Best Christmas Present in the World

Summary

The story describes a person who buys a roll-top desk from a junk shop in Bridport and begins to restore it. While working on the desk, they discover a secret drawer with a small black tin box inside that contains a letter. The letter is written by a soldier named Jim Macpherson during World War I and describes a Christmas Day truce between the soldiers on opposing sides. The letter is addressed to Jim’s wife Connie and expresses his hope and wonder at the humanity shown by the enemy soldiers during the war. The person who found the letter is overcome with curiosity and decides to open the box despite knowing it is wrong to do so.

Summary in 300 Words

The story is about a person who buys a roll-top desk from a junk shop in Bridport, and decides to restore it. As they begin working on the desk, they discover a secret drawer with a small black tin box inside. The box contains a letter written by a soldier named Jim Macpherson during World War I. The letter describes a Christmas Day truce that occurred between the soldiers on opposing sides. Jim, the soldier, expresses his hope and wonder at the humanity shown by the enemy soldiers during the war. He writes to his wife Connie about this event, and shares his emotion about the experience. The person who found the letter is overcome with curiosity and decides to open the box despite knowing it is wrong to do so. The letter found in the box is a powerful reminder of the humanity and compassion that can exist even in the darkest of times, and the ability to find common ground with others despite the circumstance. Overall, the text is a reflection on the human nature, war and the power of hope and humanity to overcome even the most dire situations.

McQ

Where did the person find the roll-top desk?

a. In a furniture store

b. In a junk shop in Bridport

c. On the side of the road

d. On an online marketplace

Answer: b. In a junk shop in Bridport

What condition was the roll-top desk in when the person found it?

a. Perfect condition

b. In need of some repairs

c. In several pieces with fire and water damage

d. In good condition, but slightly worn

Answer: c. In several pieces with fire and water damage

What was the person’s initial reaction to the roll-top desk?

a. Disinterest

b. Excitement at the prospect of restoring it

c. Hesitation due to the cost

d. Disgust at the condition of the desk

Answer: b. Excitement at the prospect of restoring it

How did the person open the stuck drawer on the roll-top desk?

a. By gently easing it out

b. By using a tool

c. By striking it sharply with the side of their fist

d. By calling a professional

Answer: c. By striking it sharply with the side of their fist

What did the person find in the secret drawer of the roll-top desk?

a. A small black tin box

b. A stack of cash

c. A set of keys

d. A piece of jewelry

Answer: a. A small black tin box

What was written on the piece of paper attached to the black tin box?

a. “Jim’s last letter, to be opened upon his death”

b. “Jim’s last letter, received January 25, 1915. To be buried with me when the time comes.”

c. “Jim’s last letter, private and confidential”

d. “Jim’s last letter, do not open”

Answer: b. “Jim’s last letter, received January 25, 1915. To be buried with me when the time comes.”

Who was the letter in the black tin box addressed to?

a. The person who found the letter

b. The soldier’s commanding officer

c. The soldier’s wife, Connie

d. The soldier’s mother

Answer: c. The soldier’s wife, Connie

What was the date on the letter found in the black tin box?

a. January 25, 1915

b. December 26, 1914

c. January 1, 1915

d. December 25, 1914

Answer: b. December 26, 1914

What event does the letter describe?

a. A battle

b. A Christmas Day truce during World War I

c. A surrender

d. A victory

Answer: b. A Christmas Day truce during World War I

How did the soldiers on opposing sides initiate the Christmas Day truce?

a. By firing white flares

b. By waving white flags

c. By singing carols

d. By sending a messenger

Answer: b. By waving white flags

What did the German soldiers offer to share with the British soldiers?

a. Cigarettes

b. Schnapps and sausage

c. Chocolate

d. Blankets

Answer: b. Schnapps and sausage

Who was the first British soldier to approach the German soldiers during the truce?

a. Captain Jim Macpherson

b. Little Private Morris

c. The person who found the letter

d. The soldier’s commanding officer

Answer: b. Little Private Morris

What was the name of the German officer that Captain Jim Macpherson met during the truce?

a. Hans Wolf

b. Fritz

c. Johann Schmidt

d. Karl Bauer

Answer: a. Hans Wolf

What did Captain Jim Macpherson do for a living before becoming a soldier?

a. He was a school teacher

b. He was a lawyer

c. He was a carpenter

d. He was a farmer

Answer: a. He was a school teacher

What did Captain Jim Macpherson tell his wife Connie about the German officer he met during the truce?

a. That he played the cello in the orchestra

b. That he was from Dusseldorf

c. That he spoke almost perfect English

d. All of the above

Answer: d. All of the above

What is the main theme of the text?

a. War and its horrors

b. The power of hope and humanity

c. The restoration of a roll-top desk

d. The discovery of a secret drawer

Answer: b. The power of hope and humanity

What was the person’s final decision about the letter they found in the black tin box?

a. To keep it and share it with others

b. To return it to the soldier’s wife

c. To bury it with the soldier

d. To open it despite knowing it was wrong

Answer: d. To open it despite knowing it was wrong

How does the letter make the person who found it feel?

a. Disappointed

b. Amused

c. Overwhelmed with curiosity

d. Sad

Answer: c. Overwhelmed with curiosity

How does the letter make the reader feel?

a. Disappointed

b. Amused

c. Overwhelmed with curiosity

d. Moved

Answer: d. Moved

Was the Christmas Day truce a common occurrence during World War I?

a. Yes, it was a common occurrence

b. No, it was a rare and unusual event

c. It was not mentioned in the text

d. It was a practice that happened every year

Answer: b. No, it was a rare and unusual event

Prose Passage 

The person had always wanted a roll-top desk, but they were far too expensive for them to afford. So, when they spotted one in a junk shop in Bridport, they jumped at the opportunity. The man at the shop said it was early nineteenth century and made of oak, but it was in a bad condition. The roll-top was in several pieces, one leg was clumsily mended, and there were scorch marks all down one side. Despite its condition, the desk was going for very little money, and the person thought they could restore it. It would be a risk, a challenge, but they had to have it.

They paid the man and brought it back to their workroom at the back of the garage. They began work on it on Christmas Eve and removed the roll-top completely and pulled out the drawers. The veneer had lifted almost everywhere, it looked like water damage to them. Both fire and water had clearly taken their toll on this desk. The last drawer was stuck fast. They tried all they could to ease it out gently, but in the end, they had to use brute force. They struck it sharply with the side of their fist, and the drawer flew open to reveal a shallow space underneath, a secret drawer.

There was something in there, a small black tin box. Sello-taped to the top of it was a piece of lined notepaper, and written on it in shaky handwriting: “Jim’s last letter, received January 25, 1915. To be buried with me when the time comes.” They knew as they did it that it was wrong of them to open the box, but curiosity got the better of their scruples. Inside the box, there was an envelope. The address read: “Mrs Jim Macpherson, 12 Copper Beeches, Bridport, Dorset.” They took out the letter and unfolded it. It was written in pencil and dated at the top — “December 26, 1914”.

What was the main reason the person bought the roll-top desk from the junk shop?

a. They needed a new desk for their workroom

b. The desk was in a good condition

c. The price was very low

d. They always wanted one

Answer: d. They always wanted one

What condition was the roll-top desk in when the person found it?

a. Perfect condition

b. In need of some repairs

c. In several pieces with fire and water damage

d. In good condition, but slightly worn

Answer: c. In several pieces with fire and water damage

How did the person open the last drawer of the roll-top desk?

a. By gently easing it out

b. By using a tool

c. By striking it sharply with the side of their fist

d. By calling a professional

Answer: c. By striking it sharply with the side of their fist

What was written on the piece of paper attached to the black tin box?

a. “Jim’s last letter, to be opened upon his death”

b. “Jim’s last letter, received January 25, 1915. To be buried with me when the time comes.”

c. “Jim’s last letter, private and confidential”

d. “Jim’s last letter, do not open”

Answer: b. “Jim’s last letter, received January 25, 1915. To be buried with me when the time comes.”

How does the person feel about opening the black tin box?

a. Excited

b. Regretful

c. Indifferent

d. Overwhelmed with curiosity

Answer: b. Regretful

Passage 

The letter found in the black tin box was written by a soldier named Jim Macpherson during World War I. It describes a Christmas Day truce that occurred between the soldiers on opposing sides. Jim expresses his hope and wonder at the humanity shown by the enemy soldiers during the war. He writes to his wife Connie about this event, and shares his emotion about the experience. The letter was a powerful reminder of the humanity and compassion that can exist even in the darkest of times, and the ability to find common ground with others despite the circumstance.

The person who found the letter couldn’t believe what they were reading. They couldn’t imagine that in the middle of the war, soldiers could make peace. They were moved by the words of the letter, the humanity shown by the soldiers, and the hope that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light. They realized that the letter was not just a letter but a message of hope for the future, that even in the darkest of times, people can come together and find common ground. They felt a sense of guilt for opening the letter, and knew it should have been buried with the soldier, but at the same time, they felt grateful for the chance to read it.

What was the main theme of the letter found in the black tin box?

a. War and its horrors

b. The power of hope and humanity

c. The restoration of a roll-top desk

d. The discovery of a secret drawer

Answer: b. The power of hope and humanity

How did the soldiers on opposing sides initiate the Christmas Day truce?

a. By firing white flares

b. By waving white flags

c. By singing carols

d. By sending a messenger

Answer: b. By waving white flags

What did the German soldiers offer to share with the British soldiers?

a. Cigarettes

b. Schnapps and sausage

c. Chocolate

d. Blankets

Answer: b. Schnapps and sausage

How does the person who found the letter feel about reading it?

a. Disappointed

b. Amused

c. Moved

d. Indifferent

Answer: c. Moved

What does the person decide to do with the letter after reading it?

a. Keep it and share it with others

b. Return it to the soldier’s wife

c. Bury it with the soldier

d. They were not sure

Answer: d. They were not sure

Prose

The person who found the letter couldn’t shake off the feeling of guilt for reading it. They knew that it was meant to be buried with the soldier and not meant for their eyes. But at the same time, they couldn’t help but feel grateful for the chance to read it. The letter was a powerful reminder of the humanity and compassion that can exist even in the darkest of times, and the ability to find common ground with others despite the circumstance.

The person decided to return the letter to the soldier’s wife, Mrs Jim Macpherson. They located her address on the envelope and went to her house to give her the letter. When they knocked on the door, an elderly lady answered. The person explained to her who they were and what they had found. The lady’s eyes lit up with surprise and joy when she saw the letter. She invited them in, and they sat down to talk.

Mrs Macpherson shared with them that her husband had passed away a few years ago, but she had always kept his letter close to her heart. She was grateful to the person for returning the letter to her, and they shared stories and memories of her husband. The person felt a sense of closure and satisfaction knowing that the letter was back where it belonged, with the person it was meant for.

How does the person feel about reading the letter?

a. Satisfied

b. Regretful

c. Indifferent

d. Confused

Answer: b. Regretful

Who did the person return the letter to?

a. Mrs Jim Macpherson

b. The soldier’s mother

c. The soldier’s sister

d. The soldier’s brother

Answer: a. Mrs Jim Macpherson

How does Mrs Macpherson react when she sees the letter?

a. She is angry

b. She is indifferent

c. She is surprised and happy

d. She is sad

Answer: c. She is surprised and happy

What does the person gain by returning the letter to Mrs Macpherson?

a. Money

b. Closure and satisfaction

c. A new friend

d. A sense of responsibility

Answer: b. Closure and satisfaction

What is the overall message of the text?

a. War and its horrors

b. The power of hope and humanity

c. The importance of returning lost items to their rightful owners

d. The discovery of a secret drawer

Answer: c. The importance of returning lost items to their rightful owners

1 What did the author find in a junk shop?

2. What did he find in a secret drawer? Who do you think had put it in there? 

3 Who had written the letter, to whom, and when? 

4. Why was the letter written — what was the wonderful thing that had happened? 

5. What jobs did Hans Wolf and Jim Macpherson have when they were not soldiers? 

6. Had Hans Wolf ever been to Dorset? Why did he say he knew it? 

7. Do you think Jim Macpherson came back from the war? How do you know this?

Answers

  1. The author found a roll-top desk in a junk shop in Bridport.
  2. The author found a small black tin box in a secret drawer. It is not specified who put it in there, but it is likely that the previous owner of the desk had placed it there.
  3. The letter was written by a soldier named Jim Macpherson during World War I, addressed to his wife Connie, and dated December 26, 1914.
  4. The wonderful thing that happened was a Christmas Day truce that occurred between the soldiers on opposing sides.
  5. Hans Wolf was an officer in the German army and played the cello in an orchestra, while Jim Macpherson was a school teacher from Dorset.
  6. Hans Wolf said he knew Dorset because he had visited the place before the war.
  7. It is not specified in the text whether Jim Macpherson came back from the war or not.

Questions

1 Why did the author go to Bridport? 

2. How old was Mrs Macpherson now? Where was she?

3 Who did Connie Macpherson think her visitor was? 

4. Which sentence in the text shows that the visitor did not try to hide his identity?

Answers

  1. The author went to Bridport to buy a roll-top desk they had spotted in a junk shop.
  2. The age of Mrs Macpherson is not specified in the text. It is mentioned that she was an elderly lady and was located at the address on the envelope, 12 Copper Beeches, Bridport, Dorset
  3. The text does not specify what Connie Macpherson thought about the visitor.
  4. “The person explained to her who they were and what they had found.” This sentence shows that the visitor did not try to hide their identity.

1. For how long do you think Connie had kept Jim’s letter? Give reasons for your answer. 

2. Why do you think the desk had been sold, and when? 

3. Why do Jim and Hans think that games or sports are good ways of resolving conflicts? Do you agree? 

4. Do you think the soldiers of the two armies are like each other, or different from each other? Find evidence from the story to support your answer. 

5. Mention the various ways in which the British and the German soldiers become friends and find things in common at Christmas.

6. What is Connie’s Christmas present? Why is it “the best Christmas present in the world”? 

7. Do you think the title of this story is suitable for it? Can you think of any other title(s)? 

Answers

  1. It is not specified in the text for how long Connie had kept Jim’s letter. However, it is mentioned that she had always kept it close to her heart, which suggests that it had been in her possession for a significant amount of time.
  2. It is not specified in the text why the desk was sold or when it was sold.
  3. It is not specified in the text that Jim or Hans think that games or sports are good ways of resolving conflicts.
  4. The text suggests that the soldiers of the two armies are similar to each other as they shared a moment of humanity and compassion, despite being on opposing sides of the war. Evidence of this can be seen in the way they initiate the Christmas Day truce by waving white flags and the way they share schnapps and sausages together.
  5. The British and the German soldiers become friends and find things in common at Christmas by walking towards each other across no man’s land, sharing rum and sausage, and talking.
  6. Connie’s Christmas present is the letter written by her husband, Jim. It is considered the best Christmas present in the world because it expresses the hope and humanity shown by the soldiers during the war and the ability to find common ground with others despite the circumstance.
  7. The title of the story is not provided, so it is not possible to determine if it is suitable for the story or not. However, some other possible titles for the story could be “A Christmas Truce,” “A Letter from the Trenches,” or “A Message of Hope.”

difficult words from the text with their meaning

  1. Roll-top – a type of desk with a hinged, retractable cover that can be rolled up
  2. Scorch marks – discoloration or damage caused by heat
  3. Veneer – a thin layer of wood or other material applied to a surface
  4. Lifting – separating or coming away from a surface
  5. Secret drawer – a hidden compartment in a piece of furniture
  6. Sello-taped – fastened with a type of adhesive tape
  7. Scruples – moral principles or conscience
  8. Curiously – with interest or eagerness to know something
  9. Trench – a long, narrow ditch dug into the ground, used for military defense
  10. Parapet – a low wall or barrier at the edge of a platform or terrace
  11. Fritz – a German soldier, used as a derogatory term
  12. Schnapps – a type of strong, clear liquor
  13. Khaki – a pale yellow-brown color
  14. Ration – a fixed portion of food or supplies
  15. Parley – a conference or discussion, especially between enemies
  16. Cellist – a person who plays the cello
  17. Orchestra – a large group of musicians who play together
  18. Cognac – a type of brandy
  19. Rum – a type of liquor made from sugarcane
  20. Rucksack – a backpack
  21. Parapet – a low wall or barrier
  22. No man’s land – an unoccupied area between opposing forces
  23. Dusseldorf – a city in western Germany
  24. Regiment – a military unit consisting of several companies
  25. Commemorated – honor or remember
  26. Scrapbook – a book in which you paste pictures and other materials
  27. Dormitory – a large room with many beds for people to sleep in
  28. Enlisted – joined the military
  29. Precarious – dangerous or uncertain
  30. Reconciliation – the process of making peace between two people who were fighting or arguing.

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