{"id":16045,"date":"2024-05-23T12:40:33","date_gmt":"2024-05-23T07:10:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onlinefreenotes.com\/?p=16045"},"modified":"2025-12-12T09:21:41","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T09:21:41","slug":"on-doing-nothing-mbose","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/on-doing-nothing-mbose\/","title":{"rendered":"On Doing Nothing: MBOSE Class 11 English Supplementary notes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Get summaries, questions, answers, solutions, notes,  extras, PDF of Class 11 Voices (English Supplementary reader textbook) chapter On Doing Nothing by JB Priestley which is part of the syllabus of students studying under&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mbose.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MBOSE&nbsp;<\/a>(Meghalaya Board). These solutions, however, should only be treated as references and can be modified\/changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n  <style>\r\n    .notice {\r\n      background: yellow;       \/* simple yellow background *\/\r\n      text-align: center;       \/* centre alignment *\/\r\n      padding: 12px 16px;\r\n      margin: 20px auto;\r\n      width: fit-content;       \/* shrink to text and centre via auto margins *\/\r\n      font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\r\n    }\r\n  <\/style>\r\n  <div class=\"notice\">\r\n    If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<nav id=\"toc\" class=\"toc-box\"><\/nav>\r\n<style>\r\n.toc-box{\r\n  border:1px solid #e5e7eb;\r\n  border-radius:8px;\r\n  background:#fff;\r\n  margin:20px 0;\r\n  font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\r\n}\r\n.toc-header{\r\n  padding:10px 14px;\r\n  font-size:16px;\r\n  font-weight:600;\r\n  border-bottom:1px solid #eef2f7;\r\n  background:#f8fafc\r\n}\r\n.toc-content{\r\n  padding:12px 18px\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* Base list *\/\r\n.toc-content ul{\r\n  margin:0 25px;\r\n  padding-left:0;\r\n  list-style:none\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* Level-based bullets *\/\r\n.toc-content li{\r\n  position:relative;\r\n  margin:6px 0;\r\n  margin-left:6px;\r\n  line-height:1.5;\r\n\tlist-style:disc;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* H2 bullet \u25cf *\/\r\n.toc-content li.level-2{\r\n  list-style:disc;\r\n\t\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* H3 bullet \u25cb *\/\r\n.toc-content li.level-3{\r\n  margin-left:26px;\r\n\tlist-style:disc;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\r\n\/* H4+ bullet \u2013 *\/\r\n.toc-content li.level-4{\r\n  margin-left:46px;\r\n\tlist-style:disc;\r\n}\r\n.toc-content li.level-5,\r\n.toc-content li.level-6{\r\n  margin-left:66px;\r\n\tlist-style:disc;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.toc-content a{\r\n  text-decoration:none;\r\n  color:#000\r\n}\r\n.toc-content a:hover{\r\n  text-decoration:underline\r\n}\r\n\r\nhtml{scroll-behavior:smooth}\r\nh1[id],h2[id],h3[id],h4[id],h5[id],h6[id]{\r\n  scroll-margin-top:110px\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<script>\r\ndocument.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function () {\r\n\r\n  const toc = document.getElementById('toc');\r\n  if (!toc) return;\r\n\r\n  \/* MAIN CONTENT ONLY *\/\r\n  const content = document.querySelector('#pdf-content');\r\n\r\n  \/* EXCLUDE AREAS *\/\r\n  const excludeSelectors = `\r\n    .author, .byline, .entry-meta, .post-meta,\r\n    #comments, .comments-area, .comment-respond,\r\n    .comment-form, .comment-list,\r\n    .login, .login-required,\r\n    .sidebar, aside, footer, nav,\r\n    .widget, .widgets\r\n  `;\r\n\r\n  \/* TEXT TO IGNORE *\/\r\n  const ignoreText = [\r\n    'leave a comment',\r\n    'cancel reply',\r\n    'login required',\r\n    'get notes',\r\n    'ron\\'e dutta',\r\n    'comments'\r\n  ];\r\n\r\n  \r\nconst headings = [...content.querySelectorAll('h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6')]\r\n  .filter(h => !excludeSelectors || !h.closest(excludeSelectors))\r\n  .filter(h => {\r\n    const txt = h.textContent.trim().toLowerCase();\r\n    return txt.length > 0 && !ignoreText.some(t => txt.includes(t));\r\n  });\r\n\r\n\/\/alert(content);\r\n  if (!headings.length) {\r\n    toc.style.display = 'none';\r\n    return;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* UNIQUE IDs *\/\r\n  const used = {};\r\n  const slug = t => t.toLowerCase().trim()\r\n    .replace(\/[^a-z0-9\\s-]\/g, '')\r\n    .replace(\/\\s+\/g, '-');\r\n\r\n  headings.forEach(h => {\r\n    if (!h.id) {\r\n      let base = slug(h.textContent) || 'section';\r\n      used[base] = (used[base] || 0) + 1;\r\n      h.id = used[base] > 1 ? base + '-' + used[base] : base;\r\n    }\r\n  });\r\n\r\n  \/* BUILD TOC *\/\r\n  const ul = document.createElement('ul');\r\n\r\n  headings.forEach(h => {\r\n    const level = parseInt(h.tagName.substring(1));\r\n    if (level < 2) return; \/\/ skip H1 like your reference site\r\n\r\n    const li = document.createElement('li');\r\n    li.className = 'level-' + level;\r\n\r\n    const a = document.createElement('a');\r\n    a.href = '#' + h.id;\r\n    a.textContent = h.textContent.trim();\r\n\r\n    li.appendChild(a);\r\n    ul.appendChild(li);\r\n  });\r\n\r\n  toc.innerHTML = `\r\n    <div class=\"toc-header\">Table of Contents<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"toc-content\"><\/div>\r\n  `;\r\n  toc.querySelector('.toc-content').appendChild(ul);\r\n\r\n});\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Summary\"><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>JB Priestley recounts his time spent with a friend in Yorkshire, where they indulged in doing nothing. They lounged on the moors, which Priestley describes as an ideal place for relaxation due to its calm and unchanging nature. This inactivity allowed their minds to clear and appreciate the subtle changes in the environment, providing a peaceful escape from the world&#8217;s hustle and bustle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The author explains that their idleness was interrupted by the news that Mr Gordon Selfridge, a prominent businessman, had condemned laziness as the greatest sin. Priestley reflects on this criticism, arguing that the world&#8217;s troubles are not due to laziness but to misdirected energy. He suggests that many problems could be avoided if people, including politicians and leaders, took time to do nothing and reflect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Priestley criticises the obsession with constant activity, prevalent in societies like America, where the pursuit of success and productivity often leads to satirical portrayals by contemporary writers. He praises great American writers like Thoreau and Whitman, who valued idleness and found inspiration in doing nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The essay underscores the importance of leisure and contemplation. Priestley believes that a world more accepting of inactivity would be healthier and more thoughtful. He cites historical examples, suggesting that crucial moments in history might have turned out better if leaders had taken time to pause and reflect rather than rush into action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Priestley defends idleness as a valuable and misunderstood practice. He advocates for a balance between activity and rest, highlighting that true wisdom and creativity often emerge during moments of inactivity. The essay encourages readers to appreciate the art of doing nothing and its potential benefits for both individuals and society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Textual_questions_and_answers\"><strong>Textual questions and answers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Answer_these_questions_briefly\"><strong>Answer these questions briefly<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Why did the author think that there was no better lounging place than the moor? Why does he say that is a &#8216;kind of clean, bare, antechamber to heaven&#8217;?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The author thought there was no better lounging place than the moor because beneath its apparent monotony, there is a subtle variety in its slowly changing patterns of cloud and shadow and tinted horizons, sufficient to keep up a flicker of interest in the mind all day. He says it is a &#8216;kind of clean, bare, antechamber to heaven&#8217; because its remoteness, permanence, and old and sprawling indifference to man and his concerns rest and cleanse the mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. How did the author and his friend spend their time on the moor?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The author and his friend spent their time on the moor lying flat on their backs, doing nothing, smoking tobacco, eating sandwiches and little sticks of chocolate, and drinking from cold bubbling streams. Occasionally, they exchanged a remark or two but probably came as close to doing nothing as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Why did Mr Selfridge denounce the author&#8217;s state of idleness? What was his viewpoint?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: Mr Selfridge denounced the author&#8217;s state of idleness because he hated laziness more than anything else and held it the greatest of sins. He believed that people who waste time are committing a sin and are harmful to society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. What does the author refer to when he says that &#8216;There is still plenty of energy in the world&#8230; but most of it is simply misdirected&#8217;?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The author refers to the fact that while there is a lot of energy and activity in the world, much of it is misdirected and not used for productive or beneficial purposes. He believes that the world is in a muddle not because of laziness but because of misdirected energy and lack of steady thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. What, according to the author, makes America a prosperous country?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: According to the author, America is a prosperous country because of its doctrine of the strenuous life and the belief that laziness is a sin. However, he also notes that the society there is in such a condition that all its best contemporary writers are satirists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6. Name three other great authors who have praised leisure.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: Three other great authors who have praised leisure are Thoreau, Whitman, and Wordsworth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Answer_these_questions_in_detail\"><strong>Answer these questions in detail<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. &#8216;We were as gods, solidly occupied in doing nothing&#8230;. Compare the two friends&#8217; style of functioning with that of their relatives and other friends.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The two friends&#8217; style of functioning involved spending their time lying flat on their backs on the moor, doing nothing, smoking tobacco, eating sandwiches and chocolate, and drinking from cold streams. They made no plans, had no ideas, and did not engage in any productive activity. In contrast, their relatives and other friends were busy and active, constantly shaping, contriving, planning, disputing, getting, and spending. While the friends embraced idleness and found pleasure in doing nothing, their relatives and friends were absorbed in the hustle and bustle of daily life, always occupied with work and responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Discuss the author&#8217;s perspective on &#8216;busy people&#8217; and &#8216;the doctrine of the strenuous life.&#8217;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The author criticises &#8216;busy people&#8217; and &#8216;the doctrine of the strenuous life.&#8217; He believes that the world is not in its current muddle because of laziness but because of misdirected energy and a lack of passive virtues like kindness and steady thought. The author argues that those who are always busy and up and doing are often the ones who cause harm, as they do not know when or what they ought to be doing. He contends that doing nothing can be more beneficial, as it allows for contemplation and mental health recovery. The author suggests that if people, especially those in positions of power, took time to do nothing, the world would be in a better state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. &#8216;If, for example, in July 1914, when there was some capital idling weather, everybody, emperors, kings, archdukes, statesmen, generals, journalists, had been suddenly smitten with an intense desire to do nothing, just to hang about in the sunshine and consume tobacco, then we should have all been much better off than we are now.&#8217; Who should have remained idle and why? Explain with reference to the context.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The author believes that if everyone in positions of power and influence, such as emperors, kings, archdukes, statesmen, generals, and journalists, had remained idle in July 1914 instead of engaging in their usual activities, the world would have been much better off. He refers to the period leading up to World War I, suggesting that if these individuals had spent their time idling and doing nothing instead of making decisions and taking actions that led to the war, the catastrophic events that followed could have been avoided. The author&#8217;s point is that sometimes inaction and idleness can prevent harm and lead to better outcomes than constant activity and decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. &#8216;The world, we all freely admit, is in a muddle, but I for one do not think that it is laziness that has brought it to such a pass. It is not active virtues that it lacks but passive ones.&#8217; What do you think is the author&#8217;s tone in this sentence? Is he serious, humorous or ironic? Is this tone sustained through the essay? Substantiate your answer with extracts from the text.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The author&#8217;s tone in this sentence is serious. He is making a sincere argument that the world&#8217;s problems are not due to laziness but rather a lack of passive virtues like kindness and steady thought. This serious tone is sustained throughout the essay as the author continues to argue against the doctrine of the strenuous life and the negative perception of idleness. For example, he writes, &#8220;All the evil in this world is brought about by persons who are always up and doing, but do not know when they ought to be up nor what they ought to be doing.&#8221; This reinforces his serious perspective that misdirected energy and constant activity are more harmful than idleness. Additionally, his reflections on how statesmen might have prevented further harm by doing nothing during crucial moments further illustrate his serious tone and the underlying argument of the essay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Beyond_the_text\"><strong>Beyond the text<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Read the poem Leisure by William Henry Davies. Compare the ideas conveyed in the poem with the ideas in the essay by JB Priestley.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: Both William Henry Davis&#8217;s poem <em>Leisure<\/em> and JB Priestley&#8217;s essay <em>On Doing Nothing<\/em> emphasize the importance of taking time to appreciate the beauty of nature and the world around us. In <em>Leisure<\/em>, Davies laments the fast pace of life that prevents people from enjoying the simple pleasures of nature, such as watching squirrels hide their nuts or streams sparkling in the daylight. Similarly, Priestley praises the value of idleness and doing nothing, suggesting that spending time on a moor doing nothing can be rejuvenating and spiritually fulfilling. Both works criticize the relentless busyness of modern life and suggest that true fulfillment comes from moments of quiet reflection and connection with nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Read the essay On Lying in Bed by GK Chesterton and compare the styles of writing of both the essays. Which essay did you enjoy reading more? Why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: JB Priestley&#8217;s essay <em>On Doing Nothing<\/em> and GK Chesterton&#8217;s essay <em>On Lying in Bed<\/em> both explore themes of leisure and the value of taking time to relax. However, their writing styles differ significantly. Priestley&#8217;s style is reflective and descriptive, capturing the serene experience of lounging on a moor and critiquing societal attitudes toward idleness. In contrast, Chesterton&#8217;s style is more whimsical and humorous, using imaginative scenarios and witty observations to make his points about the absurdity of societal norms around early rising and productivity. The enjoyment of reading either essay depends on the reader&#8217;s preference for reflective prose or humorous commentary. Personally, I enjoyed reading Chesterton&#8217;s essay more due to its playful tone and creative exploration of the topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Writing\"><strong>Writing<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. A man must have something in him before he can settle down to doing nothing. Do you agree with the author? Discuss. Write a paragraph expressing your thoughts on the subject.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: I agree with the author that a man must have something in him before he can settle down to doing nothing. Doing nothing is not as easy as it seems; it requires a certain level of contentment, mental strength, and the ability to appreciate the subtleties of life. Many people equate being busy with being productive, but true productivity can also come from moments of reflection and rest. A person who can comfortably do nothing is often someone who is in tune with themselves and their surroundings, capable of finding joy in simple pleasures and stillness. This capacity for introspection and peace is what the author likely means by having &#8220;something in him,&#8221; which allows one to engage in idleness without feeling the need to constantly be doing something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. The author criticises the attitude of the general public. Imagine you are the author, write a report stating your views.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: In today&#8217;s fast-paced society, the general public tends to glorify constant activity and productivity, often overlooking the value of idleness and rest. This attitude, I believe, is misguided and detrimental to our overall well-being. The relentless pursuit of success and the fear of being labeled lazy drive people to overwork themselves, leading to burnout and a lack of genuine fulfillment. Instead, we should embrace moments of doing nothing as opportunities to recharge, reflect, and gain new perspectives. Idleness is not a waste of time but a necessary aspect of a balanced and healthy life. By shifting our mindset and appreciating the importance of rest, we can foster a more thoughtful, creative, and harmonious society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Write a note on The Value of Leisure.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: Leisure is an invaluable aspect of life that often gets overlooked in our busy, modern world. It is during these moments of leisure that we have the opportunity to relax, rejuvenate, and engage in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment. Leisure allows us to disconnect from our daily stresses and responsibilities, providing mental and physical benefits that contribute to our overall well-being. It fosters creativity, as our minds are free to wander and explore new ideas without the pressure of deadlines and tasks. Additionally, leisure activities, whether they involve spending time in nature, reading, or simply daydreaming, can enhance our emotional health and help us build stronger connections with ourselves and others. Recognizing and valuing leisure is essential for a balanced, fulfilling life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Extra_fill_in_the_blanks\"><strong>Extra fill in the blanks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. I had been staying with a friend of mine, an artist and a delightfully ______ fellow. (lazy\/lively)<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> lazy<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Day after day we had set off in the morning, taken the nearest moorland track, climbed leisurely until we had reached somewhere about ______ feet above sea-level. (two thousand\/three thousand)<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> two thousand<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. We smoked great quantities of tobacco, ate sandwiches and little sticks of ______. (chocolate\/candy)<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> chocolate<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Our minds immaculate ______. (vacancies\/ideas)<\/strong> <strong>Answer:<\/strong> vacancies<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. We did not even indulge in that genial ______ which is the usual pastime of two friendly males in conference. (boasting\/arguing)<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> boasting<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6. When our little hour of idling was done and we descended for the last time as flushed as ______. (sunsets\/moonrise)<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> sunsets<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7. We discovered that we had just been denounced by Mr ______. (Selfridge\/Harrods)<\/strong> <strong>Answer:<\/strong> Selfridge<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>8. Mr Selfridge said that he hated ______ more than anything else and held it the greatest of sins. (laziness\/wastefulness)<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> laziness<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>9. All the evil in this world is brought about by persons who are always up and ______, but do not know when they ought to be up nor what they ought to be doing. (doing\/resting)<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> doing<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>10. It is not the active virtues that it lacks but ______ ones. (passive\/strong)<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> passive<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>11. The world would be better off if it spent every possible moment it could, these next ten years, lying flat on its back on a ______ doing nothing. (moor\/hill)<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> moor<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>12. Even at the present time, if half the politicians in Europe would ______ the notion that laziness is a crime and go away and do nothing for a little space, we should certainly gain by it. (relinquish\/reinforce)<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> relinquish<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>13. The devil, I take it, is still the ______ creature in the universe. (busiest\/laziest)<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> busiest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>14. There is a subtle variety in its slowly changing patterns of cloud and shadow and ______ horizons, sufficient to keep up a flicker of interest in the mind all day. (tinted\/plain)<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> tinted<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>15. Whitman, robbed of his habit of lounging round with his hands in his ______ and his innocent delight in this pastime, would be merely a large-sized ass. (pockets\/jacket)<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> pockets<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>16. Beneath its apparent monotony that offers no immediate excitements, no absorbing drama of sound and colour, there is a subtle ______ in its slowly changing patterns. (variety\/sameness)<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> variety<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>17. Its remoteness, its permanence, its old and sprawling indifference to man and his concerns, rest and ______ the mind. (cleanse\/disturb)<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> cleanse<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>18. Somewhere, far away, our friends and relatives were humming and bustling, shaping and contriving, planning, disputing, getting, ______. (spending\/working)<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> spending<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>19. Unfortunately, Mr Selfridge had probably already made up his mind about the ______, as he would call it, of laziness. (sin\/virtue)<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> sin<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>20. It is capable of anything but ______ and little steady thought. (kindness\/energy)<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> kindness<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Extra_true_of_False\"><strong>Extra true or False<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. The author stayed with a friend who was a very active person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> False<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. The moor they visited was about two thousand feet above sea-level.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> True<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. The author and his friend engaged in making detailed plans while on the moor.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> False<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. The author mentions that the noises of the world are drowned by the cry of the curlew.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> True<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. Mr Selfridge praised the author and his friend for their idleness.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> False<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6. Mr Selfridge considered laziness the greatest of sins.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> True<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7. The author believes that all the evil in the world is caused by lazy people.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> False<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>8. The author suggests that the world needs more passive virtues.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> True<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>9. The author thinks that doing nothing would have prevented the troubles of July 1914.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> True<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>10. The author argues that America\u2019s prosperity is a result of its disdain for idleness.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> False<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>11. According to the author, Whitman would be considered a large-sized ass without his habit of lounging.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> True<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>12. The author felt refreshed and cleansed after spending time on the moor.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> True<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>13. The author and his friend frequently engaged in conversation while on the moor.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> False<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>14. The author thinks that people who criticize the length of ladies&#8217; skirts are wasting their time.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> True<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>15. The author describes the moor as a \u2018kind of clean, bare, antechamber to heaven\u2019.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> True<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>16. Mr Selfridge\u2019s denouncement made the author feel guilty about their idleness.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> False<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>17. The author believes that busy people know exactly what they ought to be doing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> False<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>18. The author suggests that if statesmen had taken a break, the outcomes of the Peace Conference might have been better.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> True<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>19. The author praises the American writers for their capacity to praise idleness.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> True<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>20. The author thinks that the doctrine of the strenuous life is harmful.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> True<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Extra_questions_and_answers\"><strong>Extra questions and answers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Where is the author&#8217;s friend&#8217;s cottage located?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: Among the Yorkshire fells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. How far is the cottage from the nearest railway station?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: Ten miles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. What activities did the author and his friend do on the moor besides lying down?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: Smoked tobacco, ate sandwiches and chocolate, drank from streams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. What bird&#8217;s cry is mentioned as drowning out all other noises?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The curlew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. Who denounced the author&#8217;s state of idleness?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: Mr. Gordon Selfridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6. What did Mr. Selfridge hate more than anything else?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: Laziness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7. What event does the author mention that could have benefited from idleness in July 1914?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The beginning of World War I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>8. What does the author suggest about the effect of politicians taking a break?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: It would benefit the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>9. Which poet is mentioned as valuing doing nothing and observing nature?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: William Wordsworth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>10. What is a common characteristic of America&#8217;s best contemporary writers according to the author?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: They are satirists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>11. What does the author mean by describing the moor as a &#8220;kind of clean bare antechamber to heaven&#8221;?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The author means that the moor, with its apparent monotony and subtle variety in patterns, offers a serene and peaceful environment that rests and cleanses the mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>12. How does the author describe their usual activities on the moor?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The author describes their usual activities on the moor as lying flat on their backs, doing nothing except smoking tobacco, eating sandwiches and chocolate, drinking from streams, and occasionally exchanging remarks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>13. What was the author&#8217;s reaction to Mr. Selfridge&#8217;s denunciation of idleness?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The author reacted by criticizing Mr. Selfridge&#8217;s views, arguing that laziness is not the greatest sin and suggesting that the world would benefit if more people embraced idleness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>14. What examples does the author provide to argue that laziness could have prevented historical conflicts?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The author provides examples such as the events of July 1914 and the Peace Conference at Versailles, suggesting that if leaders had taken time to do nothing, these conflicts might have been avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>15. What is the author&#8217;s opinion on America&#8217;s prosperity and the attitude towards laziness?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The author acknowledges America&#8217;s prosperity but also notes that American society&#8217;s condition is often criticized by its best contemporary writers, who praise idleness as a valuable trait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>16. How does the author justify the value of doing nothing on the moor?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The author justifies the value of doing nothing on the moor by highlighting its serene environment. He describes the moor as a place with a subtle variety of cloud patterns and shadows, which keeps a flicker of interest in the mind. Its remoteness, permanence, and indifference to human concerns rest and cleanse the mind. The monotonous cry of the curlew drowns out all other noises, providing a peaceful atmosphere that helps in mental relaxation and rejuvenation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>17. What were the author&#8217;s specific activities during the afternoons on the moor?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: During the afternoons on the moor, the author and his friend engaged in several leisurely activities. They:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lay flat on their backs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smoked great quantities of tobacco.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ate sandwiches and little sticks of chocolate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drank from the cold, bubbling streams.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Occasionally exchanged a remark or two. Despite these minor activities, they made no plans, had no ideas, and did not indulge in boasting. Their primary focus was on idling and enjoying the tranquil environment, coming as close to doing nothing as possible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>18. How did the author and his friend perceive their state of idleness compared to their bustling friends and relatives?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The author and his friend perceived their state of idleness as a form of liberation and superiority compared to their bustling friends and relatives. While their friends and relatives were engaged in humming, bustling, shaping, contriving, planning, disputing, getting, and spending, the author and his friend felt like gods, solidly occupied in doing nothing. They viewed their idleness as an immaculate state of mind, free from the worries and busyness of the world, allowing them to experience true relaxation and mental clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>19. What criticism does the author have towards Mr. Selfridge&#8217;s views on laziness and productivity?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The author criticizes Mr. Selfridge&#8217;s views on laziness and productivity by arguing that the disdain for laziness is misguided and harmful. He suggests that the world&#8217;s problems are not caused by laziness but by misdirected energy and a lack of passive virtues like kindness and thoughtfulness. The author believes that the doctrine of the strenuous life, which condemns idleness, has led to unnecessary conflicts and inefficiencies. He asserts that if more people embraced idleness, the world would be in better shape, with less misdirected effort and more thoughtful actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>20. What examples does the author provide to illustrate the positive effects of idleness in historical contexts?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The author provides several examples to illustrate the positive effects of idleness in historical contexts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>He speculates that if everyone, including emperors, kings, archdukes, statesmen, generals, and journalists, had idled in July 1914, the onset of World War I might have been prevented.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He suggests that if statesmen had taken time off before the Peace Conference at Versailles, they could have approached negotiations with clearer minds, leading to better outcomes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The author also mentions that religious sect members, instead of focusing on trivial issues, would benefit from idleness to regain mental health and clarity. These examples emphasize that taking time to do nothing can lead to more thoughtful and effective decisions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Get summaries, questions, answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDF of Class 11 Voices (English Supplementary reader textbook) chapter On Doing Nothing by JB Priestley which is part of the syllabus of students studying under&nbsp;MBOSE&nbsp;(Meghalaya Board). These solutions, however, should only be treated as references and can be modified\/changed. Summary JB Priestley recounts his time spent with&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/on-doing-nothing-mbose\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">On Doing Nothing: MBOSE Class 11 English Supplementary notes<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1044,"featured_media":16049,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[67,34],"tags":[28,46,22,30,68,276,33,816,35,36,37,38,155,278],"class_list":["post-16045","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mbose","category-notes","tag-answers","tag-class-11","tag-english","tag-extras","tag-mbose","tag-meghalaya-board","tag-notes","tag-on-doing-nothing","tag-pdf","tag-questions","tag-solutions","tag-summary","tag-supplementary","tag-voices","entry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16045","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1044"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16045"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16045\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32971,"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16045\/revisions\/32971"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16049"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16045"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16045"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16045"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}