Read the extract and answer the following questions-
Extract :
I look at the flute seller standing in a corner of the square near the hotel. In his hand is a pole with an attachment at the top from which fifty or sixty bansuris protrude in all directions, like the quills of a porcupine. They are of bamboo: there are crossflutes and recorders. From time to time he stands the pole on the ground, selects a flute and plays for a few minutes. The sound rises clearly above the noise of the traffic and the hawkers’ cries. He plays slowly, meditatively, without excessive display. He does not shout out his wares. Occasionally he makes a sale, but in a curiously offhanded way as if this were incidental to his enterprise. Sometimes he breaks off playing to talk to the fruit seller. I imagine that this has been the pattern of his life for years.
(Kathmandu)
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Question (i)
What are the two types of flutes that the flute seller has? Answer in one word each.
Answer:
Answer as written by the student:
Cross-flutes and recorders.
Step by step explanation:
- 👉 To answer this question, we need to identify the two types of flutes that the author mentions in the extract.
- 👉 The author says that the flute seller has "bansuris" of bamboo, which are a type of Indian flute. He also says that there are "cross-flutes and recorders".
- 👉 A cross-flute is a flute that is held horizontally and blown across a hole at one end. A recorder is a flute that is held vertically and blown into a mouthpiece at one end.
- 👉 Therefore, the two types of flutes that the flute seller has are cross-flutes and recorders. 🎶
Question (ii)
How does the author describe the way the flute seller plays his flute? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer:
Answer as written by the student:
The author describes the way the flute seller plays his flute as slow, meditative, and without excessive display. He implies that the flute seller plays for his own enjoyment and not to attract customers or show off his skills.
Step by step explanation:
- 👉 To answer this question, we need to find the words and phrases that the author uses to describe the way the flute seller plays his flute in the extract.
- 👉 The author says that he plays " slowly, meditatively, without excessive display ". These words suggest that the flute seller plays with calmness, concentration, and modesty.
- 👉 The author also says that he does not shout out his wares and that he makes sales in a curiously offhanded way. These phrases imply that the flute seller is not interested in selling his flutes or making money from his music.
- 👉 Therefore, the author describes the way the flute seller plays his flute as slow, meditative, and without excessive display. 🎵
Question (iii)
Read the following statements (a)-(c) and identify which one is an inference based on the extract.
(a) The flute seller is a Tibetan immigrant.
(b) The flute seller is passionate about music.
(c) The flute seller is poor and unhappy.
Answer:
Answer as written by the student:
(b) The flute seller is passionate about music.
Step by step explanation:
- 👉 To answer this question, we need to understand what an inference is and how to distinguish it from a fact or an opinion.
- 👉 An inference is a logical conclusion drawn from evidence or clues. It is not directly stated in the text, but it can be supported by it.
- 👉 A fact is something that can be verified as true or false by observation or research. It is usually stated clearly in the text or can be checked with other sources.
- 👉 An opinion is a personal judgment or belief that may or may not be based on facts. It is usually expressed with words like think, feel, believe, etc.
- 👉 Statement (a) is a fact because it can be verified by looking at the extract. The author says that many of the small shops near the stupa are owned by Tibetan immigrants. This does not mean that the flute seller is one of them, but it is possible to check with him or other sources.
- 👉 Statement (c) is an opinion because it is a personal judgment that may or may not be based on facts. The extract does not give any information about the flute seller's income or happiness. One may assume that he is poor and unhappy because he sells flutes on the street, but this is not necessarily true. He may enjoy his life and music.
- 👉 Statement (b) is an inference because it is a logical conclusion drawn from evidence or clues in the extract. The author shows that the flute seller plays his flute for a few minutes every now and then, with a sense of stillness and meditation. He also shows that he does not care much about selling his flutes or making money from his music. These clues suggest that he is passionate about music and plays for his own satisfaction.
- 👉 Therefore, statement (b) is an inference based on the extract. 🎼
Question (iv)
What impression does the author create of the flute seller in this extract? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer:
Answer as written by the student:
The author creates an impression of the flute seller as a calm, modest, and contented person who loves music and lives a simple life. He portrays him as someone who stands out from the noise and hustle of the city with his stillness and quietness.
Step by step explanation:
- 👉 To answer this question, we need to analyze how the author uses words and phrases to create an impression of the flute seller in this extract.
- 👉 The author uses words and phrases that contrast the flute seller with his surroundings. For example, he uses "stillness" versus "noise", "haven of quietness" versus "busy streets", "slowly, meditatively" versus "hawkers' cries", etc. These words and phrases show that the flute seller is calm and peaceful in a chaotic and noisy environment.
- 👉 The author also uses words and phrases that show the flute seller's modesty and contentment . For example, he uses "without excessive display", "curiously offhanded", "incidental to his enterprise", etc. These words and phrases show that the flute seller is not interested in impressing others or making money from his music. He is happy with his simple life and music.
- 👉 Therefore, the author creates an impression of the flute seller as a calm, modest, and contented person who loves music and lives a simple life. 🎸
