What is the main idea of the story?

Sharing figs helps Lila recognize and deepen a quiet everyday friendship with Arun. (The absence, shared fruit, visit, and final conversation turn a routine greeting into acknowledged friendship.)

Why does Lila save one fig?

She wants to return kindness to Mr. Arun when she visits him. (Her choice leads directly to knocking on his door after school.)

What does “ripe” mean?

ready to eat (The figs are offered for sharing as food, so ripe means ready to eat.)

Why is Mr. Arun resting?

His knee needs rest. (His note directly explains that his knee needs rest.)

The Bench Beneath the Fig Tree: Level 1 Reading Comprehension Questions

Each morning, Mr. Arun sat on the bench beneath the fig tree. Lila passed him on her walk to school. They waved but never spoke.

One Monday, the bench was empty. A small paper bag rested there. Inside were three ripe figs and a note: “Please share these. My knee needs rest.”

Lila gave one fig to the crossing guard and one to a new student. She saved the last for Mr. Arun. After school, she knocked on his door.

On Friday, Mr. Arun returned to the bench with a cane. Lila sat beside him. The empty place had taught her that a daily wave was already a small friendship. A bag of figs gave them the reason to say it aloud.

Comprehension questions