'Chivvy — Michael Rosen' — Practice

Question 1

What does the word 'chivvy' mean?

Accepted Answer

'Chivvy' means to nag or pester someone constantly.

Question 2

List the instructions adults give to children in the poem.

Accepted Answer

Adults say: 'Sit up!', 'Say please!', 'Don't stare!', 'Don't point!', 'Speak up!', 'Don't talk with your mouth full!', 'Haven't you got a tongue?', 'Make up your mind!', and 'Take your hands out of your pockets!' -- many of which the child is already obeying or finds contradictory.

Question 3

Why does the child find adult instructions confusing?

Accepted Answer

The child finds the instructions confusing because adults often tell the child to do something the child is already doing, and because the instructions contradict one another -- like 'Speak up!' and 'Don't talk with your mouth full!' The child feels these commands are a puzzle.

Question 4

What is the tone of the poem?

Accepted Answer

The tone is humorous and slightly exasperated, capturing a child's amused frustration at being constantly told what to do.

Practice — 'Chivvy — Michael Rosen'

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