Long-answer literature questions, about 100-120 words each.

15. 1. ‘Words’ teaches that sincerity matters more than the number of words. Discuss with reference to the poem.
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How to answer: Open with the theme, give 3-4 examples from the poem, close with the message.
Answer: Throughout the poem, Charles Swain shows that empty words are worthless . He compares them to summer birds that fly away and leave “empty air”, and to weeds of “little worth”. In contrast, he says “a little said, and truly said, can deeper joy impart” , while “hosts of words” only “reach the head, but never touch the heart”. The kind voice that cheers a lonely home “hath oft the fewest words to say; but, oh! those few, how dear!” Finally, showy words are like plants with flowers but “no fruit”. Thus the poem clearly teaches that sincere, heartfelt words matter far more than many empty ones .
16. 2. How does the poet use comparisons (similes and metaphors) to build the meaning of the poem? Explain with examples.
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How to answer: Separate similes and metaphors, give examples of each, explain the effect.
Answer: The poet builds his meaning almost entirely through comparisons . Using similes , he says words are “ like summer birds ” that depart, and “ as little worth as just so many weeds ”, and “ Like plants that make a gaudy show ”. Using metaphors , he calls the heart “ a pilgrim upon earth ”, names “ empty air ” for nothingness, and uses “ fruit ” for real value. Each comparison turns an abstract idea about words into a clear picture – birds, weeds and flowers we can see. Through these, the poet shows that empty words are useless while true words are precious , making his lesson easy to feel and remember.
17. 3. Both ‘Words’ (Charles Swain) and the idea of true communication value sincerity. Comparing the message of ‘Words’ with what you have learnt about good speaking, write how few sincere words can be more powerful than many.
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How to answer: This is a two-text style answer: state each view, find the common idea, give a real-life example, conclude.
Answer: In ‘Words’, Charles Swain argues that a few sincere words are more powerful than many empty ones . He shows empty words as “summer birds” and “weeds”, while “ those few, how dear! ” praises the small number of heartfelt words that “cheer a lonely home”. This matches what we learn about good communication : a simple, honest “I am proud of you” comforts more than a long, fake speech, because it “touches the heart” rather than only reaching the head. Both ideas agree that sincerity, not length, gives words their power . So we should choose our words carefully and speak truly, knowing that a few kind words can do the most good.
18. Compare the message of “Words” with “Weigh Your Words”. Q8-6
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How to answer: Compare both poems by message, not by story.
Both poems teach that words must be used carefully . In “Words”, Charles Swain says many words may fail to touch the heart. In “Weigh Your Words”, E. F. Hayward says careless words can hurt others. Together, the poems teach that speech should be sincere, thoughtful and kind .

Dono poems bolti hain: words carefully use karo .

19. How does the poet develop the idea that words may look attractive but still be useless? Q8-7
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How to answer: Trace the idea from start to end.
The poet develops this idea through repeated comparisons. First, words leave like summer birds . Then they become like weeds . Finally, they are compared to showy plants without fruit .

Poet idea ko step by step develop karta hai: birds, weeds, fruitless plants .

20. Evaluate “Words” as a poem that values sincerity over show. Q11-1
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How to answer: Give a judgement and support it with images from the poem.
The poem strongly values sincerity over show . It says that many words may be like empty air, weeds or fruitless plants. These images show that words are useless if they do not carry real feeling. The poem finally teaches that few true words are better than many attractive but hollow words.

Poem bolti hai ki sincerity show se better hai.

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