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Read the given extract and answer the questions:
Extract:
The little old house was out with a little new shed
In front at the edge of the road where the traffic sped,
A roadside stand that too pathetically pled,
It would not be fair to say for a dole of bread,
But for some of the money, the cash, whose flow supports
The flower of cities from sinking and withering faint.
(A Roadside Stand)
Question (i)
What is the rhyme scheme of the extract?
- (A) ABABCC
- (B) ABBAAB
- (C) AABBCC
- (D) ABCABC
Answer:
Answer written by student:
(A) ABABCC
Step-by-step explanation:
- To find the rhyme scheme of a poem, we need to look at the last words of each line and assign them letters based on their sounds. For example, if two lines end with words that rhyme, we give them the same letter. If a line ends with a word that does not rhyme with any other word, we give it a different letter.
- In this extract, the last words of the first two lines are shed and sped, which rhyme with each other. So we give them the letter A. The last words of the third and fourth lines are pled and bread, which also rhyme with each other. So we give them the letter B. The last words of the fifth and sixth lines are supports and faint, which do not rhyme with any other word. So we give them different letters, C and D.
- Therefore, the rhyme scheme of the extract is ABABCC.😊
Question (ii)
What does the use of the word pathetically suggest about the roadside stand?
- A) It is very poor and desperate
- B) It is very angry and frustrated
- C) It is very happy and cheerful
- D) It is very proud and arrogant
Answer:
Answer written by student:
(A) It is very poor and desperate
Step-by-step explanation:
- To answer this question, we need to understand the meaning and tone of the word pathetically. Pathetically means in a way that arouses pity or sadness. It has a negative connotation and implies that something is weak, helpless, or ineffective.
- In this extract, the poet uses the word pathetically to describe how the roadside stand pleads for customers. This suggests that the stand is very poor and desperate, and that it does not get much attention or business from the passing traffic. The poet sympathizes with the plight of the stand and its owners, who are struggling to make a living in a modernized world.😢
Question (iii)
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
- B) It creates a sense of urgency
- C) It creates a sense of confusion
- D) It creates a sense of contrast
Answer:
Answer written by student:
(C) It creates a sense of confusion
Step-by-step explanation:
- To answer this question, we need to analyze how punctuation affects the meaning and rhythm of a poem. Punctuation marks such as commas, periods, semicolons, etc., help to organize and clarify the ideas and emotions in a poem. They also indicate pauses and breaks in the flow of speech.
- In this extract, the poet does not use any punctuation at the end of line 1, which reads "The little old house was out with a little new shed" . This creates a sense of continuity, as it connects this line with the next one without any interruption or separation. It also creates a sense of urgency, as it reflects how fast the traffic speeds by without noticing or stopping at the stand. It also creates a sense of contrast, as it juxtaposes the old house with the new shed, and the rural setting with the urban one.
- However, it does not create a sense of confusion, as it does not make the meaning or structure of the
Question (iv)
What is the meaning of the phrase "the flower of cities" in line 5 of the extract?
- (A) The beauty and prosperity of urban life
- (B) The pollution and decay of urban life
- (C) The diversity and culture of urban life
- (D) The fragility and vulnerability of urban life
Answer:
Answer written by student:
(A) The beauty and prosperity of urban life
Step-by-step explanation:
- To answer this question, we need to identify the figure of speech and the connotation of the phrase "the flower of cities". A figure of speech is a word or phrase that is used in a non-literal or imaginative way to create a special effect or meaning. A connotation is the implied or suggested meaning or emotion associated with a word or phrase.
- In this extract, the poet uses the phrase "the flower of cities" as a metaphor to compare the cities to flowers. A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two different things without using like or as. A flower is a symbol of beauty, growth, and vitality. It also has a positive connotation and evokes a pleasant feeling or impression. Therefore, by using this phrase, the poet implies that the cities are beautiful and prosperous, and that they attract and benefit from the money that flows from the countryside.🌸
Question (v)
Which line in the extract shows that the roadside stand owners are not asking for charity but for fair trade?
- A) Line 1: The little old house was out with a little new shed
- B) Line 2: In front at the edge of the road where the traffic sped
- C) Line 3: A roadside stand that too pathetically pled
- D) Line 4: It would not be fair to say for a dole of bread
Answer:
Answer written by student:
(D) Line 4: It would not be fair to say for a dole of bread
Step-by-step explanation:
- To answer this question, we need to understand the difference between charity and fair trade. Charity is the act of giving money or goods to help someone who is poor or in need. Fair trade is the practice of buying and selling goods at a fair price that respects the rights and dignity of the producers and workers.
- In this extract, the poet shows that the roadside stand owners are not asking for charity but for fair trade in line 4, which reads "It would not be fair to say for a dole of bread". A dole of bread is an expression that means a small amount of money or food given as charity. The poet says that it would not be fair to say that the stand owners are begging for a dole of bread, because they are offering their products for sale in exchange for some money. They are not looking for pity or handouts, but for recognition and respect.💰
Question (vi)
What is the tone of the speaker in the extract?
- A) Sympathetic and critical
- B) Humorous and sarcastic
- C) Angry and bitter
- D) Indifferent and bored
Answer:
Answer written by student:
(A) Sympathetic and critical
Step-by-step explanation:
- To answer this question, we need to identify the tone of the speaker in the extract. Tone is the attitude or emotion that a speaker or writer conveys through their words and style. Tone can be determined by looking at the choice of words, punctuation, imagery, figurative language, etc.
- In this extract, the speaker uses words and phrases that show sympathy and criticism towards the roadside stand owners and their situation. Sympathy is the feeling of understanding and caring for someone who is suffering or in trouble. Criticism is the expression of disapproval or disagreement with something or someone. For example, the speaker uses words such as pathetically, plead, not fair, marred, etc., to show sympathy for the stand owners who are poor and desperate. The speaker also uses words such as cash, flow, flower, polished, etc., to show criticism for the city people who are rich and indifferent.😔
