Class 11 NCERT Solutions eNGLISH 

Woven Words essay Chapter 1

My Watch

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT 

1. What was the importance of the watch to the author?

✅ 20 words:

The author loved his watch deeply. It was perfect for 18 months and he believed it was always right.

✅ 40 words:

The author valued his watch greatly as it ran perfectly for 18 months without any problem. He believed it was flawless and even considered it a symbol of perfection. When it stopped, he treated it like a serious personal loss.

✅ 60 words:

Mark Twain had immense faith in his watch, which worked without error for eighteen months. It never lost or gained time, making him feel it was infallible. When it finally stopped, he became extremely sad, as though something precious had failed him. The watch held deep emotional and practical importance, showing his strong attachment to it.

✅ 80 words:

To the author, the watch was more than a timepiece—it was a trusted companion. It kept perfect time for eighteen months, never gaining or losing a second. Twain admired its accuracy and even believed it was indestructible. When it stopped, he grieved deeply, as though he had lost something vital. This shows the emotional value he had for the watch, treating it as a dependable part of his daily life and routine, almost like a loyal friend.

---

2. What were the attempts made by the author to get his watch repaired?

✅ 20 words:

He went to many watchmakers. Each made it worse—faster, slower, noisy, or faulty. It never worked properly again.

✅ 40 words:

Twain visited several watchmakers to fix his watch. Each one claimed a different problem—like the regulator, king-bolt, or mainspring—and made changes. Instead of improving, the watch got worse, gaining or losing time, stopping randomly, and even buzzing loudly.

✅ 60 words:

The author took his watch to multiple watchmakers, hoping to fix it. One pushed the regulator, making it run too fast. Another cleaned and oiled it, which slowed it down. Some repaired imaginary parts, causing more damage. One even called it a steam engine! Each time the watch became more unreliable, showing how expert repairs only made things worse.

✅ 80 words:

Mark Twain took his once-perfect watch to various watchmakers when it started malfunctioning. The first pushed the regulator, which made it too fast. Another cleaned and oiled it, making it slow and late. Some opened it up, invented new faults like a broken king-bolt or a bent crystal, and tried fixing those. One even treated it like a steam engine! After all these so-called repairs, the watch became completely unreliable—buzzing, stopping, or speeding randomly—turning into a total disaster.

---

3. Why did the author finally give up on his watch?

✅ 20 words:

He gave up because every repair made the watch worse. It became completely unreliable, wasting his time and money.

✅ 40 words:

After several failed attempts and costly repairs, the author finally gave up on his watch. It never worked right again. Each repair added new issues, and he ended up spending much more than the watch’s actual price without any success.

✅ 60 words:

The author gave up on his beloved watch because repeated repairs ruined it. It either ran too fast or too slow, stopped suddenly, or acted oddly. Despite spending a lot of time, money, and hope, nothing worked. He realized that the original quality was destroyed by careless tinkerers and that he could never get his perfect watch back.

✅ 80 words:

Twain finally gave up on his watch when he realized that every visit to a watchmaker made it worse. From perfect functioning, it had turned into a noisy, unreliable, and confusing device. The repairs cost more than the watch itself. Every repairer claimed something different was wrong, adding to its problems. Ultimately, Twain understood that the real damage came not from the watch’s fault, but from the so-called experts. He accepted the loss and gave up on restoring it.

---

4. What was Uncle William’s comment on the ‘tinkerers’ of the world?

✅ 20 words:

Uncle William believed that a watch is good until tinkerers get it. He doubted the skills of failed repairers.

✅ 40 words:

Uncle William said a good watch stays good until it is handled by repairers. He distrusted tinkerers, wondering what happened to all the failed ones like blacksmiths, engineers, or shoemakers who couldn't succeed in their fields and spoiled things instead.

✅ 60 words:

According to Uncle William, a good watch remains perfect until it falls into the hands of tinkerers. He strongly believed that most repairers only worsened things. He also questioned what became of all the failed mechanics, engineers, and tradesmen. His comment shows a deep mistrust in amateur repairs and reflects the author's own experiences with so-called professionals.

✅ 80 words:

Uncle William believed that a watch stays fine until the repairers get hold of it. He expressed strong mistrust in tinkerers, saying that most of them ruin good things instead of fixing them. He also used to wonder where all the failed tradesmen—blacksmiths, shoemakers, and engineers—ended up, implying they might have become watch repairers! His witty remark highlights how incompetence can destroy even the best items and adds to the humorous yet sad tone of the essay.

5. Explain these lines.

a. ‘I seemed to detect in myself a sort of sneaking fellow-feeling for the mummy in the museum, and a desire to swap news with him.’

✅ 20 words:

The author felt so outdated and disconnected due to his slow watch that he related to a museum mummy emotionally.

✅ 40 words:

Because the watch was running too slow, Twain felt like he was living in the past. He humorously says he could connect with a mummy in a museum, both being outdated. It shows how isolated he felt from present time.

✅ 60 words:

When the watch slowed down excessively, Twain felt stuck in the past. He humorously imagined he had something in common with a mummy, which also belonged to an earlier time. The idea of “swapping news” with it adds comic exaggeration and shows how far removed he felt from the present. It highlights his loneliness and frustration.

✅ 80 words:

Twain’s slow-running watch made him feel like he was living days behind everyone else. He humorously compared himself to a museum mummy—both being from a different time zone! His desire to “swap news” with the mummy shows his frustration and loneliness in a funny way. This line reflects how out of sync he felt with the world and uses exaggeration to emphasize how ridiculous and hopeless the situation had become after repeated failed repairs.

---

5b. ‘Within a week it sickened to a raging fever and its pulse went up to a hundred and fifty in the shade.’

✅ 20 words:

The watch started running extremely fast. Twain compared it to a person with high fever and fast heartbeat, using exaggeration.

✅ 40 words:

The author humorously compares the rapidly running watch to a person with a raging fever and a fast pulse. It ran so fast it became useless. The phrase shows how extreme the malfunction was, and how Twain used comic language for effect.

✅ 60 words:

After the first repair, the watch began gaining time very rapidly. Twain humorously likens it to a person sick with fever, with a racing pulse. This exaggerated image creates a comic effect and emphasizes how abnormal the watch’s behavior became. The metaphor adds human qualities to the watch, highlighting Twain’s frustration and the ridiculousness of the situation.

✅ 80 words:

This line is a classic example of Twain’s use of humor and exaggeration. After being tampered with, the watch started gaining time uncontrollably. Twain compares it to a person with a high fever and a pulse racing at 150 beats per minute—even in shade! This metaphor brings the watch to life, personifying it in a humorous way. It reflects both the author’s irritation and his ability to laugh at the absurdity of how badly the watch was behaving.

---

5c. ‘She makes too much steam—you want to hang the monkey wrench on the safety valve!’

✅ 20 words:

The watchmaker foolishly treated the watch like a steam engine, giving silly advice. Twain used humor to mock incompetence.

✅ 40 words:

A watchmaker said the watch made “too much steam” and advised using a monkey wrench—a tool for engines. Twain mocks him, showing how clueless and absurd repairers were. It highlights the humor in comparing a small watch to a steam engine.

✅ 60 words:

This line shows the height of absurdity Twain faced. A repairer treated his watch like a steam engine and gave ridiculous advice about steam pressure and wrenches. Twain used this exaggerated, mechanical comparison to expose the incompetence of self-proclaimed experts. It’s both a humorous and critical comment on how unqualified people ruin delicate things they don’t understand.

✅ 80 words:

In this line, Twain humorously mocks a watchmaker who treated the watch as if it were a steam engine. The advice about controlling “steam” with a monkey wrench meant for a safety valve is completely illogical. This exaggeration shows how far the repairs had gone from reality. Twain uses mechanical jargon to create a comic effect while criticizing the foolishness of so-called experts who don’t understand what they’re doing but still offer confident—and harmful—solutions.

APPRECIATION 

1. How is humour employed to comment on the pains that the author took to get his watch set right?

✅ 20 words:

Twain uses exaggeration and funny comparisons to show his struggle. His humorous tone turns a painful experience into amusing storytelling.

✅ 40 words:

Twain adds humour through exaggeration, irony, and silly comparisons. He describes the watch as having “fever” or “buzzing like a bee.” These make readers laugh while understanding his frustration. His pain becomes comical, making the story relatable and entertaining.

✅ 60 words:

The author uses humour to highlight the ridiculous pain of getting his perfect watch repaired. He exaggerates events, compares the watch to humans, and mocks repairers. For instance, the watch “had a pulse of 150” or “buzzed like a bee.” These descriptions make the story funny and engaging, while still showing the author’s growing frustration and helplessness with each failed repair.

✅ 80 words:

Mark Twain masterfully uses humour to present his frustration over his watch’s repeated breakdowns. Through exaggeration and satire, he turns serious situations into hilarious episodes—like his watch having “fever,” or a repairer saying it “makes too much steam.” His comic style makes readers laugh at his pain, while subtly pointing out the absurdity of unskilled tinkerers. The humour softens the distress but also strengthens the message that sometimes, trying too hard to fix things only makes them worse.

---

2. ‘The author’s treatment of the subject matter makes the readers identify themselves with the experience.’ Comment.

✅ 20 words:

Yes, Twain’s realistic and humorous storytelling makes readers remember their own frustrating experiences with broken items and failed repairs.

✅ 40 words:

Twain shares a common experience—repeatedly fixing something and making it worse. His simple, emotional, and funny tone connects with readers. Everyone has faced similar problems, so they relate deeply. His humour makes readers feel like it's their own story.

✅ 60 words:

Twain’s story of his beloved watch touches readers because many people have faced similar experiences. His honest emotions, mixed with exaggerated humour, make the situation relatable. Readers remember times when repairing something only made it worse. His use of everyday language and comic images connects well with everyone, helping them see themselves in his situation and laugh at their own past frustrations.

✅ 80 words:

The way Twain presents his story makes it easy for readers to relate. Many people have experienced emotional attachment to personal things and struggled with poor repairs. Twain expresses this through simple, humorous, and exaggerated writing. Readers easily identify with his helplessness and laugh because they too remember similar situations. His storytelling reflects human nature—how we hold on to things we love, keep trying to fix them, and suffer when they fail. This shared emotion builds a strong connection with the audience.

---

3. Identify some of the improbable images the author has used to effect greater humour.

✅ 20 words:

Twain compares the watch to a sick person, a mummy, a buzzing bee, and even a steam engine—totally absurd, yet funny!

✅ 40 words:

He uses funny images like a watch with “fever,” “buzzing like a bee,” hands “like scissors,” and treating it like a steam engine. These exaggerated comparisons are impossible but make the story hilarious. They highlight the watch’s madness in an entertaining way.

✅ 60 words:

Twain uses many funny, improbable images to create humour. He says the watch had a “pulse of 150,” acted like a sick person, or buzzed like a bee. He even compares it to a steam engine needing a monkey wrench! These over-the-top comparisons are silly and impossible, but they paint a vivid picture and make the frustrating story highly entertaining for readers.

✅ 80 words:

To make his painful experience funny, Twain uses ridiculous images. He says his watch caught a “fever,” had a racing “pulse,” and even buzzed like a bee. He also mentions the hands joining “like scissors,” or the watch behaving like a steam engine with too much steam. These impossible comparisons create absurd situations that are laugh-out-loud funny. Such visual exaggerations make the reader enjoy the author’s misery in a light-hearted way and appreciate the clever use of humour and imagination.

EXTRA QUESTIONS 

✅ 1. Why did the author trust his watch so much at first?

20 words:

The watch worked perfectly for 18 months, so Twain believed it was flawless and completely trustworthy.

40 words:

Twain’s watch never gained or lost time for 18 months. This made him believe it was perfect and reliable. He saw it as a symbol of accuracy and excellence.

60 words:

The author admired his watch because it didn’t lose or gain even a second for eighteen months. He came to believe it was flawless in design and accurate in function. This made him emotionally attached to it, and he thought it was indestructible. Such deep trust made him grieve deeply when it first stopped.

80 words:

Twain loved his watch because it ran perfectly for eighteen months—no gain, no loss, no fault. He believed it was more than a machine; it was reliable, dependable, and nearly magical in accuracy. This faith grew so strong that when the watch finally stopped, Twain reacted as if a trusted friend had failed him. His trust wasn’t just practical, it was emotional too. That’s why he tried everything to fix it, even when each repair made it worse.

---

✅ 2. How did the first jeweller ruin the watch?

20 words:

The jeweller pushed the regulator without permission, making the watch run too fast and eventually unreliable.

40 words:

Although Twain told him the watch was accurate, the jeweller still adjusted the regulator. This caused the watch to gain time rapidly, leading to major problems later.

60 words:

Despite Twain’s protests, the first jeweller insisted that the watch was slow and pushed up the regulator. This ruined the watch’s perfect timing. It started gaining more and more time daily, racing ahead of clocks, calendars, and appointments. Twain’s trust was broken, and the once-perfect watch became a nightmare to manage.

80 words:

The first jeweller, ignoring Twain’s insistence that the watch was perfectly accurate, adjusted the regulator because he believed it was four minutes slow. This minor change had terrible results. The watch began to gain time very quickly—faster each day—until it was thirteen days ahead of the calendar. It threw Twain’s whole life out of balance—rent, appointments, and bills came too early. This incident began the series of troubles that completely destroyed the reliability of Twain’s beloved watch.

---

✅ 3. What humorous images does Twain use to describe the watch’s illness?

20 words:

Twain says it had a “raging fever,” “pulse of 150,” and “buzzed like a bee”—all very funny descriptions.

40 words:

He describes the watch as sick, saying it had a fever and a racing pulse. Later, it buzzes, wheezes, and spins like a sick person or engine, adding humour.

60 words:

Twain calls the watch’s fast ticking a “raging fever” and says its pulse rose to “a hundred and fifty.” It wheezed, barked, and buzzed like a sick patient or a machine going wild. These funny and exaggerated images make the watch seem like a living creature suffering from a strange illness.

80 words:

To add humour, Twain personifies his faulty watch with funny, exaggerated illness-like symptoms. He says it had a “raging fever” and a pulse of “150 in the shade.” At times, it would wheeze, bark, and even sneeze like a sick person. It also buzzed like a bee and spun its hands so fast they became a spider web. These strange comparisons turn the broken machine into a hilarious character suffering from a comical disease.

---

✅ 4. Why did Twain compare himself to a mummy?

20 words:

Because the slow watch made him feel outdated and stuck in the past, like a mummy in a museum.

40 words:

Twain’s slow-running watch made him fall behind time. He humorously felt so disconnected that he could relate to a museum mummy, both living in the past.

60 words:

After repairs, the watch became so slow that Twain felt like he was living in the past. Days passed, and he remained stuck in last week. This strange feeling made him compare himself to a museum mummy—ancient, outdated, and alone. It’s a humorous way to show how broken the watch made him feel disconnected from the present.

80 words:

Twain humorously compared himself to a mummy because his watch became so slow that he constantly fell behind the world. While everyone moved ahead with time, Twain remained stuck in yesterday or even the previous week. This made him feel ancient and irrelevant—like a preserved mummy in a museum. His desire to “swap news” with the mummy shows his loneliness and exaggerates the comic effect of how far behind his life had become due to a faulty watch.

---

✅ 5. What do the repeated failures of the watchmakers tell us?

20 words:

They show incompetence. Each watchmaker made the problem worse, not better. Twain mocks their false confidence and poor skills.

40 words:

Every watchmaker claimed a different fault—regulator, mainspring, king-bolt—but none fixed it. Instead, they worsened the condition. Twain uses this to criticize poor workmanship and highlight blind overconfidence.

60 words:

Twain’s experience with several watchmakers shows how so-called professionals often act confidently but don’t truly understand their job. Each one gave a new reason for the fault and made the situation worse. This points to a lack of real skill and the dangers of trusting people who pretend to be experts. Twain turns this into humour but also shares an important lesson.

80 words:

The repeated failures of different watchmakers highlight a serious issue—how overconfident professionals without real expertise can damage things beyond repair. Each one of them gave a new diagnosis and opened the watch unnecessarily. Twain’s once-perfect timepiece got worse with every repair. Through exaggeration and humour, he cleverly mocks their fake confidence. He also hints at a deeper truth: sometimes, trying too hard with the wrong help can turn a small problem into a total disaster.

✅ 6. How did the watch behave after it was cleaned and oiled?

20 words:

It became too slow. Twain missed appointments and felt like he was falling back in time, into the previous week.

40 words:

After cleaning and oiling, the watch slowed down badly. Twain missed his appointments and meals. It ran so late that he felt like he was stuck in the past, alone and lost in time.

60 words:

The cleaned and oiled watch didn’t improve. Instead, it began slowing down so much that Twain missed dinners and appointments. Days passed, but his watch stayed behind. He humorously imagined himself living in “last week,” completely out of sync with the world. This slow motion made him feel outdated and disconnected from real life.

80 words:

Once the watch was cleaned and oiled, it performed worse. It became very slow, causing Twain to miss meals and meetings. He fell behind time so much that he imagined himself living in the previous week while the rest of the world moved on. He humorously compared himself to a mummy, stuck in a different era. This shows how a simple repair turned into a bigger problem, making the once-perfect watch a source of frustration and confusion.

---

✅ 7. What is the significance of the line “She would reel off the next twenty-four hours in six or seven minutes”?

20 words:

It means the watch suddenly ran too fast, finishing a whole day’s time in just minutes—completely useless and chaotic.

40 words:

Twain exaggerates the faulty behavior of his watch. It would suddenly speed up so much that it completed 24 hours in 6–7 minutes. This humorous image shows how unreliable and wild the watch had become after so many repairs.

60 words:

This line shows how unpredictable the watch became. Twain says it would suddenly run extremely fast, spinning through 24 hours in a few minutes. It was like a machine gone crazy. This funny exaggeration reflects his helplessness and the absurd results of all the repairs. The watch, once a symbol of accuracy, had become a comic disaster.

80 words:

This humorous exaggeration describes how the watch suddenly became hyperactive. After running normally for hours, it would speed up and finish 24 hours in just 6 or 7 minutes. Twain uses this comic image to show how absurd the situation had become. The watch was no longer useful—it was chaotic and ridiculous. This line also reflects his frustration and adds humour to the story, showing how a once-reliable watch turned into a source of comedy and despair.

---

✅ 8. What does Twain’s experience teach us about over-repairing things?

20 words:

Too much repairing ruins even perfect things. Twain’s watch worked fine until experts started fixing what wasn’t broken.

40 words:

Twain’s story teaches that over-repairing can destroy something good. His watch was perfect until it was adjusted. Each repair worsened it, proving that unnecessary tinkering and blind trust in experts can cause more harm than good.

60 words:

The author’s repeated efforts to fix the watch show a clear lesson—sometimes, trying too hard to repair something can ruin it completely. Twain’s watch was perfect until he let “experts” interfere. Each repair caused a new problem. This reflects how we must be cautious before letting people fix things that don’t need fixing. It’s a warning against overdoing and overtrusting.

80 words:

Twain’s frustrating journey with his watch highlights the danger of over-repairing. His watch worked flawlessly until it fell into the hands of multiple so-called experts. Each tried to fix minor or imagined faults, making the watch worse every time. Twain’s humorous tone reveals a serious truth: sometimes, the best action is to leave a good thing alone. Over-repairing, especially by those who lack real skill, can completely destroy what once worked perfectly. The story teaches us to value simplicity and caution.

---

✅ 9. How does Twain criticize so-called professionals through his essay?

20 words:

He mocks their overconfidence, fake knowledge, and poor skills. Every professional made the watch worse while acting like experts.

40 words:

Twain humorously shows that the so-called professionals were not really experts. They used technical words, acted confidently, but ruined the watch. His story is a satire on such repairers who pretend to know everything but actually cause damage.

60 words:

Through funny incidents and exaggerations, Twain criticizes professionals who pretend to know more than they do. Each watchmaker confidently diagnosed a new problem and tried to fix it, only to create new faults. Twain’s tone is sarcastic but light-hearted. He shows that false expertise, when combined with overconfidence, can do more harm than good. His story is a clever warning to trust true professionals, not show-offs.

80 words:

Mark Twain uses wit and humour to mock professionals who ruin things while acting like experts. Each watchmaker in his story gives a different diagnosis with technical jargon, appearing wise but making the watch worse. Twain doesn’t directly accuse them; instead, he cleverly exposes their incompetence by describing the results—racing hands, buzzing sounds, delayed days. He criticizes their lack of real skill and shows how dangerous overconfidence can be. This is a humorous but strong message about trusting the right people.

---

✅ 10. What role does exaggeration play in the essay’s humour?

20 words:

Exaggeration makes ordinary problems funny. Twain calls the watch “sick” or “buzzing like a bee,” adding laughter and meaning.

40 words:

Twain uses exaggeration to turn his frustration into comedy. He compares the watch to a sick person and a steam engine. These funny and unrealistic comparisons create humour while still showing the truth about his broken watch and failed repairs.

60 words:

Exaggeration is a major tool Twain uses to make the essay humorous. He talks about the watch having a fever, sneezing, or buzzing like a bee. These impossible comparisons make readers laugh, even while understanding his irritation. The use of dramatic language turns real-life problems into entertaining stories, making the essay enjoyable and memorable for all.

80 words:

Twain uses exaggeration to turn a serious and frustrating problem into a funny and enjoyable story. He says the watch had a “pulse,” “fever,” and even “buzzed like a bee.” He describes its hands spinning so fast they looked like a spider’s web. These over-the-top images add laughter, grab the reader’s attention, and make the message stronger. Exaggeration helps him criticize the careless repairers while keeping the tone light. It adds charm and makes the essay both meaningful and amusing.

✅ 11. How did the author’s emotions change throughout the essay?

20 words:

He started with pride, moved to hope, then frustration, and finally gave up after repeated failed repairs.

40 words:

At first, Twain felt proud and happy about his perfect watch. But when it started malfunctioning, he became hopeful, then annoyed, then completely frustrated. In the end, he gave up, feeling helpless and cheated by the so-called professionals.

60 words:

Twain’s emotional journey moved from joy to despair. He first admired his watch, considering it flawless. But as it began to malfunction, he felt troubled yet hopeful. With each failed repair, his irritation grew. Humour became his way to handle growing frustration. Eventually, he gave up, emotionally drained and disappointed. The essay shows how a simple object affected him deeply.

80 words:

Throughout the essay, Twain’s emotions evolve dramatically. He begins with great pride and affection for his perfect watch. When it first fails, he remains optimistic, trusting the professionals to fix it. However, after each repair makes the situation worse, his hope turns into confusion, irritation, and finally, comic frustration. He expresses these emotions with sarcasm and humour. By the end, he feels defeated and lets go of the watch, realizing it’s no longer worth the trouble or emotional stress.

---

✅ 12. What was the role of Uncle William in the essay?

20 words:

Uncle William gave a wise, humorous comment about tinkerers ruining good watches once they get a chance.

40 words:

Uncle William’s comment summarizes the essay’s message. He said a watch is good until repairers touch it. Twain uses this line to show how unskilled workers often ruin things and how true that proved in his own case.

60 words:

Uncle William appears briefly but plays an important role. His witty remark—that a good watch stays good only until repairers get it—perfectly explains Twain’s experience. Twain uses this quote to reflect on how many professionals pretend to fix things but actually spoil them. Uncle William’s wisdom adds humour and truth to the essay’s conclusion.

80 words:

Though he appears only at the end, Uncle William’s observation gives the essay a perfect closing. He jokes that a good watch remains good until repairers lay hands on it. Twain uses this to express his ultimate realization—his perfect watch was ruined not by age, but by the repeated meddling of unskilled tinkerers. Uncle William’s comment captures the central theme: the danger of unnecessary repairs and blind faith in so-called experts. It wraps the story with humour and sharp insight.

---

✅ 13. What is the meaning of “human cabbage” in the essay?

20 words:

It refers to the jeweller who ignored Twain’s pleas. Twain calls him “human cabbage” to mock his lack of sense.

40 words:

“Human cabbage” is a funny insult Twain uses for the jeweller who ruined his watch. It suggests the man was slow, unthinking, and careless—just like a cabbage. Twain uses the phrase humorously to express his anger and sarcasm.

60 words:

When Twain’s first watch repairer pushes the regulator without listening to him, Twain sarcastically calls him a “human cabbage.” This humorous insult shows Twain’s frustration. It paints the jeweller as a dull, lifeless person who lacks understanding or awareness. The phrase adds humour while expressing how helpless Twain felt dealing with someone who confidently destroyed something precious.

80 words:

“Human cabbage” is a creative, comic insult Twain uses for the jeweller who first tampered with his perfect watch. It implies the man was like a vegetable—dull, unthinking, and completely unaware of what he was doing. Despite Twain’s protests, the man confidently adjusted the watch and ruined it. This phrase adds humour and highlights Twain’s deep irritation. It’s a clever way of showing how sometimes people with no real understanding act with overconfidence and cause damage.

---

✅ 14. Why is “My Watch” a good example of a humorous essay?

20 words:

It uses exaggeration, funny comparisons, and sarcasm to turn a frustrating experience into something enjoyable and relatable.

40 words:

“My Watch” turns a serious issue into a funny story. Twain uses personification, exaggeration, and witty language to express his annoyance. Despite the troubles, readers laugh. That balance between frustration and humour makes the essay memorable and entertaining.

60 words:

This essay uses humour to transform a frustrating experience into an entertaining one. Twain exaggerates events, gives human qualities to a watch, and uses silly comparisons like steam engines and mummies. His sarcastic remarks about the repairers make readers laugh. The essay keeps the tone light while still expressing genuine irritation, making it a perfect example of humorous writing.

80 words:

“My Watch” is a humorous masterpiece because Twain takes an everyday problem and turns it into a comic adventure. He exaggerates the effects of repairs, uses funny metaphors, and gives the watch lifelike qualities. The sarcasm aimed at clueless repairers adds more fun. Despite his frustration, Twain makes readers smile and relate to his experience. His storytelling transforms irritation into amusement, showing how humour can be found even in daily struggles. That makes the essay enjoyable and unforgettable.

---

✅ 15. What does the essay teach about trusting too many people with your problems?

20 words:

It shows that involving too many people, especially unskilled ones, can worsen problems rather than solve them.

40 words:

Twain trusted several watchmakers, hoping they’d fix the watch. But each made it worse. The essay teaches us not to trust everyone with our problems, especially when they lack real skill or understanding.

60 words:

By going to many repairers, Twain hoped to restore his watch. But each one caused new problems. The essay warns that trusting too many people, especially those who act confident but lack skill, can harm more than help. It’s better to think wisely, choose help carefully, and not follow every expert blindly.

80 words:

Twain’s story shows that seeking too much help from the wrong people can lead to disaster. Each repairer acted confidently, used technical jargon, and claimed to understand the problem—but none of them actually fixed it. Instead, they made things worse. The essay teaches an important life lesson: don’t trust everyone just because they seem like experts. Choose wisely, and sometimes, it’s better to leave things as they are rather than ruin them with too much outside interference.

---

✅ 16. What is the central theme of “My Watch”?

20 words:

The central theme is how unnecessary interference and blind trust in experts can destroy something once perfect.

40 words:

“My Watch” shows how over-repairing, bad advice, and false expertise can turn a perfectly working thing into a disaster. Twain humorously explores how too much fixing, especially by unskilled people, does more harm than good.

60 words:

The main idea of “My Watch” is that too much interference and trust in so-called professionals can spoil even perfect things. Twain uses his faulty watch as a metaphor to show how repairs and overconfidence of others can ruin our peace. Through humour and sarcasm, he presents a strong message: sometimes, it’s better to leave things alone.

80 words:

The central theme of “My Watch” revolves around how unnecessary tampering and blind faith in overconfident repairers can destroy something flawless. Twain’s perfectly functioning watch was ruined because every person he trusted to fix it actually made it worse. Through witty language, exaggeration, and comic situations, Twain explores how people’s desire to control, improve, or fix things often leads to disaster. The essay is a cautionary tale wrapped in humour, reminding us to be careful about whom we trust with what we value.

✅ 17. How did the author finally react to the last watchmaker’s comment?

20 words:

Twain lost patience and “brained” the last repairer, showing his extreme frustration with one last humorous exaggeration.

40 words:

The last watchmaker called the watch a steam engine needing a monkey wrench. Twain, full of rage, humorously says he “brained” him and buried him. This comic exaggeration shows his complete loss of patience and deep frustration.

60 words:

Twain’s final watchmaker absurdly advised using a monkey wrench on the watch’s safety valve, treating it like a steam engine. Twain could no longer take it. He humorously says he “brained” the man and buried him, showing how the never-ending failed repairs pushed him over the edge. It’s an exaggerated but funny expression of anger and total disappointment.

80 words:

The last watchmaker Twain visited was a former steamboat engineer who gave the most ridiculous advice—treat the watch like a steam engine and use a monkey wrench on the safety valve! Twain, now completely fed up, humorously says he “brained him on the spot and had him buried.” This final line is full of comic exaggeration and shows just how far Twain had been pushed. It wraps up his long journey of frustration with a dramatic, humorous, and memorable ending.

---

✅ 18. Why is the essay still relevant for modern readers?

20 words:

It reflects how bad service, fake expertise, and frustration with repairs are still part of daily life today.

40 words:

Twain’s experiences with fake professionals, poor repairs, and rising frustration are common even today. Whether it’s gadgets or services, people still face similar issues. His humorous way of expressing everyday problems makes the essay timeless and relatable.

60 words:

Though written long ago, “My Watch” remains relevant because people today still struggle with faulty repairs and untrustworthy service providers. Twain’s experiences mirror how modern devices are often spoiled by repeated tinkering. The exaggerated humour and relatable frustration connect with every reader. The essay warns against blind trust and teaches us to be careful in choosing who we rely on to fix things.

80 words:

This essay continues to resonate with modern readers because the problems Twain faced still happen today. Whether it’s a smartphone, a laptop, or even customer service, many people find that multiple fixes make things worse. Twain’s funny yet frustrating story shows how human behaviour hasn’t changed. His sharp wit, exaggerated humour, and emotional honesty make the essay timeless. It teaches important lessons about patience, trust, and the dangers of too many fixes, which are just as meaningful in today’s world.

---

✅ 19. What literary techniques does Mark Twain use in this essay?

20 words:

Twain uses humour, exaggeration, personification, and sarcasm to make the essay funny, engaging, and full of meaning.

40 words:

In “My Watch,” Twain uses literary tools like exaggeration, personification, irony, and sarcasm. He compares the watch to a sick person, gives it human feelings, and mocks clueless repairers. These techniques make the essay entertaining and meaningful.

60 words:

Twain’s essay is rich in literary techniques. He personifies the watch, giving it emotions like a pulse and a fever. He exaggerates wildly, saying the watch spun like a spider web. His sarcasm towards the watchmakers adds humour. Irony is seen when experts only worsen the watch. These techniques work together to keep the tone light while sharing an important message.

80 words:

Mark Twain effectively uses various literary devices to make “My Watch” a humorous and thought-provoking essay. He employs personification by giving the watch human traits—like a pulse and mood swings. His exaggeration adds fun, such as when the watch spins out of control. Through irony and sarcasm, he mocks the repairers who ruin a once-perfect timepiece. These techniques make the essay relatable, emotional, and funny, while still delivering a serious message about incompetence, misplaced trust, and the cost of over-correction.

---

✅ 20. What makes Twain’s style of writing unique in “My Watch”?

20 words:

His unique style blends humour, storytelling, and real emotions. He turns frustration into laughter using simple yet creative language.

40 words:

Twain’s writing style stands out because it mixes humour, exaggeration, and emotion. He uses vivid images, sarcasm, and personification to turn a frustrating story into a fun, relatable experience. His simple yet clever language makes the essay enjoyable.

60 words:

What makes Twain’s style special in “My Watch” is his perfect balance of humour and emotion. He uses exaggeration and sarcasm without sounding rude. The language is easy but imaginative. His storytelling feels real, like he’s talking to the reader. Twain’s ability to turn a personal failure into something hilarious is what sets him apart as a brilliant essayist.

80 words:

Mark Twain’s style in “My Watch” is unique because he uses everyday language mixed with rich humour, sarcasm, and creativity. His way of describing problems with funny exaggerations makes readers laugh, while still understanding his frustration. He doesn’t complain directly—he entertains. His personification of the watch, comic comparisons, and witty dialogue keep the tone light. Twain transforms a simple, irritating situation into a memorable tale. This blend of realism, emotion, and comedy makes his writing style truly exceptional and timeless.