Neighbours Class 12 Exercise Notes : Question Answer

Neighbours by Tim Winton Exercise: Question Answers Class 12 English. For complete notes of Class 12 English Book, go to this link 

Understanding the Text

1. Describe how the young couple’s house looked like.Even though their home was tiny, it had the appearance of a beautiful cottage due to the high ceilings and paned windows on the walls. Their house was cozy and suitable for a modest lifestyle.
2. How did the young couple recognize their neighbours in the beginning of their arrival?The young couple initially found their neighbours to be uncivilized and annoying due to various odd activities. They witnessed people screaming, quarreling, making unnecessary noises, lacking proper sanitation, and interfering with their household activities. This gave them a negative impression of their neighbourhood.
3. How did the neighbours assist the young couple in the kitchen garden?Neighbours helped both orally and physically. They provided advice on gardening techniques and offered seeds and plants. This assistance was valuable for the young couple’s kitchen garden.
4. Why were the people in the neighbourhood shocked at the role of the young man and his wife in their family?The neighbours were shocked because the young man stayed at home doing domestic chores while his wife worked at a hospital. This role reversal was unconventional and unexpected in their community.
5. How did the neighbours respond when they learned about the woman’s pregnancy?The neighbours responded with grace and politeness. They showed concern, gave presents, and offered advice. Their joyful reactions included giving hand-knitted items, suggesting baby names, and showing genuine happiness for the couple.
6. Why did the young man begin to cry at the end of the story?The young man cried out of joy and realization. He appreciated the neighbours’ concern and care, which changed his view of them. He understood the value of interpersonal relationships and was moved by their kindness.
7. Why did the author not characterize the persons in the story with proper names?The author did not give definitive names to represent individuals from various cultures living together in peace. This allows readers to focus on the interactions and relationships rather than specific identities.

Reference to the Context

1. The story depicts that linguistic and cultural barriers do not create any obstacles in human relationships. Explain with examples.In the story, neighbours helped the couple with their garden despite language differences. A Macedonian family taught them to yell, and they helped an old Polish man with his chicken coop. These actions showed that human connections transcend linguistic and cultural barriers.
2. The last sentence of the story says, “The twentieth-century novel had not prepared him for this.” Explain.The young man realized that his views from twentieth-century literature about immigrants were incorrect. The real-life relationships and human interactions he experienced were far more profound and meaningful than what he had read in novels.
3. A Nepali proverb says “Neighbours are the companions for the wedding procession as well as for the funeral procession.” Does this proverb apply in the story? Justify.Yes, the proverb applies. The neighbours helped the couple in both challenging and joyful times. They provided support for gardening and celebrated the pregnancy, showing that they were true companions in all aspects of life.
4. Why do you think multiculturalism has become a major issue in the present world?Multiculturalism involves a mix of cultures, which can lead to communication barriers, social instability, and divisions. These issues can cause misunderstandings and prejudice, making it a significant concern in today’s diverse societies.

Reference Beyond the Text

1. Write an essay on Celebration of Childbirth in my Community.In my community, childbirth is celebrated with joy. The naming ceremony on the ninth day is a significant event where family and community members gather. Guests congratulate the parents, and there is singing, dancing, and feasting. This celebration strengthens social bonds and shows the community’s support for the new family.
2. Do people in your community respond with similar reactions upon pregnancy and childbirth as depicted in the story?Yes, in my community, people are very supportive during pregnancy and childbirth. They offer health advice, give presents, and celebrate the birth with joy. This communal support helps strengthen relationships and shows the importance of family and community bonds.