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

 

The Elevator by William Sleator, Part one: 

The story is best understood as a psychological suspense story rather than a horror story. The author intentionally blurs the line between reality and imagination. Readers are never given enough evidence to decide whether the fat lady is merely an unusual neighbour or something more mysterious. Most of the suspense comes from seeing events through Martin's anxious mind, making us question whether the danger is real or exaggerated by his fears. This uncertainty is the central strength of the story.

Does the story revolve around claustrophobia?

Yes. The story largely revolves around claustrophobia, but it is not only about claustrophobia.

Claustrophobia is the fear of being in small, enclosed spaces, such as elevators, tunnels, or small rooms. Martin suffers from this fear, and the old elevator becomes the setting where his anxiety grows stronger.

However, the story also explores:

• Psychological fear – how fear affects Martin's thoughts and behaviour.
• Suspense and mystery – the fat lady's true identity and intentions are never revealed.
• The difference between reality and imagination – readers are left wondering whether the danger is real or exaggerated by Martin's anxious mind.

Exam Answer

Yes, the story revolves around claustrophobia, as Martin has an intense fear of enclosed spaces, especially elevators. However, it also explores psychological fear, suspense, and the uncertainty between reality and imagination. The elevator becomes a symbol of Martin's anxiety, making the story a psychological suspense rather than simply a tale about claustrophobia.

Characters in The Elevator

1. Martin (The Protagonist)

Martin is the central character of the story. He is a twelve-year-old boy who lives with his father in a high-rise apartment building. Although physically healthy, he is extremely fearful, nervous, and imaginative. He has a strong fear of enclosed spaces, especially elevators, and dreads using the old lift every day.

Martin is observant and notices every unusual detail about the fat lady, such as her appearance, smile, and behaviour. As the story progresses, his fear grows stronger with each encounter until he becomes completely terrified. Since the story is told mainly from Martin's point of view, readers experience the suspense through his thoughts and emotions. However, because of his anxiety, it is difficult to know whether the danger is real or partly created by his imagination.

Character Traits:

• Timid and anxious
• Imaginative
• Sensitive
• Observant
• Easily frightened

Importance in the Story:
Martin's fear drives the entire plot. His reactions create the psychological suspense that keeps readers uncertain about what is actually happening.

2. Martin's Father

Martin's father is practical, confident, and rational. Unlike Martin, he is not afraid of the elevator and believes his son's fears are unreasonable. He repeatedly encourages Martin to overcome his fear instead of avoiding it.

Although he cares for Martin, he does not fully understand the intensity of his son's anxiety. He dismisses Martin's concerns and expects him to behave bravely. This lack of understanding unintentionally leaves Martin feeling isolated and forces him to face his fear alone.

Character Traits:

• Practical
• Rational
• Confident
• Caring but unsympathetic towards Martin's fears
• Encouraging

Importance in the Story:
Martin's father's attitude highlights the contrast between logic and fear. His refusal to believe that anything is wrong increases Martin's loneliness and helplessness.

3. The Fat Lady (The Mysterious Character)

The fat lady is the most mysterious and memorable character in the story. She is described as very large, heavily built, and unusually silent, with a strange smile that makes Martin uncomfortable. She repeatedly appears in the elevator, often when Martin is alone, and seems to be watching him.

The author never reveals whether she is merely an ordinary resident of the building, someone deliberately trying to frighten Martin, or a supernatural figure. Her unexplained behaviour and repeated appearances create an atmosphere of fear and suspense. At the end of the story, she presses the elevator's stop button while alone with Martin, leaving readers in suspense.

Because her true identity and intentions are never explained, she becomes a symbol of the unknown and of Martin's deepest fears.

Character Traits:

• Mysterious
• Silent
• Unpredictable
• Intimidating
• Possibly harmless, possibly dangerous (left unexplained)

Importance in the Story:
The fat lady is the source of the story's suspense. Her mysterious behaviour keeps both Martin and the readers uncertain about whether she is a real threat or simply an ordinary woman seen through Martin's fearful imagination.

Minor Characters

4. The Elevator (Symbolic Presence)

Although not a human character, the elevator functions almost like one because it plays a central role throughout the story. It is old, slow, dark, and enclosed, reflecting Martin's fears. Every important encounter between Martin and the fat lady takes place inside it.

Symbolic Importance:

• Represents fear and anxiety.
• Symbolises confinement and helplessness.
• Creates the tense atmosphere of the story.

Character Relationships

• Martin ↔ Father: A relationship of care mixed with misunderstanding. The father wants Martin to be brave but fails to appreciate his genuine fear.
• Martin ↔ Fat Lady: A relationship built entirely on fear, uncertainty, and suspense. Martin sees her as threatening, while the story never confirms whether she actually is.
• Father ↔ Fat Lady: They never meaningfully interact, reinforcing that the mystery exists mainly through Martin's perspective.

Conclusion

The story has only three main characters—Martin, his father, and the fat lady. Despite this small cast, each character plays an important role. Martin represents fear and imagination, his father represents reason and practicality, and the fat lady represents mystery and the unknown. Together, they create the psychological suspense that makes The Elevator a memorable and thought-provoking story.

Glossary

Nervous - feeling anxious or afraid - घबराया हुआ
Unpleasant - causing discomfort or anxiety - अप्रिय
Slammed - to close something forcefully and loudly - ज़ोर से बंद होना
Clanging - a loud, harsh metallic noise - खड़खड़ाने / कड़कड़ाने की तेज़ धातु जैसी आवाज़
Shuddered - to shake or tremble violently - झटके से काँपना
Exhausted - extremely tired - बहुत थका हुआ
Crowded - filled with too many people or things - भीड़भाड़ वाला
Echoed - to produce a repeated sound - गूँजना
Gasping - struggling to breathe - साँस लेने के लिए संघर्ष करना
Frowning - to show displeasure or worry - भौंहें चढ़ाना
Skinny - very thin - दुबला-पतला
Coward - a person who is afraid to do something - कायर
Bullied - to intimidate or repeatedly trouble someone - तंग करना / धमकाना
Trapped - unable to move or escape - फँस जाना
Waddled - to walk with short, unsteady steps - बत्तख की तरह डगमगाकर चलना
Ballooned - to swell or expand - गुब्बारे की तरह फूल जाना
Brushed - to touch lightly while passing - हल्के से छूना
Squeeze - to press oneself into a small space - सिकुड़कर खड़ा होना
Fleshy - having a lot of flesh - मांसल
Chin - the lower part of the face - ठोड़ी
Mass - a large amount or lump - बड़ा पिंड / ढेर
Sharp - keen or piercing - पैनी
Boring - staring intensely, deeply, or piercingly at someone - भेदती हुई नज़र से घूरना
Glanced - to look quickly for a short time - झट से देखना
Piggy - resembling a pig - सूअर जैसी
Creaked - to make a harsh, squeaking sound - चरमराना
Crazy - mentally unstable or behaving strangely - पागल / सनकी
Lobby - a room or area in a building where people enter, wait, or meet - प्रवेश कक्ष / भवन का मुख्य हॉल
Visiting - going to see someone - मिलने जाना

English Paraphrase:

Paragraph 1

The story begins by describing an old apartment building that has an old, tiny elevator. The elevator is so small that it can carry only three people at a time. Martin, a thin twelve-year-old boy, feels frightened every time he enters it. He has always been afraid of elevators because he worries that they might suddenly fall, but this elevator makes him even more uncomfortable than others. There are many reasons for this feeling. The poor lighting makes the inside gloomy, while the dirty walls make it look neglected and unpleasant. The elevator door closes very quickly with a loud metallic bang, giving Martin little time to enter or leave. Whenever it starts moving, it shakes and trembles as though it is old and worn out. Its small size also makes Martin feel trapped and suffocated. Even when only two people are inside, the elevator feels crowded and uncomfortable. From the very beginning, the author creates an atmosphere of fear and uneasiness.

Paragraph 2

Martin decides to avoid the elevator one day by using the staircase after school. However, the stairs prove to be just as frightening. There are no windows to let in natural light, and the electric lights are not working, making the staircase dark and lonely. As Martin climbs, the sound of his footsteps echoes loudly on the concrete steps. The echoes make him feel as though another person is following him from behind and slowly getting closer. This increases his fear and anxiety. Climbing all the way to the seventeenth floor is also physically exhausting. By the time he reaches his apartment, he is breathing heavily and struggling to catch his breath.

Paragraph 3

Martin's father works from home and notices that Martin is panting. When he learns that Martin has taken the stairs instead of the elevator, he becomes annoyed. Although he does not openly insult Martin, his expression suggests that he thinks his son is weak, physically unfit, and cowardly. Martin already feels insecure because he is thin and not good at sports, and he is also bullied by other children at school. Wanting to avoid disappointing his father, he decides that he must force himself to use the elevator every day. Just as he has learned to tolerate bullying at school, he believes he must also learn to live with his fear of the elevator.

Paragraph 4

Despite his determination, Martin never becomes comfortable with using the elevator. Every ride fills him with fear. He constantly imagines that the elevator might stop suddenly, trapping him inside for hours with no way to escape. Being alone inside frightens him, but sharing the elevator with strangers is not much better. He dislikes standing close to unfamiliar people in such a confined space. He also finds it strange that passengers avoid making eye contact with one another, pretending to look elsewhere instead. Their awkward silence makes the atmosphere even more uncomfortable and tense.

Paragraph 5

One morning, while Martin is riding down, the elevator stops on the fourteenth floor. A very large woman enters. She is wearing an old green coat that hangs loosely around her and makes her appear even bigger. As she slowly walks into the elevator, Martin feels as though the elevator sinks slightly because of her weight. Since the elevator is already very small, the woman's large body leaves almost no room for Martin. Her coat brushes against him, forcing him to press himself tightly into a corner. The elevator is now completely full. After the door closes, instead of facing the front as most passengers do, the woman turns around and stares directly at Martin, making him feel even more uncomfortable.

Paragraph 6

Martin carefully looks at the woman. He notices that she has a round face with large fleshy cheeks and almost no visible chin because her neck is thick and blends into her face. Her small blue eyes are sharp and piercing. Martin feels as though her eyes are drilling into him and studying him closely. Her appearance seems unusual and intimidating, increasing his fear.

Paragraph 7

Feeling uncomfortable, Martin quickly looks away, hoping that the woman will stop staring at him. However, when he secretly glances at her again, he realizes that she is still watching him without turning away. He wishes he could shut his eyes or simply face the corner to avoid her gaze, but he feels unable to do so. As the elevator slowly passes the twelfth and eleventh floors, the woman continues staring silently at him. Martin begins to wonder whether she is mentally unstable because he cannot understand why a stranger would watch him so intensely. His imagination becomes more active, and he starts worrying about what she might do next. His fear grows stronger with every passing second.

Paragraph 8

The woman does nothing except continue staring at Martin while breathing loudly. She remains silent throughout the journey until the elevator finally reaches the ground floor. Martin desperately wants to rush past her and escape, but the cramped space prevents him from doing so. He has no choice but to wait until she slowly steps out into the building's lobby. The moment she moves away, Martin runs out of the elevator without caring whether she notices him. Still frightened, he continues running almost the entire distance to school.

Paragraph 9

Even after reaching school, Martin cannot stop thinking about the strange woman. Her unusual behaviour continues to trouble him throughout the day. He wonders whether she actually lives in the apartment building because he has never seen her before, and the building is not large enough for residents to remain unnoticed for long. He then considers the possibility that she might have been visiting someone. However, he immediately rejects this idea because it was only 7:30 in the morning, a time when people rarely visit others. This unanswered question adds to the mystery and keeps both Martin and the readers curious about the woman's identity.

Overall Significance of the Extract

This opening section introduces Martin's claustrophobia, his timid personality, and his troubled relationship with fear. The old elevator becomes a symbol of confinement and anxiety, while the mysterious fat lady introduces the central conflict of the story. Through Martin's thoughts and observations, the author creates an atmosphere of psychological suspense, leaving readers uncertain whether the danger is real or simply a product of Martin's anxious mind.

हिन्दी भावार्थ

अनुच्छेद 1

कहानी की शुरुआत एक पुरानी बहुमंज़िला इमारत से होती है, जिसमें एक पुरानी और बहुत छोटी लिफ्ट लगी हुई है। यह लिफ्ट इतनी छोटी है कि इसमें एक समय में केवल तीन लोग ही आ सकते हैं। बारह वर्ष का दुबला-पतला लड़का मार्टिन अपने पिता के साथ इस इमारत में रहने आने के पहले ही दिन से इस लिफ्ट में चढ़ने से घबराता है। वैसे तो उसे हमेशा से लिफ्टों से डर लगता था क्योंकि उसे लगता था कि कहीं वे अचानक गिर न जाएँ, लेकिन यह लिफ्ट उसे दूसरी लिफ्टों की तुलना में कहीं अधिक डरावनी और असहज लगती थी। इसके कई कारण थे। लिफ्ट के भीतर बहुत कम रोशनी थी, जिससे वह अँधेरी और उदास दिखाई देती थी। उसकी दीवारें गंदी और उपेक्षित थीं। लिफ्ट का दरवाज़ा बहुत जल्दी बंद हो जाता था और तेज़ धातु जैसी आवाज़ के साथ ज़ोर से भड़ाम से बंद होता था। जब भी लिफ्ट चलती, वह बुरी तरह काँपती और झटके खाती, मानो बहुत पुरानी और थकी हुई हो। उसकी तंग जगह भी मार्टिन को घुटन का एहसास कराती थी। केवल दो लोगों के होने पर भी लिफ्ट उसे भरी हुई और दम घोंटने वाली लगती थी। लेखक शुरू से ही भय और बेचैनी का वातावरण बना देता है।

अनुच्छेद 2

एक दिन स्कूल से लौटते समय मार्टिन लिफ्ट से बचने के लिए सीढ़ियों का उपयोग करने का निश्चय करता है। लेकिन सीढ़ियाँ भी उससे कम डरावनी नहीं थीं। वहाँ कोई खिड़की नहीं थी जिससे रोशनी आ सके और बिजली की बत्तियाँ भी खराब थीं। पूरा सीढ़ीघर अँधेरा और सुनसान था। जब मार्टिन सीढ़ियाँ चढ़ता, तो उसके कदमों की आवाज़ सीमेंट पर गूँजती थी। यह गूँज उसे ऐसा महसूस कराती थी जैसे कोई दूसरा व्यक्ति उसके पीछे-पीछे सीढ़ियाँ चढ़ रहा हो और धीरे-धीरे उसके पास आ रहा हो। इससे उसका डर और बढ़ जाता था। इसके अलावा सत्रहवीं मंज़िल तक पैदल चढ़ना बहुत कठिन था। घर पहुँचते-पहुँचते उसकी साँस फूल जाती थी और वह बुरी तरह हाँफने लगता था।

अनुच्छेद 3

मार्टिन के पिता घर से ही काम करते थे। उन्होंने देखा कि मार्टिन की साँस तेज़ चल रही है। जब उन्हें पता चला कि उसने लिफ्ट की जगह सीढ़ियों का उपयोग किया है, तो वे नाराज़ हो गए। उन्होंने सीधे-सीधे कुछ कठोर शब्द नहीं कहे, लेकिन उनके चेहरे के भाव यह बता रहे थे कि वे अपने बेटे को कमजोर, खेलों में अयोग्य और डरपोक समझते हैं। मार्टिन पहले से ही अपने दुबले शरीर और खेलों में कमजोर होने के कारण असुरक्षित महसूस करता था। स्कूल में दूसरे बच्चे भी उसे तंग करते थे। अपने पिता को निराश न करने के लिए उसने निश्चय किया कि अब वह हर दिन लिफ्ट का ही उपयोग करेगा। उसने सोचा कि जैसे उसने स्कूल में होने वाली बदमाशी सहना सीख लिया है, वैसे ही उसे लिफ्ट के डर के साथ भी जीना सीखना होगा।

अनुच्छेद 4

लेकिन मार्टिन अपनी इस कोशिश में सफल नहीं हो पाया। वह कभी भी लिफ्ट का आदी नहीं बन सका। हर बार उसमें बैठते समय उसे डर लगा रहता कि कहीं लिफ्ट अचानक रुक न जाए और वह कई घंटों तक उसमें अकेला फँसा न रह जाए। अकेले फँसने का डर तो था ही, लेकिन दूसरे यात्रियों के साथ लिफ्ट में सफर करना भी उसे अच्छा नहीं लगता था। उसे अजनबियों के बहुत पास खड़े होना पसंद नहीं था। उसे यह बात भी अजीब लगती थी कि लिफ्ट में लोग एक-दूसरे की ओर देखने से बचते थे और कहीं और देखने का दिखावा करते थे। यह अजीब-सी चुप्पी और असहज वातावरण उसके डर को और बढ़ा देता था।

अनुच्छेद 5

एक सुबह जब लिफ्ट चौदहवीं मंज़िल पर रुकी, तो उसमें एक बहुत मोटी और भारी-भरकम महिला चढ़ी। उसने पुराना हरे रंग का कोट पहन रखा था, जो उसके शरीर के चारों ओर फूला हुआ दिखाई दे रहा था। जैसे ही वह धीरे-धीरे डगमगाते हुए लिफ्ट में घुसी, मार्टिन को लगा कि उसके वजन से लिफ्ट थोड़ी नीचे धँस गई है। वह महिला इतनी बड़ी थी कि उसके कोट का किनारा मार्टिन से छू गया और उसे अपने आपको एक कोने में सिकोड़ना पड़ा। अब लिफ्ट में किसी और व्यक्ति के लिए बिल्कुल भी जगह नहीं बची थी। दरवाज़ा तुरंत बंद हो गया। सामान्य यात्रियों की तरह सामने देखने के बजाय वह महिला मुड़कर सीधे मार्टिन की ओर देखने लगी। इससे मार्टिन और भी अधिक असहज और भयभीत हो गया।

अनुच्छेद 6

मार्टिन ने उस महिला को ध्यान से देखा। उसके गाल बहुत बड़े और मांसल थे। उसकी ठोड़ी लगभग दिखाई ही नहीं देती थी क्योंकि उसकी मोटी गर्दन सीधे चेहरे से मिलती हुई प्रतीत होती थी। उसकी छोटी-छोटी नीली आँखें बहुत तेज़ और पैनी थीं। मार्टिन को ऐसा लगा जैसे वे आँखें उसके चेहरे के आर-पार देख रही हों और उसे गहराई से परख रही हों। उसकी विचित्र शक्ल और तीखी निगाहें मार्टिन के मन में भय पैदा कर देती हैं।

अनुच्छेद 7

घबराकर मार्टिन ने अपनी नज़रें दूसरी ओर फेर लीं। उसे उम्मीद थी कि शायद महिला भी उसकी ओर देखना बंद कर देगी। लेकिन जब उसने चुपके से फिर उसकी ओर देखा, तो पाया कि वह अब भी उसी को घूरे जा रही थी। मार्टिन चाहता था कि वह अपनी आँखें बंद कर ले या कोने की ओर मुँह करके खड़ा हो जाए, लेकिन डर के कारण वह ऐसा नहीं कर सका। इस बीच लिफ्ट धीरे-धीरे बारहवीं और फिर ग्यारहवीं मंज़िल से नीचे उतरती रही, लेकिन महिला की छोटी-छोटी आँखें लगातार उसी पर टिकी रहीं। अब मार्टिन सोचने लगा कि शायद यह महिला पागल है, क्योंकि कोई सामान्य व्यक्ति किसी अजनबी को इस तरह लगातार नहीं घूरता। उसका डर बढ़ता गया और वह सोचने लगा कि अब यह महिला आगे क्या करेगी।

अनुच्छेद 8

महिला ने कुछ भी नहीं किया। वह केवल ज़ोर-ज़ोर से साँस लेती रही और लगातार मार्टिन को देखती रही। अंततः लिफ्ट पहली मंज़िल पर पहुँची। मार्टिन चाहता था कि वह जल्दी से उसके पास से निकलकर बाहर भाग जाए, लेकिन तंग जगह के कारण वह ऐसा नहीं कर सका। उसे मजबूर होकर इंतज़ार करना पड़ा कि पहले महिला धीरे-धीरे लिफ्ट से बाहर निकले। जैसे ही वह बाहर निकली, मार्टिन तेज़ी से भागा। उसे इस बात की बिल्कुल परवाह नहीं थी कि महिला उसके बारे में क्या सोचेगी। डर के कारण वह लगभग पूरे रास्ते स्कूल तक दौड़ता हुआ गया।

अनुच्छेद 9

स्कूल पहुँचने के बाद भी मार्टिन पूरे दिन उस अजीब महिला के बारे में सोचता रहा। उसका रहस्यमय व्यवहार उसके मन से निकल ही नहीं रहा था। वह सोचने लगा कि क्या वह महिला उसी इमारत में रहती है, क्योंकि उसने उसे पहले कभी नहीं देखा था और वह इमारत इतनी बड़ी भी नहीं थी कि कोई निवासी लंबे समय तक दिखाई न दे। फिर उसने सोचा कि शायद वह किसी से मिलने आई होगी। लेकिन उसने इस संभावना को भी तुरंत खारिज कर दिया, क्योंकि सुबह के केवल साढ़े सात बजे थे और इतने सुबह लोग सामान्यतः किसी से मिलने नहीं जाते। यही अनसुलझा रहस्य पाठकों की उत्सुकता और कहानी के रोमांच को और अधिक बढ़ा देता है।

MCQs - 1

MCQs – 1

1.       What was special about the building’s elevator?
A. It was very fast
B. It was very small and old
C. It was glass and modern
D. It was only for staff
Ans. B

2.       How many people could the elevator carry?
A. Two
B. Three
C. Four
D. Five
Ans. B

3.       How old was Martin?
A. Ten
B. Eleven
C. Twelve
D. Thirteen
Ans. C

4.       Where did Martin and his father move?
A. Into a hotel
B. Into a house
C. Into an apartment
D. Into a hostel
Ans. C

5.       On which floor was Martin’s home?
A. Twelfth floor
B. Fourteenth floor
C. Fifteenth floor
D. Seventeenth floor
Ans. D

6.       What was Martin afraid of about elevators?
A. That doors would not open
B. That they would fall
C. That they were too slow
D. That they were noisy
Ans. B

7.       Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a reason the elevator was unpleasant?
A. Poor lighting
B. Dirty walls
C. Broken buttons
D. Door slamming with a loud noise
Ans. C

8.       What happened to the elevator door that made Martin uncomfortable?
A. It opened too slowly
B. It never stayed open long enough and slammed shut loudly
C. It was always stuck open
D. It was made of glass
Ans. B

9.       How did the elevator behave when it left a floor?
A. It moved silently
B. It shuddered as if exhausted
C. It went backwards
D. It stopped midway
Ans. B

10.   Why did Martin try the stairs one day?
A. The elevator was out of order
B. He wanted exercise
C. He wanted to avoid the elevator
D. His father told him to
Ans. C

11.   What was wrong with the staircase lighting?
A. There were too many lights
B. Lights were too bright
C. There were no lights working
D. Lights were coloured
Ans. C

12.   What did Martin’s footsteps do on the cement stairs?
A. Made no sound
B. Echoed behind him
C. Started a landslide
D. Broke the steps
Ans. B

13.   What was Martin’s physical condition when he reached the seventeenth floor?
A. He was fresh and energetic
B. He was gasping for breath
C. He was asleep
D. He was singing
Ans. B

14.   Where did Martin’s father work?
A. In a factory
B. In an office
C. At home
D. At school
Ans. C

15.   What did Martin’s father ask when he saw him out of breath?
A. “Did you run a race?”
B. “Did you fight again?”
C. “Why didn’t you take the elevator?”
D. “Where have you been?”
Ans. C

16.   What did Martin think his father’s face seemed to say about him?
A. That he was clever and strong
B. That he was skinny, weak, bad at sports, and a coward
C. That he was brave and athletic
D. That he was honest and kind
Ans. B

17.   After his father’s reaction, what did Martin always do?
A. Take the stairs
B. Take the elevator
C. Go by the fire escape
D. Stay at home
Ans. B

18.   What other unpleasant experience did Martin compare the elevator to?
A. Being hungry
B. Being bullied at school
C. Being lost in a crowd
D. Being punished by teachers
Ans. B

19.   On which floor did the elevator stop when the fat lady first got on?
A. Twelfth floor
B. Thirteenth floor
C. Fourteenth floor
D. Fifteenth floor
Ans. C

20.   What was the fat lady wearing?
A. A red coat
B. A black coat
C. An old green coat
D. A brown shawl
Ans. C

21.   How did the lady move into the elevator?
A. She ran
B. She jumped
C. She waddled
D. She crawled
Ans. C

22.   What did Martin feel the elevator do under the fat lady’s weight?
A. Rise
B. Sink
C. Stop
D. Spin
Ans. B

23.   Where did Martin have to squeeze himself when the lady got on?
A. Near the door
B. Into a corner
C. Near the buttons
D. Under the rail
Ans. B

24.   How did the lady stand after the door closed?
A. Facing the door
B. Facing the buttons
C. Facing Martin and staring
D. Sitting on the floor
Ans. C

25.   What colour were the woman’s eyes?
A. Brown
B. Blue
C. Black
D. Grey
Ans. B

26.   What kind of cheeks did the woman have?
A. Sunken cheeks
B. Large fleshy cheeks
C. Thin sharp cheeks
D. Freckled cheeks
Ans. B

27.   What did Martin notice about her neck and chin?
A. She had a long thin neck and sharp chin
B. She had no chin, just a huge mass of neck
C. She had a double chin
D. He could not see her neck
Ans. B

28.   How does the passage describe the woman’s eyes?
A. Large and gentle
B. Tiny but sharp
C. Closed and sleepy
D. Wide and kind
Ans. B

29.   What did Martin think about the woman’s eyes?
A. They were friendly
B. They were boring into his face
C. They avoided him
D. They were closed
Ans. B

30.   Which floors are mentioned as the elevator creaks down while the woman is staring?
A. Fifteen to fourteen
B. Twelve then eleven
C. Ten then nine
D. Five then four
Ans. B

31.   What did Martin suspect about the woman because of her staring?
A. That she was blind
B. That she was crazy
C. That she was deaf
D. That she was a teacher
Ans. B

32.   What did the woman do during the entire ride?
A. Talked loudly
B. Sang a song
C. Only watched him, breathing loudly
D. Closed her eyes and slept
Ans. C

33.   Why couldn’t Martin run past her when the elevator reached the first floor?
A. She blocked the doorway; there was no room
B. She held his arm
C. The door wouldn’t open
D. His legs were too weak
Ans. A

34.   Where did Martin run after leaving the elevator?
A. Back home
B. To the park
C. Nearly all the way to school
D. To a shop
Ans. C

35.   What did Martin think about all day at school?
A. His homework
B. His father’s words
C. The fat lady in the elevator
D. His sports class
Ans. C

36.   What question about the fat lady troubled Martin?
A. Whether she was a teacher
B. Whether she lived in the building
C. Whether she was related to him
D. Whether she was his neighbour
Ans. B

37.   Why did Martin think 7.30 in the morning was too early?
A. For visiting someone in the building
B. For going to school
C. For using the elevator
D. For waking up
Ans. A

38.   What can we infer about Martin’s general nature from this passage?
A. He is bold and outgoing
B. He is calm and relaxed
C. He is nervous, timid, and easily frightened
D. He is rude and aggressive
Ans. C

39.   What does the description of the elevator (poor lighting, dirty walls, shuddering) suggest?
A. It is safe and modern
B. It is old, neglected, and possibly unsafe
C. It is brand new but small
D. It is well-maintained but noisy
Ans. B

40.   Why does Martin feel uncomfortable even when there are other passengers in the elevator?
A. He hates talking to people
B. He dislikes being close to strangers and the awkward silence
C. He wants to use his phone
D. He prefers to stand alone in the centre
Ans. B

41.   What does Martin’s father’s reaction to his breathlessness reveal about him?
A. He is very understanding and gentle
B. He is indifferent and unconcerned
C. He is critical and thinks Martin is cowardly
D. He is proud of Martin’s bravery
Ans. C

42.   Why does Martin decide he “would have to get used to” the elevator?
A. Because his father expects him to use it and he wants to appear brave
B. Because he enjoys the ride
C. Because the stairs are forbidden
D. Because the elevator is faster
Ans. A

43.   What does Martin’s comparison of the elevator to “being bullied at school” suggest?
A. He has no problems at school
B. He faces regular bullying and tries to adapt to unpleasant situations
C. He loves school
D. He is very popular
Ans. B

44.   Why is Martin particularly disturbed by the fat lady’s presence?
A. She is noisy and talks too much
B. She enters when he is alone and stares at him continuously in a cramped space
C. She asks him questions
D. She switches off the lights
Ans. B

45.   What does Martin’s thought that she “had to be crazy” reveal?
A. He is confident she is harmless
B. He cannot understand her behaviour and interprets it as abnormal
C. He knows she is a relative
D. He thinks she is joking
Ans. B

46.   What does Martin’s running “nearly all the way to school” suggest about his feelings after the encounter?
A. He is happy and excited
B. He is relieved and trying to escape his fear
C. He is late for school
D. He wants to exercise
Ans. B

47.   From the fact that Martin has never seen her before in a small building, what can we infer?
A. She probably visits only rarely
B. She lives in another city
C. She must be a neighbour
D. She is a teacher from school
Ans. A

48.   Why does Martin think 7.30 a.m. is too early for visiting?
A. Because visitors usually come later in the day
B. Because the building rules forbid visitors early
C. Because his father said so
D. Because the elevator doesn’t run then
Ans. A

49.   Which theme is most strongly suggested in this passage?
A. Joy of city life
B. Power of friendship
C. Fear and anxiety in everyday situations
D. Importance of punctuality
Ans. C

50.   Martin’s fear in the elevator is mainly built through:
A. Humorous incidents
B. Detailed description of the elevator and the woman’s behaviour
C. Dialogue with many characters
D. Fast action scenes
Ans. B

51.   The behaviour of people in the elevator (“staring at nothing”) suggests:
A. Friendly curiosity
B. Social awkwardness and avoidance of eye contact
C. Deep anger
D. Sleepiness
Ans. B

52.   Martin’s father’s attitude contributes to Martin’s fear by:
A. Encouraging him gently
B. Praising his courage
C. Criticising him as weak and cowardly, increasing pressure on him
D. Ignoring him completely
Ans. C

53.   The fat lady’s silence and intense staring create:
A. A sense of comfort and safety
B. A comic atmosphere
C. Suspense and psychological tension
D. A happy mood
Ans. C

54.   The description “no chin, just a huge mass of neck” is used mainly to:
A. Show her beauty
B. Provide comic relief
C. Emphasise her unusual, unsettling appearance
D. Show she is ill
Ans. C

55.   Martin’s continued thinking about the lady all day shows:
A. She has left a deep psychological impact on him
B. He easily forgets events
C. He is preparing for an exam
D. He is bored in class
Ans. A

56.   Which line best captures Martin’s sense of vulnerability?
A. “He ran nearly all the way to school.”
B. “He felt nervous in it from the first day he and his father moved into the apartment.”
C. “Martin’s footsteps echoed behind him on the cement.”
D. “There was no room for anybody else.”
Ans. B

57.   Martin’s fear of being trapped in the elevator “for hours by himself” reflects:
A. Claustrophobia and fear of isolation
B. Joy of being alone
C. Desire for privacy
D. Love of quiet places
Ans. A

58.   The word “shuddered” in “the elevator shuddered each time it left a floor” most nearly means:
A. Shone
B. Trembled or shook
C. Jumped
D. Stopped
Ans. B

59.   In the context, “ballooned around her” (about the coat) means:
A. Was very tight
B. Hung straight
C. Swelled out loosely around her body
D. Was very short
Ans. C

60.   The word “waddled” describing the lady’s movement suggests she moved:
A. Quickly and lightly
B. Slowly with short, heavy steps
C. By running and jumping
D. By sliding silently
Ans. B

61.   “Piggy eyes” in the passage implies that her eyes were:
A. Large and kind
B. Small and dull
C. Tiny, sharp, and unpleasant
D. Wide and gentle
Ans. C

62.   The word “gasping” in “he was gasping for breath” means:
A. Whispering softly
B. Breathing with difficulty
C. Laughing loudly
D. Singing
Ans. B

63.   The phrase “getting closer” about the echo of his footsteps suggests:
A. Someone was overtaking him
B. It sounded like another person was approaching from behind
C. He was going down the stairs
D. He was meeting his father
Ans. B

64.   The word “creaked” in “the elevator creaked down to twelve” suggests:
A. A smooth sound
B. A harsh, squeaky sound of old machinery
C. A musical tone
D. A loud bang
Ans. B

65.   In the sentence “He ran nearly all the way to school,” the word “nearly” means:
A. Exactly
B. Hardly
C. Almost
D. Not at all
Ans. C

66.   Which of the following is NOT a reason Martin finds the elevator unpleasant?
A. Poor lighting
B. Dirty walls
C. Shuddering when it moves
D. Pleasant music playing inside
Ans. D

67.   Which of these features belong to the fat lady, according to the passage?
A. Old green coat
B. Large fleshy cheeks
C. Tiny sharp blue eyes
D. Thin athletic figure
Ans. D

68.   Which of these best describes Martin’s father’s view of him?
A. Skinny
B. Weak
C. Bad at sports
D. Very brave
Ans. D

69.   Which floor numbers are mentioned in connection with the elevator’s movement as the fat lady stares?
A. Twelve and eleven
B. Ten and nine
C. Two and one
D. Six and five
Ans. A

70.   Which of the following is NOT suggested by Martin’s experience on the stairs?
A. Lack of windows
B. Lights not working
C. His footsteps echoing
D. Comfortable and safe climb
Ans. D

71.   Martin felt comfortable in elevators from the first day in the building.
A. Yes
B. No
Ans. B

72.   The elevator could carry more than five people.
A. Yes
B. No
Ans. B

73.   The elevator door stayed open for a long time, letting people enter easily.
A. Yes
B. No
Ans. B

74.   Martin’s footsteps on the stairs made him feel as if another person was climbing behind him.
A. Yes
B. No
Ans. B

75.   Martin’s father praised him for taking the stairs and being brave.
A. Yes
B. No
Ans. B

76.   After his father’s reaction, Martin always took the elevator instead of the stairs.
A. Yes
B. No
Ans. B

77.   Martin eventually got used to the elevator and stopped being afraid.
A. Yes
B. No
Ans. B

78.   The fat lady wore an old green coat that ballooned around her.
A. Yes
B. No
Ans. A

79.   When the fat lady entered, the elevator felt as if it sank under her weight.
A. Yes
B. No
Ans. A

80.   The fat lady faced the door and ignored Martin during the ride.
A. Yes
B. No
Ans. B

81.   Martin thought the lady might be crazy because she kept staring at him.
A. Yes
B. No
Ans. A

82.   Martin ran nearly all the way to school after the encounter.
A. Yes
B. No
Ans. A

83.   Martin had seen the fat lady many times before in the building.
A. Yes
B. No
Ans. B

84.   Martin wondered if 7.30 in the morning was too early for visiting someone.
A. Yes
B. No
Ans. A

85.   What does the description “as if it was exhausted” (about the elevator) suggest?
A. It was brand new
B. It was old and overworked
C. It was very powerful
D. It was slow but strong
Ans. B

86.   Why does the narrator say the elevator “seemed crowded even with only two people in it”?
A. Because the elevator was extremely small and confined
B. Because people carried large bags
C. Because the walls were full of posters
D. Because furniture was inside
Ans. A

87.   What effect do the “poor lighting” and “dirty walls” have on the atmosphere in the elevator?
A. They make it bright and cheerful
B. They create a gloomy, unsettling atmosphere
C. They make it look luxurious
D. They make it look empty
Ans. B

88.   Why were the stairs “no better” than the elevator for Martin?
A. They were too crowded
B. They were dark, windowless, and frightening, and made him breathless
C. They were under repair
D. They were locked
Ans. B

89.   What does Martin’s echoing footsteps on the stairs symbolically suggest?
A. His popularity
B. His sense that danger or another presence is following him
C. His love of music
D. His strength
Ans. B

90.   How does Martin’s father’s frown influence Martin’s later choices?
A. It encourages him to use the stairs more
B. It pressures him into always using the elevator despite his fear
C. It makes him move out of the building
D. It makes him complain to the manager
Ans. B

91.   What attitude of society is reflected in Martin’s father’s unspoken message (“skinny and weak and bad at sports… also a coward”)?
A. Respect for sensitivity
B. Acceptance of physical differences
C. Criticism of weakness and fear, valuing toughness and bravery
D. Admiration for bookishness
Ans. C

92.   Why doesn’t being with other passengers make Martin feel safer?
A. He likes to be alone
B. He fears they will bully him
C. He dislikes closeness and the tense silence in the confined space
D. He cannot talk to them
Ans. C

93.   The description of people “staring at nothing” in the elevator highlights:
A. Their interest in each other
B. Social awkwardness and the habit of avoiding eye contact
C. Their concentration on reading
D. Their boredom
Ans. B

94.   Why is the fat lady’s appearance especially frightening to Martin?
A. She shouts at him loudly
B. She stands very close, fills the space, and stares at him without speaking
C. She brings a dog into the elevator
D. She turns off the lights
Ans. B

95.   What feeling does Martin’s thought “She had to be crazy” express?
A. Calm judgment
B. Amused curiosity
C. Confused fear at behaviour he cannot understand
D. Admiration
Ans. C

96.   How does the writer use physical description (coat, cheeks, neck, eyes) to build a sense of horror?
A. By making her look glamorous
B. By emphasizing bulk, odd proportions, and sharp eyes that seem to pierce Martin
C. By describing her fashionable clothes
D. By showing her smiling kindly
Ans. B

97.   The phrase “breathing loudly” adds what effect to the scene?
A. Calmness
B. Background music
C. A heavy, unsettling presence in the tight space
D. Silence
Ans. C

98.   What does Martin’s desire to “close his eyes” or “stare into the corner” show?
A. His wish to escape the situation mentally and avoid her gaze
B. His interest in the corner
C. His sleepiness
D. His boredom
Ans. A

99.   Why does Martin think he cannot close his eyes or turn into the corner?
A. He is afraid she will laugh at him
B. He feels trapped and watched, making such actions feel impossible or unsafe
C. The corner is dirty
D. His father forbids it
Ans. B

100.           What does Martin’s running nearly all the way to school after the elevator ride indicate about his state of mind?
A. He is late and rushing
B. He is eager to study
C. He is escaping his fear and trying to shake off the experience
D. He is training for sports
Ans. C

101.           Why is Martin so puzzled by the question of whether the lady lives in the building?
A. He wants to befriend her
B. The building is small, and he has never seen her before, making her seem mysterious
C. He thinks she might be the owner
D. He wants to complain about her
Ans. B

102.           What type of fear does the passage mostly portray?
A. Fear of heights
B. Fear of punishment
C. Claustrophobic, psychological fear in confined, dark spaces
D. Fear of animals
Ans. C

103.           The line “He would have to get used to it” suggests what about Martin’s attitude to unpleasant situations?
A. He always runs away
B. He tries to accept them and endure, even if they frighten him
C. He enjoys them
D. He ignores them
Ans. B

104.           How is the building itself almost like a character in the story?
A. It is described as welcoming and kind
B. Its old elevator, dark stairs, and atmosphere contribute to Martin’s fear and emotions
C. It speaks to Martin
D. It protects him
Ans. B

105.           Which sentence best shows Martin’s long-standing fear of elevators, not just this one?
A. “Of course he was always uncomfortable in elevators, afraid that they would fall.”
B. “The door never stayed open long enough.”
C. “He thought about her all day.”
D. “He ran nearly all the way to school.”
Ans. A

106.           The phrase “as if it was exhausted” personifies the elevator. What does this personification imply?
A. The elevator is lazy
B. The elevator is tired like a living creature, suggesting old age and weakness
C. The elevator is angry
D. The elevator is happy
Ans. B

107.           What does Martin’s fear of being “trapped inside it for hours by himself” reveal about his deeper anxieties?
A. Fear of being with others
B. Fear of isolation and lack of control
C. Fear of noise
D. Fear of light
Ans. B

108.           Why might Martin be particularly sensitive to being stared at, given his experiences?
A. He is very popular
B. He is used to admiration
C. Being skinny, weak, and bullied makes him self-conscious, so intense staring feels like judgment
D. He often stares at others himself
Ans. C

109.           In this passage, the elevator mostly symbolizes:
A. Freedom
B. Adventure
C. Confinement and fear
D. Success
Ans. C

The stairs mostly symbolize:
A. Safety and comfort
B. Another form of fear and difficulty, not a true escape
C. Fun and games
D. A place to meet friends

MCQs – 2

1. What kind of building did Martin live in?

a) A new apartment building
b) An old apartment building
c) A bungalow
d) A school hostel
Ans. b) An old apartment building

2. How many people could the elevator carry?

a) Two
b) Three
c) Four
d) Five
Ans. b) Three

3. How old was Martin?

a) Ten years
b) Eleven years
c) Twelve years
d) Thirteen years
Ans. c) Twelve years

4. Why did Martin dislike the elevator from the beginning?

a) It was dirty, poorly lit, and very small.
b) It was always crowded.
c) It moved too fast.
d) It never worked properly.
Ans. a) It was dirty, poorly lit, and very small.

5. What sound did the elevator door make?

a) A whistle
b) A clanging noise
c) A buzzing sound
d) A clicking sound
Ans. b) A clanging noise

6. What happened whenever the elevator left a floor?

a) It became silent.
b) It sped up.
c) It shuddered.
d) It stopped.
Ans. c) It shuddered.

7. Why did Martin also dislike using the stairs?

a) They were too crowded.
b) They were dark and the lights were not working.
c) They were broken.
d) They were locked.
Ans. b) They were dark and the lights were not working.

8. What made Martin think someone was following him on the stairs?

a) Footprints
b) Echoes of his footsteps
c) A strange voice
d) A shadow
Ans. b) Echoes of his footsteps

9. On which floor did Martin live?

a) 14th floor
b) 15th floor
c) 16th floor
d) 17th floor
Ans. d) 17th floor

10. Why was Martin gasping for breath?

a) He had been running.
b) He had climbed seventeen floors.
c) He was ill.
d) He was late for school.
Ans. b) He had climbed seventeen floors.

11. Where did Martin's father work?

a) In a bank
b) At home
c) In a factory
d) In an office
Ans. b) At home

12. Why did Martin's father frown at him?

a) Martin came home late.
b) Martin had taken the stairs instead of the elevator.
c) Martin had failed an examination.
d) Martin was untidy.
Ans. b) Martin had taken the stairs instead of the elevator.

13. What did Martin think his father's expression meant?

a) He was intelligent.
b) He was brave.
c) He was skinny, weak, and a coward.
d) He was hardworking.
Ans. c) He was skinny, weak, and a coward.

14. What did Martin compare using the elevator to?

a) Studying at school
b) Playing sports
c) Being bullied at school
d) Climbing the stairs
Ans. c) Being bullied at school

15. What was Martin most afraid would happen in the elevator?

a) It would move too fast.
b) It would stop suddenly and trap him inside.
c) It would become crowded.
d) It would lose electricity.
Ans. b) It would stop suddenly and trap him inside.

16. Why did Martin dislike travelling with other passengers?

a) They talked too loudly.
b) They stood too close and avoided looking at one another.
c) They laughed at him.
d) They argued with each other.
Ans. b) They stood too close and avoided looking at one another.

17. On which floor did the fat lady enter the elevator?

a) 12th
b) 13th
c) 14th
d) 15th
Ans. c) 14th

18. What colour was the fat lady's coat?

a) Blue
b) Black
c) Green
d) Brown
Ans. c) Green

19. How did Martin feel when the lady entered the elevator?

a) Happy
b) Curious
c) Frightened and uncomfortable
d) Excited
Ans. c) Frightened and uncomfortable

20. Why did Martin have to squeeze into a corner?

a) The elevator was crowded with many people.
b) The lady occupied most of the small space.
c) His school bag was large.
d) The door would not close.
Ans. b) The lady occupied most of the small space.

21. Instead of facing the door, what did the lady do?

a) Began talking to Martin.
b) Read a newspaper.
c) Turned around and stared at Martin.
d) Looked at the floor.
Ans. c) Turned around and stared at Martin.

22. How were the lady's eyes described?

a) Large and kind
b) Tiny but sharp
c) Round and sleepy
d) Bright and cheerful
Ans. b) Tiny but sharp

23. What did Martin do when the lady stared at him?

a) Smiled at her.
b) Looked away.
c) Started talking.
d) Left the elevator.
Ans. b) Looked away.

24. Why did Martin think the lady might be crazy?

a) She laughed loudly.
b) She stared at him continuously without speaking.
c) She shouted at him.
d) She pushed him.
Ans. b) She stared at him continuously without speaking.

25. What was the lady doing besides staring at Martin?

a) Smiling
b) Reading
c) Breathing loudly
d) Singing
Ans. c) Breathing loudly

26. What did the lady actually do before reaching the first floor?

a) She attacked Martin.
b) She spoke to Martin.
c) She did nothing except stare at him.
d) She laughed loudly.
Ans. c) She did nothing except stare at him.

27. Why couldn't Martin rush past the lady immediately?

a) The door was locked.
b) There was no room to get past her.
c) She blocked the door intentionally.
d) The elevator had stopped.
Ans. b) There was no room to get past her.

28. What did Martin do after the lady stepped out?

a) Walked slowly.
b) Waited inside.
c) Ran almost all the way to school.
d) Returned home.
Ans. c) Ran almost all the way to school.

29. What occupied Martin's thoughts throughout the day?

a) His homework
b) His father
c) The fat lady
d) His classmates
Ans. c) The fat lady

30. Why was Martin surprised by seeing the lady?

a) She was carrying many bags.
b) He had never seen her in the building before.
c) She was crying.
d) She was wearing unusual clothes.
Ans. b) He had never seen her in the building before.

31. What possibility did Martin consider about the lady?

a) She was a teacher.
b) She might be visiting someone.
c) She was the building manager.
d) She was lost.
Ans. b) She might be visiting someone.

32. Why did Martin reject that possibility?

a) She did not know the building.
b) It was too early in the morning for visiting.
c) She was carrying luggage.
d) The building had no visitors.
Ans. b) It was too early in the morning for visiting.

33. Which word best describes Martin's personality?

a) Brave
b) Carefree
c) Timid
d) Proud
Ans. c) Timid

34. Which feeling dominates the atmosphere of the extract?

a) Joy
b) Humour
c) Suspense and fear
d) Excitement
Ans. c) Suspense and fear

35. What does the elevator mainly symbolise in the story?

a) Wealth
b) Freedom
c) Fear and confinement
d) Success
Ans. c) Fear and confinement

36. Which of the following best describes Martin's fear?

a) Fear of darkness only
b) Fear of enclosed spaces and being trapped
c) Fear of strangers only
d) Fear of heights only
Ans. b) Fear of enclosed spaces and being trapped

37. The author's detailed description of the elevator mainly helps to—

a) explain how elevators work.
b) create an atmosphere of suspense and discomfort.
c) describe modern technology.
d) show the size of the building.
Ans. b) create an atmosphere of suspense and discomfort.

38. The word "waddled" means—

a) ran quickly.
b) walked with short, swaying steps.
c) crawled slowly.
d) jumped happily.
Ans. b) walked with short, swaying steps.

39. The word "gasping" means—

a) laughing loudly.
b) struggling to breathe.
c) shouting in fear.
d) crying softly.
Ans. b) struggling to breathe.

40. Which statement best describes the ending of this extract?

a) Martin discovers who the lady is.
b) The mystery about the fat lady remains unsolved.
c) The lady apologises to Martin.
d) Martin overcomes his fear.
Ans. b) The mystery about the fat lady remains unsolved.

MCQs – 3

1. Which detail most strongly suggests that Martin suffers from claustrophobia?

a) He is bullied at school.
b) He dislikes sports.
c) He fears being trapped inside the elevator.
d) He dislikes strangers.
Ans. c

2. Why does the author describe the elevator in such great detail?

a) To explain how elevators work.
b) To create an atmosphere of fear and suspense.
c) To describe the building.
d) To show modern technology.
Ans. b

3. Martin compares using the elevator to being bullied at school because—

a) both experiences make him feel helpless.
b) both happen every day.
c) both involve strangers.
d) both take place in public.
Ans. a

4. What effect does the woman's silent staring have on Martin?

a) It makes him curious.
b) It increases his fear and anxiety.
c) It makes him laugh.
d) It makes him angry.
Ans. b

5. Which statement best describes Martin's father?

a) He completely understands Martin's fear.
b) He believes Martin is physically and emotionally weak.
c) He encourages Martin to avoid elevators.
d) He ignores Martin completely.
Ans. b

6. The passage suggests that Martin's greatest struggle is with—

a) poverty.
b) loneliness.
c) his own fear and imagination.
d) studies.
Ans. c

7. Why is the fat lady frightening even though she does nothing?

a) She threatens Martin.
b) She attacks Martin.
c) Her mysterious behaviour leaves Martin imagining danger.
d) She shouts at him.
Ans. c

8. Which sentence best reflects psychological suspense?

a) Martin climbed seventeen floors.
b) The elevator was old.
c) What was she going to do next?
d) Martin went to school.
Ans. c

9. The passage is mainly narrated from—

a) Martin's point of view.
b) the father's point of view.
c) the fat lady's point of view.
d) an all-knowing narrator focused equally on everyone.
Ans. a

10. Which theme is introduced most clearly in this extract?

a) Friendship
b) Courage in sports
c) Fear and psychological anxiety
d) Family love
Ans. c

11. Which quality of Martin makes him notice every small detail about the elevator?

a) Carelessness
b) Curiosity mixed with fear
c) Laziness
d) Pride
Ans. b

12. Martin's father's expression suggests that he—

a) sympathises with Martin.
b) misunderstands Martin's fear.
c) shares Martin's fear.
d) is afraid of elevators.
Ans. b

13. The lady's silence mainly creates—

a) humour.
b) sympathy.
c) mystery.
d) happiness.
Ans. c

14. Why does Martin continue thinking about the lady all day?

a) She reminded him of someone.
b) Her unexplained behaviour disturbed him.
c) She gave him a gift.
d) She spoke kindly to him.
Ans. b

15. The word shuddered suggests that the elevator—

a) moved smoothly.
b) shook violently.
c) stopped forever.
d) became faster.
Ans. b

16. The word ballooned helps readers imagine that the coat—

a) became colourful.
b) looked loose and puffed out.
c) became dirty.
d) was expensive.
Ans. b

17. The expression piggy eyes mainly emphasizes—

a) kindness.
b) intelligence.
c) an unpleasant appearance.
d) happiness.
Ans. c

18. Choose the odd one out.

a) Poor lighting
b) Dirty walls
c) Loud clanging door
d) Bright sunshine
Ans. d

19. Choose the odd one out.

a) Fear
b) Anxiety
c) Suspense
d) Celebration
Ans. d

20. Choose the odd one out.

a) Shuddered
b) Clanged
c) Echoed
d) Whispered
Ans. d

21. Choose the odd one out.

a) Skinny
b) Weak
c) Coward
d) Athletic
Ans. d

22. Choose the odd one out.

a) Elevator
b) Staircase
c) Lobby
d) Playground
Ans. d

23. Martin had always been comfortable using elevators.

a) Yes
b) No
Ans. b

24. The staircase made Martin feel safer than the elevator.

a) Yes
b) No
Ans. b

25. Martin's father understood his fear completely.

a) Yes
b) No
Ans. b

26. The fat lady spoke to Martin in the elevator.

a) Yes
b) No
Ans. b

27. Martin had seen the fat lady before that morning.

a) Yes
b) No
Ans. b

28. The extract clearly proves that the fat lady is dangerous.

a) Yes
b) No
Ans. b

29. The elevator functions as a symbol of—

a) wealth.
b) fear and confinement.
c) success.
d) freedom.
Ans. b

30. The repeated descriptions of darkness, silence, and the old elevator mainly build—

a) comedy.
b) suspense.
c) romance.
d) adventure.
Ans. b

Who Said To Whom? / Who Thought What?

1. "Martin felt nervous in it from the first day he and his father moved into the apartment."
   Answer: The narrator described Martin's feelings about the elevator.
2. "Of course he was always uncomfortable in elevators, afraid that they would fall."
   Answer: The narrator described Martin's fear.
3. "Perhaps this was because of the poor lighting and the dirty walls."
   Answer: The narrator (reflecting Martin's thoughts) explained why the elevator seemed unpleasant.
4. "Perhaps it was because of the door, which never stayed open long enough, and slammed shut with a loud clanging noise."
   Answer: The narrator (reflecting Martin's thoughts) described another reason for Martin's fear.
5. "Perhaps it was the way the elevator shuddered each time it left a floor, as if it was exhausted."
   Answer: The narrator (reflecting Martin's thoughts) described the elevator.
6. "Maybe it was simply too small."
   Answer: The narrator (reflecting Martin's thoughts) suggested another reason for Martin's discomfort.
7. "It seemed crowded even with only two people in it."
   Answer: The narrator described Martin's feeling about the elevator.
8. "The stairs were no better."
   Answer: The narrator described Martin's opinion of the staircase.
9. "There were no windows, and the lights were not working."
   Answer: The narrator described the staircase.
10. "Martin's footsteps echoed behind him on the cement, as though there was another person climbing, getting closer."
    Answer: The narrator described Martin's frightening experience on the stairs.
11. "He was gasping for breath."
    Answer: The narrator described Martin's condition after climbing the stairs.
12. "Why didn't you take the elevator?"
    Answer: Martin's father asked this question to Martin.
13. "You're not only skinny and weak and bad at sports, but you are also a coward."
    Answer: Martin imagined this from his father's expression.
14. "He would have to get used to it, just like he got used to being bullied at school."
    Answer: Martin said this to himself.
15. "But he didn't get used to it."
    Answer: The narrator described Martin's continuing fear.
16. "He was always afraid that it would stop suddenly and he would be trapped inside it for hours by himself."
    Answer: The narrator described Martin's fear.
17. "He didn't like to be close to them."
    Answer: The narrator described Martin's feelings about other passengers.
18. "He also disliked the way people tried hard not to look at one another, staring at nothing."
    Answer: The narrator described Martin's observation.
19. "One morning the elevator stopped at the fourteenth floor, and a fat lady got on."
    Answer: The narrator described what happened.
20. "She was wearing an old green coat that ballooned around her."
    Answer: The narrator described the fat lady.
21. "Martin was sure he felt it sink under her weight."
    Answer: The narrator described Martin's impression.
22. "There was no room for anybody else."
    Answer: The narrator described the crowded elevator.
23. "Instead of facing it, she turned around and stared at Martin."
    Answer: The narrator described the fat lady's behaviour.
24. "She had large fleshy cheeks and no chin, just a huge mass of neck."
    Answer: The narrator described the fat lady's appearance.
25. "Her blue eyes were tiny but sharp."
    Answer: The narrator described the fat lady's eyes.
26. "They seemed to be boring into Martin's face."
    Answer: The narrator described Martin's impression of the fat lady's stare.
27. "Was she still looking at him?"
    Answer: Martin wondered this to himself.
28. "She was still watching him."
    Answer: The narrator described the fat lady's behaviour.
29. "He wanted to close his eyes."
    Answer: The narrator described Martin's wish.
30. "He wanted to turn around and stare into the corner, but how could he?"
    Answer: Martin thought this to himself.
31. "The piggy eyes were still looking at him."
    Answer: The narrator described Martin's frightening experience.
32. "She had to be crazy."
    Answer: Martin thought this to himself.
33. "Why else would she stare at him like this?"
    Answer: Martin wondered this.
34. "What was she going to do next?"
    Answer: Martin thought this to himself.
35. "She did nothing."
    Answer: The narrator described the fat lady's behaviour.
36. "She only watched him, breathing loudly, until the elevator reached the first floor."
    Answer: The narrator described the fat lady's behaviour.
37. "Martin wanted to run past her to get out, but there was no room."
    Answer: The narrator described Martin's wish.
38. "He could only wait as she turned and moved slowly out into the lobby."
    Answer: The narrator described Martin's situation.
39. "Then he ran."
    Answer: The narrator described Martin's action.
40. "He didn't care what she thought."
    Answer: The narrator described Martin's feelings.
41. "He ran nearly all the way to school."
    Answer: The narrator described Martin's action.
42. "He thought about her all day."
    Answer: The narrator described Martin's thoughts.
43. "Did she live in the building?"
    Answer: Martin wondered this to himself.
44. "He had never seen her before, and the building was not very big."
    Answer: Martin thought this to himself.
45. "Maybe she was visiting somebody?"
    Answer: Martin wondered this to himself.
46. "But 7.30 in the morning was too early for visiting."
    Answer: Martin thought this to himself.

One-Mark Questions

1. Where did Martin and his father move?
Answer: Martin and his father moved into an old apartment building.

2. What was special about the elevator in the building?
Answer: The elevator was very old and could carry only three people at a time.

3. How old was Martin?
Answer: Martin was a thin twelve-year-old boy.

4. From when did Martin begin to feel nervous in the elevator?
Answer: Martin began to feel nervous in the elevator from the very first day he moved into the apartment.

5. Why was Martin generally afraid of elevators?
Answer: Martin was generally afraid of elevators because he feared that they might suddenly fall.

6. Why did this particular elevator seem more frightening than others?
Answer: This elevator seemed more frightening because it was old, poorly lit, dirty, noisy, and very small.

7. What was one reason that made the elevator unpleasant for Martin?
Answer: One reason was its poor lighting, which made it look gloomy and frightening.

8. How did the dirty walls affect Martin's feelings about the elevator?
Answer: The dirty walls made the elevator seem neglected, unpleasant, and unsafe.

9. How did the elevator door behave?
Answer: The elevator door closed very quickly and slammed shut with a loud clanging noise.

10. Why did the loud clanging noise increase Martin's fear?
Answer: The loud clanging noise made the elevator seem harsh, old, and intimidating.

11. What happened whenever the elevator left a floor?
Answer: The elevator shuddered whenever it left a floor.

12. What comparison does the author make while describing the elevator?
Answer: The author compares the elevator to an exhausted person because it shuddered as though it was tired.

13. Why did Martin think the elevator always felt crowded?
Answer: Martin thought the elevator always felt crowded because it was extremely small.

14. How many people were enough to make the elevator feel crowded?
Answer: Even two people were enough to make the elevator feel crowded.

15. What does the description of the elevator reveal about Martin's state of mind?
Answer: The description reveals that Martin was nervous, fearful, and uncomfortable in enclosed spaces.

16. What kind of atmosphere does the author create in the opening paragraph?
Answer: The author creates a gloomy, tense, and suspenseful atmosphere.

17. What did Martin decide to do one day after school?
Answer: Martin decided to use the stairs instead of the elevator.

18. Why did Martin choose the stairs?
Answer: Martin chose the stairs because he wanted to avoid travelling in the elevator.

19. Were the stairs better than the elevator?
Answer: No, the stairs were no better than the elevator.

20. Why did the stairs seem frightening?
Answer: The stairs seemed frightening because there were no windows and the lights were not working.

21. What made the staircase dark?
Answer: The staircase was dark because it had no windows and the lights were out of order.

22. What sound did Martin hear while climbing the stairs?
Answer: Martin heard the echo of his own footsteps while climbing the stairs.

23. What did the echo make Martin imagine?
Answer: The echo made Martin imagine that another person was following him.

24. Why did Martin feel that someone was getting closer to him?
Answer: Martin felt that someone was getting closer because the echo of his footsteps sounded like another person's footsteps.

25. On which floor did Martin live?
Answer: Martin lived on the seventeenth floor.

26. Why was Martin gasping for breath when he reached home?
Answer: Martin was gasping for breath because he had climbed seventeen flights of stairs.

27. What does Martin's reaction on the staircase reveal about his personality?
Answer: Martin's reaction reveals that he was timid, nervous, and easily frightened.

28. Which was more difficult for Martin—the elevator or the stairs? Why?
Answer: Neither was easy for Martin because the elevator frightened him and the staircase was dark, lonely, and exhausting.

29. How does the staircase contribute to the mood of the story?
Answer: The staircase contributes to the mysterious and frightening mood by being dark, silent, and lonely.

30. What common feeling does Martin experience in both the elevator and the staircase?
Answer: Martin experiences fear and anxiety in both the elevator and the staircase.

31. Who noticed that Martin was out of breath?
Answer: Martin's father noticed that Martin was out of breath.

32. Why did Martin's father ask why he was out of breath?
Answer: Martin's father asked because he wanted to know why Martin had not taken the elevator.

33. What question did Martin's father ask him?
Answer: Martin's father asked him why he had not taken the elevator.

34. How did Martin's father react when he learnt that Martin had used the stairs?
Answer: Martin's father frowned at Martin because he had used the stairs instead of the elevator.

35. What did Martin think his father's face seemed to say?
Answer: Martin thought his father's face seemed to say that he was skinny, weak, bad at sports, and a coward.

36. Why did Martin feel hurt by his father's expression?
Answer: Martin felt hurt because he believed that his father considered him weak and cowardly.

37. What decision did Martin make after his father's reaction?
Answer: Martin decided that he would always take the elevator.

38. Why did Martin decide to take the elevator from then on?
Answer: Martin decided to take the elevator because he wanted to overcome his fear and avoid disappointing his father.

39. What did Martin tell himself about using the elevator?
Answer: Martin told himself that he would eventually get used to using the elevator.

40. What unpleasant experience at school did Martin compare with using the elevator?
Answer: Martin compared using the elevator with being bullied at school.

41. What does the comparison with bullying reveal about Martin's life?
Answer: The comparison reveals that Martin regularly suffered from bullying at school.

42. What does Martin's father's reaction reveal about his personality?
Answer: Martin's father's reaction reveals that he expected his son to be brave and physically strong.

43. Did Martin's father realise how frightened Martin was?
Answer: No, Martin's father did not seem to realise how frightened Martin was.

44. What quality of Martin is revealed by his decision to keep using the elevator?
Answer: Martin's decision shows that he was willing to try to overcome his fear.

45. How does this paragraph develop Martin's character?
Answer: This paragraph develops Martin's character by showing his insecurity, sensitivity, and determination to please his father.

46. Did Martin become accustomed to using the elevator?
Answer: No, Martin never became accustomed to using the elevator.

47. What was Martin's greatest fear while travelling alone in the elevator?
Answer: Martin's greatest fear was that the elevator would stop suddenly and trap him inside for hours.

48. Why did Martin dislike being trapped inside the elevator?
Answer: Martin disliked the idea of being trapped because he was afraid of enclosed spaces.

49. Was Martin more comfortable when other passengers were in the elevator?
Answer: No, Martin was not more comfortable even when other passengers were present.

50. Why did Martin dislike travelling with other passengers?
Answer: Martin disliked travelling with other passengers because he did not like standing close to strangers.

51. What made the passengers' behaviour seem strange to Martin?
Answer: The passengers avoided looking at one another and stared silently at nothing.

52. What did people usually do instead of looking at one another?
Answer: People usually stared at nothing instead of looking at one another.

53. Why did the silence inside the elevator make Martin uncomfortable?
Answer: The silence made Martin uncomfortable because it created an awkward and tense atmosphere.

54. What does Martin's fear of enclosed spaces suggest about him?
Answer: Martin's fear suggests that he suffers from claustrophobia.

55. Which fear troubled Martin more—falling or being trapped?
Answer: Martin was more troubled by the fear of being trapped inside the elevator.

56. How does the author increase suspense in this paragraph?
Answer: The author increases suspense by describing Martin's constant fear and anxious thoughts.

57. What does Martin's behaviour reveal about his emotional state?
Answer: Martin's behaviour reveals that he was extremely anxious and insecure.

58. Why is Martin unable to enjoy even an ordinary elevator ride?
Answer: Martin is unable to enjoy the ride because his fear dominates his thoughts.

59. Which emotion dominates Martin's mind throughout this paragraph?
Answer: Fear dominates Martin's mind throughout this paragraph.

60. How does this paragraph prepare the reader for the events that follow?
Answer: This paragraph prepares the reader by building tension and making the reader expect something unusual to happen.

61. What happened one morning while Martin was travelling in the elevator?
Answer: One morning, the elevator stopped at the fourteenth floor and a fat lady got in.

62. On which floor did the fat lady enter the elevator?
Answer: The fat lady entered the elevator on the fourteenth floor.

63. What was the fat lady wearing?
Answer: The fat lady was wearing an old green coat.

64. How is the lady's coat described in the passage?
Answer: The lady's coat is described as ballooning around her.

65. What does the word "ballooned" suggest about the lady's coat?
Answer: The word "ballooned" suggests that the coat looked loose, puffed up, and bulky around her body.

66. How did the fat lady walk into the elevator?
Answer: The fat lady waddled into the elevator.

67. What does the word "waddled" tell us about the lady's movement?
Answer: The word "waddled" tells us that she walked slowly with short, swaying steps.

68. Why did Martin think that the elevator sank under the lady's weight?
Answer: Martin thought that the elevator sank because the lady was extremely heavy.

69. What happened when the fat lady entered the elevator?
Answer: The elevator became even more cramped after the fat lady entered.

70. Why did Martin have to squeeze himself into a corner?
Answer: Martin had to squeeze himself into a corner because there was very little space left in the elevator.

71. Was there room for anyone else after the lady entered?
Answer: No, there was no room for anyone else after the lady entered.

72. What happened to the elevator door after the lady entered?
Answer: The elevator door closed quickly behind the lady.

73. What unusual thing did the lady do after the door closed?
Answer: The lady turned around and stared directly at Martin instead of facing the door.

74. Why was the lady's behaviour unusual?
Answer: Her behaviour was unusual because most passengers face the elevator door instead of staring at other people.

75. How did Martin feel when the lady stared at him?
Answer: Martin felt frightened and extremely uncomfortable.

76. Why did the lady's presence make the elevator seem even smaller?
Answer: The lady's large body occupied most of the space, making the elevator feel even more cramped.

77. What does the lady's silent staring begin to create in the story?
Answer: The lady's silent staring begins to create suspense and mystery.

78. Why is the lady's entrance an important turning point in the story?
Answer: The lady's entrance marks the beginning of the main conflict and increases the suspense.

79. Which part of the lady's face did Martin notice first?
Answer: Martin first noticed the lady's large fleshy cheeks.

80. How are the lady's cheeks described?
Answer: The lady's cheeks are described as large and fleshy.

81. What was unusual about the lady's chin?
Answer: The lady appeared to have no chin because her thick neck merged with her face.

82. How does the author describe the lady's neck?
Answer: The author describes the lady's neck as a huge mass.

83. What colour were the lady's eyes?
Answer: The lady's eyes were blue.

84. How were the lady's eyes described?
Answer: The lady's eyes were tiny but sharp.

85. What effect did the lady's eyes have on Martin?
Answer: The lady's eyes made Martin feel frightened and uneasy.

86. What did Martin feel the lady's eyes were doing?
Answer: Martin felt that the lady's eyes were boring into his face.

87. What does the expression "boring into Martin's face" suggest?
Answer: It suggests that the lady was staring at Martin very intensely.

88. Why does the author give such a detailed description of the lady's face?
Answer: The author gives a detailed description to make the lady appear mysterious and frightening.

89. Which feature of the lady frightened Martin the most?
Answer: Her tiny but sharp eyes frightened Martin the most.

90. How does Martin's description of the lady reflect his state of mind?
Answer: Martin's description reflects his fear and anxiety.

91. Does the author directly say that the lady is dangerous?
Answer: No, the author never directly says that the lady is dangerous.

92. Why does the author avoid telling readers whether the lady is actually dangerous?
Answer: The author avoids doing so in order to maintain suspense and mystery.

93. What literary effect is created by describing the lady through Martin's eyes?
Answer: It allows readers to experience Martin's fear and uncertainty, creating psychological suspense.

94. What kind of suspense is mainly created in these paragraphs?
Answer: These paragraphs mainly create psychological suspense.

95. How does the author's description influence the reader's opinion of the lady?
Answer: The author's description makes the lady seem strange, intimidating, and mysterious without proving that she is dangerous.

96. What did Martin do after looking at the lady for a moment?
Answer: Martin looked away after looking at the lady for a moment.

97. Did the lady stop staring at Martin when he looked away?
Answer: No, the lady continued staring at Martin.

98. Why did Martin glance at the lady again?
Answer: Martin glanced at the lady again to see whether she was still staring at him.

99. What did Martin discover when he looked at the lady again?
Answer: Martin discovered that the lady was still watching him.

100. What did Martin wish he could do?
Answer: Martin wished that he could close his eyes or turn around and stare into the corner.

101. Why could Martin not close his eyes or turn away?
Answer: Martin could not close his eyes or turn away because he was too frightened and felt trapped.

102. Which floors did the elevator pass while the lady continued staring at Martin?
Answer: The elevator passed the twelfth and the eleventh floors while the lady continued staring at Martin.

103. What did Martin think about the lady because she kept staring at him?
Answer: Martin thought that the lady had to be crazy.

104. Why did Martin think the lady was crazy?
Answer: Martin thought the lady was crazy because she kept staring at him without saying anything.

105. What question troubled Martin as the elevator moved downward?
Answer: Martin kept wondering what the lady was going to do next.

106. What does Martin's repeated questioning reveal about his state of mind?
Answer: Martin's repeated questioning reveals that he was becoming increasingly anxious and frightened.

107. Did the lady threaten Martin in words?
Answer: No, the lady did not threaten Martin in words.

108. What creates suspense in this paragraph even though nothing happens?
Answer: The lady's silent staring and Martin's fearful imagination create suspense.

109. Why is this paragraph an example of psychological suspense?
Answer: This paragraph is an example of psychological suspense because the fear arises from Martin's thoughts rather than from any actual attack.

110. What does Martin's behaviour reveal about his personality?
Answer: Martin's behaviour reveals that he is sensitive, fearful, and highly imaginative.

111. What did the lady do while the elevator continued moving?
Answer: The lady continued staring at Martin and breathing loudly.

112. Besides staring, what else did the lady do?
Answer: The lady breathed loudly throughout the elevator ride.

113. What did the lady not do during the journey?
Answer: The lady did not speak to Martin or harm him in any way.

114. At which floor did the elevator finally stop?
Answer: The elevator finally stopped at the first floor.

115. What did Martin want to do when the elevator reached the first floor?
Answer: Martin wanted to run past the lady and get out of the elevator immediately.

116. Why was Martin unable to run past the lady at once?
Answer: Martin was unable to run past the lady because there was not enough room.

117. What did Martin have to do before leaving the elevator?
Answer: Martin had to wait until the lady slowly walked out of the elevator.

118. What did Martin do after the lady left the elevator?
Answer: Martin ran out of the elevator as quickly as he could.

119. How far did Martin run after leaving the building?
Answer: Martin ran nearly all the way to school.

120. Why did Martin not care what the lady thought about him?
Answer: Martin did not care because he was completely frightened.

121. What emotion motivated Martin to run to school?
Answer: Fear motivated Martin to run to school.

122. What does Martin's hurried escape tell us about his emotional condition?
Answer: Martin's hurried escape shows that he was terrified and desperate to get away.

123. Did the lady ever try to stop Martin from leaving?
Answer: No, the lady never tried to stop Martin from leaving.

124. What contrast does the author create between Martin and the lady?
Answer: The author contrasts Martin's panic with the lady's calm and silent behaviour.

125. Why does the author make the lady remain silent throughout the scene?
Answer: The author keeps the lady silent to make the mystery and suspense even stronger.

126. What did Martin think about throughout the day?
Answer: Martin thought about the mysterious lady throughout the day.

127. Why could Martin not forget the lady?
Answer: Martin could not forget the lady because her strange behaviour had frightened him deeply.

128. What question did Martin ask himself about the lady?
Answer: Martin wondered whether the lady lived in the building.

129. Why did Martin doubt that the lady lived there?
Answer: Martin doubted it because he had never seen her before.

130. What did Martin think the lady might be doing in the building?
Answer: Martin thought that the lady might be visiting someone.

131. Why did Martin reject this idea?
Answer: Martin rejected this idea because he thought that 7:30 in the morning was too early for visiting.

132. What time did the incident take place?
Answer: The incident took place at about 7:30 in the morning.

133. Why does the extract end without explaining who the lady is?
Answer: The extract ends without explaining her identity to maintain suspense and curiosity.

134. What feeling does the ending leave in the reader's mind?
Answer: The ending leaves the reader feeling curious, uncertain, and eager to know what happens next.

135. Why is the ending called a cliffhanger?
Answer: The ending is called a cliffhanger because it leaves an important mystery unresolved.

136. What does Martin's continuous thinking about the lady reveal?
Answer: Martin's continuous thinking reveals that the incident had a deep psychological effect on him.

137. Is there any proof in this extract that the lady is dangerous?
Answer: No, there is no proof in this extract that the lady is dangerous.

138. Through whose perspective does the reader experience the events of the story?
Answer: The reader experiences the events mainly through Martin's perspective.

139. Why is Martin's point of view important in this story?
Answer: Martin's point of view allows readers to experience his fear, anxiety, and uncertainty.

140. What is the main conflict introduced in this extract?
Answer: The main conflict is between Martin's fearful mind and the mysterious presence of the fat lady.

141. What kind of story does this extract introduce?
Answer: This extract introduces a psychological suspense story.

142. What is the central idea of this extract?
Answer: The central idea is that fear and imagination can make ordinary situations seem frightening and mysterious.

143. How does the author keep readers interested until the end of the extract?
Answer: The author keeps readers interested by creating suspense and leaving the mystery of the fat lady unresolved.

144. Which quality of the author is reflected in this extract?
Answer: The author's skill in creating psychological suspense and mystery is reflected in this extract.

Two-Mark Questions

1. Why did Martin dislike the elevator from the very first day he moved into the apartment?
Ans. Martin disliked the elevator because it was old, dirty, poorly lit, noisy, and extremely small. The door slammed shut with a loud clanging sound, and the elevator shuddered whenever it moved. These features made him feel anxious, unsafe, and uncomfortable from the very first day.

2. How does the author create a gloomy and frightening atmosphere in the opening paragraph?
Ans. The author creates a gloomy atmosphere by describing the old building, the dim lighting, the dirty walls, the loud clanging door, and the shaking elevator. These details make the setting seem unpleasant and threatening while reflecting Martin's fear and nervousness.

3. Why did Martin find this elevator more frightening than other elevators?
Ans. Martin was already afraid that elevators might fall, but this one frightened him even more because it was poorly maintained, badly lit, dirty, noisy, and very cramped. Its worn-out condition and constant shuddering made him feel that it was unsafe and unreliable.

4. Why did Martin decide to use the stairs after school, and what was his experience there?
Ans. Martin chose the stairs to avoid travelling in the frightening elevator. However, the staircase was dark, had no windows, and its lights were not working. The echo of his footsteps made him imagine someone was following him, increasing his fear and anxiety.

5. How did the staircase affect Martin physically and mentally?
Ans. Climbing seventeen floors left Martin gasping for breath, showing the physical effort involved. At the same time, the darkness and echoing footsteps frightened him and made him imagine another person climbing behind him, adding to his nervousness.

6. What does the echo of Martin's footsteps suggest about his state of mind?
Ans. The echo suggests that Martin was already anxious and highly imaginative. Instead of recognising it as his own footsteps, he imagined that someone was following him. This shows how fear influenced his thoughts and made ordinary sounds seem threatening.

7. Compare Martin's feelings about the elevator and the staircase.
Ans. Martin feared both the elevator and the staircase, though for different reasons. The elevator frightened him because it was old, cramped, and seemed unsafe, while the staircase frightened him because it was dark, lonely, and filled with eerie echoes. Both made him feel insecure.

8. How did Martin's father react when he saw Martin out of breath?
Ans. Martin's father asked why he had not taken the elevator and frowned at him. Martin felt that his father's expression suggested he was skinny, weak, bad at sports, and a coward. This made Martin feel hurt, embarrassed, and misunderstood.

9. Why did Martin decide to use the elevator regularly after talking to his father?
Ans. Martin decided to use the elevator because he wanted to overcome his fear and avoid disappointing his father. He believed he should get used to it, just as he had learned to endure being bullied at school, even though he remained frightened.

10. What does Martin's comparison between the elevator and bullying reveal about his character?
Ans. Martin's comparison shows that he quietly endures unpleasant situations instead of complaining. Just as he accepted bullying at school, he tried to force himself to use the elevator. This reveals that he is sensitive, lonely, and emotionally vulnerable.

11. Why did Martin fail to overcome his fear of the elevator?
Ans. Martin failed to overcome his fear because he constantly imagined that the elevator might stop suddenly and trap him inside for hours. His anxious nature prevented him from feeling safe, even after using the elevator repeatedly.

12. Why was Martin uncomfortable even when other passengers were in the elevator?
Ans. Martin disliked travelling with other passengers because the small elevator felt crowded and he did not like standing close to strangers. Their silent behaviour and refusal to look at one another made the atmosphere tense, awkward, and even more uncomfortable.

13. How does the author prepare the reader for the suspense that follows?
Ans. The author gradually builds suspense by describing Martin's constant fear, his imagination, and the uncomfortable silence inside the elevator. These details create tension and prepare readers for the mysterious arrival of the fat lady in the next paragraph.

14. What does Paragraph 4 reveal about Martin's psychological condition?
Ans. Paragraph 4 reveals that Martin suffers from intense anxiety and possibly claustrophobia. His fear of being trapped and his discomfort around strangers show that much of his terror comes from his imagination and anxious state of mind rather than actual danger.

15. Describe the circumstances in which the fat lady entered the elevator.
Ans. One morning, as Martin was travelling to school, the elevator stopped at the fourteenth floor. A fat lady wearing an old green coat entered the already cramped elevator. Her large size made Martin feel that the elevator had sunk under her weight.

16. Why did the fat lady's arrival make Martin feel even more uncomfortable?
Ans. The fat lady occupied most of the limited space inside the small elevator, forcing Martin to squeeze himself into a corner. Her silent presence, unusual appearance, and the cramped surroundings increased his fear and made him feel trapped.

17. How does the author describe the fat lady's appearance?
Ans. The fat lady is described as wearing an old green coat that ballooned around her. She had large fleshy cheeks, almost no chin, a huge neck, and tiny but sharp blue eyes. These details make her appear unusual and intimidating.

18. Why were the fat lady's eyes especially frightening to Martin?
Ans. Martin felt that the lady's tiny but sharp blue eyes were boring into his face. Her fixed, silent stare made him nervous because he could not understand her intentions, causing his imagination and fear to grow stronger.

19. What unusual action did the fat lady perform after entering the elevator? Why did it disturb Martin?
Ans. Instead of facing the elevator door like most passengers, the fat lady turned around and stared directly at Martin. Her unusual behaviour disturbed him because it seemed strange, mysterious, and completely unexpected, making him increasingly anxious.

20. How does the author create suspense through the description of the fat lady?
Ans. The author creates suspense by focusing on the lady's strange appearance, silent behaviour, and piercing stare rather than any violent action. The mystery surrounding her intentions keeps both Martin and the readers anxious about what might happen next.

21. Why is the fat lady's entry considered a turning point in the extract?
Ans. The fat lady's arrival changes the story from describing Martin's ordinary fears to presenting a mysterious situation. Her silent staring introduces the central conflict and greatly increases the psychological suspense of the narrative.

22. Is there any evidence in these paragraphs that the fat lady is actually dangerous? Explain.
Ans. No, there is no evidence that the fat lady is actually dangerous. She neither speaks nor harms Martin. The fear arises mainly from her unusual appearance, her silent staring, and Martin's anxious imagination rather than from any real threat.

23. How did Martin react when the fat lady continued staring at him?
Ans. Martin looked away several times but kept glancing back to see whether the lady was still watching him. He wished he could close his eyes or turn towards the corner, but fear prevented him from doing so.

24. Why did Martin think that the fat lady might be crazy?
Ans. Martin thought the lady might be crazy because she continued staring at him silently without speaking or looking away. Since he could not understand her behaviour, his fear and imagination led him to believe that something was wrong with her.

25. How does the author create psychological suspense in the elevator scene?
Ans. The author creates psychological suspense by showing the events through Martin's frightened mind. The lady remains silent and does nothing threatening, but Martin's anxious thoughts and uncertainty make the ordinary situation seem mysterious and frightening.

26. What did the fat lady actually do during the elevator ride?
Ans. Throughout the elevator ride, the fat lady simply stared at Martin and breathed loudly. She neither spoke to him nor attempted to harm him. Her silence and fixed gaze, however, made Martin imagine that she was dangerous.

27. Describe Martin's escape after the elevator reached the first floor.
Ans. When the elevator reached the first floor, Martin wanted to run out immediately but had to wait because there was no room to pass the lady. As soon as she stepped into the lobby, he rushed out and ran nearly all the way to school.

28. Why did Martin keep thinking about the fat lady throughout the day?
Ans. Martin kept thinking about the fat lady because her strange appearance and silent staring had deeply frightened him. He could not understand why she had behaved that way, and the mysterious encounter continued to trouble his mind.

29. Why did Martin doubt that the fat lady lived in the building?
Ans. Martin doubted that the lady lived in the building because he had never seen her before, even though the building was not very large. He also felt that 7:30 in the morning was too early for someone to be visiting another resident.

30. Why is the ending of the extract considered a cliffhanger, and what idea does it convey?
Ans. The extract ends without revealing who the fat lady is or why she stared at Martin, leaving readers eager to know what happens next. It also suggests that fear and imagination can make ordinary situations appear mysterious and threatening.

Three-Mark Questions

1. Explain why Martin found the elevator especially frightening, although he was already afraid of elevators.
Ans. Martin was generally afraid of elevators because he feared that they might suddenly fall. However, this particular elevator frightened him even more because it was old, poorly lit, dirty, noisy, and extremely small. The loudly slamming door and the elevator's shuddering movement made it appear unsafe and unreliable, increasing his fear and discomfort.

2. How does the author use the description of the elevator to establish the mood of the story?
Ans. The author describes the elevator as old, dirty, cramped, dimly lit, and noisy to create a gloomy and suspenseful atmosphere. The loud clanging door and the shaking movement make the elevator seem threatening. These details reflect Martin's anxiety and prepare readers for the mysterious events that follow.

3. Why did Martin decide to use the stairs, and what does his experience there reveal about his state of mind?
Ans. Martin chose the stairs because he wanted to avoid the frightening elevator. However, the staircase was dark, windowless, and poorly maintained. The echo of his footsteps made him imagine that someone was following him. This incident shows that Martin's fearful imagination made even ordinary situations seem frightening.

4. Compare Martin's feelings about the elevator and the staircase. What do these experiences reveal about his personality?
Ans. Martin feels trapped and unsafe inside the elevator because of its small size and poor condition, while the dark staircase frightens him with its silence and echoing footsteps. His fear in both places reveals that he is a sensitive, anxious, and timid boy whose imagination often makes ordinary surroundings seem threatening.

5. Explain how Martin's father's reaction affected Martin's feelings and decisions.
Ans. Martin's father frowned at him for using the stairs and indirectly suggested that he was skinny, weak, bad at sports, and cowardly. Although his father never said these words aloud, Martin interpreted his expression this way. Wanting his father's approval, he decided to continue using the elevator despite his fear.

6. Why does Martin compare using the elevator to being bullied at school? What does this comparison reveal about him?
Ans. Martin compares using the elevator to being bullied because both are unpleasant experiences that he feels forced to endure. Instead of resisting or complaining, he quietly accepts them. This comparison reveals that Martin is emotionally sensitive, lacks confidence, and often suppresses his fears rather than expressing them.

7. Describe Martin's fear of the elevator after he decided to use it regularly.
Ans. Even after deciding to use the elevator every day, Martin's fear did not lessen. He constantly imagined that it would stop suddenly, trapping him inside for hours. His anxiety prevented him from feeling safe, showing that his fear was psychological rather than based on any actual danger.

8. Why was Martin uncomfortable even when the elevator was occupied by other passengers?
Ans. Martin disliked travelling with other passengers because the elevator was so small that everyone had to stand very close together. He also found the silent behaviour of the passengers unsettling, as they avoided looking at one another and stared awkwardly into space, creating an atmosphere of tension.

9. How does the author prepare readers for the appearance of the fat lady?
Ans. Before introducing the fat lady, the author carefully establishes Martin's fearful nature, his dislike of confined spaces, and his vivid imagination. The tense atmosphere inside the elevator makes readers expect something unusual, so the lady's arrival naturally heightens the suspense and mystery.

10. Why is the fat lady's entry into the elevator considered a turning point in the story?
Ans. Until the fat lady enters, the story mainly focuses on Martin's fear of the elevator and confined spaces. Her arrival introduces a mysterious human presence that transforms his ordinary fear into psychological suspense. From this point onwards, readers begin to wonder whether the real danger lies in the lady or in Martin's fearful imagination.

11. How does the author use the fat lady's appearance to make readers feel uneasy?
Ans. The author carefully describes the lady's bulky figure, ballooning green coat, fleshy cheeks, huge neck, and tiny, sharp blue eyes. These unusual physical features make her seem intimidating and mysterious. Since the description is presented through Martin's frightened perspective, readers naturally begin to share his uneasiness.

12. Explain why Martin felt trapped after the fat lady entered the elevator.
Ans. The lady's large body occupied most of the already cramped elevator, forcing Martin into a corner with almost no space to move. Besides the physical confinement, her silent presence and fixed stare made him feel emotionally trapped, increasing his helplessness and anxiety throughout the journey.

13. How does the author create suspense without making the fat lady perform any threatening action?
Ans. The author relies on silence, detailed description, and Martin's fearful thoughts rather than physical action. The lady neither speaks nor harms Martin, yet her unusual appearance and constant staring create uncertainty. Readers become anxious because they expect something terrible to happen, even though nothing actually does.

14. Why is it important that the story is told mainly from Martin's point of view?
Ans. Martin's point of view allows readers to experience every event through his frightened mind. Since readers know only what Martin sees and feels, they cannot judge whether the lady is truly dangerous or simply misunderstood. This limited perspective is essential in creating psychological suspense and keeping the mystery unresolved.

15. Explain Martin's reaction to the fat lady's continuous stare. What does it reveal about his character?
Ans. Martin repeatedly looked away but kept glancing back to check whether the lady was still watching him. He wished to close his eyes or turn towards the corner but lacked the courage to do so. His reaction reveals that he is timid, highly anxious, and easily overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty.

16. Why did Martin believe that the fat lady was crazy? Was his conclusion justified?
Ans. Martin believed the lady was crazy because she stared at him continuously without speaking or showing any expression. However, his conclusion was based entirely on his fear rather than on evidence. The passage never proves that the lady intended to harm him, leaving readers free to draw their own conclusions.

17. Describe Martin's actions after the elevator reached the first floor. What do they tell us about his emotional state?
Ans. Martin wanted to escape immediately but had to wait until the lady slowly stepped out of the elevator. He then rushed out and ran almost all the way to school. His behaviour shows that he was deeply frightened and eager to put as much distance as possible between himself and the mysterious woman.

18. Why does the extract end without revealing the truth about the fat lady? How does this affect the reader?
Ans. The author deliberately leaves the lady's identity and intentions unexplained to maintain suspense and curiosity. Since readers receive no definite answers, they continue wondering whether Martin faced real danger or simply misunderstood an ordinary woman. This uncertainty makes the ending memorable and encourages readers to continue the story.

19. Why is The Elevator regarded as a psychological suspense story rather than a horror story? Explain with reference to the extract.
Ans. The extract creates fear mainly through Martin's thoughts, imagination, and anxious personality instead of supernatural events or violence. The fat lady behaves strangely but never attacks or threatens him. By leaving the truth uncertain, the author makes readers question whether the danger is real or exists only in Martin's mind, making the story psychological suspense rather than horror.

Four-Mark Questions

1. How does the author use the description of the elevator to establish both the setting and Martin's psychological fear?

Ans. The author presents the elevator as old, dirty, poorly lit, noisy, and extremely cramped to create an atmosphere of discomfort and suspense. Its loudly clanging door and constant shuddering make it appear unreliable and unsafe. These vivid details not only establish the gloomy setting but also reflect Martin's fear of enclosed spaces. From the very beginning, the elevator becomes more than a setting—it symbolizes Martin's growing psychological anxiety and prepares readers for the suspense that follows.

2. Explain how Martin's experience on the staircase reveals both his physical weakness and his psychological insecurity.

Ans. Martin chooses the staircase to avoid the frightening elevator, hoping it will be a safer alternative. Instead, he finds it dark, silent, and poorly maintained, with echoing footsteps that make him imagine someone is following him. By the time he reaches the seventeenth floor, he is exhausted and gasping for breath. This experience reveals not only his physical weakness but also his anxious imagination, which transforms ordinary situations into frightening experiences.

3. Examine the significance of Martin's conversation with his father in developing his character and advancing the story.

Ans. Martin's father questions why he avoided the elevator and silently conveys disappointment through his expression. Martin feels judged as skinny, weak, bad at sports, and cowardly, although these words are never spoken aloud. Determined to prove himself, he decides to continue using the elevator despite his fear. This conversation deepens Martin's emotional conflict, reveals his desire for parental approval, and motivates the decision that leads to the story's central suspense.

4. How does Paragraph 4 reveal that Martin's greatest enemy is his own fear rather than the elevator itself?

Ans. Although Martin forces himself to use the elevator every day, he never overcomes his fear. He constantly imagines that it will stop suddenly and trap him inside for hours. Even the presence of other passengers fails to comfort him because he dislikes crowded spaces and awkward silence. These thoughts show that Martin's greatest struggle is not with the elevator itself but with his anxious mind, which magnifies ordinary situations into frightening experiences.

5. Why is the fat lady's arrival in the elevator an important turning point in the story?

Ans. The fat lady's arrival changes the story from describing Martin's personal fears to introducing an atmosphere of mystery and suspense. Her large body makes the elevator feel even more cramped, while her silent presence immediately unsettles Martin. The ordinary elevator journey suddenly becomes tense and unpredictable. This incident marks the beginning of the central conflict, shifting the focus from fear of a place to fear of an unknown person.

6. Discuss how the author's description of the fat lady creates suspense without proving that she is dangerous.

Ans. The author describes the fat lady's fleshy cheeks, huge neck, and tiny but piercing blue eyes in vivid detail, making her appear unusual and intimidating. However, she neither speaks nor behaves violently. Readers see her entirely through Martin's frightened perspective, making it difficult to separate reality from imagination. This deliberate ambiguity creates psychological suspense, as readers begin to fear her despite having no actual evidence that she intends any harm.

7. Analyse Martin's reaction to the fat lady's silent stare. What does it reveal about his personality?

Ans. Martin repeatedly looks away but cannot resist glancing back to see whether the lady is still watching him. He wishes to close his eyes or turn towards the corner, yet fear prevents him from doing so. His constant anxiety and nervousness make him believe that something terrible is about to happen. His reaction reveals that he is timid, emotionally sensitive, and strongly influenced by his imagination rather than by clear evidence.

8. How does the author create intense suspense during the elevator ride even though the fat lady performs no violent action?

Ans. The suspense arises not from physical action but from silence, uncertainty, and Martin's fearful thoughts. The lady continues staring at him and breathing loudly but neither speaks nor threatens him. Martin's growing panic makes readers expect something frightening to happen at any moment. By delaying any explanation and allowing Martin's imagination to dominate the scene, the author creates powerful psychological suspense without using violence or supernatural events.

9. Why is the ending of the extract considered a successful cliffhanger? How does it strengthen the story?

Ans. The extract ends with Martin continuing to think about the mysterious lady and wondering whether she actually lives in the building. No explanation is given for her strange behaviour, leaving readers uncertain about her identity and intentions. This unresolved mystery creates a cliffhanger that arouses curiosity and encourages readers to continue the story. The ending also reinforces the theme that fear often grows stronger when the truth remains unknown.

10. Explain why The Elevator is regarded as a psychological suspense story rather than a horror story. Support your answer with examples from the extract.

Ans. The Elevator creates fear mainly through Martin's anxious thoughts, imagination, and fear of confined spaces rather than through ghosts, monsters, or violent incidents. The fat lady behaves strangely by staring silently at Martin, but she never attacks or threatens him. Since the story never confirms whether she is actually dangerous, readers remain uncertain throughout. This emphasis on psychological fear instead of physical horror makes the story a powerful psychological suspense narrative.

11. Describe Martin as a character. What qualities of his personality are revealed in the extract?

Ans. Martin is a thin, twelve-year-old boy who is timid, sensitive, and highly imaginative. He suffers from claustrophobia and is easily frightened by enclosed spaces and unfamiliar situations. Although he tries to overcome his fears, his anxiety often controls his thoughts and actions. He also longs for his father's approval and silently endures bullying at school. Martin's psychological struggles make him a realistic, sympathetic, and believable central character.

12. Describe Martin's father. What role does he play in the extract?

Ans. Martin's father is practical, demanding, and somewhat unsympathetic towards his son's fears. Although he does not openly insult Martin, his disappointed expression makes Martin feel weak, cowardly, and inadequate. His expectation that Martin should use the elevator influences Martin's decision to confront his fear. Thus, the father acts as an important influence on Martin's behaviour and indirectly sets the main events of the story in motion.

13. Describe the fat lady. Why does she appear so mysterious and frightening?

Ans. The fat lady is portrayed as a large, silent woman wearing an old green coat that makes her appear even bulkier. Her fleshy cheeks, huge neck, and tiny, piercing blue eyes create an unusual appearance. More frightening than her looks is her silent and continuous stare at Martin. Since the author never explains her intentions, she remains an ambiguous figure whose mystery drives the story's psychological suspense.

14. Describe the elevator. Why is it important to the story?

Ans. The elevator is old, cramped, dirty, poorly lit, and noisy, creating an atmosphere of discomfort from the very beginning. Its clanging door and shuddering movements make it appear unsafe and unreliable. More importantly, it serves as the main setting where Martin's fears intensify and where he encounters the fat lady. The elevator symbolizes confinement, insecurity, and the psychological pressure that shapes the entire story.

15. Describe the staircase. How does it contribute to the mood of the story?

Ans. The staircase is dark, windowless, and poorly maintained, with lights that do not work. As Martin climbs, the echo of his footsteps makes him imagine that someone is following him. Reaching the seventeenth floor leaves him breathless and exhausted. Like the elevator, the staircase creates an atmosphere of loneliness and fear, showing that Martin cannot escape his anxiety simply by choosing a different route.

Reference to Context:1

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

Martin, a thin twelve-year-old, felt nervous in it from the first day he and his father moved into the apartment. Of course he was always uncomfortable in elevators, afraid that they would fall, but this one was especially unpleasant. Perhaps this was because of the poor lighting and the dirty walls. Perhaps it was because of the door, which never stayed open long enough, and slammed shut with a loud clanging noise.

(i) Where does Martin feel nervous? Why? (3 Marks)

Ans. Martin feels nervous inside the old elevator of his apartment building. He is already afraid of elevators because he fears that they might suddenly fall. This particular elevator increases his fear because it is old, poorly lit, dirty, and noisy, making him feel unsafe and uncomfortable from the very first day.

(ii) Why was the elevator in his building unpleasant to use? (3 Marks)

Ans. The elevator was unpleasant because it was very old, small, dirty, and poorly maintained. The dim lighting, dirty walls, and loudly clanging door created an uncomfortable atmosphere. Moreover, it shuddered whenever it moved, making Martin feel that it was unreliable and increasing his anxiety about travelling in it.

(iii) What was the other option besides the elevator? Was it better than the elevator? Give reasons to support your answer. (3 Marks)

Ans. The other option was the staircase. However, it proved to be no better than the elevator. It was dark, had no windows, and the lights did not work. The echo of Martin's footsteps made him imagine that someone was following him, and climbing seventeen floors left him exhausted and breathless.

(iv) How did the size of the elevator affect Martin later in the story? (3 Marks)

Ans. The small size of the elevator became important when the fat lady entered it. Her large body occupied most of the available space, forcing Martin into a corner. Feeling physically confined and unable to escape her silent stare increased his fear and intensified the psychological suspense of the story.

(v) Explain how this extract acts as a foreshadowing in the story. (4 Marks)

Ans. This extract foreshadows the frightening events that follow by introducing Martin's fear of elevators and emphasizing the unpleasant condition of the old lift. The gloomy setting, cramped space, and constant sense of danger prepare readers for his mysterious encounter with the fat lady. The author's detailed description suggests that the elevator will become the central setting where Martin's fears are tested and the psychological suspense of the story unfolds.

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

He wanted to know why Martin was out of breath. Why didn't you take the elevator?' he asked, frowning at Martin. You're not only skinny and weak and bad at sports, his face seemed to say, but you are also a coward. After that, Martin always took the elevator. He would have to get used to it, he told himself, just like he got used to being bullied at school.

But he didn't get used to it. He was always afraid that it would stop suddenly and he would be trapped inside it for hours by himself.

(i) Who is 'He' referred to in this extract? What did he ask Martin? Why? (3 Marks)

Ans. 'He' refers to Martin's father. He asked Martin why he had not taken the elevator after noticing that he was out of breath from climbing the stairs. Believing that the elevator was the easier option, he wanted to know why Martin had chosen the tiring staircase instead.

(ii) State the three adjectives which he apparently used for Martin. Why? (3 Marks)

Ans. Martin felt that his father's expression described him as skinny, weak, and cowardly. His father frowned because Martin had avoided using the elevator and had climbed the stairs instead. Martin interpreted this look as a sign of disappointment, believing that his father considered him physically and mentally weak.

(iii) What does Martin promise himself? Does he succeed? Name the other thing which he got used to. (3 Marks)

Ans. Martin promises himself that he will get used to using the elevator despite his fear. However, he does not succeed, as he continues to feel anxious every time he enters it. He compares this effort with getting used to being bullied at school, another unpleasant experience he silently endures.

(iv) What was Martin's fear about the elevator? Did that happen at the end of the story? Give reason for your answer. (3 Marks)

Ans. Martin feared that the elevator would suddenly stop and trap him inside for hours. This fear does not come true at the end of the story. Instead, the elevator functions normally, but Martin faces a different psychological challenge when he is trapped in the confined space with the mysterious fat lady.

(v) Explain briefly the characteristic traits of Martin based on this extract. (4 Marks)

Ans. This extract portrays Martin as a timid, sensitive, and emotionally vulnerable boy. He is deeply affected by his father's opinion and lacks confidence in himself. Although he sincerely tries to overcome his fear by using the elevator regularly, his anxiety remains stronger than his determination. His willingness to endure bullying without protest further reveals his quiet, patient nature and his desire to avoid confrontation, making him a sympathetic and realistic character.

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

He thought about her all day. Did she live in the building? He had never seen her before, and the building was not very big. Maybe she was visiting somebody? But 7.30 in the morning was too early for visiting. Martin felt nervous when he got back to the building after school. But why should he be afraid of an old lady? He felt ashamed of himself. He pressed the button and stepped into the elevator, hoping that it would not stop, but it stopped on the third floor.

(i) What did Martin think about her all day and why? (3 Marks)

Ans. Martin kept thinking about the fat lady throughout the day because her strange appearance and silent, piercing stare had deeply frightened him. He wondered whether she lived in the building or was visiting someone, but her mysterious behaviour and the unusual timing of her presence continued to trouble and puzzle him.

(ii) Why was Martin nervous when he got back to his building after school? (3 Marks)

Ans. Martin was nervous because he feared that he might meet the fat lady again in the elevator. The memory of her silent stare had remained in his mind throughout the day. As he returned home, he anxiously anticipated another encounter, making him reluctant to enter the elevator.

(iii) Why did Martin feel ashamed of himself? What does it reveal about him? (3 Marks)

Ans. Martin felt ashamed because he realised that he was frightened of an old lady who had not actually harmed him. He believed that his fear was unreasonable. This reveals that he was self-aware and sensitive, but also timid, insecure, and easily influenced by his anxious imagination.

(iv) Why did Martin hope that the elevator would not stop? What happened when it did stop on the third floor? (3 Marks)

Ans. Martin hoped that the elevator would not stop because he feared meeting the mysterious fat lady again. However, the elevator stopped on the third floor, increasing his anxiety. When the doors opened, the fat lady entered the elevator carrying a shopping bag and greeted Martin by saying, "Hello, Martin."

(v) What, according to you, did Martin find scarier—the elevator or the old lady? Give reasons to support your answer. (4 Marks)

Ans. Martin eventually found the fat lady scarier than the elevator. Although he had always feared the old elevator because of its poor condition and confined space, his terror increased after meeting the mysterious woman. Her silent staring, unexpected familiarity with his name, and repeated appearances on different floors made her seem more threatening than the elevator itself. However, the story leaves readers uncertain whether she was truly dangerous or whether Martin's imagination exaggerated his fear, making the suspense psychological rather than supernatural.

Reference to Context:2

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

 Of course he was always uncomfortable in elevators, afraid that they would fall. but this one was especially unpleasant. Perhaps this was because of the poor lighting and the dirty walls.

(i) Describe the apartment building to which Martin and his father had shifted recently. (3 Marks)

Ans. Martin and his father had recently moved into an old apartment building with a small, old-fashioned elevator that could carry only three people. The building also had a dark, poorly maintained staircase with no windows and faulty lights. Its neglected condition created a gloomy atmosphere and made Martin feel uneasy from the very beginning.

(ii) What made Martin uncomfortable in the elevator? (3 Marks)

Ans. Martin was uncomfortable because he already feared elevators and believed they might fall. This particular elevator appeared even more frightening because of its poor lighting, dirty walls, cramped space, loudly clanging door, and shuddering movement. All these features made him feel trapped, unsafe, and extremely anxious.

(iii) Martin was timid and cowardly. How is this true? (3 Marks)

Ans. Martin's behaviour shows that he was timid and easily frightened. He feared elevators, imagined dangers even in ordinary situations, and became nervous while climbing the staircase. Later, he was terrified by the fat lady's silent stare despite the fact that she did not threaten or harm him. His fearful imagination often overpowered his courage.

(iv) What are we told about the door of the elevator? (3 Marks)

Ans. The elevator door never remained open for long and closed suddenly with a loud clanging noise. Its abrupt movement made entering and leaving the elevator difficult and increased Martin's nervousness. The noisy door also contributed to the old, unreliable, and frightening atmosphere surrounding the elevator.

(v) How does the description of the elevator contribute to the suspense in the story? (4 Marks)

Ans. The author describes the elevator as old, dirty, dimly lit, cramped, and noisy, creating an immediate feeling of discomfort and danger. Its clanging door and shuddering movements make it seem unreliable and threatening. This gloomy setting reflects Martin's growing anxiety and prepares readers for the mysterious encounters that occur inside the elevator. Thus, the elevator becomes more than just a setting; it serves as the central symbol of fear and psychological suspense in the story.

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

You're not only skinny and weak and bad at sports, his face seemed to say, 'but you are also a coward'. After that, Martin always took the elevator. He would have to get used to it, he told himself, just as he got used to being bullied at school.

(i) What would you say about Martin's father's attitude towards him? (3 Marks)

Ans. Martin's father appears practical, demanding, and somewhat unsympathetic towards his son's fears. Instead of understanding why Martin avoided the elevator, he silently conveys disappointment through his expression. His attitude makes Martin feel weak and cowardly, increasing his emotional insecurity and his desire to prove himself.

(ii) What was Martin's problem? (3 Marks)

Ans. Martin's main problem was his intense fear of elevators and confined spaces. He constantly imagined that the elevator might fall or stop suddenly, trapping him inside. His anxious nature and vivid imagination made ordinary situations appear dangerous, preventing him from overcoming his fear.

(iii) What did Martin have to come to terms with? (3 Marks)

Ans. Martin realised that he had to accept and face his fear of using the elevator because he could not keep climbing seventeen floors every day. He also had to come to terms with the bullying he experienced at school, believing that he should silently endure both difficulties.

(iv) Why did Martin take the elevator although he was scared of it? (3 Marks)

Ans. Martin continued using the elevator because he wanted to overcome his fear and avoid disappointing his father. He believed that, with time, he would become accustomed to it just as he had become used to being bullied at school. However, despite his determination, his fear never completely disappeared.

(v) Was Martin a coward? Give two reasons for your answer. (4 Marks)

Ans. Martin cannot simply be called a coward because, despite his intense fear, he continued to use the elevator every day instead of avoiding it. This shows that he tried to face his fear rather than run away from it. Secondly, he recognised that his fear of the old lady was unreasonable and even felt ashamed of himself for being frightened. These qualities suggest that Martin was anxious and insecure, but he also possessed the courage to confront situations that terrified him.

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

She was wearing an old green coat that ballooned around her. As she waddled into the elevator, Martin was sure he felt it sink under her weight. She was so big that her coat brushed against him, and he had to squeeze himself into a corner.

(i) What made Martin fearful about the lady? (3 Marks)

Ans. Martin was frightened by the lady's huge size, strange appearance, and unusual behaviour. Her bulky body filled the small elevator, forcing him into a corner. Later, her silent and piercing stare made him even more nervous, causing him to imagine that she might be dangerous.

(ii) What is Martin's tone while describing the lady's stature? (3 Marks)

Ans. Martin's tone is fearful, exaggerated, and uneasy. Because he is already frightened, he describes the lady as extremely large, making it seem as though the elevator sank under her weight. His description reflects his anxiety and shows how his fear influences his perception of her.

(iii) What was Martin's state of mind when he confronted the lady? (3 Marks)

Ans. Martin was extremely anxious and uncomfortable when the lady entered the elevator. He felt trapped in the cramped space and became frightened by her silent stare. Unable to understand her behaviour, he imagined that she intended to harm him, revealing the power of his fearful imagination.

(iv) On which floor did the lady step into the elevator? On which floor did she actually live? (3 Marks)

Ans. The lady first stepped into the elevator on the fourteenth floor while Martin was going to school. However, she actually lived on the seventeenth floor, the same floor as Martin. This fact is revealed later in the story, increasing the mystery and suspense surrounding her character.

(v) How did the lady look at the boy in the elevator? What could have been her intention? (4 Marks)

Ans. The lady stared silently and continuously at Martin with her tiny, sharp blue eyes, making him feel nervous and threatened. However, the story never clearly explains her intentions. She may simply have been curious, amused, or trying to be friendly. Since the events are presented through Martin's frightened perspective, readers cannot be certain whether she was genuinely dangerous or whether Martin's imagination exaggerated her behaviour.

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

She did nothing. She only watched him breathing loudly, until the elevator reached the first floor at last. Martin wanted to run past her to get out, but there was no room. He could only wait as she turned and moved slowly into the lobby. Then he ran. He didn't care what she thought. She ran nearly all the way to school.

(i) What was the lady's behaviour while in the elevator with Martin? How would you explain it? (3 Marks)

Ans. The lady remained silent throughout the elevator ride and kept staring at Martin while breathing loudly. She neither spoke to him nor behaved aggressively. Her behaviour appeared strange from Martin's point of view, but the story does not explain her intentions. It is possible that she was merely curious, while Martin's fear made her seem threatening.

(ii) Why couldn't Martin run past the lady? (3 Marks)

Ans. Martin could not run past the lady because the elevator was extremely small and her large body occupied most of the available space. He had to wait until she slowly stepped out into the lobby before he could leave. This physical confinement increased his feeling of helplessness and fear.

(iii) What was Martin's impression of the lady in the elevator? (3 Marks)

Ans. Martin believed that the lady was mysterious and possibly dangerous because she stared at him continuously without speaking. Her unusual appearance and silent behaviour frightened him so much that he even wondered whether she was crazy. His impression, however, was shaped more by his fear than by any actual threat from the lady.

(iv) Where did the lady live? Did Martin know this? (3 Marks)

Ans. The lady actually lived on the seventeenth floor, the same floor as Martin. At this stage of the story, however, Martin did not know where she lived. He spent the entire day wondering whether she was a resident of the building or merely someone visiting another occupant.

(v) What time of the day was it then? How do you know? (4 Marks)

Ans. It was morning, shortly before Martin went to school. This is evident because, after leaving the elevator, he ran almost all the way to school. Later, Martin himself reflects that it was 7:30 a.m., which he considered too early for anyone to be visiting another resident. This detail strengthens the mystery surrounding the lady and makes Martin even more curious about who she was and why she was in the building.

Value-Based Questions

1. Martin is afraid of using both the elevator and the staircase. What does this tell us about the importance of facing our fears?

Answer: The extract teaches us that fear is a natural emotion, but we should try to face it calmly instead of allowing it to control our actions. Seeking support, thinking rationally, and gradually overcoming our fears help us become stronger and more confident.

2. Martin's father expects him to be brave but does not understand his fears. Do you think parents should always listen to their children before judging them? Give reasons.

Answer: Yes. Parents should first listen patiently and understand their children's feelings before judging them. Every fear may seem small to others but can feel very real to the person experiencing it. Understanding and encouragement help children gain confidence and overcome their problems.

3. Martin compares using the elevator to being bullied at school. What does this comparison reveal about his character?

Answer: The comparison shows that Martin is a sensitive and emotionally vulnerable boy. He silently endures both bullying and his fear of the elevator instead of complaining. It also highlights his determination to adjust to difficult situations despite his discomfort.

4. Why is it important not to judge people merely by their appearance?

Answer: A person's appearance does not reveal his or her nature or intentions. Judging others by their looks can create unfair opinions and unnecessary fear. We should treat everyone with respect and judge them by their behaviour rather than their physical appearance.

5. Martin assumes that the fat lady is dangerous because she keeps staring at him. Was he justified in making this assumption?

Answer: Martin's fear makes his reaction understandable, but he has no proof that the lady is dangerous. People sometimes behave in unusual ways without intending harm. Therefore, it is better not to jump to conclusions without sufficient evidence.

6. What lesson does the extract teach about making assumptions?

Answer: The extract teaches that assumptions based on fear or limited information can be misleading. Before forming opinions about people or situations, we should observe carefully, think logically, and avoid allowing our imagination to create unnecessary worries.

7. If you were Martin's friend, how would you help him overcome his fear?

Answer: I would listen patiently to his concerns without making fun of him. I would encourage him to think positively, accompany him whenever possible, and remind him that many fears become smaller when we face them calmly and rationally.

8. Why is empathy more effective than criticism while dealing with someone who is afraid?

Answer: Empathy helps people feel understood and supported, giving them confidence to overcome their fears. Criticism or ridicule can increase anxiety and reduce self-confidence. Kindness and encouragement are more helpful than harsh words.

9. Martin's father seems disappointed that his son is afraid. What could he have done differently?

Answer: Instead of criticising Martin, his father could have listened carefully, reassured him, and tried to understand the reason behind his fear. By offering emotional support and practical advice, he could have helped Martin become more confident.

10. Why is self-confidence important in overcoming challenges?

Answer: Self-confidence enables people to face difficult situations calmly and make sensible decisions. It reduces unnecessary fear and helps them trust their own abilities. Confidence grows through practice, encouragement, and positive experiences.

11. The old elevator creates a frightening atmosphere. How can our surroundings influence our emotions?

Answer: Our surroundings can greatly affect our thoughts and feelings. Dark, dirty, or poorly maintained places often create anxiety and discomfort, while clean, bright, and safe environments make people feel relaxed and confident.

12. Martin continues using the elevator despite his fear. What quality of his character does this show?

Answer: Martin shows determination and a sense of responsibility. Although he is frightened, he continues using the elevator because he knows he cannot avoid it forever. This shows his willingness to face difficult situations despite his fears.

13. Why should we avoid making fun of people who have fears or anxieties?

Answer: Everyone experiences fear differently. Making fun of someone can hurt their feelings and lower their confidence. Instead, we should offer support and encouragement so that they feel safe and motivated to overcome their fears.

14. What role does imagination play in increasing Martin's fear?

Answer: Martin's imagination makes ordinary situations seem more frightening than they really are. He begins to expect danger even without evidence, showing that fear often becomes stronger when we allow our imagination to overpower logical thinking.

15. What message does the extract give about mental strength?

Answer: The extract suggests that mental strength develops through courage, patience, and positive thinking. While fear is natural, we should not let it control our lives. Seeking support and facing challenges gradually help build emotional resilience.

16. If you were Martin's father, how would you have responded after seeing him frightened?

Answer: I would have listened carefully to Martin's concerns and reassured him instead of criticising him. I would try to understand what frightened him, explain the situation calmly, and help him overcome his fear with patience and encouragement.

17. Why is it important to maintain public places such as elevators and staircases properly?

Answer: Well-maintained public places ensure safety, comfort, and confidence among users. Proper lighting, cleanliness, and regular maintenance reduce accidents and unnecessary fear, making people feel secure while using shared facilities.

18. What does Martin's experience teach us about emotional well-being?

Answer: The extract shows that emotional well-being is as important as physical safety. Fear, anxiety, and loneliness can affect a person's behaviour and confidence. Understanding, support, and positive communication help maintain good emotional health.

19. Do you think bullying at school can affect a child's confidence in other areas of life? Give reasons.

Answer: Yes. Bullying lowers self-esteem and creates feelings of fear and insecurity. A child who is bullied may become anxious in other situations as well and may hesitate to trust others or face new challenges confidently.

20. What is the central value conveyed through this extract?

Answer: The central value of the extract is that courage grows through understanding, patience, and rational thinking. It also teaches us to avoid judging others without evidence, support people who are afraid, and face life's challenges with confidence rather than fear.