FROM THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK // FIRST FLIGHT CHAPTER 4 // CBSE CLASS 10TH ENGLISH

 

CHAPTER-4

FROM THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
                                     ANNE FRANK✍

FROM THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK SUMMARY

1. Introduction to Anne Frank’s Diary

·         Anne Frank was a Jewish girl who lived during World War II.

·         She began writing a diary when she was 13 years old.

·         She treated her diary like a close friend and named it Kitty.

·         The extract in the textbook is about her school life, her friends, and her teacher.

2. Why She Started Writing

·         Anne felt she had many thoughts and feelings but no true friend to share them with.

·         She decided to write them in her diary, thinking it would be her best friend.

·         She writes honestly about her personal life and school events.

3. School Life and Teachers

·         Anne was a bright and talkative student.

·         She often talked too much in class, which irritated her teachers.

·         Her Maths teacher, Mr. Keesing, punished her several times for talking.

4. First Punishment – Essay on ‘A Chatterbox’

·         One day, Mr. Keesing gave her an unusual punishment — she had to write an essay titled ‘A Chatterbox’.

·         Anne took the task seriously but also added humour.

·         She explained that she talked so much because talking was part of her nature.

5. Second Punishment – Essay on ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox’

·         After she continued talking in class, Mr. Keesing gave her a second essay — ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox’ (meaning someone who cannot stop talking).

·         Anne wrote the essay again in a humorous way, accepting the title with good spirit.

6. Third Punishment – Essay on ‘Quack, Quack, Quack, Said Mistress Chatterbox’

·         When she still didn’t stop talking, Mr. Keesing gave her a third topic — ‘Quack, Quack, Quack, Said Mistress Chatterbox’.

·         Anne made it into a funny poem about a mother duck, a father swan, and three ducklings who quacked too much and were punished.

·         Her friend San helped her write the poem in verse.

7. Mr. Keesing’s Reaction

·         Mr. Keesing laughed at the clever and funny poem.

·         He shared it with the class and even with other teachers.

·         From then on, he stopped giving Anne punishments — instead, he allowed her to talk in class sometimes.

8. Conclusion

·         The diary shows Anne’s wit, humour, and honesty.

·         Even in a strict classroom, she handled situations with creativity and positivity.

·         The extract reveals her lively personality and ability to turn punishments into opportunities for fun.

Moral / Message

·         Creativity and humour can turn difficult situations into enjoyable experiences.

·         Expressing yourself honestly builds confidence.

·         Teachers and students can develop better understanding through patience and positivity.

FROM THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK SHORT QUESTION

1.       Comment on the techer-student relationship shared between Anne and Mr. Keesing.
Answer: Anne and Mr. Keesing’s relationship started with some tension because Anne talked a lot, and he wanted strict discipline. He gave her extra work as punishment. But Anne’s witty essays made him laugh, and their relationship became friendlier and more understanding over time.

2.       Enumerate any two reasons that justify Mr. Keesing’s displeasure at Anne’s talking in class.
Answer: Mr. Keesing was displeased with Anne’s talking in class because it disturbed the lesson and distracted other students. He also felt that Anne was not paying proper attention to his teaching, which affected classroom discipline.

3.       Anne wrote in her diary to get things off her chest. List any two reasons why getting things off one’s chest is recommended by counsellors as therapeutic.
Answer: Getting things off one’s chest is recommended because it helps reduce stress and emotional burden. It also clears the mind, making a person feel lighter, calmer, and more able to handle problems effectively.

4.       Why did Anne start writing a diary?
Answer: Anne had loving parents, a sister, and many friends, but no true friend to share her feelings with. She wanted someone to listen to her thoughts and secrets. Since she couldn’t be completely open with her friends, she decided to write a diary.

5.       ‘Paper has more patience than people’. Elucidate.
Answer: By saying “Paper has more patience than people,” Anne meant that paper listens silently and never interrupts or judges. People may lose interest or react negatively, but paper lets a person express all thoughts and feelings freely, making it a loyal listener.

6.       Clarify why it is fair to say that Mr Keesing was innovative with his punishments.
Answer: It is fair to say Mr. Keesing was innovative with his punishments because instead of giving ordinary penalties, he asked Anne to write essays as a way to correct her talkative nature. Each topic he gave was creative, making the punishment interesting and different.

7.       Do you agree with Anne when she says that teachers are the most unpredictable creatures on earth. Rationalise.
Answer: Anne Frank’s view about teachers being unpredictable can be true for many students. However, teachers are actually dynamic. Their behaviour changes because they handle many duties, adjust to situations, and meet students’ needs. This flexibility may seem unpredictable, but it helps them guide and support students better.

8.       Anne bid a ‘heartbreaking farewell’ to Mrs. Kuperus. As Anne, write a brief farewell note to Mr. Keesing after being promoted to the next class.
Dear Mr. Keesing
It has been ………………………………….
Answer:
Dear Mr. Keesing,
It has been a memorable time in your class, full of learning and fun. I am grateful for your guidance and understanding. Even your creative punishments taught me important lessons. Farewell, and I wish you success in guiding many more students.
Sincerely,
Anne

9.       Anne said that the only thing missing was the presence of a true friend. Imagine that Anne had access to the internet and had chosen to blog instead of writing a diary.
As Anne, write a blog post on the value of a true friend.











Answer:
DearestKittyblogger.com
Anne Frank, 25 June 1942

The Value of a True Friend

Hello friends,

Today I wish to write about the importance of a true friend. Life feels incomplete without someone who listens with patience and understands our unspoken words. A true friend gives comfort in sadness and doubles our joy in happiness. Unlike many casual companions, a real friend never leaves us in difficult times. They accept us with all our strengths and weaknesses, making us feel valued and loved.
A true friend is indeed a treasure of life. Such friendship gives us courage, hope, and the strength to face every challenge with a smile.

Yours,
Anne

10.    Anne says that there were so many dummies in the class that about a quarter of them shouldn’t be promoted. Is she being rude or brutally honest? Evaluate.
Answer: Anne’s remark is partly rude and partly honest. She spoke truthfully about some classmates not deserving promotion, but calling them “dummies” sounds harsh and insensitive. Her words show honesty in judgment, yet the lack of kindness makes the statement appear rude to others.

11.    How did Anne regard her diary and what name did she give to it?
Answer: Anne considered her diary as a true friend with whom she could share her secrets and feelings. She did not want it to be just a record of events, but a companion in her loneliness. She lovingly gave her diary the name “Kitty.”

12.    How did Sanne help Anne Frank in writing the third essay?
Answer: Sanne, Anne’s good friend, helped her in writing the third essay by suggesting that she should write it in the form of a poem. She also gave the idea of using the example of a swan and ducklings. The verse turned out very creative and beautiful.

 

FROM THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK LONG QUESTION

1.       Why did Anne Frank think that she could confide more in her diary than in the people?
Answer: Anne Frank received a diary on her thirteenth birthday, which later became her closest companion. Although she had loving parents, a sister, and many friends, she felt that she lacked a true friend in whom she could confide completely. Anne often felt lonely and could not openly share her innermost thoughts with people around her, as she believed they would not truly understand her feelings. She was shy, sensitive, and reserved, and this made her hesitant to express herself freely. She realized that “paper has more patience than people,” meaning that the diary would always listen to her without interruption, judgment, or boredom. For Anne, her diary, which she named “Kitty,” became a trusted friend with whom she could share her secrets, emotions, and experiences. Thus, she felt she could confide more in her diary than in people.

2.       Was Anne an intelligent girl? Support your answer giving instances.
Answer: Anne Frank was undoubtedly a very intelligent and witty girl. Although she was only thirteen, her diary shows maturity and depth far beyond her age. At a time when very few thought of documenting the horrors of Nazi rule, Anne decided to record her life experiences during the war. This reflected her wisdom and awareness. She believed that “paper has more patience than people,” which shows her ability to think deeply and express herself honestly. In school, Anne’s intelligence also appeared in the way she handled punishments. Mr. Keesing, her Maths teacher, often scolded her for talking too much. Instead of feeling embarrassed, Anne cleverly defended herself, even calling her talkativeness hereditary. Later, she wrote a humorous poem about a mother duck and a father swan, turning punishment into fun. This not only impressed Mr. Keesing but also made him friendlier. Clearly, Anne was intelligent, witty, and thoughtful.

3.       Your teacher has organised a debate and you have been asked to speak on:
‘Consequences and Positive Reinforcements Have a Great Impact on Student Behaviour’. Write the debate script with three-four points to supplement your stand, either as a proposition speaker or as an opposition one.
Answer:
Debate: Consequences and Positive Reinforcements Have a Great Impact on Student Behaviour
Proposition Speaker:
Honourable judges, respected teachers, and my fellow debaters, I strongly support the motion that consequences and positive reinforcements have a great impact on student behaviour.
Firstly, consequences teach students responsibility. When learners face the results of their actions—whether success or failure—they understand accountability and begin to make wiser decisions.
Secondly, positive reinforcement motivates growth. Simple acts like praise, appreciation, or small rewards encourage students to repeat good behaviour and stay consistent in their efforts.
Thirdly, both consequences and reinforcements shape moral values. Consequences discourage dishonesty or disrespect, while rewards for honesty and discipline nurture integrity and respect in young minds.
In conclusion, student behaviour can be guided effectively through a balance of fair consequences and positive reinforcements. Together, these tools create a healthy environment where responsibility, motivation, and values flourish.
Thank you.

4.       You are stressed and anxious since your Annual results are going to be announced soon. You decide to meet the school counsellor to share your anxiety and apprehensions. Write the dialogue between you and your school counsellor.

You may begin like this:
School Counsellor: Hello Anne, please sit down. You look very disturbed and irritated. What’s the matter?
You: Well, to be honest, we all are disturbed. But the irritation is because of the two boys sitting behind……………
School Counsellor: First of all, you need to relax. Take a deep breath. How do you feel we can deal with this situation rationally?
You: ...............................................................(continue)
Answer:
School Counsellor: Hello Anne, please sit down. You look disturbed. What’s the matter?
Anne: Well, ma’am, I am very anxious because our annual results are about to be announced. I keep overthinking about my performance, and it makes me stressed.
School Counsellor: I understand, Anne. First of all, relax and take a deep breath. How do you think we can handle this situation?
Anne: I guess I should try to stay calm and not let negative thoughts control me. Maybe I can spend time revising my weak areas, read something light, or talk to my parents and friends for support.
School Counsellor: That’s a good idea. Remember, results are important but they don’t define your worth. Stay positive, follow relaxation techniques like deep breathing, and keep faith in your hard work.
Anne: Thank you, ma’am. I feel lighter after sharing my worries.

 

FROM THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK LONG QUESTION

EXTRACT-1

Let me put it more clearly, since no one will believe that a thirteen-year-old girl is completely alone in the world. And I’m not. I have loving parents and a sixteen-year-old sister, and there are about thirty people I can call friends. I have a family, loving aunts and a good home. No, on the surface I seem to have everything, except my one true friend. All I think about when I’m with friends is having a good time. I can’t bring myself to talk about anything but ordinary everyday things.

i.            Why does Anne feel the following?
…no one will believe that a thirteen-year-old girl is completely alone in the world.

1) People knew she had a family.
2) People rejected the idea of loneliness.
3) She had several friends.
4) She had a cheerful personality.
5) Her life was comfortable.

Choose the correct option from the following:
A. (1) and (5)
B. (1), (3) and (4)
C. (2) and (3)
D. (2), (4) and (5)

ii.            Select the most appropriate option for (1) and (2).
(1) …on the surface I seem to have everything, except my one true friend.
(2) Anne doesn’t truly connect with anyone.

A. (1) is true and (2) is false.
B. (2) is the opposite of (1).
C. (1) furthers the meaning of (2).
D. Both (1) and (2) cannot be inferred from the extract.

iii.            From the options given below, identify Anne’s tone in the extract.
A. restless
B. dissatisfied
C. scared
D. hurt

iv.            Select the option which displays an example of ‘having a good time’.

            iv.A. He is out for a picnic with his friends and they are laughing and singing together.
B. He is studying hard for the periodic test the following day to improve his scores.
C. He is trying to convince his father to purchase the latest video games for him.
D. He just rescued an injured puppy and is tending to its wounds.

v.            What do we get to know about Anne when she says the following? I can’t bring myself to talk about anything but ordinary everyday things

Choose one from the following to answer:
A. She is proud of her ways.
B. She is struggling to strike conversations.
C. She is unsure of her own thoughts.
D. She is unable to have a satisfying conversation.

EXTRACT-2

“’Paper has more patience than people’ I thought of this saying on one of those days when I was feeling a little depressed and was sitting at home with my chin in my hands, bored and listless, wondering whether to stay in or go out. I finally stayed where I was, brooding: Yes, paper does have more patience, and since I’m not planning to let anyone else read this stiffbacked notebook grandly referred to as a ‘diary’, unless I should ever find a real friend, it probably won’t make a bit of difference.”

i.            What does the writer mean by “Paper has more patience than people”?        1
a) Paper gets easily bored
b) Paper never complains or interrupts
c) Paper talks more than people
d) Paper is less useful than people

ii.            Fill in the blank:                                          1
The writer decided to write in her ______, which she called a ‘diary’.

iii.            Why did the Anne choose to write in her diary?   2

iv.            Give the meaning of the word listless.    1

EXTRACT-3

 

“Mr Keesing had a good laugh at my arguments, but when I proceeded to talk my way through the next lesson, he assigned me a second essay. This time it was supposed to be on ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox’. I handed it in, and Mr Keesing had nothing to complain about for two whole lessons. However, during the third lesson, he’d finally had enough. “Anne Frank, as a punishment for talking in class, write an essay entitled-‘Quack, Quack, Quack, said Mistress Chatterbox’.”

i.            What convincing argument was made by Anne?
a) She was talkative just like any other student in the class.
b) She had the right to be talkative, as it was a classroom and not a prison.
c) She had inherited the trait from her mother, so couldn’t stop being talkative.
d) She found it impossible to be quiet like the others as she couldn’t change herself.

ii.            What does ‘had a good laugh’ imply, in the context of Mr. Keesing?
It means that he
a) celebrated his ability to make Anne write the essay.
b) ridiculed Anne in front of the whole class.
c) pulled up Anne for her arguments in the essay.
d) realised the humour in it and was amused.

iii.            Based on this extract, pick the option with the list of words that best describe Mr Keesing.
a) jovial and creative
b) strict and innovative
c) tolerant and strict
d) innovative and jovial

iv.            Why do you think Mr Keesing chose the title - ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox’ – for Anne, to write on?
This was so because he expected
a) Anne to express her inability to elaborate on such a topic.
b) that this would embarrass Anne and would check her indiscipline.
c) her to apologise and not repeat her talkative behaviour.
d) Anne to explore her creative writing skills.

v.            How did Anne feel when she was punished the third time by Mr Keesing? She
a) was happy as she had to write three essays on the same topic.
b) enjoyed making fun of Mr. Keesing in her own way.
c) was worried as she had run out of original ideas for her essay.
d) was thrilled at another opportunity to showcase her writing abilities.

 

ANSWER

EXTRACT-1

i-b, ii-c, iii-b, iv-a, v-d

EXTRACT-2

i-b, ii-Notebook,
iii- Anne chose to write in her diary because she felt lonely and lacked a true friend to share her feelings with. She believed “paper has more patience than people,” so she could express her secrets and emotions freely.
iv- Lacking energy or enthusiasm.

EXTRACT-3

i-c, ii-d, iii-b, iv-b iv-c