CBSE Class 12 English Keeping Quiet Worksheet

Questions on the Extracts from the Poem

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves and of threatening ourselves with death.

(a) Look at the images given below. Choose the image to which the above extract can be seen as an appropriate response

(a) Option 1
(b) Option 2
(c) Option 3
(d) Option 4
Answer : D

(b) What do you think is the mood of the poet in the above extract?
(a) gloomy, cynical
(b) reflective, inspired
(c) introspective, aware
(d) critical, demotivated
Answer : C

(c) Pick the option that DOES NOT complete the given sentence suitably, as per the extract.
Threatening ourselves with death __________
(a) feeds on the fear of death.
(b) challenges finiteness of life.
(c) keeps us rushing through life
(d) makes us restless and impatient
Answer : B

(d) What might the “huge silence” signify?
(a) melancholy
(b) understanding
(c) discomfort
(d) flexibility
Answer : B

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
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.
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.

(a) The poet uses the word “let’s” to _______ .
(a) initiate a conversation between the poet and the readers.
(b) invite readers as part of the poem’s larger call to humanity.
(c) welcome readers into the world of the poem and its subject.
(d) address readers as fellow members of the human race.
Answer : B

(b) Margaret Atwood said, “Language divides us into fragments, I wanted to be whole.”
Choose the option that correctly comments on the relationship between Margaret Atwood’s words
and the line from the above extract – “let’s not speak in any language”
(a) Atwood endorses Neruda’s call to not speak in any language.
(b) Atwood justifies Neruda’s request to not engage in any speaking.
(c) Atwood undermines Neruda’s intent to stop and not speak in any language
(d) Atwood surrenders to Neruda’s desire for silence and not speak in any language
Answer : A

(c) Why do you think the poet employs words like “exotic” and “strangeness”?
(a) To highlight the importance of everyone being together suddenly for once.
(b) To emphasize the frenetic activity and chaos that usually envelops human life.
(c) To indicate the unfamiliarity of a sudden moment without rush or without engine
(d) To direct us towards keeping quiet and how we would all be together in that silence.
Answer : C

(d) Choose the option that correctly matches the idioms given in Column A with their meanings in Column B.

(a) 1 – (a); 2 – (d); 3 – (c); 4 – (b)
(b) 1 – (a); 2 – (c); 3 – (b); 4 – (d)
(c) 1 – (b); 2 – (a); 3 – (d); 4 – (c)
(d) 1 – (d); 2 – (b); 3 – (c); 4 – (a)
Answer : B

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
What I want should not be confused
with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,

(a) The phrase ‘total inactivity’ means:
(a) Death
(b) Stillness
(c) Silence
(d) Rest
Answer : A

(b) What does ‘I want no truck with death’ signify?
(a) Total inactivity
(b) Complete silence
(c) Refraining from harmful activities
(d) Have no association with death
Answer : D

(c) Our single mindedness prevents us from:
(a) remaining silent
(b) moving ahead
(c) taking rest
(d) self analysis
Answer : D

(d) When we do nothing we get an opportunity to ............:
(a) display our feelings
(b) bond with each other
(c) meditate
(d) remain calm
Answer : B

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.

(a) The moment is referred to as exotic because it would be:
(a) reflective
(b) sudden
(c) unusual
(d) peculiar
Answer : C

(b) ............... will prevail in the exotic moment.
(a) Peace
(b) Calmness
(c) Inactivity
(d) All of the above
Answer : D

(c) The opportunity of being together would give us:
(a) some time to remain calm
(b) a chance to understand the value of life
(c) time to introspect
(d) a chance to bond
Answer : D

(d) The literary device used in the last line is:
(a) Alliteration
(b) Simile
(c) Hyperbole
(d) Metaphor
Answer : A

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.
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.

(a) What is the significance of the number twelve?
(a) Represents half a day
(b) There are twelve digits in a clock
(c) Poet’s lucky number
(d) No significant reason
Answer : B

(b) Keeping still will enable us to:
(a) contemplate
(b) meditate
(c) be peaceful
(d) be calm
Answer : A

(c) Based on the above extract which two activities does the poet want us to stop:
(1) not speak any language (2) not to use ammunition
(3) to keep still (4) to count till twelve
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 3 and 4
Answer : A

(d) The term let’s not speak in any language’ symbolises:
(a) silence
(b) stillness
(c) inactivity
(d) All the above
Answer : A

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
What I want should not be confused
with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves and of threatening ourselves with death.

(a) What according to the poet, should not be confused with total inactivity?
(a) Death
(b) Silence
(c) Introspection
(d) Stillness
Answer : A

(b) What is life all about?
(a) Deep introspection
(b) Keeping quiet
(c) Moving forward
(d) Peace
Answer : C

(c) What is mankind single-minded about?
(a) Completing the tasks
(b) Self-analysis
(c) Doing nothing
(d) Understanding himself
Answer : A

(d) The ‘sadness’ that the poet refers to is of:
(a) not understanding ourselves.
(b) being single-minded.
(c) threatening ourselves with death.
(d) both (a) and (c)
Answer : D

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
Fishermen in the cold sea
would not harm whales
and the man gathering salt
would look at his hurt hands.
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
in the shade, doing nothing

(a) The fishermen harming the whales is cruelty against.
(a) nature
(b) creation
(c) life
(d) living beings
Answer : A

(b) Wars with gas refer to:
(a) nuclear wars
(b) atomic wars
(c) chemical war
(d) all of the above
Answer : D

(c) The line ‘victory with no survivors’ reflects the:
(a) ruthlessness of power seekers
(b) devastation caused by wars
(c) thoughtlessness of people
(d) man’s selfishness
Answer : B

(d) The phrase ‘clean clothes’ is an example of
(a) Imagery
(b) Alliteration
(c) Symbolism
(d) Repetition
Answer : B

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
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.

(a) Which symbol from nature does the poet invoke that there is life under apparent stillness?
(a) Earth
(b) Sea
(c) Environment
(d) Atmosphere
Answer : A

(b) What does the Earth teach us?
(a) importance of introspection
(b) to abstain from harmful activities
(c) the significance of life
(d) to nurture life
Answer : D

(c) What does the poet hope to achieve by counting up to twelve?
(a) to tell people to remain calm
(b) to encourage people to remain calm
(c) to promote mutual understanding
(d) to encourage mankind to do good
Answer : B

(d) ‘Earth can teach us as when everything’ is an example of:
(a) simile
(b) Metaphor
(c) Personification
(d) Symbolism
Answer : C

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.

(a) The poet refers to the moment as exotic because it is:
(a) Usual
(b) Strange
(c) Troublesome
(d) Weird
Answer : B

(b) What do rush and engines symbolise?
(a) Chaos and noise
(b) Troubles and unpleasantness
(c) Hectic busy life
(d) None of the above
Answer : A

(c) Being together would enable mankind to:
(a) Avoid unnecessary conflicts
(b) Introspect
(c) Bond with each other
(d) Maintain peace
Answer : C

(d) The poetic device used in the last line is:
(a) Metaphor
(b) Personification
(c) Simile
(d) Alliteration
Answer : D

Stand-Alone Multiple Choice Questions

Question. ‘Keeping Quiet’ uses fishermen to symbolize man’s
(a) persistent pollution of the natural environment.
(b) rapid degradation of human values.
(c) limitless exploitation of natural resources.
(d) constant participation in acts of terror.
Answer : C

Question. ‘Keeping Quiet’ uses the symbol of clean clothes:
(a) for universal brotherhood
(b) to shun violence
(c) for remaining inactive
(d) to keep calm
Answer : B

Question. What statement does Neruda make about wars?
(a) Wars are of varied kinds – internal, green wars, wars with gas, wars with fire etc.
(b) Wars are wasteful and cause irrecoverable loss and damage to property and life.
(c) Wars never yield any winners, and the loss is far greater than what can be measured.
(d) Wars are unavoidable in the enduring struggle for human dignity and power.
Answer : C

Question. Pablo Neruda does not want us to speak any language because:
(a) to eliminate barriers
(b) to create a feeling of brotherhood
(c) for introspection
(d) to remain silent
Answer : A

Question. Pablo Neruda feels that the earth can teach us:
(a) The value of keeping quiet
(b) The importance of introspection
(c) To nurture life
(d) To avoid harmful activities
Answer : C

Question. ‘........... and not move our arms so much’. Neruda uses the term ‘arms’ for:
(1) Weapons (2) Force (3) Hands (4) Conflicts
(a) (2) & (4)
(b) (1) & (3)
(c) (1) & (4)
(d) (2) & (3)
Answer : B

Question. “What I want should not be confused with total inactivity.” Choose the option that draws the most accurate parallel.
Keeping quiet: total inactivity = ______ : ______
(a) reflection and death
(b) silence and chaos
(c) stagnation and introspection
(d) mindfulness and fear
Answer : A

Question. Counting to twelve will give us time to:
(a) stress out
(b) come out of dilemma
(c) introspect
(d) be inactive
Answer : C

Question. The phrase ‘clean clothes’ in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ symbolises:
(a) Purity
(b) Neatness
(c) Good health
(d) Tidiness
Answer : A

Question. The poet Pablo Neruda wants ‘no truck with death’. With reference to this phrase which of the following options is TRUE?
(a) No association with death
(b) Avoid harmful activities
(c) Temporary stillness
(d) All of the above
Answer : D

Question. Read the statements given below carefully. Choose the option that best describes these statements, with reference to the poem
Statement I – The poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ calls for change as much in the individual as human society at large.
Statement II – The poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ implies that individual change will lead to bigger societal change.
Statement III – Neruda believes that when people come together as a community, they will be able to bring a transformation in each person.
(a) Statement I is True, Statement II is False, and Statement III cannot be inferred.
(b) Statement I and II cannot be inferred, Statement III is True
(c) Statement I is True, Statements II and III cannot be inferred.
(d) Statement I cannot be inferred, Statement II cannot be inferred, Statement III is False
Answer : A

Question. “Now I’ll count up to twelve and you keep quiet and I will go.” Why does the poet wish to go at the end of the poem?
(a) The poet does not believe people will be quiet.
(b) The poet has already invested enough time.
(c) The poet will move on and seek to inspire others.
(d) The poet is marking the end of the poem by leaving.
Answer : C

Question. The phrase ‘cold sea’ in ‘Keeping Quiet’ is a ..................... .
(a) metaphor
(b) transferred epithet
(c) oxymoron
(d) allusion
Answer : B

Question. Pablo Neruda uses the Earth as symbol of:
(a) creation
(b) dormant
(c) death
(d) sleep
Answer : A

Read the following extract and answer the questions :

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

Question. The rhyme scheme of the poem is
(a) aabb
(b) abab
(c) free verse
(d) None of the above
Answer : C

Question. The ‘exotic moment’ that the poet refers to is, when
(a) the whole world thinks differently
(b) all the people divided
(c) all the people become together with oneness
(d) all the people speak only in one language
Answer : C

Question. Which of the following is an example of anaphora?
(a) Without rush, without engines
(b) We would all be together
(c) It would be an exotic moment
(d) All the above
Answer : A

Question. What is the figure of speech used in the phrase ‘sudden strangeness’
(a) Metaphor
(b) Alliteration
(c) Repetition
(d) Oxymoron
Answer : B

“Now we will count to twelve
And we all keep still.
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.”

Question. What does the poem speak about?
(a)  The necessity to be happy
(b) The necessity to work quietly
(c) The necessity to introspect
(d) The necessity to be inactive
Answer : C

Question. The poet wants the entire humanity to
(a) Count up to twelve
(b) Not speak in any language for some time
(c) Not move the arms so much
(d) All of the above
Answer : D

Question. Why does the poet ask everyone not to speak in any language?
(a) To avoid unwanted noise
(b) To avoid gathering
(c) To avoid loud sound
(d) To avoid misunderstandings
Answer : D

Question. ‘Arm’ is an example of
(a) Metaphor
(b) Symbol
(c) Pun
(d) Imagery
Answer : C

“Fisherman in the cold sea would not harm whales and the man gathering salt would look at his hurt hands.”

Question. ‘cold sea’ is an example of
(a) Personification
(b) Metaphor
(c) Hyperbole
(d) Transferred epithet
Answer : D

Question. The word ‘cold’ refers to
(a) The temperature of the water
(b) The deep sea
(c) Passivity or lack of warmth
(d) None of these
Answer : C

Question. While gathering salt, what will happen to the man if he keeps silent for a moment?
(a) He will stop collecting it.
(b) He will enjoy Nature and the things around him.
(c) He will think of the harm the salt is doing to his hands.
(d) He will spend time with his family members.
Answer : C

Question. What does ‘hurt hands’ refer to?
(a) Greed of man
(b) Desires of man
(c) Increasing needs of man
(d)Man’s insensitivity to pain and suffering
Answer : D

Short Answer Questions I

Question. Which is the exotic moment that the poet refers to in ‘Keeping Quiet’?
Answer. The poet talks about the exotic moment when everyone quietens and becomes still. In that moment, no language must be spoken and there must be no movement; it must be a moment of introspection. It would be a moment free from all types of violence and madness of the world.

Question. What is the sadness the poet refers to in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’?
Answer. The poet refers to the ‘sadness’ of failing to understand nature and oneself in the monotonous everyday existence. He also finds it sad that the humanity is moving towards its own ruin, owing to its unanalysed actions. He regrets the rush of outdoing others that has made one forget the values of humanity.

Question. How, according to Neruda, can keeping quiet change our attitude to life?
Answer. Silence will give us time to think, to introspect, evaluate our actions and act more responsible. According to Neruda, this is how keeping quiet can change our attitude towards life.

Question. Which images in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ show that the poem condemns violence?
Answer. “Fishermen not harming Whales”, “Wars with gas”, “ Wars with fire”, “Victory with no survivors”,images in the poem, ‘Keeping Quiet” show that the poet condemns violence.

Question. What are the different kinds of wars mentioned in the poem? What is Neruda’s attitude towards these wars?
Answer. The different kinds of wars mentioned in the poem are green wars, wars with gases and wars with fire.
No matter which type of war it is, it is always against either humanity or nature. Therefore, Neruda condemns all kinds of wars saying that wars may bring victories, but there are no survivors to celebrate such victories. He urges us to stop, keep quiet, count to twelve and introspect.

Question. How can suspension of activities help?
Answer. Suspension of activities will give us time to introspect and assess our own actions. This self reflection would avoid destruction of mankind, ultimately helping us.

Question. Do you think the poet, Pablo Neruda advocates total inactivity and death? Why/Why not?
Answer. No, the poet does not advocate complete inactivity and death. He makes it clear that stillness should not be confused with ‘total inactivity’. He merely wants every individual to keep quiet and stay still so as to introspect. He says that everyone has lessons to learn from the earth where life sprouts out of even seemingly dead surroundings.

Question. What is the sadness that the poet Pablo Neruda, refers to in the poem, ‘Keeping Quiet’?
Answer. The sadness, which Pablo Neruda refers to in his poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ is the one that comes from never being able to understand ourselves; it is the sadness of isolation, yet no time for introspection. Humans are oblivious of the consequences of their destructive actions, the poet finds it quite saddening.

Question. According to the poet, what is it that human beings can learn from nature?
Answer. According to the poet, the human beings can learn emergence of new life, uninterrupted, even in stillness. They can also learn to be productive and constructive from nature.

Short Answer Questions II

Question. What will counting upto twelve and keeping still help us achieve?
Answer. Counting upto to twelve and keeping still for this brief interval of time would give us a momentary pause to introspect and understand oneself and each other better. It would also give us an opportunity to stop and think before taking any reckless decision. As a result, we will find inner peace.

Question. Which symbol from nature does the poet invoke that there can be life under apparent stillness ?
Answer. The earth is taken as a symbol from nature, which the poet invokes that there can be life under apparent stillness. It is only earth that nurtures life even after death.

Question. ‘Life is what it is all about, ....’ How is keeping quiet related to life?
Answer. Keeping quiet must not be confused with total inactivity. Take the example of earth, how it seems still yet, it nurtures life under apparent stillness.This is how keeping quite is related to life.

Question. Why does one feel ‘a sudden strangeness’ on counting to twelve and keeping quiet ?
Answer. On counting to twelve and keeping quiet makes one feel ‘a sudden strangeness’ because everything comes to a standstill. In this stillness one can enjoy the exotic moment and introspect.

Question. How will ‘Keeping Quiet’ protect our environment?
Answer. Keeping quiet will protect our environment also because in that moment of inactivity man will not exploit nature for his vested interests, fishermen will not harm the whales, there will be no green wars and no wars with gases.

Question. What will possibly be the effect of keeping quiet?
Answer. The possible effect of keeping quiet would calm us down, help us to introspect, help us live in peace. It will halt destruction and make us realise the need to be happy and united. Keeping quiet teaches us to live in close proximity with nature without harming it.

Question. What does the poem, ‘Keeping Quiet’ teach us?
Answer. The poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ teach us about how quietness leads to stillness, which further leads to peace and calmness in the world. It also teach us about the importance of introspection.

Extract Based Questions

Read the given extract and answer the question that follow :

1. Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.
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.

Question. What is the significance of the number ‘twelve’?
Answer. The number twelve represents the twelve hours marks on the clock to measure time.

Question. Which two activities does the poet want us to stop?
Answer. The poet wants us to not speak in any language and stop for one second and not move our hands so much.

Question. What does the poet mean by ‘let’s not speak in any language’?
Answer. The poet means that different languages symbolises difference. Keeping silent will ensure peace and give one the chance to introspect.

Question. Describe the pun in the word, ‘arms’.
Answer.The word ‘arms’ in the extract refers to both the hands and weapons.

2. ... ... ...
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.
Question. How can we bring about a ‘huge silence’?
Answer.We can bring about a ‘huge silence’ by keeping quiet and counting upto twelve or by halting all activities.

Question. Why is silence called ‘huge’?
Answer.Silence is called ‘huge’ because it is an exotic moment when every person on earth has become quiet.

Question. What do we do for lack of understanding?
Answer.For lack of understanding, we must keep quiet and introspect.

Question. What does this lack ultimately lead to?
Answer.This lack ultimately leads to death.

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

Question. Which exotic moment is referred to in these lines ?
Answer.The exotic moment referred to in these lines is the moment when everyone keeps quiet and there are no movements.

Question. Why would that moment be strange?
Answer.The moment would be strange because there would be no rush and no noise. It will bring the whole humanity together.

Question. What does the poet advocate in the poem?
Answer.In this poem, the poet advocates keeping quiet for twelve seconds and in that time, everyone should introspect. This would save mankind from disaster.

Question. What does the poet mean by the word, ‘engines’?
Answer.By ‘engines’ the poet means machines,automobiles, factories, etc.

4. If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.

Question. Whom does ‘we’ refer to in the above lines?
Answer.‘We’ in the above lines refers to the people of the world.

Question. Why does the poet want us to ‘do nothing’ for once?
Answer.The poet wants us to ‘do nothing’ for once because he wants us to stop and introspect and in the process take stock of our actions.

Question. What is the ‘Sadness’ that the poet refers to in the poem?
Answer.‘Sadness’ that the poet refers to in the poem is the due to causing so much destruction to the world and people.

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

Question. What does the Earth teach us?
Answer.The Earth teaches us that there is life under seeming stillness.

Question. What does the poet mean to achieve by counting upto twelve?
Answer.The poet wishes to wipe out the discord in the world and the reason for the imbalance that exists between man and nature. Ultimately, he wants to ensure the survival of the human race.

Question. What is the significance of ‘keeping quiet’?
Answer.Keeping quiet will provide time for introspection and create oneness among human beings.

6. 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.

Question. Why does the poet want us to keep quiet?
Answer.The poet wants as to keep quiet so as to keep stock of our mindless activities and do self-analysis. Keeping quiet will give us mental relaxation, will ensure and eventually save mankind from doom.

Question. What does he want us to do for one second?
Answer.The poet wants us to keep quiet for a second,not move our arms so much and stop all activities.

Question. What does he mean by ‘not move our arms’?
Answer.By ‘not move our arms’ the poet means to not move our hands nor weapons. This will prevent as from harming others thus, resulting in no wars and violence.

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

Question. What does ‘it’ refer to?
Answer.The word ‘it’ refers to keeping quiet.

Question. Who is the poet speaking to?
Answer.The poet is speaking to us, the mankind.

Question. What would be the moment like?
Answer.It would be an exotic moment. There would be stillness and togetherness in that moment, promoting harmony and brotherhood.

8. Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.
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.
Question. How long does the poet want to stay still?
Answer.The poet wants us to count to twelve and keep still in that moment.

Question. What does he hope to achieve by keeping quiet?
Answer.He hopes to achieve peace and realise the value of self introspection.

Question. What does the poet mean by ‘not move our arms so much’?
Answer.By the given sentence the poet means that one does not have to use his arms and ammunition so much as it causes violence. Similarly, by ‘not move our arms so much’ perhaps the poet is urging us not to use our hands and fists to fight.

9. Perhaps the Earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.
Now count up to twelve
and you keep quiet and I will go.
Question. What does the earth teach us?
Answer.The earth teaches us that there is life under apparent stillness. It also teaches us to be alive and possess the power to recover from loss.

Question. Why does the poet count up to twelve?
Answer.The poet counts upto twelve, taking time to calm down.

Question. What will keeping quiet help us achieve?
Answer.Keeping quiet will help us achieve peace and tranquility.