Short & Long Questions: Be a Friend | New English Ferry: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets - Class 5 PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: Who is the author of the poem?
Ans: Edgar Albert Guest.

Q2: Describe the author's view on friendship in a few words.
Ans: The author sees friendship as a valuable and rewarding aspect of life.

Q3: What does the author suggest one needs to be a friend?
Ans: The author suggests that to be a friend, one needs a sunny disposition, a willingness to help, and the ability to give or lend without expecting anything in return.

Q4: According to the poem, what is the "pay" of being a friend?
Ans: The "pay" of being a friend, as mentioned in the poem, is bigger than what is earned through self-endeavour, and it brings richness in the form of meaningful relationships.

Q5: How does the author describe friendship in comparison to self-endeavour?
Ans: The author describes friendship as more rewarding than self-endeavour, emphasizing the value of having friends over mere personal achievements.

Q6: What kind of poems did Edgar Albert Guest write?
Ans: Edgar Albert Guest wrote sentimental and optimistic poems about everyday life.

Q7: Briefly explain the significance of cheering the youth who's bravely trying.
Ans: Cheering the youth who's bravely trying is encouraged in the poem to show support and encouragement for those making efforts despite challenges.

Q8: What is the poet's attitude towards trifling errors according to the poem?
Ans: The poet encourages passing by trifling errors blindly and looking at honest effort kindly.

Q9: How does the poem suggest one can be richer than a prince?
Ans: The poem suggests that by being a friend, one can be richer than a prince, emphasizing the wealth of meaningful relationships over material possessions.

Q10: What is the overall tone of the poem?
Ans: The overall tone of the poem is optimistic and encouraging, promoting the value of friendship and kindness.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Explain in your own words what qualities the author believes are needed to be a friend.
Ans: According to the poem, being a friend requires a sunny disposition, a willingness to help others, and the ability to give or lend without expecting anything in return. It's about extending a kind hand to those who may be unbefriended and performing the duties of a friend with genuine care and effort.

Q2: Discuss the significance of the author's comparison between friendship and self-endeavour.
Ans: The author suggests that the rewards of friendship surpass those of self-endeavour. While self-endeavour may bring personal achievements, the poem emphasizes that the true richness comes from having friends. This comparison highlights the value of meaningful relationships over individual success.

Q3: Elaborate on the poet's advice to "pass by trifling errors blindly."
Ans: The poet encourages a forgiving and understanding attitude by advising to pass by trifling errors blindly. This means not dwelling on small mistakes or faults of others and instead, focusing on the positive aspects and honest efforts made by individuals.

Q4: Describe the poet's view on cheering the youth who's bravely trying.
Ans: The poet emphasizes the importance of supporting and cheering on those who are bravely trying, especially the youth. This signifies a positive and encouraging approach towards individuals making efforts despite facing challenges. It promotes a culture of empathy and upliftment.

Q5: Explain how the poem conveys that being a friend is more rewarding than mere self-endeavour.
Ans: The poem suggests that the rewards of being a friend are greater than those achieved through self-endeavour. The joy, fulfillment, and richness that come from genuine friendships surpass the benefits of individual success. It conveys the idea that true wealth lies in the connections and relationships one builds with others.

Q6: In what ways does the poet portray the simplicity of friendship in the poem?
Ans: The poet portrays the simplicity of friendship by highlighting that it doesn't require money or glory. Instead, it emphasizes qualities like a sunny disposition, kindness, and a willingness to help. The poem presents friendship as a straightforward and genuine connection between individuals.

Q7: Discuss the role of a "kindly hand extended" in the context of the poem.
Ans: A "kindly hand extended" in the poem symbolizes the act of reaching out to someone in need, offering help, and being a friend. It represents the gesture of kindness and support, underlining the importance of extending a helping hand to those who may feel unbefriended.

Q8: How does the poem promote the idea that true wealth comes from being a friend?
Ans: The poem suggests that the true wealth, greater than that of a prince, comes from being a friend. It emphasizes the emotional and relational richness that genuine friendships bring, surpassing material possessions. The poem encourages valuing meaningful connections over worldly achievements.

Q9: Examine the poet's advice to "gaze on honest effort kindly" and its relevance in daily life.
Ans: The poet advises looking at honest effort kindly, promoting an understanding and appreciative perspective. This advice is relevant in daily life as it encourages recognizing and supporting sincere attempts made by others, fostering a positive and encouraging environment.

Q10: How does the poem reflect the optimistic and encouraging nature of Edgar Albert Guest's writing?
Ans: The poem reflects Edgar Albert Guest's optimistic and encouraging nature through its positive portrayal of friendship. The author's belief in the value of kindness, support, and genuine connections is evident. The overall tone encourages a positive approach towards life, emphasizing the rewards of being a friend.