Read the following comprehension passage carefully and then answer the question that follows by choosing the best option out of the four alternatives. Reporters and city officials gathered at a Chicago railroad station one afternoon in 1953 to welcome the winner of the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize. A very tall man, about six feet four inches, with bushy hair and a large moustache, stepped down from the train as cameras flashed and officials stretched out their hands. While many people told him how honoured they felt to meet him, the man politely thanked them and, asking to be excused for a moment, looked over their heads, walked through the crowd, and went to help an elderly Black woman who was struggling with two heavy suitcases. He picked up her bags with a smile, escorted her to a bus, helped her to get on, and wished her a safe journey. Then he returned to the reception party and said, "Sorry to have kept you waiting." Not many white people at that time would have behaved in this humble and considerate way. The man was Dr Albert Schweitzer, the famous missionary doctor who devoted his life to serving poor people in Africa. In response to this action, a member of the reception committee remarked admiringly to a reporter, "That is the first time I have ever seen a sermon walking." According to the passage, Dr Albert delighted ____.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: in helping others

Explanation:


Introduction:
This reading comprehension question is based on a short factual passage about Dr Albert Schweitzer, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and missionary doctor. The question asks what he delighted in, so you must focus carefully on his behaviour rather than on the praise that other people gave him. By interpreting his action at the railway station, you can infer what truly gave him happiness and satisfaction.


Given Data / Assumptions:
- Dr Albert Schweitzer arrives at a Chicago railway station where reporters and officials are waiting for him.
- People show great honour and respect, with cameras flashing and hands outstretched.
- He politely excuses himself and goes to help an elderly Black woman who is struggling with heavy suitcases.
- After helping her, he returns and apologises for the delay in a very humble way.
- The narrator comments that not many white people would have done this at that time.


Concept / Approach:
The key idea is that a person reveals their real character and sources of joy through actions, not through words or the honours they receive. A truly humane and service minded person finds delight in serving others. The question therefore tests your ability to read between the lines and identify what activity gave Dr Schweitzer genuine pleasure. Instead of enjoying only fame and formal respect, he chose to help someone who needed practical assistance.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Notice that Dr Schweitzer is an honoured guest and that everyone wants to meet him and praise him.Step 2: Observe that he interrupts this moment of honour and asks to be excused so that he can help an elderly Black woman with heavy luggage.Step 3: He smiles, carries her suitcases, escorts her to the bus, and wishes her a safe journey, which shows genuine concern.Step 4: He then returns to the officials and apologises for keeping them waiting, which shows humility rather than pride.Step 5: From these actions we infer that what really delights him is helping others, not simply being honoured by important people.


Verification / Alternative check:
If Dr Schweitzer delighted mainly in being honoured, he would have stayed with the officials and enjoyed the attention instead of leaving them to help a stranger. The fact that he willingly postponed his own moment of glory to assist a poor elderly woman confirms that service gave him deeper satisfaction. The remark about a "sermon walking" also suggests that his life of service itself was a living message of kindness and compassion.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, "in being helped by others", is incorrect because in the passage he is the one who helps the woman, not the one who receives help. Option B, "in not being honoured", is wrong, because he does not show dislike for honour; he simply does not cling to it. Option C, "in being honoured", is misleading, since he leaves the welcoming crowd, which clearly shows that honour is not his main delight. Only option D correctly captures that he delighted in helping others.


Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes focus too much on the words "Nobel Peace Prize winner" and assume that his happiness came from fame and recognition. Another common mistake is to think of the question in a very literal way and ignore the deeper implication of his action. Some may even rush through the passage and miss the crucial detail that he left the crowd to assist the elderly woman. Always look at what a person chooses to do when under no obligation, because that often reveals their true preferences and values.


Final Answer:
The passage clearly shows that Dr Albert Schweitzer found his real joy in serving others, so the correct answer is in helping others.

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