NCERT Class 10 English Words and Expressions 2: Chapter 8 — The Sermon at
This chapter, 'The Sermon at Benaras,' introduces students to the concept of a sermon and its various contexts. It begins by asking students to recall the meaning of 'sermon' from a previous lesson and discuss its application. The chapter then presents a poem, 'Death Is Nothing At All,' by Canon Henry Scott Holland, which was part of a sermon. Students are prompted to compare and contrast this poem with the 'Sermon at Benaras,' focusing on themes, situations, and philosophies. The text also includes a passage that touches upon the root causes of unhappiness in humanity, suggesting that the ultimate cause lies within the human mind, rather than solely in economic or political factors. This chapter aims to deepen students' understanding of philosophical and moral teachings, encouraging critical thinking and discussion.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Words and Expressions 2 |
| Chapter | Chapter 8 — The Sermon at |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 285 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the different contexts and meanings of the word 'sermon'.
- Analyze and compare philosophical themes in literary texts.
- Identify the ultimate cause of unhappiness as presented in the chapter.
- Engage in group discussions to compare literary works.
- Develop critical thinking skills by relating abstract concepts to real-life situations.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| sermon | a talk on a religious or moral subject |
| admonition | a warning or gentle scolding |
| solemnity | the state of being serious and dignified |
| continuity | unbroken and consistent existence or operation of something over time |
| negligible | so small or unimportant as to be not worth considering; insignificant |
| fondly | in an affectionate way |
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Practice questions
- What are two possible meanings of the word 'sermon' as discussed in the text? Answer: A talk on a religious or moral subject, or a long piece of admonition or warning.
- Who wrote the poem 'Death Is Nothing At All'? Answer: Canon Henry Scott Holland.
- According to the text, what is the ultimate cause of unhappiness in humanity? Answer: The ultimate cause lies within the human mind.
- What does the poem 'Death Is Nothing At All' suggest about death? Answer: It suggests that death is a minor event, like slipping into the next room, and that life remains unchanged for those left behind.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the poem 'Death Is Nothing At All'?
The poem's theme is that death is not an end but a transition, and that the connection between the living and the departed remains unbroken.
Who was Canon Henry Scott Holland?
He was a priest at St. Paul's Cathedral, London, and the author of the poem 'Death Is Nothing At All'.
What does the chapter suggest about the cause of a happy world?
It suggests that to create a happier humanity and world, we must tackle the root of the problem, which lies within the human mind.
How does the chapter encourage students to interact with the text?
It encourages discussion with classmates about the meaning of 'sermon' and group discussions to compare the two texts.
What is the significance of 'absolute and unbroken continuity' mentioned in the poem?
It signifies that life's essence and the relationships between people remain unchanged despite death.
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NCERT Class 10 English — Words and Expressions 2 — Chapter 8 — The Sermon at. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.