Read the poem below then answer the questions.

Morning at the Meadow (1)

1 As dawn breaks over meadow lands,

light dances on the dewy strands,
where flowers bloom in vibrant bands,
their colours spread as nature planned.

5 The breeze whispers through blades of grass,

a gentle murmur softly passed,
while birds in flight go swooping fast,
in patterns known from ages past.

9 Butterflies with gossamer wings,

flit among blooms, these airy kings,
their dance a ritual that brings
life to the field, as morning sings.

13 A fox peeks out with keen, sharp eyes,

its bushy tail a swift disguise,
in morning’s light, all nature tries
to start anew, beneath wide skies.

17 The air is fresh with scents of earth,

a day of rest, or quiet mirth,
each creature knows the meadow's worth,
a place of peace, of gentle birth.

For questions 1 – 6, choose the option (A, B, C or D) which you think best answers
the question.

1. What is the primary setting of the poem?

A. A bustling cityscape
B. A quiet meadow at sunrise

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 C. A dark, enchanted forest
D. A busy seaside port

2. What does the light do in the second line of the poem?

A. Frightens away the nocturnal animals
B. Dances on the dewy strands
C. Causes the flowers to wilt
D. Starts a forest fire

3. Which creatures are described as having 'gossamer wings'?

A. Birds
B. Foxes
C. Butterflies
D. Crickets

4. What does the fox use as a disguise in the poem?

A. Its speed
B. Its burrow
C. Its sharp eyes
D. Its bushy tail

5. The tone of the poem can best be described as:

A. Melancholic and sombre
B. Light-hearted and peaceful
C. Suspenseful and thrilling
D. Angry and turbulent

6. Which line suggests a theme of renewal or beginning?

A. "The sun dips low behind the hills"
B. "As twilight claims the orchard’s heart"
C. "The farmer’s lantern swings and sways"
D. "To start anew, beneath wide skies"

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Read the poem below then answer the questions.

Whispers of Autumn (2)

Whispers of Autumn glided through the crisp air,

brushing leaves, now painted with the sun's last fair.
Under the old oak, where secrets softly lay,
an old man reminisces of the brighter days.

He watches leaves flutter, a dance of gold and red,

each one a memory from dreams once vividly spread.
The cool breeze touches his face with gentle ease,
like pages of history, turned by the autumn's tease.

Children's laughter echoes, a fleeting, distant sound,

across fields of amber where once his youth was found.
Now the branches, barren, whisper to the wind,
of times when life was lush, before the grey set in.

Autumn's whisper grows faint, as day gives way to night,

leaving shadows to play in the fading light.
But in this quiet hour, he feels life's warm embrace,
as memories, like leaves, fall gently into place.

For questions 1 – 6, choose the option (A, B, C or D) which you think best answers
the question.

1. What is the primary theme of "Whispers of Autumn"?

A) The passage of time
B) The joys of youth
C) The arrival of winter
D) The solace of nature

2. What do the 'leaves' symbolise in the poem?

A) The fleeting nature of life

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 B) The narrator’s children
C) The changes in weather
D) The beauty of the landscape

3. What effect does the 'cool breeze' have in the poem?

A) It signifies the coming of winter.
B) It brings back memories for the old man.
C) It causes discomfort and chills.
D) It disrupts the quiet of the scene.

4. The 'children’s laughter' mentioned in the poem represents:

A) A disruption in the tranquil setting.
B) The old man’s current family life.
C) Memories of happier times.
D) The ongoing presence of young people.

5. The phrase 'before the grey set in' primarily suggests:

A) The end of daylight.
B) The arrival of bad weather.
C) A loss of vitality with age.
D) The changing colours of autumn.

6. What does the imagery in the final stanza convey?

A) A sense of loss and emptiness.
B) Acceptance and peace with the past.
C) Anxiety about the future.
D) Sadness due to isolation.

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Read the poem below then answer the questions.

The Watcher in the Woods (3)

1 In the heart of the night, where shadows call,

An owl perches high in the ancient tree,
Silent feathers draped in moonlight’s shawl,
Eyes aglow, watching all that he can see.

5 Beneath him, the forest whispers back,

Its secrets kept beneath the old oak’s bark,
The owl, unmoved, plans his nightly track,
With a hoot that cuts through the dark.

9 His wings, broad and silent, stir the air,

A ghostly glide from tree to tree,
He hunts the unseen with patient care,
A master of what his eyes can see.

13 The rustle of leaves, the scurry of feet,

No creature stirs without his knowing,
Each sound a message, every movement a beat,
In the symphony of the forest, ever flowing.

17 By the first light of dawn, his watch ends,

Back to the oak, to sleep the day away,
The owl, the forest’s nocturnal friend,
Waits for the night, to once again sway.

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For questions 1 – 6, choose the option (A, B, C or D) which you think best answers
the question.

1. What is the primary setting of the poem?

A. A city park
B. A deep forest
C. A mountain range
D. A seaside cliff

2. What best describes the owl’s presence in the forest?

A. Menacing and feared
B. Welcoming and gentle
C. Observant and commanding
D. Unnoticed and silent

3. Which phrase best captures the essence of the owl’s activities at night?
A. "Waits for the night"
B. "Plans his nightly track"
C. "Watches all that he can see"
D. "Sleep the day away"

4. What does the owl’s hoot primarily signify in the poem?

A. A call to other owls
B. An expression of loneliness
C. A signal of dominance over his territory
D. A response to the moonlight

5. How does the poem depict the relationship between the owl and the forest?
A. The owl is a transient visitor.
B. The forest fears the owl.
C. The owl is an integral part of the forest’s ecosystem.
D. The forest serves as a backdrop without interaction.

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 6. What does the phrase "master of what his eyes can see" imply about the owl?
A. He has limited influence in the forest.
B. His vision is restricted to certain areas.
C. He has complete control over his domain.
D. He is curious about his surroundings.

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Read the poem below then answer the questions.

The Orchard (4)

1 The branches hang, burdened by snow-white blooms,

underneath, the gardener dreams of the fruit to come.
As morning breaks, shadows retreat across the dew-soaked rows,
revealing footsteps, the silent promise of a day begun.

5 The scent of fresh earth mingles with the brisk air,

a hint of jasmine teases from the far corner,
while the bees perform their tireless dance of care,
humming softly, as if to the orchard they honour.

9 Beneath the tender canopy, a silent pact is forged

between man and nature, in a serene embrace,
where each blossom, carefully nurtured and gorged,
will someday hang heavy with the grace of this place.

For questions 1 – 6, choose the option (A, B, C or D) which you think best answers
the question.

1. What mood is primarily conveyed by the setting in the first verse?

A. Isolation and neglect
B. Hopefulness and anticipation
C. Chaos and disorder
D. Sadness and melancholy

2. The ‘footsteps’ in line 4 suggest that

A. the orchard is frequently visited
B. someone is leaving the orchard
C. the gardener is just starting his day
D. there are intruders in the orchard

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 3. The mention of ‘jasmine’ in line 6 primarily serves to
A. show the variety of plants in the orchard
B. indicate the time of day
C. emphasise the gardener’s presence
D. highlight the sensory experience of the orchard

4. In what way are the bees important to the poem’s depiction of the orchard?
A. They represent the threat to the orchard’s health
B. They symbolise the gardener’s control over nature
C. They are crucial for the pollination process
D. They are nuisances that disrupt the peace

5. The ‘silent pact’ in line 9 refers to

A. an agreement between the gardener and the owner of the orchard
B. the mutual benefit between the gardener and the plants
C. the unspoken rules among the workers in the orchard
D. a legal contract regarding the use of the orchard

6. What does the overall form of the poem reflect?

A. The structured rows of an orchard
B. The unpredictable nature of gardening
C. The cyclic pattern of seasons
D. The growth and maturation of the trees

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Read the poem below then answer the questions.

Symphony of the Evening Tide (5)

Beneath the vast expanse where sky meets sea,

The twilight gathers, weaving shadows long.
Waves, in their ceaseless toil, roll tirelessly,
Humming a primal, ancient ocean song.

The moon ascends, her silvered beams stretch wide,

Casting a glow on waters dark and deep.
In her light, the sea's secrets cannot hide,
Revealed in the shimmer where starfish creep.

The breeze stirs, carrying the salted air,

It whispers through the dunes and bending grass,
Rustling the quiet night, so crisp and clear,
Echoing the tales of aeons past.

On sandy shores where old driftwood lies strewn,

Each piece a silent witness to the tide's sway,
Gnarled and worn from many a stormy monsoon,
Marking time in their own steadfast way.

Further out, the waves with frothy crests rise,

They crash against the rocks in frolic and play,
Sending spray skyward, under starlit skies,
In a display of power, then ebb away.

A lone gull cries, slicing the sombre air,

Its wings cutting paths across the stilled blue,
A fleeting sign of life, stark and bare,
In the endless dance between old and new.

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As night deepens, the ocean's call grows strong,
Drawing the soul to ponder mysteries wide.
Here, by the ever-changing sea, life prolongs,
In the symphony of the evening tide.

For questions 1 – 6, choose the option (A, B, C or D) which you think best answers
the question.

1. The imagery of "sky meets sea" in the first stanza is meant to highlight the
A) separation between two worlds.
B) convergence of natural elements.
C) darkness of the evening.
D) vastness of the ocean.

2. The moon's role in the poem is primarily to

A) guide the creatures of the night.
B) reveal the hidden aspects of the sea.
C) symbolise loneliness and isolation.
D) dictate the tides and their patterns.

3. What does the "whispers through the dunes" suggest about the setting?
A) It is eerie and foreboding.
B) It is alive and speaking.
C) It is barren and deserted.
D) It is cold and unwelcoming.

4. The driftwood described in the fourth stanza serves as a metaphor for

A) resilience and survival.
B) decay and neglect.
C) adventure and exploration.
D) mystery and intrigue.

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 5. In the context of the poem, the "frothy crests" of the waves symbolise
A) aggression and turmoil.
B) playfulness and energy.
C) danger and threat.
D) cleansing and renewal.

6. The overall tone of the poem can best be described as

A) melancholic and sombre.
B) reflective and tranquil.
C) suspenseful and intense.
D) joyful and uplifting.

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Read the poem below then answer the questions.

The Clock (6)

1 Tick-tock, the grand clock stands alone,

each tick marks seconds that have flown.
It towers in the town’s main square,
a witness to the lives that fare.

5 Its face, a moon in the night’s embrace,

illuminates time’s ceaseless chase.
The hands move with unwavering might,
slicing moments in silent flight.

9 Citizens pass with hurried feet,

underneath where hours meet.
It chimes the song of passing day,
a reminder that none may stay.

For questions 1 – 6, choose the option (A, B, C or D) which you think best answers
the question.

1. What is the immediate effect of the clock's ticking as suggested in the first
stanza?
A) It creates a sense of urgency among the townspeople.
B) It marks the historical significance of the town square.
C) It highlights the loneliness of the clock.
D) It serves as a constant reminder of passing time.

2. What does the clock's face being described as 'a moon in the night’s embrace'
imply?
A) It is bright and visible during the night.
B) It has a comforting presence in the darkness.
C) It appears larger than during the day.
D) It controls the phases of the moon.

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 3. How do the moving hands of the clock influence the poem's atmosphere?
A) They add a mystical element to the town square.
B) They create a rhythm that mimics the ticking sound.
C) They evoke a sense of inevitability and precision.
D) They signify the town's progression into modernity.
4. In stanza three, what does the 'hurried feet' of the citizens suggest about their
relationship with time?
A) They are indifferent to the passage of time.
B) They are controlled by the clock’s dictation of time.
C) They feel nostalgia for past times.
D) They are trying to escape the constraints of time.

5. What is the significance of the clock chiming 'the song of passing day'?
A) It announces the end of daily activities.
B) It is a call to remember historical events of the town.
C) It is a soothing sound that eases the stress of the day.
D) It marks the rhythm of life in the town.

6. What does the final line 'a reminder that none may stay' suggest about the
theme of the poem?
A) The impermanence of human endeavours.
B) The reliability of mechanical devices.
C) The solitude experienced by all individuals.
D) The joy found in daily routines.

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Read the poem below then answer the questions.

The Aerie (7)

1 High above, the eagle's aerie nestles near the sun,

perched on cliffs where winds whisper of the ancient ones.
Golden feathers gleam, catching the day’s last light,
as shadows stretch, weaving between the threads of night.

Below, the world bustles; unaware of this perch,

humans wander, lost in the labyrinths of their search.
7 The eagle watches, its eyes like amber flames,
8 piercing through the veils that day and dusk unframe.

With wings spread wide, the sentinel takes flight,

soaring above lands bathed in fading light.
Its cry echoes, a sharp, resounding call,
that slips through valleys, over trees so tall.

It returns at twilight, to its cradle high,

where the stars peek through the veil of the sky.
Its young await, their hunger barely tamed,
as the mother delivers, from the skies she claimed.

The night grows deep, and quiet cloaks the air,

only the sound of whispers that the breezes bear.
The eagle rests, beneath the moon's watchful eye,
secure in the aerie, where earth meets the sky.

For questions 1 – 6, choose the option (A, B, C or D) which you think best answers
the question.

1. What is the setting of the poem?

A) A bustling cityscape
B) An ancient forest
C) A high mountain cliff
D) A deep ocean abyss

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 2. What does the eagle's flight symbolise?
A) The passage of time
B) The struggle for freedom
C) The pursuit of knowledge
D) The oversight of nature

3. In lines 7-8, the eagle's eyes are compared to "amber flames" to suggest: A)
Danger lurking nearby
B) A warm and nurturing spirit
C) Intense clarity and focus
D) The onset of a wildfire

4. How is the theme of isolation portrayed in the poem?

A) Through the bustling activity of the city
B) By the vast, unpopulated landscapes
C) Through the eagle's solitary perch
D) By the close-knit group of eagles

5. What role does the setting sun play in the poem?

A) It signifies the end of an era
B) It highlights the cyclical nature of day and night
C) It casts shadows that symbolise danger
D) It provides warmth to the cold cliff

6. What does the eagle's return to the aerie at twilight suggest?

A) The certainty of routine
B) The joy of finding lost treasures
C) The challenges of survival
D) The importance of family and home

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Read the poem below then answer the questions.

The Nest (8)

1 On a breezy spring morning, the old oak whispered,
its leaves rustling secrets into the sunlit air.
A bird, small and intent, flitted between branches,
weaving fate into the frame of its fledgling nest.

5 It chose twigs, softly snapping them from the ground,

feathers lost from a passing flight, a strand of wool.
Each piece was a promise, a hope for safety,
woven tightly, a cradle swaying in the breeze.

9 High above, the world moved, indifferent to its labour,

but the bird, undeterred, continued its careful dance.
Layer upon layer, the nest began to take shape,
a testament to perseverance, a bowl of dreams.

13 The sun moved across the sky, casting shadows,

and the bird paused, surveying its handiwork.
It was not just a nest, but a fortress against the storm,
a sanctuary against the chaos of the world outside.

As twilight descended, the bird nestled down,

its body a shield against the cool night air.
19 Below, the oak stood sturdy, a silent sentinel,
guarding the dreams woven into its boughs.

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For questions 1 – 6, choose the option (A, B, C or D) which you think best answers
the question.

1. What does the bird’s action of choosing materials for its nest most closely
symbolise?
A. A routine task
B. An artistic endeavour
C. A survival instinct
D. An act of cleanliness

2. In line 15, the "fortress against the storm" refers to the nest's ability to provide:
A. Comfort
B. Protection
C. Warmth
D. Decoration

3. What is primarily conveyed by the "weaving fate" in line 4?

A. The unpredictability of life
B. The control over one's future
C. The interconnectedness of nature
D. The difficulty of tasks

4. Which line suggests a connection between the bird and its environment?
A. Line 2
B. Line 5
C. Line 9
D. Line 19

5. The overall tone of the poem can best be described as:

A. Melancholic
B. Hopeful
C. Indifferent
D. Frustrated
6. What does the "silent sentinel" in line 19 metaphorically represent?
A. The night sky
B. The bird
C. The oak tree
D. The nest

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Read the poem below then answer the questions.

The Starlit Grove (9)

1 At the heart of the night lies the starlit grove,

Where whispers the wind with the leaves above;
Through the shadows, they dance in a rhythmic throng,
The stars peeping down to catch a glimpse of their song.

5 Here, fireflies blink in a mystical light,

Weaving patterns that glow in the heart of the night;
And the moon, full and bright, on this clear night bestows,
A silver glow over the creek that quietly flows.

9 In the silence, a fox prowls with graceful ease,

His coat blending in with the burnt autumn leaves;
The owls in the boughs, with eyes wide and bright,
Watch over the grove throughout the cool night.

13 The grove, alive with the breath of the earth,

Gathers secrets of the wild since the world’s ancient birth;
Here, the night thrums with life’s unseen beats,
A symphony of nature that never depletes.

17 As dawn creeps over the edge of the hills,

The starlit grove quietens and the bustling stills;
The light sifts through leaves in beams soft and mild,
Welcoming the day for the spirit of the wild.

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For questions 1 – 6, choose the option (A, B, C or D) which you think best answers
the question.

1. What is the main setting of the poem?

A) A bustling city during the day.
B) A mystical grove at night.
C) A busy market in the early morning.
D) A quiet beach at sunset.

2. Which of the following best describes the tone of the poem?

A) Melancholic and sombre.
B) Light-hearted and whimsical.
C) Serious and contemplative.
D) Mysterious and enchanting.

3. What role do the fireflies play in the poem?

A) They represent the hidden dangers in the night.
B) They add to the mystical atmosphere of the grove.
C) They signify the arrival of dawn.
D) They are a source of disturbance for the animals.

4. In line 14, “Gathers secrets of the wild,” implies that the grove is:
A) Isolated and uninhabited by animals.
B) A place that collects and holds ancient knowledge.
C) Affected by the changing seasons.
D) Experiencing a severe natural disturbance.

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 5. What does the coming of dawn symbolise in the final stanza?
A) The ending of nature’s beauty.
B) A new beginning or renewal.
C) The loss of mystery in the grove.
D) The return of human activity to the grove.

6. The imagery used throughout the poem mainly serves to:

A) Convey the danger lurking in nature.
B) Emphasise the barrenness of the grove.
C) Paint a vivid picture of a mystical and vibrant ecosystem.
D) Highlight the destructive impact of humans on natural settings.

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Read the poem below then answer the questions.

The Night Market (10)

Under a canvas of stars, the night market comes alive,

Lanterns sway gently as a breeze whispers secrets,
Each stall a burst of colour, vibrant under moonlight,
Scents of spices and sweet jasmine float in the air.

Vendors call, their voices a tapestry of sound,

Offering treasures, handcrafted and rare,
A melody from a distant flute fills the evening,
With notes that tell tales of ancient times.

Children dart between stalls, their laughter bright,

Eyes sparkling with the wonder of night's magic,
Elderly couples wander, hands clasped, hearts light,
Reminiscing of youth, under similar starlit skies.

As the night deepens, the market thrives,

Each lantern a beacon, painting shadows and light,
The murmur of the crowd, a steady, rhythmic hum,
Blending dreams with the tangible, under the watchful sky.

The market—a mosaic of life, pulsing and vibrant,

Continues its dance long into the night,
Until stars fade and the first blush of dawn
Signals the end of the feast for the senses.

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For questions 1 – 6, choose the option (A, B, C or D) which you think best answers
the question.

1. The setting of the poem is described as

A. crowded and noisy.
B. tranquil and isolated.
C. vibrant and lively.
D. cold and uninviting.

2. What does the “canvas of stars” symbolise in the first line?

A. The protection provided by the night sky.
B. The natural beauty of the evening.
C. The vastness of the universe.
D. The temporary nature of the market.

3. The mention of "spices and sweet jasmine" primarily evokes a sense of

A. taste.
B. sight.
C. smell.
D. touch.

4. Which phrase best describes the atmosphere of the night market?

A. A solitary place of reflection.
B. A bustling hub of activity.
C. A quiet, serene retreat.
D. A place of sorrow and longing.

5. What role does the solitary flute play in the poem?

A. It adds to the visual spectacle.
B. It enhances the taste of the food.
C. It contributes to the auditory experience.
D. It distracts from the commercial nature of the market.

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 6. The poem’s last line suggests that the market
A. ends abruptly as the night concludes.
B. continues to thrive as the night deepens.
C. fades away as people leave.
D. becomes more chaotic as time passes.

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