Practice Questions: The Thief's Story

Q1. Who is the author of the story "The Thief's story"?
(a) James Herriot
(b) Ruskin Bond
(c) Robert Arthur
(d) Victor Canning
Ans: (b)
Explanation: Ruskin Bond is the author of 'The Thief's Story'. He is a well-known Indian writer, famous for simple, evocative prose and many popular works for young readers.

Q2. What is he a "fairly successful hand" at?
(a) wrestling
(b) stealing
(c) deceiving
(d) working hard
Ans: (b)
Explanation: The phrase "a fairly successful hand" at something means being reasonably skilled at it. In this case, it refers to being skilled at stealing, which is why option (b) is correct.

Q3. What was his name?
(a) Hari
(b) Anil
(c) Amol
(d) Harry
Ans: (a)
Explanation: The boy used the name Hari when introducing himself. This name is given by him to Anil and appears repeatedly as his chosen identity.

Q4. What was the boy's age?
(a) 15
(b) 25
(c) 20
(d) none of the above
Ans: (a)
Explanation: The boy is described as being 15 years old, which matches option (a).

Q5. What was Anil's age?
(a) 15
(b) 25
(c) 20
(d) none of the above
Ans: (b)
Explanation: Anil is stated to be 25 years old, so option (b) is correct.

Q6. How has the narrator described Anil?
(a) simple
(b) kind
(c) easy-going
(d) all of the above
Ans: (d)
Explanation: The narrator presents Anil as simple, kind and easy-going. Evidence includes Anil's gentle behaviour, willingness to teach the boy and his trusting nature, which together support option (d).

Q7. What was Anil doing when the boy met him?
(a) cooking
(b) watching a match
(c) playing
(d) writing an article
Ans: (b)
Explanation: The boy meets Anil while he is watching a match. This detail is mentioned when the boy approaches and strikes up a conversation.

Q8. How did the narrator attempt at being friends with Anil?
(a) flattering him
(b) teasing him
(c) introducing himself
(d) none of the above
Ans: (a)
Explanation: The narrator tries to win Anil's favour by flattering him, praising him and his habits to gain trust and secure a place to stay and work.

Q9. What did the boy ask Anil for?
(a) to give him food
(b) to employ him
(c) to give him money
(d) to teach him
Ans: (b)
Explanation: The boy asks Anil to employ him, hoping for steady work and shelter rather than a one-off favour.

Q10. How often did he change his name?
(a) every day
(b) every week
(c) every month
(d) every year
Ans: (c)
Explanation: He changed his name every month as a deliberate tactic to avoid recognition by both the police and previous employers.

Q11. He changed his name in order to stay ahead of _____
(a) police
(b) employers
(c) none of them
(d) both of them
Ans: (d)
Explanation: He changed names to avoid being recognised by both the police and his employers. This helped him escape detection and move on quickly when needed.

Q12. What name did he tell Anil?
(a) Anil Singh
(b) Hari Lal
(c) Hari Singh
(d) Anil Lal
Ans: (c)
Explanation: When first meeting Anil, he gave his name as Hari Singh, which is the identity Anil knows him by.

Q13. What do you mean by the word "grunting"?
(a) make a low inarticulate sound
(b) say something which is clearly audible
(c) shouting
(d) none of the above
Ans: (a)
Explanation: "Grunting" means making a low, inarticulate sound. It is often used to describe sounds made when someone is uncomfortable, exerting effort, or showing mild displeasure.

Q14. How was the meal he cooked first night?
(a) delicious
(b) mouth-watering
(c) finger-licking good
(d) terrible
Ans: (d)
Explanation: The meal prepared on the first night is described as terrible. Anil does not eat it and instead gives it away, which shows the food was unappealing.

Q15. How did he infer that about his food?
(a) Anil said he liked it
(b) Anil couldn't have enough of it
(c) Anil was licking his fingers
(d) Anil gave it to a stray dog
Ans: (d)
Explanation: He concludes the meal was bad because Anil gave it to a stray dog instead of eating it himself. That action indicates the food was unpalatable.

Q16. What did Anil promise him to teach?
(a) write his name
(b) cook
(c) write full sentences
(d) all of the above
Ans: (d)
Explanation: Anil promises to teach the boy several practical skills: to write his name, to write full sentences and to cook. Therefore option (d) is correct.

Q17. Did Anil really mind his petty ways of earning money?
(a) yes
(b) no
(c) maybe
(d) he didn't earn through petty ways
Ans: (b)
Explanation: Anil does not object to the boy's petty methods of earning money. He is tolerant and accepting, which is why option (b) is correct.

Q18. "a queer way to earn money"..What is the meaning of the word "queer"?
(a) strange
(b) famous
(c) rare
(d) illegal
Ans: (a)
Explanation: In this context, "queer" means strange or unusual. The phrase describes an odd or unconventional method of earning money.

Q19. Who was the most trusting person narrator had ever met ?
(a) Anil
(b) publisher
(c) Anil's friends
(d) none of the above
Ans: (a)
Explanation: The narrator regards Anil as the most trusting person he had ever met. Anil's readiness to accept and help the boy without suspicion supports this choice.

Q20. Who is easier to rob?
(a) a careless man
(b) a greedy man
(c) a trusting man
(d) Anil
Ans: (b)
Explanation: A greedy man is often easier to rob because greed can lead to careless display or poor judgement when securing valuables. The narrator's experiences show that people tempted by wealth or possessions can become targets.