Samacheer Kalvi Class 9 English Solutions Poem 3 On Killing a Tree

9th English Guide On Killing a Tree Textbook Questions and Answers

B. Read the following lines from the poem and answer the questions in a sentence or two.

 

Question 1. Can a 'simple jab of the knife' kill a tree?
Answer: No, a simple jab of the knife cannot kill a tree. A tree is very resilient and needs more than a small cut to be truly killed.
In simple words: A small knife cut cannot kill a tree because trees are strong and can heal easily from minor wounds.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering "yes/no" questions, always provide a brief reason or explanation to support your answer, as seen here.

 

Question 2. Why does it take much time to kill a tree?
Answer: It takes a long time to kill a tree because trees are very strong. Their roots go deep into the earth, providing them with great stability and nourishment. This deep connection to the earth helps them survive many cuts and attacks.
In simple words: It takes a lot of time to kill a tree because it is strong, and its roots are deep in the earth, which helps it live.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the tree's natural resilience and its connection to the earth when explaining why it is hard to kill.

 

Question 1. How has the tree grown?
Answer: The tree has grown slowly by using the earth's resources. It has risen from the ground, taking food from the soil and absorbing nutrients to become strong. This slow growth makes it very sturdy.
In simple words: The tree grew slowly from the earth by using the nutrients it found in the soil.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the gradual nature of tree growth and its reliance on the earth for sustenance.

 

Question 2. What does the tree feed on the crust?
Answer: The tree feeds water from the earth's crust. It draws up essential water and minerals from the top layer of the soil, which helps it to grow and stay alive. This intake is vital for its survival.
In simple words: The tree gets water from the top part of the earth, which helps it grow.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state what the tree consumes from the earth's surface, linking it to the crust mentioned in the poem.

 

Question 1. What does the phrase 'leprous hide' mean?
Answer: The phrase 'leprous hide' means the bark of the tree. It describes the bark as having a rough and scaly texture, similar to the skin of someone with leprosy. This imagery highlights the tree's aged and tough exterior.
In simple words: 'Leprous hide' refers to the tree's bark, which looks rough and scaly.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining poetic phrases, always state the literal meaning first, then explain the descriptive or figurative element used by the poet.

 

Question 2. What comes out of the leprous hide?
Answer: Tiny leaves come out of the 'leprous hide', which is the tree's bark. Even after being wounded, the tree shows its strong will to live by sprouting new life. This shows the tree's ability to regenerate.
In simple words: Small leaves grow out from the tree's bark.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect the regrowth to the phrase "leprous hide" to show understanding of the poetic imagery.

 

Question 1. What will happen to the bleeding bark?
Answer: The bleeding bark will heal itself. Trees have a natural ability to repair wounds on their bark, forming new tissue to cover the cut area. This process is like how a human wound scabs over and heals.
In simple words: The tree's cut bark will heal on its own.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention the self-healing ability of trees as it's a key theme in the poem about their resilience.

 

Question 2. What will rise from close to the ground?
Answer: Curled green twigs will rise from close to the ground. These are new growths that show the tree's strong will to survive and regrow, even after being chopped down. They are a sign of new life emerging from the stump.
In simple words: New, curled green branches will grow from near the ground.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the specific type of new growth mentioned in the poem and its location.

 

Question 1. Why should the root be pulled out?
Answer: The root should be pulled out to dry it and kill the tree completely. As long as the root remains in the earth, the tree can sprout new growth and survive. Removing the root is the final step to ensure the tree dies. This highlights the root as the source of a tree's life.
In simple words: The root must be pulled out so it can dry up and kill the tree for good.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize that the root is the life source and its removal is essential for complete destruction of the tree.

 

Question 2. What does 'anchoring earth' mean?
Answer: 'Anchoring earth' means the earth firmly holds the tree in place, much like an anchor holds a ship. This shows how deeply and securely the tree's roots are embedded in the soil, giving it stability and strength. The earth provides strong support to the tree.
In simple words: 'Anchoring earth' means the earth holds the tree very strongly, like a ship's anchor.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the analogy provided in the answer (ship's anchor) to fully explain the meaning of the phrase.

Additional Questions and Answers

 

Question (a). How long does it take to kill a tree?
Answer: It takes much time to kill a tree. The poem explains that a tree is very resilient and cannot be easily destroyed with just a few cuts. Its deep connection to the earth allows it to resist quick death.
In simple words: It takes a long time to kill a tree because trees are very strong and hard to destroy.

🎯 Exam Tip: Refer back to the core theme of the poem: the tree's enduring nature despite attempts to kill it.

 

Question (b). What is “a jab of the knife"?
Answer: "A jab of the knife" means a quick poke or thrust with a sharp tool. It refers to a superficial or minor cut, implying that such a small action is not enough to kill a tree. This shows how strong a tree is.
In simple words: A "jab of the knife" is a quick, small cut made with a sharp tool.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define the phrase simply and clearly, ensuring you capture the sense of a swift, short action.

 

Question (a). What is tree consuming?
Answer: The tree is consuming the earth. It draws nutrients and water from the soil to grow and sustain itself. This continuous process of consumption helps the tree become powerful and deeply rooted.
In simple words: The tree is using up the earth's resources to grow.

🎯 Exam Tip: State clearly that the tree consumes the "earth" in terms of its resources for growth.

 

Question (b). What is rushing out of the earth?
Answer: The tree is rushing out of the earth. This phrase describes the act of the tree growing upwards, emerging powerfully from the ground as it develops. It signifies the vigorous growth of the tree.
In simple words: The tree is quickly growing out from the earth.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain "rushing out" as a metaphor for the tree's strong and determined growth from the soil.

 

Question (c). What is the tree feeding?
Answer: The tree is feeding upon the earth's crust. This means it takes water and essential minerals from the surface layer of the soil to support its growth and life. Its roots spread to collect these vital resources.
In simple words: The tree is getting its food and water from the top layer of the earth.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be specific about "earth's crust" in relation to where the tree gets its nourishment.

 

Question (a). What is the tree absorbing?
Answer: The tree is absorbing sunlight, air, and water. These are the main elements it needs for photosynthesis, the process by which it makes its own food. Absorbing these vital components allows the tree to thrive.
In simple words: The tree takes in sunlight, air, and water to live and grow.

🎯 Exam Tip: List all the key natural elements that trees absorb for their survival, linking them to basic plant processes.

 

Question (b). How long is it absorbing them?
Answer: It is absorbing them for many years. Trees have long lifespans, and throughout their existence, they continuously absorb sunlight, air, and water to grow and stay alive. This ongoing process is what makes them so strong.
In simple words: The tree absorbs these things for a very long time, through many years of its life.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the long duration of a tree's life and its continuous need for these natural resources.

 

Question (c). What is it doing out of its leprous hide?
Answer: It is sprouting leaves out of its leprous hide. Even after being damaged, the tree pushes out new leaves from its bark, demonstrating its strong will to regrow and live. This shows the tree's incredible ability to renew itself.
In simple words: The tree is growing new leaves from its rough bark.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the action of "sprouting leaves" and how it relates to the tree's outer layer.

 

Question (d). What is meant by 'leprous' and 'hide'?
Answer: 'Leprous' means covered with scales, describing the rough and uneven texture of the tree's bark. 'Hide' refers to the strong, thick outer skin of the tree, similar to an animal's hide. Together, they paint a picture of tough, protective bark. This thick bark protects the inner parts of the tree.
In simple words: 'Leprous' means scaly, and 'hide' means the tough outer skin, both describing the tree's bark.

🎯 Exam Tip: Break down the phrase and define each word separately as they contribute to the overall imagery.

 

Question (a). Explain the phrase: “hack and chop”
Answer: "Hack" means to cut something with heavy, strong blows, often in a rough manner. "Chop" means to cut something into pieces using a tool like a knife or an axe. The phrase together describes violent and forceful cutting actions used to try and fell a tree. Such actions still might not be enough to kill a tree.
In simple words: "Hack and chop" means to cut something with heavy hits and break it into pieces using a tool like a knife.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define each word in the phrase and then explain what the combined phrase implies about the action being described.

 

Question (b). Will this do the work?
Answer: No, this alone won't do the work of killing the tree. The poem suggests that simply hacking and chopping the tree is not enough because it can heal and regrow. More drastic measures are needed to truly destroy it. This highlights the tree's great power to survive.
In simple words: No, just hacking and chopping is not enough to kill the tree.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure your answer directly addresses the question and links back to the tree's ability to withstand initial attacks.

 

Question (a). What will rise from close to the ground?
Answer: Curled green twigs will rise from close to the ground. These are new shoots that sprout from the stump or remaining root system, showing the tree's continuous attempt to regenerate. These new growths are a sign of life.
In simple words: New, curled green branches will grow from near the ground.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be precise with the description "curled green twigs" as stated in the poem.

 

Question (b). What will become miniature boughs?
Answer: The curled green twigs will become miniature boughs. These small, new shoots will eventually grow into larger, more significant branches, demonstrating the tree's strong capacity for regrowth. This shows the tree returning to its original form.
In simple words: The new, curled green branches will grow into small, strong branches.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the progression from "twigs" to "miniature boughs" as a natural part of the tree's recovery process.

 

Question (c). Explain the phrase: "Miniature boughs"
Answer: "Miniature" means very small, while "boughs" refers to large branches of a tree. So, the phrase "miniature boughs" describes the very small, new branches that start to grow from a tree, often after it has been cut. It indicates the early stage of regrowth, like tiny versions of what will become big branches. These small boughs show the tree's fighting spirit to return to its full size.
In simple words: "Miniature boughs" means very small, new tree branches that are just starting to grow.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define both parts of the compound phrase ("miniature" and "boughs") to give a complete explanation.

 

Question (a). What will expand if unchecked?
Answer: The miniature boughs will expand if left unchecked. If these small branches are not cut or removed, they will continue to grow and become larger, allowing the tree to regain its full size and strength. Trees have a natural tendency to grow bigger if nothing stops them.
In simple words: If not stopped, the small, new branches will grow larger.

🎯 Exam Tip: Link the term "unchecked" directly to the idea of continuous growth and expansion without intervention.

 

Question (b). How will the unchecked bough expand?
Answer: The unchecked bough will expand to its former size. If allowed to grow freely, the small branch will eventually reach the same size and strength as the large branches that were there before the tree was cut. This highlights the tree's remarkable ability to fully recover. It shows the resilience of nature.
In simple words: If left alone, the branch will grow back to its original large size.

🎯 Exam Tip: Specify that the expansion will be to the tree's "former size," indicating a complete recovery unless prevented.

 

Question (a). From where the strength of the tree exposed.
Answer: The strength of the tree is exposed from the earth-cave. This refers to the root system, which is hidden deep within the earth and is the true source of the tree's vitality and resilience. When the root is uncovered, its power becomes visible. The root provides the life force of the tree.
In simple words: The tree's strength comes out from the deep 'earth-cave,' meaning its roots.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the "earth-cave" as a poetic reference to the deep root system, which is the true source of the tree's strength.

 

Question (b). What did the strength of the tree expose?
Answer: The strength of the tree exposed its source. This means that by exposing the root, which is the tree's life source, its true power and ability to regenerate become evident. The white, wet, and sensitive root is revealed. This hidden part is what keeps the tree alive.
In simple words: The tree's strength showed its very beginning, which is its root.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clarify that the "source" is the root itself, as it represents the fundamental life force of the tree.

 

Question (c). How long is the tree hidden inside the earth?
Answer: The tree is hidden for years inside the earth. Its roots develop over a long period, providing a strong foundation and nourishment. This long period of hidden growth makes the tree very sturdy and resilient. This hidden growth is what allows the tree to grow large and strong above ground.
In simple words: The tree's main parts, like its roots, stay hidden in the earth for many years.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the long duration ("for years") during which the crucial parts of the tree remain concealed and grow strong beneath the surface.

 

Question (a). What is the matter?
Answer: The matter refers to the tree that is felled down. This means the tree itself, after it has been completely killed and destroyed, becomes the "matter" or remains. The tree, once living, is now just a lifeless object. It is no longer a living being.
In simple words: The "matter" is the tree that has been cut down and killed.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly identify "the matter" as the felled tree, highlighting its transformation from a living entity to mere material.

 

Question (b). What happens to the matter?
Answer: The "matter," or the felled tree, undergoes scorching and choking in the sun and air. This process of drying out and hardening is what finally kills the tree completely after its roots are exposed. The tree's life force completely leaves it.
In simple words: The cut-down tree gets burned and dried out by the sun and air.

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe the physical process (scorching, choking) that occurs after the tree is felled, leading to its final death.

 

Question (c). What takes place at the end?
Answer: At the end, the tree turns brown and hardens, twists and withers. This final stage describes the complete drying and decaying process, where the tree loses all its moisture and life, becoming brittle and lifeless. This is the last step in its destruction.
In simple words: In the end, the tree becomes brown, hard, twisted, and dry, losing all life.

🎯 Exam Tip: List the specific physical changes (browning, hardening, twisting, withering) that mark the tree's complete death.

 

Question (d). What is done in the end?
Answer: In the end, the tree is killed. After all the efforts of hacking, chopping, uprooting, scorching, and choking, the tree finally loses its life. This emphasizes that killing a tree is a long and difficult process, not a simple task. This is the ultimate goal of the "killing a tree" process.
In simple words: Finally, after everything, the tree is completely killed.

🎯 Exam Tip: State the ultimate outcome directly, tying it back to the poem's title and central theme.

C. Based on the understanding of the poem, write down the summary of the poem by filling in the blanks.

 

Question. Based on the understanding of the poem, write down the summary of the poem by filling in the blanks.
Answer: The poet explains the process of (1) killing a tree. A lot of work has to be done in order to (2) kill it completely. It cannot be accomplished by merely cutting it with (3) a knife. The tree has grown strong with the help (4) the earth for a countless of years. Even the (5) branch of the tree gives rise to (6) boughs. The (7) bough sprouts new twigs and leaves. In a short period, they grow into a new tree. So, to (8) kill a tree completely, one should take out its roots completely from the soil. Then they should be exposed to (9) the sun and air. Only then the tree will be completely killed. This process shows that killing a tree is a difficult and determined act.
In simple words: The poem describes how hard it is to kill a tree, explaining that cutting it is not enough. The tree grows strong from the earth, and even cut branches can regrow. To truly kill it, the roots must be pulled out and dried in the sun and air.

🎯 Exam Tip: Read the entire passage first to understand the context, then fill in the blanks using the provided words that best fit the meaning of the poem.

D. Based on the understanding of the poem, answer the following questions in a sentence or two.

 

Question 1. What is the poem about?
Answer: The poem is about the difficult process of killing a tree. It describes the tree's incredible resilience and how much effort it takes to completely destroy it. The poem highlights the tree's strong will to live. It is a powerful message about nature's persistence.
In simple words: The poem is about how hard it is to kill a tree and how strong trees are.

🎯 Exam Tip: State the central theme directly and concisely, focusing on the tree's resilience and the difficulty of its destruction.

 

Question 2. What are the lessons to be learned from the poem?
Answer: From the poem, we learn that we must grow trees and protect them. We should not kill trees, and we must be eco-friendly. The poem implicitly teaches us to respect the life and resilience of nature. It makes us think about our actions towards the environment.
In simple words: We should learn to plant and protect trees, not kill them, and always be kind to nature.

🎯 Exam Tip: Formulate the lessons as positive actions or attitudes towards nature, based on the implicit message of the poem.

 

Question 3. What are the life sources needed for a tree to grow?
Answer: The life sources needed for a tree to grow are soil, water, oxygen, and sunlight. These natural elements provide the tree with everything it needs for photosynthesis and overall development. All these elements are crucial for a tree's survival.
In simple words: A tree needs soil, water, oxygen, and sunlight to grow.

🎯 Exam Tip: List the fundamental requirements for plant growth accurately and completely.

 

Question 4. What does the poet mean by 'bleeding bark'?
Answer: By 'bleeding bark,' the poet means that the tree's bark releases sap or resin when it is cut with a knife. This term gives a human-like quality to the tree, suggesting it feels pain just like a human bleeds when wounded. This personification makes the reader feel for the tree.
In simple words: 'Bleeding bark' means the sap that comes out when a tree's bark is cut, like blood from a wound.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain both the literal (sap/resin) and figurative (human-like pain) meanings of the phrase to show a deep understanding.

 

Question 5. Why the poet says 'No' at the beginning of the third stanza?
Answer: The poet says 'No' at the beginning of the third stanza to emphasize that it is not easy to kill a tree. It highlights the tree's extreme resilience and the inadequacy of simple cutting actions to destroy it completely. This 'No' strongly conveys the tree's power to resist.
In simple words: The poet says 'No' to show that killing a tree is very difficult and not a simple task.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect the poet's use of "No" to the tree's inherent resilience and the difficulty of its destruction.

 

Question 6. How should the root be pulled out?
Answer: The root should be pulled out of the anchoring earth completely. To truly kill a tree, its entire root system, which firmly holds it to the ground and provides its life force, must be removed. This ensures no regrowth can occur. The root is the tree's life support system.
In simple words: The root must be pulled out entirely from the earth that holds it tight.

🎯 Exam Tip: Stress the completeness of the action ("pulled out of the anchoring earth") as crucial for killing the tree.

 

Question 7. What is hidden inside the earth for years?
Answer: Life and legacy are hidden inside the earth for years, referring to the tree's root system. The roots symbolize the tree's enduring existence and its potential to regenerate, even after being cut down. They store the tree's potential for future growth. The hidden roots are the secret to its survival.
In simple words: The tree's life and its power to regrow (its legacy) stay hidden in the earth for a long time.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain "life and legacy" in terms of the tree's ability to survive and restart from its hidden root system.

 

Question 8. What finally happens to the tree in this poem?
Answer: In the end, the tree is totally exposed to the sunlight and air, which causes it to scorch, choke, brown, harden, twist, and wither. Thus, it is killed completely. This detailed process shows that only by depriving it of its life source and drying it out can a tree truly die. It is a long and brutal end.
In simple words: The tree is finally killed after being fully exposed to sun and air, which makes it dry up and die completely.

🎯 Exam Tip: Summarize the final stages of the tree's destruction, linking exposure to the elements with its ultimate demise.

E. Answer the following questions in about 80-100 words.

 

Question 1. How well does the poet bring out the pain of the tree?
Answer: The poet, Dr. Gieve Patel, effectively shows the pain of the tree by comparing its killing to the killing of a human. He uses human emotions and body parts to describe the tree's suffering. Just like humans feel pain, the poet imagines the tree feeling severe pain with every cut from a sharp knife. He calls the tree's bark 'leprous hide,' suggesting its tough but vulnerable skin, and describes how the bark 'bleeds' when cut deep, much like a human wound. The poet also highlights that a tree has life and senses, so any attack causes it distress. The tree only truly dies when its root, which is like a human heart, is completely removed from the earth. The root is the core of its life. Even after being cut, the tree tries to survive, showing its struggle against death. The tree undergoes immense pain when it is felled, even though it cannot cry out. This comparison makes the reader feel sympathy and realize that harming a tree is similar to harming a living being. The poem makes us understand that trees are living organisms that experience their own form of suffering when attacked.
In simple words: The poet shows the tree's pain by comparing it to a human's pain. He describes the bark as 'leprous hide' and says it 'bleeds' when cut. The tree's root is like its heart, and it struggles to live, showing its silent suffering. This helps us feel the tree's pain.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the poet's use of personification and vivid comparisons (tree to human) to convey pain. Mention specific phrases like "bleeding bark" and "leprous hide" as examples.

 

Question 2. 'A tree doesn't grow in a day/ Explain it with reference to the poem.
Answer: The saying 'A tree doesn't grow in a day' means that trees take a very long time to grow and become strong, which is clearly shown in the poem. The poet explains that a tree grows slowly by consuming the earth and absorbing sunlight, air, and water for many years. It is a big plant that takes decades to reach its full size. This slow growth makes the tree very sturdy and deep-rooted. For example, some trees can take 10-15 years, while others might need 20-30 years to grow. Some species, like oaks, are known for their longevity and slower growth, which makes them strong and resistant to damage. The poem tells us that even after being cut, a tree can sprout new twigs and leaves, showing its deep-seated life force that has developed over years. To truly kill a tree, its roots must be pulled out, which are hidden deep in the earth, a testament to its long, patient growth. Just as "Rome was not built in a day," a tree's strength and size are the result of continuous, slow development. This long growth process means trees deserve respect and protection, as their strength is built over a significant span of time. We must appreciate this slow, powerful growth.
In simple words: The poem shows that trees grow slowly over many years, taking in earth, sun, air, and water. This slow growth makes them very strong and hard to kill quickly. They don't just appear overnight.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the proverb by describing the long-term growth process of trees, referencing their absorption of resources and the time it takes for them to become strong and rooted, as highlighted in the poem.

 

Question 3. Why do you think the poet describes the act of cutting a tree? What effect does it have on you as a reader?
Answer: The poet describes the act of cutting a tree to highlight its cruel nature and to awaken a sense of empathy in the reader. By comparing the felling of a tree to murder, the poet emphasizes that trees are living beings with a right to exist. The detailed description of the tree's resilience—how it heals from cuts, regrows from its base, and needs its root completely removed to die—serves to underline its struggle for life. As a reader, this description has a powerful effect. It makes one realize that cutting a tree is not a simple act but a violent one that causes pain to a living entity. The poem evokes feelings of sadness and a strong disapproval of such acts. It also creates awareness about deforestation and the selfish ways humans treat nature. The comparison of the tree's root to a man's heart makes the reader feel the tree's vulnerability and the finality of its death when uprooted. It encourages readers to think about environmental conservation and to be kinder towards nature. The poem serves as a powerful call to action against harming trees.
In simple words: The poet describes cutting a tree to show it's a cruel act, like murder, and to make readers feel sad and angry about it. It makes us think about protecting trees and being kind to nature.

🎯 Exam Tip: Discuss the poet's purpose (to evoke empathy, highlight cruelty) and then describe the emotional and intellectual impact on the reader, using specific examples from the poem's imagery.

 

F. Complete the table by identifying lines, against the poetic devices from the poem.

Answer: The table above shows the poetic lines from the poem and their corresponding poetic devices or figures of speech. Poetic devices like personification help bring non-human things to life, making the poem more engaging. Imagery helps readers form clear mental pictures.
In simple words: We match parts of the poem to the special writing tricks used. Like saying a tree's bark "bleeds" is pretending it's a person.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to identify poetic devices, look for human qualities given to non-human things (personification) or words that create strong pictures in your mind (imagery).

 

Listening

 

G. Listen to the passage about Nammazhwar, an environmental crusader from Tamil Nadu. As you listen, answer the following questions. The listening activities can be repeated if required.

 

Question 1. Who is Nammazhwar? What is his contribution to farmers and farming?
Answer: Nammazhwar was an agriculture graduate who contributed significantly to farming. He believed that all necessary resources for farming should come from within the farm itself. He also promoted the idea that farm waste should be recycled and used as input to enrich the soil. This approach helps farmers become more self-reliant and reduces external costs.
In simple words: Nammazhwar was a farming expert. He taught farmers to use everything from their own farm and recycle waste so they wouldn't need to buy things from outside.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on key facts like his profession and main ideas about farming (self-sufficiency, waste recycling) to describe his contribution accurately.

 

Question 2. What was the turning point in the life of Nammazhwar?
Answer: The major turning point in Nammazhwar's life was when he realized that waste could be recycled and used as a valuable resource in farming. This idea changed his entire approach to agriculture and became a core part of his teachings. This realization transformed his understanding of sustainable farming practices.
In simple words: Nammazhwar's life changed when he understood that farm waste could be used again to help farming.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the specific event or idea that caused a significant change in a person's life; in this case, it was the concept of waste recycling in farming.

 

Question 3. How is the "Bread sandwich method” a boon to the farmers?
Answer: The "Bread sandwich method" is a great help to farmers because it ensures the soil is prepared well, and recommended farming practices are followed without needing to constantly work on the soil. Farmers can continue sowing and harvesting throughout the year, which makes farming easier and more productive. This method likely creates a healthy soil environment for continuous growth.
In simple words: The "Bread sandwich method" helps farmers by making the soil ready and easy to use. This means they can plant and harvest all year without too much hard work on the soil.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain both *how* the method works (soil preparation, practices without constant re-working) and *why* it's beneficial (continuous sowing/reaping, ease of use).

 

Question 5. Pick out ideas from the passage to show that he learned first and then shared with farmers.
Answer: Nammazhwar never stopped learning from the farmers themselves, which shows he first gained knowledge. He built up a large store of farming practices and information. He did not force his ideas on anyone; instead, he taught that each farm is special, depending on the farmer's understanding and local conditions. This flexible approach meant he adapted his advice to different needs.
In simple words: Nammazhwar always learned from farmers first. He then shared his knowledge, but he didn't make anyone do things his way because he knew every farm was different.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for phrases that highlight Nammazhwar's learning process (e.g., "never stopped learning") and his teaching style (e.g., "never pushed ideas," "each farm is unique").

 

Question 6. Explain in your own words the meaning of "Farming ........... even in the 21st Century"
Answer: "Farming even in the 21st Century" means that farming is not just about making money; it is a way of life that is still important today. It suggests that farming is a core part of human existence and can continue to be relevant even with modern changes. The phrase highlights the timeless value and possibility of agriculture.
In simple words: It means farming is more than just a job; it's a way people live, and it's still possible and important even now, in the modern world.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining a phrase, break it down and focus on the deeper meaning beyond its literal words, emphasizing its relevance to the current era.

 

Question 7. Give the synonyms of 'rely' and 'sustainable'.
Answer: A synonym for 'rely' is 'depending'. A synonym for 'sustainable' is 'maintainable'. 'Depending' means needing help or support from something, while 'maintainable' means something can be kept going over time.
In simple words: 'Rely' means to depend on something. 'Sustainable' means something can be kept going for a long time.

🎯 Exam Tip: When giving synonyms, choose words that are commonly understood and reflect the primary meaning in the given context.

 

Question 8. "He never pushed ideas down anyone's throat" means
(a) favored
(b) compelled
(c) opposed
Answer: (c) Compelled.
In simple words: It means he never forced his ideas on others. 'Compelled' means to force someone to do something.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the idiom "pushing ideas down someone's throat" to mean forcing opinions on them. Then choose the option that means to force.

 

Writing

 

H. Based on the reading of the poem complete the web chart given below.
Answer: Gieve Patel's poem "On Killing a Tree" is about several important themes:

• Cutting a tree is an act of murder, highlighting the violence against nature.
• It aims to create new awareness in people's minds about environmental issues.
• It shows disapproval of mankind's failure to properly care for the Earth.
• The poem addresses deforestation as a significant problem in modern times.
• It points to the violent nature of humans in their treatment of trees.
• The act of cutting down a tree symbolizes death and destruction.
• It also highlights humanity's lack of an eco-friendly attitude towards nature.
• Ultimately, it shows the destruction of nature through deforestation.

These points collectively reveal the poet's strong message about human actions and their impact on the environment.
In simple words: The poem is about how bad it is to kill a tree, like a murder. It wants people to care more about nature and stop cutting down forests.

🎯 Exam Tip: When completing a web chart or mind map, ensure you cover all major themes and related ideas presented in the poem or passage.

 

I. Look at the two trees. One is a green flourishing tree and the other, a brown withering tree.

The class will now be divided into two groups. Group A will list down the agents that support a tree's growth. Group B will list down those that prevent it. Once the groups are ready with their lists, a few unto lives from each group will go to the board and write down the lists.

 

Taking clues from the lists on the board, complete the following chart.
Answer: To protect trees, one can follow these actions:

• I will not kill a tree.
• I will grow trees.
• I will nurture the trees.
• I will not let the trees dry.
• I will water the trees.
• I will not buy wooden things.
• I will fence the trees.

Each of these actions contributes to the overall health and preservation of trees and forests, showing a commitment to environmental care.
In simple words: To protect trees, I will not cut them down. I will plant new trees, take good care of them, water them, and keep them safe with a fence. I will also avoid buying products made from wood to help save trees.

🎯 Exam Tip: For practical questions like this, list clear and actionable steps, ensuring each point directly relates to the goal of protecting trees.

 

J. Work in pairs. Create three slogans on 'Saving Trees'
Answer: Here are three slogans for saving trees:

• "Save the tree and have the air fresh”.
• "Make not trees rare; keep them with care”.
• "Trees on; Global warming has gone".

These slogans are short, catchy, and easy to remember, encouraging people to protect trees.
In simple words: Here are three short sayings: "Save trees, get fresh air." "Don't let trees disappear, take care of them." "If we have trees, global warming will go away."

🎯 Exam Tip: Good slogans are concise, memorable, and often use rhyming or alliteration to make them impactful.

 

K. Deliver a short speech for about five minutes on the following.

 

Question 1. Imagine what will happen if all the trees in the earth disappear. Discuss with your friends and share it with your classmates.
Answer: If all trees on Earth vanished, life as we know it would cease to exist. Trees produce most of the oxygen essential for humans and animals to breathe. They also absorb carbon dioxide, a harmful gas, and release oxygen through photosynthesis. Without trees, there would be no rain, leading to deserts everywhere and a severe lack of water. Forests act as natural air filters and prevent soil from washing away. Their roots hold the soil, and decayed leaves enrich it, supporting other plant life. Trees are fundamental to our planet's ecosystem and climate.
In simple words: If trees disappear, we would have no oxygen to breathe, too much bad air, no rain, and the soil would wash away. Life on Earth would not be possible without them.

🎯 Exam Tip: When imagining a scenario, cover various impacts like air quality, water cycle, soil health, and overall life sustainability to provide a comprehensive answer.

 

Question 2. Think of a situation where all the trees can speak. What will they talk about?
Answer: If trees could speak, it would be an incredible and eye-opening experience for us. They would surely talk about their many benefits to us, explaining how they provide fresh air, shade from the scorching sun, and help us live healthy lives. They might gently ask us to water them regularly and urge us not to harm their branches or cut them down. Trees would advise us to plant more trees and create civilized forests, explaining how their presence increases rainfall and supports diverse ecosystems. They would also tell us about the movements of wild animals, becoming natural guardians and informants of the forest. This unique communication would help us understand nature deeply.
In simple words: If trees could talk, they would tell us how they help us breathe and give shade. They would ask us to water them and not cut them. They might also tell us about animals in the forest.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to imagine, be creative but ground your answer in the known benefits and roles of the subject. Focus on what is most important for them to communicate.

 

Let US laugh together

 

Question 1. How do trees access the internet?
Answer: They simply wave in.
In simple words: Trees connect to the internet by waving their branches, like a funny way of saying "Wi-Fi".

🎯 Exam Tip: For riddles or jokes, the answer is often a pun or a play on words. Present the direct punchline clearly.

 

Question 2. What will the tree do, if the banks are closed?
Answer: It will start its own branches.
In simple words: If money banks are closed, a tree will just grow its own "branches," like a clever word joke.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the double meaning of "banks" (river banks vs. financial banks) and "branches" (tree parts vs. bank offices) to grasp the humor.

 

Question 3. What types of tree fits in your hand?
Answer: A Palm tree.
In simple words: The type of tree that fits in your hand is a "Palm" tree, because "palm" is also a part of your hand.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize that this is a wordplay riddle. The answer "Palm tree" uses the word "palm" which also refers to a part of the human hand.