Question

Read the following extract and answer the following questions:
So it is hardly surprising that opinions of the interview—of its
functions, methods and merits—vary considerably. Some might
make quite extravagant claims for it as being, in its highest form, a
source of truth, and, in its practice, an art. Others, usually celebrities
who see themselves as its victims, might despise the interview as an
unwarranted intrusion into their lives, or feel that it somehow
diminishes them.
(The Interview)
(i) What does the author mean by the phrase ‘extravagant claims’?
(ii) Select the correct option from those given in the brackets to fill in the blank.
The phrase ‘hardly surprising’ indicates that the writer is ___ (taken aback/unsurprised) at the varied opinions of the interview.
(iii) Complete the following sentence suitably.
The people have diverse opinions about an interview. Some consider it ___, while others ___.
(iv) What does the phrase ‘unwarranted intrusion’ illustrate about an interview?
(A) celebration
(B) confession
(C) invitation
(D) interference
(v) Select the textual option that is closest to indicating a feeling of deep dislike:
(A) celebrities see themselves as victims
(B) extravagant claims
(C) despise the interview
(D) vary considerably
(vi) Why do celebrities feel that interviews ‘diminish’ them?

Hint:

When analyzing literary extracts, note tone words like ‘despise’ or ‘extravagant claims’. These help identify opinions, exaggeration, or criticism directly.

Answer 1

(i) That interviews are glorified or praised as truth or art, which may be an exaggeration.
(ii) unsurprised
(iii) Some consider it revealing, while others consider it intrusive.
(iv) (D) interference
(v) (C) despise the interview
(vi) Because they feel that interviews reduce their dignity or misrepresent their image in public.