Somebody’s Mother

By Mary Dow Brine

Vocabulary

Word	Antonym
ragged	neat
anxious	calm
timid	bold
slippery	rough
hastened	delayed
trembling	steady
aged	young
poor	rich
noble	mean
glad	sad

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q1. What might be the old woman’s fears as she waited for a long time at the crossing?

The old woman feared that she might fall or get hurt while crossing the slippery road. She was afraid of the fast horses and carriages.

Q2. How does the poet show the helplessness of the old woman? Support your answer with evidence from the poem.

The poet shows that the old woman was weak, lonely and afraid. She stood waiting for a long time, and no one cared or offered to help her.

Q3. Why does the boy decide to help the old woman? What does this tell us about him?

The boy helps the old woman because he thinks she is somebody's mother. This shows that he is kind, caring, thoughtful and respectful towards elders.

Q4. How was the boy’s approach towards the old woman different from that of the other boys in the group?

The other boys hurried away without helping her. The boy stopped, spoke kindly, held her hand and safely helped her cross the road.

Q5. Justify the appropriateness of the title of the poem.

The title is suitable because the old woman is not just an unknown person. She is someone's mother and deserves love, care and respect from everyone.

Q6. What does the poem suggest about the role of empathy and humanity in society?

The poem teaches that empathy and kindness make society better. Small acts of help can give comfort, hope and happiness to people in need.

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTION

1. The poem suggests that small acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact. Explain this idea with reference to the poem.

The boy does not perform a great or difficult task. He simply helps an old woman cross a busy road safely. However, this small act brings comfort to the old woman and becomes an unforgettable moment. His kindness also leaves a strong impression on the people around him.

The poem teaches that even simple acts can make a big difference in someone's life. A smile, kind words or a helping hand can bring hope and happiness to a person in need. We do not need wealth or power to help others. A caring heart and willingness to act are enough. Such actions make society more humane and encourage others to spread kindness.

LET'S WRITE

Diary Writing

26 April 20xx, Saturday

8:00 p.m.

Dear Diary,

Today was a special day. While returning from school in the evening, I saw an old man standing near a busy road. He wanted to cross the road but was afraid because of the fast traffic.

I went to him, held his hand and helped him cross the road safely. He thanked me with a smile and blessed me. I felt happy and proud after helping him. I will always help people in need because kindness makes the world a better place.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. Why is the boy's smile important in the poem?

2. What does the behaviour of the other boys teach us?

3. Why does the poet describe the old woman as "somebody's mother" instead of giving her a name?

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. How does the poem encourage young people to become responsible and compassionate members of society?

DIARY WRITING QUESTIONS

1. While returning from school, you helped an elderly person who was stranded during heavy rain. Write a diary entry describing the incident and your feelings.

Points to remember:

• Describe the situation.

• Mention where and when it happened.

• Explain how you helped.

• Describe the person's reaction.

• Conclude with your feelings and lesson learnt.

2. Your team won an Inter-School Quiz Competition after weeks of hard work. Write a diary entry describing your experience and emotions.

Points to remember:

• Mention the preparation.

• Describe the competition.

• Explain your feelings after winning.

• Mention what you learnt from the experience.

3. Your school organised a visit to an old age home where you spent time with the elderly residents. Write a diary entry describing the visit and your feelings.

Points to remember:

• Describe the activities.

• Mention your interaction with the residents.

• Explain what touched you the most.

• Conclude with the lesson you learnt.

4. You made a mistake that hurt one of your friends but later realised your fault and apologised. Write a diary entry describing the incident and your feelings.

Points to remember:

• Describe what happened.

• Explain how you realised your mistake.

• Mention your friend's reaction.

• Conclude with the lesson you learnt.

5. You participated in a community service activity such as a cleanliness drive, tree plantation or food distribution programme. Write a diary entry describing the day's events and your experience.

Points to remember:

• Mention the activity.

• Describe your role.

• Explain how people benefited.

• Conclude with your feelings and future resolve.