CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo NCERT Solutions: The Last Lesson

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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 12 PDF

This chapter, 'The Last Lesson', from the CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo textbook, delves into themes of language, identity, and the impact of political changes on education. The NCERT Solutions provide detailed answers to the chapter's questions, helping students understand the narrative from Franz's perspective. It explores his initial reluctance towards studies, his observations of the unusual atmosphere in school, and his eventual realization of the importance of his native language and his teacher, M. Hamel. The solutions also cover the historical context of the order from Berlin and its effect on the people of Alsace and Lorraine. These solutions are designed to aid students in comprehending the story's nuances, analyzing characters, and preparing effectively for their board examinations by offering clear explanations and insights into the text.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 12
Subject	Flamingo
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	1. The Last Lesson

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 1, 'The Last Lesson', focuses on the story of Franz, a young student in Alsace, and the final French lesson he receives before German becomes compulsory. The solutions cover vocabulary, comprehension questions about the unusual school day, the impact of the Berlin order, and Franz's changing feelings towards his teacher and his language. They highlight the importance of native language and the regret felt for missed learning opportunities.

Learning outcomes

Understand the significance of native language and cultural identity.
Analyze the emotional impact of political changes on individuals and communities.
Interpret character development, particularly Franz's evolving perspective.
Infer the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary from context.
Explain the historical and social context presented in the story.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Vocabulary inference
Unusual school atmosphere
Order from Berlin
Impact of language on identity
Teacher-student relationship
Regret and missed opportunities
Patriotism and native language
Character analysis (Franz, M. Hamel)

Important topics

The significance of the last lesson
Franz's changing perspective
The role of language in identity
The impact of the Berlin order
Understanding vocabulary in context

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Questions and Solutions

Exercise: Solutions of Questions on Page Number: 2 Q1:

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

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

in great dread of: This phrase means to be very fearful or anxious about something that is expected to happen. In the story, Franz felt this way about going to school unprepared for his lesson on participles.
counted on: This means to rely or trust on somebody or something. Franz had expected to learn the lesson on participles with M. Hamel's help, implying he relied on his teacher.
thumbed at the edges: This describes something, like a book, that has worn or soiled edges due to frequent handling or use. It suggests the book was well-loved or frequently consulted.
in unison: This means happening or being done at the same time by all members of a group. It refers to collective action or speech, like students reciting lessons together.
a great bustle: This refers to a state of excited, often noisy, activity or rapid commotion. It describes the usual lively and busy atmosphere of a school.
reproach ourselves with: This means to express disapproval, criticism, or disappointment towards oneself. It implies a feeling of guilt or regret for one's actions or inactions.

Think as you read: Solutions of Questions on Page Number: 7 Q1:

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. However, Franz had not studied this lesson, which caused him considerable anxiety about attending school.

Q2:

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 noisy commotion of desks opening and closing, lessons being recited loudly, and the teacher's ruler tapping on the table, the school was remarkably quiet and still. It felt as calm and orderly as a typical Sunday morning, which was a stark contrast to the usual weekday hustle and bustle.

Q3:

What had been put up on the bulletin-board?

Solution: An announcement had been posted on the bulletin-board. This order, which had come from Berlin, stated that from the next day onwards, only the German language would be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. French was to be discontinued.

Q4:

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

Solution: The order from Berlin brought about significant changes in the school. The usual lively atmosphere was replaced by a profound stillness and solemnity. M. Hamel, the teacher, appeared unusually sympathetic and patient, teaching the lesson with great care. The students were more attentive than ever before, and even the villagers, who usually did not attend school, were present, sitting quietly on the back benches to show their respect for M. Hamel and their country. This situation also evoked a sense of deep regret among the students and villagers for not valuing their French lessons more when they had the opportunity.

Q5:

How did Franz's feelings about M. Hamel and school change?

Solution: Franz's feelings about M. Hamel and school underwent a dramatic transformation. Initially, he dreaded school and his teacher, M. Hamel, whom he found strict and intimidating. However, upon hearing that it was the last French lesson and seeing the solemn atmosphere, Franz's perspective shifted. He forgot his fear of M. Hamel's ruler and crankiness. The thought of being separated from his teacher forever filled him with sadness and a newfound fondness. He began to understand M. Hamel's dedication and the pain he must be feeling, leading Franz to become more sympathetic and appreciative of both his teacher and his native language.

Common mistakes

Underestimating the importance of learning one's native language.
Procrastinating on studies and regretting missed opportunities.
Misinterpreting the teacher's strictness as mere harshness without understanding the underlying reasons.

Revision tips

Reread the story focusing on Franz's emotional journey and changing perceptions.
Pay close attention to the vocabulary section and practice using the inferred meanings.
Discuss the historical context of the story with classmates to deepen understanding.
Summarize the main events and themes in your own words to check comprehension.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was Franz expected to be prepared with for school on that particular day?

Q2. Which of the following was NOT an unusual observation Franz made about the school that day?

Q3. What order from Berlin caused the change in the school's atmosphere?

Q4. What did Franz realize about his language and his teacher towards the end of the lesson?

Q5. The phrase 'in great dread of' most closely means:

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of 'The Last Lesson'?

The main themes of 'The Last Lesson' are the importance of one's native language, the impact of political changes on education and culture, and the regret over procrastination and missed opportunities for learning.

Why was the school unusually quiet on that day?

The school was unusually quiet because an order from Berlin had been issued, stating that only German would be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. This was the last French lesson, and the unusual solemnity reflected the gravity of the situation.

How did Franz's feelings towards M. Hamel change?

Initially, Franz found M. Hamel strict and feared him. However, upon learning it was their last French lesson and seeing the villagers' respect, Franz developed a deep fondness and sympathy for his teacher, understanding his dedication and the pain of leaving.

What does the phrase 'counted on' mean in the context of the story?

In the story, 'counted on' means to rely or trust on someone or something. For example, Franz had counted on M. Hamel to explain the participles, but he was unprepared.

What is the significance of the bulletin-board mentioned in the story?

The bulletin-board served as the official notice board for the town. It was where the order from Berlin, announcing the imposition of German as the medium of instruction, was posted, marking a significant historical and emotional moment for the people of Alsace.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These NCERT Solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to the chapter's questions, explain difficult vocabulary, and offer insights into the story's themes and characters, aiding students in their comprehension and exam preparation.

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