“Going Places” Class 12 English Core: PYQs & Competency Focused Questions.

Here get a comprehensive guide on “Going Places,” lesson in the Class 12 English Core curriculum. In this post, we provide you the Previous Year Questions (PYQs) and Competency Focused Questions to help you master this chapter. Whether you’re preparing for your exams or looking to deepen your understanding, our detailed analysis and answers will provide the insights you need to excel and get top marks in the Class 12 Board Exams.

(PYQs) – Short Answer Type Questions:

Answer the following question in about 40-50 words.

CBSE 2024

1. ‘Soaf, you really should be sensible!’ What does Jansie’s advice to her friend Sophie reveal about their friendship? (CBSE 2024)
2. “Resignation was no sudden thing”. What is the implication of this remark in the context of Sophie’s character? (CBSE 2024)

Answers:

1. Jansie’s advice shows that she genuinely cares for Sophie. She is practical and knows Sophie’s dreams are unrealistic. Jansie tries to keep Sophie grounded, showing she values their friendship and wants Sophie to avoid disappointment by being more realistic.
2. This line shows that Sophie gradually accepts her fantasies won’t come true. She often dreams but slowly learns to face reality. Sophie struggles with this acceptance, which reveals her longing for escape but also her eventual maturity in understanding her limitations.

CBSE 2022-23

1. Why did Sophie long for her brother’s affection? (CBSE, 2022-23)
   OR
   Why did Sophie wish to delve more deeply in ‘her brother’s affections’? (CBSE, 2022-23)

Answers:

Sophie admired Geoff deeply and wanted his approval and attention. She felt he was someone special with an interesting life, and she wanted to be part of it. His reserved nature made her seek his affection more, hoping he’d share her dreams.

OR

Sophie idolized her brother Geoff and wanted him to include her in his life. She saw him as a window to a more exciting world. Her wish to be close to him symbolized her desire to escape her ordinary life.

CBSE 2020

1. Why is Jansie so critical of Sophie? (Delhi. 2020)
2. Why didn’t Sophie want Jansie to know about her meeting with Danny Casey? (Delhi, 2020)
3. What was Sophie’s first choice of job after completing her school? (Outside Delhi, 2020)
4. Why is Sophie attracted to Danny Casey? (Outside Delhi. 2020)

Answers:

1. Jansie is critical of Sophie because she sees Sophie’s dreams as unrealistic. Jansie, being practical, knows their limitations and the reality of their working-class background. She doesn’t want Sophie to get hurt by dreaming of things that may never happen.
2. Sophie feared Jansie might spread the story, making her dream feel less special and more exposed to disbelief. She wanted to keep her fantasy with Danny private, knowing Jansie would likely react with doubt or tease her.
3. Sophie’s first choice of job was to work in a boutique. She dreamed of owning her boutique one day, imagining it as a glamorous place. However, this dream was not practical, given her family’s financial limitations and her lack of experience.
4. Sophie is drawn to Danny Casey because he represents excitement, fame, and a world beyond her ordinary life. Being a talented footballer, he symbolizes her dreams of adventure, romance, and escape from her dull routine.

CBSE 2019

1. What is wrong with Jansie’s outlook on life? (Outside Delhi, 2019)
2. Why didn’t Sophie want Jansie to know about her story with Danny? (CBSE Delhi 2011; (AI) 2010, 2012)
3. Sophie flits from one dream to another. What trait of her character is brought out by this action? (CBSE, 2019)
4. What is your impression of Sophie’s brother Geoff? (CBSE, 2019)

Answers:

1. Jansie’s outlook on life is very realistic, but it lacks hope or ambition. She accepts their limitations without dreaming of something better. While practical, her outlook might prevent her from imagining or striving for a more fulfilling future.
2. Sophie wanted to keep her fantasy with Danny Casey private, as she knew Jansie might mock her or spread the news. She feared that Jansie’s disbelief would spoil the special feeling of her dream and expose her to others’ scepticism.
3. This shows Sophie’s tendency to escape reality and her love for fantasy. She often creates stories to add excitement to her life, showing her imaginative nature. However, it also highlights her immaturity and struggle with accepting her real circumstances.
4. Geoff is quiet, practical, and doesn’t share Sophie’s fantasies. He is more grounded and realistic but also has a sense of mystery, as he keeps parts of his life private. Sophie admires him, seeing him as someone with a richer, secret life.

CBSE 2017

1. What was Sophie’s ambition in life? How did she hope to achieve that? (CBSE (Delhi) 2017)
2. Sophie was dreaming of so many things in her life. What were they? (CBSE (Delhi) 2017)
3. Why did Jansie discourage Sophie from having dreams? (CBSE (AI) 2017)
4. What did Sophie imagine about her brother, Geoff? (CBSE (F) 2017)
5. What did Sophie tell Geoff about her ‘meeting’ with Danny Casey? (CBSE (F) 2017)
6. Why did Sophie not want Jansie to know about her meeting with Danny? (CBSE (F) 2017)

Answer:

1. Sophie’s ambition was to own a boutique. She dreamed of escaping her simple life, imagining a glamorous career. However, her dreams were not grounded in reality, as she had no plan or means to achieve this goal, showing her impractical nature.
2. Sophie was a dreamer as she wanted to be a manager till she had enough money to afford a boutique or an actress as there was real money in it, or fashion designer, something a bit sophisticated.
3. Jansie discouraged Sophie from having dreams because the latter was unrealistic and had unattainable visions. Jansie knew that they were earmarked for the biscuit factory as she was practical, and she thought reasonably how tough and challenging life could be.
4. Sophie imagined that Geoff had a more adventurous and mysterious life. She thought he experienced things beyond her own reach and longed to be part of his world. This imagination fueled her desire for excitement and escape from her everyday life.
5. Sophie told Geoff that she met Danny Casey by chance while window shopping. She described their brief conversation, where she asked for his autograph but couldn’t get one due to lack of paper. She added romantic details, making the story more exciting.
6. Sophie did not want Jansie to know anything about her meeting with Danny Casey because she knew that Jansie would spread the news to the whole neighbourhood. Sophie did not want to be ridiculed before others.

CBSE 2011, 2010, 2012

1. Why didn’t Sophie want Jansie to know about her story with Danny? (CBSE Delhi 2020, 2011; (AI) 2010, 2012)
2. Why does Sophie’s father look at Sophie with disdain in the following scene from ‘Going Places’?  “Sophie’s met Danny Casey”, Geoff said [CBSE (F) 2011]

Answer:

1. Sophie wanted to keep her fantasy with Danny Casey private, as she knew Jansie might mock her or spread the news. She feared that Jansie’s disbelief would spoil the special feeling of her dream and expose her to others’ scepticism.
2. Sophie’s father looks at her with disdain because he finds her stories about meeting Danny Casey unbelievable and silly. He knows Sophie tends to fantasize and doesn’t take her seriously, which makes him dismissive and disappointed in her.

(PYQs) – Long Answer Type Questions:

Answer the following question in about 120-150 words.

CBSE 2019

1. It is not unusual for a lower middle class girl to dream big. How unrealistic were Sophie’s dreams? (Outside Delhi, 2019)
2. What was Sophie’s dream? How was it unrealistic? How was she different from Jansie? (Delhi, 2019)
3. What did Sophie tell her father and her brother about her ‘meeting(s)’ with Danny Casey? How did each of them react? (Delhi, 2019)

Answers:

1. Sophie’s dreams were big, but many of them were unrealistic for her background. Coming from a lower-middle-class family, her wish to open a boutique or become an actress was not practical, as she lacked money and experience. Sophie also fantasized about a relationship with Danny Casey, a famous football player, despite knowing he didn’t know her. While dreaming big is common among teenagers, especially for those in challenging situations, Sophie’s dreams did not consider her current limitations. Her friend Jansie, on the other hand, was practical and knew they needed steady jobs. Sophie’s unrealistic dreams show her desire to escape her reality but also her lack of understanding about what achieving these dreams would actually require.
2. Sophie dreamed of escaping her ordinary life by becoming successful and famous. She imagined herself as a boutique owner or actress, despite having no resources or experience for such careers. Her biggest fantasy was meeting Danny Casey, a famous footballer, and she even convinced herself they could have a special connection. These dreams were unrealistic given her background and lack of support. Sophie’s friend Jansie was practical and understood their limitations. Unlike Sophie, Jansie focused on finding a secure job and discouraged Sophie from unrealistic dreams. Sophie’s tendency to fantasize showed her wish for excitement, while Jansie’s realistic approach highlighted her practical mindset.
3. Sophie told her brother Geoff that she met Danny Casey while window shopping. She described their conversation and even added details like asking him for an autograph. Geoff was initially doubtful but wanted to believe his sister, though he questioned her story. When Sophie told her father, he reacted with disbelief and frustration. He thought her story was silly and scolded her, finding her habit of making up stories annoying. Unlike Geoff, who entertained the possibility, her father dismissed her tale, seeing it as another of her unrealistic fantasies. This shows the difference in how her family members viewed her dreams — Geoff with some understanding and her father with disdain.

CBSE 2018

1. In one’s approach to life, one should be practical and not live in a world of dreams. How is Jansie’s attitude different from that of Sophie? (CBSE 2018)

Answer:

1. Jansie is a practical girl who understands their lower-middle-class background and knows they need realistic plans. She accepts that they will likely work in a factory after school and doesn’t waste time dreaming of a different life. Sophie, in contrast, is a dreamer who imagines herself in glamorous careers and fantasies, like meeting Danny Casey, a famous footballer. She creates stories and doesn’t see the limitations around her. While dreaming is natural, Sophie’s dreams are unrealistic and often leave her disappointed. Jansie’s practicality keeps her grounded, while Sophie’s daydreaming reflects her struggle to accept her reality.

CBSE 2016

1. Teachers always advise their students to dream big. Yet, the same teachers in your classrooms find fault with Sophie when she dreams. What is wrong with Sophie’s dreams? (CBSE Delhi 2016)
2. Every teenager has a hero/heroine to admire. So many times they become role models for them. What is wrong if Sophie fantasises about Danny Casey and is ambitious in life? (CBSE AI 2016)
3. Given the socio-economic conditions in which Sophie lived, should she have big dreams? Why? Why not? (Foreign 2016)

Answers:

1. Sophie’s dreams are unrealistic for her background and situation. She dreams of owning a boutique, becoming famous, or even dating Danny Casey, a well-known footballer, even though she has no resources or connection to such possibilities. Her dreams ignore the practical challenges she faces, like her family’s financial struggles. Dreaming big is valuable when paired with a plan or achievable steps, but Sophie’s fantasies are only a form of escape. She risks being disappointed when her dreams remain unfulfilled, which is why others find her dreams to be foolish or unrealistic.
2. It’s natural for teenagers to admire famous people, but Sophie’s fantasies about Danny Casey are based on unrealistic expectations. She believes in the possibility of a personal connection with him despite never actually meeting him. Her admiration turns into an illusion, distracting her from realistic goals. While ambition is good, Sophie’s dreams lack practical steps, and she does not consider the limitations her family faces. Her obsession with Casey is a sign of her need for escape but ultimately leads to disappointment. Role models can inspire, but Sophie’s fantasies are not grounded in reality, which could make her ambitions harder to achieve.
3. Sophie’s socio-economic background doesn’t mean she shouldn’t have big dreams, but they should be realistic and achievable. While ambition can drive someone to improve their life, Sophie’s dreams — like meeting Danny Casey or owning a boutique — ignore the financial and social limitations she faces. She dreams without a clear plan or path, which can lead to disappointment. If Sophie’s dreams were more practical, such as advancing in a job or learning a skill, they might help her create a better future. Having big dreams is important, but they should match her reality to be motivating rather than discouraging.

CBSE 2015

1. Sophie lives in a world full of dreams which she does not know she cannot realise. Comment. (CBSE AI 2015)

Answer:

1. Sophie often dreams of things far beyond her reach, like meeting a famous footballer or owning a boutique. She does not fully understand how difficult or impossible these dreams are due to her family’s financial constraints and her lack of experience. Her dreams become an escape from her reality, but because they’re not grounded in possibility, they often lead to disappointment. Sophie’s fantasies show her desire to break free from her simple life, but her lack of practical steps reveals her immaturity in understanding her limitations.

Questions from SQPs (Sample Questions Papers)

SQPs: 2024 to 2015

Q1. How do the characters of Sophie from ‘Going Places’ and Subbu from ‘Poets and Pancakes’ compare and contrast in terms of their aspirations, constraints, and the pursuit of their dreams? (2024-25)

Answer: In “Going Places” and “Poets and Pancakes,” Sophie and Subbu both aspire to rise above their realities, but their approaches and challenges are distinct.

Sophie is a young girl with big dreams of glamour and success despite her humble, working-class background. She fantasizes about becoming an actress, boutique owner, or the girlfriend of a famous footballer, Danny Casey. Her aspirations are limited by her financial constraints and lack of experience, making her dreams unrealistic. Sophie’s approach is to escape into fantasy, which offers temporary excitement but ultimately leads to disappointment when her dreams prove unachievable.

Subbu, on the other hand, is a senior assistant in a film studio, who channels his creative aspirations through his work. Unlike Sophie, Subbu is practical; he uses his talents and resources effectively, supporting the studio’s success through his versatile storytelling and dedication. Despite his lower position in the hierarchy, Subbu finds satisfaction in contributing creatively. His dreams align with his circumstances, allowing him to succeed within his constraints.

In essence, while Sophie’s aspirations are an escape from reality, Subbu finds fulfillment within his world. Sophie’s fantasies isolate her, while Subbu’s realistic pursuit of his dreams integrates him into a community.

Answer as given in MS of SQP.

Q2. Their mother sighed. Sophie watched her back stooped over the sink and wondered at the incongruity of the delicate bow which fastened her apron strings.’ The prose selection, Going Places includes this telling comment about Sophie’s mother. In Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers, we are told that – ‘The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s Hand.’ Imagine a conversation between Sophie’s mother and Aunt Jennifer. Create this exchange with reference to the two extracts given above. You may begin the conversation like this … Sophie’s mother: Your embroidery is so beautiful. Do you love tigers? [CBSE SQP-2023] (Long)

Answer: Attempt yourself. Here a sample answer is given.

Sophie’s Mother and Aunt Jennifer Conversation

Sophie’s Mother: Your embroidery is so beautiful. Do you love tigers?

Aunt Jennifer: Thank you. Yes, I love the power and freedom they symbolize. They embody strength that I sometimes wish I had.

Sophie’s Mother: I understand that longing. There are days when I look at my delicate apron, and I feel the contrast with my life—one of endless chores and responsibilities.

Aunt Jennifer: Yes, it feels like we carry invisible weights. For me, it’s the heaviness of Uncle’s expectations. The wedding band reminds me of my duty and the control I feel over me.

Sophie’s Mother: It’s similar here. My family depends on me, and while I love them, I sometimes feel as though my dreams were tied down before they even began.

Aunt Jennifer: I channel that yearning into my embroidery, creating symbols of strength I wish I could embody. My tigers leap beyond my limitations on cloth, even if I cannot in real life.

Sophie’s Mother: Maybe that’s how we endure—finding little ways to express the dreams we could never live. I see my daughter, Sophie, dream so boldly. I hope her world allows her to soar, but I worry about the realities she’ll face.

Aunt Jennifer: We mothers hold our daughters close, hoping they can live without the weights that we carry. We can only hope they make peace with their dreams and their realities.

Q.3. Unrealistic dreams often lead to a great deal of unhappiness. Justify the statement on the basis of the story, ‘Going Places’. [CBSE Sample Paper 2019]

Answer: In “Going Places,” Sophie’s unrealistic dreams of fame and success bring her temporary excitement but ultimately lead to disappointment. She imagines herself becoming a fashion designer, actress, or even Danny Casey’s girlfriend, but lacks the means, experience, and resources to achieve these dreams. Sophie’s imagination isolates her from her friends and family, who remain grounded in their realistic view of life. This disconnect makes her unable to appreciate her life as it is, creating a cycle of dissatisfaction. When Danny Casey doesn’t show up, her dreams are shattered, leaving her despondent and disillusioned. Sophie’s story shows how dreaming beyond one’s limitations can lead to unhappiness if those dreams are far removed from reality.

Q.4. Maintaining a balance between one’s fantasies and the real world is the key to the survival. Give your opinion on Sophie’s character in the light of the above statement. [CBSE Sample Paper 2018]

Answer: Sophie’s life in “Going Places” reflects the challenge of balancing dreams with reality. Her fantasies about a glamorous life, owning a boutique, and her imaginary relationship with Danny Casey give her an escape from her ordinary world. However, Sophie’s inability to distinguish dreams from reality often leads to disappointment and isolates her from others. While dreaming is healthy, Sophie’s unchecked imagination pulls her away from her family and friends, who live with more grounded perspectives. To survive emotionally, one must balance ambition with realistic expectations. Sophie’s journey highlights the importance of dreaming within reachable bounds to avoid constant dissatisfaction.

Q.5. “Sophie’s dream world clashes with the world of her family and friends”. Bring out the stark difference between the two worlds. [CBSE Sample Paper 2016] (Long)

Answer: In “Going Places,” Sophie’s dream world frequently clashes with the realities of her family and friends. Her grand visions of a glamorous future as a fashion designer or an actress contrast sharply with her family’s modest life. Sophie’s father works hard and is skeptical of her fantasies, while her friend Jansie is practical and realistic, understanding the limitations of their working-class backgrounds. Sophie’s brother Geoff also has dreams but keeps them contained, while Sophie openly shares her ambitious ideas. This clash shows the tension between her desire to break free from her circumstances and the limitations imposed by her socio-economic status. Sophie’s fantasy world offers her hope but also isolates her, revealing the complexity of growing up with aspirations beyond one’s reach.

Q.6. Do you think Sophie is overambitious and Jansie is more practical? Discuss. [CBSE Sample Paper 2015] (long)

Answer: Sophie’s character in “Going Places” is marked by overambition, while her friend Jansie remains grounded and practical. Sophie dreams of fame and success without considering the practical steps to achieve them. She fantasizes about owning a boutique or becoming a celebrity, even imagining a romantic relationship with football star Danny Casey. In contrast, Jansie is aware of their modest background and the limited career opportunities available. She understands the importance of realistic expectations and tries to gently dissuade Sophie from indulging in such fantasies. Their contrast highlights the difference between ambition and practicality; while Sophie’s dreams lead her to emotional isolation, Jansie’s grounded outlook keeps her connected to the world around her.

CBSE Question Bank (QB) 2021

1. The story is written in a manner that it makes it difficult to point out clearly if Sophie met Danny Casey or not. Suggest possible reasons for such writing.  [CBSE Question Bank, 2021]
2. “Sophie felt a tightening in her throat. She went to look for her brother Geoff.” In the light of this quote, discuss the relationship Sophie shared with Geoff. [CBSE Question Bank, 2021]
3. Sophie is caught between the world she lives in and the world she wants to live in. Elucidate.  [CBSE Question Bank, 2021]
4. Evaluate the two different perspectives to life that Jansie and Sophie represent.  [CBSE Question Bank, 2021]
5. According to you, should Sophie have continued to dream, or should she have stuck to the path that had already been chosen for her? Justify your choice in detail.  [CBSE Question Bank, 2021]

Answers:

1. The story’s style makes it unclear whether Sophie actually met Danny Casey, adding a sense of mystery. This ambiguity reflects Sophie’s strong imagination and desire for excitement, blurring the line between reality and fantasy. It leaves readers questioning her honesty, showcasing the contrast between her dreams and her real life.
2. Sophie admires her brother Geoff and feels he is the only one who might understand her dreams. When she feels anxious, she turns to him, seeking comfort and validation. She views Geoff as a link to a world beyond her own, hoping he will understand her longing for a more exciting life.
3. Sophie is torn between her modest working-class life and the glamorous life she dreams of. She yearns for success and fame, often fantasizing about meeting celebrities and owning a boutique. However, her dreams are far from her reality, creating a conflict that isolates her from family and friends who live with more practical expectations.
4. Jansie and Sophie have contrasting views on life. While Sophie is a dreamer, hoping for fame and adventure, Jansie is grounded and realistic. Jansie knows their limited options and discourages Sophie’s fantasies, focusing instead on practical goals. Their perspectives reflect the balance between ambition and realism in life.
5. Sophie should be encouraged to dream but with a realistic understanding of her limitations. Dreams give her hope and purpose, but without a plan, they risk leading to disappointment. Balancing ambition with achievable goals would allow her to remain optimistic while working toward a realistic future.

Answer the following question in about 120-150 words.

Imagine Sophie’s father finds out about Sophie’s going to the canal to meet Danny Casey which leads him to think that she has lied to everyone about the whole affair. He is infuriated and prohibits Sophie from going anywhere except to school. As Geoff, write a diary entry disapproving of your father’s punishment by citing your reasons for being sympathetic to Sophie. You may begin this way: Monday, 2 September 1940 9 PM I cannot get myself to stand with father in his tirade against Sophie. Sure, she is not the most… [CBSE Question Bank, 2021]

Answer: Here, a sample answer is given.

Monday, 2 September 1940
9 PM

I cannot get myself to stand with Father in his tirade against Sophie. Sure, she is not the most practical or realistic person, but that’s what makes her different. Sophie has dreams, dreams that allow her to escape from the dull routine of our lives. Yes, she likely made up the meeting with Danny Casey, but I can see why. The thought of meeting someone famous, even if imagined, gives her hope, a sparkle that brightens her days.

Father’s punishment feels too harsh. Sophie is young, and punishing her so severely might only make her feel more isolated. I understand that he wants to protect her, but confining her to home and school isn’t the answer. She needs someone who understands her, not strict limitations. She needs the freedom to dream while learning how to balance it with reality.