The Elevator by William Sleator, Part two: GLOSSARY, PARAPHRASE & QUESTION-ANSWERS

 

The Elevator by William Sleator, Part two

Glossary

Nervous : feeling anxious or uneasy / घबराया हुआ
Ashamed : feeling guilty or embarrassed / शर्मिंदा, लज्जित
Hoping : expecting or wishing for something / आशा करते हुए
Reveal : to make visible; show / प्रकट करना, दिखाना
Piggish : resembling a pig; unpleasant-looking / सुअर जैसा, भद्दा
Stare : to look fixedly for a long time / घूरना
Nightmare : a frightening dream or experience / दुःस्वप्न, डरावना अनुभव
Squeak : a thin, high-pitched sound / पतली, काँपती आवाज़
Nod : to move the head in agreement / सिर हिलाना
Pudgy : short, fat and plump / गोल-मटोल, मोटा-सा
Tremble : to shake slightly with fear or weakness / काँपना
Squeeze past : to move through a narrow space with difficulty / तंग जगह से मुश्किल से निकलना
Scratchy : rough and irritating to touch / खुरदरा, चुभने वाला
Slam : to shut with great force and noise / ज़ोर से बंद करना
Probably : most likely / शायद, सम्भवतः
Timid : shy and lacking courage / डरपोक, संकोची
Impatiently : with irritation or without patience / अधीरता से
Coward : a person who lacks courage / कायर
Expression : look on the face showing feelings / चेहरे का भाव
Back away : to move backwards because of fear / डरकर पीछे हटना
Disappointed : unhappy because expectations were not met / निराश
Crutches : supports used for walking after an injury / बैसाखियाँ
Plead : to beg earnestly / गिड़गिड़ाना, विनती करना
Struggle : to try hard with difficulty / संघर्ष करना, कठिन प्रयास करना
Hobble : to walk with difficulty because of an injury / लंगड़ाकर चलना
Reach out : to stretch one's hand towards something / हाथ बढ़ाना
Step out : to leave by taking a step outside / बाहर निकलना
Unable : not able; incapable / असमर्थ
Silent : without speaking / मौन, चुप
Afraid : filled with fear / डरा हुआ
Worried : anxious or troubled / चिंतित
Apartment : a set of rooms for living / फ्लैट, अपार्टमेंट
Rest : relaxation after illness or injury / आराम
Stop button : the button used to halt the elevator / लिफ्ट रोकने का बटन
Do no good : to have no effect / कोई असर न होना

English Paraphrase

Paragraph 1

When Martin returned home from school, he felt anxious about entering the building because he feared meeting the strange fat lady again. He tried to convince himself that it was foolish to be frightened of an elderly woman and even felt embarrassed by his own fear. However, as soon as he entered the elevator, his worst fear came true. The elevator stopped at the third floor, and the door opened to reveal the same woman in her green coat with a pig-like face and piercing blue eyes. She stared directly at him as though she had been expecting him, making Martin even more frightened.

Paragraph 2

Martin could hardly believe what he was seeing. The situation seemed unreal, almost like a terrible nightmare. Trying to appear calm, he nervously said, "Going up!" but his voice came out as a weak squeak. The woman silently nodded and entered the elevator. Instead of pressing the button for the fourteenth floor, where she had entered that morning, she pressed the button for the eighteenth floor, the highest floor in the building. As the elevator shook and slowly moved upward, she continued staring at Martin without saying a word, increasing his fear.

Paragraph 3

Martin became confused because the woman's actions did not make sense. Earlier that morning she had boarded the elevator from the fourteenth floor, but now she had entered from the third floor and was travelling to the eighteenth floor. This unusual behaviour made her seem even more mysterious. The elevator also appeared to be moving much more slowly than usual, making every second feel longer. Martin wished he could press the button for the seventh floor so that he could get out and climb the stairs instead, but he would have had to reach past the woman and touch her, something he was too frightened to do.

Paragraph 4

When the elevator finally reached the seventeenth floor, the woman barely moved aside to let Martin leave. He had to squeeze past her, brushing against her rough, scratchy coat. He feared that the elevator doors would close before he could escape. As he stepped out, the woman turned and continued staring at him until the doors shut. Martin suddenly realised that she now knew where he lived, and this thought made him feel even more uneasy.

Paragraph 5

That evening, Martin decided to tell his father about the strange woman because he needed someone to listen to him. He asked whether his father had ever noticed such a woman in the elevator. His father replied that he had never seen her and continued watching television, showing little interest in what Martin was saying. Martin then explained that the woman had been in the elevator with him twice that day and had stared at him continuously without taking her eyes off him.

Paragraph 6

Martin's father dismissed his fears and became impatient. Instead of trying to understand Martin's experience, he asked why Martin always worried so much. He believed Martin was simply afraid of an innocent old lady and criticised him for being timid. Although Martin denied being afraid, his father insisted that he was and questioned whether he would ever grow up and behave like a brave man. His harsh words deeply hurt Martin.

Paragraph 7

Martin did not want his father to see him crying, so he waited until he reached his bedroom before letting out his emotions. Although his father probably realised that Martin was upset, he showed no sympathy. Martin was so frightened and disturbed by the day's events that he slept very little that night.

Paragraph 8

The following morning, Martin opened the elevator door and found the fat lady already waiting for him inside. He became so frightened that he froze and could not move. Instead of entering the elevator, he slowly stepped backwards. As soon as the woman noticed his fear, her facial expression changed into a smile. The elevator doors closed, leaving Martin terrified and confused by her reaction.

Paragraph 9

Unable to face another ride with the woman, Martin decided to use the staircase. However, while running down the dark stairs, he fell and broke his leg. During the journey to the hospital, his father remained silent because he was disappointed and angry, believing that Martin had behaved like a coward. Martin's injury forced him to use crutches, making it impossible for him to use the stairs again. He wondered whether the woman's strange smile had meant that she somehow knew this accident was going to happen.

Paragraph 10

After leaving the hospital, Martin felt relieved because his father accompanied him in the elevator. There was no room for the fat lady to enter, and Martin believed that if she did appear, his father would finally see her and understand why he had been so frightened. Once they reached home, Martin also felt safe because the doctor had advised him to rest indoors for several days, keeping him away from further encounters with the mysterious woman.

Paragraph 11

Just as Martin began feeling secure, his father suddenly remembered that he had promised to visit Mrs. Ullman on the ninth floor. Martin immediately became frightened because he did not want to remain alone in the elevator. He begged his father to let him come along, pretending that he also wished to visit Mrs. Ullman. However, before Martin could get out, the elevator doors started closing. His father teased him by asking if he was afraid of being alone in the elevator and told him to grow up before leaving him behind.

Paragraph 12

Martin desperately hobbled towards the elevator buttons and pressed the button for the ninth floor, hoping the elevator would stop there. Unfortunately, it was too late. The elevator stopped at the tenth floor, where the fat lady was waiting. She entered quickly before Martin could escape. Because of his injured leg and crutches, he was too slow to get out. The doors closed, trapping him inside with the mysterious woman. She smiled, greeted him by name, laughed, and deliberately pressed the Stop button. The story ends at this tense moment, leaving readers wondering what will happen next and creating a powerful cliffhanger.

Hindi Paraphrase

अनुच्छेद 1: स्कूल से लौटकर जब मार्टिन अपने अपार्टमेंट की इमारत में पहुँचा, तो वह बहुत घबराया हुआ था। वह सोच रहा था कि आखिर उसे एक बूढ़ी औरत से डरना क्यों चाहिए। उसे अपने डर पर शर्म भी आ रही थी। वह लिफ्ट में इस उम्मीद से चढ़ा कि वह बीच में कहीं नहीं रुकेगी, लेकिन लिफ्ट तीसरी मंज़िल पर रुक गई। दरवाज़ा खुलते ही उसने उसी मोटी औरत को देखा। उसने हरे रंग का कोट पहन रखा था, उसका चेहरा सुअर जैसा लग रहा था और उसकी नीली आँखें पहले से ही मार्टिन को घूर रही थीं, मानो उसे पहले से पता हो कि मार्टिन वहीं मिलेगा।

अनुच्छेद 2: मार्टिन को अपनी आँखों पर विश्वास नहीं हुआ। उसे लगा जैसे वह कोई भयानक सपना देख रहा हो। डर के बावजूद उसने काँपती हुई आवाज़ में कहा, “ऊपर जा रहा हूँ।” उसकी आवाज़ बहुत धीमी और पतली थी। औरत ने केवल सिर हिलाया और लिफ्ट में आ गई। उसने चौदहवीं मंज़िल का बटन नहीं दबाया, बल्कि अठारहवीं मंज़िल का बटन दबाया, जो इमारत की सबसे ऊपर वाली मंज़िल थी। लिफ्ट काँपती हुई ऊपर जाने लगी और वह मोटी औरत लगातार मार्टिन को घूरती रही।

अनुच्छेद 3: मार्टिन को यह बात समझ में नहीं आ रही थी कि सुबह वह औरत चौदहवीं मंज़िल से लिफ्ट में चढ़ी थी, लेकिन अब तीसरी मंज़िल से चढ़कर अठारहवीं मंज़िल जा रही थी। उसका यह अजीब व्यवहार मार्टिन को और भी रहस्यमय लगा। लिफ्ट भी सामान्य से अधिक धीमी चलती हुई महसूस हो रही थी, जिससे हर पल और अधिक डरावना लग रहा था। मार्टिन चाहता था कि वह सातवीं मंज़िल का बटन दबाकर बाहर निकल जाए और बाकी रास्ता सीढ़ियों से तय करे, लेकिन ऐसा करने के लिए उसे उस औरत के बहुत पास जाना पड़ता, इसलिए वह ऐसा नहीं कर सका।

अनुच्छेद 4: जब लिफ्ट सत्रहवीं मंज़िल पर पहुँची, तो वह औरत उसके रास्ते से मुश्किल से हटी। मार्टिन को उसके पास से बहुत मुश्किल से निकलना पड़ा और उसका शरीर उस औरत के खुरदरे कोट से छू गया। उसे डर था कि कहीं लिफ्ट का दरवाज़ा उसके बाहर निकलने से पहले ही बंद न हो जाए। बाहर निकलने के बाद भी वह औरत उसकी ओर मुड़कर उसे घूरती रही। तभी मार्टिन के मन में यह विचार आया कि अब उसे पता चल गया है कि वह सत्रहवीं मंज़िल पर रहता है। यह सोचकर उसका डर और बढ़ गया।

अनुच्छेद 5: उस शाम मार्टिन ने निश्चय किया कि वह अपने पिता को उस अजीब औरत के बारे में बताएगा, क्योंकि उसे अपनी बात किसी न किसी से साझा करनी ही थी। उसने अपने पिता से पूछा कि क्या उन्होंने कभी लिफ्ट में किसी अजीब औरत को देखा है। उसके पिता ने बिना टेलीविज़न से नज़र हटाए कहा कि उन्होंने ऐसी किसी औरत को कभी नहीं देखा। तब मार्टिन ने उन्हें बताया कि वह औरत उसी दिन दो बार लिफ्ट में उसके साथ थी और पूरे समय बिना पलक झपकाए उसे लगातार घूरती रही।

अनुच्छेद 6: मार्टिन के पिता ने उसकी बात को गंभीरता से नहीं लिया। वे झुँझलाकर बोले कि मार्टिन हर समय किसी-न-किसी बात की चिंता क्यों करता रहता है। उन्होंने कहा कि वह तो केवल एक बेचारी बूढ़ी औरत है और मार्टिन उससे बेकार में डर रहा है। जब मार्टिन ने कहा कि वह नहीं डरता, तब भी उसके पिता ने उसकी बात नहीं मानी। उन्होंने उसे डरपोक कहा और पूछा कि वह आखिर कब बड़ा होकर एक बहादुर आदमी की तरह व्यवहार करेगा। पिता की ये बातें मार्टिन को बहुत दुख पहुँचा गईं।

अनुच्छेद 7: मार्टिन अपने पिता के सामने रोना नहीं चाहता था। इसलिए वह अपने कमरे में पहुँचने तक अपने आँसू रोकता रहा। उसे लगता था कि उसके पिता शायद समझ गए होंगे कि वह रो रहा है, लेकिन उन्होंने उसकी भावनाओं की कोई परवाह नहीं की। उस रात डर और चिंता के कारण मार्टिन को बहुत कम नींद आई।

अनुच्छेद 8: अगली सुबह जब मार्टिन ने लिफ्ट का दरवाज़ा खोला, तो उसने देखा कि वही मोटी औरत पहले से वहाँ उसका इंतज़ार कर रही थी। मार्टिन इतना डर गया कि वह वहीं खड़ा रह गया और उसके पैर जैसे जम गए। फिर वह धीरे-धीरे पीछे हट गया। जैसे ही औरत ने उसका डर देखा, उसके चेहरे के भाव बदल गए और वह मुस्करा दी। उसी समय लिफ्ट का दरवाज़ा बंद हो गया। उसकी मुस्कान ने मार्टिन के मन में और भी अधिक भय पैदा कर दिया।

अनुच्छेद 9: डर के कारण मार्टिन ने लिफ्ट का उपयोग करने के बजाय सीढ़ियों से जाने का निर्णय लिया। लेकिन अँधेरी सीढ़ियों पर दौड़ते समय वह गिर पड़ा और उसका पैर टूट गया। अस्पताल जाते समय उसके पिता पूरे रास्ते चुप रहे क्योंकि वे उससे निराश और नाराज़ थे। उन्हें लगता था कि मार्टिन डरपोक और मूर्ख है। पैर टूट जाने के कारण अब मार्टिन को बैसाखियों के सहारे चलना पड़ता था और वह सीढ़ियों का उपयोग भी नहीं कर सकता था। उसके मन में यह सवाल उठने लगा कि क्या उसी कारण वह औरत मुस्कराई थी। क्या उसे पहले से पता था कि उसके साथ यह दुर्घटना होने वाली है?

अनुच्छेद 10: अस्पताल से लौटते समय मार्टिन को कुछ राहत महसूस हुई क्योंकि उसके पिता उसके साथ लिफ्ट में थे। लिफ्ट में इतनी जगह नहीं थी कि वह मोटी औरत उसमें चढ़ सके। मार्टिन सोच रहा था कि यदि वह फिर भी आती, तो उसके पिता उसे देखकर उसकी बात पर विश्वास कर लेते। घर पहुँचकर उसे और भी सुरक्षित महसूस हुआ क्योंकि डॉक्टर ने उसे कुछ दिनों तक आराम करने की सलाह दी थी। उसे लगा कि अब वह उस रहस्यमयी औरत से कुछ समय के लिए सुरक्षित रहेगा।

अनुच्छेद 11: तभी उसके पिता को याद आया कि उन्होंने नौवीं मंज़िल पर रहने वाली श्रीमती उलमैन से मिलने का वादा किया है। यह सुनते ही मार्टिन घबरा गया क्योंकि वह लिफ्ट में अकेला नहीं रहना चाहता था। उसने अपने पिता से विनती की कि वे उसे भी अपने साथ ले चलें। उसने बहाना बनाया कि वह भी श्रीमती उलमैन से मिलना चाहता है। लेकिन तब तक लिफ्ट का दरवाज़ा बंद होने लगा। उसके पिता ने मज़ाक उड़ाते हुए पूछा कि क्या वह अकेले लिफ्ट में रहने से डरता है और उसे बड़ा होने की सलाह देकर बाहर चले गए।

अनुच्छेद 12: मार्टिन जल्दी-जल्दी बैसाखियों के सहारे लिफ्ट के बटनों तक पहुँचा और नौवीं मंज़िल का बटन दबाया, लेकिन उसका कोई फायदा नहीं हुआ। लिफ्ट दसवीं मंज़िल पर रुक गई, जहाँ वही मोटी औरत उसका इंतज़ार कर रही थी। वह तुरंत लिफ्ट में आ गई और मार्टिन अपने घायल पैर के कारण इतनी जल्दी बाहर नहीं निकल सका। दरवाज़ा बंद हो गया और लिफ्ट चलने लगी। औरत ने मुस्कराकर कहा, “हैलो, मार्टिन,” फिर हँसी और लिफ्ट का स्टॉप बटन दबा दिया। कहानी यहीं समाप्त हो जाती है और पाठक यह सोचने पर मजबूर हो जाता है कि आगे क्या होगा। यही इस कहानी का सबसे रोमांचक और रहस्यपूर्ण अंत है।

MCQs - 1

1. Martin was ______ years old.
a) 10
b) 11
c) 12
d) 13

Answer: c) 12

2. Martin lived on the ______ floor.
a) 12th
b) 14th
c) 16th
d) 17th

Answer: d) 17th

3. The elevator could carry only ______ people.
a) Two
b) Three
c) Four
d) Five

Answer: b) Three

4. Martin lived with his ______.
a) Mother
b) Grandmother
c) Father
d) Uncle

Answer: c) Father

5. Martin's father worked ______.
a) In an office
b) At home
c) In a shop
d) In a school

Answer: b) At home

6. The fat lady entered the elevator on the ______ floor.
a) 10th
b) 12th
c) 14th
d) 17th

Answer: c) 14th

7. The fat lady was wearing a ______ coat.
a) Blue
b) Black
c) Green
d) Brown

Answer: c) Green

8. Martin ran nearly all the way to ______.
a) Home
b) School
c) Market
d) Park

Answer: b) School

9. Why did Martin dislike the elevator?
a) It was too fast.
b) It was noisy, dirty and small.
c) It was colourful.
d) It was expensive.

Answer: b)

10. Why did Martin stop using the stairs?
a) They were locked.
b) His father scolded him.
c) They were too crowded.
d) They were broken.

Answer: b)

11. What frightened Martin on the staircase?
a) Darkness and echoing footsteps.
b) A barking dog.
c) Broken steps.
d) A security guard.

Answer: a)

12. What did the fat lady do after entering the elevator?
a) She smiled warmly.
b) She began talking.
c) She turned around and stared at Martin.
d) She read a newspaper.

Answer: c)

13. How did Martin feel when the fat lady stared at him?
a) Happy
b) Curious
c) Frightened
d) Excited

Answer: c)

14. What did Martin think about the woman all day?
a) She was his neighbour.
b) She might be visiting someone.
c) She was a teacher.
d) She was moving away.

Answer: b)

15. Martin avoided looking at the fat lady because he was ______.
a) Angry
b) Embarrassed
c) Frightened
d) Sleepy

Answer: c)

16. Martin's father's attitude towards him can best be described as ______.
a) Supportive
b) Overprotective
c) Impatient
d) Cheerful

Answer: c)

17. The description of the staircase mainly creates a feeling of ______.
a) Joy
b) Mystery and fear
c) Humour
d) Celebration

Answer: b)

18. Why did Martin think the woman might be crazy?
a) She shouted loudly.
b) She kept staring at him without speaking.
c) She fell asleep.
d) She laughed continuously.

Answer: b)

19. The echoing footsteps mainly suggest Martin's ______.
a) Courage
b) Imagination and fear
c) Happiness
d) Confidence

Answer: b)

20. Martin's fear becomes stronger mainly because ______.
a) The elevator stops working.
b) The lady keeps staring at him.
c) His father leaves him alone.
d) The building catches fire.

Answer: b)

21. Which quality is missing in Martin's father's behaviour?
a) Patience
b) Intelligence
c) Honesty
d) Confidence

Answer: a)

22. Which message does this passage mainly convey?
a) Never use elevators.
b) Fear can grow when it is ignored or misunderstood.
c) Old buildings are unsafe.
d) Children should avoid strangers.

Answer: b)

23. Why has the author described the elevator in detail?
a) To advertise it.
b) To build suspense and fear.
c) To praise old buildings.
d) To explain engineering.

Answer: b)

24. Martin's father believes Martin should ______.
a) Change schools.
b) Become braver.
c) Stop studying.
d) Move to another building.

Answer: b)

25. 'Shuddered' means ______.
a) Shone brightly
b) Trembled or shook
c) Fell apart
d) Opened slowly

Answer: b)

26. 'Clanging' means ______.
a) Soft
b) Musical
c) Loud metallic sound
d) Pleasant

Answer: c)

27. 'Waddled' means ______.
a) Ran quickly
b) Walked with short side-to-side movements
c) Jumped
d) Crawled

Answer: b)

28. 'Gasping' means ______.
a) Laughing
b) Breathing with difficulty
c) Singing
d) Whispering

Answer: b)

29. 'Bullied' means ______.
a) Helped
b) Protected
c) Teased or hurt repeatedly
d) Ignored

Answer: c)

30. 'Coward' means ______.
a) A brave person
b) A fearful person
c) A clever person
d) A generous person

Answer: b)

31. Choose the odd one out.
a) Dirty walls
b) Poor lighting
c) Bright sunshine
d) Loud clanging door

Answer: c)

32. Choose the odd one out.
a) Nervous
b) Frightened
c) Confident
d) Uncomfortable

Answer: c)

33. Choose the odd one out.
a) Elevator
b) Staircase
c) Apartment
d) Playground

Answer: d)

34. Choose the odd one out.
a) Stared
b) Watched
c) Glanced
d) Slept

Answer: d)

35. Martin enjoyed travelling in elevators.
a) Yes
b) No

Answer: b) No

36. The staircase was well-lit.
a) Yes
b) No

Answer: b) No

37. Martin's father encouraged him to use the elevator.
a) Yes
b) No

Answer: a) Yes

38. The fat lady smiled and spoke to Martin in this passage.
a) Yes
b) No

Answer: b) No

39. Martin thought the fat lady might be visiting someone.
a) Yes
b) No

Answer: a) Yes

40. Martin reached school calmly after meeting the fat lady.
a) Yes
b) No

Answer: b) No

41. Which sentence best shows Martin's imagination increasing his fear?
a) He lived on the seventeenth floor.
b) His footsteps echoed as though another person was following him.
c) The elevator could carry three people.
d) His father worked at home.

Answer: b)

42. Which word best describes the atmosphere of the passage?
a) Humorous
b) Suspenseful
c) Romantic
d) Inspirational

Answer: b)

43. Why is the fat lady's silence more frightening than words?
a) It creates suspense and uncertainty.
b) She cannot speak.
c) She is shy.
d) She is asleep.

Answer: a)

44. Which of the following best describes Martin?
a) Fearless and confident
b) Sensitive and anxious
c) Proud and arrogant
d) Careless and lazy

Answer: b)

45. Which title best suits this passage?
a) A Happy Journey
b) Fear Inside the Elevator
c) My New Apartment
d) A Friendly Neighbour

Answer: b)

MCQs - 2

1.     How did Martin feel when he returned to the building after school?
A. Excited
B. Nervous
C. Angry
D. Confident
Ans. B

2.     Who did Martin feel afraid of?
A. His father
B. A young man
C. An old lady
D. His teacher
Ans. C

3.     Which floor did the elevator first stop at that day?
A. Fourteenth
B. Third
C. Seventeenth
D. Eighteenth
Ans. B

4.     What colour coat did the fat lady wear?
A. Red
B. Blue
C. Green
D. Black
Ans. C

5.     How did Martin describe the lady’s face?
A. Beautiful
B. Piggish
C. Friendly
D. Thin
Ans. B

6.     What color were the fat lady’s eyes?
A. Brown
B. Green
C. Blue
D. Black
Ans. C

7.     Which floor button did the lady press that day?
A. Fourteenth
B. Seventeenth
C. Eighteenth
D. Tenth
Ans. C

8.     Which floor did she press the previous morning?
A. Third
B. Fourteenth
C. Eighteenth
D. Seventeenth
Ans. B

9.     Why couldn’t Martin press his own floor button?
A. The button was broken
B. He didn’t know the number
C. He couldn’t reach without touching her
D. The elevator moved too fast
Ans. C

10.  How did the elevator move that day?
A. Faster than usual
B. At the usual speed
C. More slowly than usual
D. It stopped frequently
Ans. C

11.  How did Martin react when he reached his floor?
A. Ignored the lady
B. Squeezed past her
C. Argued with her
D. Pressed another button
Ans. B

12.  What did Martin brush against while leaving the elevator?
A. The railing
B. The walls
C. Her scratchy coat
D. The buttons
Ans. C

13.  What did Martin realize after leaving the elevator?
A. He had pressed the wrong floor
B. The lady now knew where he lived
C. He forgot something
D. The elevator door was stuck
Ans. B

14.  Who did Martin tell about the fat lady?
A. His teacher
B. His mother
C. His friend
D. His father
Ans. D

15.  How did Martin’s father react to the story?
A. He was scared
B. He ignored and scolded him
C. He called the police
D. He took the elevator
Ans. B

16.  How many times had the lady entered the elevator that day?
A. Once
B. Twice
C. Three times
D. Four times
Ans. B

17.  How did Martin’s father describe him?
A. Brave
B. Timid and childish
C. Smart
D. Foolish but brave
Ans. B

18.  Where did Martin cry quietly?
A. In the elevator
B. In his room
C. In the hospital
D. On the stairs
Ans. B

19.  What happened the next morning when the elevator door opened?
A. No one was there
B. The fat lady was waiting
C. The elevator was broken
D. His father was inside
Ans. B

20.  How did Martin react seeing the fat lady again?
A. Walked confidently
B. Froze and stepped back
C. Laughed at her
D. Pressed another button
Ans. B

21.  What happened when Martin ran down the stairs?
A. He reached home safely
B. He fell and broke his leg
C. He avoided the fat lady
D. He met his father
Ans. B

22.  Why could Martin not use the stairs afterward?
A. They were broken
B. He had crutches due to a broken leg
C. He was scared of the elevator
D. His father stopped him
Ans. B

23.  Who accompanied Martin in the elevator later?
A. His mother
B. His friend
C. His father
D. The fat lady
Ans. C

24.  Why did Martin feel safe with his father in the elevator?
A. The elevator was faster
B. The fat lady could not enter with them
C. The elevator doors were locked
D. He was no longer afraid
Ans. B

25.  Who did Martin’s father visit while in the elevator?
A. The doctor
B. Mrs. Ullman
C. Martin’s teacher
D. His friend
Ans. B

26.  What did Martin do when his father left him alone?
A. Ran down the stairs
B. Pressed number nine
C. Called the lady
D. Went to sleep
Ans. B

27.  On which floor did the elevator stop next when Martin was alone?
A. Seventeenth
B. Tenth
C. Eighteenth
D. Fourteenth
Ans. B

28.  Who was waiting at that floor?
A. His father
B. Mrs. Ullman
C. The fat lady
D. A neighbour
Ans. C

29.  Could Martin get past her in time?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Only after pressing buttons
D. He escaped by stairs
Ans. B

30.  What happened after the elevator door closed with the fat lady inside?
A. The elevator stopped immediately
B. The elevator began to move
C. The fat lady left
D. Martin escaped
Ans. B

31.  What did the fat lady say to Martin?
A. “Good morning”
B. “Hello, Martin”
C. “Get out”
D. She remained silent
Ans. B

32.  What did the fat lady do after greeting Martin?
A. Pushed the Stop button
B. Left the elevator
C. Pressed his floor button
D. Spoke to his father
Ans. A

33.  How did Martin feel when the fat lady pressed the Stop button?
A. Calm
B. Confident
C. Afraid
D. Happy
Ans. C

34.  What part of the elevator did the lady press first?
A. The door
B. The buttons
C. The light
D. The emergency alarm
Ans. B

35.  Why did Martin cry in his room?
A. Because of his broken leg
B. Because he was scared and embarrassed
C. Because he missed school
D. Because he was hungry
Ans. B

36.  What did Martin notice about the elevator’s speed?
A. It moved faster than usual
B. It moved more slowly than usual
C. It stopped frequently
D. It went backward
Ans. B

37.  Why was Martin afraid to touch the lady?
A. He thought she would push him
B. He didn’t want to touch her while pressing buttons
C. He thought she was dangerous
D. He was too short
Ans. B

38.  What did Martin’s father call him when scolding?
A. Brave
B. Timid
C. Foolish
D. Lazy
Ans. B

39.  How did the fat lady react when she saw Martin the next morning?
A. She smiled
B. She yelled
C. She left immediately
D. She ignored him
Ans. A

40.  What was Martin’s situation at the end of this part?
A. Safe in his room
B. Trapped in the elevator with the fat lady
C. Walking with his father
D. Playing outside
Ans. B

MCQs – 3

1. Why does Martin dislike the old elevator more than other elevators?
a) It is too expensive to use.
b) Its condition makes him feel more frightened.
c) It always stops on every floor.
d) It moves too fast.
Answer: b) Its condition makes him feel more frightened.

2. Which detail contributes most to the suspense in the opening paragraph?
a) The elevator could carry only three people.
b) The poor lighting, dirty walls and clanging door.
c) Martin had recently moved.
d) His father worked at home.
Answer: b) The poor lighting, dirty walls and clanging door.

3. The description of the elevator mainly helps the reader to ______.
a) admire the old building.
b) understand Martin's fear.
c) learn about elevators.
d) compare old and new apartments.
Answer: b) understand Martin's fear.

4. Why does the author describe the staircase as dark and echoing?
a) To show that it was under repair.
b) To create a frightening atmosphere.
c) To explain why people avoided it.
d) To show that it was very long.
Answer: b) To create a frightening atmosphere.

5. Martin imagines someone is climbing behind him because ______.
a) another person is actually following him.
b) his fear makes ordinary sounds seem threatening.
c) his father is calling him.
d) the staircase is crowded.
Answer: b) his fear makes ordinary sounds seem threatening.

6. What can be inferred about Martin's father?
a) He understands Martin's fears completely.
b) He believes Martin should overcome his fears.
c) He is also afraid of elevators.
d) He dislikes living in the building.
Answer: b) He believes Martin should overcome his fears.

7. Martin's father's expression suggests that he considers Martin ______.
a) brave and intelligent.
b) sensitive but hardworking.
c) weak and cowardly.
d) humorous and confident.
Answer: c) weak and cowardly.

8. Why does Martin decide to keep using the elevator?
a) It is faster than the stairs.
b) His father's opinion affects him.
c) The stairs are permanently closed.
d) He enjoys meeting neighbours.
Answer: b) His father's opinion affects him.

9. The sentence "He would have to get used to it" shows that Martin is trying to ______.
a) ignore his father's advice.
b) overcome his fear.
c) leave the apartment.
d) repair the elevator.
Answer: b) overcome his fear.

10. Which statement best explains why Martin feels uncomfortable with other passengers?
a) They make too much noise.
b) They refuse to help him.
c) Their silence makes the atmosphere awkward.
d) They always push him.
Answer: c) Their silence makes the atmosphere awkward.

11. Why does the fat lady's behaviour seem frightening?
a) She shouts at Martin.
b) She keeps staring silently at him.
c) She laughs loudly.
d) She blocks the elevator door.
Answer: b) She keeps staring silently at him.

12. What effect does the woman's silence have on Martin?
a) It makes him curious.
b) It increases his fear and uncertainty.
c) It makes him laugh.
d) It helps him relax.
Answer: b) It increases his fear and uncertainty.

13. Why does Martin think the woman might be crazy?
a) She is talking to herself.
b) She continues staring without any reason.
c) She forgets her floor.
d) She cries loudly.
Answer: b) She continues staring without any reason.

14. Which word best describes Martin's state of mind throughout the passage?
a) Confident.
b) Curious.
c) Anxious.
d) Cheerful.
Answer: c) Anxious.

15. What can readers infer about Martin from his reaction to the fat lady?
a) He enjoys meeting strangers.
b) He is highly sensitive and easily frightened.
c) He is rude to elderly people.
d) He likes crowded places.
Answer: b) He is highly sensitive and easily frightened.

16. Why does Martin run nearly all the way to school?
a) He is late for class.
b) He wants to escape the frightening experience.
c) He enjoys running.
d) He is practising for a race.
Answer: b) He wants to escape the frightening experience.

17. Martin keeps thinking about the fat lady because ______.
a) he wants to meet her again.
b) the encounter has deeply disturbed him.
c) she invited him somewhere.
d) she dropped something.
Answer: b) the encounter has deeply disturbed him.

18. Which theme is most strongly developed in this passage?
a) Friendship.
b) Fear and psychological tension.
c) Adventure.
d) Family celebration.
Answer: b) Fear and psychological tension.

19. The phrase "gasping for breath" means ______.
a) breathing with difficulty.
b) speaking softly.
c) laughing loudly.
d) crying silently.
Answer: a) breathing with difficulty.

20. The word "shuddered" most nearly means ______.
a) glowed.
b) trembled violently.
c) stopped completely.
d) disappeared.
Answer: b) trembled violently.

21. The word "waddled" suggests that the fat lady walked ______.
a) gracefully.
b) quickly.
c) with slow side-to-side movements.
d) silently.
Answer: c) with slow side-to-side movements.

22. The word "clanging" refers to a ______ sound.
a) soft.
b) musical.
c) loud metallic.
d) pleasant.
Answer: c) loud metallic.

23. In the passage, "bullied" means ______.
a) praised repeatedly.
b) treated cruelly again and again.
c) protected carefully.
d) rewarded generously.
Answer: b) treated cruelly again and again.

24. The phrase "boring into Martin's face" suggests that the woman's eyes were ______.
a) sleepy.
b) fixed intensely on him.
c) filled with tears.
d) looking outside.
Answer: b) fixed intensely on him.

25. Which word best replaces "unpleasant" as used in the passage?
a) Comfortable.
b) Disturbing.
c) Cheerful.
d) Attractive.
Answer: b) Disturbing.

26. Why does the author leave the woman's intentions unexplained?
a) To increase suspense.
b) To shorten the story.
c) To make the story humorous.
d) To introduce another character.
Answer: a) To increase suspense.

27. Which sentence best shows that Martin's fear may be influenced by his imagination?
a) The elevator could carry only three people.
b) His footsteps echoed as though another person was climbing behind him.
c) His father worked at home.
d) The elevator stopped at the fourteenth floor.
Answer: b) His footsteps echoed as though another person was climbing behind him.

28. Which of the following best describes the fat lady's role in the passage?
a) A friendly neighbour.
b) A mysterious figure who creates suspense.
c) A comic character.
d) A helpful passenger.
Answer: b) A mysterious figure who creates suspense.

29. Which statement is best supported by the passage?
a) Every fear has a real physical danger behind it.
b) Fear can become stronger through uncertainty and imagination.
c) Martin enjoys solving difficult situations.
d) The fat lady is clearly dangerous.
Answer: b) Fear can become stronger through uncertainty and imagination.

30. Which message does the passage convey most effectively?
a) Old buildings should be demolished.
b) People should never use elevators.
c) Fear often grows when uncertainty is combined with imagination.
d) Children should avoid strangers completely.
Answer: c) Fear often grows when uncertainty is combined with imagination.

MCQs – 4

1.     Martin felt nervous when he got back to the building mainly because
a) He had failed an exam
b) He had argued with his father
c) He feared meeting the fat lady again
d) The elevator was out of order
Answer: c

2.     When Martin entered the elevator after school, he hoped that it would
a) Go straight to the top floor
b) Not stop for anyone
c) Skip his floor
d) Stop at every floor
Answer: b

3.     At which floor did the elevator stop when Martin was returning after school?
a) First floor
b) Third floor
c) Fourteenth floor
d) Eighteenth floor
Answer: b

4.     On this second encounter, to which floor did the fat lady press the button?
a) Fourteen
b) Seventeen
c) Ten
d) Eighteen
Answer: d

5.     What did Martin ask his father in the evening?
a) If they could move to another house
b) If the elevator could be repaired
c) If he had noticed a strange lady in the elevator
d) If he could avoid using the elevator
Answer: c

6.     How did Martin break his leg?
a) The elevator crashed
b) He fell down the dark stairs while running
c) The fat lady pushed him
d) He tripped in the lobby
Answer: b

7.     What did Martin have to use after his injury?
a) A wheelchair
b) A walking stick
c) Crutches
d) A splint and a sling
Answer: c

8.     Which floor did Martin’s father press on their way back from the hospital?
a) Nine
b) Ten
c) Fourteen
d) Seventeen
Answer: a

9.     Why did Martin’s father press nine?
a) He had to meet the building manager
b) He wanted to check the elevator
c) He promised to visit Mrs. Ullman
d) He wanted to surprise Martin
Answer: c

10.  At which floor did the elevator finally stop with Martin alone, just before the story’s last incident?
a) Nine
b) Ten
c) Seventeen
d) Eighteen
Answer: b

11.  Martin feels “ashamed of himself” because he
a) Thinks his father is right to call him timid
b) Believes it is unreasonable to fear an old lady
c) Regrets not telling anyone about the elevator
d) Knows he should have used the stairs
Answer: b

12.  Martin’s decision not to press seven and get off the elevator suggests that he
a) Has completely overcome his fear
b) Is too polite to interrupt the lady
c) Feels trapped and powerless in her presence
d) Trusts the elevator more than the stairs now
Answer: c

13.  When Martin thinks, “Now she knows I live on seventeen,” it shows that he
a) Believes she is deliberately tracking him
b) Is proud to live on a high floor
c) Wants to invite her to visit
d) Plans to change apartments
Answer: a

14.  The father’s response, “Can’t say I have,” when asked about a strange lady, implies that he
a) Rarely uses the elevator
b) Thinks Martin is exaggerating
c) Knows the lady but pretends not to
d) Is too frightened to admit the truth
Answer: b

15.  The father’s repeated comments about Martin “growing up” and “acting like a man” mainly highlight his
a) Deep understanding of child psychology
b) Insensitivity to Martin’s emotional distress
c) Fear of the fat lady himself
d) Desire to leave the apartment
Answer: b

16.  The fat lady’s smile when she sees Martin backing away from the elevator most likely indicates that she
a) Feels sorry for him
b) Enjoys his fear and helplessness
c) Is only being friendly
d) Recognises him as a neighbour
Answer: b

17.  The line “Martin felt quite safe from the fat lady now” is ironic because
a) The reader already knows she has left the building
b) His father has changed his opinion
c) His injury will actually force him into the elevator
d) The doctor guarantees his safety
Answer: c

18.  Martin’s father being “silent on the way to hospital, disappointed and angry with him” suggests that he
a) Blames Martin’s fear for the accident
b) Is afraid of the hospital
c) Is plotting to scare Martin further
d) Wants to apologise but cannot
Answer: a

19.  Martin pleading, “Let me go with you. I want to visit her too!” shows that he
a) Suddenly likes Mrs. Ullman
b) Wants to impress his father with his politeness
c) Is desperate not to be left alone in the elevator
d) Wishes to avoid going back home
Answer: c

20.  The fact that pressing nine does not work when Martin is alone indicates that
a) The elevator has broken down completely
b) The fat lady somehow controls the elevator’s movements
c) Martin has forgotten how to use the buttons
d) The buttons only work for adults
Answer: b

21.  Which statement best captures the role of Martin’s father in this part of the story?
a) He is a protective and understanding parent
b) He is a calm but distant observer of events
c) He unintentionally deepens Martin’s fear by dismissing it
d) He actively encourages Martin to face the lady together
Answer: c

22.  The repeated slamming of the elevator door functions mainly as
a) A symbol of safety and closure
b) A reminder of modern technology
c) A sound motif that intensifies tension and finality
d) A comic sound effect to lighten the mood
Answer: c

23.  Viewed psychologically, the fat lady can best be seen as
a) A realistic neighbour with no hidden meaning
b) A physical embodiment of Martin’s deepest fears
c) A stand-in for Martin’s mother
d) A symbol of the building’s age
Answer: b

24.  The ending, where the fat lady greets Martin by name and pushes the Stop button, primarily leaves the reader with a sense of
a) Comic relief and closure
b) Open-ended horror and unresolved fear
c) Logical explanation and comfort
d) Justice and moral lesson
Answer: b

25.  Which of the following BEST shows how adults in the story fail Martin?
a) The doctor asks him to rest at home
b) His father ignores his question about the lady
c) His father presses nine on the elevator panel
d) Mrs. Ullman lives on the ninth floor
Answer: b

26.  From a thematic point of view, the broken leg most strongly represents
a) A deserved punishment for disobedience
b) A random accident unrelated to fear
c) The physical consequence of avoiding one’s fears
d) A reward that keeps him home from school
Answer: c

27.  When the father says, “Grow up, Martin,” just before leaving him alone, the author is using
a) Foreshadowing to hint at the danger ahead
b) Flashback to recall Martin’s childhood
c) Hyperbole to exaggerate Martin’s age
d) Personification of the elevator
Answer: a

28.  Structurally, the shift from Martin’s temporary feeling of safety to the sudden reappearance of the fat lady serves to
a) Slow down the narrative pace
b) Reduce emotional intensity
c) Heighten suspense through contrast
d) Provide comic interlude
Answer: c

29.  In the line “revealing a green coat, a piggish face and blue eyes,” the word “piggish” conveys mainly the idea of
a) Intelligence and curiosity
b) Thinness and elegance
c) Coarseness and unpleasant bulk
d) Shyness and fear
Answer: c

30.  The phrase “It wasn’t possible. It was like a nightmare” suggests that “nightmare” here means
a) A boring daily routine
b) An unreal and terrifying experience
c) A funny dream he once had
d) A story his father told him
Answer: b

31.  The word “pudgy” in “He watched her pudgy hand move towards the buttons” most nearly means
a) Elegant and slender
b) Short and fat
c) Long and bony
d) Swift and graceful
Answer: b

32.  The phrase “Martin hobbled to the buttons” suggests that “hobbled” means
a) Walked quickly with ease
b) Jumped playfully around
c) Walked awkwardly with difficulty
d) Ran eagerly forward
Answer: c

33.  In the line “He felt ashamed of himself,” the word “ashamed” is closest in meaning to
a) Proud
b) Guilty and embarrassed
c) Calm and relaxed
d) Surprised and confused
Answer: b

34.  The description “his voice little more than a squeak” implies that his voice sounded
a) Deep and confident
b) Loud and angry
c) High-pitched and weak
d) Musical and pleasant
Answer: c

35.  In “disappointed and angry with him for being a coward and a fool,” the word “coward” refers to someone who is
a) Too quick to judge others
b) Unwilling to listen
c) Lacking courage and easily frightened
d) Very clever and tricky
Answer: c

36.  Which of the following is NOT directly associated with the fat lady in the passage?
a) Green coat
b) Piggish face
c) Crutches
d) Pudgy hand
Answer: c

37.  Find the odd one out in relation to Martin’s feelings in this part of the story:
a) Fear
b) Shame
c) Relaxed confidence
d) Helplessness
Answer: c

38.  Which of these actions is NOT done by Martin’s father in the passage?
a) Presses number nine in the elevator
b) Tells Martin to grow up
c) Smiles kindly at the fat lady
d) Ignores the television to scold Martin
Answer: c

39.  Martin’s father clearly acknowledges that he has seen the fat lady in the elevator.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b

40.  Martin’s injury makes him more dependent on the elevator and therefore more vulnerable to the fat lady.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a

MCQs – 5

1. Within literary narrative structures, a "cliffhanger" is a plot device where the text concludes abruptly without a resolution. Which structural element provides this text's cliffhanger?
A. Martin falling down the dark stairs and breaking his leg.
B. The father abandoning Martin to visit Mrs. Ullman.
C. The elevator halting as the woman pushes the "Stop" button.
D. Martin confessing his deep phobias to his unyielding father.
Answer: C. The elevator halting as the woman pushes the "Stop" button.

2. In the horror/thriller genre, an "unreliable perspective" occurs when a character's intense emotional trauma alters their worldview. What element in the text leaves room for this literary interpretation?
A. The father actively interacting with the fat lady to prove her real existence.
B. The narrative completely shifting focus to the internal thoughts of the father.
C. Martin's exhaustion from lack of sleep paired with his pre-existing elevator phobia.
D. The doctor confirming that Martin's broken leg caused visual hallucinations.
Answer: C. Martin's exhaustion from lack of sleep paired with his pre-existing elevator phobia.

3. According to the text, what specific physical item did the woman wear when Martin saw her step onto the third floor?
A. A heavy leather jacket
B. A green coat
C. A red scarf
D. A pair of blue gloves
Answer: B. A green coat.

4. Which exact floor did the fat lady wait on after Martin returned from the hospital with his crutches?
A. Floor three
B. Floor seven
C. Floor nine
D. Floor ten
Answer: D. Floor ten.

5. Why does Martin's father refuse to look away from the television screen when Martin attempts to share his distress?
A. He is deeply engaged in a high-stakes, fast-paced sports match.
B. He actively dislikes Martin and plans to evict him from the apartment.
C. He fundamentally dismisses Martin's anxieties as invalid, trivial complaints.
D. He is hard of hearing and does not realize his son is crying.
Answer: C. He fundamentally dismisses Martin's anxieties as invalid, trivial complaints.

6. Why does the fat lady change her expression and smile when Martin backs away from the elevator in the morning?
A. She is relieved that she will have the small elevator cabin entirely to herself.
B. She realizes her psychological presence successfully exerts absolute control and power over him.
C. She finds his new crutches amusing and funny.
D. She recognizes him as a friendly neighbor from the fourteenth floor.
Answer: B. She realizes her psychological presence successfully exerts control and power over him. (Best-supported inference.)

7. What does the narrative imply about Martin's physical capabilities after he returns home from the hospital?
A. He is faster on his crutches than he ever was on foot.
B. He is fully capable of navigating the dark stairs safely.
C. He is completely trapped into utilizing the elevator due to his injury.
D. He no longer requires any assistance from his father.
Answer: C. He is completely trapped into utilizing the elevator due to his injury.

8. When Martin tries to join his father to visit Mrs. Ullman, what does his frantic pleading reveal about his mindset?
A. He genuinely respects and misses Mrs. Ullman.
B. He prefers being in social gatherings rather than sitting in his bedroom.
C. His terror of the elevator overrides his desperate desire to please his judgmental father.
D. He wants to prove to his father that he can walk perfectly on crutches.
Answer: C. His terror of the elevator overrides his desperate desire to please his judgmental father.

9. How does the author utilize situational irony to dismantle Martin's brief feeling of absolute safety?
A. The elevator breaks down right when Martin decides he likes the fat lady.
B. The father, who was supposed to protect Martin, functions as the direct catalyst for his total isolation.
C. Martin breaks his leg on the stairs, which was the exact place he considered entirely safe.
D. The doctor tells Martin to rest, but his father forces him to clean up the apartment.
Answer: B. The father, who was supposed to protect Martin, functions as the direct catalyst for his total isolation.

10. Analyse how the pacing of the elevator's physical movement coordinates with Martin's interior monologue. What artistic effect does this achieve?
A. The rapid speed of the elevator mirrors his fast heartbeat.
B. The elevator moving "more slowly than usual" stretches the time, intensifying the reader's feeling of claustrophobia.
C. The constant stops on every single floor show that the building is incredibly busy.
D. The smooth ride suggests that Martin's internal fears are entirely made up.
Answer: B. The elevator moving "more slowly than usual" stretches the time, intensifying the reader's feeling of claustrophobia.

11. What critical insight does the father's final question ("Afraid to be in the elevator alone?") offer regarding his understanding of Martin's reality?
A. He secretly knows the lady is dangerous and is testing Martin's bravery.
B. He views Martin's terror purely as a behavioural flaw or a sign of immaturity rather than a response to a real threat.
C. He is trying to coax Martin into admitting his love for heights.
D. He has also seen the fat lady and wants Martin to confront her alone.
Answer: B. He views Martin's terror purely as a behavioural flaw or a sign of immaturity rather than a response to a real threat.

12. How does the final line of dialogue ("Hello, Martin") alter the psychological stakes of the entire narrative?
A. It transforms an ambiguous, internal psychological fear into a direct, targeted external threat.
B. It provides a humorous resolution to a long, misunderstandable dynamic.
C. It proves that the old lady is a long-lost close relative of the family.
D. It resolves the plot by showing that she has a kind, welcoming personality.
Answer: A. It transforms an ambiguous, internal psychological fear into a direct, targeted external threat.

13. In the text, Martin describes the woman's face as piggish. What does this specific descriptor emphasize about his perception of her?
A. She looks clean, gentle, and welcoming.
B. Her features strike him as grotesque, unflattering, and deeply unsettling.
C. She reminds him of a cartoon character he enjoys watching.
D. She looks incredibly intelligent and thoughtful.
Answer: B. Her features strike him as grotesque, unflattering, and deeply unsettling.

14. Review this phrase: "The elevator trembled and began to go up." Which word serves as the most accurate contextual alternative for trembled?
A. Accelerated
B. Shuddered
C. Melted
D. Quieted
Answer: B. Shuddered.

15. Martin tries to avoid rubbing against her "horrible scratchy coat." Based on the context, what physical texture does the word scratchy describe?
A. Smooth and silky to the touch
B. Rough, abrasive, and unpleasant
C. Warm, soft, and comfortable
D. Wet and completely soaked
Answer: B. Rough, abrasive, and unpleasant.

16. In the final paragraph, Martin hobbled to the buttons. What does this word emphasize about his physical condition?
A. His complete agility and speed.
B. The awkward, strained, and restricted nature of his movements.
C. His calm, relaxed manner of walking.
D. His dynamic ability to jump high.
Answer: B. The awkward, strained, and restricted nature of his movements.

17. Which of the following descriptions does NOT characterize the fat lady's actions or expressions within this passage?
A. Pressing the top floor button.
B. Moving quickly into the elevator space.
C. Comforting Martin when he starts crying.
D. Staring continuously at Martin without stopping.
Answer: C. Comforting Martin when he starts crying.

18. Which of the following emotions is NOT explicitly experienced by Martin during his elevator interactions in Part Two?
A. Nervousness
B. Contentment
C. Shame
D. Terror
Answer: B. Contentment.

19. Identify the detail that is NOT associated with the physical environment of the apartment building's staircase.
A. It is described as dark.
B. It acts as the location where Martin trips.
C. It is brightly lit by large windows.
D. It is an alternative route to avoid the elevator.
Answer: C. It is brightly lit by large windows.

20. Did Martin successfully manage to press the button for floor seven when he was riding up with the woman in the afternoon?
A. Yes
B. No
Answer: B. No.

21. Did the doctor order Martin to engage in heavy physical exercise and walk up the building stairs daily?
A. Yes
B. No
Answer: B. No.

22. Was Martin's father completely silent on the way to the hospital because he was filled with intense disappointment?
A. Yes
B. No
Answer: A. Yes.

23. Did the elevator have enough room for the fat lady to step inside when Martin was returning from the hospital alongside his father?
A. Yes
B. No
Answer: B. No.

Who Said to Whom? / Who Thought What? / Who is Described?

1.     "Martin felt nervous when he got back to the building after school."
Answer: The narrator described Martin's state of mind.

2.     "But why should he be afraid of an old lady?"
Answer: Martin thought this to himself.

3.     "He felt ashamed of himself."
Answer: The narrator described Martin's feelings.

4.     "He pressed the button and stepped into the elevator, hoping that it would not stop."
Answer: The narrator described Martin's action and hope.

5.     "Martin watched the door slide open, revealing a green coat, a piggish face and blue eyes which were already staring at him."
Answer: The narrator described what Martin saw.

6.     "It wasn't possible. It was like a nightmare."
Answer: Martin thought this when he saw the fat lady again.

7.     "Going up!"
Answer: Martin said this to the fat lady.

8.     "She nodded, and stepped on."
Answer: The narrator described the fat lady's response.

9.     "She pressed, not fourteen, but eighteen, the top floor."
Answer: The narrator described the fat lady's action.

10.  "The elevator trembled and began to go up."
Answer: The narrator described the elevator's movement.

11.  "The fat lady watched him."
Answer: The narrator described the fat lady's behaviour.

12.  "This morning she got on at the fourteenth floor, so why did she get on at the third floor today and go up to eighteen?"
Answer: Martin wondered this to himself.

13.  "The elevator seemed to be moving more slowly than usual."
Answer: The narrator described Martin's feeling.

14.  "Martin wanted to press seven, so that he could get out and walk up the stairs."
Answer: The narrator described Martin's plan.

15.  "He couldn't reach the buttons without touching her, and he didn't want to do that."
Answer: The narrator described Martin's fear.

16.  "She hardly moved out of his way."
Answer: The narrator described the fat lady's behaviour.

17.  "Now she knows I live on seventeen."
Answer: Martin thought this after getting out of the elevator.

18.  "Have you ever noticed a strange lady in the elevator?"
Answer: Martin asked this question to his father.

19.  "Can't say I have."
Answer: Martin's father replied to Martin.

20.  "She was in the elevator with me twice today. She just kept staring at me. She never stopped looking at me for a minute."
Answer: Martin said this to his father.

21.  "What are you so worried about now? What am I going to do with you, Martin? Honestly, now you're afraid of some poor old lady."
Answer: Martin's father said this to Martin.

22.  "I'm not afraid."
Answer: Martin said this to his father.

23.  "You're afraid. When are you going to grow up and act like a man? Are you going to be timid all your life?"
Answer: Martin's father said this to Martin.

24.  "Martin didn't want to cry in front of his father, so he waited until he got to his room."
Answer: The narrator described Martin's feelings.

25.  "His father probably knew he was crying anyway."
Answer: Martin thought this to himself.

26.  "He slept very little."
Answer: The narrator described Martin's condition.

27.  "In the morning, when the elevator door opened, the fat lady was waiting for him."
Answer: The narrator described what Martin saw.

28.  "Martin stood there, unable to move, then backed away."
Answer: The narrator described Martin's reaction.

29.  "As she saw him, her expression changed. She smiled."
Answer: The narrator described the fat lady's reaction.

30.  "Martin started running down the stairs."
Answer: The narrator described Martin's action.

31.  "His father was silent on the way to hospital, disappointed and angry with him for being a coward and a fool."
Answer: The narrator described the father's attitude towards Martin.

32.  "Martin had broken his leg and needed to walk on crutches."
Answer: The narrator described Martin's condition.

33.  "Was that why the fat lady had smiled? Did she know what would happen?"
Answer: Martin wondered this to himself.

34.  "At least his father was with him in the elevator on the way back from the hospital."
Answer: The narrator described Martin's feeling of relief.

35.  "There was no room for the fat lady to get in, and if she did, his father would see her and maybe he would understand."
Answer: Martin thought this to himself.

36.  "When he got home, he could stay in the apartment for a few days."
Answer: The narrator described Martin's situation.

37.  "The doctor said that he had to rest as much as possible."
Answer: The narrator reported the doctor's advice to Martin.

38.  "Martin felt quite safe from the fat lady now."
Answer: The narrator described Martin's feeling.

39.  "Oh, I almost forgot."
Answer: Martin's father said this to Martin.

40.  "What are you doing?"
Answer: Martin asked his father.

41.  "I promised to visit Mrs. Ullman."
Answer: Martin's father replied to Martin.

42.  "Let me go with you. I want to visit her too!"
Answer: Martin pleaded with his father.

43.  "Afraid to be in the elevator alone? Grow up, Martin."
Answer: Martin's father said this to Martin.

44.  "Martin hobbled to the buttons and pressed nine, but it didn't do any good."
Answer: The narrator described Martin's desperate attempt to stop the elevator.

45.  "When the elevator stopped at ten, the fat lady was waiting for him."
Answer: The narrator described the climax of the story.

46.  "She moved in quickly, and he was too slow to get past her in time to get out."
Answer: The narrator described what happened.

47.  "The door closed and the elevator began to move."
Answer: The narrator described the final situation.

48.  "Hello, Martin."
Answer: The fat lady said this to Martin.

49.  "She laughed, and pushed the Stop button."
Answer: The narrator described the fat lady's final action after speaking to Martin.

One-Mark Questions

1. Why did Martin feel ashamed of himself after returning from school?
Answer: He felt ashamed because he thought he should not be afraid of an old lady.

2. What did Martin hope when he entered the elevator after school?
Answer: He hoped that the elevator would not stop on any floor.

3. On which floor did the elevator stop unexpectedly?
Answer: It stopped on the third floor.

4. What did Martin first notice when the elevator door opened?
Answer: He noticed a green coat, a piggish face and blue eyes staring at him.

5. Why did Martin compare the situation to a nightmare?
Answer: Because he could not believe the fat lady had appeared before him again.

6. How did Martin's voice sound when he said, "Going up!"?
Answer: His voice was little more than a squeak.

7. Which button did the fat lady press after entering the elevator?
Answer: She pressed the button for the eighteenth floor.

8. Why did the woman's choice of floor confuse Martin?
Answer: She had boarded from the fourteenth floor in the morning but now had entered from the third floor and was going to the eighteenth floor.

9. What seemed unusual about the movement of the elevator?
Answer: It seemed to be moving more slowly than usual.

10. Why did Martin not press the button for the seventh floor?
Answer: He could not reach the buttons without touching the fat lady.

11. Why did Martin have to squeeze past the woman?
Answer: Because she hardly moved aside to let him get out.

12. What worried Martin after the elevator door closed behind him?
Answer: He thought the fat lady now knew that he lived on the seventeenth floor.

13. Whom did Martin ask about the strange lady that evening?
Answer: He asked his father.

14. How did Martin's father reply when asked about the lady?
Answer: He said that he had never noticed such a lady.

15. Why did Martin decide to tell his father about the woman?
Answer: Because he felt he had to tell somebody about his frightening experience.

16. What did Martin tell his father about the woman's behaviour?
Answer: He said that she had stared at him continuously both times they met.

17. How did Martin's father react to Martin's fear?
Answer: He dismissed it and said Martin was afraid of a poor old lady.

18. What did Martin's father expect Martin to become?
Answer: He expected him to grow up and act like a man.

19. Why did Martin cry only after reaching his room?
Answer: He did not want to cry in front of his father.

20. How did Martin spend the night after talking to his father?
Answer: He slept very little.

21. What did Martin see when he opened the elevator the next morning?
Answer: The fat lady was already waiting inside.

22. How did Martin react on seeing her?
Answer: He stood still for a moment and then backed away.

23. How did the fat lady react when Martin backed away?
Answer: She smiled.

24. Why did Martin choose the stairs instead of the elevator?
Answer: Because he was terrified of riding with the fat lady.

25. What accident happened to Martin on the stairs?
Answer: He fell and broke his leg.

26. Why was Martin's father silent on the way to the hospital?
Answer: He was disappointed and angry because he thought Martin was a coward and a fool.

27. What did Martin have to use after breaking his leg?
Answer: He had to walk on crutches.

28. What question troubled Martin after his accident?
Answer: He wondered whether the fat lady had known that he would fall.

29. Why did Martin feel safe while returning from the hospital?
Answer: Because his father was with him and there was no room for the fat lady to enter the elevator.

30. Why did Martin think his father might finally understand him?
Answer: He thought his father would see the fat lady if she entered the elevator.

31. What advice did the doctor give Martin?
Answer: The doctor advised him to rest as much as possible.

32. Which floor did Martin's father decide to visit before going home?
Answer: He decided to visit the ninth floor.

33. Whom did Martin's father go to visit?
Answer: He went to visit Mrs. Ullman.

34. Why did Martin plead to go with his father?
Answer: He did not want to remain alone in the elevator.

35. What did Martin's father say before leaving him alone?
Answer: "Afraid to be in the elevator alone? Grow up, Martin."

36. What did Martin do immediately after his father left?
Answer: He hobbled to the buttons and pressed number nine.

37. Why did pressing number nine not help Martin?
Answer: Because the elevator stopped at the tenth floor instead.

38. Where was the fat lady waiting when the elevator stopped?
Answer: She was waiting on the tenth floor.

39. Why could Martin not escape from the elevator?
Answer: He was too slow on his crutches to get out before the fat lady entered.

40. What did the fat lady do after greeting Martin?
Answer: She laughed and pressed the Stop button.

Two-Mark Questions

1. Why did Martin feel ashamed of himself after returning from school?
Answer: Martin felt ashamed because he believed it was foolish to fear an old lady. However, her strange appearance, mysterious behaviour, and constant staring frightened him deeply, making him doubt his own courage despite trying hard to remain calm always.

2. Describe the appearance of the fat lady when Martin saw her on the third floor.
Answer: The fat lady wore a green coat and had a piggish face with sharp blue eyes fixed on Martin. Her pudgy hand, silent manner, and frightening expression made her appear mysterious, threatening, and extremely disturbing throughout the elevator ride there.

3. Why did Martin compare his second meeting with the fat lady to a nightmare?
Answer: Martin believed meeting the strange woman again was impossible. Seeing her suddenly on the third floor made the experience feel unreal, terrifying, and dreamlike, increasing his fear because she appeared exactly where he least expected her completely.

4. Why was Martin confused when the fat lady pressed the button for the eighteenth floor?
Answer: Martin remembered that the woman had boarded from the fourteenth floor earlier that morning. Seeing her enter from the third floor and travel to the eighteenth made her movements seem mysterious, suspicious, and impossible for him to understand.

5. Why did Martin decide not to press the button for the seventh floor?
Answer: Martin wanted to leave the elevator early and climb the remaining stairs. However, reaching the buttons required touching the fat lady, something he feared greatly, so he remained trapped beside her until his own floor finally arrived.

6. Why was it difficult for Martin to get out of the elevator on the seventeenth floor?
Answer: The fat lady hardly moved aside when the elevator stopped. Martin had to squeeze past her, brushing against her scratchy coat, while fearing that the elevator door would suddenly close before he could escape safely from inside.

7. What thought disturbed Martin after he stepped out of the elevator?
Answer: After escaping from the elevator, Martin suddenly realised the fat lady had seen him leave on the seventeenth floor. He feared she now knew exactly where he lived, making him feel even more frightened and vulnerable than before.

8. Why did Martin decide to tell his father about the strange woman?
Answer: Martin knew his father might dismiss his story, yet he desperately needed someone to hear about his frightening experience. Hoping for understanding or reassurance, he explained how the woman repeatedly stared at him without stopping throughout the day.

9. How did Martin's father react when Martin spoke about the strange lady?
Answer: Martin's father paid little attention to his son's fears and continued watching television. He dismissed the woman's behaviour as harmless, believing Martin was worrying unnecessarily instead of recognising that his son was genuinely frightened by the mysterious encounters.

10. What does the father's behaviour reveal about his character?
Answer: The father's behaviour shows that he is practical but emotionally insensitive. Instead of listening patiently or comforting Martin, he criticises him for being timid, expecting him to overcome fear through courage rather than understanding and encouragement alone.

11. Why did Martin insist that he was not afraid?
Answer: Martin denied being afraid because he did not want his father to think he was weak or cowardly. Although deeply frightened, he wished to protect his self-respect and avoid further criticism from his unsympathetic father at home.

12. Why did Martin cry only after reaching his room?
Answer: Martin waited until he reached his room because he did not want his father to see him crying. He tried to hide his emotions, knowing his father would probably consider his tears another sign of weakness and fear.

13. Why could Martin not sleep properly that night?
Answer: Martin remained disturbed by the frightening encounters with the fat lady and by his father's harsh words. His fear, anxiety, and unanswered questions kept returning to his mind, preventing him from enjoying a peaceful and restful night's sleep.

14. What happened when Martin opened the elevator door the next morning?
Answer: When Martin opened the elevator door, he found the fat lady already waiting inside. The unexpected sight shocked him completely, leaving him unable to move at first before he slowly stepped backwards in fear and panic.

15. Why did the fat lady smile after Martin backed away?
Answer: The woman's smile suggests that she enjoyed seeing Martin frightened or realised she had complete psychological control over him. The mysterious smile also increases suspense by making readers wonder whether she already knew what would happen next.

16. Why did Martin choose the stairs instead of entering the elevator?
Answer: Martin avoided entering the elevator because he was terrified of being alone with the fat lady again. Believing the stairs were the safer option, he ran down them quickly without realising that greater danger was waiting there instead.

17. What happened to Martin when he chose the stairs instead of the elevator?
Answer: Martin rushed down the dark staircase to avoid the fat lady, but he slipped and fell. The accident broke his leg, forcing him to use crutches and making it impossible for him to avoid the elevator afterwards.

18. Why was Martin's father silent on the way to the hospital?
Answer: Martin's father remained silent because he was disappointed and angry with his son. He believed Martin's fear had caused the accident and considered him a coward and a fool instead of understanding his genuine terror.

19. Why did Martin wonder whether the fat lady knew what would happen?
Answer: Martin remembered that the fat lady had smiled just before he ran towards the stairs. After breaking his leg, he wondered whether her smile meant she had somehow known about the accident before it actually happened.

20. How did Martin's broken leg change his situation?
Answer: Martin's broken leg forced him to walk with crutches and prevented him from using the stairs. As a result, he had no choice but to depend on the elevator, increasing his fear of meeting the mysterious woman again.

21. Why did Martin feel safe while returning home from the hospital?
Answer: Martin felt safe because his father accompanied him in the elevator, leaving no space for the fat lady to enter. He also believed that if she appeared, his father would finally see her and understand his fear.

22. Why did Martin think his father would finally understand him?
Answer: Martin believed that if the fat lady entered the elevator while his father was present, his father would see her strange behaviour himself. This would prove that Martin's fear was real and not merely childish imagination.

23. What advice did the doctor give Martin after his injury?
Answer: The doctor advised Martin to rest as much as possible until his broken leg healed properly. Following this advice meant staying inside the apartment, where Martin believed he would remain safe from the mysterious fat lady for some time.

24. Why did Martin become frightened when his father pressed the button for the ninth floor?
Answer: Martin immediately realised that his father intended to leave the elevator before reaching their apartment. This meant he would have to continue the journey alone, exactly the situation he feared most after everything that had happened.

25. Why did Martin plead with his father to take him along?
Answer: Martin begged his father to let him come because he was terrified of travelling alone in the elevator. His fear of meeting the fat lady had become stronger than his pride, making him desperately seek his father's company.

26. What does the father's remark, "Afraid to be in the elevator alone? Grow up, Martin," reveal about him?
Answer: The father's remark shows that he still misunderstood Martin's fear completely. He believed his son's behaviour resulted from immaturity and cowardice, failing to recognise that Martin truly believed he was facing a dangerous and mysterious threat.

27. Why did Martin press the button for the ninth floor after his father left?
Answer: Martin pressed the ninth-floor button because he hoped to reach his father before anything frightening happened. He believed being with his father would protect him from the mysterious woman and prevent him from remaining alone inside the elevator.

28. Why did pressing the ninth-floor button not help Martin?
Answer: Pressing the ninth-floor button had no effect because the elevator stopped at the tenth floor instead. This unexpected stop increased Martin's fear, as he immediately found himself face to face with the mysterious fat lady once again.

29. Why could Martin not escape when the fat lady entered the elevator?
Answer: Martin could not escape because his broken leg and crutches made him move very slowly. Before he could leave, the fat lady entered quickly, trapping him inside the elevator as the doors closed behind them together.

30. Why is the fat lady's greeting, "Hello, Martin," especially frightening?
Answer: The greeting is frightening because it shows that the woman knows Martin by name. This makes her appear more mysterious and threatening, suggesting that she knows far more about him than he knows about her.

31. Why is the Stop button important in the final scene?
Answer: By pressing the Stop button, the fat lady traps Martin alone with her inside the elevator. This action creates intense suspense because readers are left wondering what she intends to do next and whether Martin can escape.

32. Why is the ending of the story called a cliffhanger?
Answer: The story ends immediately after the fat lady stops the elevator, without revealing what happens next. This unresolved conclusion creates suspense, keeps readers anxious, and encourages them to imagine Martin's fate beyond the final scene.

Three-Mark Questions

1. Explain why Martin felt ashamed of his fear after returning from school.
Answer: Martin felt ashamed because he believed it was unreasonable to fear an old lady. However, the woman's strange appearance, mysterious movements, and constant staring made him deeply frightened. Although he tried to convince himself that his fear was foolish, he could not overcome his growing anxiety and sense of danger throughout the day.

2. Describe the fat lady's appearance and explain why she frightened Martin.
Answer: The fat lady wore a green coat, had a piggish face, tiny blue eyes, and a pudgy hand. She stared continuously at Martin without speaking, making her behaviour appear unnatural. Her strange appearance, silent actions, and mysterious movements created fear in Martin and increased the suspense of the story considerably throughout.

3. Why did Martin become suspicious when the fat lady travelled to the eighteenth floor?
Answer: Martin remembered that the woman had entered from the fourteenth floor earlier that morning. When she later boarded from the third floor and travelled to the eighteenth floor, her actions seemed unusual and confusing. This unexpected change made Martin believe that something mysterious surrounded the woman and her movements inside the building.

4. Explain the significance of the elevator in this extract.
Answer: The elevator is more than a means of travelling between floors. It becomes a symbol of fear, helplessness, and suspense. Its small space traps Martin with the mysterious woman repeatedly, creating tension and making every journey frightening. The elevator finally becomes the setting for the dramatic cliffhanger ending.

5. Describe the relationship between Martin and his father in this extract.
Answer: Martin and his father share a strained relationship marked by misunderstanding. Martin seeks sympathy and reassurance, but his father dismisses his fears as childish weakness. Instead of comforting him, he criticises Martin repeatedly, leaving him emotionally isolated and forcing him to face his fears without parental support or understanding.

6. How does Martin's father contribute to his emotional suffering?
Answer: Martin's father refuses to take his son's fears seriously and repeatedly calls him timid. His criticism, lack of sympathy, and harsh expectations make Martin feel lonely and misunderstood. Rather than offering comfort, he increases Martin's emotional distress, causing him to hide his tears and struggle with fear alone.

7. Why is the fat lady's smile an important moment in the story?
Answer: The fat lady's smile marks a turning point in the story. It appears immediately after Martin backs away from the elevator in fear. Later, when Martin breaks his leg, he wonders whether she had known about the accident beforehand, making her smile seem mysterious, sinister, and full of hidden meaning.

8. Explain the irony in Martin's decision to use the stairs instead of the elevator.
Answer: Martin chooses the stairs believing they are safer than sharing the elevator with the fat lady. Ironically, the stairs become the place where he falls and breaks his leg. His attempt to escape danger results in greater misfortune, strengthening the story's suspense and unexpected twist of events.

9. How does Martin's accident make his situation worse?
Answer: Martin's accident leaves him with a broken leg and forces him to walk on crutches. As he can no longer use the stairs, he becomes completely dependent on the elevator. This increases his fear because he has no way to avoid meeting the mysterious fat lady again.

10. Why does Martin feel safe after returning home from the hospital?
Answer: Martin feels safe because his father accompanies him in the elevator, leaving no room for the fat lady to enter. The doctor also advises him to remain at home and rest. Martin believes these circumstances will protect him temporarily from another frightening encounter with the mysterious woman.

11. Why does Martin plead to accompany his father to Mrs. Ullman's apartment?
Answer: Martin begs to accompany his father because he is terrified of travelling alone in the elevator. He invents the excuse of wanting to visit Mrs. Ullman, but his real reason is fear. His desperate request shows how completely the mysterious woman has affected his confidence and courage.

12. Explain the importance of the final scene in the elevator.
Answer: The final scene brings Martin face to face with the fat lady once again, this time without anyone to protect him. She greets him by name, enters quickly, and presses the Stop button. The scene creates maximum suspense and ends the story with a powerful, unforgettable cliffhanger.

13. Why is the fat lady's greeting, "Hello, Martin," particularly frightening?
Answer: The fat lady's greeting is frightening because it reveals that she knows Martin's name, although he has never introduced himself. This makes her appear even more mysterious and threatening. Her calm greeting, followed by laughter, suggests that she has complete control over the frightening situation and over Martin's fear.

14. How does William Sleator create suspense throughout this extract?
Answer: William Sleator creates suspense through repeated encounters with the mysterious woman, her silent staring, the slow-moving elevator, Martin's growing fear, his father's disbelief, the unexpected accident, and the shocking final scene. These incidents steadily increase tension and keep readers eager to discover what happens next.

15. Describe Martin's character with examples from the extract.
Answer: Martin is sensitive, fearful, and emotionally vulnerable. Although he tries to behave bravely, the mysterious woman's actions deeply frighten him. He seeks support from his father, worries constantly, and finally risks using the dangerous stairs, showing both his fear and his desperation throughout the extract.

16. Describe the character of Martin's father.
Answer: Martin's father appears practical, strict, and emotionally unsympathetic. He dismisses Martin's fears, calls him timid, and expects him to behave bravely. Instead of listening carefully or offering reassurance, he criticises his son repeatedly, increasing Martin's loneliness and making him feel completely misunderstood at home.

17. Describe the character of the fat lady as presented in the extract.
Answer: The fat lady is mysterious, silent, and deeply unsettling. She appears unexpectedly, stares continuously at Martin, smiles strangely, knows his name, and finally traps him by pressing the Stop button. Her unexplained actions create fear and leave readers uncertain whether she is human or supernatural.

18. Explain why the ending of the extract is called a cliffhanger.
Answer: The extract ends immediately after the fat lady presses the Stop button, leaving Martin trapped alone with her inside the elevator. The author does not reveal what happens next, creating suspense and encouraging readers to imagine the outcome while eagerly wanting to continue the story.

Four-Mark Questions

1. How does William Sleator build suspense throughout Part Two?
Answer: William Sleator builds suspense by making the fat lady appear unexpectedly in different places, stare silently at Martin, and behave strangely. The slow-moving elevator, Martin's growing fear, his father's disbelief, and the mysterious smile all increase tension. Finally, the woman greets Martin by name and presses the Stop button, ending the extract at its most frightening moment. The unanswered ending keeps readers anxious and eager to know Martin's fate.

2. Analyse Martin's character with reference to the extract.
Answer: Martin is a sensitive, nervous, and emotionally vulnerable boy. Although he tries to control his fear, the fat lady's mysterious behaviour frightens him deeply. He seeks support from his father but receives only criticism instead of comfort. His decision to use the stairs shows his desperation, while his concern about the woman knowing where he lives reveals his growing anxiety. Martin's reactions make him a realistic and sympathetic character throughout the extract.

3. Describe the relationship between Martin and his father. How does it influence the story?
Answer: Martin and his father share a relationship marked by misunderstanding rather than emotional support. Martin wants sympathy and reassurance, but his father dismisses his fears as childish weakness. His harsh words make Martin hide his emotions and face his fears alone. This lack of understanding increases Martin's loneliness and directly contributes to the story's tension, especially when his father leaves him alone in the elevator near the end.

4. Discuss the role of the fat lady in creating fear and mystery.
Answer: The fat lady is the central source of fear and mystery in the story. She appears unexpectedly, stares silently at Martin, changes floors without explanation, smiles strangely, and finally calls him by name. Her unexplained actions leave readers uncertain whether she is an ordinary woman or a supernatural figure. This uncertainty keeps both Martin and the readers anxious, making her an unforgettable character in the extract.

5. Why does Martin's fear continue to grow throughout the extract? Explain with examples.
Answer: Martin's fear increases because each encounter with the fat lady becomes more frightening than the previous one. She appears unexpectedly, watches him continuously, smiles mysteriously, and seems to know where he lives. After his accident, he wonders whether she had predicted it. Finally, she traps him alone in the elevator and addresses him by name, making his fear reach its highest point at the story's dramatic ending.

6. Explain the importance of the elevator as both a setting and a symbol.
Answer: The elevator serves as the main setting where Martin repeatedly encounters the mysterious fat lady. Its small, enclosed space creates feelings of fear, helplessness, and claustrophobia. Symbolically, it represents Martin's inability to escape his fears. Every ride increases suspense and emotional tension, while the final scene transforms the elevator into a place of danger, uncertainty, and psychological terror, making it central to the story's impact.

7. Discuss the significance of the fat lady's smile after Martin backs away from the elevator.
Answer: The fat lady's smile is one of the story's most mysterious moments. She smiles only after Martin refuses to enter the elevator and chooses the stairs. When Martin later breaks his leg, he wonders whether she had somehow foreseen the accident. Her smile therefore appears sinister and meaningful, increasing suspense while leaving readers uncertain whether she possesses supernatural knowledge or simply enjoys frightening Martin psychologically.

8. Explain the irony in Martin's decision to avoid the elevator by using the stairs.
Answer: Martin believes that avoiding the elevator will protect him from the fat lady, so he runs down the stairs instead. Ironically, the stairs become the cause of his injury when he falls and breaks his leg. This accident forces him to depend completely on the elevator, the very place he wanted to avoid. The irony strengthens the suspense and highlights how fear sometimes leads to greater danger.

9. How does Martin's father's attitude contribute to the climax of the story?
Answer: Martin's father refuses to believe that his son has a genuine reason to be frightened. He repeatedly calls Martin timid and expects him to behave bravely. This misunderstanding reaches its peak when he leaves Martin alone in the elevator to visit Mrs. Ullman. His decision unintentionally places Martin in the terrifying final encounter with the fat lady, directly leading to the story's dramatic climax.

10. Explain the significance of the final elevator scene.
Answer: The final elevator scene brings together all the story's earlier fears and mysteries. Martin is alone, unable to escape because of his broken leg. The fat lady greets him by name, enters quickly, laughs, and presses the Stop button. This scene creates maximum suspense, transforms fear into immediate danger, and leaves readers wondering what will happen next, making it the most powerful moment of the extract.

11. Discuss the importance of the cliffhanger ending. How does it affect the reader?
Answer: The story ends immediately after the fat lady presses the Stop button, without revealing Martin's fate. This cliffhanger keeps readers in suspense and encourages them to imagine what may happen next. The unanswered ending also increases the mystery surrounding the fat lady and makes the final scene unforgettable. It leaves readers anxious, curious, and eager to continue reading the story.

12. Can the fat lady be interpreted as supernatural, or could she be an ordinary person? Discuss both possibilities using evidence from the extract.
Answer: The extract allows both interpretations. She may be supernatural because she appears unexpectedly, changes floors mysteriously, smiles before Martin's accident, knows his name, and traps him inside the elevator. However, she may also be an ordinary woman whose strange behaviour appears frightening because Martin is already fearful. William Sleator deliberately leaves the truth unexplained, allowing readers to decide their own interpretation.

13. How does the author portray fear as a psychological experience in the extract?
Answer: The author presents fear as something that grows inside the mind through repeated anxiety and uncertainty. Martin constantly imagines danger, worries about the woman's intentions, and begins connecting ordinary events with her mysterious presence. His fear affects his thinking, decisions, and behaviour, finally causing him to choose the stairs and later panic inside the elevator, demonstrating fear's powerful psychological influence.

14. Discuss the themes of fear, isolation, and misunderstanding in Part Two.
Answer: Fear dominates Martin's thoughts, while isolation increases because nobody understands his feelings. His father dismisses his concerns instead of offering comfort, leaving Martin emotionally alone. The mysterious woman represents the unknown, making his anxiety stronger. Together, fear, loneliness, and misunderstanding shape Martin's experiences and drive the story towards its tense, suspenseful, and unforgettable conclusion with remarkable effectiveness.

15. What message does the extract convey? Support your answer with examples from the text.
Answer: The extract shows that fear becomes more powerful when people face it without understanding or support. Martin's father repeatedly dismisses his worries instead of listening carefully, increasing his loneliness and anxiety. The story also suggests that appearances and situations are not always easy to explain. Above all, it reminds readers that emotional support and empathy are often as important as physical courage.

and empathy are often as important as physical courage.

Value-based Questions

1. What might happen next in the story?
Answer: Since the story ends with the elevator stopping, readers are left to imagine what happens next. The fat lady may simply speak to Martin, frighten him further, or reveal a hidden purpose. She could even prove to be an ordinary woman. By leaving the ending unresolved, the author allows readers to create their own interpretation while maintaining suspense.

2. Was Martin justified in fearing the fat lady? Give reasons.
Answer: Martin's fear is understandable because the fat lady repeatedly behaves in a disturbing manner. She appears unexpectedly, stares continuously, smiles mysteriously, and finally greets him by name before stopping the elevator. Although her actions seem frightening, the story never proves that she intends to harm Martin, leaving readers uncertain about whether his fear is completely justified.

3. Was the fat lady a normal woman or a supernatural force? Discuss.
Answer: The story never provides a definite answer. The fat lady may simply be an unusual resident whose behaviour appears frightening through Martin's eyes. On the other hand, her mysterious appearances, strange smile, and knowledge of Martin's name suggest something supernatural. William Sleator intentionally leaves both interpretations possible, making the mystery more effective.

4. Why does the fat lady appear before Martin on different floors?
Answer: Her repeated appearances create tension and increase Martin's anxiety. The story never explains whether she is deliberately following him or whether the encounters are ordinary coincidences. This uncertainty keeps readers questioning her intentions and strengthens the psychological suspense throughout the narrative.

5. Was Martin really meeting the fat lady, or was it his fearful imagination? Explain.
Answer: Martin certainly meets the fat lady because the narrator describes their encounters directly. However, his intense fear may influence the way he interprets her behaviour. The story never confirms whether she is actually dangerous or whether Martin's anxious mind exaggerates ordinary events, allowing both interpretations to remain equally convincing.

6. How does the story blur the line between reality and imagination?
Answer: The story presents events mainly through Martin's frightened perspective. The fat lady behaves strangely, but nothing clearly proves she possesses supernatural powers. Readers therefore cannot separate objective reality from Martin's fearful imagination. This uncertainty creates psychological suspense and keeps the mystery alive until the final sentence.

7. What is the central message of the story?
Answer: The story suggests that fear becomes stronger when it is ignored or misunderstood. It also shows that appearances alone cannot reveal the truth. By presenting events without clear explanations, the author encourages readers to think critically instead of accepting a single interpretation of fear, courage, or reality.

8. Where does the fat lady press the Stop button, and why is this important?
Answer: The fat lady presses the Stop button after entering the elevator on the tenth floor, when she is alone with Martin. The author never explains her purpose. This unanswered action creates a dramatic cliffhanger, heightens suspense, and leaves readers wondering about Martin's fate after the elevator stops.

9. Why does Martin's father never understand his fear?
Answer: Martin's father believes courage means ignoring fear rather than discussing it. Since he never experiences the fat lady's strange behaviour himself, he assumes Martin is simply timid. His practical attitude prevents him from recognising his son's emotional distress, causing a serious misunderstanding between them.

10. If you were in Martin's place, how would you have reacted to the fat lady's behaviour? Give reasons.
Answer: I would remain calm but cautious. Instead of suffering alone, I would describe the woman's behaviour clearly to my family, neighbours, or building manager. I would avoid making quick conclusions without evidence, while still taking sensible precautions until I understood whether the situation was genuinely dangerous.

11. Do you think Martin's fear becomes stronger because of his father's attitude? Explain.
Answer: Yes. Martin's father repeatedly dismisses his concerns instead of listening patiently. Without emotional support, Martin feels lonely and begins doubting himself. This isolation increases his anxiety, making every encounter with the fat lady seem more terrifying. Understanding and reassurance might have reduced his fear considerably.

12. Why do you think William Sleator chose to leave the story unresolved instead of explaining the fat lady's identity?
Answer: An unresolved ending encourages readers to continue thinking about the story after finishing it. If the author had explained everything, much of the mystery would disappear. By leaving the fat lady's identity uncertain, William Sleator makes suspense depend on readers' imagination, ensuring that the story remains memorable and open to different interpretations.

Reference to context

Extract 1

IV. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

Martin knew he was probably making a mistake, but he had to tell somebody about the woman, “She was in the elevator with me twice today. She just kept staring at me. She never stopped looking at me for a minute.”

What are you so worried about now?' his father said, turning impatiently away from the television. What am I going to do with you, Martin? Honestly, now you're afraid of some poor old lady.'

(i) What was the mistake Martin thinks he was probably making? Why did he think so? (3 Marks)

Martin thought he was probably making a mistake by telling his father about the strange woman in the elevator. He feared his father would dismiss his fears instead of taking them seriously. Since the woman had not actually harmed him, Martin worried that his story might sound childish, unreasonable, or based only on his imagination and fear.

(ii) Why did Martin feel that he had to tell somebody about the woman? Whom did he decide to tell? Why? (3 Marks)

Martin felt he had to tell someone because the woman's silent staring and repeated presence in the elevator frightened him deeply. He feared she might be dangerous and wanted advice or protection. He decided to tell his father, hoping that as an adult he would understand the situation, reassure him, and help solve the problem sensibly.

(iii) What was the one thing that Martin found strange about the lady? Why? (3 Marks)

The strangest thing Martin noticed was that the lady kept meeting him on different floors of the building. She always entered the elevator with him and silently stared at him without speaking. This repeated behaviour seemed unusual and mysterious, making Martin believe she might be following him deliberately rather than travelling by coincidence alone.

(iv) Martin's father asked him what was he worried about 'now'? What was he afraid about earlier? What did his father say about him then? (3 Marks)

Earlier, Martin had been frightened of walking down the dark staircase because he imagined dangers lurking there. His father had laughed at his fears and told him that he worried too much about everything. He believed Martin's fears were imaginary and advised him to be brave instead of allowing fear to control him.

(v) Give a character-sketch of Martin's father based on the extract. (4 Marks)

Martin's father appears practical, impatient, and dismissive of his son's fears. Instead of listening carefully, he continues watching television and assumes Martin is imagining unnecessary dangers. He believes the old woman is harmless and expects Martin to be braver and more sensible. Although his intention may be to make his son stronger and more confident, his lack of sympathy prevents him from understanding Martin's genuine anxiety. He fails to offer reassurance or emotional support when it is needed most.

Extract 2

V. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

Martin started running down the stairs. The stairs were dark and he fell. His father was silent on the way to hospital, disappointed and angry with him for being a coward and a fool. Martin had broken his leg and needed to walk on crutches. He could not use the said now. Was that why the fat lady had smiled? Did she know what would happen?

(i) Why did Martin start running down the stairs? How did he fall? 3 marks
Martin started running down the stairs because he was terrified of meeting the fat lady in the elevator again. He believed she was following him and wanted to avoid her at all costs. In his panic, he rushed down the dark staircase without being careful, lost his balance, and fell, breaking his leg.
(ii) What were Martin's father's feelings on the way to hospital? How had he reacted earlier when Martin took the stairs to reach his house on the seventeenth floor? 3 marks
On the way to the hospital, Martin's father remained silent because he was disappointed and angry with his son. He thought Martin had acted foolishly out of unnecessary fear. Earlier, when Martin had climbed seventeen floors using the stairs instead of the elevator, his father had scolded him for behaving like a coward and refusing to face his fears.
(iii) Why would Martin not be able to use the stairs? How do you think Martin would have been affected by this condition? 3 marks
Martin had broken his leg in the fall and had to walk with the help of crutches. Because of his injury, climbing or descending the stairs became impossible for him. He would now be forced to use the elevator, making him anxious and fearful because he believed he might meet the mysterious fat lady again.
(iv) Why did Martin think that the fat lady had smiled and knew what was going to happen to him? 3 marks
Martin remembered that the fat lady had smiled at him before he met with the accident. After breaking his leg, he wondered whether her smile had been because she already knew he would no longer be able to avoid the elevator. This made him believe that she had somehow foreseen or understood his unfortunate fate.
(v) Explain briefly what could have given rise to Martin's thoughts about the fat lady. 4 marks
Martin's thoughts were shaped by fear, anxiety, and the mysterious behaviour of the fat lady. She appeared unexpectedly on different floors, silently stared at him, and smiled shortly before his accident. After breaking his leg and being forced to use the elevator, Martin connected these events and imagined that the lady had known about his future. The story's suspense and cliffhanger leave readers uncertain whether she was truly mysterious or whether Martin's fearful imagination created these beliefs.

Extract 3

VI. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

But the door was already closing. 'Afraid to be in the elevator alone?" said his father. 'Grow up, Martin. The door slammed shut. Martin hobbled to the buttons and pressed nine, but it didn't do any good. The elevator stopped at ten, where the fat lady was waiting for him. She moved in quickly, and he was too slow to get past her in time to get out. The door closed and the elevator began to move.

‘Hello, Martin,’ she said, and laughed, and pushed the Stop button.
(i) How did Martin remain alone in the elevator? What did his father tell him? 3 marks
Martin remained alone in the elevator because his father refused to accompany him and let the elevator door close. He believed Martin's fear was childish and unnecessary. Before the doors shut, his father sarcastically asked if he was afraid of riding alone and told him to grow up and behave more maturely instead of being frightened.
(ii) Why did Martin want to press the button nine on the elevator? What happened instead? 3 marks
Martin pressed the button for the ninth floor because he wanted to get out before reaching the tenth floor, where he feared the fat lady would be waiting. However, the elevator ignored his command and stopped at the tenth floor. The fat lady entered quickly, preventing Martin from escaping before the doors closed.
(iii) Why could Martin not move out of the elevator? What happened thereafter? 3 marks
Martin could not get out because he was walking with crutches after breaking his leg, making him too slow to pass the fat lady before the doors closed. Once inside, she greeted him by name, laughed strangely, and pressed the Stop button. The elevator halted, leaving Martin trapped with her in frightening uncertainty.
(iv) Why do you think that the lady laughed and then pushed the 'Stop button? Give a reason to support your answer.
The lady's laughter and her act of pressing the Stop button create suspense and suggest that she intended to frighten Martin further. Since she already knew his name and had repeatedly appeared before him, her actions seemed deliberate rather than accidental. However, the author leaves her true intentions unexplained, allowing readers to form their own interpretations.
(v) The story ends in a cliffhanger. What is a cliffhanger? Explain what according to you would have happened at the end. Give reasons to justify your views. 4 marks
A cliffhanger is a literary device in which a story ends at a tense or crucial moment without revealing the outcome, leaving readers eager to know what happens next. In my opinion, the fat lady may have been an ordinary neighbour who only enjoyed teasing Martin, and no real harm would have followed. The author deliberately leaves the ending unresolved so that readers continue to wonder whether Martin's fears were justified or simply the result of his anxious imagination.