Listening, Writing and Reading - Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

A. Answer the following questions in a sentence or two.

1. He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fi ll up with snow.

a)     Who does ‘he’ refer to?

b)    Identify the season with these lines

2. My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near

a)     Who is the speaker?

b)    Why should the horse think it queer?

c)     Pick out the rhyming words.

3. He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake.

a)     Whom does ‘he’ refer to in these lines?

b)    Why does ‘he’ give his harness bells a shake?

c)     How does the horse communicate with the poet?

4. The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep

a)     How are the woods?

b)    Who does ‘I’ refer to?

c)     What are the promises the speaker is talking about?

5. And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.

a)     Why has the poet repeated the last line?

b)    Explain: miles to go before I sleep

B. Write down the summary of the poem by filling in the blanks.

After a long travel the poet entered a___________. He wondered to whom the wood _______! He realized that the owner of the wood lived in a ________. He was happy that the owner would not be able to ___________him stopping in his woods to watch _____________ fill the woods. The poet felt that the horse would think it very _________ to stop near the woods as he had never _____. He was actually standing between the woods and _______. The time was ________. The horse indicated that the poet has made a ________ by shaking its head. The poet felt that the woods are lovely, _______ and ______. He suddenly realized that he had worldly ______which would not allow him to _______ in the woods for a long time.

C. Answer the questions in three or four sentences.

a. What information does the poet highlight about the season and the time of the day in the poem?

b. In which way is the reaction of the speaker different from that of the horse? What does it convey?

c. What are the sounds heard by the poet?

d. The poet is aware of two choices. What are they? What choice does he make ultimately?

Pe. ick out words from the poem that bring to mind peace and quiet.

Appreciating the poem

D. Identify the rhyme scheme used in each stanza. One example has been done for you.

E. Complete the table by identifying lines, against the poetic devices from the poem. One example is done for you.

Listening

F. Listen to your teacher read a passage or play on a recorder, on the importance of keeping promises. As you listen, complete the blanks.

a.     When you make a promise, keep it, even if it____________ you more than you expected.

b.     Do not promise _______ but ______ more then you promise.

c.      A promise ________ people together.

d.     Some people make promises _______.

e.      Saying 'yes' is easier than refusal but can lead to _________ and decrease in trust.

f.       Before making promises, consider the long-term _______.

Writing

G. Answer the following questions in a paragraph about 80 -100 words

a. It is said that, “the choices made by one, shapes one’s destiny”. The theme of choice is important throughout this poem.

H. Work in pairs and discuss the factors that contribute towards making a choice and make a presentation to the class.

I. Write down your presentation as an article.

b. Though attracted to the peace and quiet of the woods, the poet decides to go on to the village. Express your opinion on why the poet does so.

J. You can use the following words while expressing your opinion. Write a short speech in not more than 100-150 words.

Read and Enjoy

Leisure

What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs, And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass, Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylight, Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty’s glance, And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this is, if full of care, We have no time to stand and stare.

William Henry Davies