[A DRAUGHT OF KINDNESS – ANSWERS
🔵1.
(a) “They” refers to Nell and her grandfather.
(b) They had travelled from London.
(c) They had left London because they were in difficult circumstances and wanted to get farther away from the city. They were travelling in search of safety and a better place.
🔵2.
(a) The chair or low board was placed across the door to prevent the children from running into the road.
(b) The members of some families were working in the fields.
(c) It reveals that village life was simple, poor and closely connected with agricultural work. The description also shows the quiet rural surroundings.
🟢3.
(a) The pigs were searching for food.
(b) They made monotonous grunting sounds.
(c) Dickens uses details of the pigs, their movements and sounds to create a lively and realistic picture of the countryside.
🟠4.
(a) “They” refers to Nell and her grandfather.
(b) They slept at a small cottage where beds were let to travellers.
(c) It reveals that their journey was long, tiring and uncertain, and that they depended on temporary places for rest.
🟠5.
(a) “Afoot” means on foot.
(b) At first they were jaded and very tired.
(c) Their decision to continue shows their determination, courage and perseverance despite physical hardship.
🟠6.
(a) “The child” is Nell.
(b) She wanted to buy a draught of milk.
(c) She hesitated because she was timid and afraid that the people might refuse or reject her request.
🔵7.
(a) It was difficult to determine which cottage Nell should approach for permission to rest.
(b) “Repulsed” means rejected or refused.
(c) It shows that Nell was timid, fearful, uncertain and emotionally vulnerable.
🟣8.
(a) Nell stopped at a cottage where the family was seated around a table.
(b) An old man was sitting beside the hearth.
(c) She chose it because the old man reminded her of her grandfather, and she hoped that he would sympathise with her grandfather and understand their situation.
🟢 9.
(a) “He” refers to the old cottager.
(b) “Hers” refers to Nell’s grandfather.
(c) Nell expected sympathy because the old man was himself a grandfather and she thought he would understand the feelings and difficulties of her grandfather.
🟠10.
(a) The request was permission to rest and buy a draught of milk.
(b) Nell made the request.
(c) The family immediately accepted her request and helped the travellers warmly.
🔴11.
(a) The eldest boy ran out to fetch milk for Nell and her grandfather.
(b) The second boy brought the stools so that the travellers could sit and rest.
(c) Their actions reveal that the family was kind, helpful, hospitable and compassionate.
🟡12.
(a) The old cottager speaks these words.
(b) He speaks to Nell’s grandfather.
(c) His words reveal that he is friendly, polite, sympathetic and interested in the travellers’ welfare.
🔵13.
(a) The child is Nell.
(b) She answered for her grandfather because he appealed to her to respond.
(c) It shows that Nell and her grandfather share a close, loving and trusting relationship.
🟣14.
(a) The place referred to is London.
(b) It had been nearly thirty-two years since the old man had been there.
(c) He reflects on the passage of time because his memories of London are connected with his past life, experiences and changes he has heard about.
🟢15.
(a) The old cottager says these words.
(b) His son had died.
(c) His words reveal that he still remembers and grieves for his dead son. His memories remain emotionally important to him.
🟠16.
(a) “He” refers to the old cottager’s dead son.
(b) He wished to be buried near the sun dial he used to climb upon as a baby.
(c) The place was emotionally significant because it was associated with his childhood memories and his early life.
🔴 17.
(a) The eldest boy brought the milk.
(b) Nell selected the best food for her grandfather.
(c) It reveals that Nell is loving, selfless, caring and deeply concerned about her grandfather.
🟡18.
(a) The cottage was clean and neat.
(b) It gave Nell a feeling of tranquillity, comfort and contentment.
(c) Such comfort was unfamiliar because Nell had been experiencing hardship, uncertainty and a difficult journey.
🔵19.
(a) Nell asks this question.
(b) She is told that the town or village is some distance away and that there are places nearby where travellers could stay.
(c) She asks because she wants to know how far they have to travel and where they can find a place to stay.
🟣20.
(a) The old cottager makes this suggestion.
(b) “Hard by” means very near or close by.
(c) He suggests these places because he wants to help Nell and her grandfather find accommodation and rest.
🟢21.
(a) Nell’s grandfather says these words.
(b) He wants Nell to travel farther away.
(c) He is restless because he wants to move farther from danger and continue their journey without stopping for long.
🟠22.
(a) The “young wanderer” is Nell.
(b) The woman noticed the injury from Nell’s gait/walking.
(c) She examined Nell’s foot, washed the injured foot and applied a simple remedy.
🔴23.
(b) She treated Nell’s blistered and sore foot carefully.
(c) Her hand was rough and hard because of manual work, yet she used it with a gentle and caring touch. This contrast highlights her compassion.
🟡24.
(a) The child is Nell.
(b) She says “God bless you” to the cottager’s wife.
(c) She is unable to say more because she is deeply moved and overwhelmed by the woman’s kindness.
🔵25.
(a) They were watching Nell and her grandfather.
(b) The family stood in the road and watched them affectionately as they departed, while Nell and her grandfather continued their journey.
(c) It shows that a warm emotional bond had developed between the strangers during their brief meeting.
🟣26.
(a) Nell and her grandfather trudged forward.
(b) They were moving slowly because they were exhausted and physically weak, and Nell's foot was painful.
(c) After travelling another mile, they heard the sound of wheels and were approached by the cart driver sent to help them.
🟢27.
(a) The cart driver says these words.
(b) “They” refers to the cottager’s family.
(c) They had asked him to look out for Nell and her grandfather and help them on their journey.
🟠28.
(a) “Them” refers to Nell and her grandfather.
(b) The cart appeared luxurious because they were extremely tired after walking for a long distance.
(c) There is a contrast between the ordinary, jolting cart and a luxurious carriage. Their exhaustion made the simple cart seem wonderfully comfortable.
🔴29.
(a) Nell settled herself on a little heap of straw in one corner of the cart.
(b) She fell asleep immediately because she was completely exhausted from the long and difficult journey.
(c) It reveals that she was physically exhausted and desperately needed rest.
🟡30.
(a) The driver helped Nell.
(b) The cart stopped because they had reached the place where Nell and her grandfather needed to get down/continue their journey.
(c) The driver gave them further directions and guidance towards the town/churchyard and helped them continue safely.
🟡 1. at
🟢 2. across
🔵 3. from
🟣 4. in
🟠 5. over
🔴 6. in
🟡 7. round
🟢 8. about
🔵 9. at
🟣 10. in
🟠 11. round
🔴 12. in
🟡 13. beside
🟢 14. to
🔵 15. towards
🟣 16. from
🟠 17. upon
🔴 18. near
🟡 19. for
🟢 20. upon
🔵 21. from
🟣 22. from
🟠 23. in
🔴 24. behind
🟡 25. at
🟢 26. on
🔵 27. in
🟣 28. up
🟠 29. to
🔴 30. through
SECTION III – QUESTIONS CARRYING 6 SCORES
A. DIARY ENTRIES
🟡1. Nell’s Diary – Leaving the Cottager’s Family
Thursday, 23 July 2026
Today we left the kind family who had given us food, rest and so much care. I was tired after our long journey, but their kindness gave me new strength. The cottager’s children brought us milk and stools, and the family welcomed us without hesitation.
The cottager’s wife was especially kind to me. She noticed that my foot was blistered and sore and gently washed it and treated it. I was so deeply moved that I could only say, “God bless you!”
As we left, the whole family stood in the road watching us. I felt sad to leave them, but I shall never forget their kindness. Their simple home gave me a feeling of comfort and happiness that I will always treasure.
Nell
🟡2. Nell’s Diary – Reaching the Town
Friday, 24 July 2026
What a tiring day it has been! Grandfather and I had been walking for a long time, and we were becoming weaker with every step. My foot was painful, and we could hardly continue.
Then we heard the sound of wheels. A cart driver stopped and told us that the kind family we had met earlier had asked him to look out for us. The cart seemed like a luxurious carriage after our exhausting walk.
I was deeply grateful to those kind people. Their concern continued even after we had left their home. Their kindness gave us both comfort and hope when we needed it most.
Nell
🟡3. Cottager’s Wife’s Diary
Thursday, 23 July 2026
Today two tired travellers came to our cottage. The little girl, Nell, was timid and hesitant to ask for help. My husband and the children welcomed them and gave them milk and a place to rest.
While watching the girl walk, I noticed that one of her little feet was blistered and sore. I could not allow her to continue without treatment. I washed her foot carefully and applied a simple remedy.
The poor child was deeply touched. Her heartfelt “God bless you!” moved me greatly. Though we are not rich, I am glad that we could give these weary travellers some comfort. I hope they reach their destination safely.
Cottager’s Wife
🟡4. Old Cottager’s Diary
Thursday, 23 July 2026
Today I met an old man travelling with a young girl. Our conversation brought back memories of my own son. I told him that I should have had a son nearly as old as him if he had lived.
I still remember my son and the things he used to say. He wished to be buried near the sun dial he had climbed upon as a baby. These memories remain precious to me.
Perhaps that is why I felt sympathy for the travellers. I could understand the love between the old man and the child. I was happy that my family could offer them some food, rest and kindness.
The Old Cottager
B. CHARACTER AND THEME
🟡5. Qualities of Nell
Nell is a loving, caring, responsible and courageous child. Though she is young, she shows great concern for her grandfather throughout their difficult journey.
She takes care of him and answers questions on his behalf when necessary. At the cottage, she selects the best fragments of food for her grandfather instead of thinking only about herself. She also tries to hide her own physical suffering.
Nell is timid when she has to approach strangers, but she finds the courage to ask for help when necessary. Her gratitude towards the cottager’s wife shows her humility and goodness. Her perseverance throughout the journey reveals her inner strength.
🟡6. How the Cottager’s Family Welcomed Them
The cottager’s family welcomed Nell and her grandfather with great warmth. When Nell asked for permission to rest and buy some milk, her request was immediately granted.
The eldest boy ran to fetch milk, while another boy brought stools for the travellers. The old cottager spoke to them kindly and showed interest in their journey. They shared their simple food with the travellers.
The cottager’s wife noticed Nell’s injured foot and treated it gently. Even after Nell and her grandfather left, the family continued to care about them by asking the cart driver to look out for them. Their actions show their hospitality, generosity and compassion.
🟡7. Character of the Cottager’s Wife
The cottager’s wife is a kind, observant, compassionate and caring woman. She notices Nell’s difficulty from her manner of walking and understands that the child is suffering.
Instead of ignoring her pain, she carefully examines Nell’s blistered foot. She washes it and applies a simple remedy with a gentle hand. Although her hands are rough from hard work, her touch is full of tenderness.
Her actions show that true kindness is expressed through care and action rather than words. She represents the humanity and generosity of ordinary people.
🟡8. Old Cottager’s Personal Sorrow
The old cottager has experienced personal loss. His son died, and the memories of his son still cause him pain. He remembers his son's childhood and his wish to be buried near the sun dial.
Because of this personal sorrow, he can understand the feelings of Nell’s grandfather. He recognises the love and concern between the old man and the child.
His own experience of loss makes him sympathetic and emotionally sensitive towards the travellers. His personal sorrow therefore becomes a bridge connecting him with strangers.
🟡9. Relationship Between Nell and Her Grandfather
Nell and her grandfather share a relationship based on deep love, trust and dependence. Although they face a difficult journey, Nell remains concerned about her grandfather.
She answers questions for him when he appeals to her and selects the best pieces of food for him. She also respects his wishes even when she herself is tired and in pain.
Their relationship shows that Nell is not merely a child travelling with her grandfather; she is also his companion and source of emotional strength.
🟡10. Poverty of the Cottage and Richness of Humanity
The cottager’s family lives in a simple and modest home. Their possessions are limited, and their food and furniture are ordinary. Yet the cottage is clean, neat and comfortable.
Though the family is poor in material wealth, they are rich in kindness, generosity and compassion. They immediately offer milk and seats to the travellers, share their food and treat Nell’s injured foot.
The contrast shows that material poverty does not mean poverty of heart. Their humanity makes their humble cottage a place of comfort and happiness for Nell.
🟡11. Driver and the Chain of Kindness
The cart driver continues the chain of kindness begun by the cottager’s family. After Nell and her grandfather leave the cottage, the family asks the driver to look out for them.
When he finds them, he stops and offers them a ride. For the exhausted travellers, the ordinary cart seems like a luxurious carriage.
The driver's kindness gives them physical relief and helps them continue their journey. Thus, kindness passes from the cottager’s family to the driver, showing how one good act can lead to another.
🟡12. Hardships During the Journey
Nell and her grandfather experience several hardships during their journey. They travel long distances on foot through open country where houses are few and scattered.
They become tired and exhausted. Nell's foot becomes blistered and sore, making walking painful. They have to search for a place where they can rest and obtain food.
Despite these difficulties, they continue their journey. Their hardships highlight their perseverance and courage, while the kindness of strangers provides them with comfort and hope.
🟡13. Why Nell Chooses the Particular Cottage
Nell is hesitant to approach any cottage because she is afraid that the people may reject her. Finally, she chooses a cottage where the family is seated around a table.
She notices an old man sitting beside the hearth. She thinks that he is a grandfather and will therefore understand the feelings of her own grandfather.
Her choice shows Nell’s sensitivity, intelligence and understanding of human emotions. She hopes that someone who knows the love of a grandfather will sympathise with them.
🟡14. Rural Landscape
Dickens makes the rural landscape lively through detailed descriptions of the countryside. He describes scattered houses, poor cottages, farmyards, horses, pigs, pigeons, ducks and people working in the fields.
These details create a realistic and vivid picture of rural life. The sounds and movements of animals make the scene lively and memorable.
The peaceful countryside also contrasts with the difficulties faced by Nell and her grandfather and provides the setting in which they encounter simple but meaningful acts of kindness.
🟡15. Significance of the Title
The title “A Draught of Kindness” has both a literal and a deeper meaning. Literally, Nell asks for a draught of milk when she and her grandfather are tired and thirsty.
But the milk becomes part of a much greater act of kindness. The family gives them food, stools, rest, medical care and emotional support. Later, the cart driver also helps them.
Thus, the “draught” is not merely milk; it symbolises the comfort, hope and kindness offered to the weary travellers.
🟡16. Kindness Through Action
The extract clearly shows that kindness is expressed through action rather than words. The cottager’s family does not merely sympathise with Nell and her grandfather; they actually help them.
The children bring milk and stools. The family shares food with them. The cottager’s wife treats Nell’s injured foot. Later, the family asks the cart driver to look out for the travellers.
These actions demonstrate that genuine kindness involves practical help and concern for others.
🟡17. Meaningful Connections Between Strangers
Nell and her grandfather are complete strangers to the cottager’s family. Yet a meaningful emotional connection develops between them during their short stay.
The family welcomes them, shares their food and cares for Nell. The old cottager sympathises with Nell’s grandfather because of his own personal loss.
Even after the travellers leave, the family remains concerned about them and asks the driver to help them. The story proves that kindness can create bonds even between strangers.
🟡18. Nell’s “God Bless You!”
Nell’s fervent “God bless you!” expresses her deep gratitude towards the cottager’s wife. She has received kindness at a moment when she is tired, helpless and physically hurt.
The treatment of her foot touches her deeply. She becomes so emotional that she cannot say anything more.
Her words reveal her innocence, gratitude, humility and emotional sensitivity. They also show how deeply the woman's simple act of kindness has affected her.
C. SPEECH & DEBATE
🟡19. Speech – A Small Act of Kindness Can Make a Difficult Journey Easier
Respected teachers and my dear friends,
Today I am going to speak on “A Small Act of Kindness Can Make a Difficult Journey Easier.”
Nell and her grandfather in A Draught of Kindness experience a long and tiring journey. When they reach a humble cottage, the family welcomes them, gives them milk and allows them to rest. The cottager’s wife treats Nell’s injured foot, and later a cart driver gives them a ride.
These may appear to be small acts, but they bring enormous comfort to the travellers. They teach us that we do not have to be rich or powerful to help others.
A kind word, a glass of water, a meal or a helping hand can give someone hope.
Let us never underestimate the power of a small act of kindness.
Thank you.
🟡20. Debate – Hospitality is the Truest Expression of Humanity
Concluding Part
Respected judges, teachers and my dear friends,
The examples in A Draught of Kindness strongly support the motion that hospitality is the truest expression of humanity.
The cottager’s family welcomes two tired strangers without asking who they are or what they can offer in return. They provide food, rest and medical care. Their hospitality is genuine because it comes from compassion.
The family itself is not wealthy, yet it shares whatever it has. This proves that true hospitality comes from the heart, not from the size of one's house or wealth.
Therefore, I firmly conclude that welcoming and helping those in need is one of the finest expressions of our humanity.
Thank you.
🟡21. Speech – Helping Strangers in Need
Good morning respected teachers and dear friends,
Today I would like to speak about “The Importance of Helping Strangers in Need.”
We often think that helping others is the responsibility of family and friends. But sometimes a stranger may need our help more urgently.
In A Draught of Kindness, Nell and her grandfather receive help from people who do not know them. The cottager’s family gives them food, rest and medical care. The cart driver later helps them continue their journey.
These acts teach us that humanity has no boundaries. A stranger today may be someone who desperately needs our help.
Let us therefore be ready to help people in need. Kindness towards strangers makes our society more humane.
Thank you.
🟡22. Debate – Kindness is More Valuable Than Material Wealth
Concluding Part
Respected judges and my dear friends,
I strongly support the motion that kindness is more valuable than material wealth.
The cottager’s family in A Draught of Kindness may not possess great wealth, but they are generous with whatever they have. They provide milk, food, rest and medical care to two strangers.
Material wealth can buy comfort, but it cannot automatically create compassion, trust or emotional support. The family’s kindness gives Nell and her grandfather something much more valuable—hope and human warmth.
Therefore, wealth may make life comfortable, but kindness makes life meaningful.
I conclude that a generous heart is richer than a wealthy house.
Thank you.
D. POSTERS
🟡23. Spread Kindness Wherever You Go
🌟 SPREAD KINDNESS WHEREVER YOU GO 🌟
A SMALL ACT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
🤝 Help someone in need
🥛 Share what you have
❤️ Care for the helpless
😊 Speak kindly
🏠 Offer shelter
BE KIND • BE HUMAN • BE A REASON FOR SOMEONE’S HOPE
🟡24. Food & Shelter for Weary Travellers
🏠 FOOD • REST • SHELTER 🏠
HELP THE WEARY TRAVELLER
Are you tired?
Are you hungry?
Do you need a safe place to rest?
FREE FOOD • DRINKING WATER • TEMPORARY SHELTER
A LITTLE KINDNESS CAN LIGHTEN A LONG JOURNEY
Come • Rest • Refresh • Continue
🟡25. World Kindness Day
❤️ WORLD KINDNESS DAY ❤️
ORGANISED BY OUR SCHOOL
LET KINDNESS BEGIN WITH US!
🌱 Help the needy
🤝 Help strangers
🍚 Share food
📚 Support children
💗 Spread compassion
“KINDNESS COSTS NOTHING BUT MEANS EVERYTHING.”
Join us and make a difference!
E. CONVERSATION
🟡26. Nell and the Old Cottager
Nell: Excuse me, sir. May we rest here for a while and buy some milk?
Old Cottager: Of course, child. You are welcome. Are you travelling far?
Nell: Yes, sir. We have come a long way.
Old Cottager: You both look tired. Please sit down and rest.
Nell: Thank you, sir. You are very kind.
Old Cottager: Where are you going?
Nell: We are travelling farther away.
Old Cottager: There is a barn nearby, or there are travellers’ lodgings. You can stay there if you wish.
Nell: Thank you very much. Your kindness means a lot to us.
🟡27. Nell and the Cottager’s Wife
Woman: Child, why are you walking like that?
Nell: My foot is a little sore.
Woman: Let me see it.
Nell: It is only a blister. I can manage.
Woman: No, child. It must be treated before you continue.
Nell: Thank you.
Woman: Sit down. I will wash it and put some medicine on it.
Nell: You are very kind to me.
Woman: You must take care of yourself during such a long journey.
Nell: God bless you!
🟡28. Cart Driver and Nell
Driver: Are you Nell?
Nell: Yes, sir. Do you know us?
Driver: The family at the cottage asked me to look out for you.
Nell: They remembered us even after we left!
Driver: Yes. They were concerned about you. Come, get into the cart.
Nell: Thank you. We are very tired.
Driver: You can rest during the ride.
Nell: This is very kind of you.
Driver: I am only doing what I can to help.
🟡29. Nell and Her Grandfather
Nell: Grandfather, the family was so kind to us.
Grandfather: Yes, Nell. Their kindness was wonderful.
Nell: They gave us milk and food and allowed us to rest.
Grandfather: And the woman treated your injured foot.
Nell: I shall never forget her kindness.
Grandfather: Nor shall I. It is comforting to know that there are good people in the world.
Nell: I hope we can also help others whenever they need us.
Grandfather: That is a good thought, Nell.
F. LETTER & EMAIL
🟡30. Nell’s Letter to the Cottager’s Family
🟡23 July 2026
Dear Sir and Madam,
I am writing this letter to thank you for the kindness you showed to my grandfather and me during our journey.
You welcomed us when we were tired and gave us milk, food and a place to rest. Your wife was especially kind to me. She noticed my injured foot and treated it gently. I shall never forget her care.
You even asked the cart driver to look out for us after we left your cottage. Your kindness gave us comfort and hope during a difficult journey.
May God bless you and your family.
Yours gratefully,
Nell
🟡31. Email to a Friend
To: friend@gmail.com
Subject: A Touching Story of Kindness
Dear Rahul,
I want to tell you about a touching incident from A Draught of Kindness. Nell and her grandfather were travelling through the countryside. They were tired and needed food and rest.
A poor family welcomed them warmly. The children brought milk and stools, and the family shared their food. The cottager’s wife noticed that Nell’s foot was blistered and treated it carefully.
Even after the travellers left, the family asked a cart driver to look out for them. This incident taught me that kindness does not depend on wealth. Even a small act can give someone great comfort and hope.
Regards,
Anu
G. PARAGRAPH & PROFILE
🟡32. Kindness Among Strangers
Kindness among strangers is one of the most beautiful forms of humanity. In A Draught of Kindness, Nell and her grandfather receive help from a family who does not know them. The family gives them milk, food and rest and treats Nell’s injured foot. Later, a cart driver helps them continue their journey. These people expect nothing in return. Their actions show that kindness can cross all boundaries and create meaningful human connections. It proves that even strangers can become sources of comfort and hope.
🟡33. Simple Living and Rich Humanity
The cottager’s family lives a simple and modest life. Their cottage has limited possessions and simple food. Yet their hearts are rich in kindness and compassion. They welcome Nell and her grandfather, share their food, provide them with seats and treat Nell’s injured foot. Their actions show that material wealth is not the true measure of richness. A person who is generous, caring and compassionate possesses a wealth far greater than money.
🟡34. Profile of Charles Dickens
CHARLES DICKENS
Full Name: Charles Dickens
Born: 7 February 1812
Birthplace: Portsmouth, England
Profession: Novelist and Social Critic
Famous Works: Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, Great Expectations, A Christmas Carol, The Old Curiosity Shop
Known For: Realistic portrayal of society, especially the lives and struggles of poor and vulnerable people
Major Themes: Poverty, compassion, social injustice, childhood and humanity
Died: 9 June 1870
Charles Dickens was one of the greatest English novelists of the Victorian period. His works often highlight social problems and the lives of ordinary people. A Draught of Kindness is an extract from his novel The Old Curiosity Shop and reflects his interest in human suffering, kindness and compassion.]