Amanda Poem Question Bank: Previous Year Questions (PYQs), Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), and Competency-Based Questions for Class 10 English CBSE Board English Exams.
Amanda PYQs – Extract Based MCQs & Competency Focussed Questions (CFQs)
Syllabus:
One extract out of two, from poetry.
Multiple Choice Questions / Objective Type Questions will be asked to assess interpretation, analysis, inference, evaluation, appreciation and vocabulary.
Prepare thoroughly for your Class 10 English exams with our comprehensive Amanda Poem question bank. This resource brings together previous year questions (PYQs), multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and competency-based practice designed to match CBSE exam patterns. With detailed answers, past papers, and exam-oriented exercises, students can strengthen interpretation, analysis, and vocabulary skills while gaining confidence for board exams.
Year 2025 PYQs (Amanda)
(CBSE Q Paper Set 2.3)
Q1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
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.)
Questions:
(i) How does the poet reinforce the contrast between what the narrator wants and what Amanda desires?
(ii) What tone is conveyed through the repetition of Amanda’s name in the line?
(a) loving
(b) instructive
(c) indifferent
(d) playful
(iii) How does the imagery of the emerald sea with the mermaid contrast with Amanda’s actions?
(iv) Select the option that applies the same rhyme scheme as the lines of the given extract.
(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
Answers
(i). The poet shows the contrast by presenting the narrator’s continuous instructions and commands, which reflect control and discipline. In contrast, Amanda’s desire is shown through her imagination of a peaceful emerald sea, where she is a mermaid enjoying freedom and calm. This highlights Amanda’s wish to escape constant nagging.
(ii). (b) instructive
(iii). The emerald sea and mermaid imagery symbolise freedom, peace, and happiness, while Amanda’s actions show that she is restricted and constantly corrected. The imagery contrasts her dream world with her controlled real life.
(iv) (d)
(CBSE Q Paper Set 2.5) Same extract as above.
Questions:
(i) What image does the above extract create about Amanda’s mother?
(ii) Why is the second verse written in brackets?
(iii) Amanda calls herself a mermaid because
(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.
(iv) Amanda wants to be the sole inhabitant in the sea. Elucidate.
Answers
(i). The extract creates an image of Amanda’s mother as strict, controlling, and constantly nagging. She keeps correcting Amanda’s behaviour and posture, leaving no space for freedom or relaxation. Her tone appears commanding rather than affectionate.
(ii). The second verse is written in brackets to show Amanda’s inner thoughts and imagination. It highlights her dream world, which is completely different from the real world where she is constantly instructed and scolded.
(iii). (C) Amanda longs to be free like a mermaid which sails effortlessly in the sea.
(iv). Amanda wants to be the sole inhabitant in the sea because she desires complete freedom and silence. Being alone symbolises her wish to escape constant instructions and enjoy peace without anyone controlling or judging her actions.
Q2. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
(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!
Questions:
(i) Complete the following suitably:
Amanda sulked and became moody because ____________.
(ii) What does the girl constantly yearn for? What do you pattern about Amanda from the poem?
(iii) What kind of picture is painted by the poet through the line,
“life in a tower is tranquil and rare”?
(iv) The tone of the speaker in the exclamation
“Stop that sulking at once, Amanda!” is
- uncertain
- aggressive
- dominating
- meek
- moody
(A) 1, 2, 4
(B) 2 and 3
(C) 2, 4 and 5
(D) 4 and 5
Answers
(i). Amanda sulked and became moody because she was constantly nagged, corrected, and controlled by her mother.
(ii). Amanda constantly yearns for freedom, peace, and independence. From the poem, we learn that she is a sensitive and imaginative girl who escapes into fantasy to avoid the stress of constant instructions.
(iii). The line paints a picture of a calm, peaceful, and carefree life, away from interference and restrictions. The tower symbolises isolation with freedom from nagging.
(iv). (B) 2 and 3 (aggressive and dominating)
Year 2024 PYQs (Amanda)
Q1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
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;)
(Amanda)
Questions:
(i) What is the central idea of the poem as reflected in the lines above?
Answer in about 40 words.
(ii) 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
(iii) Identify any one poetic device used in the above extract.
(iv) For what reason does Amanda imagine herself to be Rapunzel?
Answer
(i). The central idea reflected in these lines is the conflict between authority and freedom. Amanda is constantly instructed and controlled by her mother, which makes her escape into a fantasy world where she imagines herself carefree, peaceful, and free from nagging.
(ii) (C) authoritative
(iii) One poetic device used in the extract is imagery, seen in the picture of a calm tower and Rapunzel’s carefree life.
(iv). Amanda imagines herself to be Rapunzel because she desires peace, isolation, and freedom from constant instructions. The tower represents a quiet space where no one interferes with her life.
Year 2023 PYQs (Amanda)
Q1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
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)
Questions:
(i) The Speaker’s tone is
(a) loving.
(b) hopeful.
(c) instructive.
(d) indifferent.
(ii) Complete the analogy with a word from the extract:
rare : uncommon :: peace : ………..
(iii) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE:
Amanda did not want anyone to invade her privacy and silence.
(iv) Select the appropriate option:
Amanda’s mother is continuously ………. Amanda.
(a) encouraging
(b) reprimanding
(c) motivating
(d) disappointing
(v) Which word in the extract is opposite in meaning to the word ‘dull’?
(a) dreary
(b) shady
(c) bright
(d) angry
Answers
(i) (c) instructive
(ii) peace : tranquil
(iii) TRUE
(iv) (b) reprimanding
(v) (c) bright
CBSE QB: Extract Based CFQS (Amanda Poem)
Q1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
(I am an orphan, roaming the street.
I pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet.
The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet.)
Questions:
i. The tone of the given lines is
a) analytical.
b) despairing.
c) peaceful.
d) nervous.
ii. Read the statements A and B given below, and choose the option that
correctly evaluates these statements.
Statement A – The figure ‘I’ imagines a less than realistic view of being an orphan.
Statement B – The figure ‘I’ does not like the speaker.
a) A is true, B is false, according to the extract
b) A is true, B cannot be clearly inferred from the extract.
c) A cannot be clearly inferred from the extract, B is false.
d) A is true and can be inferred from the poem, B is true too.
iii. The golden silence is contrasted with the __________.
a) chaos of the street.
b) constant instructions received.
c) sweetness of freedom.
d) hushed, bare feet.
iv. The rhyme scheme ‘aaa’ in the above extract is followed in all other
stanzas of the poem that are written in parenthesis, i.e. (). Why?
Read the reasons given below, and choose the option that lists the most
accurate reasoning:
(i) It shows the simplicity of the child’s thoughts.
(ii) It reflects the harmony and rhythm of the child’s inner world.
(iii) It mirrors a child’s expression.
(iv) It highlights the poet’s aesthetic sensibility.
a) (i) and (iv)
b) (i) and (ii)
c) (ii) and (iii)
d) (iii) and (iv)
v. Pick the option that lists the usage of the word ‘pattern’, as in the extract
above.
a) That is a lovely pattern for a wallpaper.
b) He decided to wear a patterned shirt to the party.
c) Poetry is a form of pattern making.
d) She patterned her hair after her favourite celebrity.
vi. Extra Q.
Which option completes the popular adage given below?
______________ silence is gold.
a) Precious are words for
b) Speech is silver
c) Silver is the tongue
d) Ideas may be precious but
vii. Extra Q.
A transferred epithet is a literary device where the modifier or epithet is
transferred from the noun it is meant to describe to another noun in the
sentence.
Based on the given definition of ‘transferred epithet’, choose the option that
lists an example of transferred epithet.
a) soft dust
b) hushed (bare) feet
c) freedom (is) sweet
d) silence (is) golden
Answers
i. (c) peaceful
ii. (b) A is true, B cannot be clearly inferred from the extract.
iii. (b) constant instructions received.
iv. (b) (i) and (ii)
v. (d) She patterned her hair after her favourite celebrity.
vi. (b) Speech is silver
vii. (d) silence (is) golden
Q2. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Don’t bite your nails, Amanda!
Don’t hunch your shoulders, Amanda!
Stop that slouching and sit up straight,
Amanda!
Questions:
i. The purpose of the speaker’s words in the given extract is to
a) show the speaker’s power over the listener.
b) make the listener a better human being.
c) advise the listener as an elder.
d) improve the listener’s posture and habits.
ii. Alliteration is a literary device used in the extract.
Which of the following options DOES NOT include examples of this literary device?
a) The moon and the shimmering stars watched over us
b) With that charming chat, Catherine chose comfort
c) Away ran the pathetic pooch pouting like a princess
d) Dee dee was driving down day after day
iii. What does the repetition of “Amanda!” at the end of each line reflect?
a) It describes who the speaker is talking to.
b) It represents the absent-mindedness of the listener.
c) It shows the frustration of the speaker.
d) It helps create a rhyme scheme.
iv. Select the option that fits with the following:
slouching : straight :: ______ : _______
a) transparent : translucent
b) lazy : agile
c) forgetful : lively
d) generous : liberal
Answers
i. (d) improve the listener’s posture and habits.
ii. (a) The moon and the shimmering stars watched over us
iii. (c) It shows the frustration of the speaker.
iv. (b) lazy : agile
Amanda Poem PYQs: Short and Long Questions
Short & Long Answer Questions:
(a) Four out of Five Short Answer Type Questions to be answered in 40-50 words from the book BEEHIVE
to assess interpretation, analysis, inference and evaluation. 4×3=12 marks
(b) One out of two Long Answer Type Questions from BEEHIVE to be answered in about 100-120 words to assess creativity, imagination and extrapolation beyond the text and across the text. This can also be a passage-based question taken from a situation/plot from the text. 6 marks
Year 2025 PYQs (Amanda)
Q1. Amanda and Valli both represent a longing for freedom. Examine the above observation with reference to the two texts. (2025)
Ans. Both Amanda from the poem “Amanda!” and Valli from “Madam Rides the Bus” represent a strong desire for freedom and independence. Amanda’s longing for freedom is shown through her imagination. She escapes into a fantasy world where she becomes a mermaid or Rapunzel to avoid constant instructions and control. Her freedom is mental and emotional. On the other hand, Valli’s longing for freedom is practical and physical. She dreams of riding a bus and exploring the outside world on her own. While Amanda remains silent and escapes into imagination, Valli is bold, confident, and acts on her desire. Both characters highlight how children seek freedom in different ways when they feel restricted by adults.
Q2. How does the use of repetition in the poem ‘Amanda!’ highlight the speaker’s expectations and Amanda’s responses? (SQP 2025-26)
Ans. Repetition in the poem, especially of the word “Amanda”, highlights the speaker’s constant instructions and expectations. It shows how Amanda is repeatedly corrected and controlled. This repetition also contrasts with Amanda’s silence and inner responses, as she escapes into her imagination instead of replying aloud.
Year 2024 PYQs (Amanda)
Q1. Amanda from the poem ‘Amanda!’ is a teenager like Anne Frank and lives in her fantasy world whereas Anne is a chatter box. What conversation will Anne Frank have with Amanda about different perspectives of life? Write your answer in about 120 words. (2024)
Answer:
Anne Frank would encourage Amanda to express her feelings openly instead of remaining silent. She might tell Amanda how writing and talking helped her survive loneliness and fear. Anne would admire Amanda’s imagination but suggest that sharing thoughts brings relief. Amanda, in turn, would tell Anne how she escapes into fantasy to avoid constant instructions and control. Anne might explain that life, even with restrictions, can be meaningful if one remains hopeful and expressive. Through their conversation, both girls would realise that while Anne chooses words and writing to deal with life, Amanda chooses silence and imagination. Their different responses show that every individual finds their own way to cope with challenges.
Q2. Explain why Amanda wants to be an orphan. Refer to the given lines, from the text — I am an orphan, roaming the street. I pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet. The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet. (2024)
Answer:
Amanda wants to be an orphan because she associates it with freedom and silence. In the given lines, she imagines roaming freely without instructions or control. Being an orphan symbolises a life without constant scolding, where she can enjoy peace and independence.
Q3. In every alternate stanza, Amanda drifts into fantasy and yearns for more freedom and silence. Justify and elaborate the reason. (2024)
Answer:
In every alternate stanza, Amanda escapes into fantasy because she feels overburdened by constant commands. Her imagination provides relief from nagging. The fantasy world offers silence, freedom, and peace, which are missing in her real life.
Q4. Summarise the role of the use of parentheses in the poem ‘Amanda!’. (SQP 2024-25)
Answer:
Parentheses are used to show Amanda’s inner thoughts and imagination. They separate her fantasy world from the real world of instructions. This device highlights the contrast between external control and inner freedom.
Year 2023 PYQs (Amanda)
Q1. What impression do you form about Amanda in the poem?
Answer:
Amanda appears to be a quiet, sensitive, and imaginative girl. She does not speak back but escapes into her fantasy world to avoid constant instructions. Her silence shows that she feels restricted and misunderstood. She longs for freedom, peace, and independence, which she finds only in her imagination.
Q2. Why does Amanda wish to be a mermaid?
Answer:
Amanda wishes to be a mermaid because it symbolises freedom and peace. In the sea, she imagines herself alone, calm, and free from instructions. The mermaid represents her desire to escape from control and enjoy a carefree life without interference.
Q3. Amanda’s mother gives her a list of do’s and don’ts. What impact does this have on Amanda?
Answer:
The constant list of do’s and don’ts makes Amanda feel irritated, withdrawn, and silent. Instead of responding verbally, she escapes into her imagination. This shows that excessive control affects her emotionally and pushes her away from reality into fantasy.
Q4. Amanda gets a list of instructions from her mother of dos and don’ts. What do these tell you about the relationship between Amanda and her mother?
Answer:
The instructions suggest a relationship based on authority rather than understanding. Amanda’s mother appears controlling and strict, while Amanda remains silent. There is a lack of communication and emotional connection, leading Amanda to seek comfort in her imaginary world.
CBSE Question Bank (QB) 2021
(Only One QB released so far by CBSE and that too for 2020-21)
Q1. What kind of an image does “languid, emerald sea” evoke? (CBSE QB 2020–21, CBSE 2016)
Answer:
The phrase “languid, emerald sea” evokes an image of a calm, beautiful, and peaceful sea. It suggests slowness, relaxation, and freedom. This image reflects Amanda’s desire to escape from constant instructions and live a quiet, stress-free life.
Q2. What do you think is the significance of the exclamation mark in the title of the poem ‘Amanda!’? (QB 2020–21)
Answer:
The exclamation mark shows the constant scolding and commanding tone of the speaker. It reflects urgency, impatience, and repeated instructions directed at Amanda, highlighting the pressure she faces throughout the poem.
Q3. Would you call Amanda a disrespectful child? Provide one reason to justify your opinion. (QB 2020–21)
Answer:
No, Amanda is not disrespectful. She does not answer back or argue. Instead, she remains silent and escapes into her imagination. Her silence shows withdrawal, not rudeness.
Q4. The reader sympathises with the speaker in the poem. Support this opinion with a reason. (QB 2020–21)
Answer:
The reader sympathises with the speaker because the speaker appears concerned about Amanda’s behaviour, health, and manners. The repeated instructions suggest a desire to guide and discipline the child, though the method may be excessive.
Q5. What does the line “never let down my bright hair” tell us about Amanda? (QB 2020–21)
Answer:
The line shows that Amanda wants to protect her freedom and peace. By saying she will never let down her hair, she wishes to avoid contact with others and remain undisturbed in her quiet, imaginary world.
Q6. How would you characterise the speaker in the poem ‘Amanda!’? List any two qualities, supporting the reason of your choice, with evidence from the poem. (QB 2020–21)
Answer:
The speaker can be described as:
- Authoritative – gives constant commands like “Don’t bite your nails” and “Sit up straight.”
- Over-controlling – repeatedly corrects Amanda’s actions, leaving her no space for freedom.
Q7. ‘Amanda is alone but not lonely in the world she envisions.’ Justify the statement with reference to any one image she pictures in her mind. (QB 2020–21)
Answer:
Amanda imagines herself as a mermaid alone in the emerald sea. Though she is the sole inhabitant, she feels happy and peaceful. This shows that solitude brings her joy, not loneliness.
Q8. Justify the poet’s allusion to Rapunzel in ‘Amanda’. (QB 2020–21)
Answer:
Rapunzel symbolises isolation, peace, and freedom from interference. By imagining herself as Rapunzel, Amanda expresses her desire to live quietly, away from constant instructions, in a space where she feels safe and undisturbed.
Q9. What advice might “chatterbox” Anne (Frank) have for the quietly imaginative Amanda? Present this as a conversation between the two. (QB 2020–21)
Answer:
Anne: Gosh! You do run off into some strange worlds, don’t you?
Amanda: (nods) Well, I like being quiet. It helps me feel free.
Anne: I talk and write to survive my fears. You imagine to escape yours.
Amanda: Maybe both ways help us live better.
Anne: True. But try sharing your feelings too—it lightens the heart.
Q10. Why does Amanda seem moody most of the time? [CBSE 2016]
Answer:
Amanda seems moody because she is constantly nagged and instructed. She feels controlled and misunderstood. This makes her withdraw into her imagination, giving an impression of moodiness.