English Poorvi Class 7 My Dear Soldiers Question & Answers

Let us discuss

Page No. 201

I. Complete the summary with an exact word from the poem. An example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and the teacher.

The poem is a tribute to the soldiers of the 1. land who defend the 2. ________ of their country. It highlights their untiringcommitment and sacrifices as they guard the nation. The soldiers
remain vigilant and dedicated, whether it’s windy, snowy, or 3. _______ hot. They walk on 4. ________stretches of land like the yogis. Their duty takes them to different terrains,
including mountains, valleys, 5. ________, and marshes. The poet acknowledges that they have given a major part of their 6. __________ to protect the nation. The poet says the wind
chimes show their respect to the soldiers’ 7. _________. The poet concludes with prayers for their well-being and blessings.

Answer:

1. land
2. borders
3. scorching
4. lonely
5. deserts
6. youth
7. feat

II. Select the correct option for the following questions.

1. The theme of the poem is _______.

(i) patriotism and sacrifice
(ii) heroism and awareness
(iii) nature and hardship
(iv) seasons and terrains

Answer: (i) patriotism and sacrifice.

2. The tone of the poem is _______.

(i) admiring (ii) sad (iii) respectful
(iv) grateful (v) prayerful

A. Only (v) B. (i) and (iii)
C. (ii), (iii) and (v) D. (i), (iii), (iv) and (v)

Answer: D. (i), (iii), (iv), and (v)

III. Complete the following sentences by explaining why the poet has used the following poetic devices.

1. Imagery because _______.
2. Simile because the soldiers are likened to _________.
3. Metaphor because the poet uses wind chimes _______.
4. Repetition of the words ‘you’ and ‘we’ because ________.
5. Alliteration such as ‘season or snowy’ and ______ to create _______.

Answer:

1. Imagery because it creates vivid pictures in the reader’s mind, helping them visualize the soldiers’ challenges, such as guarding in “windy season or snowy days” or under “scorching sun’s sweltering rays.”
2. Simile because the soldiers are likened to yogis, emphasizing their disciplined, solitary, and dedicated nature as they tread “the lonely expanses.”
3. Metaphor because the poet uses wind chimes to represent the nation’s admiration and respect, vibrating to honor the soldiers’ heroic deeds.
4. Repetition of the words ‘you’ and ‘we’ because it emphasizes the connection between the soldiers and the people, highlighting the soldiers’ service and the nation’s gratitude.
5. Alliteration such as ‘season or snowy’ and ‘scorching sun’s sweltering’ to create a rhythmic effect and emphasize the harsh conditions faced by the soldiers.

Let us think and reflect

Page No. 202

I. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

When we are all asleep
You still hold on to your deed
Windy season or snowy days
Or scorching sun’s sweltering rays
You are there guarding all the time awake
Treading the lonely expanses as yogis

1. Identify a set of opposite words from the extract.

Answer: A set of opposite words is “asleep” and “awake”.

2. Complete the sentence appropriately.

The phrase ‘still hold on to your deed’ refers to the soldier’s attitude of ______.

Answer: unwavering commitment and duty to protect the nation.

3. Identify whether the following statement is true or false.

The soldiers walk across the deserted stretches of land.

Answer: True

4. Give evidence from the extract to show that soldiers face harsh weather conditions.

Answer: The lines “Windy season or snowy days / Or scorching sun’s sweltering rays” show that soldiers face harsh weather conditions like strong winds, snow, and extreme heat.

5. Which quality of the soldiers is highlighted in this extract?

(i) modesty (ii) optimism (iii) simplicity (iv) dedication

Answer: (iv) dedication

II. Answer the following questions.

1. Who is the speaker of this poem? How can you say so?

Answer: The speaker is A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the poet, who expresses admiration for soldiers. This is evident from the poem’s tone, which reflects a civilian’s gratitude and reverence for the soldiers’ sacrifices, and the attribution of the poem to A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

2. How is the theme of the poem conveyed through imagery? Support your answer with examples from the poem.

Answer: The theme of patriotism and sacrifice is conveyed through vivid imagery that depicts soldiers’ challenges. For example, “Windy season or snowy days / Or scorching sun’s sweltering rays” creates images of harsh weather conditions, and “Treading the lonely expanses as yogis” portrays their solitary, disciplined duty, emphasizing their selfless service.

3. How does the poet highlight the commitment of the soldiers? Provide examples from the poem to support your answer.

Answer: The poet highlights soldiers’ commitment by describing their tireless vigilance and sacrifices. Examples include “When we are all asleep / You still hold on to your deed,” showing their duty while others rest, and “Prime of your youth given to the nation!!,” emphasizing their lifelong dedication.

4. What is the significance of the line ‘Prime of your youth given to the nation!!’ with reference to sacrifice and service?

Answer: This line signifies that soldiers sacrifice the most vibrant and productive years of their lives for the nation’s safety. It underscores their selfless service, as they prioritize duty over personal aspirations, dedicating their youth to protecting the country.

5. The poem ends with a prayer for the soldiers’ well-being and blessings. Why is it important for each one of us to pray for the wellbeing of soldiers?

Answer: It is important to pray for soldiers’ well-being because they risk their lives to protect the nation, enduring harsh conditions and making immense sacrifices. Praying for them expresses gratitude, acknowledges their service, and seeks divine protection for their safety and strength.

Let us learn

Page No. 202

I. The poem mentions a few terrains (physical features of land)—valleys, deserts, and marshes. Identify the terrains from the box given below. There are two that you do not need.

Answer: Valleys, deserts, marshes, mountains

II. Study the following phrases from the poem.

• treading the lonely expanses • climbing the heights • scorching sun

Such phrases are word pairs that come together in combinations and are called collocations.

Fill in the blanks by choosing the words given in the brackets that collocate appropriately.

1. The hikers reached the _____(summit/peak) of the mountain after several days of trekking through challenging conditions.
2. The _____ (empty/barren) landscape of the desert made it nearly impossible to find any water sources.
3. In the rainforest, the ____ (heavy/dense) forest provides a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife.
4. Chitra is a very _______ (heroic/adventurous) person and enjoys mountain climbing.
5. I’ll try to get back in time, but I’m not _____ (doing/making) any promises.

Answer:

1. peak
2. barren
3. dense
4. adventurous
5. making

Let us listen

Page No. 203

I. Think and complete the poem titled ‘A Soldier’s Pride’, given below. (Transcript for the teacher on pg. 224)

In fields so vast, our soldiers stand, With hearts so brave, and firm 1. ______, They guard our land both night and 2. _______, To keep our fears and foes at bay. With every dawn and setting 3. _________, Their duty calls, it must be done, Through 4. _______ skies and blazing heat, They 5. ______ along with steady feet. For love of land, they 6. _______ and strive, To keep our hopes and 7. ______ alive, With pride and honour, they defend, Our beloved India, till the very 8. _______.

Answer:

1. hand
2. day
3. sun
4. stormy
5. march
6. fight
7. dreams
8. end