Question Answers Class 11 Chapter 1.1 Yuvakbharati English Maharashtra Board

Being Neighborly

Brainstorming – Solutions

(A1)

(i) Jo’s decision to make friends with the lonely boy next door proves to be a good one. Elaborate. You may begin with ‘Jo was a bold, friendly and warm person…’

Jo was a bold, friendly, and warm person whose lively spirit and genuine kindness led her to reach out to Laurie, the lonely boy next door. Her decision to befriend him was driven by her empathetic nature, as she noticed Laurie’s isolation and longing for companionship. By initiating contact with a snowball and visiting him, Jo broke through Laurie’s shyness, bringing warmth and cheer to his dull, solitary life. This act of neighborliness not only alleviated Laurie’s loneliness but also sparked a meaningful friendship that enriched both their lives. Jo’s visit, filled with conversation, laughter, and shared interests like books, created a bond that promised mutual joy and support. Her bold action also earned the approval of Mr. Laurence, fostering a connection between the two families. Thus, Jo’s initiative proved to be a positive step, transforming Laurie’s lonely existence and laying the foundation for a lasting, joyful friendship.

(ii) Read the extract ‘Being Neighborly’ and complete the following statements:

(a) To Jo the fine house seemed like

an enchanted palace, full of splendors and delights which no one enjoyed.

(b) Jo swept a path around the garden for

Beth to walk in when the sun came out and the invalid dolls needed air.

(c) Jo entered the old stone house carrying

a covered dish of blanc-mange in one hand and Beth’s three kittens in the other.

(d) In order to tidy the room, Jo  brushed the hearth, straightened the things on the mantelpiece, arranged the books and bottles, turned the sofa from the light, and plumped up the pillows.

(iii) Bring out the contrast between the two houses with the help of the following points.

(A2)

The traits of the characters you meet in the extract are jumbled. Sort them out and write them in the appropriate columns.

(Shy, bold, gruff, friendly, withdrawn, perceptive, empathetic, playful, lonely, happy, gentlemanly, frank, mature, dull, sharp, adventurous.)

(A3)

(i) Write down in your own words the way Laurie confirmed the names of the March sisters.

Laurie confirmed the names of the March sisters by observing their interactions from his window. He mentioned hearing them call each other and watching their lively family moments, identifying Meg as the pretty one, Amy as the curly-haired one, and Beth as the rosy one who stays home often with a basket.

(ii) Give a brief account of the interaction between Grandpa and Jo.

When Jo was admiring a portrait of Mr. Laurence, he unexpectedly entered and overheard her comments about his appearance and strong will. Initially embarrassed, Jo blushed but stood her ground. Mr. Laurence, with a gruff yet kind demeanor, engaged her in a direct conversation, asking if she feared him or found him handsome. Jo’s honest and spirited responses amused him, and he appreciated her boldness, comparing her to her grandfather. Their exchange ended warmly with a handshake, establishing mutual respect and easing Jo’s initial apprehension.

(A4)

(i) Find proverbs, maxims, and idioms related to ‘friendship’.

(a) For example: Birds of a feather flock together.

(b) A friend in need is a friend indeed.

(c) Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver, the other is gold.

(d) The road to a friend’s house is never long.

(e) Friendship is like a garden; it needs care to grow.

ii) The extract deals with the atmosphere of two homes. Collect the words associated with –

(a) Home: house, cozy, hearth, mantelpiece, sofa, curtains, windows, room, parlor, fire, table, chair.

(b) Library: books, pictures, statues, cabinets, coins, curiosities, Sleepy Hollow chairs, tables, bronzes, fireplace, tiles, velour chair.

(c) Garden: garden, hedge, lawns, groves, vines, flowers, conservatory, geranium.

(A5)

Change into indirect speech.

(a)Direct: “Do you like your school?” asked the boy.

“Don’t go to school; I’m a businessman – girl, I mean,” answered Jo.

Indirect: The boy asked Jo if she liked her school. Jo replied that she did not go to school and described herself as a businessman, correcting it jovially to a business-girl.

(b)Direct: Jo flourished her broom as she called out… “How do you do? Are you sick?”

Laurie opened the window and croaked out as hoarsely as a raven…

“Better, thank you. I’ve had a bad cold and been shut up a week.”

Indirect: Jo, while flourishing her broom, asked Laurie how he was and if he was sick. Laurie, opening the window, replied hoarsely that he was better, thanking her, and mentioned that he had been shut up for a week due to a bad cold.

(c)Direct: “The pretty one is Meg and the curly-haired is Amy, I believe?” – Laurie.

“How did you find that out?” – Jo.

Indirect: Laurie asked if the pretty one was Meg and the curly-haired one was Amy. Jo inquired how he had found that out.

(d)Direct: “I’m not afraid of anything,” returned Jo, with a toss of the head.

“I don’t believe you are!” exclaimed the boy.

Indirect: Jo declared that she was not afraid of anything, tossing her head. The boy exclaimed that he did not believe she was.

(A6)

(i) Narrate in 100 words an incident that illustrates how a friend made you feel happy and accepted’, at some point in your life.

Last year, during a school event, I felt out of place among unfamiliar faces. My friend Sarah noticed my discomfort and invited me to join her group. She introduced me warmly, shared her snacks, and included me in their games. Her genuine kindness and effort to make me feel part of the group lifted my spirits. We laughed over silly jokes, and she even complimented my ideas during a team activity, boosting my confidence. That day, Sarah’s welcoming attitude transformed my anxiety into joy, making me feel truly accepted and valued, a memory I cherish deeply.

(ii) Give reasons, for us being reluctant to make friends with some strangers, but being comfortable with some, even after meeting them for the first time.

We may feel reluctant to befriend some strangers due to differences in personality, interests, or a lack of trust stemming from unfamiliarity. Reserved or shy individuals might seem unapproachable, triggering caution. Conversely, we feel comfortable with strangers who display warmth, openness, or shared interests, as these traits create an instant connection. For example, a stranger who smiles, engages in friendly conversation, or shares a common hobby feels approachable, while someone who appears distant or disinterested may not. Past experiences and intuition also influence our comfort levels, guiding our willingness to form new friendships

iii) Are friends different from neighbours? Are you friends with your neighbours? Give examples and write.

Friends and neighbors differ, as friends share emotional bonds and mutual interests, while neighbors primarily share physical proximity. Friends are chosen for compatibility, but neighbors may not always align in values or personality. For instance, I’m friends with my neighbor, Priya, because we both love reading and often discuss books, fostering a close bond. However, another neighbor, Mr. Sharma, is polite but distant, and our interactions remain formal. While neighbors can become friends, like Priya, not all are, as friendship requires deeper connection beyond living nearby, unlike neighborly courtesy.

(iv) Make a note in your exercise book about how people amused themselves in earlier times, without TV, internet or social media for entertainment.

In earlier times, people entertained themselves through social gatherings, storytelling, and outdoor activities. Families played board games, card games, or engaged in music, with someone playing an instrument or singing. Children enjoyed outdoor games like tag or hide-and-seek. Reading books, writing letters, or visiting neighbors were common pastimes. Community events, such as fairs or dances, brought people together. For example, in Little Women, Jo and Laurie bond over conversations and shared books, while the March sisters perform plays. These activities fostered creativity, social bonds, and active engagement, relying on personal interaction rather than digital entertainment.

(A7)

Use your imagination and extend the story in about 100 to 150 words.

Jo returned home, bubbling with excitement, and shared her adventure with her sisters. The next day, Laurie, inspired by Jo’s visit, invited the March sisters to his grand house. Meg admired the elegant decor, Beth was enchanted by the piano, and Amy sketched the ornate garden. Mr. Laurence, initially stern, softened as he watched the sisters’ lively chatter fill his quiet home. He joined them, sharing stories of his youth, which delighted Jo. Laurie proposed a small play, with the sisters’ theatrical flair transforming the parlor into a stage. Laughter echoed as they performed, and even Mr. Laurence clapped heartily. The day ended with promises of more visits, cementing a bond between the Marches and Laurences. Jo felt a warm glow, knowing their neighborly gesture had sparked a friendship that would brighten many days ahead.