Question Bank — The Browning Version

Section A — MCQs (10 questions, 1 mark each)

1. What does the word “remove” mean in Taplow’s dialogue?
   a) Punishment
   b) Promotion to the next class
   c) Extra homework
   d) Sports period

2. Why does Taplow have to stay back on the last day of school?
   a) He failed in Greek
   b) He missed a day due to illness
   c) He wants to play golf
   d) Mr Crocker-Harris is absent

3. Which quality of Mr Crocker-Harris is highlighted when he refuses to announce results early?
   a) Kindness
   b) Strict adherence to rules
   c) Indifference
   d) Humour

4. Assertion (A): Taplow calls the Agamemnon “muck”.
   Reason (R): He dislikes the way Greek is taught through mechanical translation and punishment.
   Choose the correct option:
   a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
   b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
   c) A is true but R is false.
   d) A is false but R is true.

5. Frank’s remark “We get all the slackers” shows his attitude towards
   a) Science students
   b) Students who choose science after Classics
   c) Mr Crocker-Harris
   d) Taplow’s golf plans

6. Assertion (A): Taplow is afraid of cutting extra work.
   Reason (R): He believes Mr Crocker-Harris would follow him home.
   Choose the correct option:
   a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
   b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
   c) A is true but R is false.
   d) A is false but R is true.

7. The expression “shrivelled up inside like a nut” is used by Taplow to describe Crocker-Harris’s
   a) Physical appearance
   b) Lack of human feelings
   c) Love for rules
   d) Teaching method

8. Taplow’s imitation of Crocker-Harris’s voice reveals that the teacher is
   a) Loud and angry
   b) Gentle but detached
   c) Humorous and friendly
   d) Cruel and sadistic

9. Millie Crocker-Harris offers Taplow a task because
   a) She wants him to leave for some time
   b) She dislikes Taplow
   c) Her husband has instructed her
   d) She wants to punish him

10. The word “sadist” in the play refers to a teacher who
    a) Gives extra work
    b) Enjoys giving pain to students
    c) Follows rules strictly
    d) Teaches Greek

Section B — Reference to Context (3 extracts, 4 marks each)

Extract 1

“My dear Taplow, I have given you exactly what you deserve. No less; and certainly no more.”

i. Who is the speaker of these lines?
ii. What does the line reveal about the speaker’s character?
iii. Identify the literary device used in the repetition of “no less” and “no more”.
iv. What inference can be drawn about Taplow’s feelings after hearing this?

Extract 2

“He’s all shrivelled up inside like a nut and he seems to hate people to like him.”

i. Who says this and about whom?
ii. Explain the meaning of the expression “shrivelled up inside”.
iii. Name the figure of speech used in the comparison.
iv. How does this description contrast with Taplow’s own feelings towards the teacher?

Extract 3

“Well, anyway, sir, it’s a good deal more exciting than this muck.”

i. Who is speaking and what does “this muck” refer to?
ii. Why does the speaker call it “muck”?
iii. Identify the informal/colloquial device used.
iv. How does Frank react to this remark?

Section C — Short Answer (5 questions, 3 marks each)

1. How does Taplow describe the way Greek is taught by Mr Crocker-Harris?
2. Why does Taplow say he is “rather bitter”?
3. What does Frank mean when he says “We get all the slackers”?
4. How does Taplow react when Frank suggests he should “cut”?
5. What impression does Millie Crocker-Harris create when she enters the room?

Section D — Long Answer (2 questions, 6 marks each)

1. Draw a character sketch of Mr Crocker-Harris as revealed through Taplow’s conversation with Frank. (100-120 words)
2. “Taplow both fears and respects Mr Crocker-Harris.” Discuss with reference to the play. (100-120 words)

Section E — Language and Writing (2 questions, 4 marks each)

1. From the unit, give one-word substitutes for the following (any four):
   a) A person who enjoys giving pain to others
   b) Students who avoid work
   c) To leave without permission
   d) To become too emotional while speaking
   e) To become dry and lifeless inside

2. Write a short paragraph (80-100 words) on “Why students should respect strict teachers” from Taplow’s point of view, using ideas from the play.