From "The Thief's Story":

1. Describe the initial meeting between the narrator (Hari Singh) and Anil. How does
Hari Singh manage to gain Anil's trust?
2. What reasons does Hari Singh give for choosing Anil as his next target?
3. How does Anil's treatment of Hari Singh differ from that of his previous employers?
4. Describe the transformation in Hari Singh’s character over the course of the story.
5. What internal conflict does Hari Singh experience after stealing Anil's money?
6. How does the author use the setting of the train station to heighten the tension in the
story?
7. Discuss the significance of Anil's reaction when he realizes that Hari Singh has
returned the stolen money.
8. What role does trust play in the relationship between Anil and Hari Singh?
9. How does the story "The Thief's Story" reflect the theme of redemption?
10. What moral lessons does "The Thief's Story" convey?
11. Examine the significance of education in the story. How does Anil’s effort to teach
Hari Singh to read and write influence their relationship?
12. Discuss the symbolism of the money in the story. What does it represent for both
Hari Singh and Anil?
13. How does Hari Singh’s perception of honesty change throughout the story?
14. What does the story suggest about the power of kindness and compassion in
changing a person’s life?
15. Analyze the narrative style of "The Thief's Story." How does Ruskin Bond’s choice
of a first-person narrator impact the reader’s understanding of the story?

From "The Midnight Visitor":

1. Describe the character of Ausable. How does his appearance contrast with the
typical image of a secret agent?
2. How does Ausable handle the unexpected situation with Max?
3. Discuss the significance of the setting in "The Midnight Visitor." How does the hotel
room contribute to the suspense of the story?
4. What role does Fowler play in the story? How does his perception of Ausable
change?
5. How does Ausable’s quick thinking and cleverness help him outwit Max?
6. What is the role of the imaginary balcony in the story? How does it influence the
outcome?
7. Discuss the theme of appearances versus reality as depicted in "The Midnight
Visitor."
8. Analyze the character of Max. What does his interaction with Ausable reveal about
him?
9. How does the author use suspense and surprise to engage the reader in "The
Midnight Visitor"?
10. What is the significance of the title "The Midnight Visitor"?
11. How does the ending of the story reflect Ausable's intelligence and resourcefulness?
12. Discuss the use of irony in the story. How does it enhance the overall impact?
 13. How does Robert Arthur develop the theme of deception in "The Midnight
Visitor"?
14. What lessons can be learned from Ausable's handling of the dangerous situation?
15. Compare and contrast the characters of Ausable and Max. How do their
personalities and actions drive the plot of the story?

From "A Question of Trust":

1. Describe the character of Horace Danby. What makes him different from a typical
thief?
2. Why does Horace Danby commit thefts despite being a respectable citizen?
3. How does the woman trick Horace Danby? What does this reveal about her
character?
4. Discuss the theme of trust in the story. How is trust exploited by the characters?
5. What internal conflict does Horace face during the theft at Shotover Grange?
6. Analyze the role of deception in the story. How do the characters use deception to
achieve their goals?
7. What does the story suggest about appearances and reality? How do the characters'
appearances influence their actions and the outcome?
8. How does Horace Danby’s meticulous planning contribute to both his success and
his downfall?
9. Discuss the significance of the title "A Question of Trust." How does it reflect the
central theme of the story?
10. What lesson does Horace Danby learn by the end of the story? How might this
experience change him?
11. How does Victor Canning use irony to enhance the story? Provide examples.
12. Describe the setting of the story. How does the author use the setting to build
suspense?
13. What role does the woman play in the story? How does her character drive the plot?
14. Discuss the ending of the story. How does it tie back to the central theme of trust?
15. How does Horace Danby’s expertise in lock-picking and security systems affect his
interactions with the woman?

From "Footprints Without Feet":

1. Describe the circumstances that led Griffin to become invisible.

2. How does Griffin's invisibility affect his behavior and interactions with others?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages Griffin experiences due to his
invisibility?
4. How does Griffin’s invisibility create problems for him? Provide examples from the
story.
5. Discuss the ethical implications of Griffin’s actions while he is invisible.
6. What role does fear play in the story? How do the townspeople react to Griffin’s
invisibility?
7. Analyze the character of Griffin. What are his motivations and how do they
influence his actions?
 8. How does the author use suspense and tension to engage the reader?
9. Discuss the significance of the title "Footprints Without Feet." How does it relate to
the story’s plot?
10. What moral lessons can be drawn from Griffin’s story?

From "The Making of a Scientist":

1. Describe Richard Ebright’s early life and his interest in science.

2. What role did Ebright’s mother play in fostering his interest in science?
3. How did Ebright’s project on butterflies lead to significant scientific discoveries?
4. Discuss the importance of curiosity and perseverance in Ebright’s journey as a
scientist.
5. What qualities does Ebright possess that make him a successful scientist?
6. How did Ebright’s participation in the county science fair influence his career?
7. What lessons does the story convey about the process of scientific inquiry and
discovery?
8. Discuss the role of mentorship in Ebright’s development as a scientist.
9. How does the author portray the challenges and rewards of a career in science?
10. What message does "The Making of a Scientist" convey to young readers about
pursuing their passions?

From "The Necklace":

1. Describe Madame Loisel’s character. What are her dreams and desires?
2. How does Madame Loisel’s dissatisfaction with her life lead to her downfall?
3. Discuss the significance of the necklace in the story. What does it symbolize?
4. How do the Loisels' lives change after they lose the necklace?
5. Analyze the theme of pride and vanity in "The Necklace." How do these traits affect
the characters?
6. What is the role of irony in the story? How does it enhance the overall impact?
7. Discuss the ending of the story. What is the significance of the revelation about the
necklace?
8. How does the author use contrast to highlight Madame Loisel’s transformation
throughout the story?
9. What lessons can be learned from the Loisels’ experience with the necklace?
10. How does Guy de Maupassant depict the societal values and expectations of the time
in "The Necklace"?

From "Bholi":

1. Describe Bholi's character at the beginning of the story. How is she different from
her siblings?
2. What challenges does Bholi face in her early life?
3. How does Bholi’s teacher play a pivotal role in transforming her life?
4. Discuss the significance of education in Bholi's life. How does it change her?
5. How does Bholi’s family treat her, and why?
 6. Analyze the theme of social stigmas and their impact on Bholi's life.
7. What is the significance of Bholi’s refusal to marry Bishamber?
8. Discuss the transformation in Bholi's character from the beginning to the end of the
story.
9. How does the author highlight the importance of self-respect and dignity through
Bholi’s actions?
10. What lessons can be learned from Bholi’s story about the value of education and
self-worth?

From "The Book That Saved the Earth":

1. Describe the initial misunderstanding between the Martians and the humans in
"The Book That Saved the Earth."
2. Who is Think-Tank, and what role does he play in the story?
3. How do the Martians misinterpret the contents of the book "Mother Goose"?
4. Discuss the use of humor in "The Book That Saved the Earth." How does it enhance
the story?
5. What is the significance of the book "Mother Goose" in the Martians’ plans to
invade Earth?
6. How do the characters of Oop, Omega, and Iota contribute to the plot of the story?
7. Analyze the theme of knowledge versus ignorance in "The Book That Saved the
Earth."
8. What message does the author convey about the power of literature and books?
9. Discuss the ending of the story. How is the Earth saved from the Martian invasion?
10. How does the story highlight the importance of understanding and communication
between different cultures?