Reading Comprehension Questions

Multiple choice

Which of the following options is true according to the author?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

The customer of today is different from the one of yesteryears. Today’s customer knows how to avoid marketing efforts directed at him. He has a caller ID on his telephone to block unwanted calls, a spam and popup blocker on his Internet. He even has a TiVo which records his favorite TV programs, minus the advertisements. Traditional branding models using traditional media will no longer work. As someone once said, “How do you become a millionaire?” "Become a billionaire and then buy an airline !” Then someone modified it and said, “buy a newspaper!” With advertising revenues dwindling steadily, traditional media like newspapers, magazines are singing their swan song too, making brand building more challenging.

When Wieden + Kennedy created the ”Just Do It” campaign for Nike, TV and print helped spread the magic of ‘swoosh’ the world over. Today, Nike is finding itself out -of -sync with its target consumers, for they are now tuning into different forms of media . It's more the digital and interactive ones that have got them hooked . Almost all top brands today have started spending less and less on advertising . MacDonald’s has cut its TV ads from 80% to 50%. Samsung, unlike Sony, advertises on TV only during the last six months of the year when sales peak.

Like most cult brands, Ikea too spends very less money on advertising. They prefer to generate a word- of- mouth. Johnson and Johnson, which traditionally spent a lot on TV and print, changed its media spending pattern last year. Plain advertising is no longer working and marketers need to look beyond the comfort of 30-second TV spots . The new generation is, in fact, averse to “in- your- face –marketing” efforts. One needs to think of novel ways of reaching out to today’s customers.
  1. Advertising revenues are increasing.

  2. Advertising revenues are dwindling.

  3. Advertising revenues are constant.

  4. Advertising revenues are cyclic.

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The passage clearly states that 'advertising revenues are dwindling'.

Multiple choice

What do cult brands depend upon?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

The customer of today is different from the one of yesteryears. Today’s customer knows how to avoid marketing efforts directed at him. He has a caller ID on his telephone to block unwanted calls, a spam and popup blocker on his Internet. He even has a TiVo which records his favorite TV programs, minus the advertisements. Traditional branding models using traditional media will no longer work. As someone once said, “How do you become a millionaire?” "Become a billionaire and then buy an airline !” Then someone modified it and said, “buy a newspaper!” With advertising revenues dwindling steadily, traditional media like newspapers, magazines are singing their swan song too, making brand building more challenging.

When Wieden + Kennedy created the ”Just Do It” campaign for Nike, TV and print helped spread the magic of ‘swoosh’ the world over. Today, Nike is finding itself out -of -sync with its target consumers, for they are now tuning into different forms of media . It's more the digital and interactive ones that have got them hooked . Almost all top brands today have started spending less and less on advertising . MacDonald’s has cut its TV ads from 80% to 50%. Samsung, unlike Sony, advertises on TV only during the last six months of the year when sales peak.

Like most cult brands, Ikea too spends very less money on advertising. They prefer to generate a word- of- mouth. Johnson and Johnson, which traditionally spent a lot on TV and print, changed its media spending pattern last year. Plain advertising is no longer working and marketers need to look beyond the comfort of 30-second TV spots . The new generation is, in fact, averse to “in- your- face –marketing” efforts. One needs to think of novel ways of reaching out to today’s customers.
  1. Advertising

  2. Word of mouth

  3. Internet advertising

  4. All of the above

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

As per the passage 'Like most cult brands, Ikea too spends very less money on advertising. They prefer to generate a word of mouth'.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is true according to the author?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

The customer of today is different from the one of yesteryears. Today’s customer knows how to avoid marketing efforts directed at him. He has a caller ID on his telephone to block unwanted calls, a spam and popup blocker on his Internet. He even has a TiVo which records his favorite TV programs, minus the advertisements. Traditional branding models using traditional media will no longer work. As someone once said, “How do you become a millionaire?” "Become a billionaire and then buy an airline !” Then someone modified it and said, “buy a newspaper!” With advertising revenues dwindling steadily, traditional media like newspapers, magazines are singing their swan song too, making brand building more challenging.

When Wieden + Kennedy created the ”Just Do It” campaign for Nike, TV and print helped spread the magic of ‘swoosh’ the world over. Today, Nike is finding itself out -of -sync with its target consumers, for they are now tuning into different forms of media . It's more the digital and interactive ones that have got them hooked . Almost all top brands today have started spending less and less on advertising . MacDonald’s has cut its TV ads from 80% to 50%. Samsung, unlike Sony, advertises on TV only during the last six months of the year when sales peak.

Like most cult brands, Ikea too spends very less money on advertising. They prefer to generate a word- of- mouth. Johnson and Johnson, which traditionally spent a lot on TV and print, changed its media spending pattern last year. Plain advertising is no longer working and marketers need to look beyond the comfort of 30-second TV spots . The new generation is, in fact, averse to “in- your- face –marketing” efforts. One needs to think of novel ways of reaching out to today’s customers.
  1. Mass media is losing its sheen.

  2. Mass media is picking up.

  3. Mass Media is clutter free.

  4. All of the above

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

 The entire passage talks about the failing effect of popular media like TV, newspapers and magazines.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is true as per the passage?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

The customer of today is different from the one of yesteryears. Today’s customer knows how to avoid marketing efforts directed at him. He has a caller ID on his telephone to block unwanted calls, a spam and popup blocker on his Internet. He even has a TiVo which records his favorite TV programs, minus the advertisements. Traditional branding models using traditional media will no longer work. As someone once said, “How do you become a millionaire?” "Become a billionaire and then buy an airline !” Then someone modified it and said, “buy a newspaper!” With advertising revenues dwindling steadily, traditional media like newspapers, magazines are singing their swan song too, making brand building more challenging.

When Wieden + Kennedy created the ”Just Do It” campaign for Nike, TV and print helped spread the magic of ‘swoosh’ the world over. Today, Nike is finding itself out -of -sync with its target consumers, for they are now tuning into different forms of media . It's more the digital and interactive ones that have got them hooked . Almost all top brands today have started spending less and less on advertising . MacDonald’s has cut its TV ads from 80% to 50%. Samsung, unlike Sony, advertises on TV only during the last six months of the year when sales peak.

Like most cult brands, Ikea too spends very less money on advertising. They prefer to generate a word- of- mouth. Johnson and Johnson, which traditionally spent a lot on TV and print, changed its media spending pattern last year. Plain advertising is no longer working and marketers need to look beyond the comfort of 30-second TV spots . The new generation is, in fact, averse to “in- your- face –marketing” efforts. One needs to think of novel ways of reaching out to today’s customers.
  1. Traditional media is interactive.

  2. Traditional media is not interactive.

  3. Both of the above

  4. None of the above

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The traditional methods of advertising like TV, newspapers, etc., are failing because they lack interaction with the customers.

Multiple choice
  1. Dysfunctional behaviour is picked up through company.

  2. Dysfunctional behaviour is hard wired in the human brain.

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

It is mentioned in the passage that certain dysfunctional activities are hardwired in the human brain and these unhealthy activities beget more of the same.

Multiple choice

What is the meaning of 'in your face marketing'?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

The customer of today is different from the one of yesteryears. Today’s customer knows how to avoid marketing efforts directed at him. He has a caller ID on his telephone to block unwanted calls, a spam and popup blocker on his Internet. He even has a TiVo which records his favorite TV programs, minus the advertisements. Traditional branding models using traditional media will no longer work. As someone once said, “How do you become a millionaire?” "Become a billionaire and then buy an airline !” Then someone modified it and said, “buy a newspaper!” With advertising revenues dwindling steadily, traditional media like newspapers, magazines are singing their swan song too, making brand building more challenging.

When Wieden + Kennedy created the ”Just Do It” campaign for Nike, TV and print helped spread the magic of ‘swoosh’ the world over. Today, Nike is finding itself out -of -sync with its target consumers, for they are now tuning into different forms of media . It's more the digital and interactive ones that have got them hooked . Almost all top brands today have started spending less and less on advertising . MacDonald’s has cut its TV ads from 80% to 50%. Samsung, unlike Sony, advertises on TV only during the last six months of the year when sales peak.

Like most cult brands, Ikea too spends very less money on advertising. They prefer to generate a word- of- mouth. Johnson and Johnson, which traditionally spent a lot on TV and print, changed its media spending pattern last year. Plain advertising is no longer working and marketers need to look beyond the comfort of 30-second TV spots . The new generation is, in fact, averse to “in- your- face –marketing” efforts. One needs to think of novel ways of reaching out to today’s customers.
  1. Blatant marketing

  2. Bold marketing

  3. Right marketing

  4. Punk marketing

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

'In your face marketing' means marketing that is very direct and candid.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

The customer of today is different from the one of yesteryears. Today’s customer knows how to avoid marketing efforts directed at him. He has a caller ID on his telephone to block unwanted calls, a spam and popup blocker on his Internet. He even has a TiVo which records his favorite TV programs, minus the advertisements. Traditional branding models using traditional media will no longer work. As someone once said, “How do you become a millionaire?” "Become a billionaire and then buy an airline !” Then someone modified it and said, “buy a newspaper!” With advertising revenues dwindling steadily, traditional media like newspapers, magazines are singing their swan song too, making brand building more challenging.

When Wieden + Kennedy created the ”Just Do It” campaign for Nike, TV and print helped spread the magic of ‘swoosh’ the world over. Today, Nike is finding itself out -of -sync with its target consumers, for they are now tuning into different forms of media . It's more the digital and interactive ones that have got them hooked . Almost all top brands today have started spending less and less on advertising . MacDonald’s has cut its TV ads from 80% to 50%. Samsung, unlike Sony, advertises on TV only during the last six months of the year when sales peak.

Like most cult brands, Ikea too spends very less money on advertising. They prefer to generate a word- of- mouth. Johnson and Johnson, which traditionally spent a lot on TV and print, changed its media spending pattern last year. Plain advertising is no longer working and marketers need to look beyond the comfort of 30-second TV spots . The new generation is, in fact, averse to “in- your- face –marketing” efforts. One needs to think of novel ways of reaching out to today’s customers.
  1. Companies are increasing traditional advertising expenditure.

  2. Companies are decreasing traditional advertising expenditure.

  3. Advertising expenditures are constant.

  4. None of the above

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

 The passage talks about how companies are now moving away from traditional methods of advertising.

Multiple choice

Spam means ____________.

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

The customer of today is different from the one of yesteryears. Today’s customer knows how to avoid marketing efforts directed at him. He has a caller ID on his telephone to block unwanted calls, a spam and popup blocker on his Internet. He even has a TiVo which records his favorite TV programs, minus the advertisements. Traditional branding models using traditional media will no longer work. As someone once said, “How do you become a millionaire?” "Become a billionaire and then buy an airline !” Then someone modified it and said, “buy a newspaper!” With advertising revenues dwindling steadily, traditional media like newspapers, magazines are singing their swan song too, making brand building more challenging.

When Wieden + Kennedy created the ”Just Do It” campaign for Nike, TV and print helped spread the magic of ‘swoosh’ the world over. Today, Nike is finding itself out -of -sync with its target consumers, for they are now tuning into different forms of media . It's more the digital and interactive ones that have got them hooked . Almost all top brands today have started spending less and less on advertising . MacDonald’s has cut its TV ads from 80% to 50%. Samsung, unlike Sony, advertises on TV only during the last six months of the year when sales peak.

Like most cult brands, Ikea too spends very less money on advertising. They prefer to generate a word- of- mouth. Johnson and Johnson, which traditionally spent a lot on TV and print, changed its media spending pattern last year. Plain advertising is no longer working and marketers need to look beyond the comfort of 30-second TV spots . The new generation is, in fact, averse to “in- your- face –marketing” efforts. One needs to think of novel ways of reaching out to today’s customers.
  1. unsolicited messages

  2. solicited messages

  3. porn advertisements

  4. bulk mails

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Spam means 'unwanted or unsolicited mails'.

Multiple choice

Cult brand means _________.

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

The customer of today is different from the one of yesteryears. Today’s customer knows how to avoid marketing efforts directed at him. He has a caller ID on his telephone to block unwanted calls, a spam and popup blocker on his Internet. He even has a TiVo which records his favorite TV programs, minus the advertisements. Traditional branding models using traditional media will no longer work. As someone once said, “How do you become a millionaire?” "Become a billionaire and then buy an airline !” Then someone modified it and said, “buy a newspaper!” With advertising revenues dwindling steadily, traditional media like newspapers, magazines are singing their swan song too, making brand building more challenging.

When Wieden + Kennedy created the ”Just Do It” campaign for Nike, TV and print helped spread the magic of ‘swoosh’ the world over. Today, Nike is finding itself out -of -sync with its target consumers, for they are now tuning into different forms of media . It's more the digital and interactive ones that have got them hooked . Almost all top brands today have started spending less and less on advertising . MacDonald’s has cut its TV ads from 80% to 50%. Samsung, unlike Sony, advertises on TV only during the last six months of the year when sales peak.

Like most cult brands, Ikea too spends very less money on advertising. They prefer to generate a word- of- mouth. Johnson and Johnson, which traditionally spent a lot on TV and print, changed its media spending pattern last year. Plain advertising is no longer working and marketers need to look beyond the comfort of 30-second TV spots . The new generation is, in fact, averse to “in- your- face –marketing” efforts. One needs to think of novel ways of reaching out to today’s customers.
  1. brand with a slight following

  2. brand with a mass following

  3. brand without following

  4. brand associated with a cult

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

 Cult brands refer to the brands that are known and already have a huge number of loyal consumers. 

Multiple choice

What is TiVo used for?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

The customer of today is different from the one of yesteryears. Today’s customer knows how to avoid marketing efforts directed at him. He has a caller ID on his telephone to block unwanted calls, a spam and popup blocker on his Internet. He even has a TiVo which records his favorite TV programs, minus the advertisements. Traditional branding models using traditional media will no longer work. As someone once said, “How do you become a millionaire?” "Become a billionaire and then buy an airline !” Then someone modified it and said, “buy a newspaper!” With advertising revenues dwindling steadily, traditional media like newspapers, magazines are singing their swan song too, making brand building more challenging.

When Wieden + Kennedy created the ”Just Do It” campaign for Nike, TV and print helped spread the magic of ‘swoosh’ the world over. Today, Nike is finding itself out -of -sync with its target consumers, for they are now tuning into different forms of media . It's more the digital and interactive ones that have got them hooked . Almost all top brands today have started spending less and less on advertising . MacDonald’s has cut its TV ads from 80% to 50%. Samsung, unlike Sony, advertises on TV only during the last six months of the year when sales peak.

Like most cult brands, Ikea too spends very less money on advertising. They prefer to generate a word- of- mouth. Johnson and Johnson, which traditionally spent a lot on TV and print, changed its media spending pattern last year. Plain advertising is no longer working and marketers need to look beyond the comfort of 30-second TV spots . The new generation is, in fact, averse to “in- your- face –marketing” efforts. One needs to think of novel ways of reaching out to today’s customers.
  1. To record adverts

  2. To record programs

  3. To record both programs and adverts

  4. None of the above

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The first paragraph contains the answer; ' He even has a TiVo which records his favourite TV programs, minus the advertisements.'.

Multiple choice

Which of the following options do we need for attracting today's consumer?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

The customer of today is different from the one of yesteryears. Today’s customer knows how to avoid marketing efforts directed at him. He has a caller ID on his telephone to block unwanted calls, a spam and popup blocker on his Internet. He even has a TiVo which records his favorite TV programs, minus the advertisements. Traditional branding models using traditional media will no longer work. As someone once said, “How do you become a millionaire?” "Become a billionaire and then buy an airline !” Then someone modified it and said, “buy a newspaper!” With advertising revenues dwindling steadily, traditional media like newspapers, magazines are singing their swan song too, making brand building more challenging.

When Wieden + Kennedy created the ”Just Do It” campaign for Nike, TV and print helped spread the magic of ‘swoosh’ the world over. Today, Nike is finding itself out -of -sync with its target consumers, for they are now tuning into different forms of media . It's more the digital and interactive ones that have got them hooked . Almost all top brands today have started spending less and less on advertising . MacDonald’s has cut its TV ads from 80% to 50%. Samsung, unlike Sony, advertises on TV only during the last six months of the year when sales peak.

Like most cult brands, Ikea too spends very less money on advertising. They prefer to generate a word- of- mouth. Johnson and Johnson, which traditionally spent a lot on TV and print, changed its media spending pattern last year. Plain advertising is no longer working and marketers need to look beyond the comfort of 30-second TV spots . The new generation is, in fact, averse to “in- your- face –marketing” efforts. One needs to think of novel ways of reaching out to today’s customers.
  1. Time tested methods

  2. Traditional models

  3. Novel ways of marketing

  4. All of the above

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

 It can be inferred from the passage that traditional methods of advertising have lost its mark, what is required now is 'out of the box' ideas to capture the consumers.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the most appropriate title for the given passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the question that follows. Certain words/phrases have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering the question.

There was once a poor farmer who went to the money-lender's house and asked him the secret of becoming rich. The money-lender piously told the farmer that riches came from God and he should ask him.

The simple farmer set out to find God. On his way, he found a poor man sitting under a tree. The poor man asked him about his journey and the farmer told him that he was going to find God! The poor man smiled and said, "I am God! What do you want of me?" The farmer told him the whole story, and God, taking pity on him, gave him a conch shell, and showed him how to blow it in a particular way, saying, “Just remember, whatever you wish for, you have only to blow the conch this way, and your wish will be fulfilled. Only have a care of that money-lender, for even magic is not proof against his wiles!"

The farmer went back to his village, rejoicing. The money-lender noticed his high spirits at once and went over to the farmer's house, and congratulated him on his good fortune . The farmer told him the whole story—everything except the secret of blowing the conch.

Nevertheless, the money-lender was determined to have the conch by hook or by crook, and waited for a favorable opportunity and stole the conch.

He tried blowing the conch in every conceivable way but had to give it up as a bad job. So, he went back to the farmer, and said, "I've got your conch, but it is of no use to either of us. Everything is at a stand-still unless we make a bargain. I will give you back your conch, and never interfere with your using it, on one condition, which is this, whatever you get from it, I am to get double."

The farmer refused the bargain but the wily money-lender persuaded him; "You will have your share! What does it matter to you if I am rich or poor?" So, though it went sorely against the grain to be of any benefit to a money-lender, the farmer was forced to yield and the knowledge of this fact so preyed upon the farmer's mind day and night, that he had no satisfaction out of anything.

There came a very dry season, - so dry that the farmer's crops withered for want of rain. Then he blew his conch, and wished for a well to water them, but the money-lender got two! This was too much for him to stand; and he brooded over it, till at last a bright idea came into his head. He seized the conch, blew it loudly, and cried out, "Oh, God! I wish to be blind of one eye!" And so he was, in a twinkling. But the money-lender became completely blind. He fell into his new well and drowned.

  1. The Revenge of The Farmer

  2. A Blind Money-Lender

  3. The Farmer and The Money-Lender

  4. The Money-Lender Who Guided The Farmer

  5. The Conch Shell of Wishes

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The passage tells us a story about a farmer and a money-lender. It covers a certain time period and many different situations that they go through. The story is not just about one of them or about the conch shell, but focuses on both of them. Thus, the appropriate title is ‘The Farmer and The Money-Lender’.

Multiple choice

Which of the following words is nearly the same in meaning to the word ‘fortune’ as given in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the question that follows. Certain words/phrases have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering the question.

There was once a poor farmer who went to the money-lender's house and asked him the secret of becoming rich. The money-lender piously told the farmer that riches came from God and he should ask him.

The simple farmer set out to find God. On his way, he found a poor man sitting under a tree. The poor man asked him about his journey and the farmer told him that he was going to find God! The poor man smiled and said, "I am God! What do you want of me?" The farmer told him the whole story, and God, taking pity on him, gave him a conch shell, and showed him how to blow it in a particular way, saying, “Just remember, whatever you wish for, you have only to blow the conch this way, and your wish will be fulfilled. Only have a care of that money-lender, for even magic is not proof against his wiles!"

The farmer went back to his village, rejoicing. The money-lender noticed his high spirits at once and went over to the farmer's house, and congratulated him on his good fortune . The farmer told him the whole story—everything except the secret of blowing the conch.

Nevertheless, the money-lender was determined to have the conch by hook or by crook, and waited for a favorable opportunity and stole the conch.

He tried blowing the conch in every conceivable way but had to give it up as a bad job. So, he went back to the farmer, and said, "I've got your conch, but it is of no use to either of us. Everything is at a stand-still unless we make a bargain. I will give you back your conch, and never interfere with your using it, on one condition, which is this, whatever you get from it, I am to get double."

The farmer refused the bargain but the wily money-lender persuaded him; "You will have your share! What does it matter to you if I am rich or poor?" So, though it went sorely against the grain to be of any benefit to a money-lender, the farmer was forced to yield and the knowledge of this fact so preyed upon the farmer's mind day and night, that he had no satisfaction out of anything.

There came a very dry season, - so dry that the farmer's crops withered for want of rain. Then he blew his conch, and wished for a well to water them, but the money-lender got two! This was too much for him to stand; and he brooded over it, till at last a bright idea came into his head. He seized the conch, blew it loudly, and cried out, "Oh, God! I wish to be blind of one eye!" And so he was, in a twinkling. But the money-lender became completely blind. He fell into his new well and drowned.

  1. Bounty

  2. Riches

  3. Debt

  4. Luck

  5. Wealth

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Option 4 is correct as in this context, the money-lender thinks that something good or something that consists of good luck must have happened to the farmer for him to be so happy. Thus, this is correct. Bounty is a reward given once. Riches and wealth are synonymous to fortune, but incorrect in this context as the money-lender did not think that the farmer has become rich or has gained wealth, but only that something that has turned his luck has happened. Debt is antonymous to fortune or wealth.

Multiple choice

What prompted the farmer to visit the money-lender's house?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the question that follows. Certain words/phrases have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering the question.

There was once a poor farmer who went to the money-lender's house and asked him the secret of becoming rich. The money-lender piously told the farmer that riches came from God and he should ask him.

The simple farmer set out to find God. On his way, he found a poor man sitting under a tree. The poor man asked him about his journey and the farmer told him that he was going to find God! The poor man smiled and said, "I am God! What do you want of me?" The farmer told him the whole story, and God, taking pity on him, gave him a conch shell, and showed him how to blow it in a particular way, saying, “Just remember, whatever you wish for, you have only to blow the conch this way, and your wish will be fulfilled. Only have a care of that money-lender, for even magic is not proof against his wiles!"

The farmer went back to his village, rejoicing. The money-lender noticed his high spirits at once and went over to the farmer's house, and congratulated him on his good fortune . The farmer told him the whole story—everything except the secret of blowing the conch.

Nevertheless, the money-lender was determined to have the conch by hook or by crook, and waited for a favorable opportunity and stole the conch.

He tried blowing the conch in every conceivable way but had to give it up as a bad job. So, he went back to the farmer, and said, "I've got your conch, but it is of no use to either of us. Everything is at a stand-still unless we make a bargain. I will give you back your conch, and never interfere with your using it, on one condition, which is this, whatever you get from it, I am to get double."

The farmer refused the bargain but the wily money-lender persuaded him; "You will have your share! What does it matter to you if I am rich or poor?" So, though it went sorely against the grain to be of any benefit to a money-lender, the farmer was forced to yield and the knowledge of this fact so preyed upon the farmer's mind day and night, that he had no satisfaction out of anything.

There came a very dry season, - so dry that the farmer's crops withered for want of rain. Then he blew his conch, and wished for a well to water them, but the money-lender got two! This was too much for him to stand; and he brooded over it, till at last a bright idea came into his head. He seized the conch, blew it loudly, and cried out, "Oh, God! I wish to be blind of one eye!" And so he was, in a twinkling. But the money-lender became completely blind. He fell into his new well and drowned.

  1. His exploitation at the hands of the money-lender

  2. His desire to get rid of the money-lender

  3. A bad season of harvest that rendered the money-lender penniless

  4. His wish to know the reason behind the money-lender's prosperity

  5. His determination to confront the money-lender after the theft of his conch shell

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The farmer wanted to know the way to become rich. This he could know by knowing the reason behind the money lender's prosperity.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is/are true according to the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the question that follows. Certain words/phrases have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering the question.

There was once a poor farmer who went to the money-lender's house and asked him the secret of becoming rich. The money-lender piously told the farmer that riches came from God and he should ask him.

The simple farmer set out to find God. On his way, he found a poor man sitting under a tree. The poor man asked him about his journey and the farmer told him that he was going to find God! The poor man smiled and said, "I am God! What do you want of me?" The farmer told him the whole story, and God, taking pity on him, gave him a conch shell, and showed him how to blow it in a particular way, saying, “Just remember, whatever you wish for, you have only to blow the conch this way, and your wish will be fulfilled. Only have a care of that money-lender, for even magic is not proof against his wiles!"

The farmer went back to his village, rejoicing. The money-lender noticed his high spirits at once and went over to the farmer's house, and congratulated him on his good fortune . The farmer told him the whole story—everything except the secret of blowing the conch.

Nevertheless, the money-lender was determined to have the conch by hook or by crook, and waited for a favorable opportunity and stole the conch.

He tried blowing the conch in every conceivable way but had to give it up as a bad job. So, he went back to the farmer, and said, "I've got your conch, but it is of no use to either of us. Everything is at a stand-still unless we make a bargain. I will give you back your conch, and never interfere with your using it, on one condition, which is this, whatever you get from it, I am to get double."

The farmer refused the bargain but the wily money-lender persuaded him; "You will have your share! What does it matter to you if I am rich or poor?" So, though it went sorely against the grain to be of any benefit to a money-lender, the farmer was forced to yield and the knowledge of this fact so preyed upon the farmer's mind day and night, that he had no satisfaction out of anything.

There came a very dry season, - so dry that the farmer's crops withered for want of rain. Then he blew his conch, and wished for a well to water them, but the money-lender got two! This was too much for him to stand; and he brooded over it, till at last a bright idea came into his head. He seized the conch, blew it loudly, and cried out, "Oh, God! I wish to be blind of one eye!" And so he was, in a twinkling. But the money-lender became completely blind. He fell into his new well and drowned.

  1. The money-lender showed himself to be a very religious person.

  2. The farmer was a vindictive man.

  3. The money-lender tried hard to blow the conch but failed.

  4. All of the above

  5. None of these

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Option 4 is correct as all statements are correct. The farmer wanted to know the source of money-lender's riches and he posed to be religious by telling him to ask God for it. The farmer resented the money-lender's good fortune due to his wishes. Thus, he wished to become blind. He was thus, a vindictive man. It is mentioned that "He (the money-lender) tried blowing the conch in every conceivable way but had to give up the secret as a bad job".