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.
Which of the following is incorrect regarding the visit of his friend?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → They talked about the day at school and behaviour of classmates.
About Rajam's visit, the passage says only that they chatted "about everything from local friends to tiger-hunting tales" and that Rajam asked about Swaminathan's books. It does not say that they talked about the school day or the behaviour of their classmates.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: The atmosphere was pleasant with good food and good conversation. — Incorrect. True in the passage: "the atmosphere is pleasant with good food and good conversation".
Option 2: They talked about their friends and exchanged notes on hunting tales. — Incorrect. True in the passage: they chat "about everything from local friends to tiger-hunting tales".
Option 3: His friend was interested in his books, adding to the comedic moments. — Incorrect. True in the passage: Swaminathan feels shy "when Rajam inquires about his books, adding to the comedic moments".