20 Questions | 100 Marks
I. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow:
Ravi’s mother, Vidya, was worried about her father, Grandpa, who had come to live with them. He had recently been admitted to the hospital for accidentally taking a double dose of his medicine and had also gotten lost once while out for a walk, forgetting the way back. Vidya insisted he shouldn't go out alone, which upset Grandpa, who was used to living independently and managing his household for many years after his wife’s passing. He disliked the city's noise and bustle, longing for his quiet home with a mango tree. Despite his feelings, he came to live with them after an incident where he fell in the garden and lay outside all night because no one was home to help him. Vidya then made the difficult decision to bring him to live with them and restricted his outings.
1Why did Ravi's mother insist that Grandpa should not go out alone? 2marks
2Grandpa's statement, "After your mother died ten years ago, I took over her duties as well and have been cooking, shopping and keeping house too," highlights which of his qualities? 1mark
3Grandpa disliked city life primarily because: 1mark(a) He missed his daughter.(b) He found it too noisy and crowded.(c) He disliked Ravi.(d) He had no one to talk to.
4The incident where Grandpa fell in the garden and lay outside all night directly contributed to: 1mark(a) His daughter's decision to move him to a nursing home.(b) Grandpa's desire to return to his house in town.(c) Ravi's mother bringing Grandpa to live with them.(d) Grandpa learning to be more careful.
5From the passage, infer Ravi's feelings towards his Grandpa. 2marks
II. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow:
Grandpa, despite his perceived memory issues, often displayed surprising recall, especially regarding chess. He could recall famous moves and players like Karpov and Bobby Fischer, much to Ravi's wonder. When Ravi offered to go to the corner shop to buy the Tamil newspaper, Grandpa craftily suspected his mother's instructions. He donned his walking stick and yellow cap, declaring he'd be back before Ravi could set up the chessboard. Ravi, torn between his promise to his mother and not wanting to hurt Grandpa's feelings, decided to secretly follow him. Grandpa's first stop was the children's park, where he bought peanuts and watched children play. Ravi, feeling foolish, hid behind a bush, only to be admonished by a mother for shooing her child. He then had to crawl out of the park. Grandpa's next stop was a tea stall. Ravi hid behind a banyan tree, feeling embarrassed by the vendors' quizzical looks.
6How does Grandpa's behaviour at the tea stall contradict the initial perception of his failing memory? 2marks
7Ravi's decision to follow Grandpa secretely was driven by: 1mark(a) His desire to play detective.(b) His mother's strict orders.(c) His concern for Grandpa's safety and his promise to his mother.(d) His boredom during the holidays.
8The incident at the children's park highlights: 2marks(a) Grandpa’s love for children.(b) Ravi’s awkwardness and the difficulties he faced trying to discreetly follow Grandpa.(c) The mother’s overprotective nature.(d) Grandpa's ability to charm strangers.
9Assertion: Grandpa's suspicion about his mother’s instructions was justified. Reason: He had experienced restrictive behaviour from his daughter recently. 1mark(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.(c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false.(d) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
III. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow:
At the tea stall, Grandpa enjoyed sugary tea and ice cream, items forbidden at home. Ravi felt anxious seeing him zigzag through traffic. Grandpa entered a barber shop, leading Ravi to investigate. However, it turned out to be a Ladies' Hairdressing Salon, and Ravi was evicted. He then saw Grandpa board a bus. Ravi managed to get on the same bus, only to find a stranger wearing Grandpa’s cap. The stranger explained that Grandpa had given him the cap. Ravi became frantic, searching for Grandpa at the barber shop and park, but found him safe at home, snoring. When his mother returned, Grandpa coolly remarked that Ravi had disappeared instead of looking after him, confusing Ravi. Grandpa then gifted Ravi a detective book, teasingly suggesting he could learn how to avoid being fooled.
10What does Grandpa's consumption of forbidden items at the tea stall suggest about his personality? 2marks
11The discovery of the stranger wearing Grandpa's cap serves as a moment of: 1mark(a) Relief for Ravi.(b) Humiliation for Ravi.(c) Realization for Ravi that Grandpa is more cunning than he appears.(d) Anger for Ravi.
12Grandpa's comment to Vidya about Ravi disappearing was: 1mark(a) A genuine complaint.(b) A way to protect Ravi from getting into trouble.(c) A mischievous attempt to cover up his own escapade.(d) A sign of his failing memory.
13Ravi's confusion and embarrassment when Grandpa gifted him the detective book are due to: 2marks(a) His guilt about following Grandpa.(b) His surprise at the gift.(c) His mother's impatience.(d) His father's confusion.
IV. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow:
Grandpa's gifts to everyone on his birthday, including Ravi, Vidya, and her husband, were a tradition he upheld. He stated he always gave gifts to "every child in the house," referring to his own children, regardless of their age. This tradition caused Vidya to flush with embarrassment as she had forgotten his birthday, marked on the calendar. Grandpa playfully called it "Vitamin-M" for her memory. Ravi received a detective storybook, with Grandpa's solemn advice to pick up tips on trailing suspects and avoiding being fooled. Ravi was left pondering whether Grandpa's twinkle was innocent or mischievous, acknowledging his grandfather's cunning.
14Grandpa’s tradition of giving gifts on his birthday signifies: 2marks(a) His wealth and generosity.(b) His desire to be remembered by his family.(c) His enduring love and affection for his family, viewing them as his 'babies' regardless of age.(d) His forgetfulness about his own birthday.
15The phrase "Vitamin-M, I think—for her memory" is: 1mark(a) A literal medical prescription.(b) A playful jab at Vidya's forgetfulness.(c) A serious concern about Vidya's health.(d) A reference to a fictional memory enhancer from the story.
16Grandpa’s gift to Ravi, "The Best Detective Stories," and his accompanying advice suggest that: 2marks(a) Grandpa disapproves of Ravi’s detective-like behaviour.(b) Grandpa is aware of Ravi’s actions and is teasing him.(c) Grandpa wants Ravi to become a professional detective.(d) Grandpa believes Ravi needs to improve his reading habits.
17Assertion: Grandpa is portrayed as a cunning and observant individual. Reason: He playfully implies Vidya needs 'Vitamin-M' for her memory and gifts Ravi a detective book, hinting at his awareness of Ravi's actions. 2marks(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.(c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false.(d) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
V. Answer the following questions:
18Based on the story "Vitamin-M," analyze Ravi's internal conflict when he decides to follow Grandpa. What factors contribute to this conflict? 3marks
19The story "Vitamin-M" subtly critiques societal attitudes towards the elderly. Provide two instances from the text that support this statement. 3marks
20Imagine you are Ravi. Write a short diary entry reflecting on your experience of following Grandpa and the lessons learned from the day's events. 3marks
Answers
1Ravi's mother insisted that Grandpa should not go out alone because he had a history of absent-mindedly taking double doses of his medicines, had gotten lost once while out for a walk, and was frail and elderly, making it potentially dangerous for him to be unsupervised.
2This statement highlights Grandpa's independence, responsibility, and capability in managing household chores, even after his wife's death.
3(b) He found it too noisy and crowded.
4(c) Ravi's mother bringing Grandpa to live with them.
5Ravi feels a mix of pity and affection for his Grandpa. He pities his grandfather for his forgetfulness and frailties, which cause his mother distress. However, he also feels a strong sense of affection and loyalty towards Grandpa, as seen when he promises to look after him and feels guilty when he doubts his grandfather. He also admires Grandpa's chess skills and is ultimately relieved and loving when he finds him safe at home.
6Grandpa's detailed recall of chess moves and players like Karpov and Bobby Fischer, and his ability to craftily suspect Ravi's mother's intentions, contradict the idea that he has a failing memory. These instances show he possesses sharp cognitive abilities in specific areas.
7(c) His concern for Grandpa's safety and his promise to his mother.
8(b) Ravi’s awkwardness and the difficulties he faced trying to discreetly follow Grandpa. The passage describes Ravi feeling foolish, having to hide behind bushes, being scolded by a child's mother, and having to crawl out of the park, illustrating his struggles.
9(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
10Grandpa's consumption of forbidden items like sugary tea, bananas, and ice cream suggests a rebellious streak and a desire for simple pleasures and autonomy, even if it goes against his daughter's strict rules. It shows he still has personal preferences and seeks small joys.
11(c) Realization for Ravi that Grandpa is more cunning than he appears. This moment reveals Grandpa's cleverness in orchestrating his day and subtly outsmarting Ravi.
12(c) A mischievous attempt to cover up his own escapade. Grandpa's cool demeanor and the gift of the detective book to Ravi strongly imply he was aware of Ravi's pursuit and was playfully turning the tables.
13Ravi's confusion and embarrassment stem from his guilt about secretly following his grandfather, knowing he had disobeyed his mother's implicit instructions by letting Grandpa go out alone. The gift of the detective book makes him realize Grandpa might have known he was being followed, adding to his discomfort.
14(c) His enduring love and affection for his family, viewing them as his 'babies' regardless of age. This tradition shows his consistent love and his perception of his family members as his responsibility and cherished ones.
15(b) A playful jab at Vidya's forgetfulness. It's a light-hearted, teasing remark from Grandpa, linking his fictional "Vitamin-M" to his daughter's lapse in remembering his birthday.
16(b) Grandpa is aware of Ravi’s actions and is teasing him. The gift and advice directly allude to Ravi's earlier behaviour of following Grandpa, indicating Grandpa's keen observation and sense of humour.
17(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
18Ravi experiences an internal conflict between his loyalty to his mother and his growing understanding and affection for his grandfather. He is torn between obeying his mother's instructions to keep Grandpa safe and not wanting to hurt Grandpa's feelings or make him feel like a prisoner. This conflict is evident when he decides to follow Grandpa secretly, trying to balance both promises.
19Two instances from the text that critique societal attitudes towards the elderly are:a) Ravi's mother speaking to Grandpa in an overly loud tone, as if speaking to a child who cannot hear or understand well, highlighting a common tendency to infantilize the elderly.b) Grandpa's frustration at being forbidden to go out alone, indicating a societal tendency to restrict the autonomy and freedom of older individuals, disregarding their capabilities.
20Dear Diary,Today was quite an adventure! I promised Mom I'd keep an eye on Grandpa, but he really wanted to go out. I felt so torn, not wanting to upset him or go against Mom's wishes. So, I followed him, trying to be a good detective, but honestly, it was way harder and more embarrassing than I thought! Hiding behind bushes, getting yelled at by another mom, and then nearly getting thrown out of a salon – it was a disaster! Grandpa was so clever, though, making me chase a stranger wearing his cap. When I finally found him home, safe and sound, I was so relieved. And then he gave me that detective book! I think he knew all along. It taught me that being a good observer isn't just about following, but also about understanding. Maybe Grandpa isn't just forgetful; maybe he's a lot smarter than we give him credit for. I feel closer to him now, and I learned that sometimes, people need a little freedom, even if they're getting older.
Ravi
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