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Class 7 English · Unit 5 · Bravehearts

My Dear Soldiers

Complete textbook exercise solutions — NCERT Poorvi, Class 7 English (CBSE).

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Let us discuss

IComplete the summary with an exact word from the poem.

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

IISelect the correct option.
  • 1. The theme of the poem is ______. — (i) patriotism and sacrifice
  • 2. The tone of the poem is ______. — D. (i), (iii), (iv) and (v) — admiring, respectful, grateful and prayerful
IIIExplain why the poet has used the following poetic devices.
  1. Imagery because it helps us picture the soldiers in snowy days, scorching sun, deserts and marshes.
  2. Simile because the soldiers are likened to yogis who walk alone on lonely stretches with discipline and calm.
  3. Metaphor because the poet uses wind chimes to show that the whole land sings of the soldiers’ brave deeds.
  4. Repetition of the words ‘you’ and ‘we’ because the poet speaks directly to the soldiers and shows the bond between soldiers and citizens.
  5. Alliteration such as ‘season or snowy’ and ‘sun’s sweltering’, ‘surveillance in seas’ to create rhythm and music in the poem.

Let us think and reflect

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

1. Identify a set of opposite words from the extract.
asleep – awake

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

3. The soldiers walk across the deserted stretches of land. (True/False)
True

4. Give evidence from the extract to show that soldiers face harsh weather conditions.
“Windy season or snowy days / Or scorching sun’s sweltering rays”

5. Which quality of the soldiers is highlighted in this extract?
(iv) dedication

IIAnswer the following questions.

1. Who is the speaker of this poem? How can you say so?
The speaker is a grateful citizen of India. He calls the soldiers “great sons of my land” and says, “We pray for you brave men”. This shows he speaks for all Indians.

2. How is the theme of the poem conveyed through imagery? Support your answer with examples.
Images like “snowy days”, “scorching sun’s sweltering rays”, “climbing the heights” and “defending the deserts” show the hard life of soldiers. These pictures bring out their patriotism and sacrifice.

3. How does the poet highlight the commitment of the soldiers?
The poet says they stay awake and guard us while we sleep. They work in every season and on every terrain—heights, valleys, deserts, marshes, seas and air. They give the prime of their youth to the nation.

4. What is the significance of the line ‘Prime of your youth given to the nation!!’?
Youth is the best time of one’s life. Soldiers spend it guarding the nation instead of enjoying it with their families. This shows their great sacrifice and service.

5. Why is it important for each one of us to pray for the well-being of soldiers?
Soldiers risk their lives to keep us safe. Our prayers show our gratitude and respect. They also give the soldiers strength and the feeling that the whole nation stands with them.

Let us learn

IIdentify the terrains from the box. There are two that you do not need.

Terrains: ghats plateau delta peninsula mountains

Not needed: river and bay (they are water bodies).

IIFill in the blanks with words that collocate appropriately.
  1. The hikers reached the summit of the mountain…
  2. The barren landscape of the desert…
  3. In the rainforest, the dense forest provides a habitat…
  4. Chitra is a very adventurous person…
  5. I’ll try to get back in time, but I’m not making any promises.

Let us listen

I & IIComplete the poem ‘A Soldier’s Pride’.
  • 1. command
  • 2. day
  • 3. sun
  • 4. stormy
  • 5. march
  • 6. fight
  • 7. dreams
  • 8. end

Let us speak

Recite the poem ‘My Dear Soldiers’ with pauses and emphasis.

Let us write

ICompose your own acrostic poem on SOLDIER.

Standing tall at the border line,
On guard in rain and in shine,
Leaving home and family dear,
Defending us without any fear,
In snow and desert, day and night,
Ever ready to stand and fight,
Respect to you, our nation’s pride!

IIDraft a note of gratitude to soldiers (about 50 words).

Dear Bravehearts,

I would like to thank you for guarding our borders day and night. You stay away from your families and face snow, heat and danger so that we can live safely. Your courage and sacrifice make us proud. We will always remember you in our prayers. Jai Hind!

A grateful student,
Aditi

Let us explore

I & IIBadge of honour; poem or story about soldiers in your language.
← A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers Rani Abbakka →