Textual Questions – Activity I: Read and Respond
1. The first stanza speaks about the need for self-confidence. Do you agree? Why?
Yes, the first stanza teaches us to remain calm and believe in ourselves even when others don’t. It tells us not to give in to hate, lies, or anger and to show strength through patience and understanding.
2. What does the poet say about patience?
The poet says we should be able to wait patiently without getting tired or frustrated. Patience is shown as a great strength.
3. Explain the poet’s views on honesty and fortitude of character.
The poet advises us to remain honest even when others lie and to stay strong even when treated unfairly. This shows our inner courage and dignity.
4. Lines 5–7 talk about righteous behaviour. Do you agree?
Yes. The poet says not to lie when lied about and not to hate when hated. It’s very hard but necessary to stay righteous even when others behave badly.
5. What is the poet’s approach to dreams and longings?
We should have dreams and goals but not let them control us. Dreams are important but must not become our master.
6. The poet believes success comes from self-control and a sense of value. Explain.
Success comes from knowing how to behave, control emotions, and understand what truly matters in life – not just money or fame.
7. “Never breathe a word about your loss.” What does this show about the poet?
It shows the poet values inner strength, humility, and silence in suffering. He believes that we should move on quietly without complaining.
8. What is the message in the final stanza?
If you follow all these lessons, you will own the world — and even more importantly, you will grow into a complete, mature, and noble human being.
Activity II – Read and Reflect
1. What is the central theme of the poem?
The poem teaches us how to become a strong, mature, and wise person. It talks about developing good character and mental strength.
2. What are the two impostors in life according to the poem?
Triumph and Disaster – both success and failure are temporary and should be treated the same way.
3. What should be one’s attitude to unexpected loss?
One should stay calm, rebuild life again without complaint, and never speak about the loss. It’s about resilience and moving forward.
4. What is the poem about?
It is about a father advising his son on becoming a complete human being. It uses symbols like Triumph and Disaster, and personifies dreams, lies, and hatred. It shows the contrast between strength and weakness, hope and despair.
5. Identify the poetic forms and language.
- Poetic structure: 4 stanzas of 8 lines each
- Rhyme scheme: aabbccdd
- Language: Simple, direct, rhythmic
- Figures of speech: Personification, metaphor, contrast, repetition
- Tone: Inspirational and motivational
6. What expressions are examples of personification?
- “If you can dream – and not make dreams your master”
- “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster / And treat those two impostors just the same”
- “Unforgiving minute” – time as an enemy that doesn’t wait
7. What do “knaves” represent? What are the other symbols?
Knaves represent dishonest people. Other symbols include:
- Triumph and Disaster: false images of success and failure
- Pitch-and-toss: taking risks in life
- Will: mental strength and control
Activity III – Poem Appreciation
Title: Appreciation of the Poem If by Rudyard Kipling
About the Poet:
Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936) was a British author and Nobel Prize winner, known for stories like The Jungle Book and inspirational poems.
Theme and Meaning:
The poem gives advice on how to live with dignity, patience, honesty, and balance. It describes the journey of becoming a true human being through calmness, self-discipline, and courage.
Structure and Style:
It is written in second person and in four 8-line stanzas. The tone is steady and motivational, using a clear rhyme scheme (aabb). The poem is like a step-by-step guide for personal development.
Poetic Devices and Language:
- Personification: Triumph and Disaster as impostors
- Metaphors: “unforgiving minute,” “heap of all your winnings”
- Symbols: Dreams, knaves, kings
- Language: Clear and direct
- Mood: Inspiring and thoughtful
Conclusion:
The poem teaches values for success and humanity. Its message is universal and everlasting: Face life with courage and dignity.
Thanks for your sharp observation. You’re right — the section from pages 33 to 37 of Chapter 4: If by Rudyard Kipling includes crucial textbook exercises under the heading:
Let’s Practise and Extended Activities
Here are the complete and accurate answers for pages 33–37, as per the textbook:
Let’s Practise
Activity I – Complete the Conditional Sentences (The Cat and the Mouse)
- The cat said, “Well, I would give your tail back, if you fetched me some milk.”
- “The cat will only give me back my tail if I fetch her some milk.”
- “The cat will only give my tail back if the cow gives me some milk.”
- “And the cow will only give me some milk if she gets some hay.”
- “And the farmer will only give me some hay if the butcher has some meat for him.”
- “And the butcher will not give me some meat if you don’t bake him a loaf of bread.”
- “Well, I will give you a loaf of bread if you promise never to steal my corn or meal.”
- If the mouse had not promised never to steal the corn or meal, the baker would not have given the bread.
- If the baker had not given the bread, the butcher would have refused to give the meat.
- If the butcher had refused, the farmer would not have given the hay.
- If the farmer had not given the hay, the mouse would not have received the milk.
- If the mouse had not received the milk, she would not have got back her tail.
Activity IV – Identify Conditional Clauses
Examples from the poem “If”:
| If Clause | Main Clause | Type |
| If you can keep your head when all about you… | Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it | First |
| If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you | You’ll be a Man, my son | First |
| If you can wait and not be tired by waiting | Yours is the Earth… | First |
| If you can dream — and not make dreams your master | Yours is the Earth… | First |
| If all men count with you, but none too much | Yours is the Earth… | First |
These are mostly first conditionals, expressing realistic or possible situations.
Extended Activities
Activity I: Read and Respond (Newspaper Extract – “Teacher’s Pride”)
Q1. How does the teacher describe Arun as a student?
He was brilliant, well-read, sensitive, cultured, and mature. He showed a deep sense of language and understanding.
Q2. What academic and social initiatives did Arun lead?
He helped start the Science Society of Trivandrum to support school children with both financial help and academic training.
Activity II: Prepare an Article – “My Ideal Person”
Title: My Ideal Person
An ideal person is someone who inspires others through their hard work, values, and dedication. I believe that a true ideal person is not just successful but also kind, honest, and helpful.
In my opinion, a good student who respects teachers, helps friends, and shows discipline is an ideal student. A great teacher who explains well, motivates students, and builds their confidence is an ideal teacher.
From what I read in the article about Arun M. Kumar, he is an ideal person. He worked hard, became successful, and still cared about helping others. That is what makes someone truly admirable.
Activity V: Cohesive Devices (Practice Activity)
Fill in the blanks using cohesive devices:
- All the assignments should be submitted on time. Otherwise, they will not be evaluated.
- The price of petrol has gone up considerably in the last few years. However, the sale of cars has not decreased.
- Cycling is a good exercise. Moreover, it helps you to save money.
- Desktop computers are cheaper and more reliable than laptops; furthermore, they last longer.
- There is a stiff competition between mobile phone companies to win customers. As a result, they are slashing prices to attract customers.