DAV Public School – Class VIII • English Literature Worksheet

Lesson: A Bad Dream by Donn Byrne | Type: Extract-based VSA | Total Marks 50

Instructions: Answer each in 1–2 words / a short sentence. Each question carries 1 mark. (5 extracts × 10 = 50 marks)

Extract 1 (10 M)

“How will she find a new job?” said Mrs Hill. “She’s been with us for twenty years, and she’s not as strong as she used to be.”

1. Who is “she”?
2. Who is speaking?
3. To whom is she speaking?
4. How long had Annie served the family?
5. What does the line show about Mrs Hill?
6. Why is Annie losing her job?
7. Find a word showing sympathy.
8. Meaning of “not as strong as she used to be”?
9. Which decision of Mr Hill is criticised?
10. What theme is suggested here?

Extract 2 (10 M)

“We had to do it, sir. We were only thinking of the bank.”

1. Who says this?
2. Who is addressed as “sir”?
3. What does “it” refer to?
4. Why did they do it?
5. Which institution is mentioned?
6. What feeling does the speaker show?
7. What does Mr Hill realise after this?
8. Parallel with Annie’s case — what?
9. Lesson learned by Mr Hill?
10. Connect this to the title “A Bad Dream.”

Extract 3 (10 M)

“It’s strange,” said Mr Hill, “I dreamt that I was dismissed from my own job, and now I know how Annie must have felt.”

1. Who speaks?
2. What happened in his dream?
3. Whose feelings does he understand?
4. What realisation is shown here?
5. Which emotion is expressed?
6. Why is this the turning point?
7. Value highlighted?
8. Word showing surprise?
9. Change in Mr Hill after this?
10. Synonym for “dismissed.”

Extract 4 (10 M)

“You must tell her today, George,” said Mrs Hill gently. “If she has to go, it’s better she knows soon.”

1. Who is George?
2. Who is “her”?
3. What must be told?
4. Find the adverb showing tone.
5. Why should she know soon?
6. Conflict revealed here?
7. Mr Hill’s initial reaction?
8. What does this reveal about Annie’s position?
9. Value Mrs Hill shows?
10. How does this move the story ahead?

Extract 5 (10 M)

Annie came in quietly with the breakfast tray. “Good morning, sir. Good morning, madam,” she said with her usual smile.

1. Who entered?
2. What was she carrying?
3. Whom did she greet?
4. Find the adverb showing manner.
5. Meaning of “usual smile.”
6. Trait of Annie seen here?
7. Contrast with Mr Hill’s earlier plan?
8. How does this show loyalty?
9. Word showing politeness.
10. Why is this moment important after the dream?

Teacher Note: Each question 1 mark. Expected answers – keywords only. Worksheet fits exactly two A4 pages on Print or PDF.