Comprehension
"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 shelf," 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)
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 shelf," 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)
Question: 1
The intention of the speaker in the first line of the extract is one of _______. (clarification / confusion)
The intention of the speaker in the first line of the extract is one of _______. (clarification / confusion)
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Confusion occurs when someone speaks without clear intent or confidence — as seen in false or unkept promises.
Updated On: Jun 25, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
The speaker feels awkward and guilty for making a promise that wasn’t genuine. The remark reflects uncertainty and embarrassment — showing confusion, not clarity.
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Question: 2
What is implied by the expression ‘he would have a hard time believing it’?
Saheb is too innocent to believe everything.
Saheb is living up to his name.
Saheb’s living condition is contrary to the meaning of his name.
Saheb is not used to anyone calling his name.
What is implied by the expression ‘he would have a hard time believing it’?
Saheb is too innocent to believe everything.
Saheb is living up to his name.
Saheb’s living condition is contrary to the meaning of his name.
Saheb is not used to anyone calling his name.
Saheb is too innocent to believe everything.
Saheb is living up to his name.
Saheb’s living condition is contrary to the meaning of his name.
Saheb is not used to anyone calling his name.
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When someone's name signifies grandeur but their life is full of struggle, irony and disbelief arise.
Updated On: Jun 25, 2025
- Saheb is too innocent to believe everything.
- Saheb is living up to his name.
- Saheb’s living condition is contrary to the meaning of his name.
- Saheb is not used to anyone calling his name.
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The name ‘Saheb-e-Alam’ means ‘lord of the universe’, but Saheb lives a life of poverty. The irony lies in the mismatch between name and reality, making it unbelievable for him.
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Question: 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.
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.
“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.
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To be deluded is to be misled by false hopes — especially common in impoverished lives filled with empty promises.
Updated On: Jun 25, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
The line reflects how false promises mislead poor children like Saheb. They place hope in things that are rarely fulfilled, hence they are deluded rather than empowered.
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Question: 4
State one reason for the boy was wearing shoes that did not match.
State one reason for the boy was wearing shoes that did not match.
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Mismatched clothing or footwear in literature often symbolizes poverty and lack of access to basic needs.
Updated On: Jun 25, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
The mismatched shoes show how the children are forced to use whatever they can find. Matching or proper footwear is a luxury for them.
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Question: 5
The speaker describes Saheb’s life as a ‘bleak world’ because
he lives in a house without electricity.
his world is his friends.
his life is devoid of hope.
he belongs to the world of illiterates.
The speaker describes Saheb’s life as a ‘bleak world’ because
he lives in a house without electricity.
his world is his friends.
his life is devoid of hope.
he belongs to the world of illiterates.
he lives in a house without electricity.
his world is his friends.
his life is devoid of hope.
he belongs to the world of illiterates.
Show Hint
A "bleak world" implies hopelessness and hardship, not merely material lack.
Updated On: Jun 25, 2025
- he lives in a house without electricity.
- his world is his friends.
- his life is devoid of hope.
- he belongs to the world of illiterates.
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
‘Bleak world’ signifies a life lacking in joy, opportunity, and future prospects. Saheb’s reality is filled with poverty, broken promises, and emotional darkness.
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Question: 6
“Why aren’t you wearing chappals?” I asked one.
The conversation between the speaker and the boys reflects the _______ of the speaker.
“Why aren’t you wearing chappals?” I asked one.
The conversation between the speaker and the boys reflects the _______ of the speaker.
The conversation between the speaker and the boys reflects the _______ of the speaker.
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When characters ask sincere questions to understand others’ lives, it reflects curiosity and empathy.
Updated On: Jun 25, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
The speaker is trying to understand the boys’ choices and lifestyle. The question comes from a place of genuine interest and a desire to know more about their world.
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