Practice Questions: Poem - Amanda!

Q1. The golden silence is contrasted with the __________.
(a) chaos of the street.
(b) constant instructions receive(d)
(c) sweetness of freedom.
(d) hushed, bare feet.
Ans: (b)
Explanation: The phrase contrasts peaceful, valuable silence with a steady flow of directions or remarks. The constant instructions represent noise and intrusion into quiet moments, which opposes the idea of a calm, "golden" silence.

Q2. "I pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet."
Pick the option that lists the usage of the word 'pattern', as in the line.
(a) That is a lovely pattern for a wallpaper.
(b) He decided to wear a patterned shirt to the party.
(c) Poetry is a form of pattern making.
(d) She patterned her hair after her favourite celebrity.
Ans: (d)
Explanation: In this usage, "pattern" functions as a verb meaning to form or model something in a particular way. Option (d) uses "patterned" in the sense of modelling or copying a style, which matches the verb sense shown in the line where the speaker makes or traces designs in the dust with her feet.

Q3. Which option completes the popular adage given below?
__________________ silence is gol(d)
(a) Precious are words for
(b) Speech is silver
(c) Silver is the tongue
(d) Ideas may be precious but
Ans: (b)
Explanation: The complete adage is "Speech is silver, silence is gold." It conveys that while speaking has value, choosing silence can be even more valuable or wise in many situations.

Q4. A transferred epithet is a literary device where the modifier or epithet is transferred from the noun it is meant to describe to another noun in the sentence.
Based on the given definition of 'transferred epithet', choose the option that lists an example of a transferred epithet.
(a) soft dust
(b) hushed (bare) feet
(c) freedom (is) sweet
(d) silence (is) golden
Ans: (b)
Explanation: A transferred epithet occurs when an adjective that logically belongs to one noun is applied to another. In "hushed (bare) feet," the quietness is really a quality of the atmosphere or action, yet "hushed" is placed before "feet," creating a transferred epithet that emphasises gentle, silent movement.

Q5. What does the repetition of "Amanda!" mean at the end of each line?
(a) It describes who the speaker is talking to.
(b) It represents the absent-mindedness of the listener.
(c) It shows the frustration of the speaker.
(d) It helps create a rhyme scheme.
Ans: (c)
Explanation: The repeated calling of "Amanda!" emphasises the speaker's impatience and frustration. It shows insistence and an attempt to regain Amanda's attention, making the speaker's feelings more forceful and clear to the reader.

Q6. Reference to a famous or imaginary person, animal species or thing. In the poem, the poet has used the word Mermaid and Rapunzel
Identify the figure of speech used-
(a) Assonance
(b) Allusion
(c) Alliteration
(d) Anaphora
Ans. (b)
Explanation: An allusion is a brief reference to a well-known person, place, event or story. Mentioning "Mermaid" and "Rapunzel" calls these familiar figures to mind and enriches meaning by linking Amanda's imagination to those famous characters.

Q7. Identify the poetic device in "Silence is golden."
(a) Metaphor
(b) Alliteration
(c) Assonance
(d) Simile
Ans: (a)
Explanation: "Silence is golden" compares silence to a valuable metal without using "like" or "as," which makes it a metaphor. The line suggests silence has worth, like gold.

Q8. Which of these is a synonym for 'languid'?
(a) Rapid
(b) Relaxed
(c) Sickly
(d) Humid
Ans. (b)
Explanation: "Languid" means slow, relaxed, or lacking in energy. "Relaxed" is the closest synonym among the options, as it conveys a calm, unhurried state.

Q9. How would you describe the adult's tone?
(a) Relaxed
(b) Scared
(c) Indifferent
(d) Scolding
Ans. (d)
Explanation: The adult repeatedly issues commands and corrective remarks, which creates a scolding tone. The voice feels reproachful and corrective rather than gentle or calm.

Q10. Which of these statements is not true?
(a) The adult wants Amanda to be obedient.
(b) The adult believes that Amanda isn't being nagge(d)
(c) The adult is fed up with Amanda's mood swings.
(d) The adult understands Amanda's exhaustion at being scolde(d)
Ans. (d)
Explanation: Statement (d) is not true because the adult does not show empathy for Amanda's feelings. Instead of understanding her exhaustion, the adult continues to scold and instruct, indicating a lack of emotional understanding.

Q11. Identify the adult's tone in this extract.
(a) Authoritative
(b) Innocent
(c) Dreamy
(d) Nostalgic
Ans. (a)
Explanation: The adult speaks in a commanding, directive manner and gives orders or instructions. This gives the tone an authoritative quality rather than one of innocence or reminiscence.

Q12. What does the phrase, 'the silence is golden' signify?
(a) Amanda wishes to find gold on silent streets.
(b) Amanda believes silence is golden in colour.
(c) Amanda cherishes silence as much as gol(d)
(d) Amanda wants to give gold to silent street-dwellers.
Ans. (c)
Explanation: The phrase means that silence is highly valued by Amanda. She finds peace and worth in quiet moments, suggesting that silence brings comfort and richness similar to that associated with gold.

Q13. Which of these words is a synonym for 'roaming'?
(a) Spreading
(b) Wandering
(c) Dreaming
(d) Making
Ans. (b)
Explanation: "Roaming" means moving about without a fixed course or destination. "Wandering" carries the same sense of aimless movement, so it is the correct synonym.

Q14. What can one conclude based on the poem?
(a) The adult cares about Amanda's mental health.
(b) Amanda yearns for a peaceful life.
(c) The adults love to pamper Amand(a)
(d) Amanda is obsessed with fairy-tales.
Ans. (b)
Explanation: The poem shows Amanda finding comfort in quiet activities and valuing silence. These details support the conclusion that she longs for a calm, peaceful life away from constant instructions and noise.

Q15. Sulking means-
(a) be in a bad mood
(b) be in a good mood
(c) be sleepy
(d) be in an angry mood
Ans. (a)
Explanation: "Sulking" describes a sullen, withdrawn state often caused by disappointment or displeasure. It means being in a bad or gloomy mood, possibly showing it through silence or avoidance.