Q1. Fill in the blanks with the correct words.
- The central figure in the poem is a _______
Answer. The central figure in the poem is a blacksmith
- The blacksmith’s hands are described as large and _____
Answer. The blacksmith’s hands are described as large and strong.
- The blacksmith’s brow is wet with ______ sweat.
Answer. The blacksmith’s brow is wet with honest sweat
- The blacksmith’s daughter sings in the _____
Answer. The blacksmith’s daughter sings in the church
- The blacksmith goes to ______ on Sunday.
Answer. The blacksmith goes to church on Sunday.
- The sound of the blacksmith’s sledge is compared to a sexton ringing the village______
Answer. The sound of the blacksmith’s sledge is compared to a sexton ringing the village bell.
Q2. Match the descriptions in column A with the appropriate words in column B.
| A | B |
| a. bellows | I. Sweating forehead |
| b. flaming forge | ii. performing tiring tasks |
| c. brow | iii. smith’s tool for shaping metal |
| d. toiling | iv. a device used to blow air into the fire. |
| e. sledge | v.heat pieces of metal and then shape them |
Answer.
| A | B |
| a. bellows | iv. a device used to blow air into the fire. |
| b. flaming forge | v. heat pieces of metal and then shape them. |
| c. brow | i. sweating forehead |
| d. toiling | ii. performing tiring tasks |
| e. sledge | iii. smith’s tool for shaping metal |
Q3.Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
You can hear him swing his heavy sledge,
With measured Beat and slow,
Like a sexton ringing the village bell,
When the evening sun is low.
- Who is being referred to as him?
Answer. Answer: “Him” refers to the village blacksmith.
- How long does he work ?
Answer. He works from morning till evening, tirelessly hammering metal.
- In what respect is he compared to a sexton?
Answer. The sound of the blacksmith’s sledge hammer is compared to the slow, rhythmic ringing of a sexton’s bell in the village church, signaling the end of the day.
- Complete the sentence appropriately.
It is clear that ‘simile’ is the poetic device used for you can hear him swing his mighty sledge, with measure beat and slow like a sexton ringing the village bell because
Answer. It is clear that ‘simile’ is the poetic device used because the line compares the slow, rhythmic swinging of the blacksmith’s sledge to the measured beat of a sexton ringing the village bell.
e.Find the synonym of the word ‘quickened’
Answer. The synonym of ‘quickened’ is accelerated.
Q4. Answer each of the following questions in 30-40 words.
- What are the three physical characteristics of the village blacksmith?
Answer. The blacksmith is described as having large, strong hands, a sweaty brow from hard work, and a muscular build due to his physically demanding job. He looks powerful and sturdy.
- How do you know that the blacksmith is an honest man?
Answer. The poem tells us that the blacksmith earns his living through hard work and doesn’t cheat anyone. His “honest sweat” shows he works diligently and fairly to support his family.
c.The poet writes about children watching the blacksmith work when they return from school. Write about someone who works with his or her hands that you like to watch. Example artisan, baker /chef, beautician/hairstylist, carpenter, electrician, equipment operator, Gardner, mechanic, sign language interpreter. Who is this person? Describe why you like to watch this person at work.
Answer. I enjoy watching a carpenter work. It is fascinating to see how they skillfully shape wood into furniture with precision and creativity. The process of turning raw wood into something useful and beautiful shows dedication, patience, and craftsmanship. Watching the final product take shape is always rewarding.