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)
Question: 1

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: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

The speaker experiences discomfort and culpability due to a disingenuous pledge. The statement conveys hesitation and shame, indicating befuddlement rather than conviction.
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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.

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When someone's name signifies grandeur but their life is full of struggle, irony and disbelief arise.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
  • 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

Despite his name, ‘Saheb-e-Alam’, translating to ‘lord of the universe’, Saheb's existence is marked by destitution. This stark contrast between his appellation and his reality renders it inconceivable to 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.

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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: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

False promises deceive impoverished children such as Saheb, as they harbor hopes in outcomes that seldom materialize, leaving them disillusioned instead of empowered.
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Question: 4

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: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

The children's use of mismatched shoes demonstrates their lack of resources; acquiring appropriate footwear is a privilege they do not possess.
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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.

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A "bleak world" implies hopelessness and hardship, not merely material lack.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
  • 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

A ‘bleak world’ describes a life devoid of happiness, chances, and future potential. Saheb's existence is characterized by destitution, unfulfilled assurances, and emotional despair.
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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.

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When characters ask sincere questions to understand others’ lives, it reflects curiosity and empathy.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

The speaker seeks to comprehend the boys' decisions and way of life, driven by sincere curiosity and a wish to gain deeper insight into their experiences.
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