Chapter 2.3 There is Another Sky
1. Imagine your younger sister is not paying attention to her studies and is seen wasting time playing games on her cell-phone. Suggest some ways that will help her to concentrate on her studies and overcome her bad habit.
Answer:
My dear sister, I notice that you are spending most of your time playing games and using your cell-phone instead of studying. I understand that phones are fun, but you must realize the importance of your studies.
I suggest making a daily timetable to manage your subjects according to their difficulty levels. This will give you enough time for both studying and relaxation. Set limits for mobile usage and stick to them. Too much screen time can harm your eyesight and affect your focus.
Balancing studies and leisure is an art, and I am always here to guide and help you. With discipline and proper planning, you can overcome this habit and concentrate better on your studies.
2. You have noticed that many of your classmates are not interested in outdoor games or participating in co-curricular activities. Discuss some ways in which they will be encouraged to participate in activities.
Answer: Dear friends, as the General Secretary of the Cultural Forum, I have noticed that many of you are not taking part in extra-curricular activities or outdoor sports. I understand the importance of studies, but co-curricular activities are equally essential for all-round development.
These activities provide opportunities to showcase non-academic talents, improve confidence, communication skills, and time management. Outdoor sports develop teamwork, discipline, co-operation, and physical fitness. They also provide practical benefits, such as scholarships, college admissions, job opportunities through sports quota, and recognition in national and international competitions.
To encourage participation, we should organize interesting events, competitions, and workshops. Seniors and teachers can motivate juniors by sharing personal experiences. Setting up clubs for various activities and creating a reward system will inspire students to join.
I urge all of you to participate actively, develop new skills, and enjoy the benefits of co-curricular activities and outdoor sports.
3. The poet encourages her brother in the second part of the poem by telling him about the brighter
side of life. Make a list of the expressions in the poem that mean encouragement.
(a) Brighter garden
(b) …………………….
(c) …………………….
Answer:
(a) Brighter garden
(b) Unfading flowers
(c) Bright bee hum
4. The poem expresses feelings of serenity. Pick out expressions from the above poem that express the same…..
Answer:
(a) ‘There is another sky/Ever serene and fair,
(b) “And there is another sunshine….”
(c) “a little forest,/whose leaf is ever green,”
(d) “Unfading flowers….”
5. Compare and contrast the two opposing human feelings as expressed by the poet.
Answer:
The poet expresses two opposing human feelings: sadness and joy.
Sadness / Depression:
– Represented through images of silent, lonely fields, fading flowers, and darkness.
– These evoke feelings of hopelessness and sorrow, reflecting the poet’s brother’s likely complaint of sadness.
Joy / Hope:
– Represented through images of peaceful sky, bright sunshine, unfading flowers, buzzing bees, and forests with evergreen leaves.
– These images convey happiness, inspiration, and encouragement, inviting the brother to a world of brightness and hope.
Contrast:
The poet deliberately places depression and joy side by side to emphasize that even in the presence of sadness, one can find solace, beauty, and encouragement in nature.
6. Imagine your friend is a table tennis champion who has won the semi-final in the inter-collegiate championship. Due to over confidence, she neither practises nor does she take her opponent seriously. This may result in her losing the final. Suggest some ways to make her aware of the importance of hard work and regular practice.
Answer: Dear Sushama, congratulations on winning the semi-final of the inter-collegiate table tennis championship! But I notice that you are not practicing regularly or preparing mentally and physically for the final match. I am really worried.
You must remember, “Practice makes a man perfect.” Even legends like Roger Federer, at the age of 37, work extremely hard to win their matches. Their success comes from consistent practice and dedication.
There is no shortcut to success. You should set a daily practice schedule, focus on improving your skills, and take your opponent seriously. Regular practice will boost your confidence and increase your chances of winning. Don’t be overconfident—hard work always pays. Start today and give your best in the final match.
All the best!
7. Given below is a poem ‘Blue Sky’ by Mark Hastings. Imagine a poem of a similar kind by replacing the word blue. You can add any colour or object of your choice and write a poem of four lines. For example replace ‘blue’ with
1. Starry sky above me
2. Cloudy sky above me
Answer:
Bright sky above me,
Fills me with happiness and glee,
Seeing the starry sky above me,
No darkness as far as I can see.
8. The poem describes the beauty of Nature. Make a list of careers that are related to Nature, environment and forest
Answer:
Forest Department – (Forest officer, Ranger etc.)
Geologist
Wild-life Photographer
Environmental Lawyer
nvironmental Engineer
Botanist.
Zoologist
9. The poet is addressing the poem to –
Answer:
The poet is addressing the poem to her brother, Austin who has been going through a state of confusion and depression in life at a place away from home. The poet is trying to encourage him by pointing on the existence of another evergreen and always filled with sunshine universe.
10. The poet says ‘another sky’. Guess the meaning.
Answer:
“Another sky” is a metaphor for another place.
It represents a sky with brighter colours, symbolizing joy and hope.
This ideal world or paradise serves as a source of encouragement and support for the poet’s depressed brother.
11. How did the poet compare and contrast ‘there’ and ‘here’? Why did he do so?
Answer:
The poet wanted her brother to understand the existence of a better place than ‘there’ where he was suffering. She requested him to come ‘here’ where he could have a brighter life. The combination of ‘there’ and ‘here’ is expressed by the poet deliberately to create an assurance in the mind of her troubled brother, of the existence of a heavenly place which might be their home. The poem is an invitation for the brother to come from ‘there’ to ‘here’ to have a peaceful life.
12. Do you support the poet’s way of handling the situation? Justify your answer.
Answer:
Yes, I feel, the poet’s assurance of the existence of a better place will definitely support her brother a lot. For a person who is suffering, words of hope are always inspiring and can do wonders. The poet, a loving sister, shows very cleverly the alternative to her brother who has the option to go to a brighter place, that is their home. This type of encouragement can definitely make a person stronger to take a decision.
13. Compose a poem in appreciation of your ‘home’ using the words,, paradise, warmth, comfort, alone.
Use a rhyme – scheme.
Answer:
My home is the best place, my paradise.
It always welcomes me with warmth and affection.
In my sad moments, my home is my comfort zone,
I don’t feel lonely, never feel alone.
Answer by Dimpee Bora
