Question

Read the following extract and solve the following.

My three hundred dollars bought less than two hundred in old-style bills, but I didn’t care; eggs were thirteen cents a dozen in 1894. But I’ve never again found the corridor that leads to the third level at Grand Central Station, although I’ve tried often enough. Louisa was pretty worried when I told her all this, and didn’t want me to look for the third level any more, and after a while I stopped; I went back to my stamps. But now we’re both looking, every weekend…

I. What does Charley’s indifference to the cost of old-style bills and his focus on the price of eggs in 1894 suggest about his view of the past?     (1)

II. Complete the sentence suitably.     (1)

Charley has been unsuccessful in finding the corridor to the third level despite ______.

III. Where is the irony in Louisa’s reaction to Charley’s search for the third level in this extract?     (1)

IV. Complete the following with a correct option based on the context in the extract.     (1)

The phrase ‘I went back to my stamps’ suggests ______.

1. finding comfort in a hobby that is familiar
2. choosing a new hobby to forget earlier pursuits
3. attempting to engage together in a new hobby
4. approaching a familiar hobby with enthusiasm

Answer 1

I. Charley’s indifference to the cost of old-style bills and his focus on the cheap price of eggs in 1894 shows that he values the simplicity and affordability of the past, where things were less expensive and more relaxed.

II. Charley has been unsuccessful in finding the corridor to the third level despite frequent efforts at locating it.

III. The irony lies in the fact that Louisa initially worries and urges Charley to stop searching for the third level, but later, both of them end up looking for it together every weekend.

IV. The phrase ‘I went back to my stamps’ suggests finding comfort in a hobby that is familiar.