NCERT solutions for Class 12 English Chapter 1 The Last Lesson – complete answers & explanations

The NCERT Chapter “The Last Lesson” from Class 12 English Flamingo is a powerful story that highlights the importance of language, culture, and education. Written by Alphonse Daudet, the chapter shows how people realize the value of their own language only when it is taken away from them. Through the experiences of Franz and his teacher M. Hamel, students understand how language is closely connected with identity and freedom. This blog provides complete NCERT solutions for Class 12 English Chapter The Last Lesson strictly based on the worksheet, helping students understand the lesson clearly and prepare effectively for exams.

What this NCERT chapter covers?

1. The chapter explains how the loss of language can deeply affect a community and its cultural identity.
2. It shows the emotional impact of the order that replaces French with German in schools of Alsace and Lorraine.
3. Students learn about the importance of respecting teachers and valuing educational opportunities.
4. The chapter develops reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar awareness, and writing skills.
5. It also encourages students to think about language rights, linguistic minorities, and cultural preservation.

How to use these NCERT solutions?

1. Students should first read the chapter carefully and try to answer the questions on their own.
2. After attempting the questions, they can check their responses with these NCERT solutions to understand the correct approach.
3. Parents and teachers can guide students in discussing the ideas and themes presented in the lesson.
4. These solutions follow the worksheet order exactly so students can easily match answers with the questions.
5. Reviewing these answers helps students improve understanding, writing style, and exam preparation.

Important tips & tricks for students

1. Always read the story carefully before answering comprehension questions.
2. Focus on the message of the story and the emotions of the characters.
3. Pay attention to vocabulary expressions and grammar forms used in the chapter.
4. When answering open-ended questions, express ideas clearly and logically.
5. Practice writing tasks regularly to improve clarity, structure, and confidence in English.

NCERT solutions – complete answer key

Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their meaning from the context

Explanation:
Read the expressions given below and understand their meaning from the context of the story. Think about how they are used in the sentence and what feeling or idea they convey.

In great dread of
Meaning: Feeling very afraid or worried about something.
Example in context: Franz was in great dread of being scolded by his teacher because he had not prepared the lesson.

Counted on
Meaning: To depend on or expect something to happen.
Example in context: Franz counted on the usual classroom noise so that he could quietly enter the class without being noticed.

Thumbed at the edges
Meaning: Something that has become worn out because it has been handled or used many times.
Example in context: Hauser’s old primer was thumbed at the edges because it had been used repeatedly.

In unison
Meaning: When many people do something together at the same time.
Example in context: The students usually repeated their lessons loudly in unison.

A great bustle
Meaning: A lot of noise, movement, or activity.
Example in context: Normally there was a great bustle in the classroom when school began.

Reproach ourselves with
Meaning: To blame or criticize oneself for something done wrong.
Example in context: M. Hamel said that the people of Alsace should reproach themselves for neglecting their own language.

Think as you read (Page 7)

1. Franz was expected to be prepared with the rule of participles because M. Hamel had announced that he would question the students on this topic. Franz had not studied it and therefore felt afraid of being scolded by his teacher.

2. Franz noticed that the school was unusually quiet and solemn. Normally there was noise of students reciting lessons and opening desks, but that day everything was silent. The village elders were also sitting on the back benches, which surprised him.

3. The bulletin-board carried the order from Berlin announcing that German would replace French as the language of instruction in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. This meant that M. Hamel was teaching his last French lesson.

Think as you read (Page 8)

1. The order made the school atmosphere serious and emotional. M. Hamel wore his special clothes, the village elders came to attend the class, and everyone listened attentively because it was the last French lesson they would receive.

2. Earlier Franz disliked school and feared M. Hamel. However, when he learned it was the last lesson, he felt deep regret and respect for his teacher. He realized the importance of learning his language and began to appreciate both his school and teacher.

Understanding the text

1. The people realize the importance of their language when they learn that French will no longer be taught in schools. The villagers attend the class to show respect for their language and teacher. This realization occurs because the order from Berlin forces them to abandon their own language, making them understand its true value.

2. This thought shows Franz’s anger and sadness about the forced change of language. He wonders if even nature will be forced to obey the new rulers. It reflects his feeling that the order is unnatural and unfair. (Answer may vary)

Talking about the text

1. Language represents a nation’s identity and culture. Even if people are politically controlled, their language keeps their traditions and unity alive. Therefore, preserving language helps them maintain their freedom of thought and hope for independence. (Answer may vary)

2. A linguistic minority may face pressure to adopt the majority language and may lose opportunities to use their own language. However, they can preserve it by speaking it at home, teaching it to children, and promoting literature and cultural activities related to their language. (Answer may vary)

3. Yes, excessive pride in one’s language can lead to discrimination against other languages. Linguistic chauvinism means believing that one’s language is superior and forcing others to adopt it. (Answer may vary)

Working with words

Explanation:
Focus on vocabulary and word meanings in this exercise. Use your knowledge of languages, context clues, and word origins to complete the questions.

1. Tycoon – Japanese
Barbecue – Spanish
Zero – Arabic
Tulip – Turkish
Veranda – Portuguese
Ski – Norwegian
Logo – Greek
Robot – Czech
Trek – Dutch
Bandicoot – Telugu

Explanation:
Read the sentences carefully and understand the meanings of words using context clues. Select the most suitable option.

2. (a) (ii) startling and unexpected
(b) (ii) are attached to their language
(c) (iii) early enough
(d) (b) seemed very confident

Noticing form

Explanation:
Find sentences in the story where the past perfect tense is used. This tense describes actions that happened earlier in the past.

Examples from the story include:

1. M. Hamel had said that he would question them on participles.
2. The order had come from Berlin.
3. The villagers had not gone to school earlier.
4. Franz had counted on the noise to enter unnoticed.
5. M. Hamel had planted the hopvine in the garden.

These verbs show actions that happened before the events of the story.

Writing

1. Explanation:
Write a notice for announcement of a forthcoming event, or a requirement to be fulfilled, or a rule to be followed. Organize your ideas logically. Use proper grammar and vocabulary while answering.

Sample Notice: (Answer may vary)

NOTICE
Date: 12 July 2026

All students are informed that the school will organize an English Literary Competition on 20 July 2026. Interested students should register their names with the English teacher before 18 July.

Principal

2. Explanation:
Write a paragraph about 100 words arguing for or against having to study three languages at school. Organize your ideas logically. Use proper grammar and vocabulary while answering.

Sample Paragraph: (Answer may vary)

Studying Three Languages

Learning three languages at school can be very beneficial. It helps students understand different cultures and communicate with people from various regions. It also improves cognitive skills and career opportunities. However, some students may find it challenging to manage multiple languages. With proper guidance and practice, learning several languages can become an enriching experience.

3. Explanation:
Think about a situation where your opinion about a person, place, or thing changed over time. Describe what you first believed and explain the event or experience that made you change your mind. Write your answer as a short paragraph, clearly showing your thoughts and feelings.

Sample answer (Answer may vary):

Change of opinion

Earlier, I disliked mathematics because I found it difficult and confusing. However, after my teacher explained concepts patiently and showed practical applications, I began to enjoy the subject. I realized that my dislike came from fear rather than difficulty. Now mathematics has become one of my favourite subjects.

Things to do

1. Explanation:
Students should research the given topics using the internet, books, or by asking teachers/parents. Write a short note explaining the meaning and importance of each topic in simple words. Focus on how language rights protect people and minorities.

Sample answers (Answers may vary):

(a) Linguistic Human Rights – Sample Answer
Linguistic human rights mean the right of people to use, learn, and develop their own language. Every person should be able to speak their mother tongue without discrimination. These rights help protect cultural identity and promote equality among different language groups.

(b) Constitutional Guarantees for Linguistic Minorities in India – Sample Answer
The Indian Constitution protects linguistic minorities and allows them to preserve their language and culture. Articles 29 and 30 give minorities the right to establish and manage their own educational institutions. The government also appoints a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities to safeguard these rights.

2. Explanation:
Students should talk to at least five classmates and ask them about the languages they know and use in different places such as home, neighbourhood, city, and school. Record the information carefully in the survey table. This activity helps students understand how people use different languages in daily life.

Why NCERT solutions help students?

NCERT solutions help students understand important concepts, themes, and language skills presented in the chapter. By following the exact NCERT-aligned answers, students become familiar with the expected exam pattern and writing style. These solutions improve comprehension, strengthen concepts, and build confidence for school exams and competitive assessments.

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