Chapter 14

Footprints Without Feet — Competency Based Questions

Competency-based questions on Footprints Without Feet, in the case-study, assertion-reason and application forms the 2026-27 pattern asks in, with answers. Free to read and to save as a PDF.

Class 10CBSE
EnglishSubject
Ch 14of 18
2026-27Pattern

Competency based questions

Footprints Without Feet — Competency20 questions · answers at the end

20 Questions | 60 Marks

1
Case Study: Griffin, a brilliant scientist, discovers invisibility but struggles with societal norms and financial stability. His experiments, driven by a desire to escape his landlord's eviction, lead him to misuse his scientific prowess for personal gain, including theft and assault. His actions, while demonstrating scientific achievement, reveal a profound moral and ethical lapse.

(a) What was the immediate cause for Griffin to become homeless and naked? [1 mark]
(b) How did Griffin's initial experiments to prove human invisibility lead to his downfall? [2 marks]
(c) The situation highlights a conflict between scientific advancement and ethical responsibility. Discuss. [2 marks]

2
Application: Imagine you are a character in the village of Iping who has witnessed some of the strange events surrounding the invisible scientist. Write a short, informal letter to a friend in another village, describing these peculiar happenings and expressing your bewilderment. 3marks
3
Assertion-Reason:Assertion (A): Griffin was a lawless person.Reason (R): He set fire to his house to escape his landlord and later robbed a shopkeeper.(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. [1 mark](b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. [1 mark](c) A is true but R is false. [1 mark](d) A is false but R is true. 1mark
4
Competency-Based Scenario: The story mentions Griffin's decision to steal money from the clergyman's desk. This act, born out of desperation and a sense of entitlement, has significant consequences not only for the victims but also for Griffin's own precarious existence.

(a) What prompted Griffin to steal from the clergyman’s desk? [1 mark]
(b) How did this act of theft further deepen the suspicion on the stranger in the village? [2 marks]
(c) Discuss the irony of Griffin's actions considering he was a brilliant scientist. [2 marks]

5
Case Study: Griffin, seeking warmth and sustenance, enters a London store. He equips himself with clothes and food, becoming fully visible. However, his inability to control his actions and wake up on time leads to his exposure and subsequent escape, forcing him to become invisible again.

(a) Why did Griffin decide to enter the London store? [1 mark]
(b) What pleasure did Griffin derive from his visit to the store and restaurant? [2 marks]
(c) How did Griffin’s lack of foresight contribute to his second exposure? [2 marks]

6
Application: If you were Mrs. Hall, how would you have handled the situation when the furniture started behaving strangely in the scientist's room? What measures would you have taken to ensure your safety and investigate the matter? 3marks
7
Assertion-Reason:Assertion (A): Griffin's invisibility was both a blessing and a curse.Reason (R): While it allowed him to escape detection, it also led to him being naked and vulnerable in the cold.(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. [1 mark](b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. [1 mark](c) A is true but R is false. [1 mark](d) A is false but R is true. 1mark
8
Competency-Based Scenario: Griffin, after his escape from the store, decides to disguise himself to avoid recognition and procure more money. He visits a theatrical company and emerges with bandages, dark glasses, a false nose, whiskers, and a hat.

(a) Why did Griffin seek out a theatrical company? [1 mark]
(b) Describe the disguise Griffin adopted. [2 marks]
(c) How did this disguise enable him to commit further crimes? [2 marks]

9
Case Study: The arrival of Griffin in Iping creates a stir. His unusual appearance and desire for solitude make him a subject of gossip and suspicion, especially for Mrs. Hall, the innkeeper.

(a) What made the stranger's arrival in Iping an unusual event? [1 mark]
(b) How did Mrs. Hall perceive the scientist, and why was she willing to excuse his behaviour? [2 marks]
(c) What incident occurred that significantly increased Mrs. Hall's suspicion towards the scientist? [2 marks]

10
Application: Consider Griffin's character. If he had used his invisibility for benevolent purposes, how could he have contributed positively to society? Provide at least two examples. 3marks
11
Assertion-Reason:Assertion (A): The clergyman was amazed by the theft in his study.Reason (R): He found the room empty, with no sign of anyone, yet the money was missing.(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. [1 mark](b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. [1 mark](c) A is true but R is false. [1 mark](d) A is false but R is true. 1mark
12
Competency-Based Scenario: During the confrontation with Mrs. Hall, Griffin, enraged by her persistence, decides to reveal his true identity. He throws off his bandages, spectacles, and other disguises, shocking the onlookers by appearing as a headless man.

(a) What triggered Griffin's furious reaction towards Mrs. Hall? [1 mark]
(b) Describe the immediate effect of Griffin revealing his headless state on the people present. [2 marks]
(c) Explain the significance of Griffin's action in this moment. [2 marks]

13
Case Study: The village constable, Mr. Jaffers, is summoned to arrest Griffin. The situation escalates into a remarkable struggle as Griffin, becoming increasingly invisible, fights back against the constable.

(a) Why was the constable summoned to the inn? [1 mark]
(b) Describe the challenges faced by the constable in arresting Griffin. [2 marks]
(c) What was the ultimate outcome of the struggle between Jaffers and Griffin? [2 marks]

14
Application: The story depicts Griffin as a scientist who abuses his discovery. Reflect on the ethical implications of scientific research and the responsibility of scientists. What guidelines or principles should scientists adhere to? 3marks
15
Assertion-Reason:Assertion (A): Griffin's decision to become invisible was primarily motivated by his desire for solitude.Reason (R): He stated to Mrs. Hall that he came to Iping for solitude and did not wish to be disturbed.(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. [1 mark](b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. [1 mark](c) A is true but R is false. [1 mark](d) A is false but R is true. 1mark
16
Competency-Based Scenario: The villagers, after witnessing the peculiar events and hearing about the burglary, strongly suspect the stranger. This suspicion solidifies when Griffin suddenly produces money, contradicting his earlier claim of being broke.

(a) What made the villagers suspect the stranger of the burglary? [1 mark]
(b) How did Griffin’s sudden acquisition of cash fuel the suspicion against him? [2 marks]
(c) Discuss the consequences of hasty judgments based on circumstantial evidence. [2 marks]

17
Case Study: Griffin's experiments, though successful in achieving invisibility, highlight his inherent recklessness and disregard for consequences. His actions, from setting fire to his house to attacking the shopkeeper and the constable, paint a picture of a man consumed by his power.

(a) What was the "experiment" that led to Griffin's homelessness? [1 mark]
(b) Provide two instances from the text that exemplify Griffin's lawless behaviour. [2 marks]
(c) How does the text portray Griffin's character as a brilliant scientist who degenerates into a destructive individual? [2 marks]

18
Application: Imagine you are a reporter covering the events in Iping. Write a short news report detailing the mysterious occurrences involving the invisible scientist, emphasizing the public's fear and suspicion. 3marks
19
Assertion-Reason:Assertion (A): The invisible man's appearance in the London store created panic among the staff.Reason (R): He was stealing clothes and food without being seen, making his actions appear supernatural.(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. [1 mark](b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. [1 mark](c) A is true but R is false. [1 mark](d) A is false but R is true. 1mark
20
Competency-Based Scenario: The story questions whether Griffin's invisibility truly made him free or trapped him further. His inability to interact normally with society, his constant need to steal and escape, and his eventual violent confrontations suggest a profound loss of humanity.

(a) In what way was Griffin's invisibility a disadvantage rather than an advantage? [1 mark]
(b) How did Griffin's pursuit of invisibility lead to his isolation from society? [2 marks]
(c) Do you think Griffin could have achieved a better outcome if he had revealed his discovery responsibly? Justify your answer. [2 marks]

Answers

1.(a) Griffin was forced to become homeless and naked because his landlord disliked him and tried to eject him. In revenge, Griffin set fire to the house and had to remove his clothes to escape without being seen.(b) Griffin's initial experiments aimed to prove that the human body could become invisible. While successful, this discovery led to his downfall as he lacked the moral compass to use it responsibly, resorting to crime and violence.(c) The situation highlights that scientific advancement without ethical consideration can be detrimental. Griffin's brilliance as a scientist was overshadowed by his lawlessness, demonstrating that great knowledge requires great responsibility.
2
[Example answer]Dear Priya,You won't believe the strange things happening here in Iping! There's a new guest at the inn, a scientist, they say. He's always wrapped up in bandages and wears dark glasses, even indoors! He wants complete solitude, which is odd. But the strangest part is that his furniture seems to move on its own! Just yesterday, a chair literally flew out of his room and pushed the Halls out. Everyone thinks he's either a sorcerer or has some sort of ghost. It's quite spooky! I'll tell you more when I see you.Yours,[Your Name]
3
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

4.
(a) Griffin was desperate for money to fund his experiments and sustain himself, as his stolen money had run out. He saw the clergyman's desk as an easy target.
(b) The village was already abuzz with gossip about the strange scientist. When the clergyman's house was burgled and money stolen, and Griffin was later seen producing cash, suspicion naturally fell on him.
(c) The irony lies in Griffin being a brilliant scientist capable of achieving invisibility, yet resorting to petty theft like a common criminal. His scientific genius was wasted on morally bankrupt actions.

5.
(a) Griffin decided to enter the London store to escape the bitter cold of mid-winter and find warmth, as he was wandering without clothes.
(b) Griffin derived pleasure from clothing and feeding himself without any expense. He tried on new clothes, shoes, and a hat, and then indulged in a meal of cold meat, coffee, sweets, and wine.
(c) Griffin's lack of foresight was evident in his inability to wake up on time. He overslept and was discovered by the arriving assistants, forcing him to panic and flee, thus becoming naked and invisible once more.

6
[Example Answer] If I were Mrs. Hall, upon witnessing the furniture's strange behaviour, my first priority would be to ensure the safety of myself and my husband. I would immediately retreat from the room and lock the door, if possible. Then, I would call for help from neighbours or the village constable. I would explain the bizarre events calmly but urgently, stressing the potential danger. I would advise against anyone entering the room alone until professional help arrived.
7
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

8.
(a) Griffin sought out a theatrical company to find not only clothes but also a disguise that would help him hide his invisible identity and move around more freely without attracting attention.
(b) Griffin adopted a disguise which included bandages around his forehead, dark glasses, a false nose, big bushy side-whiskers, and a large hat.
(c) This disguise made him appear eccentric but not necessarily invisible. It allowed him to blend in to some extent while masking his features, enabling him to rob the shopkeeper with less immediate suspicion.

9.
(a) The arrival of a stranger in the village of Iping during winter was unusual. Furthermore, the stranger's uncommon appearance, with his face bandaged and his reclusive nature, made him a subject of intense curiosity and gossip.
(b) Mrs. Hall perceived the scientist as eccentric but harmless, especially since he paid in advance. She was prepared to overlook his strange habits and irritable temper because of this and his explanation about an accident affecting his face.
(c) The theft of the clergyman’s housekeeping money, coupled with the unexplained noises from the study, significantly increased Mrs. Hall's suspicion, especially when the scientist suddenly produced cash he claimed not to have.

10
[Example Answers]
  • Crime Prevention: Griffin could have used his invisibility to observe criminal activities without being detected and then anonymously reported them to the police, helping to prevent crimes and apprehend criminals.
  • Disaster Relief: In situations like earthquakes or fires, he could have used his invisibility to locate and guide trapped individuals to safety or deliver essential supplies to inaccessible areas without endangering himself or others.
11
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

12.
(a) Griffin's furious reaction was triggered by Mrs. Hall's persistent questioning about her furniture and how he managed to enter and exit locked rooms. He felt his privacy and identity were being intruded upon.
(b) The immediate effect on the onlookers was one of horror and shock. They found themselves staring at a headless man, a sight that was both terrifying and unbelievable.
(c) This action was Griffin's way of asserting his power and identity, proving to the villagers that he was not an ordinary man and that they could not comprehend or control him. It was a dramatic demonstration of his invisibility.

13.
(a) The constable was summoned to arrest Griffin on suspicion of burglary at the clergyman's house and for the strange occurrences at the inn, particularly the incident with Mrs. Hall's furniture.
(b) The constable faced immense challenges because Griffin was invisible and actively resisted arrest. He had to fight an unseen opponent who could strike from nowhere and become more elusive as he shed his clothes.
(c) The ultimate outcome was that the constable, Mr. Jaffers, was knocked unconscious, and Griffin managed to escape, leaving everyone helpless and bewildered about how to catch an unseen person.

14
[Example Answer] Scientists have a profound responsibility to ensure their discoveries benefit humanity and do not cause harm. They should adhere to ethical principles that prioritize human well-being, safety, and societal good. This includes conducting thorough risk assessments, being transparent about potential dangers, and considering the long-term impact of their work. Furthermore, they should collaborate with ethicists and policymakers to establish guidelines and regulations that prevent the misuse of scientific advancements, much like Griffin’s invisibility.
15
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

16.
(a) The villagers suspected the stranger because of his eccentric appearance, his secretive behaviour, and the unexplained disturbances at the inn. When the clergyman’s home was burgled, he was the most obvious suspect.
(b) Griffin's earlier admission of having no money made his sudden possession of cash highly suspicious. It directly linked him to the burglary and seemed like proof of his guilt, reinforcing the villagers’ suspicions.
(c) Hasty judgments based on circumstantial evidence can lead to unfair accusations and persecution. In this case, the suspicion on Griffin, while understandable given the circumstances, was amplified by his secretive nature, which prevented him from easily clearing his name.

17.(a) The "experiment" that led to Griffin's homelessness was his discovery of invisibility. To escape his landlord without being seen, he had to remove his clothes, rendering him invisible but also naked and homeless.(b) Two instances exemplifying Griffin's lawless behaviour are:
1
Setting his landlord's house on fire to escape eviction.
2
Attacking the shopkeeper from behind and robbing him of money.(c) The text portrays Griffin as a brilliant scientist by highlighting his groundbreaking discovery of invisibility. However, his descent into lawlessness is shown through his disregard for laws, his acts of theft, violence, and his selfish pursuit of personal gain, indicating a moral decay despite his intellectual prowess.
18
[Example News Report]Mysterious Invisible Man Causes Uproar in IpingIPING – The quiet village of Iping has been thrown into a state of bewilderment and fear following a series of inexplicable events attributed to a mysterious stranger. The man, whose face is heavily bandaged, arrived recently and booked rooms at the local inn, demanding absolute solitude. However, his presence has been marked by bizarre occurrences: furniture moving inexplicably, and a burglary at the local clergyman's home. Locals whisper of witchcraft and supernatural forces, with many suspecting the stranger. Constable Jaffers attempted an arrest but was reportedly attacked by an unseen assailant. The village remains on edge as the identity and true nature of the invisible scientist remain unknown.
19
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

20.
(a) Griffin's invisibility was a disadvantage because it made him vulnerable to the elements (cold), exposed him to the risk of being discovered at any moment (e.g., stepping in mud), and prevented him from having normal human interactions or possessions without resorting to theft.
(b) His pursuit of invisibility led to isolation as he could not openly engage with people, was constantly on the run, and had to resort to crime to survive, further alienating him from society and human connection.
(c) Yes, Griffin could have achieved a better outcome if he had revealed his discovery responsibly. By collaborating with authorities or ethical scientific bodies, he might have found ways to use his invisibility for societal benefit, earning respect and support rather than becoming a hunted criminal.

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