This page offers Extract Based Questions from the Chapter The Rattrap for Class 12 from the book Flamingo. We’ve put together a bunch extracts which ask assumption based, creativity based and critical thinking-based questions. These types of questions are introduced after 2024 in CBSE Board. The types of questions are quick MCQs, true/false and Subjective questions. So, practice to understand The Rattrap Extracts to score great.
Table of Contents
The Rattrap Extract Based MCQ questions Passage 1
Once upon a time there was a man who went around selling small rattraps of wire. He made them himself at odd moments, from the material he got by begging in the stores or at the big farms. But even so, the business was not especially profitable, so he had to resort to both begging and petty thievery to keep body and soul together.
Question: 1 Why did the man choose a life of making and selling rattraps, knowing it wasn’t profitable?
Answer: The man might have chosen to make and sell rattraps because he felt it was a way to maintain some dignity and independence. He likely preferred this to other forms of work that might have felt more degrading or hopeless to him.
Question: 2 State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “The man had to resort to both begging and petty thievery.”
(a) A justification – a good reason for doing something
(b) An observation – watching something closely
(c) An explanation – a reason or account for something
(d) An exaggeration – making something seem better or worse than it is
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement is a justification and explanation. Thus, the answer should be false.
Question: 3 The man’s decision to make and sell rattraps, despite its challenges, suggests he values _____.
Answer: Independence/ self-reliance/ autonomy/ determination/ or any other similar word
Question: 4 What does the man’s choice of work suggest about his personality?
Answer: He seeks dignity and self-reliance despite challenges.
Also Read:
- Hard Words : The Rattrap
- The Rattrap NCERT Solutions
- The Rattrap MCQs
- The Rattrap Theme
- The Rattrap Value Points
- The Rattrap Summary Class 12 pdf
- The Rattrap Moral and Message
Extract from The Rattrap- 2
No one can imagine how sad and monotonous life can appear to such a vagabond, who plods along the road, left to his own meditations. But one day this man had fallen into a line of thought, which really seemed to him entertaining.
Question: 1 Why might the vagabond find his new line of thought entertaining?
Answer: The vagabond might find his new line of thought entertaining because it offers a mental escape from his sad life. It also provides him with some amusement and distraction from his daily struggles and loneliness.
Question: 2 State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “No one can imagine how sad and monotonous life can appear.”
(a) A description – a detailed account of something
(b) A hypothesis – a proposed explanation for a phenomenon
(c) An opinion – a personal view or belief
(d) A prediction – a forecast of what will happen in the future
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement is an opinion, not a description, hypothesis, or prediction. Thus, the answer should be false.
Question: 3 The vagabond’s new line of thought suggests he is seeking _____.
Answer: relief / solace/ escape or any other similar word
Question: 4 Why might the vagabond’s life seem monotonous?
Answer: Lack of variety and constant solitude.
Class 12 The Rattrap Extract Based Questions- 3
The world had, of course, never been very kind to him, so it gave him unwonted joy to think ill of it in this way. It became a cherished pastime of his, during many dreary ploddings, to think of people he knew who had let themselves be caught in the dangerous snare, and of others who were still circling around the bait.
Question: 1 Why might the vagabond’s joy in thinking ill of the world be considered unwanted?
Answer: The vagabond’s joy might be considered unwanted because it come from negative thoughts. It reflects his deep dissatisfaction and feeling of powerlessness, finding comfort in others’ misfortunes to feel better about his own life.
Question: 2 State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “It became a cherished pastime of his to think of people he knew who had let themselves be caught in the dangerous snare.”
(a) A coping mechanism – a way to deal with stress or hardship
(b) A judgement – forming an opinion or conclusion about something
(c) A reflection – serious thought or consideration
(d) A distraction – something that prevents someone from giving full attention
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement can be seen as a coping mechanism, judgement, reflection, or distraction. Thus, the answer should be false.
Question: 3 The vagabond’s enjoyment in others’ misfortunes suggests he finds a sense of _____ in them.
Answer: validation/ satisfaction/ comfort/ justification or any other similar word.
Question: 4 How does thinking about others’ struggles help the vagabond emotionally?
Answer: It makes him feel less isolated and more justified.
The Rattrap Extract Based MCQ Questions- 4
One dark evening as he was trudging along the road he caught sight of a little grey cottage by the roadside, and he knocked on the door to ask shelter for the night. Nor was he refused. Instead of the sour faces which ordinarily met him, the owner, who was an old man without wife or child, was happy to get someone to talk to in his loneliness.
Question 1 : Why might the old man offer shelter to the vagabond so willing?
Answer: The old man might have offered shelter because he was lonely and craved human interaction. Having no wife or child, he was likely eager for any form of companionship. It make him hospitable to the vagabond.
Question 2 : State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “Instead of the sour faces, the owner was happy to get someone to talk to in his loneliness.”
(a) Compassion – pity for somebody who is suffering
(b) Hospitality – friendly and generous reception of guests
(c) Indifference – lack of interest, concern, or sympathy
(d) Companionship – feeling of fellowship or friendship
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement reflects compassion, hospitality, and companionship, making it false because terms (a), (b), and (d) apply.
Question: 3 The old man’s willingness to offer shelter indicates his deep sense of _____.
Answer: loneliness/ kindness/ compassion/ generosity or any other similar response.
Question: 4 Why might the vagabond have expected a sour face at the door?
Answer: He was used to being met with suspicion and rejection.
The Rattrap Extract Based Questions MCQ with Answers- 5
Immediately he put the porridge pot on the fire and gave him supper; then he carved off such a big slice from his tobacco roll that it was enough both for the stranger’s pipe and his own. Finally he got out an old pack of cards and played ‘mjolis’ with his guest until bedtime.
Question: 1 Why might the old man have shared his food, tobacco, and time with the vagabond?
Answer: Because he valued the rare opportunity for companionship and wanted to make his guest feel welcomed and comfortable, relieving his own loneliness.
Question: 2 State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “He put the porridge pot on the fire and gave him supper.”
(a) Generosity – the quality of being kind and generous
(b) Hospitality – friendly and generous reception of guests
(c) Indifference – lack of interest, concern, or sympathy
(d) Nurturing – caring for and encouraging the growth or development of someone
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement reflects generosity, hospitality, and nurturing, but not indifference.
Question: 3 The old man’s actions suggest he finds great joy in _____.
Answer: sharing/ giving/ generosity/ hospitality or any other similar word
Question: 4 What does the old man’s behaviour reveal about his character?
Answer: He is generous, caring, and values companionship.
The Rattrap Extracts- 6
The next day both men got up in good season. The crofter was in a hurry to milk his cow, and the other man probably thought he should not stay in bed when the head of the house had gotten up. They left the cottage at the same time. The crofter locked the door and put the key in his pocket.
Question: 1 Why might the vagabond have felt pressure to get up early when the crofter did?
Answer: The vagabond might have felt pressure to get up early out of respect for the crofter. He likely wanted to show gratitude for the hospitality by not being seen as lazy or inconsiderate.
Question: 2 State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “The crofter was in a hurry and the other man probably thought he should not stay in bed.”
(a) Responsibility – the state or fact of being accountable
(b) Empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another
(c) Obligation – an act to which a person is morally or legally bound
(d) Appreciation – the feeling of being grateful for something
Answer: False.
Reason: The term (d) appreciation can be applied as the vagabond might feel a sense of appreciation for the crofter’s hospitality.
Question: 3 The vagabond getting up early suggests he feels a sense of _____ towards the crofter.
Answer: gratitude/ duty/ courtesy/ obligation or any other similar word
Question: 4 Why might the crofter lock the door and take the key?
Answer: To secure his home and belongings while he is away.
The Rattrap Extract- 7
As he walked along with the money in his pocket he felt quite pleased with his smartness. He realised, of course, that at first he dared not continue on the public highway, but must turn off the road, into the woods. During the first hours this caused him no difficulty.
Question: 1 Why might the vagabond have felt pleased with himself after taking the money?
Answer: The vagabond likely felt pleased with himself because he thought he had outsmarted the crofter and secured some money, which temporarily relieved his sense of desperation and gave him a false sense of accomplishment.
Question: 2 State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “He realised that at first he dared not continue on the public highway.”
(a) Caution – care taken to avoid danger or mistakes
(b) Fearlessness – lack of fear
(c) Strategy – a plan of action designed to achieve a long-term goal
(d) Impulsiveness – acting without thought or planning
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement reflects caution and strategy. The answer should be false because it applies to (a) and (c).
Question: 3 The vagabond’s decision to avoid the public highway shows his sense of _____.
Answer: fear/ prudence/ wariness/ alertness/ caution or any other similar word
Question: 4 Why might the vagabond have chosen to walk into the woods?
Answer: To avoid being caught and to stay hidden.
Extract from The Rattrap- 8
It was late in December. Darkness was already descending over the forest. This increased the danger, and increased also his gloom and despair. Finally he saw no way out, and he sank down on the ground, tired to death, thinking that his last moment had come. But just as he laid his head on the ground, he heard a sound—a hard regular thumping.
Question: 1 Why might the darkness and cold of December have increased the vagabond’s sense of gloom and despair?
Answer: The darkness and cold likely heightened his sense of isolation and fear. It emphasised the dangers he faced, making him feel more hopeless and exhausted, thinking he had no escape.
Question: 2 State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “He sank down on the ground, tired to death, thinking that his last moment had come.”
(a) Resignation – acceptance of something undesirable but inevitable
(b) Hopefulness – feeling or inspiring optimism about a future event
(c) Despair – the complete loss or absence of hope
(d) Exhaustion – a state of extreme physical or mental fatigue
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement reflects resignation, despair, and exhaustion, making it false because terms (a), (c), and (d) apply.
Question: 3 The vagabond sinking to the ground shows his _____.
Answer: hopelessness/ defeat/ exhaustion/ surrender or any other similar word
Question: 4 What might the hard thumping sound represent for the vagabond?
Answer: A potential source of help or a glimmer of hope.
Class 12 The Rattrap Extract Based Questions- 9
The Ramsjo Ironworks, which are now closed down, were, not so long ago, a large plant, with smelter, rolling mill, and forge. In the summertime long lines of heavily loaded barges and scows slid down the canal, which led to a large inland lake, and in the wintertime the roads near the mill were black from all the coal dust which sifted down from the big charcoal crates.
Question: 1 Why might the Ramsjo Ironworks have been important to the local community?
Answer: The Ramsjo Ironworks likely provided jobs and economic stability to the local community, as it was a large plant involved in significant industrial activity, which supported many workers and their families.
Question: 2 State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “The Ramsjo Ironworks, which are now closed down, were a large plant.”
(a) Historical account – a description of past events
(b) Fictional story – an invented tale
(c) Environmental impact – effects on the natural surroundings
(d) Industrial decline – reduction in industrial activity
Answer: False.
Reason: The term (d) industrial decline can be applied as it indicates the reduction in industrial activity due to the closure of the ironworks.
Question: 3 The closure of Ramsjo Ironworks suggests a significant shift in the local _____.
Answer: economy/ stability/ industry/ employment or any other similar word
Question: 4 How might the ironworks’ closure have affected the surrounding environment?
Answer: Reduced pollution from coal dust and industrial activity.
The Rattrap Extract Based MCQ Questions- 10
All the time there were many sounds to be heard in the forge. The big bellows groaned and the burning coal cracked. The fire boy shovelled charcoal into the maw of the furnace with a great deal of clatter. Outside roared the waterfall, and a sharp north wind whipped the rain against the brick-tiled roof.
Question: 1 How might the various sounds in the forge contribute to the overall atmosphere?
Answer: The sounds of the bellows, burning coal, and shovelling create a bustling, intense atmosphere in the forge, emphasising the hard work and constant activity. The roaring waterfall and wind add a sense of harshness and isolation.
Question: 2 State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “The big bellows groaned and the burning coal cracked.”
(a) Imagery – visually descriptive language
(b) Silence – complete absence of sound
(c) Atmosphere – the pervading tone or mood of a place
(d) Noise pollution – harmful or annoying levels of noise
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement reflects imagery and atmosphere, making it false because terms (a) and (c) apply.
Question: 3 The sounds in the forge show the _____ nature of the work being done.
Answer: hard/ tough/ demanding/ intense or any other similar word
Question: 4 What do the natural elements outside the forge add to the scene?
Answer: They enhance the feeling of harshness and isolation.
The Rattrap Extract Based Questions MCQ with Answers- 11
In those days the Ramsjo iron mill was owned by a very prominent ironmaster, whose greatest ambition was to ship out good iron to the market. He watched both night and day to see that the work was done as well as possible, and at this very moment he came into the forge on one of his nightly rounds of inspection.
Question: 1 Why might the ironmaster’s supervision have been important for the success of the Ramsjo iron mill?
Answer: The ironmaster’s supervision ensured high-quality production, maintaining the mill’s reputation for good iron. His dedication likely motivated workers to perform their best, important for the mill’s success and competitiveness in the market.
Question: 2 State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “He watched both night and day to see that the work was done.”
(a) Diligence – careful and persistent work or effort
(b) Neglect – failure to care for properly
(c) Oversight – the action of overseeing something
(d) Indifference – lack of interest, concern, or sympathy
Answer: False.
Reason: The terms (a) Diligence and (c) Oversight can be applied
Question: 3 The ironmaster’s ambition to ship out good iron indicates his commitment to _____.
Answer: quality/ standards/ perfection/ craftsmanship or any other similar word
Question: 4 How does the ironmaster’s nightly inspections reflect his leadership style?
Answer: His inspections show he is hands-on, diligent, and committed to quality.
The Rattrap Extracts- 12
The wagon had hardly stopped at the front steps when the ironmaster asked the valet whether the stranger was still there. He added that he had heard at church that the man was a thief. The valet answered that the fellow had gone and that he had not taken anything with him at all. On the contrary, he had left behind a little package which Miss Williamson was to be kind enough to accept as a Christmas present.
Question: 1 Why might the ironmaster be surprised to learn that the stranger left a Christmas gift?
Answer: The ironmaster might be surprised because he believed the stranger was a thief. The act of leaving a gift contradicts this expectation and suggests a sense of gratitude or remorse from the stranger.
Question: 2 State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “He added that he had heard at church that the man was a thief.”
(a) Prejudice – preconceived opinion not based on reason or experience
(b) Rumour – report of uncertain or doubtful truth
(c) Evidence – information indicating whether a belief is true
(d) Assumption – a thing that is accepted as true without proof
Answer: False.
Reason: The terms (a) prejudice, (b) rumour, and (d) assumption can be applied.
Question: 3 The stranger leaving a package suggests he felt a sense of _____.
Answer: gratitude/ appreciation/ thankfulness/ obligation or any other similar word
Question:4 Why might the valet’s response about the stranger be significant?
Answer: It challenges the assumption that the stranger was a thief.
The Rattrap Extract- 13
It was not more than half an hour before they heard the sound of carriage wheels outside the forge, and a new guest came in, but this time it was not the ironmaster. He had sent his daughter, apparently hoping that she would have better powers of persuasion than he himself.
Question: 1 Why might the ironmaster believe his daughter would be better in dealing with the stranger?
Answer: The ironmaster might believe his daughter, Edla, would be better because she likely possesses a gentler and more compassionate approach, which could make the stranger feel more comfortable and willing to listen.
Question: 2 State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “He had sent his daughter hoping that she would have better influence than he himself.”
(a) Strategy – a plan of action designed to achieve a specific goal
(b) Confidence – a feeling of self-assurance
(c) Delegation – the assignment of authority to another person
(d) Resignation – the acceptance of something undesirable but inevitable
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement reflects strategy, confidence, and delegation.
Question: 3 The ironmaster sending his daughter shows his reliance on her _____.
Answer: diplomacy/ judgement/ wisdom/ tact or any other similar word.
Question: 4 Why might Edla’s approach be more effective than the ironmaster’s?
Answer: Her gentle, empathetic nature could make the stranger feel understood.
Extract from The Rattrap- 14
After that, Christmas Eve at Ramsjo passed just as it always had. The stranger did not cause any trouble because he did nothing but sleep. The whole forenoon he lay on the sofa in one of the guest rooms and slept at one stretch. At noon they woke him up so that he could have his share of the good Christmas fare, but after that he slept again
Question: 1 Why might the stranger have spent most of Christmas Eve sleeping at Ramsjo?
Answer: The stranger might have spent most of Christmas Eve sleeping because he was exhausted from his travels and hardships. The warm and safe environment at Ramsjo allowed him to finally relax and rest deeply.
Question: 2 State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “The stranger did not cause any trouble because he did nothing but sleep.”
(a) Exhaustion – a state of extreme physical or mental fatigue
(b) Relaxation – the state of being free from tension and anxiety
(c) Disturbance – interruption of a settled and peaceful condition
(d) Recovery – a return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement reflects exhaustion, relaxation, and recovery.
Question: 3 The stranger’s deep sleep suggests he felt a sense of _____.
Answer: safety/ peace/ relief/ comfort or any other similar word
Question: 4 What does the stranger’s behaviour on Christmas Eve indicate about his condition?
Answer: He was extremely tired and needed rest desperately.
Class 12 The Rattrap Extract Based Questions- 15
But although his guest was now so well groomed, the ironmaster did not seem pleased. He looked at him with puckered brow, and it was easy to understand that when he had seen the strange fellow in the uncertain reflection from the furnace he might have made a mistake, but that now, when he stood there in broad daylight, it was impossible to mistake him for an old acquaintance.
Question: 1 Why might the ironmaster’s attitude change upon seeing the stranger in daylight?
Answer: The ironmaster’s attitude might change because he realises his mistake in identifying the stranger. In daylight, it’s clear that the stranger is not his old acquaintance.
Question: 2 State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “But although his guest was now so well groomed, the ironmaster did not seem pleased.”
(a) Recognition – the action of identifying someone
(b) Disappointment – displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one’s hopes
(c) Relief – a feeling of relaxation following release from anxiety
(d) Mistrust – lack of trust or confidence
Answer: False.
Reason: The statement reflects recognition, disappointment, and mistrust.
Question: 3 The ironmaster’s reaction suggests he feels _____ about his earlier assumption.
Answer: regret/ disappointment/ embarrassment or any other similar word
Question: 4 What does the ironmaster’s change in behaviour indicate about his judgement?
Answer: His initial judgement was based on poor lighting and mistaken identity.