Class 7 English Oxford Question Answers - The Scholarship Jacket

Short Questions

Q1: What tradition did the Texas school have during the eighth-grade graduation?
Ans: The Texas school had a tradition of awarding a beautiful gold and green jacket to the class valedictorian during the eighth-grade graduation.

Q2: Who was expected to win the scholarship jacket in the story?
Ans: Martha was expected to win the scholarship jacket in the story.

Q3: Why couldn't Martha's family participate in sports at school?
Ans: Martha's family couldn't participate in sports at school due to the registration fees, uniform costs, and trips out of town, which they couldn't afford.

Q4: What argument was Martha eavesdropping on between her teachers?
Ans: Martha was eavesdropping on an argument between her teachers about who should receive the scholarship jacket. Her math teacher was suggesting they give it to a student whose father was a prominent figure in the town, despite Martha having better grades.

Q5: What change did the principal announce regarding the scholarship jacket?
Ans: The principal announced that the scholarship jacket, which had always been free, would now cost fifteen dollars.

Q6: How did Martha react to the news about the cost of the jacket?
Ans: Martha was shocked and dismayed by the news about the cost of the jacket. She cried and felt very upset.

Q7: Who did Martha speak to about the cost of the jacket?
Ans: Martha spoke to her grandfather about the cost of the jacket.

Q8: What was the grandfather's response to Martha's request for the money?
Ans: Her grandfather refused to pay for the jacket, saying if Martha had to pay for it, it wouldn't be a scholarship jacket.

Q9: How did the principal react to Martha's refusal to pay for the jacket?
Ans: The principal initially seemed surprised and confused at Martha's refusal to pay. However, he later decided to make an exception in Martha's case and told her she would get the jacket.

Q10: How did Martha's grandfather react when she announced she was getting the jacket after all?
Ans: Martha's grandfather was pleased when she announced she was getting the jacket after all. He patted her on the shoulder and smiled.

Long Questions

Q1: Why was the scholarship jacket important to Martha and how did she react when she learned it was no longer free?
Ans: The scholarship jacket was important to Martha as it represented eight years of hard work and expectation. It was more than just being a valedictorian; it was a symbol of her academic achievements. When she learned that it was no longer free, she was shocked and dismayed. She cried and felt very upset because she knew her family couldn't afford to pay for it.

Q2: Discuss the conversation between Martha and her grandfather regarding the cost of the scholarship jacket. How did it influence Martha's decision?
Ans: Martha approached her grandfather about the cost of the scholarship jacket. She explained the situation and asked him for the money. Her grandfather asked her what a scholarship jacket meant and upon hearing her response, he concluded that if she had to pay for it, then it wouldn't be a scholarship jacket. This conversation influenced Martha's decision as she respected her grandfather's wisdom and agreed with his stance.

Q3: What was the significance of the argument between Martha's teachers that she overheard? How did it affect her feelings towards the scholarship jacket?
Ans: The argument between Martha's teachers that she overheard was about who should receive the scholarship jacket. It showed Martha that her achievements were being overlooked due to politics and favoritism. This made her feel undervalued and upset, affecting her feelings towards the scholarship jacket.

Q4: How did the principal's decision to make an exception for Martha reflect on the school's policy change? What does it tell us about his character?
Ans: The principal's decision to make an exception for Martha reflects a willingness to bend the rules in the face of injustice. Despite the policy change, he recognized Martha's merit and decided she should receive the jacket. This shows that he values fairness and academic achievement over monetary considerations.

Q5: Discuss the emotional journey Martha went through in the story, from expecting to win the scholarship jacket, to learning she might not, to finally being told she would receive it.
Ans: Martha went through an emotional roller coaster in the story. Initially, she was confident and excited about winning the scholarship jacket. However, she was devastated when she found out that she might not get it due to the new policy. She felt betrayed and upset, especially after overhearing her teachers' argument. Despite these obstacles, Martha stood her ground and refused to pay for the jacket. When the principal finally announced that she would receive the jacket, Martha felt a surge of joy and relief.