31. What does the narrator suggest as a way to prevent umbrella theft?

a) Engraving one’s name on it

b) Keeping it locked at home

c) Buying only cheap umbrellas

d) Using an umbrella tracker

Answer: a) Engraving one’s name on it

Explanation: The narrator humorously suggests that engraving one’s name on an umbrella might deter theft. The logic behind this is that when a person sees a name on an umbrella they have taken, they will feel guilty and be more inclined to return it. This aligns with the essay’s theme that people often justify small moral lapses unless directly confronted with evidence of their wrongdoing.

32. According to the narrator, why do people justify taking someone else’s umbrella?

a) They assume they got a better deal

b) They believe it was an honest mistake

c) They think no one will notice

d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Explanation: The narrator observes that people rationalize taking the wrong umbrella in multiple ways—convincing themselves it was an accident, feeling they got a better deal, or assuming the owner won’t notice. This illustrates a broader theme of moral self-deception, where individuals downplay or justify small acts of dishonesty to avoid guilt.

33. What does the narrator think about those who take advantage of railway companies?

a) They are master criminals

b) They are engaging in minor dishonest acts

c) They should be arrested

d) They are completely justified

Answer: b) They are engaging in minor dishonest acts

Explanation: The narrator categorizes actions such as riding first-class with a third-class ticket as minor moral lapses, similar to taking an umbrella or forgetting to return a book. While these acts are not outright crimes, they reflect a willingness to bend ethical rules when there are no immediate consequences. Gardiner humorously suggests that such small acts of dishonesty are more common than people admit.

34. What does the writer imply about moral failings?

a) Everyone has them in some way

b) Only bad people commit them

c) They should always be severely punished

d) They don’t exist in educated people

Answer: a) Everyone has them in some way

Explanation: Gardiner argues that moral failings are a universal human trait. Even people who consider themselves highly ethical engage in minor dishonest acts, such as taking someone’s umbrella, keeping borrowed books, or exploiting loopholes in systems. The essay humorously encourages readers to reflect on their own justifications for such behaviors, emphasizing that self-awareness is key to true honesty.

35. What does the author say about people who take books but never return them?

a) They feel no guilt

b) They usually forget

c) They convince themselves they need them more

d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Explanation: The narrator humorously critiques those who borrow books and never return them. He suggests that such people justify their actions in different ways—they may feel no guilt, simply forget, or convince themselves that they love the book more than the original owner does. This aligns with the broader theme of self-deception in morality, where people find ways to excuse their small dishonest actions.

36. What is the overall tone of the essay?

a) Humorous and reflective

b) Angry and accusatory

c) Serious and philosophical

d) Sad and depressing

Answer: a) Humorous and reflective

Explanation: Gardiner’s essay is both humorous and reflective. He does not harshly judge people for minor moral failings but instead uses humor to encourage readers to recognize their own justifications for small dishonest acts. His lighthearted tone makes the discussion engaging, allowing readers to reflect on their own behaviour without feeling overly criticized.

37. What does the narrator mean when he says, “We play hide-and-seek with our own conscience”?

a) We try to trick others into believing we are honest

b) We avoid acknowledging our own moral failings

c) We like playing childhood games

d) We test our honesty in difficult situations

Answer: b) We avoid acknowledging our own moral failings

Explanation: The phrase “playing hide-and-seek with our conscience” refers to the way people justify their small dishonest acts. Instead of admitting they have done something morally wrong, they create excuses or convince themselves that their actions are harmless. The narrator humorously points out that people not only deceive others but also deceive themselves, refusing to confront their own minor moral failings, such as swapping umbrellas or keeping borrowed books.

38. What does the narrator imagine the person who took his umbrella doing?

a) Regretting his decision

b) Feeling guilty and returning it

c) Flaunting it proudly and mocking him

d) Selling it for money

Answer: c) Flaunting it proudly and mocking him

Explanation: The narrator sarcastically envisions the person who took his high-quality silk umbrella walking confidently down the street, enjoying the upgrade while looking down upon the unfortunate person left with a defective umbrella. This humorous exaggeration highlights the selfishness of people who knowingly take advantage of such situations, feeling triumphant rather than guilty.

39. Why does the narrator refer to the person who took his umbrella as a “rascal”?

a) Because he deliberately took a better umbrella

b) Because he stole it from a shop

c) Because he refused to return it

d) Because he was caught in the act

Answer: a) Because he deliberately took a better umbrella

Explanation: The narrator humorously calls the person a “rascal” because he believes the switch was intentional. The thief is portrayed as someone who was fully aware that he took a better umbrella, leaving behind an inferior one. This emphasizes the theme of small moral compromises that people make while convincing themselves that they are still honest individuals.

40. What does the narrator suggest about people who justify small dishonest acts?

a) They do not see themselves as dishonest

b) They consider it a serious crime

c) They always get caught

d) They are never trusted again

Answer: a) They do not see themselves as dishonest

Explanation: The narrator points out that people often engage in small dishonest acts, such as taking someone else’s umbrella or failing to return borrowed books, but they do not perceive themselves as dishonest. They justify their actions with excuses, such as believing it was an accident or thinking that the person they took from will not suffer. This self-deception allows them to maintain their moral self-image.