6.1 A Nation's Strength
What makes a nations pillars high
And its foundation strong?
What makes it mighty to defy
The foes that round it throng?
It is not gold. its kingdoms grand
Go down in battle shock :
Its shafts are laid on sinking sand
Mot on abiding rock.
Q. 4. B. Read the following extract and answer the questions given below: (4 marks)
1. What makes a nation strong?
Ans. Brave men who stand firm for the sake of truth and honor during periods of hardship are what makes a nation strong.
2. According to you, what makes India a strong and powerful nation?
Ans. Any country must overcome many of the economic, social, and political problems before it can be considered a superpower. India is also not yet influential on the international stage as compared to the USA or the former Soviet Union.
3. Write down the rhyme scheme used in the extract.
Ans. Rhyme scheme: abab
4. What does the phrase ‘others fly .....’ mean?
Ans. ‘Others fly ...’ refers to the people who don’t have the courage to face difficult situation and run away from them.
Q. 4. B. Read the following extract and answer the questions given below: (4 marks)
(1) Why, according to the poet, are wealthy kingdoms unstable? (1)
Ans. According to poet wealthy kingdoms are unstable because wealthy kingdoms can be destroyed in battles.
(2) What aspects of life in India are you proud of? (1)
Ans. In a secular country like India we have freedom of speech. Unity in diversity is the main aspects of life in India in which I am proud of.
(3) Note down the pairs of rhyming words from the extract. (1)
Ans. high - defy, strong - throng, grand - sand, shock - rock.
(4) What purpose does the use of questions serve in the extract? (1)
Ans. In this poem the poet asks the readers many questions in the rhetorical manner. In this way the poet does not require answers from the readers but he can convey his message to us.
Q. 4. C. Read the following extract and answer the questions given below: (4 marks)
Q. 1 How should be the foundation of nation?
Ans The foundation of nation should be strong.
Q.2 How can we make our nation strong?
Ans: Neither wealth nor strength makes the nation strong. Hard work with honesty and devotion can make our nation strong.
Q. 3 What figure of speech is used in "it is not gold"?
Ans: Metonymy: The word "gold" is used to mean wealth.
Q. 4 What is the rhyme scheme followed in the poem?
Ans: abab
