Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow.
KING : (To the four men) You have demonstrated remarkable intelligence and the ability to see beyond the obvious. Such minds are rare and highly valued in my court. I extend to you the honour of becoming my advisers. Your counsel shall guide my decisions, and your wisdom shall be a beacon for my kingdom. What do you say to my offer?
RAM DATT: (Stepping forward) Your Highness, it is an honour we had not dared to dream of.
Select the option that is true for both Assertion (A) and Reason (R). (A): The Merchant left the court feeling humbled and ashamed. (R): The King commanded that the four wise men join his court. A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A). C. (A) is true, but (R) is false. D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct option. The line, 'See beyond the obvious' means that the men had the ability to ____. A. challenge common beliefs with reasoning B. interpret information in traditional ways C. notice details that others might overlook D. predict what is going to happen in the future
C. notice details that others might overlook
Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason. Ram Datt described the King's offer as 'an honour we had not dared to dream of' because ____.
they were ordinary travellers seeking employment and had never imagined they would be offered such a prestigious position as advisers to the King based solely on their wisdom and observation skills.
How does the King's offer to the four men reflect his values as a ruler?
The King's offer reflects that he values wisdom, intelligence, and the ability to observe and reason over wealth, status, or connections. He recognises and rewards merit, showing he is a just and discerning ruler who seeks capable advisers to guide his kingdom towards prosperity.
Explanation
(i) Both statements are true—the merchant did leave feeling ashamed, and the King did invite the four men to be his advisers. However, the merchant's shame was due to his false accusation being exposed, not because the King appointed the four men. The two events are related but (R) does not explain (A). (ii) The phrase 'see beyond the obvious' refers to the ability to observe and deduce from details that ordinary people would miss. The four men demonstrated this by inferring the camel's characteristics from tracks and signs that others would not have noticed or understood. (iii) Ram Datt's words express their humble background and the unexpected nature of the honour. They had hoped for employment but never anticipated being appointed as royal advisers, making the offer beyond their wildest expectations. (iv) The King's actions demonstrate that he is a wise ruler who appreciates genuine talent. By appointing the four men as advisers based on their demonstrated wisdom rather than their social status, he shows he values merit and good counsel for the benefit of his kingdom.