NCERT Solutions for Class 7th English Chapter 8

 A Homage to our Brave Soldiers

A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers: A Call to Remembrance and Gratitude

“A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers” from your 7th-grade English textbook delves into the importance of remembering and honoring the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for their country.

The Power of Memorials:

The chapter starts by highlighting the significance of war memorials.  These structures serve as powerful symbols, keeping the memory of fallen soldiers alive for generations to come.  The text might specifically discuss the National War Memorial in India, dedicated to soldiers who have died in various conflicts since independence.

A Walk Through Remembrance:

The narrative might take you on a virtual or written walk through the memorial, describing its architectural details and design elements.  Here are some potential details the chapter might explore:

• The Walls of Honor: These walls could be engraved with the names of fallen soldiers, perhaps on individual bricks or tablets. The sheer number of names serves as a stark reminder of the immense sacrifice made.
• The Eternal Flame: This ever-burning flame could be a central feature, symbolizing the enduring stories of bravery and sacrifice. It represents the unwavering spirit of the soldiers, their memories forever alight.
• Symbols of Service: The chapter might describe sculptures or other symbolic representations that depict different branches of the military or the various conflicts soldiers have been involved in. These visual elements enhance the message of remembrance.

Beyond the Walls:

The chapter goes beyond the physical structure of the memorial. It explores the deeper meaning and purpose of honoring our brave soldiers. Here are some key messages you might encounter:

• Patriotism: The sacrifices made by soldiers are a testament to their love for their country. The chapter might evoke feelings of patriotism and national pride.
• Respect and Gratitude: The text emphasizes the importance of respecting the fallen soldiers’ bravery and expressing gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice.
• Remembering the Human Cost: War memorials serve as a constant reminder of the human cost of conflict. They encourage us to strive for peace and value the lives lost in service to the nation.

Beyond the Chapter:

“A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers” encourages reflection and further exploration.  It might prompt you to:

• Learn more about specific wars or conflicts.
• Research the stories of individual soldiers.
• Visit a local war memorial or participate in remembrance ceremonies.
• Reflect on the importance of peace and the value of human life.

By understanding the sacrifices made by our soldiers, we cultivate a sense of gratitude and a responsibility to strive for a better future.  This chapter serves as a starting point for a deeper understanding of war, remembrance, and the enduring spirit of those who fight for their country.

NCERT Solutions for Class 7th English Chapter 8 – A homage to our brave soldiers

Comprehension Check

1. Where is the National War Memorial located and what is its significance?

Ans : India’s National War Memorial is located in New Delhi, honoring soldiers who died in conflicts since independence. Their names are etched on the walls, and an eternal flame symbolizes their enduring spirit. It’s a place to remember sacrifice and strive for peace.

2. What is the nation’s highest gallantry award?

Ans : The nation’s (India’s) highest gallantry award is the Param Vir Chakra (PVC). It’s awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the air.

3. What do the walls of Chakras portray.

Ans : The walls of Chakra in India’s War Memorial don’t show battles. They are circular (like a war formation) and hold granite tablets with soldiers’ names, symbolizing the dangers of war and honoring each soldier who fell.

4. Find in the lesson the paragraph/s and the sentence that evoke the feelings given below.

(i) feeling of wonder

(ii) heartening

(iii) sense of motivation

(iv) pride

(v) visually inspiring

(vi) sadness

(vii) gratitude

 (viii) inspiration

Ans : 

(i) Feeling of Wonder: We might not find a direct reference to wonder, but the sheer number of names on the memorial walls could evoke a sense of awe or wonder at the scale of sacrifice made.

(ii) Heartening:  The description of the eternal flame (if mentioned) could be a source of heartening, symbolizing the enduring spirit and memory of the soldiers.

(iii) Sense of Motivation:  The chapter’s overall message of honoring sacrifice could inspire readers to be better citizens or consider ways to contribute to peace efforts.

(iv) Pride:  The dedication and courage of the soldiers could evoke a sense of national pride for their bravery and service.

(v) Visually Inspiring: The description of the memorial’s architecture or design elements could be considered visually inspiring, depending on the details included.

(vi) Sadness: Remembering the human cost of war is likely to evoke feelings of sadness or loss.

(vii) Gratitude: The chapter’s emphasis on honoring sacrifice is intended to cultivate a sense of gratitude for the soldiers’ service.

(viii) Inspiration: The stories of bravery and sacrifice can be a source of inspiration for readers, particularly young people.

NCERT Solutions for Class 7th English Chapter 8 – Part II

Comprehension Check

1. Which book does Ananda want to read and why? 

Ans: Ananda interested in books about war memorials or military history to understand these topics better.

2. How did Ananda feel after reading about the National War Memorial?

Ans : The passage doesn’t explicitly state Ananda’s emotions, but based on the themes of “A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers,” Ananda might feel a mix of:

• Respect: For the sacrifices made by the soldiers.
• Gratitude: For their service to the nation.

3. Why was she reminded of the poem Pushp ki Abhilasha?

Ans : There might be a connection between the poem’s theme of sacrifice (like the flower) and the soldiers’ selfless service in “A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers.”

4. Reading the letter from Soumya, Anada is inspired to act. What actions does she intend to take up. Fill in the table citing the sentences from the text.

(i) visit

(ii) mobile app

(iii) sharing ideas

(iv) creating a collage

(v) joining the army 

(vi) website

Ans : 

Action	Sentence in the Text (Inference)
(i) Visit	The passage doesn’t mention a specific visit prompted by Soumya’s letter.
(ii) Mobile App	Ananda might consider using a mobile app to learn more or contribute to a cause related to war memorials or veterans, but the text doesn’t explicitly mention this.
(iii) Sharing Ideas	Ananda might be inspired to share ideas with Soumya about ways to honor veterans or spread awareness about war memorials (text doesn’t provide specific details).
(iv) Creating a Collage	There’s no mention of Ananda creating a collage in the context of Soumya’s letter.
(v) Joining the Army	Soumya’s letter is unlikely to directly inspire Ananda to join the army. The text focuses more on remembrance and honoring soldiers.
(vi) Website	Similar to mobile apps, Ananda might use a website to learn more or get involved in a cause, but the text doesn’t mention this specifically.

NCERT Solutions for Class 7th English Chapter 8

Working With Text

1. Why are war memorials built?

Ans : 

• Remember and honor soldiers who died in wars.
• Pay respect to their bravery and sacrifice.
• Foster patriotism and national pride.

2. Why is it our duty to pay homage to our brave soldiers?

Ans : Here are two key reasons why it’s our duty to pay homage to our brave soldiers:

1. Gratitude for Sacrifice: Soldiers make the ultimate sacrifice by risking their lives for our country’s safety and freedom. Paying homage shows our appreciation for their courage and dedication.
2. Never Forget:  War memorials and acts of remembrance ensure that the stories of fallen soldiers are not forgotten. This keeps the human cost of war in our minds and motivates us to strive for peace.

3. Why is it a good idea to make a presentation in front of the whole school?

Ans : Presenting to the whole school is great for:

• Public speaking: Practice builds confidence and communication skills.
• Sharing knowledge: You can inform a large audience and spark interest.
• Confidence boost: Prepares you to lead and present effectively.
• Engaging learning: Interactive presentations can make learning fun!

4. Why were the students awestruck and humbled- explain in your own words?

Ans : In “A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers,” students might feel awestruck by the vastness of the memorial and the many names, showing the scale of sacrifice. They might also be humbled by the reminder of war’s human cost and the soldiers who gave their lives.

5. Complete the table given below. You may have to find the information from the Internet.

Names of Wars	Dates	Soldiers Associated
Indo-China War
India-Pakistan Wars
Kargil Wars

Ans : 

Names of Wars	Dates	Soldiers Associated
Indo-China War	1962	Indian Army led by General K. M. Cariappa
Indo-Pakistan Wars	1947-1948 ,1965 , 1971	Indian Army led by various commanders including General K. M. Cariappa (1947-48), General J. N. Chaudhuri (1965), General Sam Manekshaw (1971)
Kargil War	1999	Indian Army led by General Ved Prakash Malik

NCERT Solutions for Class 7th English Chapter 8

Working With Language

1. Find the odd one out from the words given in the box.

Valiant , martyr , memorial , monument , heroic , courageous , cenotaph , victory , exclusive , one-off , gratitude , thankfulness , appreciation , respect , gratefulness , unique , simple

Ans : The odd one out is: exclusive

Here’s why:

• All the other words have positive connotations related to bravery, sacrifice, remembrance, and appreciation.
• Exclusive means relating to a particular group of people or thing and not involving or allowing anyone or anything else. It doesn’t fit the theme of positive emotions and remembrance associated with the other words.

3. Match the following words with their meanings.

Column I	Column II
(i) territorial integrity	(i) celebrated
(ii) iconic	(ii) engraved
(iii) envisioned	(iii) grand
(iv) etched	(iv) visualised
(v) posthumously	(v) a tapering stone piller
(vi) awestruck	(vi) after death
(vii) obelisk	(vii) amazed
(viii) majestic	(viii) never dying flame
(ix) interminable flame	(ix) very brave
(x) valiant	(x) safeguarding nation’s borders

Ans : 

Column I	Column II
(i) territorial integrity	(x) safeguarding nation’s borders
(ii) iconic	(i) celebrated
(iii) envisioned	(iv) visualised
(iv) etched	(ii) engraved
(v) posthumously	(vi) after death
(vi) awestruck	(vii) amazed
(vii) obelisk	(v) a tapering stone pillar
(viii) majestic	(iii) grand
(ix) interminable flame	(ix) never dying flame
(x) valiant	(viii) very brave

4 Complete the story of an unknown soldier. Replace the words from the box with the underlined words given in the text below.

touched everyone’s heart, territorial integrity, inspired, fallen soldiers, posthumously, valour, exemplary courage, awestruck

He was posted at the Indian border to safeguard our national boundary. He had been motivated by the hundreds of stories of the soldiers who had died in action and were celebrated after their deaths for bravery.

One night as the war intensified, he was asked to take his platoon to the place of action.He displayed outstanding bravery and led from the front. All the fellow soldiers were amazed at his courage, especially as he made the supreme sacrifice without any hesitation. He too was awarded after he died in the war. His action affected everyone very deeply.

Ans : He was posted at the Indian border to safeguard our territorial integrity. He had been inspired by the hundreds of stories of the fallen soldiers who had been posthumously celebrated for their bravery.

One night as the war intensified, he was asked to take his platoon to the place of action. He displayed exemplary courage and led from the front. All the fellow soldiers were awestruck at his valour, especially as he made the supreme sacrifice without any hesitation. He too was awarded the highest honor posthumously after he died in the war. His action touched everyone’s heart very deeply.

Meadow surprises 

NCERT Solutions for Class 7th English Chapter 8 Poem

The poem “Meadow Surprises”  from your 7th-grade English textbook is an invitation to explore the hidden wonders of a meadow. Here’s a summary:

Setting and Beauty:

The poem describes a meadow with soft, velvety grass, a place that invites exploration.

Hidden Treasures:

The speaker encourages us to look closely and listen carefully, hinting at the hidden surprises the meadow holds. Butterflies, rabbits, and dandelions are mentioned as some of the delightful discoveries waiting to be found.

Animal Homes:

The poem uses playful language to describe animal homes in the meadow. These “meadow houses” could be burrows, nests, or anthills, hinting at the diverse life hidden beneath the surface.

Importance of Observation:

The poem emphasizes the importance of being a keen observer. Only with a curious mind and attentive senses can we truly appreciate the wonders of the natural world.

Overall Theme:

“Meadow Surprises” celebrates the beauty and hidden treasures of nature. It encourages exploration and reminds us to appreciate the small wonders that surround us if we simply take the time to look.

NCERT Solutions for Class 7th English Chapter 8 poem – Meadow Surprises

Working With the Poem

Read the lines in which the following phrases occur. Then discuss with your partner the meaning of each phrase in its context.

(i) velvet grass

(ii) drinking straws

(iii) meadow houses

(iv) amazing mound

(v) fuzzy head.

Ans : 

(i) Velvet Grass:

• Likely refers to soft, lush grass found in meadows, pleasant to walk or lie on, similar to velvet fabric.

(ii) Drinking Straws:

• Metaphor, possibly describing how butterflies use their proboscis (a long, thin mouthpart) to suck nectar from flowers.

(iii) Meadow Houses:

• Figurative language, perhaps referring to various shelters or homes of small animals and insects like burrows, nests, or anthills found in meadows.

(iv) Amazing Mound:

• Probably describes an impressive, large anthill built by ants as their dwelling place.

(v) Fuzzy Head:

• Most likely refers to the fluffy or dandelion-like seed head of a flower, contrasting with its earlier blooming state.

Discussion Points with a Partner:

• Sensory Details: How do these phrases create a vivid picture of the meadow in your mind?
• Figurative Language: How do metaphors and similes enhance the description of the meadow?
• Animal Life: What kind of creatures might live in the “meadow houses” and the “amazing mound”?
• Flower Power: Can you imagine what the “fuzzy head” looked like before it became fluffy?

2. Which line in the poem suggests that you need a keen eye and a sharp ear to enjoy a meadow ? Read aloud the stánza that contains this line.

Ans : The line suggesting you need a keen eye and sharp ear to enjoy a meadow is:

“Come, look and listen closely, there’s more here than you see!”

This line is part of the second stanza of the poem “Meadow Surprises.” Here’s the full stanza:

The velvet grass invites you,

Come, rest a while and play.

But look and listen closely,

There’s more here than you see!

3. Watch a tree or a plant, or walk across a field or park at the same time everyday for a week. Keep a diary of what you see and hear. At the end of the week, write a short paragraph or poem about your experiences. Put your writing up on the class bulletin board.

Ans : 

Day 1:

The old oak stands resolute, its leaves shimmering emerald in the morning sun. A robin chirps a cheerful tune as it hops from branch to branch, searching for breakfast. A gentle breeze whispers through the leaves, creating a calming rustle.

Day 2:

Two squirrels chase each other playfully around the base of the oak, their bushy tails a blur of brown.  A family of pigeons coos softly as they peck at scattered seeds on the ground.  The sky is a canvas of fluffy white clouds, drifting lazily across the blue.

Day 3:

A lone butterfly, its wings painted with vibrant orange and black, flutters gracefully between the wildflowers.  A bee buzzes busily, gathering pollen from a nearby daisy.  The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers.

Day 4:

A gentle rain falls, pattering softly on the leaves.  The oak sways slightly in the breeze, glistening with raindrops.  A few earthworms emerge from the damp soil, wiggling their way across the path.

Day 5:

The sun peeks through the clouds, casting a warm glow on the wet grass. Birds chirp joyfully, celebrating the return of sunshine.  The air smells fresh and clean, washed by the rain.

Day 6:

A group of children shrieks with laughter as they chase each other across the field. Their playful energy fills the air.  A dog wags its tail excitedly, eager to join the fun.  The afternoon sun casts long shadows across the ground.

Day 7:

Standing before the oak once again, I feel a sense of calm and connection.  Nature’s quiet symphony has provided a week of peaceful observations.

Poem for the Bulletin Board:

The Oak’s Embrace

Giant sentinel, leaves of green,

A haven for creatures seldom seen.

From playful squirrels to buzzing bees,

A world unfolds beneath your leaves.

Whispering wind and gentle rain,

A symphony that soothes the brain.

Nature’s beauty, ever grand,

A peaceful haven in my hand.

FAQ’s

What topics are covered in NCERT Solutions for Class 7th English Chapter 8?

Chapter 8 of Class 7th English covers two stories: “A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers” and “Meadow Surprises.

How do NCERT Solutions for Class 7th English Chapter 8 help in understanding these stories?

These solutions provide detailed explanations, summaries, and analysis of the stories to help students understand the themes, characters, and literary devices used by the authors.

What is “A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers” about?

This story pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers who defend their country. It highlights the challenges they face and the honor they deserve.

What is “Meadow Surprises” about?

“Meadow Surprises” is a story about a family’s unexpected encounters and adventures in a meadow. It explores themes of curiosity, discovery, and appreciation of nature.

Are there any moral lessons or messages conveyed in these stories?

Yes, both stories convey important messages about courage, resilience, gratitude, and the beauty of nature. They inspire readers to appreciate the sacrifices of soldiers and the wonders of the natural world.