Chapter 2 – All about a dog

Content Structure

  • 1. About the author – Alfred George Gardiner
  • 2. Theme of the All about a dog
  • 3. Summary of the All about a dog
  • 4. Word meanings
  • 5. Exercise Solutions
    • Exercise – 1
    • Exercise – 2
    • Exercise – 3
  • 6. Grammar in use
    • Exercise – 4
    • Exercise – 5
  • 7. Composition
    • Exercise – 6
    • Exercise – 7

1. About the author – Alfred George Gardiner

Alfred George Gardiner was a British journalist and author who was born on 2nd June 1865. He wrote under the pen name “Alpha of the Plough” in The Star newspaper. His essays teach the basic truths of life in a simple and amusing manner, with humour and moral lessons. Gardiner wrote about everyday life, manners, and values in a way that common people could easily understand. Some of his most famous essays are “On Saying Please,” “On Habits,” and “On Courage.” His works continue to inspire readers with lessons on kindness, discipline, and humanity. He died on 3rd March 1946.

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2. Theme of the All about a dog

  • In the story we learn about rules that are needed to maintain discipline and to avoid becoming unsafe or confusing.
  • We also see unkind rules that can be changed in certain situations, but the conductor shows rude, confusing, and strict behaviour.
  • The conductor followed the bus rule about dogs very strictly, but he ignored the fact that the lady was ill, the weather was cold, and the passengers were uncomfortable. This shows a lack of care and overly strict rules.
  • The story teaches that rules should always be followed with kindness, goodwill, and care for others. Blindly following strict rules without considering people’s feelings and needs can be harsh and unfair.

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3. Summary of the All about a dog

One cold night, a man was travelling in a bus when two women and a man got in, and one of the women carried a small dog. The conductor said it was against the rules, so the dog was taken to the top of the bus. The lady refused because it was too cold and she had a cough, so other passengers supported her and argued with the conductor. The bus stopped, and the quarrel went on, and even the police said that the conductor had his rules. Finally, the lady went upstairs with the dog, but later came back inside quietly. When the conductor saw the dog again, the quarrel started once more. By then most passengers had left, and only the narrator remained. He explained to the conductor that some rules must be followed strictly, but some should be handled with common sense and kindness. The conductor understood and wished him good night politely.

4. Word Meaning

 WordMeaning
1.BitterlyVery strongly or sadly
2.Vacant placesEmpty seats
3.Pekinese dogA small, fluffy dog breed from China
4.Beady-eyedSmall sharp eyes
5.IntendedPlanned
6.Vague grievanceUnclear complaint
7.ShiveredShook slightly because of cold or fear
8.EvidentlyClearly
9.PavementFootpath
10.TriumphA big success or victory
11.UnconsciousNot awake
12.FaresThe money paid for a bus, train, or taxi ride
13.BlinkingQuickly opening and closing the eyes
14.Raised voicesSpeaking in a loud or angry way
15.DisappearedVanished
16.SeemedAppeared
17.Strolled upWalked slowly and calmly
18.Burst outSudden start
19.IndignantFeeling angry because something is unfair
20.AppelsCalls
21.GeniallyFriendly
22.YardsMeasure
23.GaleA very strong wind
24.ThreateningDangerous
25.PneumoniaA serious illness of the lungs
26.CriticizedFound fault
27.DeclaredAnnounced
28.LimbAn arm or leg of a person or animal
29.SpiritThe inner feeling, courage, or energy of a person
30.TemperThe way a person controls or shows anger
31.AmiablyIn a pleasant, kind, and friendly way
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5. Exercise solutions

Exercise – 1

Tick the correct answer from the given alternatives:

1. The younger woman carried a little
(a) Spaniel
(b) Bull dog
(c) Pekinese dog
(d) Spitz

Ans: (c) Pekinese dog

2. The younger woman was suffering from
(a) Stomach pain
(b) Back pain
(c) Fever
(d) Cough

Ans: (b) Back pain

3. The bell was pulled by the
(a) Conductor
(b) Driver
(c) Younger woman
(d) Older woman

Ans: (a) Conductor

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4. The number of policeman to whom the woman expressed her anger was
(a) Three
(b) Four
(c) Five
(d) Six

Ans: (b) Four

5. The problem the bus faced was with the
(a) Tyre
(b) Engine
(c) Brake
(d) Horn

Ans: (c) Brake

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Exercise – 2

Answer the following questions within fifteen words:

(1) How many people get into the bus with the younger woman?
Ans: Two women and a man got into the bus with the younger woman.

(2) What was the conductor’s order to the younger woman?
Ans: The conductor ordered the younger woman to take the dog out of the bus immediately.

(3) Why did the conductor stand triumphant?
Ans: The conductor stood triumphant because at last he found a reason to confront the woman.

(4) What is that rule which cannot be broken without danger to life and limb?
Ans: The rule was that no dogs were allowed inside buses for the safety of passengers.

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Exercise – 3

Answer the following questions within twenty-five words:

(1) When did the author feel that trouble was coming up?
Ans: The author felt trouble was coming up when the conductor’s eyes rested on the little Pekinese dog the woman carried.

(2) Mention two demands made by the passengers when the bus stopped.
Ans: The passengers demanded to be taken home quickly and also requested the bus to start without further delay.

(3) How are rules of guidance to be observed?
Ans: The rules of guidance are to be strictly observed for the safety and comfort of all passengers travelling in public transport.

6. Grammar in use

Exercise – 4

In the following sentences, underline the verb forms which show that the person denoted by the subject does something. Circle the verb forms which show that something is done to be subject:

(a) She has sung a song.
Ans: Active voice.

(b) A song has been sung by her.
Ans: Passive voice.

(c) He will draw a picture.
Ans: Active voice.

(d) A picture will be drawn by him.
Ans: Passive voice.

Exercise – 5

Change the voice of the following sentences:

(a) Nila has bought a book.
Ans: A book has been bought by Nila.

(b) They will have seen the cricket match.
Ans: The cricket match will have been seen by them.

(c) Bhola had seen a tiger.
Ans: A tiger had been seen by Bhola.

(d) The nurse will attend to the patient.
Ans: The patient will be attended to by the nurse.

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Exercise – 6

Change the voice of the following sentences:

(a) Do the sum.
Ans: Let the sum be done.

(b) The poem was written by her.
Ans: She wrote the poem.

(c) Open the door.
Ans: Let the door be opened.

(d) The man was known to me.
Ans: I knew the man.

Exercise – 7

Change the voice of the following sentences:

(a) They agreed to my pain.
Ans: My plan was agreed to by them.

(b) My brother lost my favourite pen.
Ans: My favourite pen was lost by my brother.

(c) The man is writing a letter.
Ans: A letter is being written by the man.

(d) Titli is looking for her watch.
Ans: Her watch is being looked for by Titli.

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Exercise – 8

Tick the correct alternative given in the brackets.

(a) It (rains/has been raining/ is raining) since morning.
(b) Last Sunday I (went/had been going/go) to the zoo.
(c) I (will be/was/am) in class X next year.
(d) Rina (have reached/had reached/has reached) home just now.

7. Composition

Exercise – 9

Use the following flow chart to write a paragraph within 100 words on how to prepare orange juice:

Oranges bough from the market – sorted – rotten ones removed – cleaned – peeled – put in juicer – juice extracted – sugar and preservatives added – poured in bottles – sealed – ready to be sold

Ans:

Preparing Orange Juice

Oranges are first bought from the market and carefully sorted. The rotten ones are removed to ensure freshness. The good oranges are thoroughly cleaned and then peeled. After peeling, they are placed in a juicer, and the juice is extracted. To improve the taste and preserve it for longer, sugar and preservatives are added. The juice is then poured into clean bottles and sealed tightly to maintain hygiene. Finally, the bottles are ready to be sold in the market, providing people with fresh, tasty, and refreshing orange juice.

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Exercise – 10

Write a paragraph within 100 words on how you plan to take care of street dogs. Use the following hints:

Cruel actions towards street dogs – necessity of looking after them – ways of taking care of the dogs – conclusion

Ans:

Caring for Street Dogs

Street dogs often face cruelty and neglect, which is very painful. It is necessary to look after them with kindness and responsibility. We can take care of street dogs by providing food, clean water, and safe shelter. Vaccinations and proper medical treatment should also be given to keep them healthy. Treating them with love instead of fear will help them live better lives. Every person must understand that animals too deserve compassion. By caring for street dogs, we can create a safer and kinder environment where humans and animals coexist peacefully.

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