Important Questions Class 7 English Honeycomb Chapter 8 Poem
FAQs on Important Questions Class 7 English Honeycomb Chapter 8 Poem
1. What are some important 2-mark questions that could be asked from the poem "Meadow Surprises" for the 2025-26 exams?
A good 2-mark question might be: "What does the poet mean by 'meadow houses'?". The answer should explain that these refer to the natural homes of various creatures, such as burrows for rabbits, nests beneath tall grasses, and mounds for ants. Another important question is: "Why does the poet suggest walking softly through the velvet grass?". The answer should focus on not frightening the hidden animals.
2. How can a student score full marks on a 3-mark question about the "surprises" in the meadow?
To score full marks, you should list and briefly explain at least three distinct surprises mentioned in the poem as per the CBSE curriculum. For example:
- Butterflies sipping nectar: Describe how they use their proboscis, poetically called 'drinking straws'.
- A scared rabbit: Mention how a rabbit, camouflaged in the grass, might suddenly hop away when you get too close.
- A dandelion's transformation: Explain its change from a 'golden' flower to an 'airy parachute' that scatters seeds when you blow on it.
3. Explain the literary device used in the line, "a butterfly... unfold its drinking straws to sip the nectar up."
The primary literary device used here is a metaphor. The butterfly's proboscis (its feeding tube) is being compared to a 'drinking straw'. This is an important concept for Class 7 English as it creates a vivid and easily understandable image for the reader, making the simple act of a butterfly feeding seem more special and surprising.
4. What is the central theme of "Meadow Surprises" that is important for exams?
The central theme is that nature is full of hidden wonders that are often overlooked. The poem encourages us to slow down, observe closely with a "keen eye and a sharp ear," and appreciate the small, beautiful details of the natural world. This theme of observation and appreciation is crucial for answering value-based questions in exams.
5. Who is the poet of "Meadow Surprises"?
The poem "Meadow Surprises" was written by the poet Lois Brandt Phillips. Knowing the poet's name is often worth one mark in 'Reference to Context' questions.
6. From an exam perspective, why is the repetition of the line "Meadows have surprises" significant?
The repetition of this line acts as a refrain, which emphasises the poem's main idea. For exam answers, it's important to state that this repetition reinforces the central theme—that a meadow is not just an empty field of grass but a place teeming with secrets and discoveries. It serves to build curiosity and remind the reader to keep looking for these wonders.
7. How does the poem encourage a respectful attitude towards nature?
The poem fosters respect for nature by showing it as a delicate place full of life. By advising us to "walk softly" so as not to scare the rabbit and to "look and listen" carefully, the poet suggests a gentle, non-disruptive way of interacting with the environment. This teaches us that nature's secrets are revealed to those who approach it with patience and care.
8. What is the deeper meaning behind calling the dandelion seeds 'airy parachutes'?
Calling the dandelion seeds 'airy parachutes' is a powerful metaphor that highlights their function and appearance. It suggests that when you blow on the dried flower, the seeds don't just fall; they are designed to float and drift gracefully on the wind, much like a parachutist. This description turns a common plant into a tiny, surprising spectacle of natural engineering, making it a potential Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) question.
9. What type of 'Reference to Context' questions can a student expect from this poem?
For "Meadow Surprises", a typical 'Reference to Context' question might provide the stanza about the butterfly or the dandelion. Questions would likely ask:
- To identify the poet and the poem.
- To explain a specific phrase like 'velvet grass' or 'unfold its drinking straws'.
- To identify the literary device used (e.g., metaphor).
- To explain the 'surprise' being described in that stanza.
10. Why might someone miss the 'surprises' in a meadow, according to the poem?
According to the poem, someone might miss the surprises if they are not observant or are in a hurry. The poet stresses the need for a 'keen eye and a sharp ear'. The surprises, like the still rabbit or the burrows, are not always obvious. They are hidden and require one to slow down, look closely, and listen attentively to discover them. This implies that a casual or rushed walk would reveal nothing.
