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The Sermon at Benaras

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  A Listening and Reading Practice Video ☝ Practice Test: 1. 1. What was the birth name of Gautama Buddha? a) Sakyamuni b) Siddhartha Gautama c) Kisa Gotami d) Asoka Correct Answer: b) Siddhartha Gautama 2. Where was Buddha born? a) Southern India b) Eastern India c) Western India d) Northern India Correct Answer: d) Northern India 3. At what age did Siddhartha Gautama leave his home to seek enlightenment? ...

For Anne Gregory by William Butler Yeats.

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For Anne Gregory by William Butler Yeats.  Summary.  The poem "For Anne Gregory" is a dialogue between a young man and Anne Gregory, where they discuss the nature of love and the human tendency to focus on outward appearances. The young man begins by lamenting that no man could love Anne purely for who she is, independent of her physical beauty, particularly her "yellow hair," which symbolizes her outward charm and attractiveness. This suggests that love, in his view, is often shallow and based on physical traits. Anne Gregory counters his argument by pointing out that she could change her hair color to brown, black, or even carrot-red if she wanted to. This implies that she believes she can overcome superficial attraction and find someone who loves her for her true self. The young man then responds by quoting an old religious man who stated that only God is capable of loving someone for their true inner self and not for their external appearance. This idea suggests...

The Tale of Custard the Dragon.

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  The Tale of Custard the Dragon.  OGDEN NASH.  "The Tale of Custard the Dragon" by Ogden Nash is a humorous ballad about a girl named Belinda who lives with her pets: Ink (a kitten), Blink (a mouse), Mustard (a dog), and Custard (a dragon). Custard is portrayed as cowardly despite his fearsome appearance with sharp teeth and spikes. When a pirate threatens Belinda, Custard surprises everyone by bravely defeating the pirate and saving the day. Despite this heroic act, Custard remains timid and continues to prefer safety. The poem humorously contrasts Custard's cowardice with the bravery of Belinda and her other pets. Test 1. 1. Who lived in the little white house with Belinda? a) A lion, a tiger, and a dragon b) A cat, a dog, and a fish c) A parrot, a rabbit, and a dragon d) A bla...

Fog

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  Fog Summary.  The poem "Fog" uses the metaphor of a cat to describe how fog approaches, lingers, and moves away. It is a brief and vivid depiction of the fog’s silent and mysterious nature, as it "comes on little cat feet," quietly observes the surroundings, and then moves on without disturbance. The poem’s simplicity and imagery convey the beauty and transient quality of nature. Test: 1. 1. What is the primary theme of the poem "Fog"? a) The beauty of nature b) The dangers of fog c) The mystery of animals d) The power of silence Correct Answer: a) The beauty of nature 2. What is the metaphor used in the poem? ...

Madam Rides the Bus Part 4

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  A Listening and Reading Practice ☝ Madam Rides the Bus 1. Madam Rides the Bus 2. Madam Rides the Bus 3. Madam Rides the Bus Part 4  ðŸ‘‡ 1. What did the conductor ask Valli when he gave her the ticket on the return journey? a) "Where are you going next?" b) "Won't your mother be looking for you?" c) "Did you enjoy the city?" d) "Do you have enough money for the ticket?" Correct Answer: b) "Won't your mother be looking for you?" 2. How did Valli respond when the conductor asked if someone would be looking for her? a) She ignored the question. b) She said he...

Madam Rides the Bus Part 3

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  A Listening and Reading Practice ☝ Madam Rides the Bus Part 1 Madam Rides the Bus Part 2 Madam Rides the Bus Part 3 Madam Rides the Bus Part 4 Madam Rides the Bus Part 3 👇 1. How did Valli save money for her bus journey? a) By borrowing from her friends b) By stealing from her parents c) By saving stray coins and resisting temptations to buy things d) By earning money through small jobs Correct Answer: c) By saving stray coins and resisting temptations to buy things 2. What did Valli resist buying to save money? a) Sweets and balloons b) Clothes and toys c) Ice cream and biscuits ...