6.2 Poems

 POEMS

Three questions are asked based on a short poem. They carry 2 marks each. Most of the questions are straightforward, but the language of the questions may be different from the poet's expressions. Sometimes a question is asked about the theme or message of the poem.

 Sample Question

 1. Read the following poem and answer the questions. Choose the correct option for each question :

If you can bear to see the truth you've spoken, Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stop to build 'em up with worn out tools. If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue. Or walk with Kings ... nor lose the common touch. If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you. If all men count with you, but none too much, If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And which is more you'll be a man, my son !

  1. State the relation between the speaker and the listener of the poem.

      (1) Principal and Pupils   (2) Teacher and Students   (3) Father and Son  (4) Mother and Daughter

   Explanation : In the last line, the word 'son' is mentioned. The speaker is talking to a single young man. Hence option (3) is the answer.

    2. The poem tries to give us .......

     (1) a sermon on religion

(2) a note about earning money

  (3) advice about how to live well

(4) a teaching of a teacher

Explanation : The poet advises the young man how to live well. Hence option (3) is the answer.

3. Who makes a trap for fools ?

(1) knaves    (2) the hunter    (3) the father    (4) friends

Explanation : In the second line of the poem it is mentioned that knaves make a trap for fools. Hence option (1) is the answer.