CBSE Class 12 English NCERT Solutions: Evans Tries an O-Level

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 12 PDF

This set of NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 12 English, Chapter 7, "Evans Tries an O-Level," delves into the intricate details of a seemingly simple examination that turns into a complex escape plan. The solutions meticulously explain the character of Evans, a notorious prisoner known as 'Evans the Break,' and the elaborate precautions taken by the prison authorities to prevent his escape during an O-Level German exam. Each question is answered with a detailed breakdown of the events, the clues left behind, and the eventual outcome of Evans's daring attempt. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the narrative, understand the motivations of the characters, and analyze the cleverness of Evans's escape strategy. They serve as an excellent tool for exam revision, ensuring a thorough understanding of the chapter's plot and themes.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 12
Subject	English
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	7. Evans Tries an O-level

Chapter summary

Chapter 7, "Evans Tries an O-Level," focuses on a clever prisoner's attempt to escape during an O-Level German examination. These NCERT Solutions provide answers to questions about Evans's character, the security measures implemented, the sequence of events during the exam, and the clues that ultimately lead to his recapture. The solutions highlight the cat-and-mouse game between Evans and the prison authorities, emphasizing the details of his escape plan and the methods used to track him down.

Learning outcomes

Understand the character of James Roderick Evans and his history as a prisoner.
Analyze the security measures and precautions taken by the prison authorities for the examination.
Trace the sequence of events during the O-Level German examination.
Identify and interpret the clues left by Evans on the question paper.
Explain the methods used by the Governor and his staff to track down Evans.
Evaluate the success and failure of Evans's escape attempt.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Character analysis of Evans
Prison security measures
The O-Level German examination
Escape planning and execution
Clue interpretation
Impersonation
The role of the Governor and prison staff
Narrative structure and suspense
Themes of freedom and confinement
Deception and trickery

Important topics

Evans's character and his escape attempts
The elaborate security setup for the exam
The sequence of events during the examination
The significance of the clues on the question paper
Evans's successful impersonation and escape
The Governor's role in tracking Evans

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Questions and Solutions

Q1. What kind of a person was Evans?

What kind of a person was Evans?

Solution: James Roderick Evans, often referred to as 'Evans the Break' by prison staff, was a prisoner with a history of escaping. He had managed to break out of prison three times previously. Currently held in a solitary cell at Oxford Prison, Evans was generally perceived as a pleasant and amusing individual, skilled in making imitations. Importantly, he was not a violent offender; his primary issue was kleptomania, an involuntary compulsion to steal, which was described as a condition he was born with.

Q2. What were the precautions taken for the smooth conduct of the examination?

What were the precautions taken for the smooth conduct of the examination?

Solution: To ensure the examination proceeded without incident, several stringent precautions were implemented. Evans's solitary cell was converted into an examination room, furnished with two small tables and two chairs. Reverend Stuart McLeery was appointed as the invigilator. The cell was to be kept locked from the outside, with a prison officer monitoring Evans through a peep-hole at regular intervals. All potential weapons, such as knives, scissors, nail files, and razors, were removed from Evans. Even the contents of the invigilator's suitcase were thoroughly searched, and the paper knife was confiscated. The Governor himself planned to listen in on the examination proceedings via a special phone line. The cell was located in the 'B' Wing, which had two heavy, securely locked gates. Prison Officer Mr. Jackson maintained constant communication with the Governor via telephone.

Q3. Will the exam now go as scheduled?

Will the exam now go as scheduled?

Solution: The two-hour O-Level German examination, initially scheduled to commence at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday, June 8th, did experience minor delays and adjustments but ultimately proceeded as planned. At 9:20 a.m., Evans requested the removal of Prison Officer Stephens, as his presence disrupted Evans's concentration. Under the Governor's orders, Stephens was removed. Later, at 9:40 a.m., a correction slip was dictated to Evans. At 11:20 a.m., McLeery informed Evans that only five minutes remained. Shortly after, at 11:22 a.m., Jackson received instructions from the Governor to escort McLeery to the main prison gates. The examination concluded at 11:25 a.m., and Evans was locked in his cell after McLeery departed. Thus, despite minor interruptions, the examination was conducted according to the schedule.

Q4. Did the Governor and his staff finally heave a sigh of relief?

Did the Governor and his staff finally heave a sigh of relief?

Solution: Initially, it seemed the Governor and his staff might heave a sigh of relief as the examination concluded successfully. After the exam ended, Stephens escorted Reverend McLeery to the main prison gates. McLeery's demeanor seemed slightly altered, perhaps due to the ordeal. Stephens felt the morning had gone well. However, this sense of relief was very short-lived. Upon returning to Evans's cell, Stephens discovered a person slumped in a chair, bleeding from the head. It quickly became apparent that Evans had likely incapacitated McLeery, stolen his clothes, and escaped by impersonating him. This discovery immediately shifted the mood from relief to urgent pursuit.

Q5. Will the injured McLeery be able to help the prison officers track Evans?

Will the injured McLeery be able to help the prison officers track Evans?

Solution: The injured McLeery, despite his apparent state, provided crucial assistance in the pursuit of Evans. Speaking slowly and with difficulty, he indicated that he knew Evans's whereabouts and urged the prison officers to contact the police rather than wait for an ambulance. He pointed out the German question paper on the table and directed Jackson to summon the Governor. McLeery then drew the Governor's attention to a specific German text on a photocopied sheet. The Governor translated this text, identifying key phrases like 'From Elsfied Way drive to the Headington roundabout,' which indicated the Examination Board's location. As the police arrived, McLeery instructed an officer to head to Elsfield Way. The Governor then asked Detective Superintendent Carter to take McLeery along. McLeery, now inside the police car, continued to guide them, helping them follow the directions derived from the German text.

Q6. Will the clues left behind on the question paper, put Evans back in prison again?

Will the clues left behind on the question paper, put Evans back in prison again?

Solution: Yes, the clues meticulously left on the German question paper were instrumental in the attempt to recapture Evans. The text on the last page outlined the escape plan, providing directions such as driving from Elsfield Way to the Headington roundabout and then towards Newbury. Superintendent Carter later informed the Governor that McLeery (who was actually Evans in disguise) had been spotted driving away from Elsfield Way. Although the police obtained the car's number and gave chase, they lost sight of Evans near the Headington roundabout. The police left McLeery on Elsfield Way as he claimed to feel weak, and he subsequently disappeared. However, other clues, including the index number 313, the centre number 271, and the mention of 'Golden Lion,' held deeper significance. Using an Ordnance Survey Map, the Governor connected the six-figure reference 313/271 to a location near Chipping Norton. This led him to find Evans at the 'Golden Lion' hotel in Chipping Norton, thus bringing him back into custody.

Q7. Where did Evans go?

Where did Evans go?

Solution: After leaving the prison, Evans, disguised as the injured parson McLeery, embarked on his escape. He had arranged for a car to meet him, equipped with soap, water, new clothes, and a map. Once in the car, he removed the fake beard, washed off any bloodstains from his hair, changed into smart new clothes, and donned a stylish hat. He then drove to the 'Golden Lion' hotel, located in the centre of Chipping Norton. His destination was this hotel, where he was eventually traced by the Governor of Oxford Prison, who had deciphered the clues left on the German question paper.

Common mistakes

Misinterpreting the clues left on the German question paper.
Underestimating Evans's intelligence and planning capabilities.
Confusing the roles of the characters, especially during the escape sequence.
Overlooking the significance of seemingly minor details in the narrative.

Revision tips

Read the chapter thoroughly to understand the plot and character motivations.
Pay close attention to the timeline of events during the examination.
Analyze the clues left by Evans and how they were deciphered.
Discuss the story with classmates to clarify any doubts about the escape plan.
Use these solutions to review key plot points and character actions before the exam.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was Evans's nickname at the prison, and why?

Q2. Which subject was Evans scheduled to take an examination in?

Q3. Who was the invigilator for Evans's examination?

Q4. What did Evans complain about that caused a delay or change in the examination setup?

Q5. What was found on the last page of the photocopied German question paper?

Q6. How did Evans manage to escape from the prison during the examination?

Frequently asked questions

Who is James Roderick Evans and what is his background?

James Roderick Evans is a prisoner known as 'Evans the Break' due to his three previous escapes. He is described as a pleasant, non-violent individual but a congenital kleptomaniac, meaning he has an uncontrollable urge to steal.

What precautions were taken to ensure the O-Level German exam was conducted smoothly?

Precautions included turning Evans's solitary cell into an examination room, appointing a specific invigilator (Reverend Stuart McLeery), removing potential weapons, searching the invigilator's belongings, constant phone contact with the Governor, and observing Evans through a peep-hole.

How did Evans manage to escape from prison during the examination?

Evans orchestrated an escape by injuring the invigilator, Reverend McLeery, and then impersonating him. He was then escorted out of the prison by a prison officer, disguised as the injured parson.

What role did the German question paper play in Evans's escape and recapture?

The question paper contained photocopied text on the last page which, when translated, provided clues to Evans's escape route. These clues, along with other details like index and centre numbers, helped the Governor eventually track Evans down.

Was Evans ultimately successful in his escape attempt?

While Evans managed to leave the prison disguised as McLeery, his escape was short-lived. The clues left behind on the question paper allowed the Governor to trace him to a hotel in Chipping Norton, where he was apprehended.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students prepare for exams?

These solutions provide clear, detailed answers to all textbook questions, helping students understand the plot, characters, and key events of 'Evans Tries an O-Level.' They clarify complex sequences and interpretations, aiding in revision and exam preparation.

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