Poets and Pancakes  Extract Based MCQ questions | Subjective | Objective| True / False  Class 12 Flamingo

This page offers Extract Based Questions  from the Chapter Poets and Pancakes for Class 12 from the book Flamingo.  We’ve put together a bunch extracts which ask assumption based, creativity based and critical thinking-based questions. These types of questions are introduced after 2024 in CBSE Board. The types of questions are quick MCQs, true/false and Subjective questions. So, practice to understand Poets and Pancakes Extracts to score great.

Poets and Pancakes  Extract Based MCQ questions – 1

Pancake was the brand name of the make-up material that Gemini Studios bought in truckloads. Greta Garbo1 must have used it, Miss Gohar must have used it, Vyjayanthimala must also have used it but Rati Agnihotri may not have even heard of it. 

Question: 1-  Why does the author compare Greta Garbo’s use of “Pancake” with Rati Agnihotri? Answer in 40 words.

Answer: The author shows how film-making evolved. Heavy make-up was common in the past, but modern actresses, like Rati Agnihotri, may not need it. This highlights changing trends in the film industry.

Question: 2 State True or False.  

None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “Pancake was the brand name of the make-up material that Gemini Studios bought in truck-loads.”

(a) An exaggeration – something seem larger or more significant than it is.  

(b) A fact – a statement that can be proven true or false  

(c) A hyperbole – an extreme exaggeration for effect  

(d) A simile – a comparison using “like” or “as”

Answer: False.

Reason: The term (b) A fact can be applied to the statement “Pancake was the brand name of the make-up material that Gemini Studios bought in truck-loads.”

Question 3: The metaphor of the fog moving like a cat suggests its presence is _____.

Answer:  Stealthy / quiet / gentle / silent / sneaky / elusive / subtle / soft / mysterious or any other similar response.

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Question: 4 Why does the author suggest that Rati Agnihotri “may not have even heard of it”? (10 words)

Answer: To highlight generational differences in make-up usage and trends.

Extract from Poets and Pancakes  – 2

The make-up room had the look of a hair-cutting salon with lights at all angles around half a dozen large mirrors. They were all incandescent lights, so you can imagine the fiery misery of those subjected to make-up. The make-up department was first headed by a Bengali who became too big for a studio and left.

Question: Why does the author call the make-up room experience “fiery misery”? Answer in 40 words.

Answer: “Fiery misery” refers to the discomfort from the hot incandescent lights. The author highlights how actors endured heat and discomfort during make-up, showing the harsh reality behind the glamour of the film industry.

Question: 2 State True or False.  

None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “The make-up room had the look of a hair-cutting salon with lights at all angles.”

(a) A metaphor – comparing two things directly without “like” or “as”  

(b) A simile – a comparison using “like” or “as”  

(c) An exaggeration – overstating something for effect  

(d) A description – a detailed account of how something looks or feels  

Answer: False.

Reason: The term (d) A description can be applied to the statement “The make-up room had the look of a hair-cutting salon with lights at all angles.”

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Question: 3 The description of the make-up room with “fiery misery” suggests the atmosphere was _____.

Answer: Intense / uncomfortable / overwhelming / stressful / suffocating / oppressive / exhausting or any other similar response.

Question: 4 Why do you think the author describes the make-up room like a hair-cutting salon? (10 Words)

Answer: To suggest it lacked glamour and felt ordinary despite being a film studio.

Class 12 Poets and Pancakes Extract Based Questions- 3

This gang of nationally integrated make-up men could turn any decent-looking person into a hideous crimson hued monster with the help of truck-loads of pancake and a number of other locally made potions and lotions. Those were the days of mainly indoor shooting, and only five per cent of the film was shot outdoors.

Question: 1 Why do you think the author describes the make-up artists as turning people into “hideous crimson-hued monsters”? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer: The author might be critiquing the heavy reliance on make-up in the film industry. It suggests that, instead of enhancing natural beauty, the make-up exaggerated features to an unnatural level, highlighting the artificial standards of beauty in those days.

Question: 2 State True or False.  

None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “This gang of nationally integrated make-up men could turn any decent-looking person into a hideous crimson-hued monster.”

(a) A metaphor – compares two things directly, without “like” or “as”  

(b) A hyperbole – exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally  

(c) A personification – gives human traits to non-human things  

(d) A simile – compares two things using “like” or “as”

Answer: False.  

Reason: The term (b) A hyperbole can be applied to the statement “This gang of nationally integrated make-up men could turn any decent-looking person into a hideous crimson-hued monster.”

Question: 3 The description of the make-up artists’ transformation of actors suggests the film industry’s approach to beauty was _____.

Answer: Artificial / exaggerated / unnatural / overdone / contrived / forced or any other similar response.

Question: 4 How does indoor shooting affect the make-up process? (10 words)

Answer: It required heavy make-up to look presentable under studio lights.

Poets and Pancakes Extract Based MCQ Questions- 4

The chief make-up man made the chief actors and actresses ugly, his senior assistant the ‘second’ hero and heroine, the junior assistant the main comedian, and so forth. The players who played the crowd were the responsibility of the office boy.

Question: 1 Why does the author describe the strict ranks in the make-up department, even for crowd players? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer: The author highlights the hierarchy to show how organised and rank-based the studio was. Even minor roles, like crowd players, followed strict divisions, reflecting the importance of structure in every aspect of the film industry.

Question: 2 State True or False.  

None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “The chief make-up man made the chief actors and actresses ugly.”

Options:
 (a) An exaggeration – overstating something for effect
(b) A fact – a statement that can be proven true or false
(c) A metaphor – comparing two things without using “like” or “as”
(d) Satire – using humour or irony to criticise something

Answer: False.

Reason: The term (d) Satire applies, as the statement humorously critiques the make-up process in the film industry.

Question: 3 The hierarchy in the make-up department suggests the film industry’s focus on _____.

Answer: Status / order / rank / control / organization / structure or any other similar response.

Question: 4 Why do you think the office boy was responsible for doing the make-up of the crowd players?

Answer: It suggests that the crowd players were not important enough to deserve specialized attention.

Poets and Pancakes Extract Based Questions MCQ with Answers- 5

In those days I worked in a cubicle, two whole sides of which were French windows. (I didn’t know at that time they were called French windows.) Seeing me sitting at my desk tearing up newspapers day in and day out, most people thought I was doing next to nothing.

Question: 1 Why do you think people assumed the narrator was “doing next to nothing” while sitting at his desk? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer: People might have judged the narrator’s task based on its outward simplicity, assuming that repetitive, less visible work lacks value. This suggests how people often equate visible or busy work with importance, ignoring the behind-the-scenes efforts that contribute significantly.

Question: State True or False.

None of the terms (a)-(d) apply to the statement: “Seeing me sitting at my desk tearing up newspapers day in and day out, most people thought I was doing next to nothing.”

(a) An assumption – something believed without proof

(b) A fact – something that can be proven

(c) An understatement – downplaying importance

(d) A perception – an idea shaped by one’s view

Answer: False.

Reason: The term (a) An assumption applies because people assumed the narrator was idle without knowing the importance of his work.

Question: 3  The assumption that the narrator was doing “next to nothing” suggests people’s understanding of work was _____.

Answer: Superficial / limited / biased / shallow / incomplete / misguided or any other similar response.

Question: How might French windows affect the narrator’s work environment? (10 Words)

Answer: They made the cubicle open and visible, inviting judgments.

Poets and Pancakes Extracts- 6

The ‘boy’ in the make-up department had decided I should be enlightened on how great literary talent was being allowed to go waste in a department fit only for barbers and perverts. Soon I was praying for crowd-shooting all the time.

Question: 1 Why did the narrator wish for crowd-shooting after the boy’s lecture? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer: The narrator felt uneasy with the boy’s complaints about wasted talent. He wanted crowd-shooting to avoid these conversations, as he thought the boy’s frustration came more from personal unhappiness than real problems in the department.

Question: 2 State True or False.  

None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “The ‘boy’ in the make-up department had decided I should be enlightened on how great literary talent was being allowed to go waste.”

(a) An assumption – something taken for granted without proof  

(b) A complaint – an expression of dissatisfaction or annoyance  

(c) A hyperbole – exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally  

(d) A lecture – a formal or long-winded talk meant to teach or explain  

Answer: False.  

Reason: The term (b) A complaint can be applied, as the ‘boy’ was expressing dissatisfaction with his talent being wasted and partially assumption also.

Question: 3 The boy’s dissatisfaction with his role suggests he felt _____.

Answer: Underappreciated / frustrated / overlooked / bitter / disillusioned / unrecognized or any other similar response.

Question: 4 Why do you think the boy in the make-up department saw his work as unworthy of his talent?

Answer: He likely believed his abilities were suited for higher roles, not routine tasks.

Poets and Pancakes Extract- 7

He couldn’t have had a more encouraging opening in films than our grown-up make-up boy had. On the contrary he must have had to face more uncertain and difficult times, for when he began his career, there were no firmly established film producing companies or studios.

Question: 1 Why does the author highlight Subbu’s early struggles in a less developed film industry? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer: The author shows how Subbu’s determination helped him succeed despite challenges. It highlights that success needs not just talent but also the ability to adapt and make use of limited opportunities in difficult times.

Question: State True or False.

None of the terms (a)-(d) apply to the statement: “He must have had to face more uncertain and difficult times.”

(a) An assumption – something taken for granted without proof

(b) A generalisation – a broad statement based on limited information

(c) A hypothesis – a proposed explanation based on evidence

(d) A fact – a statement that can be proven true or false

Answer: False.

Reason: The term (a) An assumption applies as the author assumes Subbu faced challenges due to the undeveloped film industry.

Question: 3 The mention of Subbu’s early struggles suggests he was _____.

Answer: Resilient / determined / adaptable / patient / resourceful / persistent or any other similar response.

Question: 4 How might Subbu’s early struggles have shaped his success in the film industry? (10 Words)

Answer: They likely taught him resilience and creative problem-solving skills.

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Extract from Poets and Pancakes  – 8

He had the ability to look cheerful at all times even after having had a hand in a flop film. He always had work for somebody — he could never do things on his own — but his sense of loyalty made him identify himself with his principal completely and turn his entire creativity to his principal’s advantage. He was tailor-made for films.

Question: 1 Why do you think Subbu remained cheerful, even after failures, and focused on helping others? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer: Subbu might have believed that failures were temporary and part of the larger creative journey. His strong loyalty and ability to see the bigger picture likely helped him stay positive, understanding that setbacks were learning experiences, not final outcomes.

Question: 2 State True or False.  

None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “He had the ability to look cheerful at all times even after having had a hand in a flop film.”

(a) An assumption – something taken for granted without proof  

(b) A fact – a statement that can be proven true or false  

(c) A trait – a characteristic or quality of a person  

(d) A hyperbole – exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally

Answer: False.  

Reason:  The term (c) A trait can be applied, as the statement describes Subbu’s ability to stay cheerful, which is a personal characteristic.

Question: 3 Subbu’s unwavering cheerfulness despite failures suggests he was _____.

Answer: Optimistic / resilient / loyal / determined / positive / adaptable or any other similar response.

Question: 4 What might have driven Subbu to remain positive even after failures?

Answer: His loyalty and belief in long-term success over short-term setbacks.

Class 12 Poets and Pancakes Extract Based Questions- 9

Subbu had a separate identity as a poet and though he was certainly capable of more complex and higher forms, he deliberately chose to address his poetry to the masses. His success in films overshadowed and dwarfed his literary achievements — or so his critics felt.

Question: 1 Why do you think Subbu, despite his capability for complex poetry, deliberately chose to write for the masses? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer: Subbu might have believed that art’s true value lies in reaching and resonating with ordinary people. He may have felt that complex poetry, though admired by critics, wouldn’t create the widespread connection and influence he sought through his work.

Question: 2 State True or False.  

None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “Subbu chose to address his poetry to the masses, even though he was capable of more complex forms.”

(a) A decision – a conscious choice made after considering options  

(b) An irony – a contrast between expectations and reality  

(c) A compromise – settling for less than what one is capable of  

(d) An assumption – something taken for granted without proof

Answer: False.

Reason: The term (a) A decision can be applied because Subbu made a deliberate choice to write poetry for the masses.

Question: 3 Subbu’s choice to write for the masses suggests he was _____.

Answer: Practical / humble / considerate / strategic / inclusive / selfless or any other similar response.

Question: 4 Why might Subbu’s literary achievements be overshadowed by his success in films?

Answer: His fame in cinema likely outshined his poetic contributions.

Poets and Pancakes Extract Based Questions MCQ with Answers- 10

You saw Subbu always with The Boss but in the attendance rolls, he was grouped under a department called the Story Department comprising a lawyer and an assembly of writers and poets. The lawyer was also officially known as the legal adviser, but everybody referred to him as the opposite. An extremely talented actress, who was also extremely temperamental, once blew over on the sets. 

Question: 1 Why do you think Subbu was always seen with The Boss but grouped under the Story Department? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer: Subbu’s close relationship with The Boss likely came from his loyalty and creativity. However, being placed in the Story Department suggests that despite his influence, his official role was that of a writer, showing the division between formal roles and personal relationships.

Question: 2 State True or False.  

None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “You saw Subbu always with The Boss but in the attendance rolls, he was grouped under the Story Department.”

(a) A contradiction – a statement that contains opposing ideas  

(b) A fact – a statement that can be proven true or false  

(c) A hierarchy – a system of ranking people according to status  

(d) An assumption – something taken for granted without proof

Answer: False.

Reason: The term (a) A contradiction can be applied, as Subbu’s close relationship with The Boss contradicts his official grouping under the Story Department.

Question: 3 Subbu’s presence with The Boss despite being in the Story Department suggests he was _____.

Answer: Influential / trusted / favored / important / loyal / dependable or any other similar response.

Question: 4 Why do you think Subbu’s influence with The Boss wasn’t reflected in his official role?

Answer: His real power likely came from personal trust, not formal rank or title.