Chapter 2 (Good for Evil)
Comprehension
A. Answer the following questions with reference to the context.
1. "Don't you remember that sometime ago you turned away a tired and hungry Indian from your door one evening?"
(a) Who speaks these words and to whom?
Ans: The Red Indian speaks these words to the American farmer.
(b) When does the speaker say these words?
Ans: The speaker says these words after the farmer thanks him for his kindness and says he has not seen him before.
(c) How does the listener feel when he hears these words?
Ans: The listener, the farmer, feels ashamed of himself for his past rude behaviour.
B. Answer the following questions briefly.
1. Where was the American farmer standing one evening?
Ans: One evening, the American farmer was standing at the door of his farmhouse.
2. Who came along at that time looking tired and hungry?
Ans: A Red Indian came along at that time, looking tired and hungry.
3. What did he ask for?
Ans: He asked for something to eat.
4. Did the farmer give it to him?
Ans: No, the farmer rudely refused to give him any food.
5. What happened to the farmer in the forest?
Ans: The farmer got lost in the forest while hunting, and he was very tired and hungry.
6. Who helped him?
Ans: The same Red Indian whom he had turned away earlier helped him.
7. How did the farmer feel when he learnt the truth?
Ans: The farmer felt deeply ashamed of himself and his past actions when he learnt the truth.
C. Answer the following questions in detail.
1. Describe the Red Indian who spoke to the farmer one evening.
Ans: The Red Indian who spoke to the farmer one evening was very tired and hungry. He had been walking all day and was thirsty. Despite his poor condition, he spoke calmly and requested something to eat.
2. How did the farmer react to the Red Indian?
Ans: The farmer reacted very rudely and angrily. He called the Red Indian a "lazy fellow" and an "idle beggar." He refused to give him any food or even a glass of water and told him to go away, shouting that he was tired of beggars.
3. Describe what happened when the farmer went to the forest.
Ans: Some days later, the farmer went into the forest to hunt but had no luck. As night fell, he realized he was lost. He became very tired, hungry, and thirsty. Just as he was losing hope, he found a hut where a Red Indian was standing at the entrance who offered him food, shelter, and showed him the way out the next morning.
4. How did the Red Indian treat the farmer when he came to his door?
Ans: The Red Indian treated the farmer with great kindness and compassion. Without any hesitation, he invited the tired and hungry farmer to rest in his hut for the night. He gave him food to eat and something hot to drink. The next morning, he gave him a good breakfast and guided him out of the forest.
5. When did the farmer realise who the Red Indian was?
Ans: The farmer realised who the Red Indian was when he was leaving and thanking him. The Red Indian gently reminded him of the evening when the farmer had turned away a tired and hungry Indian from his own door. It was at this moment that the farmer understood it was the same man.
6. What does this story teach you?
Ans: This story teaches us a very valuable lesson: we should always be kind and helpful to others, regardless of who they are. It teaches us that returning good for evil is a noble quality. The farmer's act of cruelty was met with the Indian's act of kindness, which taught the farmer a lesson he would never forget. The story shows that compassion is more powerful than anger.
D. Circle the word or group of words in brackets to complete the following sentences.
1. He wandered hither and thither in search of (food and water/wild animals).
2. The Red Indian was very (rude and unkind/kind and hospitable) to the farmer.
3. The farmer felt ashamed of himself and (hung/hanged) his head.
4. You have returned (evil for good/good for evil), and have thus taught me a very valuable lesson.
Vocabulary
Complete the analogies choosing the correct options.
1. lazy : energetic :: life : death
2. farmer : fields :: bus : driver (Note: This analogy seems flawed in the book. A better pair would be bus:road or driver:bus. Based on the options, bus is the most likely intended answer, relating an object to its operator's domain.)
3. track : train :: road : car
4. hungry : food :: thirsty : water
Language
A. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs given in brackets.
1. The quality of fruits available in the market ___________ not good. (was/were)
Ans: was
2. She is one of the best teachers who ___________ ever worked in this school. (has/have)
Ans: has
3. Anger ___________ reasoning. (kill/kills)
Ans: kills
4. Either he or she ___________ guilty. (is/are)
Ans: is
5. Either he or I ___________ mistaken. (are/am)
Ans: am
6. Everyone of the workers in the room ___________ thirsty. (were/was)
Ans: was
7. The news ___________ true. (are/is)
Ans: is
8. The committee ___________ announced the results. (has/have)
Ans: has
9. The boys ___________ gone to the match. (have/has)
Ans: have
10. The girl ___________ very well. (sing/sings)
Ans: sings
B. Fill in the blanks with a, an or the.
1. ________ movie that you are about to watch is actually ________ play.
Ans: The, a
2. Abu's cottage is ________ one at ________ end of ________ lane.
Ans: the, the, the
3. ________ dog, ________ cat and ________ engine can be seen in ________ picture.
Ans: A, a, an, a
4. Rohan is studying in ________ United Kingdom.
Ans: the
5. My mother asked me to carry ________ umbrella in case it should rain.
Ans: an
6. He was ________ honest, young man.
Ans: an
7. Did you see ________ notice in ________ hall?
Ans: a, the
8. In ________ room he could only see ________ hat hung on ________ nail.
Ans: the, a, a
9. ________ apple ________ day keeps ________ doctor away.
Ans: An, a, the
10. Let me pay for ________ meal this time.
Ans: the
Writing
Speech on School Regulations
Topic: You are the head prefect in your school. At the beginning of the term, you have been asked to remind students about the school regulations.
Introduction
Good morning respected Principal, worthy teachers, and my dear friends. My name is [Your Name], and as your Head Prefect, it is my privilege to welcome you all to the beginning of this new academic term. Today, I want to take a few moments to talk about something that forms the backbone of our school's culture: our school regulations. These rules are not here to restrict us, but to guide us, ensuring a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment for everyone.
Body
First and foremost, let's talk about punctuality. Reaching school on time is the first step towards a disciplined day. Our school gate closes at 7:45 AM sharp. Being late not only disrupts your own learning but also the class you enter. Secondly, our school uniform is our identity. It is a symbol of unity and equality. Please ensure you come to school in a clean, complete, and proper uniform every day. This includes polished shoes and a tidy hairstyle.
Maintaining cleanliness is another crucial aspect. Let’s treat our school as our second home. Use the dustbins, keep the corridors clean, and do not damage school property. Remember, a clean environment leads to a clear mind.
Finally, let's focus on behaviour. Respect for our teachers, our school staff, and for each other is non-negotiable. Let us be kind, use polite language, and help one another. This positive behaviour is what makes our school a truly special place.
Conclusion
As we begin this new term, let us all make a promise to ourselves to follow these regulations sincerely. By doing so, we not only uphold the values of our great institution but also shape ourselves into responsible and disciplined individuals. Let's work together to make this term the best one yet. Thank you, and have a wonderful day.
Additional Questions
A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What was the farmer's initial attitude towards the Red Indian?
☐ Kind and welcoming
✓ Rude and angry
☐ Indifferent and quiet
☐ Scared and nervous
2. Why did the farmer get lost in the forest?
✓ He was hunting and lost track of time and direction.
☐ He was chasing the Red Indian.
☐ A storm made him lose his way.
☐ He was looking for a new place to build a farm.
3. What did the Red Indian give the farmer when he found him in the forest?
☐ Only water
☐ Only directions
✓ Food, shelter, and guidance
☐ A map and a horse
4. The main lesson of the story is about the importance of...?
☐ Being a good hunter
☐ Building a strong farmhouse
✓ Showing kindness and compassion
☐ Remembering people's faces
B. Fill in the Blanks
1. The poor Indian turned and walked slowly down the _______________.
Ans: road
2. The farmer was very tired and hungry and it was getting darker by the _______________.
Ans: minute
3. The Indian spread a _______________ on the ground for him to sleep on.
Ans: mattress
4. The farmer felt _______________ of himself for his past actions.
Ans: ashamed
5. "You have returned good for _______________," said the farmer.
Ans: evil
C. Short Answer Type Questions
1. What reason did the farmer give for not helping the Red Indian at first?
Ans: The farmer claimed he had no food for "lazy fellows" and that he was tired of beggars who never let him rest in peace.
2. How did the Red Indian help the farmer find his way out of the forest?
Ans: The next morning, the Red Indian walked with the farmer for several miles through a clearing in the forest and showed him a track that would lead him back to his farm.
3. What did the farmer say to the Red Indian after realising the truth?
Ans: The farmer confessed his mistake, said he was sorry, and acknowledged that the Red Indian had taught him a valuable lesson by returning good for evil.
4. How is the farmer described at the beginning of the story?
Ans: At the beginning of the story, the farmer is described as prosperous, meaning he was rich and successful.
5. What did the farmer mutter to himself after the Red Indian left his farmhouse?
Ans: He muttered, "I'm tired of these beggars. They never let one rest in peace."
6. What was the farmer's physical state when he arrived at the Red Indian's hut?
Ans: He was very tired, hungry, and thirsty after wandering lost in the forest.
7. What did the Red Indian give the farmer to drink?
Ans: The story mentions the Red Indian gave the farmer "something hot to drink."
8. What was the Red Indian doing when the lost farmer first saw him?
Ans: The Red Indian was standing at the entrance of his hut.
9. What was the farmer's initial thought upon seeing the hut in the forest?
Ans: When the farmer saw the hut, he was relieved to find shelter and help.
10. How far was the farmer's farm from the clearing the Red Indian led him to?
Ans: The Red Indian told him his farm was about a mile and a half from the clearing.
11. Why did the farmer hang his head in shame?
Ans: He hung his head in shame because he realized he had been cruel to the very same person who had just saved his life with kindness.
12. What specific words did the farmer use to insult the Red Indian?
Ans: He called him a "lazy fellow" and an "idle beggar."
13. Did the Red Indian ask for anything in return for his help?
Ans: No, the Red Indian did not ask for anything in return. He helped the farmer out of pure compassion and kindness.
D. Long Answer Type Questions
1. Compare and contrast the characters of the farmer and the Red Indian at the beginning and end of the story.
Ans: At the beginning of the story, the farmer is prosperous but unkind, rude, and lacks compassion. He judges the Red Indian harshly and angrily sends him away. The Red Indian, despite being tired and hungry, is patient and humble. By the end of the story, the characters have shown their true nature. The Red Indian proves to be incredibly compassionate, hospitable, and forgiving, as he helps the farmer without any hesitation. The farmer, on the other hand, undergoes a significant change. After experiencing helplessness himself and receiving kindness from the person he had wronged, he becomes humble, remorseful, and learns a profound lesson about kindness. He transforms from an arrogant man to someone who understands the value of returning good for evil.
2. Explain the meaning of the title "Good for Evil." How does the story perfectly justify this title?
Ans: The title "Good for Evil" means to respond to a negative or harmful action (evil) with a positive and kind action (good). The story perfectly justifies this title through the actions of the Red Indian. The farmer committed an act of evil by rudely turning away the hungry and tired Indian. Later, when the farmer was in a similar situation—lost, hungry, and desperate—the Red Indian had the opportunity to take revenge or ignore him. Instead, he chose to do good. He provided food, shelter, and guidance without any expectation of reward. This act of returning kindness for cruelty is the central theme and the perfect embodiment of the title.
3. Imagine you were the farmer. How would you have reacted differently when the Red Indian first came to your door? Explain your reasoning.
Ans: If I were the farmer, I would have reacted with empathy and compassion. Seeing someone who is tired, hungry, and has been walking all day, the right human response would be to offer them help. I would have invited him in, offered him a glass of water and whatever food I could share. My reasoning is that everyone deserves basic human decency and kindness. A person's wealth or status doesn't make them better than someone in need. Helping someone costs very little but can make a huge difference in their life, and it is our moral duty to help those who are less fortunate.
4. Do you think the Red Indian recognized the farmer as soon as he arrived at the hut? Why or why not? Support your answer.
Ans: The story suggests that the Red Indian likely recognized the farmer as soon as he arrived. However, he chose not to mention it. He treated the farmer with immediate kindness without bringing up their past encounter. He only revealed that he remembered the farmer at the very end, after he had already helped him. This shows his noble character. If he had mentioned it earlier, the farmer might have felt too ashamed to accept the help. By waiting, the Red Indian taught the farmer the lesson more powerfully, emphasizing forgiveness and selfless help over accusation.
5. Discuss the importance of forgiveness as demonstrated by the Red Indian. Why was it a powerful choice?
Ans: Forgiveness is a central theme in this story, demonstrated powerfully by the Red Indian. His choice to forgive the farmer's cruelty and help him was powerful for several reasons. First, it broke the cycle of negativity. Instead of responding to hate with more hate, he responded with kindness. Second, it was the most effective way to teach the farmer a lesson. The farmer's guilt and shame from this act of forgiveness would impact him more deeply than any punishment or angry words. Finally, it showed the strength of the Red Indian's character; it takes more courage and inner peace to forgive than to hold a grudge.
6. How does the setting of the story—the comfortable farmhouse versus the dangerous forest—contribute to the overall message?
Ans: The two settings create a powerful contrast that highlights the story's message. The farmhouse represents safety, comfort, and abundance for the farmer. It is in this place of security that he acts cruelly, feeling powerful and superior. The forest, on the other hand, represents danger, vulnerability, and helplessness. When the farmer is stripped of his comfort and safety in the forest, he is forced to experience what the poor Indian felt. This reversal of roles is crucial. It is only when the farmer is humbled by the dangerous setting that he can truly understand his own mistake and appreciate the kindness he is shown.
7. If the farmer had not gotten lost, do you think he would have ever changed his attitude towards people in need? Discuss.
Ans: It is unlikely the farmer would have changed his attitude if he had not gotten lost. His initial reaction was not just a one-time mistake; it reflected a deep-seated arrogance and a negative view of "beggars." People with such strong prejudices rarely change without a significant life event that challenges their beliefs. Getting lost in the forest and facing the same desperation he had ignored in another person was a humbling experience. It forced him to understand vulnerability firsthand, which was the catalyst for his transformation. Without this direct experience, he would have likely continued his unkind ways.
8. The story teaches a "valuable lesson." In your own words, describe this lesson and explain why it is important in today's world.
Ans: The valuable lesson is that true strength of character is shown not in how we treat our friends, but in how we treat those who have wronged us or are in need. The principle of "returning good for evil" is about rising above negativity and choosing compassion. This lesson is extremely important today. In a world often filled with conflict, anger, and division, choosing to respond with kindness, empathy, and forgiveness can break cycles of hate and build stronger communities. It teaches us that helping others and showing compassion is a more powerful and rewarding path than seeking revenge or holding onto anger.
9. How does the farmer's prosperity contrast with his initial lack of morality? What does this suggest about character?
Ans: The story shows a stark contrast between the farmer's material wealth (his prosperity) and his moral poverty at the beginning. He had a comfortable home and likely plenty of food, yet he refused to share even a glass of water. This suggests that wealth and success do not automatically make a person good or virtuous. A person's true character is defined by their actions and values, like kindness, empathy, and generosity, not by how much money or property they have. The Red Indian, who had very little, was morally far richer than the farmer.
10. Write a short diary entry from the farmer's perspective after he returned home from the forest.
Ans:
October 16, 2025
I cannot believe what has happened. Today, I feel like the smallest man on Earth. I was saved from the dark forest, from hunger and cold, by the very man I had treated like dirt just a few days ago. I can still see his tired face at my door, and I can still hear my own cruel words echoing in my ears. I called him a beggar. Yet, when I was the one who was lost and helpless, he gave me everything—his food, his shelter, his warmth—without a second thought. He did not even mention my cruelty until the very end. He did not seek revenge; he offered kindness. I have never felt so ashamed in my entire life. He returned good for my evil. That is a lesson I will carry with me forever. I vow today to never again turn away someone in need. I will be a better man.