Read the short passage about Namita from Kerala working as a governess in Dubai, and then answer this comprehension question: Which word from the given options best describes Namita's relationship with her employers in the beginning of the story, when it is said that they are nice and gentle and she has no cause to complain?

Introduction / Context:
This question is based on a reading comprehension passage about Namita, who travels from Kerala to Dubai to work as a governess for the only child of the Nair family, and about Gopal, who goes abroad to work for a construction contractor. The passage describes Namita's situation in some detail and then asks you to choose the word that best describes her relationship with her employers at the beginning, when everything appears to be fine. This tests your ability to interpret tone and implied meaning from context.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Namita comes from Kerala to Dubai to serve as a governess.
• The Nairs are described as nice and gentle.
• The passage clearly mentions that Namita has no cause to complain in the beginning.
• You are given four adjectives and must select the one that describes this early relationship accurately.

Concept / Approach:
Reading comprehension questions involving words like "cordial", "friendly", and "sympathetic" check your understanding of subtle differences in meaning. You must read the description carefully and then choose a word that captures the emotional tone and formality of the situation. The phrase "no cause to complain" indicates that the relationship is pleasant and harmonious. "Cordial" is often used to describe a polite, warm, and respectful relationship, which fits the employer employee situation described.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the exact lines from the passage: the Nairs are nice and gentle, and Namita has no cause to complain.Step 2: Understand that this means there is no conflict, mistreatment, or unhappiness in the beginning.Step 3: Compare the options and think about their meanings. "Cordial" means warm but respectful, "friendly" suggests informal closeness, "sympathetic" suggests pity, and "complaining" is negative.Step 4: Consider the social context: a governess employed by a family usually has a respectful and professional relation rather than a purely friendly one.Step 5: Conclude that "Cordial" best describes a pleasant and respectful professional relationship between Namita and her employers.

Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine a sentence: "Her relations with her employers were cordial." This sounds natural in a formal passage, especially about working abroad. If you write "Her relations with her employers were sympathetic", it suggests her employers pitied her, which is not mentioned. "Friendly" might be possible, but it often implies a more informal closeness than the passage suggests. The passage focuses on the fact that there is no reason for complaint, not necessarily on deep personal friendship. This subtlety supports choosing "Cordial".

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, "Friendly", is close in meaning but slightly less appropriate given the formal employer employee setting. The passage does not say that they are her personal friends, only that they are nice and gentle. Option C, "Sympathetic", would imply that the employers feel sorry for her or share her suffering, which is not hinted at in the text. Option D, "Complaining", clearly contradicts the statement that she has no cause to complain, so it is completely incorrect.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may rush and choose "Friendly" simply because it is a positive word they recognise, without considering the tone of the passage and the typical register of exam English. Another pitfall is ignoring the specific phrase "no cause to complain", which signals a peaceful and respectful relationship rather than emotional sympathy or casual friendship. Always match the word not only to the basic meaning but also to the situation and level of formality in the passage.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Cordial, because Namita's initial relationship with her employers is pleasant, peaceful, and respectful, with no cause for complaint, which is best captured by the word "cordial".