15 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the poem "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson

1. What is the central theme of the poem "A Photograph"?

   a) Nature's beauty

   b) Childhood friendships

   c) The power of photography

   d) Memory, time, and loss

2. What does the photograph capture in the opening stanza?

   a) A family gathering

   b) A moment of laughter and play by the sea

   c) A scenic landscape

   d) A formal portrait

3. How does the mother react when she looks at the photograph?

   a) She becomes sad and teary-eyed.

   b) She laughs and reminisces about the past.

   c) She becomes angry and frustrated.

   d) She feels indifferent and uninterested.

4. What role does the sea play in the poem?

   a) It symbolizes the fleeting nature of time.

   b) It represents a barrier between the characters.

   c) It is a backdrop for the photograph.

   d) It is a source of conflict in the narrative.

5. What does the line "Both wry with the laboured ease of loss" suggest?

   a) The characters are happily reminiscing about the past.

   b) The characters are unaffected by loss.

   c) The characters are struggling to cope with loss.

   d) The characters are disconnected from their memories.

6. What does the phrase "And of this circumstance there is nothing to say at all" imply?

   a) The circumstances surrounding the photograph are trivial.

   b) The characters have no memories to share.

   c) Words are insufficient to express the impact of loss.

   d) The circumstances are too complex to understand.

7. What literary device is used when the sea is described as having "changed less"?

   a) Simile

   b) Metaphor

   c) Personification

   d) Alliteration

8. The photograph in the poem is primarily a symbol of:

   a) Joyful moments

   b) Childhood innocence

   c) Timeless beauty

   d) Memory and nostalgia

9. What emotion does the mother's laughter at the photograph convey?

   a) Sorrow and regret

   b) Nostalgia and joy

   c) Bitterness and anger

   d) Indifference and detachment

10. The phrase "laboured ease of loss" suggests:

    a) Loss is easy to cope with.

    b) Loss is an insurmountable burden.

    c) Loss becomes more manageable over time.

    d) Loss is an unchanging emotion.

11. What does the phrase "silence silences" signify in the context of the poem?

    a) The absence of sound in the photograph

    b) The impact of the mother's absence

    c) The peacefulness of the sea

    d) The serenity of memories

12. The poem explores the theme of:

    a) Adventure and exploration

    b) Romantic love

    c) Family reunions

    d) The transitory nature of life

13. The speaker's relationship with the mother in the poem is:

    a) Strained and distant

    b) Filled with conflict

    c) Nurturing and supportive

    d) Reflective and contemplative

14. What does the phrase "smile through their hair" imply about the girls in the photograph?

    a) They are shy and reserved.

    b) They have long, unruly hair.

    c) They are carefree and happy.

    d) They are hiding their emotions.

15. The photograph captures a moment that:

    a) Was staged for the camera

    b) Represents a significant event in history

    c) Evokes a range of emotions and memories

    d) Depicts a scene of conflict and turmoil

KEY

1. d) Memory, time, and loss

2. b) A moment of laughter and play by the sea

3. b) She laughs and reminisces about the past.

4. a) It symbolizes the fleeting nature of time.

5. c) The characters are struggling to cope with loss.

6. c) Words are insufficient to express the impact of loss.

7. b) Metaphor

8. d) Memory and nostalgia

9. b) Nostalgia and joy

10. c) Loss becomes more manageable over time.

11. b) The impact of the mother's absence

12. d) The transitory nature of life

13. d) Reflective and contemplative

14. c) They are carefree and happy.

15. c) Evokes a range of emotions and memories

Advance level 50 MCQs on Determiners for Practice

50 advanced level multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on determiners:

Note: In each question, choose the most appropriate determiner to complete the sentence.

1. _____ students participated in the science fair. a) Some b) Many c) Few d) A lot of

2. I saw _____ beautiful sunset yesterday. a) a b) an c) the d) some

3. _____ of the children are playing in the park. a) Much b) Little c) Many d) Several

4. Is there _____ milk left in the bottle? a) a little b) a few c) much d) some

5. I have _____ friends coming over for dinner. a) some b) any c) few d) several

6. This is _____ best movie I have ever seen. a) a b) an c) the d) some

7. There are _____ students who scored above 90% in the exam. a) a few b) many c) any d) several

8. _____ children enjoy playing in the snow. a) Each b) Every c) Some d) Both

9. I can't find _____ of my keys. a) either b) neither c) any d) some

10. _____ the students in the class passed the test. a) All b) None c) Several d) Any

11. She has _____ good taste in music. a) a b) an c) the d) some

12. We need to buy _____ new furniture for the living room. a) any b) some c) many d) a few

13. _____ the boys are playing soccer in the field. a) Every b) Each c) Both d) Some

14. The store has _____ varieties of fruits available. a) many b) some c) few d) a lot of

15. I need to pack _____ essentials for the trip. a) few b) some c) many d) a lot of

16. Can you lend me _____ money for the bus fare? a) any b) some c) a few d) a little

17. _____ books on the shelf are mine. a) All b) Some c) A few d) Many

18. He has _____ friends who live in that city. a) any b) a few c) several d) many

19. _____ information about the event is available online. a) Some b) Several c) Many d) Any

20. I would like _____ ice cream, please. a) some b) many c) a few d) much

21. She has _____ knowledge of different languages. a) many b) some c) a few d) much

22. _____ the students were excited about the school trip. a) All b) Some c) Many d) Several

23. I have _____ important appointments today. a) some b) a few c) several d) much

24. Can you give me _____ time to finish the task? a) any b) some c) a few d) a little

25. _____ the boys and girls are invited to the party. a) Both b) Every c) Each d) Many

26. I don't have _____ money to buy that expensive dress. a) any b) some c) a few d) much

27. She has _____ patience to deal with difficult situations. a) a b) an c) the d) some

28. _____ people believe in superstitions. a) Few b) Several c) Many d) Any

29. _____ students have already submitted their assignments. a) All b) Some c) Many d) Several

30. There were _____ cars parked outside the building. a) a few b) many c) some d) several

31. She has _____ knowledge about computers. a) some b) a few c) several d) much

32. _____ girls in the class are participating in the dance competition. a) All b) Some c) Many d) Few

33. I need to buy _____ groceries from the store. a) any b) some c) a few d) a little

34. _____ the students are required to attend the seminar. a) Each b) Every c) Both d) Many

35. He has _____ experience in handling such situations. a) a b) an c) the d) some

36. _____ the people in the room were surprised by the announcement. a) All b) Some c) Many d) Several

37. We need to buy _____ chairs for the dining table. a) any b) some c) many d) a few

38. _____ boys and girls were playing in the park. a) Both b) Every c) Each d) Many

39. She has _____ friends who live in different cities. a) any b) a few c) several d) many

40. _____ information about the event is available on the website. a) Some b) Several c) Many d) Any

41. I would like _____ ice cream, please. a) some b) many c) a few d) much

42. He has _____ knowledge of different subjects. a) many b) some c) a few d) much

43. _____ the students were excited about the school trip. a) All b) Some c) Many d) Several

44. I have _____ important tasks to complete today. a) some b) a few c) several d) much

45. Can you give me _____ time to finish the assignment? a) any b) some c) a few d) a little

46. _____ the boys and girls are invited to the party. a) Both b) Every c) Each d) Many

47. I don't have _____ money to buy that expensive

47. I don't have _____ money to buy that expensive dress. a) any b) some c) a few d) much

48. She has _____ patience to deal with difficult situations. a) a b) an c) the d) some

49. _____ people believe in superstitions. a) Few b) Several c) Many d) Any

50. _____ students have already submitted their assignments. a) All b) Some c) Many d) Several

Answer Key:

1. c) Few
2. c) the
3. c) Many
4. a) a little
5. b) any
6. c) the
7. d) several
8. a) Each
9. c) any
10. a) All
11. c) the
12. b) some
13. d) Some
14. a) many
15. b) some
16. a) any
17. b) Some
18. d) many
19. d) Any
20. a) some
21. d) much
22. a) All
23. a) some
24. d) a little
25. a) Both
26. a) any
27. d) some
28. a) Few
29. b) Some
30. d) several
31. d) much
32. c) Many
33. b) some
34. b) Every
35. a) a
36. d) Several
37. b) some
38. d) Many
39. d) many
40. d) Any
41. a) some
42. d) much
43. a) All
44. c) several
45. b) some
46. a) Both
47. a) any
48. d) some
49. a) Few
50. d) Several

NOTE: This advanced-level exercise on determiners will help you test your understanding and usage of various types of determiners, such as articles, possessives, quantifiers, and numbers. Practicing these MCQs will strengthen your grasp of determiners and enhance your ability to use them effectively in different contexts.

CBSE Class XII English Falamingo - Going Places - Summary, Expalanation, Q&A

 CBSE Class XII English Falamingo - Going Places - Summary, Expalanation, Q&A

Summary of Going Places

The story "Going Places" begins with two teenage girls, Sophie and Jansie, discussing their future plans. Sophie shares her desire to become a boutique owner, manager, actress, and ultimately a fashion designer, all in pursuit of something "sophisticated". However, Jansie is unimpressed with Sophie's fanciful ideas, as they had previously agreed to start a biscuit factory. Sophie leaves Jansie standing in the rain and enters her dreary home, where she observes her family's cramped living conditions and feels a tightness in her throat. She seeks solace in the company of her older brother Geoff, who works as an apprentice mechanic and has seen more of the world than she has. Sophie daydreams of riding on the back of Geoff's motorcycle to a fantastical place while wearing a yellow dress and a flowing cape.

Sophie tells Geoff about meeting Danny Casey, a young and talented football player. Geoff initially doubts her, but their father confirms that Danny is a real player. Sophie tells Geoff about her upcoming date with Danny, but Geoff remains skeptical. When Danny scores a goal in a football match that the family attends, Sophie feels proud. However, when Danny doesn't show up for their date, Sophie feels dejected and begins to blur the lines between reality and fantasy. She walks home alone and replays her "interaction" with Danny in great detail.

Going Places Question and Answers

Q1- Sophie and Jansie were class-mates and friends. What were the differences between them that show up in the story?

ANSWER:

Although Sophie and Jansie were friends, they were complete opposites. Sophie was constantly lost in her dreams, yearning for a life of opulence and sophistication. She envisioned owning a boutique or becoming a famous actress, all while accumulating immense wealth and prestige. Conversely, Jansie was a realist who recognized the limitations of their impoverished background and their current work in a small factory. She refrained from indulging in fanciful daydreams like Sophie and instead attempted to impart the harsh reality that fulfilling such aspirations requires substantial funds that their modest factory income could not provide.

Q2- How would you describe the character and temperament of Sophie’s father?

ANSWER:

Sophie's father is an overweight and forceful individual whose rage terrifies her. Although he does not believe in her fanciful tales, he admonishes her to avoid concocting such stories, as they could lead to complications. Despite this, he cares deeply for his daughter. He is an avid football enthusiast, and every Saturday, he takes his children to the stadium to watch their favorite team, 'United,' play. He also hopes that Danny Casey will achieve the same success as Finney and relishes his team's victories by frequenting the local pub.

Q3- Why did Sophie like her brother Geoff more than any other person? From her perspective, what did he symbolise?

ANSWER:

Geoff was a reserved individual who shared little about himself. Sophie found herself drawn to him, as she believed he frequented secretive locations filled with fascinating people. In an effort to earn his affection and gain an opportunity to accompany him to this elusive place, Sophie envisioned donning a stunning yellow dress and being warmly welcomed by the crowds. Despite her yearning for the vibrant and joyous life Geoff seemingly led, Sophie was unable to attain it.

Q4- What socio-economic background did Sophie belong to? What are the indicators of her family’s financial status?

ANSWER:

Sophie came from a lower middle-class background, residing in a compact house with her family. Upon returning from school, she felt uneasy due to the steam and the disorderly appearance of her home. Her mother was hunched over from the toil of her chores, while her father worked as a labourer and her elder brother as a mechanic. Sophie also held a job in a biscuit factory to assist her family, further highlighting their lower middle-class status.

MCQs of Going Places - Flamingo - Class XII - English

1.  Which of the following statements describes A. R. Barton?

A) A contemporary author

B) Author of the book "Going Places"

C) Resides in Zurich and writes in English

D) All of the above.

2. What is the main theme explored by Barton in the story?

A) Theme of children's happiness

B) Theme of adolescent fantasies and hero worship

C) Theme of elderly people's happiness

D) Theme of individual happiness

3. What is the sub-theme of the story?

A) Relationships - family and friends

B) Friendship

C) Family members

D) Adolescents

4. What is the significance of the subject discussed in the lesson?

A) It provides guidance on how to deal with friends

B) It provides guidance on how to behave smartly

C) It is immediately relevant to the lives of school leavers

D) It provides guidance on how to behave with the elderly

5. What literary devices are used in the lesson?

A) Metaphorical expressions and slang

B) Similes

C) Irony

D) None

6. What is the meaning of the word "chuffed"?

A) Meaning delighted or very pleased

B) Meaning not happy

C) Meaning frustrated

D) None

7. What is the meaning of the words "nosey" and "gawky"?

A) "Nosey" meaning inquisitive and "gawky" meaning awkward, ungainly.

B) Noisy and beautiful

C) Noisy and useful

D) Noisy and gainful

8. Around whom does the story "Going Places" revolve?

A) A fat boy

B) An old couple

C) A teenage girl Sophie, her family and friends

D) None

9. What kind of girl is Sophie?

A) A happy-go-lucky kind

B) Realistic

C) A daydreamer

D) A naughty child

10. What is Sophie in reality?

A) A dreamer

B) A fighter

C) A worker at a biscuit factory

D) None

11. What does Sophie dream about?

A) Becoming an actor

B) Becoming a manager

C) Becoming a sophisticated person

D) Becoming rich and sophisticated

12. What is the turning point in the story?

A) When she fights with her brother.

B) When her father gets angry.

C) When her brother reveals her story.

D) When she thinks of meeting Danny Casey, a famous football player.

13 What story does Sophie make up in front of her brother?

A) She will become an actress

B) She will become a manager

C) She will be a famous beautician

D) Casey will come to meet her.

14. Who are Sophie and Jansie?

A) Teenagers who are friends and classmates

B) Neighbors

C) Colleagues

D) Actors

15. Explain the phrase "Words had to be prized out of him like stones out of a ground."

A) It was difficult to speak to him

B) It was difficult to locate him in a shop

C) It was difficult to locate him in a factory

D) It was difficult to get information out of him

16. Where is Sophie lost?

A) In her imagination

B) In her dreams

C) In her words

D) In her imagination and dream of owning a boutique shop to become a famous fashion designer

17. What does Jansie tell Sophie?

A) Talk unrealistic

B) Be wise

C) Be practical

D) Be sensible and not to dream big

18. Why does Jansie discourage Sophie to dream big?

A) because it requires a lot of money

B) because it is not practical

C) because it is unrealistic

D) all these

19. What was Sophie’s reply to Jansie?

A) That she will go door to door to collect money

B) She will open a boutique

C) she will open an office

D) she will become an actress or a manager to realize her dream.

20. What is her reason for aspiring to be an actress?

A) to earn money

B) to gain fame

C) to become a fashion designer

D) to earn a lot of money and establish a boutique to become a famous fashion designer.

21. Why does Jansie disagree with Sophie's perspective?

A) because he has a carefree attitude

B) because he lacks imagination

C) because he is unable to believe

D) because he is practical and believes in realism.

22. Why does Sophie feel suffocated in the house?

A) because of the steam and dirty dishes from the stove

B) because of unpleasant odors

C) because of smoke

D) because of poor ventilation.

23. Who is Sophie's older brother?

A) Geoffe - a trainee mechanic

B) Jansie

C) Dany Casey

D) none

24. What did they do on Saturdays as a routine?

A) fix a stove

B) repair a car

C) fix a cooler

D) go to the United, with great devotion.

25. What secret did Sophie share with her brother?

A) She met Mary Quaint, a famous fashion designer

B) She met the Prime Minister

C) She met Christopher

D) She met Danny Casey, a famous footballer.

26. When does Sophie and her family go to watch the football match?

A) Sunday morning

B) Sunday evening

C) Sunday afternoon

D) Saturday

27. Which sport are Sophie and her family fans of?

A) cricket

B) badminton

C) volleyball

D) football

28. Why did their favorite team win the match?

A) Because they played well

B) because they were united

C) because they planned well

D) because Casey scored a goal.

29. Who is Sophie's younger brother?

A) Geoffe - a trainee mechanic

B) Casey

C) Frank

D) Derek

30. What did Jansie ask Sophie?

A) about Danny Casey

B) about Mary Quaint

C) about her dream

D) about the reality of her meeting with Danny Casey.

31.  Why did Sophie become angry with her brother?

A) Because he revealed her secret to Jansie's brother

B) because he doesn't speak to her

C) because of his silence

D) none

32. Where does Sophie visit in her imagination to meet Casey?

A) a football ground

B) during the match

C) in a hotel

D) a secret place near the canal.

33. Are Sophie's dreams and disappointments solely in her mind?

A) they solely represent her imagination and not reality

B) they depict her personality

C) they explain her nature

D) they reveal her future.

34. What are the benefits and drawbacks of fantasizing?

A) helps in dreaming big

B) aids in achieving big

C) enhances creative imagination but the downside is that it can make people self-obsessed.

D) none of these

35. What type of person is Sophie's father?

A) kind-hearted

B) loving and caring

C) hardcore realistic

D) carefree

36. Why does Sophie favor her brother Geoff more than anyone else?

A) he remains quiet

B) because he keeps her secret

C) because she can confide in him

D) all of the above

37. What does Geoff’s silence symbolise in Sophie’s view?

A) distant places

B) his vague personality

C) his jovial nature

D) wandering of his mind to distant places

38. Which country did Danny play for?

A) Netherland

B) Newzealand

C) Switzerland

D) Ireland

39. Why does Sophie feel jealous of her brother?

A) because he keeps silent

B) because he is a mechanic

C) because he reveals his secret

D) because of inability to reach unknown areas of his mind

40. Why is Sophie attracted to Danny and does she meet him in reality?

A) Because he is a heroic footballer and she meets him in imagination only

B) because he earns well

C) because he plays football

D) because he is smart

ANSWER KEY

1	D	11	D	21	D	31	A
2	B	12	D	22	A	32	D
3	A	13	D	23	A	33	A
4	C	14	A	24	D	34	C
5	A	15	D	25	D	35	C
6	A	16	D	26	D	36	D
7	A	17	D	27	D	37	D
8	C	18	D	28	D	38	D
9	C	19	D	29	D	39	D
10	C	20	D	30	D	40	A