The narrator is described as working at the docks — he is employed unloading and handling goods at the wharf.
On the docks (as a dock/wharf worker).
The narrator's duties involved handling boxes and cargo on the docks; he is presented as a wharf worker.
He worked as a dock labourer/stevedore (a wharf worker handling cargo).
Clem Jones brought a box containing oranges — the story refers specifically to seventeen oranges in that box.
Oranges (seventeen oranges in the box).
When the box was opened a ship’s cat jumped out and ran back into the docks.
When the box was opened a ship’s cat jumped out and ran back into the docks.
When Pongo challenged Clem, Clem said there was a cat in the box. The narrator and Pongo were both sceptical; Clem only produced a ship's cat when forced to open it the first time and later used the box to hide a large Dutch cheese. The narrator explicitly says he was not so lucky and implies he didn't believe Clem’s initial claim.
No. The narrator did not believe Clem's story.
Pongo searched the narrator and found seventeen oranges in his pockets; Pongo counted them and placed them on the table (page 96).
Seventeen oranges.
Pongo is introduced as a police officer involved in investigating the incident with the oranges.
Pongo is the policeman who questions the narrator.
Pongo sought another officer to strengthen the investigation and provide support in case the situation became difficult.
He wanted backup — to ensure the matter was handled properly and to have another witness/support for an arrest or search.
The narrator's inner voice advised self-protection — i.e., not to confess and to avoid saying anything that could be used as evidence.
It urged him to keep quiet and deny involvement (not to incriminate himself).
I would stay calm, avoid involuntary admission, and refuse to speak until I knew what was happening.
I would stay calm, avoid involuntary admission, and refuse to speak until I knew what was happening.
Explain calmly, provide any truthful information, and if accused wrongly, insist on clarifying facts or contacting someone who can vouch for you.
Explain calmly, provide any truthful information, and if accused wrongly, insist on clarifying facts or contacting someone who can vouch for you.
The text explains that Pongo and the other policeman saw some carts at the dock gate and went to question the drivers; this delayed their return to the cabin (page 97).
They were delayed talking to drivers at the dock gate about some carts, which gave the narrator a few extra minutes.
The narrator describes swallowing the pips and putting peel in his mouth, ultimately swallowing pips and peels so there would be no evidence (pages 97–98).
He swallowed the pips and the peel (ate them along with the oranges).
- a. anything said would be held as evidence against him.
- b. the oranges would fall out.
- c. he did not steal the oranges.
- d. he was scared of Pongo.
The narrator remains silent to avoid self-incrimination; he fears that anything he says might be used as evidence against him.
a
- a. confess the truth to Pongo.
- b. eat all the oranges.
- c. deny his guilt.
- d. hide all the oranges.
The inner voice urged the narrator to protect himself by denying guilt — i.e., not to admit taking the oranges.
c
- a. Pongo's mate had stolen them.
- b. all the oranges were sold.
- c. the narrator had eaten them all.
- d. they disappeared mysteriously.
The narrator had eaten all the oranges, so there were none left on the table.
c
- a. reading detective stories.
- b. driving a pony-and-cart.
- c. eating oranges.
- d. munching away at something.
The narrator was very fond of eating oranges.
The narrator was very fond of eating oranges.
The narrator called Clem Jones a careful planner because he planned his thefts carefully and executed them cleverly.
The narrator called Clem Jones a careful planner because he planned his thefts carefully and executed them cleverly.
Clem Jones was carrying a large Dutch cheese in the box.
Clem Jones was carrying a large Dutch cheese in the box.
The policeman suspected him because his apron string broke and his pockets were visibly bulging.
The policeman suspected him because his apron string broke and his pockets were visibly bulging.
Pongo believed the narrator had taken the oranges because the narrator looked guilty (his pockets were bulging and he was near where the oranges had been), so Pongo treated these signs as evidence.
Pongo took the narrator's bulging pockets/appearance and suspicious behaviour as evidence against him.
Alone in Pongo's cabin, the narrator experienced guilt and anxiety because he feared being discovered for taking the oranges.
He felt anxious, guilty and very uncomfortable — worried about the consequences.
To remove evidence that he had taken the oranges, the narrator ate them, thereby destroying the physical proof.
He consumed the oranges (ate them) so there were no whole oranges left as evidence.
On finding no oranges where they had been, Pongo suspected theft and confronted those nearby (including the narrator), which led to a search and police involvement.
He became suspicious/angry and accused the narrator, seeking a search or help from the policeman.
Although suspected and searched, there was no solid evidence (no oranges or witnesses proving theft) to legally charge the narrator, so no charges were made.
Because there was no conclusive evidence/proof that he had stolen the oranges.
After consuming seventeen oranges the narrator experienced physical discomfort (felt sick/overstuffed) and emotional remorse.
He felt ill and uncomfortable (sick, overfull), and also guilty about what he had done.
As a result of overeating and the unpleasant consequences, the narrator's fondness for oranges disappeared.
He lost his taste for oranges (no longer liked them).
- a. the oranges could be smelt.
- b. he was singing songs.
- c. he was carrying a box.
- d. his pockets were bulging.
His pockets were bulging.
His pockets were bulging.
- a. furious
- b. noisy
- c. silent
- d. agitated
Calm.
Calm.
- a. peace
- b. difficulty
- c. harmony
- d. comfort
Peace.
Peace.
Clem Jones carried a box out of the docks while Pongo followed him. When ordered to open it, Clem revealed only a large Dutch cheese. Pongo had to let him go, but Clem later admitted that he had stolen the box itself. His trick was to make the policeman concentrate on the contents rather than the box.
Clem Jones carried a box out of the docks while Pongo followed him. When ordered to open it, Clem revealed only a large Dutch cheese. Pongo had to let him go, but Clem later admitted that he had stolen the box itself. His trick was to make the policeman concentrate on the contents rather than the box.
Title: Seventeen Oranges
Author: Bill Naughton
Characters: Narrator, Pongo, and another policeman.
Theme: “Too much of anything is good for nothing”
The narrator used to work in the docks, carrying cargo from the docks. He had an irresistible love for oranges. He stole them, from the boats and ships and chew them for hours.
However one day he was caught by Pongo, the policeman. He wanted to make the narrator’s case an example for all the other workers and frighten them off the consequences of dishonesty and stealing.
The police officer locked him in a cabin and went out to bring another police officer to be a witness. The narrator ate up the seventeen oranges with their pips and peels. He damaged all the evidence against him. That was a very bitter experience for him. The policemen could not do anything against him. The narrator was never crazy about oranges anymore.
“Look before you leap”
Title: Seventeen Oranges
Author: Bill Naughton
Characters: Narrator, Pongo, and another policeman.
Theme: “Too much of anything is good for nothing”
The narrator used to work in the docks, carrying cargo from the docks. He had an irresistible love for oranges. He stole them, from the boats and ships and chew them for hours.
However one day he was caught by Pongo, the policeman. He wanted to make the narrator’s case an example for all the other workers and frighten them off the consequences of dishonesty and stealing.
The police officer locked him in a cabin and went out to bring another police officer to be a witness. The narrator ate up the seventeen oranges with their pips and peels. He damaged all the evidence against him. That was a very bitter experience for him. The policemen could not do anything against him. The narrator was never crazy about oranges anymore.
“Look before you leap”
- a. proof
- b. contradict
- c. disprove
- d. refute
Proof.
Proof.
- a. politely
- b. gently
- c. angrily
- d. calmly
'Furiously' means 'angrily', so option c is the correct synonym.
c
- a. undaunted
- b. afraid
- c. valiant
- d. brave
'Frightened' is synonymous with 'afraid'. Options a, c and d mean the opposite (courageous).
b
- a. attentively
- b. carelessly
- c. cautiously
- d. strictly
Here 'carefully' best matches 'cautiously' in context. 'Attentively' is close but 'cautiously' is the most direct synonym for careful searching.
c
- a. healthy
- b. disordered
- c. feeble
- d. unhealthy
'Sick' is best matched by 'unhealthy' among the given options. 'Feeble' refers to weakness but not directly 'sick'; 'healthy' is antonym.
d
- a. exposed
- b. masked
- c. concealed
- d. buried
'Hidden' is the opposite of 'exposed'. Options b and c are synonyms of hidden; d is not the direct antonym here.
a
- a. prepared
- b. arranged
- c. forced
- d. requested
(d) Requested.
(d) Requested.
1. Krishna wants the best things; Chatur presents a painted red peacock; the king pays him 1,000 gold coins. 2. Chatur is greedy and wants to become rich; he deceives the king by claiming the peacock cost 1,000 gold coins; he is banished for a month and must return the gifts. 3. Tenali suspects that the peacock was painted and wants to expose the waste; he hires the painter and presents four painted peacocks; he proves that the money was spent needlessly.
1. Krishna wants the best things; Chatur presents a painted red peacock; the king pays him 1,000 gold coins. 2. Chatur is greedy and wants to become rich; he deceives the king by claiming the peacock cost 1,000 gold coins; he is banished for a month and must return the gifts. 3. Tenali suspects that the peacock was painted and wants to expose the waste; he hires the painter and presents four painted peacocks; he proves that the money was spent needlessly.
He claimed that he had spent 1,000 gold coins to obtain the red peacock.
He claimed that he had spent 1,000 gold coins to obtain the red peacock.
According to his claim, he found it in the jungle.
According to his claim, he found it in the jungle.
Chatur was a greedy and deceitful minister.
Chatur was a greedy and deceitful minister.
False. The king gave Tenali two weeks, not three, to produce another red peacock.
False. The king gave Tenali two weeks, not three, to produce another red peacock.
The people regarded him as lucky because he showed compassion and fairness, looked after his subjects and took steps to help them—qualities that made them feel secure and fortunate.
Because Krishna Deva Raya was a just, kind and generous ruler who cared for his people and listened to their problems, so they felt fortunate to have such a king.
Each scenario changes the climax and moral tone: (i) forgiveness reduces punishment, emphasises mercy; (ii) earlier arrival increases immediate conflict; (iii) unlocked door shifts story to misunderstanding and surprise rather than direct catching.
Suggested discussion points:
(i) If Pongo had pardoned him after scolding—narrator would have felt guilty but safe; might not have been chased or punished; story ends on a lesson rather than a comic chase.
(ii) If Pongo arrived before last orange eaten—narrator would have been caught red-handed; greater immediate consequence (scolding/beatings); fewer comedic elements.
(iii) If door unlocked and narrator discovered it before Pongo returned—narrator could have escaped without theft being exposed; Pongo would return to find oranges missing and be puzzled, changing the climax and moral.
The entry expresses initial anger and a sense of justice on catching the boy, followed by shock, frustration and worry on finding the oranges gone—covering both required emotions within 60–80 words.
Diary entry (as Pongo):
Today I caught that naughty boy stealing my oranges. I felt furious and ashamed that someone would take what belonged to me. I scolded him and left, thinking the lesson was learnt. On returning, to my horror the oranges had disappeared. My anger turned to bewilderment and deep frustration. I felt cheated and worried about who else might have taken them. I will be more careful in future.
From the anecdote Mr. Scotti is a traveller who was going to visit his cousins; he travelled by plane and his intended destination was Rome.
Name: Mr. Scotti
Occupation: Traveller (visitor) — visiting relatives
Reason for his trip: To visit his cousins
Means of transport: Airplane
Destination: Rome
- a. had to change the plane.
- b. was in Rome.
- c. had to phone his cousins.
- d. had to look at the airport.
He mistakenly believed the plane had arrived at his destination (Rome), so he got off in New York thinking he was in Rome.
b
- a. thought he was in Italy.
- b. knew the policeman.
- c. didn't speak any other language.
- d. liked the language.
He used Italian because he was under the impression he was in Italy, so he assumed people would understand Italian.
a
- a. surprised
- b. unhappy
- c. glad
- d. upset
He was surprised by the way local people reacted—this fits the narrative of unexpected helpfulness or reaction.
a
- a. clever
- b. unlucky
- c. stupid
- d. successful
- e. miserable
- f. happy
He can be described as 'unlucky' (made a mistake getting off the plane), 'miserable' (initially distressed by his situation) and 'happy' (later relieved/pleased by local responses).
b, e, f
The article gives a clear narrative of an unexpected event, initial emotions, actions taken and the reflective outcome—suitable for a school magazine and around 150 words.
Sample article (about 150 words):
An Unplanned Lesson
Last year I experienced a surprising turn of events that taught me the value of adaptability. I had prepared for a school science fair project, but on the day before the event my main materials were damaged in heavy rain. At first I panicked—months of work seemed ruined. I decided to think quickly: I redesigned the presentation using household items and focused on explaining my ideas clearly. The judges were impressed by my recovery and awarded me a consolation prize. At that moment I felt relieved and proud that I had not given up. Looking back, I feel grateful: the setback taught me creativity under pressure and that perseverance matters more than perfection. I now handle unexpected problems with calm and resourcefulness.
1. fond of - having a liking for; 2. hidden away - concealed; 3. lock up - shut up; 4. laughed at - made fun of; 5. look at - examine closely; 6. bring up - rear and educate; 7. gave up - stopped; 8. went through - experienced; 9. finish off - complete an activity; 10. figure out - understand.
1. fond of - having a liking for; 2. hidden away - concealed; 3. lock up - shut up; 4. laughed at - made fun of; 5. look at - examine closely; 6. bring up - rear and educate; 7. gave up - stopped; 8. went through - experienced; 9. finish off - complete an activity; 10. figure out - understand.
Provided sample activities and example question forms so students can prepare their bingo sheets and ask classmates during pair/group activity.
Suggested 'Can you' activities list:
- play the guitar
- sing a song
- ride a bicycle
- swim
- speak another language
- solve a Rubik's cube
- draw a portrait
- cook a simple meal
Example question forms: "Can you play the guitar?" "Can you speak French?" "Can you swim?"
- a. should
- b. must
- c. ought to
'Must' expresses obligation or necessity (compulsory), so the correct choice is must.
b
- a. should
- b. must
- c. ought to
'Ought to' is used to indicate what is the right or proper thing to do (moral obligation or advice).
c
- a. should
- b. must
- c. ought to
'Should' is commonly used for suggestions and recommendations.
a
The sentence expresses an obligatory rule during exams, so 'must' is the correct modal: 'Students must be quiet when they write the examination.'
must
Use the modal 'needn't' (or 'don't have to') to show lack of necessity: It's quite warm, so wearing a coat is not necessary.
You needn't wear a coat. (You don't have to wear a coat.)
Use 'Shall we...' to make a polite suggestion/offering when proposing a joint action.
Shall we open the window?
Use 'couldn't' (could not) to express inability in the past.
I couldn't go to the school yesterday because I was ill.
'Could' expresses ability in the past.
When she was eighteen, she could run fast.
'Mustn't' (must not) expresses prohibition. 'You shouldn't' is an alternative for softer advice.
You mustn't drive fast. (You must not drive fast.)
'Can' expresses ability; since he is a cricketer, ability to bat well is stated.
Sachin is a famous cricketer. He can bat well.
Suggested modals and reasons:
- 'must have known' — strong inference that burglars learned of the trip.
- 'might have forgotten' — possibility that the writer forgot to bolt the door.
- 'could have entered' — possibility of how they entered through the broken lock.
- 'should have deposited' — regret about a past action (advice that was not followed).
- 'should have informed' — regret/omission.
- 'will get' — police assurance about recovery; future certainty.
- 'will be caught' — expected future outcome given police action.
Note: alternative modals (e.g. 'may have', 'must have entered') are possible depending on nuance.
Filled letter (blanks completed):
Burglars must have known from the accumulated newspaper pile that I had gone away. When I came back last Sunday, I found the back-door lock broken. I might have forgotten to bolt the back-door from inside and they could have entered through it. My room was ransacked. They took my laptop and other valuables. I should have deposited the jewellery in a bank locker to avoid this loss. I should have informed my neighbours about my week-long trip. Well, I have registered an FIR with the police. They are investigating the case. They have assured that I will get my jewels back. The burglars will be caught very soon.
I/She should take some pills. She/They should not wear warm clothes. She/They should not go home. Sam and Jai should see a doctor.
I/She should take some pills. She/They should not wear warm clothes. She/They should not go home. Sam and Jai should see a doctor.
should
shall
can
ought to
should
may
should
could
should
should
shall
can
ought to
should
may
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should