A Roadside Stand Important Questions Class 12 English

A Roadside Stand Important Questions CBSE Class 12 English

Answer each of the following questions in about 30-40 words

Question 1. Why do the people who run the roadside stand wait for the squeal of brakes so eagerly? (2003 Delhi)

Ans. The “squealing of brakes” tells them a car has come to a halt by their little roadside shop. This makes them hopeful that people from the city have pulled over to purchase something from their shop, and they might earn some money from them.

Question 2. Explain: “soothe them out of them wits” with reference to the poem The Roadside Stand’. (2005 Delhi)

Ans. Strong and influential individuals come to rural people with untrue assurances of improving their living situations and quality of life. These honest and straightforward villagers trust their false statements without questioning them, feeling comforted and content. They don’t recognize the deceit and self-centeredness behind these promises.

Question 3. Why does Robert Frost sympathise with the rural poor? (2009 Delhi; 2011 Comptt. Outside Delhi)

Ans. Robert Frost deeply sympathizes with the suffering of the rural poor who are often overlooked by wealthy politicians. The government and the ruling party don’t seem to care about their well-being. They deceive them with empty pledges and take advantage of them for their own gain.

Question 4. What was the plea of the folk who had put up the roadside stand? (2008 Delhi; 2011 Delhi; 2013 Delhi)

Ans. The people who set up the roadside stand asked city folks to please stop and purchase their products. This would help them make extra money for a better life. They hoped that the wealthy people driving by in their cars would also stop and buy from them. The money they earned from these customers would improve their lives.

Question 5. What is the ‘childish longing’ of the folk who had put up the roadside stand? Why is it ‘in vain’? (2011 Comptt. Delhi)

Ans. The poet mentions a “childish longing,” which means the dreams and hopes of people living in the countryside. These rural folks yearn for a better life, like children wishing for something exciting. They believe that people from the city can assist them in achieving this dream. However, their wishes go unanswered because the city folks are unwilling to help. As a result, the rural people’s innocent hopes are unlikely to come true.

Question 6. Why didn’t the ‘polished traffic’ stop at the roadside stand? (2012 Delhi)

Ans. People driving by quickly tend to ignore the small roadside shop. Their attention is solely on reaching their destination. Additionally, they didn’t like the way the shop looked, inside and out, and found it lacking in decoration.

Question 8. Why do people at the roadside stand ask for city money? (2013 Comptt. Delhi)

Ans. The folks running the roadside stand in rural areas face financial struggles, which are different from the city dwellers. They request financial support from the city to improve their quality of life and achieve happiness and prosperity. This essential financial help from the city can fulfill the promises made to them by the ruling party.

Question 9. What does Frost himself feel about the roadside stand? (2011 Comptt. Outside Delhi)

Ans. The poet feels sad when he sees the shed owners waiting for their customers for a very long time. He is also upset when he sees people at the roadside stand hoping for customers, but no one comes to buy from them.

Question 10.

The little old house was out with a little new shed
In front at the edge of the road where the traffic sped,
A roadside stand that too pathetically pled,
It would not be fair to say for a dole of bread,
But for some of the money, the cash, whose flow
supports

The flower of cities from sinking and withering faint.

1. Where was the new shed put up? What was its purpose?
2. Why does the poet use the word ‘pathetic’?
3. Explain: ‘too pathetically pled’
4. Who are referred to as ‘the flower of cities’? (2009 Outside Delhi; 2010 Comptt. Delhi; 2012 Comptt. Delhi)

Ans.

1. A small house by the side of the road was expanded, and a shed was added to create a roadside stand. They set it up to attract people passing by to buy things from them and make some money.
2. The poet uses the word ‘pathetic’ to highlight that the shed’s condition was very poor, and it looked quite sad.
3. It seemed like the owner put up the shed as a heartfelt request to the well-off city residents to visit their roadside stand and buy things to help them earn some extra cash.
4. In this context, ‘the flower of the cities’ refers to the rich and prosperous city dwellers who can afford the best things.

Question 11.

Or beauty rest in a beautiful mountain scene,
You have the money, but if you want to be mean,
Why keep your money (this crossly) and go along.
The hurt to the scenery wouldn’t be my complaint
So much as the trusting sorrow of what is unsaid

1. What attraction does the place offer?
2. What should one do if one wants to be mean?
3. What does the poet not complain about?
4. What do you think is the real worry of the poet? (2010 Outside Delhi)

Ans.

1. This spot provides a lovely sight of the pretty mountains.
2. If someone wishes to be unkind, they can save their money and continue ahead.
3. The poet doesn’t lament the scenery ruined by the amateurish painting on the structure.
4. What truly concerns the poet is the hidden sadness of the individuals who have set up the roadside booth.

Also Read

• English Flamingo
• CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 English 2019 Outside Delhi
• CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 English 2013 Delhi

FAQs on Important Questions Class 12 English

What is the main point of the roadside stand Class 12?

The main point of the roadside stand in Class 12 is to illustrate economic concepts like supply, demand, and pricing in a real-world setting.

Why did the cars stop at the roadside stand?

The cars stopped at the roadside stand to purchase goods or services offered by the stand.

Why did no one stop to buy at the roadside stand?

No one stopped to buy at the roadside stand because the prices may have been too high or the products weren't appealing to potential customers.

Why are the cars called selfish?

The cars are called selfish because they represent individual self-interest in economic decision-making, often disregarding the greater good.

Why did the car stop suddenly?

The car stopped suddenly due to a technical malfunction or a problem with its engine or brakes.

What force causes a car to stop?

The force that causes a car to stop is typically the application of brakes or the engine ceasing to function.

Why do cars stop and start?

Cars stop and start due to changing traffic conditions, driver inputs, and traffic signals.

What causes a car not to start?

A car may not start due to a dead battery, a faulty ignition system, or an empty fuel tank, among other reasons.