**Title:** Gifts of Grace: Honouring Our Vocations
**Author:** Anonymous
**Theme:** Celebrates equality, dignity, and importance of all professions in India.
**Key Vocations Mentioned:** Farmer, Potter, Mason, Cook, Musician, Carpenter, Electrician, Boatman, Shoemaker, Designer.
**Riddles:** Four riddles describe farmer, potter, mason, and cook through poetic clues.
**Literary Devices:**
**Structure:** Free verse; varying line lengths emphasize natural speech rhythm.
**Speaker's Role:** Observer celebrating India's diverse workforce and contributions.
**Central Message:** Each vocation's voice equals identity; all deserve respect and recognition equally.
Q1. In the first riddle, 'In furrows deep, secrets I sow,' the profession referred to is:
Answer: A — Furrows are plowed fields where a farmer sows seeds and watches them grow over time.
Q2. Which literary device is used in 'The electricians humming'?
Answer: B — Humming is a human action attributed to electricians, making them seem alive and celebratory.
Q3. What does 'woven with colours and myriad hues' describe?
Answer: B — This phrase depicts craftspeople creating diverse, colorful artistic work reflecting India's rich cultural heritage.
Q4. The second riddle 'From wheel to kiln, my skill is born' refers to which profession?
Answer: B — A potter shapes clay on a wheel and fires it in a kiln to create pottery.
Q5. Which profession is described as 'creating anything out of wood with mathematical precision'?
Answer: C — Carpenters work with wood and use precision techniques to create furniture and structures.
Q6. The phrase 'voice of their vocation is the voice of their identity' means:
Answer: B — The poem emphasizes that one's profession shapes identity and how society recognizes them.
Q7. According to the poem, what unites the diverse vocations mentioned?
Answer: A — The central theme celebrates equal dignity and importance of all professions in building Indian society.
Q8. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a vocation in the poem? (Negative MCQ)
Answer: B — The poem mentions farmer, potter, mason, cook, musician, carpenter, electrician, boatman, shoemaker, and designer, but not accountant.
Q9. If a student reads that 'shoemakers affirm the quality of their work for the feet that walk, dance, run, jump,' what can be inferred about shoemakers' attitude?
Answer: B — Affirming quality shows pride in work and understanding that quality footwear supports all human activities.
Q10. Based on the poem's message, which scenario best reflects its central idea? (HOTS)
Answer: B — The poem celebrates all vocations equally, showing that different professions contribute uniquely to society and each deserves respect.
What is the central theme of the poem?
The poem celebrates the dignity, diversity, and equal importance of all vocations in Indian society.
Who is the speaker in the poem?
The speaker is an anonymous observer who listens to and celebrates the varied voices of different professionals in India.
What does 'furrows deep, secrets I sow' represent?
This riddle describes a farmer who plants seeds and watches them grow over time.
Identify the profession: 'From wheel to kiln, my skill is born'?
This riddle refers to a potter or ceramic artist who shapes clay on a wheel and fires it in a kiln.
What is the significance of 'voice of their vocation'?
It means that each profession has a unique identity and contributes distinctly to society's harmony.
Name one literary device used in the poem.
Metaphor is used to describe vocations as celebrations and voices contributing to India's identity.
What do the electricians represent in the poem?
Electricians represent modern progress and the power to brighten lives through technological advancement.
Explain: 'woven with colours and myriad hues'.
It means craftspeople create diverse, colorful work reflecting the richness of Indian culture and art.
What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
The poem is written in free verse without a strict rhyme scheme, allowing flexibility in expression.
What does 'echo in the streets' signify?
It represents how artists' voices and contributions resound through society, making India vibrant.
Identify the profession described in the riddle: 'I lay foundations, brick by brick, to build a house, it's me you pick.' Who am I? [2 marks]
Think of construction and building. This person creates the structure of buildings.
What is the significance of the title 'Gifts of Grace: Honouring Our Vocations'? Explain how the poem supports this title. [3 marks]
Consider what 'gifts of grace' means and how the poem celebrates different professions. Refer to the theme of respect and dignity.
Analyze the poem's main message about vocations and society. How does the poet use imagery and literary devices to celebrate India's diverse workforce? Support your answer with textual examples. [5 marks]
Discuss theme, literary devices (metaphor, personification), specific vocations mentioned, and the concept of 'voice of identity.' Include at least two textual examples.
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