CBSE Class 6 English Honeysuckle Chapter 18: What If (Poem) NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 6 PDF

This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 6 English Honeysuckle Chapter 18, the poem 'What If'. It delves into the anxieties and imaginative worries of the child speaker, exploring various hypothetical scenarios that cause concern. The solutions help students understand the poem's central theme of irrational fears and the use of vivid imagery to express these feelings. By analyzing the speaker's worries, students can learn about common childhood anxieties and explore ways to manage them. These solutions are designed to aid students in comprehending the poem's nuances, improving their analytical skills, and preparing effectively for their English exams.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 6
SubjectHoneysuckle
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter18. What If (Poem)

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for Class 6 English Honeysuckle, Chapter 18, 'What If' (Poem), focuses on understanding the child speaker's numerous hypothetical worries. The solutions break down the poem's content, identifying the specific fears mentioned and exploring the reasons behind them. It also highlights the poetic device of imagery used to portray these anxieties. Students will learn to analyze the poem's themes and appreciate the creative expression of childhood concerns.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify the speaker in the poem 'What If'.
  • List and understand the various worries expressed by the speaker.
  • Analyze the reasons behind the speaker's anxieties.
  • Suggest methods to overcome irrational worries.
  • Recognize and interpret poetic imagery used in the poem.
  • Discuss the theme of childhood fears and anxieties.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Child speaker's worries
  • Hypothetical fears
  • Childhood anxieties
  • Poetic imagery
  • Managing worries
  • Understanding poems
  • Figurative language

Important topics

  • Identifying the speaker's worries
  • Understanding poetic imagery
  • Methods to overcome fears
  • Themes of childhood anxiety

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

(i) Who is the speaker in the poem?
Solution: The speaker in the poem is a child. This is evident from the nature of the worries expressed, which are typical of childhood anxieties and imaginative fears.

Question 1

(ii) With your partner list out the happenings the speaker is worried about.
Solution: The speaker is worried about a wide range of hypothetical negative events. These include:
  • Being dumb in school.
  • The swimming pool being closed.
  • Getting beaten up.
  • Poison in their cup.
  • Starting to cry.
  • Getting sick and dying.
  • Failing a test.
  • Green hair growing on their chest.
  • Nobody liking them.
  • A bolt of lightning striking them.
  • Not growing taller.
  • Their head starting to get smaller.
  • Fish not biting.
  • The wind tearing up their kite.
  • The start of a war.
  • Their parents getting divorced.
  • The bus being late.
  • Their teeth not growing in straight.
  • Tearing their pants.
  • Never learning to dance.

Question 1

(iii) Why do you think she/he has these worries? Can you think of ways to get rid of such worries?
Solution: The speaker likely has these worries because when the mind is idle, especially at night or during quiet times, it can wander into fearful and imaginative scenarios. These 'what if' thoughts can become overwhelming. To get rid of such worries, it is helpful to keep the mind occupied with positive and engaging activities. This could include:
  • Engaging in creative pursuits like drawing, writing, or crafting.
  • Playing games, whether physical or board games.
  • Reading interesting storybooks.
  • Talking about their fears with a trusted adult or friend.
  • Practicing mindfulness or simple relaxation techniques.
Keeping busy and focusing on constructive activities can help prevent these anxious thoughts from taking hold.

Question 2

Read the following line:

Some What ifs crawled inside my ear

Can words crawl into your ear? This is an image. The poet is trying to make an image of what she/he experiences. Now with your partner try and list out some more images from the poem.

Solution: The line "Some What ifs crawled inside my ear" is a powerful example of imagery, where the abstract concept of worries is described with a physical, intrusive action. Here are some other images from the poem:
  • "Pranced and partied all night long": This image suggests the 'what ifs' are not just passive worries but active, perhaps even joyful or boisterous entities that take over the speaker's thoughts and time.
  • "Sang their old whatif song": This creates an auditory image, implying that the worries have a persistent, repetitive nature, like a song that keeps playing in the speaker's mind.
  • "Whatif a bolt of lightning strikes me": This is a visual image of a sudden, dramatic, and potentially dangerous event, highlighting the extreme nature of the fears the speaker entertains.
  • "Green hair grew on my chest": This is a bizarre and unsettling visual image, emphasizing the irrational and unexpected transformations the speaker fears.
These images help the reader understand the intensity and pervasiveness of the speaker's anxieties.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the speaker's identity.
  • Failing to list all the worries mentioned in the poem.
  • Not understanding the concept of poetic imagery.
  • Difficulty in suggesting practical ways to manage worries.

Revision tips

  • Read the poem aloud to grasp its rhythm and tone.
  • Make a list of all the 'what if' scenarios presented.
  • Discuss the poem's imagery with a friend or teacher.
  • Think about your own worries and how they compare to the speaker's.
  • Focus on understanding the poem's message about managing fears.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Who is the speaker in the poem 'What If'?

Q2. What does the speaker worry might happen if they started to cry?

Q3. Which of these is NOT a worry mentioned in the poem?

Q4. The line 'Some What ifs crawled inside my ear' is an example of:

Q5. What is suggested as a way to get rid of worries?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the poem 'What If'?

The main theme of the poem 'What If' is the exploration of a child's numerous hypothetical worries and anxieties about various potential negative outcomes.

Who is the speaker in the poem 'What If'?

The speaker in the poem 'What If' is a child who is experiencing a multitude of fears and 'what if' scenarios.

What are some examples of worries mentioned in the poem?

Examples of worries include getting sick and dying, failing a test, growing green hair, being disliked, or facing a war.

How does the poem use imagery?

The poem uses imagery, such as 'What ifs crawled inside my ear,' to help readers visualize and feel the intrusive nature of the speaker's worries.

What advice is given to overcome such worries?

The advice given is to keep the mind busy with creative work, games, and reading, suggesting that an occupied mind is less prone to fearful thoughts.

Why are these NCERT Solutions helpful for Class 6 students?

These NCERT Solutions help Class 6 students understand the poem's content, analyze its themes and literary devices, and prepare effectively for their English examinations by providing clear explanations and answers.

Important links

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