English Core > Literature Class 12 > Flamingo Poetry

Read the following extracts and answer the questions: (B) If we were not so single-minded about keeping our lives moving, and for once could do nothing, perhaps a huge silence might interrupt this sadness of never understanding ourselves with death. Perhaps the Earth can teach us as when everything seems dead and later proves to be alive. Now I'll count up to twelve And you keep quiet and I will go. (Keeping Quiet)

(i) Complete the following suitably. The poet uses the expression 'single minded' to refer to ________. (1 mark) (ii) Why does the poet refer to silence as a welcoming interruption? (1 mark) (iii) Read the Assertion and the Reason below, with reference to the given extract. Assertion: The poet personifies Earth as a teacher. Reason: We learn from the Earth that pausing doesn't mean the end. Choose the correct option regarding their relationship. (1 mark) (A) Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion. (B) Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion. (C) The Assertion is true, but the Reason is false. (D) The Assertion is false, but the Reason is true. (iv) Complete the following suitably. By the expression "keeping our lives moving" the poet refers to ________. (1 mark) (v) Choose the correct option: The intention of the poet in the above extract is (1 mark) (A) to make us aware of the importance of Earth. (B) to criticize our single mindedness. (C) to highlight the reason for our sadness. (D) to highlight the importance of sustaining peace and silence. (vi) What is the significance of the last line of the extract 'you keep quiet and I will go'? (1 mark)