An Overview of Important Questions Class 11 English Woven Words Chapter 3 Prose
FAQs on Important Questions Class 11 English Woven Words Chapter 3 Prose
1. What are the most important questions for Class 11 CBSE exams from ‘The Rocking-horse Winner’ for 2025–26?
- Theme-based questions (5-mark): Explain how the theme of greed and materialism impacts the characters in ‘The Rocking-horse Winner’ as per the CBSE 2025–26 syllabus.
- Character analysis (3-mark): How does Paul’s mother influence the events in the story?
- Symbolic question (5-mark): Discuss the significance of the rocking horse in Paul’s quest for luck.
2. How does D.H. Lawrence highlight the dangers of materialism in ‘The Rocking-horse Winner’?
Lawrence portrays materialism as a destructive force by showing how the constant desire for money creates anxiety within the family. The repeated phrase “There must be more money” haunts the house, shaping the mother's coldness and Paul's unhealthy obsession with luck, which ultimately leads to tragedy.
3. What is the role of Paul's mother in influencing his actions in the story?
Paul’s mother’s dissatisfaction and emotional detachment drive Paul to seek her approval by obtaining ‘luck’ and money. Her constant anxiety and inability to love genuinely cause Paul to believe that earning enough money will earn her affection, motivating his dangerous actions.
4. Describe a frequently asked 5-mark exam question based on symbolism in ‘The Rocking-horse Winner’ with a model answer.
Exam-style question: Analyze the symbolic role of the rocking horse in the story.
Model answer: The rocking horse symbolizes Paul’s desperate attempt to gain control over uncertainty and win his mother’s love by predicting race winners. Its frenzied motion represents his psychological turmoil, and his final ride marks the culmination of his sacrifice, highlighting the dangers of equating love with material success.
5. What are common misconceptions students have regarding Paul’s ‘luck’ in ‘The Rocking-horse Winner’?
Many students mistakenly believe Paul’s ‘luck’ refers to mere good fortune; however, in the story, ‘luck’ is equated with wealth and success, which is a flawed belief promoted by his mother. This misconception highlights the central irony of the narrative and how seeking approval through money can be self-destructive.
6. How do CBSE examiners expect students to connect the story’s events to its themes for high-mark answers?
Examiners look for answers that link character actions and story events with major themes like greed, love, and fate. High-mark responses should use specific examples such as the whispering house, Paul’s desperate efforts, and the mother’s coldness to illustrate the consequences of materialism on family relationships (as per CBSE 2025–26 board marking scheme).
7. Why does Paul ride his rocking horse, and what does this action reveal about his character? (CBSE HOTS)
Paul rides his rocking horse in a trance-like state to predict winning horses, believing this ‘luck’ will resolve his family’s financial woes and win his mother’s love. This highlights his innocence, determination, and the psychological burden placed on him by adult anxieties.
8. What question can appear for 3 marks related to the ending of ‘The Rocking-horse Winner’?
Question: Discuss the circumstances of Paul’s death and its significance.
Answer: Paul dies from exhaustion and mental strain after the Derby, having sacrificed his health for his family’s wealth. His death underlines the tragic consequences of equating love with financial success.
9. How should students structure a 5-mark answer for ‘The Rocking-horse Winner’ in the CBSE exam?
- Begin with a clear, relevant introduction citing the question’s focus.
- Use specific references from the text for evidence.
- Connect examples to central themes (greed, love, fate).
- Provide a concise conclusion that directly answers the question as per CBSE 2025–26 marking guidelines.
10. Why is the phrase ‘There must be more money’ significant in the story and in CBSE board questions?
This phrase symbolizes the ever-present anxiety and pressure for wealth within the household, which shapes the family’s actions. CBSE board frequently asks about its impact as it connects directly to core themes of materialism and psychological distress.
11. What are key character traits of Paul that are likely to be asked in 2025 CBSE Class 11 exams?
- Determination: His unwavering quest to gain ‘luck’ and please his mother.
- Sensitivity: He deeply internalizes household anxieties and responds emotionally.
- Innocence: Paul’s effort emerges from a childlike belief in magic and family love, not in greed.
12. How does ‘The Rocking-horse Winner’ fulfill the criteria of a modern short story, as per CBSE board standards?
The story uses concise narration, symbolic language, psychological depth, and irony, all characteristics valued in the CBSE English curriculum for analyzing modern fiction. These qualities enable students to develop higher-order responses in board exams.
13. What high-order thinking skill (HOTS) question can be asked about the mother’s attitude in ‘The Rocking-horse Winner’?
Sample HOTS question: How does the mother’s inability to feel love relate to the story’s central conflict?
Answer: Her emotional coldness prevents real familial connection, intensifying the destructive cycle of materialism and causing Paul’s tragic efforts to win her affection, which is a key exam-tested conceptual focus in CBSE 2025–26.
14. How is irony used as a literary device in ‘The Rocking-horse Winner’ and why might CBSE exams focus on this?
Irony appears when Paul’s success in winning money fails to bring happiness or love to his mother and instead leads to his demise. CBSE examiners may test this to assess literary analysis skills and the ability to connect narrative devices to broader themes.
15. What expected short and long answer trends should students prepare for Class 11 English board exams based on ‘The Rocking-horse Winner’?
- Short answer: Focus on key events, character motivations, and symbolism.
- Long answer: Analyze thematic depth, use well-structured arguments, and cite textual evidence, following the 2025–26 CBSE marking guidelines for important questions.











