Skimbleshanks The Railway Cat Workbook Answers

Evergreen Publishing

Treasure Chest Workbook Solution: Evergreen Publication

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat questions and answers

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat icse workbook answers

Treasure chest short stories question and answers

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat Line to line explanation

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat Summary

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat theme

Introduction:

“Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat” is a whimsical and delightful poem written by T.S. Eliot as part of his collection The Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.

Skimbleshanks is portrayed in the poem as a cunning and obedient cat who keeps the train moving smoothly. In addition to giving the passengers a sense of security and credibility, Skimbleshanks is in charge of preserving order and discipline among the railway staff.

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat by T. S. Eliot

There’s a whisper down the line at 11.39
When the Night Mail’s ready to depart,
Saying “Skimble where is Skimble has he gone to hunt the thimble?
We must find him or the train can’t start.”
All the guards and all the porters and the stationmaster’s daughters
They are searching high and low,
Saying “Skimble where is Skimble for unless he’s very nimble
Then the Night Mail just can’t go.”
At 11.42 then the signal’s nearly due
And the passengers are frantic to a man—
Then Skimble will appear and he’ll saunter to the rear:
He’s been busy in the luggage van!

He gives one flash of his glass-green eyes
And the signal goes “All Clear!”
And we’re off at last for the northern part
Of the Northern Hemisphere!

You may say that by and large it is Skimble who’s in charge
Of the Sleeping Car Express.
From the driver and the guards to the bagmen playing cards
He will supervise them all, more or less.
Down the corridor he paces and examines all the faces
Of the travellers in the First and the Third;
He establishes control by a regular patrol
And he’d know at once if anything occurred.
He will watch you without winking and he sees what you are thinking
And it’s certain that he doesn’t approve
Of hilarity and riot, so the folk are very quiet
When Skimble is about and on the move.
You can play no pranks with Skimbleshanks!
He’s a Cat that cannot be ignored;
So nothing goes wrong on the Northern Mail
When Skimbleshanks is aboard.

Oh, it’s very pleasant when you have found your little den
With your name written up on the door.
And the berth is very neat with a newly folded sheet
And there’s not a speck of dust on the floor.
There is every sort of light-you can make it dark or bright;
There’s a handle that you turn to make a breeze.
There’s a funny little basin you’re supposed to wash your face in
And a crank to shut the window if you sneeze.
Then the guard looks in politely and will ask you very brightly
“Do you like your morning tea weak or strong?”
But Skimble’s just behind him and was ready to remind him,
For Skimble won’t let anything go wrong.
And when you creep into your cosy berth
And pull up the counterpane,
You ought to reflect that it’s very nice
To know that you won’t be bothered by mice—
You can leave all that to the Railway Cat,
The Cat of the Railway Train!

In the watches of the night he is always fresh and bright;
Every now and then he has a cup of tea
With perhaps a drop of Scotch while he’s keeping on the watch,
Only stopping here and there to catch a flea.
You were fast asleep at Crewe and so you never knew
That he was walking up and down the station;
You were sleeping all the while he was busy at Carlisle,
Where he greets the stationmaster with elation.
But you saw him at Dumfries, where he speaks to the police
If there’s anything they ought to know about:
When you get to Gallowgate there you do not have to wait—
For Skimbleshanks will help you to get out!
He gives you a wave of his long brown tail
Which says: “I’ll see you again!
You’ll meet without fail on the Midnight Mail
The Cat of the Railway Train.”

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat – Summary

“Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat” by T.S. Eliot, presents the life of an industrious and indispensable cat who works on the railway. The poem describes Skimbleshanks as a clever and diligent cat who keeps the train running smoothly. Skimbleshanks is responsible for maintaining order and discipline among the railway workers, and his presence brings a sense of security and credibility to the passengers. The poem highlights the punctuality and attentiveness of Skimbleshanks to his tasks and highlights his unwavering dedication to his work. He is described as a watchful and attentive train guard who is always ready to act and solve problems that arise during the journey. Eliot’s lively illustrations evoke a lively railway environment, with images of speeding trains, pulsating platforms and the rhythmic sound of wheels on the tracks. Skimbleshanks’ role as a “railway cat” is praised and his presence is seen as crucial to the smooth running of the train system. In conclusion we can say that, Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat celebrates the often overlooked individuals involved in the operation of a complex system, emphasizing the importance of dedication and reliability in their work. Through the character of Skimbleshanks, Eliot captures the sense of duty and unsung heroes that ensure the efficiency and safety of our daily lives.

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat – Line to line explanation

Line 1 – 4

There’s a whisper down the line at 11.39
When the Night Mail’s ready to depart,
Saying “Skimble where is Skimble has he gone to hunt the thimble?
We must find him or the train can’t start.”

Everyone is whispering, “Where is Skimble?” and wondering if he has gone to play the silly game of chasing the thimble as the Night Mail is set to depart at 1:39. Without Skimble, the train cannot move.

Line 5 – 8

All the guards and all the porters and the stationmaster’s daughters
They are searching high and low,
Saying “Skimble where is Skimble for unless he’s very nimble
Then the Night Mail just can’t go.”

Everyone, that is, the guards, porters, and even the stationmaster’s daughters are searching for Skimble since the Night Mail would be delayed if Skimble doesn’t arrive soon.

Line 9-12

At 11.42 then the signal’s nearly due
And the passengers are frantic to a man—
Then Skimble will appear and he’ll saunter to the rear:
He’s been busy in the luggage van!

Skimble who has been busy in the luggage van, unexpectedly exits from the back of the train just before the scheduled departure time of the train at 11.42.

Line 13 – 16

He gives one flash of his glass-green eyes
And the signal goes “All Clear!”
And we’re off at last for the northern part
Of the Northern Hemisphere!

As soon as Skimbleshanks appears, he flashes his glassy green eyes in the direction of the signal, which causes it to also turn green. And the train sets off towards the Northern Hemisphere.

Line 17 – 20

Line 21-24

Down the corridor he paces and examines all the faces
Of the travellers in the First and the Third;
He establishes control by a regular patrol
And he’d know at once if anything occurred.

He scans the faces of every passenger in the first and third classes as he moves along the train’s corridors. He seems to be roaming the train and keeping an eye on everything that is going on in every nook and cranny.

Line 25-28

He will watch you without winking and he sees what you are thinking
And it’s certain that he doesn’t approve
Of hilarity and riot, so the folk are very quiet
When Skimble is about and on the move.

Everyone feels as though he can read their thoughts because of the intense gaze he directs in their direction. When Skimble is making his rounds, everyone is quite because he does not support riotous behaviour.

Line 29 – 32

You can play no pranks with Skimbleshanks!
He’s a Cat that cannot be ignored;
So nothing goes wrong on the Northern Mail
When Skimbleshanks is aboard.

Since Skimbleshanks takes his profession seriously, no one dares to pull pranks on him. When he is on the train, nothing could possibly go wrong.

Line 33 – 36

Oh, it’s very pleasant when you have found your little den
With your name written up on the door.
And the berth is very neat with a newly folded sheet
And there’s not a speck of dust on the floor.

Entering the railway coach carrying your name is a tremendous delight. The sheet is well folded and clean, and the berth is tidy. There isn’t a single speck of dust anywhere.

Line 37 – 40

There is every sort of light-you can make it dark or bright;
There’s a handle that you turn to make a breeze.
There’s a funny little basin you’re supposed to wash your face in
And a crank to shut the window if you sneeze.

The coach is equipped with a variety of amenities, including a handle to open the window and allow in fresh air, a sink to wash your face, and a handle to close the window if the breeze is too chilly to prevent you from sneezing.

Line 41 – 44

Then the guard looks in politely and will ask you very brightly
“Do you like your morning tea weak or strong?”
But Skimble’s just behind him and was ready to remind him,
For Skimble won’t let anything go wrong.

As you are settling in a guard stops by to enquire if you would like your morning tea strong or weak. Skimble is close behind the guard to make sure he serves you your morning tea to your liking. So with Skimble about nothing can go wrong.

Line 45 – 50

And when you creep into your cosy berth
And pull up the counterpane,
You ought to reflect that it’s very nice
To know that you won’t be bothered by mice—
You can leave all that to the Railway Cat,
The Cat of the Railway Train!

Thanks to the railway cat, you can rest easy knowing there won’t be any mice living under your bed as you pull back the bedspread and tuck yourself into your snug berth.

Line 51 – 54

In the watches of the night he is always fresh and bright;
Every now and then he has a cup of tea
With perhaps a drop of Scotch while he’s keeping on the watch,
Only stopping here and there to catch a flea.

Skimble is alert and rested as he keeps the night vigil. This is as a result of his tea, which may include a shot of whisky. He only ever pauses to remove a flea that has wandered into the train.

Line 55-60

You were fast asleep at Crewe and so you never knew
That he was walking up and down the station;
You were sleeping all the while he was busy at Carlisle,
Where he greets the stationmaster with elation.
But you saw him at Dumfries, where he speaks to the police
If there’s anything they ought to know about:

While everyone on board is sound asleep, Skimble inspects the Crewe station, cheerfully welcomes the stationmaster at Carlisle, and asks about police officers in Dumfries.

Line 61-66

When you get to Gallowgate there you do not have to wait—
For Skimbleshanks will help you to get out!
He gives you a wave of his long brown tail

Which says: “I’ll see you again!
You’ll meet without fail on the Midnight Mail
The Cat of the Railway Train.”

When the train eventually arrives at Gallowgate, Skimble assists the passengers in disembarking. He waves his long, brown tail at the travelers as a farewell. You will definitely run into the railway cat aboard the Midnight Mail on your subsequent trip, as his tail seems to be saying until we meet again.

Theme of ‘Shimbleshanks, The Railway Cat’ by T S Eliot

Shimbleshanks, The Railway Cat – MCQ

Read the following questions and select the correct option:

l. Who is the speaker in the poem?

(a) the poet

(b) one of the passengers on the train

(d) the cat

Answer: (a) the poet

2. What kind of situation is presented in the poem?

(a) realistic

(b) absurd but amusing

(d) serious

Answer: (b) absurd but amusing

3. Choose the option that correctly describes Skimleshanks:

(a) amusing

(b) alert

(d) uncaring

Answer: (b) alert

4. Which of these statements is NOT true?

(a) The cat offers morning tea to the passengers.

(b) The cat watches all the passengers and their actions and thoughts.

(d) The train is heading towards the far North.

Answer: (a) The cat offers morning tea to the passengers.

5. ‘The cat has been treated like a human being’ Which figure of speech is involved in it?

(a) alliteration

(b) metaphor

(d) none of the above

Answer: (c) personification

6. What kind of tone is adopted by the speaker?

(a) light and colloqual

(b) solemn

(d) sarcastic

Answer: (a) light and colloqual

7. What is the whisper all around at 11.39?

(a) It is very cold

(b) Where is Shimble?

(d) How is Shimble?

Answer: (b) Where is Shimble?

8. The destination of the train is towards ……………….

(a) The South

(b) The North

(d) The East

Answer: (b) The North

9. Which of the cat’s acts is most amusing?

(a) its remaining busy in the luggage van

(b) its having a drop of Scotch to fresh himself

(d) its going on regular patrol

Answer: (b) its having a drop of Scotch to fresh himself

10. Which of these would you associate with Shimble?

(a) conscientious

(b) silly

(d) dictatorial

Answer: (a) conscientious

2. Comprehension Passages

PASSAGE-1

Read, the extract given below and answers the questions that follow:

Answers:

(i) The speaker is a poet who is witnessing the events described in the extract. The poet hears a whisper down the line at 11.39, indicating the Night Mail is ready to depart. It seems that there is a concern about finding someone named Skimble before the train can start. The poet notes that all the guards, porters, and even the stationmaster’s daughters are searching for Skimble. This situation is not normal, as the train cannot depart until Skimble is found.

(ii) The surprising thing about Skimble is that he seems to be missing when he is needed for the train to start. The fact that everyone is looking for him suggests that his presence is crucial for the train’s departure. However, at 11.42, just before the signal is nearly due, Skimble suddenly appears and casually walks to the rear. Skimble has been busy in the luggage van while everyone was searching for him.

(iii) Skimble’s dutiful nature is indicated by the fact that he eventually appears and fulfills his responsibilities. Despite the commotion and urgency surrounding his search, Skimble manages to show up at the right moment, right before the train is about to depart. This suggests that Skimble takes his duties seriously and understands the importance of his role.

(iv) The search for Skimble causes commotion among all the passengers and the railway crew. They become frantic as the signal is nearly due, and the train cannot start without finding Skimble. This situation creates a sense of urgency and concern among everyone involved, leading to the commotion.

(v) Skimble is described as being busy in the luggage van, which suggests that he might be responsible for overseeing or assisting with the handling of luggage during the journey. He signals the train to depart with the flash of his glass green eyes. He performs the duty of a supervisor by being in-charge of all the staff members in the train, from the driver, to the guards and even the bagmen. He patrols by pacing the corridor and observing ever ones faces. He also acts as watchman by remaining awake and alert throughout the night.

PASSAGE-2

Read, the extract given below and answers the questions that follow:

He gives one flash of his glass-green eyes
And the signal goes “All Clear!”
And we’re off at last for the northern part
Of the Northern Hemisphere!

Answers:

(i) The restlessness among the passengers early in the poem is due to the fact that the train cannot start until Skimble the cat, is found. The passengers are anxious to depart, but the search for Skimble delays the train’s departure and causes restlessness among them.

(ii) The importance of the cat, Skimble, is conveyed by the line, “He gives one flash of his glass-green eyes, and the signal goes ‘All Clear!'” This suggests that Skimble has the power to signal the train’s departure with a single look. His gaze seems to have the authority to give the signal for the train to start, highlighting the significance of his role in the operation of the train.

(iii) The train is heading towards the northern part of the Northern Hemisphere. The poem does not mention a specific city of destination because it is focusing more on the excitement and anticipation of the journey itself rather than the final destination. The emphasis is on the train’s departure and the experience of travelling through the northern region, rather than reaching a particular city.

(iv) The actions of the cat that can be seen as amusing include the fact that he disappears or goes missing just before the train is about to depart, causing a frantic search for him. It is also amusing that Skimble appears casually and saunters to the rear of the train after everyone has been looking for him. His nonchalant attitude and mysterious behaviour add a touch of humour to the situation.

(v) Skimble might have a level of respect for the railway crew and the responsibilities they have. This could be inferred from the fact that Skimble eventually fulfils his duties and shows up at the right moment, indicating a sense of duty and respect for the operation of the train.

PASSAGE-3

Read, the extract given below and answers the questions that follow:

You may say that by and large it is Skimble who’s in charge
Of the Sleeping Car Express.
From the driver and the guards to the bagmen playing cards
He will supervise them all, more or less.
Down the corridor he paces and examines all the faces
Of the travellers in the First and the Third;
He establishes control by a regular patrol
And he’d know at once if anything occurred.
He will watch you without winking and he sees what you are thinking
And it’s certain that he doesn’t approve
Of hilarity and riot, so the folk are very quiet
When Skimble is about and on the move.
You can play no pranks with Skimbleshanks!
He’s a Cat that cannot be ignored;
So nothing goes wrong on the Northern Mail
When Skimbleshanks is aboard.

Answers:

(i) The most important being on the Northern Mail is Skimble, the cat. He is in charge of the Sleeping Car Express and supervises everyone on board, from the driver and guards to the bagmen playing cards. Skimble holds a position of authority and is responsible for maintaining control and order on the train.

(ii) The actions of the cat that remind one of a dictator include pacing down the corridor and examining the faces of the travellers. This behaviour establishes control and authority, similar to how a dictator would patrol and scrutinize those under their rule. Additionally, the line “He will watch you without winking and he sees what you are thinking” implies a level of surveillance and a keen awareness of others’ actions, which can be reminiscent of a dictatorial figure.

(iii) Nothing goes wrong on the Northern Mail because of Skimble‘s presence and vigilance. He patrols regularly and keeps a close eye on everyone, ensuring that any issues or incidents are promptly addressed. His supervisory role and attention to detail create an atmosphere of order and discipline, minimizing the chances of anything going wrong during the journey.

(iv) The extract does not mention what the cat, Skimble, does when the train reaches its destination. As mentioned in the poem, that Skimble disembarks at every station and greets the stationmaster. So we can assume that when the train reaches the destination he most likely disembarks and walks to meet the stationmaster.

(v) The cat, Skimble, dislikes hilarity and noisy merriment because it disturbs the organised and controlled atmosphere he has worked hard to create. He is also acting as a vigilant supervisor, and therefore prefers a quiet and disciplined environment on the train. Hilarity and riotous could introduce distractions or possible disruptions, which goes against Skimble’s desire for a well-regulated and harmonious environment

PASSAGE-4

Read, the extract given below and answers the questions that follow:

Oh, it’s very pleasant when you have found your little den
With your name written up on the door.
And the berth is very neat with a newly folded sheet
And there’s not a speck of dust on the floor.
There is every sort of light-you can make it dark or bright;
There’s a handle that you turn to make a breeze.
There’s a funny little basin you’re supposed to wash your face in
And a crank to shut the window if you sneeze.

Answers:

(i) The “little den” referred to in the extract signifies the individual compartments or berths in the train. It is made cozy by having the passenger’s name written on the door, indicating a personal space. The presence of a neatly folded sheet, absence of dust on the floor, and the option to control the lighting contribute to creating a comfortable and welcoming environment.

(ii) The “little den” provides various facilities to the passengers. Different types of light that can be adjusted to make the space either bright or dark. There is a handle to turn and create a breeze, indicating the presence of ventilation. Additionally, there is a basin for washing one’s face and a crank to shut the window if a passenger sneezes.

(iii) Skimble ensures that the passengers have no trouble during the journey by being a vigilant and attentive supervisor. He paces down the corridor, examining the faces of the travellers, establishing control through regular patrols. His presence and watchfulness create a sense of security and order, making sure that any potential issues or disruptions are detected and addressed promptly.

(iv) The impression formed of Skimble is that of a responsible and authoritative figure. He takes his role as the supervisor of the Sleeping Car Express seriously, overseeing and managing the train’s operation. Skimble is depicted as dedicated to maintaining order, ensuring the comfort and safety of the passengers, and being in control of the situation.

(v) The extract does not explicitly portray the cat, Skimble, as a hilarious creature. However, one could interpret the description of the facilities in a slightly whimsical manner, such as the funny little basin for washing the face or the crank to shut the window if one sneezes. These playful descriptions add a touch of humor to the overall tone of the poem, but they do not necessarily make Skimble himself a hilarious creature.

PASSAGE-5

Read, the extract given below and answers the questions that follow:

Then the guard looks in politely and will ask you very brightly
“Do you like your morning tea weak or strong?”
But Skimble’s just behind him and was ready to remind him,
For Skimble won’t let anything go wrong.
And when you creep into your cosy berth
And pull up the counterpane,
You ought to reflect that it’s very nice
To know that you won’t be bothered by mice—
You can leave all that to the Railway Cat,
The Cat of the Railway Train!

Answers:

(i) In the context of the given extract, the restlessness among the passengers and crew of the Night Mail mentioned earlier could be attributed to the search for Skimble, the cat. The train couldn’t start until Skimble was found, causing a sense of urgency and restlessness.

(ii) The cat, Skimble, performs his task as a supervisor by actively monitoring the train and its passengers. He is described as being just behind the guard, ready to remind him of any necessary tasks or responsibilities. Skimble’s presence and watchfulness help ensure that everything runs smoothly and according to plan.

(iii) Skimble ensures that nothing goes wrong by being attentive and proactive. His vigilant nature, regular patrols, and attention to detail help him identify any potential issues or disruptions before they become problems. Skimble’s dedication to his role and his ability to remind and assist the railway staff contributes to preventing any mishaps or complications.

(iv) The extract does not explicitly mention how the cat provides all comforts to the passengers. However, it can be inferred that Skimble contributes to the overall comfort of the passengers by overseeing the operation of the train, ensuring cleanliness, order, and a sense of security. His presence and supervision likely contribute to creating a pleasant and hassle-free environment for the passengers.

(v) The actions of the cat, Skimble, that could make us wonder whether he is more than a mere cat include his ability to remind and assist the guard, his vigilance in ensuring nothing goes wrong, and his role in providing comfort and security to the passengers. Skimble’s watchfulness, understanding of his responsibilities, and ability to fulfill his duties in a diligent manner might make us contemplate whether he possesses a level of intelligence or awareness beyond that of an ordinary cat.

PASSAGE-6

Read, the extract given below and answers the questions that follow:

In the watches of the night he is always fresh and bright;
Every now and then he has a cup of tea
With perhaps a drop of Scotch while he’s keeping on the watch,
Only stopping here and there to catch a flea.
You were fast asleep at Crewe and so you never knew
That he was walking up and down the station;
You were sleeping all the while he was busy at Carlisle,
Where he greets the stationmaster with elation.
But you saw him at Dumfries, where he speaks to the police
If there’s anything they ought to know about:
When you get to Gallowgate there you do not have to wait—
For Skimbleshanks will help you to get out!
He gives you a wave of his long brown tail
Which says: “I’ll see you again!
You’ll meet without fail on the Midnight Mail
The Cat of the Railway Train.”

Answers:

(i) On the Night Mail, the cat, Skimbleshanks, plays the role of a vigilant and active supervisor. He walks up and down the station, ensuring everything is in order. He interacts with various personnel, such as stationmasters and police officers, at different stops along the train’s route. Skimbleshanks keeps a watchful eye on the train and its surroundings, ensuring the smooth operation and safety of the journey.

(ii) The speaker views the role of the cat, Skimbleshanks, in a positive light. Skimbleshanks is portrayed as always being fresh and bright during the watches of the night. The speaker appreciates Skimbleshanks’ dedication and diligence in performing his duties as a supervisor on the Night Mail. Skimbleshanks’ presence and actions are seen as beneficial and necessary for the smooth running of the train.

(iii) To keep all the passengers comfortable, Skimbleshanks maintains order and ensures a pleasant environment on the train. His active supervision helps address any potential issues or concerns promptly. Skimbleshanks’ presence provides a sense of security, and his diligent efforts contribute to the overall comfort and well-being of the passengers.

(iv) The cat, Skimbleshanks, does not allow anyone to disrupt the order or tranquility of the train. He disapproves of hilarity and riotous behavior, as mentioned earlier in the poem. Skimbleshanks strives to maintain a peaceful and disciplined atmosphere during the journey, preventing any disturbances that may arise from unruly behavior.

(v) The last gesture of the “Cat of the Railway Train,” waving his long brown tail and expressing the sentiment of “I’ll see you again,” can be viewed as benevolent. It suggests a friendly and familiar connection between Skimbleshanks and the passengers. The gesture implies that Skimbleshanks has made a positive impression on the travelers and signifies a promise of future encounters. Overall, the last gesture portrays Skimbleshanks as a friendly and reliable presence, rather than anything sinister.

Treasure Chest Workbook Solution: Evergreen Publication

Std 9 Vol – I : Poems

1. A Work of Artifice – Marge Piercy

2. Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat – T S Eliot

3. I Remember, I Remember – Thomas Hood

4. A Doctor’s Joumal Entry for August 6, 1945 – Vikram Seth

5. The Night Mail – W H Auden

6. Haunted Houses – H W Longfellow

7. The Glove and the Lions – James Leigh Hunt

8. When Great Trees Fall – Maya Angelou

9. A Considerable Speck – Robert Frost

10. The Power of Music – Sukumar Roy

Std 9 Vol – II: Short Stories

l. Bonku Babu’s Friend – Satyaji Ray

2. Oliver Asks for More – Charles Dickens

3. The Model Millionaire – Oscar Wilde

4. The Homecoming – Rabindranath Tagore

5. The Boy Who Broke the Bank – Ruskin Bond

6. With the Photographer – Stephen Leacock

7. The Elevator – William Sleator

8. The Girl Who Can – Ama Ata Aidoo

9. The Pedestrian – Ray Bradbury

10. The Last Lesson – Alphonse Daudet

TREASURE CHEST: A Collection of ICSE Short Stories & Poems Beta Publication Workbook Answers

PROSE (Short Stories):

Std IX

1. Bonku Babu’s Friend – Satyajit Ray

2. Oliver Asks for More – Charles Dickens

3. The Model Millionaire – Oscar Wilde

4. Home-coming – Rabindranath Tagore

5. The Boy who Broke the Bank – Ruskin Bond

Std X

1. With the Photographer – Stephen Leacock

2. The Elevator – William Sleator

3. The Girl Who Can – Ama Ata Aidoo

4. The Pedestrian – Ray Bradbury

5. The Last Lesson – Alphonse Daudet

POETRY:

Std IX

1. The Night Mail – W.H. Auden

2. Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat – T.S. Eliot

3. I Remember, I Remember – Thomas Hood

4. A Doctor’s Journal Entry for August 6, 1945 – Vikram Seth

5. A Work of Artifice – Marge Piercy

Std X

1. Haunted Houses – H.W. Longfellow

2. The Glove and the Lions – Leigh Hunt

3. When Great Trees fall – Maya Angelou

4. A Considerable Speck – Robert Frost

5. The Power of Music – Sukumar Ray