'A Bicycle in Good Repair' — Practice

Question 1

Describe how the narrator's 'help' turned into a disaster.

Accepted Answer

The friend only wanted to tighten a nut and went to find the right tool. While he was away, the narrator 'helped' by loosening nuts, removing bolts, taking off the chain, and dismantling the wheels until parts were spread all over the ground. When the friend returned, the bicycle was completely taken apart and could not be put back together -- it was now beyond repair.

Question 2

What makes the story humorous? Explain with examples.

Accepted Answer

The humour comes from exaggeration (the whole bicycle is dismantled), irony (the 'help' destroys the bicycle), understatement (the narrator thinks he has been helpful), and the friend's growing horror and frustration. The situation becomes more ridiculous at every step.

Question 3

What happened to the bicycle at the end of the story?

Accepted Answer

The bicycle was completely taken apart and could not be reassembled -- it was left totally unusable, in worse condition than before.

Question 4

What lesson does the story teach about helping others?

Accepted Answer

It teaches that good intentions are not enough -- one should not try to fix something one does not understand, as overconfidence and lack of skill can turn help into harm.

Practice — 'A Bicycle in Good Repair'

Sign in to save attempts to your dashboard and track your accuracy over time

Find a verified tutor

Join a live course

Browse coaching centres

About

Categories

Support

Documentation

Get Study Tips & Updates

Download Our App

Download for iOS

Download for Android

Popular Cities