Unit # 7: WHAT YOU DO IS WHAT YOU ARE
Questions & Answers
For All Students in General
1. Why does the author describe the way society defines people by their jobs as peculiar?
Answer: The author finds it strange that people are judged only by their jobs. Even after retirement, their old job defines them. It ignores who they are now. Society respects titles more than actions. This way of thinking is unfair. People are more than job labels.
2. Provide two examples the author uses to show how individuals are judged based on their employment status or past jobs.
Answer: One example is calling someone “just a janitor” or “just a housewife.” This shows disrespect. Another example is calling someone a “retired bookkeeper.” This means the person is still judged by an old job. Society sees jobs as permanent labels. That’s what the author shows clearly.
3. What does the phrase “cast in bronze” symbolize in the context of the text?
Answer: “Cast in bronze” means something that cannot be changed. The author uses it to show how job labels stick forever. Even after someone changes, society remembers the job. This is unfair. People grow and change over time. A job should not define them forever.
4. The author mentions certain professions like “just a housewife” or “just a janitor.” What is the critique behind these labels, and what point is the author trying to make?
Answer: The author says using “just” makes jobs sound small. It shows how people don’t respect these roles. But every job is important. The author wants us to stop judging. All work has value. We must treat every person with the same respect, no matter the job.
5. In what way does the author suggest that children should be taught to understand respect and job roles in society?
Answer: The author says children should learn that all jobs are important. Kids often like big or famous jobs only. They may look down on other work. But every job helps society. Children must learn respect for all roles. That is how we build a fair society.
6. What is McWhirter’s tone? Illustrate it with few words and phrases that establish the tone.
Answer: The tone is serious and critical. The author wants change. Words like “assigned to limbo” and “just a janitor” show strong feelings. She is not happy with how people are judged. Her words make us think. She asks us to see the unfairness around us.
7. Why does the author state that no one is ever described as “just” a vice-president? What does this reveal about how society values certain jobs?
Answer: The author says this to show how high jobs get respect. People say “just” for small jobs, but not for big ones. This is unfair. Society cares more about status. The author wants us to see the difference. Every job should get equal respect and value.
8. Do you agree with the writer’s view that society unfairly defines people by their jobs or employment status? Why or why not?
Answer: Yes, I agree with the writer. People are more than their work. Jobs don’t show someone’s heart or kindness. Some people help others in quiet ways. But they still get judged. This is wrong. Everyone should be respected, job or no job.
Box Questions OR While Reading Questions
1. Why do you think the author finds this way of labelling people peculiar?
Answer: The author finds this labeling strange because it limits a person’s identity to their job. Even after retirement, people are judged by past work. This seems unfair. People change and grow. A job title shouldn’t define them forever. That’s why the author finds it peculiar.
2. What does the writer suggest about the use of the word “just” before job titles or roles?
Answer: The writer says “just” makes a job sound unimportant. It shows disrespect. People say “just a janitor” or “just a housewife.” These roles matter too. The word “just” lowers their value. The author wants us to stop using “just” in a negative way.
3. What contrast is made between the roles of cowboy and cattle breeder, or nurse and doctor? What point is the author trying to make?
Answer: Cowboys and cattle breeders do similar work. Nurses and doctors also share goals. But one role is seen as more important. Society gives more respect to higher titles. The author says this is unfair. All roles deserve equal respect, no matter what the title is.
Additional Questions
1. Who is the writer of the lesson?
Answer: Nickie McWhirter is the writer of this lesson. She focuses on social issues. She highlights the unfair ways people are judged by their jobs. Her writing promotes respect, dignity, and equality for everyone, no matter their occupation or role.
Q.2: What is the theme of the lesson?
Answer: The lesson shows how society judges people by their jobs. Unpaid or low-paid work is seen as less valuable. People are called “just” a housewife or janitor. This reduces their worth. The author criticizes this thinking. She shows identity is more than a job.
3. How does society view people who are currently unemployed, according to the text?
Answer: Society sees unemployed people as less valuable. Their worth depends entirely on having a job. If they don’t, they are devalued. Their past achievements are ignored. What counts is whether they are earning right now or actively working.
4. What does the word “just” imply when used before job titles like “just a housewife”?
Answer: The word “just” before job titles makes the job sound less important. Saying “just a housewife” means that being a housewife is not a big job. It lowers their value and respect. Society uses the word ‘just’ to overlook the daily demands of working at home.
5. Why does the author think anthropologists should study how we value different jobs?
Answer: According to the author, anthropologists should study how people see some jobs as more important and others as less important. People often respect jobs that sound big and pay more. On the contrary, some useful jobs get less respect.
6. Why does the author repeatedly use the phrase “just a…” followed by various occupations? How does this repetition strengthen her argument?
Answer: The author uses “just a…” again and again to show how people often see some jobs as less important. This makes the reader notice how unfair that is. The repetition helps her show that many useful jobs are not respected enough.
7. How does McWhirter’s use of words like “peculiar,” “silly,” and “painfully” reveal her attitude toward society’s work-based valuation system?
Answer: Words like “peculiar,” “silly,” and “painfully” show that the author does not agree with how society values jobs. She thinks the system is unfair and unkind. These words show her feelings of disappointment and her belief that a person’s worth should not depend on their job or money.
8. What should we teach our children about the social hierarchies which distance man from man?
Answer: The writer believes that job-based social ranks are unfair and create distance between people. So, we should teach our children to respect all kinds of work. A person’s job or title should not decide his true worth. The only thing that matters is work.
9. The author notes unpaid work like volunteering “doesn’t count.” What does this reveal about
how economic systems shape our values?
Answer: When the author says unpaid work “doesn’t count,” it shows that money shapes our values. Helpful jobs like caregiving are ignored if they don’t earn money. Society respects paid work more, even if unpaid work is important. This thinking comes from money system, not the true value of effort.
10. How does society view people who are currently unemployed, according to the text?
Answer: Society sees unemployed people as less valuable. Their worth depends entirely on having a job. If they don’t, they are devalued. Their past achievements are ignored. What counts is whether they are earning right now or actively working. This is unfair and limiting.
11. What does the word “just” imply when used before job titles like “just a housewife”?
Answer: The word “just” before job titles makes the job sound less important. Saying “just a housewife” means that being a housewife is not a big job. It lowers their value and respect. Society uses the word “just” to overlook the daily demands of working at home.
12. Why does the author think anthropologists should study how we value different jobs?
Answer: According to the author, anthropologists should study how people see some jobs as more important and others as less important. People often respect jobs that sound big and pay more. On the contrary, some useful jobs get less respect. That reveals society’s odd view of work.
13. Why does the author repeatedly use the phrase “just a…” followed by various occupations? How does this repetition strengthen her argument?
Answer: The author uses “just a…” again and again to show how people often see some jobs as less important. This makes the reader notice how unfair that is. The repetition helps her show that many useful jobs are not respected enough. It supports her main message.
14. How does McWhirter’s use of words like “peculiar,” “silly,” and “painfully” reveal her attitude toward society’s work-based valuation system?
Answer: Words like “peculiar,” “silly,” and “painfully” show that the author does not agree with how society values jobs. She thinks the system is unfair and unkind. These words show her feelings of disappointment and her belief that a person’s worth should not depend on their job or money.
15. What should we teach our children about the social hierarchies which distance man from man?
Answer: The writer believes that job-based social ranks are unfair and create distance between people. So, we should teach our children to respect all kinds of work. A person’s job or title should not decide his true worth. The only thing that matters is work and effort.
16. The author notes unpaid work like volunteering “doesn’t count.” What does this reveal about how economic systems shape our values?
Answer: When the author says unpaid work “doesn’t count,” it shows that money shapes our values. Helpful jobs like caregiving are ignored if they don’t earn money. Society respects paid work more, even if unpaid work is important. This thinking comes from money system, not the true value of effort.
17. How does the passage show that even unpaid roles can be meaningful and important?
Answer: The author shows that unpaid work can be just as important as paid jobs. For example, a retired person may spend time helping children. But this work is often ignored. Society only values paid jobs. This idea is wrong. All helpful work matters, paid or not.
18. What does the writer mean by saying people are “assigned to limbo”?
Answer: “Assigned to limbo” means people are treated as invisible or unimportant. The writer says this happens when someone has no current job. Society acts like they don’t matter. Their efforts and value are ignored. This shows unfair thinking. Everyone has worth, job or not.
19. What examples show that job titles can hide the real value of what a person does?
Answer: The writer compares “cowboy” and “cattle breeder” to explain this. Both may do the same work, but one title sounds better. Society likes certain words more. This hides the real value of the job. It shows how language changes respect. Titles shouldn’t decide importance.
20. Why does the writer mention that “no one is cast in bronze”?
Answer: The phrase means people are not fixed or unchanging. The author says people grow, learn, and take on new roles. A job title shouldn’t follow them forever. Society must see beyond the past. People should be judged by what they do now. Change is natural.
21. What problem does the writer see in how people introduce others?
Answer: The author notices people often introduce others by job titles. They say “This is Tom. He’s an engineer.” This links identity to work. It forgets other traits. A person is more than a job. We should introduce people in fuller, kinder ways.
22. How does the writer use irony to challenge common views about work?
Answer: The author uses irony to show how strange our thinking is. We say “just a housewife” even though that job is hard. Society respects jobs with money or big titles. But unpaid or simple jobs are often more helpful. This twist makes us think deeply.
23. What overall message is the author trying to give readers about work and respect?
Answer: The author wants readers to respect all kinds of work. A job title should not decide how much a person is worth. Even unpaid or small roles matter. Society must stop judging by status. Every person adds value in their own way. Respect must be equal.
24. How does society connect respect with income or job level?
Answer: The passage says society respects people more if they have a big title or high income. Poor or unpaid workers get ignored. Saying “just a janitor” shows low respect. The job’s salary affects how people see it. This idea is unfair. All jobs deserve respect.
25. What point is the author making by saying that a person’s last job stays with them forever?
Answer: Society continues to label people by their last job even after they stop working. This shows that society does not let go of old labels. It doesn’t see personal growth. It only sees job titles. This thinking is limiting. People are more than titles.
26. Why does the author say the system is painful for some people?
Answer: The system is painful because it ignores people who don’t have jobs. It makes them feel unimportant. Even helpful people are not seen if they don’t earn money. This makes them feel small. The author says this is wrong. Everyone should feel valued in society.
27. What examples show that society sees titles, not the work itself?
Answer: The author says a nurse and doctor may do similar work. But only the doctor gets respect. Also, “cowboy” sounds cool, but “cattle breeder” is the real job. These examples show how words affect respect. Society sees names, not effort. The author challenges this thinking.
28. How do people introduce others, and what does this show?
Answer: People often say, “This is Sara. She’s a teacher.” This shows that work defines identity. We don’t say, “She’s kind,” or “She helps others.” The job becomes the main detail. The author thinks this is a problem. People are more than what they do.
29. What idea is repeated throughout the passage to support the main message?
Answer: The writer repeats that people are more than their jobs. Many examples use the word “just” to show unfair labels. She talks about retired, unpaid, and low-paid workers. These people are still valuable. The repetition makes the message strong. Job titles don’t equal human worth.
Questions & Answers
For Average and Weak Students
1. Why does the author describe the way society defines people by their jobs as peculiar?
Answer: The author finds this peculiar because identity becomes tied to past jobs. Even after retirement, people are labeled by old roles. This ignores personal change. It shows unfair judgment. Society should value people beyond employment.
2. Provide two examples the author uses to show how individuals are judged based on their employment status or past jobs.
Answer: One example is labeling someone “just a housewife.” Another is calling someone a “retired bookkeeper.” These show society keeps old job titles. That’s unfair and limiting. It ignores present identity.
3. What does the phrase “cast in bronze” symbolize in the context of the text?
Answer: “Cast in bronze” means the label cannot change. The author says job labels stick forever. Even after growth, society sees only the past. That’s unfair treatment. People deserve fresh views.
4. The author mentions certain professions like “just a housewife” or “just a janitor.” What is the critique behind these labels, and what point is the author trying to make?
Answer: Saying “just” before jobs makes them sound small. The author critiques this as disrespect. Every job has worth and value. Titles don’t measure contribution. All work deserves respect.
5. In what way does the author suggest that children should be taught to understand respect and job roles in society?
Answer: Children must learn all jobs matter. They often admire only high-status roles. That’s a narrow view. The author urges teaching respect for every contribution. Fairness begins in early education.
6. What is McWhirter’s tone? Illustrate it with few words and phrases that establish the tone. Answer: The tone is critical and reflective. Words like “just a janitor” express frustration. “Assigned to limbo” shows neglect. The author wants change. Her language invites awareness and fairness.
7. Why does the author state that no one is ever described as “just” a vice-president? What does this reveal about how society values certain jobs?
Answer: No one says “just” a vice-president because high jobs get respect. Low-status roles don’t. This shows bias in language. Society values power more than work. That’s unjust behavior.
8. Do you agree with the writer’s view that society unfairly defines people by their jobs or employment status? Why or why not?
Answer: Yes, the writer is correct. People are more than their occupations. Goodness, effort, and care aren’t shown by job titles. Judging by work is shallow. Everyone deserves dignity.
Box Questions OR While Reading Questions
1. Why do you think the author finds this way of labelling people peculiar?
Answer: She finds it peculiar because jobs become permanent identity markers. Even after changing, society clings to titles. That limits personal growth. People evolve beyond work. Labels shouldn’t define forever.
2. What does the writer suggest about the use of the word “just” before job titles or roles?
Answer: “Just” makes roles seem unimportant. It reduces value unfairly. The writer dislikes how it weakens respect. All jobs have dignity. We must stop using “just” negatively.
3. What contrast is made between the roles of cowboy and cattle breeder, or nurse and doctor? What point is the author trying to make?
Answer: Cowboys and cattle breeders do similar jobs. But one sounds cooler. Doctors and nurses also share goals. Yet only one gets top respect. Society honors titles, not tasks.
Additional Questions
1. Who is the writer of the lesson?
Answer: Nickie McWhirter is the writer of this lesson. She focuses on social issues. Her work shows how people are unfairly judged by their jobs.
2. What is the theme of the lesson?
Answer: Society judges people by jobs. Low-paid roles seem less valuable. People feel unimportant. The author criticizes this. Identity is more than work.
3. How does society view people who are currently unemployed, according to the text?
Answer: Society sees unemployed people as less useful. It values earning over effort. Past work is ignored. That judgment is harsh. Everyone has value, job or not.
4. What does the word “just” imply when used before job titles like “just a housewife”?
Answer: “Just” makes the job sound small. It lowers worth unfairly. Being a housewife is hard work. The term hides effort. That’s the author’s concern.
5. Why does the author think anthropologists should study how we value different jobs? Answer: Anthropologists could explore why society ranks jobs. High pay gets more respect. But useful roles are often ignored. That’s not fair. This reflects flawed values.
6. Why does the author repeatedly use the phrase “just a…” followed by various occupations? How does this repetition strengthen her argument?
Answer: Repeating “just a…” shows how often society disrespects jobs. It highlights the problem clearly. The phrase becomes impactful. It makes the argument stronger. That’s effective writing.
7. How does McWhirter’s use of words like “peculiar,” “silly,” and “painfully” reveal her attitude toward society’s work-based valuation system?
Answer: These words show criticism and disappointment. “Peculiar” questions logic. “Silly” mocks values. “Painfully” shows sadness. Together, they reveal frustration.
8. What should we teach our children about the social hierarchies which distance man from man?
Answer: We should teach respect for all jobs. Titles don’t reflect worth. Kids must value effort, not rank. Hierarchies create unfair divides. True equality starts with mindset.
9. The author notes unpaid work like volunteering “doesn’t count.” What does this reveal about how economic systems shape our values?
Answer: If unpaid, society overlooks it. That’s due to economic focus. Work without salary feels invisible. But it’s still valuable. Money shouldn’t define worth.
10. How does society view people who are currently unemployed, according to the text?
Answer: Society sees unemployed people as less valuable. Their worth depends on working. Past achievements are forgotten. This thinking is narrow. Value isn’t tied to a job.
11. What does the word “just” imply when used before job titles like “just a housewife”?
Answer: “Just” downplays the role. It makes work sound minor. Being a housewife is challenging. The word hides the value. It shows biased judgment.
12. Why does the author think anthropologists should study how we value different jobs?
Answer: Anthropologists can study job respect. Some roles are admired for status. Others, though helpful, are dismissed. This reveals a social flaw. We should question these standards.
13. Why does the author repeatedly use the phrase “just a…” followed by various occupations? How does this repetition strengthen her argument?
Answer: The repetition proves a pattern. Society labels many jobs as low. It’s not an accident. The pattern highlights a serious issue. The argument becomes stronger.
14. How does McWhirter’s use of words like “peculiar,” “silly,” and “painfully” reveal her attitude toward society’s work-based valuation system?
Answer: These words carry emotion. They express dissatisfaction with values. The tone becomes critical. The system is flawed. Her language underlines her belief in fairness.
15. What should we teach our children about the social hierarchies which distance man from man?
Answer: Teach kids to respect all roles. Class divides come from job labels. That’s unfair. Children must learn equality. Worth is not based on status.
16. The author notes unpaid work like volunteering “doesn’t count.” What does this reveal about how economic systems shape our values?
Answer: Economy-driven thinking rules. Unpaid efforts are ignored. This shows skewed values. Money equals respect unfairly. It’s time we valued real contribution.
17. How does the passage show that even unpaid roles can be meaningful and important?
Answer: The author shows volunteers help. Retired people still give back. Yet they’re overlooked. That’s a mistake. Unpaid work has true worth.
18. What does the writer mean by saying people are “assigned to limbo”?
Answer: Without jobs, people are forgotten. They exist in a social void. That’s unfair treatment. Everyone matters. Jobs shouldn’t define presence.
19. What examples show that job titles can hide the real value of what a person does?
Answer: Cowboys and breeders do similar tasks. Nurses and doctors share duties. But titles matter more. That hides true worth. Labels mislead respect.
20. Why does the writer mention that “no one is cast in bronze”?
Answer: People can change roles. Old titles shouldn’t stick. Society must let go. Flexibility is key. Growth deserves recognition.
21. What problem does the writer see in how people introduce others?
Answer: Introductions focus on jobs. “This is Sara, a teacher.” Other traits are ignored. That narrows identity. People are more than careers.
22. How does the writer use irony to challenge common views about work?
Answer: Saying “just a housewife” is ironic. It’s a hard job. Yet dismissed. The irony shows flawed thinking. It forces reflection.
23. What overall message is the author trying to give readers about work and respect?
Answer: Respect should be universal. All work matters. Titles don’t define value. Judgment must end. Equality in dignity is key.
24. How does society connect respect with income or job level?
Answer: High income brings status. Poorer roles get dismissed. That’s a value gap. Society respects paychecks more. It’s an unfair system.
25. What point is the author making by saying that a person’s last job stays with them forever?
Answer: Labels last too long. Retirement doesn’t erase them. Growth is ignored. People deserve fresh starts. Old jobs shouldn’t define forever.
26. Why does the author say the system is painful for some people?
Answer: It hurts those without jobs. They feel worthless. Even helpers go unseen. This is wrong. Every person deserves dignity.
27. What examples show that society sees titles, not the work itself?
Answer: Nurses and doctors both heal. But doctors get praise. Cowboys sound better than breeders. That’s surface-level respect. Work should matter more than words.
28. How do people introduce others, and what does this show?
Answer: They say job titles first. Identity becomes work-based. It ignores kindness and character. That’s limiting. People are deeper than careers.
29. What idea is repeated throughout the passage to support the main message?
Answer: People are more than jobs. The word “just” repeats. It shows disrespect. Repetition makes the argument stronger. Labels shouldn’t limit identity.
English Literature: https://englishlitnotes.com/category/history-of-english-literature/
American Literature: https://americanlit.englishlitnotes.com/the-prologue-by-anne-bradstreet/
Grammar Puzzle Solved: https://grammarpuzzlesolved.englishlitnotes.com/category/grammar-puzzle-solved-by-naeem-sir/
Notes on English Literature: http://englishwithnaeemullahbutt.com
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