Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions: When the family has finished tea, and gathers round the fire, the cat casually goes out of the room. True life now begins for him. He saunters down his own backyard, springs to the top of the fence, drops lightly down to the other side. He trots across and skips to the roof of an empty shed. His movement becomes lithe, panther-like. He looks keenly from side to side and moves noiselessly, for he has so many enemies—dogs and small boys with stones. On the top of the shed, the cat arches his back and rakes his claws once or twice through the soft bark of the old roof. He stretches himself a few times to see if every muscle is in full working order. Then, drooping his head nearly to his paws, he sends across a call to his kindred. Before long they come, gliding, graceful shadows. No longer are they the meek creatures who an hour ago were mewing for fish and milk. They are now grim fighters. A. Choose and Tick (✔) the correct alternatives to complete the following sentences: (i) The cat jumps to the top of the— (a) building (b) guest house (c) temple (d) fence (ii) The cats are— (a) grim fighters (b) grim singers (c) grim dancers (d) grim sportsman B. Complete the following sentences with information from the text: (i) The cat saunters down (ii) The cat stretches himself
Answer (1)
A. Choose and Tick (✔) the correct alternatives to complete the following sentences:
(i) The cat jumps to the top of the—
The correct answer is (d) fence.
(ii) The cats are—
The correct answer is (a) grim fighters.
B. Complete the following sentences with information from the text:
(i) The cat saunters down
The cat saunters down his own backyard, indicating that he's casually walking or strolling in a leisurely manner.
(ii) The cat stretches himself
The cat stretches himself a few times to see if every muscle is in full working order, which shows that he wants to ensure all his muscles are ready for action as he prepares for his nocturnal adventures.
This passage reflects on the idea that cats have a secret side to their lives, full of adventure and skill, that contrasts significantly with their demeanor while they are around humans. It anthropomorphizes the cat, giving him a sense of personality and purpose beyond being a mere domestic animal. The passage vividly describes how the cat transforms from a seemingly meek pet into a vigilant and agile creature when it is outside and on its own.
