My Native Land Class 8 | B8L6B2 | Lesson 2 Question Answers

My Native Land

1) Read the poem and answer the questions that follow:

(a) What does the old man ask the poet?
Ans: The old man asks the poet what his native land is like.

(b) Why does the old man ask the question to the poet?
Ans: The old man is curious to know about the poet’s native land.

(c) How does the poet address the old man? What does that form of address mean?
Ans: The poet calls the old man “Koka,” which means grandfather.

(d) Why does the poet ask the old man to breathe deep?
Ans: The poet asks the old man to take a deep breath so he can sense the warmth of the air, reminiscent of his childhood memories.

(e) With what does the poet compare the cool breeze on the old man’s face?
Ans: The cool breeze on the old man’s face is compared to the calm and serene spirit of his homeland.

(f) With what does the poet compare the content gurgling of the little baby?
Ans: The poet likens the contented gurgling of a baby to the fertile soil of the land.

(g) What does the chorus of the cuckoo and the sparrows do?
Ans: The chorus of the cuckoo and sparrows embodies the essence of the old man’s homeland.

(h) What are the things that create the soul of the poet’s beloved country?
Ans: The soul of the poet’s beloved land is created by elements such as the beats of the Bihu Dhol, the tunes of Pepa and Gogona, the fragrance of Pitha and Laroo, and the devotional songs from the Namghar, Mosque, and Church.

2) Match the summaries with the stanzas:

a) My native land makes me feel as safe and secure as a baby carried on a mother’s back.
Ans: Stanza – 4

b) The spirit of my native land can be understood in terms of its unity in diversity. Like family members with similarities and differences who share the same home, the people of my land practise various traditions and religions.
Ans: Stanza – 6

c) The lonely, blind old man in the street asked me to describe our native land.
Ans: Stanza – 1

d) Our native land is enriched by nature and brought to life by the animals and birds that roam in its lush green forests.
Ans: Stanza – 5

e) The touch of our native land is as soothing as the cool breeze after a stormy night.
Ans: Stanza – 3

3) Examples of sensory descriptions in the poem:

(a) Touch:
Ans: The poet describes the cool breeze.

(b) Hearing:
Ans: The poet includes the gurgling of the baby, the chorus of cuckoos and sparrows, the rhythmic sound of the Bihu Dhol, Pepa, Gogona, and the evening prayers from Namghar, Mosque, and Church.

(c) Smell:
Ans: The poet mentions the sweet aroma of Pitha and Laroo.

(d) Was the old man able to guess the season when the poet described what his land was like?
Ans: Yes, the old man understood it was spring.

4) Match the words with their meanings and create sentences:

A B Thunder The loud explosive sound that follows lightning in the clouds. Morn Morning. Contented Satisfied. Gurgling The happy sound made by babies. Chorus Singing or speaking at the same time. Aroma Strong pleasant smell. Sturdy Strong and firm.

Sentences:
a) Thunder: The thunderstorm scared everyone in the village.
b) Morn: She loves walking in the quietness of the morn.
c) Contented: The farmer was contented with his bountiful harvest.
d) Gurgling: The gurgling sound of the stream was soothing.
e) Chorus: The birds sang in a melodious chorus.
f) Aroma: The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen.
g) Sturdy: The sturdy bridge withstood the storm.

5) Pronunciation practice and sentences:

(a) Pairs of words for pronunciation:
(i) sturdy – study
(ii) breathe – breed
(iii) warm – worm
(iv) rain – ran
(v) than – then
(vi) church – search
(vii) deep – dip
(viii) land – lend

(b) Practice sentences:

1. The sturdy tree survived the storm.

2. Warm days feel better than cold ones.

3. He will then go to the market, not now.

4. Farmers lend tools to those in need.

5. People gather to pray at the church.

6. She ran home in the rain.

7. The river is so deep that it’s dangerous to dip.

6) Musical instruments used in the Bihu festival:

(a) Dhol: A traditional drum central to Bihu celebrations.
(b) Pepa: A horn-shaped wind instrument crafted from buffalo horns.
(c) Gogona: A harp-like instrument used in Assamese folk music.

Additional Instruments:
(i) Taal: Brass cymbals that add rhythm to Bihu songs.
(ii) Sutuli: A clay wind instrument mimicking the sounds of nature.

Description: Bihu music is vibrant and reflects the Assamese culture. Instruments like the Dhol, Pepa, and Gogona are accompanied by Taal and Sutuli to create rhythmic and melodious tunes, making Bihu a unique and joyful celebration.

7) Letter inviting a friend during Rongali Bihu:

P.S.V. High School
12/12/2012

Dear Ritu,

I hope this letter finds you in great health and happiness. Rongali Bihu is around the corner, and I am writing to invite you to spend this festive season with us. We will prepare traditional dishes like Pitha and Laroo, and take part in the age-old rituals of Bihu. We can enjoy dancing and celebrating together!

I would be delighted if you could join us. Please come soon with your family. Looking forward to seeing you!

Yours lovingly,
Nihal

8) Passage completion and role play:

(a) Fill in the blanks:
The Jonbeel Mela is a three-day community fair held by the Tiwa community in Dayang Belguri at Jonbeel in Morigaon district over the weekend of the Magh Bihu. It is a fair in Morigaon, Assam organized by the Tiwa Community. The American tourist Jim Gordon was delighted to know about Assam. He had heard of Kaziranga and the rhinoceros. He wanted to visit the river island Majuli. He was in time to celebrate Magh Bihu.

(b) Role play:
Author: Hello! Welcome to Garuda Travels. I am here to assist you with your trip.
Jim Gordon: Thank you! I am Jim Gordon from the USA. I am excited to explore Assam, especially Kaziranga and Majuli.
Author: That’s wonderful! Kaziranga is famous for its rhinos, and Majuli is the largest river island. You can also experience Magh Bihu and the Jonbeel Mela.
Jim Gordon: That sounds fascinating! I’m eager to learn more about Assamese culture.

9) Match onomatopoeic words with animals:

• Cow: Moo

• Owl: Hoot

• Hen: Cluck

• Lamb: Bleat

• Parrot: Screech

• Pigeon: Coo

• Crow: Caw

• Snake: Hiss