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Read the extract and answer the following questions-
Extract:
I didn’t jump. I didn’t tremble. I didn’t cry out. There was no time to do any such thing. The snake slithered along my shoulder and coiled around my left arm above the elbow. The hood was spread out and its head was hardly three or four inches from my face! It would not be correct to say merely that I sat there holding my breath. I was turned to stone. But my mind was very active. The door opened into darkness. The room was surrounded by darkness. In the light of the lamp I sat there like a stone image in the flesh.
(The Snake and the Mirror)
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Question (i)
Which of the following is NOT a synonym for the word "slithered" in the given context?
- (a) Glided
- (b) Crawled
- (c) Crept
- (d) Hopped
Answer:
Answer as written by the student:
(d) Hopped
Step-by-Step explanation of the answer:
- A synonym is a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word.
- In the given context, the word "slithered" means to move smoothly over a surface with a twisting or oscillating motion, like a snake does.
- The words "glided", "crawled", and "crept" are synonyms for "slithered" because they also mean to move smoothly or stealthily over a surface.
- The word "hopped" is not a synonym for "slithered" because it means to move by jumping on one foot or with both feet together, like a rabbit does.
- Therefore, the correct answer is D. Hopped.🐍
Question (ii)
Why is it fair to say that the narrator's tone, when he says "It would not be correct to say merely that I sat there holding my breath", is hyperbolic and dramatic? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer:
Answer as written by the student:
The narrator's tone is hyperbolic and dramatic because he uses exaggeration and emphasis to describe his reaction to the snake.
Step-by-Step explanation of the answer:
- Hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses extreme exaggeration to make a point or show contrast.
- Drama is a mode of expression that uses emotion and suspense to create an effect on the audience.
- The narrator uses hyperbole when he says " It would not be correct to say merely that I sat there holding my breath ". He implies that his reaction was more than just holding his breath, but something extraordinary and intense.
- The narrator also uses drama when he contrasts his physical state of being turned to stone with his mental state of being very active. He creates a sense of suspense and tension by describing the darkness and the closeness of the snake's head.
- Therefore, it is fair to say that the narrator's tone is hyperbolic and dramatic because he uses exaggeration and emphasis to describe his reaction to the snake.😱
Question (iii)
Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the extract.
- (a) A flashback is a scene that interrupts the present action of a story to show an event that happened earlier in time.
- (b) A cliffhanger is a device that leaves the reader in suspense at the end of a chapter or a section, by creating a situation of uncertainty or danger.
- (c) A foreshadowing is a hint or a clue that suggests what will happen later in the story, often creating a sense of anticipation or dread.
Answer:
Answer as written by the student:
A cliffhanger is a device that leaves the reader in suspense at the end of a chapter or a section, by creating a situation of uncertainty or danger.
Step-by-Step explanation of the answer:
- A flashback is not correct because the extract does not interrupt the present action of the story to show an event that happened earlier in time. It shows what is happening in the present moment.
- A foreshadowing is not correct because the extract does not give any hint or clue that suggests what will happen later in the story. It shows what is happening in the present moment.
- A cliffhanger is correct because the extract leaves the reader in suspense at the end of a section, by creating a situation of uncertainty or danger. The reader does not know what will happen next between the narrator and the snake, or how he will escape from this predicament.
- Therefore, the correct answer is B. A cliffhanger.😲
Question (iv)
If an actor were to enact this extract, what would he be required to focus on, while using his facial expressions?
Answer:
Answer as written by the student:
An actor would be required to focus on showing fear, shock, and helplessness while using his facial expressions.
Step-by-Step explanation of the answer:
- An actor is someone who performs a role in a play, movie, or other form of entertainment.
- Facial expressions are movements or gestures of the face that convey emotions or feelings.
- In order to enact this extract effectively, an actor would have to use his facial expressions to show how he feels when he sees the snake on his arm and near his face.
- Some possible facial expressions that an actor could use are:
- Widening his eyes to show fear and shock
- Opening his mouth slightly to show surprise and disbelief
- Clenching his teeth or biting his lip to show tension and pain
- Frowning or wrinkling his forehead to show worry and confusion
- Looking away or closing his eyes to show avoidance or resignation
- Therefore, an actor would be required to focus on showing fear, shock, and helplessness while using his facial expressions.😨
