Read the passage and answer the four questions that follow:-
Part of our programme included spending an afternoon on a machaan that overlooked a waterhole in the forest. Our riding elephants dropped us off, and we were given strict instructions to remain put until later, the elephants would come to pick us up.
So we sat, hoping that a tiger or leopard would come down for a drink. No such luck. After a while, a juvenile rhesus macaque poked its head out and looked around warily. Then, taking infinitesimal care, it emerged into the clearing cautiously. If it had been born and brought up in Delhi, it would have probably charged out, clambered up our machaan and relieved us of our drinking water and snacks. But not this fellow. I thought these forest monkeys were such wimps!
It was getting darker by the minute- and there was no sign of our elephant pickups. So we decided to trek back to Dhikala. We set off in single file along the forest path. When I was suddenly confronted by all the pioneering leaders rushing pell-mell back urgently whispering, 'mad elephant, mad elephant!' I saw the bulk of an elephant- I can't vouch if its head was aggressively cocked and trunk rolled up, appraising us prior to charging. Incontinently, we fled, to our machaan and clambered up.
One spank from its trunk would have sent any of us flying clear across the waterhole! We could only sit quietly. I realised that the juvenile rhesus had a very good reason for being so cautious. We had not.
What lesson did the author learn from his jungle experience?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Never lower your guard when out in the wild.
The passage ends with the author's realisation: "the juvenile rhesus had a very good reason for being so cautious. We had not." The group had walked off carelessly and nearly met a charging elephant, while the monkey survived by staying alert. The lesson is to stay watchful at all times in the wild. (To lower one's guard is to stop being careful.)
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Never follow instructions on an adventurous trip. — Incorrect. Contradicted: the trouble began when the group left the machaan instead of staying put as instructed, so the story supports following instructions, not ignoring them.
Option 2: Take risks by defying orders to enjoy. — Incorrect. Contradicted: defying orders nearly led to an elephant attack; the author regrets the risk, he does not recommend it.
Option 3: Always set off alone on foot while on a safari. — Incorrect. Contradicted: the group walked in single file together, and the walk itself proved dangerous; nothing in the passage favours going alone.