Question

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

As we made the rounds, my interest was again provoked by their remarkable demeanour. They were childish enough, and in many ways quite artless. Jacopo was as lively as a squirrel. Nicola’s smile was steady and engaging. Yet in both their boyish faces there was a seriousness which was far beyond their years. In the week which followed we saw them frequently, for they proved extremely useful to us.

(i) We can say that the demeanour of the two boys was remarkable because they were ______.

Select the correct option.

1. innocent but clever
2. lively but serious
3. young but mature
4. childish but engaging

(ii) What does the writer wish to imply via the comparison of Jacopo to a squirrel?

(iii) How did the boys prove useful for the narrator and his companion? Select the most appropriate option.

1. Brought them newspapers.
2. Guided them to good restaurants.
3. Found American cigarettes for them.
4. Sold fruits to them.

1. 1. (1), (3) and (5)
   2. (2), (3) and (4)
   3. (1), (2) and (5)
   4. (1), (2) and (4)

(iv) Select the suitable word from the extract, to complete the following.

happy : sad : : pacify : ______

1. provoke
2. remarkable
3. steady
4. engage

(v) Select a phrase from the extract that means the same as, ‘to circulate’.

Answer 1

(i) We can say that the demeanour of the two boys was remarkable because they were young but mature.

(ii) The writer wishes to imply that Jacopo is cheerful and lively via the comparison to a squirrel.

(iii) (2), (3) and (4)

(iv) happy : sad : : pacify : provoke

(v) made the rounds