“English” Question Answers Chapter 4.5 The Last Lesson Class 9 Maharashtra Board

ENGLISH WORKSHOP

1. Find the meaning of the following words from a good dictionary.

Sawmill → A place where logs of wood are cut into planks.

Prussian → A person from Prussia, a former kingdom in Europe.

Apprentice → A person learning a trade or skill from an expert.

Nuisance → Something that is annoying or causes trouble.

Cranky → Easily annoyed or in a bad mood.

Hold fast to something → To strongly believe in or not let go of something.

At one stroke → Done quickly and completely in a single action.

Might → Strength or power.

2. List the people and their occupations mentioned in the story.

3. Find five words ending with ‘-ing’ and five words ending with ‘-ed’ from the lesson.

✅ Words ending in “-ing”: Chirping, Drilling, Beginning, Sitting, Writing.

✅ Words ending in “-ed”: Called, Dressed, Opened, Passed, Reproached.

4. Find five examples of commonly used past participles from the story. For example, said, learnt

✅ Said, Learnt, Put, Given, Taken.

5. What is the meaning of the following words and phrases in the passage? Choose the correct alternative.

(a) “…was in great dread of”

(iii) was afraid of

(b) “…did not know the first word about them”

(i) did not know anything about them

(c) “terrible iron ruler”

(iv) ruler with which the master hit the student hard

(d) “…got a little over my fright”

(iv) got less frightened

(e) “What a thunderclap these words were to me!”

(i) The words came as a shock.

(f) “She put off learning tomorrow.”

(ii) She did not learn at that time.

6. Fill in the blanks using ‘who’, ‘when’, ‘what’, ‘how’ or ‘why’.

(a) She started jumping for joy when she heard the news.

(b) You must tell why I mustn’t do it.

(c) The person who is making the speech is my friend.

(d) They wondered what had happened to him.

(e) You must show me how to mix the solutions.

(f) I’ll tell you when it is time to leave.

7. Write a letter of thanks to your English teacher.

Letter to an English Teacher

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am writing to thank you for all the knowledge and guidance you have given me. Your teaching has helped me understand English better and has made learning enjoyable. I appreciate your patience, dedication, and encouragement. Your lessons have not only improved my language skills but also given me confidence.

Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher.

Yours sincerely,(Your Name)

8. Write a short note on your mother tongue and the attempts you make to study it well.

My Mother Tongue

My mother tongue is (mention your language, e.g., Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, etc.). It is an important part of my culture and identity. I try to improve my skills in my mother tongue by reading books, newspapers, and listening to speeches. I also write essays and stories to express my thoughts clearly. Speaking my mother tongue at home helps me become fluent and confident. It is my responsibility to preserve and respect my native language.

Write points and counterpoints on the following topics.

(a) You should study all subjects in your mother tongue.

✅ Points (For the statement):

1. Learning in the mother tongue makes it easier to understand concepts.
2. It helps in developing strong reading and writing skills.
3. It preserves and promotes our native language.
4. Many successful people have studied in their mother tongue.

✅ Counterpoints (Against the statement):

1. English is an international language and is needed for higher education.
2. Learning different languages helps in communication and job opportunities.
3. Most textbooks and research materials are available in English.
4. Some subjects like Science and Technology are easier to learn in English.

(b) You must memorize the rules of grammar.

✅ Points (For the statement):

1. Grammar rules help in writing correctly and avoiding mistakes.
2. Good grammar improves communication and clarity in speech.
3. Knowing grammar helps in learning new languages easily.
4. Examinations and competitive tests require proper grammar knowledge.

✅ Counterpoints (Against the statement):

1. Learning a language should focus on speaking and understanding first.
2. Many native speakers use correct grammar without memorizing rules.
3. Too much focus on grammar can make learning slow and boring.
4. Language is for communication, and small mistakes should not stop someone from speaking.

9. Why was Franz sad?

✅ Franz was sad because he had not taken his studies seriously. He realized that it was his last French lesson, and he would never learn the language again.

11. What should people never lose even when they lose freedom?

✅ People should never lose their language and culture because it keeps their identity alive. As M. Hamel said, “When a people hold fast to their language, it is like having the key to their prison.”