SECOND LANGUAGE ENGLISH - CHAPTER 5 - THE CONCERT - KARNATAKA CLASS 10 ENGLISH SOLUTIONS PROSE/ NOTES

 

Chapter 5

THE CONCERT

Karnataka Class 10 English Solutions Prose, The Concert Questions and Answers, Notes, Summary

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1) ‘The Concert’ was the lesson written by

a) Shanta Rameshwar Rao b) Shantha Kameshwar Rao

c) Shantha d) Shantha Pandit

Ans: a) Shanta Rameshwar Rao

2) The Concert will be held at

a) Anand Auditorium b) Bombay

c) Shanmukaananda Auditorium d) Stadium

Ans: c) Shanmukaananda Auditorium

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3) Pandit Ravishankar was ______

a) Singer b) Musician

c) Playback singer d) Sitar Maestro

Ans: d) Sitar Maestro

4) Anant was Smita’s ______

a) father b) friend

c) brother d) neighbor

Ans: c) brother

5) Smita was ______ years old.

a) 15 b) 16

c) 18 d ) 12

Ans: b) 16

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6) Their family lived in ________

a) Bombay b) Bangalore

c) Gaganpur d) Mumbai

Ans: c) Gaganpur

7) Anant was best ______ player.

a) table-tennis b) cricket

c) kho-kho d) Hockey

Ans: a) table-tennis

8) In his school, Anant was the _______

a) runner b) fastest runner

c) bowler d) batsman

Ans: b) fastest runner

9) Anant was suffering from ______

a) fever b) asthma

c) cancer d) breathing problem

Ans: c) cancer

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10) Anant was already able to _____ his own tunes.

a) construct b) sing

c) write d) compose.

Ans: d) compose.

11) They stayed in Bombay at _____

a) aunt Sushila’s apartment b) Hotel

c) Guesthouse d) their home

Ans: a) aunt Sushila’s apartment

12) Who gave suggestions to Smita to walk in the park?

a) Anant b) her mother

c) Aunt Sushila d) her friend

Ans: c) Aunt Sushila

13) Who brought tickets for the concert?

a) Aunt Sushila b) her father

c) brother d) friend

Ans: b) her father

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14) A large ____ made a long boring speech.

a) Pandit b) Ustad

c) Manager d) mustached man

Ans: d) mustached man

15) The tabla player in the concert was

a) Ustad Allah Rakha b) Sadashiva

c) Shivakumar d) Someshwara

Ans: a) Ustad Allah Rakha

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

1) Which word in the first paragraph describes the manner of the girl when she saw the newspaper?

Ans: ‘excitedly’

2) Do you think the mother cautioned the girl?

Ans: The mother cautioned the girl because her son was suffering from cancer and was in the final stage of his life. His body was extremely weak, and he required sleep and complete rest. Additionally, he had a deep love for music, especially the sitar. Hearing the news could potentially disturb him.

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3) ‘We mustn’t miss the chance’,

a) What chance did the boy not like to miss? Why? Do you think the boy would get a chance in the future?

Ans: The opportunity the boy wouldn't want to miss is hearing Pandit Ravi Shankar's sitar recital. He had always dreamed of listening to and seeing Pandit Ravi Shankar in person, but had never had the chance. It's uncertain whether the boy will have another opportunity to experience Ravi Shankar's music. We cannot predict what the future holds; the boy may or may not get another chance.

4) Imagine you were the mother of the boy; would you have reacted differently in the situation? If so, how?

Ans: Overall, Anant's mother responded appropriately. However, considering a different perspective, it would be thoughtful to make special arrangements for him to have the opportunity to listen to and see Pandit Ravi Shankar. It was his heartfelt desire, and it is our duty to fulfill it.

5) Read the third paragraph. He raised himself up without any help. The mother murmured with ‘a catch in her throat’ on seeing him. What does this suggest about the condition of the boy? Read the fourth Paragraph and answer.

Ans: It is evident that the boy is suffering from a serious illness and has been confined to bed. The mother’s emotional reaction upon seeing the boy raise himself without assistance indicates that he was usually dependent on others for his physical activities.

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS 

1) Where was Pandit Ravi Shankar’s concert going to be held?

Ans: At the Shanmukhananda Auditorium in Bombay.

2) What was the name of Anant’s sister?

Ans: Smita.

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3) Anant was a resident of which place?

Ans: Gaganpur.

4) Where did Anant and his family stay whenever they came to Bombay?

Ans: At aunt Sushila’s apartment.

5) Why did the doctors recommend that Anant be taken home?

Ans: The doctors knew that there was no hope of recovery and so they asked his family to take Anant home.

6) What did Anant consider ‘the chance of a lifetime”?

Ans: According to Anant, the opportunity to listen to Pandit Ravi Shankar live was the chance of a lifetime.

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7) Why did aunt Sushila suggest a walk in the park to Smita?

Ans: Smita was feeling bad that her brother was too sick to attend the concert; so her aunt suggested that she take a walk in the park to feel better.

8) What did Smita hear in every beat of the tabla?

Ans: Smita heard Anant’s voice saying ‘the chance of a lifetime’ in every beat of the tabla.

9) What request did Smita make to Pandit Ravi Shankar?

Ans: Smita requested Pandit Ravi Shankar to perform for her brother who had been diagnosed with cancer.

10) Which instrument did Ustad Allah Rakha play?

Ans: The tabla.

11) Why did Smita approach Pandit Ravishankar?

Ans: Smita approached Pandit Ravishankar to request him to perform for her brother, an ardent fan of his, who had been diagnosed with cancer and was unable to move out of the house.

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12) For a moment, Smita had forgotten something. What was it?

Ans: Smith, a moment had forgotten that her brother was very ill.

13) In what way was truly frightening to Smita?

Ans: Smita was fully aware that Anant was going to die. The word "cancer" loomed heavily in the air, as her brother was succumbing to the disease. This harsh reality terrified Smita.

14) Do you consider Anant a talented boy? Justify with support from the text.

Ans: Anant was described as an exceptionally talented boy. Early in his music journey, he was already able to compose his own tunes, leaving his guru astonished by his talent. Moreover, he was not only the best player in table tennis but also the fastest runner in his school.

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15) ‘They had come with high hopes’.

a. What were their ‘ high hopes’?

Ans: They arrived with hopes pinned on the miracles of modern science, believing that Anant would be cured in the hospital, return to a normal life, and even participate in the upcoming table tennis tournament.

b. Do you think their hopes would be fulfilled? Support your answer.

Ans Based on the medical records, it seemed unlikely that their hopes would be realized, as the doctors had lost hope of curing the boy. They had advised the parents to take him home, believing that no further treatment would be effective. However, the possibility of a miraculous recovery could not be entirely ruled out, leaving room for the parents' hopes to be fulfilled.

c. Doctors said something to the parents. Were those words of hope or words of despair (para.6)

Ans: He doctors advised the parents to take the boy home and allow him to enjoy whatever he liked. These words clearly reflect a sense of despair; as such advice is typically given only when doctors are certain that a patient cannot be cured. In such cases, it is better to focus on making the patient happy rather than adhering to a strict treatment regimen.

d. ‘They did not voice their fears’. Who does the word ‘they stand for?

i) doctors ii) friends

iii) family members, (choose the right answer). (Para.6)

Ans: d) iii) family members.

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16) ‘Her eyes filled with tears’. Were they tears of happiness or sorrow? Give reasons.

Ans: Those were undoubtedly tears of sorrow. When her brother calls the chance to hear Pandit Ravi Shankar a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," the irony is profound, as the boy has so little time left. Knowing that her brother's days are numbered, the sister cannot contain her grief, and her eyes well up with tears.

17) ‘Suddenly a daring thought came to her’. Can you guess what thought Smita had?

Ans: The bold decision was to fulfill her brother's desire to listen to Pandit Ravi Shankar. The sister resolved to provide him with what he considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. At this moment, however, the readers are not yet aware of how she plans to achieve this.

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18) As Smita sat listening to the music, she was spellbound. But all the while, her mind was echoing something else. What was that?

Ans: As Smita listened to the music, she was spellbound. Yet, throughout the experience, her mind was constantly focused on the plan she had devised, which remained firmly fixed in her thoughts.

19) Why does the writer use the word ‘wriggled’ to describe Smita’s movement?

Ans: Amidst the large crowd, her anxiety grew. Her heartbeat felt loud and her knees grew weak, making it difficult for her to walk steadily. Instead, she moved in a staggered, unsteady manner.

20) Smita’s nervousness is suggested by the phrase ‘her heart beating loudly’ in paragraph 12. Identify two more phrases that describe a similar state in the next paragraph.

Ans: The two more phrases that describe Smita’s nervousness are

(i) her knees felt weak

(ii) her tongue dried.

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21) Did Smita tell what she had in her mind to the musicians? Who responded to her request immediately? What was the response?

Ans: Yes, Smita fully explained her request to the musicians, and Ustad Allah Rakha promptly responded. He agreed that they would perform for her brother the following morning.

22) Do you think the response of the artists was unusual? If not, why?

Ans: Yes, The artists' response was remarkable. Typically, great artists are always busy and may not have time for such requests. However, in this special case, they demonstrated remarkable generosity and humanity. Their willingness to fulfill the request was truly commendable.

23) The neighbours could not believe their eyes. Why do you think they felt like this?

Ans: The neighbors could scarcely believe their eyes, as Pandit Ravi Shankar was a highly acclaimed and busy artist, making it incredibly difficult to secure his schedule. The idea that such a renowned figure would come to their modest home and perform a concert seemed almost unimaginable to them.

24) Read the last paragraph, which very effectively but briefly describes the end. Exchange your feedings with your partner.

Ans: The final paragraph evokes a mixed response from readers. On one hand, it is heartening to see that the ailing boy's wish was fulfilled. On the other hand, it is deeply heartbreaking to learn that he passed away while listening to his favorite sitar music. Despite the sadness, Smita, her parents, the musicians, and all those close to the boy would find solace in having fulfilled what can be considered his final desire.

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25) Can you say that the concert was entertaining to Smita? Justify your answer.

Ans: Yes, For Smita, it was more than just entertaining; as she listened to the music, it felt as though the gates of enchantment and wonder were opening. She was captivated by the performance, yet part of her remained preoccupied with her brother's wish. The anxiety and uncertainty of whether the maestro would agree to perform for the boy must have been agonizing for Smita.

26) Smita was nervous as she stood before the wizard. Which sentence suggests this?

Ans: Smita was nervous as she stood before the wizard. This suggests in the following sentences.

i) her heart beating loudly.

ii) her knees felt weak.

iii) her tongue dry.

27) Did Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Allah Rakha perform in the boy’s house? Do you think this was an unusual incident? If yes, give reasons.

Ans: Yes, it was indeed an extraordinary incident. We do not typically expect such distinguished artists to offer private performances, as securing their dates for public events is already a challenging task. Furthermore, Smita’s family was neither influential nor wealthy, and Aunt Sushila's apartment was quite modest. These factors make the incident even more remarkable.

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN 2-3 SENTENCES EACH:

1) Where did Anant’s family stay in Bombay?

Ans: Anant’s family stayed with Aunt Sushila. Though her apartment was not big, she always welcomed them.

2) Anant was a brilliant boy. Give examples to prove this.

OR

Anant was a talented boy. Justify the statement.

Ans: Despite being only fifteen, Anant was the best table tennis player and the fastest runner in his school. He was also learning to play the sitar and had already begun composing his own tunes, much to the astonishment of his guru.

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3) In what way was the truth frightening to Smita?

Ans: Although Smita and her family had pretended that Anant would recover, she knew deep down that he was going to die from cancer. This knowledge was deeply frightening for Smita.

4) Aunt Sushila was a generous lady. How would you justify this statement?

Ans: Whenever Smita’s family came to Bombay for Anant’s treatment, they stayed at Aunt Sushila’s house. Despite the small size of her apartment, there was always space for them. This hospitality reflects Aunt Sushila’s generosity.

5) How did Smita enjoy the concert?

Ans: Smita was mesmerized by the music. As the first notes filled the air, it felt as though the gates of enchantment and wonder were opening before her. She was captivated by the unfolding ragas, the slow, plaintive notes, and the fast, twinkling melodies.

6) How did Smita feel when she attended the music concert?

Ans: Although Smita was captivated by Pandit Ravi Shankar's divine music, her mind was preoccupied. She constantly thought about her brother’s wish to hear the maestro's music and worried about whether she would be able to persuade the musician to perform exclusively for him.

7) Why do you think the mother cautioned the girl?

Ans: The mother was deeply concerned about her ailing son and wanted to avoid any disturbances for him, particularly while he was asleep. She also knew that the news about Pandit Ravi Shankar might unnecessarily excite and tempt him.

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8) What was the daring thought that came to Smita?

Ans: The idea that came to Smita was indeed bold. She planned to request the renowned musician to visit their location and perform exclusively for her brother. It was a proposition that most people wouldn’t even have dared to dream about.

9) How did Smitha fulfill her brother’s wish?

Ans: Smita attended Pandit Ravi Shankar’s program with her father, primarily for her brother's sake rather than her own. At the end of the performance, she approached Pandit Ravi Shankar, explained her brother's critical condition, and requested that he perform for him. Pandit Ravi Shankar and his tabla accompanist, Ustad Allah Rakha, agreed to play for the boy the following morning and honored their promise.

10) What admirable qualities do you find in Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Allah Rakha?

Ans: Both Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Allah Rakha were esteemed figures in the music world, yet they exemplified humility and humanity. Despite likely being tired after the concert, they listened attentively to Smita's request. Furthermore, they went to the apartment of the dying boy to give a private performance and fulfill his wish to hear Pandit Ravi Shankar play. Their actions revealed the deep compassion they held in their hearts.

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN 5-6 / 8-10 SENTENCES EACH:

1) What light does the story throw on human relationships?

Ans: Despite the story's sadness, the close bond among the family members and the musicians' concern for the boy highlight the beauty of human relationships. We witness the family's love for Anant, as they relocate to Bombay in hopes of his recovery. We see the sister's courageous determination to fulfill her brother's wish. Aunt Sushila's warmth and her welcoming of the family into her small home further reflect kindness. Finally, the musicians' willingness to perform for a little boy they do not know, without expecting anything in return, exemplifies true compassion. These instances collectively demonstrate the profound beauty of human connections.

2)  ‘Where there is a will, there is a way. How is this saying apt for Smita?

Ans: Smita’s determination to fulfill her ailing brother’s wish exemplifies the adage "where there’s a will, there’s a way." Upon learning of her brother’s desire to attend Pandit Ravi Shankar’s recital, Smita resolved to achieve what others might have deemed impossible. She set out to persuade Pandit Ravi Shankar to perform exclusively for the dying boy. Smita successfully approached the maestro, explaining the situation, and Pandit Ravi Shankar, displaying great kindness, agreed to fulfill the request. His performance brought immense peace and joy to the boy. This story underscores how conviction, persuasion, and love can turn the seemingly impossible into reality.

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Read the following extracts and answer the questions given below them:

1)  ‘It’s the chance of a lifetime.’

a) Who makes this statement? OR Who does ‘he’ refer to?

Ans: a) Anant.

b) What was the chance of a lifetime?

Ans: b) Pandit Ravi Shankar was performing live. To see and hear him was the chance of a lifetime.

c) Was the speaker able to grab this chance of a lifetime? Why?

Ans: c) No. Anant, was suffering from cancer. He was no longer in the condition to even get up from bed let alone attend the recital.

d) Why was he feeling so?

Ans: d) He was excited to see and hear Pandit Ravishankar, a sitar maestro, as he was also learning sitar.

2) “You’ll wake him up. You know he needs all the sleep and rest he can get”.

a) Who was sleeping?

Ans: a) Anant.

b) Why does he need rest?

Ans: b) Anant was suffering from cancer and had become very weak. So he needed rest.

c) Who does ‘you’ refer to?

Ans: c) Smita.

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3) “Panditji is a busy man. You must not bother him with such requests”

a) Who made this statement?

Ans: a) A large mustachioed man.

b) Who is the ‘you’ referred to?

Ans: b) Smita.

c) What was the request?

Ans: c) Anant had been diagnosed with cancer and was unable to move out of the house. So she approached Pandit Ravi Shankar to request him to come to their house and play for Anant.

4) “No, how can I? We’ve always done things together”.

a) Who is the ‘P in the extract?

Ans: a) Smita.

b) Who has done things together?

Ans: b) Anant and Smita.

c) Why is it not possible now?

Ans: c) It is hot possible now because Anant had cancer and was confined to bed. He could not go anywhere with Smita.

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4) They could not believe their eyes. “It is not possible” they said.

a) Who is referred to as ‘they’?

Ans: a) The neighbours of aunt Sushila.

b) What was not possible for them to believe?

Ans: b) That Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Allah Rakha visited aunt Sushila’s house.

c) Why did they feel so?

Ans: c) Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Allah Rakha were world-class musicians and busy people. Hence they were surprised when they came to play for Anant.

THINK ABOUT THE TEXT

1) Do you like the story? Why? I like/don’t like, because…..(One reason . is given. You may give as many other reasons as you like)

Ans: I like this story because

a) This is a story about music.

b) This is a real story.

c) This story has a good feel.

d) This is a story about a great person.

e) This story emphasizes the humanity and kindness.

f) This story shows compassion.

2) Ustad Sahib and Pandit Ravi Shankar agreed to perform for the boy. What made them agree to do so? What would have you done if you were the musician?

Ans: Ustad Sahib and Pandit Ravi Shankar agreed to perform for the boy. The boy was in the last stage of his life. His last desire was this. And he was not able to come and attend the concert. Because of his pitiable condition, they agreed to do 

Some incidents in the story are given in a jumbled order. Rearrange them as they occur in the story.

a) Smita bit her lip in self-reproach. (P)

b) A large mustached man gave a long boring speech. (P)

c) Smita read the newspaper and got excited. (P)

d) Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Allah Rakha started playing in the boy’s house. (P)

e) Smita was lost in her thoughts in the park (P)

f) Mother said, “This is not the last time they are going to play” (P)

g) Anant said. “It’s the chance of a lifetime’. (P)

Ans: c) Smita read the newspaper and got excited. (P)

g) Anant said. “It’s the chance of a lifetime’. (P)

a) Smita bit her lip in self-reproach. (P)

f) Mother said, “This is not the last time they are going to play” (P)

e) Smita was lost in her thoughts in the park (P)

b) A large mustached man gave a long boring speech. (P)

d) Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Allah Rakha started playing in the boy’s house. (P)

GIVE ONE WORD FOR THE FOLLOWING:

1) Feeling or showing happiness and enthusiasm.

Ans: excited.

2) a great performer, especially a musician

Ans: maestro

3) moved quickly and suddenly towards a particular place.

Ans: sprang.

4) Without being asked, invited or expected

Ans: unbidden

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5) blame or criticism against oneself/herself

Ans: self-reproach

6) to behave in a particular way in order to make other people believe something that is not true.

Ans: pretend

7) an act or event that does not follow the laws of nature and is believed to be caused by God.

Ans: miracle

8) a feeling of great pleasure.

Ans: enchantment

9) enthusiastic clapping by an audience who stand up from their seats as a sign of their appreciation.

Ans: ovation

10) to twist and turn the body or part of it with quick short movements.

Ans: wriggle

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11) a person who is especially good at some art or achievement.

Ans: wizard

12) a tall building that has flats.

Ans: block