That's a great set of extra practice questions!

I can provide answers for

these based on the context of the stories and poems they relate to, which
are commonly studied in English literature courses.

Here are the perfect answers to your questions:

Answers to Practice Questions

From "Footprints Without Feet" (The story of Griffin)

Why were the two boys in London surprised and fascinated?

The two boys in London were surprised and fascinated because they saw
fresh

muddy footprints suddenly appear on the street without a visible person

making them1. The footprints then proceeded to go down the street and
disappear one by one, making the whole event seem like an uncanny
mystery2.

Why did Mrs. Hall try to be friendly and prepared to excuse Griffin's
irritable habits?

Mrs. Hall, the landlady of the inn, tried to be friendly and was prepared to
excuse Griffin's irritable habits because he was an

unusual tenant and had paid her rent in advance3. She was willing to
tolerate his strange behavior and appearance for the sake of the
unexpected income during a time when visitors were rare in Iping 4.

The neighbors suspected Griffin of burglary, why?

The neighbors suspected Griffin of burglary because a

clergyman and his wife were robbed of money in their study, and Griffin
had paid his rent with a substantial amount of cash shortly after the
robbery5. This sudden, unexplained wealth immediately raised suspicions
among the villagers, who were already wary of the strange scientist 6.

Scientist contribute to make world better place. Griffin is an Antithesis to

the statement, justify.

A scientist's role is typically to use knowledge for the betterment of

society, but
Griffin is an antithesis because he uses his brilliant invention—the
formula for invisibility—for selfish, criminal, and destructive
purposes7. He engages in breaking the law, stealing, assaulting people,
and terrorizing a village instead of using his discovery for any noble or
humanitarian cause, thereby proving to be the exact opposite of a
benevolent scientist8.

Griffin's unlawful activities devalue his inventions comment.

Griffin's unlawful activities absolutely

devalue his invention9. His scientific breakthrough—the ability to

become invisible—is a remarkable achievement, but by using it only to
pursue petty crimes like theft and assault, and to escape punishment, he
reduces a potentially world-changing discovery to a mere

tool for personal vengeance and criminal enterprise10. The negative

societal impact of his actions completely overshadows the positive
potential of the invention itself.

How did Griffin's invisibility come to his help whenever he found himself in
trouble?

Griffin's invisibility was his ultimate escape mechanism. Whenever he

found himself in trouble or was about to be caught, he would quickly

remove his clothes and become completely invisible, making it

impossible for people to catch or hold him11. This allowed him to
commit crimes with impunity and vanish from any scene of conflict 12.

From "The Making of a Scientist" (The story of Richard Ebright)

Mention any two Ebright's contribution to the world of science.

Two of Richard Ebright's most significant contributions to the world of

science are:

1. His work on the

Monarch butterfly's gold spots, where he discovered the spots

produced a hormone necessary for the butterfly's full development 13.

2. His later groundbreaking work on the

chemical structure of DNA and how a cell's nucleus can read the
blueprint of its DNA14.
Why did Viceroy butterflies copy the Monarch butterflies?

Viceroy butterflies copy the Monarch butterflies as a method of

survival and protection15. Monarch butterflies are avoided by birds

because they taste bad16. By mimicking the Monarchs' appearance, the
Viceroy butterflies trick the birds into also avoiding them, giving the
Viceroys a better chance of survival17.

What are the essential qualities for becoming a scientist?

According to the story of Ebright, the essential qualities for becoming a

successful scientist are a

first-rate mind, curiosity, and the will to win for the right reasons18.
Ebright's competitiveness was not about trophies, but about doing his
best work, which is crucial for scientific progress 19.

How to develop scientific temperament?

To develop a scientific temperament, one should foster a sense of

curiosity and a spirit of inquiry about the world20. This includes

encouraging observation, conducting experiments, reading widely, and
cultivating the habit of asking "why" and "how" to understand processes,
which often begins with hobbies and the support of mentors 21.

Hobbies play a very important role in one's life. Explain.

Hobbies play a very important role in one's life by often being the

starting point for one's life's passion and career22. For Richard
Ebright, his childhood hobby of collecting butterflies eventually led him to
a career in science and significant scientific discoveries 23. Hobbies help to
develop focus, dedication, and a hands-on approach to learning 24.

Success is a failure turned inside out. Explain.

"Success is a failure turned inside out" means that

failure is often a temporary setback and a crucial learning experience

that precedes success25. The story of Ebright shows that not all his early
projects won prizes, but his willingness to learn from his unsuccessful
attempts, like his unsuccessful study of insect diseases, led to better,
more successful work later on26. It suggests that the resilience to keep
trying after a failure is the true path to success.

How Richard displayed a well-rounded personality?

Richard displayed a

well-rounded personality by excelling not just in science, but also in

other areas27. He was a champion debater, a public speaker, a good
canoeist, and an expert photographer28. This shows that he was an
enthusiastic and energetic individual who dedicated himself fully to
diverse pursuits29.

Write a character sketch of Richard's mother.

Richard's mother was a

supportive, devoted, and highly influential figure in his life30. She

fostered his curiosity from a young age, buying him books, including

The Travels of Monarch X, and scientific equipment like microscopes and

telescopes31. She was his constant companion and guide, ensuring he had
the necessary resources, a stimulating environment, and a strong work
ethic, which were key to his eventual success 32.

From "The Trees" (The poem by Adrienne Rich)

What are the whispers that fill the head of the poet?

The whispers that fill the head of the poet are the

sounds of the night33. Specifically, they are the

cracking of the glass as the trees struggle to move out and the rustling
sound of the trees' leaves and lichens against the glass 34. The whispers
represent the poet's inner awareness of this slow, forceful movement and
rebellion in nature.

Why does the poet compare the trees to newly discharged patients?

The poet compares the trees to newly discharged patients because the
trees are moving

slowly, stiffly, and a little dazed as they leave the confines of the
house and move back to the forest35. Just like patients released from a
hospital who are hesitant, confused, and moving with stiff limbs, the trees
are struggling to regain their natural mobility after being unnaturally
enclosed36.

The process of moving out was tedious for the trees. Support the
statement.

The statement is supported by the poem's description of the trees'

movements37. The

"long-cramped boughs" are shuffling under the roof38. The

"small twigs stiff with exertion" and the "long-cramped boughs"

moving slowly under the roof indicate a great effort and a difficult,
wearisome process39. The entire night is spent in this arduous transition 40.

Change never comes easy. Justify.

Change never comes easy, a fact justified by the poem's central action41.
The trees must

struggle all night to escape the house, with their roots working hard to
disengage from the veranda floor and their twigs being stiff with
exertion42. The process involves

force and cracking (the breaking of the glass)43. This difficult, forceful
process symbolizes that significant change, whether in nature or in human
society, requires immense effort, struggle, and often, a painful breaking
away from the past.

The poet uses trees as a symbol for women breaking patriarchal notion.
Do you agree? Why/Why not?

Yes, I agree44. The poet uses the trees as a potent symbol for

women breaking free from patriarchal confinement45.

 The indoor setting symbolizes the restricted life and domestic

confinement imposed on women in a patriarchal society 46.

 The movement of the trees to the open forest symbolizes women

reclaiming their natural space, freedom, and an active role in the
world47.

 The struggle and breaking of the glass represents the forceful

effort and necessary upheaval required to shatter limiting,
oppressive societal norms and gain independence 48.
The poem ends on a note of victory. Justify with reference to literal and
symbolic meaning.

The poem ends on a clear note of victory49.

 Literal Meaning: The trees successfully move out of the house and
into the forest, which is their natural home 50. The forest will be

"full of trees by morning," signifying their successful re-occupation51.

 Symbolic Meaning: The victory is the triumph of oppressed

women over their confinement52. Their successful movement into
the world means the patriarchal structures (symbolized by the
house) have been defied and overcome, ushering in a future where
they live freely and fully53. The smell of leaves reaching the rooms of
the house is the final sign that the shift in power and space has
occurred.

What message does the poet want to convey through the poem?

The central message the poet wants to convey is the

necessity and inevitability of change and the triumph of nature

and freedom over artificial restrictions54. More specifically, through
the symbolism of the trees, the poem conveys a message of

empowerment55. It urges those who are confined or oppressed to

struggle for their liberation, as freedom, although difficult to achieve, is a
natural and necessary state56.

General/Figurative Questions

Difficulties are like fog. Explain.

Difficulties are like fog because they

obscure your vision, hide the path ahead, and make clear
progress seem impossible57. Just as a dense fog can make you lose
your bearings and slow you down, problems in life can feel overwhelming,
preventing you from seeing the solution or the end goal clearly 58.
However, just as fog eventually lifts, difficulties are often temporary, and
with time and persistence, clarity and the way forward will be revealed 59.

Compare any one compulsive human habit with respect to the Otter’s
compulsive habit.
In

Mijbil the Otter, Mijbil had a compulsive habit of juggling small objects
and playing with marble-like toys for hours60.

 Comparison to a Human Habit: This can be compared to the

human compulsive habit of fidgeting61. Just as Mijbil felt the need
to keep his paws busy with an object, many humans feel a constant,
often unconscious, need to click a pen, tap their fingers, or twirl a
stress ball to relieve anxiety or simply focus 62. Both habits are
repetitive actions that fulfill a psychological need for movement or
stimulation.

In the name of rules and regulations, basic values are ignored but people
like the air hostess are a ray of hope. What virtues do we find in the air
hostess? (Mijbil the Otter)

The air hostess in the story is a ray of hope because she displays the
virtues of

empathy, kindness, and flexibility63.

 Empathy and Kindness: Instead of strictly enforcing the rule

against flying animals, she showed genuine concern for the
narrator's situation when he couldn't get Mijbil out of the box 64. She
was friendly, suggesting a solution (keeping Mijbil on her lap), and
even offered her a box of sweets65.

 Flexibility: She understood that basic human (and animal) welfare

was more important than rigid adherence to a rule, demonstrating a
practical and compassionate approach66.

Describe the relationship between Mij and Maxwell, the narrator.

The relationship between Mijbil (the otter) and Maxwell (the narrator) was
one of

deep affection, commitment, and mutual joy67.

 Maxwell's Commitment: Maxwell was immensely dedicated to

Mijbil, going to great lengths to transport him from Iraq and dealing
with all the challenges, like the broken crate and the airline issues 68.
He treated Mij like a child, providing him with toys and attention 69.

 Mijbil's Affection: Mijbil showed clear affection for Maxwell,

becoming distressed when Maxwell was absent and demonstrating
 his joy through playful activities, following him around, and
eventually forming an unbreakable bond where he knew his master
and his master's routine perfectly70. They were inseparable
companions71.

From "For Anne Gregory" (The poem by W. B. Yeats)

Highlight the central theme of the poem ‘For Anne Gregory.’

The central theme of the poem is the

difference between inner beauty/soul and external, superficial

physical appearance72. It explores the idea that people, especially men,
often love based on physical features (like Anne's beautiful yellow hair)
rather than on a person's true, unchanging, inner self 73. The poem
highlights the shallow nature of love based purely on physical attraction 74.

The ‘yellow hair’ is a symbol in the poem. What does it mean?

The 'yellow hair' is a central symbol in the poem, representing

superficial, transient physical beauty and youth75. It is the specific

physical feature that Anne knows men are drawn to and love her for 76. By
declaring she can change its color (to brown, black, or red), she is
symbolically stating that these superficial attractions can be changed,
proving that the love based on them is fleeting and shallow 77.

Do we love people because we like their appearances or are we fascinated

by their physical appearances?

The poem suggests that, generally, people, particularly the young men
Anne speaks of, are

fascinated by and love others because of their physical

appearances78. Their love is conditioned by the external beauty of Anne's
yellow hair79. The poem implies that true, profound love—loving a person
for their soul—is very rare, perhaps only belonging to God 80.

How does Anne want to be loved? Is her wish fulfilled?

Anne wants to be loved

for herself alone, for her inner self or soul, and not for her beautiful
yellow hair or any physical attribute81. She wishes to find someone
who looks past her external appearance82.
Based on the poem, her wish is

not fulfilled83. The conversation with the speaker ends with a final,
religious-based justification for shallow love, implying that only God loves
people for their soul, suggesting that Anne will likely continue to be loved
only for her physical beauty84.