CBSE Class 7 English Chapter 18 Meadow Surprises NCERT Solutions

The poem uses vivid imagery to describe the meadow. Here's the meaning of each phrase in its context:

1. Velvet grass: This phrase suggests that the grass in the meadow is extremely soft and smooth, similar to the texture of velvet fabric. It evokes a sense of comfort and luxury when one imagines touching or lying on it.
2. Drinking straws: In the poem, 'drinking straws' refer to the long, slender proboscis (mouthpart) of butterflies. Butterflies use these specialized tubes to suck nectar from flowers, much like a person uses a straw to drink a beverage.
3. Meadow houses: This refers to the various types of homes or shelters found in a meadow for its inhabitants. It can include burrows dug by small animals in the ground, nests built by birds, or the mounds created by ants.
4. Amazing mound: This phrase likely refers to an ant hill or a similar structure built by insects. The word 'amazing' suggests that the construction is impressive or remarkable in its complexity or size, as seen from a human perspective.
5. Fuzzy head: This description is used for the seed head of a dandelion flower. When a dandelion has finished flowering, its head transforms into a fluffy ball of seeds, each attached to a parachute-like structure, giving it a 'fuzzy' appearance.

The lines in the poem that strongly suggest the need for a keen eye and a sharp ear to enjoy a meadow are:

"You may discover these yourself,

If you look and listen well."

These lines are part of the following stanza:

"Oh! Meadows have surprises

And many things to tell;

You may discover these yourself,

If you look and listen well."

This stanza emphasizes that the wonders of the meadow are not always obvious and require attentive observation (looking well) and careful listening (listen well) to be appreciated.

This is an activity designed for students to engage with the poem's content visually. Students are encouraged to find and collect images of elements described or implied in the poem, such as:

• Birds: Various species that might inhabit a meadow environment.
• Insects: Butterflies, ants, and potentially other small creatures mentioned or suggested.
• Scenes: Pictures depicting meadows, flowers (like dandelions), grass, and perhaps the 'meadow houses' like ant mounds or burrows.

This exercise helps in visualizing the poem's descriptions and connecting the text to the real world.

This activity encourages students to practice the very skills the poem 'Meadow Surprises' highlights: keen observation and attentive listening. By observing a chosen natural spot daily for a week, students can:

• Develop observational skills: Noticing changes in plants, the presence of insects or birds, and shifts in light or sound over time.
• Keep a diary: Recording observations helps in retaining details and reflecting on experiences. This could include noting the time of day, weather conditions, sights, sounds, and smells.
• Express experiences creatively: Writing a paragraph or a poem allows students to synthesize their observations and share their personal connection with nature.
• Share with peers: Displaying their writing on the class bulletin board fosters a sense of community and encourages others to engage in similar activities.

This hands-on approach deepens the understanding of the poem's message about finding 'surprises' in the natural world.