Poem : The Snail
Poet : William Cowper

 

WBBSE Class 10 : Lesson  8





 

The Snail by William Cowper

 

Comprehension exercises

 

1. Choose the correct alternative to complete the following sentences:

 

(a) With the slightest touch, the snail shrinks into its house with

 

(i) displeasure

(ii) pleasure

(iii) pain

(iv) surprise

 

(b) In its house, the snail lives with


(i) parents

(ii) friends

(iii) relatives

(iv) no one

 

2. State whether the following statements are True or False. Provide sentences/ phrases/words in support of your answer:

 

(a) The snail fears to fall from the wall.


Ans: Flase

 

Supporting statement: “…no fears to fall  As if he grew there, house and all”

 

(b) The snail comes out of his house during a storm.


Ans: False


Supporting statement: “Within that house secure … Of storm, or other harm besides of weather”

 

3. Answer the following questions:

 

(a) What does the snail usually stick itself to?

 

Ans: The snail usually sticks itself to grass, leaf, fruit or wall.

 

(b) What makes the snail well-satisfied?

 

Ans: The snail dwells alone .He has nothing except himself. According to the poet this loneliness makes the snail well-satisfied.



Grammar in use

 

4. Change the following sentences into questions, as directed:

(a) Siraj always rises early. (Interrogative sentence using ’does’)

 

Ans: Does not Siraj always rise early?

 

(b) Joyce is the best singer in the class. (Information question using 'who‘)

 

Ans: Who is the best singer in the class?

 

(c) He saw the rainbow. (Interrogative sentence using ’did')

 

Ans: Did not he see the rainbow?

 

(d) I go to school by bus. (Information question using 'how’)

 

Ans: How do you go to school?

 

Writing activity

 

5. Write a letter (within 100 words) to the editor of an English daily about the disturbances caused by the thoughtless use of loudspeakers.

Ans: Will be published soon