Comprehension:
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
Swami's day takes a turn when he finds himself alone after the Geography Master's absence. He wanders the school corridors, looking down on the younger kids engaged in seemingly trivial activities like playing with clay. To Swami, school should be about serious subjects, not child's play. Eventually, he finds his friends, but their demeanor is off; they seem distant and unfriendly. When Swami attempts to join their game, he is met with ridicule, particularly the insult of being called “Rajam’s Tail,” which signifies his perceived eagerness to follow only one friend, Rajam. This harsh label hits Swami hard, leaving him embarrassed and feeling isolated.
In English class, Swami struggles to focus on the lesson, his mind plagued by feelings of rejection. After school, he walks home in a daze, contemplating the rift between him and his friends. When he reaches home, he distracts himself by watching a piece of tin float by in the gutter, creating a makeshift boat for it using paper. As he gets lost in his thoughts while observing the boat’s journey, it encounters many obstacles, symbolising his own struggles and feelings of helplessness.
Though Swami tries to adapt to his new social position as an outcast, he often longs for his old friendships.
The day starts with Swaminathan eagerly cleaning his room and preparing for Rajam’s arrival, worried about how to make a good impression.
When Rajam arrives, the visit exceeds Swaminathan’s expectations; the atmosphere is pleasant with good food and good conversation. They chat about everything from local friends to tiger-hunting tales. Swaminathan feels a bit shy when Rajam inquires about his books, adding to the comedic moments.
Why were the children playing in school instead of studying?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Because one of the teachers was on leave.
The passage opens with Swami finding himself free "after the Geography Master's absence"; it is while wandering the corridors in this free period that he sees the younger children playing with clay. The only reason the passage gives for the break from lessons is a teacher's absence.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Because the school had declared a holiday. — Incorrect. Contradicted: school is working that day, and Swami later sits in the English class.
Option 2: Because it was lunch time. — Incorrect. Not mentioned: the passage says nothing about a lunch break.
Option 4: Because the children decided to bunk the classes. — Incorrect. Not mentioned: nothing in the passage suggests that the children skipped classes on purpose.