Multiple choice

Direction: Select the option with a similar meaning as per the context.

Budding twigs

Directions: Some words in the verse below have been highlighted. Select the best meaning for the corresponding word.

I heard a thousand blended notes,
While in a grove I sat reclined,
In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind.
To her fair works did Nature link
The human soul that through me ran;
And much it grieved my heart to think
What man has made of man.
Through primrose tufts, in that green bower,
The periwinkle trailed its wreaths;
And ’tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes.
The birds around me hopped and played,
Their thoughts I cannot measure
But the least motion which they made
It seemed a thrill of pleasure.
The budding twigs spread out their fan,
To catch the breezy air;
And I must think, do all I can,
That there was pleasure there.
If this belief from heaven be sent,
If such be Nature’s holy plan,
Have I not reason to lament
What man has made of man?

 

  1. Spring

  2. Flowering plants

  3. Pleasant sounds

  4. Growing branches

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

In this botanical context, 'budding twigs' refers to young branches in early growth. 'Budding' means beginning to grow or develop, and 'twigs' specifically means small branches. Together they describe growing branches, not a season, whole plants, sounds, or mature branches.