Chapter 8 – Three Questions Explanation, Summary, Questions and Answers

Content Structure

1. About the author – Leo Tolstoy
2. Theme of the Three Questions
3. Summary of the Three Questions
4. Word meanings
5. Exercises solutions
6. Additional Questions and Answers
- 6A. Multiple choice questions & answers (MCQs)
- 6B. Fill in the blanks
- 6C. True or False
- 6D. Short questions & answers
- 6E. Long questions & answers
7. Grammar
- Voice chnage

1. About the author – Leo Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy was a famous Russian writer, born on 9th September 1828. He is best known for his well-known novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina, which are thought to be some of the best books ever written. In his stories, he talked about the true meaning of human life and feelings. He strongly believed in simple and good values like love, truth, and non-violence. He did not care for power and wealth and chose to live a simple life based on human values. His strong beliefs inspired many people, especially Mahatma Gandhi, who deeply respected Tolstoy’s strong belief in peace and non-violence.

2. Theme of the Three Questions

The story teaches us that the most important time is now, which means the present. We cannot change the past or the future, so we should focus on what we are doing now and do our best.
The story also teaches that helping others is the most important thing in life, as good actions can help us find love and care in meaningful ways. They bring peace and friendship and help us forget hatred or enemies.
It also teaches that true wisdom does not come from books or advisors but from our actions, kindness, honesty, and a pure heart.

3. Summary of the Three Questions

Once upon a time, a Tsar believed that if he knew the right time to act, the right people to follow, and the most important thing to do, he would never fail in any war, so he announced a great reward for anyone who could give him answers to these three questions. Many people came forward with different answers but the Tsar was not satisfied with any of them. Some said the right time could be known by making a proper schedule and sticking to it, while others believed he should observe the present situation and act accordingly. Some advised taking help from a council of wise men, while others claimed only a magician could predict the right time. There were also different views about who the most important people were; some said counselors, while others suggested priests, doctors, or soldiers. Some people believed that the most important thing to do was science, while others argued that it was war or prayer. Still, none of the answers satisfied the Tsar, so he gave no reward. Still seeking the truth, the Tsar decided to meet with a wise hermit who lived a simple life in a forest hut and spent time as a simple person, so the Tsar dressed in simple clothes and went alone into the forest. He found the hermit digging the ground in front of his hut and asked him his three questions but the hermit gave no reply. When the Tsar noticed that the old hermit was tired and out of breath, he took the spade and helped him dig. Many hours passed, and the sun began to set but the hermit still said nothing and suddenly, a man came running out of the forest with a wound in his stomach. The Tsar cleaned the wound, bandaged it carefully to stop the bleeding, and stayed beside the man as he slept in the hut. The next morning, the wounded man apologized to the Tsar and confessed that he had come to kill him to take revenge for his brother’s death. He had planned to attack the Tsar but was instead wounded by the guards. He said the Tsar had saved his life and promised to serve him forever, forgetting all enmity. Before returning to his palace, the Tsar asked the hermit once again for the answers. The hermit smiled and said that he had already received them and explained that the most important time is now, as it is the only moment we have; the most important person is the one you are with at the moment, and the most important thing to do is to do good to that person. The Tsar finally understood the real wisdom: to live in the present, help others, and always do good.

4. Word meanings

Word	Meaning
Tsar	Title of a Russian Ruler
Beforehand	Earlier or advance
Warriors	Fighter or soldier
Warfare	Fighting in war
Quitted	Leave
Widely	By many people or in many places
Dismounted	Get off a horse
Greeted	Welcome someone politely
Frail	Weak
Awhile	For a short time
Stuck	Push a sharp object
Spade	A tool used for digging
Moaning feebly	Making a weak, soft sound of pain
Fainting	Becoming unconscious for a short time
Unfastened	Opened or untied something
Revived	Restore to life or consciousness
Crouched	Bending the knees and the upper body forward
Intently	With strong focus or attention
Executed	Killed someone as punishment
Resolved	Decided
Porch	A covered shelter built in front of the house
Sowing	Plant the seeds in the ground
Repented	Feel or express regret about doing something wrong
Ambush	As surprise attack by people in a hidden place

5. Exercises solutions

1. Why did the Tsar want to have the answer to the Three questions? …. (2)
Ans: The Tsar believed that if he knew the right time to act, the right people to follow, and the most important thing to do, he would never fail in any task. So, he announced a great reward for anyone who could answer these three questions.

2. What was the third question and what was the answer?… (2)
Ans: The third question was, “What is the most important work to do?” The hermit said that the most important work is to be kind and helpful to the person near you right now.

3. How did the Tsar and the hermit nurse the wounded man?…. (6)
Ans: The Tsar and the hermit cleaned the man’s wound and washed it several times to stop the bleeding. The Tsar changed the bandage again and again as it became soaked with blood, using a towel and his handkerchief as bandages. He also gave the man fresh water to drink and stayed with him throughout the night. Later, with the hermit’s help, the Tsar carried the man into the hut and continued to care for him.

4. State the modern relevance of the story Three Questions….. (6)
Ans: The story teaches valuable lessons that are still important in today’s world, reminding us to help others, do good actions, and live with kindness. In our busy modern lives, people often forget to appreciate the present moment. The story shows the importance of living in the now, caring for the person we are with, and doing good for them. These values help us lead a more peaceful and meaningful life, even in today’s busy and hard life.

6. Additional Questions and Answers

6A. Multiple choice questions & answers (MCQs)

1. Why did the Tsar want answers to the three questions?
(a) To start preparation for war
(b) To avoid failure in life
(c) To control all people
(d) To control his future

Ans: (b) To avoid failure in life

2. What was the first question of the Tsar?
(a) Who are the right people?
(b) What is the right time to do things?
(c) When will he die?
(d) Which work is most important?

Ans: (b) What is the right time to do things?

3. What was the Tsar’s promise to give the people?
(a) A reward
(b) A house
(c) A kingdom
(d) A horse

Ans: (a) A reward

4. What was the second question of the Tsar?
(a) Who are the right people to listen to?
(b) What is the right time to do work?
(c) Who are the wise people in his kingdom?
(d) What happens in his future?

Ans: (a) Who are the right people to listen to?

5. Whose answers satisfied the Tsar?
(a) Magician
(b) Priest
(c) Scientist
(d) Hermit

Ans: (d) Hermit

6. What was the final question posed by the Tsar?
(a) How will he die?
(b) What happens the next day?
(c) Who is the most important person?
(d) Which work is most important?

Ans: (d) Which work is most important?

7. What was the hermit doing when the Tsar arrived?
(a) Planting
(b) Digging
(c) Cooking
(d) Cleaning

Ans: (b) Digging

8. Who came running from the forest?
(a) A nun
(b) A wounded man
(c) A guide
(d) An old woman

Ans: (b) A wounded man

9. Why was the Tsar digging in the ground?
(a) To help the hermit
(b) To plant trees
(c) To punish himself
(d) To find treasure

Ans: (a) To help the hermit

10. Where did the hermit live?
(a) Village
(b) Town
(c) Forest
(d) Hill

Ans: (c) Forest

11. Where was the man injured?
(a) Leg
(b) Stomach
(c) Shoulder
(d) Hand

Ans: (b) Stomach

12. What did the Tsar give the wounded man to drink?
(a) Milk
(b) Juice
(c) Soup
(d) Water

Ans: (d) Water

13. Why did the wounded man want to kill the Tsar?
(a) The Tsar had killed his father
(b) The Tsar had killed his brother
(c) The Tsar had killed his children
(d) The Tsar had killed his whole family

Ans: (b) The Tsar had killed his brother

14. What did the Tsar do first for the wounded man?
(a) Went home
(b) Went to doctor
(c) Washed and bandaged
(d) Took him to the hut

Ans: (c) Washed and bandaged

15. What was the hermit doing the next morning?
(a) Cooking
(b) Digging
(c) Sowing seeds
(d) Plucking flowers

Ans: (c) Sowing seeds

16. What was the most important time according to the hermit?
(a) Sunday
(b) Future
(c) Present
(d) Tomorrow

Ans: (c) Present

17. According to the hermit, who is the most important person?
(a) The king
(b) A wise man
(c) The person you are with
(d) The priest

Ans: (c) The person you are with

18. What is the most important thing to do in life?
(a) Study hard
(b) Helping others
(c) Travel the world
(d) Win battles

Ans: (b) Helping others

19. Which dress did the Tsar wear when he went to meet the hermit?
(a) Simple dress
(b) Royal dress
(c) Priest’s dress
(d) Soldier’s dress

Ans: (a) Simple dress

20. What did the Tsar leave behind before meeting the hermit?
(a) His sword
(b) His car
(c) His horse and bodyguards
(d) His map

Ans: (c) His horse and bodyguards

6B. Fill in the blanks

1. The Tsar announced a great _______________ for anyone who could answer his questions. (reward)
2. Some people said the Tsar must prepare a ______________ to know the right time for every action. (timetable)
3. Some people believed only ____________ could tell the right time to act. (magicians)
4. The hermit lived in a _____________ and met only simple people. (forest)
5. The Tsar did not accept any answer and went to see a wise _______________. (hermit)
6. The Tsar helped the hermit by taking the _____________ and digging for him. (spade)
7. The Tsar cleaned the wound and _________________ it with a towel and handkerchief. (bandaged)
8. The wounded man had come to ______________________ the Tsar. (kill)
9. The hermit finally told the Tsar that the most important time is _______________. (now)
10. The most important thing to do is to do _________________ to that person. (good)
11. The Tsar believed that knowing the right time, people, and action would help him avoid ________________. (failure)
12. Some people believed that religious ______________ was the most important. (worship)
13. The Tsar had to leave his bodyguards and _______________ behind. (horse)
14. The Tsar offered to help the hermit because he looked very _________________. (tired)
15. The Tsar brought fresh ______________ for the wounded man. (water)
16. The Tsar and the hermit carried the man into the ________________. (hut)
17. The next morning, the Tsar found the man looking at him with _________________ eyes. (shining)
18. The Tsar also promised to return the man’s ____________________. (property)
19. The Tsar promised to send his own __________________ to treat the man. (physician)
20. The hermit said that helping the man at the right moment was the Tsar’s most important ________________. (duty)

6C. True or False

1. The Tsar never finds the answer to his three questions. (False)
S/S: The Tsar finds the answer to the three questions from the hermit.

2. The Tsar does not help the wounded people. (False)
S/S: The Tsar helped the wounded man by washing his wound and bandaging it with a towel and his handkerchief.

3. The Tsar goes to the hermit’s house with his horse and bodyguards. (False)
S/S: The hermit did not meet wealthy people, so the Tsar left his horse and bodyguards in the forest and went alone in a simple dress.

4. The Tsar wore a simple dress to meet with the hermit. (True)
S/S: The hermit only met with simple people, so the Tsar wore a simple dress to meet him.

5. The Tsar promised the wounded man to give back his captured property. (True)
S/S: The Tsar promised the wounded man to return his seized property.

6. The hermit does not take help from the Tsar to dig the ground. (False)
S/S: The Tsar saw that the hermit was tired, so he took the spade and helped him dig the ground.

7. At the end of the story, the wounded man felt sorry for his work. (True)
S/S: The wounded man felt sorry for planning to harm the Tsar because he realized the Tsar had saved his life.

8. The wounded man was injured by the Tsar’s guards. (True)
S/S: The Tsar’s guards attacked the man when they saw him coming from the forest to kill the Tsar.

9. The Tsar gave the man fresh water to drink. (True)
S/S: The Tsar brought fresh water for the man to drink.

10. The Tsar came back from his own home that night. (False)
S/S: The Tsar stayed in the hut that night to care for the wounded man and did not return home.

11. The hermit said to the Tsar, the good time is now. (True)
S/S: The hermit told the Tsar that the present moment is the most important time because we can only act in the present.

12. The next morning, the hermit is sowing the seeds when the Tsar goes to his meeting. (True)
S/S: The next morning, the hermit was sowing seeds while the Tsar spoke to him and received the answers.

13. The Tsar helps the hermit because he looks so tired and weak. (True)
S/S: The hermit was very old and looked weak, so the Tsar decided to help him with the digging.

14. The Tsar wants to know the answers to the questions because he wants to control his life. (False)
S/S: The Tsar wanted to avoid failure in life, not control it, so he asked the three important questions.

15. Some people said science is the worst thing in the world. (False)
S/S: Some people told the Tsar that science was the most important thing, not the worst.

6D. Short questions & answers

1. What are the three questions to ask the Tsar?
Ans: The three questions are

What is the right time to act?
Who are the right people to listen to?
What is the most important thing to do?

2. Why did the Tsar know the answers to the three questions?
Ans: The Tsar believed that if he knew the right time to act, the right people to listen to, and the most important thing to do, he would never fail. So, he offered a great reward to anyone who could answer them.

3. Why did the Tsar not believe the people’s answers?
Ans: The Tsar did not accept the people’s answers because they all gave different opinions based on their beliefs, and none of them fully satisfied him.

4. Why did the Tsar go to the monk’s house in ordinary clothes?
Ans: The Tsar wore simple clothes because the hermit lived like a common man and never met kings or rich people, so the Tsar wanted to meet him as an ordinary person to get honest answers.

5. Why did the Tsar want to help the hermit?
Ans: The Tsar saw that the hermit was old and tired from digging the ground, so in kindness he took the spade and helped him with the digging.

6. Why did the monks not answer on the first day?
Ans: The hermit didn’t answer directly because he wanted the Tsar to learn through experience, showing him the importance of kindness and time.

7. What did the Tsar promise to the wounded?
Ans: The Tsar promised to return the man’s property, send his own doctor to treat him and give him all the help he needed.

8. How did the Tsar help the wounded?
Ans: The Tsar cleaned the man’s wounds, washed them several times, and used his own handkerchief and towel as bandages. He also gave him water to drink and stayed with him all night for care.

9. Why did the wounded man come to seek revenge?
Ans: The wounded man wanted revenge because the Tsar had killed his brother in battle and seized his property so he came secretly to kill the Tsar.

10. What were the common people talking about in the first answer?
Ans: The common people believed the best time to act could be decided by making a schedule; some suggested taking advice from wise men, and others said a magician could predict the right time.

11. How did the wounded man get injured?
Ans: The man was wounded by the Tsar’s guards, who were hiding in the forest and attacked him because they believed he had come to kill the Tsar.

12. Why were the wounded men sad?
Ans: The wounded man was sad because he had planned to kill the Tsar but the Tsar saved his life, which made him sorry, ashamed and he forgot his desire for revenge.

13. What did the hermit say in response?
Ans: The hermit said the most important time is now, the most important person is the one you are with, and the most important thing is to do good for that person.

14. What does the story teach us?
Ans: The story teaches us to live in the present, help others, and do good, as real wisdom lies in kind actions, honesty, and a pure heart.

15. What was the main idea of the story?
Ans: The story shows that doing good for others is the most important thing in life because kindness and good deeds lead to peace, love, and help remove hatred.

16. How was the lesson of the story helpful in modern life?
Ans: The story teaches us to value the present, help others, and act kindly, as these lessons are important in today’s busy life and help us live peacefully and meaningfully.

17. What were the common people talking about in the second question?
Ans: The common people said the most important people were counselors, while others said doctors, priests, or soldiers were the most useful to help the king.

18. Why did the people come to the king?
Ans: People came to the king because he had announced a great reward for anyone who could answer his three questions so many people came with different answers based on their beliefs.

19. What did Tsar learn at the end of the story?
Ans: The Tsar learned that the present is the most important time, the person near him is the most important, and doing good is the most important action.

20. Describe the character of the hermit.
Ans: The hermit was a simple, wise, and kind man who lived alone in a forest, avoided rich people, and believed in doing good, teaching deep life lessons through actions, not words.

6E. Long questions & answers

1. How can the king’s lessons be applied in real life today?
Ans: The king’s lessons are still valuable today, as he taught that the present moment is the most important, the person we are with matters most, and kindness is the best thing we can offer. In real life, this means living in the moment, respecting others, and helping those around us. We should not focus on the past or worry about the future but learn to value the present and show kindness, as these simple actions lead to happiness, peace, and stronger relationships.

2. How does the hermit’s final explanation answer the king’s three questions?
Ans: The hermit didn’t give direct answers but showed the king the truth through his actions. He explained that the most important time is now because it is the only moment we can act. The most important person is the one we are with, as we may never see them again. The most important task is to do good for that person. These answers helped the king understand that true wisdom comes from living in the present and caring for others with kindness.

3. Explain the theme of mindfulness in the story.
Ans: The story strongly reflects the theme of mindfulness through the king’s search for answers about the right time, the right people, and the right actions. The hermit teaches him that living in the present moment is what truly matters, as mindfulness means being aware of our actions, staying focused on the present, and treating others with kindness. The story shows that peace and understanding come from being fully present and doing good for the person in front of us.

4. What lesson did the king learn from the hermit?
Ans: The king learned that the present moment is the most important because it’s the only time we can take action. He also realized that the person we are with now is the most important and that helping others is the most meaningful thing we can do. The hermit taught these lessons through actions, not just words, which helped the king become kinder, wiser, and more thoughtful in the way he ruled.

5. What did the wounded man confess the next day?
Ans: The wounded man confessed that he had planned to kill the king because he believed the king had taken his land and killed his brother. As he waited to attack he was discovered and wounded by the king’s guards. The king however did not punish him; instead he treated his wounds and saved his life. This unexpected kindness filled the man with deep regret and thankfulness and he asked for forgiveness and promised to serve the king, showing that kindness can turn an enemy into a friend.

6. What important task did the king perform while staying with the hermit?
Ans: During his time with the hermit, the king helped dig the ground because the hermit was old and tired, and although the king was also very tired, he continued to work patiently. This simple act of kindness led to a life-changing experience. The task showed the value of serving others and taught the king that doing good actions is more meaningful than simply receiving wise words.

7. Why did the king visit the hermit in disguise?
Ans: The king visited the hermit in simple clothes because the hermit only met common people and avoided the rich or powerful. He wanted honest answers to his questions, so he chose to go without his guards and royal dress, like an ordinary man. This showed his humility and desire to learn true wisdom through experience and personal connection.

8. What were the three questions asked by the king?
Ans: The king asked three important questions: What is the right time to act? Who are the right people to listen to? And what is the most important thing to do? He believed that knowing the answers would help him succeed in life and never fail. These questions show his desire to become a wise and responsible ruler.

9. How did the king respond to the man’s confession?
Ans: The king forgave the wounded man without showing any anger and promised to return his land and send his own doctor to care for him. His kind and calm response turned an enemy into a loyal friend, showing that forgiveness and kindness have the power to remove hatred and build peace. This moment also taught the king that true strength comes from understanding and helping others, not from revenge or power.

7. Grammar

7A. Voice change

A-P	He had it proclaimed throughout his kingdom.	It was proclaimed throughout his kingdom by him.
A-P	Let me take the spade.	Let the spade be taken by me.
A-P	The Tsar dug two beds.	Two beds were dug by the Tsar.
A-P	The hermit greeted him.	He was greeted by the hermit.
A-P	The Tsar approached the hermit.	The hermit was approached by the Tsar.
A-P	He left his bodyguard behind.	His bodyguard was left behind by him.
A-P	He stuck his spade into the ground.	The spade was stuck into the ground by him.
A-P	The Tsar put on simple clothes.	Simple clothes were put on by the Tsar.
P-A	The spade was given to the Tsar by the hermit.	The hermit gave the spade to the Tsar.
A-P	Learned men came to the Tsar.	The Tsar was visited by learned men.
P-A	The questions were answered by no one.	No one answered the questions.
P-A	The reward was not given to anyone.	The Tsar did not give the reward to anyone.
A-P	They all answered his questions differently.	His questions were answered differently by all of them.
P-A	The wound was bleeding continuously.	Blood was flowing continuously from the wound.
P-A	The blood was washed and re-bandaged by the Tsar.	The Tsar washed and re-bandaged the blood.
A-P	She writes a letter every day.	A letter is written by her every day.
P-A	The Tsar was helped by the hermit.	The hermit helped the Tsar.
P-A	The property will be restored.	The Tsar will restore the property.
P-A	He was awarded a medal.	They awarded him a medal.
P-A	The man was laid on the bed by the Tsar and the hermit.	The Tsar and the hermit laid the man on the bed.
P-A	The bed was dug the day before.	They had dug the bed the day before.
P-A	The guests are being served coffee.	They are serving coffee to the guests.
A-P	She has been reading the novel.	The novel has been being read by her.
P-A	The results were declared by the teacher.	The teacher declared the results.
P-A	The wound was bandaged with a towel by the Tsar.	The Tsar bandaged the wound with a towel.
A-p	You must complete the task.	The task must be completed by you.
P-A	The food was cooked by my mother.	My mother cooked the food.
P-A	The parcel was delivered by the postman.	The postman delivered the parcel.
A-P	The police arrested the thief.	The thief was arrested by the police.
A-P	The manager will sign the contract.	The contract will be signed by the manager.
P-A	The letter was being typed by the clerk.	The clerk was typing the letter.
P-A	The window was broken by a stray ball.	A stray ball broke the window.
P-A	The cake was eaten by the children.	The children ate the cake.
A-P	He has composed a new song.	A new song has been composed by him.
A-P	I will help you.	You will be helped by me.
A-P	They had completed the project.	The project had been completed by them.
P-A	A book is being read by the student.	The student is reading a book.
A-P	They had built a bridge.	A bridge had been built by them.
P-A	The song is sung by Lata Mangeshkar.	Lata Mangeshkar sings the song.
A-P	I will bid my sons to do the same.	My sons will be bid by me to do the same.
A-P	The Tsar crouched down on the threshold.	The threshold was crouched down on by the Tsar.
A-P	I will serve you as your most faithful slave.	You will be served by me as your most faithful slave.
A-P	He sowed seeds in the beds.	Seeds were sown in the beds by him.
A-P	He wounded me.	I was wounded by him.
A-P	I wished to kill you.	You were wished to be killed by me.
A-P	You have saved my life.	My life has been saved by you.
P-A	The phone was being charged by her.	She was charging the phone.
A-P	They recognised me.	I was recognised by them.
A-P	The teacher will explain the chapter.	The chapter will be explained by the teacher.
A-P	He had executed his brother.	His brother had been executed by him.