Unit Test (Solutions): The Adventure of Toto

Time: 1 Hour  M.M.: 30

Instructions: Attempt all questions.
Question number 1 carries 6 marks.
Question numbers 2 to 5 carry 3 marks each.
Question numbers 6 to 7 carry 6 marks each.

Q1. Read the extract and answer the following questions. (6 Marks)

Extract:
"A few hours later, when Grandfather and I came back to release Toto, we found that the walls... now stood out as naked brick and plaster. The peg in the wall had been wrenched from its socket, and my school blazer... was in shreds."

(a) What does Toto's behaviour in this scene tell us about his nature?
(b) Why had Grandfather kept Toto hidden in the closet?
(c) How does this incident foreshadow the problems the family will face with Toto?
Ans:
(a) Toto's actions show that he is extremely mischievous, strong for his size, and destructive. He cannot remain still and expresses his energy by damaging whatever is around him.
(b) Toto was hidden because Grandmother disliked new pets. Grandfather waited for a moment when she would be in a good mood before revealing Toto.
(c) This early incident shows that Toto will create chaos wherever he goes. His destructive habits and uncontrollable behaviour foretell that he will cause trouble, damage household items, and be difficult to manage.

Q2. How does the author describe Toto's appearance? (3 Marks)
Ans: Toto is described as a "pretty" monkey with bright, sparkling eyes full of mischief. His deep-set eyebrows and pearly white teeth give him a charming yet mischievous look. His dried-up hands and quick, wicked fingers add to his personality, while his tail serves as a useful "third hand."

Q3. Why does the ticket collector insist on calling Toto a dog? (3 Marks)
Ans: The ticket collector sees Toto poke his head out of the bag at the railway station. Without considering that he is a monkey, he categorises him simply as an "animal," and according to railway rules, animals are charged under the "dog" fare category. Even when Grandfather objects, the ticket collector remains firm and insists on collecting three rupees.

Q4. How does Toto take a bath? Why does his bathing habit become dangerous one day? (3 Marks)
Ans: Toto bathes in a large bowl of warm water. He checks the temperature with his hand, steps in slowly-just like the narrator-and rubs himself with soap. One day, he climbs into a kettle of warm water kept for boiling. As the water heats up, he jumps in and out, unable to decide what to do, almost boiling himself alive until Grandmother rescues him.

Q5. Why does the author say that Toto was not the sort of pet they could keep for long? (3 Marks)
Ans: Toto was destructive, mischievous, and constantly caused damage-shredding clothes, breaking dishes, disturbing other animals, and nearly hurting himself. The family was not wealthy enough to afford such constant losses. Therefore, Grandfather realised Toto was impossible to keep and eventually sold him back to the tonga-driver.

Q6. Describe three major incidents that show Toto's mischievous behaviour. (6 Marks)
Ans:
1. Destroying the closet:
Toto tears off the ornamental wallpaper, pulls the peg from the wall, and shreds the narrator's blazer, showing his unstoppable energy.
2. Creating chaos in the stable:
On his first night with Nana the donkey, Toto bites Nana's ears and disturbs her, proving he cannot get along with other pets.
3. The pullao incident:
Toto eats an entire dish of pullao, throws plates and water at family members, escapes through a window, and finally breaks the dish deliberately from a tree.
These incidents highlight that Toto's mischief is constant, unpredictable, and often costly.

Q7. The story shows that Toto was both entertaining and troublesome. Discuss with reference to the text. (6 Marks)
Ans:
Toto's behaviour is charming at first-his bright eyes, quick fingers, and playful tail make him a lively and amusing pet. His cleverness in checking water temperature, grinning at the ticket collector, and climbing into a kettle shows intelligence and humour.
However, his mischief soon becomes destructive. He ruins clothes, breaks household items, frightens pets, bites Nana, disturbs everyone at night, and nearly harms himself. His actions cause financial loss, chaos in the household, and constant trouble.
Thus, while Toto is entertaining and lovable in small moments, the overall impact of his behaviour is troublesome. The story highlights how some animals, despite their charm, are not suitable as household pets.