Keeping Quiet Extract Questions | English Class 12

Extract Questions

Passage with linked answers

Extract

Extract 1

Reading Set

Extract 1

Passage

For once on the face of the Earth let's not speak in any language, let's stop for one second, and not move our arms so much.

The poet asks humanity not to speak in any language because languages often create unnecessary ________ among people.

barriers

By asking us not to move our ________, the poet is advising us to stop all physical violence and restless activity.

arms

Why does the poet want everyone to stop speaking for one second?

ByteNotes

Extract Questions

Passage with linked answers

Extract

Extract 2

Reading Set

Extract 2

Passage

It would be an exotic moment without rush, without engines, we would all be together in a sudden strangeness.

The poet describes the moment of absolute silence and stillness as an ________ moment.

exotic

The absence of rush and ________ signifies a temporary halt to our mechanical and heavily industrialized modern lives.

engines

Why does the poet call this moment "exotic"?

The moment is called exotic because it would be extraordinarily rare and beautiful. A global pause, completely free from the usual frantic rush and deafening mechanical noise, is a unique experience that humanity has never truly witnessed before.

What creates the "sudden strangeness" mentioned in the extract?

The sudden strangeness is created by the abrupt and complete cessation of all human activity and industrial noise. This unexpected, profound silence brings everyone together, creating an unfamiliar yet deeply uniting atmosphere of universal peace and stillness.

How will being "without rush, without engines" affect human beings?

Without the constant rush and the disruptive noise of engines, humans will finally escape their stressful, mechanical routines. This peaceful break will allow people to connect spiritually with one another, fostering a deep sense of shared humanity.

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Extract Questions

Passage with linked answers

Extract

Extract 3

Reading Set

Extract 3

Passage

Those who prepare green wars, wars with gas, wars with fire, victory with no survivors, would put on clean clothes and walk about with their brothers

The phrase "green wars" refers to humanity's ongoing exploitation and destruction of ________.

nature

The poet highlights the futility of modern conflicts by stating that they result in victory with no ________.

survivors

What is the irony in the phrase "victory with no survivors"?

The profound irony is that modern weapons are so devastating that they wipe out everyone. A victory is entirely meaningless and hollow if there are absolutely no people left alive to celebrate or benefit from the supposed triumph.

What does the poet mean by asking people to "put on clean clothes"?

Asking people to put on clean clothes metaphorically means adopting a completely new, peaceful mindset. It signifies washing away the blood and guilt of war, abandoning destructive intentions, and embracing a fresh perspective based on harmony and brotherhood.

Who are the "brothers" the warmongers should walk about with?

The brothers are the very people who were previously considered enemies. The poet emphasizes that through quiet introspection, warmongers will realize the fundamental unity of mankind and begin to treat their former opponents as fellow human beings.

ByteNotes

Extract Questions

Passage with linked answers

Extract

Extract 4

Reading Set

Extract 4

Passage

Perhaps the Earth can teach us as when everything seems dead and later proves to be alive. Now I'll count up to twelve and you keep quiet and I will go.

The poet suggests that the ________ can act as a great teacher to help us understand the value of stillness.

Earth

In winter, everything seems dead on the surface, but later it proves to be ________ when spring arrives.

alive

What powerful lesson can the Earth teach humanity?

The Earth teaches us that stillness is not equivalent to death. Just as nature appears dormant in winter but rejuvenates to bloom in spring, human beings can use quiet introspection to heal and return with renewed vitality.

Why does the poet say everything "later proves to be alive"?

The poet is referring to the changing seasons. During winter, seeds and plants seem dead beneath the frozen ground. However, this period of rest is essential, as they burst into vibrant life when the warm spring season arrives.

Why does the poet decide to "go" at the end of the poem?

The poet leaves because he has successfully delivered his profound message about the necessity of silence. True introspection is a deeply personal process, so he steps away to let each individual experience this transformative stillness entirely on their own.

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Chapter sections

Chapter keeping-quiet: Keeping Quiet | Extract Questions

Extract 1

The poet asks humanity not to speak in any language because languages often create unnecessary ________ among people.

By asking us not to move our ________, the poet is advising us to stop all physical violence and restless activity.

Why does the poet want everyone to stop speaking for one second?

What is the significance of "not move our arms so much"?

What does the poet hope to achieve "For once on the face of the Earth"?

Extract 2

The poet describes the moment of absolute silence and stillness as an ________ moment.

The absence of rush and ________ signifies a temporary halt to our mechanical and heavily industrialized modern lives.

Why does the poet call this moment "exotic"?

What creates the "sudden strangeness" mentioned in the extract?

How will being "without rush, without engines" affect human beings?

Extract 3

The phrase "green wars" refers to humanity's ongoing exploitation and destruction of ________.

The poet highlights the futility of modern conflicts by stating that they result in victory with no ________.

What is the irony in the phrase "victory with no survivors"?

What does the poet mean by asking people to "put on clean clothes"?

Who are the "brothers" the warmongers should walk about with?

Extract 4

The poet suggests that the ________ can act as a great teacher to help us understand the value of stillness.

In winter, everything seems dead on the surface, but later it proves to be ________ when spring arrives.

What powerful lesson can the Earth teach humanity?

Why does the poet say everything "later proves to be alive"?

Why does the poet decide to "go" at the end of the poem?