Comprehension

Then the poet spoke. He couldn’t have addressed a more dazed and silent audience – no one knew what he was talking about and his accent defeated any attempt to understand what he was saying. The whole thing lasted about an hour; then the poet left and we all dispersed in utter bafflement – What are we doing? What is an English poet doing in a film studio which makes Tamil films for the simplest sort of people? People whose lives least afforded them the possibility of cultivating a taste for English poetry. The poet looked pretty baffled too, for he must have felt the sheer incongruity of his talk about the thrills and travails of an English poet. His visit remained an unexplained mystery.

(Poets and Pancakes)

Question: 1

Choose the correct option:
The reason for the bewilderment of the audience is .............

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The audience was confused because the setting was incongruous with the topic of the poet’s talk.

Updated On: Jan 30, 2025

unknown identity of the visitor.
that the speaker had not been introduced to them.
the visit of an English poet to a Tamil film studio.
that they did not understand English.

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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The audience was unable to comprehend the poet’s speech due to the language barrier. This made his visit perplexing and ineffective in connecting with them.

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Question: 2

By ‘thrills and travails’ the author refers to .............

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The phrase refers to the varied experiences, both positive and negative, that come with being an English poet.

Updated On: Jan 30, 2025

joy and happiness
interest and aspiration
excitement and pain
shocks and surprises

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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The phrase “thrills and travails” reflects the ups and downs, including both exciting and challenging aspects, of the poet’s experiences and journey.

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Question: 3

Explain one inference that can be drawn from the line, “He could not have addressed a more dazed and silent audience”.

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The audience’s lack of familiarity with English poetry and the poet’s style created a communication gap.

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Solution and Explanation

The poet’s talk was completely disconnected from the audience’s background and interests, leading to their confusion and lack of engagement.

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Question: 4

The failure of the speaker to connect with the audience with reference to the extract is his .............

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The poet’s talk was ill-suited to the cultural and linguistic background of the Tamil audience.

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Solution and Explanation

The speaker’s failure stemmed from his lack of awareness about the audience’s unfamiliarity with English poetry and their inability to connect with his speech.

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Question: 5

What information in the extract reveals the fact that the people have no exposure other than to their own circle?

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The setting of a Tamil film studio and the audience’s confusion indicate their lack of exposure to foreign literature.

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Solution and Explanation

The audience’s inability to relate to English poetry highlights their limited exposure to cultural elements beyond their local sphere.

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Question: 6

State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE.
{The audience were enthralled by the poet’s impressive speech.}

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The audience was confused and uninterested, as they could neither understand nor relate to the poet’s speech.

Updated On: Jan 30, 2025

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Solution and Explanation

The audience was not impressed; instead, they were confused and disconnected due to their inability to understand the poet’s language and context.

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Questions Asked in CBSE CLASS XII exam

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Choose the correct option: The reason for the bewilderment of the audience is .............

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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

By ‘thrills and travails’ the author refers to .............

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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Explain one inference that can be drawn from the line, “He could not have addressed a more dazed and silent audience”.

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Solution and Explanation

The failure of the speaker to connect with the audience with reference to the extract is his .............

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Solution and Explanation

What information in the extract reveals the fact that the people have no exposure other than to their own circle?

Show Hint

Solution and Explanation

State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE. {The audience were enthralled by the poet’s impressive speech.}

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Solution and Explanation

Top Questions on Reading Comprehension

Questions Asked in CBSE CLASS XII exam

Choose the correct option:
The reason for the bewilderment of the audience is .............

State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE.
{The audience were enthralled by the poet’s impressive speech.}