English Class 7 — Poorvi
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Before We Read — A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers

🎓 Class 7 English CBSE Theory Ch 5 — A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers ⏱ ~23 min
🌐 Language: [gtranslate]

This CBSE English Passage Assessment will be based on: Before We Read — A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers

Assessment Format:
• 2 Short Answer Questions (2 marks each) = 4 marks
• 2 Fill in the Blanks Questions (1 mark each) = 2 marks
• 2 Short Answer Questions (1 mark each) = 2 marks
• 2 Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each) = 2 marks
Total: 8 Questions, 10 Marks

This CBSE English Grammar Assessment will be based on: Before We Read — A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers

Assessment Format:
• 10 Randomized Grammar Questions (1 mark each)
• Question Types: Fill in the Blanks, MCQs, Error Identification, Reported Speech, Sentence Completion
Total: 10 Questions, 10 Marks

This English Vocabulary assessment will be based on: Before We Read — A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers
Targeting Vocabulary & Usage with Intermediate difficulty.

Before We Read — A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers

"Homage" means something said or done to show respect publicly for someone. Before reading these letters, reflect on what it means to pay tribute to those who protect our nation.

Whom should every Indian pay homage to, and why?
Every Indian should pay homage to the soldiers of the Armed Forces who sacrifice their comfort, safety, and often their lives to protect the country's borders, territorial integrity, and citizens — especially since Independence in 1947.
Name two ways we can celebrate soldiers' victories and honour their sacrifices.
Ways to celebrate victories: visit a war memorial, observe Republic Day and Independence Day parades, read about military history. Ways to honour sacrifices: attend wreath-laying ceremonies, support families of fallen soldiers, write letters of gratitude.
What do you think the National War Memorial might look like and represent?
The National War Memorial is a 40-acre site near India Gate, New Delhi, inaugurated in 2019. It has an eternal flame (Amar Jawan Jyoti) and 29,000 granite tablets bearing the names of more than 26,000 fallen soldiers.

Theme Web — A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers

National War Memorial New Delhi Amar Chakra Immortality Veerta Chakra Bravery Tyag Chakra Sacrifice Raksha Chakra Protection Amar Jawan Jyoti Param Vir Chakra
Click any node to learn about the four Chakras of the National War Memorial and its key features.

Letter I — Soumya to Ananda

House No…, Jayanagar, Bengaluru
14 April 20XX

Dear Ananda,

1Do you remember the conversation we had about war and the value of peace? We discussed how India had to struggle for independence from British rule over many centuries, and how even after 1947, our country has had to fight wars to protect its borders, territorial integrity, and its people. This thought prompted me to wonder: who were these brave individuals who laid down their lives for us? What were their names? Where did they come from? Does anyone remember them?

2Last week, my school organised an educational trip to New Delhi, and I found the answers to many of my questions. The monument that moved me most was one whose construction began in April 2018 and was completed in February 2019. It was envisioned and inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It stands on 40 acres of land near the iconic India Gate. I am sure you have guessed — it is the National War Memorial. A long-cherished aspiration had finally become reality.

3Our teacher explained that every brick of the memorial is called a tablet, and each bears the name of a soldier who fought for India and made the supreme sacrifice in various wars from 1947 onwards — including the Indo-China conflict of 1962, the Indo-Pakistan Wars of 1965 and 1971, and the Kargil War of 1999. There are 29,000 such tablets, carrying the names of over 26,000 fallen soldiers, each name etched in stone as a permanent record of their gallantry.

4We also learnt about the 21 soldiers awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC) — India's highest wartime gallantry honour. Major Somnath Sharma was awarded the first PVC posthumously for the Battle of Badgam in 1947. Other awards — Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra — recognise different forms of exceptional courage.

Official Citation — Lance Naik Albert Ekka, PVC

During the 1971 war, Lance Naik Albert Ekka displayed extraordinary courage at Gangasagar on the eastern front. When intense enemy fire was inflicting heavy losses on his company, he charged the enemy position alone, silenced a Light Machine Gun, and fought on despite serious wounds. When a Medium Machine Gun pinned down the attack, he crawled forward under withering fire, hurled a grenade through the enemy bunker's opening, and then scaled a wall to neutralise the gunner — saving his company and ensuring the success of the attack. He succumbed to his wounds after the objective was captured. His valour, determination and supreme sacrifice stand as an enduring example of selfless service to the nation. Symbolism

5The citation of Lance Naik Albert Ekka deeply moved and awestruck all of us. Our teacher then described the four concentric circles — or Chakras — that make up the memorial's design. The innermost is the Amar Chakra (Circle of Immortality), housing the 15-metre obelisk and the eternal Amar Jawan Jyoti flame, which Symbolism symbolises the undying spirit of fallen heroes. The second circle, the Veerta Chakra (Circle of Bravery), contains a covered gallery with six bronze murals depicting battle scenes. The third, the Tyag Chakra (Circle of Sacrifice), carries the granite tablets bearing soldiers' names in golden letters. The outermost, the Raksha Chakra (Circle of Protection), is a row of trees, each representing a soldier who guards the nation's integrity. Metaphor

6I also learnt about Major Padmapani Acharya (MVC), who fought in the 1999 Kargil War and wrote to his father before battle, quoting the Bhagavad Gita: "If you fight, you will either be slain on the battlefield and go to the celestial abode, or you will gain victory and enjoy the kingdom on earth. Therefore, arise, O son of Kunti! Be determined to fight." His courage, captured in his Maha Vir Chakra citation, showed a leader who put his men's lives above his own in the most dangerous of circumstances.

7The day left me with tears in my eyes — sadness at the cost of war, but also an unshakeable motivation to live a life worthy of the soldiers' sacrifices. My class is making presentations on these braveheart stories. I hope you enjoy this account. Give my regards to your parents.

Your friend,
Soumya

Letter II — Ananda's Reply

House No…, Sector…, Chandigarh
24 April 20XX

Dear Soumya,

8Your letter was a joy to receive. You truly have an eye for detail, and your sensitivity has allowed you to capture the true spirit of the National War Memorial. Some might see a war memorial as merely a monument or an edifice built to celebrate military victory. In my view, it is something far deeper — an expression of the nation's profound gratitude for the valiant soldiers who gave everything to defend our sovereignty and integrity.

9Your letter reminded me of a visit to Chandigarh's Bougainvillea Garden in Sector 3, where we unexpectedly encountered a war memorial. People were placing flowers and offering prayers. Watching this, I was reminded of Makhanlal Chaturvedi's poem Pushp ki Abhilasha — where a flower says it does not wish to adorn a queen's jewellery or a god's altar, but only to be thrown on the path where brave soldiers walk to lay down their lives for the motherland. Symbolism

10I recently read about Captain Anuj Nayyar (MVC) of the 17 Jat Regiment, posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for exceptional gallantry in the Kargil War of 1999. His mother, Meena Nayyar, wrote a memoir titled Tiger of Drass – Capt. Anuj Nayyar – 23 – Kargil Hero. She shared in an interview: "Writing about the smallest things about your child who is not with you really used to shake me, but gradually I came to terms with it by telling myself that if I didn't write about him no one would know about Anuj's sacrifice." Imagery

11I plan to visit the National War Memorial, explore the interactive mobile app in 21 languages, and create a collage of inspiring soldiers' stories. Your letter has sparked something important in me — a genuine desire to understand and honour those who make our peaceful lives possible.

Best wishes,
Ananda

Word Power — Key Vocabulary

territorial integrity
noun phrase
The protection and preservation of a country's borders and sovereign land from foreign interference or encroachment
"India's soldiers fought wars to protect its territorial integrity."
envisioned
verb (past)
Imagined, planned, or conceived something in the mind before it was created
"The National War Memorial was envisioned and inaugurated by the Prime Minister."
iconic
adjective
Widely recognised and celebrated as a symbol; famous and representative of something important
"The memorial stands near the iconic India Gate."
etched
verb (past)
Engraved or cut into a hard surface such as metal or stone as a permanent record
"More than 26,000 names of fallen soldiers have been etched on the memorial's tablets."
gallantry
noun
Exceptional courage and bravery, especially in battle or in the face of danger
"The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for the highest degree of gallantry in the face of the enemy."
posthumously
adverb
After a person's death; an award or honour given to someone who has already died
"Major Somnath Sharma was posthumously awarded India's first Param Vir Chakra."
edifice
noun
A large, impressive building; also used figuratively for a complex system or structure
"Some might see a war memorial as just an edifice, but it represents far more."
memoir
noun
A written account of someone's personal experiences, memories, and life events
"Captain Anuj Nayyar's mother wrote a memoir about her son's sacrifice in the Kargil War."

Prefix Power — Words of Negation and Reversal

Study these words from the text: disregard, inconsequential, immortal, undaunted. They are formed by adding prefixes to root words:

dis- + regard = disregard (no respect)
in- + consequential = inconsequential (unimportant)
im- + mortal = immortal (not subject to death)
un- + daunted = undaunted (not discouraged)
Other prefixes:
re- (again): redefine
mal- (badly): malfunctioning
anti- (against): antisocial
extra- (beyond): extraordinary
ex- (former): ex-serviceman
de- (remove): de-activate
Soldiers undergo (i) extraordinary training to prepare for their challenging duties. They learn to (ii) deactivate explosives and handle (iii) malfunctioning equipment with precision. They stand as a powerful force against (iv) antisocial elements, displaying (v) undaunted bravery. (vi) Ex-servicemen often share their experiences to inspire new recruits. Their service can continually (vii) redefine the essence of commitment and sacrifice.

Let Us Discuss — Comprehension

L1 — Remember 1 mark
Which is India's highest wartime gallantry award? Who was the first recipient?
India's highest wartime gallantry award is the Param Vir Chakra (PVC). The first recipient was Major Somnath Sharma, who was awarded it posthumously for the Battle of Badgam in 1947.
L2 — Understand 2 marks
What is the significance of the National War Memorial? Why are monuments like this important?
The National War Memorial honours the more than 26,000 Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in various wars after Independence in 1947. It is important because it ensures that the nation never forgets the cost of the freedom it enjoys. It also reminds citizens of the bravery and dedication of the Armed Forces, and motivates future generations to serve the country with the same spirit.
L4 — Analyse 3 marks
Lance Naik Albert Ekka is described as an example of selflessness, determination, and exceptional courage. Elaborate using evidence from his citation.
Selflessness: Despite being seriously wounded, Ekka continued fighting alongside his comrades rather than withdrawing. He twice charged enemy positions "with complete disregard to his personal safety." Determination: Even when seriously injured and facing intense enemy fire, he crawled forward and scaled a wall to silence the final machine gun. Exceptional courage: His willingness to charge enemy bunkers alone, bayonet enemy soldiers, and ultimately give his life to ensure the success of the attack demonstrated gallantry of the highest order.
L5 — Evaluate 4 marks
Ananda says a war memorial is "an expression of deep gratitude for the supreme sacrifice." Do you agree? Is it our duty to periodically visit such places? Justify your answer.
Yes, I agree completely. Every freedom we enjoy — to study, speak, move, and live peacefully — exists because soldiers chose to sacrifice their lives to protect it. A war memorial is therefore not merely a building; it is a physical embodiment of gratitude and remembrance. Visiting such places is indeed a duty because it keeps alive our awareness of this sacrifice, prevents us from taking freedom for granted, and inspires us to contribute to the country in our own ways. When we visit, we honour not just the fallen but the ideals they stood for.

Literature CBQ — Extract-Based Questions

"You can see the obelisk surrounded by wreaths that have been placed as a mark of respect. The lighting design is planned in such a way that it transforms the monument's landscape as sunlight changes from dawn to dusk. It truly is a majestic site that filled me with pride for our nation. I was also overwhelmed by the interminable flame as a metaphor for eternal stories of courage and valour."
L2 — Understand 1 mark
(i) Complete the analogy: flame : valour :: wreath : ___________
respect — Just as the flame is a metaphor for valour (courage and bravery), the wreath is a symbol of respect placed as a tribute to fallen soldiers.
L3 — Apply 2 marks
(ii) How does the lighting design make the monument visually appealing?
The lighting design is carefully planned so that the monument's appearance changes continuously as sunlight shifts from dawn to dusk. This means the memorial looks different at every hour of the day — sometimes bathed in golden morning light, sometimes in the warm glow of afternoon, sometimes in the cool blue of dusk. This dynamic quality makes it a living, ever-changing monument rather than a static structure.
L4 — Analyse 2 marks
(iii) State whether the following is a fact or an opinion: "It truly is a majestic site…"
This is an opinion. The word "truly" and the subjective quality of "majestic" indicate that this is Soumya's personal impression and emotional response to the site, not an objective, verifiable fact. Different people might describe the same site differently.
L5 — Evaluate 3 marks
(iv) The tone of the writer in this extract is: A. modest B. light-hearted C. admiring D. nostalgic — Choose and justify.
C. Admiring — The writer uses words like "majestic," "overwhelmed," and "filled me with pride," all of which express deep admiration and awe. The writer is clearly moved by the grandeur and significance of the memorial, and every phrase in the extract conveys reverence and respect. There is no nostalgia (longing for the past), no modesty (understatement), and no lightness — only genuine admiration.

Language Workshop — Clauses and Subordinating Conjunctions

Rule: Main Clause and Subordinate Clause

When a sentence has two parts, the part that makes complete sense on its own is the main clause. The part that depends on the main clause for its meaning is the subordinate clause. Words that connect them — when, because, though, so that, unless, where, although — are called subordinating conjunctions.

  • when → time | because → reason | though/although → contrast
  • so that → purpose | unless → condition | where → place

Divide these sentences from the text into Main Clause and Subordinate Clause:

  1. "I aspire to be courageous like him when I join the army."
  2. "Though seriously wounded in this encounter, he continued to fight alongside his comrades."
  3. "Monuments like the National War Memorial are important so that we should never forget the cost of freedom."

1. Main: "I aspire to be courageous like him" | Subordinate: "when I join the army" (time)

2. Main: "he continued to fight alongside his comrades" | Subordinate: "Though seriously wounded in this encounter" (contrast)

3. Main: "Monuments like the National War Memorial are important" | Subordinate: "so that we should never forget the cost of freedom" (purpose)

Combine these pairs using suitable subordinating conjunctions (because / unless / when / where / though):

  1. Wasi burst into tears. He heard the good news.
  2. Himani was very nervous. She delivered a great presentation.
  3. This is the place. I was born.
  4. The students performed very well. They studied diligently.
  5. Water the plants. They will die.

1. Wasi burst into tears when he heard the good news.

2. Though Himani was very nervous, she delivered a great presentation.

3. This is the place where I was born.

4. The students performed very well because they studied diligently.

5. Water the plants unless they will die. / Water the plants, or they will die.

Writing Workshop — A Letter to Your Friend

Write a letter to a friend sharing how the Armed Forces contribute during peacetime — through natural disaster relief (floods, earthquakes), infrastructure development (building bridges in remote areas), and welfare initiatives (medical camps, libraries).

Informal Letter Format

  1. Address: Your house number, locality, city, and date (top right)
  2. Salutation: Dear [Name],
  3. Opening: Reference to a previous conversation or shared interest
  4. Body Para 1: Natural disaster relief work of Armed Forces with an example
  5. Body Para 2: Infrastructure and welfare contributions with examples
  6. Closing: A personal note, wishes, sign off
  7. Signature: Your name

Word limit: approximately 150 words

12, MG Road, Pune
14 April 20XX

Dear Ravi,

I hope you are well! After our recent discussion about the National War Memorial, I wanted to share something I learnt — that India's Armed Forces do so much more than defend our borders.

During floods and earthquakes, soldiers are often the first to arrive, rescuing people from flooded homes, distributing food and medicines, and restoring order when civilian systems break down. During the Kerala floods of 2018, the Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force saved thousands of lives.

In peacetime, the Army builds roads and bridges in remote border areas, and organises medical camps and mobile libraries in villages that have little access to healthcare or education. These contributions rarely make headlines, but they change lives every day.

I feel we owe them far more than we realise. Do write back soon.
Your friend,
Kavita

Vocabulary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1 — A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers about in NCERT English?

1 — A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers is a lesson from the NCERT English textbook that covers important literary and language concepts. The lesson includes vocabulary, literary devices, comprehension exercises, and writing tasks aligned to the CBSE curriculum.

What vocabulary is important in 1 — A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers?

Key vocabulary words from 1 — A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers are highlighted throughout with contextual meanings, usage examples, and interesting facts. Click any highlighted word to see its full definition and example sentence.

What literary devices are used in 1 — A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers?

1 — A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers uses various literary devices including imagery, symbolism, and figurative language. These are identified with coloured tags throughout the text for easy recognition and understanding by students.

What exercises are included for 1 — A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers?

Exercises include extract-based comprehension questions in CBSE board exam format, grammar workshops connected to the passage, vocabulary activities, and creative writing tasks with model answers provided.

How does 1 — A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers help in board exam preparation?

1 — A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers includes CBSE-format extract-based questions, long answer practice with model responses, and grammar exercises that mirror board exam patterns. All questions follow Bloom's Taxonomy levels L1-L6.

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