Summary: What Can You Do ? | Class 6 English Alive PDF Download

Introduction:

The poem "What Can You Do ?" talks about the importance of keeping our planet clean and healthy. It encourages everyone, including young students like us, to take small actions to protect the environment.

Stanza 1:

 And the air smells of pollution,

 When you feel like it's all piling up 

Remember there is a solution.

Explanation: The opening stanza of the poem introduces a rather bleak picture of environmental degradation, highlighting the common sights and smells of urban pollution through litter and tainted air. This portrayal could evoke feelings of helplessness and frustration in the reader, reflecting the overwhelming nature of environmental issues. However, the stanza doesn't leave the reader in despair; instead, it offers a hint of optimism with the simple yet powerful reminder that "there is a solution." This line serves as a beacon of hope, suggesting that the situation is manageable and encouraging a shift from passivity to proactive involvement.

Stanza 2:

To keep the rivers clean,

 To keep fresh the air we breathe 

And keep the forests green.

Explanation: Here, the poem transitions from identifying problems to suggesting involvement and action. It articulates a collective responsibility towards maintaining and restoring the natural environment. The stanza evokes vivid imagery of clear rivers, breathable air, and lush forests, which are attainable through collective action. This verse serves to motivate individual responsibility, emphasizing that everyone has a role in environmental stewardship. The message is uplifting and unifying, stressing that our individual actions contribute to a larger, communal benefit, thereby fostering a sense of empowerment and accountability.

Stanza 3:

Help clean a beach

 Or recycle bottles and cans, 

Learn about the problems we face 

And help others understand.

Explanation: In this stanza, the poem becomes more prescriptive, offering specific actions that individuals can take to make a positive impact on the environment. By suggesting tangible activities such as beach clean-ups and recycling, the poem makes the concept of environmental conservation more accessible and actionable for the reader. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of education and awareness in fostering environmental stewardship. By learning about environmental challenges and sharing that knowledge, individuals can amplify their impact, turning informed action into a powerful tool for change.

Stanza 4:

It doesn't have to be a lot

 If we each just do our share, 

So take time out on Earth Day 

To show the Earth you care.

Explanation: The concluding stanza of the poem emphasizes that contributions to environmental health do not need to be monumental to be effective. It introduces the concept of "doing our share," which reassures the reader that their individual efforts, no matter how small, are valuable. The mention of Earth Day acts as a specific call to action, urging the reader to dedicate time to celebrate and care for the planet. This stanza wraps up the poem's message beautifully by connecting individual actions to a global observance, reinforcing the idea that collective participation in even small deeds can lead to significant environmental benefits. The stanza inspires participation and celebrates the power of collective action in fostering a sustainable future.

Theme and Message:

The theme of the poem is environmental conservation and the message is that everyone, regardless of age, can contribute to protecting the Earth. It teaches us that even small actions, like picking up litter or recycling, are important for keeping our planet clean and healthy for future generations.

List of Difficult Words:

Pollution - harmful substances in the environment

Solution - a way to solve a problem

Recycle - to convert waste into reusable material

Conservation - the protection and preservation of natural resources

Environmental - relating to the natural world and the impact of human activity on it

Contribution - the act of giving or doing something to help others or achieve a goal