Vistas Chapter 7 Evans Tries An O-Level
  • Sponsor Area

    NCERT Solution For Class 12 English Vistas

    Evans Tries An O-Level Here is the CBSE English Chapter 7 for Class 12 students. Summary and detailed explanation of the lesson, including the definitions of difficult words. All of the exercises and questions and answers from the lesson's back end have been completed. NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Evans Tries An O-Level Chapter 7 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Evans Tries An O-Level Chapter 7 The following is a summary in Hindi and English for the academic year 2021-2022. You can save these solutions to your computer or use the Class 12 English.

    Question 1
    CBSEENEN12020250

    What kind of a person was Evans?

    Solution

    Evans was a ‘jail bird, and the prison officers called him “Evans the Break” since he had escaped from the prison three times. He looked ‘scruffy’ and unshaven. He wore a filthy looking red and white bobble hat on his head. He had a heavy Scottish accent. He was exceptionally cunning. He was a quite pleasant type of personality who used to participate in various functions. He used imitations and was the star of Christmas concerts. He had no record of violence. He was very crafty, strategic and a deceitful type of fellow who very meticulously arranged his escape from the prison.

    Tips: -

    Imp.

    Question 2
    CBSEENEN12020252

    What were the precautions taken for the smooth conduct of the examination?

    Or

    How was it ensured that Evans did not have any weapon in his cell?

    Solution

    In order to meet any eventuality, enough precautions were taken for the smooth conduct of examination. All the sharp instruments like nail-scissors, nail-file and razor, etc. were removed from its cell. The Governor had arranged a microphone in the room of Evans so that he could hear what went between Evans and the invigilator. Senior police officers like Jackson and Stephens were arranged by the Governor to have a strict vigil. He was himself extra cautious about the whole affair and was in touch with every activity going on there. One of the persons from St. Marly Mags was appointed to invigilate the examinee. Thus elaborate arrangements were made for the smooth conduct of the examination. The Governor remained sitting in his office with the receiver to listen to them. Stephens was posted at the door of the cell to peer through the peep hole from time to time. It was well ensured that Evans should not escape from the cell at any cost.

    Question 3
    CBSEENEN12020254

    Will the examination now go as scheduled?

    Solution

    The examination was scheduled to start at 9.15 a.m and elaborate arrangements were made accordingly. It is now 9.18 a.m. and it is clear that the examination has not started so far. McLeery reads out the instructions. It is 9.20 a.m. He tells Evans to write the name of the paper 021-1 in the top left hand comer and index number 313 and centre number 271. Evans objects the presence of Stephens since he would not be able to concentrate in his presence. The Governor orders to go outside. It is now 9.25 and the examination starts. It will go smoothly.

    Question 4
    CBSEENEN12020257

    Do the Governor and his staff finally heave a sigh of relief?

    Solution

    It is 11.20 when the Governor spoke to Stephens to accompany McLeery to the main prison gate and lock the door on Evans after he had left. At 11.25 am, McLeery announced “Stop writing, please.” He even instructed Evans to put number of his sheets orderly. Thus the examination was over and the Governor as well as his staff finally heaved a sigh of relief.

    But it was short-lived. After returning from the main-gate, Stephens stopped and peered through the peep-hole. He was startled to see a man on Evans’ chair with dripping blood. He raised an alarm and called Jackson. There was a great panic in the prison.'Sirens were sounding. The Governor was grim and perplexed. The injured McLeery had the clues about Evans. The Detective Superintendent Carter arrived and put McLeery in his car to search Evans. The Governor and his staff could not heave a sigh of relief in this panic situation.

    Question 5
    CBSEENEN12020259

    Will the injured McLeery be able to help the prison officers trace Evans?

    Solution

    The injured McLeery had the question paper in his hand. It had a photocopy pasted on the last blank paper of the question paper. It showed whole of the plan of the escape. It was instructed in the paper to go towards Newbury. So with the help of these instructions, McLeery would help the prison officers. They would spot Evans driving along Elsfield way, but would miss him at the Headington round about. “Make your way to Neugraben.” It was a code for Newbury. They got the clue and followed the route accordingly.

    Question 6
    CBSEENEN12020260

    Will the clues left behind on the question paper put Evans back in prison again?

    Solution

    If we peep deeply into the clues left behind on the question paper, it is clear that there is a message for Evans on its last page. He was been asked to drive from Elsfield way to the Headington roundabout and then direct to Neugraben (Newbury). The Governor concludes that Evans must have gone to Newbury and he is hopeful to put Evans behind the bars.

    In fact we must start from McLeery who is also involved in the plan of escaping Evans who has been sent by Board to invigilate and he may give them a slip. This is clearly what happens. McLeery dodges them when they reach the Board office and he disappears. He is found after a quarter an hour, bound and gagged in his study. He tells them that he is there since 8.15 a.m. Enquiries in Newbury do not produce any tangible solution. It is clear that it is not Evans, impersonating McLeery, who has walked out of the prison. It has been clear that it is not Evans, inpersonating McLeery, who walked out of the prison. It has been rather Evans, impersonating McLeery who has stayed in. He makes a good escape on getting an opportunity.

    Question 7
    CBSEENEN12020262

    Where did Evans go?

    Solution

    Evans went to the Chipping Norton. He stayed in the hotel the Golden Lion in the middle of Chipping Norton.

     

    Question 8
    CBSEENEN12020266

    Reflecting on the story, what did you feel about Evans having the last laugh?

    Solution

    Having the last laugh' means to be successful and making the opponent stupid. Here the phrase finds a suitable place in the story. We can see that the Governor initiates all precautionary measures for the smooth conduct of the examination and ensures that Evans won’t escape. He arranges for a microphone in the cell of Evans and appoints two Senior Police Officers for his vigil. And in spite of all his toil, Evans has the last laugh. His cell is thoroughly searched and it is reported that nothing is hidden there. Still Evans is able to hide a false beard, a pair of spectacles, a dog collar and some sort of weapon that has hurt McLeery.

    Further McLeery is found securely bound and gagged in his study. It becomes clear that Evans has been impersonating McLeery who had stayed in. Even after his arrest at a hotel The Golden Lion, the Governor could not bring him back to the cell. He had some good friends who helped his escape. In examination and police department he had close friends who arranged things for him. With his intelligence and the help of his friends, Evans was able to have the last laugh in the story.

    Question 9
    CBSEENEN12020272

    When Stephens comes back to the cell he jumps to a conclusion and the whole machinery blindly goes by his assumption without even checking the identity of the injured “McLeery.” Does this show how hasty conjectures prevent one from seeing the obvious? How is the criminal able to predict such negligence?

    Solution

    We know that every precaution has been taken so that Evans will not escape from the cell. At 11.22 a.m., Stephens has been instructed to escort McLeery to the prison gate. He is asked to make sure that the door is locked on Evans after McLeery has left the cell. He behaves like a woman who can never convinced herself if she has locked the door. She will again go to check it. In the same way Stephens opens the peep-hole and cries “Oh, no ! Christ, no.!” He is perplexed to see a man lying in the chair with blood dripping from the head. Stephens thinks that McLeery has been hit and Evans has made his escape. This assumption leads to another hasty conjectures and none confirms the identity of the injured. In reality Evans throws dust in the eyes of the prison staff and escapes since the injured McLeery is Evans himself. This clearly shows that hasty conjectures often prevent one from seeing the obvious. In case Stephens would have checked the identity of McLeery, the whole police machinery would not have to run like that and the prisoner would not have escaped. The criminals understand the human tendencies and act accordingly. They befool the whole system and plan the crime.

    Question 10
    CBSEENEN12020276

    What could the Governor have done to securely bring back Evans to prison when he caught him at The Golden Lion? Does that final act of foolishness really prove that ‘he was just another good-for-a-giggle, gullible Governor, that was all’?

    Solution

    The Governor could have taken Evans in his vehicle from the hotel. After all those deceptions and misunderstandings, he should not have believed any one. If he would have been a bit more careful, the culprit could not get free again. Here two points come under our view. First the Governor should not have rang up the local police station for the van and the police officials. He was overconfident and believed what was happening there, was correct. It would have been in the fitness of the things that he should have taken the identity of the van, driver and the police officials.

    But the Governor did not do anything. His act of foolishness proves beyond doubt that he was just an other good-for-a-giggle, guillible Governor, that was all. It was his last act of foolishness to believe the others, that helped Evans in running away once more. It proves that he was really a gullible Governor who can be easily deceived instead of his tight security arrangements.

    Question 11
    CBSEENEN12020281

    While we condemn the crime, we are sympathetic to the criminal. Is this the reason why prison staff often develop a soft corner for those in custody?

    Solution

    Yes, it is true that the prison staff often develop a soft corner in their hearts for the criminals in custody. Those who are hard core criminals can never have sympathy of any one. But those who are petty criminals with good nature become friendly with the prison staff as is the case of Evans. He was not violent and was a jolly chap. Although he had tried to escape many times, still he was able to earn some sympathy in the hearts of the Governor and the prison officers. It was just because of this soft corner that the Governor recommended for conducting his O-level exams.

    It is also correct that we hate the sin but develop sympathy towards the sinner. It is a human tendency and nobody is perfect as well as untouched from this. Prior to the examination, Jackson asks Evans to take his hat off but Evans does not remove and calls it is a good luck for him. In case he has taken it off, there has been a different story. But the police official takes a lenient view and that is why criminal Evans takes his full advantage. Prior to this the room of Evans is thoroughly checked and unwanted material is taken away but one surprises how there remained objectionable material in his room and the same turned the tables. Thus the prison staff often develops soft comer for those who are in custody.

    Question 12
    CBSEENEN12020283

    Do you agree that between crime and punishment, it is mainly a battle of wits?

    Solution

    There is no denying the fact that between crime and punishment it is mainly a battle of wits. The police arrests the criminals and the law enforcing agencies fight the cases. On both the sides pleadings go on and in the end punishment is awarded to the criminal. In this one act play there is a battle of wits between the Governor and two police officers on one hand and Evans on the other. Necessary precautionary mesures have been taken for ‘O’ Level German Examination in the cell.

    Side by side it has been ensured that Evans should not escape at any cost. In the beginning one can note that the authorities fail to check the identity of McLeery. They pave way for Evans to run away from the cell. It becomes clear when MeLeery is found gagged and bound in his study. In reality Evans impersonated McLeery and stayed inside the cell. He does not come outside. Then ambulance is called to take McLeery to the hospital. The police officials and the Governor fail to check and find out the verasity of the facts. They miss Evans cosidering him as McLeery. Thus in this story there is a battle of wits between the Governor and Evans. Evans has the last laugh as he is mastermind in escaping from the prison while the Governor is just another good-for-a-giggle, gullible Governor.

    Question 13
    CBSEENEN12020285

    Who was Evans and what was his desire about his education?

    Solution

    Evans was a jolly good fellow. Being a jail bird, he had escaped three times from the jail. He had been the star of the Christmas concert. He had a keen desire to acquire some academic qualification and started taking night classes in the prison. He was preparing in an ‘O’ Level in German and arrangements for his examinations were done in his cell.

    Question 14
    CBSEENEN12020287

    How was Evans helped in preparing for the examination?

    Solution

    The prison authorities made requisite arrangement in preparing Evans for the examination. A tutor from technical college was appointed to teach German in the night. The Governor recommended his case to the examination board and he was allowed to appear for the examination in his cell only under the invigilation of a Parson from St. Mary Mags. His escape was prevented through tight security arrangements.

    Tips: -

    V. Imp.

    Question 15
    CBSEENEN12020289

    Who was Carter? What did the Govemoraskhim to do?

    Solution

    Carter was the Detective Superintendent. He came with police party. Governor told him everything about Evans. He also told / asked him to take McLeery along with him to look for the absconder.

    Question 16
    CBSEENEN12020292

    Who do you think was the invigilator? How was he able to impersonate McLeery?

    Solution

    Evans, the examinee himself was the invigilatar. McLeery, from St. Marly Mags was appointed to invigilate Evans came to know that. He bound McLeery securely in his study and gagged him. In this way, Evans impersonated McLeery.

    Question 17
    CBSEENEN12020293

    Why was the Governor himself taking keen interest in the security arrangements for Evans' examination?

    Solution

    Evans had already escaped three times from the prison. So he was called ‘Evans the Break’. To avoid any sort of eventuality, tight security arrangements were made by his prison authorities. The Governor himself was personally taking keen interest and two senior police officers were kept on watch and vigil. A microphone was fitted in the room of Evans so that the Governor could see the activities going on there. He was fearing lest Evans should escape.

    Sponsor Area

    Question 18
    CBSEENEN12020294

    Why some of the objectionable items were removed from the cell of Evans?

    Solution

    The Governor was under apprehension that Evans can create and do any kind of unauthorised activity in his cell. So the senior police officer asked Stephens to take away his razor and nail-scissors after he had finished his shaving as Evans could cut his throat from the razor. They had doubt that Evans could use the nail-scissors and razor against McLeery who was on invigilance duty in the cell.

    Question 19
    CBSEENEN12020295

    Why did Evans not take off his hat when Jackson ordered him to do so?

    Solution

    Evans was given half an hour to smarten himself. He put on his hat also. Mr. Jackson, a prison officer asked him to take off his hat. Evans did not obey his orders and called the hat as a sign of good luck.

    Question 20
    CBSEENEN12020296

    Describe the precautions taken by the prison authorities for a smooth conduct of Evan’s examination.

    Solution

    All the sharp instruments like nail-scissors, nail file and razor etc. were removed from the cell. The Governor had arranged a microphone in the room of Evans Senior Police officers like Jackson and Stephens were arranged for strict vigil. He was himself extra cautions about the whole affairs. One of the persons from St. Marly Mays was appointed for invigilation.

    Question 21
    CBSEENEN12020297

    What type of relationship do Evans and the police officer Jackson possess?

    Or

    How does Evans expose Jackson's ignorance?

    Solution

    Evans and the police officer Jackson did not want to see eye to eye with one another. Both loved to hurt each other through very sharp words. The arguments of Evans always irritated Jackson. Evans often made fun of his ignorance that riled Jackson. While joking Jackson called him,“How's our little Einstein”. Evans corrected him and replied that Einstein was a mathematician. Still Jackson had a soft corner for Evans. Further Jackson said, “Einstein was a bloody Kraut (German)”. Evans corrected him that Einstein was a Jen. Thus he often exposed his ignorance.

    Question 22
    CBSEENEN12020298

    How did the Governor think that Evans was safe in his cell?

    Or

    Why was it impossible for Evans to escape from the prison?

    Solution

    The Governor had arranged tight security for Evans since he had to cross so many hurdles. There were two big iron doors between his cell and the yard. Another huge gate too stood at the prison gate. Then there was a big and high wall around the yard. All the prison officers were on his alert. Two chains and two tables were placed for preventing Evans' escape. All this made the Governor feel that Evans was safe in his cell.

    Question 23
    CBSEENEN12020299

    How does the correction slip help the escape of Evans?

    Solution

    When the examination started the assistant secretary of board rang to the Governor that there was a correction-slip which some fool had forgotten to place in the examination package. The slip provided the name of the hotel and gave them the opportunity to know the time when the examination had started. In this way it killed two birds with one stone.

    Tips: -

    V. Imp.

    Question 24
    CBSEENEN12020303

    Why is Stephens compared to a woman who would get up twenty times to check the locked front door?

    Solution

    Stephens is a man of unconvincing nature. He was asked to accompany McLeery to the main prison gates. Further he was asked to see that the door was locked as Evans after McLeery had left the cell. Here Stephens behaved like a whimsical woman who would check twenty times that he had locked the front door. Thus Stephens rushed to the cell of Evans to make sure that it was properly locked.

    Question 25
    CBSEENEN12020304

    The examination was scheduled to begin at 9.15 a.m. but it started at 9.25 a.m. Why was there the delay in starting the examination?

    Solution

    The examination started ten minutes late due to security reasons. The Governor wanted to search Mr. McLeery and his belongings. He had doubts that Mr. McLeery could have taken something dangerous with him innocently like a knife or a nail file, etc. Evans could take advantage of any such thing and keep McLeery as a hostage. He might try to run away from the prison. Then there was some argument regarding Stephens’ staying in the cell.

    Question 26
    CBSEENEN12020306

    Why did the Governor doubt the phone call from the Examination Board for correction in the paper? What did he do?

    Solution

    The Governor thought it might be a fake call. It might be a sort of signal for Evans. He thought the correction slip could be a kind of secret message sent for ‘Evans the Break’. He tried to verify the call. He held the incoming call and from the other line called the Examination Board. But the number was continuously busy. This means the call was really from the Examination Board because he had held the line.

    Question 27
    CBSEENEN12020307

    What did Stephens see, when he peeped through the hole of the cell of Evans, after leaving McLeery at the main gate of the prison?

    Solution

    Stephens thought of looking at Evans once again after leaving Mr. McLeery at the main gate. He peeped through the hole and saw a terrible sight. A man was sitting on Evans' chair and blood was dripping from his head. He had the blanket dropped around his shoulders. His hair were smeared with blood. Blood had reached his clerical collars. It was a terrible sight.

    Question 28
    CBSEENEN12020308

    How did McLeery want to help the police?

    Solution

    McLeery had the German question paper in his hand. He told the Governor that he knew where Evans had gone. He wanted to accompany the police in finding the absconding Evans. He showed the question paper to the Governor. It had some vital clues regarding Evans' escape. On the basis of these clues, he insisted that he could nab Evans.

    Tips: -

    Imp.

    Question 29
    CBSEENEN12020310

    What important clues were hidden in the German question paper?

    Or

    What clues did the answer-sheet of Evans provide to the Governor?

    Solution

    There was a photocopied sheet hidden in the German question paper. It was very cleverly pasted on the last blank sheet of the question paper. It had instructions written in German. It read: “Follow the plan. The vital point in time is three minutes before the end of the examination.” It was also instructed not to hit the parson hard, he is a minister and not to over do the Scot accent etc. It had also instruction to move towards the Headington round about and then to make way to Newsbury. The Governor coded it for Newsbury and the hunt for Evans started.

    Tips: -

    V. Imp.

    Question 30
    CBSEENEN12020312

    Why does people doubt Evans' sincerity towards taking the ‘O’ Level examination?

    Solution

    Evans was a very cunning, experienced intelligent and a careful run-away prisoner. He had escaped from the prison many times so he was called “Evans the Break”. Now he was preparing and appearing for ‘O’ Level examination in the jail premises. The prison authorities were very much troubled lest he should escape by this way. So people were doubtful about Evans' sincerity for taking the examination.

    Question 31
    CBSEENEN12020313

    What made Governor aware that someone from the examination board was involved in the escape of Evans?

    Solution

    The question paper had the instructions that he had to move from Elsfield way to the Headington round about. The examination board was situated at Elsfield Way. Then he remembered the call and the correction slip. All these things sanctify that someone from the examination board was involved in the escape plan.

    Tips: -

    V. Imp.

    Question 32
    CBSEENEN12020314

    What information did the Governor get from the hospital about McLeery?

    Solution

    The Governor was aware that McLeery was admitted in the Red Cliffe Hospital. In order to know about his well-being, he rang-up the hospital authorities. It was told that an ambulance did go to Elsfield Way but they did not find him there. The Governor concluded that it was Evans who ran away from the cell and not McLeery.

    Question 33
    CBSEENEN12020315

    How did Evans manage to get blood in the cell?

    Solution

    McLeery was the close friend of Evans. He had come for invigilating Evans. He had a rubber ring for getting rest against piles. The ring was semi-inflated. It had a pig's blood that was kept by the person in his suitcase. It has some chemicals and some real blood to prevent it from clotting. It was filled in the rubber-ring so it was looking semi-inflated.

    Tips: -

    V. Imp.

    Question 34
    CBSEENEN12020316

    In what way the friends of Evans arranged his escape from the prison?

    Solution

    Evans had some really efficient, cunning and smart friends. The tutor who came to give night classes was his friend. The person in the examination board, who sent clue about the hotle in the correction slip, was his intimate and loyal friend. Even the invigilator was also his friend. The people in the prison van were also his friends.

    Question 35
    CBSEENEN12020317

    Why was the Governor angry with the prison officers after Evans had escaped?

    Solution

    The Governor was angry with Stephens because it was he who saw Evans off safety out of the prison gate. Stephens told him that it was the Governor who ordered him to do so. These words infuriated the Governor since he had not rang him at all. The Governor was angry with Jackson since he did not search Evans' cell properly because Evans had somehow concealed a beard, dog collar and other things to a clerk in his cell. It was his carelessness that helped Evans to escape.

    Question 36
    CBSEENEN12020318

    How did Evans manage his final escape?

    Or

    Who do you think has outwitted the other Evans or the Governor? How?

    Solution

    Evans was almost rearrested by the Governor in the hotel. He was handcuffed and made to sit in a prison van. But the people sitting inside the van were the close friends of Evans. They opened his handcuff on Evans' instructions. They took the van towards Newsbury and Evans had his final escape. Thus Evans outwitted the Governor by dadging him at every step.

    Tips: -

    M. Imp.

    Question 37
    CBSEENEN12020319

    After reading the whole story what do you think about the Governor and his men?

    Solution

    After reading the whole story, we think that the Governor was a gullible person. He easily believed anyone and therefore he was deceived by Evans twice. Once when he left with the police party as wounded McLeery and second time when he was rearrested by the Governor. He and his men were always outwitted by Evans and his friends.

    Question 38
    CBSEENEN12020320

    What are the various loopholes you find in the story which according to you had helped Evans in escaping from the prison?

    Solution

    There were many such weak points in the security arrangements of the prison. The identity of the German teacher was never verified by any one from the prison. The identity of the feigning McLeery was also not verified, while coming and going out of the prison. Prior to Evan's exam, his cell was not properly searched and everyone blindly believed in Stephens. When he said that Evans had wounded McLeery while he was the actual Evans. Finally the Governor did not take Evans with him to the prison. Rather he sent him with a prison officer, whom the Governor might not have known himself.

    Question 39
    CBSEENEN12020321

    How did the Governor know that Golden Lion was referred to by Zum Golden Lowen?

    Solution

    Evans was surprised as to how did the Governor come to know about his story of Golden Lion since there were three hundred of them by that name. The Governor explained to him that he got the clue from Evans' index number 313 and the centre number 271;. It made up six figures. After consulting advance survey map for Oxfordshire, the six figure reference lands one right in the middle of Chipping Norton. It was in that there was Golden Lion hotel existed.

    Sponsor Area

    Question 40
    CBSEENEN12020322

    What could the Governor have done to securely bring back Evans to prison, when he caught him at the Golden Lion? Does this final act of foolishness really prove that he went just another good-for-a-giggle, Governor, that is all?

    Solution

    When the Governor caught Evans at the Golden Lion, he could have called his senior prison officer like Jackson or Stephens with a vehicle. After undergoing so many experiences of deceit, he should not have believed the local police. He just rang up the local police station and boarded the van standing outside. He made no enquiry and Evans got a chance to escape. So his act of foolishness proves that he was just an another good-for-a-giggle, gullible Governor that was all.

    Question 41
    CBSEENEN12020323

    Where had Evans stayed after his escape from prison? What was the surprise that availed him when he entered his bedroom?

    Solution

    After his escape from prison, Evans had stayed at the Golden Lion Hotel. One evening he returned to the hotel after a stroll around the centre of Chipping Norton. He collected the key from the reception and walked up the stairs. He unlocked his bedroom door and closed it behind him. He stood transfixed when he saw a man sitting on the narrow bed. He was none else but the Governor of Oxford Prison.

    Question 42
    CBSEENEN12020324

    Who met Evans on the eve of the examination and what did the brief interview reveal?

    Solution

    Evan's German teacher met his as 8.30 p.m. in the heavily guarded Recreational Block and bade him “good luck for the examination day-During the brief interview Evans told that he might surprise every body as the teacher had viewed that he had not got even the last chance of escaping from the heavily guarded prison.

    Question 43
    CBSEENEN12020325

    What request did the Secretary of the Examination Board receive from the Governor of ‘Oxford Prison’?

    Solution

    In the early March, the Secretary of the Examination Board received a call from the Governor of Oxford Prison that a prisoner named Evans had started night classes in O Level German for attaining academic qualifications. The Secretary assured to supply relevant material. The Governor told that Evans has not record of violence and his room can be used for examination purposes.

    Question 44
    CBSEENEN12020326

    Which facts about Evans did the Governor of Oxford Prison not reveal to the Secretary of the Examination Board?

    Solution

    The Governor of HM, Prison, Oxford did not reveal to the Secretary of the Examination Board that Evans was a troublesome fellow. He was called “Evans the Break” since he had escaped from the prison three times for his wave of unrest he had been kept in the maximum security establishments in North. He was a real burden and just a persistent.

    Question 45
    CBSEENEN12020327

    What makes you guess that the prison authorities have soft corner for Evans and the same becomes the cause of his escape?

    Or

    How did Evans outwit the Governor and his staff?

    Or

    How did Evans and his men dupe the prison officials?

    Or

    What mistakes were committed by the prison officials that helped Evans and his friends to get success in their plan?

    Or

    Describe the plan hatched out by Evans and his friends to get Evans out of the cell.

    Solution

    James Evans was imprisoned in the Oxford Prison but he had group of cunning, clever and smart friends outside. They hatched out a plan to get him out of the prison. Evans started night classes in ‘O’ Level German. The services of a German teacher were made available to him and he was from the technical college but he was Evans' friend. The prison authorities never thought to check him. At the Examination Board too they won over someone to act as an informer. They knew from Evans that McLeery would be put on invigilation. They bound and gagged McLeery in his flat and sent some one else to impersonate McLeery. Evans cut his hair short and hid under a bobbly hat. Mr. Jackson did not insist to take off the hat lest he should hide something under it. McLeery's semi-inflated rubber ring was not examined since it contained pig's blood. Thinking him as a bonafide person, they did not search him properly.

    The Governor allowed Stephens to stay outside the examination room and it provided a chance for Evans to work out his plan. The Governor did not check whether the prison van was appropriately needed by the magistrate or not. Evans dodged Carter when they took him to search for Evans and escaped. At The Golden Lion Hotel, he was nabbed by the Governor. When the Governor asked for police van and the prison officers, Evans' men succeeded in duping the Governor. Despite all precautions, Evans escaped from a high security jail.

    Question 46
    CBSEENEN12020328

    Write the character sketch of James Roderick Evans.

    Or

    How can you say that Evans was a man of high wits?

    Solution

    James Roderick Evans was a very cunning, smart and deceitful type of prisoner. So he was imprisoned in H.M. Oxford Prison under the careful watch and vigil of the Governor and other prison officials. But on the other hand, he was a very jolly fellow and participated in Christmas concerts. He was very good at imitations but he had no record of violence in the prison.

    He was famous by the name of ‘Evans the Break’ since he tried to escape from the prison three times. The Governor and other prison officers remained tense in the presence of Evans. All had severe doubts about his being absconding. He was a very sharp man having knowledge how to make an easy escape. He understood the human psychology very well. Immediately he requested the Governor that the presence of Stephens would distract his attenion in the paper. He was smart enough to outwit the Governor and his staff. He impersonated as McLeery and had a fine setting with his friends. He had the last laugh in the story and duped the Governor.

    Question 47
    CBSEENEN12020329

    The Governor was tensified lest Evans should escape from the prison on his examination day. What precautions were made for his stay in the jail?

    Or

    How did Evans manage to escape on the examination day?

    Solution

    Evans was a very smart type of prisoner duly imprisoned in the H.M. Oxford Prison. He had no record of violence and used to participate in Christmas concerts. He was good at imitations but he had escaped from the prison three times. So the prison officers called him “Evans the Break”. So he was kept on high and tight security. In the jail, Evans started ‘O’ Level German classes. Now he wanted to appear for the examination.

    Keeping in view his previous history, a tight security was alerted in his cell since he had to answer his paper in his room. Stephens was appointed to watch him till the paper was finished. The Governor too himself was much alert and microphone was attached in his room so that every word could be heard by the Governor himself. His room was too thoroughly searched and the objectionable items like the nail scissors and nail file were taken away. The razor blade was also taken away after the shave. Even McLeery was searched and a knife was removed from his suitcase. Despite these precautions, Evans duped the prison officials and escaped.

    Question 48
    CBSEENEN12020330

    What makes one guess that the prison authorities were responsible for the escape of Evans?

    Solution

    From the very beginning to the end of the play, there are so many lacunas and laxities on the part of the prison authorities that made the escape of Evans. Adequate measures were adopted to prevent Evans' escape but there remained certain facts that were totally unheeded. When McLeery came for invigilation. His identity was never checked except signing in the visitors' book. Already the police officers were asked to search the room of Evans and they ensured complete availability of any unauthorised items, how Evans managed to conceal beard, dog collar, a pair of spectacles and other clerical things in his cell? Apart from that he had got some sort of weapons with which he had givenMcLeery a terrible wound across the head. When Jackson asked to remove his bobble hat, Evans objected and called it “Good luck”.

    During the examination the correction-slip paved the way for Evans' escape. The prison authorities failed to confirm from the examination board about its sanctity. Not only this, they could not detect that Evans impersonating as McLeery became the imposter. McLeery walked out of the prison after the examination and Evans impersonating McLeery stayed in. The Governor nabbed Evans at the Golden Lions Hotel and called for the local police and the van. There the men of Evans' must have been tracking the Governor. They impersonated as prison officer and helped Evans escape. The Governor did not ask for his own official van and officers. Thus we can say that the prison authorities were totally responsibile for the escape of Evans.

    Tips: -

    M. Imp.

    Question 49
    CBSEENEN12020331

    Narrate briefly the incident that happened after Stephens had seen McLeery off the jail premises.

    Solution

    The examination was over and as per instructions, Stephens had accompanied McLeery to the main prison gate. He was in a relaxed mood as there had passed everything very smoothly. He thought to visit to the canteen for a cup of tea. But before he could sip a cup of tea, it came to his mind to just have a look at Evans. So he proceeded towards his cell and opened the peep hole. To his utmost dismay and perplexion, he was shocked to see the inside scene. There he saw a man fallen back in the chair of Evans. The blood was dripping from the front portion of his head. It was oozing from his black beard. It was spreading over his little dog white collar.

    There slipped a grey blanket from his shoulders. Stephens was deeply troubled and cried “Oh, Chist, No!” He at once cried wildly for Jackson and raised an alarm. When Jackson arrived, he at once sent Stephens to ring the police and the ambulance. But immediately McLeery said “Do not worry about the ambulance. I am all right. Get the police. I know where he has gone.” But in reality it was Evans who was impersonating McLeery and trying to put the officials on the wrong track.

    Tips: -

    Imp.

    Question 50
    CBSEENEN12020332

    What kind of person was the Governor of the prison in ‘Evan Tries an-O-Level?’ Mention any four lapses in his arrangement for Evans’ O-Level exam, that helped Evans escape.

    Or

    What loopholes in the Governor’s arrangement helped Evans escape from the prison?

    Or

    Specify a few details about the escape of Evans from the jail.

    Solution

    The Governor of the Oxford Prison was a man of over cautious nature. He was a gullible person. He easily believed anyone. He tries all his best and thereby takes different precautions to avoid Evan’s escape. His over confidence and foolishness proves no match for the wily and crafty Evans. On the examination day, a tight security arrangement was made in his cell. Even the Governor himself was in touch with every activity going on there. Objectionable items like nail-scissors, razer and other items were removed from Evan’s room.

    After studying the story we can note than the identity of the German teacher was never verified by any one. Even the identity of the McLerry was not checked while coming and going out of the prison.

    At the Golden Lions Hotel, the Governor succeeded in nabbing Evans but the Governor failed to act smartly. He only called the local police and the van. Here the men of Evan’s impersonated as police officers and helped Evan’s escape. The Governor should have asked for his own officials and the van. He left Evans to his fate. And the luck favoured him. Actually the Governor provided him ample opportunities to escape.

    Question 51
    CBSEENEN12020333

    How did the question paper and the correction slip help the prisoner and the Governor?

    Solution

    Evans was a mastermind. Thrice he had escaped from the prison. His appearing in O-level German examination was just a part of his plan. The German teacher was his own man. Evans’ had bound and gagged Mc Leery, a parson from St. Mary in his study. Evans’ man impersonated him. He had come there to provide him with necessary information for his escape. He asked Evans to write his index number - 313 and centre number - 271. The photo copied sheet had been cleverly superimposed over the last page of the question paper. It read “From Enfield way drive to Neugraben”. The six figure reference 313/271 helped Evans to escape. Evans had left the question paper behind. It also helped the Governor in locating Evans in the Middle of Chipping Norton.

    There was a correction slip. It was not placed in the exam package. The man who impersonated Me Leery made Evans to make the necessary corrections. It provided the name of the hotel ‘The Golden Lion’ for Evans and the exact time the Exam, started. Evans stayed in the cell. Later on he ran away from the net of the police. The slip helped the Governor in reaching the hotel.

    Question 52
    CBSEENEN12020413

    Give a character-sketch of the Governor of Oxford Prison based on your understanding of the story, ‘Evans Tries on O-level’.

    Solution

    The Governor of the HM Prison, Oxford appears to be a considerate and kind-hearted fellow at the start as he arranges for an O-level language exam for a prisoner notorious for his ability to escape from the prison. However, he is quite skeptical of Evans and makes every arrangement to make sure that Evans doesn't escape. He is also rather proud and self-conscious from his prison. The Governor has presence of mind which is clear from the fact that he cross-examines every call that was made to the prison that day. He is intelligent enough to realise that he has been duped but could not judge the extent of the deception. He gets a little over-confident when he tells himself that Evans had no chance of escaping. He is short tempered and gets infuriated with his officers when Evans runs away. At last, he proves to be just another good-for-a-giggle gullible Governor when Evans tricks him again and makes a final escape. His over confidence and self-praise let him down.

    Question 53
    CBSEENEN12020440

    Who was Carter? What did the Governor ask him to do?

    Solution

    Carter was the Detective Superintendent.  The Governor asked him to take Evans who was disguised as the injured McLeery along, considering that the injured man was the only one who knew what was happening or where Evans could be.

    Question 54
    CBSEENEN12020487

    What precautions were taken by the prison authorities to ensure that the German exam was conducted smoothly and also under strict security?

    Solution

    To ensure that the German was conducted smoothly and also under strict security Evans' razor and nail scissors were removed from the cell. The Reverend Stuart McLeery who was the invigilator was frisked on arrival. Police officer Stephens was deputed on duty inside the cell. All the prison officials were also put on high alert. There were two locked doors between Evan's cell and the yard. A microphone was installed in the cell as a precautionary measure through which the warden could listen to their talk by switching on the receiver. The senior prison officer, Jackson and officer Stephens had worked round the clock and made full proof arrangements and taken all the necessary precautions to ensure that the exam was conducted smoothly.

    Mock Test Series

    Sponsor Area

    Sponsor Area

    NCERT Book Store

    NCERT Sample Papers

    Entrance Exams Preparation