Gifts of Grace: Honouring our Vocations
Exercise Question
Questions within the Lesson
Exercise Question
Check Your Understanding
I. Based on your understanding of the poem, state whether the following statements are true or false. Also, rectify the false statements.
1. The poem highlights the skilled work of craftsperson.
– True
2. The poet shares that musicians express emotions through their instruments.
– True
3. The carpenters in the poem are admired for their logical work.
– False – The carpenters are admired for their skillful and creative work.
4. The electricians in the poem are recognised for their crucial role in lighting up lives.
– True
5. The poem pays homage to shoemakers who manufacture quality footwear.
– True
6. The poem celebrates the patriotism of the people of Bharat.
– False – The poem celebrates the importance and dignity of different professions.
7. The poet feels that each vocation deserves to be respected.
– True
II. Let us appreciate the poem.
1. Rhyme Scheme and Lineation
(i) Does the poem strictly adhere to a rhyme scheme, or is it in free verse?
Answer: The poem is written in free verse and does not follow a strict rhyme scheme.
(ii) What is the impact of the varying length of lines in the poem?
Answer: The varying length of lines makes the poem more expressive and natural, and it helps to emphasise important ideas.
(iii) What is the pattern in the structure of most lines of the poem?
Answer: Most lines follow a pattern of describing a person’s work and highlighting its importance.
2. Speaker
(i) Who appears to be the speaker and what is her/his role here?
Answer: The speaker appears to be a thoughtful observer or narrator who appreciates and highlights the value of different professions in society.
3. Tone and Mood
(i) Fill in the blanks with suitable options from
the box given below.
A. The tone is appreciative and respectful, depicting a sense of admiration and respect for the artisans and craftspersons.
B. There is a celebratory mood throughout the poem, capturing the vibrancy and richness of cultural traditions and skills.
5. Metaphor
(i) State whether the following sentence is true or false.
The mention of ‘delicious singing’ of the cook is a metaphor because it implies that the quality of the singing is so enjoyable or pleasing that it can be equated to the experience of tasting something delicious.
Answer: True
6. Personification
(i) Select the line that tells us that the poet personifies vocations by attributing human-like qualities to them.
Answer: “I hear Bharat celebrating, the varied vocations I hear!”
7. Repetition
(i) Why might the poet have begun and ended with the same line—‘I hear Bharat celebrating, the varied vocations I hear!’?
Answer: The poet repeats this line to emphasise the importance of all professions and to create a strong effect and unity in the poem.
8. Alliteration
(i) Identify two examples of alliteration from the poem.
Answer:
“varied vocations”
“singing sweetly”
9. Symbolism
(i) Each vocation in the poem symbolises something more than just a job. What does it symbolise?
Answer: Each vocation symbolises hard work, skill, dignity of labour, and contribution to society.
Critical Reflection
I. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
The shoemakers affirming the quality of their work, for the feet that walk, dance, run, jump, return home.
The delicious singing of the cook, or the rhythm of designer, mason, each celebrating what belongs to them and to none else,
1. The poet says that the shoemakers ‘affirm’ the quality of their work. What does ‘affirm’ refer to here
Answer: (ii) to declare with confidence
2. What do quality shoes help with, according to the poet?
Answer: Quality shoes help people walk, dance, run, jump, and move comfortably.
3. What does ‘return home’ symbolise besides the literal act of returning?
Answer: It symbolises safety, comfort, and a sense of belonging.
4. Identify the phrase that tells us that every worker’s contribution is distinct.
Answer: “each celebrating what belongs to them and to none else”
5. Complete the following with suitable words.
…for the feet that walk, dance, run, jump, return home refers to ___________.
Answer: the different activities and movements of people in daily life
II. Answer the following questions:
1. Why does the poet say, ‘I hear Bharat celebrating, the varied vocations I hear’?
Answer: The poet says this to show that all professions are important and contribute to the nation’s progress.
2. What does the electrician ‘humming’ while getting ready for work suggest?
Answer: It suggests that the electrician is happy, satisfied, and takes pride in his work.
3. Explain the significance of the line, ‘The voice of their vocation is the voice of their identity.’
Answer: It means that a person’s work defines who they are and gives them identity and purpose.
4. Do you think the role of all the people belonging to different vocations is important in our daily lives? Support your answer with a reason.
Answer: Yes, because each person contributes something essential, like food, shelter, or services, making life easier.
5. Why is the poet celebrating all the vocations in the poem? Explain by giving examples from your context.
Answer: The poet celebrates all vocations to show respect for every kind of work. For example, farmers grow food, masons build houses, and cooks prepare meals.
6. How does the poet use sensory imagery to bring out the beauty of everyday work?
Answer: The poet uses sound (singing, humming), sight (work activities), and rhythm to make the work of people feel lively and beautiful.
Vocabulary in Context
I. People of different vocations are being described in the poem. Match the vocations given in the box below with the descriptions that follow.
1. A person who studies or grows garden plants: horticulturist
2. A trained female community health worker: ASHA worker
3. A producer of raw silk: sericulturist
4. A person whose job is making or selling sweets and chocolates: confectioner
5. A metalworker who specialises in working with precious metals: goldsmith
6. A person who fuses materials together: welder
II. Identify the word from Column 2 that is not the synonym of the words given in Column 1.
Answer: –
Writing Task
I. Your school will be organising a ‘Career Mela’ in which students are to be made familiar with the different career options. Complete the poster for the event given below.
Ans:-
ABC PUBLIC SCHOOL
(Event Organiser)
CAREER MELA
(Event Name)
Purpose:
To spread awareness about various career options
Date: 25 February
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Venue: School Auditorium, New Delhi
Highlights / Attractions:
• Details, information and guidance for all streams
• Counsellors for all career options
• Interactive sessions with professionals
Slogan:
Chart Your Future at Career Mela!
Entry Tickets: FREE
Issuing Authority / Sponsor:
ABC Public School Organising Committee
Questions within the Lesson
Reflect and Respond
I. Given below are four riddles. Read and identify who these people are.
1. In furrows deep, secrets I sow,
As time passes, I watch them grow.
Who am I? Farmer
2. From wheel to kiln, my skill is born,
Step by step, an art takes form.
Who am I? Potter
3. I lay foundations, brick by brick,
To build a house, it’s me you pick.
Who am I? Mason
4. I work with pots, pans, and spice,
Creating dishes that taste so nice.
Who am I? Cook/Chef
II. What is the role and relevance of the people you identified in the riddles. How do they contribute to the society? Discuss with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:- These people are very important for society. The farmer provides food for everyone. The potter makes useful items like pots and utensils. The mason builds houses and buildings for shelter. The cook/chef prepares food for people. They all contribute by fulfilling basic needs like food, shelter, and daily necessities, making life easier and comfortable for everyone.
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