Worksheet Solutions: Poem - An Elementary School Classroom in a slum | English Class 12 PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: The slum children are described as "like rootless weeds" because they lack proper ____________.
Ans: nutrition
The slum children are described as "like rootless weeds" because they lack proper nutrition, emphasizing their undernourished state.

Q2: The boy with "rat's eyes" is timid and anxious due to ____________.
Ans: malnutrition
The boy with "rat's eyes" is timid and anxious due to malnutrition, signifying his undernourished and anxious nature.

Q3: The classroom walls were painted long ago with the help of ____________.
Ans: donations
The classroom walls were painted long ago with the help of donations, indicating community support for basic infrastructure.

Q4: The children's world is confined to the narrow, ____________ streets of the slum.
Ans: dusty
The children's world is confined to the narrow, dusty streets of the slum, highlighting the harsh living conditions.

Q5: The map in the classroom gives false ____________ to the slum children.
Ans: aspirations
The map in the classroom gives false aspirations to the slum children, illustrating their unattainable dreams.

Q6: The poet hopes that these children will break free from the chains of the ____________.
Ans: slums
The poet hopes that these children will break free from the chains of the slums, emphasizing their need for liberation from impoverished living conditions.

Q7: The poet visualizes a carefree life where slum children have the right to be ____________.
Ans: happy
The poet visualizes a carefree life where slum children have the right to be happy, emphasizing their right to joy and contentment.

Q8: Slum children live in cramped holes, striving for survival from "fog to endless ____________."
Ans: night
Slum children live in cramped holes, striving for survival from "fog to endless night," depicting their continuous struggle for survival in adverse conditions.

Q9: The poet suggests that the people who strive for knowledge are the ones who ____________ history.
Ans: create
The poet suggests that the people who strive for knowledge are the ones who create history, emphasizing the transformative power of education and enlightenment.

Q10: The boy at the back of the class dreams of playing freely like a ____________ in the garden.
Ans: squirrel
The boy at the back of the class dreams of playing freely like a squirrel in the garden, symbolizing his longing for freedom and enjoyment in a natural environment.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: The slum children feel cheated in being deprived of the sensations of the sun and love.
Reason: They live in a world of hunger and poverty.
(a) Assertion and Reason both are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Assertion and Reason both are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a)
The Assertion is true because the poem describes how the slum children are denied the joys of the sun and love due to their impoverished lives. The Reason provides the correct explanation for the Assertion, as their deprivation of these sensations is a result of their hunger and poverty.

Q2: Assertion: The slum children are compared to "rootless weeds" in the poem.
Reason: They lack proper nutrition and grow like neglected plants.
(a) Assertion and Reason both are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Assertion and Reason both are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a)
The Assertion is true because the poem directly compares the slum children to "rootless weeds" to highlight their lack of proper nutrition and care, causing them to grow like neglected plants. The Reason explains the meaning behind the comparison, providing the correct explanation for the Assertion.

Q3: Assertion: The classroom walls are pale cream in color.
Reason: The walls were recently painted with vibrant colors.
(a) Assertion and Reason both are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Assertion and Reason both are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (c)
The Assertion is true as the poem states that the classroom walls were painted long ago and have now faded, making them pale cream. The Reason is false because the walls were not recently painted with vibrant colors; they were painted long ago, which is why they appear pale cream now.

Q4: Assertion: The slum children wear discarded spectacles with mended glass.
Reason: They have access to proper medical facilities for their eyesight.
(a) Assertion and Reason both are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Assertion and Reason both are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (d)
Both the Assertion and Reason are false. The poem describes how the slum children wear discarded spectacles with mended glass, indicating their lack of access to proper medical facilities for their eyesight. The Reason, stating that they have access to proper medical facilities, contradicts the information given in the poem.

Q5: Assertion: The slum children's world is confined to the narrow streets of the slums.
Reason: They are free to explore the beautiful valleys and fragrant flowers beyond the slums.
(a) Assertion and Reason both are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Assertion and Reason both are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a)
The Assertion is true because the poem repeatedly emphasizes how the slum children's world is confined to the narrow streets of the slums, highlighting their limited and impoverished environment. The Reason is false because they are not free to explore beautiful valleys and fragrant flowers; their world is limited to the slums, as described in the Assertion.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Describe the appearance of the tall girl in the classroom.
Ans: The appearance of the tall girl in the classroom is described as being tall in stature.

Q2: What does the boy at the back of the class dream about?
Ans: The boy at the back of the class dreams about escaping his current situation and having a better life.

Q3: Why is the boy with "rat's eyes" anxious and timid?
Ans: The boy with "rat's eyes" is anxious and timid because he has likely faced difficulties and hardships in his life, making him cautious and fearful.

Q4: Explain the significance of the portrait of Shakespeare in the classroom.
Ans: The portrait of Shakespeare in the classroom symbolizes the importance of literature, education, and the potential for knowledge to transcend one's circumstances.

Q5: Why does the poet refer to the slum children as "rootless weeds"?
Ans: The poet refers to the slum children as "rootless weeds" to convey the idea that they lack stability, support, and a sense of belonging in society.

Q6: What does the "open-handed map" in the classroom represent?
Ans: The "open-handed map" in the classroom represents the opportunity for the slum children to explore and discover a world beyond their immediate surroundings.

Q7: Why do the slum children wear spectacles with mended glass?
Ans: The slum children wear spectacles with mended glass because they cannot afford to replace or repair their broken glasses, highlighting their poverty and limited resources.

Q8: What is the poet's hope for the slum children regarding their future?
Ans: The poet hopes that the slum children will rise above their challenging circumstances, receive education, and have a brighter future full of opportunities.

Q9: Why is the classroom map a source of false aspirations for the slum children?
Ans: The classroom map, which depicts a world far removed from the slum children's reality, can create false aspirations by presenting an idealized version of life that they may never be able to attain.

Q10: What is the contrast between the slum children's world and the world depicted in the map?
Ans: The slum children's world is one of poverty, struggle, and limited opportunities, while the world depicted in the map represents a world of abundance, prosperity, and endless possibilities.

Short Answer Type Questions 

Q1: Explain the metaphor 'rootless weeds' used to describe the slum children.
Ans: The metaphor 'rootless weeds' is used to describe the slum children in the poem. It signifies that these children, like weeds, lack the stability and foundation that comes from having a secure home or family. Just as weeds grow without any specific purpose or direction, the slum children are also portrayed as being without strong roots or a stable environment.

Q2: Describe the contrast between the classroom's map and the slum children's reality.
Ans: The poem highlights the stark contrast between the colorful and detailed map hanging in the classroom and the harsh reality faced by the slum children. The map represents a world of possibilities, with its vibrant colors and clear boundaries, while the slum children live in a world of poverty and struggle. The map shows a world of beauty and order, whereas the slum children's reality is filled with chaos and deprivation.

Q3: What does the phrase 'fighting the battle of life unarmed' signify in the context of the slum children?
Ans: The phrase 'fighting the battle of life unarmed' signifies that the slum children are facing the challenges and hardships of life without the necessary resources and support. It suggests that they are ill-equipped to overcome the obstacles they encounter in their daily lives. The phrase highlights their vulnerability and the unfairness of their circumstances.

Q4: Explain the significance of the phrase 'from fog to endless night' in the poem.
Ans: The phrase 'from fog to endless night' in the poem signifies the journey from a state of confusion and uncertainty to a state of utter darkness and hopelessness. It represents the worsening conditions and despair that the slum children experience in their lives. The phrase emphasizes the bleakness of their situation and the absence of any glimmer of hope.

Q5: Why do the slum children view the map as 'a bad example'?
Ans: The slum children view the map as 'a bad example' because it represents a world that is vastly different from their own reality. The map shows a world of order, progress, and opportunities, which starkly contrasts with the chaotic and impoverished environment they live in. The map serves as a constant reminder of the stark inequalities they face, making it seem unattainable and out of reach.

Q6: Describe the impact of the 'cloudless dawn' on the slum children's lives.
Ans: The 'cloudless dawn' in the poem symbolizes a new beginning and a ray of hope for the slum children. It represents the possibility of a better future, free from the darkness and despair they currently experience. The 'cloudless dawn' brings a sense of optimism and the potential for positive change in their lives, rejuvenating their spirits and giving them a glimmer of hope.

Q7: What is the poet's hope for the slum children in the future?
Ans: The poet hopes for a brighter future for the slum children, where they can overcome their current circumstances and find a path to success and happiness. The poet desires a world where the slum children are no longer marginalized and are given equal opportunities to thrive. The poet's hope is for a society that recognizes and addresses the plight of these children, providing them with the support and resources they need to break free from the cycle of poverty.

Q8: Explain the metaphor 'slither and slog' used in the poem.
Ans: The metaphor 'slither and slog' is used in the poem to describe the difficult and arduous journey that the slum children must endure. 'Slither' implies a slow, struggling movement, suggesting the challenges they face in navigating their lives. 'Slog' refers to the exhausting and relentless effort required to overcome obstacles and achieve progress. The metaphor emphasizes the hardships and struggles faced by the slum children as they try to make their way in life.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Describe the physical appearance of the slum children as portrayed in the poem.
Ans: The slum children are depicted as emaciated and pale, reflecting their malnutrition and lack of proper care. The tall girl is burdened with poverty, her head bowed down under the weight of her misfortunes. The extremely thin boy has 'rat's eyes,' symbolizing his anxious and timid nature due to undernourishment. Another student, while physically weak, dreams of a better future, symbolizing hope amid despair.

Q2: Explain the significance of the classroom's map in contrast to the slum children's reality.
Ans: The map symbolizes hope and aspirations, showcasing a world of possibilities and opportunities beyond the slums. It contrasts with the slum children's impoverished reality, highlighting the disparity between their dreams and their actual living conditions. The map becomes a source of false hope, making them aware of the beautiful world they are deprived of, emphasizing their despair and longing for a better life.

Q3: Discuss the poet's plea and hope for the slum children's future.
Ans: The poet appeals to those in power to liberate the slum children from their miserable living conditions. The poet envisions a future where these children can break free from the chains of the slums and breathe in a fresh, healthy environment. The poet hopes they can enjoy economic and social justice, have the right to be happy, and receive proper education. The poet desires a world where these children can learn not just from books but also from the nature surrounding them, ensuring their holistic development.

Q4: Examine the impact of the poem's imagery on conveying the plight of the slum children.
Ans: The imagery of 'rootless weeds,' 'weighed-down head,' and 'rat's eyes' vividly portrays the physical and emotional suffering of the slum children. Phrases like 'lead sky,' 'fog to endless night,' and 'cramped holes' create a bleak atmosphere, emphasizing their harsh living conditions. The contrast between the classroom's map and their reality intensifies the sense of longing and hopelessness, accentuating their despair. The imagery effectively conveys the slum children's struggle, deprivation, and the urgent need for intervention and change in their lives.