English Core > Literature Class 12 > Flamingo Prose

Read the following extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the given two (A) or (B): (B) "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. (Lost Spring)

(i) The intention of the speaker in the first line of the extract is one of (clarification / confusion). (1 mark) (ii) What is implied by the expression 'he would have a hard time believing it'? (1 mark) (A) Saheb is too innocent to believe everything. (B) Saheb is living upto his name. (C) Saheb's living condition is contrary to the meaning of his name. (D) Saheb is not used to anyone calling his name. (iii) 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. (1 mark) (iv) State one reason for the boy was wearing shoes that did not match. (1 mark) (v) The speaker describes Saheb's life as a 'bleak world' because (1 mark) (A) he lives in a house without electricity. (B) his world is his friends. (C) his life is devoid of hope. (D) he belongs to the world of illiterates. (vi) "Why aren't you wearing chappals?" I asked one. The conversation between the speaker and the boys reflects the ________ of the speaker. (1 mark)