NCERT Class 8 Poem Solutions: A Concrete Example | Summary & All Answers

A Concrete Example

Complete Poem Guide & Exercise Solutions

Table of Contents

• Poem Summary
• Let us discuss
• Let us think and reflect
• Let us learn
• Let us listen
• Let us speak
• Let us write
• Let us explore

Poem Summary

"A Concrete Example" by Reginald Arkell is a light-hearted and humorous poem about the speaker's next-door neighbour, Mrs. Jones, and her peculiar garden. The garden is filled mostly with stones, a "crazy path," a lily pond, a rockery, and an unusual sundial. Mrs. Jones plants extremely tiny flowers between the stones, which the speaker amusingly imagines must be planted with a pin. The poem concludes with a funny incident where Mrs. Jones invites the speaker over to admire a particular flower, and after a long discussion, reveals that the speaker has been standing on it the whole time. The poem gently pokes fun at Mrs. Jones's unique gardening style while also highlighting her passion for it.

Let us discuss

I. Complete the following summary with exact words from the poem.

The poem describes Mrs. Jones, the speaker's next-door neighbour, who has a unique garden filled with 1. stones. Her garden includes a 2. crazy path, a 3. lily pond, and a rockery, along with an unusual 4. sundial that she finds charming. Mrs. Jones plants tiny, 5. delicate plants between the stones, which the speaker thinks must be so small that they are planted with a 6. pin. One day, Mrs. Jones invites the speaker to see her garden, and they discuss a 7. flower that Mrs. Jones treasures. When the speaker asks where the 8. lovely thing is, Mrs. Jones says that the speaker has been 9. standing on it all along.

II. Select the correct option to fill in the blanks.

1. The tone of the poem is D. (ii), (iv), and (v) (humorous, amusing, light-hearted).
2. The speaker in the poem is (iv) a child (or a neighbour with a childlike sense of wonder and observation).
3. The rhyme scheme of the poem is (i) AABBCC.

III. Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct answer.

1. The poet uses the word 'stones' in all stanzas in order to emphasise her obsession with a stony garden.
2. The poet uses imagery to describe the features of the garden that help readers visualise the garden's peculiar nature.

IV. Pick examples of alliteration from the poem.

Answer: An example of alliteration from the poem is: "puts little plants".

V. Identify the refrain from the poem.

Answer: The refrain in the poem is: "My next-door neighbour, Mrs. Jones,"

VI. Identify the line(s) from the poem that display(s) situational irony.

Answer: The lines that display situational irony are:

"Where is this lovely thing?" I cried.
"You're standing on it," she replied.

This is ironic because the speaker is searching for something beautiful, which is unexpectedly right under their feet, being crushed.

VII. Complete the following sentences appropriately.

1. The word 'concrete' can refer to the stones and other solid materials in Mrs. Jones' garden.
2. The title also has a symbolic meaning, as the poem provides a clear or 'concrete' example of Mrs. Jones' peculiar gardening habits.

Let us think and reflect

I. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow.

1. What can be inferred about Mrs. Jones's taste in gardening from the description of her garden being 'full of stones'?
   It can be inferred that Mrs. Jones has an unconventional and unique taste in gardening. She prefers hardscapes like stones, paths, and rockeries over a traditional garden full of soil and large plants.
2. Identify whether the following statement is true or false.
   The garden serves as a means to reveal more about Mrs. Jones herself. - True.
3. What does the poet mean by 'crazy path'?
   A 'crazy path' likely means a winding, uneven, or irregularly designed path, not a straight or formal one, which adds to the garden's peculiar character.
4. What does the sundial with a 'strange device' suggest about Mrs. Jones' personality?
   A. She has a fascination with unusual items.

II. Answer the following questions.

1. How does Mrs. Jones feel about her garden? Support your answer with evidence from the poem.
   Mrs. Jones feels very proud and fond of her garden. Evidence includes her thinking the "strange device" on her sundial is "rather nice" and her excitement in inviting the speaker over to "see her stones" and discuss a flower for "quite a quarter of an hour."
2. Why do you think the speaker describes the plants as being so small that they could be planted with a pin?
   The speaker uses this exaggeration to emphasize just how tiny and delicate the plants are. It creates a humorous image that highlights the contrast between the massive stones and the minuscule flowers.
3. What do we get to know about Mrs. Jones-based on her gardening style and her interaction with the speaker?
   We learn that Mrs. Jones is a person with unique tastes who finds beauty in unconventional things. She is passionate about her hobby, patient (planting tiny flowers), and friendly, as she eagerly shares her garden with her neighbour.
4. The poem portrays Mrs. Jones in a positive light. Support this statement.
   The statement is true. Although the speaker finds her garden peculiar, the tone is gentle and amusing, not critical. Mrs. Jones is portrayed as a charming, friendly neighbour who is passionate about her unique garden, which makes her a likable character.
5. What does the poem tell us about the way people think differently about the world around them?
   The poem shows that beauty is subjective. What one person (the speaker) sees as a peculiar garden full of stones, another (Mrs. Jones) sees as a wonderful collection of treasures and delicate plants. It highlights that people find joy and value in very different things.

Let us learn

I. Select the appropriate word from the brackets that correctly replaces the underlined word.

1. A sundial with a strange device, - peculiar
2. ... which Mrs. Jones thinks rather nice. - charming
3. They are so delicate... - fragile
4. "Where is this lovely thing?" I cried. - exclaimed

II. Match the type of instruments in Column 1 with their definitions in Column 2.

Column 1	Column 2
1. implement	(iii) something that works on being moved by hand
2. tool	(v) something used by hand to make or repair
3. equipment	(iv) a set of necessary items for a particular purpose
4. appliance	(i) something that is electrical and is used to do work in the house
5. gadget	(ii) something small that is mechanical or electronic

III. Complete the table by making new words.

1. From "nice"

• (i) dice - cut into small pieces
• (ii) rice - grain that we cook
• (iii) mice - plural of mouse
• (iv) vice - bad habit

2. From "soil"

• (i) boil - heat something
• (ii) toil - work very hard
• (iii) coil - length of wire in a circle
• (iv) foil - sheets to wrap food items

Let us listen

I. As you listen, answer the following questions.

1. Where was Nek Chand's Rock Garden featured?
   An Indian postage stamp.
2. What kind of sculptures does the Rock Garden have?
   Colourful sculptures.
3. How is the Rock Garden divided?
   Three distinct phases.
4. Name any one thing that has been transformed into a piece of art in the Rock Garden.
   Broken toilet pots (or terracotta pots / light fixtures).
5. Approximately, how many statues border the Rock Garden?
   Around 5,000 statues.

Let us speak

I. Apology Dialogues

1. Informal Apologies

(i) You have eaten your brother's share of sweets.
You: I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to, but I ate your share of the sweets.
Brother: That's alright. Just ask me next time!

2. Formal Apologies

(i) You did not bring an assignment that was due for submission.
You: Ma'am, I'm extremely sorry for not bringing my assignment today. I promise it won't happen again.
Teacher: I accept your apology. Please ensure you submit it tomorrow without fail.

Let us write

Draft a notice informing the students about the inauguration of the Herb Garden.

GREENWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOL

NOTICE

Date: 14 October 2025

Inauguration of the Herb Garden

This is to inform all students of Grades 6-8 that the Nature Club is inaugurating a new Herb Garden in the school. The inauguration ceremony will be held as per the details given below:

• Date: 20 October 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM
• Venue: Beside the school playground

The garden will be inaugurated by our respected Principal, Mrs. Sharma. All students are invited to attend the event and learn about the importance of medicinal herbs.

Aarav Kumar
(Signature)
Aarav Kumar
Secretary, Nature Club

Let us explore

Activities

The "Let us explore" section provides engaging activities to deepen your appreciation for nature and creativity. You are encouraged to:

• Take a virtual tour of the beautiful Amrit Udyan at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• Create your own herbarium by collecting, pressing, and designing with fallen flowers and leaves from your neighbourhood.
• Read and enjoy the poem "A Sea of Foliage" by Toru Dutt to see another perspective on a garden's beauty.

A Friend's Prayer by Jill Wolf Class 6 Poorvi - Solved and Explained

This post provides detailed solutions and activities for the poem "A Friend’s Prayer" by Jill Wolf, as featured in the NCERT Class 6 English Poorvi textbook. It is designed especially for sixth-grade students to help them understand the poem’s meaning, reflect on friendship, and practice related language skills. Whether you are a student, teacher, or parent, this guide will support learning through discussion, reflection, listening, speaking, and writing exercises.

Table of Contents

• Let us discuss
• Let us think and reflect
• Let us learn
• Let us listen
• Let us speak
• Let us write

Let us discuss

1. Read the poem silently. As you read, underline the parts of the poem that you agree with.

Students underline the following lines:

• “May my friendships always be, The most important thing to me.”
• “So let me give my very best.”
• “But love my friends the way they are.”

2. Now, share the details of your underlined parts of the poem in groups and explain why you liked those lines.

Students’ responses:

• “I liked the line ‘May my friendships always be, The most important thing to me’ because it tells us how valuable friendship is.”
• “I feel ‘So let me give my very best’ is good as it reminds us to always try to help our friends.”
• “I liked ‘But love my friends the way they are’ because it shows that we should accept our friends without judging them.”

3. Which line was underlined by most people in your group? Share it with your teacher.

Most students underlined the line: “But love my friends the way they are.”

Let us think and reflect

I Complete the summary of the poem by circling the correct highlighted words.

The poet says a prayer for friendship and friends. She wants that friendship should always be an important part of her complete life. She says that her friendship makes her feel special. She wishes to do the best she can, for her friends. She wants to listen to the wishes of her friends. As a good friend, she prays that she is able to make her friends’ wishes come true. She wants her heart to understand what a true friend is. She prays that she loves her friends as they are. She tells us that true friends accept their friends for all their qualities.

II Answer in one word only.

1. How does the poet feel about special friends?
   Blessed
2. What does the poet use to realise what friends can be?
   Heart

III Read the following lines from the poem and answer the questions given below.

1. I want to do much more than share
The hopes and plans of friends who care;
I’ll try all that a friend can do
To make their wishes come true.

(i) Complete the sentence with the most suitable option.
These lines tell us that the speaker is _______________.
B. caring

(ii) How will the speaker make her friends’ wishes come true?
By trying hard

(iii) Fill in the blank with a suitable word.
My friends will feel happy if their wishes come true.

2. Let me use my heart to see,
To realise what friends can be,
And make no judgements from afar,
But love my friends the way they are.

(i) The speaker says that feelings are important to understand friendship. Which line tells us this?
“Let me use my heart to see, To realise what friends can be.”

(ii) Complete the sentence with the most suitable option.
These lines tell us that the speaker is _______________.
B. thoughtful

(iii) Fill in the blank with one word.
The speaker does not wish to make any judgements. She cares for them just as they are.

IV Give one reason why we can say that this poem is a prayer.
We can say this poem is a prayer because the poet is asking with love and hope for the good of her friends.

V Why does the speaker ‘want to do more’ for her friend?
The speaker wants to do more for her friends because she truly cares for them and wishes to make them happy.

VI Do you think that the speaker knows about the wishes of her friend? How can we say so?
Yes, the speaker knows about the wishes of her friends because she says she will try to make their wishes come true.

VII Do you also pray for your friend? What do you wish for? Discuss.
Students’ responses may vary. Example: “Yes, I also pray for my friends. I wish for their happiness, good health and success in life.”

Let us learn

I The poet says, ‘With special friends I feel I’m blessed’.

Select the words that are similar to the meaning of being blessed, from those given below.

• grateful
• understood
• thankful

II Good friends have a lot of qualities. Let us list some.

• loyal
• helpful
• kind
• caring
• honest

Now, fill in the blanks with the words you just listed above.

1. My friend is always helpful to me even when I make a mistake.
2. My friend shares things with me. She is very caring.
3. My friend is kind because he always supports me.
4. My friend never lies. She is an honest person.
5. My friend and I believe in loyalty for each other.

Let us listen

I. You will listen to a talk about some outdoor activities that two friends spend their time doing. As you listen, answer the given question in one or two word(s) only.

1. What do the two friends purchase and use on the park bench?

Comic book

II. You will once again listen to the talk about some outdoor activities of the two friends. As you listen, circle the pictures that show these activities.

The correct pictures are:

• Picture 1: Two friends reading a book on a park bench
• Picture 2: Cycling
• Picture 3: Eating ice-cream
• Picture 4: Walking together in the park
• Picture 5: Sitting on a mat and reading together
• Picture 6: Cycling together

Activities done by Ajay and Dhiraj: Playing on swings, taking walks, looking at birds and trees, cycling, eating ice-cream, and reading a comic book together.

Let us speak

1. In pairs, act the role of friends speaking to each other. Speak about the following situations:
   

   1. A walk in the park

   Amit: Hi Rahul! How are you?
   Rahul: Hi Amit! I am good. How are you?
   Amit: I am fine. Do you want to go to the park with me today?
   Rahul: Yes, I would love to!
   Amit: Great! What activities should we do in the park?
   Rahul: We can play on the swings and look at the trees.
   Amit: That sounds fun. I like spending time with you.
   Rahul: Me too. I enjoy our walks in the park.
   

   2. Sharing tiffins at school

   Priya: Hello Anu! How are you today?
   Anu: Hi Priya! I am good. What did you bring for tiffin?
   Priya: I brought sandwiches. What did you bring?
   Anu: I have some fruit and biscuits.
   Priya: Let’s share our tiffins!
   Anu: Yes, please. Here, take some fruit.
   Priya: Thank you. Your biscuits are tasty! What other foods do you like?
   Anu: I like noodles too.
   Priya: Sharing tiffin makes me happy.
   Anu: Me too. Thank you for sharing, Priya.
   

2. Create a new situation and have another conversation.
   
   Situation: Making a project together
   

   Sameer: Hi Rohan! Do you want to make the Science project together?
   Rohan: Yes, Sameer. That will be fun.
   Sameer: What should we make?
   Rohan: Let’s make a volcano model.
   Sameer: Great idea! I will bring the clay and you can bring colours.
   Rohan: Sure. Working together is always helpful.
   Sameer: Yes, I enjoy doing projects with you!
   

Let us write

When? Last year
Where? At school
How? We met each other in the same class and became friends when we helped each other in studies.

A New Friendship

My friendship with my best friend started last year at school. We were both new students in the sixth class and did not know many people. One day, I forgot my notebook at home and my friend shared his notebook with me without hesitation. We started talking and soon found that we have many common interests, like reading stories and playing cricket. We began helping each other in studies and played together during breaks. Gradually, we became very good friends. I am very happy to have a caring and loyal friend.