Chapter – 03, Leisure, Class VI, English Literature, Dav Board, The Best Solutions.

Pre-reading Task

1. What do you do in free time?

Answer – In my free time, I enjoy reading books, listening to music, taking walks in the park, spending time with my family, and sometimes just sitting quietly and observing nature.

2. List at least five things that you want to do but cannot do because of lack of time.

Answer – (i) Learn to play a musical instrument

(ii) Go on nature hikes regularly

(iii) Spend more time painting or drawing

(iv) Visit my grandparents in the village

(v) Read all the books I’ve been collecting 

3. Do you enjoy the fast and hectic life of a metro city or the slow and peaceful village life far away from a city?

Answer – I prefer the slow and peaceful village life far away from a city. It allows me to breathe freely, stay close to nature, and spend time without constant stress or noise. The calmness of rural life is something the city cannot offer.

4. Make a list of at least five places (hill stations) that you would like to visit.

Answer – (i) Manali

(ii) Nainital

(iii) Darjeeling

(iv) Ooty

(v) Gulmarg

Why would you like to go to these places?

Answer – I would like to visit these hill stations because they offer scenic beauty, fresh mountain air, and a peaceful atmosphere. The natural surroundings, cool climate, and slower pace of life in these places would give me the relaxation and connection to nature that the poem “Leisure” talks about. It’s a perfect escape from the chaos of everyday city life.

Word Meaning

Summary in English

The poem “Leisure” by W.H. Davies highlights how people are too busy and preoccupied with daily worries that they forget to enjoy the simple beauty of life and nature. The poet laments that modern life offers no time to appreciate things like trees, animals, squirrels playing, streams sparkling like stars, or nature’s grace. According to the poet, a life that is full of care but has no time to “stand and stare” is a poor and incomplete life.

Summary in Hindi

कविता “Leisure” (फुर्सत) में डब्ल्यू. एच. डेविस बताते हैं कि आज का इंसान अपनी व्यस्तताओं और चिंताओं में इतना डूब गया है कि उसके पास जीवन की सुंदरता और प्रकृति को देखने का समय ही नहीं है। कवि को अफ़सोस है कि हमें पेड़ों की शाखाओं, खेलते गिलहरियों, बहती धाराओं या सुंदरता की झलक को देखने की भी फुर्सत नहीं है। कवि के अनुसार, ऐसी ज़िंदगी जो सिर्फ़ चिंता में डूबी हो और जिसमें ठहर कर देखने का समय न हो, वह अधूरी और निरर्थक है।

Understanding the Poem

A. Answer the following questions briefly:

1. What does the speaker miss because of lack of time?

Answer – The speaker misses observing and enjoying the beauty of nature such as trees, animals, streams, and the charm of the natural world due to a busy and care-filled life.

2. What do ‘stars in the stream’ (line 8) refer to?

Answer – The phrase refers to the sparkling effect of sunlight reflecting on water, which appears like stars in the night sky.

3. List the pairs of rhyming words in the poem.

Answer – care – stare

boughs – cows

pass – grass

daylight – night

glance – dance

can – began

B. In the poem ‘Leisure’, the poet depicts various things and animals as attributes of nature. Read the poem and complete the chart given below by filling in the names of appropriate things/animals in the bubbles:

Answer – Trees (boughs)

Sheep

Cows

Squirrels

Streams

Beauty (personified)

Sky

Stars

C. Now complete the chart given below by filling in the names of various animals/ things that you relate to city life.

Answer – Tall buildings

Traffic jams

Horns

Crowded streets

Gadgets

Neon lights

Workplaces

Alarms

Now bring out the contrast between the nature and city life.

Answer – Nature offers peace, beauty, and a calming rhythm. It allows people to relax and reflect. In contrast, city life is fast-paced, noisy, and stressful. People in cities are often too busy to enjoy small moments or observe the wonders around them.

HOTS

The phrase ‘no time’ has been repeated in the poem. Why has it been repeated?

Answer – The repetition emphasizes how modern life has become too busy and rushed. It reflects the speaker’s frustration that people no longer pause to enjoy simple pleasures. The repetition acts as a wake-up call to reconsider our priorities.

Life Skills

Why do people in cities normally face shortage of time? Is all the work they are busy doing productive? Discuss with your partner.

Answer – People in cities often have packed schedules filled with work, commuting, and other responsibilities. While some work is necessary, not all of it is truly productive or meaningful. Many people get caught up in routines, leaving little time for relaxation or creativity.

Values

1. Point out the beauties of nature that can be a source of pleasure for man in his day to day life.

Answer – Chirping birds

Flowing rivers

Blooming flowers

Sunset and sunrise

Snow-capped mountains

Gentle breeze

Starry night sky

Rustling leaves

1. Whenever the poet sees the streams in broad daylight, he is reminded of the skies at night. Explain why. How do you feel when you see—
2. squirrels dancing and running.

Answer – Joyful, playful, and energetic feeling

2. ants moving in a line.

Answer – Amazed by their discipline and teamwork

3. the sky full of stars.

Answer – Peaceful and inspired by the vastness

4. birds flying in the sky.

Answer – A sense of freedom and beauty

5. sunshine on water ripples.

Answer – Calming and magical to watch

Writing Skills

Last summer you went to ‘Jim Corbett National Park’ with your friends. You enjoyed watching animals in their natural habitat. Write a letter to your brother describing to him the satisfaction you derived from watching them.

Answer – Letter to Brother – Watching Animals in Natural Habitat

House No. 45,

Green Park Colony,

New Delhi – 110016

5th June 2025

Dear Brother,

I hope you are doing well. I’m writing to share my wonderful experience at Jim Corbett National Park last summer with my friends. Watching animals in their natural habitat was truly satisfying. We saw elephants bathing in rivers, deer grazing peacefully, and even caught a glimpse of a tiger from afar! The birds chirped melodiously, and monkeys swung playfully from tree to tree.

It was refreshing to observe how calm and undisturbed the forest life is, so different from the noisy city. This trip made me realize the beauty of wildlife and the need to preserve it. I wish you had been there with us!

Take care and write back soon.

Your loving brother,

Avi

Additional Questions and Answers – 01

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is the central theme of the poem Leisure?
2. a) Technology and its benefits
3. b) Importance of having money
4. c) Value of free time to enjoy nature ✅
5. d) Urban life
6. What does the poet compare stars in the stream to?
7. a) Fireflies
8. b) Raindrops
9. c) Skies at night ✅
10. d) Diamonds
11. According to the poet, what is missing in our lives?
12. a) Friends
13. b) Technology
14. c) Leisure time ✅
15. d) Ambition
16. What poetic device is used in the line “Streams full of stars, like skies at night”?
17. a) Metaphor
18. b) Personification
19. c) Simile ✅
20. d) Alliteration
21. What does the poet mean by “A poor life this if, full of care”?
22. a) A life without money is poor
23. b) A life filled with worries and no leisure is not worth living ✅
24. c) A life in the village is poor
25. d) A life without luxury is poor

Short Questions and Answers

1. Who is the speaker in the poem?
   Answer: The speaker is the poet, W. H. Davies, who is expressing his concern about the hurried life people live.
2. What does the poet regret in the poem?
   Answer: The poet regrets that people have no time to enjoy the simple beauties of nature.
3. What does the poet want us to observe in nature?
   Answer: The poet wants us to observe trees, animals like sheep and squirrels, streams, and the beauty of nature.
4. Why does the poet say “streams full of stars”?
   Answer: He refers to the way sunlight sparkles on the water, making it look like stars in the night sky.
5. What kind of life does the poet describe as ‘poor’?
   Answer: A life that is busy and full of care, with no time to enjoy nature, is described as poor.

Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion)

Question 1:

Assertion (A): The poet calls our life ‘poor’ if we have no time for nature.
Reason (R): Observing nature makes life richer and more meaningful.

1. a) Both A and R are true, and R explains A ✅
2. b) Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A
3. c) A is true, but R is false
4. d) A is false, but R is true

Question 2:

Assertion (A): The poet believes that staring at trees and animals is a waste of time.
Reason (R): The poet supports only a productive and fast-paced lifestyle.

1. a) Both A and R are true
2. b) A is true, R is false
3. c) A is false, R is true
4. d) Both A and R are false ✅

Question 3:

Assertion (A): Nature’s beauty is best enjoyed when we are relaxed.
Reason (R): Leisure allows people to observe and connect with the natural world.

1. a) Both A and R are true, and R explains A ✅
2. b) Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A
3. c) A is true, but R is false
4. d) A is false, but R is true

🧾 Long Questions and Answers (50–60 words)

1. Explain how the poem ‘Leisure’ highlights the contrast between the modern busy life and the peaceful experience of nature.
   Answer: The poem “Leisure” emphasizes that modern life is full of care and rush, leaving no time for people to enjoy the simple pleasures of nature. The poet contrasts this with the calm and joy one can feel by observing animals, trees, and streams, suggesting that life without such moments is incomplete and poor.
2. What does the poet want to convey by using the image of ‘streams full of stars’?
   Answer: The poet uses this image to describe the sparkling appearance of streams in daylight, which resemble the night sky filled with stars. It reflects the unnoticed beauty in everyday nature and highlights how people miss such wonders because they are too busy to look around and appreciate them.
3. Why is the poet critical of a life ‘full of care’? What is his message to the readers?
   Answer: The poet criticizes a life ‘full of care’ because it lacks time for peace, reflection, and appreciation of nature. His message is to slow down, live mindfully, and not become so consumed with work that we miss the beauty and joy surrounding us.
4. What role does nature play in the poem, and how does it affect human life according to the poet?
   Answer: Nature plays a vital role in providing peace, inspiration, and joy. According to the poet, observing nature can enrich our lives and help us relax and reconnect with the world. Without this connection, life becomes dull and empty, despite material success.

Additional Questions and Answers – 02

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is the main theme of the poem Leisure?
   a) The importance of hard work
   b) The need to appreciate nature’s beauty
   c) The value of wealth
   d) The joy of competition
   Answer: b) The need to appreciate nature’s beauty
2. What does the poet lament about in the poem?
   a) Lack of time to enjoy life
   b) Lack of money
   c) Lack of friends
   d) Lack of education
   Answer: a) Lack of time to enjoy life
3. What do sheep and cows do that humans do not, according to the poem?
   a) Run and play
   b) Stand and stare
   c) Work all day
   d) Hide in the woods
   Answer: b) Stand and stare
4. What does the poet compare the streams to in broad daylight?
   a) A mirror
   b) Skies at night
   c) A flowing river
   d) A starry field
   Answer: b) Skies at night
5. What does the poet mean by “Beauty’s glance” in the poem?
   a) A beautiful woman’s look
   b) The fleeting beauty of nature
   c) A sunrise
   d) A painting
   Answer: b) The fleeting beauty of nature
6. What does the poet suggest we should watch in Beauty?
   a) Her hands
   b) Her feet dancing
   c) Her hair
   d) Her smile
   Answer: b) Her feet dancing
7. What enriches Beauty’s smile, according to the poem?
   a) Her eyes
   b) Her mouth
   c) Her laughter
   d) Her voice
   Answer: b) Her mouth
8. What does the poet call a life “full of care”?
   a) A rich life
   b) A poor life
   c) A busy life
   d) A happy life
   Answer: b) A poor life
9. Where do squirrels hide their nuts, as mentioned in the poem?
   a) In trees
   b) In the grass
   c) In streams
   d) Under rocks
   Answer: b) In the grass
10. What does the poet imply by “no time to stand and stare”?
    a) People are too lazy
    b) People are too busy to appreciate life
    c) People dislike nature
    d) People are always traveling
    Answer: b) People are too busy to appreciate life

Short Questions and Answers

1. Q: What does the poet question in the first two lines?
   A: The value of a life full of care with no time to enjoy nature.
2. Q: What do sheep and cows have time to do?
   A: Stand and stare.
3. Q: Where do squirrels hide their nuts according to the poem?
   A: In the grass.
4. Q: What does the poet compare streams to in daylight?
   A: Skies at night.
5. Q: What does the poet personify as “Beauty” in the poem?
   A: Nature.
6. Q: What does Beauty’s mouth enrich?
   A: The smile her eyes began.
7. Q: What does the poet say about a life full of care?
   A: It is a poor life.
8. Q: What does the poet suggest we should watch in Beauty?
   A: Her feet dancing.
9. Q: What does the poet wish people had more time for?
   A: To stand and stare at nature.
10. Q: What natural scene does the poet mention involving woods?
    A: Squirrels hiding nuts in the grass.

Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion)

1. Assertion (A): The poet believes a life full of care is meaningless.
   Reasoning (R): He argues that without time to appreciate nature, life becomes poor.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R explains A. The poet calls a busy life “poor” because it lacks time for nature’s beauty.
2. Assertion (A): The poet envies sheep and cows for their simplicity.
   Reasoning (R): They have time to stand and stare, unlike busy humans.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R explains A. The poet highlights their ability to pause and enjoy life.
3. Assertion (A): The poet dislikes streams in daylight.
   Reasoning (R): He compares streams to starry skies, showing admiration.
   Answer: A is false, R is true. The comparison reflects the poet’s appreciation, not dislike, for streams.
4. Assertion (A): Beauty in the poem refers to a woman.
   Reasoning (R): Beauty is a personification of nature’s charm and grace.
   Answer: A is false, R is true. The poet uses Beauty to symbolize nature, not a specific woman.
5. Assertion (A): The poem encourages a slower pace of life.
   Reasoning (R): It urges people to take time to observe and appreciate nature’s wonders.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R explains A. The poet advocates for pausing to enjoy life’s beauty.

Long Questions and Answers

1. Q: How does the poet use the imagery of sheep and cows to convey his message?
   A: The poet uses sheep and cows to highlight their ability to stand and stare, contrasting this with humans’ busy lives. While these animals can pause and enjoy their surroundings, humans, “full of care,” rush past nature’s beauty. This imagery emphasizes the poet’s message that a meaningful life requires time to appreciate the simple wonders around us. (59 words)
2. Q: What role does the personification of Beauty play in the poem?
   A: The poet personifies nature as Beauty, describing her dancing feet and enriching smile to emphasize nature’s dynamic charm. This personification makes nature relatable, urging readers to pause and admire her fleeting glances. By giving nature human traits, the poet underscores the importance of taking time to connect with the world’s beauty, which humans often overlook. (58 words)
3. Q: How does the poet describe the beauty of streams in the poem?
   A: The poet describes streams in broad daylight as “full of stars, like skies at night,” creating a vivid image of their sparkling beauty. This comparison highlights the magical quality of nature, often unnoticed by busy humans. It reflects the poet’s longing for people to pause and appreciate the celestial wonder in everyday natural scenes. (56 words)
4. Q: Why does the poet call a life “full of care” a poor life?
   A: The poet calls a life “full of care” a poor life because it lacks time to enjoy nature’s beauty, like squirrels in the woods or dancing streams. He believes that constant busyness prevents people from experiencing life’s simple joys, making it unfulfilling. True richness lies in pausing to “stand and stare” at the world’s wonders. (57 words)
5. Q: What message does the poet convey through the imagery of squirrels and woods?
   A: Through the imagery of squirrels hiding nuts in the grass within woods, the poet conveys the message of nature’s hidden wonders. He laments that busy humans pass by without noticing these small, delightful activities. This imagery urges readers to slow down, observe, and appreciate the subtle beauty in everyday natural scenes, enriching their lives. (55 words)