8/4/2022

The Best Christmas Present in the World Extra Questions and

Answers Short Answer Type
Question 1.
Describe the condition of roll – top box. From where the author
found the roll-top box?
Answer:
The roll-top box was made up of oak. It was in very bad
condition. It brings scorch mark all down one side & one leg is
clumsily mended. He found roll – top box from a junk shop in
Bridport

Question 2.
Why did the author buy roll top box even though it was in bad
condition?
Answer:
The Author bought roll top box of bad condition because it cost
little money and he could easily restore it by working on it.

Question 3.
What did the author find in the secret-drawer?
Answer:
He found a tin-box cello – taped to the top of that was a piece of
lined notepaper in the secret drawer.

Question 4.
What was written on the tin box?
Answer:
‘Jim’s last letter, received January 25, 1915.’ was written on
the tin box.
Question 5.
What was there inside the tin box?
Answer:
Inside the box there was an envelope. The address read: ‘Mrs.
Jim Macpherson, 12 Copper Beeches, Bridport Dorset’ and
then he took out the letter and unfolded it. It was written in
pencil and dated at the top – ‘December 26, 1914’.

Question 6.
Describe briefly about Christmas morning on the behalf of letter
sent by Jim to Connie.
Answer:
Christmas morning was crisp and quiet all about, as beautiful a
charming day. It was totally cold and frosty as a Christmas
morning should be.

Question 7.
Who was Hans Wolf?
Answer:
Hans Wolf was the officer of Fritz. He was from Dusseldorf. He
played a cello in the orchestra.

Question 8.
Who was Jim Macpherson?
Answer:
Jim Macpherson was a school teacher. He was from Dorset, in
the west of England.

Question 9.
What did Hans & Jim talk about when they were sharing rum &
sausage?
Answer:
They talked about their favourite book, ‘Far from the madding
crowd’, with Bathsheba, Gabriel Oak, Sergeant Troy and
Dorset.

Question 10.
How usually the war end? And how should it be end and why?
Answer:
Normally, wars end by shedding blood and loses of properties
and people. But there a football match resolves the war. As “No
one dies in a football match. No children are orphaned. No
wives become widows”.

Question 11.
Who won the match?
Answer:
Fritz won the match.

Question 12.
Why the letter was so special?
Answer:
The letter was so special because it was written to Connie Jim’s
wife. And the letter explains us about the war and our home.
This letter shows that every soldier wants peace and love.

Question 13.
What did author do after he read letter?
Answer:
After reading letter the author went to Bridport and asked for
the address from where the shop keeper got the roll top box.
Question 14.
Write the character sketch of Mrs. Macpherson.
Answer:
Mrs. Macpherson was an old lady. She was hundred and one
years old. She was very lovely. She had white silver hair and
wrinkles on the skin. But she used candle rather than electricity
because according to her, electricity was too expensive.

Question 15.
Where was Mrs. Machpherson living? And why so?
Answer:
She was in a nursing home, Burlington house, on the
Dorchesten. She was living there because her house caught fire
and she got injured.

Question 16.
Why was the people at nursing hom£ surprised to see visitor?
Answer:
The people were surprised because Mrs. Macpherson had no
family, no one visits to her so they was happy too to see him
there.

Question 17.
What did Mrs. Macpherson thought about visitors?
Answer:
Mrs. Macpherson thought that visitor was her husband Mr.
Macpherson. We know that because she said “you told me you
had come home by Christmas, dearest,”. “And here you are the
best Christmas present in the world. Come close Jim dear, sit
down”.
Question 18.
What did the author find in a junk shop?
Answer:
The author found a very old 19th century rolled-top desk in a
junk shop. It was made of oak. It was in a very bad condition.
The roll-top was broken into several pieces. One of the legs was
clumsily mended and there were scorch marks down one side.

Question 19.
What did he find in a secret drawer? Who do you think had put
it in there?
Answer:
He found a small black tin box in a secret drawer. Jim’s wife
Mrs. Macpherson had put it there. Here name and address were
on the envelope inside the box.

Question 20.
Who had written the letter, to whom, and when?
Answer:
Jim Macpherson had written the letter to his wife Connie
Macpherson on December 26, 1914.

Question 21.
Why was the letter written? What was the wonderful thing that
had happened?
Answer:
German and British army was fighting a battle. The soldiers
were living in their trenches to fight enemy. For soldiers were
writing and receiving letter was the only way to be in touch with
their family member. The wonderful thing was, in spite of enmity
they celebrated Christmas together. This shows that festivals
are above all personal enmity.

Question 22.
What jobs did Hans Wolf and Jim Macpherson have when they
were not soldiers?
Answer:
Before joining the army, Hans played the cello in the orchestra
and Jim was a teacher.

Question 23.
Had Hans Wolf ever been to Dorset? Why did he say he knew
it?
Answer:
No, Hans Wolf had never been to Dorset. He said so because he
had learned all about England in his school and in English
books.

Question 24.
Do you think Jim Macpherson came back from the war? How
do you know this?
Answer:
The written statement on the letter saying sheet the last letter
was from Jim and that should be buried with Mrs. Macpherson.
It indicates that Jim didn’t return from war.

Question 25.
Why did the author go to Bridport?
Answer:
The author went to Bridport because that was the address where
Mrs. Macpherson lived. He wanted to give that letter back to
her.

Question 26.
How old was Mrs. Macpherson now? Where was she?
Answer:
Mrs. Macpherson was a hundred and one year old. She was in a
nursing home in Burlington house, on the Dorchester road, on
the other side of town.

Question 27.
Who did Connie Macpherson think her visitor was?
Answer:
Connie Macpherson thought her visitor was her husband, Mr
Jim Macpherson.

Question 28.
Which sentence in the text shows that the visitor did not try to
hide his identity?
Answer:
That sentence is, “You told me You’d come home by Christmas,
dearest,” she said, “And here you are. The best Christmas
present in the world. Come closer, Jim dear, sit down.”
Working with the Text

Question 29.
For how long do you think Connie had kept Jim’s letter? Give
reasons for your answer.
Answer:
Connie must have kept Jim’s letter for a long time. This is
because she told the narrator how she read it quite often every
day so that she could feel that Jim was near her.

Question 30.
Why do you think the desk had seen sold, and when?
Answer:
The desk must have been sold as junk. It might have been sold
after the demise of Macpherson.

Question 31.
Why do Jim and Hans think that games or sports are good ways
of resolving conflicts? Do you agree?
Answer:
Jim and Hans think that games or sports are good ways of
resolving conflicts because nobody dies in a game. They were of
the opinion that a game does not end in a child becoming
orphan or a wife becoming widow.

Question 32.
Do you think the soldiers of the two armies are like each other,
or different from each other? Find evidence from the story to
support your answer.
Answer:
The soldiers of the two armies are like each other and they are
not at all different. Following are some instances from the story
to prove:

 Both of them wanted peace, longed for the war to be

over and wanted to go home to meet their families.
 Both the armies celebrated Christmas and wished
Merry Christmas to each other.
  Both the armies shared their sausage, schnapps and
Christmas cake with each other.
 They played a football match and at night shared
Christmas carols and hope to unite with the families
again.
Question 33.
Mention the various ways in which the British and the German
soldiers become friends and And things in common at
Christmas.
Answer:
The British and the German soldiers smile at each other and
wish merry Christmas to each other. They offer that food to
each other. They share drinks and laugh at jokes. They play and
enjoy a game of football. Thus they become friends on that
occasion.

Question 34.
What is Connie’s Christmas present? Why is it “the best
Christmas present in the world”?
Answer:
When the narrator came to see Connie and gave her the box,
she mistook him for her husband Jim. She thought that Jim had
come home for Christmas. This was Connie’s Christmas
present. It was the best Christmas present in the world for her
because Jim had written in the letter that he would come home
on Christmas. She had read that letter several times everyday to
feel that he was near her. Now that he was finally there with
her, she was extremely happy.
Question 35.
Do you think the title, of this story is suitable for it? Can you
think of any other title(s)?
Answer:
The title of the story is perfectly suitable for it as the story
revolves around the letter which turns out to be the best
Christmas gift in the world for Mrs Macpherson. Mrs
Macpherson had written the date . and her wish on the letter’s
envelope that this letter should be buried along with her after
her death. She had lost it but in the end she found it and in its
form she found her husband Jim once again. There can be no
other title suitable for this story

The Best Christmas Present in the World Extra Questions and

Answers Long Answer Type
Question 1.
War is no solution to disputes’. Discuss.
Answer:
Wars no longer represent country’s pride. They are generally
result of ruler’s ego. Their narcism takes a toll on the lives of so
many from both the side. A common soldier wishes to celebrate
the festivals together and think of family first. They want to end
the bitter relationship by challenging them in a game.

They expressed their fondness for each other food, drink, places
and literature. Wisdom and mutual respect would never cause
harm to humanity but the ego does, so before taking extreme
steps like war they should think of respect and co-existence.
Neither German nor British soldiers were enjoying the game
and feast together.
Question 2.
You are the best Christmas present’. What was the best present?
What was its importance?
Answer:
On the Christmas eve, the narrator found a tin box carrying
letter of captain Macpherson. It had a note which mentioned
that his wife wanted the letter to be buried with her when she
died. The narrator brought the box to her. When Connie heard
him, she thought it was her husband who promised her to return
on Christmas. Her wait was too long. She was muddle headed
and was admitted to a hospital.

When everyone was merry-making on Christmas, she was sitting

brooding over something. She was hopeful that her husband
would return. But wait was too long by then, she lost her vision,
memory so she mistook the guest to be her husband and
considered his arrival to be the best gift. Her wait for her
husband show her love and desire to see him back.

Question 3.
In groups discuss whether wars are good way to end conflicts
between countries. Then present your arguments to the whole
class.
Answer:
War means bloodshed, hate and destruction. Even the animals
fight for some sound reason. But nations go to war to settle
some petty dispute or in the name of religions. War solves no
problem. Understanding and mutual discussion alone can end
differences, All religions condemn greed and bloody quarrels.
Question 4.
What kind of presents do you like and why? What are the things
you keep in mind when you buy presents for others? Discuss
with your partner. (For example, you might buy a book because
it can be read and re-read over a period of time.)
Answer:
Personally, I am against the practice of exchanging expensive
gifts. A rose or a token of affection suits every person and every
pocket. This is why some guests offer bouquets or greeting cards
alone. In case the gift is essential. It should satisfy some need
and have utility. When I go to buy a present I first take into
account the liking of my classmate, relative or girl/boy friend.

The Best Christmas Present in the World Extra Questions and

Answers Reference to Context
Passage 1
I removed the roll-top completely and pulled out the drawers.
The veneer had lifted almost everywhere it looked like water
damage to me. Both fire and water had clearly taken their toll
on this desk. The last drawer was stuck fast. I tried all I could to
ease it out gently. In the end I used brute force. I struck it
sharply with the side of my fist and the drawer flew open to
reveal a shallow space underneath, a secret drawer.

Question 1.
Who is T in the above passage?
Answer:
I is the narrator in the above passage.
Question 2.
What does ‘It’ denote in the above lines?
Answer:
‘It’ denotes a roll-top desk.

Question 3.
What was the condition of the desk?
Answer:
The desk was damaged with water and fire.

Question 4.
Where did he find a secret drawer?
Answer:
He found the secret drawer underneath the last drawer which
was stuck up badly.

Question 5.
Find out the word/ phrase that means the same for the given
word.
Answer:

 freedom from pain – ease out.

 of little depth – shallow.
Passage 2

I should like to be able to tell you that we began it. But the truth,
I’m ashamed to say, is that Fritz began it. First someone saw a
white flag waving from the trenches opposite. Then they were
calling out to us from across no man’s land, “Happy Christmas,
Tommy! Happy Christmas!” When we had got over the surprise,
some of us shouted back, “Same to you, Fritz! Same to you!” I
thought that would be that. We all did. But then suddenly one of
them was up there in his grey greatcoat and waving a white
flag. “Don’t shoot, lads!” Someone shouted. And no one did.
Then there was another Fritz up on the parapet, and another.
“Keep your heads down,” I told the men, “it’s a trick.” But it
wasn’t.

Question 1.
What did the writer mean by ‘we began it’?
Answer:
German soldiers and wished them initiated treaty on Christmas.
The writer was feeling ashamed because he wished that he must
have started it.

Question 2.
What was the symbolic meaning of ‘a white flag5?
Answer:
The white flag is a symbol of peace.

Question 3.
Where were the soldiers sitting?
Answer:
The soldiers were sitting in the trenches.

Question 4.
What did the German soldiers wish them?
Answer:
The German soldiers wished them ‘Happy Christmas’.
Question 5.
Why did they call each other ‘Fritz’ and ‘Tommy’?
Answer:
‘Fritz’ means a name for a German soldier while ‘Tommy’
means a common name for British soldiers.

Passage 3

“Captain Jim Macpherson,” I replied. “And a Happy Christmas

to you too. I’m a school teacher from Dorset, in the west of
England.” “Ah, Dorset,” he smiled. “I know this place. I know
it very well.” We shared my rum ration and his excellent
sausage. And we talked, Connie, how we talked. He spoke
almost perfect English. But it turned out that he had never set
foot in Dorset, never even been to England. He had learned all
he knew of England from school, and from reading books in
English. His favourite writer was Thomas Hardy, his favourite
book Far from the Madding Crowd. So out there in no man’s
land we talked of Bathsheba and Gabriel Oak and Sergeant
Troy and Dorset. He had a wife and one son, born just six
months ago.

Question 1.
What did captain tell about himself?
Answer:
Captain introduced himself by revealing that he was a school
teacher from Dorset in the west of England.

Question 2.
What did they share with the enemy soldiers?
Answer:
They shared mm ration and excellent sausage with the enemy
soldiers.

Question 3.
What was unusual about Connie?
Answer:
Captain Jim realized that Connie could speak good English
although he never went to England. He learnt all from reading
books in English.

Question 4.
What did Hans Wolf tell about his family?
Answer:
Hans Wolf told that he had a wife and six-month-old son.

Question 5.
Give the meaning of the following :
(a) Turned out
(b) excellent
Answer:
(a) Turned out means ‘to develop or end in a particular way’.
(b) very good.

Passage 4

The old lady was sitting in a wheelchair, her hands folded in her
lap. She had silver white hair pinned into a wispy bun. She was
gazing out at the garden. “Hello,” I said. She turned and looked
up at me vacantly. “Happy Christmas, Connie,” I went on. “I
found this. I think it’s yours.” As I was speaking her eyes never
left my face. I opened the tin box and gave it to her. That was
the moment her eyes lit up with recognition and her face
became suffused with a sudden glow of happiness. I explained
about the desk, about how I had found it, but I don’t think she
was listening. For a while she said nothing, but stroked the
letter tenderly with her fingertips.

Question 1.
Who was the old lady sitting in a wheel chair?
Answer:
The old lady, sitting in a wheelchair was Mrs. Macpherson.

Question 2.
What made her eyes lit up?
Answer:
Connie could not recognize. Her eyes were lit up with
recognition. Her face became suffused with a sudden glow of
happiness.

Question 3.
What wasn’t she listening to?
Answer:
Mrs. Macpherson was not listening to what he was telling her.

Question 4.
Explain ‘suffused with’.
Answer:
‘Suffused with’ is a glow of happiness that spread over the face
of Connie who was too old and weak. She mistook him to be her
husband and smiled.
Question 5.
Change adjective tender into an adverb.
Answer:
Tenderly.