22. If Solutions

22. If Solutions

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A. Think Quick
Write ‘Yes’ or ‘No’

1. Should you trust yourself when everyone else doubts you?
   Yes
2. Should you get tired of waiting and being patient?
   No
3. Should you only dream and not try to make those dreams come true?

No

4. Is it important to try and face the truth without fear?
   Yes
5. Should someone try to stand tall again after facing a defeat or a great disaster?

Yes

6. Should we build a good relationship with the rich and famous only?
   No

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B. Write Short Answers

1. List any two qualities mentioned in the poem that the poet considers to be the mark of a ‘Man’.
   The poet considers self-confidence and patience as two important qualities that define a ‘Man’.
2. What does the poet say about ‘lies’?

The poet advises that even if people lie about you, you should not deal in lies yourself.

3. What do people think of those who ‘talk too wise’?

People do not trust or respect those who ‘talk too wise’ because they often sound arrogant or overconfident. They may try to ignore other people because of their superior attitude.

4. How has the poet described those people ‘who twist the truth’?

The poet suggests that such people are knave or dishonest people.

5. What does the poet mean by ‘walk with kings’ but not lose the ‘common touch’?

The poet means that one should be able to associate with powerful and influential people but still remain humble and connected to ordinary people.

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C. Think and Answer

1. Why has the poet referred to ‘Triumph’ and ‘Disaster’ as ‘imposters’?

The poet calls ‘Triumph’ and ‘Disaster’ imposters because both success and failure are temporary and deceptive. One should not be overly affected by either but should maintain balance and resilience in life.

2. Explain this line in three to four sentences – ‘If you can think and not make thoughts your aim …’

The poet advises that while thinking is important, one should not become lost in thoughts without taking action. It is necessary to plan and reflect, but success comes only when thoughts are put into practice. Overthinking without execution leads nowhere. A person should maintain a balance between thought and action.

3. What is your opinion of someone who is taken in by lies?
   Someone who believes in lies easily can be misled and manipulated. It shows a lack of judgment and critical thinking. However, if they realize their mistake and learn from it, they can grow wiser and more cautious.
4. What should a person do, if things that matter most to him/her are destroyed or one faces failure?

A person should remain strong and rebuild everything with determination. The poet encourages resilience and perseverance, advising that one should not lose hope but start again with courage and faith in oneself.

5. In your own words, mention one quality that the poet speaks about in the poem, that you feel you have. Also mention one that you do not have but would like to have.

I feel I have patience, as I do not get frustrated easily and try to wait for the right moment. However, I would like to develop more courage to face difficult situations fearlessly.

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D. Reference to Context

‘If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With 60 seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it
And which is more, you’ll be a Man, my son!’

a. Who is the speaker?
The speaker is the poet, Rudyard Kipling.

b. Who is he speaking to?
He is speaking to his son, giving him life advice.

c. What does the speaker mean by the first two lines?
The speaker means that one should make the most of every single moment and not waste time. Each minute should be used wisely and productively.

d. What, according to the speaker, will happen if the person he is speaking to, does what is mentioned in the first two lines?
The speaker says that if a person uses time wisely and works hard, he will achieve success and gain control over his life.

e. What do these lines tell us about the theme of the poem?
These lines highlight the theme of perseverance, hard work, and making the best use of time.

f. Write your answer in about five sentences.

The lines emphasize the importance of time management and perseverance. The poet advises that every moment should be utilized effectively. If a person makes full use of time, he can achieve great success. The poem teaches resilience, patience, and hard work as the keys to success. The message is that a true ‘Man’ is someone who faces challenges bravely and never gives up.