If I Were You - Reading Comprehension

AP/ NCERT Board-Based Reading Comprehension Passages Grade 9 Beehive 

Chapter 9 If I Were You

Reading Comprehension 1

SCENE: A small cottage interior. There is an entrance back right (which may be curtained). Another door to the left must be a practical door. The furniture is simple, consisting of a small table towards the left, a chair or two, and a divan rather upstage on the right. On the table is a telephone.

 (When the curtain rises Gerrard is standing by the table making a phone call. He is of medium height, and wearing horn-rimmed glasses . . . He is dressed in a lounge suit and a great coat. His voice is cultured.)

  GERRARD: ... Well, tell him to phone up directly. I must know … Yes, I expect I’ll still be here, but you mustn’t count on that ... In about ten minutes’ time. Right-ho. Goodbye.

 (He puts down the phone and goes to the divan on the left, where there is a travelling bag, and starts packing. Whilst he is thus engaged, another man, similar in build to Gerrard enters from the right silently — revolver in hand. He is flashily dressed in an overcoat and a soft hat. He bumps accidentally against the table, and at the sound Gerrard turns quickly.)

 GERRARD: (pleasantly) Why, this is a surprise, Mr— er —

 INTRUDER: I’m glad you’re pleased to see me. I don’t think you’ll be pleased for long. Put those paws up!

 GERRARD: This is all very melodramatic, not very original, perhaps, but…

 INTRUDER: Trying to be calm and — er—

 GERRARD: ‘Nonchalant’ is your word, I think.

 INTRUDER: Thanks a lot. You’ll soon stop being smart. I’ll make you crawl. I want to know a few things, see.

1. What is Gerrard doing at the beginning of the scene?

A) Cooking dinner

B) Making a phone call

C) Sleeping on the divan

D) Fixing the curtains

2. How does the intruder enter the cottage?

A) Through the front door

B) Stealthily from the left

C) Climbing through a window

D) Knocking loudly on the back entrance

3. What item does Gerrard use for packing on the divan?

A) Suitcase

B) Briefcase

C) Traveling bag

D) Backpack

4. What is the intruder's initial demand to Gerrard?

A) Show him the way out

B) Give him all the money

C) Raise his hands

D) Offer him a seat

5. How does Gerrard describe the intruder’s sense of style?

A) Elegant

B) Tasteful

C) Flashy

D) Subdued

 Reading Comprehension 2

GERRARD: Anything you like. I know all the answers. But before we begin I should like to change my position; you may be comfortable, but I am not.

 INTRUDER: Sit down there, and no funny business. (Motions to a chair, and seats himself on the divan by the bag.) Now then, we’ll have a nice little talk about yourself!

 GERRARD: At last a sympathetic audience! I’ll tell you the story of my life. How as a child I was stolen by the gypsies, and why at the age of thirty-two, I find myself in my lonely Essex cottage, how …

 INTRUDER: Keep it to yourself, and just answer my questions. You live here alone? Well, do you?

 GERRARD: I’m sorry. I thought you were telling me, not asking me. A question of inflection; your voice is unfamiliar.

 INTRUDER: (with emphasis) Do you live here alone?

 GERRARD: And if I don’t answer?

 INTRUDER: You’ve got enough sense not to want to get hurt.

1. What does Gerrard express a desire to do before answering the intruder's questions?

A) Change his appearance

B) Change his position

C) Leave the cottage

D) Make another phone call

2. Where does the intruder instruct Gerrard to sit during their conversation?

A) On the divan

B) On the floor

C) On the chair

D) By the entrance

3. What does Gerrard sarcastically refer to the intruder as when mentioning his life story?

A) An intellectual

B) A confidant

C) A comedian

D) A sympathetic audience

4. Why does Gerrard claim to be uncertain about the intruder's question regarding living alone?

A) The intruder's voice is unfamiliar

B) Gerrard has selective memory

C) Gerrard is hard of hearing

D) The cottage is too noisy

5. How does the intruder emphasize his question about Gerrard living alone?

A) With a friendly smile

B) With a raised eyebrow

C) With a loud laugh

D) With emphasis in his voice

Reading Comprehension 3 

GERRARD: I think good sense is shown more in the ability to avoid pain than in the mere desire to do so. What do you think, Mr— er—

 INTRUDER: Never mind my name. I like yours better, Mr Gerrard. What are your Christian names?

 GERRARD: Vincent Charles.

 INTRUDER: Do you run a car?

 GERRARD: No.

 INTRUDER: That’s a lie. You’re not dealing with a fool. I’m as smart as you and smarter, and I know you run a car. Better be careful, wise guy!

 GERRARD: Are you American, or is that merely a clever imitation?

 INTRUDER: Listen, this gun’s no toy. I can hurt you without killing you, and still get my answers.

 GERRARD: Of course, if you put it like that, I’ll be glad to assist you. I do possess a car, and it’s in the garage round the corner.

State True or  False

1. The intruder is intrigued by Gerrard's name and prefers it over his own.

2. Gerrard's full Christian names are revealed as Vincent Charles.

3. Gerrard denies owning a car, which the intruder accuses him of lying about.

4. The intruder claims to be American, and Gerrard questions whether it's a clever imitation.

5. Gerrard believes that good sense lies in the ability to desire pain rather than avoid it.

 Reading Comprehension 4

INTRUDER: That’s better. Do people often come out here?

 GERRARD: Very rarely. Surprisingly few people take the trouble to visit me. There’s the baker and the greengrocer, of course; and then there’s the milkman — quite charming, but no one so interesting as yourself.

 INTRUDER: I happen to know that you never see tradespeople.

GERRARD: You seem to have taken a considerable amount of trouble. Since you know so much about me, won’t you say something about yourself? You have been so modest.

INTRUDER: I could tell you plenty. You think you’re smart, but I’m the top of the class round here. I’ve got brains and I use them. That’s how I’ve got where I have.

GERRARD: And where precisely have you got? It didn’t require a great brain to break into my little cottage.

INTRUDER: When you know why I’ve broken into your little cottage, you’ll be surprised, and it won’t be a pleasant surprise.

GERRARD: With you figuring so largely in it, that is understandable. By the way, what particular line of crime do you embrace, or aren’t you a specialist?

State True or False:

1. Gerrard frequently receives visits from various tradespeople.

2. Gerrard finds the milkman to be the most interesting among the tradespeople.

3. The intruder claims to know that Gerrard never sees tradespeople.

4. The intruder asserts that he is the top of the class in the area, boasting about his intelligence.

5.The intruder implies that breaking into Gerrard's cottage required great intelligence.

 

 Reading  Comprehension 5

INTRUDER: My speciality’s jewel robbery. Your car will do me a treat. It’s certainly a dandy bus.

GERRARD: I’m afraid jewels are few and far between in the wilds of Essex.

INTRUDER: So are the cops. I can retire here nicely for a little while.

GERRARD: You mean to live with me? A trifle sudden isn’t it; you’ve not been invited.

INTRUDER: You won’t be here long; so I didn’t trouble to ask.

GERRARD: What do you mean?

INTRUDER: This is your big surprise. I’m going to kill you.

GERRARD: A little harsh, isn’t it?

INTRUDER: (with heavy sarcasm) Yeah, I’ll be sorry to do it. I’ve taken a fancy to you, but it’s just got to be done.

 GERRARD: Why add murder to your other crimes? It’s a grave step you’re taking.

 INTRUDER: I’m not taking it for fun. I’ve been hunted long enough. I’m wanted for murder already, and they can’t hang me twice.

1. What does the intruder consider Gerrard's car suitable for?

A) Racing

B) Getaway

C) Luxury trips

D) Grocery shopping

2. According to Gerrard, why is the intruder's plan to retire in the wilds of Essex flawed?

A) Lack of suitable accommodation

B) Few and far between jewels

C) Abundance of police presence

D) Limited recreational activities

3. What does the intruder mean by saying, "You won’t be here long; so I didn’t trouble to ask"?

A) Gerrard won't stay in the cottage for a long time

B) The intruder didn't expect Gerrard to survive

C) The intruder didn't anticipate Gerrard's resistance

D) Gerrard won't be able to invite him for a visit

4. Fill in the Blanks:

INTRUDER: This is your big __________. I’m going to kill you.

5. Fill in the Blanks

INTRUDER: I’m wanted for murder already, and they can’t __________ me twice.

 Reading Comprehension 6

GERRARD: You’re planning a gratuitous double, so to speak. Admitted you’ve nothing to lose, but what have you to gain?

 INTRUDER: I’ve got freedom to gain. As for myself, I’m a poor hunted rat. As Vincent Charles Gerrard I’m free to go places and do nothing. I can eat well and sleep and without having to be ready to beat it at the sight of a cop.

 GERRARD: In most melodramas the villain is foolish enough to delay his killing long enough to be frustrated. You are much luckier.

 INTRUDER: I’m O.K. I’ve got a reason for everything. I’m going to be Vincent Charles Gerrard, see. I’ve got to know what he talks like. Now I know. That posh stuff comes easy. This is Mr V.C. Gerrard speaking. (Pantomime of phoning, in imitation cultured voice.) And that’s not all. (He stands up.) Get up a minute (Gerrard stands.) Now take a look at me.

 GERRARD: You’re not particularly decorative.

 INTRUDER: No! Well, that goes for you, too. I’ve only got to wear specs and I’ll be enough like you to get away with it.

1. What does the intruder claim to gain by becoming Vincent Charles Gerrard?

A) Wealth

B) Fame

C) Freedom

D) Revenge

2. According to the intruder, why does he consider himself a "poor hunted rat"?

A) Lack of intelligence

B) Past criminal activities

C) Unfortunate family background

D) Fear of actual rats

3. Why does Gerrard mention that the intruder is luckier than villains in most melodramas?

A) The intruder has a foolproof plan

B) Gerrard is sympathetic to the intruder's situation

C) The intruder's killing is quick and efficient

D) Gerrard admires the intruder's intelligence

4. What does the intruder plan to do to convincingly become Vincent Charles Gerrard?

A) Learn Gerrard's hobbies

B) Wear distinctive clothing

C) Imitate Gerrard's voice and mannerisms

D) Change his physical appearance

5. How does Gerrard describe the intruder's appearance after the imitation attempt?

A) Decorative

B) Striking

C) Ordinary

D) Attractive

 Reading Comprehension 7

GERRARD: What about your clothes? They’ll let you down if you’re not careful.

 INTRUDER: That’ll be all right. Yours will fit me fine.

 GERRARD: That is extremely interesting, but you seem to miss the point of my remark. I said, you were luckier than most melodramatic villains. It was not a tribute to your intelligence. You won’t kill me for a very good reason.

 INTRUDER: So that’s what you think.

 GERRARD: You’ll let me go, and thank God you didn’t shoot sooner.

 INTRUDER: Come on. What’s on your mind! Better be quick. This conversation bores me.

 GERRARD: Your idea is to elude the police by killing me and taking on my identity?

 INTRUDER: Yes, I like the idea.

 GERRARD: But are you sure it’s going to help you?

1. Why does Gerrard express concern about the intruder's clothes?

A) Gerrard is a fashion critic

B) The intruder's clothes are too flashy

C) The intruder may stand out if not dressed appropriately

D) Gerrard wants to borrow the intruder's clothes

2. What does the intruder claim about Gerrard's clothes?

A) They are too expensive

B) They will fit him perfectly

C) They are outdated

D) They are unsuitable for his plan

3. According to Gerrard, why won't the intruder kill him?

A) Gerrard is too clever

B) The police are closing in

C) The intruder has a good reason not to

D) Killing Gerrard would be too messy

4. State True or False:

Gerrard believes the intruder's plan is a tribute to his intelligence.

5. State True or False:

The intruder expresses boredom with the conversation and urges Gerrard to be quick with his thoughts.

Reading Comprehension 8 

INTRUDER: Now listen here. I’ve got this all planned. I did a job in town. Things went wrong and I killed a cop. Since then I’ve done nothing but dodge.

GERRARD: And this is where dodging has brought you?

 INTRUDER: It brought me to Aylesbury. That’s where I saw you in the car. Two other people saw you and started to talk. I listened. It looks like you’re a bit queer — kind of a mystery man.

 GERRARD: A mystery which I propose to explain.

 INTRUDER: (disregarding him) You phone your orders and sometimes you go away suddenly and come back just the same. Those are just the things I want to do. Hearing about you was one of my luckiest breaks.

 GERRARD: Apparently you haven’t the intelligence to ask why I am invested in this cloak of mystery.

 INTRUDER: (preparing to shoot) As I said before, this conversation bores me.

GERRARD: Don’t be a fool. If you shoot, you’ll hang for sure. If not as yourself, then as Vincent Charles Gerrard.

 INTRUDER: What is this?

GERRARD: This is your big surprise. I said you wouldn’t kill me and I was right. Why do you think I am here today and gone tomorrow, never see tradespeople? You say my habits would suit you. You are a crook. Do you think I am a Sunday-school teacher?

     The game’s up as far as I’m concerned. Things went wrong with me. I said it with bullets and got away. Unfortunately they got one of my men, and found things the fool should have burnt. Tonight I’m expecting trouble. My bag’s packed ready to clear off. There it is.

1. Why did the intruder end up in Aylesbury, according to his explanation?

A) To escape the police

B) A planned destination

C) A result of dodging

D) A mysterious assignment

2. What is Gerrard's response when the intruder prepares to shoot him?

A) He encourages the intruder to shoot

B) He threatens the intruder with the police

C) He tries to reason with the intruder

D) He tries to run away

3. State True or False:

Gerrard claims that the intruder is a crook and questions whether he is a Sunday-school teacher.

4. State True or False:

According to Gerrard, his bag is packed and ready to clear off because everything went smoothly for him.

5. Choose the Irrelevant Statement:

A) "I said it with bullets and got away."

B) "The game’s up as far as I’m concerned."

C) "You are a crook."

D) "Things went wrong with me."

Reading Comprehension 9 

INTRUDER: It’s a bag all right and this is a gun all right. What’s all this?

 GERRARD: That’s a disguise outfit; false moustaches and what not. Now do you believe me?

 INTRUDER: (musingly) I don’t know.

 GERRARD: For God’s sake clear that muddled head of yours and let’s go. Come with me in the car. I can use you. If you find it’s a frame, you’ve got me in the car, and you’ve still got your gun.

 INTRUDER: May be you’re right.

 GERRARD: Then don’t waste time. (Goes and picks up hat and bag.)

 INTRUDER: Careful, boss, I’m watching you.

 GERRARD: I have got a man posted on the main road. He’ll ring up if he sees the police, but I don’t want to leave ... (telephone bell rings) Come on! They’re after us. Through here straight to the garage.

 INTRUDER: How do I know that you are telling the truth?

 GERRARD: Oh, don’t be a fool. Look for yourself.

(Gerrard opens door and steps away. Intruder leans forward to inspect it, with his side towards Gerrard, but with the revolver ready. As he turns his head, Gerrard gives him a push into the cupboard, knocking the revolver out of his hand. He slams the door and locks it, picks up the revolver and goes to the phone, where he stands with the gun pointed at the cupboard door.)

 INTRUDER: (rattles door and shouts) Let me out of here!

 GERRARD: Hello. Yes, speaking. Sorry I can’t let you have the props in time for rehearsal, I’ve had a spot of bother — quite amusing. I think I’ll put it in my next play. Listen, can you tell our friend the Sergeant to come up here at once? You’ll probably find him in the Public Bar.

1. What does Gerrard use to convince the intruder of his sincerity?

A) A map to the garage

B) False identification

C) A disguise outfit

D) A phone call to the police

2. How does Gerrard manage to disarm the intruder before locking him in the cupboard?

A) Gerrard uses a hidden weapon

B) Gerrard distracts the intruder

C) Gerrard convinces the intruder to surrender the gun

D) Gerrard calls for help

3. What precaution does Gerrard claim to have taken on the main road to avoid the police?

A) Posted a lookout

B) Set up a roadblock

C) Hired a decoy

D) Informed the police

4. State True or False:

The intruder initially doubts Gerrard's sincerity about the situation.

5. Which statement is most relevant to the situation described in the dialogue?

A) "Sorry, I can’t let you have the props in time for rehearsal."

B) "I think I’ll put it in my next play."

C) "You’ll probably find him in the Public Bar."

D) "Come on! They’re after us. Through here straight to the garage."