CBSE Class 12 English Going Places NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 12 PDF

This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 12 English, Chapter 8, "Going Places." It delves into the aspirations and dreams of Sophie, contrasting them with the practical realities represented by her friend Jansie and her family. The solutions explore Sophie's fascination with the footballer Danny Casey, her fantasies about opening a boutique, and her relationship with her brother Geoff. Through a close examination of the characters' dialogues and inner thoughts, students can understand the themes of escapism, realism, friendship, and the yearning for a different life. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the nuances of the story, analyze character motivations, and prepare effectively for their English examinations.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 12
SubjectEnglish
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter8. Going Places

Chapter summary

Chapter 8, "Going Places," of the CBSE Class 12 English textbook focuses on the dreams and aspirations of a young girl named Sophie. The NCERT Solutions provided here analyze the stark contrast between Sophie's imaginative world and the practical realities of her life, particularly through her friendship with Jansie. The solutions cover Sophie's infatuation with footballer Danny Casey, her desire for a career beyond the ordinary, and her relationship with her brother Geoff, offering insights into themes of escapism and ambition.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the contrast between Sophie's dreams and Jansie's realism.
  • Analyze Sophie's character and her fascination with Danny Casey.
  • Explain the role of Geoff in Sophie's fantasy world.
  • Identify the themes of escapism and ambition in the story.
  • Evaluate the significance of 'Going Places' in the context of adolescent dreams.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Character Analysis: Sophie
  • Character Analysis: Jansie
  • Character Analysis: Geoff
  • Character Analysis: Sophie's Father
  • Sophie's Dreams and Aspirations
  • Realism vs. Escapism
  • The Role of Danny Casey
  • Friendship Dynamics
  • Family Relationships
  • Themes of Ambition
  • Socio-economic Background
  • Narrative Analysis

Important topics

  • Sophie's character and dreams
  • Contrast between Sophie and Jansie
  • Geoff's role and relationship with Sophie
  • Themes of escapism and ambition
  • Analysis of Danny Casey's significance

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Questions and Solutions

THINK AS YOU READ - Question 1

Where was it most likely that the two girls would find work after school?
Solution: Sophie and Jansie were nearing the end of their school days, with only a few months remaining. Jansie, being a realist, understood their probable future. She knew that both girls were destined for employment in a biscuit factory, a common path for individuals in their circumstances. Sophie, on the other hand, harbored grander ambitions, but Jansie recognized the financial limitations and practical barriers, such as Sophie's father's disapproval of less conventional jobs like shop work, which made the biscuit factory the most likely place for them to find employment.

THINK AS YOU READ - Question 2

What were the options that Sophie was dreaming of? Why does Jansie discourage her from having such dreams?
Solution: Sophie was a dreamer with grand aspirations. She envisioned opening a highly exclusive boutique, the most remarkable in the city. As an alternative, she considered becoming a successful actress, with the boutique serving as a secondary venture. She also thought about pursuing a career as a fashion designer. Jansie, however, was firmly grounded in reality. She tried to discourage Sophie because these ambitious plans required substantial financial investment and considerable experience, resources that were clearly beyond their reach. Jansie urged Sophie to be sensible and abandon these seemingly unattainable utopian dreams.

THINK AS YOU READ - Question 1

Why did Sophie wriggle when Geoff told her father that she had met Danny Casey?
Solution: Sophie wriggled in her seat because she anticipated her father's reaction. She knew her father well and was aware that he would become angry if he discovered she had met the famous young Irish footballer, Danny Casey. She had deliberately kept this information from him. When Geoff revealed the news to their father, his reaction was one of displeasure, causing Sophie to feel uncomfortable and squirm, anticipating the fallout.

THINK AS YOU READ - Question 2

Does Geoff believe what Sophie says about her meeting with Danny Casey?
Solution: Geoff initially expresses disbelief when Sophie tells him about meeting Danny Casey. His first reaction is to look around and exclaim, "It can't be true." He further voices his skepticism by saying, "I don't believe it." When Sophie elaborates on the encounter, describing how Danny Casey approached her, Geoff asks for a description of his appearance, "What does he look like?" This questioning suggests that he is not fully convinced by Sophie's story and remains doubtful about the authenticity of the meeting.

THINK AS YOU READ - Question 3

Does her father believe her story?
Solution: No, Sophie's father does not believe her story about meeting Danny Casey. When Geoff relays the information, Sophie's father looks at her with disdain, effectively ignoring her. He dismisses it as another one of her 'wild stories.' To further emphasize his disbelief and perhaps to steer the conversation away from Sophie's fantasy, he begins discussing another great football player, Tom Finney, indicating that he considers Sophie's tale to be fanciful and untrue.

THINK AS YOU READ - Question 4

How does Sophie include her brother Geoff in her fantasy of her future?
Solution: Sophie includes her brother Geoff in her future fantasies by confiding in him and sharing her dreams. She tells him about her encounter with Danny Casey and her plans to meet him again, trusting him to keep her secrets. She also expresses a desire to be part of Geoff's world, which she perceives as more adventurous and unknown. Sophie imagines herself accompanying Geoff on his excursions, picturing herself riding behind him, symbolizing her longing to share in his experiences and explore the 'places' he has been.

THINK AS YOU READ - Question 5

Which country did Danny Casey play for?
Solution: The young footballer Danny Casey, who is the subject of Sophie's fascination, played for Ireland.

THINK AS YOU READ - Question 1

Why didn't Sophie want Jansie to know about her story with Danny?
Solution: Sophie was hesitant to share her story about Danny Casey with Jansie because she perceived Jansie as someone who was overly interested in other people's affairs and prone to gossiping. Sophie feared that Jansie would spread the news throughout the neighborhood, potentially exposing her fantasy. There might also have been an element of friendly rivalry or a desire to maintain an advantage over Jansie. Sophie was particularly surprised and perhaps annoyed when she learned that Geoff had already shared the story with Jansie.

THINK AS YOU READ - Question 2

Did Sophie really meet Danny Casey? [Delhi 2014]
Solution: No, Sophie did not actually meet Danny Casey in reality. Her encounter was a product of her vivid imagination. She was deeply captivated by the young Irish footballer and created a scenario in her mind where he came to meet her. She sat in the park, anticipating his arrival, even though she knew deep down he wouldn't come. This tendency to escape into a dreamy world, where she imagined meetings and experiences, was characteristic of Sophie's personality.

THINK AS YOU READ - Question 3

Which was the only occasion when she got to see Danny Casey in person?
Solution: The sole instance when Sophie witnessed Danny Casey in person was on a Saturday when her family attended a football match to watch their team, United. Sophie, accompanied by her father and younger brother Derek, positioned themselves near the goal. Her brother Geoff watched the game from a higher vantage point with his friends. During the match, United secured a two-nil victory, and Casey scored the second goal. Sophie observed him skillfully maneuver past two defenders and score against a hesitant goalkeeper, an event that filled her with immense pride and happiness.

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT - Question 1

Sophie and Jansie were classmates and friends. What were the differences between them that show up in the story?
Solution: Sophie and Jansie represent contrasting personalities and outlooks. Sophie is characterized by her fantastical dreams and tendency to live in an imaginary world; she is an escapist who struggles to face reality. In stark contrast, Jansie is a pragmatist with her feet firmly on the ground. Sophie aspires to sophisticated pursuits, like opening a boutique or becoming an actress, whereas Jansie is acutely aware of their financial limitations and the fact that they are likely headed for factory work. Jansie often advises Sophie to be practical and sensible, recognizing that Sophie's grand plans require resources they do not possess. Sophie, in turn, views Jansie as 'nosey' and is reluctant to share her innermost thoughts with her.

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT - Question 2

How would you describe the character and temperament of Sophie's father?
Solution: Sophie's father is depicted as a man with a somewhat rough exterior, his face often appearing grimy and sweaty. He doesn't come across as particularly gentle or refined. Sophie seems to perceive him as possessing an aggressive manliness that she finds intimidating. He shares Sophie's realistic outlook on life and is skeptical of her fanciful stories. His passion lies in football, and he holds hopes that young Danny Casey will achieve great success, urging him to stay focused and avoid distractions. During the match, he passionately shouts encouragement and expresses immense joy and pride when Casey scores, celebrating the victory afterward at a pub.

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT - Question 3

Why did Sophie like her brother Geoff more than any other person? From her perspective, what did he symbolise?
Solution: Sophie felt a special connection with her brother Geoff, valuing him above others because he was the only one who genuinely listened to her fantasies and deeply held dreams without judgment. Her father was perceived as too domineering and dismissive of her imaginative tales, while her younger brother Derek sometimes teased her. Her friend Jansie, though a confidante, was seen as 'nosey' and untrustworthy with secrets. Geoff, on the other hand, was a safe repository for Sophie's secrets. From Sophie's viewpoint, Geoff symbolized an older brother who had experienced the wider world beyond their immediate surroundings. She yearned for him to take her to these unknown places. He also represented a sympathetic ear, even offering cautious advice about the potential complexities of Casey's life, gently tempering her dreams without completely crushing her spirit.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing Sophie's fantasies with reality.
  • Underestimating the importance of Jansie's practical advice.
  • Misinterpreting Geoff's role as purely supportive without caution.
  • Failing to recognize the socio-economic context influencing the characters' choices.

Revision tips

  • Focus on the character sketches of Sophie, Jansie, and Geoff.
  • Note down the key differences in their perspectives and aspirations.
  • Analyze Sophie's dialogue and thoughts to understand her escapist tendencies.
  • Consider the significance of Danny Casey as a symbol in Sophie's dreams.
  • Practice answering questions about the themes of ambition and realism.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was the most likely place for Sophie and Jansie to find work after school?

Q2. What career did Sophie initially dream of opening?

Q3. Why did Sophie wriggle when Geoff mentioned her meeting with Danny Casey to their father?

Q4. What was Geoff's initial reaction to Sophie's claim of meeting Danny Casey?

Q5. Which country did the footballer Danny Casey play for?

Q6. Why did Sophie not want Jansie to know about her story with Danny Casey?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the CBSE Class 12 English chapter 'Going Places'?

The main theme of 'Going Places' revolves around the contrast between adolescent dreams and the harsh realities of life, exploring escapism, ambition, and the influence of socio-economic background on aspirations.

Who are the main characters in 'Going Places' and what are their key traits?

The main characters are Sophie, a dreamer who fantasizes about a glamorous future; Jansie, her practical and realistic friend; and Geoff, Sophie's elder brother who represents a link to the outside world. Sophie's father is also a significant character, embodying pragmatism.

How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 12 students?

These solutions provide clear explanations of the chapter's plot, character analyses, and thematic elements, helping students understand the text deeply and prepare effectively for their English exams.

What is the significance of Danny Casey in the story?

Danny Casey, a young Irish footballer, serves as a symbol of the glamorous life Sophie desires. Her imagined meeting with him fuels her fantasies and represents her escapism from her ordinary life.

What is the difference between Sophie's and Jansie's outlook on life?

Sophie is an imaginative dreamer who longs for a life beyond her current circumstances, while Jansie is a grounded realist who understands their limitations and advises Sophie to be practical.

Important links

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