Flamingo: Poetry Section Exercise

 1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :                                     6 *1=6

Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the Earth
let's not speak in any language 
let's stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together

 (i) The poet counts up to twelve as a countdown to

                (a) lift arms.

                (b) speak in different languages.

                (c) stop all activities.

                (d) be without engines.

 (ii) The poet appeals to the people that they should

            I. keep quiet

            II. not move

            III. celebrate festivals

            IV. not hibernate

        Choose the most appropriate option :

            (a) Only II

            (b) I and II

            (c) Only I

            (d) I and IV

(iii) Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used in the third line of the extract :

    (a) lightning danced across the sky

    (b) greedy good doers

    (c) children spilling out of their homes

    (d) fight like cats and dogs

(iv) The benefits of "Keeping Quiet" include

        I. harmony

        II. non-violence

        III. brotherhood

        IV. meditation

Choose the most appropriate option :

        (a) I and II

        (b) II and IV

        (c) I, II and III

        (d) I, II, III and IV

(v) Complete the statement with reference to the extract :

        The poet suggests we will all be together when _________.

(vi)  The word "exotic" in the extract most nearly means

        (a) unique

        (b) luxurious

        (c) rich

        (d) illusive

2. Sometimes I feel myself I can hardly bear

The thought of so much childish longing in vain,

The sadness that lurks near the open window there,

That waits all day in almost open prayer.

For the squeal of brakes, the sound of a stopping car,

Of all the thousand selfish cars that pass,

Just one to inquire what a farmer’s prices are,

(i) What is the sentiment expressed in the above extract ?

   (i) remorse (ii) regret (iii) empathy (iv) disappointment (v) guilt

    Choose the correct appropriate option.

    (a) (iii) and (iv) (b) (ii) and (iii)

    (c) (iv) and (v) (d) (i) and (v)

(ii) Identify the phrase in the extract that suggests ‘innocent desires’.

(iii) The roadside stand owners pray for ______.

    (a) a relief from the heat         (b) free housing

    (c) cars stopping                      (d) benefits from pollution

(iv) Complete the following analogy correctly :

        He fought like a lion : Simile :: selfish cars : _____

(v) On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with  reference to (1) and (2) given below :

    (1) The people who have put up the roadside stand keep waiting for customers.

    (2) They become sad when someone turns up.

    (a) (1) is true, but (2) is false.        (b) (1) is false, but (2) is true.

    (c) Both (1) and (2) are true.          (d) Both (1) and (2) are false.

(vi) Fill the blank appropriately with reference to the extract.