ON KILLING A TREE BY GIEVE PATEL - 9 TH ENGLISH POEM BOOK BACK ANSWERS & GLOSSARY PDF FOR GENERAL ENGLISH TNPSC GROUP 2 - 2A 2022 PRELIMINARY EXAM #Blog-78
Apr 05, 2022, By Careericons
In this article, we have complied with very important information on the "On Killing a Tree Poem Written by Gieve Patel" for the current TNPSC Group 2, 2A 2022 Preliminary Examination. Get complete study material for all General English syllabus wise with subject topics which help to clear this preliminary exam 2022.
- Detailed answers all book back questions for poem - On Killing a Tree,
- Glossary of the poem - On Killing a Tree, &
- Where to study information for all other poems.
TNPSC Group-II / IIA Services 2022 New Revised Syllabus (Objective Type Examination)
General English Syllabus-wise Study Materials
SSLC Standard For Preliminary Exam
Before going to the poem, check the prelims syllabus carefully and understand the importance of this poem. Where this poem comes under the "Part - B" of the General English of Revised New Syllabus of TNPSC G2 & 2A Services Examination 2022. Also, check the below links which will be useful for your upcoming examination.
Click Here → To Download TNPSC Group 2 & 2A 2022 - Official Notification PDF** Link
The importance of reading this poem "On Killing a Tree" written by "Gieve Patel" is clearly described in the revised new syllabus as shown below,
- This poem comes under the "Part-B" of the General English New Revised Syllabus.
- It's also noticed separately in the "List of Poems". Where it consists of 25 poems & this poem is listed as number 9.
General English Syllabus-Wise Study Materials which includes, Part - B (Poetry)
- Figures of Speech for On Killing a Tree (Alliteration – Simile – Metaphor – Personification – Onomatopoeia – Anaphora – Rhyme Scheme – Rhyming Words – Repetition, etc.)
- Poetry Appreciation for On Killing a Tree
- Important Lines for On Killing a Tree
Source: Official TNPSC Group 2 2A - Syllabus & Notification 2022.
Let us discuss & read the poem On Killing a Tree written by Gieve Patel (Which is also a peom in Unit - 3 of 10th standard of Tamil Nadu Samacheer Books) in detail with all examples of model questions asked in the previous TNPSC examinations.
"On Killing a Tree - Gieve Patel"
Glossary of poem - On Killing a Tree
jab (v) : to poke, or thrust abruptly or sharply with a short, quick blow
crust (n) : the brown, hard outer portion or surface
leprous (adj) : covered with scales
hide (n) : the strong thick outer skin
miniature (adj.) : very small
Bookback Answers For On Killing a Tree - 9th Poem
B. Read the following lines from the poem and answer the questions in a sentence or two.
1. It takes much time to kill a tree,
Not a simple jab of the knife Will do it.
i. Can a ‘simple jab of the knife’ kill a tree?
ii. Why does it take much time to kill a tree?
Answer:
i) 'He' refers to the owner of the woods.
ii) It is winter season.
2. It has grown
Slowly consuming the earth,
Rising out of it, feeding
Upon its crust, absorbing
i. How has the tree grown?
ii. What does the tree feed from the crust?
Answer:
i) 'He' refers to the owner of the woods.
ii) It is winter season.
3. And out of its leprous hide
Sprouting leaves.
i. What does the phrase ‘leprous hide’ mean?
ii. What comes out of the leprous hide?
Answer:
i) 'He' refers to the owner of the woods.
ii) It is winter season.
4. The bleeding bark will heal
And from close to the ground
Will rise curled green twigs,
Miniature boughs
i. What will happen to the bleeding bark?
ii. What will rise from close to the ground?
Answer:
i) 'He' refers to the owner of the woods.
ii) It is winter season.
5. The root is to be pulled out --
Out of the anchoring earth;
i) Why should the root be pulled out?
ii) What does ‘anchoring earth’ mean?
Answer:
i) 'He' refers to the owner of the woods.
ii) It is winter season.
C. Based on the understanding of the poem, write down the summary of the poem by filling in the blanks.
The poet explains the process of ______(1)______. A lot of work has to be done in order to ______(2)______ completely. It cannot be accomplished by merely cutting it with ______(3)_____. The tree has grown strong with the help of ______(4)______for countless years. Even the ______(5)______ of the tree gives rise to______(6)______. The______(7)______ sprouts new twigs and leaves. In a short period, they grow into a new tree. So, to ______(8)______ completely, one should take out its roots completely from the soil. Then they should be exposed to ______(9)______. Only then the tree will be completely killed.
Answers : (to be filled in the blanks)
1. killing a tree
2. root it out
3. a knife sunlight, water, and nutrients of the soil
4. bark
5. leaves
6. boughs
7. kill it
9. sunlight and heat
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D. Based on the understanding of the poem, answer the following questions in a sentence or two.
1. What is the poem about?
Answer:
The poem is about the killing of a tree.
2. What are the lessons to be learnt from the poem?
Answer:
The poet teaches us about nature and the sturdiness and longevity of the tree. To kill the tree or anything else, the heart of the thing has to be destroyed.
3. What are the life sources needed for a tree to grow?
Answer:
The poet heard the sound of the harness bells and the wind blowing through the trees beside the falling of the snowflakes.
4. What does the poet mean by 'bleeding bark'?
Answer:
The cut in the bark oozes sap. The poet compares the fluid to the blood.
5. Why the poet says 'No' in the beginning of the third stanza?
Answer:
Merehack and chop cannot kill the tree. The root must be pulled out. Thus the poet sa}/ 'No' to all the woodcutter.
6. How should the root be pulled out?
Answer:
The root must be roped, tied, pulled out, snapped out, and exposed.
7. What is hidden inside the earth for years?
Answer:
The roots are hidden inside the earth for years.
8. What finally happens to the tree in this poem?
Answer:
The tree is killed.
E. Answer the following questions in about 80-100 words.
1. How does the poet bring out the pain of the tree?
Answer:
Give Patel spins a very visual tale of pain where the reader can almost feel the hacks made at a tree. The 'bleeding bark' is the visual representation of the pain, Patel envisions the tree going through. The tone of the poem is sarcastic and filled with caustic remarks.
The poet, Gieve Patel, takes this ironic stance to propose his actual view on cutting down trees, which is according to him, not short of committing an act of murder. The cutting down of trees is equated with death. Every time Patel talks of cutting down a tree, he portrays it as killing it. The death the poet incorporates in this poem is both natural and spiritual.
2. ‘A tree doesn’t grow in a day.’ Explain it with reference to the poem.
Answer:
Give Patel tells us that killing a tree is not easy. It is very time-consuming. Ajab of a knife is not enough. A tree grows straight out the earth, nourishing itself on the nutrients found in the earth, along with years of sunlight, water, and air. And even though the bark looks irregular and scaly, leaves and branches sprout of it. The lines
"It has grown
Slowly consuming the earth,
Rising out of it, feeding
Upon its crust, absorbing
Years of sunlight, air, water"
justify the longevity of the tree.
3. Why do you think the poet describes the act of cutting a tree? What effect does it have on you as a reader?
Answer:
The poet wants to highlight the harmful effects of deforestation in a sarcastic style. Therefore, Deforestation is another major theme of this poem. Deforestation has become a problem, especially in the modem times, where forests are cleared to make roads, or for furniture or for fossil fuel. It is incredibly harmful to the ecosystem and the imminent danger is felt throughout the poem. I feel we should grow more trees.
F. Complete the table by identifying lines, against the poetic devices from the poem.
| Poetic lines | Poetic Devices / Figures of Speech |
| It takes much time to kill a tree. | |
| The bleeding bark will heal. | |
| Out of the anchoring earth |
Answers:
| Poetic lines | Poetic Devices / Figures of Speech |
| It takes much time to kill a tree. | Personification |
| The bleeding bark will heal. | Personification |
| Out of the anchoring earth | Imagery |
G. Listen to the passage about Nammazhwar, an environmental crusader from Tamil Nadu. As you listen, answer the following questions. The listening act can be repeated if required.
Nammazhwar was born in 1938 in Elangadu, Thanjavur District, and he graduated from Annamalai University with a B.Sc. degree in Agriculture. In 1963, he began working for the Agricultural Regional Research Station, a government organisation in Kovilpatti, as a scientist, conducting trials on spacing and use of various chemical fertilizers in cotton and millet crops. During his tenure there, the government had conducted various experiments in rain-fed land, he left the institute in 1969. should rely only minimally on external inputs.
All inputs using expensive inputs like hybrid seeds, chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides which Nammazhwar considered futile as the farmers were resourced poor. Based on his experience, he felt very strongly that it was imperative to totally reorient the research work being undertaken. But his peers at the institute paid little attention to his advice. Frustrated, he left the institute in 1969. For the next 10 years, he was an agronomist for the Island of Peace, an organisation founded by the Nobel Laureate Dominique Pire. His focus was on improving the standard of living through agricultural development in the Kalakad block of Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.
It was at this time that he realised that to get optimal results in farming, farmers should rely only on minimally on external inputs. All inputs should come from within the farm. So-called waste should be recycled and used as input. This revelation was a turning point in his life. He completely lost trust in conventional farming practices and began experimenting with sustainable agricultural methods. Vegetables have a short lifespan compared to fruit crops.
By making use of modem technologies and inputs, their lifespan can perhaps be extended to say about a year. But if there is a simple method of growing vegetables throughout the year, without any costly gadgets, modem technologies, or costly inputs, it is definitely worth a try for the farmers. He advocated the 'Bread sandwich' method. In this method, once the soil is made ready and the suggested practices followed, one need not work on the soil for the second time. They can go on sowing and reaping, all throughout the year.
He always said it was no use trying to teach a farmer. Instead, one should make the farmer understand the issue. He never stopped learning from them himself and had become a vast repository of farming practices and knowledge that he shared with whoever was interested. He never pushed ideas down anyone's throat. Each farm is unique according to the farmers' understanding and the conditions, Nammazhwar would say. He would keep experimenting with what he learned from the farmers, refined this knowledge, and then gave it back to them.
He often said "Farming is not a way of producing crops to make money. It is a way of living, and a way of living that is possible even in the 21st century." He trained hundreds of farm youths as trainers and helped any farmers to be master trainers-all this without the support of the government.
1. Who is Nammazhwar? What is his contribution to farmers and farming?
Answer:
Nammazhwar was an agricultural scientist. He conducted trials on the spacing and use of various fertilizers in cotton and millet crops.
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2. In 1963 he worked for ___________ as ___________
Answer:
Agricultural Regional Research Station in Kovilpatti as a scientist.
3. What was the turning point in the life of Nammazhwar?
Answer:
During his period as an agronomist, he realised that farmers should rely minimally on external inputs. All inputs should come from within the farm. Waste should be recycled and used as input. This revelation was a turning point in his life.
4. How is the “Bread sandwich method” a boon to the farmers?
Answer:
In this method, once the soil is made ready and the suggested practices followed,
one need not work for the second time. They can go on sowing and reaping all through the year.
5. Pick out ideas from the passage to show that he learnt first and then shared with farmers.
Answer:
He said that it was no use trying to teach a farmer. He never stopped learning from them and had become a vast repository of farming practices and knowledge that he shared with whoever was interested.
6. Explain in your own words the meaning of “Farming ___________ even in the 21st Century”
Answer:
Farming is not only for making money. It is necessary to do farming to live even in the 21st century.
7. Give the synonyms of ‘rely’ and ‘sustainable’.
Answer:
Rely – depend
Sustainable – maintainable
8. “He never pushed ideas down anyone’s throat” means
(a) favoured (b) compelled (c) opposed
Answer:
(b) compelled
Also, read our other articles provided for your preparation.
- About the author - Gieve Patel,
- Model MCQs on Author Gieve Patel,
- Important Poem Lines in On Killing a Tree ,
- Line By Line Simple Explanation & Summary of the poem - On Killing a Tree,
- Figures of speech used in the poem - On Killing a Tree,
- Rhyme Scheme & Words used in poem - On Killing a Tree,
- Theme & Massage used in poem - On Killing a Tree, &
- Where to study information for all other poems.
Important "LIST OF POEMS" for General English Section of TNPSC GROUP 2 & 2A 2022 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION |
|||
| SI. NO | Name of the Poem | Name of the Author | Where to Study |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Life | Henry Van Dyke | 10th, Unit-1 (NEW BOOK) |
| 2 | I am Every Woman | Rakhi Nariani Shirke | 10th, Unit-3 (NEW BOOK) |
| 3 | The Secret of the Machines | Rudyard Kipling | 10th, Unit-5 (NEW BOOK) |
| 4 | The Ant and The Cricket | Adapted from Aesop's fables | 10th, Unit-4 (NEW BOOK) |
| 5 | No Men are Foreign | James Falconer Kirkup | 10th, Unit-6 (NEW BOOK) |
| 6 | The House on Elm Street | Nadia Bush | 10th, Unit-7 (NEW BOOK) |
| 7 | Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening | Robert Frost | 9th, Unit-1 (NEW BOOK) |
| 8 | A Poison Tree | William Blake | 9th, Unit-2 (NEW BOOK) |
| 9 | On Killing a Tree | Gieve Patel | 9th, Unit-3 (NEW BOOK) |
| 10 | The Spider and the Fly | Mary Botham Howitt | 9th, Unit-4 (NEW BOOK) |
| 11 | The River | Caroline Ann Bowles | 9th, Unit-5 (NEW BOOK) |
| 12 | The Comet | Norman Littleford | 9th, Unit-6 (NEW BOOK) |
| 13 | The Stick-together Families | Edgar Albert Guest | 9th, Unit-7 (NEW BOOK) |
| 14 | Special Hero | Christina M. Kerschen | 8th, Unit-1 (NEW BOOK) |
| 15 | Making Life Worth While | George Elliot | 8th, Unit-3 (NEW BOOK) |
| 16 | A Thing of Beauty | John Keats | 8th, Unit-4 (NEW BOOK) |
| 17 | Lessons in Life | Brigette Bryant & Daniel Ho | 8th, Unit-6 (NEW BOOK) |
| 18 | My Computer Needs a Break | Shanthini Govindan | 8th, Unit-7 (NEW BOOK) |
| 19 | Your Space | David Bates | 7th, Term-I Unit-3 (NEW BOOK) |
| 20 | Sea Fever | John Masefield | 7th, Term-III Unit-1 (NEW BOOK) |
| 21 | Courage | Edgar Albert Guest | 7th, Term-III Unit-2 (NEW BOOK) |
| 22 | Team Work | Edgar Albert Guest | 6th, Term-II Unit-1 (NEW BOOK) |
| 23 | From a Railway Carriage | Robert Louis Stevenson | 6th, Term-II Unit-2 (NEW BOOK) |
| 24 | Indian Seasons | Nisha Dyrene | 6th, Term-III Unit-1 (NEW BOOK) |
| 25 | A Tragic Story | William Makepeace Thackeray | 6th, Term-III Unit-2 (NEW BOOK) |
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