WH Questions with Answers

1. Who approached the speaker in the poem?
   The speaker’s friend approached him with sadness in his eyes. This friend was deeply troubled about the situation in Bangladesh.
2. What was the friend’s concern?
   The friend was worried that his country, Bangladesh, might die if help didn’t come soon. He wanted the speaker to assist in some way.
3. How did the speaker initially feel about the friend’s pain?
   The speaker admits he couldn’t fully feel the pain himself. However, he recognized the importance of trying to help.
4. What is the main request the speaker makes?
   The speaker asks everyone to help save lives in Bangladesh. He emphasizes collective action.
5. What is described as happening to the people of Bangladesh?
   Many people are dying quickly due to a disaster. The situation is portrayed as urgent and tragic.
6. How does the speaker describe the situation in Bangladesh?
   The speaker calls it a “mess” and a “great disaster.” This shows the seriousness and chaos of the crisis.
7. What emotions does the poem convey about the disaster?
   The poem conveys sadness, urgency, and desperation. There is a call for empathy and help.
8. Why does the speaker want people not to turn away?
   Because the people of Bangladesh need immediate relief. Turning away would mean ignoring their suffering.
9. What does the phrase “lend your hand and understand” imply?
   It implies offering both help and compassion. The speaker wants listeners to truly grasp the gravity of the crisis.
10. Who is the poem directed towards?
    It is directed towards a global audience. The speaker appeals for international support.
11. What does the repetition of “Bangladesh, Bangladesh” emphasize?
    It emphasizes the focus on the country and the ongoing crisis. Repetition makes the plea more urgent.
12. How does the speaker show empathy in the poem?
    By sharing the friend’s sadness and asking others to help. The speaker connects emotionally with those suffering.
13. What does the speaker want to “hear you say”?
    The speaker wants to hear people commit to relieving the suffering in Bangladesh. It’s a call for vocal support.
14. What kind of disaster is mentioned?
    The poem mentions a “great disaster” without specifying details. It refers to a severe humanitarian crisis.
15. How does the poem reflect the speaker’s sense of responsibility?
    The speaker feels compelled to act despite not fully feeling the pain himself. He calls others to join in helping.
16. What is the tone of the poem?
    The tone is urgent, compassionate, and pleading. It seeks to inspire immediate action.
17. Why does the speaker mention that the friend had sadness in his eyes?
    To illustrate the deep emotional impact of the crisis. It sets a somber mood for the poem.
18. What does the poem suggest about global awareness?
    That many people may not fully understand the severity of the crisis. It encourages raising awareness.
19. What action does the speaker want people to take?
    To help relieve the suffering and save lives in Bangladesh. The speaker urges practical help.
20. What does “relieve the people of Bangladesh” mean?
    It means to reduce their suffering and provide aid. The phrase calls for humanitarian assistance.
21. Why is the situation in Bangladesh described as “dying fast”?
    To highlight the rapid worsening of the crisis. It emphasizes urgency.
22. What feelings might the speaker’s friend be experiencing?
    Sadness, helplessness, and worry about his country’s future. The poem conveys his emotional pain.
23. How does the poem try to motivate listeners?
    By appealing to their empathy and sense of justice. It asks them not to ignore the crisis.
24. What is the significance of the phrase “I want to hear you say”?
    It stresses the need for vocal support and commitment. It shows that words and promises matter.
25. How does the poem depict the scale of the disaster?
    As very large and distressing. The repetition and words like “great disaster” add to this effect.
26. What might “such a mess” refer to?
    The chaotic, overwhelming situation in Bangladesh during the crisis. It describes destruction and suffering.
27. How does the poem express urgency?
    Through repeated calls to help and descriptions of people dying fast. The tone is pressing and immediate.
28. What is the effect of repeating “relieve the people of Bangladesh”?
    It reinforces the central plea for help. The repetition makes the message memorable.
29. Who benefits from the help the speaker requests?
    The people of Bangladesh suffering from the disaster. They are the primary recipients of aid.
30. What is the speaker’s attitude toward the crisis?
    Sympathetic and proactive. He wants to raise awareness and encourage action.
31. How does the poem emphasize collective responsibility?
    By addressing “all of you” and asking for help. It suggests everyone can contribute.
32. What does the speaker mean by “before his country dies”?
    That without help, Bangladesh may face catastrophic consequences. It highlights the stakes.
33. Why does the speaker say “Although I couldn’t feel the pain”?
    To acknowledge his own limitations in fully understanding suffering. Yet, he chooses to help anyway.
34. What role does friendship play in the poem?
    The friend’s plea is the catalyst for the speaker’s call to action. Friendship motivates concern.
35. What does the poem say about human suffering?
    That it deserves attention and immediate response. The poem urges compassion.
36. How might this poem inspire action?
    By raising awareness and appealing to people’s humanity. It calls for help in a direct way.
37. What kind of help is implied in the poem?
    Humanitarian aid such as food, medicine, and relief efforts. The poem stresses saving lives.
38. Why does the speaker repeat the country’s name?
    To keep focus on Bangladesh and its urgent needs. It personalizes the crisis.
39. What emotions does the poem aim to evoke in the reader?
    Empathy, urgency, and a desire to help. It tries to move readers emotionally.
40. How does the poem portray Bangladesh?
    As a country in severe distress. It shows the nation’s vulnerability.
41. What does the line “I’ve never seen such distress” imply?
    That the crisis is unprecedented and shocking. It underlines the disaster’s scale.
42. How does the poem connect individual and global responsibility?
    By showing how one person’s pain can lead to worldwide calls for aid. It links personal suffering to global action.
43. Why might the speaker’s friend feel helpless?
    Because of the scale of the disaster and limited resources. The friend needs outside assistance.
44. What is the importance of understanding the crisis?
    Understanding fosters empathy and motivates help. Without awareness, aid might not come.
45. What is the overall message of the poem?
    To raise awareness and encourage support for Bangladesh. It’s a call to action for humanitarian aid.
46. How does the poem use repetition effectively?
    Repetition emphasizes urgency and the core message. It makes the plea hard to ignore.
47. What does “help us save some lives” suggest about the situation?
    That many lives are at risk and can still be saved with timely help. It stresses hope amid crisis.
48. How does the poem balance sadness and hope?
    It acknowledges pain but focuses on the possibility of relief through help. The poem ends on a hopeful note.
49. Why is the speaker’s call to action important today?
    Because disasters still affect many countries and people need help. The poem’s message remains relevant.
50. How can readers respond to the poem’s plea?

By spreading awareness, donating to relief efforts, or volunteering. The poem inspires active compassion.