Analyzing the Passage to Identify Murali

The question asks us to identify who Murali was based on the provided passage. To answer this effectively, we need to carefully read the text and locate the description of Murali.

Key Information from the Passage

Let's look at the sentences in the passage that specifically mention or describe Murali:

• "He was a vendor of sweets."
• "I speak of Murali--- the man who sold sweets."

These two sentences directly tell us what Murali did for a living.

Evaluating the Given Options

Now, let's examine the options provided and see which one best matches the information from the passage:

• Option 1: A businessman
• Option 2: A vendor of sweets
• Option 3: A job seeker
• Option 4: A student

Option Analysis

Let's analyze each option in relation to the passage:

• Option 1: A businessman

  While a vendor of sweets is a type of businessman, this description is very general. The passage gives a more specific detail about Murali's profession.

• Option 2: A vendor of sweets

  The passage explicitly states, "He was a vendor of sweets" and refers to him as "the man who sold sweets." This option directly matches the description given in the text.

• Option 3: A job seeker

  The passage describes Murali as actively working, selling sweets in front of the school and in other places. He is already doing business, not seeking a job.

• Option 4: A student

  The passage states Murali stood in front of the school to sell his sweets. This indicates he is the vendor, not a student attending the school.

Conclusion: Identifying Murali's Role

Based on the clear statements in the passage, Murali's occupation is described specifically as a vendor of sweets. Option 2 accurately reflects this description.

Therefore, the correct answer is that Murali was a vendor of sweets.

Revision Table: Understanding Character Identification

Additional Information: Reading Comprehension Tips

When answering reading comprehension questions, especially those asking about a character's identity or role, it's helpful to:

• Read the question carefully first to know what information you need to find.
• Scan the passage for keywords mentioned in the question (e.g., "Murali").
• Read the sentences surrounding the keywords closely.
• Look for explicit statements that describe the person or thing in question.
• Evaluate each option against the information you found in the passage.
• Choose the option that is most directly supported by the text.

Identifying explicit information, like Murali being a vendor of sweets, is a fundamental skill in reading comprehension.