Questions and their answers-

I


1. What did the author find in a junk shop?

The author found a roll-top desk in a junk shop.

2. What did he find in a secret drawer? Who do you think had put it in there?

In a secret drawer, the author found a small black tin box containing a letter. It was likely put there by Jim Macpherson, as indicated by the note on the box.

II


1. Who had written the letter, to whom, and when?

The letter was written by Jim Macpherson to his wife Connie, dated December 26, 1914.

2. Why was the letter written — what was the wonderful thing that had happened?

The letter wrote by Jim Macpherson because to share the wonderful experience of a spontaneous Christmas celebration between British and German soldiers during World War I.

3. What jobs did Hans Wolf and Jim Macpherson have when they were not soldiers?

Jim Macpherson was a school teacher from Dorset, while Hans Wolf played the cello in an orchestra in Dusseldorf.

4. Had Hans Wolf ever been to Dorset? Why did he say he knew it?

No, Hans Wolf had never been to Dorset. He said he knew it because he had learned about it from school and reading books in English.

5. Do you think Jim Macpherson came back from the war? How do you know this?

It is implied that Jim Macpherson did not come back from the war. This is suggested by Mrs. Macpherson's reaction to the visitor and her belief that he had returned home.


III


1. Why did the author go to Bridport?

The author went to Bridport to find Mrs. Macpherson and deliver the letter.

2. How old was Mrs Macpherson now? Where was she?

Mrs. Macpherson was a hundred and one years old. She was in Burlington House Nursing Home.


Last Comprehension check


1. Who did Connie Macpherson think her visitor was?

Connie Macpherson thought her visitor was her husband, Jim Macpherson.

2. Which sentence in the text shows that the visitor did not try to hide his identity?

The sentence "As I was speaking her eyes never left my face" shows that the visitor did not try to hide his identity.


Working with the texts

1. For how long do you think Connie had kept Jim’s letter? Give reasons for your answer.

Connie likely kept Jim's letter for a very long time, possibly her whole life. The letter was dated December 26, 1914, and Jim expressed his hope to be back together with her by Christmas next year. Since Connie still had the letter and cherished it deeply, it suggests she held onto it for many years, possibly until her old age.

2. Why do you think the desk had been sold, and when?

The desk was probably sold because of its poor condition and age. It had scorch marks, a broken roll-top, and other damages, making it undesirable to many buyers. It was sold at a junk shop for very little money, indicating it wasn't considered valuable due to its condition. The sale likely occurred when the previous owner decided to get rid of it, possibly because it was taking up space or deemed unusable.

3. Why do Jim and Hans think that games or sports are good ways of resolving conflicts? Do you agree?

Jim and Hans believed games or sports were good ways of resolving conflicts because they promote camaraderie and understanding between opposing sides. They shared a game of football during a truce on Christmas Day, which allowed them to bond over a shared activity rather than fighting. I agree with this perspective as it emphasizes finding common ground and fostering empathy, which are essential for resolving conflicts peacefully.

4. Do you think the soldiers of the two armies are like each other, or different from each other? Find evidence from the story to support your answer.

The soldiers of the two armies share similarities despite being on opposite sides of the conflict. They both long for peace and share moments of camaraderie during the truce on Christmas Day. For example, they exchange greetings, share food and drink, and engage in friendly activities like football. These interactions suggest that beneath their uniforms and nationalities, they are human beings who seek connection and understanding.

5. Mention the various ways in which the British and the German soldiers become friends and find things in common at Christmas.

The British and German soldiers become friends and find common ground in various ways during Christmas. They exchange greetings and gifts, share food and drink, engage in friendly conversations about their homes and families, and even play football together. Despite being enemies in war, they come together to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and find moments of peace amidst the conflict.

6. What is Connie’s Christmas present? Why is it “the best Christmas present in the world”?

Connie's Christmas present is Jim's last letter, which the narrator found in the secret drawer of the roll-top desk. It's considered "the best Christmas present in the world" because it brings Connie the joy of feeling connected to Jim again. The letter holds sentimental value for Connie, reminding her of their love and the hope for Jim's return. It symbolizes the fulfillment of her long-held desire to hear Jim's voice again.

7. Do you think the title of this story is suitable for it? Can you think of any other title(s)?

The title of the story, "Christmas Truce," is suitable as it captures the central event around which the narrative revolves—the truce between British and German soldiers on Christmas Day during World War I. It highlights the theme of peace and goodwill amidst the horrors of war. Another suitable title could be "The Desk's Secret," focusing on the discovery of Jim's letter hidden within the desk and its emotional significance to Connie.