Clas 12 English Core ‘Going Places’ Extract Based Questions PYQs

Extract Based Questions asked in Previous Years’ Board Exams from the chapter “Going Places” given in the Class 12 English Core Textbook Flamingo. These questions would help in preparing text-based questions.

Extract Based Questions PYQs – Going Places

CBSE, 2023

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

“Or an actress, Now there’s real money in that. Yes, and I could have the boutique on the side. Actresses don’t work full time, do they? Anyway, that or a fashion designer. You know something a bit sophisticated.” And she turned in through the open street door, leaving Jansie standing in the rain. “If I ever come into money, I’ll buy a boutique.”

“Ha, if you ever come into money… if you ever come into money you’ll buy us a blessed decent house to live in, thank you very much.” Sophie’s father was scooping shepherd’s pie into his mouth as hard as he could go, his plump face still grimy and sweat-marked from the day.

“She thinks money grows on trees, don’t she, Dad?” said little Derek, hanging on the back of his father’s chair. Their mother sighed., [Delhi Set I-2023]

Questions:

(i) Sophie wants to become an actress to:
(a) become famous
(b) to earn money
(c) to support her father
(d) to compete with Jansie

(ii) Jansie wanted Sophie to spend her money on:
(a) her marriage
(b) her career
(c) to open a boutique
(d) buying a house

(iii) Sophie is daydreaming about ________.

(iv) The phrase “money grows on trees” indicates that Sophie _______.

(v) Sophie’s mother’s sigh is one of:
(a) regret
(b) delight
(c) relief
(d) helplessness

(vi) From the extract, Jansie comes across as a _______ person.
(a) practical
(b) dominating
(c) immature
(d) starstruck

Answers:

(i) (b) to earn money
(ii) (c) to open a boutique
(iii) Sophie is daydreaming about becoming an actress or a fashion designer and owning a boutique, while believing that actresses don’t work full time.
(iv) The phrase “money grows on trees” is used to indicate that Sophie has unrealistic expectations about money and doesn’t understand the value of hard work and financial responsibility. It suggests that Sophie thinks money is easy to come by and that she can have whatever she wants without putting in the effort to earn it.
(v) (d) helplessness
(vi) (a) practical

CBSE QB 2021

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

“On Saturday they made their weekly pilgrimage to watch United. Sophie and her father and little Derek went down near the goal—Geoff, as always, went with his mates higher up. United won two-nil and Casey drove in the second goal, a blend of innocence and Irish genius, going around the two big defenders on the edge of the penalty area, with her father screaming for him to pass, and beating the hesitant goalkeeper from a dozen yards. Sophie glowed with pride. Afterwards Geoff was ecstatic.”,[CBSE Question Bank]

Questions:

(a) Complete the given statement.
Their visit to the match was like a ‘weekly pilgrimage’ refers to _________________.

(b) Assertion and Reason Question:
Assertion: “Geoff, as always, went with his mates higher up.”
  Reason 1: Geoff was not very close to his family and lived in his own world.
  Reason 2: Geoff was rude and indifferent towards everyone around him and didn’t care about anyone at all.
(i) Reason 1 and Reason 2 both can be inferred from the assertion.
(ii) Reason 1 can be inferred but Reason 2 cannot be inferred from the assertion.
(iii) Reason 1 cannot be inferred but Reason 2 can be inferred.
(iv) Reason 1 and Reason 2 both cannot be inferred.

(c) ‘Sophie glowed with pride.’ What was the reason for her ‘pride’?

(d) Choose the option listing the situation in which one would be ‘ecstatic’.
  Scenario 1: Going to an old age home and listening to them share stories from the past.
  Scenario 2: Being seated next to your favourite pop singer during a short flight.
  Scenario 3: Going to a dog show and losing your pet there.
  Scenario 4: Coming home and finding that there are 11 messages from your Principal in your email inbox.
(i) Scenario 1
(ii) Scenario 2
(iii) Scenario 3
(iv) Scenario 4

(e) Who was ‘a blend of innocence and Irish genius’?

(f) “Beating the goalkeeper from a hundred yards.” Who did this and why?
(i) Sophie’s father did this when the goalkeeper was trying to block Danny.
(ii) Sophie did this when the goalkeeper was trying to block Danny.
(iii) Geoff did this when the goalkeeper was trying to block Danny.
(iv) Jansie did this when the goalkeeper was trying to block Danny.

Answers:

(a) Their visit to the match was like a ‘weekly pilgrimage’ because it was a regular, almost ritual-like activity, filled with devotion and excitement.

(b) (ii) Reason 1 can be inferred but Reason 2 cannot be inferred from the assertion.

(c) Sophie glowed with pride because she felt a strong sense of admiration for Danny Casey and was thrilled by his impressive goal, which made her feel a personal connection to his success.

(d) (ii) Scenario 2

(e) Danny Casey was ‘a blend of innocence and Irish genius.’

(f) (i) Sophie’s father did this when the goalkeeper was trying to block Danny.

Extract Based Questions for Practice

Here are extract based practice questions based on the chapter “Going Places” to assist students in preparing for their Board Exams.

Extract 1:

“She climbed the crumbling steps to their house wondering if Geoff had guessed her secret. Perhaps he’d look over his shoulder when she entered, the hint of a smile on his face. And when he spoke it would be just as though it were something private between them. Something nobody else knew.”

Questions:

1. Why does Sophie wonder if Geoff has “guessed her secret”? What does this reveal about her relationship with him?
2. Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank.
   Geoff’s possible reaction of a “hint of a smile” shows that he may be ___ (amused / indifferent / embarrassed) by Sophie’s story.
3. Complete the following sentence:
   Sophie’s hope that Geoff would treat her “secret” as something private shows her desire for ___.
4. How does this extract reflect Sophie’s idealization of her brother Geoff?
5. Identify the textual evidence in this passage that hints at Sophie’s need for escapism from her real life.
6. What does Sophie’s imagination about her brother’s reaction suggest about her own personality and dreams?

Answers:

1. Sophie wonders if Geoff has “guessed her secret” because she desires a close, almost conspiratorial bond with him, where he knows and values her dreams. This shows that she looks up to Geoff and craves his approval and involvement in her fantasy life, hoping he will understand her imaginative nature.
2. Geoff’s possible reaction of a “hint of a smile” shows that he may be amused by Sophie’s story.
   Explanation: The “hint of a smile” implies that Geoff might find her story fanciful and entertaining, even if he doesn’t fully believe it.
3. Sophie’s hope that Geoff would treat her “secret” as something private shows her desire for a special connection and acknowledgment from him.
   Explanation: She wants to feel that her dreams are important and that her brother shares a unique understanding of her inner world.
4. Sophie imagines that Geoff will treat her secret with a sense of mystery and exclusivity, showing she sees him as someone she can confide in and who might understand her dreams better than others. This idealization reflects her belief that Geoff is more accepting and understanding, unlike her other family members.
5. The phrases “guessed her secret” and “something nobody else knew” hint at Sophie’s need for escapism. She is creating a private fantasy in which her life is more exciting and filled with secrets, highlighting her desire to escape the mundane reality of her life.
6. Sophie’s imagination about Geoff’s reaction suggests that she is a dreamer who craves attention and approval, especially from those she admires. She has a romanticized view of life, often blurring reality with fantasy, and is eager to believe in a more glamorous version of her life.

Extract 2:

“‘One day,’ Sophie said, ‘I’ll have a boutique. I’ll have the most amazing shop this city’s ever seen.’ ‘You know nothing about boutiques,’ said Jansie firmly. ‘There’s no harm in dreaming,’ said Sophie. ‘I’ll be like Mary Quant,’ she said. Jansie sniffed. ‘Those things cost a lot of money. You’d need to start saving now.’”

Questions:

1. What does Sophie’s ambition to open a boutique reveal about her personality?
2. Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank.
   Jansie’s response to Sophie’s dream shows her ___ (support / scepticism / amusement).
3. Complete the following sentence:
   By wanting to be “like Mary Quant,” Sophie demonstrates her admiration for ___ .
4. How does the difference in Sophie and Jansie’s views on dreams and ambition reflect their contrasting personalities?
5. Explain why Jansie might be discouraging Sophie’s dream in this passage.
6. What does Sophie’s statement, “There’s no harm in dreaming,” reveal about her outlook on life?

Answers:

1. Sophie’s ambition to open a boutique reveals her imaginative, ambitious, and somewhat unrealistic personality. She dreams of success and a glamorous life, aspiring to be someone important and admired. This shows that she is willing to dream big, even if her ideas are not grounded in practical reality.
2. Jansie’s response to Sophie’s dream shows her scepticism.
   Explanation: Jansie’s firm and practical response, pointing out the costs involved, suggests she doubts Sophie’s ability to achieve her dream.
3. By wanting to be “like Mary Quant,” Sophie demonstrates her admiration for fashionable and successful personalities.
   Explanation: Mary Quant was a famous fashion designer, and Sophie’s reference to her shows her admiration for stylish, successful individuals in the fashion industry.
4. The difference in their views shows that Sophie is a dreamer, inclined to aim for glamorous, unrealistic goals without much concern for practicalities, while Jansie is realistic and grounded, focusing on practical limitations like money and experience. Sophie’s head is in the clouds, while Jansie’s feet are firmly on the ground.
5. Jansie might be discouraging Sophie’s dream because she understands the financial and practical challenges that Sophie would face in opening a boutique. As someone more realistic, Jansie likely wants Sophie to avoid disappointment by not setting herself up for an unachievable goal, given their economic background.
6. Sophie’s statement shows that she believes in the freedom to dream and sees value in imagining a better future, even if it’s unrealistic. This reflects her optimistic and hopeful outlook, where she believes that dreaming, even without concrete plans, brings joy and possibility to her life.

Extract 3:

“When Geoff told their father that Sophie had met Danny Casey, he turned to look at her with expressionless eyes. He said, ‘This child’s going to talk herself into a load of trouble, one of these days,’ and left the room. Sophie watched him go, a tightening in her throat.”

Questions:

1. What does Sophie’s father’s reaction to her story about Danny Casey suggest about his opinion of her?
2. Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank.
   The phrase “expressionless eyes” indicates that Sophie’s father felt ___ (disappointed / indifferent / sympathetic).
3. Complete the following sentence:
   Sophie’s reaction of “a tightening in her throat” implies that she feels ___.
4. What does the father’s warning indicate about his understanding of Sophie’s personality?
5. Why might Sophie feel a “tightening in her throat” after her father’s reaction?
6. How does this exchange highlight the difference in how Sophie and her family members view her dreams and fantasies?

Answers:

1. Sophie’s father’s reaction suggests that he doesn’t take her stories seriously and views her as someone prone to exaggeration or fabrication. He believes that her unrealistic fantasies could lead her into trouble, indicating a lack of trust in her sense of reality.
2. The phrase “expressionless eyes” indicates that Sophie’s father felt indifferent.
   Explanation: His expressionless look suggests a lack of surprise or excitement, implying he neither believes her story nor considers it worth a strong reaction.
3. Sophie’s reaction of “a tightening in her throat” implies that she feels hurt or anxious.
   Explanation: The physical reaction suggests that her father’s dismissive attitude has affected her emotionally, possibly making her feel misunderstood or criticized.
4. The father’s warning shows that he understands Sophie’s tendency to get carried away with her imagination. He knows she often invents stories and is worried that her unrealistic dreams could lead her into problems or disappointments.
5. Sophie likely feels a “tightening in her throat” because her father’s indifferent and dismissive reaction hurt her feelings. She may have hoped for a different response or validation, but instead, his reaction reminded her of the gap between her dreams and her family’s lack of belief in them.
6. This exchange shows that Sophie’s family, especially her father, sees her dreams as unrealistic and immature, while Sophie herself is deeply invested in them. Her family doesn’t share or support her fantasies and treats them as potential problems rather than ambitions, which contrasts with Sophie’s enthusiastic belief in her imaginative world.

Extract 4:

“‘I’ll be a manager, like Mary Quant,’ Sophie declared. ‘Or I’ll have my own boutique. I’ll run it with money from a business venture.’ ‘What business venture?’ her father scoffed, not looking up from the newspaper. ‘Just something I’ll think of,’ Sophie said casually, unwilling to let her dream be dismissed so easily.”

Questions:

1. What is suggested by Sophie’s father’s reaction to her dream?
   • A. He is impressed by her ambition.
   • B. He doubts her ability to succeed.
   • C. He is excited about her business idea.
   • D. He supports her aspirations wholeheartedly.
2. By mentioning Mary Quant, Sophie reveals her admiration for ___ in the fashion world.
3. How does Sophie’s casual tone in saying “Just something I’ll think of” demonstrate her approach to dreams and ambitions?
4. Sophie’s father encourages her dream of having a boutique. (True/False)
   (Provide a reason for your answer)
5. In what way does the contrast between Sophie’s ambitious statement and her father’s dismissive reaction highlight the theme of conflict between dreams and reality?
6. Do you think Sophie’s attitude towards her dream is realistic? Why or why not? Support your answer with examples from the extract.

Answers:

1. B. He doubts her ability to succeed.
   Explanation: Sophie’s father’s scoffing response shows skepticism and implies he doesn’t take her dreams seriously.
2. By mentioning Mary Quant, Sophie reveals her admiration for entrepreneurial success in the fashion world.
   Explanation: Mary Quant was a famous fashion designer and entrepreneur, and Sophie’s mention of her reflects her aspiration to succeed in fashion similarly.
3. Sophie’s casual tone in saying “Just something I’ll think of” demonstrates her lack of a concrete plan and suggests that her dreams are more wishful thinking than serious aspirations. She seems to imagine success without fully understanding the practical steps needed.
4. False.
   Reason: Sophie’s father scoffs at her idea, indicating that he does not take her ambition seriously and does not encourage it.
5. The contrast between Sophie’s ambitious statement and her father’s dismissive reaction highlights the theme of conflict between dreams and reality. Sophie’s father represents a more grounded perspective, possibly shaped by his own life experiences, while Sophie clings to her dreams despite having no concrete plan. This difference emphasizes the generational and experiential gap in how they view her aspirations.
6. Sophie’s attitude towards her dream is not very realistic because she lacks a specific plan and has no clear understanding of the challenges involved. She talks about having a boutique or managing like Mary Quant but doesn’t have a business idea or the means to start one. This shows she is more focused on the fantasy of success than the reality of achieving it.