Question

Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:

In the silence that followed a dark flush stained the tan of the Corporal’s face. “Here,” he said at last, “you give this lecture”. As if afraid to say any more, he tossed the grenade to the Professor. Quite unabashed, Private Quelch climbed to his feet and with the attitude of a man coming into his birth-right gave us an unexceptionable lecture on the grenade.

i) Choose the statement that is NOT TRUE about the depiction of the scene described in the above lines.

1. Private Quelch knew more about hand grenades than Turnbull.
2. Turnbull was not someone who would let things go easily.
3. The entire batch was stunned at Quelch’s audacity.
4. Quelch was able to impress Turnbull with his vast knowledge.

ii) The silence that follows Quelch’s remarks shows that the entire batch did not ______.

1. wish to see Turnbull humiliated.
2. want Quelch embarrassed.
3. know how to react.
4. care for the conversation.

iii) The fact that Quelch delivered the lecture when asked to do so shows that he ______.

1. wanted to teach Turnbull a valuable lesson.
2. failed to take the hint that Turnbull felt insulted.
3. knew when to flaunt his knowledge for his own benefit.
4. established himself as a man superior to Turnbull.

Answer 1

i) Quelch was able to impress Turnbull with his vast knowledge.

Explanation:

This is not true. Turnbull was actually irritated by Quelch’s constant display of knowledge. He did not admire or appreciate Quelch’s behaviour.

ii) The silence that follows Quelch’s remarks shows that the entire batch did not know how to react.

Explanation:

The batch became silent because they were surprised and uncomfortable after Turnbull handed the grenade to Quelch. They did not know how to respond to the situation.

iii) The fact that Quelch delivered the lecture when asked to do so shows that he failed to take the hint that Turnbull felt insulted.

Explanation:

Quelch immediately began the lecture when Turnbull asked him to do so. He did not understand that Turnbull was irritated and trying to put him in his place.