Bonku Babu’s Friend workbook answers

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Bonku Babu’s Friend questions and answers

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Section A: Multiple-Choice Questions

Answers:

1. (c) Bonku Babu

2. (a) The boys teased Bonku Babu.

3. (b) He was a storyteller.

4. (a) To scare Bonku Babu with a ‘spook’.

5. (b) His new kurta was torn and black stains all over.

6. (a) Everybody was hurling bitter remarks on him.

7. (c) Saturday is auspicious for ghosts and spooks.

8. (a) There was absolute silence.

9. (c) The strange creature was examining Bonku Babu’s arms and legs.

10. (a) Ang’s pebble like object had made him immobile.

Section B: Context questions:

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

For the last twenty-two years, …………………. continued among all the students.

Answers

(i) The first sentence of the excerpt, “for the last twenty-two years,” indicates that Bonku Babu has been teaching at Kankurgachhi Village Primary School for a significant period. Furthermore, the phrase ” old or new, the tradition of teasing poor Bonku Babu continued among all the students,” suggests that the students have consistently teased him throughout his tenure at the school, with the tradition persisting even as new students replace the old. These details in the excerpt demonstrate that Bonku Babu has endured teasing from the students for an extended duration.

(ii) Although he was an experienced and senior teacher at Kankurgachhi Village Primary School, Bonku Babu enduresd continuous teasing from his students. Some draw his cartoon on the blackboard, others put glue on his chair, and on the night of Kali Puja, they even went as far as lighting a chasing rocket and setting it off right behind him.

(iii) Despite enduring continuous teasing from his students, Bonku Babu remained remarkably composed. Though he occasionally scolded them with a disapproving “shame on you boys,” nobody had ever seen him lose his temper. Bonku Babu understood that he could not afford to react angrily, as it might cost him his job. Despite the tradition of teasing persisting among all the students, Bonku Babu found solace in the few good students in each class, making teaching worthwhile for him. He would invite those boys to his home, offer them snacks, and regale them with tales of foreign lands and exciting adventures.

(iv) Bonku Babu found teaching a handful of good students in every class rewarding and considered it the reason why his life as a teacher was worth living. Despite the presence of pranksters in the rest of the class, he enjoyed inviting these good students to his house, where he treated them to snacks and shared tales of foreign lands and exciting adventures that he believed enriched both him and his students.

(v) Being aware of how challenging it would be to secure another job at his age, he chose to endure the teasing and remain composed. Moreover, he found solace in the fact that each class had a handful of students who were receptive to his teachings, which made teaching them a gratifying experience. He firmly believed that by sharing his knowledge and experiences with his students, he was enriching their lives as well as his own.

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

Only the other day — less than two months ago–,………………………. that night Banku Babu was attacked by a spook.

Answers

(i) While at an evening gathering hosted by Sripati Majumdar, Bonku Babu boldly declared that he was unafraid of ghosts when the topic was brought up, unwittingly providing his associates with an opportunity to prank him. Later that same night, as he walked past a tamarind tree, Bonku Babu was ambushed by an apparition covered in black ink. The fact that the attack seemed premeditated and planned suggested that one or more of his associates at the gathering were responsible.

(ii) In the story, it is recounted that Bonku Babu was assaulted by a spook after he left the gathering at Sripati Majumdar’s house. The spook was portrayed as a tall and slim entity that jumped from a tamarind tree and landed on Bonku Babu’s back. Although he was not scared, he was hurt, and his neck was sore for three days. Additionally, his new kurta was ripped and covered in black marks.

(iii) Bonku Babu experienced physical injuries and had his new kurta torn with black ink stains all over it as a result of the spook attack. In addition to experiencing neck pain for three days, the attack caused him emotional distress because it was a premeditated prank carried out by his associates.

(iv) The spook attack occurred when Bonku Babu was walking home at night, passing under a tamarind tree. Earlier that evening, at a gathering where ghosts were discussed, he had declared that he was not afraid of them, providing an opportunity for his associates to prank him. This incident created the favorable condition for the spook attack.

(v) Bonku Babu decided to attend the meeting despite being attacked by the spook because he didn’t want to offend Sripati Majumdar, who was a significant person in the village and the school committee. Furthermore, he knew that his absence would deprive the other members of the meeting of their only source of entertainment. This incident shows the disrespect for a fellow villager and the lack of knowing the importance of developing socio relationships.

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

That particular evening Bonku Babu was ……………………….and was boasting a great deal about it. Banku Babu said nothing

Answers:

(i) Nidhu Babu’s intention for claiming credit as the first person to spot the strange light was to gain recognition and appear knowledgeable in front of the group. This suggests that he is an attention-seeking individual who likes to take credit for things he did not do. Nidhu Babu’s behavior reveals some aspects of his character, which include seeking opportunities to impress others, being boastful, and seeking attention.

(ii) Bonku Babu’s lack of response when Nidhu Babu took credit for spotting the strange light, even though Bonku Babu was the actual first person to see it, indicates that he is a non-confrontational individual who prefers to avoid conflicts. Additionally, it suggests that he is humble and not concerned with taking credit for his observations.

(iii) The group shifted their conversation from satellites to rockets after Chandi Babu expressed skepticism about the significance of a point of light in the sky and called it “humbug”. This sparked a discussion about the accomplishments and importance of satellites. However, Nidhu Babu redirected the topic to rockets, which some members of the group found more engaging and meaningful.

(iv) After Chandi Babu expresses skepticism about the significance of a point of light in the sky and calls it “humbug”, Ramkanai acknowledges that the discovery of a satellite in space is a great human achievement, even though he said “not us.” He recognizes the value of this accomplishment and believes that it is a significant contribution to the advancement of humanity.

(v) A group of people, including Bonku Babu, discussed the possibility of a rocket landing in their village, but Bonku Babu expressed doubt that it would happen as it was not a common occurrence in their area. Furthermore, they could not see any practical purpose or benefit for a rocket to land in their village. While Bonku Babu initially remained silent, he later suggested the possibility of an alien visit, indicating that he was open to considering alternative explanations.

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

“Consider his looks, not to mention his brains… yes, …………………….. If a zoo really had to be filled up…! Tears sprang to his eyes.

Answers:

(i) Chandi Babu made a sarcastic remark when he called Bonku Babu an ‘ideal specimen’ for aliens, as he found Bonku Babu’s suggestion that aliens would want to visit their village ridiculous. He was not being serious and was instead teasing Bonku Babu.

(ii) Chandi Babu used the nickname “Bunkum” for Bonku Babu, in playful but teasing manner. The use of this nickname could suggest that Chandi Babu does not hold Bonku Babu in high regard and may make fun of him. This could imply a lack of respect towards Bonku Babu.

(iii) Bonku Babu believes that Sripati Babu, Bhairav Chakravarty, Ramkanai, Chandi Babu, and Nidhu Babu could also be specimens for aliens. He selects these individuals based on their physical features, such as Sripati Babu’s chin resembling a camel’s, Bhairav Chakravarty’s eyes resembling those of a tortoise, and Nidhu Babu resembling a rat. Additionally, he compares Ramkanai to a goat and Chandi Babu to a flittermouse.

(iv) Bonku Babu did not wonder silently about his associates’ reactions because he is not a confrontational person and prefers to avoid conflicts. He is also humble and not interested in taking credit for his observations, as seen in his silence when Nidhu Babu claimed credit for spotting the strange light. Bonku Babu is more focused on maintaining social relationships and respecting his elders and superiors, rather than dwelling on hypothetical scenarios.

(v) Bonku Babu responded by saying:

“Nidhu Babu, if you call me Bunkum, I shall call you Nitwit, and you must learn to live with that!”

“And Sripati Babu, you are an important man, of course you must have chamchas, but I am not. If you like, I can send my cat to you, it’s quite good at licking feet.”

These responses show that Bonku Babu was no longer afraid to speak his mind and stand up for himself. His newfound confidence allowed him to live life on his own terms, without worrying about the opinions of others.

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

Puzzled, Bonku Babu walked another 20 yards ……………………….. behind the pond was lit by much stronger, pink light.

Answers:

(i) Bonku Babu was returning home from his usually gathering at Chandi Babu’s house. No he was not in a hurry as he had left the meeting earlier than usually.

(ii) Bonku Babu spotted a glowing pink light in the bamboo grove of Poncha Ghosh, near a small pond. The light covered a large area, illuminating every branch and leaf with a dull pink glow. He also noticed a stronger pink light shining on the ground behind the pond. Although he initially thought it might be a fire, he soon realized that it was not moving. This mysterious sight intrigued him, and he approached it to investigate further.

(iii) Initially, when Bonku Babu caught sight of the glowing pink light from afar, he assumed that there was a fire in the area due to the large size of the light and the fact that it illuminated every branch and leaf. But upon approaching closer, he came to the realization that the light was still and there was no sign of fire.

(iv) Bonku Babu observed a translucent object that looked like an inverted glass bowl covering the entire pond. The bowl emitted a strong but soft pink light, illuminating the surroundings, making every branch and leaf glow pink, and even the ground behind the pond was lit by a much brighter pink light.

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

“I am Ang, from the planet Craneus. ………………………. How many languages do you know?”

Answers:

(i) Ang is a creature from the planet Craneus, and he is described as having a plain, smooth ball-shaped head, and being barely four feet tall with thin limbs. He wears a shiny, pink outfit that covers his whole body. Instead of ears, he has tiny holes on each side of his head, and he has round, bright yellow eyes. Instead of a nose, he has two holes on his face, and there is a gaping hole instead of a mouth.

(ii) Ang claims to be superior to humans due to his extraordinary abilities that surpass those of humans. He possesses a vast knowledge of 14,000 languages, including those spoken on planets beyond Earth’s solar system, and has traveled to 25 different planets. He also boasts of possessing advanced technology that enables him to travel through space, which suggests that he has access to technology that humans do not have.

(iii) Ang claimed to have the knowledge of 14,000 languages, including every language in the solar system and thirty-one languages spoken on planets outside of the system.

(iv) Ang introduced himself and greeted by saying that he was from planet Cranues and was far superior to humans. It was impossible for Bonku Babu to believe that this creature, barely four feet tall, with such thin limbs and a weird face was superior to man and he nearly burst out laughing.

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

Bonku Babu peered through the glass and felt ……………………………. there was another animal, a strong, peculiar creature…

Answers:

(i) Bonku Babu believes that there are numerous places to explore within Bengal that he hasn’t had the opportunity to visit yet, such as the snow-covered Himalayas, the seashore in Digha, the forests in the Sunderbans, and even the renowned banyan tree in the Botanical Gardens of Shibpur. Although he would love to see all of these places, his top priority is to visit the North Pole because he originates from a warm country and has never encountered snow.

(ii) The passage makes reference to a “glass” which is a little tube having one end sealed with a glass that Ang bestowed upon Bonku Babu for him to peer through. Utilizing this tube, he beheld extraordinary and marvelous spectacles, such as the Aurora Borealis, polar bears, walruses, and a dense forest in Brazil. Ang provided him with the tube with the intention of enabling him to encounter these sights and broaden his perception of the world beyond his previous experience.

(iii) Bonku Babu caught sight of a bizarre and distinctive creature through the glass, which happened to be a walrus. He witnessed two of these creatures fiercely battling, exhibiting their bared tusks and ferociously attacking each other. The tusks were described to be as sizeable as radishes, and both animals were causing significant harm to one another, with vivid streams of red blood running on the soft, white snow. The graphic and vibrant portrayal of the scene caused Bonku Babu to perspire, even though he was merely peering through a small glass tube

(iv) Upon Ang’s mention of Brazil, Bonku Babu’s initial thought was of piranhas, the deadly flesh-eating fish. This demonstrates that Bonku Babu is highly impressionable and is influenced by his surroundings, along with the things he hears or reads about. His imagination is highly imaginative, and he tends to focus on the unfavorable aspects of things. Furthermore, it highlights his inquisitive nature and his eagerness to acquire knowledge, as he has read about piranhas and is well-informed about their reputation as dangerous predators.

(v) Upon observing through the tube for a while, Bonku Babu was unable to continue viewing since the scenes were exceedingly intense and overpowering, causing his limbs to tremble, and his head to reel painfully.

Subsequently, Ang inquired whether Bonku Babu was content with what he had witnessed, to which he nodded and expressed that it was beyond his imagination. Ang then offered to allow Bonku Babu to take the instrument with him and view anything he wished to observe.

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

Look, I have been observing you and I have examined your arms and legs. ………………………There’s no point in wasting more time on your Earth. I had better go.

Answers:

(i) Ang identified Bonku Babu’s prominent flaw as his meek and mild demeanor. Ang believed that Bonku Babu needed to speak out against injustice and object if anyone insulted or harmed him without reason. Ang stated that being passive was not only wrong for humans but for any creature, anywhere. Ang concluded that Bonku Babu’s meekness and mildness were the reasons for his limited progress in life.

(ii) Ang recommended that Bonku Babu should speak out against any unfairness and object if anyone insults or harms him without reason. Ang indicated that remaining silent was incorrect, not just for humans but for any creature in any place.

(iii) Ang departed from the planet in haste as he had to travel to planet Pluto. However, due to a problem with the spaceship, he ended up on Earth. Furthermore, he believed that spending more time on Earth was pointless. Since he had already achieved his objective, which was to have a conversation with Bonku Babu and offer his guidance, he swiftly boarded his spaceship and departed without any additional delay.

(iv) The absence of any evidence of human encounters with extraterrestrial beings leads me to doubt the existence of Ang in this fictional narrative. However, the author’s underlying message remains clear: we must never submit to wrongdoing and instead, stand up for our rights by refusing to tolerate any injustice.

(v) Bonku Babu adhered to Ang’s advice and confronted the individuals who were belittling him at the gathering. He expressed his disapproval of their actions and defended himself. For instance, he told Nidhu Babu that if he referred to him as Bunkum, he would label him a Nitwit. Additionally, he informed Sripati Babu that he was not a sycophant like the others, despite his importance. Consequently, he regained his self-esteem and trust, and he was no longer hesitant to speak his mind. His confident and audacious address at the meeting shows this, as he stood up for himself and even made jokes at the expense of others.

Question 1 : Choose the correct answer.

1. Bonku Babu almost jumped up because

(a) he could not hear the voice clearly.

(b) he could not understand who was talking and what was being said.

2. Though Bonku Babu could run away, he didn’t because

(a) he wanted to know who or what was the cause of the strange happenings in the grove.

(b) he was too tired.

3. The creature realized he was not on Pluto because

(a) Bonku Babu did not reply to the strange language he spoke.

(b) the plants looked different.

4. Bonku Babu felt very uncomfortable when

(a) the creature examined him by pressing his arms and legs with his fingers.

(b) the creature tried to poke him.

5. The creature told Bonku Babu that his fault was that

(a) he allowed people to hurt and insult him.

(b) he did not speak up against bribery.

6. Ang left in his spaceship because

(a) he had to go to the planet Pluto.

(b) he was frightened of Bonku Babu.

Question 2: Who was Ang?

Answer: Ang was an alien from the planet Craneus.

Question 3: How did Ang come to Earth?

Answer: Ang was going to Pluto in his spaceship. But his instruments malfunctioned and he had to land on Earth.

Question 4: What did he tell Bonku Babu about his planet and about himself?

Answer: Ang told Bonku Babu that he was from the planet Craneus and that he was a far superior creature than man. He knew 14,000 languages and had been to twenty-five planets outside the solar system.

Question 5: Why was Poncha Ghosh so excited at the Sunday meeting?

Answer: Poncha Ghosh was excited at the Sunday meeting as he was telling everyone about his bamboo grove, where all the bamboos around the pond had shed their leaves.

Question 6: What was the first thing that Bonku Babu did on entering Sripati Babu’s house?

Answer: Bonku Babu burst into a guffaw and laughed loudly for a whole minute as soon as he entered Sripati Babu’s house.

Question 7: Bonku Babu had something to say to the people in Sripati Babu’s house. Write against each of their names what he told them.

Answer:

(a) Chandi Babu: At your age, hiding other people’s shoes and umbrellas is not just childish, but totally wrong. Kindly bring my umbrella and brown canvas shoes to my house tomorrow.

(b) Nidhu Babu: If you call me Bunkum, I will call you Nitwit and you must learn to live with that.

(d) Poncha Babu: You are here as well! Let me inform you that last night, an Ang arrived from the planet Craneus and landed on the pond in your bamboo grove. We had a long chat. The Ang was most amiable.

Question 8: Ang has been described as a strange creature, very different from humans.

Complete the following table with details of his appearance.

Answer:

head	like a plain smooth ball
eyes	round and bright yellow, glowing in the dark
ears	tiny holes
nose	two holes
mouth	a gaping hole
arms and legs	amazingly thin
hair	no hair
body	covered by a shiny pink outfit