If : Rudyard Kipling questions and answers

Poem: If — Rudyard Kipling

 

A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

(Choose the correct option. Answers are bold & underlined)

1·        The poem If is written by—
(a) Robert Frost
(b) William Wordsworth
(c) Rudyard Kipling
(d) John Keats

2·        The central theme of the poem is—
(a) Love
(b) Nature
(c) Character building and moral values
(d) Patriotism

3·        The poem If is addressed to—
(a) Kipling’s friend
(b) Society
(c) His son
(d) The reader only

4·        According to the poet, one should trust oneself when—
(a) Everyone agrees
(b) Nobody doubts
(c) All men doubt you
(d) You are successful

5·        “Triumph and Disaster” are treated as—
(a) Enemies
(b) Friends
(c) Two impostors
(d) Teachers

6·        The poet advises us to wait without—
(a) Getting tired
(b) Sitting idle
(c) Being tired of waiting
(d) Complaining

7·        Which quality is discouraged in the poem?
(a) Courage
(b) Truthfulness
(c) Hating others
(d) Patience

8·        The poet says one should not deal in—
(a) Lies
(b) Pride
(c) Dreams and thoughts excessively
(d) Work

9·        The tone of the poem is—
(a) Sad
(b) Angry
(c) Inspirational
(d) Comic

10·        The poem teaches us to talk with—
(a) Only common people
(b) Only kings
(c) Crowds and kings alike
(d) Rich people

11·        According to the poet, success comes from—
(a) Luck
(b) Wealth
(c) Self-control and perseverance
(d) Power

12·        “Make one heap of all your winnings” refers to—
(a) Gambling
(b) Charity
(c) Risking everything with courage
(d) Saving money

13·        The reward of following these virtues is—
(a) Fame
(b) Money
(c) Becoming a true man
(d) Happiness only

14·        The poem belongs to the genre of—
(a) Sonnet
(b) Ballad
(c) Didactic poetry
(d) Elegy

15·        The poem stresses the value of—
(a) Physical strength
(b) Intelligence
(c) Moral strength
(d) Beauty

B. Short Answer Questions (SAQs)

(Answer each question briefly)

1.      What is the main message of the poem If?
Ans: The poem teaches moral values like patience, self-belief, honesty, and self-control.

2.      Why should one trust oneself?
Ans: Because self-belief helps one stand firm even when others doubt.

3.      What does the poet mean by “make allowance for their doubting too”?
Ans: It means understanding others’ doubts without losing confidence.

4.      How should one face lies and hatred?
Ans: By not lying or hating in return.

5.      What are “Triumph and Disaster”?
Ans: They are success and failure in life.

6.      Why does the poet call Triumph and Disaster “impostors”?
Ans: Because neither success nor failure is permanent.

7.      What quality is needed to wait patiently?
Ans: Endurance and patience.

8.      What does the poet say about dreams?
Ans: Dreams should not control one’s life.

9.      What does “stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools” mean?
Ans: To rebuild life after failure with determination.

10.  How should one behave with kings?
Ans: With humility and self-respect.

11.  What is meant by “common touch”?
Ans: The ability to mix easily with ordinary people.

12.  Why should neither friends nor foes hurt you much?
Ans: To maintain emotional balance.

13.  What does the poet mean by “force your heart and nerve and sinew”?
Ans: To use willpower to continue despite exhaustion.

14.  What is the ultimate reward mentioned in the poem?
Ans: Becoming a true man.

15.  What values does the poem promote?
Ans: Patience, courage, honesty, and perseverance.

16.  How should one treat success?
Ans: Calmly and without pride.

17.  How should one treat failure?
Ans: With courage and hope.

18.  What role does time play in the poem?
Ans: Time should be used wisely and fully.

19.  What does the poet say about talking with crowds?
Ans: One should not lose virtue among crowds.

20.  What kind of poem is If?
Ans: A didactic poem giving moral advice.

21.  Why is patience important in life?
Ans: It helps overcome difficulties.

22.  What does “keep your head” suggest?
Ans: Staying calm in crisis.

23.  How does the poet define manhood?
Ans: Through strong moral character.

24.  What is the importance of self-control?
Ans: It leads to success and respect.

25.  Why is the poem relevant today?
Ans: It guides people in facing modern challenges with values.

 

C. Reference to Context (RTC)

1.      “If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,”
Q: What quality is referred to here?
Ans: Calmness and self-control.

2.      “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same;”
Q: Why are they called impostors?
Ans: Because both success and failure are temporary.

3.      “If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,”
Q: What virtue is highlighted?
Ans: Patience.

4.      “If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,”
Q: What does this line teach?
Ans: To remain morally upright among people.

5.      “Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,”
Q: What does the poet promise here?
Ans: A fulfilling and successful life.

 

 

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