CBSE Class 12 NCERT English Core PYQs: Study for free from the “Keep Quiet” poem questions selected from previous years’ CBSE Board Exams for Class 12 English Core. The questions based on the poem “Keep Quiet” by Pablo Neruda. These questions collected from previous years’ CBSE Class 12 English Board exams. Click here to learn more.
Poem Keep Quiet: PYQs and CFPQs
PYQs – (2024, 2023)
Q 1. What is Pablo Neruda’s complaint against fishermen? (CBSE 2024)
Ans: Pablo Neruda criticizes fishermen for harming nature by killing whales. He urges them to pause and stop causing unnecessary destruction to the marine ecosystem, emphasizing the need for harmony with nature.
Q 2. What, according to Pablo Neruda in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’, is the lesson that we should learn from Mother Earth? (CBSE 2023)
Ans: The poet suggests that we should learn renewal and resilience from Earth. Even when Earth seems lifeless during winter, it rejuvenates with life in spring. This teaches us to embrace stillness, introspect, and revive ourselves for a fresh start.
Q 3. ‘There can be life under apparent stillness.’ Explain. (CBSE 2023)
Ans: Neruda highlights that what appears still or lifeless, like the Earth during winter, often holds the potential for growth and renewal. Similarly, moments of quiet and inactivity can nurture creativity and meaningful action in life.
Q. 3. Give two reasons why, according to Pablo Neruda, is ‘keeping quiet’ essential to attaining a better, more peaceful world. [CBSE SQP 2023]
Ans: Two reasons are given below:
- Keeping quiet promotes introspection, helping individuals understand themselves and others better, leading to harmony.
- Silence halts harmful activities such as wars and exploitation, fostering peace and coexistence with nature.
Competency Focused Questions (CFPQs)
Q. 1. What does the poet mean by ‘green wars’ in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’? [CBSE CFPQ]
Ans: The term ‘green wars’ refers to environmental destruction caused by human activities such as deforestation, industrial pollution, and overexploitation of resources, which harm nature and its creatures.
Q. 2. In 40–50 words, explain what the poet of ‘Keeping Quiet’ means in the lines below. What does he want us to learn from this? [CBSE CFPQ]
Ans: “Perhaps the Earth can teach us, as when everything seems dead, and later proves to be alive.”
The poet compares Earth’s seasonal cycles to human life. He implies that periods of stillness and silence, like winter when nature appears lifeless, can lead to renewal and growth. He urges humans to pause, introspect, and embrace rebirth, learning patience and hope from nature.
Q. 1. Why has the poet of ‘Keeping Quiet’ mentioned the concept of death? Justify with any two reasons whether the thought of death helps people live a meaningful life or not. (Answer in 120–150 words) [CBSE CFPQ]
Ans: The poet mentions death not as an end but as a metaphor for stillness and introspection. He highlights that contemplating death makes us value life and its meaning.
- Death reminds us of our impermanence, encouraging us to cherish relationships and moments, thus enriching our lives.
- It motivates us to pause from our busy lives, reflect on our actions, and live responsibly without harming others or nature.
Thus, the poet uses the thought of death to emphasize mindfulness and responsibility, guiding people toward meaningful existence.
PYQs, SQPs & CBSE QB – (2021, 20, 19)
Q 1. What does Neruda mean by ‘an exotic moment without rush’ in his poem, ‘Keeping Quiet’? (SQP 2020-21)
Ans: Neruda refers to a rare and unfamiliar moment of complete silence and stillness, free from the rush and chaos of daily life. It would be a time of peace, harmony, and introspection, allowing people to reconnect with themselves and others.
Q. 4. What does Neruda mean by ‘an exotic moment without rush’ in his poem, ‘Keeping Quiet’? [CBSE SQP 2021]
Ans: Neruda envisions a rare and unfamiliar moment of stillness where humanity pauses its constant hustle and mechanical activities. This silence allows for reflection, unity, and a deeper connection with ourselves and the Earth.
Q. 2. It could be said that the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ presents the poet’s philosophy for a different kind of world.
If you were asked to highlight elements of Neruda’s vision that resonate in your specific social, political, and cultural context, which three main ideas would you engage with? Use relevant textual details to support your analysis. (Answer in 120–150 words) [CBSE Question Bank, 2021]
Ans: Three main ideas from Neruda’s vision are:
- Peace and Unity: In a divided world, the poet’s call for silence and unity resonates, encouraging nations to pause their conflicts and work together for peace.
- Environmental Conservation: In the face of climate crises, his plea to stop harmful activities like ‘green wars’ is a crucial reminder to prioritize the planet’s health.
- Introspection: The poet’s emphasis on self-reflection is vital in today’s materialistic society, urging individuals to reassess their priorities and foster understanding and compassion.
Neruda’s philosophy offers timeless lessons for creating a better, more harmonious world.
Q. 3. In a world that is constantly running after ‘more,’ chasing the next new thing, would it be fair to think of Neruda’s call as merely a fanciful idea? (CBSE Question Bank)
Ans: No, Neruda’s call is not fanciful. It’s a realistic and necessary plea for balance in our chaotic lives. His emphasis on silence, reflection, and harmony challenges society’s materialistic mindset, urging us to slow down, value life, and embrace peace.
Q 2. How will ‘Keeping Quiet’ protect our environment? [Outside Delhi2020]
Ans: By pausing human activities like fishing and wars, Neruda suggests we can reduce harm to nature, conserve resources, and restore balance to the environment. This will prevent further destruction and promote sustainability.
Q 3. Why does the poet want to count to twelve? [Outside Delhi2020]
Ans: The poet uses counting to twelve as a metaphor for a brief pause in time, symbolizing unity and stillness. This shared moment of silence allows everyone to reflect, introspect, and understand the value of peace.
Q 4. How can the suspension of activities help in making life better? (CBSE 2020)
Ans: Suspension of activities can bring peace, reduce stress, and prevent harm to the environment. It encourages people to introspect, understand themselves, and connect with others, leading to a more meaningful and harmonious life.
Q 1. Give examples from ‘Keeping Quiet’ to show that Neruda was peace loving. [CBSE, 2019]
Ans: Pablo Neruda’s peace-loving nature is evident in the following examples from ‘Keeping Quiet’:
- Stopping Wars and Violence: He urges humanity to pause and refrain from destructive activities like waging wars, including “green wars,” symbolizing environmental destruction, and wars with gas and fire, which represent human conflicts.
- Silence and Unity: He advocates for a moment of silence and stillness where all humanity comes together in peace, free from the chaos of daily life.
- Respect for Nature: Neruda emphasizes learning from Earth’s ability to rejuvenate and calls for harmony with the environment rather than exploiting it.
These examples underline his belief in peace, self-reflection, and non-violence as the path to a better world.
PYQs – (2017)
7. How would keeping quiet affect life in and around the sea? [CBSE 2017]
Ans: Keeping quiet would allow the marine life to thrive without disturbance. Fishermen would stop harming the fish, and human activities like pollution and overfishing would pause, giving the creatures in the sea a chance to live peacefully and recover.
8. How is the earth a source of life when all seems dead on it? [CBSE 2017]
Ans: The earth teaches us that life continues even in apparent stillness. During winter, trees and plants seem lifeless, but they come alive in spring. Similarly, the earth sustains life silently, nurturing it in its own way even when it appears quiet or barren.
9. According to Pablo Neruda, how would keeping quiet be an exotic moment? [CBSE (F) 2017]
Ans: Keeping quiet would be an exotic moment because it would be unfamiliar and rare for humanity to pause and experience perfect stillness and harmony. It would bring a unique sense of togetherness and peace, free from chaos and noise.
11. According to Pablo Neruda, what do we not do when we keep quiet? [CBSE (F) 2017]
Ans: When we keep quiet, we do not harm ourselves or others. We stop our destructive actions like wars, environmental damage, and exploitation. Instead, we reflect on life, fostering peace and understanding.
PYQs – (2015)
7. What will counting up to twelve and keeping still help us achieve? (Delhi 2015)
Ans: Counting up to twelve and keeping still helps us achieve a moment of reflection and peace. It allows us to pause from the rush of daily life, encouraging self-awareness, harmony, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and our world.
8. Which symbol from nature does the poet invoke to show that there can be life under apparent stillness? (Delhi 2015)
Ans: The poet invokes the example of the Earth. Just like how the Earth appears still but continues to nurture life beneath the surface, keeping quiet can also bring life and growth through stillness and reflection.
9. ‘Life is what it is all about, ….’ How is keeping quiet related to life? (AI 2015)
Ans: Keeping quiet is related to life because it provides an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves and the world around us. It helps us understand the true essence of life by promoting peace, harmony, and introspection.
10. Why does one feel ‘a sudden strangeness’ on counting to twelve and keeping quiet? (AI 2015)
Ans: The sudden strangeness is felt because it is an unfamiliar experience for people to pause completely and remain silent. In a world full of constant activity, this moment of stillness feels strange and out of place, but it holds the potential for self-awareness and peace.
12. What will possibly be the effect of keeping quiet? (Foreign 2015)
Ans: The effect of keeping quiet will likely be a sense of inner peace, self-realization, and harmony. It will allow individuals to connect with themselves, others, and nature, leading to a more peaceful and thoughtful world.
13. What does the poem, ‘Keeping Quiet’ teach us? (AI 2015C)
Ans: The poem teaches us the value of silence, reflection, and introspection. It encourages pausing in our busy lives to find peace, connect with nature, and better understand ourselves. Through stillness, we can foster unity and heal the world.
PYQs – (2014)
3. Which is the exotic moment that the poet refers to in ‘Keeping Quiet’? (Delhi 2014)
Ans: The exotic moment referred to by the poet is when everyone stops their usual activities, speaks no language, and remains still. It’s a moment of silence, reflection, and peace that feels unfamiliar and strange in a busy world but holds potential for inner harmony.
4. What is the sadness the poet refers to in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’? (AI 2014, 2011)
Ans: The sadness the poet refers to is the ongoing conflict, violence, and disconnection caused by human actions. The constant rush of life and the lack of introspection lead to misunderstandings, harm, and a sense of alienation, which can only be addressed by stillness and quiet reflection.
5. How, according to Neruda, can keeping quiet change our attitude to life? (Delhi 2014C)
Ans: According to Neruda, keeping quiet can change our attitude to life by encouraging reflection and mindfulness. It helps us pause and reconnect with our true selves, promoting peace and understanding. This shift in perspective can lead to more thoughtful actions and a more harmonious relationship with the world around us.
6. Which images in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ show that the poem condemns violence? (AI 2014C)
Ans: The poem condemns violence through images like “green wars” and “wars of the earth,” referring to the destructive human tendencies that harm the environment and others. Neruda contrasts these with the peaceful act of keeping quiet, which symbolizes the need for peaceful, thoughtful actions rather than violence.
PYQs – (2012, 2011, 2010)
4. How can suspension of activities help? [CBSE (AI) 2012]
Ans: Suspension of activities helps by allowing individuals to pause, reflect, and gain clarity. It helps break the continuous cycle of stress, violence, and confusion, fostering inner peace and understanding. This moment of stillness can lead to self-awareness, reduce conflicts, and promote a deeper connection with oneself and nature.
2. Do you think the poet, Pablo Neruda advocates total inactivity and death? Why/Why not? [CBSE Delhi 2011]
Ans: No, Pablo Neruda does not advocate total inactivity or death. He advocates for a temporary pause to reflect and reconnect with life, not to withdraw completely. The purpose of stillness is to promote peace, awareness, and understanding, not to suggest death or complete inactivity.
2. In the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’, what is the appeal made by the poet? [CBSE (AI) 2011]
Ans: The poet appeals for a moment of silence and stillness, urging people to pause from their usual activities. He encourages everyone to stop speaking and moving for a brief time to reflect and become more aware of themselves and the world, fostering peace and understanding.
5. According to the poet, what is that human beings can learn from nature? [CBSE (AI) 2010]
Ans: According to the poet, humans can learn from nature the importance of stillness and renewal. Just like nature appears quiet and lifeless at times but is actually full of life and activity, humans too can find growth, healing, and insight in moments of quiet and reflection.
