The Best Christmas Present in the World – Q&A

Comprehension Check 1

Q1. What did the author find in a junk shop?
Ans. The author found a roll-top desk in the junk shop.

Q2. What did he find in a secret drawer? Who do you think had put it in there?
Ans. He found a letter in the secret drawer. It was probably put there by Jim Macpherson.

Comprehension Check 2

Q1. Who had written the letter, to whom, and when?
Ans. Jim Macpherson wrote the letter to his wife, Connie, on December 26, 1914.

Q2. Why was the letter written — what was the wonderful thing that had happened?
Ans. The letter was written to describe the Christmas Truce, where British and German soldiers celebrated Christmas together in no man’s land.

Q3. What jobs did Hans Wolf and Jim Macpherson have when they were not soldiers?
Ans. Hans Wolf was a musician in an orchestra, and Jim Macpherson was a school teacher.

Q4. Had Hans Wolf ever been to Dorset? Why did he say he knew it?
Ans. No, Hans Wolf had never been to Dorset. He said he knew it because he had read about it in English books.

Q5. Do you think Jim Macpherson came back from the war? How do you know this?
Ans. No, Jim Macpherson probably didn’t come back from the war. The fact that his wife Connie kept the letter safe and waited for him suggests he never returned.

Comprehension Check 3

Q1. Why did the author go to Bridport?
Ans. The author went to Bridport to return the letter to Mrs. Macpherson.

Q2. How old was Mrs Macpherson now? Where was she?
Ans. Mrs. Macpherson was now very old, around 101 years old, and she was in a nursing home.

Comprehension Check 4

Q1. Who did Connie Macpherson think her visitor was?
Ans. Connie Macpherson thought her visitor was her husband, Jim Macpherson.

Q2. Which sentence in the text shows that the visitor did not try to hide his identity?
Ans. The sentence, “I explained about the desk, about how I found the letter,” shows that the visitor did not try to hide his identity.

Working with the Text

Q1. For how long do you think Connie had kept Jim’s letter? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans. Connie had kept Jim’s letter for a very long time, since 1914, because she treasured it and waited for his return.

Q2. Why do you think the desk had been sold, and when?
Ans. The desk was probably sold when Mrs. Macpherson went to the nursing home and no longer needed it.

Q3. Why do Jim and Hans think that games or sports are good ways of resolving conflicts? Do you agree?
Ans. Jim and Hans believed that games or sports are better than war for resolving conflicts because they bring people together. I agree, as sports promote peace and understanding.

Q4. 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.
Ans. The soldiers are very much alike. Both the British and German soldiers wanted peace, as they shared food, drinks, and played football together.

Q5. Mention the various ways in which the British and the German soldiers become friends and find things in common at Christmas.
Ans. The soldiers shared food, exchanged stories, sang carols, and played football. They realized they had more in common than they thought.

Q6. What is Connie’s Christmas present? Why is it “the best Christmas present in the world”?
Ans. Connie’s Christmas present is the return of her husband’s letter. It is the “best Christmas present” because it brought back her memories of Jim.

Q7. Do you think the title of this story is suitable for it? Can you think of any other title(s)?
Ans. Yes, the title is suitable because the letter was truly the best gift for Connie. Another possible title could be “A Letter from the Past” or “A Christmas Truce Remembered.”

Working with language

1. Look at these sentences from the story.
   I spotted it in a junk shop in Bridport… The man said it was made in the early nineteenth century… This one was in a bad condition…
   The italicised verbs are in the past tense. They tell us what happened in the past, before now.

(i) Read the passage below and underline the verbs in the past tense.
A man got on the train and sat down. The compartment was empty except for one lady. She took her gloves off. A few hours later the police arrested the man. They held him for 24 hours and then freed him.

ANSWER:

A man got on the train and sat down. The compartment was empty except for one lady. She took her gloves off. A few hours later the police arrested the man. They held him for 24 hours and then freed him.

(ii) Fill in the blanks using the correct form of the verbs in brackets.

ANSWER:
My little sister is very naughty. When she came (come) back from school yesterday, she had torn (tear) her dress. We asked (ask) her how it had happened (happen). She said (say) she had quarreled (have, quarrel) with a boy. She had beaten (have, beat) him in a race and he had tried (have, try) to push her. She had told (have, tell) the teacher and so he had chased (have, chase) her, and she had fallen (have, fall) down and had torn (have, tear) her dress.

iii) Underline the verbs and arrange them in two columns, ‘Past’ and ‘Earlier past’.

1. My friends set out to see the caves in the next town, but I stayed at home, because I had seen them already.
2. When they arrived at the station, their train had left. They came back home, but by that time I had gone out to see a movie!
3. So they sat outside and ate the lunch I had packed for them.
4. By the time I returned, they had fallen asleep!

Past	Earlier Past
set out	had seen
stayed	had left
arrived	had gone
came	had packed
sat	had fallen
ate
returned

2. Dictionary work

By the end of the journey, we had run out of drinking water.
Look at the verb run out of in this sentence. It is a phrasal verb: it has two parts, a verb and a preposition or an adverb. Phrasal verbs often have meanings that are different from the meanings of their parts.
Find these phrasal verbs in the story.
burn out, light up, look on, run out, keep out
Write down the sentences in which they occur. Consult a dictionary and write down the meaning that you think matches the meaning of the phrasal verb in the sentence.

ANSWER:

1. Burn out
   Sentence: “That was the moment the candle on the mantelpiece went out, the flame burned out.”
   Meaning: To stop burning because there is no more fuel.
2. Light up
   Sentence: “Hans Wolf and I clapped our hands and laughed, and looked on as they ran, lighted up by the flare of the flames from our fire.”
   Meaning: To become illuminated or brightened by something.
3. Look on
   Sentence: “Hans Wolf and I clapped our hands and laughed, and looked on as they ran, lighted up by the flare of the flames from our fire.”
   Meaning: To watch something without taking part in it.
4. Run out
   Sentence: “By Christmas morning we had run out of all food except a few crusts of bread.”
   Meaning: To use up all of something, so that there is none left.
5. Keep out
   Sentence: “We agreed that to keep out of each other’s way as much as possible.”
   Meaning: To avoid entering or to stay away from a place or situation.

Speaking

1. In groups discuss whether wars are a good way to end conflicts between countries. Then present your arguments to the whole class.
   Discussion Point:
   Wars are often destructive and lead to the loss of lives, resources, and peace. While they may end certain conflicts, they create lasting damage and pain. Peaceful negotiations, diplomacy, and understanding each other’s perspectives are better ways to resolve conflicts because they focus on building relationships and long-term solutions.
   Argument for the Class:
   “Wars bring more harm than good. They might temporarily end disputes, but they leave behind scars that last generations. Instead, dialogue and peaceful resolution are more effective ways to solve conflicts. It is better to talk and understand each other than to fight and destroy.”
2. What kind of presents do you like and why? What are the things you keep in mind when you buy presents for others? Discuss with your partner.
   Discussion Point:
   I like presents that are thoughtful and meaningful, like books or handmade gifts. When buying presents for others, I try to think about what they like or need. For example, if someone enjoys reading, I would choose a book that suits their interests. I also consider whether the gift will be useful or bring joy over a long period, like a toy for a child or a keepsake for a friend.
   Response for Partner Discussion:
   “I prefer presents that are personal and can be used for a long time, like books or gadgets. When choosing a gift for someone, I always think about what they enjoy or something that reflects their personality. For example, a thoughtful present could be a journal for someone who likes writing or a puzzle for someone who enjoys games.”

Writing

1. Imagine that you are Jim. You have returned to your town after the war. In your diary record how you feel about the changes you see and the events that occur in your town. You could begin like this
   25 December, 1919
   It’s Christmas today, but the town looks…..
   
   Or
   
   Suppose you are the visitor. You are in a dilemma. You don’t know whether to disclose your identity and disappoint the old lady or let her believe that her dear Jim has come back. Write a letter to a friend highlighting your anxiety, fears and feelings.

ANSWER:

Diary Entry

25 December, 1919

It’s Christmas today, but the town looks so different from what I remember. The once-vibrant streets are quieter, and there’s an eerie stillness in the air. The decorations that used to fill the shops and homes are sparse, and I can feel the absence of laughter that used to echo around this place.

As I walk through the familiar paths, memories flood back—children playing, families gathering, and the warm glow of lights in every window. I feel a pang of sadness knowing that many of my friends and neighbors are no longer here. The war has taken so much from us, leaving behind only echoes of what used to be.

Today, I saw a group of children playing with a makeshift ball in the park. Their laughter reminded me of my own childhood, and for a moment, I felt a flicker of hope. But then, I thought of the families who are missing their loved ones, and my heart grew heavy again.

I went to the old church this morning, hoping to find solace, but it felt different, too. The pews were filled with solemn faces, and there was a lingering sadness in the air. As the priest spoke of peace and remembrance, I couldn’t help but feel conflicted. How can we truly find peace when so much has been lost?

As I write this, I’m filled with a sense of longing for the past, mixed with hope for the future. Perhaps, in time, our town will heal. Perhaps we will find a way to honor the memories of those we lost while moving forward together.

Letter to a Friend

[Your Address]
[Date]

Dear [Friend’s Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you with a heavy heart, torn by a dilemma that weighs on my conscience.

As you know, I recently visited a nursing home and met an elderly woman who believes I am her husband, Jim. She looked at me with such hope and love, and for a moment, I felt the warmth of that bond. But I am filled with anxiety about what to do next. Should I tell her the truth and risk breaking her heart, or should I let her believe that her dear Jim has returned?

Part of me wants to tell her the truth—she deserves to know. But I can’t shake off the thought of the joy I see in her eyes when she looks at me. She has endured so much pain, losing her husband to the war. If I reveal my identity, I fear I would be taking away the comfort she has found in our brief interaction.

I find myself overwhelmed with fear, fear of causing her more sorrow. I never wanted to hurt anyone, especially not someone who has suffered so much. But I also know that living a lie is not the answer. How long can I pretend to be someone I am not?

I wish I had the courage to make the right decision. I just want to do what’s best for her, but I don’t know what that is. I’m struggling to find clarity amidst this turmoil, and I could really use your advice.

Please write back soon, and share your thoughts with me. I need your guidance more than ever.

Take care,
[Your Name]

2. Given below is the outline of a story. Construct the story using the outline.
   A young, newly married doctor ___ freedom fighter___ exiled to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by the British ___ infamous Cellular Jail ___ prisoners tortured ___ revolt by inmates ___ doctor hanged ___ wife waits for his return ___becomes old ___ continues to wait with hope and faith.

ANSWER:

A Love That Lasted

Once, there was a young doctor named Arjun who had just married a woman named Meera. Arjun loved helping people, but he also wanted to fight for India’s freedom from British rule. He joined the freedom fighters and soon got into trouble.

The British caught Arjun and sent him to the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This jail was famous for being very harsh, and many prisoners suffered there. Arjun used his skills as a doctor to care for other inmates, which gave them hope.

One day, the prisoners planned to revolt against the guards. But the British found out and hanged Arjun to punish him. When Meera heard the news, her heart broke. She loved Arjun deeply and could not believe he was gone.

Even after many years, Meera continued to wait for Arjun to return. People in the village asked her why she waited for someone who would never come back. She always replied, “Love never dies. I will wait for him as long as I live.”

As time passed, Meera grew old, but her hope never faded. She became a symbol of true love and patience. Every evening, she looked towards the horizon, believing that one day, she would see her beloved Arjun again.