Class 12 English NCERT Solutions Vistas Chapter 7 - Evans Tries an O-Level - Free PDF Download
FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Chapter 7 - Evans Tries An O
1. How do the NCERT Solutions for Chapter 7 describe the character of James Evans?
According to the NCERT Solutions, James Roderick Evans, also known as 'Evans the Break', is portrayed as a clever, non-violent, and charming prisoner. He is a congenital kleptomaniac who has escaped from prison three times. Despite his criminal record, he is personable, good at imitations, and possesses a sharp mind capable of identifying and exploiting loopholes in the prison system, which allows him to consistently outwit the authorities.
2. What precautions were taken by the prison authorities for the smooth conduct of Evans' O-Level exam?
To prevent another escape during the O-Level German examination, the prison authorities took several precautions, which are detailed in the NCERT solutions. These included:
- Removing any potentially dangerous items like razors or nail-scissors from his cell.
- Assigning two prison officers, Mr. Jackson and Mr. Stephens, to watch over him.
- Installing a microphone (bug) in Evans' cell to allow the Governor to listen in on the proceedings.
- Arranging for a special invigilator, Reverend S. McLeery, who was thoroughly frisked before entering the cell.
3. How did the clues on the question paper, including the 'correction slip', ultimately help the Governor find Evans?
The clues on the question paper were a brilliant piece of misdirection by Evans. Initially, the superimposed question paper seemed to suggest a plan to head towards Newbury. However, the Governor used his intelligence to decode the real clue from the 'correction slip'. By combining the Index number (313) and the Centre number (271), he deduced that Evans might be at the Golden Lion hotel in Chipping Norton, which is how he was able to track him down temporarily.
4. What is the main theme of the story 'Evans Tries an O-Level' as per the NCERT curriculum?
The central theme of 'Evans Tries an O-Level' is the ongoing conflict between crime and punishment, presented as a battle of wits. It explores how a cunning and intelligent criminal (Evans) can outsmart a seemingly competent and prepared law enforcement system (represented by the Governor). The story highlights themes of overconfidence, deception, and the fact that appearances can be profoundly misleading.
5. Where can students find the correct method for solving questions from Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 7 for the 2025-26 session?
For the academic year 2025-26, students should refer to NCERT Solutions that are aligned with the latest CBSE syllabus and pattern. These solutions provide the correct, step-by-step methodology for answering all textbook questions, including character analysis, plot details, and thematic interpretations of 'Evans Tries an O-Level'. Using verified solutions helps in understanding the expected answer format for scoring well in board exams.
6. Why did the Governor, despite his intelligence, fail to prevent Evans' final escape from the Golden Lion hotel?
The Governor's failure stems from his overconfidence and underestimation of Evans' meticulous planning. After cleverly tracking Evans to the Golden Lion, the Governor believed he had won the 'battle of wits'. This complacency led him to a critical error: he failed to verify the identities of the prison officer and the driver of the van sent to collect Evans. He handed the prisoner over to Evans' own accomplices, proving that a momentary lapse in judgement can undo all previous smart work.
7. How does 'Evans Tries An O-Level' function as a 'battle of wits' between the criminal and the establishment?
The story is structured as a series of strategic moves and counter-moves.
- The Establishment's Moves: The Governor implements tight security, installs a listening device, and verifies the invigilator's identity.
- The Criminal's Counter-Moves: Evans uses the exam as a front, arranges an imposter invigilator, plants a fake blood-filled pig's bladder, and leaves a trail of misleading clues.
8. In what ways did the hasty assumptions of the prison officers, particularly Stephens, contribute directly to the success of Evans' escape plan?
The prison officers' tendency to make hasty assumptions was a key weakness that Evans exploited. When Officer Stephens discovered the 'injured' McLeery in the cell, he was so shocked that he immediately jumped to the conclusion that Evans had attacked the invigilator and escaped. He, and everyone else, failed to perform a basic identity check or question how two people could be in the cell. This oversight allowed the real Evans, disguised as the injured McLeery, to be calmly escorted out of the prison by the unsuspecting officers themselves.
9. The story portrays Evans as a 'congenital kleptomaniac' but not violent. How does this characterisation create sympathy for a criminal figure?
By defining Evans as a non-violent kleptomaniac, the author, Colin Dexter, skillfully shifts the reader's focus from moral condemnation to an appreciation of his intellect. The narrative frames his escapes not as malicious acts but as ingenious puzzles. This encourages the audience to root for his cleverness and wit rather than despise his criminality. This makes his final victory feel less like a societal threat and more like the satisfying conclusion to a clever game, thereby generating a degree of sympathy for his character.

















