Class 11 Alternative English Chapter 5 On Saying Please

Class 11 Alternative English Chapter 5 On Saying Please Question Answer to each chapter is provided in the list so that you can easily browse throughout different chapters Assam Board Class 11 Alternative English Chapter 5 On Saying Please, Class 11 Alternative English Question Answer, HS 1st year Alternative English and select needs one.

Class 11 Alternative English Chapter 5 On Saying Please

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Also, you can read the SCERT book online in these sections Solutions by Expert Teachers as per SCERT (CBSE) Book guidelines. These solutions are part of SCERT All Subject Solutions. Here we have given Assam Board Class 11 Alternative English Chapter 5 On Saying Please Solutions for All Subject, You can practice these here.

On Saying Please

Chapter: 5

PROSE
COMPREHENSION

Ⅰ. Answer these questions in one or two words.

1. Where was Alfred G. Gardiner Born?

Ans: Alfred G. Gardiner  was Born in Chelmsford, Essex, England.

2. Is discourtesy a legal offence?

Ans: No discourtesy  is  not a legal offence

3. Which literary period did John Keats belong to?

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Ans: John Keats belongs to the second generation of Romantic poets.

4. What effect has the war had on the niceties and civilities of life?

Ans: The war had a chilling effect on the niceties and civilities of life.

5. Whom does Gardiner ‘feature’ in his essay as a perfect example of polite social behaviour?

Ans: Gardiner features the bus conductor in his essay as a perfect example of polite social behaviour.

II. Answer these questions in a few words.

1. Why did the young lift-man in the city office throw the passenger out of his lift?

Ans: The young lift-man threw the passenger out of his lift because the passenger refused to say “please”.

2. What does the law say with regard to ‘discourtesy’?

Ans: Discourtesy is not a legal offense, and it does not excuse assault and battery.

3. What would happen if we were at liberty to physically assault someone just because any aspect of his demeanour is unacceptable to us?

Ans: Gardiner suggests that if people were permitted to physically attack others simply because they disapproved of their behavior, society would descend into constant conflict, resulting in widespread violence and chaos.

4. What is the penalty for a person for being uncivil?

Ans: The penalty for a person for being uncivil is not a legal one but a social one; the person will be considered an ill-mannered fellow.

5. What happened to Gardiner one day when he sat reading on the top of a bus?

Ans: Gardiner’s most sensitive toe was trampled upon very heavily one day when he sat reading on the top of a bus.

III. Answer these questions briefly.

1. How does a ‘pain of a wound to our self-respect’ linger on?

Ans: Physical pain results from an injury to the body. It is typically sharp and immediate, often subsiding once the injury has healed.

In contrast, the pain caused by a blow to our self-respect is more emotional and long-lasting. Unlike physical pain, it doesn’t fade quickly; it can persist for days, weeks, or even months. This is because we tend to replay the incident in our minds repeatedly, questioning our actions and blaming ourselves for the emotional hurt we’re experiencing.

2. What kind of victory is preferable? How would the lift-man have scored a more effective victory?

Ans: The writer feels that the lift-man would have had a more subtle and effective revenge if he had treated the gentleman with elaborate politeness. Then, he would have had victory not only on the boorish gentleman but over himself, because a polite man may lose the material advantage but he would always have the spiritual victory.

3. What prompts Gardiner to heap praises on the bus-conductor?

Ans: Gardiner once found himself in an awkward situation when he forgot to bring his bus fare. He was anxious about appearing either foolish or dishonest. However, the bus conductor responded with remarkable kindness and understanding. Instead of making a scene, the conductor calmly offered Gardiner a free ticket. Gardiner was deeply touched by the conductor’s politeness and generosity, and the memory of that gracious act has stayed with him ever since.

IV. Answer these questions in detail.

1. ‘Please and Thank you are the small change with which we pay our way as social beings.’ Explain.

Ans: The phrase “Please and Thank you are the small change with which we pay our way as social beings” means that simple words like please and thank you may seem small or insignificant, but they play a big role in maintaining politeness and harmony in society. This practice is the acknowledgment of service. When we say “please” and “thank you,” we are acknowledging the service that someone has done for us. These small courtesies are the “small change” that we pay our way as social beings. They keep the machine of life running smoothly and help us to interact with each other in a friendly and cooperative way.

Gardiner argues that politeness is an extremely important and indispensable feature of civil society. It is what keeps the social life of civilized man well-oiled and friction-free. When we are polite, we are showing respect for others and for ourselves. We are also creating a more harmonious and pleasant environment for everyone.

2. Write in your own words, the incident in the bus involving the bus conductor and the author.

Ans: Gardiner recalls his first encounter with a polite bus conductor when he accidentally boarded a bus without any money. Like most people in such situations, he felt embarrassed and feared being suspected as dishonest. He expected to be asked to get off, but to his surprise, the conductor kindly offered him a ticket and assured him that they’d surely meet again to settle the fare. Fortunately, Gardiner later found a coin and paid the fare, but the conductor’s kindness stayed with him.

Later, the same conductor accidentally stepped on Gardiner’s toe. Though it hurt, Gardiner quickly forgave him, touched by his sincere apology and cheerful nature. From that moment, Gardiner began to notice how the conductor’s consistent politeness inspired similar good behaviour in others, highlighting the powerful effect of courtesy.

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