Students can find accurate Class 7 English Extra Questions and Class 7 English Chapter 14 My Dear Soldiers Extra Questions and Answers for better understanding.
My Dear Soldiers Extra Question Answer Class 7 English Chapter 14
My Dear Soldiers Very Short Questions and Answers
Question 1.
In the poem, who are the great sons mentioned by the poet?
Answer:
The women and men soldiers who are serving the nation are mentioned as the great sons.
Question 2.
Name any two weather conditions mentioned in the poem that soldiers face.
Answer:
The poem mentions soldiers enduring windy seasons and snowy days, showing their service in all climates.
Question 3.
What does the poet compare soldiers to in the line “Treading the lonely expanses as yogis”?
Answer:
The poet compares soldiers to yogis, highlighting their spiritual-like discipline during isolated border duties.
Question 4.
Which phrase in the poem shows soldiers protect both land and water borders?
Answer:
“Surveillance in seas and by securing the air” shows their protection extends to maritime and aerial borders.
Question 5.
In what way does the poet’s comparison of soldiers to yogis deepen our understanding of their discipline?
Answer:
The poet shows that soldiers are as focused and disciplined as yogis. They stay calm, strong and dedicated.
Question 6.
How do the descriptions of extreme weather conditions enhance the portrayal of a soldier’s endurance?
Answer:
The poem shows that soldiers fight through strong winds, heavy snow and hot sun. This makes them seem very brave and tough.
Question 7.
What deeper meaning can be drawn from the use of the word ‘deed’ in the line ‘You still hold on to your deed’?
Answer:
‘Deed’ means their duty or act of service. It shows that soldiers stay loyal to their work even when times are hard.
Question 8.
Why is the sacrifice of ‘the prime of their youth’ considered one of the greatest offerings a soldier can make?
Answer:
Soldiers give up their best years to serve the country. This is a very big and special sacrifice.
Question 9.
Through what emotions does the poet reflect the nation’s response to the soldiers’ sacrifices?
Answer:
The poet shows that the nation feels thankful and proud of the soldiers.
My Dear Soldiers Short Questions and Answers
Question 1.
Explain how the poem highlights the soldiers’ sacrifice of their youth.
Answer:
The line “Prime of your youth given to the nation” shows soldiers dedicate their strongest years to protecting the country, often away from family comforts.
Question 2.
Identify two poetic devices used in the poem with examples.
Answer:
The poem uses simile (“as yogis”) and metaphor (“wind chimes vibrate your feat ${ }^n$ ) to enhance its tribute to soldiers.
Question 3.
Why does the poet use the metaphor “wind chimes of my land vibrate your feat”?
Answer:
This metaphor suggests nature itself honours soldiers’ achievements, making their sacrifices audible across the land they protect.
Question 4.
What message does the poet convey through the line
“When we are all asleep
You still hold on to your deed”?
Answer:
It conveys soldiers’ constant vigilance while civilians rest, showing their selfless commitment to duty at all hours.
Question 5.
What does the metaphor ‘wind chimes of my land vibrate your feat’ mean?
Answer:
The poet uses ‘wind chimes’ as a symbol. It means the land itself feels proud of the soldiers. Their bravery makes even nature respond and honour them. It shows that even if people do not always thank them, the country silently respects their deeds.
Question 6.
What does the poet want the reader to feel by ending with a prayer?
Answer:
The poet wants the reader to feel thankful to the soldiers. He wishes that everyone remembers their sacrifices. By ending with a prayer, he makes the reader realise that soldiers deserve blessings and respect for their selfless service.
Question 7.
How does the poem suggest that soldiers go unrecognised?
Answer:
The poet says that soldiers work while we are asleep. No one watches them when they guard the nation. Also, instead of people, the poet imagines nature itself paying them tribute. This shows that their bravery often goes unnoticed by the world.
Question 8.
Why is the comparison to ‘yogis’ significant in the poem?
Answer:
The poet compares soldiers to yogis to show their mental strength and discipline. Like yogis, soldiers live away from comfort and remain focused. They sacrifice personal happiness and stay committed to their duty with a calm and strong mind.
My Dear Soldiers Long Questions and Answers
Question 1.
Analyse how the poem portrays the soldiers’ dedication through its imagery and word choice.
Answer:
The poem uses vivid weather imagery and terrain descriptions to showcase soldiers’ dedication. Phrases like “scorching sun’s sweltering rays” depict extreme conditions they endure, while “climbing the heights or striding the valleys” illustrates their vast responsibilities. The contrast between civilians sleeping and soldiers remaining awake emphasises their perpetual alertness.\
Question 2.
The poem uses various terrains to describe soldiers’ duties. Explain how this geographical representation enhances the poem’s message about their service.
Answer:
By mentioning mountains, valleys, deserts and ‘marshes, the poet shows soldiers protect every landscape. This geographical diversity makes their service real to readers while symbolising complete national security. The varied terrains also highlight the physical challenges soldiers overcome daily.
Question 3.
Discuss how the tone and mood of the poem contribute to its overall impact as a tribute to soldiers.
Answer:
The poem’s admiring tone (“You are great sons”) establishes deep respect, while its prayerful mood fosters emotional connection. This combination of respect and seriousness makes the tribute feel genuine, effectively conveying society’s gratitude for military service’s gravity.
Question 4.
“Prime of your youth given to the nation” – Elaborate on how this line captures the essence of the entire poem.
Answer:
This line means the poem’s essence by showing soldiers’, voluntary sacrifice of their best years for national duty. It conveys both the magnitude of their commitment and the nobility of their choice to prioritise country over personal comfort.
Question 5.
How does Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam use natural imagery to honour the soldiers in the poem?
Answer:
Dr. Kalam uses strong natural images to show the difficult life of soldiers. He mentions the ‘windy season,’ ‘snowy days,’ and ‘scorching sun’s sweltering rays’ to describe the harsh weather they face. He also talks about soldiers climbing mountains, crossing valleys, deserts and marshes.
These images create a clear picture of the tough environments in which soldiers work. Through this, the poet honours their hard work and courage. It makes readers respect soldiers even more for their sacrifice and endurance.
Question 6.
What makes the comparison of soldiers to yogis a powerful poetic device?
Answer:
The poet compares soldiers to yogis to show their calm and disciplined life. Yogis give up comfort to follow a greater goal, just like soldiers give up easy life to protect the country. This comparison shows that soldiers are not just strong physically but also strong in mind and spirit. They serve silently, with full dedication and patience. The simile makes readers see soldiers as noble and spiritual heroes. It raises respect for their unseen struggles.
Question 7.
How does the poem explore the theme of invisible service and unsung heroism?
Answer:
The poem shows that soldiers work quietly without asking for fame. While we are asleep, they stay awake to protect us. They walk across lonely, harsh lands without anyone noticing their hardships. The poet uses the image of ‘wind chimes’ to show that even nature honours them when people forget.
Their service is invisible but full of bravery. This idea makes us realise that true heroes do not always get recognition but keep serving with devotion.
Question 8.
What emotional response does the poem intend to evoke in the reader? How is this achieved?
Answer:
The poem aims to fill the reader’s heart with gratitude and respect. Dr. Kalam uses soft, kind words to describe soldiers and their sacrifices. He speaks directly to the soldiers by using ‘you,’ making the reader feel personally connected. The final prayer, ‘May the Lord bless you all!’ creates a deep emotional impact.
It makes readers realise the greatness of soldiers’ sacrifices. The simple and powerful language helps build feelings of thankfulness and admiration.
Question 9.
Reflect on how the poem could change the reader’s perception of soldiers.
Answer:
The poem teaches readers to see soldiers in a deeper way. It shows that soldiers are not just fighters but also calm, spiritual, and disciplined protectors. They give up their comfort, youth and happiness for the nation. By comparing them to yogis and praying for them, the poet shows that soldiers deserve more than medals.
They deserve deep respect for their silent and tireless service. It makes readers think about the true meaning of bravery and sacrifice.
My Dear Soldiers Competency Based Questions
Question 1.
Imagine you are asked to design a memorial based on this poem. What three key elements from the poem would you incorporate and why?
Answer:
I would include wind chimes to represent nature’s tribute, terrain models showing protection areas, and yogi statues symbolising discipline. These would visually translate the poem’s metaphors into meaningful memorial features.
Question 2.
The poem mentions soldiers facing different weather conditions. How does this depiction help common people understand and appreciate soldiers, challenges?
Answer:
By showing that soldiers endure extreme weather which civilians avoid, the poem builds empathy. It helps people connect their own weather experiences to the soldiers’ constant protection despite harsh conditions.
Question 3.
Imagine you are writing a letter to a soldier stationed at a remote border post. Based on your reading of the poem, write 3-4 lines that reflect both gratitude and understanding of their sacrifice.
Answer:
Dear Soldier,
Thank you for being awake when we sleep and for walking through deserts, snow and silence so that we may live in peace. Your courage is felt in every corner of our country and we pray for your safety each day. You are our nation’s pride.
Question 4.
Based on the poem, design a motivational speech (4-5 lines) to be delivered at your school’s Independence Day function.
Answer:
Today, we salute the silent warriors-the brave soldiers who walk where no one watches. They stand firm in snow and sun, guarding our freedom without applause. They give their youth so we may live in peace. Let’s carry their spirit of sacrifice in our own lives and always remember-we are free because they are brave.
My Dear Soldiers Extract Based Questions and Answers
Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow choosing the best option from among the given ones.
I. Oh! Defenders of borders
You are great sons of my land
When we are all asleep
You still hold on to your deed
Windy season or snowy days
Or scorching sun’s sweltering rays (Page 200)
Question 1.
The phrase “great sons of my land” refers to
(a) Farmers
(b) Soldiers
(c) Teachers
(d) Doctors
Answer:
(b) Soldiers
Question 2.
The soldiers work only during daytime. (True or False)
Answer:
False (soldiers have duty at night too in shifts)
Question 3.
What do soldiers do when others are asleep?
Answer:
They hold on to their duty and guard the borders
Question 4.
The soldiers face ………… sun’s sweltering rays.
Answer:
scorching
II. You are there guarding all the time awake
Treading the lonely expanses as yogis
Climbing the heights or striding the valleys
Defending the deserts or guarding the marshes
Surveillance in seas and by securing the air (Page 200)
Question 1.
The comparison of soldiers to yogis suggests:
(a) They meditate a lot
(b) They show similar discipline
(c) They wear similar clothes
(d) They live in mountains
Answer:
(b) They show similar discipline
Question 2.
Soldiers only protect land borders. (True or False)
Answer:
False (They protect maritime and aerial borders too, not just land.)
Question 3.
Name two terrains mentioned where soldiers work.
Answer:
Deserts and marshes
Question 4.
Soldiers keep ………… in seas.
Answer:
surveillance
III. Prime of your youth given to the nation!!
Wind chimes of my land vibrate your feat
We pray for you brave men!!
May the Lord bless you all!! (Page 200)
Question 1.
“Prime of your youth” means:
(a) Childhood years
(b) Best young years
(c) Old age
(d) School days
Answer:
(b) Best young years
Question 2.
The poet doesn’t care about the soldiers’ well-being. (True or False)
Answer:
False (“We pray for you brave mell / May the Lord bless you all!!” directly express the poet’s concern and prayers for the soldiers’ welfare)
Question 3.
How does the land acknowledge the soldiers’ achievements?
Answer:
The land acknowledges the soldiers achievements through the line: “Wind chimes of my land vibrate your feat.” The wind chimes vibrating symbolise a gentle tribute or salute from nature to the soldiers’ heroic actions.
Question 4.
The poet concludes with a for the soldiers.
Answer:
Prayer
Grammar and Writing :
A. Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate collocation from the options given in brackets. Choose carefully as the words are often used together in English.
1. The soldiers continue their duty even under ……… conditions. (extreme weather / extreme season)
Answer: extreme weather
2. After several weeks of patrol, they maintained their ……… spirit. (unbroken / continuous)
Answer: unbroken
3. During the snowfall, they had to ……… communication with the base camp. (break / maintain)
Answer: maintain
4. The officers organised a ……… session to motivate the new recruits. (pep talk / large meeting)
Answer: pep talk
5. Soldiers must ……… guard duty with full alertness, even during festive times. (perform / provide)
Answer: perform
6. After completing their mission, they took a …….. break before the next assignment. (brief / short-lived)
Answer: brief
7. In unfamiliar terrains, it is important to ……… caution. (exercise / exhibit)
Answer: exercise
8. The team ……… heavy losses during the harsh winter storm. (suffered / received)
Answer: suffered
9. Brave soldiers ……… forward even when obstacles block their path. (press / move)
Answer: press
10. The general expressed ……… appreciation for the soldiers’ dedication. (deep / high)
Answer: deep
B. Read the line and identify the poetic device used.
1. “Scorching sun’s sweltering rays”
Answer:
Alliteration – repetition of the ‘s’ sound.
2. “Treading the lonely expanses as yogis”
Answer:
Simile – comparison using ‘as’.
3. “Wind chimes of my land vibrate your feat”
Answer:
Metaphor – wind chimes represent nature honouring soldiers.
4. “When we are all asleep, you still hold on to your deed”
Answer:
Contrast – between civilians resting and soldiers on duty.
C. Write a formal paragraph on the topic, Why Soldiers Deserve More than Just Respect.
Answer:
Soldiers are often praised for their bravery, but their service goes far beyond what words can honour. As Dr. Kalam’s poem ‘My Dear Soldiers’ shows, they sacrifice their comfort, family time and even the prime of their youth to guard the nation in silence. While we enjoy festivals and sleep peacefully, they face extreme weather and lonely terrains. Their commitment is constant yet often invisible. Therefore, they deserve more than just public praise-they need strong support systems, mental health care and recognition beyond uniforms. Respect is a beginning but our actions as citizens must match our gratitude.
D. Imagine you are the Principal and your school is organising a ‘Salute to Soldiers’ Day’. Write a formal note to all the teachers and students to participate in writing messages of gratitude for the soldiers along with other activities. (Word limit: 50-60 words)
Answer:
NOTE
Date: 25th April, 20XX
Dear teachers and students,
You all are invited to participate in ‘Salute to Soldiers Day’ by participating in the activities already informed about and also by writing heartfelt messages for our brave soldiers. Please submit your notes and drawings to the Class Teacher by 28th April. Let us express our gratitude to those who protect our nation selflessly.
The Principal
My Dear Soldiers Extra Questions for Practice
Multiple Choice Questions
1. What is the primary emotion expressed by the poet towards the soldiers?
(a) Pity
(b) Admiration
(c) Indifference
(d) Criticism
2. What is a similarity between soldiers and yogis?
(a) Physical strength
(b) Spiritual discipline
(c) Religious beliefs
(d) Isolation from society
3. Which of these is NOT mentioned as a terrain protected by soldiers?
(a) Mountains
(b) Forests
(c) Marshes
(d) Deserts
4. The phrase “Prime of your youth given to the nation” suggests:
(a) Early retirement benefits
(b) Sacrifice of best years
(c) Mandatory service period
(d) Youth training programmes
5. The wind chimes in the poem symbolise:
(a) Musical talents of soldiers
(b) Nature honoring soldiers
(c) Seasonal changes
(d) Cultural traditions
6. ‘When we are all asleep, you still hold on to your deed’ implies that soldiers
(a) avoid sleep to train more
(b) work mainly at night
(c) remain committed even in unseen moments
(d) are more active during holidays
7. The line ‘Prime of your youth given to the nation’ reflects the:
(a) soldier’s early retirement
(b) nation’s obligation to pay them
(c) sacrifice of personal dreams and pleasures
(d) strict training rules
8. The poet uses ‘wind chimes’ as a metaphor to symbolise:
(a) celebration of music
(b) the passing of seasons
(c) the nation’s silent appreciation of soldiers
(d) bells in military camps
9. From the poem, we can infer that the poet views soldiers as
(a) war-loving and aggressive
(b) disciplined monks of service
(c) government employees
(d) nature explorers
10. Which of these best summarises the tone of the poem?
(a) Humorous and admiring
(b) Grateful and reverent
(c) Sarcastic and hopeful
(d) Regretful and warning
Fill in the Blanks
1. The soldiers are described as guarding the borders during both day and ………….
2. The poet uses the phrase “scorching sun’s …………rays” to describe extreme heat.
3. Soldiers perform surveillance in seas and secure the …………according to the poem.
4. The poem mentions that soldiers tread lonely expanses like …………
5. The soldiers not only defend land but also provide surveillance in the ……… and air.
6. The poet acknowledges that the soldiers sacrifice the prime of their ……… .
7. The poetic phrase ‘wind chimes of my land’ metaphorically expresses the nation’s silent ………
8. The terrain of ……… is mentioned to show the diversity of landscapes soldiers serve in.
9. The poem ends with a heartfelt ……… for the soldiers.
State Whether True or False
1. The poem suggests soldiers only protect land borders. …………
2. The poet compares soldiers to yogis to highlight their physical exercise routines. …………
3. Different weather conditions are mentioned to show soldiers’ constant dedication. …………
4. The poem ends with a prayer for the soldiers’ well-being.
5. The poet praises only the physical strength of the soldiers.
6. The poem acknowledges the harshness of multiple terrains like deserts and marshes.
7. According to the poem, soldiers serve the nation only during wartime.
8. The poet refers to soldiers as ‘yogis’ to highlight their sense of inner peace and focus.
9. The poem ends with a demand for better weapons.
Assertion and Reason Question
Two statements are given-Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read them carefully and choose the correct option.
1. Assertion (A): The poem describes soldiers protecting various terrains like deserts and marshes.
Reason (R): This shows the comprehensive nature of their protective duties across all landscapes.
Codes:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Very Short Answer Type Questions
1. Who is being referred to as “great sons” in the poem?
2. What is given to the nation by soldiers?
3. What does the poet pray for at the end?
4. Who is the speaker of the poem?
5. What time of day does the poet mention to highlight the soldier’s alertness?
6. Name two terrains where soldiers are said to serve.
7. What natural element is metaphorically used to honour the soldiers?
8. What is the tone of the last line of the poem?
Short Answer Type Questions
1. Explain the significance of comparing soldiers to yogis in the poem.
2. How does the poem show that soldiers work while others rest?
3. What does the phrase “wind chimes of my land vibrate your feat” suggest?
4. Why does the poet describe the soldiers as being always awake?
5. How does the poem portray soldiers’ relationship with nature?
6. What does the repetition of the word ‘you’ throughout the poem achieve?
7. How is alliteration used in the poem? Give an example.
Long Answer Type Questions
1. Analyse how the poem uses different terrains and weather conditions to portray soldiers’ duties and sacrifices.
2. Discuss how the poet creates a sense of gratitude and respect towards soldiers through the poem’s language and imagery.
3. How does the poet balance factual detail with poetic beauty in this tribute to soldiers?
4. Analyse the structure of the poem and its role in conveying the message.
5. Discuss the significance of the line ‘Prime of your youth given to the nation’.
6. How does the poet present the idea of service beyond boundaries of time and space?
7. How does the use of direct address ‘you’ affect the reader’s engagement with the poem?
Competency Based Question
1. Imagine you are creating an illustration for this poem. What three key elements from the poem would you include in your artwork to best represent its message about soldiers? Explain your choices.