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Read the extract and answer the questions that follow.
An aged thrush, frail, gaunt and small, In blast – beruffled plume, Had chosen thus to fling his…
An aged thrush, frail, gaunt and small,
In blast – beruffled plume,
Had chosen thus to fling his soul
Upon the growing gloom
(i)[1.0]
What was the poet doing when he heard the thrush?
- (a)He was walking in the woods.
- (b)He was leaning on a coppice gate.
- (c)He was looking at the winter sky
- (d)He was looking at the bare branches.
(ii)[1.0]
What did the poet say about the other human beings?
- (a)The human beings were also walking in the woods.
- (b)They had sought the warmth of their household fires.
- (c)They were expressing their sadness about the current situation.
- (d)They were making merry.
(iii)[1.0]
Where was the aged thrush?
- (a)In the woods
- (b)Among the leaves.
- (c)Among the bare branches.
- (d)Hiding in the bushes.
(iv)[1.0]
Which words does the poet use to describe the bird’s song?
- (a)A plaintive lament
- (b)Happiness unbounded
- (c)Full – hearted evensong
- (d)A dirge
(v)[1.0]
How does the tone of the poem change with the reference to the bird?
- (a)From sadness to happiness
- (b)From negativity to positivity
- (c)From despondency to hope
- (d)There is no change
(vi)[1.0]
What does the “growing gloom” symbolize?
- (a)The feeling of sadness
- (b)The feeling of despair
- (c)A growing sense of optimism.
- (d)A feeling of concern.
(vii)[1.0]
What is meant by “blast- beruffled”?
- (a)Blasted by the wind
- (b)Distressed by the blast
- (c)Disturbed by the wind
- (d)None of the above
(viii)[1.0]
Why was the poet surprised upon noticing the “aged thrush”?
- (a)The whole area was deserted.
- (b)It was too cold for anyone to be around.
- (c)The thrush was too old and frail to be out in such weather.
- (d)All of the above
(ix)[1.0]
What is the poet’s reaction upon listening to the bird’s song?
- (a)Happiness.
- (b)Surprise and wonder
- (c)Gloominess
- (d)Indifference
(x)[1.0]
Why are the words, “chosen thus” significant in the poem?
- (a)In spite of the gloom and despair, the bird chooses to sing joyously.
- (b)The bird seems to believe that all is not lost.
- (c)Through these words, the poet seems to say that there is hope amidst the gloom.
- (d)All of the above
Answer
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From ISC 2022 English Literature - Specimen paper (Semester 1), Paper 1, question 7.