Comprehension
There was a fifty rupee note between his fingers. My heart sank. I thought I had been discovered. "I made some money yesterday," he explained. "Now you'll be paid regularly." My spirits rose. But when I took the note, I saw it was still wet from the night's rain. "Today we'll start writing sentences," he said.
He knew. But neither his lips nor his eyes showed anything.
(The Thief’s Story)
Question: 1

In the context of the given extract, what was the feeling UNLIKELY to have been on seeing “a fifty rupee note between his fingers”?

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Look for emotional shifts in the extract—fear and guilt override any positive emotion.
Updated On: May 30, 2025
  • joyous
  • sad
  • unhappy
  • worried
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

In the given extract, when the narrator saw a fifty rupee note between his fingers, the immediate feeling that came was fear and anxiety, not joy. The narrator’s heart sank because he thought he had been discovered. This indicates a feeling of worry or dread rather than happiness. The narrator was initially suspicious, fearing consequences, which contrasts sharply with the feeling of joyousness.

Only after the man explained that he had made some money and that the narrator would now be paid regularly did the narrator’s spirits rise, indicating relief and hope. However, the initial reaction was far from joyous; it was one of apprehension and nervousness.

Therefore, the feeling that was UNLIKELY on seeing the fifty rupee note was joyous. Instead, the narrator experienced a moment of tension and uncertainty.

This shows how appearances can be deceptive and emotions complex in difficult situations, especially when trust is fragile.
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Question: 2

How does the prospect of being paid regularly affect the narrator’s motivation and hope for the future?
Answer in about 40 words.

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Mention both the emotional boost and the behavioural change sparked by hope.
Updated On: May 30, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

The prospect of being paid regularly uplifts the narrator’s spirits and fills him with hope and motivation. It gives him a sense of security and encourages him to start learning, as seen when he is told they will begin writing sentences.
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Question: 3

Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket:
The person spoken about did not let the narrator realise that his act of stealing was caught. It reflects the ________ (nobility / dishonesty) of his character.

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Use context clues—positive behaviour like forgiveness indicates a noble trait.
Updated On: May 30, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

The person spoken about did not let the narrator realise that his act of stealing was caught. This shows that he chose to be kind and understanding rather than angry or harsh. It reflects the nobility of his character, as he showed patience and trust instead of punishment or disappointment.
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Question: 4

Compare the meanings of the expressions:
“My heart sank” and “My spirits rose”

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When comparing expressions, contrast the emotional states they represent.
Updated On: May 30, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

The expression "My heart sank" means feeling sudden disappointment, fear, or sadness. It shows that the narrator was worried or scared, thinking he had been caught. On the other hand, "My spirits rose" means feeling hopeful, happy, or encouraged. It indicates that the narrator felt relieved and optimistic when told he would be paid regularly. Thus, these expressions represent opposite emotions—one of fear and despair, and the other of joy and confidence.
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