Wild Duck

He had a more patient and steady hand and carefully picked a single target

Step 1: The text describes the boy: 'His son slowly raised his rifle – he had a more patient and steady hand.' Step 2: Unlike his father who fired many shots (buckshot), the boy 'picked a single speck out of the mass in the sky.' Step 3: He aimed at the leader of a formation and fired once, bringing it down. Step 4: This contrast shows the boy's calm, focused approach versus the father's hurried, scattered shooting. Step 5: The correct answer highlights his patience and precision.

He felt frightened at what he had done when he touched its soft feathers

Step 1: After scooping up the duck, the text says: 'Touching its soft feathers and its thin bony neck, the boy looked frightened at what he had done.' Step 2: This is a turning point – the boy who was excited to shoot now feels the weight of his action. Step 3: Feeling the warmth and fragility of the living creature made the experience very real to him. Step 4: The other options contradict the text – there is no pride, no handing over, and no difficulty lifting it. Step 5: The correct answer shows how the boy's emotions changed dramatically.

The boy felt relieved and his tension eased when he saw the duck was alive

Step 1: This is a figurative expression – not meant to be taken literally. Step 2: Just before this, the boy was horrified, thinking he had killed the duck. Step 3: When the duck lifted its head showing it was alive, the boy 'breathed in relief.' Step 4: 'Blood flowing again' is an image of life, warmth, and energy returning – relief replacing frozen fear. Step 5: So the phrase describes the boy's emotional release when he discovered the duck had survived.

He bandaged its wing and learned to feed it

Step 1: Para 36 describes what happened at home: 'the boy bandaged the wing and learned to feed the maimed duck.' Step 2: The word 'maimed' means severely injured, and the boy took responsibility for the creature he had hurt. Step 3: He also spent hours watching it waddle in the backyard – showing genuine care and attachment. Step 4: There is no mention of a vet, a cage, or releasing it into the lake. Step 5: The correct answer shows the boy's compassion and sense of responsibility.