What is a Good Book Class 11 Extra Questions and Answers Free PDF Download
FAQs on CBSE Important Questions for Class 11 English Woven Words What is a Good Book - 2025-26
1. What are the most important questions from Class 11 English Chapter 5, 'What Is A Good Book,' that students should prepare for the CBSE 2025–26 board exam?
- Explain the key qualities of a good book as described by Ruskin.
- How does the author contrast 'real books' with other forms of written material?
- Discuss the author's perspective on the permanence and purpose of books.
- Explain the meaning of 'the work of a wise man' in the context of book writing.
- Describe the distinctive characteristics of the present age regarding books, according to the chapter.
2. Which 3-mark and 5-mark questions from 'What Is A Good Book' often appear in CBSE Class 11 English assessments?
- 3-mark example: 'What does the author mean by describing a book as a 'written thing' rather than a 'spoken thing'?' (CBSE 2025–26 trend)
- 5-mark example: 'Discuss how the author distinguishes between education and non-education using examples from the essay.' (Appeared in board-style papers)
3. What type of questions can students expect based on the 'hot topic' or HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) from this chapter?
- Analyze how the author’s views about books reflect broader societal values.
- Evaluate the statement: 'We make the worst possible use of a book when we let it replace real-life learning.'
- Debate whether books today still hold the same 'permanence' as described by Ruskin.
4. What are common conceptual traps or misconceptions students should avoid when answering questions from 'What Is A Good Book'?
- Misconstruing 'books' as any written material; the chapter distinguishes carefully between 'real books' and other texts.
- Ignoring the emotional or conversational qualities of good books; students should remember that Ruskin values engagement and wisdom, not just information.
- Overlooking the link between books and personal growth; as highlighted in context of education vs. non-education.
5. According to the CBSE pattern for 2025–26, how should students structure their answers to 5-mark questions from this chapter?
- Begin with a direct, relevant thesis statement that addresses the question.
- Support with 2–3 key points or examples directly from the text.
- Conclude with a summary line linking back to the question’s demand.
6. What is a 'real book' according to the author in Chapter 5, and why is this distinction significant for CBSE Class 11 English?
A 'real book' is described as one that offers meaningful, wise, or enjoyable conversation and lasting value, not just transient information. This distinction is important because CBSE examiners may ask students to apply or demonstrate understanding beyond surface-level definitions.
7. How is the concept of education vs. non-education explored in 'What Is A Good Book,' and why does it matter in the board exam context?
The author examines education through a person's mastery and nuanced understanding of language, not mere memorization. Recognizing this helps students craft in-depth answers that go beyond simple recall—an approach favored in board marking schemes.
8. What role do values like honesty and benevolence play in the development of a good book, as per the chapter’s important questions?
Ruskin asserts that a truly worthwhile book is produced with honesty and benevolence. Students should emphasize these values when answering, as they link to broader marks for interpretation and value-based reasoning important for CBSE scoring.
9. Which words and their meanings from 'What Is A Good Book' are crucial for understanding and likely to appear in Class 11 English exams?
- Permanence — Stability or lasting value
- Benevolence — Kindness, goodwill
- Redundant — Unnecessary, repetitive
- Reticence — Reserve, the quality of keeping one's thoughts to oneself
- Parables — Lesson or moral stories
10. In relation to CBSE board trends, what exam tips should students follow for scoring well in 'What Is A Good Book' important questions?
- Read each question carefully to distinguish between factual recall and interpretation.
- Include direct textual references to support answers (as per 2025–26 marking scheme).
- Avoid generic statements; target specific qualities and author’s perspectives discussed in the chapter.
11. What is the difference between a book written for permanence and one meant for conversation, according to the essay?
A book written for permanence aims to preserve ideas, knowledge, or wisdom over time, while a conversational book seeks to engage the reader in a manner similar to direct dialogue. CBSE exams may ask students to illustrate this contrast with examples from the text.
12. How does the author use anecdotes and examples to highlight what makes a book 'good' in Chapter 5?
The author uses lively, relatable anecdotes—such as letters from journeys or stories about daily life—to demonstrate that good books capture the joy, sorrow, or humor that would be present in conversations with friends. Referencing these can add depth to CBSE answers.











