Extract Based Questions: The Tale of Melon City | English Class 11 PDF Download

Read the extract and answer the following questions.
Extract:
Under the arch he lost his crown.
The arch was built too low. A frown
Appeared upon his placid face.
The King said, ‘This is a disgrace.
The chief of builders will be hanged.’
The rope and gallows were arranged
The chief of builders was led out.
 He passed the King. He gave a shout,
(The tale of the Melon city)

Question (i): What is the name of the king who lost his crown?

(a) The King of Melon City
(b) The King of Watermelon City
(c) The King of Pumpkin City
(d) The King of Cucumber City
Ans: (a) The King of Melon City
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to identify the name of the king who lost his crown in the extract.

• The first sentence of the extract tells us that he lost his crown under the arch. This means that he was wearing a crown and that he was passing under an arch.
• The title of the chapter tells us that the tale is about the melon city. This means that the story is set in a city that is related to melons.
• The previous part of the chapter tells us that the king was very just and placid and that he ordered to build a splendid monument in the center of the city to celebrate his victory over enemies. This means that he was a ruler of a city and that he had won a war.
• Therefore, based on these clues, we can conclude that the name of the king who lost his crown is the King of Melon City.

Question (ii): What does the phrase 'placid face' imply about the king's personality?

(a) He was calm and peaceful
(b) He was angry and violent
(c) He was sad and depressed
(d) He was happy and cheerful
Ans: (a) He was calm and peaceful
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to understand what the phrase 'placid face' means and how it relates to the king's personality in the extract.

• The word "placid" means not easily upset or excited; calm and steady; or pleasantly calm or peaceful; unruffled; tranquil; serenely quiet or undisturbed. It implies that we need to focus on the emotional or mental aspect of the phrase.
• The word "face" means the front part of a person's head from the forehead to the chin, or the corresponding part in an animal; or an expression shown on this part; or a person's appearance or reputation; or a surface or side of something, especially one that is presented to the view or has a particular function. It implies that we need to focus on the visual or physical aspect of the phrase.
• Therefore, the phrase 'placid face' means an expression shown on the front part of a person's head from the forehead to the chin that is not easily upset or excited; calm and steady; or pleasantly calm or peaceful; unruffled; tranquil; serenely quiet or undisturbed.
• This implies something about the king's personality in the extract. It suggests that he was calm and peaceful, not easily upset or excited by anything. It also suggests that he was steady and tranquil, not disturbed or troubled by anything.
• Therefore, based on these clues, we can say that the phrase 'placid face' implies that the king's personality was calm and peaceful.

Question (iii): Complete the sentence appropriately. The word "disgrace" means ____________.

Ans: The word "disgrace" means loss of reputation or respect; or shame or dishonor.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to understand what the word "disgrace" means and how to complete the sentence appropriately.

• The word "disgrace" means loss of reputation or respect as the result of a dishonorable action; or a person or thing regarded as shameful and unacceptable; or bring shame or discredit on someone or something. It implies that we need to focus on the moral or social aspect of the word.
• Therefore, to complete the sentence appropriately, we need to use a word or phrase that describes the moral or social aspect of something or someone that is disgraceful.
• The word or phrase that best describes the moral or social aspect of something or someone that is disgraceful is loss of reputation or respect; or shame or dishonor. This word or phrase captures the idea that something or someone that is disgraceful is not respected or admired by others; or feels ashamed or guilty for doing something wrong.
• Therefore, based on this clue, we can complete the sentence appropriately by saying that the word "disgrace" means loss of reputation or respect; or shame or dishonor.

Question (iv): Identify the line from the text that bears evidence to the fact that the king was not fair or just.

Ans: The line from the text that bears evidence to the fact that the king was not fair or just is "The King said, ‘This is a disgrace. The chief of builders will be hanged.’"
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to identify the line from the text that supports the fact that the king was not fair or just.

• The word "evidence" means facts or information that indicate or prove something. It implies that we need to find a specific sentence or phrase from the text that shows or confirms something.
• The word "fact" means something that is true or real. It implies that we need to find a line from the text that is based on reality and not on opinion or inference.
• The fact that we need to support is that the king was not fair or just. This means that we need to find evidence that shows that he was not treating someone equally or impartially; or not acting in accordance with what is morally right or reasonable.
• The line from the text that bears evidence to this fact is "The King said, ‘This is a disgrace. The chief of builders will be hanged.’" This line shows that he was not treating someone equally or impartially; or not acting in accordance with what is morally right or reasonable. It shows that he blamed and punished someone else for his own mistake; he lost his crown because he ordered to build an arch too low, not because of the chief of builders. It also shows that he gave a harsh and cruel sentence to someone without giving them a chance to defend themselves or explain their situation.
• Therefore, based on this evidence, we can identify this line as the one that bears evidence to the fact that the king was not fair or just.

Question (v): What does the term 'gave a shout' indicate about the chief of builder's emotion?

Ans: The term 'gave a shout' indicates that the chief of builder's emotion was surprise or fear.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to understand what the term 'gave a shout' means and how it relates to the chief of builder's emotion in the extract.

• The word "gave" means provided, supplied, granted, bestowed, presented, offered, donated, contributed, handed over, etc. It implies that we need to focus on the action or gesture of something or someone.
• The word "shout" means a loud cry expressing emotion such as anger, pain, surprise, joy, etc.; or an act of uttering such a cry; or say something very loudly; call out; yell, etc. It implies that we need to focus on the sound or expression of something or someone.
• Therefore, the term 'gave a shout' means provided, supplied, granted, bestowed, presented, offered, donated, contributed, handed over, etc., a loud cry expressing emotion such as anger, pain, surprise, joy, etc.; or an act of uttering such a cry; or said something very loudly; called out; yelled, etc.
• This indicates something about the chief of builder's emotion in the extract. It suggests that he was feeling a strong emotion that made him cry out loud. It also suggests that he was feeling an emotion that was unexpected or sudden.
• Therefore, based on these clues, we can say that the term 'gave a shout' indicates that the chief of builder's emotion was surprise or fear.

Question (vi): Which of the following headlines best suggests the central idea of the extract?

(a) A King's Misfortune and Fury
(b) A King's Adventure and Fun
(c) A King's Wisdom and Generosity
(d) A King's Pride and Humility
Ans: (a) A King's Misfortune and Fury
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to identify the headline that best suggests the central idea of the extract.

• The word "headline" means a short phrase or sentence that summarizes the main point or theme of a text. It implies that we need to find a concise and catchy way to express the essence or message of the extract.
• The word "central idea" means the most important or essential thought or concept that a text conveys. It implies that we need to find the main purpose or intention of the extract.
• The central idea of the extract is that a king who loses his crown under an arch gets angry and orders to hang the chief of builders, who shouts when he passes by the king. This means that we need to find a headline that captures this idea in a simple and effective way.
• The headline that best suggests the central idea of the extract is (a) A King's Misfortune and Fury. This headline summarizes the main point of the extract, which is that a king faces a misfortune and reacts with fury. It also creates interest and curiosity in the reader, who would want to know more about what happens next and how the story ends.
• Therefore, based on these clues, we can choose (a) A King's Misfortune and Fury as the headline that best suggests the central idea of the extract.

Read the extract and answer the following questions.
Extract:
He could not walk and could not see,
 So old (and therefore wise) was he
 — But in a quavering1 voice he said,
 ‘The culprit must be punished.
Truly, the arch it was that banged
The crown off, and it must be hanged’
(The tale of the Melon city)

Question (i) Who is the 'he' in the first sentence of the extract?

(a) The king
(b) The chief of builders
(c) The architect
(d) The wise man
Ans: Answer as written by the student: (d) The wise man
Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to identify the 'he' in the first sentence of the extract. The first sentence of the extract tells us that he could not walk and could not see, so old (and therefore wise) was he. This means that he was someone who had a physical disability and a visual impairment, and who was very old and wise.
• The previous part of the chapter tells us that the king asked for a wise man to be brought to him, and that an old man was carried to him on a litter. This means that he was someone who had a physical disability and a visual impairment, and who was very old and wise, and who was brought to the king as a wise man.
• Therefore, based on these clues, we can conclude that the 'he' in the first sentence of the extract is the wise man.

Question (ii) What does the phrase 'could not walk and could not see' imply about his physical condition?

(a) He was disabled and blind
(b) He was injured and sick
(c) He was tired and sleepy
(d) He was lazy and careless
Ans: Answer as written by the student: (a) He was disabled and blind

Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to understand what the phrase 'could not walk and could not see' means and how it relates to his physical condition in the extract.
• The word "could" means used to indicate possibility; or used to express doubt or surprise; or used to indicate annoyance because of something that has not been done; or used to ask for permission or make a request; or used to make a suggestion or offer; or used to indicate ability or capacity in the past; or used as the past tense of can (verb). It implies that we need to focus on the modal or auxiliary aspect of the verb. 
• The word "not" means used with an auxiliary verb or “be” to form the negative; or used in some constructions with other verbs; or expressing denial, refusal, or prohibition; or scarcely; hardly; or only; just; or used as a short substitute for a negative clause; or indicating contrast with what has been stated; or indicating sarcasm; or indicating surprise at (someone's) arrival. It implies that we need to focus on the negation or contradiction aspect of the word. 
• The word "walk" means move at a regular pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once; or travel over (a route or area) on foot; or guide, accompany, or escort (someone) on foot; or take (a dog) out for exercise; or (of a ghost) appear and move about in visible form; or informal term for leave (verb); or an act of traveling on foot; especially for exercise or pleasure; or an unhurried rate of movement on foot; or an informal term for base on balls (noun). It implies that we need to focus on the action or motion aspect of the verb. 
• The word "and" means used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences that are to be taken jointly; also used to introduce an additional comment or interjection; also used after some verbs and before another verb to indicate intention, instead of “to”; also used instead of “to” after some verbs such as try, go etc.; also used after some adjectives expressing choice or contrast etc.; also used after some adverbs such as before, since etc.; also used after some nouns expressing time etc.; also used after some pronouns such as what etc.; also used after numbers expressing addition etc.; also used after fractions expressing multiplication etc.; also used after each when expressing multiplication etc.; also used after how when expressing degree etc.; also used after as when expressing comparison etc.; also used after both when expressing inclusion etc.; also used after either when expressing choice etc.; also used after neither when expressing exclusion etc.; also used after not only when expressing addition etc.; also used after whether when expressing choice etc.; also used after no matter when expressing indifference etc.; also used after so when expressing result etc.; also used after than when expressing comparison etc.; also used to introduce a question that is added to another question or statement; or a Boolean operator that gives the value one if and only if all the operands are one, and otherwise has a value of zero. It implies that we need to focus on the conjunction or connector aspect of the word. 
• The word "see" means perceive with the eyes; discern visually; discern or deduce mentally after reflection or from information; understand; comprehend; experience or witness (an event or situation); meet (someone one knows) socially or by chance; consult (a specialist or professional); date regularly; have a sexual relationship with; watch (a film, television program, or performance); refer to (a passage, book, or author) for further information or evidence; imagine or visualize; foresee; predict; ensure; make sure; take care of; accompany (someone) part of the way to their destination; receive (a guest or visitor); have an interview with (someone), especially as part of one's job; regard in a specified way; consider; express sympathy with (someone) in their grief or disappointment; used as a polite formula in conversation, especially to fill a pause or change the subject. It implies that we need to focus on the perception or cognition aspect of the verb. 
• Therefore, the phrase 'could not walk and could not see' means had no ability or capacity in the past to move at a regular pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once; or travel over (a route or area) on foot etc., and had no ability or capacity in the past to perceive with the eyes; discern visually etc.
• This implies something about his physical condition in the extract. It suggests that he had a physical disability that prevented him from walking normally or at all. It also suggests that he had a visual impairment that prevented him from seeing clearly or at all.
• Therefore, based on these clues, we can say that the phrase 'could not walk and could not see' implies that his physical condition was disabled and blind.

Question (iii) Complete the sentence appropriately.

The word "culprit" means ____________.
Ans: Answer as written by the student: The word "culprit" means a person who is responsible for a crime or other misdeed; or the cause of a problem or defect.
Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to understand what the word "culprit" means and how to complete the sentence appropriately. The word "culprit" means a person who is responsible for a crime or other misdeed; or the cause of a problem or defect; or a person who is on trial or appearing before a judge; or an archaic term for guilty (adjective). It implies that we need to focus on the responsibility or accountability aspect of the word.
• Therefore, to complete the sentence appropriately, we need to use a word or phrase that describes the responsibility or accountability aspect of something or someone that is culpable.
• The word or phrase that best describes the responsibility or accountability aspect of something or someone that is culpable is a person who is responsible for a crime or other misdeed; or the cause of a problem or defect. This word or phrase captures the idea that something or someone that is culpable is involved in or guilty of doing something wrong or harmful; or creates or contributes to a negative situation or outcome.
• Therefore, based on this clue, we can complete the sentence appropriately by saying that the word "culprit" means a person who is responsible for a crime or other misdeed; or the cause of a problem or defect.

Question (iv) Identify the line from the text that bears evidence to the fact that he was old and wise.

Ans: Answer as written by the student: The line from the text that bears evidence to the fact that he was old and wise is "But in a quavering voice he said."
Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to identify the line from the text that supports the fact that he was old and wise. The word "evidence" means facts or information that indicate or prove something. It implies that we need to find a specific sentence or phrase from the text that shows or confirms something.
• The word "fact" means something that is true or real. It implies that we need to find a line from the text that is based on reality and not on opinion or inference. The fact that we need to support is that he was old and wise. This means that we need to find evidence that shows that he had lived for a long time and had gained much knowledge and experience.
• The line from the text that bears evidence to this fact is "But in a quavering voice he said." This line shows that he had lived for a long time and had gained much knowledge and experience. It shows that he had a quavering voice, which means shaking or trembling in speaking, typically through nervousness or emotion. This suggests that he was old and frail, as his voice was affected by his age and physical condition. It also shows that he said something, which means expressing something in words; stating something; uttering something etc. This suggests that he was wise and confident, as he spoke his mind and gave his opinion despite his situation and circumstance.
• Therefore, based on this evidence, we can identify this line as the one that bears evidence to the fact that he was old and wise.

Question (v) What does the term 'banged' indicate about the impact of the arch on the crown?

Ans: Answer as written by the student: The term 'banged' indicates that the impact of the arch on the crown was strong and loud.
Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to understand what the term 'banged' means and how it relates to the impact of the arch on the crown in the extract.
• The word "banged" means struck something with a loud noise; knocked over; damaged; injured; hit (someone); made (something) produce a loud noise by striking it; closed (a door) loudly; cut (hair) short across one's forehead; informal term for have sexual intercourse with (someone); informal term for inject oneself with (a drug); informal term for impress (someone); informal term for put (something) somewhere roughly; abruptly; carelessly etc.; informal term for imprison (someone); informal term for charge (someone) an excessive amount for something etc.; informal term for criticize (someone) severely etc.; informal term for be exactly right; informal term for be very good; excellent etc. It implies that we need to focus on the action or effect aspect of the verb.
• Therefore, the term 'banged' means struck something with a loud noise; knocked over; damaged; injured etc.
• This indicates something about the impact of the arch on the crown in the extract. It suggests that the arch hit the crown with a lot of force and made a loud sound. It also suggests that the arch caused some damage or injury to the crown or the king's head.
• Therefore, based on these clues, we can say that the term 'banged' indicates that the impact of the arch on the crown was strong and loud.

Question (vi) Which of the following headlines best suggests the central idea of the extract?

(a) A Wise Man's Solution and Justice
(b) A Wise Man's Confusion and Mistake
(c) A Wise Man's Humor and Sarcasm
(d) A Wise Man's Fear and Courage
Ans: Answer as written by the student: (c) A Wise Man's Humor and Sarcasm

Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to identify the headline that best suggests the central idea of the extract. The word "headline" means a short phrase or sentence that summarizes the main point or theme of a text. It implies that we need to find a concise and catchy way to express the essence or message of the extract.
• The word "central idea" means the most important or essential thought or concept that a text conveys. It implies that we need to find the main purpose or intention of the extract.
• The central idea of the extract is that a wise man who could not walk and could not see said in a quavering voice that the culprit must be punished, and that it was the arch that banged the crown off, and it must be hanged. This means that we need to find a headline that captures this idea in a simple and effective way.
• The headline that best suggests the central idea of the extract is (c) A Wise Man's Humor and Sarcasm. This headline summarizes the main point of the extract, which is that a wise man used humor and sarcasm to point out the absurdity and injustice of the king's actions and law. It also creates interest and curiosity in the reader, who would want to know more about how the wise man's words affect the king and what happens next.
• Therefore, based on these clues, we can choose (c) A Wise Man's Humor and Sarcasm as the headline that best suggests the central idea of the extract.

Read the extract and answer the following questions.
Extract:
‘Long live the King!’ the Ministers said.
 ‘Long live the King! The King is dead.’
 They pondered the dilemma; then,
Being practical-minded men,
Sent out the heralds to proclaim
 (In His [former] Majesty’s name):
(The tale of the Melon city)

Question (i) What is the name of the dilemma that the ministers faced?

1. The king's death
2. The king's crown
3. The king's successor
4. The king's law

Ans: Answer as written by the student: (c) The king's successor
Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to identify the name of the dilemma that the ministers faced in the extract. The first sentence of the extract tells us that they said "Long live the King! The King is dead." This means that they faced a contradiction or paradox between their wish and their reality; they wanted the king to live long but he was already dead.
• The second sentence of the extract tells us that they pondered the dilemma; then, being practical-minded men, sent out heralds to proclaim something in his name. This means that they faced a problem or difficulty that required a decision or action; they had to announce something about the king and his kingdom after his death.
• The previous part of the chapter tells us that the law of the land was that whoever passed under the arch and lost his crown would be hanged; and that the king was hanged under his own law after losing his crown under the arch. This means that they faced a situation or circumstance that was ironic or unjust; they had to follow a law that was made by the king but killed him.
• Therefore, based on these clues, we can conclude that the name of the dilemma that the ministers faced was the king's successor. This was the problem or difficulty that required a decision or action; they had to announce who would rule after the king's death.

Question (ii) What does the phrase 'practical-minded men' imply about the ministers' attitude?
(a) They were realistic and sensible
(b) They were idealistic and creative
(c) They were pessimistic and cynical
(d) They were optimistic and enthusiastic

Ans: Answer as written by the student: (a) They were realistic and sensible
Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to understand what the phrase 'practical-minded men' means and how it relates to the ministers' attitude in the extract.
• The word "practical" means of or concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas; or sensible and realistic in their approach to a situation or problem; or likely to succeed or be effective in real circumstances; feasible; or (of an idea, plan, or method) likely to be effective or successful in practice; workable; or (of a person) skilled at manual tasks; handy; or (of knowledge) acquired by doing rather than studying; empirical etc. It implies that we need to focus on the action or result aspect of the word. The word "minded" means having a particular interest in or liking for something; inclined to think in a particular way; having a specified kind of mind etc. It implies that we need to focus on the interest or preference aspect of the word. The word "men" means adult human males; human beings in general; people; workers; staff etc. It implies that we need to focus on the gender or group aspect of the word.
• Therefore, the phrase 'practical-minded men' means adult human males who have a particular interest in or liking for being concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas; or being sensible and realistic in their approach to a situation or problem etc.
• This implies something about their attitude in the extract. It suggests that they had a way of thinking or feeling about things that was based on facts and logic rather than on emotions and imagination. It also suggests that they had a way of dealing with things that was efficient and effective rather than complicated and risky.
• Therefore, based on these clues, we can say that the phrase 'practical-minded men' implies that their attitude was realistic and sensible.

Question (iii) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The word "heralds" means ____________.
Ans: Answer as written by the student: The word "heralds" means official messengers bringing news; or signs that something is about to happen.

Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to understand what the word "heralds" means and how to complete the sentence appropriately. The word "heralds" means official messengers bringing news; or signs that something is about to happen; or a person or thing viewed as a sign that something is about to happen; or an official formerly charged with making royal proclamations and bearing messages of state between sovereigns; or a person who announces important news; or an official employed to oversee state ceremonial, precedence, and the use of armorial bearings etc. It implies that we need to focus on the communication or indication aspect of the word.
• Therefore, to complete the sentence appropriately, we need to use a word or phrase that describes the communication or indication aspect of something or someone that is heraldic.
• The word or phrase that best describes the communication or indication aspect of something or someone that is heraldic is official messengers bringing news; or signs that something is about to happen. This word or phrase captures the idea that something or someone that is heraldic is conveying or announcing information or events; or predicting or foreshadowing something that will occur.
• Therefore, based on this clue, we can complete the sentence appropriately by saying that the word "heralds" means official messengers bringing news; or signs that something is about to happen.

Question (iv) Identify the line from the text that bears evidence to the fact that the king was hanged.

Ans: Answer as written by the student: The line from the text that bears evidence to the fact that the king was hanged is "Long live the King! The King is dead."
Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to identify the line from the text that supports the fact that the king was hanged. The word "evidence" means facts or information that indicate or prove something. It implies that we need to find a specific sentence or phrase from the text that shows or confirms something.
• The word "fact" means something that is true or real. It implies that we need to find a line from the text that is based on reality and not on opinion or inference. The fact that we need to support is that the king was hanged. This means that we need to find evidence that shows that he was executed by suspending him by the neck from a gallows, scaffold, or other structure.
• The line from the text that bears evidence to this fact is "Long live the King! The King is dead." This line shows that he was executed by suspending him by the neck from a gallows, scaffold, or other structure. It shows that he was dead, which means that he had ceased to live; he had lost his life. It also shows that he was hanged, which means that he was killed by hanging; he died by hanging. This is implied by the contrast and irony between saying "Long live the King!" and "The King is dead." It suggests that he died suddenly and unexpectedly, and in a way that contradicted his wish and status.
• Therefore, based on this evidence, we can identify this line as the one that bears evidence to the fact that the king was hanged.

Question (v) What does the term 'proclaim' indicate about the ministers' intention?

Ans: Answer as written by the student: The term 'proclaim' indicates that the ministers' intention was to announce something publicly or officially.
Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to understand what the term 'proclaim' means and how it relates to the ministers' intention in the extract. The word "proclaim" means announce something publicly or officially; declare something one considers important with due emphasis; acknowledge (someone) as having a particular status; indicate clearly; show plainly etc. It implies that we need to focus on the declaration or expression aspect of the verb.
• Therefore, the term 'proclaim' means announce something publicly or officially; declare something one considers important with due emphasis; acknowledge (someone) as having a particular status; indicate clearly; show plainly etc.
• This indicates something about their intention in the extract. It suggests that they had a purpose or goal of making something known or recognized by others; especially by authority or formal means. It also suggests that they had a reason or motive of emphasizing something they considered important or relevant; especially for their own benefit or interest.
• Therefore, based on these clues, we can say that the term 'proclaim' indicates that their intention was to announce something publicly or officially.

Question (vi) Which of the following headlines best captures the central idea of the extract?

(a) The Death of a King and the Search for a Successor
(b) The Ministers’ Plan to Save the Kingdom from Chaos
(c) The Irony of a Royal Proclamation and a Practical Solution
(d) The Mystery of a King’s Disappearance and a Former Majesty
Ans: Answer as written by the student: (c) The Irony of a Royal Proclamation and a Practical Solution
Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to understand what a headline is and what it should do. A headline is a short phrase that summarizes the main idea of a text or a news story. It should capture the reader's attention and interest, and give them a clear idea of what the text is about.
• We also need to understand what irony is and how it is used in literature. Irony is a figure of speech that involves a contrast or contradiction between what is expected and what actually happens, or between what is said and what is meant. Irony can be used to create humor, sarcasm, criticism, or surprise in a text.
• Now, let's look at the four options and see which one best captures the central idea of the extract. The central idea of the extract is that the king is dead and the ministers have to find a way to deal with the situation in a practical manner.
• Option A, The death of a king and the search for a successor, is too vague and does not mention the irony or the practicality involved in the extract. It sounds like a generic news story that could apply to any kingdom.
• Option B, The ministers' plan to save the kingdom from chaos, is too specific and does not mention the irony or the proclamation involved in the extract. It sounds like a biased report that favors the ministers' actions.
• Option C, The irony of a royal proclamation and a practical solution, is the correct answer because it captures both the irony and the practicality involved in the extract. It shows how the ministers use a royal proclamation in the name of the dead king to find a practical solution for the succession problem. It also creates curiosity and interest in the reader by using the word "irony".
• Option D, The mystery of a king's disappearance and a former majesty, is incorrect because it implies that the king's death is unknown or mysterious, which is not true in the extract. It also does not mention the irony or the practicality involved in the extract.
• Therefore, option C is the best headline for the extract.