Chapter 9 The Comet- II Important Questions Class 8 It So Happened English
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1. Why did Duttada went to Rasagolla shop?
Answer
Duttada was anxiously waiting for response from Sir James. On November 18, a special messenger reached him with an urgent telex message. Duttada immediately rushed to his favourite rasagolla.
Question 2. What message did Ernest’s words utter?
Answer
Ernest’s words uttered the message of a life of good deeds and selfless love.
Question 3. What is Duttada reaction to the proposal?
Answer
Duttada reacted very angrily to the proposal and said that it was all superstition. So he refused to participate in the “Yajna’.
Question 4. What did Ernest imagine while listening to the poet?
Answer
While listening to the poet, Ernest imagined that the Great Stone Face was bending forward to listen.
Question 5. Whom did Sir John invite for the conference?
Answer
Sir John invited astronomers, computer scientists, nuclear physicists, space technologies, biologists and Manoj Dutta was the special invite.
Question 6. What did Ernest feel after reading the poems?
Answer
After reading the poems, Ernest felt the fulfillment of prophecy in the poet.
Question 7. Duttada was invited to a secret conference. Why was he called?
Answer
Manoj Dutta was Sir John’s special invitee to the conference. It was attended by astronomers, biologists and nuclear/space scientists. It lasted for one week. The hidden agenda was to check James Forsyth’s findings about Comet Dutta.
Question 8. Write the description of letter which was sent by Sir John to Mr. Duttada?
Answer
The message, Duttada received in is a text message. The message was about Christmas present to be purchased by Sir James. The message secret coded, which meant that the Project was successful.
Question 9. How was Duttada received after he returned from London?
Answer
On his return from London Duttada was greeted by the inevitable vast crowd of friends, students and the usual hampers-on. He was loaded with garlands. The media people were also around him with their questions.
Question 10. What is Duttada expected to do on his return from London?
Answer
After his return from London he discovered that Indrani Debi had arranged for a “Yajna’ to be performed. ‘ She, along with other family members, planned it toward of evils of the comet’s visit.
Question 11. What made Ernest well known?
Answer
Ernest became well known because of his wise thoughts and his conversation with people.
Question 12. What were the possible proposition at the meeting?
Answer
The experts dismissed defensive measures like living in underground bunkers and decided to take an offensive action. They consented to deflect the path of the comet.
Question 13. Why did Ernest’s words have power?
Answer
Ernest’s words had power because they agreed with his thoughts of reality and depth.
Question 14. What thought came into minds of Dr. James at night?
Answer
Dr. James looked up from windows of his room at the star – studded night sky. He felt that amongst those bright stars, a destructive comet was approaching to collide with the earth. He was apprehensive if he had done his calculations correctly.
Question 15. What was ‘Project Light Brigade’?
Answer
‘Project Light Brigade’ was a secret operation against the comet. It would need the bulk of destructive nuclear power. The timings and position was great taken care of. The nuclear payload was to be leaded on a spaceship and to be detonated for targeting the comet.
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1. What action was needed to be taken to meet the challenge of the new comet?
Answer
The experts at the conference discussed two ways to save human lives. One was defensive measure, and the other was offensive measure. The people could be told to live in underground bunkers until the comet passed by. The other step was to push the comet from its course with the help of nuclear power. This operation was code-named “Project Light Brigade’.
Question 2. (i) What does ‘Project Light Brigade’ refer to?
(ii) What does Sir John say about the project in his letter to Duttada in October?
Answer
(i) “Project Light Brigade’ refers to the plan to divert the comet from its path. The plan was to launch a spacecraft and explode the nuclear device near the comet.
(ii) ‘The charge of the Light Brigade has begun’.
Question 3. Write the difference between the thinking levels of Duttada & Indrani?
Answer
Duttada had scientific approach whereas his wife looked at things religiously. Duttada look at rituals as social taboos that hampers the development. The successful deviation of comet’s path, a joint effort by scientists Indrani Devi gave credits to her Shanti Puja. Duttada was in pain that progressive outlook could not be evoked in mindset of the people. He felt that void between rich and the poor, educated and illiterate.
Question 4. “I am confident now of buying my Christmas presents on December 15 – John Macpherson.’ Why had John not been buying presents?
Answer
On December 15, Comet Dutta came closest to the earth-at a distance of 80,000 km. Millions saw it and admired it but very few people knew how close the earth was to total destruction. When the comet passed off, John Macpherson heaved a sigh of relief. His operation had been successful. So he decided to celebrate Christmas.
Question 5. “For a moment James wondered if he had done his sums right”. Why was James doubtful about his sums and calculations?
Answer
James became doubtful about his sums and calculations when he looked up from his window and saw a star studded night sky. He knew that somewhere amongst those stars was Comet Dutta, which was heading for a collision with the earth. It was hard for him to believe the calamity of the future on such a peaceful night.
Question 6. Duttada and the Defence Advisor became close friends and shared a secret. Elaborate.
Answer
Sir John Macpherson was the Britain’s defense advisor. He was shaken by the predictions of James Forsyth about Comet Dutta. The two were confident in each other. They became friends, waiting for the success of “Project Light Brigade’. It was a secret operation. Sir John did not want the people to know about the approaching comet and its consequences.
Question 7. Why did the scientists at the conference say about James ‘sums’?
Answer
The scientists said that James ‘sums’ were correct and that there was no escape from the direct hit predicted by him. There was a small chance that the comet might just graze the atmosphere of the earth and not collide. In that case, the loss of life and property would not be fatal. However, that was hardly
reassuring. Therefore, they decided to take some action.
Question 8. What is the contrast in the character of Duttada’s wife. Do you agree to her orthodoxy?
Answer
Duttada’s wife is an educated lady with masters degree. Still she believes in superstitions. She gets a yajna performed for the safety and peace. She wants to purify her husband because he had travelled abroad. I don’t agree to her orthodoxy. It hampers our progress.