PM Shri Kendriya Vidyala

Chapter-wise Competency Q
Class: XII
S.No. Topic Que
How does the story of "The Last Lesson" illustrate the impact of
The Last Lesson by
1 linguistic domination on cultural identity? Discuss the significance of
Alphonse Daudet
the teacher's behavior on the last day.

Analyze the role of socio-economic conditions in perpetuating child

Lost Spring by Anees
2 labor as depicted in "Lost Spring." How does the author use the
Jung
stories of Saheb and Mukesh to highlight the cycle of poverty?

How does William Douglas's experience in "Deep Water" reflect the

Deep Water by broader human struggle against fear? Discuss how overcoming
3
William Douglas personal fears can be a metaphor for overcoming societal
challenges.

The story “The Rattrap” presents the idea that the world is a rattrap.
The Rattrap by
4 Do you agree with this statement? Explain how the events in the
Selma Lagerlöf
story support or contradict this metaphor.

Examine the significance of Gandhiji's involvement in the

Indigo by Louis Champaran movement as depicted in "Indigo." How does this event
5
Fischer demonstrate the power of non-violent resistance in achieving social
change?

Discuss how Asokamitran uses humor and satire in “Poets and

Poets and Pancakes
6 Pancakes” to critique the film industry. How does the narrative
by Asokamitran
expose the realities behind the glamour of the studio?
How does “The Interview” explore the ethical dilemmas faced by
The Interview by
7 journalists? Discuss the impact of interviews on both the interviewer
Christopher Silvester
and the interviewee, drawing from the text.
In “Going Places,” Sophie’s dreams and aspirations highlight the gap
Going Places by A.R.
8 between reality and fantasy. Discuss how the story addresses the
Barton
issue of youthful imagination and its consequences.

My Mother at Sixty- Analyze how Kamala Das uses imagery and symbolism to convey the
9
Six by Kamala Das theme of aging and the fear of loss in “My Mother at Sixty-Six.”

Keeping Quiet by Discuss the significance of silence and introspection in “Keeping

10
Pablo Neruda Quiet.” How does the poem relate to contemporary global issues?

How does Keats's "A Thing of Beauty" encapsulate the Romantic

A Thing of Beauty by
11 ideal of finding beauty in nature? Discuss how the poem reflects the
John Keats
healing power of nature.
 Aunt Jennifer’s Analyze how “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” reflects the constraints of
12 Tigers by Adrienne societal expectations on women. How does the poem explore the
Rich theme of oppression and the desire for freedom?

How does “The Third Level” blur the lines between reality and
The Third Level by
13 fantasy? Discuss the psychological aspects of escapism as presented
Jack Finney
in the story.

The Tiger King by Critically examine the theme of fate versus human arrogance in “The
14
Kalki Tiger King.” How does the author use satire to convey his message?

Discuss how “Journey to the End of the Earth” raises awareness

Journey to the End
about environmental issues and the importance of conservation.
15 of the Earth by
How does the author’s journey to Antarctica serve as a metaphor for
Tishani Doshi
understanding the planet’s fragility?

Explore the moral dilemmas faced by Dr. Sadao in “The Enemy.”

The Enemy by Pearl
16 How does the story address the conflict between duty and
S. Buck
humanity?

Analyze the theme of isolation and human connection in “On the

On the Face of It by
17 Face of It.” How do the characters of Mr. Lamb and Derry represent
Susan Hil
different responses to physical and emotional scars?

Evans Tries an O- Discuss how “Evans Tries an O-Level” combines elements of a crime
18 Level by Colin thriller with a focus on human intelligence and ingenuity. What does
Dexter the story suggest about the nature of crime and punishment?

Memories of How do the autobiographical excerpts in “Memories of Childhood”

19 Childhood by highlight the struggles of marginalized communities? Discuss the
Zitkala-Sa and Bama role of education in empowering individuals against oppression.
ri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kanker
hapter-wise Competency Question
Subject: English
Questions
Reflect on how the theme of patriotism is depicted through
the character of Franz in "The Last Lesson." How does the
realization of losing one's language affect Franz’s perception
of his identity?

In "Lost Spring," how does the author use contrasting

imagery to emphasize the disparity between the dreams of
the poor and their harsh realities? Discuss with examples
from the text.

Consider the psychological journey of the narrator in "Deep

Water." How does the narrative explore the idea of fear as a
paralyzing force, and how can this be related to overcoming
other life challenges?

Discuss the role of kindness and empathy in transforming

the peddler’s life in "The Rattrap." How does this story
highlight the power of human compassion in changing one’s
course of life?

How does the Champaran episode serve as a turning point in

India’s struggle for independence? Analyze Gandhiji’s
approach in "Indigo" and its relevance to modern social
movements.
Examine the significance of identity and anonymity in the
workplace as depicted in "Poets and Pancakes." How does
Asokamitran present the paradoxes of fame and
recognition?
Explore the idea of privacy and intrusion in "The Interview."
How does the story raise questions about the ethical
responsibilities of the media?
How does "Going Places" explore the theme of aspirations
versus reality in the lives of the youth? Discuss Sophie’s
fantasies in relation to her socio-economic background.

How does Kamala Das use the journey motif in "My Mother
at Sixty-Six" to explore themes of aging and mortality?
Discuss the use of contrasts in the poem to enhance its
emotional impact.

Analyze the theme of unity and introspection in Pablo

Neruda’s "Keeping Quiet." How does the poem suggest that
silence can be a powerful tool for global peace and
environmental conservation?

Discuss the idea that beauty is eternal in Keats’s "A Thing of

Beauty." How does the poet use nature as a source of joy
and solace against the harshness of life?
How does "Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers" symbolize resistance
against patriarchal oppression? Discuss the contrast
between Aunt Jennifer’s life and the imagery of the tigers.

Discuss how the concept of time travel in "The Third Level"

serves as a metaphor for escapism and the longing for a
simpler past. How does this reflect the protagonist's
dissatisfaction with his present life?

Analyze how "The Tiger King" uses irony and satire to

criticize the blind pursuit of power. How does the story
reflect on the consequences of ignoring moral
responsibilities?

How does Tishani Doshi’s "Journey to the End of the Earth"

emphasize the importance of understanding environmental
science? Discuss the implications of her observations on
global climate change.

Explore the theme of humanism in "The Enemy." How does

the conflict between Dr. Sadao’s duty to his country and his
ethical obligations create a moral dilemma?

Analyze how Susan Hill’s "On the Face of It" deals with the
themes of appearance versus reality. How do the
interactions between Mr. Lamb and Derry reveal the deeper
human need for acceptance and understanding?

Discuss how "Evans Tries an O-Level" explores the theme of

intellectual challenge and deception. How does the story
comment on the nature of rehabilitation and trust within
the prison system?

How do Zitkala-Sa and Bama’s narratives in "Memories of

Childhood" highlight the intersection of race, caste, and
gender? Discuss the role of personal narratives in advocating
for social justice and change.
 PM Shri Kendriya Vidyala
Chapter-wise Competency
Class: XI
S.No. Topic Qu
The narrator describes his grandmother as "short, fat,
The Portrait of a Lady by and slightly bent." What does this description reveal
1
Khushwant Singh about the relationship between the narrator and his
grandmother?

A Photograph by Shirley How does the poet use the photograph to express the
2
Toulson passage of time and the impact of loss?

We're Not Afraid to Die...

How do the different members of the family respond
if We Can All Be Together
3 to the crisis they face? What does this suggest about
by Gordon Cook and Alan
their characters?
East

Discovering Tut: The Saga How does the author blend historical facts with
4
Continues by A.R. Williams contemporary scientific discoveries in the chapter?

Analyze the contrast between the stillness of the tree

The Laburnum Top by Ted
5 and the sudden activity of the bird. How does this
Hughes
contrast contribute to the overall theme of the poem?

The Voice of the Rain by Discuss the significance of the rain's journey in the
6
Walt Whitman poem. How does it relate to the cycle of life?

The poet reflects on the loss of childhood innocence.

Childhood by Markus
7 How does he use rhetorical questions to convey his
Natten
sense of confusion and loss?

How does the poem explore the theme of generational

Father to Son by Elizabeth
8 conflict and misunderstanding? What does the tone of
Jennings
the poem reveal about the father's feelings?

The Summer of the How does the author use the innocence and simplicity
9 Beautiful White Horse by of the children to comment on larger themes of trust
William Saroyan and honesty?

The Address by Marga How does the theme of displacement and loss
10
Minco manifest in the narrator’s visit to Mrs. Dorling’s house?

Mother’s Day by J.B. How does Mrs. Pearson’s transformation challenge

11
Priestley traditional gender roles in the family?

How does the author use suspense and tension in the

12 Birth by A.J. Cronin story to highlight the challenges faced by Dr. Andrew
Manson?
 The poem is a satire on the idea of justice and
The Tale of Melon City by
13 leadership. How does the author use humor to convey
Vikram Seth
serious criticism?
M Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kanker
Chapter-wise Competency Question
Subject: English
Questions
How does the changing relationship
In what ways does the narrator's
between the narrator and his
grandmother serve as a symbol of
grandmother reflect the theme of
tradition and continuity in the story?
alienation in the story?

How does the poet contrast the How does the poet’s use of imagery in
permanence of the photograph with the the poem contribute to the tone of
transient nature of human life? nostalgia and grief?

How does the author build tension What role does teamwork and family
throughout the narrative, and what effect unity play in the survival of the
does this have on the reader's characters, and how is this theme
experience? developed?

How does the use of technology in the In what ways does the chapter explore
study of Tutankhamun’s mummy help to the tension between scientific inquiry
resolve historical mysteries? and respect for ancient traditions?
How does the poem use the laburnum How does the shift in the poem’s mood
tree as a metaphor for the relationship from silence to activity mirror the cycles
between nature and life? of life?
How does the poet personify the rain,
and what effect does this have on the What is the significance of the rain's self-
reader's understanding of its description as the "poem of the earth"?
significance?
How does the poet use contrasts What role do rhetorical questions play in
between childhood and adulthood to conveying the poet's confusion about the
highlight the loss of innocence? loss of childhood?

How does the poem explore the theme of

In what ways does the structure of the
communication breakdown between
poem reflect the strained relationship
generations, and what solutions are
between the father and the son?
suggested?

How do the boys' differing perspectives How does the author use the concept of
on morality reflect their understanding of honor within the Armenian community to
cultural values? shape the characters’ decisions?

How does the narrator's sense of loss

How does the setting of Mrs. Dorling’s
evolve throughout the story, and what
house contribute to the narrator's sense
does it reveal about her connection to
of alienation?
her past?

How does Mrs. Pearson's transformation What does the humorous tone of the
challenge the societal expectations play reveal about the underlying tensions
placed on women in the family? within the Pearson family?
How does the author use medical What does Dr. Manson's internal conflict
terminology and procedures to build reveal about the challenges faced by
tension and drama in the story? medical professionals?
 How does the poet use absurdity and What does the selection of the melon as
irony to critique the concept of justice in the king symbolize in the context of
the poem? leadership and governance?
sh

How does the grandmother's

routine and habits reflect her
values and beliefs?

How does the structure of

the poem reflect the theme
of memory and loss?

How does the interaction

between the boys and the
horse owner illustrate the
theme of trust?

What does the narrator’s

reluctance to reclaim her
mother’s belongings signify
about her process of coping
with loss?
 PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kanker
Chapter-wise Competency Question
Class: IX
S.No. Topic Questions
How does the relationship between
How I Taught My the narrator and her grandmother
How does the author use the
Grandmother to evolve throughout the story, and what
1 grandmother’s determination to learn as
Read by Sudha does it reveal about the role of
a symbol of empowerment?
Murty education in bridging generational
gaps?

How does the poet personify the

The Brook by In what ways does the poem explore the
brook, and what effect does this have
2 Alfred Lord concept of continuity and change through
on the reader’s understanding of the
Tennyson the imagery of the brook?
poem’s themes?

The Road Not How does the poet use the metaphor What role does the tone of the poem play
3 Taken by Robert of the road to explore the theme of in conveying the poet’s reflection on the
Frost choices and their consequences? choices he made?

How does Wordsworth’s use of vivid

The Solitary What does the reaper’s song symbolize in
imagery and auditory elements
4 Reaper by William the poem, and how does it relate to the
contribute to the overall mood of the
Wordsworth themes of nature and memory?
poem?

The Bishop’s How does the transformation of the In what ways does the Bishop’s act of
5 Candlesticks by convict reflect the play’s central kindness challenge societal norms about
Norman McKinnell theme of redemption? punishment and forgiveness?
Kanker
on
Subject: English