Unit Test (Solutions): Somebody's Mother

Time: 1 Hour
Maximum Marks: 30
Attempt all questions.

Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
Question numbers 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1: The woman is described as "ragged and grey" to show her (1 Mark)

(i) anger
(ii) weakness
(iii) poor and worn-out appearance
(iv) happiness

Ans: (iii)

The words ragged and grey describe the woman's old age, poverty, and worn-out physical condition, showing that she is weak and neglected.

Q2: The group of boys is compared to a "flock of sheep" because they (1 Mark)

(i) were afraid
(ii) moved together noisily
(iii) were slow
(iv) were tired

Ans: (ii)

The comparison shows that the boys were moving together in a noisy, carefree manner, just like a flock of sheep.

Q3: Why did the woman hesitate to cross the street? (1 Mark)

(i) She was waiting for her son
(ii) The street was crowded and slippery
(iii) She was injured
(iv) She was talking to someone

Ans: (ii)

The woman hesitated because the street was slippery due to snow and crowded with carriages and horses, making it dangerous for her to cross alone.

Q4: The boy helped the woman because he remembered (1 Mark)

(i) his teacher
(ii) his sister
(iii) his mother
(iv) his grandmother

Ans: (iii)

The boy helped the woman because he thought about his own mother and hoped someone would help her when she becomes old and helpless.

Q5: The theme of the poem is (1 Mark)

(i) adventure
(ii) kindness and empathy
(iii) bravery in war
(iv) fear

Ans: (ii)

The poem highlights the values of kindness, empathy, and compassion shown by the young boy towards the old woman.

Q6: Describe the physical condition of the old woman in two points. (2 Marks)

Ans: The old woman is shown as weak, poorly dressed, and very frail. Her feet are described as aged and slow, and she trembles with cold, showing her helpless physical condition.

Q7: Why did the other boys not stop to help the woman? (2 Marks)

Ans: The other boys were excited after school and were busy playing, laughing, and enjoying their freedom, so they ignored the old woman and did not notice her difficulty.

Q8: What prayer did the old woman make at the end of the poem? (2 Marks)

Ans: At the end of the poem, the old woman prayed that God should be kind to the noble boy who helped her and bless him with happiness, safety, and a good life.

Q9: How does the poet show the helplessness of the old woman? Give any three details from the poem. (3 Marks)

Ans: The poet shows the helplessness of the old woman by describing that she stood for a long time at the crossing, afraid to move, that she was trembling with cold and weakness, and that she feared being pushed down by the carriage wheels or the horses' feet.

Q10: Explain the contrast between the old woman and the young boy in the poem. (3 Marks)

Ans: The old woman is weak, slow, poor, and full of fear, while the young boy is strong, confident, active, and kind-hearted. While the woman trembles at every step, the boy walks firmly and proudly guides her across the street, showing a clear contrast between old age and youth.

Q11: Why is the title "Somebody's Mother" appropriate for the poem? (3 Marks)

Ans: The title is appropriate because it reminds the reader that the old woman, though poor and helpless, is also someone's mother. The boy helps her by thinking of his own mother, and the title teaches us that all elderly people deserve the same respect and care as our own parents.

Q12: Why does the boy decide to help the old woman? What message does the poem give to society? (5 Marks)

Ans: The boy decides to help the old woman because he imagines his own mother in her place and hopes that someone would help her when she becomes old and weak. This thought fills his heart with kindness and compassion. The poem gives the strong message that humanity, empathy, and kindness are the greatest values in life. It teaches us that helping the weak and elderly is our moral duty and that even a small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone's life.

Q13: (a) Explain the meaning of the phrase "lend a hand" as used in the poem.

(b) How do empathy and humanity play an important role in our daily life? Explain with examples. (5 Marks)

Ans: (a) The phrase "lend a hand" means to help someone who is in need. 

(b) Empathy and humanity play an important role in our daily life because they help us understand the pain and problems of others and encourage us to support them. For example, helping an elderly person cross the road, sharing food with the poor, and helping a classmate with studies are simple acts that show empathy and kindness and make society more caring and peaceful.