NCERT Solutions Class 7 English Unit 5 Bravehearts Chapter 14 My Dear Soldiers (Poem)

Question. Look around and identify the people who contribute to your life selflessly with a risk to their own lives. Share your answers with your classmates and the teacher.
Answer: Several groups of individuals put themselves at risk to help others. These include military and armed forces personnel who protect the nation, healthcare workers like doctors and nurses (particularly during health crises), firefighters who battle dangerous blazes, law enforcement officers who maintain public safety, lifeguards who watch over swimmers, and social workers who serve in high-risk communities.
In simple words: Many brave people work in dangerous jobs to help and protect us. Soldiers, doctors, firefighters, and police are good examples.

Exam Tip: Think about different professions and identify which ones involve personal risk - this shows critical thinking about community helpers.

Question. Work in pairs. Discuss at least three questions that you would like to ask the people identified above.
Answer: Some questions worth asking military personnel, healthcare workers, and law enforcement include: What drives you to keep taking on this risky work? How do you manage the fear that comes with putting your safety on the line? What part of your job challenges you the most? How does your family view the dangers you face in your profession?
In simple words: You might ask them what makes them choose dangerous jobs, how they stay brave, and how their families feel about the risks.

Exam Tip: Formulate open-ended questions that explore motivation, challenges, and personal impact - avoid simple yes/no questions.

Question. Complete the summary with an exact word from the poem. An example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and the teacher.
Answer: The poem pays homage to soldiers of the (1) land who defend the (2) borders of their country. It highlights their tireless commitment and sacrifices as they protect the nation. The soldiers stay alert and committed, whether conditions are windy, snowy, or (3) scorching hot. They move across (4) lonely stretches of terrain like yogis. Their work carries them through different landscapes, such as mountains, valleys, (5) deserts, and marshes. The poet recognizes that soldiers have given a large portion of their (6) youth in service to the nation. The poet mentions that wind chimes show respect toward the soldiers' (7) feat. The poem concludes by offering prayers for the soldiers' safety and well-being.
In simple words: The poem honors soldiers who guard our country through all kinds of weather and hard places, sacrificing their young years.

Exam Tip: Match words carefully by reading context clues in surrounding sentences - this helps confirm your choice is grammatically correct.

Question 1. The theme of the poem is _______________.
(i) patriotism and sacrifice
(ii) heroism and awareness
(iii) nature and hardship
(iv) seasons and terrains
Answer: (i) Patriotism and sacrifice
In simple words: The poem celebrates the love soldiers have for their country and the price they pay by giving up their youth.

Exam Tip: Look for the central message the poet repeats throughout - devotion to nation and willingness to sacrifice are mentioned repeatedly.

Question 2. The tone of the poem is _____________.
(i) admiring
(ii) sad
(iii) respectful
(iv) grateful
(v) prayerful
(A) Only (v)
(B) (i) and (iii)
(C) (ii), (iii) and (v)
(D) (i), (iii), (iv) and (v)
Answer: (D) (i), (iii), (iv) and (v)
In simple words: The poet shows appreciation and respect for soldiers, feels thankful for their work, and ends with hopeful prayers for their safety.

Exam Tip: Read the opening and closing sections carefully - they set the emotional tone and show what feelings the poet wants to communicate.

Question. Complete the following sentences by explaining why the poet has used the following poetic devices.
Answer:
(1) Imagery - The poet creates clear mental pictures of the soldiers' struggles and hard work through vivid descriptive language, helping readers visualize the harsh conditions they endure.
(2) Simile - Soldiers are compared to yogis, which emphasizes their spiritual strength, discipline, and ability to remain calm and focused through difficult circumstances.
(3) Metaphor - Wind chimes are used as a symbol representing the nation's gratitude and recognition of the soldiers' brave accomplishments and service.
(4) Repetition of the words 'you' and 'we' - This repetition underlines the distinction between the soldiers who make sacrifices and ordinary citizens who enjoy peaceful, safe lives.
(5) Alliteration - Repeated starting sounds in phrases like "season or snowy" and "scorching sun" create a musical quality and stress the extreme, difficult conditions soldiers face.
In simple words: Poets use these tools to paint pictures, make comparisons, repeat important words, and create rhythm - all to show how much soldiers sacrifice.

Exam Tip: Always link the poetic device to its purpose - explain not just what it is, but why the poet chose to use it and what effect it creates.

Question. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
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
Answer: [Extract provided for reference - questions follow below]

Exam Tip: When working with poem excerpts, read them carefully multiple times to catch subtle meanings and word choices the poet used deliberately.

Question 1. Identify a set of opposite words from the extract.
Answer: The opposite word pair is asleep and awake.
In simple words: These two words mean the opposite of each other - one means resting while the other means being awake and alert.

Exam Tip: Scan the extract for contrasting ideas and their matching words - antonyms often highlight the poem's central message about opposing experiences.

Question 2. Complete the sentence appropriately. The phrase 'still hold on to your deed' refers to the soldier's attitude of _______________.
Answer: The phrase describes a soldier's continuous resolve to stay committed to their responsibility and persist through difficulties without giving up.
In simple words: It means soldiers keep doing their job faithfully and do not stop, no matter how hard things get.

Exam Tip: When interpreting phrases, consider the context - what quality or action is being praised? That quality is your answer.

Question 3. Identify whether the following statement is true or false. The soldiers walk across the deserted stretches of land.
Answer: True. The line "Treading the lonely expanses as yogis" supports this statement.
In simple words: The poem shows that soldiers walk across empty, wide areas of land, just like the quote says.

Exam Tip: Always provide textual proof - cite the exact line from the poem that proves your answer is correct.

Question 4. Give evidence from the extract to show that soldiers face harsh weather conditions.
Answer: The lines "Windy season or snowy days. Or scorching sun's sweltering rays" demonstrate that soldiers endure severe weather across all seasons.
In simple words: The poem mentions windy weather, snow, and extreme heat - showing soldiers work in all kinds of tough weather.

Exam Tip: Use the exact quotation from the text - copying the poet's own words as evidence is more powerful than paraphrasing.

Question 5. Which quality of the soldiers is highlighted in this extract?
(i) modesty
(ii) optimism
(iii) simplicity
(iv) dedication
Answer: (iv) Dedication
In simple words: The soldiers keep working without rest, even in bad weather - this shows they are truly devoted to their duty.

Exam Tip: The phrases "still hold on," "guarding all the time awake," and the list of harsh conditions all point to one dominant quality - commitment.

Question 1. Who is the speaker of this poem? How can you say so?
Answer: The speaker of the poem is A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. His name appears at the poem's end, which identifies him as the author and speaker of this tribute to soldiers.
In simple words: Abdul Kalam wrote and spoke this poem. We know this because his name is printed with the title.

Exam Tip: Always look for the author's name at the beginning or end of a poem - this identifies who is speaking and gives context to their message.

Question 2. How is the theme of the poem conveyed through imagery? Support your answer with examples from the poem.
Answer: The poet uses detailed, sensory descriptions to bring the theme alive. Phrases such as "Windy season or snowy days" paint pictures of harsh weather, "Treading the lonely expanses as yogis" shows the soldiers' strength and solitude, and "Climbing the heights or striding the valleys" illustrates the varied and difficult landscapes they navigate. These vivid images help readers picture soldiers' dedication despite extreme hardship.
In simple words: The poet describes what soldiers see, feel, and experience so clearly that we can almost imagine being there with them.

Exam Tip: When discussing imagery, always quote specific lines and explain what senses or emotions those images trigger in the reader.

Question 3. How does the poet highlight the commitment of the soldiers? Provide examples from the poem to support your answer.
Answer: The poet demonstrates soldier commitment through several powerful examples. "You still hold on to your deed" shows their unwavering resolve to fulfill their duty. "You are there guarding all the time awake" emphasizes their constant vigilance and lack of rest. "Prime of your youth given to the nation" reveals the greatest sacrifice - surrendering their strongest, most productive years to protect the country. These phrases work together to create a portrait of absolute devotion.
In simple words: The poem shows soldiers never stop working, never sleep, and give up their best years - all to protect their country.

Exam Tip: Use exact quotes and follow each quote with your own explanation of what it reveals about the soldiers' character and sacrifice.

Question 4. What is the significance of the line 'Prime of your youth given to the nation!!' with reference to sacrifice and service?
Answer: This line captures the deepest form of sacrifice - when soldiers are young and full of potential, they give their most vigorous and productive years entirely to serve and protect their nation instead of pursuing personal happiness or advancement. The double exclamation marks stress the magnitude of this selfless offering.
In simple words: Soldiers give the best years of their lives to guard the country instead of enjoying youth like other young people do.

Exam Tip: The phrase "prime of your youth" is a key idea in the poem - it means the strongest, healthiest, most energetic years, making the sacrifice especially meaningful.

Question 5. The poem ends with a prayer for the soldiers' well-being and blessings. Why is it important for each one of us to pray for the well-being of soldiers?
Answer: Offering prayers and good wishes for soldiers shows our recognition of their enormous sacrifices and acknowledges the value of their service to the nation. Prayer becomes a way to express our thanks, provide emotional support, and show that their work is seen and appreciated by the people they protect. This gratitude and recognition help soldiers feel valued and strengthens their motivation to continue their dangerous work.
In simple words: When we pray for soldiers, we tell them we notice their hard work and are grateful. This makes them feel supported and proud of what they do.

Exam Tip: This question asks about the emotional and social significance of prayer - focus on gratitude, support, and the morale it builds rather than just the religious aspect.

Question. The poem mentions a few terrains (physical features of land) - valleys, deserts, and marshes. Identify the terrains from the box given below. There are two that you do not need.
Answer: The terrains mentioned in the poem that appear in the box are:

• Ghats
• Plateau
• Mountains

Exam Tip: Return to the poem and find the exact lines where terrains are mentioned - match only those that the poet actually names.

Question. Study the following phrases from the poem and answer the question below.
Answer: The phrases "treading the lonely expanses," "climbing the heights," and "scorching sun" are examples of collocations - word pairs that naturally belong together in a language. Native speakers use them without thinking because they sound right and feel correct. Other examples include "Make a decision" (not "do a decision"), "Heavy rain" (not "strong rain"), and "Fast food" (not "quick food"). Collocations are learned combinations that improve fluency and make writing sound natural.
In simple words: Some words just go together naturally in English, like "scorching sun" or "climbing heights." It sounds wrong to say "quick food" or "strong rain" instead.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to which words naturally pair together in English - this helps your writing and speaking sound more natural and fluent.

Question. Fill in the blanks by choosing the words given in the brackets that collocate appropriately.
Answer:
(1) The hikers reached the summit of the mountain after several days of trekking through challenging conditions.
(2) The barren landscape of the desert made it nearly impossible to find any water sources.
(3) In the rainforest, the dense forest provides a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife.
(4) Chitra is a very adventurous person and enjoys mountain climbing.
(5) I'll try to get back in time, but I'm not making any promises.
In simple words: We pick words that go naturally together - "summit" with mountains, "barren" with desert, "dense" with rainforest, "adventurous" with risky activities, and "making" promises.

Exam Tip: When choosing between collocation options, say both combinations aloud - your ear will often tell you which one sounds more natural in English.

Question. Think and complete the poem titled 'A Soldier's Pride', given below.
Answer:
In fields so vast, our soldiers stand,
With hearts so brave, and firm command,
They guard our land both night and day,
To keep our fears and foes at bay.

With every dawn and setting sun,
Their duty calls, it must be done,
Through stormy skies and blazing heat,
They march along with steady feet.

For love of land, they fight and strive,
To keep our hopes and dreams alive,
With pride and honour, they defend,
Our beloved India, till the very end.
In simple words: This poem celebrates soldiers who work day and night, march through all weather, and fight for the nation's hopes until the end.

Exam Tip: When completing poems, choose words that rhyme with the previous line and fit the meter - read it aloud to check if it flows smoothly.

Let Us Speak (Page 204)

Work in pairs and practise reciting the poem 'My Dear Soldiers'. Pause briefly at (/) and emphasise the highlighted words. Students should read the poem from NCERT textbook page 204, using the provided pause marks and emphasis guidance to develop proper expression and fluency in recitation.

Question. Read the example given below and compose your own acrostic poem using the word SOLDIER.
Answer: An acrostic poem is a poem where the first letter of each line spells out a word or message when read vertically.

Example Answer:
S - Standing tall on borders far and near
O - Overcoming every challenge without fear
L - Loyal to the nation, day and night
D - Defending our freedom with all your might
I - In snow or desert, you never sway
E - Ever vigilant to keep threats at bay
R - Ready to sacrifice for the country you hold dear

In simple words: Each line starts with the next letter of the word SOLDIER, and together they create a poem praising soldiers.

Exam Tip: Write your lines first, then check that each beginning letter matches the word you're spelling out - this is the key requirement of an acrostic poem.

Question. We cannot thank our soldiers enough. To express your admiration, draft a note of gratitude for their selfless service to the nation. (Word limit: 50 words)
Answer: Dear Bravehearts, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks for your constant dedication in protecting our nation. Your bravery and sacrifices keep us secure around the clock. We rest peacefully knowing you stand watch. Thank you for your unselfish service - you are our genuine heroes. May you remain safe and blessed always.
In simple words: We thank soldiers for working hard to keep us safe, even though it is dangerous. They are our true heroes.

Exam Tip: For gratitude notes, use warm, respectful language - include specific reasons why you're grateful and close with a sincere wish for their well-being.

Let Us Explore (Page 205)

Question. Design a badge of honour for the soldiers. You may make it by hand, with cardboard, paper, and colours, or alternately, design it digitally and take a printout. Remember to include a self-designed logo and a slogan in the badge.

This is a creative, hands-on activity. Students should create an original badge design that honors soldiers, incorporating a personal logo and meaningful slogan reflecting the themes of sacrifice, courage, and patriotism explored in the poem.

Question. Find out any poem or story in your mother tongue or regional language about the sacrifices and bravery of soldiers. Make a presentation in the class.

This activity encourages students to research and share literature from their own language and culture that celebrates soldiers' contributions, fostering appreciation for diverse cultural perspectives on heroism and national service.