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

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 12 PDF

CBSE Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 7, 'Evans Tries an O-Level', introduces us to a remarkably cunning prisoner named Evans, whose knack for escaping is legendary. The prison authorities, determined to prevent his ultimate breakout during an O-Level German exam, implement stringent security measures. This chapter, and its accompanying solutions, unravel the intricate details of the exam setup and the thrilling chase between Evans and his captors. The NCERT solutions offer clear, step-by-step answers to the chapter's questions, helping students dissect the narrative, understand the characters' motivations, and appreciate the suspenseful plot. They aim to provide a thorough understanding of the story's complexities, enabling students to confidently tackle exam questions with detailed explanations and insightful analysis of the text.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 12
SubjectEnglish Vistas
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 7

Chapter summary

Chapter 7, 'Evans Tries an O-Level,' presents a gripping narrative of a prisoner's attempt to escape during an examination. The NCERT Solutions for this chapter focus on understanding Evans's character as a cunning yet non-violent escape artist and detailing the extensive security measures implemented by the prison. The solutions explain the reasons behind the exam's delay and the overall strategy to outwit the prisoner, providing students with a clear grasp of the plot's progression and the characters' roles.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the character traits of Evans, the protagonist.
  • Analyze the security measures taken by the prison authorities.
  • Explain the sequence of events leading to the O-Level examination.
  • Identify the strategies used by Evans to attempt an escape.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the prison's precautions.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Character analysis of Evans
  • Prison security measures
  • O-Level examination in prison
  • Escape attempts
  • Governor's role
  • Invigilator's role
  • Plot summary
  • Narrative suspense

Important topics

  • Evans's character and motivations
  • The elaborate security arrangements
  • The sequence of events during the exam
  • The Governor's strategy and apprehension

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

What kind of a person was Evans?
Solution: Evans was a unique prisoner, known for his intelligence and charm rather than violence. He earned the nickname 'Evans the Break' due to his remarkable ability to escape prison three times. Despite being a kleptomaniac and a law-breaker, he was not a hardened criminal and possessed a pleasant personality, even performing well at the Christmas concert. His analytical mind allowed him to identify and exploit loopholes in the prison system, often perplexing the staff with his crafty strategies. His charismatic nature even influenced senior prison officers. Evans's cheerful demeanor contrasted sharply with his cunning nature, enabling him to successfully plan and execute his fourth jail-break.

Question 2

What were the precautions taken for the smooth conduct of the examination?
Solution: To ensure the examination was conducted smoothly and to prevent any escape attempts, the prison authorities implemented several stringent precautions. All potentially sharp or dangerous instruments, such as razors and nail scissors, were removed from the prison cell. The Governor himself, along with senior prison officer Jackson and officer Stephen, was directly involved in overseeing the process. A special invigilator was arranged to supervise the exam. Furthermore, a microphone was discreetly fitted inside the prison cell to monitor all activities during the examination.

Question 1

Will the exam now go as scheduled?
Solution: No, the examination did not proceed exactly as initially scheduled. Although it was planned to start at 9:15 AM, it actually commenced at 9:25 AM. Despite all preparations being in place, the Governor, still feeling apprehensive about potential risks, ordered an additional last-minute security measure. He mandated that the invigilator be thoroughly frisked before being allowed to enter the examination cell. This extra step, while intended to enhance security, consumed valuable time and resulted in the exam starting ten minutes later than its planned time.

Common mistakes

  • Underestimating Evans's cunning and planning.
  • Overlooking the details of the security arrangements.
  • Confusing Evans's non-violent nature with a lack of intelligence.

Revision tips

  • Focus on Evans's personality and his history of escapes.
  • List all the precautions taken by the prison staff and their purpose.
  • Trace the timeline of events on the day of the examination.
  • Consider the Governor's perspective and his apprehension.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was Evans's nickname due to his repeated escapes?

Q2. Which of the following was NOT removed as a precaution before the examination?

Q3. Why did the examination start late?

Q4. What was Evans's primary characteristic mentioned in the text?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of 'Evans Tries an O-Level'?

The main theme revolves around a prisoner's cunning attempt to escape during an examination, highlighting the intelligence and resourcefulness of the prisoner versus the security measures of the prison authorities.

Who is Evans and why is he called 'Evans the Break'?

Evans is a prisoner who is clever, charismatic, and a kleptomaniac. He is known as 'Evans the Break' because he had successfully escaped from prison three times previously.

What precautions were taken for the O-Level exam?

Precautions included removing all sharp instruments, having the Governor, Jackson, and Stephen on duty, arranging a special invigilator, fitting a microphone in the cell, and later frisking the invigilator.

Why did the exam start later than scheduled?

The exam started ten minutes late because the Governor ordered a last-minute frisking of the invigilator as an additional security measure, causing a delay.

How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 12 students?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to the chapter's questions, helping students understand Evans's character, the plot's intricacies, and the security measures, thereby aiding in their exam preparation.

Important links

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