This page offers Lost Spring long answer type question for Class 12  from the book Flamingo.  We’ve put together a bunch of long answer type question based on assumption, creativity, extrapolation and critical thinking. These types of questions are introduced after 2024 in CBSE Board. So, practice to understand Lost Spring long answer type question

Lost Spring Long Answer Type Question

1. What might have happened if Saheb had a school in his neighbourhood?

Answer: If Saheb had a school in his neighbourhood, his life might look very different. He would have the chance to go to school every day, where he could learn important things like reading, writing, and maths.

Knowing these skills could help him find a better job when he grows up, one that might pay more than what he earns from rag-picking. A better job could mean a better life for him and his family.

Going to school would also let Saheb meet and play with other kids his age. This could make him feel happier and less alone. He would learn about the world beyond his neighbourhood, which could give him new dreams and goals.

Overall, having a school nearby could change Saheb’s life by giving him more chances to succeed and a better outlook for his future. This could help him escape the cycle of poverty and look forward to something better.

2. If a child from Firozabad visited a big city like Mumbai or Delhi, what would he/she find most surprising and why?

Answer: If a child from Firozabad visited a big city like Mumbai or Delhi, he/she would be surprised by many things. First, he/she would notice the tall buildings everywhere. These buildings are much taller than any in their town. He/she would also see many cars on the roads, much more than he/she is used to. 

At night, the city lights are bright and everywhere. This is different from his/her hometown, which is quieter and darker at night. He/she might visit a big mall, which would be full of different shops and lots of people. This would be new to him/her, as his/her town has smaller shops and fewer people.

The noise and the size of the city could be both exciting and a little scary. Everything in the big city would seem very new and different from the quiet, smaller place he/she comes from.

Also Read:

• Hard Words : Lost Spring
• Lost Spring NCERT Solutions
• Lost Spring Long Question Answer
• Lost Spring Message
• Lost Spring Summary in English
• Lost Spring Multiple Choice Questions

3. How would the story of “Lost Spring” change if the narrator decided to start a fund to help the children in the story?

Answer: If the narrator decided to start a fund to help the children in “Lost Spring,” the outcome might be more positive. The fund could help build a school or a learning centre right where the children live.

This would give them a chance to go to school and learn new things. The money could also be used to provide the children with meals, clothes, and shoes. This would make their daily lives easier and more comfortable.

Starting this fund could show others how they can help too. It might encourage more people to do kind things for these children. This could lead to a better future for the entire community, where everyone helps each other and works together to improve their lives. Ultimately, this initiative could transform a cycle of hardship into one of hope and progress.

4. What if Saheb’s dream was to become a teacher instead of just finding a regular job?

Answer: If Saheb dreamed of becoming a teacher, his life might take a new direction. He would likely try very hard to learn, even if he didn’t have a proper school nearby. Saheb could begin by reading books or learning from people who are educated. He might practise teaching by helping other children in his area with what he learns. 

As a teacher, Saheb could share his knowledge with kids just like him. He would teach them to read and write, helping them to dream big and aim for more in life. His own dream of being a teacher could show everyone around him how important education is.

It might inspire more children in his community to study and change their futures. Saheb’s desire to teach could not only transform his life but also positively impact his whole community, encouraging more children to seek education and improve their situations.

5. Describe a day in the life of Mukesh if he successfully becomes a motor mechanic and owns his own garage. 

Answer: If Mukesh becomes a motor mechanic and owns his own garage, he would wake up early each morning, feeling excited to start his day. First, he would organise his tools and clean his workspace, getting everything ready for the customers. Mukesh would spend his day fixing cars, solving different problems for each one.

He would interact with many people, giving advice and helping them keep their vehicles in good shape. This would make him feel useful and respected. Owning the garage would allow Mukesh to make his own decisions, control his schedule, and earn a good income. He would be proud of running his own business and providing for himself and perhaps even for his family.

At the end of each day, Mukesh would return home tired but satisfied, knowing he is working towards his dream and making it a reality. He would enjoy the independence and responsibility that come with being his own boss. This new life would bring him a sense of accomplishment and happiness, contrasting sharply with his earlier years of hardship.

6. How would the lives of the children change if the government suddenly enforced laws against child labour in Firozabad?

Answer: If the government enforced laws against child labour in Firozabad, the children’s lives would change a lot. They would no longer have to work in dangerous places. Instead, they could go to school. This would allow them to learn, play, and just be kids. Going to school would teach them new things and help them make friends.

These changes would help the children dream about better jobs than working in factories. Learning in school would prepare them for a better future. They could grow up to have different careers, which could help their families escape from poverty. This new way of living would also be safer and healthier for them. Overall, going to school instead of working would give them a better chance at a good life.

7. What if Saheb found a treasure in the garbage one day? How would that change his life?

Answer: If Saheb found a treasure in the garbage, like a bag of money or something valuable, it could really change his life. He might use the money to go to school or start a small business. This would make his life and his family’s life better.

Finding a treasure would also make Saheb feel hopeful. It would show him that good things can happen. This might encourage him to keep dreaming and working for a better future. He could feel more motivated to change his life and reach for bigger goals.

If Saheb had extra money, he could also help other kids in his situation. He might pay for their school or help their families. This good act could spread hope in his community, inspiring others to dream and work hard too.

8. If a documentary was made about the lives of children in Firozabad, what impact might it have on viewers around the world? 

 Answer: If a documentary were made about the lives of children in Firozabad, it could deeply affect viewers around the world. Seeing the difficult lives these children lead might make people feel sad and motivated to help. Viewers could learn about the harsh realities of child labour and poverty in Firozabad, which might prompt them to take action or support causes that help these children.

The documentary could also encourage people to appreciate their own situations more and inspire them to help those less fortunate. By raising awareness, the film might lead to more support and possibly changes that improve the lives of these children and their families. Such a documentary could be a powerful tool in bringing about social and economic changes.

9. Suppose Saheb and his friends organise a small community event to showcase their daily lives through art and stories. What impact might this have on the local community and wider society?

Answer: If Saheb and his friends organised a community event to show their daily lives through art and stories, it could have a big impact on their local community and beyond. By sharing their experiences creatively, they would help others see the challenges they face every day. This could make people in their community feel closer to them and more understanding of their struggles.

This new understanding might lead to more help from local people and businesses. They might start efforts to improve living conditions for children like Saheb. If news outlets reported on the event, it could also attract attention from people and leaders far away.

This wider attention could lead to changes in laws to help poor children and reduce child labour. Overall, this event could be a powerful way to bring about change and make life better for Saheb and children in similar situations.

10. What if Mukesh’s dream of becoming a motor mechanic leads him to invent a new type of environmentally friendly vehicle? How would this invention impact his community and beyond?  

Answer: If Mukesh succeeded in inventing a new type of environmentally friendly vehicle, it could change transportation in his community and around the world. This invention would make him known as an innovator. It might also bring in money and create jobs in his area. This could help his family become more financially secure and encourage others in his community to learn about new technologies.

Moreover, Mukesh’s invention would be good for the environment. It could lead to cleaner air and less pollution. This would make the health and everyday life better for people in his community and in other places that use his technology. Overall, Mukesh’s dream could have a big and positive impact far beyond his own life.

12. What does the story of Saheb and Mukesh tell us about the role of determination in overcoming adversity? How can we apply this lesson in our own lives? 

Answer: The story of Saheb and Mukesh shows us how important determination is in overcoming tough situations. Both boys face difficult lives but still hold on to their dreams for a better future. Saheb dreams of going to school, while Mukesh wants to become a motor mechanic. Their strong will drives them to strive towards these goals, despite many challenges.

In our own lives, we can learn from Saheb and Mukesh by never giving up on our dreams. No matter how hard things get, having clear goals and sticking to them can help us move forward.

We should work hard and stay focused, just like Saheb and Mukesh. By doing this, we can overcome obstacles and make progress, even in difficult times. This lesson teaches us that with determination, we can achieve our goals and improve our situations, just as they hope to do.

13. How does the story highlight the importance of social responsibility in addressing child labour as seen in the chapter “The Lost Spring”? What actions can individuals and communities take to combat this issue?

Answer: The story shows us that we all need to help fight child labour. It tells us about the tough lives of child workers like Saheb and Mukesh. We learn that it is important for everyone in society to do something about this problem.

People and communities can help by telling others about the issue. They can ask for stronger laws against child labour and help make sure these rules are followed. They can also help by supporting schools and programs that give children a chance to learn instead of work.

Another way to help is by working with local groups that focus on stopping child labour. By giving time or support to these groups, we can make a big difference. This shows how taking action can help solve big problems like child labour.

14. Reflect on the theme of hope as portrayed in the lives of the children in the chapter “The Lost Spring”. How important is hope in driving change, and how can we help instil hope in others who are facing difficulties? 

Answer: Hope plays a big role in the lives of Saheb and Mukesh in the story. Even though they face tough times, hope keeps them going. They believe things can get better, and this belief helps them keep trying despite their challenges.

Hope is very important because it gives people the strength to try for a better future. We can help give hope to others who are struggling by being there for them. We can listen to them, share stories of people who have faced similar problems and succeeded, and help them find resources or advice they need.

Showing we care and are willing to help can also inspire hope in others. When people see that someone else believes in them, it can make them believe in themselves too. This can encourage them to make changes and improve their situations.

15. Discuss the ethical implications of child labour as presented in the chapter “The Lost Spring”. How should society balance economic needs with the rights of children?

Answer: The text shows that child labour isn’t just a problem for the economy, but it’s also a moral issue. It challenges us to think about how we can balance the need for economic growth with the rights of children to be safe and learn.

To find this balance, society needs to make sure that children can go to school instead of working. This means enforcing laws against child labour more strictly. Governments and groups should help families who need money so that children don’t have to work. Also, creating more jobs for adults can help reduce the need for children to work.

It’s important for society to focus on the health and growth of children. When we invest in children’s education and well-being, we are building a stronger and more successful society for everyone.

16. If you were in a position to make one significant change to improve the lives of children like Saheb, what would it be and why?   

Answer: If I could make one significant change to improve the lives of children like Saheb, I would make sure they all have access to good education. Education is a key way to break the cycle of poverty. It opens up new job chances and gives children the power to make smart choices for their lives and their communities.

Providing education does more than just teach children facts. It builds their confidence and shows them what they can achieve. This change can really transform their futures. It can help them move away from child labour and start new, better paths for themselves and their families.

By enabling these children to receive a solid education, we lay the foundation for a more just and prosperous society, where each child can pursue their dreams and contribute positively to their community.

17. How does the setting of the story “The Lost Spring” influence the lives of its characters? What might change if the story was set in a wealthy urban area instead of impoverished neighbourhoods?

Answer: The setting of the story, in poor neighbourhoods, greatly affects the lives of its characters. In these areas, there are few opportunities, and many children start working at a young age to help their families.

If the story were set in a rich urban area instead, the characters’ lives would look very different. They would have access to good schools, better healthcare, and helpful community programs. These resources could keep them from having to work, letting them focus more on learning.

In a wealthier setting, the characters might deal with challenges like keeping up with school or choosing a career, instead of struggling to meet basic needs. This change could give them a chance to explore their interests and achieve more in life.

18. Reflect on the role of family expectations in shaping the lives of Mukesh and other children in the story. How do these expectations either limit or empower them?

Answer: Family expectations strongly influence Mukesh and other children in the story. Many children are expected to continue family jobs, like bangle-making. This can limit their options because they start working early and may not consider other careers.

However, these expectations also give the children a clear identity and a sense of belonging to their family and community. In Mukesh’s case, although his family’s tradition of bangle-making sets certain limits, his dream of becoming a motor mechanic shows his desire to do something different.

His aspiration challenges the usual path set by his family and suggests that personal goals can lead to new opportunities. This shows that while family expectations can shape their lives, children can also find ways to pursue their own dreams.

19. Consider the impact of child labour on the psychological development of children as seen in the chapter “The Lost Spring”. How might their early responsibilities affect their adulthood?

Answer: Child labour can really affect how children grow up mentally. When children work from a young age, they miss out on school and playing with friends. These activities are important because they help children learn to think well, make friends, and feel good about themselves.

Missing these experiences can keep them from getting better opportunities as they grow older, which often keeps them poor. When they become adults, they might find it hard to learn new jobs or change their careers because they didn’t get the chance to learn different things when they were younger.

This can make them feel unhappy and stuck in the same work they did as kids. They may struggle to feel hopeful or see new chances in life, which affects their happiness and overall mental health.

20. How does the author use irony to highlight the contrast between the children’s dreams and their realities as seen in the chapter “The Lost Spring”? Give examples from the text.

Answer: The author uses irony to show the big difference between the children’s dreams and their real lives. For example, Saheb’s name means ‘Lord of the Universe,’ but he lives in poverty and cannot change much about his life. This is ironic because his name suggests greatness, but his life does not.

Another example is Mukesh, who dreams of being a motor mechanic, a job that means freedom and movement. However, he currently works in bangle factories where he is stuck in one place and the work is dangerous.

This contrast shows how different the children’s dreams are from their real lives. These ironies highlight how tough their situations are but also how strong their hopes are. Through these examples, the author not only shows the harsh realities faced by the children but also their undying spirit to dream of a better life.

Note- Following are the old types questions with answers for the chapter The Lost Spring. These were asked till 2023-24 session. They focus more on memory rather than assumption and extrapolation. They are still useful.

 Q1. ‘The beauty of the glass bangles of Firozabad contrasts with the misery of people who produce them’. Mention the hazards of working in the glass bangle industry. Discuss the endless spiral of poverty, apathy, greed and injustice present there. 

Ans. The story ‘Lost Spring’ highlights the tough lives of bangle makers in Firozabad. These workers, including many children, are forced into labour early and don’t get to go to school. Making glass bangles is dangerous. Children work in very hot places with no fresh air or light. This can make them go blind because they are always in the dark, focusing on tiny pieces of glass.

Besides the dangers of their work, these people are trapped in poverty. They aren’t helped by society or leaders. Instead, they face neglect and greed from those who should protect them.

Middlemen and politicians exploit them without offering any improvement in their lives. When they try to change their situation, they often face harsh treatment from the police. This cycle of suffering, both physically and emotionally, shows the harsh reality they live in, contrasting sharply with the beauty of the bangles they create.

Q2. “For the children, it is wrapped in wonder, for the elders, it is a means of survival.” What kind of life do the rag-pickers of Seemapuri lead? Answer in about 120-150 words.

Ans. Seemapuri is a place near Delhi where many ragpickers live. These people originally came from Bangladesh in 1971. They don’t have official IDs or permits, but they do have ration cards. This lets them vote and buy food. For them, getting food is more important than having an identity.

The people of Seemapuri survive by picking through garbage, which they’ve turned into a skilled job. Children here join in too. They start early each morning, carrying plastic bags to collect whatever they can find in the trash. For these kids, the garbage is exciting because sometimes they find money or even a valuable coin. This gives them hope to find more each day.

The living conditions in Seemapuri are very poor. People live in small mud houses with roofs made of tin and plastic sheets. They don’t have clean water or proper drainage. Even though it’s close to Delhi, the way they live is very different and very tough.

Q3.  ‘Lost Spring’ explains the grinding poverty and traditions that condemn thousands of people to a lift of abject poverty. Do you agree? Why/Why not?

 Ans. ‘Lost Spring’ is indeed a description of the grinding poverty and traditions that condemn thousands of people to a life of abject poverty.

Saheb, a young ragpicker is forced to live a miserable life of poverty. He wants to go to school and play tennis. Due to poverty, he has to even give up his freedom and start working as a helper at a tea shop. Here he is burdened with the commands of his employer and is forced to live a miserable life.

Another such example is that of Mukesh who belongs to a bangle makers family in Firozabad. He wants to be a motor mechanic. But his family traditions and poverty have forced him to work in the inhumane conditions of a bangle factory, in dark rooms and near hot furnaces.

Thus, the poor and destitute of both Seemapuri and Firozabad are caught in the web of poverty, servitude, suppression and exploitation.

Q4. Most of us do not raise our voice against injustice in our society and tend to remain mute spectators. Anees Jung in her story ‘Lost Spring’ vividly highlights the miserable life of street children and bangle makers of Firozabad. She wants us to act. Which qualities does she want the children to develop?

Ans. Anees Jung’s story “Lost Spring” talks about the difficult lives of street children and bangle makers in Firozabad. She shows how these kids live hard lives because of poverty and old traditions. Some children look for useful things in garbage to earn money, while others make bangles because their families have always done it.

But the story also shares about children like Mukesh who want to change their lives. Mukesh doesn’t want to make bangles like the rest of his family. Instead, he dreams of becoming a mechanic, a much different job.

Through Mukesh’s story, Anees Jung tells us it’s important for kids to have big dreams and the courage to follow them. She wants them to be brave, hardworking, and confident. These qualities can help them make their lives better.

Q5. Describe the circumstances which keep the workers in the bangle industry in poverty.

Ans. The bangle makers in Firozabad create beautiful bangles but they work in very tough conditions. They work in hot and dirty places that are small and dark. Despite working hard, they stay poor because their jobs are not well organised and middlemen take a big part of their earnings.

These workers also face problems when they try to work together to improve their situation. They often get into trouble with the police. They are stuck in a cycle where middlemen, policemen, and some other powerful people keep taking advantage of them.

This has been going on for many generations, making it very difficult for them to get out of poverty. This situation highlights the need for changes that protect these workers and help them earn a fair wage, which could finally break the cycle of exploitation and poverty.

Q6. ‘Saheb is no longer his own master. Mukesh insists on being his own master.’ Discuss.

Ans. Saheb and Mukesh are two boys from a story who live in tough conditions but deal with their lives differently. Saheb picks up garbage in Seemapuri to survive. Later, he works at a tea stall where he has no freedom and loses his childhood. Saheb has accepted his life as it is and doesn’t try to change it.

Mukesh, on the other hand, comes from a poor family that makes bangles. But he doesn’t want to continue making bangles like his family. Instead, Mukesh dreams of becoming a motor mechanic. He wants to make his own decisions and be in charge of his life.

This shows how different people can react differently to hard situations. While Saheb accepts his life, Mukesh fights to change his and be his own boss.

Q7. Justify the title of the story ‘Lost Spring’.

 Ans.The title “Lost Spring” is very meaningful for the story. In the title, “Spring” represents childhood, which is normally a happy and playful time. But the children in the story, like the ragpickers of Seemapuri and the bangle makers of Firozabad, do not get to enjoy such a childhood. Instead, they have to work from a very young age to help their families make ends meet.

These kids miss out on the fun and freedom that should be part of growing up. They work in tough and dangerous jobs, and the story shows how society, especially the rich and powerful, often overlooks their difficulties.   

“Lost Spring” points out the joyful childhood moments that these children are missing. The title reflects the main idea of the story, which aims to draw attention to the tough lives of these young workers. It encourages people to think about and help improve the lives of these children, giving them the chance to go to school and have a better childhood.

Q8. “For the children, it is wrapped in wonder, for the elders, it is a means of survival.” What kind of life do the rag-pickers of Seemapuri lead? Answer in about 120-150 words. [All India 2017]

Ans. Seemapuri is a place on the edge of Delhi where many ragpickers live. These people, including families who moved from Bangladesh in 1971, don’t have official IDs or the right to live there. However, they do have ration cards which let them buy food and vote.

In Seemapuri, picking garbage is how people make a living. For the kids here, searching through trash can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. They often find small amounts of money or other valuable items, which adds a bit of excitement to their tough lives.

Yet, their living conditions are very poor. They live in makeshift homes made of mud with roofs of tin and tarpaulin. There’s no proper system for water or waste. It’s hard to believe that this place is part of a big city like Delhi.