Skimbleshanks
1.Who is the speaker in the poem?
(a) the poet
(b) one of the passengers on the train
(c) all the passengers
(d) the cat
2. What kind of situation is presented in the poem?
(a) realistic
(b) absurd but amusing
(c) amusing
(d) serious
3. Choose the option that correctly describes Skimbleshanks :
(a) amusing
(b) alert
(c) dull
(d) uncaring
4. Which of these statements is NOT true?
(a) The cat offers morning tea to the passengers.
(b) The cat watches all the passengers and their actions and thoughts.
(c) the cat is the most important one on the train.
(d) The train is heading towards the far North.
5. ‘The cat has been treated like a human being.’ Which figure of speech is involved in it?
(a) alliteration
(b) metaphor
(c) personification
(d) none of the above
6. What kind of tone is adopted by the speaker?
(a) light and colloquial
(b) solemn
(c) serious
(d) sarcastic
7. What is the whisper all around at 11.39?
(a) It is very cold
(b) Where is Skimble?
(c) I want my tea
(d) How is Skimble?
8. The destination of the train is towards …………… .
(a) The South
(b) The North
(c) The West
(d) The East
9. Which of the cat’s acts is most amusing?
(a) its remaining busy in the luggage van
(b) its having a drop of Scotch to fresh himself
(c) its watching all the faces carefully
(d) its going on regular patrol
10. Which of these would you associate with Skimble?
(a) conscientious
(b) silly
(c) intruding
(d) dictatorial
11.Where was Skimbleshanks, when everyone was searching for him?
(a) In the stationmaster’s office.
(b) Searching for the missing thimble.
(c) Busy in the luggage van.
(d) Having tea with the guard.
12. What does Skimbleshanks do before the train departs?
(a) He announces the destination.
(b) He flashes a signal light.
(c) He gives a green-eyed stare.
(d) He collects tickets from passengers.
13. How do the passengers behave when Skimbleshanks is around?
(a) They play loud games.
(b) They remain quiet and well-behaved.
(c) They argue with him.
(d) They throw a party.
14. Which of the following amenities is not available in the passenger’s compartment?
(a) A comfortable berth
(b) A desk and a chair
(c) Adjustable lighting
(d) A wash basin
15. What does the guard ask the passenger about?
(a) Their preferred destination.
(b) Their luggage situation.
(c) Their tea preference.
(d) Their travel documents.
16. Why does the speaker feel comfortable sleeping soundly?
(a) The train has automatic lock system
(b) They know the guard is watching over them.
(c) They are confident the train will arrive on time.
(d) They trust Skimbleshanks to keep them safe from mice.
17. Identify the figure of speech- “He will watch you without winking and he sees what you are
thinking”
(a) Personification
(b) Simile
(c) Metaphor
(d) Imagery
18. The central theme of the poem Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat revolves around:
(a) The importance of a good night’s sleep on a long journey.
(b) The strict hierarchy and discipline on a passenger train.
(c) The humorous portrayal of a self-important but dedicated cat.
(d) The challenges faced by train staff during night journeys.
19. The chapter Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat is a
(a) Poem
(b) Story
(c) Drama
(d) Folklore
20. Who is the author of “Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat”?
(a) T.S. Eliot
(b) P.B. Shelly
(c) D. H. Lawrence
(d) W. H. Auden
