Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Articles - Exercises with Solutions

A. Fill in the blanks with 'a', 'an', 'the' or 'X'

The peacock is in danger of extinction.
📝 Explanation: Use "the" before a singular noun that represents a whole class/species.
Could you get me a kilogram of tea, please?
📝 Explanation: Use "a" before singular, countable nouns when mentioned for the first time.
There is a European and an Eskimo among the tourists.
📝 Explanation: Use "a" before words beginning with a consonant sound (European sounds like "Yoo-ropean") and "an" before words starting with a vowel sound (Eskimo).
The Sally I know lives in Bhubaneswar.
📝 Explanation: Use "the" when referring to a specific or previously known person with a proper noun to distinguish.
Sajita found a wallet on her way home. She took the wallet to the police station.
📝 Explanation: Use "a" when introducing something for the first time and "the" when referring back to it.
We must work to save the tigers from becoming extinct.
📝 Explanation: Use "the" before animal species when speaking about them as a group.
X Have you had breakfast?
📝 Explanation: No article is used before meals when spoken about in general.
You must reach X school before 9 a.m.
📝 Explanation: No article before institutions like school, college, hospital when used for their primary purpose.
It is an awe-inspiring sight to see the Brahmaputra in spate.
📝 Explanation: Use "an" before vowel sounds (awe) and "the" before names of rivers.
This is a painting of the Western Ghats, and that is a photograph of the Mahabaleshwar peak.
📝 Explanation: Use "the" before mountain ranges (Western Ghats) and well-known peaks.
X Mary will go to school when she is three.
📝 Explanation: No article before school when used for its primary purpose.
Our library has three copies of the Mahabharata.
📝 Explanation: Use "the" before names of epics, holy books.

B. Rewrite the sentences with correct use of articles

The oranges and lemons are citrus fruits.
✅ Answer: Oranges and lemons are citrus fruits.
Explanation: "The" is not needed before general plural nouns when talking about things in general.

Asif is going to visit the Oxford University.
✅ Answer: Asif is going to visit Oxford University.
Explanation: "The" is not used before most university names unless the name includes a phrase like University of...

The elephants and the lions are found in India.
✅ Answer: Elephants and lions are found in India.
Explanation: We don't use "the" before animal names in general (plural) statements.

Have you been to Nilgiri hills?
✅ Answer: Have you been to the Nilgiri Hills?
Explanation: Mountain ranges take "the" before their name.

History is not really Lisa's favourite subject, but she finds the history of the Greeks fascinating.
✅ Answer: (No change needed.)
Explanation: "History" as a subject doesn't need "the," but "the history of the Greeks" is specific, so "the" is correct.

You can take Visaka Express to Mumbai.
✅ Answer: You can take the Visaka Express to Mumbai.
Explanation: Train names generally use "the" before them.

The children have been sent to the bed.
✅ Answer: The children have been sent to bed.
Explanation: "To bed" (meaning going to sleep) doesn’t use "the."

Gold you buy here is of the excellent quality.
✅ Answer: The gold you buy here is of excellent quality.
Explanation: "The" is used before "gold" because it refers to a specific quantity. "Excellent quality" doesn’t need "the."

Manoj heard a old tale about an unicorn.
✅ Answer: Manoj heard an old tale about a unicorn.
Explanation: Use "an" before vowel sounds like "old." "Unicorn" begins with a "yu" sound, so "a" is correct.

Philosophy discussed in this book is very difficult to understand.
✅ Answer: The philosophy discussed in this book is very difficult to understand.
Explanation: Specific philosophy mentioned needs "the."

C. Fill in the blanks with indefinite articles where necessary

1. She doesn't own a car.
✅ Explanation: "Car" is a singular countable noun; use "a" for general reference.

2. He came from a humble beginning.
✅ Explanation: "Humble beginning" is a singular countable noun.

3. I saw X bears at the zoo.
✅ Explanation: "Bears" is plural; no article is needed.

4. He asked for X milk.
✅ Explanation: "Milk" is uncountable; no article is used.

5. She didn't get an invitation.
✅ Explanation: Use "an" before vowel sound ("invitation").

6. I saw an eagle fly by.
✅ Explanation: "Eagle" starts with a vowel sound; use "an".

7. She was an English teacher. She taught at a European university.
✅ Explanation: "English" begins with a vowel sound (an), "European" sounds like "Yoo-ro"; use "a".

8. He bought X milk, X butter, and a loaf of bread.
✅ Explanation: "Milk" and "butter" are uncountable; "loaf" is countable.

9. The table is made of X wood.
✅ Explanation: "Wood" is uncountable; no article is needed.

10. Dr Abdul Kalam was an honest man.
✅ Explanation: "Honest" starts with a vowel sound; use "an".

D. Insert articles wherever necessary

1. There is book in my backpack. Book is very heavy.

Answer: There is a book in my backpack. The book is very heavy.
Explanation: "A" introduces something new; "the" refers to the same book already mentioned.

2. Do you know where I left car keys?
Answer: Do you know where I left the car keys?
Explanation: "The" is used for specific things known to both the speaker and listener.

3. I enjoy reading detective novels, especially ones by famous author Arthur Conan Doyle.
Answer: I enjoy reading detective novels, especially ones by the famous author Arthur Conan Doyle.
Explanation: "The" is used before well-known people or things that are specific.

4. French drink wine, while Americans drink beer.
Answer: The French drink wine, while the Americans drink beer.
Explanation: Nationalities used as collective nouns take "the".

5. Group of MBA students from university of Mumbai visited Harvard University in United States.
Answer: A group of MBA students from the University of Mumbai visited Harvard University in the United States.
Explanation: "A" for a general group; "the" for official institutions and countries like "the United States".

6. Bible was first book to be printed by Gutenberg in fifteenth century.
Answer: The Bible was the first book to be printed by Gutenberg in the fifteenth century.
Explanation: "The" is used with unique things, ordinals (first), and centuries.

7. I am fond of music of Mozart. My grandfather owns antique piano.
Answer: I am fond of the music of Mozart. My grandfather owns an antique piano.
Explanation: "The" for specific reference; "an" before a vowel sound (antique).

8. Cloth is sold by metre. Metre of this fabric cost me moon.
Answer: Cloth is sold by the metre. A metre of this fabric cost me the moon.
Explanation: "The" before standard measurements; "a" introduces a single item; "the moon" is a fixed phrase.

9. Sun is at highest point in sky at noon.
Answer: The sun is at the highest point in the sky at noon.
Explanation: Use "the" for unique things (sun, sky) and superlatives (highest).

10. After humans, chimpanzee is most intelligent among animals.
Answer: After humans, the chimpanzee is the most intelligent among animals.
Explanation: "The" before species and superlative forms.

Monday, July 21, 2025

The Homecoming – Rabindranath Tagore

The Homecoming – Rabindranath Tagore

Phatik Chakravarti was the ringleader among the boys of the village. One day a plan for new mischief entered his head. There was a heavy log lying on the mud-flat of the river, waiting to be shaped into a mast for a boat. His plan was that they should all work together to shift the log by main force from its place and roll it away. The owner of the log would be angry and surprised, while they would all enjoy the fun. Everyone supported the proposal, and it was carried unanimously.

But just as the fun was about to begin, Makhan, Phatik’s young brother, sauntered up without a word and sat down on the log in front of them all. The boys were puzzled for a moment. One of them pushed him rather timidly, and told him to get up; but he remained quite unconcerned. He appeared like a young philosopher meditating on the futility of games. Phatik was furious. ‘Makhan,’ he cried, ‘if you don’t get up this minute, I’ll thrash you!’

Makhan only moved to a more comfortable position.

Now, if Phatik was to keep his real dignity before the public, it was clear that he must carry out his threat. But his courage failed him at the crisis. His fertile brain, however, rapidly seized upon a new manoeuvre which would discomfort his brother and afford his followers added amusement. He gave the word of command to roll the log and Makhan over together. Makhan heard the order and made it a point of honour to stick on. But like those who attempt earthly fame in other matters, he over-looked the fact that there was peril in it.

The boys began to heave at the log with all their might, calling out, ‘One, two, three, go!’ At the word ‘go’ the log went; and with it went Makhan’s philosophy, glory and all.

The other boys shouted themselves hoarse with delight. But Phatik was a little frightened. He knew what was coming. And he was not mistaken, for Makhan rose from Mother Earth blind as Fate and screaming like the Furies. He rushed at Phatik, scratched his face, beat him and kicked him, and then went crying home. The first act of the drama was over.

Phatik wiped his face, and sitting down on the edge of a sunken barge by the river-bank, began to nibble a piece of grass. A boat came up to the landing and a middle-aged man, with grey hair and dark moustache, stepped on shore. He saw the boy sitting there, doing nothing and asked him where the Chakravartis lived. Phatik went on nibbling the grass and said: ‘Over there;’ but it was quite impossible to tell where he pointed. The stranger asked him again. He swung his legs to and fro on the side of the barge and said: ‘Go and find out,’ and continued to nibble the grass.

But, at that moment, a servant came down from the house and told Phatik that his mother wanted him. Phatik refused to move. But on this occasion the servant was the master. He roughly took Phatik up and carried him, kicking and struggling in impotent rage.

When Phatik entered the house, his mother saw him and called out angrily: ‘So you have been hitting Makhan again?’

Phatik answered indignantly: ‘No, I haven’t! Who told you that I had?’

His mother shouted: ‘Don’t tell lies! You have.’

Phatik said sullenly: ‘I tell you, I haven’t. You ask Makhan!’ But Makhan thought it best to stick to his previous statement. He said: ‘Yes, mother, Phatik did hit me.’

Phatik’s patience was already exhausted. He could not bear this injustice. He rushed at Makhan and rained on him a shower of blows: ‘Take that,’ he cried, ‘and that, and that, for telling lies.’

His mother took Makhan’s side in a moment, and pulled Phatik away, returning his blows with equal vigour. When Phatik pushed her aside, she shouted out: ‘What! You little villain! Would you hit your own mother?’

It was just at this critical moment that the grey-haired stranger arrived. He asked what had occurred. Phatik looked sheepish and ashamed.

But when his mother stepped back and looked at the stranger, her anger was changed into surprise. For she recognised her brother and cried: ‘Why, Dada! Where have you come from?’

As she said these words, she bowed to the ground and touched his feet. Her brother Bishambar had gone away soon after she had married, and had started business in Bombay. She herself had lost her husband while he was there. Bishambar had now come back to Calcutta, and had at once made inquiries concerning his sister. As soon as he found out where she was, he had hastened to see her.

The next few days were full of rejoicing. The brother asked how the two boys were being brought up. He was told by his sister that Phatik was a perpetual nuisance. He was lazy, disobedient, and wild. But Makhan was as good as gold, as quiet as a lamb, and very fond of reading. Bishambar kindly offered to take Phatik off his sister’s hands and educate him with his own children in Calcutta. The widowed mother readily agreed. When his uncle asked Phatik if he would like to go to Calcutta with him, his joy knew no bounds, and he said: ‘Oh, yes, yes, uncle!’ in a way that made it quite clear that he meant it.

It was an immense relief to the mother to get rid of Phatik. She had a prejudice against the boy, and no love was lost between the two brothers. She was in daily fear that he would some day either drown Makhan in the river, or break his head in a fight, or urge him on into some danger. At the same time she was a little distressed to see Phatik’s extreme eagerness to leave his home.

Phatik, as soon as all was settled, kept asking his uncle every minute when they were to start. He was on pins all day long with excitement and lay awake most of the night. He bequeathed to Makhan, in perpetuity, his fishing-rod, his big knife, and his marbles. Indeed, at this time of departure, his generosity towards Makhan was unbounded.

When they reached Calcutta, Phatik met his aunt for the first time. She was by no means pleased with this unnecessary addition to her family. She found her own three boys quite enough to manage without taking anyone else. And to bring a village lad of fourteen into their midst was terribly upsetting. Bishambar should really have thought twice before committing such an indiscretion.

In this world there is no worse nuisance than a boy at the age of fourteen. He is neither ornamental nor useful. It is impossible to shower affection on him as on a smaller boy; and he is always getting in the way. If he talks with a childish lisp he is called a baby, and if in a grownup way he is called impertinent. In fact, talk of any kind from him is resented. Then he is at the unattractive, growing age. He grows out of his clothes with indecent haste; his voice grows hoarse and breaks and quavers; his face grows suddenly angular and unsightly. It is easy to excuse the shortcomings of early childhood, but it is hard to tolerate even unavoidable lapses in a boy of fourteen. He becomes painfully self-conscious, and when he talks with elderly people he is either unduly forward, or else so unduly shy that he appears ashamed of his own existence.

Yes, it is at this age that in his heart of hearts, a young lad most craves recognition and love and he becomes the devoted slave of anyone who shows him consideration. But none dare openly love him, for that would be regarded as undue indulgence and therefore bad for the boy. So, what with scolding and chiding, he becomes very much like a stray dog that has lost its master.

His own home is the only paradise that a boy of fourteen can know. To live in a strange house with strange people is little short of torture; while it is the height of bliss to receive the kind looks of women and never to suffer their slights.

It was anguish to Phatik to be an unwelcome guest in his aunt’s house, constantly despised and slighted by this elderly woman. If she ever asked him to do anything for her, he would be so overjoyed that his joy would seem exaggerated; and then she would tell him not to be so stupid, but to get on with his lessons.

This constant neglect gave Phatik a feeling of almost physical oppression. He wanted to go out into the open country and fill his lungs with fresh air. But there was no open country to go to. Surrounded on all sides by Calcutta houses and walls, he would dream night after night of his village home and long to be back there. He remembered the glorious meadow where he used to fly his kite all day long; the broad river-banks where he would wander the livelong day, singing and shouting for joy; the narrow brooks where he could dive and swim whenever he liked. He thought of the band of boy companions over whom he was despot; and, above all, thoughts of even that tyrant mother of his, who had such a prejudice against him, filled his mind day and night. A kind of physical love like that of animals, a longing to be in the presence of the loved one, an inexpressible wistfulness during absence, a silent cry of the inmost heart for the mother, like the lowing of a calf in the twilight—this love, which was almost an animal instinct, stirred the heart of this shy, nervous, thin, uncouth and ugly boy. No one could understand it, but it preyed upon his mind continually.

There was no more backward boy in the whole school than Phatik. He gaped and remained silent when the teacher asked him a question, and like an overladen ass patiently suffered the many thrashings that were meted out to him. When other boys were out at play, he stood wistfully by the window and gazed at the roofs of the distant houses. And if by chance he espied children playing on the open terrace of a roof, his heart would ache with longing.

One day he summoned up all his courage and asked his uncle: ‘Uncle, when can I go home?’

His uncle answered: ‘Wait till the holidays come.’

But the holidays would not come till October and there was still a long time to wait.

One day Phatik lost his lesson book. Even with the help of books he had found it very difficult to prepare his lesson. But, now, it became impossible. Day after day the teacher caned him unmercifully. He became so abjectly miserable that even his cousins were ashamed to own him. They began to jeer and insult him more than even the other boys did. At last he went to his aunt and told her that he had lost his book.

With an expression of the greatest contempt she burst out: ‘You great, clumsy, country lout! How can I afford to buy you new books five times a month, when I have my own family to look after?’

That night, on his way back from school, Phatik had a bad headache and a shivering-fit. He felt that he was going to have an attack of malaria. His one great fear was that he might be a nuisance to his aunt.

The next morning Phatik was nowhere to be seen. Search in the neighbourhood proved futile. The rain had been pouring in torrents all night, and those who went out to look for the boy were drenched to the skin. At last Bishambar asked the police to help him.

At nightfall a police van stopped at the door of the house. It was still raining and the streets were flooded. Two constables carried Phatik out in their arms and placed him before Bishambar. He was wet through from head to foot, covered with mud, while his face and eyes were flushed with fever and his limbs were trembling. Bishambar carried him in his arms and took him inside the house. When his wife saw him she exclaimed: ‘What a heap of trouble this boy has given us! Hadn’t you better send him home?’

Phatik heard her words and sobbed aloud: ‘Uncle, I was just going home; but they dragged me back again.’

The fever rapidly increased, and throughout the night the boy was delirious. Bishambar brought in a doctor. Phatik opened his eyes, and looking up to the ceiling said vacantly: ‘Uncle, have the holidays come yet?’

Bishambar wiped the tears from his eyes and took Phatik’s thin burning hands in his own and sat by his side through the night. Again the boy began to mutter, till at last his voice rose almost to a shriek: ‘Mother!’ he cried, ‘don’t beat me like that……Mother! I am telling the truth!’

The next day Phatik for a short time became conscious. His eyes wandered round the room, as if he expected someone to come. At last, with an air of disappointment, his head sank back on the pillow.

With a deep sigh he turned his face to the wall.

Bishambar read his thoughts, and bending down his head, whispered: ‘Phatik, I have sent for your mother.’

The day dragged on. The doctor said in a troubled voice that the boy’s condition was very critical.

Phatik began to cry out: ‘By the mark—three fathoms. By the mark—four fathoms. By the mark—’ Many times had he heard the sailors on the river steamers calling out the mark on the leadline. Now he was himself plumbing an unfathomable sea.

Later in the day Phatik’s mother burst into the room like a whirlwind, and rocking herself to and fro from side to side began to moan and cry.

Bishambar tried to calm her, but she flung herself on the bed, and cried: ‘Phatik, my darling, my darling.’

Phatik stopped his restless movements for a moment. His hands ceased beating up and down. He said: ‘Eh?’

The mother cried again: ‘Phatik, my darling, my darling.’

Very slowly Phatik’s eyes wandered, but he could no longer see the people round his bed. At last he murmured: ‘Mother, the holidays have come.’

Great! I’ve read the story "The Home-Coming" by Rabindranath Tagore. I’ll now create 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the story, followed by an answer key.

Please give me a moment to prepare them.

Here are 50 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) based on “The Home-Coming” by Rabindranath Tagore, followed by the answer key at the end:

📝 Multiple-Choice Questions

Who is the main character in the story?
A. Makhan
B. Bishambar
C. Phatik
D. The mother
What is Phatik’s role among the village boys?
A. Quiet observer
B. Ringleader
C. Teacher
D. Newcomer
What mischief does Phatik plan with his friends?
A. Break windows
B. Hide the teacher’s book
C. Roll a heavy log
D. Climb trees
Who interrupts their plan with his presence?
A. A stranger
B. Phatik’s uncle
C. The village guard
D. Makhan
How does Makhan react when asked to leave the log?
A. He runs away
B. He refuses and stays
C. He calls his mother
D. He pushes Phatik
How does Phatik try to get rid of Makhan?
A. Threatens him
B. Calls their mother
C. Rolls the log with Makhan on it
D. Hides from him
What happens to Makhan during the prank?
A. He laughs
B. He runs away
C. He falls and gets hurt
D. He starts crying
What does Makhan do after falling?
A. Laughs it off
B. Cries and runs home
C. Tells the boys to stop
D. Hides in the forest
Who arrives while Phatik is sitting by the river?
A. His cousin
B. A teacher
C. His uncle
D. A stranger with a stick
How does Phatik treat the stranger at first?
A. Politely
B. Rudely
C. With excitement
D. With tears
Who is the stranger?
A. A police officer
B. His uncle Bishambar
C. A teacher
D. A trader
How does Phatik’s mother feel about him?
A. Very loving
B. Neutral
C. Prejudiced
D. Proud
Who is considered the “good” son by the mother?
A. Phatik
B. Makhan
C. Bishambar
D. The servant
What does Phatik give Makhan before leaving?
A. Money
B. A kite
C. His fishing rod, knife, and marbles
D. His clothes
Where does Phatik go with his uncle?
A. Bombay
B. Another village
C. Delhi
D. Calcutta
How does Phatik’s aunt react to his arrival?
A. With joy
B. With coldness
C. With tears
D. With laughter
What is said to be the worst age for a boy?
A. Ten
B. Fourteen
C. Sixteen
D. Twelve
Why is it hard to love a boy of fourteen openly?
A. They are too emotional
B. It is seen as indulgent
C. They are always away
D. They do not care
How does Phatik feel in his uncle’s home?
A. Free and happy
B. Unloved and unwelcome
C. Excited
D. Busy with studies
What does Phatik most long for in Calcutta?
A. Better food
B. To see his father
C. His village and mother
D. A friend
What is Phatik’s performance in school like?
A. Excellent
B. Average
C. Worst in class
D. Improving
What happened to Phatik’s lesson book?
A. Torn by his cousin
B. Lost
C. Burned accidentally
D. Given away
How does his aunt respond when he says he lost his book?
A. Buys him another
B. Scolds him harshly
C. Cries
D. Ignores it
What illness does Phatik seem to suffer from?
A. Fever
B. Malaria
C. Typhoid
D. Cold
Where is Phatik found after disappearing?
A. At school
B. In a police van
C. At the riverbank
D. At a friend’s home
What was the weather like when he was found?
A. Dry and sunny
B. Snowy
C. Raining heavily
D. Stormy and windy
How did the aunt react when Phatik returned sick?
A. Cried and hugged him
B. Asked to send him home
C. Cooked for him
D. Called a doctor
What does Phatik say when he returns wet and sick?
A. “I want to eat.”
B. “Uncle, I was just going home.”
C. “Where is Makhan?”
D. “I miss my mother.”
What did Phatik repeatedly ask his uncle during his fever?
A. “Can I go home now?”
B. “Do you love me?”
C. “When do holidays come?”
D. “Where is Makhan?”
Who does Phatik cry out for in delirium?
A. Uncle
B. Teacher
C. Cousin
D. Mother
What line does Phatik repeat from his memory of river boats?
A. “Set sail.”
B. “One, two, three, go!”
C. “By the mark—three fathoms.”
D. “Land ahead.”
What did the doctor say about Phatik’s condition?
A. He will recover
B. He is fine
C. He is critical
D. It’s just fever
How does his mother react upon seeing him in the end?
A. Coldly
B. With anger
C. She cries and moans
D. She doesn’t speak
What does Phatik say when he hears his mother call him?
A. “Yes, I’m fine.”
B. “Where’s uncle?”
C. “Eh?”
D. “Take me home.”
What are Phatik’s final words?
A. “Mother, don’t leave me.”
B. “The holidays have come.”
C. “I’m tired.”
D. “I’m sorry.”
What theme does the story highlight most deeply?
A. Bravery
B. Innocence
C. Longing for love and home
D. Competition
How does Tagore portray adolescence?
A. As fun
B. As awkward and painful
C. As powerful
D. As lonely but brave
What does Phatik symbolize in the story?
A. Rebellion
B. Misunderstood youth
C. Intelligence
D. Laziness
Who is to blame for Phatik’s suffering?
A. His teacher
B. His friends
C. His family’s neglect
D. His uncle
What does the mother realize too late?
A. That Phatik was innocent
B. That she wanted Makhan to leave
C. That she should have gone with Phatik
D. That she loved Phatik
Why does Phatik's aunt never warm up to him?
A. He misbehaves
B. She never wanted him
C. He was too quiet
D. She didn’t understand boys
What is Phatik’s relationship with his cousin brothers?
A. Friendly
B. Jealous
C. Hostile
D. Distant and bullied
What is the emotional climax of the story?
A. Phatik asking about holidays
B. His mother arriving
C. Phatik crying in fever
D. His final words
How does Bishambar show care for Phatik?
A. By punishing him
B. By sitting beside him at night
C. By sending him away
D. By ignoring the aunt
What is the tone of the story?
A. Humorous
B. Sad and emotional
C. Angry
D. Boring
How does the story depict rural vs urban life?
A. Urban is kinder
B. Rural is harder
C. Urban is cold and alienating
D. No contrast
What literary device is used when Phatik dreams of his village?
A. Irony
B. Flashback
C. Simile
D. Foreshadowing
What is symbolized by Phatik’s final illness?
A. A punishment
B. His longing for home
C. A test
D. A gift
What does the title “The Home-Coming” suggest?
A. Someone returns home
B. A festival story
C. Longing to return, even if through death
D. Adventure
What is the most tragic part of the story?
A. Phatik never wanted to leave
B. He was sent away
C. He died before being loved
D. He hated his brother

✅ Answer Key

"Action Will be Taken" by Heinrich Boll - MCQs, Short Questions, Case Study-Real Life Experience

"Action will be Taken" - by Heinrich Boll

Probably one of the strangest interludes in my life was the time I spent as an employee in Alfred Wunsiedel’s factory. By nature, I am inclined more to pensiveness and inactivity than to work, but now and again prolonged financial difficulties compel me – for pensiveness is no more profitable than inactivity – to take on a so-called job. Finding myself once again at a low ebb of this kind, I put myself in the hands of the employment office and was sent with seven other fellow-sufferers to Wunsiedel’s factory, where we were to undergo an aptitude test.

The exterior of the factory was enough to arouse my suspicions: the factory was built entirely of glass brick, and my aversion to well-lit buildings and well-lit rooms is as strong as my aversion to work. I became even more suspicious when we were immediately served breakfast in the well-lit, cheerful coffee shop: pretty waitresses brought us eggs, coffee and toast, orange juice was served in tastefully designed jugs, goldfish pressed their bored faces against the sides of pale-green aquariums. The waitresses were so cheerful that they appeared to be bursting with good cheer. Only a strong effort of will – so it seemed to me -restrained them from singing away all day long. They were as crammed with unsung songs as chickens with unlaid eggs.

Right away I realized something that my fellow-sufferers evidently failed to realize: that this breakfast was already part of the test; so I chewed away reverently, with the full appreciation of a person who knows he is supplying his body with valuable elements. I did something which normally no power on earth can make me do: I drank orange juice on an empty stomach, left the coffee and egg untouched, as well as most of the toast, got up, and paced up and down in the coffee shop, pregnant with action.

As a result I was the first to be ushered into the room where the questionnaires were spread out on attractive tables. The walls were done in a shade of green that would have summoned the word “delightful” to the lips of interior decoration enthusiasts. The room appeared to be empty, and yet I was so sure of being observed that I behaved as someone pregnant with action behaves when he believes himself unobserved: I ripped my pen impatiently from my pocket, unscrewed the top, sat down at the nearest table and pulled the questionnaire toward me, the way irritable customers snatch at the bill in a restaurant.

Question No. 1: Do you consider it right for a human being to possess only two arms, two legs, eyes, and ears?

Here for the first lime I reaped the harvest of my pensive nature and wrote without hesitation: “Even four arms, legs and ears would not be adequate for my driving energy. Human beings are very poorly equipped.”

Question No. 2: How many telephones can you handle at one time?

Here again the answer was as easy as simple arithmetic: “When there are only seven telephones,” I wrote, “I get impatient; there have to be nine before I feel I am working to capacity.”

Question No. 3: How do you spend your free time?

My answer: “I no longer acknowledge the term free time – on my fifteenth birthday I eliminated it from my vocabulary, for in the beginning was the act.”

I got the job. Even with nine telephones I really didn’t feel I was working to capacity. I shouted into the mouth-pieces: “Take immediate action!” or; “Do something! – We must have some action – Action will be taken – Action has been taken – Action should be taken.” But as a rule – for I felt this was in keeping with the tone of the place – I used the imperative.

Of considerable interest were the noon-hour breaks, when we consumed nutritious foods in an atmosphere of silent good cheer. Wunsiedel’s factory was swarming with people who were obsessed with telling you the story of their lives, as indeed vigorous personalities are fond of doing. The story of their lives is more important to them than their lives, you have only to press a button, and immediately it is covered with spewed-out exploits.

Wunsiedel had a right-hand man called Broschek, who had in turn made a name for himself by supporting seven children and a paralyzed wife by working night-shifts in his student days, and successfully carrying on four business agencies, besides which he had passed two examinations with honors in two years. When asked by reporters: “When do you sleep, Mr. Broschek?” he had replied: “It’s a crime to sleep!”

Wunsiedel’s secretary had supported a paralyzed husband and four children by knitting, at the same time graduating in psychology and German history as well as breeding shepherd dogs, and she had become famous as a night-club singer where she was known as Vamp Number Seven.

Wunsiedel himself was one of those people who every morning, as they open their eyes, make up their minds to act. “I must act,” they think as they briskly tie their bathrobe belts around them. “I must act,” they think as they shave, triumphantly watching their beard hairs being washed away with the lather: these hirsute vestiges are the first daily sacrifices to their driving energy. The more intimate functions also give these people a sense of satisfaction: water swishes, paper is used. Action has been taken. Bread get eaten, eggs are decapitated.

With Wunsiedel, the most trivial activity looked like action: the way he put on his hat, the way-quivering with energy – he buttoned up his overcoat, the kiss he gave his wife, everything was action.

When he arrived at his office he greeted his secretary with a cry of “Let’s have some action!” And in ringing tones she would call back: “Action will be taken!” Wunsiedel then went from department to department, calling out his cheerful: “Let’s have some action!” Everyone would answer: “Action will be taken!” And I would call back to him too, with a radiant smile, when he looked into my office: “Action will be Taken!”

Within a week I had increased the number of telephones on my desk to eleven, within two weeks to thirteen, and every morning on the streetcar I enjoyed thinking up new imperatives, or chasing the words take action through various tenses and modulations: for two whole days I kept saying the same sentence over and over again because I thought it sounded so marvelous: “Action ought to have been taken;” for another two days it was: “Such action ought not to have been taken.”

So I was really beginning to feel I was working to capacity when there actually was some action. One Tuesday morning – I had hardly settled down at my desk – Wunsiedel rushed into my office crying his “let’s have some action!” But an inexplicable something in his face made me hesitate to reply, in a cheerful gay voice as the rules dictated: “Action will be taken!” I must have paused too long, for Wunsiedel, who seldom raised his voice, shouted at me: “Answer! Answer, you know the rules!” And I answered, under my breath, reluctantly, like a child who is forced to say: I am a naughty child. It was only by a great effort that I managed to bring out the sentence: “Action will be taken,” and hardly had I uttered it when there really was some action: Wunsiedel dropped to the floor. As he fell he rolled over onto his side and lay right across the open doorway. I knew at once, and I confirmed it when I went slowly around my desk and approached the body on the floor: he was dead.

Shaking my head I stepped over Wunsiedel, walked slowly along the corridor to Broschek’s office, and entered without knocking. Broschek was sitting at his desk, a telephone receiver in each hand, between his teeth a ballpoint pen with which he was making notes on a writing pad, while with his bare feet he was operating a knitting machine under the desk. In this way he helps to clothe his family. “We’ve had some action,” I said in a low voice.

Broschek spat out the ballpoint pen, put down the two receivers, reluctantly detached his toes from the knitting machine.

“What action?” he asked.

“Wunsiedel is dead,” I said.

“No,” said Broschek.

“Yes,” I said, “come and have a look!”

“No,” said Broschek, “that’s impossible,” but he put on his slippers and followed me along the corridor.

“No,” he said, when we stood beside Wunsiedel’s corpse, “no, no!” I did not contradict him. I carefully turned Wunsiedel over onto his back, closed his eyes, and looked at him pensively.

I felt something like tenderness for him, and realized for the first time that I had never hated him. On his face was that expression which one sees on children who obstinately refuse to give up their faith in Santa Claus, even though the arguments of their playmates sound so convincing.

“No,” said Broschek, “no.”

“We must take action;” I said quietly to Broschek. “Yes,” said Broschek, “we must take action.”

Action was taken: Wunsiedel was buried; and I was delegated to carry a wreath of artificial roses behind his coffin, for I am equipped with not only a penchant for pensiveness and inactivity but also a face and figure that go extremely well with dark suits. Apparently as I walked along behind Wunsiedel’s coffin carrying the wreath of artificial roses I looked superb. I received an offer from a fashionable firm of funeral directors to join their staff as a professional mourner. “You are a born mourner,” said the manager, “your outfit would be provided by the firm. Your face – simply superb!”

I handed in my notice to Broschek, explaining that I had never really felt I was working to capacity there; that, in spite of the thirteen telephones, some of my talents were going to waste. As soon as my first professional appearance as a mourner was over I knew: This is where I belong, this is what I am cut out for.

Pensively I stand behind the coffin in the funeral chapel, holding a simple bouquet, while the organ plays Handel’s Largo, a piece that does not receive nearly the respect it deserves. The cemetery café is my regular haunt; there I spend the intervals between my professional engagements, although sometimes I walk behind coffins which I have not been engaged to follow, I pay for flowers out of my own pocket and join the welfare worker who walks behind the coffin of some homeless person. From time to time I also visit Wunsiedel’s grave, for after all I owe it to him that I discovered my true vocation, a vocation in which pensiveness is essential and inactivity my duty.

It was not till much later that I realized I had never bothered to find out what was being produced in Wunsiedel’s factory. I expect it was soap.

(Translated by Leila Vennewitz)

Thinking about empathy skills:

1. What exactly is empathy?
Ans: Empathy means understanding how someone else feels. It is like putting yourself in their place and feeling their emotions.

2. How is empathy different from sympathy?
Ans: Empathy is feeling with someone; sympathy is feeling sorry for them. Empathy connects, while sympathy sometimes creates distance.

3. Do you think having empathy is important for human beings? Why?
Ans: Yes, empathy helps people care for and understand each other. It builds trust, kindness, and better relationships.

Workplace skills:

1. What kind of workplace skills do we learn or are forced to learn from the architecture of buildings where factories, offices are located?

Ans: We learn to adjust to space, light, and design. Bright lights and open spaces may increase energy and focus. Architecture can shape how we feel and work.

2. What kind of workplace skills do we learn from the way in which our co-workers, including managers, interact with us and others?

Ans: We learn teamwork, communication, and respect. Good interaction teaches us patience and problem-solving. We also learn how to lead and support others.

3. What are the advantages of doing some work for which we may not have acquired any proper training? Why would you do such work?

Ans: It helps us discover hidden talents and gain new experience. We may also learn faster in real situations. Doing such work can lead to growth and confidence.

4. Do you think that simply working to earn a living is a meaningful way of living?

Ans: Only earning money is not always meaningful. Helping others and doing work with purpose gives life deeper value. Sharing skills or time with the less privileged brings true satisfaction.

Case Study / Real Life Experience:

(In a paragraph of 150 words, write about one or two employees you know or have heard of who quit their job to find another one to suit their temperament.)

I once heard about a man named Rakesh who worked in a large IT company. Although the job paid well, he found the work environment too stressful and fast-paced for his calm and thoughtful nature. He was often expected to handle multiple tasks at once and attend long meetings, which made him feel drained. After two years, Rakesh decided to quit and look for a job that suited his personality better. He eventually found work at a small publishing house, where the atmosphere was quieter and the tasks more focused. He now edits manuscripts, works with writers, and enjoys the peace and creativity of his new role. Similarly, a woman named Priya left her marketing job to become a yoga instructor. She wanted a more meaningful and balanced life. Both Rakesh and Priya found happiness after choosing careers that matched their inner nature and temperament.

MCQs on "Action will be Taken":

Here are 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on "Action Will Be Taken" by Heinrich Böll, followed by the answer key at the end. Each question tests comprehension, inference, theme, character analysis, and style.

MCQs:

Who is the narrator of the story?
A. Alfred Wunsiedel
B. Broschek
C. An unnamed pensive man
D. Vamp Number Seven
Why did the narrator join Wunsiedel’s factory?
A. He loved action
B. He was passionate about work
C. He was financially struggling
D. He wanted to meet Wunsiedel
What was unusual about the factory building?
A. It was underground
B. It was built entirely of glass bricks
C. It was shaped like a telephone
D. It was made of wood and straw
What was the narrator’s reaction to the cheerful breakfast setting?
A. He enjoyed it
B. He was suspicious
C. He ignored it
D. He left immediately
What did the narrator realize about the breakfast?
A. It was poisoned
B. It was a celebration
C. It was part of the test
D. It was a welcome gift
What unusual thing did the narrator do during breakfast?
A. Drank coffee with sugar
B. Took selfies
C. Drank orange juice on an empty stomach
D. Danced with the waitress
What was the color of the walls in the questionnaire room?
A. Blue
B. White
C. Delightful green
D. Pale yellow
What was the narrator’s answer to the first questionnaire?
A. Humans are perfect
B. Four arms and legs are too many
C. Humans are poorly equipped
D. I don’t know
How many telephones did the narrator want to feel he was working to capacity?
A. Two
B. Five
C. Nine
D. Ten
What did the narrator eliminate from his vocabulary on his fifteenth birthday?
A. Responsibility
B. Sadness
C. Free time
D. Friends
What slogan did Wunsiedel frequently shout?
A. Get to work!
B. Let’s have some action!
C. Time is money!
D. Make it happen!
How did employees respond to Wunsiedel’s slogan?
A. Yes, sir!
B. Immediately!
C. Action will be taken!
D. Take rest!
What activity was Broschek doing with his toes?
A. Playing piano
B. Typing
C. Operating a knitting machine
D. Massaging himself
What was the narrator’s role in the factory?
A. Secretary
B. Sales manager
C. Motivational speaker
D. Shouting imperatives into phones
What did the narrator enjoy doing on the streetcar?
A. Sleeping
B. Creating new slogans
C. Reading novels
D. Singing songs
How did Wunsiedel die?
A. Accident
B. He collapsed suddenly
C. The narrator pushed him
D. Heart attack due to inactivity
How did the narrator react to Wunsiedel’s death?
A. Panic
B. Calm and thoughtful
C. Ran away
D. Cried loudly
What did Broschek say repeatedly when he saw the body?
A. "Why him?"
B. "We must act!"
C. "No!"
D. "Help!"
What kind of wreath did the narrator carry at the funeral?
A. Rose petals
B. Artificial roses
C. White lilies
D. Real flowers
What job was the narrator offered after the funeral?
A. Secretary
B. Comedian
C. Professional mourner
D. Motivational speaker
What compliment did the funeral director give the narrator?
A. “You look too sad.”
B. “You’re a born mourner.”
C. “You need training.”
D. “You’re hired as manager.”
What was the narrator's final profession?
A. Teacher
B. Clerk
C. Mourner
D. Watchman
What did the narrator think of Handel’s Largo?
A. Overrated
B. Annoying
C. Underrated
D. Boring
What factory product does the narrator guess at the end?
A. Pens
B. Soap
C. Radios
D. Light bulbs
What is the narrator’s dominant personality trait?
A. Energetic
B. Angry
C. Pensive and inactive
D. Excitable
Who is Vamp Number Seven?
A. A factory machine
B. Wunsiedel’s daughter
C. The secretary
D. A musician
What theme is central to the story?
A. Patriotism
B. War and peace
C. Absurdity of corporate life
D. Space travel
What literary device is mostly used in the story?
A. Allegory
B. Satire
C. Simile
D. Rhyme
What attitude do the workers seem to fake?
A. Sadness
B. Laziness
C. Cheerfulness and action
D. Curiosity
What word is repeated throughout the story?
A. Fight
B. Action
C. Love
D. Tired
What is the narrator’s view of ‘free time’?
A. Very important
B. Only for lazy people
C. Doesn’t exist
D. A gift
What did the secretary do besides work?
A. Raised chickens
B. Wrote books
C. Sang at nightclubs
D. Was a dancer
What phrase made the narrator hesitate when Wunsiedel entered?
A. “You’re fired!”
B. “What are you doing?”
C. “Let’s have some action!”
D. “Lunch break!”
What does the narrator’s behavior suggest about modern workplaces?
A. They are fair and inspiring
B. They nurture individual skills
C. They value performance only
D. They demand meaningless action
What does the narrator realize only later?
A. He hated Wunsiedel
B. He loved the secretary
C. He never found out what the factory produced
D. He wanted a new job
What type of humor is present in the story?
A. Dark satire
B. Slapstick
C. Wordplay
D. Puns
What shows the narrator’s disinterest in his job?
A. He always came late
B. He hated the coffee
C. He kept inventing empty slogans
D. He destroyed machines
How is Wunsiedel described?
A. Lively and energetic
B. Sad and tired
C. Lazy and inactive
D. Quiet and thoughtful
What is symbolized by the “glass-brick” building?
A. Strength
B. Isolation
C. Transparency and control
D. Weakness
What does the narrator do at funerals he’s not hired for?
A. Avoids them
B. Stands far away
C. Joins them anyway
D. Takes pictures
What kind of jokes are embedded in the narrative?
A. Visual gags
B. Satirical exaggeration
C. Dirty jokes
D. Knock-knock jokes
What phrase becomes meaningless by repetition?
A. “Lunch time!”
B. “Have a good day!”
C. “Action will be taken!”
D. “Let’s go!”
The narrator says the workers’ stories were like:
A. Short novels
B. Movies
C. Vending machines
D. Buttons you press to get a story
The narrator believes that:
A. Silence is golden
B. Free time is dangerous
C. Action is overrated
D. Inactivity is his true skill
Why did the funeral company want him?
A. He was famous
B. He looked good in black
C. He could sing
D. He was related to Wunsiedel
How does the narrator describe his pensive nature?
A. As a weakness
B. As his strength
C. As unimportant
D. As irrelevant
The narrator compares the cheerful waitresses to:
A. Rabbits
B. Chickens with unlaid eggs
C. Dancers
D. Robots
The phrase “we must act” implies:
A. Urgency, often fake
B. Real emotion
C. Lack of control
D. Anger
What does the narrator say about his funeral job?
A. It’s boring
B. It suits him perfectly
C. It’s temporary
D. It’s just for money
What is the final mood of the story?
A. Joyful
B. Tragic
C. Calm, reflective, absurd
D. Aggressive

English Language and Literature: A Study Guide for Students