Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English The Thief’s Story Important Question Answers from Kumarbharti Book
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Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English Kumarbharti Lesson The Thief’s Story Textbook Questions
- Read the following incident.
Lokesh had always been a class-topper in tests and examinations. However, invariably, he used foul means during exams to gain those high marks.
Once, on the day of the History examination, Lokesh realized that his classmate and friend Farhan came all prepared for Maths instead of History. Farhan had become desperate. So Lokesh offered to let him copy from his answer-sheet, since Farhan sat just behind him.
Farhan refused. He said, ‘‘It’s all right even if I get a zero, but I can call it my own zero. I do not want to score a single mark, unearned. Cheating in exams is for cowards. Not me!’’
These words were a turning point in Lokesh’s life. He gave up cheating forever.
He worked hard for what he desired and never, ever used false measures to acquire anything.
(a) In the given story, which words/phrases can be replaced by the following ones?
(i) became aware ………………………
(ii) always ………………………
(iii) very upset and helpless ………………………
(iv) cheating ………………………
(v) without working for it ………………………
(vi) a sudden change ………………………
(vii) gain/achieve ………………………
Answer-
(i) became aware – realized
(ii) always – invariably
(iii) very upset and helpless – desperate
(iv) cheating – foul means
(v) without working for it – unearned
(vi) a sudden change – a turning point
(vii) gain/achieve – acquire
(b) Summarize the incident in 6 to 8 lines making Lokesh, the narrator :
Begin with : ‘I was always a class topper. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Answer-
I was always the top scorer in exams, but not honestly. I cheated! One day, my friend Farhan mixed up his exams and panicked. I offered him to copy from me, but he refused. He said getting a zero he earned was better than cheating. Farhan’s words hit me hard. From that day on, I stopped cheating and worked hard to achieve things on my own.
What is the narrator quite successful at?
Ans. The narrator, Hari, is quite successful at being a thief.
Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story?
Ans. ‘I’ refers to Hari, the young thief who is the narrator of the story.
Why did the narrator change his name every month?
Ans. The narrator, Hari, was a thief. He used to change his name every month to avoid the police and his former employers.
What favours did Anil do for the narrator?
Ans. Anil offered Hari a place to stay, food, trust and a chance to learn to read and write.
What proves that the narrator still practised deceit?
Ans. Hari made a little money by cheating Anil while buying the day’s supplies.
What could have caused the scars on Hari’s face?
Ans. Harsh living conditions and injuries while committing theft and escaping the police might have caused the scars on Hari’s face.
Why did Hari hesitate to board the train?
Ans. Hari felt guilty and ashamed as he had stolen from Anil, hence he hesitated to board the train.
Why does Hari believe that friends were more trouble than help?
Ans. As a thief, trusting others could be a risk. Hari might have chosen isolation to avoid getting caught.
What is face reading?
Ans. Face reading is a pseudoscience that claims to analyse a person’s character or personality based on their facial features.
What were Hari’s regrets as he pondered over his theft?
Ans. Hari regretted the lost chance of not being able to learn to read and write from Anil.
Why did Hari feel nervous?
Ans. Hari felt nervous because he was afraid of getting caught.
Does Anil realise that he has been robbed?
Ans. Anil probably realised that he had been robbed due to the dampness in the currency notes.
Why did Hari give a genuine appealing smile?
Ans. Hari felt grateful for Anil’s forgiveness, hence he gave a genuine appealing smile.
- Complete the web diagram.
- Insert the appropriate word/phrase given below, in the sentences that follow.
(flattery, appealing, by fits and starts, dashed to, undetected, spirits rose )
(a) I …………… the school gate when I heard the school-bell ring.
(b) After the death of my pet dog, my …………… when dad got me a new pup.
(c) Do not stoop to …………… just to gain something from someone.
(d) The artist completes his paintings ……………
(e) The crime went …………… for 11 years.
(f) When the baby saw its mother it gave an …………… smile.
Answer-
(a) I dashed to the school gate when I heard the school-bell ring.
(b) After the death of my pet dog, my spirits rose when dad got me a new pup.
(c) Do not stoop to flattery just to gain something from someone.
(d) The artist completes his paintings by fits and starts.
(e) The crime went undetected for 11 years.
(f) When the baby saw its mother it gave an appealing smile.
- (a) Find from the text the collocation for the following.
(i) ………. dog
(ii) ………. man
(iii) ticket ……….
(iv) ………. slowly
(v) ………. drizzle
(vi) ………. sentences
(vii) spirits ……….
Answer-
(i) stray dog
(ii) greedy man
(iii) ticket office
(iv) walked slowly
(v) light drizzle
(vi) whole sentences
(vii) spirits rose
(b) Complete the compound words from the story.
(i) oil ………
(ii) fifty ………
(iii) easy ………
(iv) ……… tower
(v) moon ………
Answer-
(i) oil-rich
(ii) fifty-rupee
(iii) easy-going
(iv) clock-tower
(v) moon-light
(c) Pick out from the story 3 or 4 examples of Code-mixing (Indian words used in English).
Answer-
Bazaar
Maidan
Pyjamas
- Read the story carefully and complete the table.
| Total no. of characters | Names | Ages | Physical appearance | Earned money by | Qualities |
| ………. | ……… | ……………………… | …………….. | ……………………… | |
| ……….. | ……… | ……………………….. | ……………… | ……………………… |
Answer-
| Total no. of characters | Names | Ages | Physical appearance | Earned money by | Qualities |
| 2 | Anil | 25 | tall, lean, with a clear, unlined face | writing for magazines; writing books |
|
| Hari | 15 | thin, with many scars on the face | stealing and cheating people |
|
- Complete the given sentences.
(a) Anil kept Hari as a cook because ………………………..
(b) Hari was grateful ………………………..
(c) Hari continued making money ………………………..
(d) Anil didn’t hand Hari over to the police ………………………..
(e) The moral of the story is ………………………..
Answer-
(a) Anil kept Hari as a cook because he felt sorry for the young boy.
(b) Hari was grateful because Anil taught him to read, write and add numbers.
(c) Hari continued making money by cheating Anil while buying the day’s supplies.
(d) Anil didn’t hand Hari over to the police because he hoped Hari would change.
(e) The moral of the story is that kindness and trust can change a person for good.
- Think and write in your own words, in your notebook.
(a) Why did Anil employ Hari as a cook, although he could not afford to pay him?
Ans. Anil might have felt sorry for Hari and his situation, especially if Hari expressed a need for work or food. Knowing he couldn’t afford to pay a wage, Anil might have offered him a place to stay and meals in exchange for his cooking services.
(b) What did Hari learn from Anil in the beginning?
Ans. In the beginning, Anil taught Hari to cook and write his name.
(c) Why didn’t Anil hand over Hari to the police? What effect would it have had on Hari?
Ans. Anil didn’t Anil hand over Hari to the police because he might have believed in giving Hari a second chance. By showing him kindness and trust, Anil hoped Hari would choose honesty over his life of crime.
(d) Do you feel Anil’s way of handling a thief like Hari was effective? Justify your answer.
Ans. Yes, Anil’s way of handling a thief like Hari was effective. He had realised that Hari wished to learn to write whole sentences, get an education and become a respectable man. So by forgiving him and giving him the motivation to learn, he changed Hari.
Anil’s kindness gave Hari a chance to see a different way of life. This could inspire him to change his ways.
(e) What tact had Anil used to change Hari’s dishonest ways?
Ans. By offering Hari a job and a place to stay, Anil showed Hari that he believed in him. Anil offered Hari food, shelter, and trust. He gave Hari a chance to learn to read, write and add and also to cook and contribute to the household.
(f) ‘And the smile came by itself without any effort.’ Say why. When do people give fake smiles?
Ans. The line “And the smile came by itself without any effort” suggests Hari is experiencing genuine happiness. Hari gave an appealing smile as he is grateful for Anil’s forgiveness and the second chance he has been given.
People give fake smiles when they are not really happy.
- Write a character sketch of ‘Hari Singh’ with the help of the following points, using the paragraph format.
|
Answer-
Hari Singh, from Ruskin Bond’s “The Thief’s Story,” is a complex character. At just fifteen, he’s already an experienced and fairly successful thief. He uses different names to avoid getting caught and has likely cheated past employers and the police. Even when working for Anil, he secretly pockets extra money while buying groceries.
Hari has a hidden desire. He is fascinated by Anil’s ability to read and write. When Anil offers to teach him, a spark ignites. Hari starts dreaming of a life beyond stealing, one where he can be respected and achieve things.
Hari stole a large sum of money from Anil. He ran away with Anil’s money, but his heart was filled with guilt and shame. Then something within him stops him. He can’t escape the kindness Anil has shown him. In a surprising act of courage, Hari returns the money, choosing honesty over his old life. This moment reveals a glimmer of hope for Hari’s future. He might not be there yet, but within him lies the potential to break free from his past and become a better person.
- Frame ‘Wh’ questions to get the answers underlined below. (Change the first person pronouns to the second person where necessary.)
(a) I hurried back to the room.
(b) I had made a study of men’s faces.
(c) I drew them out, without a sound.
(d) The poor man showed acceptance.
(e) I made tea in the morning.
Answer-
(a) Where did you hurry back to?
(b) What did you study?
(c) How did you draw them out?
(d) What did the poor man show?
(e) When did you make tea?
- Imagine that Anil catches Hari red-handed when Hari is stealing the money from under the mattress. Compose a short dialogue between the two, which reflects Anil’s shock and Hari’s repeated apologies.
Answer-
Anil: Hari? What are you doing?
(Hari’s face goes pale).
Hari: A-Anil! I, uh… I was just…
Anil: You were taking my money?
Hari: No, no!
Anil: Hari, why?
Hari looks down, tears welling up in his eyes.
Hari: I’m so sorry, Anil. I’m so, so sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking.
(Anil sighs, his anger fading into disappointment.)
Anil: You could have asked me for anything you needed. Why steal?
Hari: I know, I know. I’m a terrible person. Please forgive me, Anil. I won’t do it again, I promise!
Anil: This is the last chance. If you are ever dishonest with me again, I’ll report you to the police.
Hari: I’m sorry, Sir. I won’t give you a reason to be angry again. Thank you so much, I’m grateful for this last chance.
Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English Kumarbharti Lesson The Thief’s Story Extra Questions
Multiple-Choice Questions
- Hari approached Anil because he thought Anil looked
- a) easy-going and trusting
- b) Intelligent and suspicious
- c) Short and unfriendly
- d) Wealthy and generous
- What did Anil do with the meal Hari cooked?
- a) He ate it himself.
- b) He shared it with Hari.
- c) He threw it away.
- d) He gave it to a stray dog.
- What did Anil teach Hari?
- a) How to borrow money.
- b) How to write and do math.
- c) How to celebrate with money.
- d) How to publish books.
- Why does Hari say it’s difficult to rob Anil?
- a) Because Anil is a strong man.
- b) Because Anil doesn’t have much money.
- c) Because Anil was the most trusting man Hari had ever met.
- d) Because Anil has a hidden safe.
- Why does Hari justify stealing from Anil?
- a) Anil will anyway waste money on his friends.
- b) Anil owes him money for his work.
- c) Both A and B
- d) He wants to teach Anil a lesson.
- What amount did Hari steal?
- a) 600 rupees in fifties
- b) 300 rupees in fifties
- c) 200 rupees in fifties
- d) 900 rupees in fifties
- Why did Hari feel nervous when returning the money?
- a) He was worried Anil wouldn’t believe him
- b) He was afraid of getting caught
- c) He didn’t want to wake Anil
- d) He was unsure where to put the money
- What is the significance of Hari’s smile at the end?
- a) It shows he is relieved Anil isn’t angry.
- b) It suggests he is grateful to Anil.
- c) It implies he is planning another theft.
- d) It means he has forgotten about stealing.
- Which train did Hari plan to board?
- a) Punjab Express
- b) Jhelum Express
- c) Lucknow Express
- d) Delhi Express
- “The Thief’s Story” is written by –
- a) R K Narayan
- b) Rabindranath Tagore
- c) Ravinder Singh
- d) Ruskin Bond
Answers-
- a) easy-going and trusting
- d) He gave it to a stray dog.
- b) How to write and do math.
- c) Because Anil was the most trusting man Hari had ever met.
- c) Both A and B
- a) 600 rupees in fifties
- b) He was afraid of getting caught
- b) It suggests he is grateful to Anil.
- c) Lucknow Express
- d) Ruskin Bond
Complete the following table with who said to whom and why. The first one has been done for your reference.
| Statement | Who | Whom | Why |
| 1. You look a bit of a wrestler yourself. | Hari | Anil | Hari said this to flatter Anil and gain his trust. |
| 2. I want to work for you | .…….. | .…….. | ………………………………………… |
| 3. But I can’t pay you | .…….. | .…….. | ………………………………………… |
| 4. Can you feed me? | .…….. | .…….. | ………………………………………… |
| 5.Can you cook? | .…….. | .…….. | ………………………………………… |
| 6. I can cook | .…….. | .…….. | ………………………………………… |
| 7. I made some money yesterday | .…….. | .…….. | ………………………………………… |
| 8. Now you’ll be paid regularly | .…….. | .…….. | ………………………………………… |
Answer-
| Statement | Who | Whom | Why |
| 1. You look a bit of a wrestler yourself. | Hari | Anil | Hari said this to flatter Anil and gain his trust. |
| 2. I want to work for you | Hari | Anil | Hari lied about wanting to work for Anil because his real motive was to gain Anil’s trust and get close enough to steal from him. |
| 3. But I can’t pay you | Anil | Hari | Anil didn’t have a regular income hence he couldn’t pay Hari regularly. |
| 4. Can you feed me? | Hari | Anil | Hari enquired if Anil could feed him instead of paying regular wages. |
| 5.Can you cook? | Anil | Hari | Anil asks this as he was in search of a cook for his household. |
| 6. I can cook | Hari | Anil | Hari lied because he wanted to gain Anil’s trust and get a place to stay and eat while hiding his true identity as a thief. |
| 7. I made some money yesterday | Anil | Hari | Anil didn’t have a regular income, so he informed Hari that he had made some money the previous day. |
| 8. Now you’ll be paid regularly | Anil | Hari | Anil said this likely to reassure the narrator and inform them that they would be receiving regular payment. |
Vocabulary Based MCQs
Directions – Choose the correct meaning of the underlined word from the given options-
- He(Anil) was about 25 — a tall, lean fellow.
(a) Muscular
(b) Thin
(c) Short
(d) Agile
- A little flattery helps in making friends.
(a) Criticism
(b) Insincere compliments
(c) Honesty
(d) Threats
- Anil made money by fits and starts.
(a) He made money quickly and efficiently.
(b) He drew a regular income
(c) He faced delays and interruptions in earning money.
(d) Earning money was a well-organized and smooth process for him.
- His face was clear and unlined; even I had more marks on my face. What is the closest meaning of “unlined” here?
(a) Wrinkled
(b) Smooth
(c) Pale
(d) Scarred
- I did not stop at the ticket office but dashed straight to the platform. What does “dashed” imply about Hari’s movement?
(a) Walked slowly
(b) Ran quickly
(c) Jumped
(d) Sneaked
Directions – Choose the word that is the opposite of the underlined word from the given options-
- I found myself standing alone on the deserted platform.
(a) Crowded
(b) Quiet
(c) Empty
(d) Isolated
- I smiled at Anil in my most appealing way.
(a) Genuine
(b) Warm
(c) Bright
(d) Forced
- Anil talked about the well oiled wrestlers who were grunting, lifting and throwing each other about.
(a) Complaining
(b) Shouting
(c) Whispering
(d) Arguing
- I was startled and quickly crawled out of the room.
(a) Slithered
(b) Inched
(c) Ran
(d) Walked
- The night was chilly — it was early November — and a light drizzle added to my discomfort.
(a) Ease
(b) Pain
(c) Struggle
(d) Defeat
Answers-
- (b) Thin
- (b) Insincere compliments
- c) He faced delays and interruptions in earning money.
- (b) Smooth
- (b) Ran quickly
- (a) Crowded
- (d) Forced
- (c) Whispering
- (c) Ran
- (a) Ease