From textbook poems: 6 one-sentence questions, attempt any 4 (1 mark each) MCQs Quiz | Class 9

Understanding Poetry for One-Sentence Answers

Poetry is a rich form of literature that conveys emotions, ideas, and stories through carefully chosen words and structures. In your CBSE exams, particularly for “One Sentence Answers” (Eka Vakyat Uttare), it’s crucial to grasp the core concepts and devices poets use. This section will help you revise key elements and improve your ability to answer concise questions about poetry.

Key Poetic Devices and Concepts

One-sentence answers often test your understanding of specific literary devices or the central idea of a poem. Here are some essential terms:

• Imagery: Language that appeals to the five senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell) to create vivid mental pictures.
• Simile: A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as.” Example: “Her smile was as bright as the sun.”
• Metaphor: A direct comparison between two unlike things, stating that one thing is another. Example: “The world is a stage.”
• Personification: Giving human qualities or actions to inanimate objects or abstract ideas. Example: “The wind whispered secrets.”
• Alliteration: The repetition of the same initial consonant sound in words close together. Example: “Peter Piper picked a peck.”
• Onomatopoeia: Words that imitate the sound they represent. Example: “Buzz,” “Hiss,” “Splash.”
• Rhyme Scheme: The pattern of rhymes at the end of lines in a poem, usually denoted by letters (e.g., AABB, ABAB).
• Rhythm: The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a poem, creating a musical quality.
• Stanza: A group of lines forming the basic recurring metrical unit in a poem; similar to a paragraph in prose.
• Theme: The central idea or underlying message that the poet wants to convey through the poem.
• Tone: The poet’s attitude towards the subject or audience, conveyed through word choice and style.

Tips for Answering One-Sentence Questions

To excel in “Eka Vakyat Uttare” questions, remember these points:

1. Read the Question Carefully: Understand exactly what is being asked. Identify keywords.
2. Locate Relevant Lines: Quickly find the part of the poem that pertains to the question.
3. Identify the Device/Concept: If asked about a device, name it correctly and briefly explain its effect.
4. Be Concise and Direct: Provide a single, complete sentence that directly answers the question without extra information.
5. Use Poetic Terminology: Employ terms like ‘simile,’ ‘metaphor,’ ‘theme,’ etc., where appropriate.

Quick Revision Table: Poetic Devices

Practice Questions for Deeper Understanding

Here are 5 additional questions to test your understanding. Try to answer them in one sentence each:

1. What is the primary function of rhyme in a poem?
2. How does a poet typically establish the mood of a poem?
3. Explain the difference between a simile and a metaphor in one sentence.
4. When a poet repeats a word or phrase, what effect does it often create?
5. What does ‘free verse’ poetry mean?

Mastering these basics will significantly help you appreciate poetry and score well in your exams!