English VSQ (2 Marks)

The poem teaches us that failures are stepping stones to success by showing how both the spider and King Bruce face repeated failures but ultimately achieve their goals through perseverance. It conveys the message that true winners are those who never give up.

The spider’s actions teach us that failure is not the end, but rather a step towards success, and that we must stay determined, work hard, and never give up in life.

The poet’s detailed description of every action of the spider shows his deep admiration, curiosity and respect for its perseverance and determination. Instead of dismissing the tiny creature, the poet carefully observes its struggles and repeated attempts to climb back to its web.

This stanza helps in setting the mood of the poem by preparing the reader for the king’s journey of struggle and eventual determination as it is portraying a sense of sadness, disappointment of the King.

Some fun tongue twisters that you can try are:
1. Betty bought a bit of butter, but the butter was bitter.
2. Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
3. Fred’s fresh fried fish fried freshly.
4. Tim the tiny tiger tiptoed through the tangled twigs.

His courage was as bright as a beacon guiding us through the storm.
His courage was like a beacon guiding us through the storm.

The poet repeats the words and phrases “tried and tried; steadily, steadily; up, up” to emphasise persistence, determi¬nation, and continuous effort respectively. By using repetition, the poet makes the message of never giving up stronger.

Following are three examples of alliteration from the poem:
(a) “Fast, now slow” – The repetition of the ‘s’ sound in “slow” and T sound in “fast”.
(b) “Bravo, bravo!” – The repetition of the ‘b’ sound.
(c) “Foolish thing will strive” – The repetition of the ‘s’ sound in “strive” and ‘f sound in “foolish”.

Following are three lines from the poem that describe the spider’s efforts:
(a) “It soon began to cling and crawl, Straight up with strong endeavour” -This shows the spider’s determination to climb.
(b) “Again it fell and swung below, But again it quickly mounted” – This highlights how the spider kept trying despite failing.
(c) “Steadily, steadily, inch by inch, Higher and higher he got” – This describes the spider’s slow but persistent effort to reach its web.

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Yes, nature can be a great teacher. The poem shows how King Bruce learns a life lesson from a small spider.
Animals, birds, and insects often show qualities like hard work, patience, and teamwork. For example:
• Ants work tirelessly to collect food.
• Bees cooperate to build hives.
• Spiders keep trying to build their webs.

King Bruce was so surprised because the tiny spider didn’t give up even when things were difficult. At first, he thought the spider would quit after falling so many times. But when it kept trying, he realised how brave and determined the little spider was.

Rani Abbakka’s victory showed that even a powerful foreign force could be defeated with courage and unity. This would have inspired other rulers to stand up against foreign powers and fight for their freedom.

The people of Ullal must have felt overjoyed and proud when the mighty Portuguese were defeated. They would have celebrated their freedom and admired Rani Abbakka’s bravery.

The people of Ullal and the soldiers were brave, loyal and proud of their kingdom, ready to defend Ullal’s freedom at any cost. Their support showed their trust in Rani Abbakka and their strong desire to resist Portuguese rule.

Rani Abbakka’s words to her mother on her deathbed would have made her mother feel proud, comforted and hopeful, knowing her daughter would protect their kingdom bravely.