Q: Pre-reading Task

Pre-reading Task Have you observed a tree grow? Does it grow quickly or take long to grow? Answer- Yes, I have observed a tree grow. It takes a long time to grow. Trees grow slowly over many years, developing strong trunks, long branches, and dense leaves. List the things we get from trees. Answer- Oxygen Fruits and vegetables Wood for furniture and fuel Shade and shelter Paper Medicine Rubber and resins Clean air and a cooler environment Why do we cut trees? Answer- Trees are often cut for timber, to make space for buildings and roads, for firewood, and for agricultural or industrial development. Sometimes, trees are also cut due to lack of awareness about their importance. Is it good to cut trees? Answer- No, it is not good to cut trees unnecessarily. Trees are vital for maintaining ecological balance, providing oxygen, and supporting wildlife. Cutting trees harms the environment and contributes to climate change, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity.

Q: Summary - Our Tree

Summary In English The poem “Our Tree” describes the slow and majestic growth of a tree, particularly an elm that has stood outside the poet’s school for generations. It grew for many years, spreading its branches and offering shade across the playground. The poet reflects on how this tree has witnessed the passage of time, even before his grandfather’s days. However, in a heartbreaking twist, three men come and cut the tree down in just ten minutes, highlighting how something that takes years to grow can be destroyed in moments. सारांश हिंदी में कविता “Our Tree” एक वृक्ष की धीमी और शानदार वृद्धि का वर्णन करती है, विशेष रूप से एक एल्म वृक्ष का जो स्कूल के बाहर कई पीढ़ियों से खड़ा था। यह पेड़ वर्षों तक बढ़ता रहा, अपनी शाखाएँ फैलाता और खेल के मैदान पर अपनी छाया देता रहा। कवि यह दर्शाता है कि यह पेड़ उसके दादा और उनके पूर्वजों के समय से वहीं था। लेकिन दुखद रूप से, तीन लोग आते हैं और उस पेड़ को केवल दस मिनट में काट देते हैं, यह दर्शाते हुए कि वर्षों में बना कोई भी मूल्यवान चीज़ क्षणों में नष्ट की जा सकती है।

Q: A. Understanding the Poem

Understanding the Poem Complete the summary of the poem by filling in the blanks with appropriate words: A tree takes a long time to grow. For many years, the trunk of the tree ___________ the sky to grow higher and higher. The branches grow long as if they were ___________ their arms and ___________ fingers. With every year, the seasons change and the tree leaves also change from green to yellow and then from yellow to green. Since the time of the speaker’s grandfather’s father, there had been an ___________ outside his school whose ___________ could be seen across the playground. The speaker felt sad when this tree was ___________ off by some men within ten minutes. Answer – A tree takes a long time to grow. For many years, the trunk of the tree pushes the sky to grow higher and higher. The branches grow long as if they were stretching their arms and reaching out with wooden fingers. With every year, the seasons change and the tree leaves also change from green to yellow and then from yellow to green. Since the time of the speaker’s grandfather’s father, there had been an elm tree outside his school whose shadow could be seen across the playground. The speaker felt sad when this tree was chopped off by some men within ten minutes.

Q: B . Answer the following questions in brief:

B . Answer the following questions in brief: What do ‘the arms’ in line 3 refer to? Answer – ‘The arms’ refer to the long branches of the tree. What do ‘wooden fingers’ in line 4 refer to? Answer – ‘Wooden fingers’ refer to the thin ends of the tree branches that stretch outwards. Bring out the contrast between the beginning and the ending of the poem. Answer – In the beginning, the poem describes the slow, majestic growth of the tree over many years. By contrast, the ending shows how the tree is cut down in just ten minutes, emphasizing the ease with which something valuable and ancient can be destroyed.

Q: HOTS

HOTS What does the poet want to convey by saying, ‘It took ten minutes’. Discuss with your partner. Answer – The poet wants to highlight the painful irony that while a tree takes decades to grow and become strong, it can be destroyed in just a few minutes. It shows how humans easily destroy nature without valuing its worth. The poet has mentioned many phrases and words in the poem telling that it takes long for a tree to grow. Discuss. Answer – Yes, the poet uses phrases like “so many years,” “pushing the sky,” and references to generations (grandfather’s father) to show the slow, lifelong process of a tree growing. This builds the contrast with its sudden destruction.

Q: Life Skills

Life Skills Imagine that you adopted a plant in your school or near your house. Write five things you would do to help it grow into a strong big tree. Answer – I will water the plant regularly. I will ensure it gets enough sunlight. I will protect it from pests and animals. I will add organic compost to the soil. I will tie it to a stick to support it until it becomes strong.

Q: Values

Values You have observed that vast stretches of grassland that were the lungs of your town have been converted into concrete jungles. Discuss with your partner the possible consequences of this cruel activity. Answer – This activity leads to many problems like air pollution, increased temperature, and loss of natural habitat for birds and animals. It also affects rainfall patterns and leads to a lack of green spaces, making cities hotter and more congested. It can even impact mental and physical health.

Q: Writing Skills

Writing Skills On the occasion of ‘Van Mahotsava’, prepare a speech to be delivered in the morning assembly on the topic ‘Save Trees, Save Life’. Answer – Speech: “Save Trees, Save Life” Good morning respected Principal, teachers, and dear friends, Today, on the occasion of Van Mahotsava, I want to talk about something very important—”Save Trees, Save Life.” We keep gold very carefully because its costly and enhances our beauty, social respect and make us rich in some aspect. Likewise, trees are also considered as green gold of the nature. It keeps us healthy. Wo, we also preserve tress as much as we can. Trees are the lungs of our planet. They give us oxygen, purify the air, reduce pollution, and bring rain. Without trees, life on Earth would not be possible. Yet, we see forests being cut down every day for buildings and roads. Let us remember, a single tree takes years to grow, but just minutes to cut. We must protect our trees and plant more. Let’s make a promise today—to plant trees, care for them, and never harm nature. Plant a tree, and you plant a future. Save trees, save Earth. Save life. Thank you.

Question 1

Pre-reading Task

Accepted Answer

Pre-reading Task

Have you observed a tree grow? Does it grow quickly or take long to grow?

Answer- Yes, I have observed a tree grow. It takes a long time to grow. Trees grow slowly over many years, developing strong trunks, long branches, and dense leaves.

List the things we get from trees.

Answer- Oxygen

Fruits and vegetables

Wood for furniture and fuel

Shade and shelter

Paper

Medicine

Rubber and resins

Clean air and a cooler environment

Why do we cut trees?

Answer- Trees are often cut for timber, to make space for buildings and roads, for firewood, and for agricultural or industrial development. Sometimes, trees are also cut due to lack of awareness about their importance.

Is it good to cut trees?

Answer- No, it is not good to cut trees unnecessarily. Trees are vital for maintaining ecological balance, providing oxygen, and supporting wildlife. Cutting trees harms the environment and contributes to climate change, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity.

Question 2

Word Meaning

Accepted Answer

Word Meaning

Word/Phrase	English Meaning	Hindi Meaning
Grow	To increase in size or develop over time	बढ़ना / विकसित होना
Pushing the sky	Reaching upwards, growing tall	आकाश को छूने की कोशिश करना
Branches	Parts of a tree that grow from the trunk	शाखाएँ
Stretch	To extend or reach out	फैलना / बढ़ाना
Wooden fingers	A metaphor for tree branches	लकड़ी की उंगलियाँ (शाखाओं का रूपक)
Drift	To move slowly, usually carried by wind or water	धीरे-धीरे बहना / बहकना
Leaves	Flat, green parts of a plant or tree	पत्तियाँ
From green to yellow	Changing colors with seasons	हरे से पीले रंग में परिवर्तन
Grandad	Informal word for grandfather	दादाजी / नानाजी
Elm	A type of tree with broad leaves	एक प्रकार का वृक्ष (एल्म)
Playground	An area where children play	खेल का मैदान
Ripped it down	Destroyed or cut something down suddenly	गिरा दिया / काट दिया
Chopped	Cut into pieces	काट दिया

Question 3

Summary - Our Tree

Accepted Answer

Summary In English

The poem “Our Tree” describes the slow and majestic growth of a tree, particularly an elm that has stood outside the poet’s school for generations. It grew for many years, spreading its branches and offering shade across the playground. The poet reflects on how this tree has witnessed the passage of time, even before his grandfather’s days. However, in a heartbreaking twist, three men come and cut the tree down in just ten minutes, highlighting how something that takes years to grow can be destroyed in moments.

सारांश हिंदी में

कविता “Our Tree” एक वृक्ष की धीमी और शानदार वृद्धि का वर्णन करती है, विशेष रूप से एक एल्म वृक्ष का जो स्कूल के बाहर कई पीढ़ियों से खड़ा था। यह पेड़ वर्षों तक बढ़ता रहा, अपनी शाखाएँ फैलाता और खेल के मैदान पर अपनी छाया देता रहा। कवि यह दर्शाता है कि यह पेड़ उसके दादा और उनके पूर्वजों के समय से वहीं था। लेकिन दुखद रूप से, तीन लोग आते हैं और उस पेड़ को केवल दस मिनट में काट देते हैं, यह दर्शाते हुए कि वर्षों में बना कोई भी मूल्यवान चीज़ क्षणों में नष्ट की जा सकती है।

Question 4

A. Understanding the Poem

Accepted Answer

Understanding the Poem

Complete the summary of the poem by filling in the blanks with appropriate words:

A tree takes a long time to grow. For many years, the trunk of the tree ___________ the sky to grow higher and higher. The branches grow long as if they were ___________ their arms and ___________ fingers. With every year, the seasons change and the tree leaves also change from green to yellow and then from yellow to green. Since the time of the speaker’s grandfather’s father, there had been an ___________ outside his school whose ___________ could be seen across the playground. The speaker felt sad when this tree was ___________ off by some men within ten minutes.

Answer –

A tree takes a long time to grow. For many years, the trunk of the tree pushes the sky to grow higher and higher. The branches grow long as if they were stretching their arms and reaching out with wooden fingers. With every year, the seasons change and the tree leaves also change from green to yellow and then from yellow to green. Since the time of the speaker’s grandfather’s father, there had been an elm tree outside his school whose shadow could be seen across the playground. The speaker felt sad when this tree was chopped off by some men within ten minutes.

Question 5

B . Answer the following questions in brief:

Accepted Answer

B . Answer the following questions in brief:

What do ‘the arms’ in line 3 refer to?

Answer – ‘The arms’ refer to the long branches of the tree.

What do ‘wooden fingers’ in line 4 refer to?

Answer – ‘Wooden fingers’ refer to the thin ends of the tree branches that stretch outwards.

Bring out the contrast between the beginning and the ending of the poem.

Answer – In the beginning, the poem describes the slow, majestic growth of the tree over many years. By contrast, the ending shows how the tree is cut down in just ten minutes, emphasizing the ease with which something valuable and ancient can be destroyed.

Question 6

C. The poet has used ...

Accepted Answer

C. The poet has used some imaginative metaphors and beautiful similes in the poem. In the table given below are some extracts from the poem. Mention whether the extract is a simile or a metaphor.

Extracts	Simile or Metaphor
So many years of pushing the sky	Metaphor
Long branches stretch the arms	Metaphor
Reach out with their wooden fingers	Metaphor
Years drift by, fall like leaves	Simile

Question 7

HOTS

Accepted Answer

HOTS

What does the poet want to convey by saying, ‘It took ten minutes’. Discuss with your partner.

Answer – The poet wants to highlight the painful irony that while a tree takes decades to grow and become strong, it can be destroyed in just a few minutes. It shows how humans easily destroy nature without valuing its worth.

The poet has mentioned many phrases and words in the poem telling that it takes long for a tree to grow. Discuss.

Answer – Yes, the poet uses phrases like “so many years,” “pushing the sky,” and references to generations (grandfather’s father) to show the slow, lifelong process of a tree growing. This builds the contrast with its sudden destruction.

Question 8

Life Skills

Accepted Answer

Life Skills

Imagine that you adopted a plant in your school or near your house. Write five things you would do to help it grow into a strong big tree.

Answer – I will water the plant regularly.

I will ensure it gets enough sunlight.

I will protect it from pests and animals.

I will add organic compost to the soil.

I will tie it to a stick to support it until it becomes strong.

Question 9

Values

Accepted Answer

Values

You have observed that vast stretches of grassland that were the lungs of your town have been converted into concrete jungles. Discuss with your partner the possible consequences of this cruel activity.

Answer – This activity leads to many problems like air pollution, increased temperature, and loss of natural habitat for birds and animals. It also affects rainfall patterns and leads to a lack of green spaces, making cities hotter and more congested. It can even impact mental and physical health.

Question 10

Writing Skills

Accepted Answer

Writing Skills

On the occasion of ‘Van Mahotsava’, prepare a speech to be delivered in the morning assembly on the topic ‘Save Trees, Save Life’.

Answer – Speech: “Save Trees, Save Life”

Good morning respected Principal, teachers, and dear friends,

Today, on the occasion of Van Mahotsava, I want to talk about something very important—”Save Trees, Save Life.”

We keep gold very carefully because its costly and enhances our beauty, social respect and make us rich in some aspect. Likewise, trees are also considered as green gold of the nature. It keeps us healthy. Wo, we also preserve tress as much as we can.

Trees are the lungs of our planet. They give us oxygen, purify the air, reduce pollution, and bring rain. Without trees, life on Earth would not be possible. Yet, we see forests being cut down every day for buildings and roads.

Let us remember, a single tree takes years to grow, but just minutes to cut. We must protect our trees and plant more. Let’s make a promise today—to plant trees, care for them, and never harm nature.

Plant a tree, and you plant a future.

Save trees, save Earth. Save life.

Thank you.

Question 11

Additional Questions -01

Accepted Answer

Additional Questions And Answers – 01

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

What does the tree try to “push” according to the poet?
a) The earth
b) The clouds
c) The sky
d) The wind
✅ Answer: c) The sky
How long had the elm tree stood outside the school?
a) For five years
b) Since the speaker’s childhood
c) Since the speaker’s grandfather’s father
d) Since last season
✅ Answer: c) Since the speaker’s grandfather’s father
What does the phrase “Years drift by, fall like leaves” suggest?
a) Passage of seasons
b) Passage of time
c) Dry leaves flying
d) Change of weather
✅ Answer: b) Passage of time
What emotion does the poet express at the end of the poem?
a) Joy
b) Surprise
c) Sorrow
d) Excitement
✅ Answer: c) Sorrow
How long did it take the men to chop down the tree?
a) One hour
b) Ten minutes
c) One day
d) A week
✅ Answer: b) Ten minutes
What kind of tree stood outside the school?
a) Banyan
b) Oak
c) Elm
d) Neem
✅ Answer: c) Elm

Short Answer Questions:

What does the tree symbolize in the poem?
Answer: The tree symbolizes time, history, strength, and nature’s patience and beauty.
What change occurs in the tree every year?
Answer: The tree’s leaves change color from green to yellow and back to green, indicating the passing of seasons.
Why does the poet feel sad at the end of the poem?
Answer: The poet feels sad because the ancient elm tree, which took generations to grow, was cut down in just ten minutes.
What is the tone of the poem?
Answer: The tone of the poem is nostalgic and sorrowful, especially towards the end.
What did the elm tree provide in the playground?
Answer: It provided a long shadow across the playground.

Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning & Assertion):

Assertion (A): The poet feels a deep sense of loss when the tree is cut down.
Reason (R): Trees can be cut down quickly but take a long time to grow.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.
✅ Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Assertion (A): The tree was important to the speaker and the school.
Reason (R): The tree was used to build the new playground equipment.
a) A is true and R is true; R is the correct explanation of A
b) A is true and R is true; R is not the correct explanation of A
c) A is true, but R is false
d) A is false, but R is true
✅ Answer: c) A is true, but R is false

Assertion (A): The poet compares the falling of years to leaves.
Reason (R): The leaves and years both fall silently and mark the passage of time.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.
✅ Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Long Answer Questions (50–60 words):

Describe how the poet presents the growth of the tree and its destruction.
Answer:
The poet shows the slow and graceful growth of a tree as it stretches towards the sky over generations. Its branches and leaves symbolize time and life. However, the tree is cut down within minutes by men, showing how something that took years to grow was destroyed in a flash, leaving the poet heartbroken.

What message does the poem convey about human actions and nature?
Answer:
The poem highlights the insensitivity of humans towards nature. While a tree represents patience, history, and life, people destroy it within minutes for their convenience. It emphasizes the need to value and protect trees, as their loss leads to emotional and environmental damage.

Explain the symbolism of the tree in the poem.
Answer:
The tree symbolizes time, heritage, and stability. It connects generations and provides shade and beauty. Its slow growth reflects nature’s rhythm. When it is cut down, the poet uses this event to symbolize the careless destruction of tradition, beauty, and the environment by humans in the modern world.

Question 12

Additional Questions -02

Accepted Answer

Additional Questions And Answers – 02

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

What type of tree is mentioned in the poem?
a) Oak
b) Elm
c) Pine
d) Maple
Answer: b) Elm
How long did it take for the tree to be cut down?
a) One hour
b) Ten minutes
c) One day
d) Thirty minutes
Answer: b) Ten minutes
What does the poem compare the tree’s branches to?
a) Wooden fingers
b) Green leaves
c) Sky pushers
d) Falling years
Answer: a) Wooden fingers
What does the tree’s shadow cover in the poem?
a) The school building
b) The playground
c) The street
d) The garden
Answer: b) The playground
How are the years described in the poem?
a) They grow like branches
b) They drift by, fall like leaves
c) They stretch like arms
d) They stand still
Answer: b) They drift by, fall like leaves
Who is mentioned as having seen the tree when he was a boy?
a) The speaker
b) The speaker’s father
c) The speaker’s grandfather
d) The speaker’s teacher
Answer: c) The speaker’s grandfather
What do the tree’s branches do in the poem?
a) They touch the ground
b) They stretch and reach out
c) They fall like leaves
d) They cover the sky
Answer: b) They stretch and reach out
What imagery is used to describe the passage of time in the poem?
a) The changing seasons
b) The falling leaves
c) The growing roots
d) The rising sun
Answer: b) The falling leaves
What emotion is implied by the description of the tree being “ripped down”?
a) Joy
b) Sadness
c) Excitement
d) Indifference
Answer: b) Sadness
How many men were involved in cutting down the tree?
a) Two
b) Three
c) Four
d) Five
Answer: b) Three

Short Questions and Answers

What is the main subject of the poem?
Answer: The main subject is an elm tree outside the school.
How long did the tree take to grow according to the poem?
Answer: Many years, since the speaker’s grandfather’s time.
What part of the tree is compared to wooden fingers?
Answer: The branches.
Where was the tree located?
Answer: Outside the school, near the playground.
What happens to the tree at the end of the poem?
Answer: It is chopped down by three men.
How is the passage of time described in the poem?
Answer: Years drift by and fall like leaves.
What colors are mentioned in relation to the leaves?
Answer: Green and yellow.
What did the tree’s shadow cover?
Answer: The playground.
Who cut down the tree?
Answer: Three men.
What does the phrase “pushing the sky” suggest about the tree?
Answer: It suggests the tree’s slow, persistent growth upward.

Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion)

Assertion (A): The poem conveys a sense of loss when the tree is cut down.
Reason (R): The tree, which took years to grow, was destroyed in just ten minutes.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The contrast between the tree’s long growth and its quick destruction, described with the emotive phrase “ripped down,” highlights the sense of loss, as something significant and longstanding was abruptly removed.
Assertion (A): The tree holds historical significance for the school community.
Reason (R): It has been standing since the speaker’s grandfather’s time.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The poem mentions the tree existing since the speaker’s grandfather was a boy, indicating its long presence and connection to multiple generations, thus giving it historical significance for the school.
Assertion (A): The imagery of “wooden fingers” makes the tree seem alive.
Reason (R): The personification compares branches to fingers reaching out.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: By likening branches to “wooden fingers” that “reach out,” the poem personifies the tree, giving it human-like qualities that suggest vitality and activity, enhancing the sense of it being alive.
Assertion (A): The poem contrasts the tree’s growth with its destruction.
Reason (R): It took years for the tree to grow but only ten minutes to cut it down.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The poem emphasizes the slow, patient growth of the tree over generations against the rapid, destructive act of chopping it down, highlighting the disparity between creation and destruction.
Assertion (A): The falling leaves symbolize the passage of time.
Reason (R): Sald:** The years are described as drifting and falling like leaves.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The poem uses the imagery of leaves changing from green to yellow and falling to represent the cyclical and ongoing passage of time, linking the natural process to the years drifting by.

Long Questions and Answers (50-60 words)

How does the poem “Our Tree” use imagery to convey the theme of time?
Answer: The poem uses vivid imagery like “pushing the sky,” “wooden fingers,” and “years drift by, fall like leaves” to depict the tree’s slow growth over generations. The cyclical change of leaves from green to yellow symbolizes time’s passage, contrasting with the abrupt ten-minute destruction, emphasizing the fleeting nature of time against enduring growth.
What is the emotional impact of the tree’s destruction in the poem?
Answer: The tree’s destruction evokes sadness and loss, as it took years to grow but was “ripped down” in minutes. The emotive language and the tree’s historical significance, standing since the speaker’s grandfather’s time, amplify this impact. The playground’s shadow, once a symbol of permanence, underscores the abrupt end of a cherished landmark.
How does the poem contrast the processes of growth and destruction?
Answer: The poem contrasts the tree’s slow growth, described as “pushing the sky” over generations, with its rapid destruction in ten minutes. Imagery of stretching branches and drifting years highlights the patience of growth, while “ripped down” and “chopped up” convey the violence and speed of destruction, emphasizing the fragility of nature against human actions.
What role does the tree play in the school community according to the poem?
Answer: The elm tree is a historical and emotional landmark, standing since the speaker’s grandfather’s time. Its “long shadow” across the playground suggests a protective, constant presence for the school community. The tree’s destruction in ten minutes signifies the loss of a shared heritage, evoking a sense of collective grief among students and staff.
How does the poem use personification to enhance its meaning?
Answer: The poem personifies the tree with “long branches stretch the arms” and “wooden fingers” that “reach out,” portraying it as a living entity with human-like qualities. This enhances the theme of loss, as the tree’s destruction feels like the loss of a community member, emphasizing its emotional and historical significance to the school.