Question

Answer the questions based on the extract by selecting the correct options.

Many times, I rubbed my hands over the pages wishing to understand what was written. But I knew it was not possible. If only I was educated enough... I waited eagerly for you to return. I felt you would come early and read for me. I could have asked somebody in this village but I was too embarrassed to do so. I felt so very dependent and helpless. We are well-off, but what use is money when I cannot be independent?

i. What made the grandmother feel inadequate?

1. She was unable to read the story.
2. She was unable to stay attentive.
3. She was unable to buy the magazine.
4. She was unable to understand the story.

ii. Select the relevant option that best supports the context of the given extract:

1. Grandmother was elated to get the magazine
2. Grandmother was embarrassed to ask for help
3. Grandmother eagerly waited for her granddaughter’s arrival
4. Grandmother loved gazing at the pictures from the story
   1. only 1 and 2
   2. only 2 and 3
   3. only 3 and 4
   4. only 1 and 4

iii. Select the option that tracks the progression of emotions experienced by the grandmother in the given extract.

1. reassured - inquisitive - thankful - uncertain
2. surprised - grateful - perplexed - excited
3. yearning - uncertain - dejected - helpless
4. perplexed - uncertain - panic-stricken - appreciative

Answer 1

i. She was unable to read the story.

Explanation:

The grandmother wanted to understand the story in the magazine but could not read it herself. Her inability to read made her feel inadequate and dependent on others.

ii. Only 2 and 3

Explanation:

The grandmother was embarrassed to ask anyone in the village for help, so she waited eagerly for her granddaughter to return. This shows both her embarrassment and her dependence on her granddaughter.

iii. Yearning – uncertain – dejected – helpless

Explanation:

The grandmother yearned to understand the story and wished she were educated. As she realised that she could not read it, she became dejected and helpless, feeling dependent despite being financially well-off.