Comprehension I: The Concert

Question 1:
Which word in the first paragraph describes the manner of the girl when she saw the newspaper?
Answer:
The word “excitedly” describes the manner of the girl when she saw the newspaper.

Question 2:
Why do you think the mother cautioned the girl?
Answer:
The mother cautioned the girl because her son was suffering from cancer and was in the final stage of his illness. His body was extremely weak, and he required sleep and complete rest.

Question 3:
“We mustn’t miss the chance.”
a) What chance did the boy not want to miss? Why? Do you think the boy would get a chance in the future?
Answer:
The boy did not want to miss the opportunity to listen to Pandit Ravi Shankar’s sitar recital. He had always longed to hear and see Pandit Ravi Shankar perform but never had the chance before. Whether he will get another opportunity in the future is uncertain, as we cannot predict what will happen. He may or may not have another chance.

Question 4:
Imagine you were the boy’s mother. Would you have reacted differently in this situation? If so, how?
Answer:
Anant’s mother reacted appropriately under the circumstances. However, if we consider a different perspective, special arrangements could have been made to fulfil his heartfelt desire to see and listen to Pandit Ravi Shankar. It would have been our duty to make his wish come true.

Question 5:
Read the third paragraph: “He raised himself without any help. The mother murmured with a catch in her throat on seeing him.” What does this suggest about the boy’s condition? Read the fourth paragraph and answer.
Answer:
The boy was suffering from a severe illness and had been bedridden. The mother’s emotional reaction upon seeing him sit up without assistance suggests that he was usually dependent on others for even basic physical activities. This indicates his frail condition and the gravity of his illness.

Comprehension II: Share your Responses: The Concert

Question 1:
For a moment, Smita had forgotten something. What was it?
Answer:
For a moment, Smita had forgotten that her brother was very ill.

Question 2:
In what way was the truth truly frightening to Smita?
Answer:
Smita knew that Anant was going to die. The word cancer loomed over them, and the realization that her brother was dying was deeply frightening to her.

Question 3:
Do you consider Anant a talented boy? Justify your answer with support from the text.
Answer:
Yes, Anant was a talented boy. According to the text, he had a natural gift for music and, despite being at the beginning of his musical journey, he was already able to compose his own tunes. His guru was astonished by his abilities, which further proved his talent. Additionally, he was the best table tennis player in his school and the fastest runner, showcasing his exceptional skills in both sports and music.

Question 4:
“They had come with high hopes.”
a) What were their high hopes?
b) Do you think their hopes would be fulfilled? Support your answer.
c) The doctors said something to the parents. Were their words of hope or despair? (Refer to paragraph 6.)
d) “They did not voice their fears.” Who does the word they refer to?
i) Doctors
ii) Friends
iii) Family members (Choose the correct answer from paragraph 6.)

Answer:
a) They came with hopes that modern medical advancements would work a miracle. They believed Anant would be cured at the hospital, regain his health, and even participate in the table tennis tournament.
b) Based on medical records, it seems their hopes would not be fulfilled, as the doctors had lost faith in his recovery. They advised the parents to take Anant home, believing no treatment could save him. However, there is always a slight possibility of a miraculous recovery.
c) The doctors told the parents to take Anant home and let him have whatever he wished for. These were words of despair, as doctors usually give such advice only when they know the patient cannot be cured. Instead of strict treatment, they wanted him to spend his remaining time happily.
d) iii) Family members.

Question 5:
“Her eyes filled with tears.” Were they tears of happiness or sorrow? Give reasons.
Answer:
They were tears of sorrow. When Anant expressed that listening to Pandit Ravi Shankar was the chance of a lifetime, it was deeply ironic, as he had very little time left. Smita, who knew her brother’s days were numbered, was overwhelmed with sadness, leading her eyes to fill with tears.

Question 6:
“Suddenly, a daring thought came to her.” Can you guess what thought Smita had?
Answer:
Smita’s daring thought must have been to fulfill her brother’s wish of listening to Pandit Ravi Shankar. She likely decided to make his dream come true, as she believed it was the chance of a lifetime for him. However, at this point in the story, readers are not yet aware of how she plans to achieve this.

Comprehension III: Share your Responses: The Concert

Question 1.
The word ‘gasp,’ according to the dictionary, suggests surprise or pain. Which meaning is relevant in this context? (Para.10)
Answer:
In this context, the meaning of ‘gasp’ refers to pain.

Question 2.
As Smita sat listening to the music, she was spellbound. But all the while, her mind was echoing something else. What was it?
Answer:
While Smita was mesmerized by the music, her mind kept echoing the plan she had decided upon the previous evening. It remained firmly in her thoughts.

Question 3.
Why does the writer use the word ‘wriggled’ to describe Smita’s movement?
Answer:
The word ‘wriggled’ is used because Smita was in a crowded place and feeling extremely anxious. Her heart was pounding, her knees felt weak, and she was unable to walk straight. Instead, she moved forward in a wriggling manner, trying to make her way through the crowd.

Question 4.
Smita’s nervousness is suggested by the phrase ‘her heart beating loudly’ in paragraph 12. Identify two more phrases from the next paragraph that describe a similar state.
Answer:
Two more phrases that indicate Smita’s nervousness are:
(i) Her knees felt weak
(ii) her tongue dried

Question 5.
Did Smita share her thoughts with the musicians? Who responded to her request immediately, and what was the response?
Answer:
Yes, Smita openly shared her thoughts with the musicians. Ustad Allah Rakha was the first to respond immediately. He assured her that the next morning, they would perform for her brother.

Question 6.
Do you think the response of the artists was unusual? Why or why not?
Answer:
Yes, the response of the artists was unusual. Renowned musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Allah Rakha are usually very busy and rarely have time for personal requests. However, this was a special case, and they showed immense generosity and compassion by agreeing to perform. Their act of kindness was truly commendable.

Question 7.
The neighbours could not believe their eyes. Why do you think they felt this way?
Answer:
The neighbours were in disbelief because Pandit Ravi Shankar was a world-famous musician, and it was incredibly difficult to secure his time. They could hardly believe that such a legendary artist had come to a modest home to perform.

Question 8.
Read the last paragraph, which briefly yet effectively describes the end. Discuss your thoughts with a partner.
Answer:
The last paragraph evokes mixed emotions in the reader. On one hand, it is heartwarming to know that the boy’s final wish was fulfilled. On the other hand, it is heartbreaking that he passed away while listening to his favorite sitar music. However, Smita, her parents, the musicians, and all who cared for the boy must have found some comfort in knowing that his last desire was fulfilled.

Question 9.
Can you say that the concert was entertaining for Smita? Justify your answer.
Answer:
Yes, the concert was more than just entertaining for Smita. As she listened to the music, she felt as if the gates of enchantment and wonder had opened before her. She was completely spellbound. However, at the same time, she was anxious about her brother’s wish and unsure whether the maestro would agree to perform for him. This mix of emotions made the experience both magical and overwhelming for her.

Question 10.
Smita was nervous as she stood before the maestro. Which sentences suggest this?
Answer:
Smita’s nervousness is suggested by the following sentences:
(i) her heart beating loudly
(ii) her knees felt weak
(iii) her tongue dried

Question 11.
Did Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Allah Rakha perform at the boy’s house? Do you think this was an unusual event? If yes, give reasons.
Answer:
Yes, they performed at the boy’s house, and it was certainly an unusual event. Such distinguished artists rarely give private performances, as even securing their dates for public concerts is a challenge. Additionally, Smita’s family was neither wealthy nor influential, and their home was a small apartment. All these factors made the event truly extraordinary.

Think About The Text: The Concert

Question 1.
Do you like the story? Why?
Answer:
I like this story because:
a) It revolves around the theme of music.
b) It is based on a real-life incident.
c) It conveys deep emotions and has a touching narrative.
d) It highlights the greatness of renowned musicians.
e) It emphasizes humanity and kindness.
f) It showcases compassion and selflessness.

Question 2
In your opinion, which words in the list below describe Anant’s character or state? Write Yes/No in the space given.
Answer: