COMPARION  

Question Pattern for the Poem 

1. Simple Factual Questions (2 marks each) 

When I ask you to listen to me 

And you start giving me advice, 

You have not done what I asked. 

When I ask you to listen to me 

And you begin to tell me why 

I shouldn’t feel that way, 

You are trampling on my feelings. 

When I ask you to listen to me 

And you feel you have to do something 

To solve my problem, 

You have failed me, 

Strange as that may seem. 

Listen ! All I ask is that you listen. 

Don’t talk or do – just hear me. 

Advice is cheap; 20 cents will get 

You both Dear Abby and Billy Graham 

In the same newspaper. 

And I can do for myself; I am not helpless. 

Maybe discouraged and faltering, 

But not helpless. 

When you do something for me that I can 

And need to do for myself, 

You contribute to my fear and 

Inadequacy 

a. “The speaker asks for advice when they request someone to listen. (True/False)” 

b. “The speaker feels helpless when they ask someone to listen. (True/False)” 

2. Complex Factual Question (2 marks) 

Example: 

“Explain why the speaker feels their feelings are being trampled on when they ask someone to listen.” 

3. Poetic Device (1 mark) 1 marks  

Example: 

“Identify the figure of speech in the line: ‘Advice is cheap; 20 cents will get you both Dear Abby and Billy Graham in the same newspaper.’ What does this comparison suggest?” 

Question for the Poem with Answers 

1. Simple Factual Questions (2 marks each) 

a. “The speaker asks for advice when they request someone to listen. (True/False)” 

Answer: False. The speaker asks for someone to listen, not for advice. 

b. “The speaker feels helpless when they ask someone to listen. (True/False)” 

Answer: False. The speaker feels discouraged and faltering, but not helpless. 

2. Complex Factual Question (2 marks) 

“Explain why the speaker feels their feelings are being trampled on when they ask someone to listen.” 

Answer: The speaker feels their feelings are being trampled on because, instead of listening, the other person responds with advice or tries to solve the problem. This dismisses the speaker’s emotions and makes them feel invalidated. 

3. Poetic Device (1 mark) 

“Identify the figure of speech in the line:

‘Advice is cheap; 20 cents will get you both Dear Abby and Billy Graham in the same newspaper.’

Answer: The figure of speech used is a metaphor. This comparison suggests that advice is readily available and inexpensive, implying that the speaker does not value unsolicited advice and wants someone to simply listen instead.