Read the given extract and answer the questions
Extract:
The sea holiday
was her past, mine is her laughter. Both wry
with the laboured ease of loss
(A photograph)
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Question (i)
What does the word "wry" mean in this context?
- a) twisted or distorted
- b) dry or mocking
- c) sad or regretful
- d) angry or bitter
Answer:
As written by the student:
The word "wry" means dry or mocking in this context.
Step-by-step explanation of the answer:
- To answer this question, we need to look at the meaning and usage of the word "wry" in different contexts.🔎
-
According to the Oxford Learner's Dictionary,
"wry" can have two meanings:
twisted or distorted, especially as an expression of disgust, disappointment, or annoyance using or expressing dry, especially mocking, humour - We can eliminate the first meaning because it does not fit with the tone and mood of the poem. The poet is not disgusted, disappointed, or annoyed by her mother's laughter. She is nostalgic and sad.😢
- The second meaning makes more sense because it matches the theme of loss in the poem. The poet and her mother both laugh with a dry or mocking humour because they are aware of the pain and difficulty of losing someone or something. They are not genuinely happy or joyful.😐
- Therefore, the correct answer is option b) dry or mocking.
Question (ii)
State True or false
The poet and her mother share the same past.
Answer:
As written by the student:
False. The poet and her mother do not share the same past.
Step-by-step explanation of the answer:
- To answer this question, we need to look at the contrast between the poet's and her mother's pasts.🔍
- The poet says that the sea holiday was her mother's past, but hers is her mother's laughter. This means that they had different experiences and memories. The poet's mother had a happy and carefree childhood at the sea with her cousins, while the poet only has a photograph and a sound of her mother's laughter to remember her by.😔
- The poet also uses the word "mine" to show that she owns her mother's laughter, but not her past. She cannot relate to or access her mother's past, but she can cherish and preserve her mother's laughter as a part of her own identity.😊
- Therefore, the correct answer is false. The poet and her mother do not share the same past.❌
Question (iii)
Complete the sentence: The phrase "laboured ease of loss" suggests that _________.
Answer:
As written by the student:
The phrase "laboured ease of loss" suggests that the poet and her mother have learned to cope with their losses, but it is not easy or natural for them.
Step-by-step explanation of the answer:
- To answer this question, we need to analyze the meaning and effect of the phrase "laboured ease of loss".🧐
- The phrase is an oxymoron, which is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory or opposite words. An oxymoron creates a paradox or a contrast that makes us think more deeply about the idea.🤔
- The word "laboured" means something that is done with great effort or difficulty, while the word "ease" means something that is done with comfort or relaxation. The word "loss" means something that is gone or taken away.😢
- The phrase "laboured ease of loss" suggests that the poet and her mother have learned to cope with their losses, but it is not easy or natural for them. They have to work hard to accept and deal with the changes in their lives, such as the death of the poet's grandmother and the poet's mother. They try to laugh and smile, but it is forced and unnatural.😐
- Therefore, the correct answer is: The phrase "laboured ease of loss" suggests that the poet and her mother have learned to cope with their losses, but it is not easy or natural for them.✔️
Question (iv)
What is the rhyme scheme of this extract?
- a) ABC
- b) AAB
- c) ABA
- d) BAA
Answer:
As written by the student:
The rhyme scheme of this extract is (b) AAB.
Step-by-step explanation of the answer:
- To answer this question, we need to identify the rhyme scheme of the extract.🎵
- A rhyme scheme is the pattern of sounds that ends each line of a poem or a verse. To find the rhyme scheme, we assign a letter to each line that has the same sound at the end. For example, if two lines rhyme, we give them the same letter, such as A. If another line does not rhyme with them, we give it a different letter, such as B.🔤
- The extract has three lines. The first and second lines end with the words "holiday" and "wry", which rhyme with each other. Therefore, we give them the same letter, A. The third line ends with the word "loss", which does not rhyme with the other two lines. Therefore, we give it a different letter, B.🅰️🅱️
- The rhyme scheme of this extract is AAB.✔️
Question (v)
Select the option that is NOT true about the lack of punctuation at the end of line 1 in the extract.
- a) It creates a sense of continuity between the past and the present.
- b) It shows that the poet is reluctant to end her mother's memory.
- c) It indicates that the poet is confused about her feelings.
- d) It reflects the poet's breathlessness as she speaks.
Answer:
As written by the student:
The option that is NOT true about the lack of punctuation at the end of line 1 in the extract is c) It indicates that the poet is confused about her feelings.
Step-by-step explanation of the answer:
- To answer this question, we need to look at the effect of the lack of punctuation at the end of line 1 in the extract.🛑
- Punctuation is a set of marks or symbols that are used to separate sentences and clauses, and to make the meaning and tone of a text clear. The lack of punctuation can create different effects, such as ambiguity, suspense, or emotion.😮
- In this extract, the poet does not use a comma or a full stop at the end of line 1, which says "The sea holiday". This means that the line is not complete and runs into the next line, which says "was her past, mine is her laughter". This creates a sense of continuity between the past and the present, as if they are connected and overlapping. This is option a), which is true.✅
- The lack of punctuation also shows that the poet is reluctant to end her mother's memory, as if she does not want to stop talking about her or let go of her. She wants to keep her mother alive in her words and thoughts. This is option b), which is also true.✅
- The lack of punctuation also reflects the poet's breathlessness as she speaks, as if she is speaking in a hurry or with emotion. She does not pause or take a break between her sentences, but rushes to express her feelings. This is option d), which is also true.✅
- The only option that is not true is option c), which says that the lack of punctuation indicates that the poet is confused about her feelings. This is not true because the poet seems to be clear and certain about her feelings. She knows that her mother's past was different from hers, and that her mother's laughter is precious to her. She does not show any signs of confusion or doubt in her words. This is option c), which is false.❌
Question (vi)
What does the use of the word "holiday" suggest?
- a) The poet's mother enjoyed her time at the sea.
- b) The poet's mother was a carefree and adventurous person.
- c) The poet's mother had a different lifestyle than the poet.
- d) All of the above.
Answer:
As written by the student:
The use of the word "holiday" suggests (d) all of the above.
Step-by-step explanation of the answer:
- To answer this question, we need to look at the connotations and implications of the word "holiday".🏖️
- A holiday is a period of time when someone is not working or studying, and usually travels or relaxes. A holiday is usually associated with positive feelings, such as happiness, fun, and freedom.😃
- The use of the word "holiday" suggests that the poet's mother enjoyed her time at the sea, as she was smiling and having fun with her cousins. This is option a), which is true.✅
- The use of the word "holiday" also suggests that the poet's mother was a carefree and adventurous person, as she was willing to try new things and explore new places. She was not bound by any rules or responsibilities, but lived in the moment. This is option b), which is also true.✅
- The use of the word "holiday" also suggests that the poet's mother had a different lifestyle than the poet, as she had more opportunities and experiences than the poet. She was able to travel and see different parts of the world, while the poet may not have had such chances. She also lived in a different time and culture than the poet, which may have influenced her choices and values. This is option c), which is also true.✅
- Therefore, the correct answer is option d) all of the above.✔️
