English Notes 10th KPK
English Notes 10th KPK
English Notes 10th KPK
Answer: Simplicity means to lead a simple life without any greed or lust for worldly pleasures and comforts. It
must be reflected in all the aspects of an individual’s lifestyle from clothing to bedding, diet, and manners, etc.
On the other hand, humility means to show a humble and down-to-earth attitude towards other people.
Humility also stands for modest behavior neither too low nor too proud.
Q2. Describe in a few sentences, the lifestyle of Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) in the light of the text
that you have read.
Answer: Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) led a simple, humble life. He (P.B.U.H) used to do his work by
himself rather than asking other family members. He (P.B.U.H) used to share his responsibilities with his
companions. He (P.B.U.H) never liked to sit at the upper or special place while He (P.B.U.H) liked to sit
among his fellows at the same level. He (P.B.U.H) used to wear a simple dress. He (P.B.U.H) always gives
respect to others irrespective of his caste, creed, or colour. He (P.B.U.H) always eats a simple diet and sleeps
on a leather mattress made of date fibre. He (P.B.U.H) always showed respectful behaviour towards women.
In totality, He (P.B.U.H) set an excellent example of simplicity and humility and showed the perfect way to
His followers how they can adopt them and live a simple, genuine life.
Q3. How can simplicity and humility do away with the culture of extravagance and waste?
Answer: By adopting simplicity and humility in our lives, we would be able to shun the lust from our minds
for spending our hard-earned money in buying unwanted luxurious items. We most of the time like to buy
worldly items to satisfy our sense of pride and superiority. In this way, we waste our money to buy extra or
expensive stuff. If we adopt simplicity and humility then our social behaviour would be considerate and
genuine, our happiness would be original and we would bow our heads in humility and affection.
Q4: Read the last paragraph of the lesson “Simplicity and Humility of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH)”
with comprehension and write down the main idea and supporting details of the paragraph?
Answer:The main idea of the last paragraph is that we can learn a lot from the faultless qualities of
Muhammad’s (PBUH).By adopting the qualities of humbleness and simplicity. we can improve our lives and
can eradicate social evils like arrogance, pride, and extravagance. Simplicity and humility will correct our
social behaviour.
Q5: How did Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) treat his foster sister?
Answer:Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) treated his foster sister with great respect. Whenever she came, he
would stand up to receive her and would spread his sheet for her to sit.
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
2
Ans: The significance of the title “The Champions” is the story about a boxing contest between two deep
friends, in which the winner has to represent Pakistan in the world boxing championship in the lightweight
category.
Q2. What was the dream of Ahmad Ali and Gul Sher?
Ans: Ahmad Ali and Gul Sher had a dream of someday becoming lightweight boxing champions of the world.
Q3. Why was the fight so important for both Ali and Gul Sher?
Ans: The fight was very important for both boxers because the contest was actually for the selection of a
world boxing champion. They both were dreaming to win it.
Q4. How did the two friends fight? Describe in five sentences.
Ans: Both the friends fought bravely. They rushed towards each other like bulls and pounded blows on each
other like hailstones. They give a tough time with each other in the ring. In the end, they sacrificed the
championship for their friendship.
Q7. What was the effect of the fight on the relationship between the two friends?
Ans: Both the boxers were good friends. They were greatly worried about their boxing contest. They know
that the fight will not affect their relationship. They fought bravely, as they knew that the better men should
win the contest.
Q8. Keeping in view the relationship between the two friends, is it easier or harder for them to fight
each other? Support your answer by giving references from the text.
Ans: As we know that both the boxers were good friends, so it was hard for them to fight against each other.
Before the fight, they were really restless and they often told each other about the mental conditions their own.
They really didn’t want to disturb their friendship.
Q9. Are you satisfied with the ending? Support your response with cogent arguments.
Ans: Yes, we are satisfied with the ending of the story. Both boxers showed their courage, strength and skills.
At the end of the story their friendship win over the boxing championship.
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
3
Unit 3 Dreams
Q3. Identify an example of a word or phrase that is repeated in the poem and explain why the poet
makes this repetition.
Answer: The poet repeats the word/ phrase “Dream” and “if dream die” because he wanted to emphasize the
importance of dreams in human life.
Q4. Identify an example of personification. Explain what is being personified and how?
Answer: personification: when a poet gives human qualities to non-human things that is called
personification. This figurative device has been used in the poem “Dreams”. The poet has Personified life to a
broken-winged bird that cannot fly without dreams.
Q5. Identify lines containing metaphors. What ideas are being conveyed by these?
Answer: The third line of 1st stanza “Life is a broken-winged bird” and the third line of 2nd stanza “Life is a
barren field” containing metaphors. These metaphors conveyed the idea that life is useless and hopeless
without dreams.
Q8. What is the mood of this poem? How does it make you feel?
Answer: The mood of this poem is sad. However, the poet encourages the readers to hold fast to their wishes,
desires, and goals because without Dreams life is dull and bleak.
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
4
Q1. Why is there no single and easy solution to the problem of population growth and its impact on the
environment?
Ans: There is no single and easy solution to the problem of population growth and its impact on the
environment because this problem is very complicated. To solve this problem all options should be utilized
including awareness campaigns, re-assessment of consumption patterns, recycling of waste, and less use of
resources.
Q4. Analyses any passage of the text ‘Population Growth and its Impact on Environment’ that support
an opinion.
1st passage of the text supports the opinion that if there is an increase in the world’s population at the same
pace then people of the world have to various numerous environmental problems such as more consumption
of resources like land, water, fossil fuels and there will be increase in the production of waste products and the
environment become more and more polluted due to insensitive and harsh activities of the increased
population. The health of the residents would suffer negatively and more pressure would be faced by the
urban areas due to the migration of rural people.
Q5. Locate examples from the text ‘Population Growth and its Impact on Environment’ that support
an opinion.
Following are the examples or statements from the text that support an opinion:(1) It is estimated that world’s
population will reach 9.2 billion by 2050. (2) Deforestation can lead to severe imbalances in environment and
result in decrease in habitat and biodiversity. (3) According to the United Nations, FAO an estimated 18
million acres of forest are lost each year. (4) If the correct rate of deforestation continues, it will take less than
a 100 years to destroy all forests on the earth. (5) By 2025 it will become double of its present production.
Q6. Keeping in view the population and the environment of your area, do you agree or not with the
content of the lesson? Support your view with solid arguments.
Yes, I totally agree with the content of the lesson keeping in view the population and the environment of the
area. When we moved to this area of the city some 10 years back, it seemed to be a deserted place with a few
numbers of houses and much greenery.
Trees and shrubs add to the beauty of the area. Due to a peaceful, clean and green environment, we enjoyed
the company of different and beautiful species of birds and animals in the vicinity. As the population of the
area was not much so we never faced the problem of garbage, traffic jam, sewage issues, scarcity of clean
water.
Comparing that state of my area to the present one, I myself is amazed to find the drastic contrast of various
elements. Now, it is very difficult to locate a vacant space in my area. The area is congested to such an extent
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
5
that when you stand at the roof of your house you just see the sea of houses spread on a vast area with a few
standing trees and little vegetation.
The cutting of trees results in the decrease in the various species of birds and animals species. Apart from this,
we can see garbage mounds almost at various points of the area. Due to rubbish and garbage, mosquitoes, flies
and other insects are breathing in our environment and thus causing various diseases. Previously, it was not a
tiresome activity to get clean, filtered water from the water filtration plant of the area. But now one has to
stand in long queues to get a can or two of clean water.
Furthermore, in the past, we can get clean water from the plant at any time of the day or night but now the
society has fixed the hours for water collection. While traveling, people have to face the severe problem of
traffic jam due to the increase in population and private vehicles. Now, people of the area prefer to travel by
their own cars rather than utilizing the facility of public transport.
Traffic congestion is at its peak during rush hours. Last but not least, due to the heavy and continuous flow of
traffic, the condition of the roads and streets is deteriorating day by day.
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
6
Q1. Where did Abdur Rehman I import fruit trees and other plants from? Why?
Ans: Abdur Rehman I after the fall of the Umayyad Dynasty, came and settled in Southern Spain. He
wanted to recreate the glory of Damascus in the Iberian Peninsula that’s why he imported fruit trees from
his own land i.e. Damascus in order to promote agriculture in the Iberian Peninsula.
Q2. What can we achieve again if we enkindle in ourselves the master-passion (Ishq)?
Ans: We can achieve the exalted state of moral and spiritual character if we enkindle in ourselves the
master-passion (Ishq).
Q3. What is the view of Iqbal about the Masjid of Cordoba? Explain his view in your own words.
Ans: According to Iqbal, the Masjid of Cordoba is built by those who were in deep love or had Ishq with
their Creator, Allah Almighty. Iqbal considered Ishq as a feeling that has a burning desire to one’s outmost
in order to achieve one’s ideal of perfection and self realization through the moral teachings of Islam. Iqbal
says that it is this passion of that era Muslims and the power and glory of the Masjid of Cordoba that extend
their dominance to far off lands. Iqbal is of the view that the beauty and grandeur of the Masjid reflects the
intense love and reverence of Mard-e-Khuda towards the ultimate Creator.
Q4. What, in your opinion, is the significance of the Masjid of Cordoba to present-day Muslims?
Explain.
Ans: The Masjid of Cordoba is of vital importance to the present-day Muslims because when they pay a
visit to it or just get a chance to read about it, they will be moved not only by its architecture and glory but
they are able to feel the glory of Islam and dominance of Muslim in the European world.
Q5. Why did Iqbal greatly appreciate a faraway Masjid in Spain, when there were superb buildings
of the Muslim era in Sub-Continent?
Ans: Iqbal greatly appreciated a faraway Masjid in Spain i.e. the Masjid of Cordoba because he had a desire
to pay tribute to the Ishq of the builders of the Masjid. It was a sort of pilgrimage that he paid to an
outstanding symbol of faith. He wanted to experience the grandeur and glory of Muslim era when Muslims
ruled Spain which further became a source of providing roots to the enlightenment of Europe. He was so
moved with the architecture and glory of the Masjid that he expressed his feelings in the form of a poetic
piece ‘the Masjid-e-Qurtaba.’
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
7
Q1: What are the things that thrive despite the ravages of war?
Ans: According to the poem Lilacs, Tulip, Daisy, Pansies, and gardens are the things that thrive despite the
ravages of war.
Q2: What are some of the different words and images used in the poem that convey the emotions of
loss?
Ans: Death, Suffering, Hate, War, Despair, Guns roaring, Cannon boom, and Nightmares are the words and
images which convey the emotions of loss
.
Q3: In the poem “In spite of war”, there are several examples of personification. Identify two
examples of personification: explain what is being personified and how?
Ans: In the poem “In spite of war”, there are several examples of personification, but the two examples are
as under:
1. When pansies lift their eyes to mine.
2. Tulips are tripping down the path.
In both examples, the poetess has given human qualities to non-human things.
Q4: Make a list of the words that tell you about the tone of the poem ‘In spite of war’ and explain
how those words tell us what the tone is. Use examples from the poem to back up your reasoning.
Ans: The tone of the poem is optimistic. The poetess says that despite the war & destruction, everything in
nature is going normal. Life continues as usual. The following words tell us about the tone. Laugh, Sings,
Courage, Rejoice, Blooming of flowers, Glory, and gardens.
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
8
Q2. Why did the farmer decide to take his mother to the summit?
Ans: The farmer decided to take his mother to the summit to abandon her there for some time. In this way,
she will die in isolation.
Q3. Why did the son hide his mother in the closet?
Ans: The sun hid his mother in a closet beneath the floor of the kitchen so that she may escape the possible
death sentence announced by the governor for the aged people.
Q4. What does the phrase “with the crown of snow there cometh wisdom” mean?
Ans: The phrase “with the crown of snow there cometh wisdom” means that wisdom is achieved with the
passage of time.
Q7. What are the elements of the story “The aged mother”?
Ans: The elements of the story “The aged mother” are characters, setting, beginning, middle, end, and
moral lessons. Farmer, Mother, and Governor are the main characters of the story. The setting of the story is
the town of Shinano. The importance of aged people is the moral lesson of the story.
Q10. How does the poor youth feel about the proclamation?
Ans: The poor youth felt sorrow and distress about the proclamation.
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
9
Q1. How did Quaid-e-Azam empower & emancipate the Muslim women of the Sub-continent?
Ans: Quaid-e-Azam empowered & emancipated the Muslim women of the Sub-continent by stressing the
importance of women as equal partners of men in the independence movement. For this purpose, he created
the All India Muslim Women’s sub-committee of the Muslim league.
Q2. How did Begum Fatima, the principal of Jinnah Islamia College, mobilize female students?
Ans: Begum Fatima, the principal of Jinnah Islamia College, mobilized female students by inviting Quaid-
e-Azam to come and address the female students of her college in 1942. That address encouraged the
participation of female students in the independence movement.
Q3. Why did the Quaid-e-Azam stress the importance of women as equal partners of men in the
creation of a separate homeland for Muslims?
Ans: Quaid-e-Azam stressed the importance of women as equal partners of men in the creation of a
separate homeland for Muslims because it was necessary for the Muslims to achieve their dream of a
separate homeland.
Q4. Describe the role of women in the Pakistan Movement, highlighting their love and aspirations for
the new homeland?
Ans: Women of the Sub-Continent played a vital role in the Pakistan Movement. Fatima Jinnah was the
first woman to participate in political activities with her brother. Besides Fatima Jinnah, few other women
were also showing their love, courage, and commitment to the creation of a new homeland. They bear a lot
of hardships for this purpose.
Q5. What idea and issue have been explored in the fifth paragraph of the text, Women’s role in the
Pakistan movement?
Ans: In the fifth paragraph, the issue of the 1946 election has been explored. Muslim league won all the
Muslim seats but were excluded from the formation of the government. This led to a massive demonstration
by men as well as women leaguers.
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
10
Unit # 09 Equipment
Q5: “All human beings are created equal” Explain this statement in the light of the poem
Equipment?
Ans: In the poem Equipment, the poet says that all human beings are created equal. It means that Allah
awarded all human beings with two eyes, two legs, two hands, two arms, and a brain. Now it’s up to them
to decide how to use these qualities and capabilities.
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
11
Q2: What are the river drainage systems of Pakistan? Describe briefly
Ans: There are three river drainage systems of Pakistan.
The Indus Basin River: It originates from Tibet and flow to the west and finally fall into the Arabian Sea. It
covers an area of 365000 sq miles. We receive 141.67 million square feet of water from it.
Closed Basin Kharan desert: Its main rivers are Pishin Lora, Badoo Rakhshan and Mash Khel. It covers an
area of 120,100 Sq.Km. We get 4.5 million-acre feet of water from it.
Makran Coastal Basin: It consists of streams of Malir, Hub, Porali, Kud, Hingol, Nai, Dasht, Mashhad,
Nihing and Kech. It covers an area of 122,400 Sq Km. We get 0.78 million water from it.
Q3: What are the main causes of water shortage in Pakistan? Discuss
Ans: The main causes of water shortage in Pakistan are as under:
i. The rapid increase in population.
ii. Construction of dams by India over river Chenab and Jhelum.
iii. Wastage of water.
iv. Non-construction of more water reservoirs.
v. Rapid depletion of groundwater.
Q5: What can you do on own to contribute to the conservation of water in your home and
surrounding?
Ans: We can do the following things to contribute to the conservation of water in our home and
surrounding. We should check our house for leaks. We should take short showers. We should use less
amount of water in domestic use etc.
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
12
Q3. What is genetic engineering? What role does genetic engineering play in producing genetically
modified organisms
Ans: Genetic engineering is the process of manipulation of an organism’s genes directly by transplanting
DNA from other organisms in its cells. Genetically modified organisms are produced through this process
having the desired traits.
Q5. What is your opinion will be the effect of GMOs on our lives, lifestyle, and the environment in the
future?
Ans: Although GMOs have made our lives easy and comfortable, they have some dangerous effects. The
unpredictability of the behavior of altered genes, unwanted characteristics, health problems, population
problems etc are some of the concerns about GMOs that may harm the ecosystem and human health.
Q6. Have you ever used genetically modified foods? Give suggestions & solutions for the safe use of
genetically modified foods?
Ans: Yes, I have used genetically modified foods. I have the following suggestions and solutions for the
safe use of GMOs.
1. To test the feasibility of GMOs, for any potential risk.
2. Quality of the product should be ensured.
3. Avoid processed foods in general.
4. Avoid factory-farmed animal products.
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
13
Q2. Besides the poet, who will badly miss the company of the pines?
Ans: Besides the poet, the wind and the rain will badly miss the company of the pines.
Q4. How has the cutting down of the trees affected nature?
Ans: The cutting down of the trees badly affected nature. The beauty and charm of the pines have now
ended. Trunks are lying naked and yellow. Forest gives a deserted look and birds are restless.
Q5. What picture of the rain do the words “its silver blind is down” give you?
Ans: It gives us a picture of the rain when it’s raining heavily and continuously.
Q6. The poet mourns the cutting down of pines in a way as if she has lost her near and dear mate;
why?
Ans: The poet mourns the cutting down of pines trees because she considered all pines trees as her near and
dear friends.
Q7. What is the mood of the poem and what effect does it has on you?
Ans: The mood of the poem is gloomy and sad. It makes us feel sad and disturb us as we know that pine
trees have been ruthlessly cut. We are unhappy to know that twinges and nuts are lying scattered on the
ground. We see the naked trunks and the restless birds with an aching heart.
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
14
Q1: Why did Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) deposit the jewels, given by the empress of Rome to Hazrat
Umar’s (RA) wife, in the bait-Ul-Mal?
Ans: Hazrat Umar (RA) deposited the jewels given by the empress of Rome to Hazrat Umar’s (RA) wife, in
bait-ul-Mal because those jewels were gifted to her due to the high status of the Caliph Umar Farooq (RA).
They considered it as a government property.
Q2: Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) was one of those people who served the new religion with singleness
of purpose. Describe the services of Hazrat Umar (RA) to Islam in the context of this statement?
Ans: Hazrat Umar (RA) led a very simple life and strictly followed the prophet’s teachings. He helped the
prophet Muhammad (SAW) in difficult times. He participated in every war physically and economically.
He served the Muslims as a servant, not as a ruler. He strictly believed in rule of law and justice.
Q3: Humility and simplicity were the hallmarks of Hazrat Umar’s (RA) rule. Support this view by
giving evidence from the given text?
Ans: Humility and Simplicity were the great qualities of Umar’s (RA) personality. He led a simple life. His
life standard was no higher than a common man. He wore a simple dress and ate simple food. Once a
Roman Emperor was surprised to see him lying on the bare floor of the Masjid.
Q4. Why did Hazrat Umar (RA) not eat wheat bread?
Ans: Umar Farooq (RA) did not eat wheat bread because it was not available to every common person in
his vast dominions.
Q5. How did Hazrat Umar (RA) ensure his own accountability and the accountability of his
governors before the public during his government?
Ans: Hazrat Umar (RA) ensured his own accountability and accountability of his governors before the
public during his government. A common man had easy access to Hazrat Umar (RA). Everyone was free to
question his actions. Every Governor had to sign a bond on his appointment that he would lead a simple life
and all people would have easy access to his presence. Hazrat Umar’s (RA) era is considered the golden
period of Islam.
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
10
Q2: What condition was laid down by the colonel for Hughie’s marriage to his daughter?
Ans: The Colonel laid down the condition for Hughie’s marriage to his daughter that Hughie should have
ten thousand pounds, then this matter would be seriously considered.
Q3: Was Alan a good painter? What makes you think that?
Ans: Yes, Alan was a good painter. He was a real master of his art because his beautiful and perfect pictures
were eagerly sought after.
Q4: Describe the role of Colonel Martin in the story? Would you describe him as a negative character
or not? Why?
Ans: The role of Colonel Martin in the story was negative. He was a greedy, dishonest, unpleasant, and
proud person. He was a high-profile man but when he saw the thriving business of Hughie, he quickly
agreed to give his daughter’s hand in engagement but later when he came to know that Hughie was a poor
man, then he was trying to delay his marriage.
Q6: Describe the climax of the story in your own words. Also present a sketch of how you would have
ended the story, had you been the writer?
Ans: The climax of the story is that when Hughie Erskine offers money to a beggar who turns out to be one
of the richest men in Europe. I would also have ended the story as the writer of this story had ended it.
Class 10th English Notes (SLO Based) Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
11
Unit 15 Opportunity
Q2: It is a commonly held belief that opportunity knocks once at the door, but this belief is rejected
outright by opportunity herself. Why?
Ans: Opportunity knocks once at the door; but this belief is rejected by opportunity herself and says that
she comes at the door each day and gives the man a chance of waking, rising, and fighting for getting a
successful life.
Q3: What is the advice of “Opportunity” to those who have failed or lost opportunities in the past?
Ans: The advice of opportunity to those who have lost or failed opportunity in the past is not to show grief
over past failures rather continue your struggles and do not be discouraged because opportunity comes in
life again and again. So, forget your past and have a new start.
Q6: Point out some of the devices used by the poet in this poem?
Ans: The poet has used many poetic devices in this poem. In the 3rd line of 1st stanza, the poet has
personified the opportunity who stands before our home door, calls us to wake and fight. The poet says in
stanza 3 “White as snow” it is a simile.
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
11
Paraphrases
Poem 1: “ Dreams”
Stanza 1:
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Paraphrase:
Stick firmly to your dreams in life because if dreams die, life becomes a broken-winged weak bird that cannot
fly in the air. Her life becomes hopeless and boring.
Stanza 2:
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
Paraphrase:
Stick fast to your dreams because when dreams go away, life becomes a barren or unproductive field, frozen
with snow which is not able to produce any kind of vegetables or any other crops.
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
11
Stanza 1:
In spite of war, in spite of death,
In spite of all man’s sufferings,
Something within me laughs and sings
And I must praise with all my breath.
Paraphrase:
In spite of war destructions, death, and sufferings of all humans beings, there is something in my heart that
laughs and sings the song of hope and pleasure. So, I must praise it wholeheartedly.
Stanza 2:
In spite of war, in spite of hate
Lilacs are blooming at my gate,
Tulips are tripping down the path
In spite of war, in spite of wrath.
Paraphrase:
In spite of war and hate, Lilacs are blooming at my gate. Tulips flowers are also growing and stumbling down
the path. Although there are war and anger, these flowers give us hope and courage to face the situations.
Stanza 3:
“Courage!” the morning-glory saith;
“Rejoice!” the Daisy murmureth,
And just to live is so divine
When Pansies lift their eyes to mine.
Paraphrase:
The morning glory advised us for courage and daisy flowers softly speak to be glad (rejoice) and do not worry
about the war sufferings. Life is very beautiful, and it becomes more beautiful when pansies bloom and lift
their eyes to mine.
Stanza 4:
The clouds are romping with the sea,
And flashing waves call back to me
That naught is real but what is fair,
That everywhere and everywhere
A glory lived through despair.
Paraphrase:
The clouds are playing with the sea. The flashing waves are calling me
back that everything that is fair and just is actually the reality. That reality lives everywhere in this world.
Although there is hopelessness but glory and despair live side by side.
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
11
Stanza 5:
Though guns may roar and cannon boom,
Roses are born and gardens bloom;
My spirit still may light its flame
At that same torch whence, Poppies came.
Paraphrase:
In the war, the guns and cannons are roaring and booming all around but still, roses are blooming, and gardens
are full of beautiful flowers. This beautiful environment makes me happy. I am in high spirits to see growing
poppies.
Stanza 6:
Where morning’s altar whitely burns
Lilies may lift their silver urns
In spite of war, in spite of shame.
Paraphrase:
When the sun rises in the morning and spreads it light everywhere, it makes the beautiful Lilies flower shining
like silver. Then in spite of war which is very shameful, lilies grow everywhere reducing the horrors of war.
Stanza 7:
And in my ear a whispering breath,
“Wake from the nightmare! Look and see
That life is naught but ecstasy
In spite of war, in spite of death!”.
Paraphrase:
My whispering breath softly speaks in my ear to wake up from your horror dream. Look around and see the
world. Life is nothing but an ecstasy. It is full of great joy despite there is a war going on and deaths are seen
everywhere.
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
11
Poem 3 Equipment
Stanza 1:
Figure it out for yourself, my lad,
You’ve all that the greatest of men have had,
Two arms, two hands, two legs, two eyes,
And a brain to use if you would be wise.
With this equipment, they all began,
So start for the top and say “I can”.
Paraphrase:
My lad! Think over this reality that God has gifted you with all the capabilities which he has given to the
greatest men in the world. Just like them, you have two arms, two hands, two legs, two eyes, and a brain. All
the great men started their life with this common equipment. So, start your efforts to reach the top and say that
you can do everything.
Stanza 2:
Look them over, the wise and great,
They take their food from a common plate
And similar knives and forks they use,
With similar laces, they tie their shoes,
The world considers them brave and smart.
But you’ve all they had when they made their start.
Paraphrase:
My lad! look to the wise and great men. They take their food from a common plate. They use common tools
in their daily life. Like other people, they tie their shoes with similar laces. Now the people of the world
consider them great and smart. But it is a fact, that they start with the equipment which you have now.
Stanza 3:
You can triumph and come to skill,
You can be great if only you will,
You’re well equipped for what fight you choose,
You have legs and arms and a brain to use,
And the man who has risen, great deeds to do,
Began his life with no more than you.
Paraphrase:
You can get victory and greatness if you have strong willpower and determination. You have been blessed
with all the tools necessary for achieving great success. You must use your legs, arms, and brain. The people
who have risen in life and have done great deeds began their lives with all these things you already have.
Stanza 4:
You are the handicap you must face,
You are the one who must choose your place,
You must say where you want to go,
How much you will study the truth to know,
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
11
God has equipped you for life, But he,
Let’s you decide what you want to be.
Paraphrase:
You will face your own weakness in your life which will stop you from making progress and great deeds. It
totally depends on you to choose your own place, good or bad in life. You must know that God has given you
all the necessary equipment, but he has left you free to decide what you want to become in life.
Stanza 5
Courage must come from the soul within,
The man must furnish the will to win,
So figure it out for yourself, my lad,
You were born with all that the great have had,
Get hold of yourself and say: “I can”.
Paraphrase:
The man must muster up the courage and furnish his willpower to win the competition of life. My lad! the
decision is in your hand. You were born with all the qualities the great men have had. With these common
human capabilities, they all began their struggles in life. So now control yourself and say that I can do
everything.
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
11
Stanza 1:
They have cut down the pines where they stood;
The wind will miss them——— the rain,
When its silver blind is down.
They have stripped the bark from the wood—
Paraphrase:
The pine trees have been cut down by the people. The wind and heavy rain will feel their absence. The outer
covering of the trees has also been removed from them.
Stanza 2:
They needy boughs, and the brown
Knobby nuts trod into the ground.
The kind and friendly trees,
Where all day small winds sound,
Paraphrase:
The pointed branches of the trees and the brown cones are crushed under the feet. The trees are very kind and
friendly. When the winds pass through the trees, a rustling sound is produced in the trees.
Stanza 3:
And all day long the sun
Plays hide and seek with shadows
Till the multiplying shadows turn to one
And the night is here.
Paraphrase:
In the woods, the sun and the shadows replace each other throughout the day. It is like the sun and shadows
play hide and seek with one another. The shadows in the woods increase during the day but when the night
comes, the multiplying shadows turn to one shadow.
Stanza 4:
They have cut down the trees and ended now
The gentle colloquy of bough and bough.
They are making a fence by the creek,
And have cut down the pines for the posts.
Paraphrase:
The trees have been cut down and because of it, the sweet conversation among the branches of the trees has
also ended.
The pine trees have been cut down to make posts that will be used in making a fence along the stream.
Stanza 5:
Wan in the sunlight for ghost
The naked trunks lie.
A bird nested there——- it will seek
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
11
In vain: they have cut down the pines.
Paraphrase:
The naked trunks of the trees lie under the sunlight in miserable conditions. They are of no use except for
providing a haunting place for the ghosts. A bird that made a nest in the trees will not be able to find its nest
because the trees have been cut down.
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
11
Poem 5 Opportunity
Stanza 1:
They do me wrong who say I come no more
Paraphrase:
They (people) are doing wrong with me who say that I come once in life and knocks at their doors. When I
come and knocks at your door and fails to get any response from inside. Every day I come and stand before
your doors and call you to wake from the dream and start your struggles to win the contest of life.
Stanza 2:
Wail not for precious chances passed away!
Paraphrase:
Don’t be upset about the precious chances of the past that you have missed. Don’t weep for those good times
which have ended now. Each night I remove the records of the day and with the new sunrise, every soul is
born again for a new beginning.
Stanza 3:
Dost, thou behold thy lost youth all aghast?
Paraphrase:
Do you think that the thoughts of youth were terrible, and you have been punished for your truthful deeds?
Think no more about it. Turn from the spotted pages of your past life. You will find that a bright future is
waiting for you. The pages of that bright future are white and clear.
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)
11
Stanza 4:
Art thou a mourner? Rouse thee from the spell;
Paraphrase:
If you are mourning, it is wrong to do so. Just get out of this spell. If you have committed sins, do not worry
about them because Almighty Allah will forgive them. Each sunrise gives you the chance to get out from the
hell and each sun sits guides you to the right path.
Stanza 5:
Laugh like a boy at splendours that have sped,
Paraphrase:
You have to laugh like a boy on the splendid days of past life. Do not think about the joys that have
disappeared. My decisions seal the records of the dead past, but I never stop the moment which is yet to come.
Stanza 6:
Though deep in mire, wring not your hands and weep;
Paraphrase:
If you are in a terrible situation do not wring your hands and weep. I will lend my hand to take you out of this
terrible situation because I always help those people who have the courage and strong determination of doing
good deeds in life. A man should not lose courage in unfavourable situations. It is likely that he may rise and
become a good human being in the real sense of the word.
Class 10th English Notes Prepared By Muhammad Tahir (SST-G GHSS Khair Abad)