The Interview by Zai Whitaker: Summary, Meanings, Question and Answers

The Interview by Zai Whitaker: Here you would get Summary, Meanings, Question and Answers for class 8 English textbook Wind Chimes.

Notes on ‘The Interview’ by Zia Whitaker

Summary in English

The story “The Interview” by Zai Whitaker is a humorous account of how Maama, an elderly man, is selected as the umpire for the annual cricket match between two villages, Thapoli and Vakoli. Kumar Chacha helps Maama prepare for the interview by dyeing his hair and dressing him smartly. Although Maama’s age and appearance initially cause doubt, his confidence, knowledge of cricket, and accurate answers impress PT Sir during the interview. Despite his eccentric behavior, Maama proves to be highly competent, leaving PT Sir both surprised and slightly irritated. The story highlights Maama’s determination, wit, and capability, showing that age is no barrier to knowledge and skill.

Summary in Hindi

ज़ई व्हिटेकर की कहानी “द इंटरव्यू” दो गाँवों, थापोली और वाकोली, के बीच वार्षिक क्रिकेट मैच के लिए एक अम्पायर के चयन की हास्यास्पद घटना है। कुमार चाचा मामा को इंटरव्यू के लिए तैयार करने में मदद करते हैं, उनके बाल रंगते हैं और उन्हें अच्छे कपड़े पहनाते हैं। मामा की उम्र और रूप-रंग के कारण शुरू में संदेह होता है, लेकिन क्रिकेट के उनके ज्ञान और सटीक उत्तरों से पीटी सर प्रभावित हो जाते हैं। मामा की अजीब हरकतों के बावजूद, वह अपनी योग्यता साबित करते हैं, जिससे पीटी सर आश्चर्यचकित और थोड़ा झुंझलाए हुए रहते हैं। कहानी मामा के आत्मविश्वास, चतुराई और क्षमता को दर्शाती है, यह दिखाते हुए कि ज्ञान और कौशल में उम्र कोई बाधा नहीं है।

Vocabulary Notes (Meanings)

Textbook Exercise Question and Answers

Comprehension

A. Answer these questions in brief:

1. Why did Kumar Chacha take short leave?

Answer: Kumar Chacha took short leave from his factory under the “Family Emergency” category to help Maama get ready and take him to the umpire selection interview.

2. Why were Hari’s father and PT Sir left speechless?

Answer: Hari’s father and PT Sir were left speechless because Maama quickly and correctly answered all the umpiring questions, even better than they expected.

3. What is Maama’s real name?

Answer: Maama’s real name is Raja Ram.

4. Why did PT Sir blink in disbelief?

Answer: PT Sir blinked in disbelief when Maama confidently claimed to be the umpire candidate, even though he was old and unexpected for the role.

5. Why did PT Sir ask Hari’s father’s name?

Answer: PT Sir thought Hari’s father was the candidate for the umpire post, so he asked his name to fill the application form.

B. Answer these questions with reference to the context:

1. “…carried out the entire operation.”
   a. Who carried out the ‘operation’?
   Ans: Kumar Chacha carried out the ‘operation.’
   b. What was the ‘operation’?
   Ans: The ‘operation’ was helping Maama get ready for the umpire selection interview. Kumar Chacha applied hair colour to Maama’s hair, helped him dress, and took him to the interview.
   c. What was the purpose of the ‘operation’?
   Ans: The purpose was to prepare Maama to look presentable and ready for the umpire selection interview.
2. “Hari’s father handed him his cane as they were leaving home.”
   a. To whom did Hari’s father give the cane?
   Ans: Hari’s father gave the cane to Maama.
   b. Why did he give the cane to that person?
   Ans: He gave the cane to Maama because he thought Maama would need it to walk.
   c. What did the person do with the cane?
   Ans: Maama got irritated by the cane and pushed it away, letting it fall to the floor.
3. “‘Don’t act smart,’ he wanted to say, but stopped himself.”
   a. Who was thinking this?
   Ans: PT Sir was thinking this.
   b. Why did he want to say, ‘Don’t act smart’?
   Ans: PT Sir wanted to say this because Maama was answering the umpire questions too well, making PT Sir feel uncomfortable.
   c. Why did he stop himself from saying it?
   Ans: He stopped himself because he realized that Maama knew more about umpiring than he did, and it would not be appropriate to say it.

C. Answer these questions:

1. How did Kumar Chacha prepare Maama for the interview?
   Answer: Kumar Chacha bought a packet of Glam Black Hair Colour and applied it to Maama’s hair and moustache. He also helped Maama wear one of his trousers, a shirt, and a pair of sporty shoes to make him look more presentable for the interview.
2. Why did Maama not accept the cane? What does this tell us about him?
   Answer: Maama did not accept the cane because he was irritated by it. This shows that Maama was confident and did not feel he needed the cane for support, even though he was old.
3. What does Maama’s walk to the school tell us about him?
   Answer: Maama’s walk shows that he was determined and trying to walk more independently. He changed his old shuffle to a more upright and confident stride, even though he sometimes had to hold onto Kumar Chacha for support.
4. Write the following in a grammatically correct sentence: I said, I am only the candidate.
   Answer: I said, “I am the only candidate.”
5. How did PT Sir feel at the end of the interview and why did he feel that way?
   Answer: PT Sir felt irritated and surprised at the end of the interview. He was surprised because Maama knew more about umpiring than he had expected. He also felt irritated because Maama was too clever and knew more than PT Sir himself.
6. Describe the personality of Maama in your own words.
   Answer: Maama is an old but confident and determined person. He is smart, knowledgeable, and doesn’t let his age stop him. He is independent and doesn’t rely on others, even when things are difficult for him.
7. Maama comes home and narrates his experience of the interview to his friends. Write how he would describe it.
   Answer: Maama might say: “Well, I went for the umpire interview, and I think I impressed PT Sir. He asked me all the umpiring questions, and I answered them all correctly. He looked really surprised, but I showed him I knew my stuff. At first, I thought he might not let me be the umpire, but in the end, I think I’ve got the job. PT Sir was a bit irritated, but I knew more than him about umpiring!”
8. Imagine that PT Sir has to give his opinion of the interview with Maama to the sports committee. Write what he would say about Maama. Would he recommend him or not?
   Answer: PT Sir might say: “Maama was a surprising candidate. At first, I thought he wouldn’t know much, but he proved me wrong. He answered all the umpiring questions quickly and correctly, even better than I expected. Despite his age and appearance, he showed a lot of knowledge about the game. I would recommend him as the umpire for Thapoli.”
9. Do you think selecting Maama as the umpire was the correct decision? Give reasons for your answer.
   Answer: Yes, selecting Maama as the umpire was the correct decision. Despite his age, Maama showed that he knew a lot about umpiring and cricket rules. His knowledge of the game was better than expected, and he was confident enough to handle the role.
10. What, according to you, should be the qualities of a good umpire?
    Answer: A good umpire should have a strong understanding of the game rules, be fair and impartial, be confident in making decisions, and remain calm under pressure. They should also be observant and able to manage the players and the game effectively.

Short Answers:

1. He applied hair color, helped Maama dress, and took him to the interview.
2. He didn’t accept the cane because he was confident and didn’t need support.
3. It shows that Maama was determined and trying to be more independent.
4. I said, “I am the only candidate.”
5. PT Sir felt surprised and irritated because Maama knew more about umpiring than he expected.
6. Maama is confident, independent, and knowledgeable.
7. Maama would say, “I answered all the questions correctly, and I think I impressed PT Sir.”
8. PT Sir would say, “Maama knew his stuff and I recommend him as the umpire.”
9. Yes, because Maama knew the rules well and showed confidence.
10. A good umpire should be knowledgeable, fair, confident, and calm.

D. Match these idioms that use sports imagery to their meanings.

Answer:

Grammar

A. Fill in the blanks with the correct present tense forms of the verbs in the brackets.

Answers:

1. The President inaugurates the seminar this evening.
2. Tell me as soon as he comes.
3. I am going to Jaipur tomorrow.
4. We all meet for lunch on Sunday.
5. We are organizing a fete this year.
6. The train leaves as soon as the minister arrives.

B. Fill in the blanks with the simple future tense forms of the verbs in the brackets.

Answers:

1. You will regret such hasty decisions.
2. I have decided that I will speak later.
3. Naresh will manage the shopping for the event.
4. They will reach Kalimpong about an hour late.
5. Maya will not accept such behaviour!
6. We will review what you have learned.

C. Fill in the blanks with the future continuous tense forms of the verbs in the brackets.

Answers:

1. Please fasten your seat belts. We will be taking off in a few minutes.
2. What are you doing this weekend? Oh, I will be working as usual.
3. Vinay will be leaving for Canada soon. He has got a job there.
4. He will be picking them up from the theatre.
5. Our teacher will be giving us a mock test next week.
6. This time tomorrow everyone will be reading about your success.

D. Fill in the blanks with am/is/are + going to the base form of the verbs in the brackets.

Answers:

1. Have you decided on your colour schemes? Yes, I am going to paint this room white and the living room powder blue.
2. Are you going to try to take photographs? It’s not allowed.
   No, I am going to try to sell the camera.
   That is not allowed either. If the policewoman sees you, she is going to confiscate the camera.
3. Arun Roy is going to write a book about relationships this time.
   I wonder if anyone is going to buy it.
   Oh, yes, many people are going to want it. He is an award-winning writer.