Question

Read the following extracts and answer the questions given below.

“It takes longer to build a school.” I say, embarrassed at having made a promise that was not meant. But promises like mine abound in every corner of his bleak world. After months of knowing him, I ask him his name. ‘Saheb-e-Alam’, he announces. He does not know what it means. If he knew its meaning - lord of the universe - he would have a hard time believing it. Unaware of what his name represents, he roams the streets with his friends, an army of bare feet boys who appear like the morning birds and disappear at noon. Over the months, I have come to recognise each of them. “Why aren’t you wearing chappals?” I ask one. “My mother did not bring them down from the shell.” He answers simply. “Even if she did he will throw them off,” adds another who is wearing shoes that do not match. (The Last Spring)

1. Select the option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
   The intention of the speaker in the first line of the extract is one of ______. (clarification/confusion)
2. What is implied by the expression ‘he would have a hard time believing it.’
   1. Saheb is too innocent to believe everything.
   2. Saheb is living upto his name.
   3. Saheb’s living condition is contrary to the meaning of his name.
   4. Saheb is not used to anyone calling his name.
3. Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank:
   “Promises like mine abound in every corner of his bleak world.” The above statement of the speaker reveals the fact that people like Saheb are ______ (deluded/empowered) by such promises.
4. State one reason for the boy was wearing shoes that did not match.
5. The speaker describes Saheb’s life as a ‘bleak world’ because ______.
   1. he lives in a house without electricity.
   2. his world is his friends.
   3. his life is devoid of hope.
   4. he belongs to the world of illiterates.
6. “Why aren’t you wearing chappals?” I asked one. The conversation between the speaker and the boys reflects the ______ of the speaker.

Answer 1

1. The intention of the speaker in the first line of the extract is one of clarification.
2. Saheb’s living condition is contrary to the meaning of his name.
3. “Promises like mine abound in every corner of his bleak world.” The above statement of the speaker reveals the fact that people like Saheb are deluded by such promises.
4. The boy might have received mismatched shoes from donations or garbage dumps, as poor children often wear whatever they find.
5. The speaker describes Saheb’s life as a ‘bleak world’ because his life is devoid of hope.
6. “Why aren't you wearing chappals?” I asked one. The conversation between the speaker and the boys reflects the curiosity of the speaker.