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Expert Detectives – CBSE NCERT Study Resources

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Expert Detectives

Study Materials

7th

7th - English

Expert Detectives

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Overview of the Chapter

The chapter "Expert Detectives" is part of the CBSE Grade 7 English curriculum. It revolves around the story of two siblings, Nishad and Maya, who are intrigued by their mysterious neighbor, Mr. Nath. The children play the role of amateur detectives, trying to uncover the secrets of Mr. Nath's life through observation and imagination.

Expert Detectives: A story that highlights curiosity, observation, and the imaginative minds of children as they attempt to solve a mystery.

Characters

  • Nishad (Seven): A curious and observant boy who is sympathetic toward Mr. Nath.
  • Maya: Nishad's older sister, who is more analytical and determined to uncover Mr. Nath's secrets.
  • Mr. Nath: A reclusive neighbor who becomes the subject of the children's detective work.

Key Themes

  • Curiosity and Imagination: The children's detective work is driven by their curiosity and creative thinking.
  • Perception vs. Reality: The story explores how assumptions can differ from the truth.
  • Empathy and Understanding: Nishad's compassionate approach contrasts with Maya's investigative mindset.

Summary of the Plot

Nishad and Maya notice that their neighbor, Mr. Nath, lives a secluded life and rarely interacts with others. Maya, convinced that he is hiding something, starts gathering clues, such as his thin appearance and the fact that he receives occasional visitors. Nishad, however, feels sorry for Mr. Nath and tries to befriend him. The story ends without a definitive conclusion, leaving readers to ponder whether Mr. Nath is truly mysterious or simply a private individual.

Climax: The children's differing perspectives create tension, but the mystery remains unresolved, emphasizing the subjective nature of judgment.

Moral of the Story

The chapter teaches that appearances can be deceptive and encourages readers to approach situations with an open mind rather than jumping to conclusions.

All Question Types with Solutions – CBSE Exam Pattern

Explore a complete set of CBSE-style questions with detailed solutions, categorized by marks and question types. Ideal for exam preparation, revision and practice.

Very Short Answer (1 Mark) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These are 1-mark questions requiring direct, concise answers. Ideal for quick recall and concept clarity.

Question 1:
Who is the author of Expert Detectives?
Answer:

Sharon Rushton

Question 2:
Name the two siblings in Expert Detectives.
Answer:

Nishad and Maya

Question 3:
What is Nishad's nickname in the story?
Answer:

Seven

Question 4:
Why is Mr. Nath considered mysterious?
Answer:

He lives alone and rarely talks.

Question 5:
What does Maya think about Mr. Nath?
Answer:

She suspects he is a criminal.

Question 6:
What does Nishad give to Mr. Nath?
Answer:

A bar of chocolate

Question 7:
Where does Mr. Nath live?
Answer:

In Shankar House

Question 8:
What is Maya's profession in the story?
Answer:

She is a detective.

Question 9:
Who visits Mr. Nath every Sunday?
Answer:

A tall, fair man

Question 10:
What does Nishad notice about Mr. Nath's appearance?
Answer:

He has scars on his face.

Question 11:
Why does Nishad feel sorry for Mr. Nath?
Answer:

He thinks he is lonely.

Question 12:
What does Maya use to gather clues?
Answer:

Her notebook

Question 13:
What does Nishad want to do for Mr. Nath?
Answer:

Be his friend

Question 14:
How does the story Expert Detectives end?
Answer:

They continue observing Mr. Nath.

Question 15:
Who is the author of the chapter Expert Detectives?
Answer:
The author of Expert Detectives is Sharada Dwivedi.

This chapter is part of the CBSE Class 7 English textbook and revolves around two siblings who play detectives.

Question 16:
What is the name of the mysterious neighbor in Expert Detectives?
Answer:
The mysterious neighbor in Expert Detectives is Mr. Nath.

Maya and Nishad, the siblings, are curious about him and try to uncover his secrets.

Question 17:
Why do Maya and Nishad suspect Mr. Nath?
Answer:
Maya and Nishad suspect Mr. Nath because of his secretive behavior and unusual lifestyle.

They notice he rarely interacts with others and receives occasional visitors, which makes them curious.

Question 18:
What is Nishad's nickname in the chapter?
Answer:
Nishad's nickname is Seven.

This is because his name means the seventh note in the Indian musical scale.

Question 19:
How does Maya describe Mr. Nath's appearance?
Answer:
Maya describes Mr. Nath as a thin, tall man with unkempt hair and worn-out clothes.

She also notes his pale complexion and serious expression.

Question 20:
What does Nishad give to Mr. Nath during one of their interactions?
Answer:
Nishad gives Mr. Nath a bar of chocolate.

This act shows Nishad's kindness and his attempt to befriend Mr. Nath despite their suspicions.

Question 21:
What is the profession of Maya and Nishad's mother?
Answer:
Maya and Nishad's mother is a doctor.

Her profession is mentioned in the chapter, and it influences Nishad's perspective on Mr. Nath's health.

Question 22:
Why does Nishad feel sympathetic toward Mr. Nath?
Answer:
Nishad feels sympathetic toward Mr. Nath because he thinks he might be lonely or unwell.

Unlike Maya, Nishad sees Mr. Nath as a person who needs kindness rather than suspicion.

Question 23:
What does Maya believe about Mr. Nath's visitors?
Answer:
Maya believes that Mr. Nath's visitors are involved in something illegal or suspicious.

She imagines they might be part of a criminal gang, which fuels her detective instincts.

Question 24:
How does Nishad's perspective differ from Maya's about Mr. Nath?
Answer:
Nishad sees Mr. Nath as a lonely, harmless person, while Maya views him as a potential criminal.

Nishad's approach is more empathetic, whereas Maya relies on her detective theories.

Question 25:
What clue does Maya find about Mr. Nath's past?
Answer:
Maya discovers that Mr. Nath might have been a patient in a hospital.

She finds a hospital bill, which leads her to speculate about his health and background.

Question 26:
What lesson does the chapter Expert Detectives teach about judging others?
Answer:
The chapter teaches that judging others without knowing their story can be unfair.

It highlights the importance of empathy and understanding over assumptions and suspicions.

Very Short Answer (2 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These 2-mark questions test key concepts in a brief format. Answers are expected to be accurate and slightly descriptive.

Question 1:
Who are the two main characters in the chapter Expert Detectives?
Answer:

The two main characters are Nishad (also called Seven) and Maya. They are siblings who enjoy playing detectives.

Question 2:
What nickname does Nishad give to Mr. Nath in the story?
Answer:

Nishad calls Mr. Nath 'the crook' because he suspects him of being involved in suspicious activities.

Question 3:
Why does Maya think Mr. Nath is a criminal?
Answer:

Maya thinks Mr. Nath is a criminal because he lives alone, receives few visitors, and has scars on his face, which she associates with wrongdoing.

Question 4:
What is the real profession of Mr. Nath as revealed later in the story?
Answer:

Mr. Nath is actually a private detective who works secretly to solve cases, which explains his mysterious behavior.

Question 5:
How does Nishad's opinion about Mr. Nath differ from Maya's?
Answer:

Nishad feels sympathy for Mr. Nath and believes he is lonely, while Maya is convinced he is a criminal based on her assumptions.

Question 6:
What clue makes the children suspect Mr. Nath's unusual behavior?
Answer:

They notice that Mr. Nath receives only one visitor regularly, a man with a 'scarred face', which adds to their suspicion.

Question 7:
What lesson do Nishad and Maya learn by the end of the story?
Answer:

They learn that judging people based on appearances can be misleading, and it's important to know the truth before forming opinions.

Question 8:
How does Ramesh, the cook, describe Mr. Nath's eating habits?
Answer:

Ramesh says Mr. Nath eats simple meals, usually two chapatis and some vegetables, and drinks tea.

Question 9:
What does Maya use to gather 'evidence' against Mr. Nath?
Answer:

Maya uses a notebook to jot down observations and theories about Mr. Nath's activities, treating it like a detective's case file.

Question 10:
How does the story Expert Detectives highlight the theme of curiosity?
Answer:

The story shows how curiosity drives Nishad and Maya to investigate Mr. Nath, but it also teaches them the importance of understanding rather than jumping to conclusions.

Question 11:
Who were the two main characters in Expert Detectives?
Answer:

The two main characters were Nishad (also called Seven) and his sister Maya. They were curious children who loved solving mysteries.

Question 12:
Why did Nishad and Maya suspect Mr. Nath was a criminal?
Answer:

They suspected Mr. Nath because he was lonely, had scars on his face, and received unusual visitors. Their imagination led them to believe he was hiding something.

Question 13:
What was the real profession of Mr. Nath?
Answer:

Mr. Nath was actually a mathematics teacher. Nishad and Maya later discovered he was not a criminal but a simple, kind-hearted man.

Question 14:
How did Nishad's opinion about Mr. Nath differ from Maya's?
Answer:

Nishad felt sympathy for Mr. Nath and believed he was lonely, while Maya was more suspicious and thought he was hiding a secret.

Question 15:
What did Nishad and Maya find unusual about Mr. Nath's visitor?
Answer:

They noticed that his visitor, Ramesh, always brought two lunches and stayed for a short time, which made them curious.

Question 16:
Why did Maya call herself an expert detective?
Answer:

Maya called herself an expert detective because she loved investigating and solving mysteries, just like detectives in stories.

Question 17:
What lesson did Nishad and Maya learn from their investigation?
Answer:

They learned that appearances can be deceiving and that one should not judge others without knowing the full story.

Question 18:
How did Mr. Nath react to Nishad's kindness?
Answer:

Mr. Nath was grateful and smiled when Nishad showed kindness, proving he was not the mysterious criminal they imagined.

Question 19:
What was the significance of the name Seven for Nishad?
Answer:

Nishad was called Seven because his name means the seventh note in Indian classical music, representing his cheerful and musical nature.

Question 20:
How did Maya gather clues about Mr. Nath?
Answer:

Maya observed his habits, noted his visitors, and even searched for evidence like a detective to solve the mystery.

Question 21:
What was the turning point in Nishad and Maya's investigation?
Answer:

The turning point was when Nishad befriended Mr. Nath and realized he was just a lonely man, not a criminal, changing their perspective.

Short Answer (3 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These 3-mark questions require brief explanations and help assess understanding and application of concepts.

Question 1:
Why did Nishad and Maya suspect Mr. Nath to be a criminal?
Answer:

Nishad and Maya suspected Mr. Nath because of his mysterious behavior and solitary lifestyle.
They noticed he rarely interacted with others, had scars on his face, and received only one visitor.
Their childlike curiosity led them to believe he might be hiding something.

Question 2:
What role did Ramesh play in Nishad and Maya's investigation?
Answer:

Ramesh, the dabbawala, provided clues about Mr. Nath's routine.
He revealed that Mr. Nath ate simple meals, paid promptly, and had only one visitor.
This information fueled Maya's theories while making Nishad more sympathetic toward Mr. Nath.

Question 3:
Describe the significance of the 'seven coins' in the story.
Answer:

The seven coins symbolized Nishad's birthday gift to Mr. Nath, showing his kindness.
Maya saw them as potential evidence, but Nishad used them to connect with Mr. Nath.
This highlighted their contrasting perspectives on the situation.

Question 4:
How did Maya's detective notebook reflect her personality?
Answer:

Maya's notebook was detailed and organized, filled with observations and theories about Mr. Nath.
It showed her logical and inquisitive nature, as she treated the mystery like a professional detective.
Her entries revealed her determination to uncover the truth.

Question 5:
What lesson did Nishad and Maya learn by the end of the story?
Answer:

They learned that appearances can be deceiving and judging others without proof is unfair.
Nishad's empathy taught Maya to reconsider her assumptions.
The story emphasizes the importance of understanding over hasty conclusions.

Question 6:
What role did Nishad play in the investigation of Mr. Nath?
Answer:

Nishad played the role of a friendly investigator. Unlike Maya, he was kind and empathetic towards Mr. Nath. He visited him, shared gifts, and tried to understand his side of the story, showing that not all detectives need to be harsh.

Question 7:
How did Maya's approach to solving the mystery differ from Nishad's?
Answer:

Maya relied on logical reasoning and evidence-based conclusions. She made notes, observed patterns, and formed theories. Nishad, however, used emotional understanding and personal interaction to uncover the truth. Their approaches show the balance between logic and empathy.

Question 8:
What lesson did Nishad and Maya learn from their detective work?
Answer:

They learned that appearances can be deceiving. Mr. Nath turned out to be a kind-hearted person with a tragic past, not a criminal. The experience taught them the importance of not judging others hastily.

Question 9:
Describe one key piece of evidence that made Maya believe Mr. Nath was hiding something.
Answer:

Maya noticed that Mr. Nath had a large trunk in his room, which he never opened in front of others. She theorized it might contain stolen goods or secrets, fueling her suspicion. Later, they discovered it held personal belongings, not criminal evidence.

Question 10:
How did Mr. Nath's scar contribute to the children's suspicion?
Answer:

The scar on Mr. Nath's face made him look intimidating and mysterious. In stories, villains often have distinguishing marks, so the children associated his scar with criminal behavior. This shows how stereotypes can influence perceptions.

Long Answer (5 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These 5-mark questions are descriptive and require detailed, structured answers with proper explanation and examples.

Question 1:
How does Maya in Expert Detectives show curiosity and intelligence?
Answer:
Introduction

In Expert Detectives, Maya is a curious and intelligent girl who loves solving mysteries. Our textbook shows her keen observation skills.


Argument 1
  • She notices small details like Mr. Nath's scars and habits.
  • She connects clues logically, like linking his meals to his routine.

Argument 2
  • She questions Nishad's assumptions and forms her own theories.
  • Her persistence shows her dedication to uncovering the truth.

Conclusion

Maya's curiosity and intelligence make her a skilled detective, inspiring readers to observe carefully.

Question 2:
Why is Nishad more sympathetic toward Mr. Nath than Maya?
Answer:
Introduction

Nishad in Expert Detectives shows kindness toward Mr. Nath, unlike Maya. Our textbook highlights his empathetic nature.


Argument 1
  • He sees Mr. Nath's loneliness and brings him food.
  • He believes in giving people a chance, unlike Maya's suspicion.

Argument 2
  • He focuses on emotions, noticing Mr. Nath's sadness.
  • His friendly approach contrasts with Maya's detective mindset.

Conclusion

Nishad's sympathy teaches us to understand others' feelings before judging them.

Question 3:
How does the story Expert Detectives highlight sibling differences?
Answer:
Introduction

Expert Detectives shows how siblings Maya and Nishad think differently. Our textbook contrasts their personalities.


Argument 1
  • Maya is logical and analytical, focusing on facts.
  • Nishad is emotional and kind-hearted, trusting people easily.

Argument 2
  • Maya suspects Mr. Nath, while Nishad feels sorry for him.
  • Their debates show how siblings can have opposite views.

Conclusion

The story teaches us that differences can complement each other, like in a family.

Question 4:
What role does observation play in solving mysteries in Expert Detectives?
Answer:
Introduction

Observation is key in Expert Detectives, as Maya and Nishad solve mysteries by noticing details. Our textbook emphasizes this skill.


Argument 1
  • Maya observes Mr. Nath's scars and habits to form theories.
  • She counts his meals to guess his routine.

Argument 2
  • Nishad notices Mr. Nath's loneliness, showing emotional observation.
  • Their combined observations help them understand him better.

Conclusion

The story teaches us that careful observation is essential for solving problems.

Question 5:
How does the author create suspense in Expert Detectives?
Answer:
Introduction

The author builds suspense in Expert Detectives by keeping Mr. Nath's identity a mystery. Our textbook uses clues to engage readers.


Argument 1
  • Maya's theories about Mr. Nath being a criminal create curiosity.
  • His silent and secretive behavior adds to the suspense.

Argument 2
  • Nishad's discoveries, like the chocolates, hint at a kinder side.
  • The unresolved ending leaves readers wondering.

Conclusion

The suspense makes the story exciting and encourages us to think critically.

Question 6:
How does the story Expert Detectives highlight the curiosity and observational skills of Maya and Nishad?
Answer:
Introduction

In Expert Detectives, Maya and Nishad show great curiosity and sharp observation skills while investigating Mr. Nath.


Argument 1
  • Maya carefully notes details like Mr. Nath's scars and his mysterious behavior.
  • Nishad observes his kindness when he gives him a bar of chocolate.

Argument 2

Our textbook shows how they form theories—Maya thinks he's a criminal, while Nishad believes he's lonely.


Conclusion

Their curiosity helps them uncover truths, teaching us the value of observation.

Question 7:
Why is teamwork important in solving mysteries, as shown in Expert Detectives?
Answer:
Introduction

Maya and Nishad work together to solve the mystery of Mr. Nath, showing the power of teamwork.


Argument 1
  • Maya's logical thinking complements Nishad's empathy, giving a balanced perspective.
  • They share clues, like Nishad’s visit to Mr. Nath’s house.

Argument 2

Our textbook highlights how their combined efforts lead to a better understanding of Mr. Nath.


Conclusion

Teamwork helps them see different sides of the mystery, proving its importance.

Question 8:
How does the author use contrasting personalities of Maya and Nishad to make the story interesting?
Answer:
Introduction

Maya and Nishad have different personalities, making Expert Detectives engaging.


Argument 1
  • Maya is analytical and suspicious, while Nishad is kind and trusting.
  • Their debates, like whether Mr. Nath is a criminal, add excitement.

Argument 2

Our textbook shows how their differences create tension and humor in the story.


Conclusion

Their contrasting views keep readers hooked, making the story lively.

Question 9:
What role does imagination play in Maya’s detective work in Expert Detectives?
Answer:
Introduction

Maya uses her imagination to form theories about Mr. Nath in Expert Detectives.


Argument 1
  • She imagines him as a criminal based on scars and secrecy.
  • Her creative ideas drive the investigation forward.

Argument 2

Our textbook shows how her imagination sometimes leads to wrong conclusions, like Nishad points out.


Conclusion

Imagination helps Maya think like a detective but also reminds us to verify facts.

Question 10:
How does the story Expert Detectives teach us about not judging people by appearances?
Answer:
Introduction

Expert Detectives teaches us to avoid judging people based on looks.


Argument 1
  • Maya assumes Mr. Nath is dangerous because of his scars.
  • Nishad sees his kindness, proving appearances can be misleading.

Argument 2

Our textbook shows how Nishad’s perspective helps Maya rethink her assumptions.


Conclusion

The story reminds us to look beyond appearances to understand people better.

Question 11:
In the chapter Expert Detectives, Nishad and Maya have different opinions about Mr. Nath. Compare their perspectives and explain how their personalities influence their views. (5 marks)
Answer:

In Expert Detectives, Nishad and Maya have contrasting opinions about Mr. Nath due to their distinct personalities. Maya, being analytical and imaginative, views Mr. Nath as a suspicious character. She forms theories based on assumptions, such as him being a criminal hiding from the police. Her curiosity and love for mystery stories make her jump to conclusions without solid evidence.

On the other hand, Nishad is more empathetic and observant. He notices Mr. Nath's kindness, like when he gives Nishad a bar of chocolate. Nishad believes Mr. Nath is lonely and possibly unwell, showing a more compassionate perspective. His friendly nature makes him trust people easily, unlike Maya.

Their differing views highlight how personality shapes perception—Maya's detective-like mindset leads to suspicion, while Nishad's warmth fosters understanding.

Question 12:
How does the chapter Expert Detectives teach us the importance of not judging people based on appearances? Support your answer with examples from the text. (5 marks)
Answer:

The chapter Expert Detectives emphasizes the lesson of not judging others hastily through the characters of Nishad and Maya. Maya assumes Mr. Nath is a criminal because of his quiet and reclusive behavior, while Nishad sees him as a kind but lonely man.

  • Maya's suspicion arises from Mr. Nath's scars and his habit of staying indoors, proving how appearances can mislead.
  • Nishad, however, observes Mr. Nath's gentle actions, like sharing food, showing that kindness lies beneath his stern exterior.

The story teaches us to look beyond surface-level observations and seek understanding before forming opinions. This message is relevant in real life, where quick judgments can lead to misunderstandings.

Question 13:
In the chapter Expert Detectives, Nishad and Maya have different perspectives about Mr. Nath. Compare their viewpoints and explain how their personalities influence their opinions. (5 marks)
Answer:

In Expert Detectives, Nishad and Maya have contrasting views about Mr. Nath. Maya is suspicious and believes Mr. Nath is a criminal because of his secretive behavior, scars, and lack of visitors. She uses logic and imagination to build a negative image of him, showing her curious and investigative nature.

On the other hand, Nishad is compassionate and feels sorry for Mr. Nath, noticing his loneliness and poor health. His kind-hearted and empathetic personality makes him see Mr. Nath as a victim rather than a villain.

Their differing perspectives highlight how personalities shape opinions—Maya's analytical mind leads to suspicion, while Nishad's warmth fosters sympathy. This contrast also teaches us the importance of not judging people based on appearances.

Question 14:
How does the chapter Expert Detectives highlight the importance of observation and imagination in solving mysteries? Support your answer with examples from the text. (5 marks)
Answer:

The chapter Expert Detectives emphasizes that observation and imagination are key to solving mysteries. Maya and Nishad use these skills differently:

  • Observation: Maya notices small details like Mr. Nath's scars, his limited meals, and the fact that only one visitor (Ramesh) comes to see him. She pieces these clues together to form a theory.
  • Imagination: Nishad imagines Mr. Nath's loneliness and possible hardships, which helps him see beyond appearances. His creative thinking balances Maya's rigid deductions.

For example, Maya observes Mr. Nath's "thin face" and assumes he's hiding something, while Nishad imagines he might be poor or sick. The story shows that while facts are important, empathy and creativity are equally valuable in understanding people.

Question 15:
In the chapter Expert Detectives, Nishad and Maya have different perspectives about Mr. Nath. Compare and contrast their views with examples from the text.
Answer:

In Expert Detectives, Nishad and Maya have completely different opinions about Mr. Nath. Nishad is sympathetic and curious, while Maya is suspicious and judgmental.

  • Nishad's view: He believes Mr. Nath is lonely and possibly ill because he is thin and stays indoors. Nishad feels sorry for him and even brings him a bar of chocolate. He thinks Mr. Nath's scars might be from an accident, not something criminal.
  • Maya's view: She suspects Mr. Nath is a criminal hiding from the police. She points out his strange habits, like having no friends except a visitor on Sundays. She also thinks his scars are proof of his criminal past.

The key difference is their approach: Nishad is kind-hearted, while Maya jumps to conclusions without proof. The story shows how perceptions can vary based on one's mindset.

Question 16:
How does the chapter Expert Detectives highlight the importance of not judging people based on appearances? Explain with references from the text.
Answer:

The chapter Expert Detectives teaches us the lesson of not judging others hastily. Both Nishad and Maya form opinions about Mr. Nath, but their approaches differ.

Key Examples:
1. Maya assumes Mr. Nath is a criminal because of his scars and quiet lifestyle, showing how appearances can mislead.
2. Nishad, however, tries to understand Mr. Nath's situation and shows empathy instead of suspicion.

Moral:
The story emphasizes that first impressions can be wrong. Maya's theories lack evidence, while Nishad's kindness reflects a wiser approach. The chapter encourages readers to seek the truth before forming opinions.

Question 17:
How does the chapter Expert Detectives highlight the theme of misjudgment? Explain with examples from the story. (5 marks)
Answer:

The chapter Expert Detectives strongly emphasizes the theme of misjudgment through the characters' assumptions about Mr. Nath. Maya misjudges him as a criminal due to his scars, quiet nature, and mysterious lifestyle, jumping to conclusions without evidence.

For example, she assumes his scars are from criminal activities and that his lack of visitors means he is hiding something. However, these are just stereotypes and not facts.

Nishad, though initially influenced by Maya, later questions these assumptions, showing that first impressions can be misleading. The story teaches us to avoid quick judgments and seek the truth before forming opinions.

Question 18:
How does the chapter Expert Detectives highlight the importance of not judging people based on appearances? Explain with examples.
Answer:

The chapter Expert Detectives teaches us that appearances can be misleading, and we should avoid quick judgments. Maya assumes Mr. Nath is a criminal just because he looks different—thin, scarred, and reclusive. However, Nishad shows empathy and considers other possibilities, like illness or loneliness.

  • Example 1: Maya thinks Mr. Nath's scars are from criminal activities, but Nishad suggests they could be from an accident.
  • Example 2: Maya believes his quiet nature means he is hiding something, while Nishad feels he might just be shy or unwell.

The lesson is clear: appearances don't always reveal the truth. The story encourages readers to be open-minded and compassionate rather than making assumptions.

Question 19:
In the chapter Expert Detectives, Nishad and Maya have different perspectives about Mr. Nath. Compare and contrast their viewpoints with examples from the text.
Answer:

In Expert Detectives, Nishad and Maya have contrasting views about Mr. Nath. Nishad is sympathetic and curious, while Maya is suspicious and judgmental.

  • Nishad's Perspective: He believes Mr. Nath is lonely and possibly ill. He notices Mr. Nath's thin appearance and offers him a chocolate bar, showing kindness. Nishad thinks Mr. Nath might be hiding due to sadness, not guilt.
  • Maya's Perspective: She suspects Mr. Nath is a criminal because of his secretive behavior. She points out his scars, lack of visitors (except one), and his unwillingness to interact with others as evidence of wrongdoing.

Their differences highlight how assumptions can vary—Nishad focuses on empathy, while Maya relies on suspicion. The story teaches us to avoid jumping to conclusions without proof.

Question 20:
How does the chapter Expert Detectives highlight the importance of observation and reasoning? Explain with examples from the text.
Answer:

The chapter Expert Detectives emphasizes how observation and reasoning shape our understanding of others. Here’s how:

  • Observation: Maya notices small details about Mr. Nath, like his scars, his eating habits, and his single visitor. These observations fuel her theory that he is a criminal.
  • Reasoning: Nishad, however, interprets the same details differently. He reasons that Mr. Nath might be unwell or lonely, showing that observations can lead to multiple conclusions.

The story teaches that while observation is important, how we interpret facts matters equally. Jumping to conclusions without evidence, like Maya, can be misleading, while Nishad’s open-minded approach encourages empathy.

Case-based Questions (4 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These 4-mark case-based questions assess analytical skills through real-life scenarios. Answers must be based on the case study provided.

Question 1:
In Expert Detectives, Nishad and Maya investigate Mr. Nath. List two observations they make about him and explain how these reflect their curiosity.
Answer:
Case Summary

Nishad and Maya notice Mr. Nath's solitary lifestyle and mysterious scars.

Analysis
  • They observe he rarely interacts with others, showing their attention to detail.
  • His scars make them speculate about his past, proving their imaginative thinking.
Conclusion

Our textbook shows how curiosity drives their detective work, like real-life investigators.

Question 2:
Compare Nishad and Maya's approaches to solving the mystery of Mr. Nath. Give one example of each.
Answer:
Case Summary

Nishad relies on kindness, while Maya uses logic.

Analysis
  • Nishad brings Mr. Nath food, showing empathy.
  • Maya records clues like a detective, focusing on facts.
Conclusion

We studied how their methods balance emotion and reasoning, similar to teamwork in mysteries.

Question 3:
How does the setting of Shankar House contribute to the mystery in the story? Provide two details.
Answer:
Case Summary

The old building has creaky stairs and shadowy corners.

Analysis
  • The eerie sounds make Mr. Nath seem more suspicious.
  • Dark spaces hide his activities, fueling the children's theories.
Conclusion

Our textbook shows settings can heighten mystery, just like in detective movies.

Question 4:
Identify two clues that mislead the children about Mr. Nath and explain why they were wrong.
Answer:
Case Summary

They assume his scars mean he's a criminal and his solitude hides secrets.

Analysis
  • Scars could have innocent causes, like accidents.
  • Being alone doesn’t prove wrongdoing, as shy people exist.
Conclusion

We learned not to judge based on appearances, a key lesson in the chapter.

Question 5:
In Expert Detectives, Nishad and Maya investigate Mr. Nath. List two observations they make about him and explain how these observations shape their curiosity.
Answer:
Case Summary

Nishad and Maya notice Mr. Nath's solitary lifestyle and unusual scars. Our textbook shows they suspect he might be hiding something.

Analysis
  • He lives alone and rarely interacts with others.
  • His scars make them wonder about his past.
Conclusion

These details fuel their detective instincts, leading to further investigations.

Question 6:
How does Maya's attitude differ from Nishad's in Expert Detectives? Compare their approaches with examples.
Answer:
Case Summary

Maya is logical and suspicious, while Nishad is compassionate and curious.

Analysis
  • Maya assumes Mr. Nath is a criminal without proof.
  • Nishad feels sorry for him and wants to help.
Conclusion

Their differences show how people can interpret the same situation differently.

Question 7:
Identify one clue Nishad and Maya find about Mr. Nath's possible occupation. How does this clue add to the mystery?
Answer:
Case Summary

They discover Mr. Nath receives money by mail, suggesting he might not work a regular job.

Analysis
  • This makes them question his source of income.
  • It deepens their suspicion about his secrecy.
Conclusion

The clue adds suspense, making them more determined to uncover the truth.

Question 8:
Why do Nishad and Maya disagree about Mr. Nath's character? Support your answer with two reasons from the story.
Answer:
Case Summary

Nishad sees Mr. Nath as lonely and harmless, while Maya thinks he is dangerous.

Analysis
  • Nishad notices his kindness when he gives Nishad a coin.
  • Maya focuses on his scars and secretive behavior.
Conclusion

Their disagreement shows how perceptions can vary based on personal biases.

Question 9:
In Expert Detectives, Nishad and Maya investigate Mr. Nath. List two observations they make about him and explain how these observations reflect their detective skills.
Answer:
Case Summary

Nishad and Maya notice Mr. Nath's solitary lifestyle and mysterious visitors.

Analysis
  • They observe he rarely leaves home, showing their attention to routine.
  • They note a tall, spectacled visitor, proving their eye for detail.
Conclusion

Our textbook shows how these basic observations help them form theories, like detectives.

Question 10:
How does Maya's perspective differ from Nishad's in Expert Detectives? Support your answer with examples.
Answer:
Case Summary

Maya suspects Mr. Nath is a criminal, while Nishad feels he is lonely.

Analysis
  • Maya focuses on his secrecy, like his locked room.
  • Nishad notices his kindness, like giving marbles.
Conclusion

We studied how their contrasting views show different approaches to solving mysteries.

Question 11:
Identify two detective techniques Nishad and Maya use in Expert Detectives and evaluate their effectiveness.
Answer:
Case Summary

They use observation and interviews to gather clues.

Analysis
  • Observing Mr. Nath's habits helps them track patterns.
  • Questioning Ramesh, the cook, provides direct information.
Conclusion

Our textbook shows these basic techniques are effective but limited without proof.

Question 12:
Why does Nishad sympathize with Mr. Nath in Expert Detectives? Relate his behavior to a real-life situation.
Answer:
Case Summary

Nishad pities Mr. Nath’s loneliness and brings him food.

Analysis
  • He relates to Mr. Nath’s isolation, like ignoring a quiet classmate.
  • His kindness mirrors helping a neighbor in need.
Conclusion

We studied how empathy, like Nishad’s, helps understand others better.

Question 13:

Read the following passage from Expert Detectives:

'Nishad and Maya were convinced that Mr. Nath was a criminal hiding from the police. They observed his behavior, his mysterious visitors, and his reclusive nature.'

Based on the passage, answer the following:

  • Why did Nishad and Maya suspect Mr. Nath?
  • Do you think their suspicion was justified? Give a reason for your answer.
Answer:

Why Nishad and Maya suspected Mr. Nath:

  • They noticed his reclusive nature and lack of interaction with others.
  • He had mysterious visitors, which made them curious.
  • His behavior seemed secretive, leading them to believe he was hiding something.

Justification of their suspicion:

Their suspicion was based on observations but lacked concrete evidence. While their curiosity was natural, jumping to conclusions without proof was not justified. Detectives should rely on facts, not just assumptions.

Question 14:

In Expert Detectives, Nishad and Maya play the role of amateur detectives. Imagine you are Nishad and write a short diary entry (about 50 words) describing your thoughts and feelings after your first investigation of Mr. Nath.

Answer:

Diary Entry (Nishad's Perspective):

Today, Maya and I spied on Mr. Nath again. He barely leaves his house, and that tall visitor came again. I feel a bit guilty—what if he’s just lonely? Maya is sure he’s a criminal, but I’m not convinced. Maybe we should talk to him instead of assuming the worst.

This entry shows Nishad's conflict between curiosity and empathy, a key theme in the story.

Question 15:

Read the following passage from Expert Detectives:

'Nishad and Maya were determined to uncover the truth about Mr. Nath. They observed his habits, noted his visitors, and even tried to talk to him.'

Based on the passage, answer:

1. What qualities of Nishad and Maya make them expert detectives?
2. How did their approach help them gather information about Mr. Nath?

Answer:

1. Nishad and Maya displayed qualities like keen observation, curiosity, and persistence, which are essential for being expert detectives. They carefully noted details about Mr. Nath's behavior and surroundings.

2. Their systematic approach included:

  • Observing Mr. Nath's daily habits and visitors.
  • Attempting direct communication to gather more clues.
This method helped them piece together information logically, just like real detectives.

Question 16:

In Expert Detectives, Nishad and Maya have different opinions about Mr. Nath. Nishad feels sympathy for him, while Maya suspects he might be a criminal.

1. Why does Nishad feel sympathetic toward Mr. Nath?
2. What reasons does Maya give for her suspicion?

Answer:

1. Nishad feels sympathy because he notices Mr. Nath's loneliness and solitary lifestyle. He also observes that Mr. Nath appears kind when he gives Nishad a coin, which makes him believe Mr. Nath is harmless.

2. Maya suspects Mr. Nath due to:

  • His mysterious behavior and lack of interaction with others.
  • The fact that he has scars on his face, which she associates with criminal activity.
  • Her imaginative and logical reasoning, which leads her to think he might be hiding something.

Question 17:

Read the following passage from Expert Detectives:

'Nishad and Maya were determined to uncover the truth about Mr. Nath. They observed his habits, his visitors, and even his meals.'

Based on the passage, answer the following:

  • Why were Nishad and Maya so curious about Mr. Nath?
  • How did their detective skills help them gather information?
Answer:

Curiosity about Mr. Nath: Nishad and Maya were curious about Mr. Nath because he was a mysterious man who lived alone and rarely interacted with others. His unusual behavior, like having only one visitor and eating the same meal daily, made them suspect he was hiding something.

Detective Skills: They used keen observation and deduction, like expert detectives, to gather clues. For example:

  • They noted his daily routine, such as his meals and visitors.
  • They listened carefully to conversations and pieced together information.
Their persistence and attention to detail helped them form theories about Mr. Nath's life.

Question 18:

In Expert Detectives, Nishad and Maya have different perspectives about Mr. Nath. Nishad feels sympathy, while Maya is suspicious.

Answer the following:

  • What reasons does Nishad give for feeling sympathetic toward Mr. Nath?
  • Why does Maya distrust Mr. Nath? Provide examples from the story.
Answer:

Nishad's Sympathy: Nishad feels sorry for Mr. Nath because he notices that Mr. Nath lives alone, seems lonely, and has a scar that suggests he might have faced hardship. Nishad believes he might be a kind person misunderstood by others.

Maya's Distrust: Maya distrusts Mr. Nath because of his secretive behavior. Examples include:

  • He rarely leaves his house, which she finds suspicious.
  • He has only one visitor, a man who meets him regularly, making her think he could be involved in something illegal.
Maya's logical and analytical nature leads her to suspect Mr. Nath, unlike Nishad, who relies on emotions.

Question 19:
Read the following excerpt from Expert Detectives:

'Nishad and Maya were convinced that Mr. Nath was a criminal hiding from the police. They observed his behavior, his mysterious visitors, and his reclusive lifestyle.'

Based on this, answer:
Why did Nishad and Maya suspect Mr. Nath? What clues did they use to form their opinion?
Answer:

Nishad and Maya suspected Mr. Nath because of his unusual behavior and secretive lifestyle. They observed several clues that made them believe he was a criminal:

  • He lived alone and rarely interacted with others, which seemed suspicious.
  • He had mysterious visitors who came at odd hours, making them think he was involved in illegal activities.
  • His reclusive nature and reluctance to socialize added to their doubts.

Their detective instincts led them to connect these observations to a criminal hiding from the police, though their assumptions were based more on imagination than evidence.

Question 20:
In Expert Detectives, Nishad and Maya have different perspectives about Mr. Nath.

Nishad feels sympathetic towards him, while Maya is suspicious.

How do their personalities influence their opinions? Provide examples from the story to support your answer.
Answer:

Nishad and Maya's personalities shape their views of Mr. Nath in contrasting ways:

  • Nishad is kind-hearted and empathetic. He notices Mr. Nath's loneliness and poor health, feeling sorry for him. For example, he brings him a bar of chocolate to show kindness.
  • Maya is curious and analytical. She focuses on his secrecy and jumps to conclusions, assuming he is a criminal. She points out his mysterious habits as proof of wrongdoing.

Their differing traits—Nishad's compassion vs. Maya's suspicion—highlight how perceptions can vary based on one's nature.

Question 21:
Read the following passage from Expert Detectives:

'Nishad and Maya were determined to uncover the truth about Mr. Nath. They observed his habits, noted his visitors, and even tried to sneak into his room.'

Based on their actions, explain how Nishad and Maya demonstrated the qualities of curiosity and perseverance. Provide examples from the text to support your answer.
Answer:

Nishad and Maya showed curiosity by actively observing Mr. Nath's habits and noting his visitors. For example, they noticed he had only one visitor, a spectacled man, and that he ate the same food every day. Their perseverance is evident when they tried to sneak into his room despite facing obstacles, showing their determination to solve the mystery. These qualities helped them gather clues and form theories about Mr. Nath's life.

Question 22:
In Expert Detectives, Nishad and Maya have very different opinions about Mr. Nath.

Nishad feels sympathetic towards him, while Maya suspects he might be a criminal.

Compare their perspectives and explain how their personalities influenced their views. Support your answer with examples from the chapter.
Answer:

Nishad's compassionate nature makes him feel sorry for Mr. Nath, seeing him as a lonely and possibly misunderstood person. For instance, he brings Mr. Nath a bar of chocolate to cheer him up. On the other hand, Maya's logical and suspicious mindset leads her to believe Mr. Nath could be hiding something, like his scars and secretive behavior. Their differing personalities shape their interpretations of Mr. Nath's actions, showing how perspective can influence understanding.

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