VBQs Class 12 English Evans Tries an O-level (Colin Dexter)

Please refer to VBQs for Class 12 English Evans Tries an O-level. All value based questions for English Class 12 have been provided with solutions. We have provided below important values questions and answers. Students should learn these solved VBQs for Class 12 English as these will help them to gain more marks and help improve understanding of important topics.

Evans Tries an O-level VBQs Class 12 English with Answers

Question. ‘And besides, there was just a possibility that Evans was genuinely interested in O-level German. Just a slight possibility. Just a slight possibility.
The repetition of ‘just a light possibility’ serves the purpose of
(a) emphasizing on the fact
(b) comforting oneself with the fact
(c) typing to accept the fact
(d) showing distrust in the fact

Question. How did McLerry react when Stephen asked him about the rubber ring?
(a) Flustered
(b) Irritated
(c) Angry
(d) Doubtful

Question. Pick out the literary device used in the given lines.
Jackson was the senior prison officer of D Wing, and he and Evans had already become warm enemies.
(a) Repetition
(b) Imagery
(c) Oxymoron
(d) Irony

Question. Pick the option that best describes the word ‘demeanour’ as used in the given lines.
“McLeery’s hitherto amiable demeanour was slightly ruffled by this tasteless little pleasantry, and he answered Jackson somewhat sourly.”
1. Personality
2. Manner
3. Conduct
4. Attitude
5. Cast
6. Appearance
(a) 1, 2, 3
(b) 2, 3, 4
(c) 3, 4, 5
(d) 4, 5, 6

Question. What would McLeery need if he had to sit for some length of time?
(A) A small inflated rubber ring.
(B) A paper knife.
(C) A copy of the Bible.
(D) The newspaper, ‘The Church Times’.    

Question. Look at the statements given below. Choose the option that correctly identifies which statements are fact and which are opinion:

(A) Fact – (i) and (iv) ; Opinion – (ii) and (iii)
(B) Fact – (ii) and (iii) ; Opinion – (i) and (iv)
(C) Fact – (i) and (ii) ; Opinion – (iii) and (iv)
(D) Fact – (ii) and (iv) ; Opinion – (i) and (iii)   

Question. What would the prison officers call Evans?
(A) Evans the Magician
(B) Evans the Shrewd
(C) Evans the Break
(D) Evans the Fool   

Question. What information was given by the detective Superintendent to the Governor?
(A) McLeery had spotted Evans.
(B) Evans was seen near Elsfield way.
(C) They chased Evans but lost him.
(D) All of these.    

Question. Evans wanted to take an O-Level examination in ____________.
(A) French
(B) German
(C) Italian
(D) Spanish    

Question. A trope is a common device or theme used to describe situations or characters in a story.
Given below are some typical tropes found in a prison escape narrative.
Choose the option that is NOT a trope used in the story ‘Evans Tries an O-Level’.
(i) Prison Changes People – Spending time in prison can change one’s personality, for better or for worse.
(ii) Master of Disguise – When a character masquerades as someone else.
(iii) Wardens Are Evil – The prison is run by a ruthlessly corrupt administrator.
(iv) The Guards Must Be Crazy – Prison staff make it almost too easy for prisoners to escape.
(v) Breaking Out the Boss – Members of a gang bust their boss out of jail.
(vi) Passive Rescue – A character who rescues someone from prison without using aggression or violence to break them out.
(vii) Prison Escape Artist – A character who is known for escaping prison multiple times.
(A) Options (ii), (iii) and (vi)
(B) Options (i), (iii) and (v)
(C) Options (ii), (iv) and (v)
(D) Options (i), (iv) and (vi) 

Question. How will you categorize ‘Evans Tries an O-Level’?
(A) The narration of Evans’ talent.
(B) A satire.
(C) Battle of wits between the criminal and the jail authorities.
(D) Tragic conflict between the criminal and the jail authorities.  

Question. “God Almighty! There’s far more going on than I —”
“Always will be, sir.”
What can be collected from the aforesaid conversation between the Governor and Evans?
(A) The Governor realized that he was likely to lose his job very soon.
(B) Evans proved that criminals are always one step ahead of the police.
(C) There were always schemes afoot unknown to prison authorities.
(D) The Governor’s confidence in his control over the prison stood shattered.  

Question. How did the Governor, Oxford Prison, describe Evans to the Secretary Examinations Board?
(A) He was very aggressive.
(B) He was violent.
(C) He was a congenital kleptomania.
(D) He was shrewd but was also a lazy fellow.   

Question. Why did Evans drape a blanket around his shoulder?
(A) To conceal his efforts of changing dress to look like McLeery.
(B) Because he was feeling cold.
(C) To hide himself from the police.
(D) All of these.     

Question. “You haven’t a cat in hell’s chance of getting through, of course, but …………”
“I may surprise everybody,” said Evans.
Which of the following can be said for the given lines?
(a) Evans was not at all interested in learning German.
(b) Evans and the German teacher knew the reality behind the exam.
(c) Evans knew that he would pass the German exam.
(d) Evans wanted to prove his German teacher wrong.

Question. The Governor reached for the phone. “Jackson? Ah, good. Get Stephens out of that cell, will you? I think we’re perhaps overdoing things.” In context of the lesson, which of the following idioms would suit the given lines?
(a) Come back to bite you
(b) Throw caution to the wind
(c) Barking up the wrong tree
(d) So far so good

Question. Select the suitable option for the given statements based on your reading of ‘Evans tries an O-Level’.
I. The Governor would have been a great friend to Evans, had he not been a prisoner.
II. The Governor feared that Evans would do something in the facade of the exam.
(a) I is true but II is false.
(b) I is false but II is true.
(c) Both I and II cannot be inferred.
(d) Both I and II can be inferred.

Question. Classify (1) to (4) as Fact (F) or Opinion (O), based on your reading of ‘Evans tries O level?
(i) Jackson did not even like talking to Evans and wanted him gone.
(ii) Jackson used to get irritated with the very sarcastic words of Evans.
(iii) Jackson did everything in his power to exasperate Evans to do something wrong.
(iv) Jackson bought Stephens with him as a witness to Evans behaviour.
(a) Fact – (i) and (iv) ; Opinion – (ii) and (iii)
(b) Fact – (ii) and (iii) ; Opinion – (i) and (iv)
(c) Fact – (i) and (ii) ; Opinion – (iii) and (iv)
(d) Fact – (ii) and (iv) ; Opinion – (i) and (iii)

Question. “God Almighty! There’s far more going on than I (___)” 
“Always will be, sir.”
What can be collected from the aforesaid conversation between the Governor and Evans?
(a) The Governor realised that he was likely to lose his job very soon.
(b) Evans proved that criminals are always one step ahead of the police,·
(c) There were always schemes afoot unknown to prison authorities.
(d) The Governor’s confidence in- his control over the prison stood shattered.

Question. On the basis of this passage, pick the option that enumerates the characteristics of the Governor.
1. short-tempered
2. practical
3. rational
4. over-cautious
5. gullible
6. over-confident
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 5
(d) Only 6

Question. “Would have cost him a packet if he’d been outside”. The given line contains an idiomatic expression. Pick out another idiomatic expression that can replace the given one.
(a) Exorbitant
(b) Cost an arm and leg
(c) Daylight robbery
(d) White elephant

Question. “Why did they ave to bug me in this cell?”
‘Bugging’ is generally a trope of ………… genre of literature.
(a) mystery
(b) Sci-fi
(c) Horror
(d) Humour

Question. Why Evan is known as ‘Evan’s the Break’?
(a) Because he always keeps hat on his head.
(b) Because he tried to escape prison thrice.
(c) Because he tried to offend other prisoners.
(d) None of the above

Question. Select the correct option for the given statements based on your reading of ‘Evans tries an O-level’.
I. Stephen was an under-confident police officer.
II. If Stephen had not gone to check on Evans after the exam, the discovery of Evans escape would have been late.
(a) I is true but II is false.
(b) I is false but II is true.
(c) Both I and II cannot be inferred.
(d) Both I and II can be inferred.

Question. “If he was so anxious to make another break, why in heaven’s name hadn’t he tried it from the Recreational Block? Much easier.”
The given lines highlights the irony present in the situation as
(a) The Governor’s precautionary measures were vain as nothing happened.
(b) Even with so much precautions Evans made his escape.
(c) An outsider entered the prison to help Evans.
(d) The prison officers made a basic mistake.

Extract Based MCQs :

1. Read the extract to attempt question that follows.
“They’re not — they don’t honestly think I’m goin’ to try to — ”
“They’re taking no chances, Evans. Nobody in his senses would take any chance with you.”
“Who’s goin’ to listen in?”
“I’ll tell you who’s going to listen in, laddy. It’s the Governor himself, see? He don’t trust you a bloody inch—and nor do I. I’ll be watching you like a hawk, Evans, so keep your nose clean. Clear?”
He walked towards the door. Evans nodded. He’d already thought of that, and Number Two Handkerchief was lying ready on the bunk—a neatly folded square of off-white linen.
“Just one more thing, Einstein.” 
“Ya? Wha’s ‘at?”
“Good luck, old son.” 

Question. “Nobody in his senses would take any chance with you.” Why not?
(a) Jackson did not like Evans and was keen to get rid of him.
(b) Evans had quite a reputation for escaping from prisons.
(c) Evans had been transferred to Oxford prison and needed care.
(d) The Governor was uneasy about Evans’ German O-Level exams.

Question. The above extract employs several idiomatic expressions. Which of the following is not an idiom?
(a) To not trust an inch
(b) To watch like a hawk
(c) To keep nose clean
(d) To be ready on the bunk

Question. Which of the following qualities of Jackson does NOT come through in the given extract?
(a) Soft-hearted
(b) Gullible
(c) Skeptical
(d) Authoritative

Question. ‘Watching you like a hawk’ means
(a) watching in regular intervals
(b) watching with suspicion
(c) watching angrily
(d) watching continuously

Question. In the given extract, ‘Einstein’ is meant as a
(a) compliment
(b) misconception
(c) taunt
(d) provocation

2. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow.
The Governor reached for the phone. It was 9.12 a.m. The examinee and the invigilator had already been introduced by Stephens when Jackson came back and shouted to McLeery through the cell door. “Can you come outside a minute, sir? You too, Stephens.”
Jackson quickly explained the Governor’s worries, and McLeery patiently held out his arms at shoulder level whilst Jackson lightly frisked his clothes.

Question. Choose the option that correctly lists who the examinee and the invigilator are
(a) Jackson and McLeery
(b) Evans and McLeery
(c) Evans and the Secretary of the Examination board
(d) Evans and his teacher

Question. Which of the following is true for the given extract?
(a) The Governor had ordered for Stephens to stay inside the cell.
(b) McLeery was a parson associated with the church
(c) Jackson was Stephens boss.
(d) All of the above

Question. Why did the Governor reach for the phone?
(a) To call the Examination board
(b) To call the prison
(c) To check on McLeery
(d) To call Jackson

Question. ‘Frisked lightly’ indicates
(a) searched without any discomfort
(b) searched for the sake of it
(c) searched carefully
(d) searched with respect.

Question. The Governor’s worry was that
(a) Evans was hiding something in his hat
(b) that the cell must be checked again
(c) that McLeery could have carried a potential weapon
(d) that Evans must be aware of his cell being bugged

Extract Based MCQs :

I. Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow: 
“They’re not — they don’t honestly think I’m goin’ to try to — ”
“They’re taking no chances, Evans. Nobody in his senses would take any chance with you.”
“Who’s goin’ to listen in?”
“I’ll tell you who’s going to listen in, laddy. It’s the Governor himself, see? He don’t trust you a bloody inch — and nor do I. I’ll be watching you like a hawk, Evans, so keep your nose clean. Clear?”
He walked towards the door. Evans nodded. He’d already thought of that and number two handkerchief was lying ready on the bunk — a neatly folded square of off-white linen.
“Just one more thing, Einstein.”
“Ya? Wha’s ‘at?”
“Good luck, old son.”

Question. In the given extract, “Einstein” is meant as a ___________.
(A) compliment
(B) misconception
(C) taunt
(D) provocation     

Question. The above extract employs several idiomatic expressions. Which of the following is not an idiom?
(A) To not trust an inch
(B) To watch like a hawk
(C) To keep nose clean
(D) To be ready on the bunk    

Question. Which of the following qualities of Jackson do NOT come through in the given extract?
(A) Soft-hearted
(B) Gullible
(C) Sceptical
(D) Authoritative   

Question. “Nobody in his senses would take any chance with you”. Why not?
(A) Jackson did not like Evans and was keen to get rid of him.
(B) Evans had quite a reputation for escaping from prisons.
(C) Evans had been transferred to Oxford prison and needed care.  
(D) The Governor was uneasy about Evans’ German O-Level exams.   

II. “Perhaps you won’t be with us next September, Evans.”
James Roderick Evans appeared to ponder the Governor’s words deeply. “No. P’r’aps I won’t,” he said. As the prison van turned right from Chipping Norton on to the Oxford road, the hitherto silent prison officer unlocked the handcuffs and leaned forward towards the driver, “For Christ’s sake get a move on! It won’t take ‘em long to find out —’
“Where do ye suggest we make for?” asked the driver, in a broad Scots accent. 
“What about Newbury?” suggested Evans.

Question. Evans suggested Newbury because :
(A) the police had already been to Newbury and would not expect to find him there.
(B) he was being playful and wanted to crack another joke at the police’s expense.
(C) he wanted the thrill of another chase and the opportunity to outsmart authorities.
(D) he did not want to risk going to a new place, and opted for something more familiar.

Question. How would you describe Evans in the above extract?
(A) Solemn
(B) Cheeky
(C) Anxious
(D) Cheerful   

Question. A ‘broad accent’ is that which is :
(A) applied widely, all over the world.
(B) recognised by broadcasters.
(C) associated with the traditional speech of the local people.
(D) developed over several years for the purposes of special communication.  

Question. Silent : Loud :: Ponder : __________
(A) Meditate
(B) Repeat
(c) Exaggerate
(D) Overlook    

III. “It’s a slightly unusual request, Governor, but I don’t see why we shouldn’t try to help. Just the one fellow, you say?”

Question. Who made a slightly unusual request?
(A) Evans
(B) Governor
(C) Station Head Officer
(D) Commissioner of Police  

Question. Why, according to the Governor, had Evans started taking classes in O-level German?
(A) To upgrade his academic qualification
(B) To pass time in the prison
(C) To become a translator
(D) To reform himself   

Question. Who is ‘I’ here?
(A) Evans
(B) Oxford Prison Superintendent
(C) Governor
(D) Secretary of the Examinations Board   

Question. Why did Evans select German only for his O-level examination?
(A) He knew the German teacher.
(B) He loved the language.
(C) He was planning to shift to Germany.
(D) None of these.  

IV. “Oh, don’t worry about that. I’ll be sending you all the forms and stuff. What’s his name, you say?

Question. Who is the speaker here?
(A) Secretary of the Examination Board
(B) Governor of Oxford Prison
(C) James Roderic Evans
(D) None of these  

Question. Which exam will he appear for in German?
(A) A-level
(B) E-level
(C) G-level
(D) O-level    

Question. Whom is he talking to?
(A) Secretary of the Examination Board
(B) Governor of Oxford Prison
(C) James Roderic Evans
(D) None of these

Question. Which forms and stuff is the speaker talking about?
(A) To release the prisoner
(B) To confer a degree
(C) To appear for an exam
(D) To extend the course duration  

V. “I said, “Good luck”. Good luck for tomorrow.” “Oh. Thanks, er, I mean, er, Danke Schon.” “You haven’t a cat in hell’s chance of getting through, of course, but — ” “I may surprise everybody.“

Question. What does ‘cat in a hell chance’ mean?
(A) Good
(B) Excellent
(C) Almost no
(D) Moderate    

Question. What does the phrase “I may surprise everybody“ actually turn into?
(A) The prisoner escaped the prison.
(B) Student cleared the exam with flying colours.
(C) The student did not appear for the exam.
(D) The prisoner was shot while trying to escape.

Question. Who is wishing ‘Good Luck’?
(A) German student
(B) German teacher
(C) Prison Governor
(D) Examination Controller 

Question. Who is being wished good luck?
(A) Evans
(B) Douglas
(C) Dr. Sadao
(D) McLeery 

VI. “Can you come outside a minute, sir? You too, Stephens.”

Question. Who is the examinee?
(A) James Roderick Evans
(B) McLeery
(C) Jackson
(D) Stephens   

Question. Other than Stephens, who is the other person who is asked to come out?
(A) Jackson
(B) Governor
(C) McLeery
(D) Evans    

Question. Who speaks these words?
(A) Jackson
(B) McLeery
(C) Governor
(D) None of these   

Question. Why has McLeery come to the prison?
(A) To carry out his duty as Examiner.
(B) To carry out his duty as Invigilator.
(C) To carry out his duty as Prison incharge.
(D) To carry out his duty as Governor.   

VII. “Would you mind if I put a blanket round shoulders, sir? It’s a bit parky in ’ere, isn’t it?” Silence.

Question. Who wrote these lines?
(A) Susan Hill
(B) Colin Dexter
(C) Kamala Das
(D) Jack Finney    

Question. Who was Stephens supposed to call in case of any change in the cell?
(A) Jackson
(B) Evans
(C) Governor
(D) McLeery   

Question. Who are ‘I’ and ‘you‘ in the above lines?
(A) Evans and Jackson
(B) Evans and McLeery
(C) Jackson and Stephens
(D) Jackson and Evans 

Question. What was the real motive of ‘I’ draping his shoulder with a blanket?
(A) To cut his hair
(B) To change his makeup
(C) To change into parson’s dress
(D) To change into student uniform  

VIII. “And which one of you two morons was it who took Evans for a nice little walk to the main gates and waved him bye-bye?”

Question. To whom are these words spoken to?
(A) McLeery and James Roderick
(B) Stephens and Jackson
(C) Stephens and James Roderick
(D) McLeery and Jackson  

Question. Who was the one who had escorted Evans to the main gates?
(A) McLeery
(B) Jackson
(C) Stephens
(D) James Roderick   

Question. Who speaks these words?
(A) Governor
(B) Stephens
(C) Jackson
(D) McLeery   

Question. Why is the speaker angry?
(A) Evans had cut his hair.
(B) Evans had cleared the exam.
(C) Evans had escaped from the prison.
(D) Evans had learnt German.  

IX. “I don’t think there’s anyone — ” “Yes, there is. You’ll find one of your ambulances picked him up from Elsfield Way about — “

Question. Who is the speaker of the second line?
(A) Stephens
(B) Governor
(C) Superintendent
(D) McLeery    

Question. Why was the ambulance called?
(A) To take Evans to the hospital
(B) To take Governor to the hospital
(C) To take Jackson to the hospital
(D) To take McLeery to the hospital  

Question. Where did the person to be hospitalized go?
(A) Injured
(B) Escaped
(C) Died
(D) None of these   

Question. Who is the speaker asking for?
(A) Stephens
(B) Jackson
(C) McLeery
(D) Evans   

Short Answer Type Questions :

Question. Will the exam go on as scheduled? 
Ans. No, the exam didn’t go on as scheduled. First, there was a delay in conducting the exam, which was scheduled to start at 9:15 am. The Governor asked Jackson to frisk the invigilator at 9:12 am. After the invigilator gave Evans some general instructions, the latter objected to Stephens’ presence in the cell. The exam finally began at 9:25 am.

Question. Which article in McLeery’s suitcase played perhaps the most significant role in Evans’ escape and how?
Ans. It was the blood that McLeery brought in a rubber tube that perhaps played the most important role in the escape of Evans. It was this blood that helped Evans to make himself up as a parson just before his escape. He offered to help the detective.
There was no point of suspecting a dying parson who is willing to pledge his own life that Evans’ (the bleeding parson’s) offer to guide detective Carter was accepted without any objection.

Question. Was the injured McLeery be able to help the prison officers track Evans? 
Ans. The injured McLeery told the Governor that he knew where Evans had gone. The Governor sent McLeery with Detective Carter. McLeery told Carter that he had spotted Evans driving off along Elsfield Way. They even went to Elsfield Way, but lost him. But all these clues were not true, as it was Evans himself impersonating McLeery. He was trying to misguide the police.

Question. Which important call did the governor receive when the examination was going on? 
Ans. The governor received two phone calls when the examination was going on. The first call was from the university regarding a correction slip which was not sent with the question paper and the second call was supposedly from the magistrate’s office requesting for a van and two prison officers.

Question. What could the Governor have done to securely bring Evans back to the prison from the ‘Golden Lion’? 
Ans. The Governor could have either taken Evans to the prison himself or called some officials from the prison whom he knew and trusted to take Evans back to the prison. He should have also checked the credentials of the officials escorting him to the prison.

Question. Comment on the general absence of women characters in the story. 
Ans. The story revolves around Evans, a congenital kleptomaniac, but a non-violent person. His presence in the jail along with police authorities or his friends surrounding him doesn’t make room for any female character. And even their absence is not felt as the turn of the events in the story keeps the reader interested.

Question. What kind of a person was Evans?
Ans. Evans was a young prisoner at the Oxford Prison. He was known as ‘Evans the Break’ because thrice he had escaped from the jail. Actually, he was a kleptomaniac, i.e. a habitual thief. However, he had no record of ever having indulged in violence. He was actually a pleasant person, but was very clever and cunning.

Question. How did the question paper and the correction slip help the prisoner and the Governor? 
Ans. The purpose of the cleverly superimposed photocopied sheet on the question paper and the correction slip was to finalise the details of the plan of escape. This information had to reach Evans. It was also meant to make the authorities believe that the wounded man was McLeery himself.
The question paper and correction slip helped the Governor to locate the place where Evans was hiding. Thus, the two clues helped both the prisoner and the Governor.

Question. How does McLeery explain the presence of a small semi-inflated rubber ring? What did it actually contain? 
Ans. McLeery tells Jackson that he is suffering from haemorrhoids (piles) and the ring helps him when he has to sit for a long time. In reality, the ring contained pig blood, which Evans, impersonating as the injuredMcLeery, would splatter on his head and escape from the prison.

Question. Why did Evans not take off his hat when Jackson ordered him to do so ? 
Ans. Evans did not take off his hat when Jackson ordered him to do so because he knew that the duplicate McLeery, who was invigilating during the O-level German examination, had short hair. So, he cropped his hair to pass off as McLeery later. The ‘bobble hat’ was an important part of the plan to conceal Evans cropped hair.

Question. It was important that the recaptured Evans keep up the façade till the very last moment of his interaction with the Governor. Support this statement with a rationale.
Ans. Evans had spent a long time planning his escape from the Oxford Prison. His plan was planned deeply to an extent that no one could suspect it prior to his escape. He had expected that the Governor would get to know about his location soon. So, even the police officer and the police van driver were his accomplices. To avoid any suspicion and risk discovery, he had to keep up the facade that the authorities had the upper hand.

Question. The story is a statement against rehabilitation of criminals. Do you agree? Justify your stance.
Ans. The concept of rehabilitation of criminals focuses on giving a chance or two to improve their ways of life. Sometimes, within the concept of rehabilitation we forget the basic criminal nature of the prisoners and start empathising with them. The result of such empathy and the resultant kindness is that the criminals finds a chance to escape or take things for granted just like Evans had done. The process of rehabilitation by taking German classes and giving its exam becomes the perfect ploy for Evans to plan his escape. This, however, does
not mean that rehabilitation is wrong. Rehabilitation must be essential but certain precautions must be maintained in its process.

Question. Were the Governor and his staff finally heave a sigh of relief? 
Ans. Initially, everybody believed that the examination was over without any hiccups. But when Stephens went back to check up on Evans, he was shocked. He found McLeery badly injured. Everyone thought that Evans had wounded McLeery and himself escaped in the disguise of the parson. Thus the Governor and his staff had no relief.

Question. What precautions were taken for the smooth conduct of Evans’ O-Level examination?
Ans. The prison staff and the Governor took all the necessary precautions to ensure a smooth conduct of Evan’s examination. The Governor personally supervised all the security arrangements. Evan’s cell was thoroughly checked by Jackson to ward off the possibility of any incriminating material. Evans’ nailscissors, nail file and razor were taken away.
A police officer Stephens was posted to keep a constant vigil on his activities and a parson a Mr. McLeery, was to invigilate. The invigilator too was frisked to make sure that he carried no objectionable material with him.

Question. Would you call Evans the hero of the story? Justify your stance. 
Ans. Yes, we can call Evans the hero of the story as from the very beginning of the story he is not depicted as an evil or a scheming criminal even though we are told that he has tried to run away thrice. Throughout the story Evans appears to be likeable and good humoured. He appears to be an underdog and the readers sympathise with him. Further, it is him who brings the major turn of interesting events in the story with his master escape plan. His excellent plan deserved to win as too many mistakes were made by the authorities. Admiration goes out for one man making the authorities look foolish and when caught, he took his defeat sportingly.

Question. Why is Evans called ‘Evans the break’? 
Ans. Evans was called ‘Evans the break’ by the prison officers because he had escaped from prison three times. His shrewd and clever nature has led to such a name.

Question. Will the clues, left behind on the question paper, put Evans back in prison again?
Ans. Evans escaped from the prison using an infallible plan. Certain clues were left behind by Evans, which was a ‘careless act’ according to the Governor. There was a superimposed correction slip giving directions about the plans. However, it was soon evident that this was all fake and only put there to misguide the prison officials. However, with the little German that the Governor knew, he was still able to track down Evans at the Golden Lion Hotel in Chipping Norton.

Question. Would you say that kindness is a weakness in a law enforcement officer? Support your opinion based on your reading of the story ‘Evans Tries an O-Level’.
Ans. It is true that kindness is a weakness in a law enforcement officer. It is kindness that leads Evans to plan an escape right under the nose of the prison officials in spite of strict precautions being maintained. The prison officials as well as the Governor looked at Evans as a human being and not as a mere criminal.  They started noticing and appreciating his mental capabilities and allowed him to study German without  making any enquiries themselves. Eventually, Evans took advantage of their kindness and escaped from the prison for the fourth time.

Long Answer Type Questions :

Question. Give a character sketch of the Governor of Oxford Prison based on your understanding of the story, ‘Evans Tries an O-level’. 
Ans. 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. He didn’t want Evans to disgrace him by escaping 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
overconfidence and self-praise let him down.

Question. “The bungling of the prison staff is more responsible for Evans’ escape than his own smartness”. Explain.
Ans. The bungling and silly mistakes made by the prison staff, rather than Evans’ smartness, were actually responsible for Evans’ escape from the prison. Evans was very well aware of the weaknesses of the staff in the prison. He knew that Jackson, an experienced prison officer, had a soft corner for him, for all his show of boldness. So, he was able to bully him. This allowed Evans to wear his ‘lucky’ hat during the exam and hide his cropped hair. Also no one in prison takes precautions in verifying the invigilator’s identity.
Further, a new prison officer Stephens was on duty. He was not aware of Evans’ smartness of escaping from jail and thus makes mistake in not verifying the Governor’s phone call. He is not very observant and does not pay attention to slim looking Mcleery while he was going out of jail. Even the Governor makes certain mistakes like the appointment of a new inexperienced prison officer to guard Evans even with the knowledge of the prisoners smartness. He also let Evans know that the cell room was bugged. All these mistakes committed by prison staff and the Governor help Evans to escape from the prison successfully.

Question. “The story glosses over the dark and violent side of prison life and the escape.” Comment on the given statement with reference to your reading of the story. 
Ans. It is true that the story glosses over the dark and violent side of prison life and the escape. Even though the entire story takes place in the prison, we do not get to the manipulative, violent and simply the condescending side of the prison. Generally, when we see or hear about prison scenes or an escape, we think of gun shots and whole lot of violence but herein nothing of the sort happens. 
In the story, the central character itself is not evil. Evans is described as a pleasant sort of a fellow who did not harm anyone but is only a Kleptomaniac. Even when Evan plans the escape, we do not get to see him talking to violent or evil people. The police and the prison officials themselves are jolly natured people who are more concerned about Governor’s orders rather than the prisoner. Finally when the escape is made, we don’t see the rush or hear the chaotic situation that should have taken place in the prison. Everything remains calm and graceful throughout the story.
Jackson goes back to his office and sits down to calculate his own role in Evans’ escape. He berates himself, “Stephens is new to this, but I should have known better…” And at the same time, he tries to be kind to himself, “But what more could I have done?” Jackson feels caught between the two voices in his head – the tough prison officer on one hand, and a compassionate person on the other.

Question. ‘‘It had not been Evans, impersonating McLeery who had walked out, it had been Evans, impersonating McLeery, who had stayed in”. Explain with reference to the story ‘‘Evans Tries An O-Level.”
Ans. When Stephens saw McLeery bleeding, he jumped to the conclusion that McLeery had been hit by Evans, and that Evans had escaped in the disguise of McLeery. However, it was not so. ‘McLeery’ was wearing two black fronts and two collars. Throughout Stephens’ one-minute intervals of peeping to look at him, Evans had been fiddling about under the blanket with the black front and the stud at the back of the collar.
The officers never realised in panic how there could be two parsons, one who had been escorted and the other in the cell.
The real McLeery had been gagged and bound since 8:15 am in his flat. The person who came in as McLeery was actually one of Evans’ friends. He left as the exam got over. The injured McLeery was Evans himself and he escaped while an ambulance was being asked to take him to the hospital. Thus, it had not been Evans, impersonating McLeery, who had walked out, but it had been Evans, impersonating McLeery, who had stayed in.

Question. Evans managed to escape from the prison, yet the Governor succeeded in arresting him. Even then, Evans had the last laugh. Comment. 
Ans. When Evans escaped from the prison by impersonating McLeery, he thought that he could outsmart the Governor. But that was not the case. The Governor deciphered the clue regarding Evans escape and caught him without any resistance. The Governor thought Evans’ luck had run out and thus got Evans handcuffed and pushed into the prison van. But the Governor made yet another mistake.
The Governor knew that Evans was a smart person; even then, he did not take proper precautions to avoid his escape. He became dependent on the other two police officials. When the Governor had arrested Evans at the Golden Lion Hotel, he did not take precautions for ensuring that Evans was securely sent back to jail. But this did not happen.
The prison officer whom he had called was actually a friend of Evans. As soon as the Governor left, Evans’ handcuffs were unlocked and Evans was free. With his successful escape Evans definitely had a well earned last laugh.

Question. 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?
Ans. Yes, it is a fact that although we hate crime, we have a soft corner for the criminal. This is the case with Evans also. Although the Governor is conversant with his past record and escapades, he does not want to deprive Evans of an opportunity to learn something. Similarly, the author describes the relationship between Evans and Jackson as that of ‘warm enemies’. Jackson is kind-hearted and that’s the reason why he allows Evans to wear his hat during the exam, when the latter says that it is his good luck charm.
Evans’ tender heart and his affectionate side is seen and appreciated by the staff. He is an active participant in Christmas plays, is good at imitating people and is not known to be violent. Even the Governor does not like to believe that Evans is planning to escape once again. From Evans’ example, it is seen that even the prison authorities do not like to treat prisoners harshly. With time, even they develop a liking to and a rapport with the prisoners.

Extract Based Questions :

Question. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow.
“Look!’ For a moment Evans’s eyes smoldered
dangerously, but Jackson was ready for him.
“Orders of the Governor, Evans.” He leaned forward and leered, his voice dropping to a harsh,
contemptuous whisper. “You want to complain?”
Evans shrugged his shoulders lightly. The crisis was over.
“You’ve got half an hour to smarten yourself up, 
Evans— and take that bloody hat off!”
“Me ’at? Huh!” Evans put his right hand lovingly on top of the filthy woolen, and smiled sadly.
(i) Why was Evans looking at Jackson dangerously?
(ii) For what reason did Evans get sad when asked to remove his hat?
(iii) What does the given lines tell us about Jackson?
(iv) Why do you think Jackson disliked Evans?
(v) Do you think Evans sad reaction had any effect on Jackson?
Ans. (i) Evans looked at Jackson dangerously because Jackson had his nail clipper and nail file removed.
(ii) Evans got sad when asked to remove his bobble hat because he believed that it was his lucky charm and it would help him in his exam.
(iii) The given lines show us that Jackson was an authoritative police officer who hated Evans.
(iv) Jackson disliked Evans because he had disgraced the prison thrice by escaping it even under strict protective measures.
(v) Yes, Evans sad reaction did have an effect on Jackson who out of kindness allowed him to wear it.

Question. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow.
“It was me, sir,” stammered Stephens. “Just like you told me, sir. I could have sworn — ”
“What? Just like I told you, you say? What the hell — ?”
“When you rang, sir, and told me to — ”
“When was that?” The Governor’s voice was a whiplash now.
“You know, sir. About twenty past eleven just before –”
“You blithering idiot, man! It wasn’t me who rang you. Don’t you realise — ”
(i) Why did Stephens Stammer?
(ii) What can be made out of the Governor’s reaction to Stephen’s claim?
(iii) Who had actually rang Stephens?
(iv) What was the reason for the anger shown by Governor?
(v) Do you think the Governor was right in scolding Stephens?
Ans. (i) Stephen’s stammered because he knew the Governor would shout at him and punish him for escorting Evans out of the prison building.
(ii) The Governor was surprised to know that he had called the prison to tell Stephens to escort McLeery out while he in reality had not done so.
(iii) Instead of the Governor it was actually Evans friends who had called the prison to helpEvans escape fromit.
(iv) The Governor was angry because in spite of taking so many precautions, Evans had escape one again from the prison.
(v) No, I don’t think the Governor was right in scolding Stephens because everyone involved in Evan’s case was responsible for Evans’ success.

Question. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow.
“Not that Evans was a real burden: just a persistent, nagging presence. He’d be all right in Oxford, though: the Governor would see to that — would see to it personally. And besides, there was just a possibility that Evans was genuinely interested in O-level German. Just a slight possibility. Just a very slight possibility. At 8.30 p.m. on Monday 7th June, Evans’s German teacher shook him by the hand in the heavily guarded Recreational Block, just across from D Wing.
“Guten Gluck, Herr Evans.”
“Pardon?”
“I said, “Good luck”. Good luck for tomorrow.”
(i) For what reason would the Governor look into the situation of Evans?
(ii) Why did Evans want to sit for the O-level German examination?
(iii) Evans is called a nagging presence. Explain.
(iv) Does the German teacher think that Evans would pass the exam?
(v) What can be said of the Governor’s decision to allow Evans to sit for O-level German?
Ans. (i) The Governor looked into the situation of Evans because he did not want Evans to disgrace him by attempting to run away again.
(ii) Evans desired to sit for the O-level German examination to culminate his plot to hoodwink the authorities and escape from the prison.
(iii) Evans is called a nagging presence because inspite of not being violent or criminal in nature, he had been there at the prison for trying to escape it.
(iv) No, Evans teacher does not think that Evans would pass the exam as he could not understand even a simple sentence in it.
(v) The Governor’s decision to allow Evans to sit for O-level German indicates that he believed in providing rehabilitation opportunities to his prisoners.