Unit 02 The Champions Class 10

Comprehension class 10 English guide “The Champion”, English, Class 10,

Unit 2, Lesson 1
What is the significance of the title “The Champions”?

The title of the lesson “The Champions” is significant as it gives a hint to the reader
that what they are going to read in the lesson might be something related to a sport
focusing on the champions of that sport.

What was the dream of Ahmad Ali and Gul Sher?

The dream of Ahmad Ali and Gul Sher was to become a lightweight boxing champion
of the world someday. Both of them worked hard to achieve their dream.

Why was the fight so important for both Ali and Gul Sher?
Once they had to fight at two different poles for the National Boxing Championship.
The fight was important for both Ali and Gul Sher because the winner of the final of
the fight would be representing the country in the World Lightweight Boxing
Championship.

How did the two friends fight? Describe in your own words in five
sentences.
Ali was the one who started the fight. In the first round, Ali was at the top of the game
as he was able to trap Gul against the ropes and beat him quite harshly. In the second
round, even after turning unconscious, dizzy, and disoriented by the hard blows of Ali,
Gul Sher gathered his strength and retaliated in the same way that turned the match
even. In the third round, the young boxers performed toe-to-toe and gave their best
savage performance but at the end, they did not stay there to hear the
announcement of the game and went away arm in arm. They gave more value to
friendship than to their championship-winner title.

Compare and contrast the characters of Ali and Gul.

The major characters of the lesson are the two young boys Ahmad Ali and Gul Sher.
There is an element of comparison and contrast between the characters of both
friends.

Compare:
Both Ali and Gul Sher were students of grade 10 in the government school. They were
my classmates as well. Apart from this, they lived in the neighbourhood of Lyari,
Karachi. They were so close in their feelings and contact that they considered
themselves brothers. Boxing was the sport they were in love with. They both owned
the same dream of becoming a lightweight boxing champion of the world one day.
Both of the boys were sensitive, honest, and sincere. They gave more value to
friendship than to be the winner. Ali and Gul suffered from the same feelings of
anxiety, pressure, and stress with the mere thought of the fight and the result of that.
Both the friends were well aware of the facts regarding the top boxing champions of
the world. They were equally good boxers.
Contrast:
It can only be done concerning their appearance and background as they were the
same in character, thoughts, and values. Gul Sher was fair, lean, and lanky. Gul Sher
had straight hair that most of the time fell over his eyes. He belonged to a Pashtun
background as his family moved to Karachi from Kyberpakhtunkhwa before the birth
of Gul Sher. On the other hand, Ahmad Ali was Sheedi, dark, short and husky. He had
black hair in a natural Afro style. He was a permanent resident of Lyari district. The
difference in their boxing style was quite evident as Gul’s lean form and long reach
made him the better boxer whereas Ali’s short and muscular frame made him the
better slugger.
Is there any conflict in the story? If yes, describe it in detail.
No, there is no conflict in the lesson. The two true friends sacrificed their chance of
representing their country in the World Boxing Championship in the Lightweight
category. They give more importance to their friendship than to become a winner of
the match or country’s representative in the Championship. It is a difficult decision to
take as it is the dream of both the young boys to become lightweight boxing
champions one day.

What was the effect of the fight on the relationship between the
two friends?
The fight cast a positive effect on the relationship between the two friends. Rather, it
was the fight that further strengthened the relationship between Ali and Gul Sher. As
they did not care about the result of the match but gave more weightage to their true,
sincere friendship.

Keeping in view the relationship between the two friends, is it

easier or harder for them to fight each other? Support your answer
by giving references from the text.
It is the most difficult time in which the friends are passing through. The two childhood
friends have to fight against each other in the National Boxing Championship. As the
day of their fight is approaching, they face feelings of anxiety and stress. One day,
both the friends meet and discuss their feelings and emotions regarding the upcoming
fight. Ali confesses that he has been thinking about it at all times.
He says that he has been awake at night, pulling punches on Gul Sher, trying not to
hurt him. Gul Sher also explains his feelings that it is difficult for him to stop thinking
about the fight even for a minute that what would be the result of the fight and how
their friendship is going to survive after that.

Are you satisfied with the ending? Support your response with
cogent arguments.
Though the ending is unexpectable yes, I am satisfied with it. The reason is that
friendship is a very precious relationship and to find fast and sincere friends in this
world of selfishness, envy, hatred, jealousy is a tough task to be undertaken.

Once you become successful in selecting the pearl (your true friend) from the sea of
humans then you should take care of him. One must try to sacrifice his wishes and
desires just for the sake of his friend/friendship. I want to strengthen my point of view
with the inspiring quote of Nicole Richie:
“True friends are like Diamonds- Bright, Beautiful, Valuable, and always in Style.”

Q.1) Having read the story, one feels that boxing is too brutal to be a sport
for young people. Do you agree? Which side of this debate is presented
in”The Champions”? Using details and examples from the story, write a
paragraph with a clear opening statement, specific details and examples to
explain your response.
Answer:
No doubt, boxing is a tough and brutal game for the youngsters. After reading the
lesson that gives a clear description of the boxing competition, it seems quite evident.
As when the fight started between Ahmad Ali and Gul Sher, the two young boxers, Ali
punched at the face of Gul quite hard thus making him dizzy, disoriented and
unconscious. Later, Gul defended himself and sent harsh blows to Ali. Ali’s left eye
was affected by the blow so he tightly closed it. From Gul’s nose, red blood poured
out, which frenzied the audience. Both of them had a savage fight, their punch fell on
each other like hailstones, hurting them bad.
 Poem Langston Hughes
The theme of the poem rests on the piece of advice given by Langston Hughes to his readers that
they must own some dreams meaning that they should have aims, desires, and goals to achieve
in life. If one does not have any goals in his life then his life seems to be dull and unproductive.

How important do you think dreams are? Explain.

Dreams play a vital role in the life of an individual because it is the power of dreams for achieving
something in life that makes a person active, wise and busy as all the time he focuses on
something important that must be done by him to gain confidence and success and thus receive
appreciation or encouragement by people.

Identify an example of a word or phrase that is repeated in the

poem and explain why the poet makes this repetition .
The phrase “hold fast to dreams” is repeated in the poem. It is repeated by the poet as he wants to
put emphasis on the importance of dreams in our lives. He is asking people to have dreams,
goals, and objectives in life and they should stick to them to remain alive and active.

Identify an example of personification. Explain what is being

personified and how?
Langston personified the life without dreams as the bird that is alive but has broken wings thus
unable to fly. The poet says that losing a dream or simply have no aim or goal in life is just like a
barren land covered with snow that has no life and nothing grows on it to be used by the others.

Identify lines containing metaphors. What ideas are being

conveyed by these metaphors?
Lines 3, 4′ and ‘7,8’ contain the metaphors ‘broken-winged bird that cannot fly and ‘barren field
frozen with snow.’ A thought-provoking idea is conveyed through these metaphors that if one does
not own dreams in life then his life is just like a bird that has wings but is broken and due to this it
cannot fly. Similarly, life without dreams is dull and dry just like barren fields that are covered with
snow and grow nothing. Such a life has no joy and beauty.

List the alliterative words from the poem “Dreams”.

The alliterative words in the poem are:
(i) dreams, die
(ii) broken, bird
(iii) field, frozen
How is imagery used in this poem?
In this poem, the powerful imagery is constructed by the poet through the use of metaphors i.e.
‘broken-winged bird that cannot fly and ‘barren field frozen with snow.’ Through these metaphors,
it becomes easy for the readers to know the importance of dreams in their life. The readers are
able to acknowledge that if they do not have aims and objectives in their lives then they have no
positive purpose to live and their life would become dull and handicapped.

What is the mood of this poem? How does it make you feel?
The mood of the poem is optimistic in nature. After reading the poem, the readers feel a sense of
responsibility and they become enthusiastic about life. They plan to have some dreams in their life
for which they should struggle and thus play a positive, constructive role.

POPULATION GROWTH

Q1. Why is there no single and easy solution to the

problem of population growth and its impact on the
environment?
Ans: There is no single and easy solution to the problem of population growth and its impact on
the environment because this problem is very complicated. To solve this problem all options
should be utilized including awareness campaigns, re-assessment of consumption patterns,
recycling of waste, and less use of resources.
Q2: How is the carrying capacity of the earth affected?
Unit 04 Population Growth and its Impact On Environment”
Ans: The carrying capacity of the earth is affected by overpopulation. Earth has a carrying capacity
of 500 million to one trillion humans, but it has limited resources so, it is not able to support such a
large number of people.

Q3: Why does population growth directly affect the

environment?
Ans: Population growth has a direct impact on the environment. An increase in population means
an increase in the consumption of resources and the production of more waste materials, water,
and air pollution.

Note: Q4,5 and 6, have been skipped.

MASJID OF CORDOBA
Where did Abdur Rehman I import fruit trees and other plants
from? Why?
 Abdur Rehman I after the fall of the Umayyad Dynasty, came and settled in Southern Spain. He
wanted to recreate the glory of Damascus in the Iberian Peninsula that’s why he imported fruit
trees from his own land i.e. Damascus in order to promote agriculture in the Iberian Peninsula.

What can we achieve again if we enkindle in ourselves the master-passion (Ishq)?

We can achieve the exalted state of moral and spiritual character if we enkindle in ourselves the
master-passion (Ishq).

What is the view of Iqbal about the Masjid of Cordoba? Explain his view in your own
words.
According to Iqbal, the Masjid of Cordoba is built by those who were in deep love or had Ishq with
their Creator, Allah Almighty. Iqbal considered Ishq as a feeling that has a burning desire to one’s
utmost in order to achieve one’s ideal of perfection and self-realization through the moral
teachings of Islam. Iqbal says that it is this passion of that era Muslims and the power and glory of
the Masjid of Cordoba that extend their dominance to far off lands. Iqbal is of the view that the
beauty and grandeur of the Masjid reflects the intense love and reverence of Mard-e-Khuda
towards the ultimate Creator.

What, in your opinion, is the significance of the Masjid of Cordoba to present-day Muslims?
Explain.
The Masjid of Cordoba is of vital importance to the present-day Muslims because when they pay a
visit to it or just get a chance to read about it, they will be moved not only by its architecture and
glory but they are able to feel the glory of Islam and dominance of Muslim in the European world.

Why did Iqbal greatly appreciate a faraway Masjid in Spain, when

there were superb buildings of the Muslim era in Sub-Continent?
Iqbal greatly appreciated a faraway Masjid in Spain i.e. the Masjid of Cordoba because he had a
desire to pay tribute to the Ishq of the builders of the Masjid. It was a sort of pilgrimage that he
paid to an outstanding symbol of faith. He wanted to experience the grandeur and glory of Muslim
era when Muslims ruled Spain which further became a source of providing roots to the
enlightenment of Europe. He was so moved with the architecture and glory of the Masjid that he
expressed his feelings in the form of a poetic piece ‘the Masjid-e-Qurtaba.’

INSPITE OF WAR Angela Morgan

A. Answer the following questions.
Q1: What are the things that thrive despite the ravages of war?
Ans: According to the poem Lilacs, Tulip, Daisy, Pansies, and gardens are the things that thrive
despite the ravages of war.
Q2: What are some of the different words and images used in the poem that
convey the emotions of loss?
Ans: Death, Suffering, Hate, War, Despair, Guns roaring, Cannon boom, and Nightmares are the
words and images which convey the emotions of loss.

Q3: In the poem “In spite of war”, there are several examples of
personification. Identify two examples of personification: explain what is
being personified and how?
Ans: In the poem “In spite of war”, there are several examples of personification, but the two
examples are as under:

When pansies lift their eyes to mine.

 Tulips are tripping down the path.
 In both examples, the poetess has given human qualities to non-human things.
Q4: Make a list of the words that tell you about the tone of the poem ‘In
spite of war’ and explain how those words tell us what the tone is. Use
examples from the poem to back up your reasoning.
Ans: The tone of the poem is optimistic. The poetess says that despite the war & destruction,
everything in nature is going normal. Life continues as usual. The following words tell us about the
tone. Laugh, Sings, Courage, Rejoice, Blooming of flowers, Glory, and gardens.

Q5: What is the theme of the poem ‘In spite of war’?

Ans: The main theme of the poem is very simple. The poetess encourages us to look at the beauty
around us rather than focus on the negative aspect of our lives. She says that in spite of war &
other negative things, life continues as nothing was happening.

The Aged Mother

Q.1) Why did the farmer decide to take his mother on the summit?
Answer:
The farmer decided to take his mother on the summit because it was the order of the emperor to
kill all the old citizens. There was a summit named as ‘Obatsuyama’ meaning the ‘mountain of the
abandoning of the aged.’ Therefore, the farmer took his mother to the summit to leave her there to
die as per the order of the despotic leader.
Q.2) Why did the son hide his mother in the closet?
Answer:
The son hid his mother in the closet so the soldiers of the leader would not find her as it was
against the orders of the leader to have any aged person at home. Being a sympathetic and loving
son, he considered the closet a safe place for his mother.
Q.3) What does the phrase “with the crown of snow, there cometh wisdom!” mean?
Answer:
The phrase “with the crown of snow, there cometh wisdom” means that as the person grows older,
he becomes wiser and intelligent. Here ‘the crown of snow’ stands for white/grey hair. With age,
people learn from their personal and professional experiences about how to lead life and deal with
situations in a much better, appropriate and effective way.
Q.4) What is the theme of “The Aged Mother”?
Answer:
The theme of The Aged Mother is quite heart-touching. This story reflects the concept that
whatever the circumstance will be, the mother always has a desire to help her children in any time
of need. It is the unquestionable love of a mother that always resides in her heart for her children
even if her children won’t pay her back with the same love, generosity, and care.
Q.5) What is the climax of the story “The Aged Mother”?
Answer:
The climax of the story happens when the farmer drops his mother at the summit and is about to
leave, his mother tells him to follow the path of twigs that she has placed at intervals so it would be
easy for him to go back his home. It is the most touching moment of the story that makes the
farmer’s heart melt, then and there he decides to take her old mother with him without giving a
second thought to the cruel order of the governor.
Q.6) Why did the farmer disclose his secret?
Answer:
The farmer disclosed his secret because he was forced by the leader to tell him the secret of his
wisdom that being such a young fellow how he would be able to obey his order of making a rope
of ashes. At that time, the farmer disclosed his secret of his alive old mother who gave him the
idea that he followed to make a rope of ashes.
Q.7) What are the elements of the story “The Aged Mother”?
Answer:
The five elements of the story ‘The Aged Mother’ are:
Setting: The story takes place in the town of Shinano at different times of the day.
Characters: The story revolves around three major characters i.e. farmer, his old widow mother,
and the despotic leader.
Plot: The events happen in a logical manner throughout the story.
Conflict: The conflict arises with the order of the dictator leader to put to death all the aged
people of the town.
Resolution: The problem is resolved by the farmer by hiding his mother in the closet, safe from
the evil eyes of the leader’s soldiers.
Q.8) What is the setting of the story?
Answer:
The story takes place in the town of Shinano, a town that is governed by an authoritarian leader.
The story does not revolve around any specific time of the day, it varies as the story moves.
Q.9) Why did the leader issue the proclamation?
Answer:
The leader issued the proclamation of taking the lives of all the old citizens of the town because he
considered their survival a cause of failing health and strength. That’s why the leader issued a
cruel and barbarous proclamation for all to obey.
Q.10) How does the poor youth feel about the proclamation?
Answer:
After hearing the proclamation by the leader, the youth feels very sad and gloomy. The order fills
the heart of the young farmer with extreme grief and sorrow.
Q.11) How did the youth carry out the order?
Answer:
Though it was difficult for the loving and caring son of the aged mother to carry out the order of the
leader but as he had to obey the orders so it was twilight when the farmer took rice and bottle of
water with him and carried his mother on his back. He climbed the steep mountain by carrying the
burden of his old mother. He had to leave his aged mother at the mount Obatsuyama where she
would die alone.
WOMEN’S ROLE IN THE PAKISTAN MOVEMENT
Comprehension
Q.1) How did Quaid-e-Azam empower and emancipate the Muslim women of the Sub-
continent?
Answer:
Quaid-e-Azam brought social revolution in the emancipation and empowerment of Muslim women.
He repeatedly stressed the importance of women as equal partners of men if the Muslims of India
were to achieve the dream of the separate homeland.

Q.2) How did Begum Fatima, the principal of Jinnah Islamia Collage, mobilizes female
students?
Answer:
Begum Fatima played a key role in mobilizing the female students she invited the Quaid-e-Azam
to come and address the students of her college in November 1942. The charismatic leader words
impacted a lot on young minds.
Q.3) Why did Quaid-e-Azam stress the importance of women as equal partners of men in
the creation of a separate homeland for Muslims?
Answer:
Women were only confined to their houses in the start but soon they all emerged and struggled for
Pakistan. Bi Amma, Abadi Begum and other noble ladies including Mohtarama Fatima Jinnah
were advising and participating in all the activities of Quaid-e-Azam and were also motivating
women to come out and participate in Pakistan`s formation that’s why Quaid-e-Azam declared
them as the partner of men in the creation of Pakistan.
Q.4) Describe the role of women in the Pakistan Movement, highlighting their love and
aspirations for the new homeland.
Answer:
By early 1947 the Pakistan Movement had become a mass movement. The Frontier Women`s
Provincial Muslim League held its annual session in Peshawar, which was attended by a thousand
burqa-clad women. All the women from Punjab women Leaguers, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and
Bengal Muslim League took an active part. The valiant act of Women Leaguers` heroism was in
February or March 1947 when one young woman climbed on top of the Punjab Secretariat
removed the Union Jack, and hoisted Pakistani Flag.
Q.5) Analyse the third paragraph of the lesson ‘Women’s Role in the Pakistan Movement’
and identify the sentences that support the main idea through cause and effect.
Answer:
Cause:
Muslim League session at Patna in 1938. Quaid-e-Azam for organizing and revitalizing the
Muslims after his return from England in 1934. He created All India Muslim Women`s Sub-
Committee.
Effect:
A galaxy of women had emerged in the leadership role of the Muslim League, organizing and
mobilizing women workers in the cities and also in the district level.
Q.6) What ideas and issues have been explored in the fifth paragraph of the text,
‘Women’s Role in Pakistan Movement.’
Answer:
Muslim League won all the Muslim seats in the provincial elections of Punjab but the issue which
was explored was that it (Muslim League) was excluded from the formation of the provincial
government in 1946. Then massive demonstrations were held outside of the Chief Minister Khizar
Hayat`s house, with women Leaguers` processions which made a serious impact.

Unit 09 Poem Equipment Edgar Guest

Table of Contentsoem Equipment Edgar GuestSummary and Analysis of
Equipment by Edgar GuestA speaker in ‘Saman’ by Edgar Guest claims
that one has everything one needs from birth to be successful in life.
The poem begins with a speech outlinig the tools available to the audience, such as
his arms, legs, and brain, and how he matches the “greatest men.” They all started
from the same source and it is up to the “boy” to work his life for it.

As the poem goes on, it becomes clear that the speaker despises the idea that some
men are internally superior to others. It goes against the belief that all people are
created by God with the same ability to create a good life. The poem ends with the
addressee telling his listener to catch up.

A. Answer the following question.

Q1: Paraphrase the second stanza of the poem “Equipment”?
Ans: My Lad! You have to understand this reality that God has gifted you with all
capabilities that have been given to all the greatest men. Just like those great men,
you have two-arm, two hands, two legs, two eyes, and a brain. All the great men
started their life with these things, so take start to reach the top because you can do
everything.
Q2: Summarize the poem “Equipment”?
Ans: The poem Equipment has been written by Edgar Guest. In this poem, he
addresses us & says that every person in this world has been granted the same
physical capabilities i.e. Eyes, Ears, Legs, Hands, Arms, and brain. The greatest men
have had also these capabilities. All the great persons use these common tools in
their daily lives for becoming great men in the world. In terms of body structure &
physical power, all human beings are the same, so it is possible for every man to
reach the top and achieve great goals.

Q3: Write down the rhyme scheme of the poem Equipment?

Ans: The rhyme scheme of the poem Equipment is AA BB CC. The poet sometimes
repeats some words like the word ‘Two’ inline 3.

Q4: What is the theme of the poem Equipment?

Ans: The theme of the poem Equipment is that All human beings have been awarded
by Allah with all the equipment needed for success. Now it’s up to them to utilize that
equipment or not. All people are responsible for their own fate.

Q5: “All human beings are created equal” Explain this statement
in the light of the poem Equipment?
Ans: In the poem Equipment, the poet says that all human beings are created equal. It
means that Allah awarded all human beings with two eyes, two legs, two hands, two
arms, and a brain. Now it’s up to them to decide how to use these qualities and
capabilities.
Q6: How do you feel after reading the poem?
Ans: After reading the poem we feel more excited, energic, optimistic, and hopeful.
The poem provided us with some extra energy and sparks determination within us.

WATER SCARCITY IN PAKISTAN

Comprehension
Q.1) What are the main sources of water in Pakistan?
Answer:
Water sources available in Pakistan are rainfall, surface water available in rivers and underground
water.
Q.2) What are the river drainage system of Pakistan? Describe them briefly.
Answer:
In surface water we have three river drainage basins:
1. the Indus Basin River
2. closed basin Kharan desert
3. Makran coastal basin
The Indus Basin River:
It originates near the Kailash range in Tibet. The river flows in the west and falls into the Arabian
Sea. Its Eastern tributaries are the Ravi, the Beas, the Chenab, the Sutlej, and the Jhelum. The
total area of the Indus basin is about 3,65,000 square miles.
Closed basin Kharan desert:
It consists of areas of mountain basins of Quetta and basins of tributaries draining into the Kharan
desert. Its main rivers are Pishin Lora, Baddo Rakhshan, Mashkhel, and many other streams. It
covers an area of 120,100 sq.km.
Makran coastal basin:
The Makran coastal basin consists of streams of Malir, Hub, Porali, Kud, Hingol, Nai, Mashhai,
Dasht, Nihing and Kech. It covers an area of 122,400 sq.km and its main source of water is
rainfall.
Q.3) What are the main causes of water shortage in
Pakistan? Discuss in detail.
Answer:
The main cause of water shortage is the constructions of dams and barrages by India over the
River Chenab and the River Jhelum created the problems of water shortage for Pakistan. The
other main reason is the increasing population. The population is increasing at a rate of 3.2%.
Presently there are 200 million people and if the rate of increase in the population remains the
same, then it will be almost double by the year 2025 leading to add pressure on the groundwater
resources. Also, the rapid depletion of groundwater may worsen the water crisis in Pakistan`s
major cities causing a drought-like situation.
Q.4) What measures can we take to overcome water shortage in Pakistan?
Answer:
To overcome this horrible water scarcity we should take these remedial measures immediately:
1. Strict implementation of National Water Policy 2018.
2. Formulation of National Action Plan for judicious use of available water.
3. Construction of water reservoirs.
4. Control on over-pumping of underground water and its wastage.
5. Increase the use of water-efficient crops.
6. Switch over from conventional agriculture to conservative agriculture.
7. Adopting a water-efficient method of irrigation like Sprinkler and Drip irrigation.
Q.5) What can you do on your own to contribute to conversation of water in you home and
surrounding?
Answer:
For the conservation of the water, first of all, it is needed to have the self-responsibility. As an
individual, we should not waste water in any way whether it is drinking water or normal water for
usage. We are that nation which wastes a lot of water i.e if we need one bucket of water, we will
use 2-3 buckets. The need of the hour is that we should educate people about the scarcity of the
water and should tell them not to waste the water and use it carefully in the proper way. We should
not consume much water in the home we should not leave taps running while washing clothes,
hands, or utensils. We should fill only that much water in a glass which we need it is not good to fill
the whole glass and only have one or two sips and then throw the rest. In our surroundings as
well we should not let it waste anywhere by anyone.
Q.6) What is the importance of building national reservoirs? Can you point out
a spot in your area where small reservoirs can be built to benefit the local
population?
Answer:
National reservoirs are very important for the country. Domestic drinking water and industrial water
supply for the development of the country are necessary and very important for that water
reservoirs are necessary. For how long we can be dependent on the water provided by the other
sources we should make plans for reserving water for ourselves on the national level. National
reservoirs are necessary to make because of the sea, rivers and rainfall can vary according to
season and sometimes we have a deficiency of water for that time we should make water
reservoirs so during those days we can easily use water in home, crops, and business.
In Mansehra, we can make small reservoirs of water for the local masses. If we plan to make
reservoirs in Mansehra it can bring prosperity for the people. Manshera is Allah`s blessed place
with a beautiful land and water resources. There are so many streams, ponds, cataracts, etc. the
need is to make the reservoirs of this water instead of letting it waste and flow. These reservoirs
can give a lot of benefits. They can preserve the water by making a dam or any other water
reservoirs of their ease. But this place can be best for water reserving which can bring prosperity
as well as can fulfil the water shortage

Unit 11 Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

A. Answer the following questions.
What are genes and genetics?
Genes are the subunits of DNA the information database of any organism that is
contained inside the cell nucleus. Genes transmit character traits of parents to their
offsprings. Genetics is the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living
organisms.
Why is the discovery of a gene called a game-changer in biological
sciences?
The discovery of genes is called a game-changer in biological sciences because it led
to the development of genetic and the process of genetic engineering through which
genetically modified plants and animals are produced.
What is genetic engineering? What role does genetic engineering
play in producing genetically modified organisms?
Genetic engineering is the process of manipulation of an organism’s genes directly by
transplanting DNA from other organisms in its cells. Genetically modified organisms
are produced through this process having the desired traits.
Write at least two merits and two demerits of GMOs?
Two merits of GMOs are:
1. Eradication of hereditary disease.
2. Increase resistance to diseases.
Two demerits of GMOs are:
1. The unpredictability of the behavior of altered genes.
2. GMOs may take some unwanted characteristics causing harm to our health
environment or ecosystem.
What is your opinion will be the effect of GMOs on our lives,
lifestyle, and the environment in the future?
Ans: Although GMOs have made our lives easy and comfortable, they have some
dangerous effects. The unpredictability of the behavior of altered genes, unwanted
characteristics, health problems, population problems, etc are some of the concerns
about GMOs that may harm the ecosystem and human health.
Have you ever used genetically modified foods? Give suggestions
& solutions for the safe use of genetically modified foods?
Yes, I have used genetically modified foods. I have the following suggestions and
solutions for the safe use of GMOs.
1. To test the feasibility of GMOs, for any potential risk.
2. Quality of the product should be ensured.
3. Avoid processed foods in general.
4. Avoid factory-farmed animal products.

CHAPTER 12 THEY HAVE CUT DOWN THE PINES MARY LISLE

Comprehension
Q.1) Why were the pines cut down?
Answer:
The pines were cut down by the insensitive people for their personal needs i.e. for making fence
and posts.
Q.2) Beside the poetess, who will badly miss the company of the pines?
Answer:
Beside the poetess, the elements of nature the rain, the sun, and the wind will badly miss the
company of the pines.
Q.3) Pick out the lines having personification.
Answer:
The lines of the poem that represent personification are:
(1) And all day long the sun
Plays hide and seek with shadows.
(2) The kind, the friendly trees,
(3) The gentle colloquy of bough and bough.
Q.4) How has the cutting down of the trees affected
nature?
Answer:
The cutting down of the trees has affected nature in a negative manner. According to the poetess,
the wind and rain will miss the pine trees as they will not find them standing steadfast at their
place. The sun will be going to miss their absence as it will not play hide and seek under the
shadows. The birds are the ones who greatly suffer due to the cutting down of the trees because
they will not find trees to build their nests for their families.
Q.5) What picture of the rain does the words “its silver
blind is down’ give you?
Answer:
This phrase means the moment when the rain falls heavily to the ground, it makes everything
silver and one can find it difficult to see clearly through the rain as the heavy rainfall covers the
whole scene just like a blind.
Q.6) The poetess mourns the cutting down of pines in a way as if she
has lost her near and dear mate; why?
Answer:
The reason for the mourning of the poetess due to the cutting of pines is that she is a nature-lover
and she likes to have a clean and green environment. That’s why she is in a state of grief as she
does not want the pine trees to be cut down and the elements of nature to be affected due to this
ruthless act of humans.
Q.7) What is the mood of the poem and what effect does it has on you? Describe
in detail.
Answer:
The mood of the poem is gloomy and sorrowful. It cast a feeling of sadness and grief on the
reader because the trees and other elements of nature are personified in the poem by the poetess
thus giving a human element to them. If we are kind-hearted individuals then we would definitely
feel the pain of the wind, rain, sun, and birds from which they pass through in the absence of pine
trees.
Q.8) What is the central idea of the poem?
Answer:
The central idea of the poem is about the importance of trees and the positive effect they cast on
wind, sun, rain, and birds. If people cut down the trees for their use, they directly become a source
of disturbing and affecting nature in a negative way.
Q.9) What are the effects of deforestation on the environment?
Answer:
Deforestation or cutting of trees has a negative impact on the environment. This process disturbs
nature quite badly. The destruction of trees increases the rate of global warming as less number of
trees are there to absorb carbon dioxide and other harmful and greenhouse gases from the
environment. Due to this, the temperature alters that affect the ecosystem. Deforestation becomes
a cause of floods in any area as their presence soaks up and store excess water in the
surrounding soil. Birds and animals also lose their natural habitat and in this way, various species
of birds and animals become extinct from the environment. Cutting of trees definitely has an
impact on the food supply, the lesser the trees, the lesser the availability of fruits and grass/leaves
for the animals and birds. With the cruel process of deforestation, the ground will not get the shade
and in turn, the ground becomes drier at the fast pace and there is a shortage of nutrients in the
soil. Deforestation also creates an increase in air and water pollution.

UNIT 13 HAZRAT UMAR (RA) 10 CLASS ENGLISH BOOK NOTES

A. Answer the following questions.
1. Q1: Why did Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) deposit the jewels, given by the empress of Rome to Hazrat
Umar’s (RA) wife, in the bait-Ul-Mal?
Ans: Hazrat Umar (RA) deposited the jewels given by the empress of Rome to Hazrat Umar’s (RA)
wife, in bait-Ul-Mal because those jewels were gifted to her due to the high status of the Caliph
Umar Farooq (RA). They considered it as a Government property.

2. Q2: Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) was one of those people who served the
new religion with singleness of purpose. Describe the services of
Hazrat Umar (RA) to Islam in the context of this statement?
Hazrat Umar (RA) led a very simple life and strictly followed the prophet’s teachings. He helped
the prophet Muhammad (SAW) in difficult times. He participated in every war physically and
economically. He served the Muslims as a servant, not as a ruler. He strictly believed in rule of law
and justice.

3. Q3: Humility and simplicity were the hallmarks of Hazrat Umar’s

(RA) rule. Support this view by giving evidence from the given
text?
Humility and Simplicity were the great qualities of Umar’s (RA) personality. He led a simple life.
His life standard was no higher than a common man. He wore a simple dress and ate simple food.
Once a Roman Emperor was surprised to see him lying on the bare floor of the Masjid.

4. Why did Hazrat Umar (RA) not eat wheat bread?

Umar Farooq (RA) did not eat wheat bread because it was not available to every common person
in his vast dominions.

5. How did Hazrat Umar (RA) ensure his own accountability and the
accountability of his governors before the public during his
government?
Hazrat Umar (RA) ensured his own accountability and accountability of his governors before the
public during his Government. A common man had easy access to Hazrat Umar (RA). Everyone
was free to question his actions. Every Governor had to sign a bond on his appointment that he
would lead a simple life and all people would have easy access to his presence. Hazrat Umar’s
(RA) era is considered the golden period of Islam.

Unit 14 THE MODEL MILLIONAIRE

Unit 14 THE MODEL MILLIONAIRE, Hughes looked amazing with his crisp brown hair,
his clean-cut profile, and his brown eyes. He was as famous among men as he was
with women, and had every deed except to make money. He had tried everything. But
he made nothing, a delightful, ineffective young man and a perfect profile and no
profession.

Hughes wanted to marry Laura Merton, the daughter of a retired colonel. The colonel
was very fond of Hogi but he did not hear of any engagement. “Come to me, boy,
when you get ten thousand pounds from yourself and we’ll see,” he said. Hughes
looked very dangerous and cursed himself for failing to meet this condition.

A. Answer the following questions.

Q1: What was Hughie’s financial status?
Ans: Hughie’s financial status was weak, with poor resources from his farms.
Q2: What condition was laid down by the colonel for Hughie’s marriage to
his daughter?
Ans: The Colonel laid down the condition for Hughie’s marriage to his daughter that
Hughie should have ten thousand pounds, then this matter would be seriously
considered.
Q3: Was Alan a good painter? What makes you think that?
Ans: Yes, Alan was a good painter. He was a real master of his art because his
beautiful and perfect pictures were eagerly sought after.
Q4: Describe the role of Colonel Martin in the story? Would you describe him
as a negative character or not? Why?
Ans: The role of Colonel Martin in the story was negative. He was a greedy, dishonest,
unpleasant, and proud person. He was a high-profile man but when he saw the
thriving business of Hughie, he quickly agreed to give his daughter’s hand in
engagement but later when he came to know that Hughie was a poor man, then he
was trying to delay his marriage.
Q5: Draw the character sketch of Erskine Hughie in the story?
Ans: Hughie Erskine was a handsome and charming man. He was generous but
unlucky in money. He was a kind-hearted person towards other people.
Q6: Describe the climax of the story in your own words. Also present a
sketch of how you would have ended the story, had you been the writer?
Ans: The climax of the story is that when Hughie Erskine offers money to a beggar
who turns out to be one of the richest men in Europe. I would also have ended the
story as the writer of this story had ended it.
Q7: What is the theme of the story “The Millionaire”?
Ans: The theme of the story “The Model Millionaire” represents the materialistic
aspect of life. It also shows that one must have the kindness of the heart as well. This
story also shows and teaches us that rich people must know the proper ways to
expand their wealth to help other needy people. It will give them spiritual satisfaction.

OPPORTUNITY Walter Malone

A. Answer the following questions.
Q1: Who is the speaker of the poem?
Ans: Opportunity is the speaker of the poem.
Q2: It is a commonly held belief that opportunity knocks once at the door,
but this belief is rejected outright by opportunity herself. Why?
Ans: Opportunity knocks once at the door; but this belief is rejected by opportunity
herself and says that she comes at the door each day and gives the man a chance of
waking, rising, and fighting for getting a successful life.
Q3: What is the advice of “Opportunity” to those who have failed or lost
opportunities in the past?
Ans: The advice of opportunity to those who have lost or failed opportunity in the past
is not to show grief over past failures rather continue your struggles and do not be
discouraged because opportunity comes in life again and again. So, forget your past
and have a new start.
Q4: What was the effect of the poem “Opportunity” on you?
Ans: This poem has a good effect on us. It gives us courage, hope, and satisfaction.
Q5: What is the key theme of the poem “Opportunity” explain.
Ans: The key theme of the poem “Opportunity” is that opportunity knock at the door
daily and gives the man a chance of waking, rising, and fighting to get success.
Opportunity taught us to continue your struggles and do not be discouraged because
it comes again and again in life. So, forget your past failure and have a new start.
Q6: Point out some of the devices used by the poet in this poem?
Ans: The poet has used many poetic devices in this poem. In the 3rd line of 1st
stanza, the poet has personified the opportunity who stands before our home door,
calls us to wake and fight. The poet says in stanza 3 “White as snow” it is a simile

Poem 1 Dreams Langston Hughes

 Stanza 1:
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Dreams Langston Hughes Stanza 1

1. Why did the poet advise to hold fast to dreams ?

The poet advised us to hold fast to dreams because dreams are very important for a
happy and successful life.

2. What will happen if dreams go?

When dreams go away, life will be a barren field frozen with snow.

3. What cannot fly in the air?

Ans: A broken-winged bird cannot fly in the air.

4. Which technique is used by the poet in this stanza?

The poet used the technique of Personification. He Personified Dream to a bird.

5. What does the phrase “hold fast to dream” mean?

The phrase “hold fast to dream” means to stick fast to your ambition in life.

6. From which poem this stanza has been taken?

This stanza has been taken from the poem “Dreams”.

Stanza 2:
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

Dreams Langston Hughes Stanza 2

1. What will happen if dreams go?

Ans: When dreams go away, life will be a barren field frozen with snow.
2. The poet compares life to which kind of field?
The poet compared life to a barren field.

3. What is the meaning of the word “Barren”?

The meaning of the word barren is uncultivatable or unproductive.

4. What would be life if there are no dreams?

Life will be hopeless, Aimless, and bleak.

5. Write the rhyming words of this stanza?

The rhyming words of this stanza are gone and snow.

6. Who is the poet of this poem?

Langston Hughes is the poet of this poem.

Paraphrases of Poem 2 In Spite of War

Angela Morgan lived during both world wars. In this poem, Morgan shares that despite
a devastating war, everything in nature continues as if nothing is happening. The
same can be said of our lives. Life goes on as long as horrible things happen, so this
poem encourages us to look at the beauty around us instead of focusing on the
negative aspects of our lives.
Stanza 1:
In spite of war, in spite of death,
In spite of all man’s sufferings,
Something within me laughs and sings
And I must praise with all my breath.
Paraphrase:
In spite of war destructions, death, and sufferings of all human beings, there is
something in my heart that laughs and sings the song of hope and pleasure. So, I
must praise it wholeheartedly.
Stanza 2:
In spite of war, in spite of hate
Lilacs are blooming at my gate,
ulips are tripping down the path
In spite of war, in spite of wrath.

Paraphrase:
In spite of war and hate, Lilacs are blooming at my gate. Tulips flowers are also
growing and stumbling down the path. Although there are war and anger, these
flowers give us hope and courage to face the situations.
Stanza 3:
“Courage!” the morning-glory saith;
“Rejoice!” the daisy murmureth,
And just to live is so divine
When Pansies lift their eyes to mine.
Paraphrase:
The morning glory advised us for courage and daisy flowers softly speak to be glad
(rejoice) and do not worry about the war sufferings. Life is very beautiful, and it
becomes more beautiful when pansies bloom and lift their eyes to mine.
Stanza 4:
The clouds are romping with the sea,
And flashing waves call back to me
That naught is real but what is fair,
That everywhere and everywhere
A glory liveth through despair.

Paraphrase:
The clouds are playing with the sea. The flashing waves are calling me
back that everything that is fair and just is actually the reality. That reality lives
everywhere in this world. Although there is hopelessness but glory and despair live
side by side.
Stanza 5:
Though guns may roar and cannon boom,
Roses are born and gardens bloom;
My spirit still may light its flame
At that same torch whence, Poppies came.

Paraphrase:
In the war, the guns and cannons are roaring and booming all around but still, roses
are blooming, and gardens are full of beautiful flowers. This beautiful environment
makes me happy. I am in high spirits to see growing poppies.
Stanza 6:
Where morning’s altar whitely burns
Lilies may lift their silver urns
In spite of war, in spite of shame.

Paraphrase:
When the sun rises in the morning and spreads it light everywhere, it makes the
beautiful Lilies flower shining like silver. Then in spite of war which is very shameful,
lilies grow everywhere reducing the horrors of war.
Stanza 7:
And in my ear a whispering breath,
“Wake from the nightmare! Look and see
That life is naught but ecstasy
In spite of war, in spite of death!”.

Paraphrase:
My whispering breath softly speaks in my ear to wake up from your horror dream.
Look around and see the world. Life is nothing but an ecstasy. It is full of great joy,
although there is a war going on and deaths are seen everywhere.

PARAPHRASES OF POEMS 3 EQUIPMENT

Stanza 1:
Figure it out for yourself, my lad,
You’ve all that the greatest of men have had,
Two arms, two hands, two legs, two eyes,
And a brain to use if you would be wise.
With this equipment, they all began,
So start for the top and say “I can”.
Paraphrase:
My lad! Think over this reality that God has gifted you with all the capabilities which
he has given to the greatest men in the world. Just like them, you have two arms, two
hands, two legs, two eyes, and a brain. All the great men started their life with this
common equipment. So, start your efforts to reach the top and say that you can do
everything.

Stanza 2:
Look them over, the wise and great,
They take their food from a common plate
And similar knives and forks they use,
With similar laces, they tie their shoes,
The world considers them brave and smart.
But you’ve all they had when they made their start.
Paraphrase:
My lad! look to the wise and great men. They take their food from a common plate.
They use common tools in their daily life. Like other people, they tie their shoes with
similar laces. Now the people of the world consider them great and smart. But it is a
fact, that they start with the equipment which you have now.

Stanza 3:
You can triumph and come to skill,
You can be great if only you will,
You’re well equipped for what fight you choose,
You have legs and arms and a brain to use,
And the man who has risen, great deeds to do,
Began his life with no more than you.
Paraphrase:
You can get victory and greatness if you have strong will power and determination.
You have been blessed with all the tools necessary for achieving great success. You
must use your legs, arms, and brain. The people who have risen in life and have done
great deeds began their lives with all these things you already have.

Stanza 4:
You are the handicap you must face,
You are the one who must choose your place,
You must say where you want to go,
How much you will study the truth to know,
God has equipped you for life, But he,
Let’s you decide what you want to be.
Paraphrase:
You will face your own weakness in your life which will stop you from making progress
and great deeds. It totally depends on you to choose your own place, good or bad in
life. You must know that God has given you all the necessary equipment, but he has
left you free to decide what you want to become in life.

Stanza 5
Courage must come from the soul within,
The man must furnish the will to win,
So figure it out for yourself, my lad,
You were born with all that the great have had,
Get hold of yourself and say: “I can”.
Paraphrase:
The man must muster up the courage and furnish his will power to win the
competition of life. My lad! the decision is in your hand. You were born with all the
qualities the great men have had. With these common human capabilities, they all
began their struggles in life. So now control yourself and say that I can do everything.
 PARAPHRASES OF POEM 4 THEY HAVE CUT DOWN THE PINES
Stanza 1:
They have cut down the pines where they stood;
The wind will miss them——— the rain,
When its silver blind is down.
They have stripped the bark from the wood—

Paraphrase:
The pine trees have been cut down by the people. The wind and heavy rain will feel
their absence. The outer covering of the trees has also been removed from them.

Stanza 2:
They needy boughs, and the brown
Knobby nuts trod into the ground.
The kind and friendly trees,
Where all day small winds sound,
Paraphrase:
The pointed branches of the trees and the brown cones are crushed under the feet.
The trees are very kind and friendly. When the winds pass through the trees, a
rustling sound is produced in the trees.

Stanza 3:
And all day long the sun
Plays hide and seek with shadows
Till the multiplying shadows turn to one
And the night is here.
Paraphrase:
In the woods, the sun and the shadows replace each other throughout the day. It is
like the sun and shadows play hide and seek with one another. The shadows in the
woods increase during the day but when the night comes, the multiplying shadows
turn to one shadow.

Stanza 4:
They have cut down the trees and ended now
The gentle colloquy of bough and bough.
They are making a fence by the creek,
And have cut down the pines for the posts.
Paraphrase:
The trees have been cut down and because of it, the sweet conversation among the
branches of the trees has also ended.
 The pine trees have been cut down to make posts that will be used in making a fence
along the stream.

Stanza 5:
Wan in the sunlight for ghost
The naked trunks lie.
A bird nested there——- it will seek
In vain: they have cut down the pines.
Paraphrase:
The naked trunks of the trees lie under the sunlight in miserable conditions. They are
of no use except for providing a haunting place for the ghosts. A bird that made a nest
in the trees will not be able to find its nest because the trees have been cut down.

POEM COMPREHENSION (FOR BOARD PAPER)

Stanza 1
In spite of war, in spite of death,
In spite of all man’s sufferings,
Something within me laughs and sings
And I must praise with all my breath.

1. What does war bring?

War brings death and destruction to the peoples and animals.

2. Which thing laughs and sings in the poetess’s soul?

“Hope” laughs and sings in the poetess’s soul.

3. What does the poetess praise with all her breath?

The poetess praises Hope with all her breath.

4. What are the rhyming words of this stanza?

Death, breath, and sings, sufferings are the rhyming words of this stanza.

Stanza 2
In spite of war, in spite of hate
Lilacs are blooming at my gate,
Tulips are tripping down the path
In spite of war, in spite of wrath.

1. Which flowers were blooming at the gate of the poetess?

Lilacs were blooming at the gate of the poetess.
2. What is tripping down the path?
Tulips were tripping down the path.

3. What is continued in spite of war?

Life and the blooming of flowers are continued in spite of war.

4.What is the mood of the stanza?

The mood of the stanza is Optimistic.

5. What is the meaning of the word “Wrath”?

The meaning of the word wrath is extreme anger.

Stanza 3
“Courage!” the morning-glory saith;
“Rejoice!” the daisy murmureth,
And just to live is so divine
When Pansies lift their eyes to mine.

1. What did the morning glory say to the poetess?

The morning glory said to the poetess to be brave and courageous.

2. What message does the daisy convey?

The daisy conveys the message to feel happy and delightful.

3. What is so divine to the poetess?

Just to live is so divine to the poetess.

4. What is the meaning of the word “Rejoice”?

The meaning of the word Rejoice is “be happy”.

5.Name the flower that lifts their eyes to the poetess?

Pansies flower lift their eyes to the poetess.

Stanza 4
The clouds are romping with the sea,
And flashing waves call back to me
That naught is real but what is fair,
That everywhere and everywhere
A glory liveth through despair.

1. What were the clouds doing?

The clouds were playing with the sea.
2. To who were the waves calling back?
The waves were calling back to the poetess.

3. What do the waves say to the poetess?

The waves say to the poetess that there is nothing real and everlasting.

4. Which things live together everywhere?

A glory and despair live together everywhere.

5. What is the meaning of the word “Romping”?

The meaning of the word romping is playing.

Stanza 5
Though guns may roar and cannon boom,
Roses are born and gardens bloom;
My spirit still may light its flame
At that same torch whence, Poppies came.

1. Why the guns roar and the cannon boom?

Due to war the roar of the guns and the cannon boom.

2. Is it possible for guns and cannons to stop the roses from

blooming?
No. It is not possible for guns and cannons to stop the roses from blooming.

3.What are poppies?

Poppies are red color wildflowers.

4. What are the rhyming words of this stanza?

Boom, boom, and flame, came are the rhyming words of this stanza.

Stanza 6
Where morning’s altar whitely burns

Lilies may lift their silver urns

In spite of war, in spite of shame.

1.What is meant by the Morning altar?

Morning altar means the place from where the sun rises in the morning.

2. What do lilies do, when morning altar whitely burns?

Lilies lift their silver urns when morning altar whitely burns.

3.What is meant by silver urns?

Silver urns means the cluster of lilies that look like vases of silver color.

4.Which kind of flower does the poetess mention in this stanza ?

Which kind of flower does the poetess mention in this stanza?

5. Which kind of flower does the poetess mention in this stanza?

Flower Lilies is mentioned by the poetess in this stanza.

Stanza 7
And in my ear a whispering breath,
“Wake from the nightmare! Look and see
That life is naught but ecstasy
In spite of war, in spite of death!”.

1. Who was whispering in the poetess’s ear?

Breath was whispering in the poetess’s ear.

2. What message was given to the poetess by the whispering

breath?
The whispering breath gave a message to the poetess to wake from the nightmare
and look around and see the beauty of life.

3.According to the poetess, what is life?

According to the poetess, life is nothing but just a feeling of joy and happiness

4. Write the meaning of the words “whispering” and “Ecstasy”?

Whispering means a low voice and Ecstasy means a great feeling of happiness.

5. What is the name of this poem?

“In spite of war” is the name of this poem.

6. Who is the poetess of the poem?

Angela Morgan is the poetess of the poem.

STANZA COMPREHENSION POEM 3

Stanza Comprehension
Table of Stanza 1:
Look them over, the wise and great,
They take their food from a common plate
And similar knives and forks they use,
With similar laces, they tie their shoes,
The world considers them brave and smart.
But you’ve all they had when they made their start.

Q1: What did the poet want to say in the 1st line?
Ans: The poet warned the young lad to work hard for his bright future.
Q2: Who has been addressed in this stanza?
Ans: The poet has addressed his young lad (boy) in this stanza.
Q3: What equipment the greatest men have?
Ans: The greatest men have this equipment. Two arms, two hands, two-leg, Two eyes,
and a brain.
Q4: With what equipment’s great men start their lives?
Ans: With two arms, two hands, two-leg, two eyes, and a brain the great men start
their lives
Q5: What are the equipment?
Ans: According to the poem equipment are the common parts of the human body i-e
Arms, hands, legs, eyes, and brain.
Q6: What message did the poet want to give to the young lad(boy)?
Ans: The poet warned the young lad that Allah has bestowed you with great abilities
and
capabilities. You have to work hard for your bright future.
Stanza 2:
Look them over, the wise and great,
They take their food from a common plate
And similar knives and forks they use,
With similar laces, they tie their shoes,
The world considers them brave and smart.
But you’ve all they had when they made their start.

Q1: How do the great men take their food?

Ans: The great men take their food from a common plate with common knives and
Forks.
Q2: What kind of laces do the great men use?
Ans: The great men use common laces in their shoes.
Q3: Why did the world consider the great men brave and smart?
Ans: The world considered the great men brave and smart because they achieved
Great goals with common equipment.
Q4: Write the rhyming words of this stanza?
Ans: Great, plate, use, shoes, smart, and start are the rhyming words of this stanza.
Stanza 3:
You can triumph and come to skill,
You can be great if only you will,
You’re well equipped for what fight you choose,
You have legs and arms and a brain to use,
And the man who has risen, great deeds to do,
Began his life with no more than you.

Q1: What can a young lad do?

Ans: A young lad can do great things with the help of his skill.
Q2: How could a young lad be great?
Ans: A young lad could be great if he uses his abilities and capabilities properly.
Q3: Name the equipment for the young lad to become successful?
Ans: Arms, legs, eyes, and a brain are equipment for a young lad to become
successful.
Q4: What does the word “Will” mean?
Ans: The word “Will” means strong determination.
Stanza 4:
You are the handicap you must face,
You are the one who must choose your place,
You must say where you want to go,
How much you will study the truth to know,
God has equipped you for life, But he,
Let’s you decide what you want to be.

Q1: What is a handicap?

Ans: Handicap is a condition that markedly restricts a person’s abilities to function
Physically, mentally, or socially.
Q2: Who must choose his place in society?
Ans: The young lad must choose his place in society.
Q3: Who equipped us for a successful life?
Ans: Allah equipped us for a successful life.
Q4: What must the young lad decide?
Ans: The young lad must decide what great goal he wants to achieve.
Stanza 5:
Courage must come from the soul within,
The man must furnish the will to win,
So figure it out for yourself, my lad,
You were born with all that the great have had,
With your equipment, they all began,
Get hold of yourself and say: “I can”.

Q1: From where the courage come?

Ans: The courage must come from inside the soul.
Q2: What equipment is essential for someone to become a great person?
Ans: Will, courage, and self-control are essential equipment for someone to become a
great person.
Q3: What is the meaning of the word “Equipment”?
Ans: The word equipment means tools.
Q4: What is the mood of the poem?
Ans: The mood of the poem is optimistic.
Q5: What must the young lad do and say?
Ans: The young lad must use this common equipment and say, “I can”. His will Must
be strong.
Q6: What is the name of this poem?
Ans: The name of this poem is Equipment.
Q7: Who is the poet of this poem?
Ans: Edgar Guest is the poet of this poem.
POEM 4 THEY HAVE CUT DOWN THE PINES MARY LISLE
Table of Contents Stanza Comprehension
Stanza 1:

They have cut down the pines where they stood;

The wind will miss them——— the rain,
When its silver blind is down.
They have stripped the bark from the wood—
They needy boughs, and the brown
Knobby nuts are trodden into the ground.

Q1: Why were the pines cut down?

Ans: The pines were cut down to make a fence by the creek.
Q2: Who will miss the pines?
Ans: The rain and wind will miss the pines.
Q3: Who has stripped the bark from the wood?
Ans: They (People) have stripped the bark from the wood.
Q4: Where were the boughs and knobby nuts lying?
Ans: The boughs and knobby nuts were lying on the ground.
Q5: What is meant by “Trodden”?
Ans: Trodden means Trampled or crushed.
Stanza 2:

The kind and friendly trees,

Where all day small winds sound,
And all day long the sun
Plays hide and seek with shadows
Till the multiplying shadows turn to one
And the night is here.

Q1: How trees are our friends?

Ans: Trees are our kind friend because they provide us wood, shade, and fruit.
Q2: Who plays hide and seek with the shadows?
Ans: The sun plays hide and seek with the shadows all day long.
Q3: The multiple shadows turn into what?
Ans: The multiple shadows turn into night.
Q4: What is the name of this poem?
Ans: The name of this poem is “They have cut down the pines”.
Stanza 3:

They have cut down the trees and ended now

The gentle colloquy of bough and bough.
They are making a fence by the creek,
And have cut down the pines for the posts.
Wan in the sunlight for ghost
The naked trunks lie.
A bird nested there——- it will seek
In vain: they have cut down the pines.

Q1: Why the trees ended now?

Ans: The trees ended now because the people have cut down them.
Q2: What is meant by the word “colloquy”?
Ans: The word colloquy means Conversation.
Q3: Where were they making the fence?
Ans: They were making the fence by the creek out of the pine’s trees.
Q4: What is meant by the word “wan”?
Ans: The word wan means looking pale and weak.
Q5: For what the bird was searching for?
Ans: The bird was searching for his nest.
Q6: Who wrote this poem?
Ans: Mary lisle wrote this poem.

STANZA COMPREHENSION POEM 5 OPPORTUNITY WALTER MALONE

Stanza 1:
Table of Contents They do me wrong who say I come no more
When once I knock and fail to find you in
For every day I stand outside your door
And bid you wake and rise to fight and win.

Q1: Who is the speaker of the poem?

Ans: Opportunity is the speaker of the poem.
Q2: Who stands at the door every day?
Ans: Opportunity stands at the door every day.
Q3: What does the opportunity say to the sleeping men?
Ans: Opportunity says to the sleeping men, “Wake up and rise to fight and win”.
Q4: What are the rhyming words of this stanza?
Ans: More, door and in, win are the rhyming words.
Stanza 2:
Wail not for precious chances passed away!
Weep not for golden ages on the wane!
Each night I burn the records of the day—
At sunrise, every soul is born again!

Q1: What advice does the poet give to the reader?

Ans: The poet advises the reader not to weep for the lost precious chances.
Q2: Is it good to weep for the past golden ages?
Ans: No. It is not good to weep or cry for the past golden ages.
Q3: What does Opportunity do each night?
Ans: Each night Opportunity burns the record of the whole day.
Q4: When is every soul born again?
Ans: Every soul born again, When the sun rises in the morning.
Stanza 3:
Dost, thou behold thy lost youth all aghast?
Dost reel from righteous Retribution’s blow?
Then turn from blotted archives of the past
And find the future’s pages white as snow.

Q1: What is the meaning of the s Aghast and Retribution?

Ans: Aghast means filled with horror and Retribution means Punishment awarded to
someone for a criminal act.
Q2: What advice does the opportunity want to give us?
Ans: The opportunity advises us to forget the loss of our past and get up with a
the new spirit and make your future bright.
Q3: What are Archives?
Ans: Archives are the places where documents and records of the past are kept safe.
Q4: Which technique does the poet use in the last line?
Ans: The poet uses the technique of simile (White as snow) in the last line.
Stanza 4:
Art thou a mourner? Rouse thee from the spell;
Art thou a sinner? Sins may be forgiven;
Each morning gives thee wings to flee from hell,
Each night a star to guide thy feet to heaven.

Q1: What advice does the opportunity give to the mourner?

Ans: Opportunity advises the mourner to rise up from the spell of laziness.
Q2: Who forgives the sins?
Ans: Allah almighty forgive the sins.
Q3: Who gives wings to the sinner to flee from hell?
Ans: Opportunity gives wings to the sinner to get out of hell.
Q4: What guides the reader to fly towards heaven?
Ans: Each night a star guides the reader to fly towards heaven.
Stanza 5:
Laugh like a boy at splendors that have sped,
To vanished joys be blind and deaf and dumb;
My judgments seal the dead past with its dead,
But never bind a moment yet to come.

Q1: What advice does the opportunity give to the boy?

Ans: Opportunity advises the boy to forget the wonderful time of the past and laugh
like a brave boy.
Q2: What is meant by the word “Vanished”?
Ans: The word Vanished means suddenly disappear.
Q3: Is it necessary to think for the future?
Ans: Yes, it is necessary to think about the future.
Q4: Who stamped the dead of the past?
Ans: judgment of Opportunity stamped the dead of the past.
Stanza 6:
Though deep in mire, wring not your hands and weep;
I lend my arm to all who say, “I can!”
No shame-faced outcast ever sank so deep
But yet might rise and be again a man!

Q1: What should we do in unpleasant situations?

Ans: We should not lose courage in unpleasant situations.
Q2: Who is helped by opportunity?
Ans: Opportunity helps those who are courageous and who say, “I can”.
Q3: What are the advantages of a courageous life?
Ans: The advantages of a courageous life are that a person comes over his difficulties
and solves his problems bravely.
Q4: How we can achieve great goals in life?
Ans: We can achieve great goals in life through hard work and strong determination.
Q5: What are the rhyming words of this stanza?
Ans: Weep, deep, can and man are the rhyming words of this stanza.
Q6: What is the name of this poem?
Ans: Opportunity is the name of this poem.
Q7: Who wrote this poem?
Ans: “Walter Malone,” wrote this poem.