DAV Class 8 English Literature Worksheet
Chapter 9: Couplets by Alexander Pope
Instructions:
- Read the poem carefully before answering.
- Answer all questions in complete sentences where required.
- Questions are based on past DAV board exam patterns (2016–2025). Years noted for reference.
- Total Marks: 20 (Time: 30 minutes)
'Tis with our judgment as our watches, none
Go just alike, yet each believes his own.
He knows to live, who keeps the middle state,
And neither leans on this side nor on that.
For forms of government let fools contest;
Whate'er is best administered is best.
For modes of faith let graceless zealots fight;
His can't be wrong whose life is in the right.
In faith and hope the world will disagree,
But all mankind's concern is charity.
Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) (1 mark each)
Choose the correct option.
Total: 5 marks
Section B: Fill in the Blanks (1 mark each)
Complete the passage with suitable words from the poem's ideas. (Appeared in: Undated DAVCAE Sample Paper, circulated 2019–2020; used in 2020 Annual Exams)
The poet says a man with small wishes, staying in his own (a) ______ land leads a life full of (b) ______. All his basic requirements like food and clothing are fulfilled. He enjoys (c) ______ and sleeps (d) ______ at night. He is (e) ______ from all kinds of worries.
Total: 5 marks
Section C: Extract-Based Questions (4 marks)
Read the extract and answer the questions that follow: (Appeared in: 2017–2022 Textbook Extracts, recurring in annual exams, e.g., 2021 Annual; full set in 2022 Sample Paper)
And neither leans on this side nor on that.
- What do you understand by ‘middle state’?
(1 mark) - How can this ‘middle state’ be achieved?
(1 mark) - Is this idea relevant in a student’s life? Give one example.
(2 marks)
Section D: Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)
Answer in 30-40 words.
- How can a person lead a successful life according to Alexander Pope? (Appeared in: 2025 Assignment, DAV Bariatu; also 2022 Textbook, Section B)
(2 marks) - What are Alexander Pope's views on judgement? (Refer to the first couplet.) (Appeared in: 2025 Assignment; similar in 2019–20 PA-II)
(2 marks)
Total: 4 marks
Section E: Value-Based/HOTS Question (3 marks)
The best way to live is to tread the middle path and avoid leaning on the extremes. Illustrate with an example from your own life. (Answer in 40-50 words.) (Appeared in: 2025 Assignment; HOTS variant in 2017–2022 Textbook, used in 2023 Annuals)
(3 marks)
Total: 3 marks
Answer Key (For Self-Check / Teachers)
Section A: MCQs
- (b) Alexander Pope
- (a) Clocks
- (a) Keeping the middle state
- (a) Forms of government
- (b) Charity
Section B: Fill in the Blanks
(a) middle (b) peace (c) sound (d) peacefully (e) free
Section C: Extract-Based
- A balanced or moderate way of living, avoiding extremes.
- By not leaning too much to one side or the other; staying neutral and fair.
- Yes, e.g., balancing study time and play to avoid stress or laziness.
Section D: Short Answers
- By treading the middle path, avoiding extremes, and living a balanced life neither too rich nor too poor.
- No two judgments are exactly alike, like watches that don't tick the same, but everyone trusts their own judgment.
Section E: Value-Based
Sample Answer: In my life, I follow the middle path by balancing 2 hours of study with 1 hour of sports daily. This keeps me focused without burnout, helping me score well and stay healthy, just as Pope suggests avoiding extremes for true living.
Total Marks Guide: Award partial marks for relevant points. Encourage creative responses in value-based questions. This worksheet aligns with DAV exam patterns (2016–2025).
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