling it a “person.” Its face is described as having two holes for a nose and a single large opening in place of a mouth. It lacks any facial features except for the glowing yellow eyes.
 
(v) What did the strange creature do after coming out of that object? 
Ans. After coming out, the creature walked slowly towards Bonku Babu and stopped a few feet away, staring at him. 
 
PASSAGE-8
 
Bonku Babu did not know what to say. He was feeling quite uncomfortable, for the creature had reached out and was examining Bonku Babu's arms and legs with its long, bony fingers. When it finished, it introduced itself. "I am Ang from the planet Craneus. A far superior being than man.
 
"What! This creature, barely four feet tall, with such thin limbs and weird face, was superior to man? Bonku Babu nearly burst out laughing. Ang read his mind immediately. "There's no need to be so skeptical. I can prove it. How many languages do you know?"
 
Bonku Babu scratched his head. "Bengali, English and….er…. Hindi ….a little Hindi ….I mean ……”
 
(i) What made Bonku Babu feel uncomfortable?
 
(ii) What did the creature tell Bonku about himself?
Ans. The creature who is an alien named Ang, told Bonku Babu he was superior to man.
 
(iii) How did Bonku react when the creature told him that he was a more superior being than man?
Ans. Bonku Babu almost laughed at the creature’s claim of superiority.
 
(iv) How did the strange creature prove that he was much superior to Bonku Babu?
Ans. Ang proved his superiority by stating that he knew 14,000 languages.
 
(v) How many languages did the creature know? What more did he tell about himself?
Ans. The question about languages suggests the creature knows more than the three Bonku Babu struggles to list. The alien Ang knew about 14,000 languages. He also revealed that he was 833 years old, which is remarkably old by human standards. Additionally, he had visited 25 different planets across the solar system, exposing him to many different civilizations and languages over his long lifetime.
 
PASSAGE-9
 
For the last twenty-two years, Bonku Babu had taught geography and Bengali at the Kankurgachhi Village Primary School. Every year, a new batch of students replaced the old one, but old or new, the tradition of teasing poor Bonku Babu continued among all the students.
 
(i) What in the extract shows that the students were teasing Bonku Babu for a long time?
 
Ans. The line "old or new, the tradition of teasing poor Bonku Babu continued among all the students shows that the students were teasing Bonku Babu for a long time.
 
(ii) What form of teasing was used by his students?
 
Ans. The students teased Bonku Babu in various ways. Some drew his cartoon on the blackboard, others put glue on his chair; or, on the night of Kali Puja, they lit a chasing-rocket and set it off right behind him. However, Bonku Babu did not get upset by any of this and remained unperturbed
 
(iii) How did Bonku Babu react to the teasing by the students?
 
Ans. In spite of being teased and ridiculed by the students, Bonku Babu did not scream or punish them rather he would lightly condemn them by saying, "Shame on you, boys!" Bonku Babu did not get upset by any of the teasing and remained calm and unperturbed.
 
(iv) According to Bonku Babu what made his life as a teacher worth living?
 
Ans. In every class there were good students, who made teaching them a joy for him and his life as a teacher worth living. Bonku Babu often invited the good students to his house, offered them snacks and toldthem tales of foreign lands and exciting adventures.
 
(v) Why did Bonku Babu put up with the teasing?
 
Ans. In spite of being ridiculed and made fun of by his students, Bonku Babu neither reacted heavily nor left the school because he knew that he would not get another job easily at his age. Secondly, in every class there were also good students, who made teaching them a joy for him.
 
PASSAGE - 10
 
That particular evening, Bonku Babu was the first to spot the strange light. Then he called Nidhu Babu and showed it to him. However, when he arrived at the meeting, he found that Nidhu Babu had coolly claimed full credit for being the first person to see it, and was boasting a great deal about it. Bonku Babu said nothing.
 
(i) Why did Nidhu Babu say that he was the first person to spot the strange light? What does it show about his character?
 
Ans. Nidhu Babu said he was the first person to spot the strange light because he wanted to boast of it and gain importance and he knew Bonku Babu would never refute it. This shows that Nidhu Babu was a shallow minded, sly and cunning person who liked to take credit for something which he did not deserve..
 
(ii) What does Bonku Babu's silence show about his character?
 
Ans. Bonku Babu's silence shows that he was meek and did not like to antagonise anyone. He would allow others to bully him. He was a non-confrontational individual who preferred to avoid conflicts. Additionally, it suggests that he was humble and not concerned with taking credit for his observations.
 
(iii) Later why did they change the topic of satellites?
 
Ans. No one amongst the people, gathered at Sripati Babu's house, knew anything about the satellites except Bonku Babu who was too meek to offer his opinion. But, in spite of not knowing it, they did not stop offering their veiws on it. There was disagreement between Chandi Babu and Ramkanai. They changed the topic of satellites because Chandi Babu expressed doubt about the hype surrounding a point of light in the sky. Thus Nidhu Babu changed the topic of the satellite to rockets and said that a satellite is just like a spinning top.
 
(iv) What did Ramkanai say about human achievement?
 
Ans. Ramkanai remarked that it might not be any of them but surely a great human achievement. Ramkanai recognized and appreciated the achievement of launching a satellite into the space. He believed that the discovery of a satellite in the space is a significant accomplishment for the humanity.
 
(v) What is the prospect of a rocket landing in a village? Why? What was Bonku Babu's view on this?
 
Ans. The prospect of a rocket landing in the village was discussed among a group of people, including Bonku Babu, who believed that it was unlikely to happen because rockets were not a common occurrence in their area, and they also did not see any practical purpose or benefit for a rocket to land in their village.
 
PASSAGE - 11
 
"I am Ang from the planet Craneus. A far superior being to man." What! This creature, barely four feet tall, with such thin limbs and weird face, was superior to man? Bonku Babu neatly burst out laughing. Ang read his mind immediately. There's no need to be so skeptical. I can prove it. How many languages do you know?
 
(i) Who was Ang? Describe his appearance according to the extract.
 
Ans. Ang was a creature from the planet, Craneus. He had a plain, smooth and ball shaped head, and was barely four feet tall with thin limbs. He wore a shiny, pink outfit that covered his whole body. Instead of ears, he had tiny holes on each side of his head, and he had round, bright yellow eyes which appeared to be glowing in the dark like embers. Instead of a nose, he had two holes on his face and there was a gaping hole instead of a mouth. It was completely hairless.
 
(ii) Why does he say he is superior to human beings?
 
Ans. Ang claims to be superior to human beings due to his extraordinary abilities that surpass those of humans. He possesses a vast knowledge of 14.000 languages, including thirty-one languages spoken on planets outside our system, and has travelled to 25 different planets. He also boasts of possessing advanced technology that enables him to travel through space, which suggests that he has access to technology that humans do not have. He said he was 833 years old and was a vegetarian.
 
(iii) What does Ang say about his knowledge of languages?
 
Ans. Ang claimed to have the knowledge of 14,000 languages, including every language in the solar system and thirty-one languages spoken on planets outside of the system. He had travelled to 25 different planets.
 
(iv) How does Bonku react when Ang greeted him?
 
Ans. Ang introduced himself and greeted by saying that he was from planet Craneus and was far superior to humans. It was impossible for Bonku Babu to believe that this creature, barely four feet tall, with such thin limbs and a weird face was superior to man and he nearly burst out laughing.
 
(v) Compare Ang and Bonku Babu.
 
Ans. Ang was an alien from the planet Craneus. He had knowledge of 14,000 languages, including every language in the solar system and thirty-one languages spoken on planets outside of the system. He had travelled to 25 different planets. He was barely four feet tall, with thin limbs and a weird face considered himself superior to man because he possessed very advanced technology. He was 833 years old and a vegetarian.
 
Bonku Babu on the other hand was extremely meek and had never travelled outside his village. He was a teacher of geography and Bengali in the village school and had never handled any technology. He knew only Bengali and a little English. Despite being taller than Ang, he did not have his confidence and intelligence. He allowed his students and his associated to bully him.
 
PASSAGE - 12
 
Bonku Babu peered through the glass, and felt all his hair rise. Could this be true? Could he really believe his eyes? Before him stretched an endless expanse of snow, dotted with large hillocks, also covered with ice and snow. Above him, against a deep blue sky, all the colours of a rainbow were forming different patterns, changing every second. The Aurora Borealis! What was that? An igloo. There was a group of polar bears. Wait, there was another animal. A strange, peculiar creature…
 
(i) What did Bonku Babu think he wanted to see?
 
Ans. Bonku Babu believed that there were numerous places to explore within Bengal that he hadn't had the opportunity to visit, such as the snow-covered Himalayas, the seashore in Digha, the forests in the Sunderbans, and even the renowned banyan tree in the Botanical Gardens of Shibpur Although he would love to see all of these places, his top priority was to visit the North Pole because he originated from a warm country and had never seen snow.
 
(ii) What was the glass? Who gave it to Bonku Babu? Why?
 
Ans. The passage makes reference to a "glass" which is a little tube having one end sealed with a glass that Ang bestowed upon Bornku Babu for him to peer through. Utilizing this tube, he beheld extraordinary and marvellous spectacles, such as the Aurora Borealis comprising all the colours of a rainbow forming different patterns, changing every second, polar bears, walruses, and a dense forest in Brazil. Ang provided him with the tube with the intention of enabling him to encounter these sights and broaden his perception of the world beyond his previous limited experience.
 
(iii) What was the strange peculiar creature?
 
Ans. Bonku Babu caught sight of a bizarre and distinctive creature through the glass, which happened to be a walrus. He witnessed two of these creatures fiercely battling, exhibiting their bared tusks and ferociously attacking each other. The tusks were described to be as sizeable as radishes, and both animals were causing significant harm to one another, with vivid streams of red blood running on the soft, white snow. The graphic and vibrant portrayal of the scene caused Bonku Babu to perspire, even though he was merely peering through a small glass tube.
 
(iv) When Ang mentioned Brazil what was the first thought that came to Bonku Babu? What does it show about Bonku Babu's character?
 
Ans. When Ang mentioned Brazil, Bonku Babu's initial thought was of piranhas, the deadly flesh-eating fish. This demonstrates that Bonku Babu was highly impressionable and was influenced by his surroundings, the things he heard or read about. He was highly imaginative, tended to focus on the unfavourable aspects of things. Furthermore, it also highlights his inquisitive nature and his eagerness to acquire knowledge, as he had read about piranhas and was well- informed about their reputation as dangerous predators.
 
(v) After watching through the tube for some time, why could not Bonku Babu bear to watch anymore? What did Ang ask after Bonku Babu watched through the instrument?
 
Ans. After watching through the tube for some time, Bonku Babu was unable to continue viewing any more since the scenes were exceedingly intense and overpowering, causing his limbs to tremble, and his head to reel painfully. Subsequently, Ang inquired whether Bonku Babu was content with what he had witnessed, to which he nodded and expressed that it was beyond his imagination. Ang then offered to allow Bonku Babu to take the instrument with him and view anything he wished to observe later on in his leisure time.
 
PASSAGE - 13
“Very well. Look, I have been observing you. And I have examined your arms and legs. You belong to a much inferior species. There is no doubt about that. However, as human beings go, you are not too bad. I mean, you are a good man. But you have a major fault. You are much too meek and mild. That is why you have made so little progress in life. You must always speak up against injustice, and protest if anyone hurts or insults you without any provocation. To take things quietly is wrong, not just for man, but for any creature anywhere. Anyway, it was nice to have met you although I wasn't really supposed to be here at this time. There's no point in wasting more time on your Earth. I had better go."
 
(i) According to Ang what was Bonku Babu's major fault? Why did Ang say that Bonku Babu made little progress in life?
 
Ans. Ang identified Bonku Babu's prominent flaw was his meek and mild demeanour due to which everyone bullied and teased him. Ang believed that Bonku Babu needed to speak out against injustice and object if anyone insulted or bullied him without reason. Ang stated that being passive was wrong not only for humans but for any other creature, anywhere. Ang concluded that Bonku Babu's meekness and mildness were the reasons for his limited progress in life.
 
(ii) What did Ang advise Bonku Babu to do if anyone hurt him without any provocation?
 
Ans. Ang recommended that Bonku Babu should speak out against unfairness and object if anyone insulted or harmed him without any reason. Ang indicated that remaining silent was incorrect, not just for humans but for any other creature in any place. Ang advised him not to tolerate nonsense and to speak up against injustice.
 
(iii) Why did Ang leave the place in a hurry?
 
Ans. Ang departed from the planet in a hurry because he had to travel to planet Pluto. It was only due to a problem with the spaceship that he had ended up on Earth. Furthermore, he believed that spending more time on Earth was pointless. Since he had already achieved his objective of having a conversation with Bonku Babu and offering him guidance, he swiftly boarded his spaceship and departed without any further delay.
 
(iv) State whether Ang really existed or was a literary device to show one's self confidence.
 
Ans. The absence of any evidence of human encounters, physical proof and any photographic evidence with extraterrestrial beings leads one to doubt the existence of Ang in this fictional narrative. However, the author's underlying message remains clear that we must never submit to wrongdoing. On the other hand, we should stand up for our rights by refusing to tolerate any injustice.
 
(v) How did Bonku Babu take Ang's advice? What was its result?
 
Ans. Ang identified Bonku Babu's prominent flaw as his meek and mild demeanour due to which everyone bullied and teased him. Ang believed that Bonku Babu needed to speak out against injustice and object if anyone insulted or bullied him without reason. Ang stated that being passive was not only wrong for humans but for any other creature, anywhere. Ang concluded that Bonku Babu's meekness and mildness were the reasons for his limited progress in life.
 
Project Work Topics
 
1. Why did Everyone Tease Bonku Babu?
 
Ans. Bonku Babu was a meek and timid man who was scared of losing his job as a teacher of Geography and Bengali at the Kankurgachhi Village Primary School. Every year, a new batch of students replaced the old one, but old or new, the tradition of teasing and harassing poor Bonku Babu continued among all the students. Some drew his cartoon on the blackboard, others put glue on his chair; or, on the night of Kali Puja, they lit a chasing-rocket and set it off right behind him. Bonku Babu did not get upset by any of this. Only sometimes, he cleared his throat and said, "Shame on you, boys!" He had no option but to tolerate all this, for he knew that he could not even think of resigning or losing his job because at his age he would find it very difficult to get another job.
 
On weekends Bonku Babu visited the house of the lawyer, Sripati Majumdar along with other regulars and they partook of tea while chatting. But even these adults poked fun at Bonku Babu and made him the butt of their jokes. They ridiculed and humiliated him but he never retaliated. They would hide his shoes and umbrella. They nicknamed him Bunkum and one night played a prank by disguising as a ghost and jumping on him as he passed under a banyan tree. Bonku Babu was not frightened of the ghost which jumped on him. But he was injured and for three days, his neck ached. Worst of all his new kurta was torn and it had black stains all over from the ink which the so called ghost had smeared over his body. Bonku Babu often felt disgusted at tolerating the jokes of these grownups as they tested his patience but he continued to attend these evening sessions because Sripati Babu was an influential man. He would keep quiet and bear them. Even when he tried to avoid going he would be fetched as Sripati Babu believed that what was the point of getting together if there was no one to provide amusement. So ridiculing and humiliating Bonku Babu was their entertainment and he was too meek and submissive to oppose them.
 
2. What did Bonku Babu see in the bamboo grove?
 
Ans. Bonku Babu after the gathering at Majumdar's house made his way home through the bamboo grove owned by Poncho Ghosh as it was a shorter route to his house. However, he noticed that there was a strange silence that night. No crickets were chirping and this was very unusual and he was puzzled and confused thinking about the reason for the silence. Then as Bonku Babu reached close to the cluster of bamboos he saw a pinkish light, and when he peered through the bamboos suddenly his ears began ringing and he felt as if someone was humming loudly a long, steady noise and there was no way he could stop it
 
Driven by curiosity Bonku Babu moved forward and peered through the cluster of bamboos and saw a strange object. It looked like a giant glass bowl turned upside Arundeep's ICSE Treasure Chest (A Collection of Short Stories) - IX
 
39
 
down, covering the pond completely. It was through its transparent shade that a strong, yet gentle pink light was shining out, to turn the whole area radiant and bright. Never had Bonku Babu seen such an amazing and strange sight
 
Bonku Babu realized that the object was not lifeless although it was still. There was an odd flicker, and he could see the glass mound rising and falling, exactly as one's chest heaves when we breathe.
 
When Bonku Babu tried to go near the object an electric current seemed to pass through his body. Then he was rendered completely immobile as if his hands and feet were tied with an invisible rope. There was no strength left in his body. He could move neither forward, nor backward.He was immobile and helpless.
 
3. What did Ang tell Bonku Babu about himself?
 
Ans. As Bonku Babu peered into the grove he saw a strange sight. In the pond in the clearing was a strange object that looked like a glass bowl turned upside down. It seemed to be breathing as it heaved up and down. It was actually a spaceship and from it emanated some sounds in a strange language and then someone said Namaskar to Bonku Babu. Soon he saw a strange creature stepping out. It was an alien. The alien had a head which looked like a plain, smooth ball and his body was weird. Its arms and legs were amazingly thin. With the exception of its head, its whole body was covered by a shiny, pink outfit. There were two tiny holes on each side of its head which apparently were its ears. On its face there were two holes where there should have been a nose, and another gaping hole instead of a mouth. It was completely hairless and its eyes were round and bright yellow. They appeared to be glowing in the dark like embers.
 
Bonku Babu greeted the alien with folded hands because earlier the alien had greeted him from inside the ship by saying, Namaskar, which is the traditional Indian greeting.
 
The alien introduced himself as Ang from the planet Craneus. He claimed to be a creature far superior than humans. Bonku Babu felt amused and wondered how a creature which was only about four feet tall, with very thin arms and legs and a weird body, claim to be superior to man. The alien claimed Bonku Babu that he knew 14,000 languages. According to him there wasn't a single language in the solar system that he did not know. He also knew thirty-one languages spoken on planets outside our system and had visited twenty-five planets outside our galaxy. He said he was 833 years old and was a vegetarian. The alien said they had stopped eating the flesh of animals several centuries ago unlike humans who were still eating meat.
 
4. What happened at the meeting in Sripati Majumdar's house?
 
Ans. On weekends Bonku Babu visited the house of the lawyer, Sripati Majumdar along with other regulars and they partook of tea while chatting. But even these adults poked fun at Bonku Babu and made him the butt of their jokes. They ridiculed and humiliated him but he never retaliated. They would hide his shoes and umbrella. They nicknamed him Bunkum and one night played a prank by disguising as a ghost and jumping on him as he passed under a banyan tree. Bonku Babu was not frightened of the ghost which jumped on him. But he was injured and for three days, his neck ached. Worst of all his new kurta was torn and it had black stains[3:54 PM, 11/20/2024] Dr.Shankar D Mishra: all over from the ink which the so called ghost had smeared over his body. Bonku Babu often felt disgusted at tolerating the jokes of these grownups as they tested his patience but continued to attend these evening sessions because Sripati Babu was an influential man. He would keep quiet and bear them. Even when he tried to avoid going he would be fetched as Sripati Babu believed that what was the point of the get togethers if there was no one to provide amusement. So ridiculing and humiliating Bonku Babu was their entertainment and he was too meek and submissive to oppose them.
 
5. Why did Bonku Babu feel there was something strange about the night?
 
Ans. Banku Babu left the gathering at Sripati Majumdar's house and took the route through the bamboo grove that was owned by Poncha Ghosh. Although the others had tried to frighten him by saying that it was a moonless night and often ghosts harassed travellers on such a dark night, yet Bonku Babu was not afraid as he did not believe in ghosts. He had not even taken a torch or a lantern. There was no need for it as it was too cold for snakes to be out and about, and he knew his way very well. Normally, not many people took this route, but it meant a shortcut for him to his house
 
Suddenly he became aware that there was something unusual about that night. At first, he could not put his finger to it and was puzzled Somehow, things were different that night. Something seemed to be missing but initially he was unable to understand what it was. Then he realised that there was an eerie silence all around, no crickets were chirping. Usually, the crickets sounded louder as he moved deeper into the bamboo grove. However that night, there was only a strange silence which he was unable to understand. His mind debated on the unusual silence of the crickets. Puzzled and confused by this weird phenomenon he walked forward.
 
6. How and where did Bonku Babu meet Ang? What was the impact of this meeting on Bonku Babu's life?
 
Ans. One night as Bonku Babu was returning home he saw a strange object which looked like an inverted glass bowl in the grove owned by Poncho Ghosh. Soon he saw a strange creature stepping out. It was an alien. The alien had a head which looked like a plain, smooth ball and his body was weird. Its arms and legs were amazingly thin. With the exception of its head, its whole body was covered by a shiny, pink outfit. There were two tiny holes on each side of its head which apparently were its ears. On its face there were two holes where there should have been a nose, and another gaping hole instead of a mouth. It was completely hairless and its eyes were round and bright yellow. They appeared to be glowing in the dark like embers Bonku Babu greeted the alien with folded hands because earlier the alien had greeted him from inside the ship by saying, 'Namaskar, which is the traditional Indian greeting
 
The alien introduced himself as Ang from the planet Craneus. He claimed to be a creature far superior than humans. Bonku Babu felt amused and wondered how a creature which was only about four feet tall, with very thin arms and legs and a weird body, claim to be superior to man. The alien claimed told Bonku Babu that he knew 14,000 languages.undeep's ICSE Treasure Chost (A Collection of Short Stories) - IX
 
Bonku Babu changed after meeting Ang who advised him not to tolerate nonsense and to speak up against injustice. When he entered everyone was shocked into silence because no longer was he a meek and submissive man, rather he entered dramatically like a hurricane. No one could miss the change in his demeanour, he was confident and authoritative a no nonsense kind of man.
 
Ang identified Bonku Babu's prominent flaw as his meek and mild demeanour due to which everyone bullied and teased him. Ang believed that Bonku Babu needed to speak out against injustice and object if anyone insulted or bullied him without reason. Ang stated that being passive was not only wrong for humans but for any creature, anywhere. Ang concluded that Bonku Babu's meekness and mildness were the reasons for his limited progress in life
 
Ang recommended that Bonku Babu should speak out against unfairness and object if anyone insulted or harmed him without any reason. Ang indicated that remaining silent was incorrect, not just for humans but for any creature in any place Ang advised him not to tolerate nonsense and to speak up against injustice.
 
Bonku Babu adhered to Ang's advice and confronted the individuals who were belittling him at the gathering. He expressed his disapproval of their actions and defended himself He told the others that they talked a great deal of rubbish and fools talked of things they knew nothing about. For instance, he told Nidhu Babu that if he referred to him as Bunkum, he would label him a Nitwit. He told Chandi Babu that at his age hiding other people's shoes and umbrellas was not just childish, but totally stupid and wrong. He also told him to return his umbrella and brown canvas shoes to his house the next day
 
Additionally, he informed Sripati Babu that he was not a sycophant like the others, despite his importance Consequently, he regained his self-esteem and trust, and he was no longer hesitant to speak his mind. He became confident and stood up for himself and even made jokes at the expense of others.
 
7. Who was Bonku Babu's true friend in the story? Why?
 
Ans. Bonku Babu no doubt regularly attended the weekend sessions of chit chatting and gossiping at Sripati Majumdar's house but all the regulars who gathered there for tea were not his friends. They liked to humiliate and poke fun at him. Jokes were cracked at his expense. Sometimes they would hide his shoes or umbrella or try to scare him by disguising as a ghost. One evening Chandı Babu had even suggested that Bonku Babu would be an ideal human specimen if aliens ever came to earth and wanted to take a human specimen with them
 
Even Sripati Majumdar insisted on having Bonku Babu at his house because he felt that there was no point of the get togethers if there was no one to provide amusement. So ridiculing and humiliating Bonku Babu was their entertainment and he was too meek and submissive to oppose them. In case Bonku Babu tried to miss these evenings he was fetched from his house Bonku Babu also had no respect or attachment for his so called friends and in his mind compared them to various animals
 
But when he met Ang, the alien from the planet Craneus, he met a friend who gave him the right advice and instilled confidence in him Bonku Babu changed after meeting Ang who advised him not to tolerate nonsense and to speak up against
injustice, and protest if anyone hurt or insulted him without any provocation Consequently Bonku Babu shed his meekness and was able to confront the others and tell them what he felt about them. His demeanour changed and he became confident and authoritative a no nonsense kind of man.
 
He told Chandi Babu that at his age hiding other people's shoes and umbrellas was not just childish, but totally stupid and wrong. He also told him to return his umbrella and brown canvas shoes to his house the next day. He told the others that they talked a great deal of rubbish and fools talked of things they knew nothing about. He also was able to tell Sripati Babu how he was surrounded by sycophants and Bonku Babu offered to send him his cat to lick his feet as he was not ready to be like the others.
 
Thus Bonku Babu just needed one friend and Ang was that friend who helped him to assert himself and not be an object of fun and ridicule. So the title is amply justified as it brings out the relationship shared between Ang and Bonku Babu and how a friend can change one's life.
 
QUESTION FROM THE WORKBOOK PUBLISHED BY LU.P. PUBLICATIONS
 
2. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
 
However, as human beings go, you are not too bad. I mean, you are a good man. But you have a major fault
 
a. What was Ray's vision in portraying a character like Bonku Babu? Who is the new visitor who has landed on earth?
 
Ans. Ray had the intent to depict through the character of Bonku Babu a simple and conscience stricken man and his struggle for survival. It was his vision to motivate people not to accept injustice of any kind. He wanted to show how trivial incidents can change the course of one's life.
 
The new visitor who has landed on earth is Ang, an alien who arrives on Earth and befriends the main protagonist, Bonku Babu and changes his life
 
b. What image do you form of this new creature? How does he introduce himself!
 
Ans. Ang introduced himself and greeted by saying that he was from the planet Craneus and was far superior to humans. He appeared to be an intelligent and friendly creature conversant with advanced technology
 
c. Who has spoken the above lines? Was his interpretation about this earthly creature correct? Give reasons.
 
Ans. The above lines are spoken by Ang, an alien from the planet Craneus, Yes, his interpretation about Bonku Babu, the earthly creature he meets were correct although Bonku Babu was a kind and meek man he had the fault of being too timid and lacked self confidence. He allowed everyone to bully him. Ang encouraged Bonku Babu to overcome his self-doubt and face his fears.
 
d. Why has this newcomer used but' in the sentence? What exactly does he want to imply? Is he trying to degrade the shocked human being?
 
Ans. The newcomer used 'but' in the sentence to show that despite having all good qualities of humility, goodness etc Bonku Babu had a major fault which made him less of a man and that was his lack of self confidence. He did not want to degrade Bonku Babu rather his intention was to instil confidence in him and make him face his fears and stand up against injustice and bullying
 
e. What was this human being's major fault according to you? Is it really a major fault?
 
Ans. His major fault was being too mild-mannered and meek and never standing up against those who ill treated and insulted him. Yes, it is a major fault to bow down against any kind of oppression and to tolerate injustice
 
3. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
 
"I don't think Bunkum will show his face here today. Didn't he get an earful yesterday when he tried to open his mouth?"
 
a. Who said these lines and for whom? Why wouldn't Bunkum show his face at their weekend meeting place?
 
Ans. These lines were spoken by Nidhu Babu in reference to the non-appearance of Bonku Babu at Sripati Babu's house for their regular meetings. They thought that Bonku Babu would be too mortified after the insults they had heaped on him the previous evening and would not have the courage to face them again.
 
b. Why had everyone taken Bunkum for granted? Didn't they have any fear that he would hurl a retort at his accuser?
 
Ans. Everyone took Bunkum for granted because no one had ever seen or heard him ever lose his temper He was too mild tempered and quietly tolerated the insults heaped on him by his associates and even his students. Hence knowing that he was too meek and scared to retaliate they were not afraid that he would hurl a retort at his accuser.
 
c. What is that "earful" that he is mentioning? Where was all this talk going on? Who else was there that evening?
 
Ans. The "earful" that he is mentioning was the insulting way they had told Bonku Babu that he was fit to be taken by an alien to be kept in a museum as a human specimen. They had insulted him because he had expressed his belief in aliens and that they might even land in their village. It was then that Nidhu Babu had said he would be a fit specimen "Consider his looks, not to mention his brains yes, Bunkum would be the ideal specimen!"
 
All this talk was taking place at Sripati Babu's house where they met in the evening to poke fun at Bonku Babu and entertain themselves. All the other regulars namely- Chandi Babu, Nidhu Babu, Ramkanai, Sripati Babu, Bhairav Chakravarty etc were there d. Was there anyone who understood Bunkums plight? Why didn't anyone support him? Is it that his attitude towards his friends was selfish and boy
 
Ans. No, none of the people at these meetings understood or supported Bonku Baby because all of them merely considered him an object for their entertainment and hence ridiculed him. No, he was not selfish or bossy as he was a mild tempered and meek man who never even stood up to oppose the injustior done to him
 
e. What impression do you gather about Bunkum's character?
 
Ans. Bonku Babu or "Bankum" as he was derogatorily called by his so called friends was a simple and mild tempered man who did not want to annoy anyone as be feared losing his job. He was polite even to his students and never grew angry In fact he appears as a weak and spineless man although quite imaginative and passionate about his bright students and teaching them.
 
4. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
 
You must always speak up against injustice, and protest if anyone hurts or insults you without any provocation.
 
a. Who spoke these lines and to whom? Why were these words quoted!
 
Ans. These words were spoken by Ang, the alien from Craneus to Bonku Babra. Ang proved to be the true friend of Bonku Babu and advised him to stand up againn injustice and bullying and be confident. He wanted to instil courage and sel condidence in his earthly friend so that he could lead a life of dignity and respect
 
b. Why should we always speak up against injustice? Cite your point of view
 
Ans. We must always speak up against injustice as to tolerate injustice is as big a fault or crime as doing injustice. I feel no one has the right to be unjust anul one must have the courage to oppose injustice at all costs.
 
c. Who was being insulted and why?
 
Ans. Bonku Babri was being insulted because he never retaliated against his bolin and so they had made him an object of entertainment. They had fun at his experse by insulting and making yokes about him. They knew he would never oppose them as he was too meek and timid and so they insulted him at every opportunity
 
d. Why couldn't the victim fight for his right? What do you feel are the laws in this person?
 
Ans. The victims, Borku Babu could never light for his right as he was scared of losing his ke the angered the powerful people of the village and besides he was too mild mannered and never got angry at his bullies. This lack of confidence and courage was his greatest flaw.
 
e. Should we shrug off an insult? If not, why? Give reasons.
 
Ans. No we should not shrug off an insult as we appear weak and spineless and then others can take advantage of us. One must stand up for what is right fearlessly as only then will we be respected.
 
5. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
 
From today, at least in this particular matter, he was unique, in the whole wide world
 
a. What does 'From today' imply? Why is today given so much emphasis?
 
Ans. The phrase From today' implies a kind of turning point in the life of Bonku Babu as he had met Ang that night who had advised him to never tolerate injustice and stand up for his rights. Hence, From today' is emphasised as the turning point or the important day of Bonku's life as from that day onwards he became self confident and gave up his meek and timid nature and stopped being bullied by his associates. The earlier Bonku Babu who tolerated injustice was replaced from that day onwards by a courageous and no nonsence guy
 
b. What was 'this particular matter? Does it have anything to do with his friends who never hesitated in poking fun at him?
 
Ans. The phrase this particular matter refers to Bonku Babu's meeting with the alien Ang who transformed Bonku Babu from a timid and frightened man to a bold and strong fearless man. Hence, Bonku Babu believes that he was unique as only he had met an alien who had become his friend and this was a matter to be proud of and made him unique amongst all the people there and in fact in the whole world.
 
c. Who is unique from this very moment? Who is behind the scene to give him an impetus and why is he being helped by this stranger?
 
Ans. onku Babu is unique from this very moment and the person behind the scene to give him an impetus is his alien friend Ang. Ang recognised that Bonku Babu was a good human being and needed help to become strong and stand up against injustice. Hence Ang as a true friend decided to help him and motivate him to be strong and confident
 
d. How as this stranger impressed you? Elaborate upon his characteristics which awed you.
 
Ans. Ang impresses me as he is an intelligent and confident person who proves to be a true friend to Bonku Babu. In spite of being an alien and meeting Bonku Babu for a short while he helps him genuinely and this selfless and honest quality raises him above the shallow and faithless human friends. He is awesome in his feelings of goodness and helpfulness.
 
e. It has rightly been said that many a times strangers understand you better than your so-called friends'? Elaborate on this statement.
 
Ans. Yes, it is true that many a times strangers understand you better than your se called friends because sometimes these friends are not genuine and are fair weather friends who have their own selfish reasons for being your friends. The so called friends of Bonku Babu were not his true friends as they took pleasure in his pain and heaped insults on him just for their own entertainment. It was Ang, a stranger and an alien who understood the plight of Bonku Babu and gave him the right advice telling him not to tolerate injustice and not let anyone hurt him.
 
6. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
 
It was as if a small hurricane swept inside in the guise of a short, dark man, throwing everyone into stunned silence
 
a. What is a hurricane? Who is being compared to it?
 
Ans. A hurricane is a storm of strong winds that destroy anything in its path. The entry of Bonku Babu, on the day after he has met Ang, is being compared to a hurricane
 
b. Why was everyone stunned? What had happened all of a sudden?
 
Ans. Everyone was stunned by the confidence and changed personality of Bonku Babu. No longer was he the meek and scared Bonku Babu, rather the person before them was a confident and no nonsense type of guy who appeared to blow them out of his path like a hurricane His sudden loud and uproarious laugh was something which stunned them as they had never heard anything like that from him before.
 
c. Things had taken a drastic change. What changes are we referring to?
 
Ans. Yes things had changed. Bonku Babu was not the same No longer was he the meek and timid man who would tolerate injustice without retaliating. He was now a man who would give them back an insult for an insult
 
d. Getting back your self-respect boosts up your morale. Explain.
 
Ans. Bonku Babu was a man who had lost all his self esteem and confidence because everyone had insulted and degraded him numerous times and he had come to accept that he must not retaliate if he wanted to lead a peaceful life in the village. But it was Ang who motivated him not to accept bullying and to regain his self confidence and show people that he too could retaliate if he was treated unjustly. And as soon as he regained his confidence and self respect he was able to treat the others in a way they deserved an insult for an insult
 
e. This short, dark man had learned to be assertive. Who had helped him get back his confidence? Was it a positive change that had come over this man's life? Why do you say so?
 
Ans. Ang, the alien from Craneus, had helped him get back his confidence. Yes, it was a positive change as earlier he had no self respect and everyday was torture for him as he faced insults from all and had become a weak and spineless man who did not have the courage to stand up for himself. But Ang instilled self respect and confidence in him and made the caricature of a man into a force to be reckoned with.
 
7. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
 
The only reason I am here today is simply that I would like to tell you a few truths before I go. Number one - this is for all of you- you all speak a great deal of absolute rubbish
 
a. What is the context of the above quoted lines?
 
Ans. The above lines were spoken By Bonku Babu after his meeting with Ang who had made him realise that it was wrong to accept injustice of any kind. Hence Bonku Babu changed and regained his self confidence and courage. It was then that he decided to confront his tormentors and give them a taste of their own medicine and tell them what he really thought of them but had earlier never had the courage to say to their faces
 
b. What does the speaker want to express through the frustration he is undergoing?
 
Ans. The speaker, Bonku Babu, wants to express through the frustration he is undergoing that it is a crime to kick an underdog just for amusement. Everyone feels pain when insulted and degraded hence it is not the right thing to do. One should respect all otherwise one day you might get the same treatment.
 
c. A new person was born that day. Elaborate.
 
Ans. Bonku Babu is treated disrespectfully by everyone around him. The contemptuous behavior of his students as well as his friends is clear. However, Bonku Babu remains silent and calm despite being disdained by his students. Whenever he makes a statement, his friends start laughing at him. The mockery is so intense that he becomes emotional sometimes. The contemptuous behaviour comes to an end when he meets Ang, an alien from the planet Craneus and that transforms him from a meek, hurt and weak person into a strong, self confident and self respecting person who teaches his so called friends a lesson. Thus a new person is born that day
 
d. Identify the speaker. What is the theme of the story?
 
Ans. The speaker is Bonku Babu The story Bonku Babu's friend focuses on the underlying theme of friendship and how good and sincere friends can motivate and bring confidence for the betterment of their friends.
 
e. What did the speaker mean by absolute rubbish? Was he very hurt?
 
Ans. The speaker means to say that all his associates were lacking knowledge and information and spoke about things like satellites and aliens without having any information about them. They were ignorant and displayed this lack of correct information in their useless discussions. Yes, he had been very hurt by the treatment but now he knew he was better than them
 
8. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
 
In the same instant, the cup fell from Ramkanai's hand, shattering to pieces, and splattering hot tea on most of the others.
 
a. Why did the cup fall from Ram kanai's hand?
 
Ans. The cup fell from Ram kanai's hand because he was stunned and surprised the change in Bonku Babu.
 
b. How according to you did the other's react?
 
Ans. The others too were shocked to see the transformation in Bonku Babu and were too stunned to react or say anything
 
c. Is it wrong to fight for one's self respect? Give reasons to make your answer convincing.
 
Ans. No it is not wrong to fight for one's self respect. If one loses self respect ther everyone treats you with disdain and insults you as in the case of Bonku Babu Nobody gave him respect because he did not respect himself and did not fight to maintain his self esteem
 
d. Give the character sketch of the angel in disguise
 
Ans. Ang was a weird creature who stepped out of a strange object that looked like an upside down glass bowl. Ang's head was smooth like a ball and it had very thin arms and legs. The creature initially spoke in a strange language and then switched to English and inquired about Bonku Babu's name and particulars. The creature identified himself as Ang from the planet Craneus who was on his way to Pluto but had mistakenly landed on Earth. Ang told Bonku Babu that he could speak 14000 languages and was 833 years old Ang assured Bonku Babu that humans were much inferior to him and to prove his claim he gave Bonku Babu a tube with one end covered in glass. When Bonku Babu peered through the glass he saw the vast expances of the North Pole creatures like the walrus, piranha and anaconda Bonku Babu was unable to believe his eyes. Befor departing Ang advised Bonku Babu to not be so meek and not tolerate injustice Bonku Babu and Ang meet and become friends instantly. Ang proves to be his true friend and instils confidence and courage into the timid and scared geography and Bengali teacher, Bonku Babu. Ang is an alien and from a supenor planet but he converses with Bonku as a friend and advises him not to tolerate bullying and to stand up for his rights. He was the angel in disguise who helped Bonku Babu
 
(e) What is the context of the above quoted lines? Correlate it with the life changing incident which took place in someone's life.Ans. The above lines show the surprise felt by Bonku Babu's so called friends when they saw the transformation in him. He had changed from a meek and timid man to a no nonsense confident person. And this change occurred due to Ang, the alien from the planet Craneus, who gave him the right advice and instilled confidence in him Bonku Babu changed after meeting Ang who advised him not to tolerate nonsense and to speak up against injustice, and protest if anyone hurt or insulted him without any provocation Consequently Bonku Babu shed his meekness and was able to confront the others and tell them what he felt about them. His demeanour changed and he became confident and authoritative- a no nonsense kind of man.
 
PROJECT ASSIGNMENTS
 
1. How did Bonku Babu's students tease him and what used to be his reaction?
 
2. Describe the happenings at the meeting in Sripati Majumdar's house.
 
3. Narrate the incident in which Bonku Babu comes across Ang
 
4. Give a description of Ang and the circumstances that make the setting of the story unusual.
 
5. What kind of transformation happens to Bonku Babu? How far do you agree that such a transformation is possible in life?

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