Summary From A Triumph of Surgery
The passage describes a scenario in which a veterinarian named Mr. Herriot is treating a dog named Tricki, who has become overweight and lethargic due to overfeeding and lack of exercise. Despite initial resistance from Tricki’s owner, Mrs. Pumphrey, Mr. Herriot insists that Tricki be hospitalized for observation and placed on a strict diet and exercise regimen. The passage ends with Tricki being admitted to the veterinary surgery, where he is initially unresponsive and ignored by the other dogs. Mr. Herriot plans to keep Tricki on a fast for two days before starting him on a new diet and exercise program.
Summary in 300 Words(A Triumph of Surgery)
The passage is about a veterinarian named Mr. Herriot treating a dog named Tricki, who has become overweight and lethargic due to overfeeding and lack of exercise. The dog’s owner, Mrs. Pumphrey, has been giving Tricki extra food to build him up and has been reluctant to cut down on sweet treats. Mr. Herriot is worried about Tricki’s condition and insists that the dog be hospitalized for observation and placed on a strict diet and exercise regimen. However, Mrs. Pumphrey is resistant to the idea, fearing that Tricki will pine and die without her daily presence. Despite her protests, Mr. Herriot takes Tricki to the veterinary surgery, where he is initially unresponsive and ignored by the other dogs. Mr. Herriot’s plan is to keep Tricki on a fast for two days before starting him on a new diet and exercise program. The passage ends with Tricki being admitted to the veterinary surgery, and Mr. Herriot expressing his determination to save the dog’s life. The passage highlights the importance of proper diet and exercise for animals and the difficulty in convincing pet owners to make necessary changes for the well-being of their pets. It also showcases the veterinarian’s care and determination to help the animal in need.
Prose Passage-01 (A Triumph of Surgery)
I WAS really worried about Tricki this time. I had pulled up my car when I saw him in the street with his mistress and I was shocked at his appearance. He had become hugely fat, like a bloated sausage with a leg at each corner. His eyes, bloodshot and rheumy, stared straight ahead and his tongue lolled from his jaws. Mrs. Pumphrey hastened to explain, “He was so listless, Mr. Herriot. He seemed to have no energy. I thought he must be suffering from malnutrition, so I have been giving him some little extras between meals to build him up, some malt and cod liver oil, and a bowl of Horlicks at night to make him sleep — nothing much really.” “And did you cut down on the sweet things as I told you?” “Oh, I did for a bit, but he seemed to be so weak I had to relent. He does love cream cakes and chocolates so. I can’t bear to refuse him.” I looked down again at the little dog. That was the trouble. Tricki’s only fault was greed. He had never been known to refuse food; he would tackle a meal at any hour of the day or night. And I wondered about all the things Mrs. Pumphrey hadn’t mentioned. “Are you giving him plenty of exercises?” “Well, he has his little walks with me as you can see, but Hodgkin, the gardener, has been down with lumbago, so there has been no ring-throwing lately.”
I tried to sound severe: “Now I really mean this. If you don’t cut his food right down and give him more exercise he is going to be really ill. You must harden your heart and keep him on a very strict diet.” Mrs. Pumphrey wrung her hands. “Oh, I will, Mr. Herriot. I’m sure you are right, but it is so difficult, so very difficult.”
Multiple Choice Questions:
1.Question. What is the name of the veterinarian in the passage?
A. Mr. Herriot
B. Mr. Pumphrey
C. Mr. Hodgkin
D. Mr. Tricki
Answer, A
2.Question. How does Tricki’s appearance make Mr. Herriot feel?
A. Excited
B. Happy
C. Worried
D. Confused
Answer, C
3.Question. Why has Mrs. Pumphrey been giving Tricki extra food?
A. To build him up
B. To make him sleep
C. To make him happy
D. To make him strong
Answer, A
4.Question. What is Tricki’s only fault according to the passage?
A. Refusing food
B. Being lazy
C. Being greedy
D. Being weak
Answer, C
5.Question. How does Mrs. Pumphrey feel about Tricki’s treatment plan?
A. Excited
B. Happy
C. Worried
D. Difficult
Answers: D
Passage-02(A Triumph of Surgery)
The entire staff was roused and maids rushed in and out bringing his day bed, his night bed, favorite cushions, toys and rubber rings, breakfast bowl, lunch bowl, supper bowl. Realizing that my car would never hold all the stuff, I started to drive away. As I moved off, Mrs. Pumphrey, with a despairing cry, threw an armful of the little coats through the window. I looked in the mirror before I turned the corner of the drive; everybody was in tears. Out on the road, I glanced down at the pathetic little animal gasping on the seat by my side. I patted the head and Tricki made a brave effort to wag his tail. “Poor old lad,” I said. “You haven’t a kick in you but I think I know a cure for you.”
At the surgery, the household dogs surged around me. Tricki looked down at the noisy pack with dull eyes and, when put down, lay motionless on the carpet. The other dogs, after sniffing around him for a few seconds, decided he was an uninteresting object and ignored him. I made up a bed for him in a warm loose box next to the one where the other dogs slept. For two days I kept an eye on him, giving him no food but plenty of water. At the end of the second day, he started to show a little interest in his surroundings and by the end of the week, he was sitting up and wagging his tail.
Multiple Choice Questions:
1.Question. What does Mrs. Pumphrey throw out of the car window as Mr. Herriot is leaving?
A. Tricki’s food
B. Tricki’s toys
C. Tricki’s coats
D. Tricki’s bed
Answer, C
2.Question. How does Tricki respond to Mr. Herriot’s touch when they are in the car?
A. Tricki wags his tail
B. Tricki barks
C. Tricki bites
D. Tricki ignores
Answer. A
3.Question. How does Mr. Herriot treat Tricki when he first arrives at the surgery?
A. He gives him food
B. He gives him water
C. He gives him medicine
D. He gives him no food
Answer. B
4.Question. What happens to Tricki at the end of the second day of observation?
A. He starts to eat again
B. He starts to walk
C. He starts to show interest in his surroundings
D. He starts to bark
Answer. C
5.Question. How does Tricki respond to the other dogs at the surgery?
A. He wags his tail
B. He barks
C. He ignores them
D. He bites them
Answer: C
Prose Passage-03(A Triumph of Surgery)
After a week of strict diet and exercise, Tricki’s health began to improve. He started to have more energy and his appetite returned. I was pleased to see him playfully chasing after the other dogs in the surgery. I could see the change in his physical appearance as well, he was no longer bloated and his eyes were no longer bloodshot. Mrs. Pumphrey came to visit him every day and was overjoyed to see the improvement in her beloved pet. She promised me that she would continue to take care of Tricki’s diet and exercise and not fall into the same mistake again.
Multiple Choice Questions:
1.Question.How does Tricki’s health improve after a week of strict diet and exercise?
A. Tricki’s eyes become bloodshot
B. Tricki’s appetite returns
C. Tricki’s physical appearance worsens
D. Tricki’s energy decreases
Answer. B
2.Question. How does Tricki interact with other dogs in the surgery after a week?
A. He ignores them
B. He fights with them
C. He chases them playfully
D. He barks at them
Answer. C
3.Question. How does Tricki’s physical appearance change after a week?
A. He becomes bloated
B. His eyes become bloodshot
C. He becomes leaner
D. He becomes more lethargic
Answer. C
4.Question. How does Mrs. Pumphrey react when she sees the improvement in Tricki’s health?
A. She is indifferent
B. She is sad
C. She is overjoyed
D. She is angry
Answer. C
5.Question. What promise does Mrs. Pumphrey make to Mr. Herriot?
A. She promises not to feed Tricki sweets
B. She promises to give Tricki more exercise
C. She promises to continue to take care of Tricki’s diet and exercise
D. She promises to not take Tricki to the vet again
Answer: C
Questions And Answers From “A Triumph of Surgery”
Q1 Why is Mrs. Pumphrey worried about Tricki?
Answer, Mrs. Pumphrey is worried about Tricki because he has become overweight and lethargic due to overfeeding and lack of exercise.
Q2 What does she do to help him? Is she wise in this?
Answer, Mrs. Pumphrey tries to help Tricki by giving him extra food and supplements to build him up and by giving him sweet treats. However, this is not wise as it ultimately contributes to Tricki’s poor health.
Q3 Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story?
Answer, ‘I’ refers to the veterinarian, Mr. Herriot.
Q4 Is the narrator as rich as Tricki’s mistress?
Answer, It is not specified in the passage whether or not the narrator is as rich as Tricki’s mistress.
Q5 How does he treat the dog?
Answer, The narrator, Mr. Herriot, is concerned about Tricki’s health and insists that the dog be hospitalized for observation and placed on a strict diet and exercise regimen to improve his condition.
Q6 Why is he tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest?
Answer, It is not specified in the passage that the narrator is tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest.
Q7 Why does Mrs Pumphrey think the dog’s recovery is “a triumph of surgery”?
Answer, Mrs. Pumphrey thinks Tricki’s recovery is “a triumph of surgery” because of the veterinarian’s (Mr. Herriot) skill and dedication in treating Tricki’s condition and bringing him back to health.
Question and Answer in 30 word (A Triumph of Surgery)
1.Q. What kind of a person do you think the narrator, a veterinary surgeon, is? Would you say he is tactful as well as full of common sense?
Answer. Based on the passage, the narrator, a veterinary surgeon, seems to be a caring and dedicated professional. He is concerned about Tricki’s health and takes a firm approach to ensure that the dog receives the proper treatment. He is also tactful when dealing with Mrs. Pumphrey and her concerns for Tricki. He is full of common sense as he knows the right approach to treat the dog and he also makes sure that Mrs Pumphrey is aware of her mistakes and the importance of diet and exercise.
2.Q. Do you think Tricki was happy to go home? What do you think will happen now?
Answer. It is not specified in the passage if Tricki was happy to go home or not, but it is likely that he was content with the improved health and care provided by the veterinary surgeon. It is likely that Mrs. Pumphrey will continue to take care of Tricki’s diet and exercise to maintain his health.
3.Q. Do you think this is a real-life episode, or mere fiction? Or is it a mixture of both?
Answer. It is not specified in the passage if this is a real-life episode or mere fiction. It is possible that it could be a mixture of both, as it could be based on real-life experiences but also contain fictional elements.
4.Q. This episode describes the silly behaviour of a rich woman who is foolishly indulgent, perhaps because she is lonely. Do you think such people are merely silly, or can their actions cause harm to others?
Answer. The behavior of Mrs. Pumphrey in this episode is foolish and indulgent, and it is clear that her actions have caused harm to Tricki’s health. While such people may be silly, their actions can have negative consequences on others, in this case, Tricki’s health.
5.Q. Do you think there are also parents like Mrs Pumphrey?
Answer. There may be some parents who are like Mrs. Pumphrey, who are overly indulgent and may not prioritize the well-being of their children or pets.
6.Q. What would you have done if you were: (i) a member of the staff in Mrs Pumphrey’s household, (ii) a neighbour? What would your life have been like, in general?
Answer. If I were a member of the staff in Mrs. Pumphrey’s household, I would have likely tried to educate her about the importance of proper diet and exercise for Tricki, and expressed my concerns about his health. If I were a neighbor, I would have likely noticed Tricki’s poor condition and may have expressed my concerns to Mrs. Pumphrey or contacted a veterinarian for help. In general, my life would likely have been similar, but with the added concern for Tricki’s well-being.
7.Q. What would you have done if you were in the narrator’s place?
Answer. If I were in the narrator’s place, I would have likely taken a similar approach to treating Tricki’s condition and ensuring that he receives proper care and diet. I would also have likely been firm with Mrs. Pumphrey about the importance of Tricki’s diet and exercise, and may have even suggested hospitalizing Tricki for observation to ensure that he receives the proper treatment. Additionally, I would have likely followed up with Mrs. Pumphrey to ensure that she is maintaining Tricki’s diet and exercise regimen.
Multiple choice questions based on the text:
1.Question. What does Mrs. Pumphrey think is the cause of Tricki’s poor health?
A. Malnutrition
B. Lumbago
C. Overfeeding
D. Lack of exercise
Answer, A. Malnutrition
2.Question. What does Mr. Herriot suggest as a solution for Tricki’s poor health?
A. Giving him more sweets
B. Hospitalizing him for observation
C. Giving him more exercise
D. Giving him more food
Answer, B. Hospitalizing him for observation
3.Question. What does Mrs. Pumphrey throw out of the car window as Mr. Herriot is leaving?
A. Tricki’s food
B. Tricki’s toys
C. Tricki’s coats
D. Tricki’s bed
Answer,
4.Question. How does Mr. Herriot treat Tricki when he first arrives at the surgery?
A. He gives him food
B. He gives him water
C. He gives him medicine
D. He gives him no food
Answer, D. He gives him no food
5.Question. What happens to Tricki at the end of the second day of observation?
A. He starts to eat again
B. He starts to walk
C. He starts to show interest in his surroundings
D. He starts to bark
Answer. A. He starts to eat again
6.Question. How does Tricki respond to the other dogs at the surgery?
A. He wags his tail
B. He barks
C. He ignores them
D. He bites them
Answer, C. He ignores them
7.Question. How does Tricki’s health improve after a week of strict diet and exercise?
A. Tricki’s eyes become bloodshot
B. Tricki’s appetite returns
C. Tricki’s physical appearance worsens
D. Tricki’s energy decreases
Answer. C. Tricki’s physical appearance worsens
8.Question. How does Tricki interact with other dogs in the surgery after a week?
A. He ignores them
B. He fights with them
C. He chases them playfully
D. He barks at them
Answer, C. He chases them playfully
9.Question. How does Tricki’s physical appearance change after a week?
A. He becomes bloated
B. His eyes become bloodshot
C. He becomes leaner
D. He becomes more lethargic
Answer. C. He becomes leaner
10.Question. How does Mrs. Pumphrey react when she sees the improvement in Tricki’s health?
A. She is indifferent
B. She is sad
C. She is overjoyed
D. She is angry
Answer, C. She is overjoyed
11.Question. What promise does Mrs. Pumphrey make to Mr. Herriot?
A. She promises not to feed Tricki sweets
B. She promises to give Tricki more exercise
C. She promises to continue to take care of Tricki’s diet and exercise
D. She promises to not take Tricki to the vet again
Answer, C. She promises to continue to take care of Tricki’s diet and exercise
12.Question. Why is Mrs. Pumphrey worried about Tricki?
A. He’s lost too much weight
B. He’s become too thin
C. He’s become too fat
D. He’s become too weak
Answer, C. He’s become too fat
13.Question.What does Mr. Herriot pat?
A. Tricki’s head
B. Tricki’s tail
C. Tricki’s ears
D. Tricki’s nose
Answer,A. Tricki’s head
14.Question. What does Tricki do when Mr. Herriot pats his head?
A. He wags his tail
B. He barks
C. He licks Mr. Herriot’s hand
D. He makes a brave effort to wag his tail
Answer, D. He makes a brave effort to wag his tail
15.Question. What is Tricki’s only fault?
A. Being too lazy
B. Being too aggressive
C. Being too greedy
D. Being too timid
Answer, C. Being too greedy
16.Question. How does Tricki’s mistress try to help him?
A. By giving him extra food and supplements
B. By giving him more exercise
C. By giving him more sweets
D. By giving him more water
Answer, A. By giving him extra food and supplements
17.Question. What does Mr. Herriot suggest for Tricki’s health?
A. To give him more sweets
B. To hospitalize him for observation
C. To give him more food
D. To give him more exercise
Answer. B. To hospitalize him for observation
18.Question. How does Tricki’s mistress react when Mr. Herriot suggests hospitalization?
A. She is indifferent
B. She is sad
C. She is overjoyed
D. She is distraught
Answer, D. She is distraught
19.Question. What does Tricki’s mistress do when Mr. Herriot is leaving with Tricki?
A. She throws his food out of the car window
B. She throws his toys out of the car window
C. She throws his coats out of the car window
D. She throws his bed out of the car window
Answer, C. She throws his coats out of the car window
20.Question. How does Tricki spend his time when he first arrives at the surgery?
A. Playing with the other dogs
B. Eating
C. Lying on a rug, panting
D. Going for walks
Answer, C. Lying on a rug, panting
21.Question. How does Mr. Herriot treat Tricki when he first arrives at the surgery?
A. He gives him food
B. He gives him water
C. He gives him medicine
D. He gives him no food
Answer, D. He gives him no food
22.Question. What does Mr. Herriot say when he sees Tricki’s poor condition?
A. “Poor old lad, you’re going to be really ill.”
B. “Poor old lad, you’re going to be really healthy.”
C. “Poor old lad, you’re going to be really happy.”
D. “Poor old lad, you’re going to be really sad.”
Answer, A. “Poor old lad, you’re going to be really ill.”
23.Question. What does Mr. Herriot think about Tricki’s mistress?
A. He thinks she’s wise
B. He thinks she’s foolish
C. He thinks she’s kind
D. He thinks she’s unkind
Answer, B. He thinks she’s foolish
24.Question. What does Mr. Herriot think about Tricki’s mistress’s behavior?
A. He thinks it’s helpful
B. He thinks it’s harmful
C. He thinks it’s silly
D. He thinks it’s indulgent
Answer, B. He thinks it’s harmful
25.Question. What does Mr. Herriot think about Tricki’s condition when he first sees him?
A. He thinks Tricki is suffering from malnutrition
B. He thinks Tricki is suffering from a disease
C. He thinks Tricki is suffering from overfeeding and lack of exercise
D. He thinks Tricki is suffering from a genetic disorder
Answer, C. He thinks Tricki is suffering from overfeeding and lack of exercise
25.Question. How does Mr. Herriot feel when he sees Tricki’s poor condition?
A. Indifferent
B. Sad
C. Overjoyed
D. Shocked
Answer, D. Shocked
26.Question. What does Mr. Herriot think will happen to Tricki if he doesn’t receive proper treatment?
A. He will recover quickly
B. He will recover slowly
C. He will die
D. He will recover but with some permanent damages
Answer, C. He will die
27.Question. How does Mr. Herriot feel about Tricki’s mistress?
A. He feels pity for her
B. He feels anger towards her
C. He feels sorry for her
D. He feels indifferent towards her
Answer,
28.Question. What does Mr. Herriot want to do with Tricki?
A. Give him more sweets
B. Hospitalize him for observation
C. Give him more food
D. Give him more exercise
Answer, D. Give him more exercise
29.Question. What does Mr. Herriot do when he leaves with Tricki?
A. He drives away without looking back
B. He looks back at the house
C. He stops and talks to Mrs Pumphrey
D. He turns the corner of the drive and looks in the mirror.
Answer: D. He turns the corner of the drive and looks in the mirror.
Important Vocabulary (A Triumph of Surgery)
- Veterinary – related to the medical treatment of animals.
- Surgeon – a medical practitioner who performs operations.
- Mistress – a woman who is having a sexual relationship with a married man.
- Bloated – swollen with an excessive amount of fluid.
- Rheumy – having watery, red eyes, typically as a result of infection or old age.
- Lolls – hangs or droops limply.
- Malt – a cereal grain that is sprouted and then dried, used to make beer and whisky.
- Cod-liver oil – an oil obtained from the livers of cod and other fish, used as a dietary supplement.
- Horlick – a malted milk drink.
- Regime – a system of government or management.
- Tottering – walking unsteadily, as if about to fall.
- Tweed – a rough woolen fabric, typically in a check or herringbone pattern.
- Harness – a set of straps or other devices for holding something in place or securing it to something else.
- Totters – walks unsteadily
- Wardrobe – a set of clothes or costumes for a particular purpose or occasion.
- Drooping – hanging or bending down limply.
- Harnessed – secured to something
- Totter -walk unsteadily
19. Disheartened – feeling sad and without hope
- Pining – feeling homesick or longing for something or someone
- Observation – the process of carefully watching or studying something or someone
- Pathetic – evoking feelings of pity or sadness
- Pack – a group of animals of the same species living together
- Observing – watching or studying something closely
- Regimen – a set of rules or guidelines for doing something
- Malnutrition – lack of proper nutrients in the diet
- Indulgent – allowing oneself to have what one desires
- Disregard – lack of attention or consideration
- Inconsiderate – not showing consideration for others
- Indulgence – the act of allowing oneself to have what one desires.