Here are Extra Question Answers of the chapter The Thief Story.  This question bank includes everything you need to master The Thief Story.  This is updated as per 2024- 25 pattern. Go through to gain deep understanding and achieve a great score in exam of class 10 English. 

The Thief Story Extra Question Answer in English Class 10

Here is the introduction for Chapter ‘ The Thief Story Class 10. (Extra Question) 

 Ruskin Bond is a famous Indian writer. ‘The Thief’s Story’ is one of his well-known stories. In this story, the writer shows how the reformation of a criminal is best achieved through love and understanding rather than punishment. Hari Singh is a thief and a cheat. He comes into contact with Anil. Anil gives him work in his house. One day Hari Singh steals Anil’s money and runs away. But the kindness and love of Anil make him come back and return the money.

Characters- of “The Thief Story”

Character – 1 Hari Singh

1. Young Thief: Hari Singh is 15 years old. He is still growing up and learning. His actions are shaped by the people he meets.

2. Clever and good at solving problems: Hari Singh is smart. He uses his cleverness to handle situations for his benefit.

3. Able to adjust quickly and think fast: Hari Singh quickly gets adjusted to new things. He thinks quickly to take advantage of new chances.

Character – 2 Anil

1. Trusts others and Open Minded: Anil believes in people easily. He let Hari Singh work for him without doubting him.

2. Kind Hearted and Believes in Sharing: Anil is very nice to everyone. He helps Hari Singh without wanting anything back.

3. Relaxed and not worried: Anil is relaxed. He doesn’t worry too much and enjoys life as it comes.

Short Summary of ” The Thief Story ” (Extra Questions)

This story is about a young boy named Hari Singh, who is 15 years old and good at stealing. He meets a kind man named Anil, who is about 25 years old, at a wrestling match. Hari Singh tells lies about his name and says he can cook, hoping Anil will give him a job. Anil is very nice and lets Hari Singh stay with him even though Anil does not give him any salary. 

Hari Singh in the beginning has a bad motive of stealing from Anil. Anil is a gentle writer and teaches Hari Singh how to write and do Maths. Hari Singh feels grateful. He starts to like working for Anil, even though he makes a little money by being clever with the shopping money. Anil writes for magazines and sometimes doesn’t have much money, but he doesn’t worry too much about it.

One day, Anil sells a book and gets some money, which he keeps under his mattress. Hari Singh sees this and decides to steal the money because he hasn’t stolen anything big during his stay with Anil. He thinks Anil will just waste the money. That night, Hari Singh takes the money while Anil is sleeping and plans to run away to Lucknow on a train. But at the last minute, he changes his mind and doesn’t get on the train.

Hari Singh feels bad about stealing the money and thinks about how Anil was teaching him to read and write. He decides to go back and put the money back without Anil knowing.

The next morning, Anil acts like nothing happened and even gives Hari Singh some money to go to the cinema. Hari Singh realises that Anil knew about the theft but forgave him. This makes Hari Singh smile, happy to have someone like Anil in his life.

Word Meanings of ” The Thief Story -(Extra Questions)

Hard Words : The Thief Story Page No.8

Thief = One who steals, robber (चोर), Wrestling = Combat sport, grappling, the act of combating (कुस्ती), Flattery = Praise to please, insincere compliment, false praise (चापलूसी)  , Lean = Slim, not fat, weak and thin (दुबला), Confidence = Trust, assurance, trust (विश्वास) ,

Well-oiled = Lubricated, wrestlers with oil on body (तेल से संचारित)  , Grunting = Making low sound, sound of effort, roaring (भौंकना), Casually = Without concern, relaxedly, purposelessly (बेपरवाही से)  ,

Appealing = Attractive, pleasing (आकर्षक), Employers = People who hire, bosses, a person or firm that employs workers (नियोक्ता), Still = Yet (अभी भी), Experienced = Having the knowledge or skill (अनुभवी) , Fairly = Enough (काफी),

Successful = Having achieved what you wanted (सफल), Hand = Person (व्यक्ति) , Approached = Went near (पास जाना) , Enough = Sufficient (पर्याप्त)  ,

Purpose = Objective (उद्देश्य)  , Able = Worthy (लायक)  , Bit = A little, small (थोड़ा)  , Wrestler = Skilled in wrestling (पहलवान)  , Modestly = Humbly (विनम्रता से)  , Ahead = Forward (आगे)  , Former = Earlier (पूर्व)  , Throwing = Tossing (फेंकना)  , Perhaps = Probably (शायद)  , Misjudged = Guessed wrongly (गलत अनुमान लगाना)  , Feed =

Extract Based Questions of ” The Thief Story -(Extra Questions)

The Thief Story Extract- 1

Anil was watching a wrestling match when I approached him. He was about 25 — a tall, lean fellow — and he looked easy-going, kind and simple enough for my purpose. I hadn’t had much luck of late and thought I might be able to get into the young man’s confidence.

Question 1: If Anil hadn’t been watching the wrestling match, how might the narrator have tried to befriend him differently? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer: If Anil hadn’t been at the wrestling match, the narrator might have found a different common interest to connect over, like another hobby of Anil’s, to build trust.

Question 2 : State True or False. 

None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement-The narrator’s decision to approach Anil during the wrestling suggests:

(a) Empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.  

(b) Opportunism – taking advantage of situations without regard for principles.  

(c) Altruism – the selfless concern for the well-being of others.  

(d) Caution – careful to avoid potential problems or dangers.

Answer: False. 

The narrator’s approach was driven by an intention to exploit Anil’s perceived kindness and simplicity, which aligns more with opportunism rather than empathy, altruism, or caution. Therefore, (b) Opportunism does apply, making the statement false.

Question 3 : Based on the narrator’s first impression at the wrestling match, it’s likely that Anil could be a _____ in his spare time.

Answer: writer or artist

Question 4: How could Anil’s hobby affect his personality?

Answer: It could develop his patience and ability to observe details.

Extract from The Thief Story- 2

He took me to his room over the Jumna Sweet Shop and told me I could sleep on the balcony. But the meal I cooked that night must have been terrible because Anil gave it to a stray dog and told me to be off. But I just hung around, smiling in my most appealing way, and he couldn’t help laughing.

Question 1 What does Anil’s choice to laugh off the bad meal and keep the narrator suggest about his views on second chances? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer: Anil’s reaction shows he values giving people chances to improve and learn from mistakes. By laughing instead of scolding, he shows he believes in personal growth and the potential for people to change, reflecting his compassionate view on second chances.

Question 2 : State True or False.  

None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “He couldn’t help laughing.”

(a) A metaphor – a term in which a word or phrase is applied to an object to which it is not literally applicable.

(b) An anecdote – a short amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.

(c) An imperative – a command or order.

(d) Sarcasm – the use of irony to mock or convey contempt.

Answer: True.

Justification:

The statement “He couldn’t help laughing” directly describes Anil’s reaction and doesn’t fit as a metaphor, anecdote, imperative, or sarcasm. It simply states what happened without using figurative language, telling a story, giving a command, or using irony.

Question 3 : Question: Anil’s laughter after the bad meal suggests he values _____.

Answer: learning from mistakes / getting better or any other similar response. 

Question: 4 What does Anil’s laughter show about how he views life?

Answer: He handles imperfections with humour and kindness.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)- of  ” The Thief Story”

1. If Anil wrote a book about Hari Singh, what could the title be?

A) “The Art of Trust”
B) “The Boy Who Cooked”
C) “Lessons on the Balcony”
D) “The Thief’s Transformation”

Answer: D) “The Thief’s Transformation”
Reason: Anil’s story with Hari is about seeing the possibility of change in someone. This makes “The Thief’s Transformation” a suitable title.

2. If Hari Singh had a dream about his future, what would it most likely involve?

A) Becoming a teacher
B) Opening a sweet shop
C) Traveling the world
D) Starting a school for street kids

Answer: D) Starting a school for street kids
Reason: Influenced by Anil’s kindness and his own experiences, Hari might dream of giving back by educating others like him.

3. What lesson would Anil want the most Hari Singh to learn from their time together?

A) The importance of honesty
B) Cooking skills
C) How to write a book
D) Wrestling techniques

Answer: A) The importance of honesty
Reason: Anil’s actions and forgiveness towards Hari’s theft likely aimed to teach him the value of honesty and trust.

4. If Hari Singh organised a birthday party for Anil, what would be the theme?

A) Jungle adventure
B) Writers and books
C) Cooking competition
D) Wrestling match

Answer: B) Writers and books
Reason: Considering Anil’s profession and interests, a literary-themed party would be most appropriate and thoughtful.

5. What new skill might Anil decide to learn after his experience with Hari Singh?

A) Magic tricks
B) Pickpocketing
C) Skateboarding
D) Child psychology

Answer: D) Child psychology
Reason: Anil’s patience and understanding with Hari suggest an interest in learning more about guiding and teaching young minds.

Short Answer Type Important Questions

1. Q: Why did Hari Singh choose to work for Anil?

A: Hari Singh saw Anil as a good target for theft because Anil was a kind and simple looking man. This made Hari think it would be easy to gain Anil’s trust and work for him.

2. Q: How did Anil react when Hari Singh cooked a bad meal?

A: When Hari Singh cooked a bad meal, Anil didn’t get angry or upset. Instead of that , he found it funny and laughed. Anil then chose to teach Hari Singh how to cook well, showing his kind and patient nature instead of getting mad at the mistake.

3. Q: What made Hari Singh decide to return the stolen money to Anil?

A: Hari Singh felt guilty after stealing the money. He understood that Anil’s trust in him and the opportunity to learn and grow were much more precious than the money he had taken. 

4. Q: How did Hari Singh feel about education after meeting Anil?

A: After being with Anil, Hari Singh began to see how important education is. He understood that learning could give him more chances and a better way to succeed than stealing ever could.

5. Q: Why did Anil not get mad at Hari Singh for the theft?

A: Anil might have realised Hari Singh was struggling. So, he forgave him. Anil wanted to help Hari improve and make better choices, showing that he cares and believes in giving second chances.

6. Q: What does Hari Singh’s decision to return the money say about his character?

A: Hari Singh’s choice to return the money shows he feels guilty and wants to improve himself. Influenced by Anil’s kindness, he decides to change for the better.

7. Q: How did Hari Singh justify his theft in the beginning?

A: Hari Singh believed that if he didn’t take the money, Anil would just spend it on his friends. He also thought that because Anil wasn’t paying him, it was okay for him to take the money. He felt he had a right to it.

8. Q: What role did the moonlight play the night Hari Singh stole the money?

A: The moonlight made everything look calm and peaceful. But Hari Singh was feeling tense and guilty about what he was doing. This shows us how he was struggling inside, feeling two very different things at the same time.

9. Q: How did Anil’s behaviour influence Hari Singh’s actions?

A: Anil’s trust and kindness made Hari Singh think about stealing again. This encourages Hari to return the stolen money, teaching him a better way to live.

10. Q: What could have happened if Hari Singh had escaped on the Lucknow Express?

Answer: If Hari had escaped, he might have enjoyed the money briefly but likely would have continued stealing, missing the opportunity to improve himself.

Long Answer Type Important Questions

1. Question: How do you think Hari Singh’s life changed after the events of the story? Use details from the story and your imagination to explain. Answer in around 120 words

Answer: After the story, Hari Singh’s life must have changed a lot. Anil was very kind and trusted him a lot. This made Hari to stop stealing and live an honest life. He might have kept learning from Anil, getting better at reading and writing. Maybe he even went back to school.

With his new skills, Hari could have found a good job, like working in a shop or an office. Because Anil helped him, Hari might have wanted to help others too. He could have taught kids who lived on the streets or helped at places where they teach people for free.

Hari’s life changed from being a thief to helping others. This shows how kindness and learning can really change someone’s life and give them a new start.

2. Question: Imagine Anil found out about the theft the next morning. How do you think he would have confronted Hari Singh, and what would he have said? Answer in around 120 words

Answer: If Anil found out about the theft, he would talk to Hari Singh calmly and politely. He might say he was sad, not because of the money, but because he felt cheated. Anil would ask Hari why he did it and really listen to his answer.

Anil is kind and would tell Hari that making mistakes is normal. The important thing is to learn from them and try not to make them again. If Anil gave Hari another chance, it would show he believes Hari can change.

This talk would be very important for Hari. It would show him that Anil really cares about him and his future. Anil’s kindness could help Hari choose to live better from now on.

3. Question: Why do you think Hari Singh wanted to learn cooking even though he was not good at it at first? How do you think trying to cook helped him feel more confident and willing to try other new things? Answer in around 120 words

Answer: Hari Singh wanted to show Anil, and maybe himself, that he could do good things. Even though he failed at cooking the first time, Anil was patient and supportive. This helped Hari keep trying. He learned that making mistakes is normal when you’re learning something new, and it’s important to keep going.

As Hari got better at cooking, he also started feeling more confident. This made him want to try other new things too. Growing more confident was a big change for Hari. It helped him see himself in a new way.

He found out that learning new skills can be fun and make you feel good. Anil’s kind and gentle help was very important in Hari’s effort to get better and realise what he could do.

4. Question: Think about how Anil taught Hari Singh. How did Anil’s way of teaching help Hari learn better? How could this affect Hari’s future? Answer in around 120 words

Answer: Anil taught Hari with kindness, patience, and hands-on help. This made learning fun for Hari. Instead of getting mad at mistakes, Anil helped Hari fix them and encouraged him to keep going. This kind of teaching made Hari feel safe and supported. It helped him learn faster and better.

These good experiences in learning might make Hari more open to trying new things in the future and believe in himself more. Also, seeing how Anil taught might make Hari want to teach others in the same kind and supportive way. This could keep the good cycle of teaching and learning going.

5. Question: If Hari Singh wrote a letter to Anil 10 years after the story ended, what would he say? Describe the contents of the letter, focusing on Hari’s life changes and gratitude. (Don’t write complete letter) Answer in around 120 words

Answer:  In his letter to Anil, Hari Singh would talk about how much his life has changed in the last ten years. He would excitedly tell Anil about the new skills he has learned, the good job he has now, and the happiness of possibly having his own family. Hari would share stories that show how Anil’s advice helped him make smart choices and help others in need, just like Anil helped him.

The main thing Hari would express in his letter is his deep thanks to Anil for believing in him and giving him a new start in life. This letter, full of thanks and respect, would show how much Anil’s kindness and teaching changed Hari. It would highlight how thankful Hari is for the big difference Anil made in his life, helping