NCERT Class 11 English Lesson 3: 'Mother's Day' Practice MCQs & Answers
This work has been verified by our teacher: 20.01.2026 at 18:17
Type of homework: Analysis
Added: 19.01.2026 at 12:57
Summary:
Explore NCERT Class 11 English Lesson 3 'Mother's Day' with practice MCQs and answers to boost comprehension, critical analysis, and exam readiness effectively.
The Role of Multiple-Choice Questions in Understanding ‘Mother’s Day’: An NCERT Class 11 English Study
In Indian schools, English literature forms a core part of the CBSE Class 11 curriculum, laying not only the foundation for language proficiency but also nurturing critical thinking and emotional intelligence among students. The one-act play ‘Mother’s Day’ by J.B. Priestley, included as Lesson 3 in the NCERT textbook ‘Snapshots’, provides an insightful exploration into family dynamics, gender roles, and respect within domestic relationships. With the CBSE pivoting more towards application-based learning, Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) have become a popular method to test students’ textual comprehension, analytical skills, and interpretative abilities. In this essay, I will discuss how MCQs aid in mastering ‘Mother’s Day’, elaborate on their educational advantages, provide specific preparation strategies, and reflect on their overall impact on learning English literature in the Indian context.---
Understanding ‘Mother’s Day’: The Play in a Nutshell
To appreciate how MCQs enhance learning, it is crucial to first understand the primary narrative and themes of ‘Mother’s Day’. The play revolves around Mrs. Pearson, a typical housewife whose family takes her for granted—a scenario that would resonate with many Indian households, where mothers often sacrifice their well-being for the family’s sake. Her friend, Mrs. Fitzgerald, who is strong-willed and assertive, notices this imbalance. Through a magical switch of personalities, Mrs. Pearson, armed now with Mrs. Fitzgerald’s assertiveness, challenges her family’s habitual neglect and demands the respect she deserves.The play is populated with vivid characters—the overworked and overlooked Mrs. Pearson; Mrs. Fitzgerald, the catalyst for change; Doris and Cyril, her indifferent children; and George, her passive husband. Through their dialogues and behaviour, Priestley critiques the social norm of mothers being the invisible backbone of the family, a theme as relevant to the Indian ethos as to the English one in which it is set.
By using MCQs to examine such a text, students can sharpen their attention to both the overt and subtle elements of Priestley’s storytelling—plot intricacies, character motivations, and underlying social commentary.
---
Why MCQs Matter in Literature Learning
Cognitive Gains
The value of MCQs in the context of Class 11 English lies in promoting meticulous reading. Since MCQs often focus on key details—like, “Who suggests the change of roles in ‘Mother’s Day’? (a) Mrs. Pearson (b) Doris (c) Mrs. Fitzgerald (d) Cyril”—students need to pay attention to character interactions and plot developments. This not only aids retention but pushes students to differentiate between surface-level information and nuanced interpretation.Additionally, MCQs foster quick recall, enhance familiarity with new vocabulary, and train the mind to discern between similar-sounding choices—a useful ability given the competitive academic landscape in India, where exams like the CUET, commerce entrance tests, and even medical and engineering entrance exams feature extensive MCQ components.
Assessment and Objectivity
MCQ-based assessments are valued because of their objectivity. Unlike subjective questions, which can be influenced by a teacher’s perception or a student’s writing flair, MCQs ensure every student is measured by the same yardstick. With limited time in examinations, MCQs are efficient: students can demonstrate knowledge across the breadth of the syllabus rather than presenting lengthy answers on just one aspect. For instance, within ten short MCQs, an examiner can probe a student’s grasp of plot, setting, character, vocabulary, and theme—something that reinforces comprehensive preparation.Psychological Preparation
For many Indian students, the examination is attended with significant anxiety. MCQs offer structured guidance: rather than having to create answers from scratch, students select from possibilities. This can reduce examination stress, as options may jog memory or clarify misconceptions. Regular practice cultivates confidence and agility in thinking—an asset, not just in English, but in a host of competitive examinations common to Indian students.---
Dissecting MCQs on ‘Mother’s Day’: Structure and Types
When preparing for CBSE English exams, students must encounter and master various question types. These include:- Factual MCQs: They test on direct details. For example: “Who first notices the change in Mrs. Pearson’s behaviour? (a) Doris (b) George (c) Cyril (d) Mrs. Fitzgerald.”
- Interpretative MCQs: These require assessing characters or motivations, e.g., “Mrs. Pearson’s transformation teaches her family: (a) Obedience (b) Gratitude (c) Strict discipline (d) None of the above.”
- Vocabulary MCQs: These probe understanding of idioms and phrases in the text, such as, “What does ‘to be taken for granted’ mean in context?”
- Inference MCQs: Here, students must draw conclusions not directly stated. For instance, “The play suggests that respect within a family is: (a) Automatic (b) Earned (c) Imposed (d) Irrelevant.”
- Contextual MCQs: These require situating dialogue or incident within its textual setting, for example, asking which character’s line reflects disappointment.
By facing such questions, students not only memorize facts but learn to read between the lines—a crucial skill in literature and life.
---
Mastering ‘Mother’s Day’ MCQs: Student Strategies
Close Reading and Annotation
A common trend in many Indian classrooms, especially in higher secondary classes, is to breeze through texts hoping last-minute revision will suffice. However, MCQs demand familiarity with intricate details. Students benefit from reading ‘Mother’s Day’ at least twice. During the second reading, highlighting pivotal dialogues (“I don’t know how you put up with them,” Mrs. Fitzgerald remarks) helps. Summarising scenes in one’s own words strengthens retention.Active Practice
There is no substitute for practice. Students should solve NCERT exercises, explore sample papers made available by CBSE, and attempt MCQ quizzes on educational portals like TopperLearning or LearnCBSE. Attempting these under timed conditions builds the ability to think quickly and decisively.Process of Elimination
When encountering options that appear confusing, the process of elimination is invaluable. For instance, if three options seem incorrect, the last one—even if uncertain, might be a better guess. Look for extreme words like ‘always’ or ‘never’—such words often signal incorrect options in CBSE’s style.Mind Mapping and Flashcards
Creating flashcards with one side showing “Cyril” and the other “Mrs. Pearson’s indifferent son who learns a lesson” is an effective, portable method for revision. For interconnected plots and relationships, drawing mind maps helps visualise who interacts with whom—a time-tested technique for Indian students who learn best through visual aids.Handling Confusing MCQs
Practice makes perfect, but exposure to ‘trick’ questions—such as those with double negatives or which require inference—should not be neglected. For example, a question might be, “Which character is least likely to advise Mrs. Pearson on self-respect?” Even if all main characters are present, recalling each person’s attitude clears confusion.---
The Deeper Impact: Beyond the Exam Room
While MCQs ensure factual and interpretative preparedness, the appreciation of ‘Mother’s Day’—and indeed all literature—lies in understanding the heartbeat of the story. For instance, the transformation of Mrs. Pearson reflects the struggles of many Indian mothers—ever sacrificing, often underappreciated, but the spiritual centre of the home. Discussing these issues in class, or writing essays, turns MCQ learning into meaningful reflection.Moreover, consistent MCQ practice builds mastery over language, cultivates a habit of careful reading, and also lays the groundwork for skills needed in exams like CUET or even the civil services, where English comprehension is tested.
---
A Quick Checklist for Revision
- Can you summarise the character traits of Mrs. Pearson and Mrs. Fitzgerald? - Do you remember key plot events and their sequence? - Are you able to explain major themes, such as respect and family roles? - Have you practised at least 30 MCQs from textbooks and sample papers? - Can you identify important quotes and their speakers? - Did you check answers to understand mistakes and avoid repeating them?---
Conclusion: The Balanced Approach to Literature and Learning
In essence, MCQs are not just tools of rote learning, but of sharpening comprehension, inculcating discipline, and nurturing a deeper familiarity with texts like ‘Mother’s Day’. They enable objective self-assessment and build a springboard for higher analysis. However, Indian students must balance MCQ preparation with reflection and discussion—combining the precision demanded by exams with the empathy and critical thinking fostered by literature.As we celebrate the mothers in our homes and in our stories, let us remember that true appreciation demands both understanding and action. ‘Mother’s Day’ by J.B. Priestley, explored through careful reading and thoughtful MCQs, is not just an exam lesson, but a call to treat our family’s foundation—our mothers—with respect and gratitude.
For students, then, the message is clear: approach MCQs on ‘Mother’s Day’ not as a hurdle, but as a pathway into the heart of great literature. With consistent practice, strategic preparation, and open-minded analysis, success in the CBSE exams—and in understanding human values—will surely follow.
Rate:
Log in to rate the work.
Log in