CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo: The Last Lesson - NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 12 PDF

This section provides NCERT Solutions for Chapter 1, 'The Last Lesson,' from the CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo textbook. It focuses on understanding key vocabulary and answering critical reading comprehension questions based on the text. The solutions help students grasp the nuances of expressions used in the chapter and analyze the events and their implications, particularly the impact of the order from Berlin on the school and its students. These solutions are designed to aid students in their exam preparation by offering clear explanations and insights into the chapter's content, ensuring a thorough understanding of the narrative and its themes.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 12
Subject	English Flamingo
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 1

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for Chapter 1, 'The Last Lesson,' cover essential vocabulary and comprehension questions. Students will explore the meanings of specific phrases from the text and answer questions about Franz's experience at school on a particular day, the unusual atmosphere, and the significant announcement from Berlin. These solutions facilitate a deeper understanding of the chapter's narrative and its underlying message about language, identity, and education.

Learning outcomes

Understand the contextual meanings of challenging vocabulary and expressions.
Analyze the unusual atmosphere in the school on the day of 'The Last Lesson'.
Explain the significance of the order from Berlin and its impact on education.
Identify and interpret the emotions and thoughts of the characters, particularly Franz.
Summarize the key events and themes presented in the chapter.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Vocabulary and Expressions
Reading Comprehension
The Last Lesson - Chapter Summary
Unusual School Atmosphere
Order from Berlin
Impact of Language Policies
Themes of Identity and Education
Character Analysis (Franz)

Important topics

Contextual meaning of expressions
Analysis of the unusual school environment
Significance of the order from Berlin
The emotional impact of the last lesson
Understanding the themes of language and identity

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

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

Solution: The following expressions from the text can be understood in their context as:

in great dread of: This means to be very fearful or apprehensive about something that is expected to happen. Franz felt this dread about facing his teacher, M. Hamel, because he was not prepared with his lesson.

counted on: This phrase means to rely on or trust someone or something. For example, Franz had always counted on M. Hamel to teach him, and he expected to be able to rely on his usual routine.

thumbed at the edges: This describes something, likely a book or document, that has become worn or soiled due to frequent handling. The edges show signs of repeated use.

in unison: This means that something is done or happens at the same time by a group of people. In the context of the classroom, it refers to students reciting lessons together simultaneously.

a great bustle: This refers to a state of excited, often noisy, activity or a rapid commotion. It describes the usual lively and sometimes chaotic atmosphere of the school before the change.

reproach ourselves with: This means to express disapproval, criticism, or disappointment towards oneself. It implies acknowledging one's own faults or shortcomings.

Question 2

What was Franz expected to be prepared with for school that day?

Solution: On that particular day, Franz was expected by his teacher, M. Hamel, to be fully prepared with his lesson on participles. He had unfortunately not studied this topic, which caused him anxiety about attending school.

Question 3

What did Franz notice that was unusual about the school that day?

Solution: Franz noticed several things that were highly unusual about the school that day. Instead of the usual morning commotion, such as the opening and closing of desks, the loud repetition of lessons in unison, and the sharp rapping of the teacher's ruler on the table, there was a profound stillness. The entire school seemed quiet, resembling the atmosphere typically found on a Sunday morning, which was very different from the usual bustling weekdays.

Question 4

What had been put up on the bulletin-board?

Solution: The bulletin-board, which usually posted news like lost items or upcoming events, displayed a significant announcement that day. It contained an order that had come directly from Berlin. This order stated that henceforth, only the German language was to be taught in all the schools of Alsace and the district of Lorraine.

Question 5

What changes did the order from Berlin cause in school that day?

Solution: The order from Berlin brought about profound changes in the school. Firstly, it meant that the day's lesson would be the last French lesson ever taught in that school. Consequently, the atmosphere was solemn and reflective. The teacher, M. Hamel, wore his best clothes, the village elders were present in the classroom, and the students felt a sense of deep regret and loss for their language. The usual routine was replaced by a quiet, respectful observance of what was to be the final French lesson.

Common mistakes

Misinterpreting the context of idiomatic expressions.
Overlooking the subtle changes in the school's atmosphere.
Failing to connect the order from Berlin to the broader themes of the chapter.
Providing superficial answers to comprehension questions without textual evidence.

Revision tips

Focus on understanding the meaning of the 'Expressions in the text' section.
Reread the chapter, paying close attention to the descriptions of the school's unusual quietness.
Consider the emotional impact of the 'last lesson' on Franz and the villagers.
Discuss the importance of language and its role in identity with classmates.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What does the expression 'in great dread of' imply in the context of the chapter?

Q2. Which phrase best describes the usual school environment before the 'last lesson'?

Q3. What was the primary reason for the unusual quietness in the school on that day?

Q4. The phrase 'thumbed at the edges' suggests that something has been:

Q5. What does 'in unison' mean in the context of lessons being repeated?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of the NCERT Solutions for 'The Last Lesson' (Chapter 1)?

These solutions focus on understanding key vocabulary and expressions used in the chapter, as well as answering reading comprehension questions that delve into the narrative and its themes.

How do these solutions help students prepare for exams?

They provide clear explanations for difficult phrases and detailed answers to comprehension questions, helping students grasp the chapter's content, characters, and underlying messages, which is crucial for exam success.

What does the phrase 'in great dread of' mean in the context of the chapter?

It means to be very fearful or apprehensive about something. Franz felt this dread about going to school unprepared for his lesson on participles.

What was unusual about the school on the day of the last lesson?

The school was unusually quiet and still, lacking the usual commotion of desks opening, lessons being repeated, and the teacher's ruler tapping. It felt like a Sunday morning.

What was the 'order from Berlin' and what was its effect?

The order mandated that only German would be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. This led to the day being the last lesson in French, creating a somber and reflective atmosphere.

How are the meanings of expressions like 'counted on' and 'in unison' explained?

The solutions provide contextual definitions, explaining 'counted on' as relying on someone/something and 'in unison' as doing something together at the same time.

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