Question

Read the following extracts and answer the question:

And survival in Seemapuri means rag-picking. Through the years, it has acquired the proportions of a fine art. Garbage to them is gold. It is their daily bread, a roof over their heads, even if it is a leaking roof. But for a child it is even more “I sometimes find a rupee, even a ten-rupee note,” Saheb says, his eyes lighting up. When you can find a silver coin in a heap of garbage, you don’t stop scrounging, for there is hope of finding more. It seems that for children, garbage has a meaning different from what it means to their parents. For the children it is wrapped in wonder, for the elders it is a means of survival.

1. What does Saheb's statement about finding money in the garbage reveal about his daily life and aspirations?
2. Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank.
   Describing garbage as ‘gold’ metaphorically elevates its value to the children, helping the reader understand the _________ (dynamic/desperate) conditions under which these children live, where even garbage can represent crucial economic resources.
3. Complete the following with a suitable reason.
   Children continue to scrounge in the garbage because __________.
4. How does the perception of garbage differ between children and adults in Seemapuri?
5. What is implied by the description of rag-picking as having ‘acquired the proportions of a fine art’ in the excerpt?
   1. Rag-picking is an undesirable and simple task that anyone can do without effort.
   2. Rag-picking has evolved into a complex skill that is valued within the community.
   3. Rag-picking is a temporary activity that does not significantly impact the community.
   4. Rag-picking has the status of an artistic hobby that children pursue for enjoyment.
6. What is the reason for Saheb’s eyes ‘lighting up’?
   1. The immediate experience of finding something valuable.
   2. Discussing his findings with others.
   3. Reminiscing about past findings in the garbage.
   4. Planning future scavenging expeditions.

Answer 1

1. Saheb's statement reveals that his life revolves around small hopes and uncertain opportunities. His excitement at finding coins shows that even minor discoveries provide joy and a sense of achievement, indicating his modest aspirations shaped by poverty.
2. Describing garbage as ‘gold’ metaphorically elevates its value to the children, helping the reader understand the desperate conditions under which these children live, where even garbage can represent crucial economic resources.
3. Children continue to scrounge in the garbage because it offers the possibility of finding something valuable like coins, giving them hope amidst their harsh realities.
4. For children, garbage represents a source of wonder and potential treasure, whereas, for adults, it is primarily a means of survival.
5. Rag-picking has evolved into a complex skill that is valued within the community.
6. Reminiscing about past findings in the garbage.