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1. In stanza 1, the River does not set up his camp. What does it mean?
It means it does not stay at any particular place.
2. In stanza 3, where does the River hoard his treasure?
On the river bed
3. In stanza 4, how do you know that the River is happy?
It hums and dances.
4. Give an example of:
The usefulness of the river
It provides water for our consumption.
The destructive power of the river, it can cause flood and widespread damage.
5. Why does the poet say that the river is a wanderer?
The poet says this because a river never stays still.
6. In stanza 3, what is the River compared to?
A hoarder, as the river flows from one place to another, things are swept along and some many sink to
the bottom and rest there.
7. The sound of water can be heard from afar. Which word in stanza 5 indicates that?
The word echoes
8. The river helps man in many ways. State two ways.
Rivers provide man with a source of drinking water. Rivers irrigates farm land so crops can grow
healthily.
9. What is the theme of this poem?
The river has various characteristics.
10. The word vexed in stanza 6 means annoyed.
11. Why is the river compared to a tramp?
A tramp does not have a permanent home and similarly the river does not choose any one place as its
home.
12. The river wind its way through hills and valleys. Why are the two actions involved and why it twists and
turns?
It cannot stay still and is always on the move.
13. The sounds of the river makes one think of a baby. Which two actions of the river make this possible and
how is it described?
The two actions are gurgles and hums. It is happily sucking his thumbs.
14. How does the river entertain the people it passes along the way?
It sings and dances.
15. As the river approaches a place it announces its approach. How do the people know of its presence?
They hear the notes of its song as it sings. The valley echoes the notes of its singing.
16. Why is the river unable to settle down?
The water in the river is constantly flowing.
17. The river is portrayed as innocent and monstrous. How does it portray its innocence and its monstrosity?
It is innocent like a baby as it gurgles and hums.
It is monstrous as it gobbles up trees and people like a monster.
18. Describe the feelings of the persona.
The persona feels happy and describes the movements of the river most clearly.
19. What images are used to reflect the personas feelings about the river?
Baby, a snake and a collector
Mr. Nobody (Form 1)
1. Why are the kettles unable to boil?
The wood used for the fire has not dried fully.
15. What does the poet really mean when she says that the trees take a rest?
Wind is not blowing to make the leaves sway or move.
16. What is the persona wondering about the trees?
The persona questions why the trees have stopped growing.
17. Why wouldnt the persona father answer her question?
He did not know the answers to her questions.
18. State two themes from the poem.
The curiosity of a child and the wonders of nature
19. What lesson can you learn from the first stanza?
To be curios from my surrounding s
20. In stanza 2, write a correct question the poet asks about the birds?
How did the birds learn to build nests?
21. In stanza 4, what shines brightly and suddenly?
Lightning
22. In the phrase if he knows, what does he refer to and what does this phrase tell us about the poets
feelings?
He doubts that his father knows the answer to his questions.
23. How does the persona know that the wind is around?
The persona can feel the wind though he cannot see it.
24. What does the persona think about the trees?
The persona thinks that the trees are taking a rest.
25. How are the clouds as described by the persona?
Placed high in the sky
26. In the poem, the persona asks many question about things related to nature. How can you describe the
persona?
Curious, inquisitive
27. What is the poem about?
A childs curiosity regarding the wonders of nature
28. What do you think Dad in this poem symbolises?
A wise adult who is supposed to have the answer to all the questions
29. Do you think colours are important in nature? Why?
Yes, colours are important in nature because they are beautiful and they tell us of the changing
seasons.
30. Which word in this poem shows curiosity and amazement?
Wonder
31. In the last stanza, how do you think the persona feels?
Disappointed as his questions are not answered
32. Do you think we should take time to admire the wonders of nature? Why?
Yes, because nature is beautiful and we have to learn to appreciate and value the wonders of nature
given so freely to us. When we observe simple wonders, we learn to be thankful and to enjoy the
beautiful creation around us.
33. What are most of the personas questions about?
About nature
34. In stanza 3, what is the persona wondering about the moon?
Where the missing part of the moon could be when she does not see the full moon.
35. What colours can you see in stanza 5?
Colours of the rainbow and the white clouds
36. If you were asked these questions by a child, how would you answer them? Choose and answer two
questions.
To explain them, I would say that these things are all part of the wonders of nature and only God
could teach the birds to fly and build their nests. God created the world and the stars, the moon, the
lightning, the rainbow, the clouds and everything in it.
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19. The line have forced sacrifices, that know no name... explains to us that the persona s contribution to
the country was enormous.
20. The use of a wheelchair indicates that the persona cannot walk.
21. The word remnants is used to illustrate the personas remaining crippled years.
22. Despite his condition, the persona has not lost his fighting spirit.
23. What does the phrase erect a wall of people signify?
To unite and stand as one
24. What was the personas occupation?
He was a soldier who fought for his country.
25. How does the persona feel about his country?
- He loves his country very much.
26. What did the persona do for his country?
- He fought for the freedom of his country.
27. When did the persona fight for his country?
- The persona fought for his country before it gained independence.
28. Why was the persona suffering?
- He was old, worn and had lost all his strength.
29. What were the sacrifices that ...know no name or life?
- These sacrifices were given by people for the countrys freedom, regardless of who they were or even
if it cost them their lives.
30. Explain ...body and energy crushed, see and cannot do much.
- The persona is explaining that he is physically disabled and mentally disturbed.
31. The phrase these times are too big a challenge means the present times are difficult for him as he is
unable to handle the situation.
32. What is the persona referring to by net of deceit?
- He was referring to the dishonest deeds that are becoming a problem to the development of the
country.
33. In the stanza 3, what does the persona want?
- The persona wants the younger generations to unite, stand and speak up for their rights as well as
justice and freedom.
34. When the persona claims I have no more voice..., he means he fells helpless as he is old and weak.
35. Who does he want to speak now and why?
- He wants the younger generation to speak now and fight for their rights.
36. If you were a veteran fighter like the persona, looking at the present generation, what would you feel like
doing?
- I would speak to the younger generation to awaken their fighting spirit. They should understand what
their forefathers went through to give them the life they have now. The younger generation must
remember that they must continue the fight for justice.
37. Briefly describe how you are going to contribute to the development of your country when you leave
school?
- I would contribute to my country by working with charity groups. I would like to help underprivileged
children gain an education or learn a trade that will help them improve their lives. By doing this, I can
help reduce poverty and illiteracy.
38. Who are the heirs of his struggle?
- The youths of today
39. What does the persona say that sacrifices made in the war know no name or life?
- Too many lives were sacrificed.
40. What are his physical and mental conditions?
- He is old and worn. He is alert and aware of the current problems.
41. What is the nature of the current problem in the country?
- Political
42. How did the writer show his patriotism and how does he make call of patriotism to the younger
generation?
- He fought in the war of independence. He wants them to stand up in the name of justice for the
country.
43. How does the persona refer to the remainder of his life?
- He refers to them as crippled years.
44. What are the two things the younger generation should do?
- They should make their voices heard and fight for the country.
45. In stanza 2, what does the persona feel about getting involved in current social problems?
- He regrets that he cannot help out physically.
46. Worn = tired
47. What does the forced sacrifices refer to?
- The persona and many people have made huge sacrifices for the independence of the country.
48. Describe the persona in your own words.
- The persona is old and weak. The persona was once a retired soldier.
49. What does the persona say about the fight for independence?
- It was costly in terms of lives lost.
50. What would you do if you were the persona facing such a challenge?
- I will not give up but continue to face the challenge until I had succeeded.
51. Suggest two ways to show your love for the country?
Fight for the country, buy Malaysian product, respect the flags, raise the flags during celebration of
Independence Day, celebrate Independence Day, sing the National Anthem, stand still when the
National Anthem is playing.
Leisure (Form 3)
1. In the poem, what do the words full of care mean?
- They mean burdened with responsibilities and worries / full of responsibilities and other
commitments
2. Why are the words no time repeated throughout the poem?
- They repeated to emphasis how hectic life is.
3. Why does the poet use the word her in line 10 of the poem?
- To personify the beauty of nature as a women
4. Does the poet consider a hectic life meaningful? Provide evidence from the poem to support your answer.
- No, because he calls such a life poor life.
5. From stanza 1, what do you understand by the expression stand and stare?
- To relax
6. From stanza 2, unlike sheep and cow, humans seem to be very busy.
7. The expression streams full of stars in stanza 4 refers to the sparkling water.
8. What is the theme of the poem?
- It is about the time that we can use to be close to nature and enjoy a life of peace and calm.
9. What does the phrase full of care refer to?
- This phrase refers to a life filled with worries and responsibilities.
10. In stanza 5, what is nature being compared to?
- The sky full of shining stars at night.
11. According to the poem, what kind of life are we living?
- A meaningless life
12. Do you think we should make time to stand and stare? Give a reason for your response.
- Yes, I think we should make time to stand and stare because when we do so, we are making time to
relax and enjoy the simple joys of life. Doing this will help us lead a balanced and fulfilling life.
13. Why does the persona tell us to stand beneath the tree branches?
- So we can look at the sheep and cows.
14. Why is the squirrel hiding nuts in the grass?
- It is storing food.
15. Why does the stream sparkle like stars?
- Because the suns bright light is reflecting on it.
16. What kind of life does the persona say people will have without leisure? Why did he say this?
- The persona says people will live a miserable life without leisure in their life. Life will be un fulfilling
when we do not stop to enjoy the beauty of our surroundings. Taking time to appreciate nature and
the simple things in life can be therapeutic for ones mind and soul.
17. The word enrich in the poem can best be replaced with supplement.
18. Do you have any leisure time for yourself? Give two ways you spend this time.
- Yes. I love to write and draw funny comics about life as a teenager. During the weekends, I like to go
to the park with my friends. We take long walks and fly kites together.
19. Do you feel your parents should have some leisure time? Why?
- Yes. They work hard to give their children a good start in life. They should take care of their
happiness as well and take time to relax and enjoy their hobbies and interests.
20. What is the setting of the poem?
- The countryside
21. From the title of the poem, Leisure, what are two things that the persona wants to do?
- Life should not be full of care. He would like to have time to relax and do nothing.
22. What does the persona say about a life that is full of care?
- It would be a poor life.
23. When sheep, cows and man stand in the open field or under the trees, what would they be doing?
- Sheep and cows: grazing
- Man: standing and staring
24. As we take a walk in the countryside, we can pass through woods. What are we likely to see and what
would these things be doing?
- Squirrels, they would be hiding their nuts or food amidst the grass.
25. What do you think inspired the poet to write the poem?
- I think he saw people rushing around doing their work so much, that they have no time to notice the
beauty of their surroundings.
26. Do you agree with the poets ideas about life being full of care? Give reasons.
- Yes, because nowadays people are so busy with their careers that they forget how to relax and enjoy
the simple pleasures of life.
27. The word boughs refers to branches of trees.
28. What are the squirrels hiding their nuts for?
- For winter
29. When can streams be full of stars?
- In broad daylight
30. Name the three activities of leisure mentioned in the poem.
- Staring the stream of stars, hide their nuts and stand below the tree
31. To what does the phrase a poor life refers?
- We did not have any time to enjoy our life.
32. Why do you think no time is repeated throughout the poem?
- This is to emphasize how important it is to find time to enjoy the beauty around us.
33. Why do you think the word beauty is written as Beauty with a capital B?
- The word Beauty is a person name.
34. Is Beauty a male or a female? How can you tell from the poem?
- Female. The poet uses her feet, her mouth and her eyes.
35. The movements in the nature are beautiful like a dancers. Based on your own observation, describe
movements of two things in nature which are beautiful.
- The waves in the sea and the movements of the leaves
36. The poet describes Beauty as smiling. Give two instances when you feel that nature is smiling at everyone.
- The blooming of flowers, the swaying of trees
37. Which word in Couplet 1 means anxiety?
- The word care
38. What is the meaning of the title of the poem?
- It means to relax and enjoy something in our free time.
39. What would happen to us if we have no time to appreciate life?
- We will have a pour (meaningless) life if we have no time to appreciate the beauty of life round us.
40. Do you have time to do most of the things you like? Name two things you enjoy that you have no time to
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do.
- Yes. Go cycling in the botanical garden. Go jungle trekking.
What is the problem that the poem opens with?
- We have no time to pause and look around us.
What animals are mentioned in the poem?
- Sheep, cows and squirrels.
How can the poet see stars in broad daylight?
- He is referring to reflected sunlight on the surface of the stream water.
What does the poet recommend that we do for leisure?
- Do the things we want to do.
- Slow down and enjoy the beauty around us.
According to the poet, what are some of beauties of nature we miss because we do not have the time?
- We should not be able to see where squirrels hide their nuts or streams full of stars during the day.
How does the poet describe a life with no time to enjoy the world around us?
- He describes it as a poor life full of care.
According to the persona, why do men have no time to stand and stare?
- Because men are too occupied by worldly pursuits. He does not value time for leisure to relax or look
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around us.
Give an example of a simile used in the poem.
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
Do you think leisure is important? Give a reason.
- Yes. Because leisure is needed to lead us to a meaningful and balanced life.
- Yes. It is important because we need time to rest and enjoy the beauty around us.
Who does her refer to?
Beauty / Beautiful lady.
In stanza 3, people never seem to notice he squirrels hiding their nuts when they pass by the woods. Why
is this such?
- Because they are too busy with worldly pursuits and their own jobs.
- People are always in such a hurry.
In stanza 5, what does the word dance suggest about her movement?
- The word suggests that she dances gracefully, dainty and nimble.
Why do you think that man should take some time off for leisure?
- To stay healthy.
- To lead a more meaningful life.
- To make himself happier.
- To live a balanced life.
- To set out priorities correctly.
What does the question, What is this life in the first stanza tell us about the persona?
- The persona is curious.
Give a reason that explains why people nowadays do not enjoy their leisure time.
- They do not value time for leisure. They think leisure is only wasting time and meaningless.
What is your advice for people who work all the time and do not take some time off for leisure?
- I would advise them to take a rest after all the work.
- I would encourage them to do leisure during their free time and relax themselves.
What does the persona describe the Beauty in the poem?
- He describes the Beauty as it is able to see, has feet and can even dance.
State one main theme of the poem.
- The importance of leisure /
- Appreciating the nature /
- Life is meaningless if we have no time for leisure /
- Take some leisure time daily to enjoy nature and the simple pleasures of life.
Do you have any leisure time for yourself? State two ways of how you spend your leisure time.
- Yes. I do have time for leisure.
- I would go cycling in the botanical garden.
- I would listen to music.
What would you advise a family member of yours who has been working very hard and has not had time
for the family?
- I would advise him / her to balance his life by taking breaks within work hours. He / her should relax
after work and do things that they like during their free time.
71. What does the persona want us to do?
- The persona wants us to enjoy leisure and the beauty of nature.
- To slow down and take the time to appreciate our surroundings.
72. Do you think life today has become too hectic? Give a reason.
- Yes. This is because people chases after wealth and always too busy with worldly pursuits.
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Yes. This is because people have become busier with work that they rarely take the time to enjoy
nature.
Where do squirrels hide their nuts?
- They hide them in the grass.
What does Beauty refer to?
- Beauty refers to the nature.
In which line does the poet say our life is full of worries?
- The line What is this life if, full of care.
What dilemma does the persona highlights in the first couplet?
- People are too busy to pause what they are doing and admire their surroundings.
Where are we when we stand beneath the boughs?
- We are under the branches of a tree.
What makes a smile more beautiful?
- A smile becomes more beautiful when the mouth turns upwards.(bends upwards)
The persona asks a question in couplet 1. What is it and how does he answer to it?
- He questions the type of life people lead when they are too busy to stop and enjoy the surroundings.
He answers it by telling people that life would be meaningless when they do not make time for leisure
in their lives.
80. In stanza 1, what does the word care mean?
- It means worries in life.
- It means problems or worries.
81. What does the poet mean when he says people have no time to stand and stare?
- He means people are now always in a hurry and have no time to pause and look at their surroundings.
- It means that people have no time to enjoy the simple things in life such as nature.
82. In stanza 4, why does the poet say that the streams are full of stars?
Because the sunlight shines on the surface of the stream, and the stream looks like as if it is
glittering like stars.
- They sparkle under the sunlight.
83. In your opinion, is it important to spend more time resting and enjoying yourself? Give a reason.
In my opinion, it is important to spend some time resting and enjoying myself. This is because resting
moderately leads us to a balanced life.
- Yes. Doing things that make us happy helps to relieve the boredom of everyday chores.
84. In your opinion, what should we do to make our life more meaningful? Give a reason.
- In my opinion, we should spare time to observe our surroundings and enjoy the beauty of nature. This
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leads us to a more meaningful, balanced and also a happier life without any burden.
In my opinion, we should have a balance in our life. We should concentrate on our work or studies yet
at the same time, we must also appreciate nature that is around us.
85. In stanza 3, which phrase tells us that the persona id referring to the countryside?
- The phrase When woods we pass.
86. Describe how you may feel when standing in broad daylight. Give a reason.
- I feel relaxing when standing in broad daylight. Because the shimmering of river water under
reflection of sunlight calms down my mind.
87. In stanza 5, whose Beauty is the persona referring to?
- The persona is referring to the natures beauty.
88. Your friend says that too much leisure will lead to laziness. Do you agree? Give a reason to support your
answer.
- I agree. Because we should do things moderately, including rest. Over rest will harm ourselves and
lead us to laziness.
89. Why does the persona say that man has no time?
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- Because man are always in a hurry, and have no time to pause to observe their surroundings.
According to the persona, what shines like stars at night?
- The glittering stream water due to the reflection of sunshine.
In stanza 5, what does the word they refer to?
- It refers to the nature.
What would you do to avoid having a poor life?
- I would do leisure and enjoy the beauty of nature in my surroundings.
In stanza 3, what activity does the persona suggest people do?
- The persona suggests people to pause and not always in a hurry. He wants us to look at the interesting
nature in our surroundings.
What is the persona trying to tell us when he says stare?
- He tries to tell us to spare time to observe our surroundings.
Do you think the countryside is a good setting for the poem? Give a reason.
- Yes. Because countryside is still not developed, it still remains its nature beauty.
A friend keeps saying that he has no time to relax. What would you say to him?
- There is always time for ourselves, it just depends on whether we are willing to or not.
In the poem, the persona highlights a problem among man. What is it?
- The problem is they are always in a hurry and too busy with their own work, until they do not have
your answer.
- No. Because time management can be done as long we are willing to.
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Where does the persona say we have no time to stand?
- Under the branches of a tree.
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In stanza 5, what does the word dance tell us about the movements we see in nature?
- The word tells us that the movements we see in nature are graceful and dainty.
110.In the last stanza, what does the persona imply about the kind of life man is living?
- The persona implies that man lives in a poor and miserable life, full of worries and responsibilities.
111. The persona says that enjoying the beauty of nature is a way to relax and unwind. Give another leisurely
activity which you think helps make life meaningful.
- To play outdoor games.
Listen to music.