SSLC KARNATAKA
Subject – English (3rd Language)
Textbook Solution
SUPPLEMENTARY READING
2A.HEROES FOR TODAY: The Bicycle Thief
Summary of the Lesson: ‘The Future is Yours’
The story “The Bicycle Thief” revolves around Roger Johnson, an 18-year old American bombardier during World War II. Stranded 30 kilometers from his base in Polebrook, he “borrowed” a rusty bicycle to make it back in time for a critical bombing mission. Though he succeeded in his mission and the war, becoming a decorated war hero and a successful surgeon, the theft of that bicycle nagged him for years. Nearly fifty years later, Johnson returned to Polebrook and donated 100 new bicycles to local children as a form of restitution. His act of atonement was celebrated by the community and garnered global attention.
Glossary:
- Bombardier: One who drops bombs from a bomber airplane
- Admits: Accepts
- Pry: To examine
- Continue to nag: Worry
- Wired: Send a telegram
I. Comprehension Questions:
A. Answer the following questions:
1. Why did Roger steal a bicycle?
Ans– Roger stole the bicycle because he needed to get back to his
base in Polebrook in time for a bombing mission.
2. How was Roger able to make amends for his theft of a bicycle?
Ans- Roger made amends by donating 100 new bicycles to children
in the Polebrook area nearly fifty years after the theft.
List of Opposite Words:
- Borrow – Return
- Rusty – Shiny
- Accept – Refuse
- Examine – Ignore
- Day – Night
- War – Peace
- Right – Wrong
- New – Old
- Arrival – Departure
- Success – Failure
Singular-Plurals:
- Bicycle – Bicycles
- Soldier – Soldiers
- Medal – Medals
- Dollar – Dollars
- Child – Children
- Bomb – Bombs
- Mission – Missions
- Honor – Honours
- Reception – Receptions
- Company – Companies
Additional 15 One Mark Questions with Answers:
- Where was Roger Johnson when he stole the bicycle?
Ans. – On a county road
- How old was Roger Johnson in 1944?
Ans- 18 years old
- What was Roger’s profession after the war?
Ans- Trauma surgeon
- How many kilometers was Roger from his base in Polebrook?
Ans- 30 kilometers
- What did Roger admit to stealing?
Ans- A bicycle
- What was the condition of the bicycle Roger stole?
Ans- Rusty
- How many bombs were still hung up during the mission?
Ans- Two bombs
- What did Roger become apart from a surgeon?
Ans- A licensed pilot and earned a law degree
- How many bicycles did Roger donate?
Ans- 100 bicycles
- How much money did Roger wire to the Raleigh bicycle company?
Ans- 19,000 dollars
- What was the year when Roger returned to Polebrook to donate bicycles?
Ans- 1992
- How did the children honor Roger?
Ans- With songs, dances, and gifts
- What event during World War II is the story traced back to?
Ans- The night Roger stole the bicycle
- What kind of media attention did Roger’s story receive?
Ans- Worldwide media attention
- How did Roger feel about the reception he got in Polebrook?
Ans- Astonished
