NIOS Class 12 English Chapter 13 If Solutions to each chapter is provided in the list so that you can easily browse throughout different chapters NIOS Class 12 English Chapter 13 If Notes and select need one. NIOS Class 12 English Chapter 13 If Question Answers Download PDF. NIOS Study Material of Class 12 English Paper Code 302.
NIOS Class 12 English Chapter 13 If
Also, you can read the NIOS book online in these sections Solutions by Expert Teachers as per National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) Book guidelines. These solutions are part of NIOS All Subject Solutions. Here we have given NIOS Class 12 English Solutions, NIOS Senior Secondary Course English Solutions for All Chapter, You can practice these here.
If
Chapter: 13
| TEXTUAL QUESTION ANSWER |
INTEXT QUESTIONS 13.1
1. “If you can keep your head when all about you / Are losing theirs and blaming it on you…” What does the poet mean by keeping or losing one’s head?
Ans: “Keeping your head” in the poem means maintaining composure and staying calm in the face of chaos or adversity, while “losing one’s head” implies succumbing to panic, confusion, or irrational behaviour.
2. What should you ideally do when others doubt your decision?
Ans: When others doubt your decision, ideally, you should “trust yourself” and have confidence in your choices. However, you should also “make allowance for their doubting too,” which means being open to considering their perspectives and, if necessary, explaining or defending your decisions.
3. Why should we not try to look “too good” nor talk “too wise”?
Ans: The poem advises against looking “too good” or talking “too wise” because it’s a reminder to remain humble and not appear arrogant or self-righteous. It encourages modesty and simplicity in one’s demeanour.
4. How does the poem advice handling waiting and accusations of lying and hatred?
(a) Wait impatiently and respond with lies.
(b) Be patient, avoid lying, and respond to hatred with hatred.
(c) Ignore waiting, lie when necessary, and respond to hatred with kindness.
(d) Wait patiently, avoid lying, and don’t give in to hatred.
Ans: (d) Wait patiently, avoid lying, and don’t give in to hatred.
INTEXT QUESTIONS 13.2
1. What is the meaning of the word “Imposter”? Why is it used to describe “Triumph” and “Disaster”?
Ans: The word “impostor” refers to someone or something that deceives or misrepresents itself, often pretending to be something it’s not. In the poem, “Triumph” and “Disaster” are described as “impostors” because they can both be misleading. Triumph can make one overconfident, while Disaster can be demoralising. The poet advises treating them both the same, not getting carried away by either extreme.
2. What should we do in the face of failure according to the poet?
Ans: In the face of failure, the poet advises starting again with determination and without complaining about the loss. The key message is to exhibit resilience and the ability to bounce back after setbacks.
3. What does the poet mean when he says “ -and not make Dream your master”?
Ans: When the poet says, “-and not make Dream your master,” he means that one should not let their dreams or ambitions completely control and dictate their life. It’s important to pursue dreams but not to the extent that they become an obsession or hinder practicality and balance in life.
4. Building things with Worn-out tools means-
(a) Using blunt, old tools for construction.
(b) Giving your everything despite failing before.
(c) Finding a middle way out in the face of conflict.
(d) Helplessly trying to fix things which cannot be fixed.
Ans: (d) Helplessly trying to fix things which cannot be fixed.
INTEXT QUESTIONS 13.3
1. What do the words Heart, Sinew and Nerve mean?
Ans: In the context of the poem, the words “Heart,” “Sinew,” and “Nerve” represent the core elements of a person’s inner strength and determination. They symbolise the physical and emotional fortitude needed to persevere in difficult circumstances.
2. Should we actually risk all our winnings in a game of Pitch-and- Toss, Or is it a metaphor?
Ans: The idea of risking all your winnings in a game of Pitch-and-Toss is a metaphor. It’s not meant to be taken literally but rather symbolises the concept of taking significant risks or chances in life. The poet is encouraging the willingness to risk everything in the pursuit of a goal or in the face of adversity.
3. Why should we never “breathe a word” about our loss?
Ans: We should never “breathe a word” about our loss because the poem emphasises maintaining composure, resilience, and not seeking sympathy or attention for our failures. It encourages a quiet, determined resolve to start again after a loss.
4. Which of the following best describes “Will”?
(a) The spirit of never giving up against odds.
(b) The optimism kept in times of despair.
(c) The rage felt when we feel wronged.
(d) The emotion which makes us avoid all danger.
Ans: (a) The spirit of never giving up against odds.
INTEXT QUESTIONS 13.4
1. In what manner should we talk to the crowd and with Kings?
Ans: The poem suggests that when talking to both crowds and Kings, one should do so in a way that maintains their virtue and common touch. This means treating everyone with respect and not letting social status or power change how you interact with people.
2. How can our friends harm us?
Ans: Friends can harm us by either becoming overly critical, overly dependent, or by exploiting our trust. When they “hurt” us, it typically means that they may let us down or disappoint us in some way.
3. Why should a person not have people who “count with” them too much?
Ans: The poet advises against having people who “count with” us too muc because it’s a warning against becoming overly dependent on others or overly influenced by their opinions. Relying too heavily on anyone can compromise one’s independence and decision-making.
4. What is the meaning of “filling” a “minute”
Ans: “Filling a minute” means making the most of each moment by using your time effectively and purposefully. It’s about not wasting time but rather utilising every second to accomplish something worthwhile.
INTEXT QUESTIONS 13.5
1. Change the following questions into indirect speech:
(i) He said to me, “Are you going home?”
Ans: He asked me whether I was going home.
(ii) He said, “Did you see my brother yesterday?”
Ans: He asked whether I/he saw his brother the previous day.
(iii) He asked me, “Which bus stops here?”
Ans: He asked me which bus stopped there.
(iv) My friend said, “What is your brother doing these days?”
Ans: My friend asked what my brother was doing those days.
(v) My brother said, “Does Ram know my address?”
Ans: My brother asked whether Ram knew his address.
INTEXT QUESTIONS 13.6
1. Read the poem and identify the literary devices used in this poem.
Ans: The poem uses repetition, metaphor, imagery, simile, alliteration, paradox, personification, symbolism, and form (villanelle structure) to dramatize the struggle against death and convey a passionate plea for resistance.
In Dylan Thomas’s poem Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night, the poet makes use of several powerful literary devices to convey his passionate plea against accepting death quietly. Repetition is central, as the refrains “Do not go gentle into that good night” and “Rage, rage against the dying of the light” are repeated throughout, creating rhythm and urgency. Metaphors like “good night” for death and “dying of the light” for the end of life give abstract ideas a concrete form, while striking imagery such as “blaze like meteors” and “caught and sang the sun in flight” makes the theme vivid and memorable. Similes, as in “blind eyes could blaze like meteors,” intensify the emotional impact. Alliteration in phrases like “go gentle” and “good men” adds musicality. The paradox “see with blinding sight” deepens the meaning, while personification, such as the sun being “caught and sang,” brings vitality to natural elements. Symbolism is also strong: light stands for life and hope, while night represents death. Finally, the strict villanelle structure itself, with its circular pattern of refrains, mirrors the inevitability of life’s cycle. Together, these devices enrich the poem’s tone of defiance and urgency, making it a timeless meditation on life and death.
| TERMINAL QUESTIONS |
1. What is the significance of trusting oneself while acknowledging others’ doubts?
Ans: The poet says it is important to trust yourself because it gives you confidence to make decisions in life. At the same time, you should listen to the doubts of others, because it helps you stay humble and think carefully. This balance makes a person wise and strong.
2. What is the message about dreams and thoughts in the poem?
Ans: The poem suggests a balanced approach to dreams and thoughts, emphasizing that they should be sources of inspiration and guidance but not become controlling forces in one’s life.The poet says that dreams and thoughts are important, but we should not be controlled by them. We must dream, but not live only in dreams, and we must think, but not make thinking our only aim. The message is to use dreams and thoughts wisely, while staying practical and balanced in life.
3. What does the poem say about handling criticism and setbacks?
Ans: The poet says that we should not be shaken by criticism or discouraged by setbacks. Instead, we must stay calm, patient, and strong, using failures and harsh words as lessons.The speaker encourages maintaining inner strength and self-belief, trusting oneself even when others doubt, and viewing setbacks not as an end but as an opportunity for learning and continued growth toward one’s goals.
4. What does it mean to “risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss” in the poem?
Ans: The poet advises that even if you lose everything,to put everything you have, your accomplishments, achievements, or wealth, into a single, uncertain venture or gamble,The poet advises that even if you lose everything, you should not give up, but start again calmly and without complaint. It shows the value of courage, patience, and determination.
5. How does the poem emphasise perseverance and determination?
Ans: The poem emphasizes perseverance and determination by depicting the challenges one faces, the effort and setbacks experienced, and the positive message to keep trying despite difficulties.The poem advises us to keep going even when we lose everything, to start again without complaint, and to stay calm in both success and failure. It teaches that true strength lies in never giving up, no matter how hard the challenges are.
6. What qualities does the poem suggest for interacting with both crowds and influential individuals?
Ans: Kipling says that a person should be able to mix with crowds without losing their goodness, and also talk with kings or great leaders without becoming proud. This means we should treat everyone with respect and remain humble, whether dealing with ordinary people or influential individuals.
7. What is the ultimate reward mentioned in the poem, and how is it described?
Ans: The poem suggests that meeting these conditions will lead to not only personal success but also to a profound sense of accomplishment and self-worth.Kipling describes it as the highest achievement, where a person gains maturity, wisdom, self-control, and strength of character. It means living a full and worthy life, respected by all and true to oneself.
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