Previous Year Questions 2026
Question 1. Did you finish your homework, Amanda? Did you tidy your room, Amanda? I thought I told you to clean your shoes, Amanda! (I am an orphan, roaming the street. I pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet. The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet.) (Amanda!) [5 Marks]
(i) Complete the sentence appropriately: Amanda wants to be an orphan because ___________. [1 Mark]
Answer: Amanda wants to be an orphan because she is continuously nagged by her mother and wants to be free from constant instructions and corrections / she is tired of the nagging and longs for silence and freedom.
(ii) What does the image of Amanda "roaming barefoot in the dusty street" signify? [2 Marks]
Answer: The image of Amanda roaming barefoot in the dusty street signifies:
- Her deep longing for freedom and escape from the constant nagging and discipline imposed on her.
- It represents her desire to enjoy her childhood without anyone correcting her.
- It symbolises her wish for silence, peace, and the absence of rules, where no one nags or controls her.
- The barefoot image suggests a carefree, unrestricted life that she dreams of but cannot have.
(iii) Amanda's tone while imagining herself as an orphan is: [1 Mark]
(A) excited
(B) fearful
(C) angry
(D) peaceful
Answer: (D) peaceful
(iv) What does the speaker do on the dust? [1 Mark]
Answer: The speaker (Amanda, imagining herself as an orphan) patterns soft dust with her hushed, bare feet as she roams freely on the street.
Chapter: Poem - Amanda!
Question 2: How does the method of the seagull's mother to teach her child to be independent contrast with Amanda's mother's constant nagging ? Examine how this affects the emotional responses of the seagull and Amanda. ('Two Stories about Flying' and 'Amanda!') [6 marks]
Answer: The seagull's mother and Amanda's mother represent two strikingly different approaches to parenting, each having a profound impact on the emotional development of their children.
The seagull's mother uses an indirect, patient and strategic method to encourage her young one to fly. Rather than forcing him or giving constant direct instructions, she withholds food and holds a piece of fish just out of his reach, silently motivating him to overcome his fear and take his first flight. This approach builds courage, confidence and self-reliance in the seagull. He eventually leaps, spreads his wings, and flies successfully, bringing him closer to his family and giving him a sense of triumph.
In contrast, Amanda's mother constantly nags and scolds her with a stream of direct instructions regarding her posture, her eating habits, her behaviour and her appearance. This controlling and demanding approach makes Amanda feel trapped and suffocated. Amanda seeks escape in her imagination, daydreaming of being a mermaid, an orphan or Rapunzel, all of whom are free and alone.
Thus, the seagull's mother fostered autonomy and resilience in her child, while Amanda's mother's excessive control created a sense of rebellion and a desire to withdraw from the real world in Amanda.
Chapter : Poem - Amanda!
(B) Analyse how Amanda in the poem 'Amanda' and the dragon in the poem 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon' yearn for acceptance and a life free from criticism. [6 marks]
Answer:
Both Amanda and Custard the Dragon are characters who long deeply for acceptance and freedom from the constant criticism and external pressure placed upon them.
Amanda is a young girl who is perpetually subjected to her mother's nagging and controlling instructions about her posture, her eating habits, her behaviour, and her appearance. Unable to find peace in her real world, Amanda retreats into beautiful fantasies. She imagines herself as a carefree mermaid drifting in the sea, as an orphan free to roam the dusty streets, and even as Rapunzel, willingly imprisoned in a tower so that no one can bother her. She views silence as golden and freedom as sweet. Her daydreams are a form of escape from the constant criticism that denies her the right to simply be herself. She yearns not for wealth or adventure, but simply for acceptance and the freedom to exist without judgement.
Custard the Dragon yearns for similar acceptance. Despite living with Belinda and her pets who all boast of their bravery, Custard is mocked and teased for being "cowardly" and for crying for a "nice safe cage." He craves acceptance for his true nature rather than being forced into a persona of fierce glory that does not belong to him. He seeks refuge from the verbal bullying of his household peers.
Both characters ultimately reflect the human desire to be accepted as one truly is, without the burden of external expectations, judgement, or forced personas.
Chapter : Poem - Amanda!
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Previous Year Questions 2025
Q1: Read the following extract and answer the questions:
"Don't bite your nails, Amanda!
Don't hunch your shoulders, Amanda!
Stop that slouching and sit up straight, Amanda!
(There is a languid, emerald sea,
where the sole inhabitant is me-
a mermaid, drifting blissfully)"
(i) How does the poet reinforce the contrast between what the narrator wants and what Amanda desires? (2 Marks)
Ans: The poet sets up a clear contrast by placing the mother's repeated commands beside Amanda's private daydreams. The mother's voice demands neatness and obedience - for example, telling Amanda not to bite her nails or to sit up straight - while Amanda's imagination offers calm and freedom, where she is a lone mermaid drifting blissfully in an emerald sea. This contrast highlights the difference between a life of rules and a longing for peaceful independence.
(ii) What tone is conveyed through the repetition of Amanda's name in the line? (1 Mark)
(a) loving
(b) instructive
(c) indifferent
(d) playful
Ans: (b)
Explanation: The repeated use of "Amanda" sounds like a series of commands or reminders. It reflects the mother's instructive, corrective tone as she tries to control Amanda's behaviour and draw her attention.
(iii) How does the imagery of the emerald sea with the mermaid contrast with Amanda's actions? (1 Mark)
Ans: The emerald sea and the mermaid create an image of tranquillity, freedom and blissful solitude, which is the opposite of Amanda's real behaviour where she is being scolded and constrained. While Amanda's actions are checked and corrected by her mother, her imagined world gives her space to relax and be herself.
(iv) Select the option that applies the same rhyme scheme as the lines of the given extract. (1 Mark)
(a) Sitting by the pond
Waving my wand
Awaiting my dearest
I looked above and beyond
Awaiting my love
A sudden sound, fluttered the dove
The crackle stopped, as so did my heart
(b) Sitting by the pond
Holding tight to my bond
I looked above and beyond
Awaiting my love
I heard her come, a sudden sound
The crackle stopped, as so did my heart
(c) I sat beside the pond with her
Awaiting for her to come
I looked above and beyond
Awaiting my love
A sudden sound, I turned back
The crackle stopped, as so did my heart
(d) Sitting by the pond
Awaiting my love
I looked above and beyond
A sudden scream, I looked around
Then a shadow fell and there was no sound
The crackle stopped, as so did my heart
Ans: (a)
Explanation: The extract's lines show a repeated rhyme pattern in groups, matching the scheme aaba ccc. Option (a) follows the same grouping and rhyme endings, so it is the best match.
Q2: Read the following extract and answer the questions:
"Don't bite your nails, Amanda!
Don't hunch your shoulders, Amanda!
Stop that slouching and sit up straight, Amanda!
(There is a languid, emerald sea,
where the sole inhabitant is me-
a mermaid, drifting blissfully)"
(i) What image does the above extract create about Amanda's mother? (1 Mark)
Ans: Amanda's mother comes across as strict and controlling. She constantly corrects Amanda's posture and habits, showing that she is more concerned with discipline and appearances than with Amanda's feelings.
(ii) Why is the second verse written in brackets? (1 Mark)
Ans: The bracketed verse shows Amanda's private imagination. Brackets separate her inner daydream - the mermaid in an emerald sea - from the outer reality of her mother's commands, emphasising that this scene exists in Amanda's mind.
(iii)Amanda calls herself a mermaid because ______________ (1 Mark)
(A) Mermaid is Amanda's favourite fantasy character.
(B) Amanda loves watching a mermaid drifting in water.
(C) Amanda longs to be free like a mermaid which sails effortlessly in the sea.
(D) Amanda wants to sail with a mermaid in the deep-sea water.
Ans: (c)
Explanation: Amanda imagines herself as a mermaid to escape her mother's constant nagging. A mermaid's effortless drifting suggests freedom and peace, which Amanda longs for.
(iv) Amanda wants to be the sole inhabitant in the sea. Elucidate. (2 Marks)
Ans: By imagining herself as the only inhabitant of a calm emerald sea, Amanda seeks complete solitude and freedom. Being the sole inhabitant means she would have no one to order or criticise her, giving her the peace and independence she misses in real life.
Q3: Read the following extract and answer the questions:
(I am Rapunzel, I have not care;
life in a tower is tranquil and rare;
I'll certainly never let down my bright hair !)
Stop that sulking at once, Amanda !
You're always so moody, Amanda !
Anyone would think that I nagged at you,
Amanda !
(i) Complete the following suitably: Amanda sulked and became moody because ________. (1 Mark)
Ans: Amanda sulked and became moody because she felt suffocated by her mother's constant scolding and lack of freedom.
(ii): What does the girl constantly yearn for? What do you pattern about Amanda from the poem? (2 Marks)
Ans: Amanda yearns for peace, independence and the freedom to be herself. From the poem we learn that she is imaginative and sensitive; she often escapes into fantasies such as being Rapunzel or a mermaid to cope with her mother's controlling behaviour.
(iii): What kind of picture is painted by the poet through the line, 'life in a tower is tranquil and rare'? (1 Mark)
Ans: The line paints a picture of calm and secluded peace. The tower represents a quiet, protected space where one can be undisturbed and content.
(iv) The tone of the speaker in the exclamation 'Stop that sulking at once, Amanda!' is:
(1) uncertain
(2) aggressive
(3) dominating
(4) meek
(5) moody
(A) 1, 2, 4
(B) 2 and 3
(C) 2, 4 and 5
(D) 4 and 5
Ans: (b)
Explanation: The command is sharp and forceful, showing an aggressive intent, and it also displays a dominating attitude as the speaker asserts authority over Amanda's behaviour.
Previous Year Questions 2024
Q1: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (2024)Don't eat that chocolate, Amanda!
Remember your acne, Amanda!
Will you please look at me when I'm speaking to you, Amanda!
(I am Rapunzel, I have not a care;
life in a tower is tranquil and rare;)
(A) What is the central idea of the poem as reflected in the lines above? Answer in about 40 words.
Ans: The lines contrast a mother's constant concerns and orders with Amanda's private wish for peace and freedom. Repeated instructions about appearance and behaviour show daily pressure, while Amanda's Rapunzel daydreams reveal her desire to escape into an undisturbed, solitary life.
(B) Complete the sentence with the appropriate option. "Will you please look at me when I'm speaking to you, Amanda!" tells us that the mother's attitude is________ .
(a) loving
(b) relaxed
(c) authoritative
(d) thoughtful
Ans: (c)
Explanation: The line is a direct instruction that expects obedience, which reflects an authoritative attitude. The mother wants Amanda's attention and compliance rather than a friendly request.
(C) Identify any one poetic device used in the above extract.
Ans: Repetition. The poet repeats the name "Amanda" to stress the mother's constant admonitions and to create a rhythmic, commanding effect.
(D) For what reason does Amanda imagine herself to be Rapunzel?
Ans: Amanda imagines being Rapunzel because Rapunzel's life in a tower suggests undisturbed solitude. Amanda wants to be away from constant scolding and to enjoy peace where no one can boss her around.
Also read: NCERT Solutions: Amanda! |
Previous Year Questions 2023
Q2: What impression do you form about Amanda in the poem? (2023)Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Q3: Don't eat that chocolate Amanda!
Remember your acne, Amanda!
Will you please look at me when I'm speaking to you Amanda!
(I am Rapunzel, I have not a care; life in tower is tranquil and rare, I'll certainly never let down my bright hair) (2023)
(i) The Speaker's tone is
(a) loving
(b) hopeful
(c) instructive
(d) indifferent
Ans: (c)
Explanation: The speaker gives direct directions and corrections, showing an instructive tone. She focuses on telling Amanda what to do rather than engaging in a dialogue.
(ii) Complete the analogy with a word from the extract:
reare : uncommon :: peace : ____
Ans: tranquil
(iii) State whether the following statement is true or false.
Amanda did not want anyone to invade her privacy and silence.
Ans: True
Explanation: Amanda's daydreams of being Rapunzel in a tower or the sole mermaid in an emerald sea show that she seeks privacy and quiet. These images indicate she does not want others to disturb her peace.
(iv) Select the appropriate option:
Amandas's mother is continuously____Amanda.
(a) encouraging
(b) reprimanding
(c) motivating
(d) disappointing
Ans: (b)
Explanation: The mother repeatedly tells Amanda what to do or not do, which amounts to continuous reprimanding rather than encouragement.
(v) Which word in the extract is opposite in meaning to the word 'dull'?
(a) dreary
(b) shady
(c) bright
(d) angry
Ans: (c)
Explanation: "Bright" contrasts with "dull" as it suggests being lively or vivid rather than lacklustre.
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Previous Year Questions 2021
Q4: "Don't bite your nails Amanda!Don't hunch your shoulders Amanda!"
What does this reflect about Amanda's mother and Amanda? (Term II, 2021-22)
Ans: The lines show that Amanda's mother is often nagging and authoritative; her voice sounds more like giving orders than gentle guidance. Amanda, who is still a young girl, reacts differently - she feels restricted and longs for room to grow, so her imagination becomes a way to resist and escape her mother's control.
Q5: Amanda was blamed for a number of things. Mention any two. (Term II, 2021-22)
Ans: Two things Amanda was blamed for are biting her nails and eating chocolates. Her mother often points out such habits as faults and criticises her for them.
Q6: Don't eat that chocolate, Amanda!
Remember your acne, Amanda!
Will you please look at me when I'm speaking to you, Amanda!
(I am Rapunzel, I have not a care; life in a tower is tranquil and rare; I'll certainly never let down my bright hair!) (2021C)
(i) The speaker does not want Amanda to eat chocolate because _________ .
Ans: it may cause acne.
(ii) The speaker's attitude is _________ .
Ans: annoyed
(iii) Where was Rapunzel kept?
Ans: In a tower.
(iv) How is Amanda different from Rapunzel?
Ans: Rapunzel lives apart from family and is undisturbed, while Amanda lives with her mother who constantly nags her, so Amanda cannot enjoy the same solitude.
(v) Which word is opposite in meaning to the word 'tranquil'?
Ans: chaotic
Previous Year Questions 2020
Q7: Justify the poet's allusion to Rapunzel in 'Amanda'. (2020-21)Ans: The allusion to Rapunzel is appropriate because Rapunzel's life in a tower suggests enforced solitude and strict control, like Amanda's experience of being closely supervised. Amanda feels similarly caged by rules and orders, and she longs for isolated peace where she would not be disturbed - just as Rapunzel is left alone in her tower.
Also read: NCERT Solutions: Amanda! |
Previous Year Questions 2019
Q8: (There is a languid, emerald sea, where the sole inhabitant is me a mermaid drifting blissfully.) (Delhi 20 19)(a) Who does 'me' stand for?
(b) How does 'me' feel?
(c) Who is 'me' compared to?
(d) Which word in the extract means opposite of 'sorrowfully'?
(b) Amanda feels peaceful and content, as if she is the only being in a calm sea, drifting without care.
(c) 'Me' is compared to a mermaid.
(d) The word 'blissfully' is opposite in meaning to 'sorrowfully'.
: