An April Day
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Summary:
The poem describes the beauty of spring, especially in the month of April. The poet talks about how nature comes back to life after the frosty winter. The trees grow new green leaves, flowers begin to bloom and birds sing sweet songs. The sun shines brightly and looks stunning. The poet feels happy and finds peace in the season of spring. It’s a celebration of spring’s beauty and freshness.
Activity – 1
Tick the correct alternative:
- When the warm sun has returned again, it is nice to
Answer: (b) visit the still wood - The sapling draws its sustenance from
Answer: (c) earth’s loosened mould - The birds
Answer: (a) glance quick in the bright sun - The green slope throws its shadow upon
Answer: (b) the hollows of the hills
Activity – 2
Complete the following sentences with information from the text:
- Spring is the season of blooming of flowers.
- The coming-on of storms is foretold by many–folded dark clouds.
- The birds move along the forest opening.
- The bright sunset fills the silver woods with light.
Activity – 3
Answer the following questions:
Why do you think the poet ‘Loves the season well?
Answer: The poet loves the season well because everything looks fresh and beautiful. Trees have green leaves, birds sing sweet songs, and the sky looks bright. These scenes make the poet feel happy and peaceful.
Activity – 4
Fill in the chart with information from the text:
| Who | Did what |
|---|---|
| The first flower | Bloomed in the plain for the first time in spring. |
| The forest glades | Were teeming with bright forms. |
| The sapling glow | Drew its sustenance from the earth's loosened mould and thrived. |
| The drooping tree | Revived, though stricken to the heart by winter's cold. |
Activity – 5
Answer the following questions:
- Why is it sweet to visit the wood during springtime?
Answer: Because in the springtime the wood is full of green trees, flowers and birds singing sweet songs. Everything looks fresh and beautiful. - What does winter’s cold do to the tree?
Answer: Winter makes the tree lose its leaves and it looks dry and lifeless. - What time of the Day do you think it is when “The green slope throws its shadows in the hollows of the hills?”
Answer: It is evening time, when the sun is going down and shadows fall on the hills. - Why do you think the poem is titled “An April Day”? Suggest an alternative title.
Answer: I think the title of the poem is titled “An April Day” because it shows how lovely a spring day in April can be.
I would suggest “A Day in Spring”
Activity – 6(a)
Fill in the blanks with the correct verb forms from those given in brackets:
- He has been working here for the last two years. (worked, is working, has been working)
- The baby has been crying all morning. (cries, has been crying, had cried)
- It had been raining for a long time before we went to school. (had been raining, rained, rains)
- The passengers of the train had been sleeping fast when the accident occurred. (slept, had been sleeping, sleep)
Activity – 6(b)
Fill in the blanks with either the Future Continuous tense or Future Perfect tense of the verbs given in brackets:
- Suppose it will be raining when we start. (rain)
- He will be meeting us next week. (meet)
- She will have reached Jamshedpur by then. (reach)
- This book is not fat, I shall have read it by lunch time. (read)
Activity – 7
Make meaningful sentences of your own with the following words:
- Harvest: We had a big harvest of corn this year.
- Teeming: My garden was teeming with butterflies.
- Thrives: A cactus thrives in the desert.
- Glance: She gave a quick glance at the board.
Activity – 8(a)
Write a paragraph in about eighty words on the changes that you see in nature when spring comes after winter.
Answer: When spring comes after winter, nature begins to flourish. Trees grow new leaves and flowers start blooming. Birds sing sweet songs in the trees. The cold air becomes warm and fresh. The fields turn green, butterflies and bees can be seen everywhere. The sky looks stunning bright and blue. The sun shines gently. Everything around looks beautiful and colorful, full of life. Spring brings joy and beauty to the world.
Activity – 8(b)
You have a separate routine of work in the morning and in the evening. Write a page in your diary on that part of the day which you prefer more.
Answer:
June 30, 2025
Between the two parts of my day—morning and evening, I find myself enjoying the morning more. So, I prefer morning over evening. There’s something beautiful about waking up early in the morning. The world is still quiet, the air is cool, and the sun rises gradually, painting the sky with soft colors. I feel fresh and full of energy. This is the time when I can think clearly and start my day. I usually do some reading and writing. Morning gives me a sense of hope, as if the whole day is waiting for me with full of possibilities. That’s why I love mornings, they help me feel ready to face whatever comes next.
ME