The Ball Poem

The poet seems to have indicated the merry bouncing of the ball to

• contrast with the dejected feeling of the boy.

• support the happiness of the experience of playing.

• create a sense of rhythm in these lines.

• indicate the cheerful mood of the boy.

The poem begins with a question. Based on your reading of the poem, the speaker:

• wants the boy to answer the question.

• is looking for answers in a self-help book.

• expects the passers-by to respond.

• is thinking to himself.

The poet uses the word 'ultimate' to describe the boy's reaction. Pick the meaning that DOES NOT display what, 'ultimate' means in the context given.

• Consequent

• Final

• Conclusive

• Fateful

The boy is very young in this poem. As a mature, balanced grown-up, he might look back and think that his reaction of 'ultimate shaking grief was: (1) disproportionate to the loss. (2) pretension to procure a new toy. (3) according to his exposure and experience then. (4) a reaction to the failure of retrieving the toy. (5) justified and similar to what it would be currently.

• 5 & 2

• 2 & 4

• 3 & 5

• 1 & 3

Why does the speaker choose not to intrude? This is so because the poet:

• knows that it would embarrass the boy in his moment of grief.

• feels that iť's important that the boy learn an important life lesson, undisturbed.

• realises that he doesn't have sufficient funds to purchase a new ball for the boy.

• experiences a sense of distress himself, by looking at the boy's condition.

The poet uses the ball as a symbol of the boy's:

• sense of adventure.

• ability to bounce back.

• carefree childhood days.

• extended family.

The poet feels that there is no point consoling the boy as:

• it would give him false hope.

• it might distress him further.

• he might demand for a new ball.

• whatever he has lost, is irretrievable.

The word 'harbour' DOES NOT have a meaning similar to:

• port.

• dock.

• cargo.

• pier.

Merrily over_____ there it is in the water!' The dash here is meant to convey:

• some familiar experience.

• feeling of excitement.

• some thoughtful moments.

• a sense of unexpected interruption.

The word that DOES NOT indicate a physical manifestation of sorrow in the boy, is:

• worthless

• shaking.

• trembling.

• rigid.