Since the earliest times, humans have dreamt of conquering the | Class 10 English Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 4 min read
Since the earliest times, humans have dreamt of conquering the – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Since the earliest times, humans have dreamt of conquering the from Class 10 English, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
Thinking about Language
This section explores the multiple meanings of the word 'black' and the verb 'fly' as used in the stories and in general English. It explains how 'black' can mean the darkest color or absence of light, and provides examples of its varied meanings in different contexts, such as 'black tea' or 'black comedy.' Students are encouraged to guess meanings of 'black' in various sentences and check them in the dictionary. The section also clarifies different uses of 'fly,' such as flying a flag, flying into rage, or flying the coop, matching phrases with their meanings. Additionally, it lists synonyms and related words for 'fly' to expand vocabulary. This linguistic exploration helps students understand nuances in English vocabulary and usage.
📊 Diagram: No diagrams; language and vocabulary focus.
🧪 Activity: Exercises include guessing meanings, matching phrases, and ticking synonyms of 'fly.'
🔗 Connection: Leads to writing activity and further reflection on language use.
Frequently asked questions
1. Does ‘dyin’ really rhyme with ‘lion’? Can you say it in such a way that it does? 2. How does the poet suggest that you identify the lion and the tiger? When can you do so, according to him? 3. Do you think the words ‘lept’ and ‘lep’ in the third stanza are spelt correctly? Why does the poet spell them like this? 4. Do you know what a ‘bearhug’ is? It’s a friendly and strong hug — such as bears are thought to give, as they attack you! Again, hyenas are thought to laugh, and crocodiles to weep (‘crocodile tears’) as they swallow their victims. Are there similar expressions and popular ideas about wild animals in your own language(s)? 5. Look at the line “A novice might nonplus”. How would you write this ‘correctly’? Why is the poet’s ‘incorrect’ line better in the poem? 6. Can you find other examples of poets taking liberties with language, either in English or in your own language(s)? Can you find examples of humorous poems in your own language(s)? 7. Much of the humour in the poem arises from the way language is used, although the ideas are funny as well. If there are particular lines in the poem that you especially like, share these with the class, speaking briefly about what it is about the ideas or the language that you like or find funny.
1. ‘Dyin’ does not traditionally rhyme with ‘lion’ as they have different ending sounds. However, by pronouncing ‘dyin’ as 'die-in' with a slight emphasis on the second syllable, one can make it rhyme with ‘lion’. This is a poetic liberty taken by the poet to maintain rhythm and rhyme.
2. The poet suggests identifying the lion by its roar when it is dying, and the tiger by its black stripes on a yellow ground and whether it eats you. According to him, you can identify the lion when it roars at
1. Why does the poet say, "I would not intrude on him"? Why doesn't he offer him money to buy another ball? 2. "... staring down/All his young days into the harbour where/His ball went ..." Do you think the boy has had the ball for a long time? Is it linked to the memories of days when he played with it? 3. What does "in the world of possessions" mean? 4. Do you think the boy has lost anything earlier? Pick out the words that suggest the answer. 5. What does the poet say the boy is learning from the loss of the ball? Try to explain this in your own words. 6. Have you ever lost something you liked very much? Write a paragraph describing how you felt then, and saying whether — and how — you got over your loss.
1. The poet says, "I would not intrude on him" because he respects the boy's grief and does not want to disturb his moment of sorrow. Offering money to buy another ball would be insensitive as it would ignore the emotional loss the boy is experiencing.
2. The phrase "staring down all his young days into the harbour where his ball went" suggests that the boy has had the ball for a long time and it holds many memories of his childhood and playtime.
3. "In the world of possessions" means the mate
Why was the young seagull afraid to fly from the ledge despite having wings larger than his siblings?
The young seagull was afraid to fly because he was scared of the great expanse of sea beneath him, which seemed miles down. He felt certain that his wings would never support him, making him too fearful to take the plunge.
What finally compelled the young seagull to make his first flight?
The sight of food maddened the young seagull. His mother teased him by holding a piece of fish just out of reach, which made him dive after it. This forced him to fly as he fell, helping him overcome his fear.
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Clear NCERT-aligned notes on T he S ermon at for Class 10 English.
- T he S ermon at | Class 10 English Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on T he S ermon at for Class 10 English.