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A Concrete Example

NCERT Class 8 · English Based on NCERT Class 8 English textbook · Free CBSE study kit

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Chapter Notes

Overview
This chapter is a humorous poem by Reginald Arkell about a neighbour, Mrs. Jones, who has a garden filled with stones instead of lush plants. It exists in the syllabus to teach students about literary devices like irony, refrain, alliteration, and pun, while also exploring how different people perceive beauty in the world. The one big idea a student must walk away with is that the title 'A Concrete Example' is a pun — it refers literally to the concrete (stone) garden and symbolically to the clear example of Mrs. Jones's unique gardening habits.
Key Concepts (25)
Concrete
A building material made from cement, sand, and gravel, used for paths and structures; also means something specific, real, and tangible.
e.g. In the poem, Mrs. Jones's garden has a concrete path made of stones, and the title gives a 'concrete' (clear) example of her unusual gardening style.
Irony
A literary device that emphasises the difference between what is expected and what actually happens, often creating a surprising or humorous effect.
e.g. Mrs. Jones is excited about her garden, but the speaker is disappointed because it is just stones — the outcome is opposite of expectation.
Refrain
A repeated line or phrase that appears in each stanza of a poem.
e.g. The line 'My next-door neighbour, Mrs. Jones' is repeated at the beginning of each stanza.
Alliteration
The repetition of the same initial consonant sound in a series of words.
e.g. In the poem, 'strange device' repeats the 's' sound, and 'rather nice' repeats the 'r' sound.
Pun
A figure of speech that uses words with multiple meanings or words that sound alike but have different meanings, creating a humorous effect.
e.g. The title 'A Concrete Example' is a pun — 'concrete' means both the material (stones) and 'clear/specific'.
Imagery
Descriptive language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, touch, etc.) to help readers visualise a scene.
e.g. The poet uses imagery to describe the garden: 'a crazy path, a lily pond, a rockery' — helping readers visualise the garden's peculiar nature.
Sundial
A device that tells the time by the position of the sun's shadow on a marked surface.
e.g. Mrs. Jones has a sundial with a 'strange device' in her garden, which she finds rather nice.
Rockery
A garden feature made of rocks and stones, often with small plants growing between them.
e.g. Mrs. Jones's garden includes a rockery, which is a pile of stones arranged decoratively.
Tone
The attitude or mood of the poem as conveyed by the poet's choice of words.
e.g. The tone of this poem is humorous, amusing, and light-hearted — not mocking or mournful.
Rhyme scheme
The pattern of rhyming words at the end of each line in a poem, usually shown with letters.
e.g. The rhyme scheme of this poem is AABBCC — each pair of lines rhymes with each other.
Speaker
The voice or persona that narrates the poem, not necessarily the poet.
e.g. The speaker in this poem is a child or neighbour who observes Mrs. Jones's garden and is puzzled by it.
Situational irony
A type of irony where the outcome of a situation is the opposite of what is expected.
e.g. The speaker asks 'Where is this lovely thing?' and Mrs. Jones replies 'You're standing on it' — the flower was right under the speaker's feet all along.
Symbolic meaning
A meaning beyond the literal, where an object or word represents an idea or concept.
e.g. The title 'A Concrete Example' symbolically means the poem provides a clear example of Mrs. Jones's unusual gardening habits.
Literal meaning
The exact, dictionary meaning of a word or phrase, without any figurative interpretation.
e.g. Literally, 'concrete' refers to the stones and path in Mrs. Jones's garden.
Metaphorical meaning
A figurative meaning where a word or phrase is used to represent something else.
e.g. Metaphorically, 'concrete' means 'clear and specific' — the poem is a concrete example of Mrs. Jones's habits.
Device
A tool, instrument, or piece of equipment designed for a specific purpose.
e.g. The sundial is referred to as a 'device' in the poem — it is an instrument that tells time using the sun's shadow.
Implement
Something that works on being moved by hand, used for a specific task.
e.g. A spade is an implement used for digging in the garden.
Tool
Something used by hand to make or repair things.
e.g. A hammer is a tool used for driving nails into wood.
Equipment
A set of necessary items for a particular purpose.
e.g. Cricket bat, helmet, and batting gloves are equipment for playing cricket.
Appliance
Something that is electrical and is used to do work in the house.
e.g. A mixer grinder is an appliance used in the kitchen for grinding and mixing.
Gadget
Something small that is mechanical or electronic.
e.g. A mobile phone or laptop is a gadget used for communication and work.
Herbarium
A collection of plant samples preserved for long-term study, usually in the form of dried and pressed plants mounted on paper.
e.g. You can make a herbarium by collecting fallen flowers and leaves, pressing them in newspaper, and mounting them on paper.
Notice
A formal written announcement displayed on a board or published to inform a group of people about an event or information.
e.g. A notice about the inauguration of the Herb Garden must include date, time, venue, and contact person, written in formal language in third person.
Formal apology
An apology given to someone in authority using respectful and polite language.
e.g. When apologising to the Principal for being late, you say: 'I'm extremely sorry for being late. I promise it won't happen again.'
Informal apology
An apology given to a friend or family member using casual and friendly language.
e.g. When apologising to your brother for eating his sweets, you say: 'Sorry, I didn't mean to eat your share.'
How It Works
Identifying the rhyme scheme of a poem
  1. Step 1: Look at the last word of each line of the poem.
  2. Step 2: Assign the letter 'A' to the first line's ending sound.
  3. Step 3: Assign the same letter to any line that ends with the same sound.
  4. Step 4: Assign a new letter for each new sound.
  5. Step 5: Write the pattern of letters for the entire stanza.
💡 In this poem, the rhyme scheme is AABBCC — each pair of lines rhymes. Students often confuse it with ABAB or other patterns.
Identifying the refrain in a poem
  1. Step 1: Read each stanza of the poem carefully.
  2. Step 2: Look for a line or phrase that is repeated exactly in every stanza.
  3. Step 3: Check if the repetition occurs at the same position (e.g., beginning of each stanza).
  4. Step 4: Confirm that the repeated line is the refrain.
💡 The refrain in this poem is 'My next-door neighbour, Mrs. Jones' — it appears at the start of each stanza. Students sometimes pick a line that appears only twice, which is not a refrain.
Identifying alliteration in a poem
  1. Step 1: Read each line of the poem aloud.
  2. Step 2: Listen for the repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of two or more words in close succession.
  3. Step 3: Note the words that share the initial consonant sound.
  4. Step 4: Write down the phrase as an example of alliteration.
💡 Examples from the poem: 'strange device' (s sound), 'rather nice' (r sound). Students often confuse alliteration with rhyme — alliteration is about initial sounds, not end sounds.
Identifying situational irony in a poem
  1. Step 1: Understand what is expected to happen in the situation described.
  2. Step 2: Read the poem to find the actual outcome.
  3. Step 3: Compare the expected outcome with the actual outcome.
  4. Step 4: If the actual outcome is the opposite of what is expected, that is situational irony.
💡 In this poem, the speaker expects to see a beautiful flower but is told 'You're standing on it' — the flower was underfoot all along. Students often miss this because they focus on the garden being full of stones.
Writing a formal notice
  1. Step 1: Write the name of the organisation at the top (e.g., NAME OF THE SCHOOL).
  2. Step 2: Write the word 'NOTICE' in bold or capital letters.
  3. Step 3: Write the date on the left or right side.
  4. Step 4: Write a title that summarises the purpose (e.g., 'Inauguration of Herb Garden').
  5. Step 5: Write the body of the notice in formal language, third person, including purpose, date, time, venue, and contact information.
  6. Step 6: End with the name, signature, and class of the issuing person.
💡 The notice must be written in a box. Use formal language and third person (e.g., 'The Nature Club is pleased to announce...'). Do not use 'I' or 'you'.
Making a herbarium
  1. Step 1: Collect some fallen flowers and leaves from your neighbourhood.
  2. Step 2: Place them carefully in the folds of a newspaper.
  3. Step 3: Put a pile of heavy books on top of the newspaper to press the plants.
  4. Step 4: Leave them for one week.
  5. Step 5: Take them out and use them to make a card, wall hanging, or any other artwork.
💡 Only collect fallen flowers and leaves — do not pluck them from plants. The pressing must be done carefully to preserve the shape.
Exam Traps — Don't Make These Mistakes
⚠ Confusing the tone of the poem
✗ The tone of the poem is mocking or mournful.
→ The poem is humorous and light-hearted, not mocking. The speaker is amused and puzzled, not cruel or sad. The correct options are humorous, amusing, and light-hearted.
✓ The tone of the poem is humorous, amusing, and light-hearted.
⚠ Misidentifying the speaker
✗ The speaker in the poem is Mrs. Jones or the poet.
→ The speaker is a neighbour (likely a child) who observes Mrs. Jones's garden. Mrs. Jones is the subject, not the speaker. The poet is Reginald Arkell, but the speaker is a character in the poem.
✓ The speaker in the poem is a child or neighbour who lives next door to Mrs. Jones.
⚠ Wrong rhyme scheme
✗ The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABABCC or AABCAC.
→ The poem has rhyming couplets — each pair of lines rhymes. The correct pattern is AABBCC, not alternating rhymes.
✓ The rhyme scheme of the poem is AABBCC.
⚠ Missing the pun in the title
✗ The title 'A Concrete Example' only means an example made of concrete.
→ The title is a pun — it has both literal and symbolic meaning. Literally, it refers to the stones (concrete) in the garden. Symbolically, it means the poem provides a clear, 'concrete' example of Mrs. Jones's unusual gardening habits.
✓ The title 'A Concrete Example' is a pun: literally, it refers to the stones in Mrs. Jones's garden; symbolically, it means the poem gives a clear example of her unique gardening style.
⚠ Confusing 'delicate' with 'delicious'
✗ The plants are so delicious and small.
→ The word 'delicate' means fragile, dainty, or easily damaged — not 'delicious' (tasty). The poem says the plants are 'delicate and small'.
✓ The plants are so delicate (fragile) and small that they could be planted with a pin.
⚠ Thinking the speaker is critical of Mrs. Jones
✗ The speaker thinks Mrs. Jones is foolish for having a stony garden.
→ The speaker is puzzled and amused, not critical. The poem portrays Mrs. Jones in a positive light — she is proud of her garden, and the speaker is simply surprised by the unusual style.
✓ The speaker is amused and surprised by Mrs. Jones's garden, but the poem portrays her in a positive light as someone with a unique sense of beauty.
Compare & Contrast
Type of meaning in the title 'A Concrete Example'
Literal meaning
Symbolic (metaphorical) meaning
Literal meaning refers to the actual stones and concrete in Mrs. Jones's garden; symbolic meaning refers to the poem being a clear, specific example of her unusual gardening habits.
Language and context of apologising
Formal apology
Informal apology
Formal apology uses respectful language (e.g., 'I'm extremely sorry, I promise it won't happen again') and is used with authority figures like a Principal; informal apology uses casual language (e.g., 'Sorry, I didn't mean to') and is used with friends and family.
Scope of the literary device
Irony
Situational irony
Irony is a broad term for any contrast between expectation and reality; situational irony is a specific type where the outcome of a situation is the opposite of what is expected, as in the speaker standing on the flower she was looking for.
Exam Focus
Marks pattern: This chapter typically appears in board exams as: 2-3 MCQs (1 mark each) on tone, rhyme scheme, speaker, and literary devices; 1 short answer question (2-3 marks) on irony, refrain, or pun; 1 long answer question (5 marks) on character analysis of Mrs. Jones or the significance of the title; and 1 extract-based question (3-4 marks) with sub-questions on inference and literary devices.
Most asked: Pun in the title 'A Concrete Example' · Tone of the poem (humorous, amusing, light-hearted) · Rhyme scheme (AABBCC) · Refrain ('My next-door neighbour, Mrs. Jones') · Situational irony (speaker standing on the flower) · Alliteration examples from the poem · Speaker of the poem · Mrs. Jones's personality and gardening style
Don't skip: Explain the pun in the title 'A Concrete Example' — both literal and symbolic meanings.; Identify and explain the situational irony in the poem with evidence.; Describe Mrs. Jones's character based on her gardening style and interaction with the speaker.; Write a note on the tone and rhyme scheme of the poem.
One-Line Revision (read aloud before the exam)
  1. The poem 'A Concrete Example' is written by Reginald Arkell and describes Mrs. Jones's unusual garden full of stones.
  2. The tone of the poem is humorous, amusing, and light-hearted — not mocking or mournful.
  3. The speaker in the poem is a child or neighbour, not Mrs. Jones or the poet.
  4. The rhyme scheme of the poem is AABBCC — each pair of lines rhymes.
  5. The refrain in the poem is 'My next-door neighbour, Mrs. Jones', repeated at the start of each stanza.
  6. Examples of alliteration from the poem include 'strange device' and 'rather nice'.
  7. Situational irony occurs when the speaker asks 'Where is this lovely thing?' and Mrs. Jones replies 'You're standing on it'.
  8. The title 'A Concrete Example' is a pun — literally referring to stones, and symbolically meaning a clear example.
  9. Mrs. Jones is proud of her garden and has a unique, unconventional taste in gardening.
  10. The poet uses imagery to help readers visualise the garden's peculiar features like the crazy path, lily pond, and rockery.
  11. The word 'delicate' in the poem means fragile or dainty, not delicious.
  12. A formal apology uses respectful language and is used with authority figures; an informal apology uses casual language with friends and family.
  13. A notice must be written in a box, in formal language, third person, and include date, time, venue, and contact information.
  14. A herbarium is a collection of dried and pressed plant samples mounted on paper for study.
  15. The Rock Garden of Chandigarh was created by Nek Chand and features sculptures made from recycled materials.

MCQs — 10 Questions with Answers

Q1. In the poem, what does the refrain 'My next-door neighbour, Mrs. Jones' primarily achieve?

  • A. It emphasizes the focus on Mrs. Jones as the central character and her unique identity. ✓
  • B. It fills space to make the poem longer and more interesting.
  • C. It provides a rhyming pattern for the entire poem.
  • D. It suggests that Mrs. Jones is not important to the speaker.

Answer: A — The repeated refrain at the beginning of each stanza keeps the reader's attention on Mrs. Jones and her distinctive gardening style throughout the poem.

Q2. Which of the following is NOT a correct interpretation of the title 'A Concrete Example'?

  • A. It refers to the literal concrete or stones present in Mrs. Jones' garden.
  • B. It means the poem provides a clear symbolic example of Mrs. Jones' unique taste.
  • C. It demonstrates a pun that combines both literal and metaphorical meanings.
  • D. It suggests that Mrs. Jones uses only concrete materials and no plants in her garden. ✓

Answer: D — The poem clearly shows Mrs. Jones plants delicate flowers among the stones; the title does not mean she uses only concrete with no plants.

Q3. What is the rhyme scheme of 'A Concrete Example'?

  • A. ABAB
  • B. AABBCC ✓
  • C. ABCABC
  • D. ABABCC

Answer: B — Lines rhyme consecutively in pairs: stones/Jones, pond/beyond, device/nice, creating the AABBCC pattern.

Q4. Why does the speaker describe the plants as being so small that they must be planted 'with a pin'?

  • A. Mrs. Jones actually uses a pin to plant the flowers.
  • B. It is an exaggeration that emphasizes the plants' delicate and almost invisible nature. ✓
  • C. It suggests the plants are artificial or fake.
  • D. It means the plants do not survive long in the garden.

Answer: B — The phrase is hyperbolic exaggeration used to highlight that the plants are so tiny they seem impossible to plant normally, making them nearly invisible.

Q5. The speaker stands on the lovely flower while asking where it is. This example best demonstrates which literary device?

  • A. Alliteration
  • B. Metaphor
  • C. Situational irony ✓
  • D. Symbolism

Answer: C — Situational irony occurs when the outcome is opposite to expectations; the speaker is literally on what they are searching for.

Q6. What can be inferred about Mrs. Jones from the description of her garden being 'full of stones' with delicate plants?

  • A. She is careless and does not maintain her garden properly.
  • B. She finds beauty and uniqueness in unconventional combinations and hidden details. ✓
  • C. She prefers stones over flowers and is not interested in gardening.
  • D. She is too poor to afford a traditional garden with only flowers.

Answer: B — The poem shows Mrs. Jones treasures both the stones and the tiny hidden plants, suggesting she appreciates beauty in unexpected places and unusual arrangements.

Q7. Read the extract: 'They are so delicate and small, / they don't mean anything at all.' What does the speaker mean by saying the plants 'don't mean anything at all'?

  • A. The plants are worthless and should be removed from the garden.
  • B. The plants serve no purpose in the garden design.
  • C. The plants are so tiny and unnoticed that they seem insignificant to the speaker initially. ✓
  • D. Mrs. Jones planted them by accident without planning.

Answer: C — The speaker initially finds the tiny plants insignificant because they are barely visible among the stones, though the later interaction reveals Mrs. Jones values them highly.

Q8. Which line from the poem contains alliteration?

  • A. 'A crazy path, a lily pond'
  • B. 'A rockery and, just beyond'
  • C. 'We stood and talked about a flower'
  • D. 'You're standing on it,' she replied ✓

Answer: D — The 's' sound repeats in 'standing' and 'she' in the final line, creating alliteration that adds emphasis to the poem's punchline.

Q9. What does the speaker learn about Mrs. Jones by the end of the poem? (HOTS)

  • A. She is a careless gardener who wastes time on meaningless things.
  • B. She sees value and beauty in things that others overlook or consider ordinary. ✓
  • C. She only cares about decorative stones and not about real plants.
  • D. She is difficult to understand and does not communicate clearly.

Answer: B — Through the ironic ending, the speaker realizes Mrs. Jones finds profound beauty in small, hidden details like the flower the speaker was unknowingly standing on.

Q10. How does the pun in the title 'A Concrete Example' relate to the poem's central message?

  • A. It shows that the poem is about building a concrete garden rather than a traditional one.
  • B. It demonstrates that words with multiple meanings can reveal deeper truths, just as Mrs. Jones sees deeper meaning in her garden. ✓
  • C. It suggests that concrete is the most important material in gardening.
  • D. It means the poem provides a literal example of how to use concrete in landscaping.

Answer: B — The pun mirrors the poem's theme: just as 'concrete' has both literal (stones) and metaphorical (clear example) meanings, Mrs. Jones finds multiple layers of meaning in her seemingly simple stony garden.

Flashcards

What is a pun? Give an example from 'A Concrete Example.'

A pun uses words with multiple meanings for humorous effect; the title 'A Concrete Example' means both the physical stones in the garden and a clear illustration of Mrs. Jones' unusual gardening style.

What is situational irony in the poem?

Situational irony occurs when the outcome is opposite to expectations; the speaker is standing on the lovely flower while asking where it is.

Identify the refrain in the poem.

The refrain is 'My next-door neighbour, Mrs. Jones,' which repeats at the beginning of each stanza to emphasize focus on the character.

What does 'delicate' mean in the context of the poem?

Delicate means fragile, small, and requiring careful handling, describing the tiny plants Mrs. Jones plants between the stones.

What is the rhyme scheme of 'A Concrete Example'?

The rhyme scheme is AABBCC, where consecutive lines rhyme in pairs, creating a regular couplet pattern throughout the poem.

How does the speaker's tone change throughout the poem?

The speaker begins with mild mockery but ends with humorous appreciation, showing a light-hearted acceptance of Mrs. Jones' unique perspective.

Why does the poet say the plants are planted 'with a pin'?

The speaker uses exaggeration to emphasize that the plants are so tiny and delicate they seem almost invisible or impossible to plant.

What does 'strange device' suggest about the sundial?

It suggests the sundial is unusual or unconventional, revealing Mrs. Jones' fascination with unique and interesting garden decorations.

What is the difference between a device and a tool?

A device is a mechanical or electronic instrument designed to do a specific task, while a tool is a handheld instrument used for work.

What does the garden symbolize in the poem?

The garden symbolizes individual perspective and taste; what appears ordinary to one person is beautiful and special to another.

Important Board Questions

What is situational irony? Identify one example of situational irony from 'A Concrete Example' and explain why it is ironic. [2 marks]

Situational irony occurs when what happens is opposite to what is expected. Focus on the ending where the speaker searches for something they are already on or near.

Explain how the title 'A Concrete Example' uses wordplay (pun). What are its two meanings in the context of the poem? [3 marks]

A pun uses words with multiple meanings for humorous effect. 'Concrete' refers to both the physical material (stones) in the garden and the symbolic meaning (a clear illustration of Mrs. Jones' unique gardening style). Explain both meanings and how they connect.

Analyze Mrs. Jones's character based on her gardening style and her interaction with the speaker. What do her choices reveal about her personality and values? Support your answer with specific evidence from the poem. [5 marks]

Consider: what plants she chooses (delicate, small); where she places them (between stones); what objects matter to her (sundial, lily pond); how she responds to the speaker's questions. Connect these details to broader themes about perspective, unconventional beauty, and personal values. Explain how the speaker's initial mockery transforms into understanding by the poem's end.

Assertion-Reason Questions for A Concrete Example

Q1. Assertion (A):

The repeated phrase 'My next-door neighbour, Mrs. Jones' in the poem serves as a refrain.

Reason (R):

A refrain is a line that repeats in each stanza to emphasize the main subject and create rhythm.

Answer: A — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A — Both the assertion and reason are true. The phrase does repeat in each stanza, and a refrain is indeed a repeated line that emphasizes the subject and creates rhythm. The reason correctly explains why the assertion is true.

Q2. Assertion (A):

The title 'A Concrete Example' contains a pun.

Reason (R):

A pun uses words that are spelled similarly but have different meanings.

Answer: B — Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A — The assertion is true—the title is a pun using the word 'concrete' with dual meanings (literal material and figurative meaning of 'clear example'). However, the reason is not accurate. A pun uses words with multiple meanings or words that sound alike, not necessarily spelled similarly. The reason doesn't properly explain the type of pun used here.

Q3. Assertion (A):

Mrs. Jones' character is revealed as conventional and traditional through her gardening style.

Reason (R):

She plants delicate tiny plants between stones and owns a sundial with a strange device that she finds charming.

Answer: D — A is false but R is true — The assertion is false—Mrs. Jones is actually unconventional and quirky, not traditional. However, the reason is true; these details do show her unconventional nature. The reason contradicts the assertion rather than supporting it.

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Case-Based Questions (CBQ) for A Concrete Example

Case Study:

Priya is a Class 8 student who just moved next door to an elderly woman, Mrs. Kapoor, who has a beautiful but unusual garden. Mrs. Kapoor's garden is filled with decorative stones arranged in patterns, with tiny delicate plants tucked between them. She also has a small sundial that Mrs. Kapoor proudly shows to visitors. When Priya first saw the garden, she thought it looked odd and wondered why anyone would plant such small plants in a stone-filled garden. However, when Mrs. Kapoor invited Priya to take a closer look and explained how she carefully selects each small plant and arranges the stones, Priya began to appreciate Mrs. Kapoor's unique perspective on beauty and gardening.

Q1. What does Priya's initial reaction to Mrs. Kapoor's garden reveal?

  • A. Priya and Mrs. Kapoor share similar gardening interests
  • B. Priya did not understand Mrs. Kapoor's appreciation for unconventional beauty ✓
  • C. Priya is an expert gardener
  • D. Mrs. Kapoor's garden is poorly designed

Answer: B

Q2. What change happens in Priya's perspective by the end of the passage?

  • A. She becomes a professional gardener
  • B. She learns to appreciate Mrs. Kapoor's unique way of seeing beauty ✓
  • C. She decides to criticize Mrs. Kapoor's gardening
  • D. She stops visiting Mrs. Kapoor's garden

Answer: B

Q3. Which character from the poem does Mrs. Kapoor most resemble?

  • A. The poet
  • B. A professional gardener
  • C. Mrs. Jones ✓
  • D. A landscape architect

Answer: C

Q4. What lesson does this scenario teach about different perspectives?

  • A. Everyone must like the same things
  • B. Unusual things are never valuable
  • C. Understanding others' perspectives can change how we see the world ✓
  • D. Gardens are not important

Answer: C

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