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Extract Based Questions: Poets and Pancakes | English Class 12 PDF Download

Read the extract and answer the following questions.
Extract:
In those days I worked in a cubicle, two whole sides of which were French windows. (I didn’t know at that time they were called French windows.) Seeing me sitting at my desk tearing up newspapers day in and day out, most people thought I was doing next to nothing. It is likely that the Boss thought likewise too. So anyone who felt I should be given some occupation would barge into my cubicle and deliver an extended lecture. The ‘boy’ in the makeup department had decided I should be enlightened on how great literary talent was being allowed to go waste in a department fit only for barbers and perverts. Soon I was praying for crowdshooting all the time. Nothing short of it could save me from his epics
(Poets and pancakes)

Question (i) List any two sensory details present in this extract.
Ans: 
Two possible sensory details present in this extract are:

  • The sight of the cubicle with two sides of French windows
  • The sound of the 'boy' in the makeup department delivering an extended lecture

Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to identify two details from the extract that appeal to one or more of the five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch. Sensory details help the reader to imagine and understand the situation better. In this extract, one possible sensory detail is the sight of the cubicle with two sides of French windows, which shows the appearance and location of the narrator's workplace. Another possible sensory detail is the sound of the 'boy' in the makeup department delivering an extended lecture, which shows the annoyance and boredom of the narrator who had to listen to his epics. Therefore, these are two possible sensory details present in this extract.

Question (ii) What was the narrator's job in the studio?
(a) Tearing up newspapers
(b) Writing scripts
(c) Editing films
(d) Shooting crowds
Ans:
 (a) Tearing up newspapers
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to recall the information given in the extract about the narrator's job in the studio. The extract tells us that the narrator worked in a cubicle where he sat at his desk tearing up newspapers day in and day out. This was his job as a scriptwriter who had to cut out news items and stories from newspapers and magazines and use them as sources for his scripts. Therefore, the correct option is (a) Tearing up newspapers.

Question (iii) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The phrase "fit only for barbers and perverts" shows that ____________.
Ans:
 the 'boy' in the makeup department had a low opinion of his own department
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to find a phrase that best completes the sentence and matches the context of the extract. The phrase "fit only for barbers and perverts" shows that the 'boy' in the makeup department had a negative and contemptuous view of his own department and the people who worked there. He compared them to barbers, who cut hair, and perverts, who have abnormal or unacceptable sexual behavior. Therefore, the phrase that fits the blank is the 'boy' in the makeup department had a low opinion of his own department.

Question (iv) Explain any one possible inference that can be drawn from the line "most people thought I was doing next to nothing".
Ans: One possible inference that can be drawn from the line "most people thought I was doing next to nothing" is that the narrator's job was not appreciated or understood by others in the studio.
Step-by-step explanation:
They did not realize that tearing up newspapers was a part of his creative process as a scriptwriter, and they assumed that he was idle and unproductive. They also did not respect his privacy or space, and they barged into his cubicle to give him some occupation or lecture. Therefore, this line suggests the narrator's frustration and isolation in his workplace.

Question (v) What does the term 'epics' mean in this context?
(a) Long poems about heroic deeds
(b) Long stories about historical events
(c) Long speeches about literary talent
(d) Long films about grand themes

Ans: (c) Long speeches about literary talent
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to know the meaning of the term 'epics' in this context. Epics are usually long poems or stories that narrate the adventures and achievements of heroic or legendary figures or the history of a nation. However, in this context, the term 'epics' is used sarcastically by the narrator to refer to the long speeches that the 'boy' in the makeup department delivered to him about how great literary talent was being wasted in a department fit only for barbers and perverts. Therefore, the correct option is (c) Long speeches about literary talent.

Question (vi) Which of the following headlines best suggests the central idea of the extract?
(a) The Misunderstood Scriptwriter
(b) The Enlightened Makeup Boy
(c) The French Windows in the Cubicle
(d) The Tearing of Newspapers

Ans: (a) The Misunderstood Scriptwriter
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to identify the main theme or message of the extract. The extract focuses on how the narrator, who was a scriptwriter in the studio, was not valued or recognized by others for his work. He had to tear up newspapers as a part of his job, but most people thought he was doing next to nothing. He also had to endure the unwanted lectures and advice from the 'boy' in the makeup department, who thought that his own department was inferior and unsuitable for literary talent. The narrator felt annoyed and bored by his epics and wished for crowd shooting to save him. Therefore, the headline that best captures this idea is (a) The Misunderstood Scriptwriter.

Read the extract and answer the following questions.
Extract:

“The rat fights the tigress underwater and kills her but takes pity on the cubs and tends them lovingly — I don’t know how to do the scene,” the producer would say and Subbu would come out with four ways of the rat pouring affection on its victim’s offspring. “Good, but I am not sure it is effective enough,” the producer would say and in a minute Subbu would come out with fourteen more alternatives. Filmmaking must have been and was so easy with a man like Subbu around and if ever there was a man who gave direction and definition to Gemini Studios during its golden years, it was Subbu. Subbu had a separate identity as a poet and though he was certainly capable of more complex and higher forms, he deliberately chose to address his poetry to the masses.
(Poets and pancakes)

Question (i) List any two sensory details present in this extract.
Ans:
 Two possible sensory details present in this extract are:

  • The sight of the rat fighting the tigress underwater and tending her cubs
  • The sound of the producer and Subbu discussing the scene

Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to identify two details from the extract that appeal to one or more of the five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch. Sensory details help the reader to imagine and understand the situation better. In this extract, one possible sensory detail is the sight of the rat fighting the tigress underwater and tending her cubs, which shows the unusual and dramatic nature of the scene that the producer wanted to make. Another possible sensory detail is the sound of the producer and Subbu discussing the scene, which shows the dialogue and interaction between them. Therefore, these are two possible sensory details present in this extract.

Question (ii) What was Subbu's role in Gemini Studios?
(a) A producer
(b) A director
(c) A scriptwriter
(d) A poet
Ans:
(c) A scriptwriter
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to recall the information given in the extract about Subbu's role in Gemini Studios. The extract tells us that Subbu was a man who gave direction and definition to Gemini Studios during its golden years and that he was able to come out with various ways of doing a scene that the producer wanted to make. This implies that Subbu was a scriptwriter who wrote scripts for films and helped the producer with his creative ideas and suggestions. Therefore, the correct option is (c) A scriptwriter.

Question (iii) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The phrase "he deliberately chose to address his poetry to the masses" means ____________.

Ans: he intentionally wrote poems for the common people
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to find a phrase that best completes the sentence and matches the context of the extract. The phrase "he deliberately chose to address his poetry to the masses" means that Subbu had a purpose and a preference in writing poems for the ordinary and general public, rather than for a select or elite group. The extract tells us that Subbu had a separate identity as a poet and that he was capable of more complex and higher forms, but he decided to write poems that were simple and popular. Therefore, the phrase that fits the blank is he intentionally wrote poems for the common people.

Question (iv) Explain any one possible inference that can be drawn from the line "Filmmaking must have been and was so easy with a man like Subbu around".
Ans: 
One possible inference that can be drawn from the line "Filmmaking must have been and was so easy with a man like Subbu around" is that Subbu was a very talented and helpful person who made the process of filmmaking smooth and effortless for the producer and others in Gemini Studios.
Step-by-step explanation:
He had a knack for coming up with multiple alternatives for doing a scene, and he was always ready to assist and cooperate with the producer. He also gave direction and definition to Gemini Studios during its golden years, which shows his contribution and influence in the film industry. Therefore, this line suggests the narrator's admiration and appreciation of Subbu.

Question (v) What does the term 'golden years' mean in this context?
(a) The years when Gemini Studios made a lot of money
(b) The years when Gemini Studios produced high-quality films
(c) The years when Gemini Studios won many awards
(d) The years when Gemini Studios had many stars
Ans:
 (b) The years when Gemini Studios produced high-quality films
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to know the meaning of the term 'golden years' in this context. Golden years are usually the period of time when something or someone is at its peak or best condition. The extract tells us that Subbu gave direction and definition to Gemini Studios during its golden years, which implies that he was involved in making films that were excellent and outstanding in terms of creativity, popularity, or impact. Therefore, the correct option is (b) The years when Gemini Studios produced high-quality films.

Question (vi) Which of the following headlines best suggests the central idea of the extract?
(a) The Scene of a Rat and a Tigress
(b) The Poetry of a Scriptwriter
(c) The Talent of Subbu
(d) The Producer of Gemini Studios
Ans:
 (c) The Talent of Subbu
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to identify the main theme or message of the extract. The extract focuses on how Subbu was a talented and versatile person who worked as a scriptwriter in Gemini Studios and also as a poet who wrote for the masses. The extract shows his ability to come up with different ways of doing a scene, his contribution to Gemini Studios during its golden years, and his choice of writing poems that were simple and popular. Therefore, the headline that best captures this idea is (c) The Talent of Subbu.

Read the extract and answer the following questions.
Extract:

Gemini Studios was the favourite haunt of poets like S.D.S.Yogiar3 , Sangu Subramanyam, Krishna Sastry and Harindranath Chattopadhyaya4 . It had an excellent mess which supplied good coffee at all times of the day and for most part of the night. Those were the days when Congress rule meant Prohibition and meeting over a cup of coffee was rather satisfying entertainment. Barring the office boys and a couple of clerks, everybody else at the Studios radiated leisure, a prerequisite for poetry. Most of them wore khadi and worshipped Gandhiji but beyond that they had not the faintest appreciation for political thought of any kind. Naturally, they were all averse to the term ‘Communism’
(Poets and pancakes)

Question (i) List any two sensory details present in this extract. Ans:
Two possible sensory details present in this extract are:

  • The smell of good coffee at the mess
  • The sight of khadi clothes worn by most of the people

Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to identify two details from the extract that appeal to one or more of the five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch. Sensory details help the reader to imagine and understand the situation better. In this extract, one possible sensory detail is the smell of good coffee at the mess, which shows the availability and enjoyment of coffee at Gemini Studios. Another possible sensory detail is the sight of khadi clothes worn by most of the people, which shows their respect and admiration for Gandhiji. Therefore, these are two possible sensory details present in this extract.

Question (ii) What does Prohibition mean in this context?
(a) The ban on alcohol
(b) The ban on coffee
(c) The ban on poetry
(d) The ban on khadi
Ans:
 (a) The ban on alcohol
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to know the meaning of Prohibition in this context. Prohibition is a noun that means the action of forbidding something by law, especially alcohol. The extract tells us that those were the days when Congress rule meant Prohibition and meeting over a cup of coffee was rather satisfying entertainment. This implies that alcohol was banned under Congress rule and people had to resort to coffee as a substitute for socializing and relaxing. Therefore, the correct option is (a) The ban on alcohol.

Question (iii) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The phrase "radiated leisure" means ____________.
Ans:
 showed relaxation and ease
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to find a phrase that best completes the sentence and matches the context of the extract. The phrase "radiated leisure" means that they displayed or expressed a state of being free from work or duty and having time for enjoyment and rest. The extract tells us that barring the office boys and a couple of clerks, everybody else at the Studios radiated leisure, a prerequisite for poetry. Therefore, the phrase that fits the blank is showed relaxation and ease.

Question (iv) Explain any one possible inference that can be drawn from the line "Gemini Studios was the favourite haunt of poets".
Ans:
 One possible inference that can be drawn from the line "Gemini Studios was the favourite haunt of poets" is that Gemini Studios was a place where poets liked to visit frequently and spend their time.
Step-by-step explanation:
They found Gemini Studios to be a suitable and attractive place for their poetic pursuits and interests. They also enjoyed the company and hospitality of the people who worked there, especially Subbu, who was a poet himself. Therefore, this line suggests the popularity and appeal of Gemini Studios among poets.

Question (v) What does the term 'khadi' mean?
(a) A type of cloth made from handspun yarn
(b) A type of food made from fermented milk
(c) A type of dance performed with sticks
(d) A type of instrument played with strings
Ans: (a) A type of cloth made from handspun yarn
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to know the meaning of the term 'khadi'. Khadi is a noun that means a type of cloth or fabric that is made from handspun yarn, usually cotton or wool. The extract tells us that most of them wore khadi and worshipped Gandhiji, who promoted khadi as a symbol of self-reliance and nationalism. Therefore, the correct option is (a) A type of cloth made from handspun yarn.

Question (vi) Which of the following headlines best suggests the central idea of the extract?
(a) The Coffee and Khadi of Gemini Studios
(b) The Poets and Politics of Gemini Studios
(c) The Leisure and Poetry of Gemini Studios
(d) The Prohibition and Communism of Gemini Studios
Ans: 
(c) The Leisure and Poetry of Gemini Studios
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer this question, we need to identify the main theme or message of the extract. The extract focuses on how Gemini Studios was a place where leisure and poetry were prevalent and appreciated. The extract shows that most of the people who worked there had time for enjoyment and rest, which was a prerequisite for poetry. The extract also shows that Gemini Studios was the favourite haunt of poets who liked to visit and write there. Therefore, the headline that best captures this idea is (c) The Leisure and Poetry of Gemini Studios.

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FAQs on Extract Based Questions: Poets and Pancakes - English Class 12

1. What is the significance of the title "Poets and Pancakes"?
Ans. The title "Poets and Pancakes" refers to the contrasting worlds of creativity (poets) and everyday life (pancakes) that the article explores.
2. Who are some of the poets mentioned in the article?
Ans. Some of the poets mentioned in the article include Kamala Das, Keki N. Daruwalla, and A.K. Ramanujan.
3. How does the article discuss the relationship between poetry and society?
Ans. The article delves into how poetry reflects and interacts with society, addressing various social issues and cultural norms.
4. What is the overall tone of the article "Poets and Pancakes"?
Ans. The overall tone of the article is reflective and analytical, exploring the intersection of poetry and everyday life.
5. How does the article explore the concept of creativity in relation to poets?
Ans. The article discusses how poets navigate the challenges of creativity, inspiration, and the societal expectations placed upon them.
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