and now live over a quarry of noise and dust
cannot make you unhappy.”
✅ SAMPLE ANSWERS
1.
(a) Who is the narrator?
Answer: Trevor Noah.
(b) What does ‘Heks’ mean?
Answer: ‘Heks’ means ‘Witch’.
(c) Why were the cats killed?
Answer: The people in the neighbourhood believed that black cats were connected with witchcraft. Because of their superstitious beliefs, they killed the cats and even called Trevor’s mother a witch.
2.
(a) Who is referred to as ‘her’?
Answer: Maggie.
(b) Why was Maggie unable to leave her bed?
Answer: She had injured her spine after falling from a window.
(c) How did Maggie’s condition affect her life?
Answer: Maggie became bedridden and depended completely on her mother for care. After her mother’s death, she was left helpless with nobody to look after her.
3.
(a) Explain the lines.
Answer: The poet says that true happiness does not depend on where we live or the conditions around us. A person who is truly happy can remain cheerful even in difficult surroundings.
(b) Identify the poem and the poet.
Answer: Poem: So Much Happiness
Poet: Naomi Shihab Nye.
4. Maggie looked at Joe Thompson with hope.
5. Fufi jumped over the wall.
6. Debate – Rebuttal
Motion: Every child deserves love, care and dignity.
I respectfully disagree with the opposing speaker. It is not right to say that only charitable institutions should care for helpless children. Every child deserves love, care and affection from society. We all have a responsibility to help those who are in need. In An Angel in Disguise, Joe Thompson did not leave Maggie in a poorhouse. He took her home and treated her with kindness. His decision changed Maggie’s life and also brought happiness to his own family. This proves that a single act of compassion can make a great difference. Therefore, I strongly support the motion that every child deserves love, care and dignity.
7. Diary Entry
15 August 2026
Dear Diary,
Today has changed my heart completely. When Joe brought Maggie home, I was very angry. I thought she would become a burden to our family because she was sick and helpless. But after spending the day with her, I realised how sweet and gentle she is. She is polite, patient and thankful for every little kindness shown to her. Her innocent smile touched my heart.
Now I feel sorry for my harsh words. Maggie has already become a part of our family. I want to take good care of her and make her feel loved and safe. I thank God for bringing this little girl into our home. She has filled our hearts with love and kindness.
Mrs. Thompson
8. Poster
SHOW COMPASSION... CHANGE A LIFE!
Care for the Poor and the Differently Abled
❤️ Treat everyone with love and respect.
🤝 Help those who need your support.
🌍 Together we can build a caring society.
“Kindness begins with you.”
Organised by
Social Service Club
HSS __________
9. Explain how Joe Thompson’s act of kindness transformed Maggie’s life as well as his own family.
After Maggie’s mother died, everyone took one of the other children home. But nobody was ready to care for Maggie because she was bedridden and helpless. Joe Thompson felt sorry for the little girl. He could not leave her alone in the hut, so he carried her home with the hope that his wife would accept her.
At first, Mrs. Thompson was angry because she thought Maggie would become a burden. However, Maggie’s gentle nature, patience and gratitude slowly changed her heart. She never complained and always spoke with love and respect. Mrs. Thompson began to care for Maggie like her own daughter.
As the days passed, Maggie brought love, peace and happiness into the Thompson family. She united Joe and Mrs. Thompson and filled their home with warmth. Though she was physically weak, her loving nature transformed the lives of everyone around her.
The story teaches us that a small act of kindness can change many lives. Joe Thompson’s compassion gave Maggie a loving home, and Maggie, in return, brought joy and happiness to the Thompson family. This is the central message of An Angel in Disguise.