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English comprehension passage adapted from Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s Parineeta (The Married Woman), with 15 MCQs and answers.
📘 Comprehension Passage: Adapted from Parineeta by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
In the narrow lanes of old Calcutta, amidst the bustle of the marketplace and the fragrance of incense, lived Lalita and Shekhar, two children bound by friendship and fate. Lalita, an orphaned girl living with her uncle, had grown up in poverty but with a heart full of dreams and kindness. Shekhar, the son of a wealthy landlord, was her companion in childhood, their days filled with innocent laughter and shared secrets.
Their friendship was pure and simple, untouched by the complex social barriers that divided their worlds. Lalita’s uncle, however, saw her only as a burden and often treated her harshly. Shekhar’s family, proud and status-conscious, considered Lalita unworthy of their circle. Yet, despite these challenges, Lalita and Shekhar's bond deepened with time.
As they grew older, subtle feelings blossomed between them, feelings that neither dared to confess. Lalita’s shy glances and Shekhar’s lingering looks spoke louder than words. The world around them, however, was not kind to such innocent affection.
When Shekhar’s marriage was arranged to a girl of similar social standing, Lalita was devastated but kept her pain hidden. She continued to serve Shekhar’s family with loyalty and grace, her love unspoken but unwavering.
The village buzzed with gossip when rumors spread that Lalita and Shekhar shared a secret bond. Shekhar’s family, scandalized, tried to separate them by sending Shekhar away to study in another city.
Despite the distance, their hearts remained connected through letters filled with longing and hope. Lalita’s life took a turn when her uncle decided to marry her off to a much older man for financial gain. The marriage was loveless and painful, but Lalita endured it with quiet dignity.
Years passed, and Shekhar returned, changed by his experiences but still carrying the same love for Lalita. The barriers of caste, status, and circumstance still stood tall, but their hearts recognized no boundaries.
In a world that demanded conformity and social approval, Lalita and Shekhar's story became a testament to enduring love, sacrifice, and the courage to defy norms.
✅ MCQ Questions (1 mark each)
1. Who is Lalita?
a) Shekhar’s sister
b) An orphaned girl living with her uncle
c) Shekhar’s wife
d) A rich landlord’s daughter
a) Enemies
b) Childhood friends
c) Strangers
d) Teacher and student
a) As family
b) As unworthy of their status
c) As a close friend
d) As a wealthy girl
a) He married Lalita
b) He was sent away to study
c) It was arranged with a girl of similar social status
d) It was canceled
a) With love and care
b) As a burden
c) Like a daughter
d) With respect
a) Friendship between strangers
b) A tale of war and peace
c) Enduring love despite social barriers
d) The importance of wealth
7. Identify the tense: Shekhar’s marriage was arranged to a girl of similar social standing.
a) Present simple
b) Past perfect
c) Past simple passive
d) Future tense
8. Choose the correct preposition: Lalita lived ___ her uncle.
a) on
b) with
c) at
d) in
9. Choose the correct form: Their hearts ___ connected through letters.
a) is
b) are
c) was
d) were
a) Despite
b) remained
c) connected
d) hearts
a) She
b) loyalty
c) family
d) serve
Vocabulary (4 marks)
12. What does “orphaned” mean?
a) Having many siblings
b) Having no parents
c) Being rich
d) Being a student
a) Careless about social rank
b) Concerned about social position and class
c) Ignorant of society
d) Poor and helpless
a) Shocked or offended by something improper
b) Happy about news
c) Ignored the rumors
d) Joined the gossip
15. What does “enduring” mean in the phrase “enduring love”?
a) Lasting a short time
b) Temporary
c) Lasting for a long time despite difficulties
d) Fading away
✅ Answer Key
1. b) An orphaned girl living with her uncle
2. b) Childhood friends
3. b) As unworthy of their status
4. c) It was arranged with a girl of similar social status
5. b) As a burden
6. c) Enduring love despite social barriers
7. c) Past simple passive
8. b) with
9. d) were
10. a) Despite
11. a) She
12. b) Having no parents
13. b) Concerned about social position and class
14. a) Shocked or offended by something improper
15. c) Lasting for a long time despite difficulties
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