The Friendly Mongoose

A lovely animal with two shining black eyes and a bushy tail

Step 1: The story gives us a clear physical description of the mongoose. Step 2: The text says the mongoose was 'a lovely animal with two shining black eyes and a bushy tail.' Step 3: This shows the mongoose was beautiful and friendly-looking, not fierce or scary. Step 4: The other options are not supported by the text.

To the market (bazar)

Step 1: One day, the farmer's wife needed to go out. Step 2: The text clearly says she told her husband, 'I'm off to the bazar.' Step 3: 'Bazar' means market, so she went to the market to buy groceries. Step 4: The other options – neighbour's house, fields, and temple – are not mentioned in this part of the story.

Keep an eye on the baby

Step 1: Before leaving, the farmer's wife was worried about leaving the baby with the mongoose. Step 2: She asked her husband to 'Keep an eye on him,' meaning to watch over the baby. Step 3: She also said she didn't like leaving the child alone with the mongoose. Step 4: She did not ask him to feed the mongoose or lock it outside.

He went to his fields and met some friends

Step 1: The farmer was supposed to watch the baby but did not. Step 2: The story says he 'decided to go out and take a look at his fields not far away.' Step 3: He then ran into some friends on the way back and was delayed. Step 4: This irresponsible action left the baby completely alone with the mongoose. Step 5: This is a key part of the plot that leads to the tragedy.