This page offers Extract Based Questions  from the Chapter The Thief Story for Class 10 from the book Footprints Without Feet.   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 Thief Story Extracts to score great.

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.

Also Read:

• The Thief Story Long Question Answer
• Hard Words : The Thief Story
• The Thief Story NCERT Solutions
• The Thief Story MCQ
• The Thief Story Short Question Answer

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.

Also Read:

• The Thief Story Summary in Hindi
• The Thief Story Summary in English
• The Thief Story Author
• The Thief’s Story Character Sketch

Class 10 The Thief Story Extract Based Questions- 3

Later, he patted me on the head and said never mind, he’d teach me to cook. He also taught me to write my name and said he would soon teach me to write whole sentences and to add numbers. I was grateful. I knew that once I could write like an educated man there would be no limit to what I could achieve.

Question 1 :What does the narrator’s hope for great success after learning to write tell us about the importance of being educated?

Answer: The narrator believes that knowing how to read and write is crucial for reaching one’s full potential and breaking through limits. This shows he understands that education can open up many more opportunities in life.

Question 2 : State True or False.

None of the terms (a)-(d) apply to the statement — “Once I could write well, there would be no limit to what I could achieve.”

(a) Simile – compares two things using ‘like’ or ‘as’.

(b) Euphemism – uses mild words instead of harsh ones.

(c) Idiom – a phrase where the words don’t mean what they say.

(d) Cliche – an overused expression.

Answer: True

Justification: The statement is a direct expression of potential without using comparisons, substitutions, or overused phrases. It simply highlights belief in unlimited possibilities.

Question 3 : Anil’s choice to teach the narrator shows he believes in the power of _____ to change lives.

Answer: education / mentorship / or any similar response

Question 4: What does learning to write mean for the narrator’s future?

Answer: It opens up more chances and ways to improve himself.

The Thief Story Extract Based MCQ Questions- 4

It was quite pleasant working for Anil. I made the tea in the morning and then would take my time buying the day’s supplies, usually making a profit of about a rupee a day. I think he knew I made a little money this way but he did not seem to mind.

Question 1 : How does Anil react to the narrator making extra money from daily errands, and what does this say about him? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer- Anil’s reaction shows he is understanding and supportive. He does not mind the narrator making a little extra money, indicating he values the narrator’s initiative and independence.

Question 2: True or False.  

None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the narrator’s action of making a small profit and Anil’s response:

(a) Financial independence – having enough money to live without needing to work for basic needs.  

(b) Trust – strong belief in someone’s reliability and truth.  

(c) Exploitation – using someone unfairly for personal gain.  

(d) Mentorship – advice and guidance provided by an experienced person.

Answer: False.

Justification: Anil’s response to the narrator’s profit-making shows (b) Trust, as he shows confidence in the narrator’s actions by not intervening, indicating trust in his character and decision-making. 

Question 3 : Anil’s quiet acceptance of the narrator making a profit shows his belief in _____.

Answer: learning by doing / independence/ any similar response

Question: 4 What does Anil think about the narrator’s small earnings?

Answer: He sees them as steps toward becoming independent and responsible.

The Thief Story Extract Based Questions MCQ with Answers- 5

Anil made money by fits and starts. He would borrow one week, lend the next. He kept worrying about his next cheque, but as soon as it arrived he would go out and celebrate. It seems he wrote for magazines — a queer way to make a living!

Question 1 What do Anil’s irregular earnings and how he celebrates getting paid say about his view on success?

Answer: Anil’s irregular income and several celebrations show he values life experiences more than steady money. He sees success as personal happiness, not just earning more.

Question 2: True or False.  

None of the terms (a)-(d) accurately describe Anil’s lifestyle and financial habits as mentioned in the passage:

(a) Frugality – being careful with money and resources  

(b) Impulsivity – acting suddenly without planning  

(c) Contentment – feeling happy and satisfied  

(d) Predictability – being consistent and reliable in actions and results

Answer: False.

Justification:  The term impulsivity (b) fits Anil because he celebrates right after getting paid, showing he acts on impulse rather than planning carefully or being predictable.

Question 3 : Anil’s unconventional way of managing finances and celebrating achievements suggests he is a _____ individual.

Answer: spontaneous/ content/ Unpredictable/ Freewheeling/ Carefree/ Lighthearted/ Easygoing or any other similar answer

Question 4 : What does Anil’s celebration of cheques indicate about his values?

Answer: Prioritises life’s joys over financial stability.

The Thief Story Extracts- 6

I had been working for Anil for almost a month and, apart from cheating on the shopping, had not done anything in my line of work. I had every opportunity for doing so. Anil had given me a key to the door, and I could come and go as I pleased. He was the most trusting person I had ever met.

Question 1 : What does Anil giving the narrator a key, tell about the possibility of changing someone’s behaviour? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer: Anil’s trust, even though the narrator had a history of dishonesty, shows that believing in someone can strongly encourage them to change and follow better paths.

Question 2: True or False.  

None of the terms (a)-(d) accurately describe the relationship dynamics between Anil and the narrator, as shown by the key exchange:

(a) Trust – strong belief in someone’s reliability or honesty.  

(b) Naivety – lacking experience or judgement.  

(c) Reciprocity – exchanging things for mutual benefit.  

(d) Manipulation – unfairly controlling or influencing someone.

Answer: False.

Justification:

The act of giving a key shows a deep level of trust (a) from Anil towards the narrator, indicating Anil’s belief in the narrator’s potential for honesty and growth. The other terms do not correctly describe their relationship as depicted in this scenario.

Question 3 : Question: What does Anil giving the narrator a key suggest about Anil’s belief in the potential for _____?

Answer: change/ improvement/ Rehabilitation/ Transformation/ Reform or any other similar answer. 

Question 4 : What does the key symbolise in Anil and the narrator’s relationship?

Answer: Trust and a chance for transformation.

The Thief Story Extract- 7

And that is why it was so difficult to rob him. It’s easy to rob a greedy man, because he can afford to be robbed; but it’s difficult to rob a careless man — sometimes he doesn’t even notice he’s been robbed and that takes all the pleasure out of the work.

Question 1 :  How does the narrator’s view on the difficulty of robbing Anil challenge usual ideas about theft and its pleasures? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer: The narrator says that the challenge and recognition make theft exciting, not just the act itself. Stealing from trusting Anil, who might not notice, isn’t thrilling. This shows a contradiction: the thief seeks approval through the crime.

Question 2: True or False.  

None of the terms (a)-(d) apply to the narrator’s insights about theft and its victims:

(a) Psychological satisfaction – gaining fulfilment from a challenging task  

(b) Moral ambiguity – uncertain feelings about right and wrong  

(c) Thrill of the challenge – excitement from difficult tasks  

(d) Empathy – understanding others’ feelings

Answer: False.

Justification: The narrator’s thoughts reveal psychological satisfaction (a) from overcoming challenges, highlight the thrill of the challenge (c), navigate moral ambiguity (b), and even show a hint of empathy (d) towards his victims.

Question 3 The narrator’s struggle with stealing from Anil highlights the surprising role of _____ in his life as a thief.

Answer: morals / fulfilment/ Conscience/ Integrity/ Values/ Principles

Question 4 : What does the pleasure in theft reveal about the narrator?

Answer: He wants to make people restless and challenge them. He did not want only money.

Extract from The Thief Story- 8

Anil was asleep. A beam of moonlight stepped over the balcony and fell on the bed. I sat up on the floor, considering the situation. If I took the money, I could catch the 10.30 Express to Lucknow. Slipping out of the blanket, I crept up to the bed. Anil was sleeping peacefully. His face was clear and unlined; even I had more marks on my face, though mine were mostly scars.

Question 1 : How do Anil’s calm face and the narrator’s scarred face show their inner thoughts? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer: Anil’s smooth, calm face shows a life of peace and honesty, while the narrator’s scarred face represents a tough past and moral struggles. This contrast shows how life choices affect inner peace and looks.

Question 2: True or False.  

None of the terms (a)-(d) describe the imagery of moonlight and the contrasting descriptions of Anil’s and the narrator’s faces:

(a) Tranquillity – a state of peace and calm  

(b) Inner turmoil – a state of great distress or agitation  

(c) Duality – the quality of having two parts  

(d) Revelation – the act of revealing or making known

Answer: False.

Justification: The peaceful moonlight and Anil’s calm face represent tranquillity (a), while the narrator’s scarred face suggests inner turmoil (b), showing the duality (c) in their characters. This contrast also serves as a revelation (d), unveiling deeper insights about their lives and choices.

Question 3: The calm moonlight and Anil’s peaceful sleep, despite the narrator thinking about theft, highlight the theme of _____.

Answer: contrasts / Duality/ Ethics/ Morality/ or any other similar response

Question 4 : What does Anil’s peaceful face during the theft attempt signify?

Answer: Innocence and trust set against conflict and guilt.

Class 10 The Thief Story Extract Based Questions- 9

My hand slid under the mattress, searching for the notes. When I found them, I drew them out without a sound. Anil sighed in his sleep and turned on his side, towards me. I was startled and quickly crawled out of the room.

Question 1 How does Anil sighing and turning toward the narrator during the theft show their relationship? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer: Anil’s sigh and turn towards the narrator in his sleep show a deep, unconscious link between them. This reflects their mixed relationship of trust and betrayal. This moment also stresses the moral conflict the narrator feels, making his decision more emotionally charged.

Question 2: True or False.  

None of the terms (a)-(d) describe the subtle interaction between Anil and the narrator during the theft:

(a) Subconscious communication – exchanging thoughts or feelings without knowing it  

(b) Intuitive bond – a natural, instinctive connection  

(c) Violation of trust – breaking someone’s trust  

(d) Moral conflict – struggling to choose between right and wrong

Answer: False.

Justification:Anil’s unconscious reaction suggests a deep, instinctive bond (b) and subconscious communication (a) with the narrator. The theft itself is a clear violation of trust (c) and underscores the narrator’s moral conflict (d).

Question 3 : Question: Anil’s subconscious reaction during the theft subtly highlights the theme of _____.

Answer: trust/ Bond/ relationship/ any other similar response. 

Question 4 : What does Anil’s sigh in his sleep imply about trust?

Answer: It shows he feels something uncommon, even if he’s not aware of it.

The Thief Story Extract Based MCQ Questions- 10

When I was on the road, I began to run. I had the notes at my waist, held there by the string of my pyjamas. I slowed down to a walk and counted the notes: 600 rupees in fifties! I could live like an oil-rich Arab for a week or two.

Question 1 : How does the narrator’s small desire to live a rich life on stolen money question typical ideas of success? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer: The narrator’s urge to quickly enjoy riches from theft questions society’s focus on material success. It asks if short-lived pleasures really mean true happiness or just cover up deeper needs.

Question 2: True or False.  

None of the terms (a)-(d) apply to the narrator’s reaction upon escaping with the money and imagining a luxurious life:

(a) Immediate gratification – the urge to feel pleasure or fulfilment right away  

(b) Long-term consequences – the impact of actions that unfold over time  

(c) Escapism – the practice of seeking distraction from real issues by daydreaming or entertainment  

(d) Ethical dilemma – a tough choice between undesirable options, often involving moral considerations

Answer: False.

Justification: The narrator’s quick enjoyment of his theft (a) and fantasies of wealth (c) show he’s seeking immediate pleasure and escape from reality, without thinking of the long-term effects (b) or the moral problems (d) of his actions.

Question: 3 The narrator’s wish of luxury after stealing shows he deeply desires for _____ in his life.

Answer: stability/ Acceptance/ Comfort/ Safety/ Connection or any other similar answer. 

Question: 4 What do the narrator’s dreams of living richly after the theft suggest about his personal aspirations?

Answer: They show he wants more wealth and a better lifestyle.

The Thief Story Extract Based Questions MCQ with Answers- 11

When I reached the station I did not stop at the ticket office (I had never bought a ticket in my life) but dashed straight to the platform. The Lucknow Express was just moving out. The train had still to pick up speed and I should have been able to jump into one of the carriages but I hesitated — for some reason I can’t explain — and I lost the chance to get away.

Question: 1- Why does the narrator hesitate to board the Lucknow Express after stealing the money?

Answer: The narrator’s hesitation shows he is struggling with his morals. Even though he stole the money, he feels guilty, showing he knows right from wrong. This suggests he’s not just a thief but someone who might regret his actions.

Question 2: True or False.  

None of the terms (a)-(d) describe the narrator’s hesitation at the train station:

(a) Cognitive dissonance – feeling uncomfortable because of conflicting beliefs or values  

(b) Impulse control – the ability to stop or delay an action  

(c) Moral awakening – realising the ethical importance of one’s actions  

(d) Decision paralysis – being unable to decide due to too much thinking

Answer: False.

Justification:

The narrator’s hesitation reflects cognitive dissonance (a) as he struggles with his actions versus his morals, shows impulse control (b) in pausing before acting, indicates a moral awakening (c) in reconsidering the ethics of his theft, and exhibits decision paralysis (d) in his inability to quickly decide to board the train.

Question: 3 The narrator’s pause before fleeing highlights his underlying sense of _____.

Answer: Guilt/ Regret/ Doubt/ Conflict/ Hesitation or any similar response. 

Question: 4 What does the hesitation at the train station represent?

Answer: A struggle between feeling guilty and wanting to start fresh.

The Thief Story Extracts- 12

When the train had gone, I found myself standing alone on the deserted platform. I had no idea where to spend the night. I had no friends, believing that friends were more trouble than help. And I did not want to make anyone curious by staying at one of the small hotels near the station. The only person I knew really well was the man I had robbed.

Question 1 : What does the narrator’s loneliness on the empty platform with stolen money show about relationships and trust?

Answer: It shows that money can’t replace the value of trust and friendships, and that loneliness reduces the joy of wealth.

Question 2: True or False.  

None of the terms (a)-(d) apply to the narrator’s feelings of isolation and dilemma after the theft:

(a) Social alienation – feeling distant from society or a group  

(b) Moral introspection – thinking deeply about one’s ethics and actions  

(c) Regret – feeling sad or sorry about past actions  

(d) Self-preservation – protecting oneself from harm

Answer: False.

Justification:  The narrator’s solitude on the deserted platform and his contemplation of his actions fit with social alienation (a) and encourage deep moral introspection (b). His avoidance of places like hotels suggests self-preservation (d), and his reflection likely leads to feelings of regret (c).

Question: 3 The narrator’s loneliness on the platform highlights the surprising lack of _____ despite seeming success.

Answer: fulfilment/ Satisfaction/ Happiness/ Contentment/ Companionship/ or any other similar answer

Question: 4 What does the narrator’s loneliness show about his choices?

Answer: Lying costs more than it’s worth.

The Thief Story Extract- 13

In my short career as a thief, I had made a study of men’s faces when they had lost their goods. The greedy man showed fear; the rich man showed anger; the poor man showed acceptance. But I knew that Anil’s face, when he discovered the theft, would show only a touch of sadness. Not for the loss of money, but for the loss of trust.

Question: What does the narrator expecting Anil to be sad, not angry, about the theft show about their relationship?

Answer: It shows the narrator knows Anil values trust more than money, highlighting their deep emotional connection.

Question 2: True or False.  

None of the terms (a)-(d) describe the narrator’s observations on different reactions to theft:

(a) Emotional intelligence – understanding and managing emotions in oneself and others.   

(b) Psychological profiling – classifying people based on their behaviour and emotions.   

(c) Ethical relativism – the idea that right and wrong depend on the situation.   

(d) Empathetic foresight – predicting and understanding others’ emotional reactions. 

Answer: False.

Justification:  

The narrator’s ability to note different reactions to theft shows emotional intelligence (a) and resembles psychological profiling (b). His understanding of Anil’s likely subdued response displays empathetic foresight (d), and recognizing that reactions vary shows an awareness of ethical relativism (c).

Question: 3 The narrator’s thoughts on Anil’s expected reaction emphasise the importance of _____ in their relationship.

Answer: trust/ Honesty/ Loyalty/ Integrity/ Respect

Question: 4 What does Anil’s likely sadness show about their relationship?

Answer: It shows a deep trust and real connection beyond just money.

Extract from The Thief Story- 14

I found myself in the maidan and sat down on a bench. The night was chilly — it was early November — and a light drizzle added to my discomfort. Soon it was raining quite heavily. My shirt and pyjamas stuck to my skin, and a cold wind blew the rain across my face.

Question: 1 How does the narrator’s discomfort in the maidan show his feelings after the theft?

Answer: The narrator’s discomfort from the cold and rain shows his inner guilt and turmoil. The harsh weather reflects his struggle with his actions.

Question 2: True or False.  

None of the elements (a)-(d) apply to the environmental conditions the narrator faces in the maidan:

(a) Symbolism – using symbols to express ideas or qualities  

(b) Foreshadowing – hinting at future events  

(c) Pathetic fallacy – giving human emotions to weather or objects  

(d) Irony – using language that signifies the opposite of what is meant

Answer: False.

Justification:  

The harsh weather symbolises the narrator’s internal conflict (a), may hint at future changes (b), reflects his emotions through pathetic fallacy (c), and the contrast between his past confidence and current situation is ironic (d).

Question: 3 The harsh weather the narrator faces represents his _____ after the theft.

Answer: inner conflict/ Guilt/ Regret/ Confusion/ Distress/  or any other similar response. 

Question: 4 How does the rain show the narrator’s guilt?

Answer: It reminds him of the wrong he did.

Class 10 The Thief Story Extract Based Questions- 15

I had forgotten about them in the excitement of the theft. Whole sentences, I knew, could one day bring me more than a few hundred rupees. It was a simple matter to steal — and sometimes just as simple to be caught. But to be a really big man, a clever and respected man, was something else. 

Question: How does the narrator’s shift from valuing theft to valuing education show his new view of success?

Answer: He realises that education brings more long-term benefits than theft. He knows that real success comes from gaining knowledge and earning respect, rather than making quick, dishonest money. 

Question 2: True or False.  

None of the terms (a)-(d) describe the narrator’s reflections on the value of literacy and respect over quick monetary gain:

(a) Enlightenment – gaining deep insight or understanding  

(b) Long-term investment – putting resources into something expecting future benefits  

(c) Instant gratification – wanting immediate pleasure or fulfilment  

(d) Personal growth – improving oneself through knowledge and experience

Answer: False.

Justification:  

The narrator’s preference for the lasting benefits of education over quick theft aligns with long-term investment (b) and personal growth (d). His new understanding serves as enlightenment (a), showing a shift away from his previous desire for instant gratification (c).

Question: 3 The narrator’s reflection on choosing education over theft marks a key point in his move toward _____.

Answer: self-betterment/ Bright Future/ Growth or any other similar response. 

Question: 4 What does learning to read and write mean for the narrator’s future?

Answer: A way to achieve respect and real success.