Chapter 3 of 10
Chapter 3: The Rainbow
Christina Rossetti's lyrical poem celebrating natural beauty over human engineering | CBSE Session 2026–27
Core Pedagogical Competencies & Concepts
- Themes of nature's sublime grandeur, poetic comparison, and the wonder of rainbows.
- Contrasting human inventions (boats, ships, river bridges) with celestial natural wonders (clouds sailing in the sky, rainbow bridging heaven).
- Poetic devices: imagery, personification, symbolism of the arch from earth to sky.
- Vocabulary building: sail, o'ertops, bow, bridges, heaven, prettier.
All Textbook Exercises & In-Text Tasks (22 Questions)
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Q1
Let us Think • Comprehension
Explain the meaning and imagery of the word 'bow' as used in Christina Rossetti's poem.
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
In the poem, the word 'bow' refers to the rainbow. It describes the magnificent multicolored arch or curved bow that spans across the sky after rainfall, symbolizing a celestial bridge connecting heaven and earth.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Identification of 'bow' as rainbow
1 Mark
Explanation of curved arch connecting earth and sky
1 Mark
Q2
Let us Think • Comprehension
Which bridge does the poet admire more than man-made river bridges, and why?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The poet admires the rainbow—the bow that bridges heaven—far more than human-built river bridges. She explains that while river bridges are useful and pretty, the rainbow is 'prettier far than these' because it overtops tallest trees and builds a magical celestial road from earth to the sky.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Identified rainbow as the preferred bridge
1 Mark
Textual quote: 'prettier far than these'
1 Mark
Reason: overtops trees / builds road to sky
1 Mark
Q3
Let us Think • Comprehension
The word 'these' appears in both stanzas. What specific objects does 'these' refer to in each stanza?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
In stanza one, 'these' refers to the boats sailing on rivers and ships sailing on seas. In stanza two, 'these' refers to the man-made stone and wooden bridges built across rivers.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Stanza 1: 'these' = boats and ships
1 Mark
Stanza 2: 'these' = bridges on rivers
1 Mark
Q4
Let us Think • Comprehension
State whether the following statements are True or False according to the poem:
[4 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
- Ships sail on the river. → False. (The poem states boats sail on rivers, while ships sail on seas).
- Boats sail on the sea. → False. (The poem states ships sail on seas, while boats sail on rivers).
- Bridges are built on the river. → True. (The poem notes there are bridges on rivers, pretty as you please).
- A road is built from earth to the sky. → True (Poetically). (The poem states the rainbow 'builds a road from earth to sky').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Statement (a) identified as False with reason
1 Mark
Statement (b) identified as False with reason
1 Mark
Statement (c) identified as True
1 Mark
Statement (d) identified as True / Poetic truth
1 Mark
Q5
Let us Think • Think & Discuss
What are the various ways humans cross rivers, and how do bridges help communities prosper?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Humans cross rivers using wooden boats, motor ferries, bamboo rafts, suspended cable cars, and permanent bridges (suspension, arch, or girder bridges). Bridges connect isolated villages to markets, schools, and hospitals, enabling seamless trade, transit, and emergency healthcare.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Listing diverse river crossing methods (boats/ferries/bridges)
1.5 Marks
Socio-economic impact of bridges on community development
1.5 Marks
Q6
Let us Think • Think & Discuss
Have you ever observed a rainbow in nature? Describe what atmospheric conditions cause it and how you felt looking at it.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Yes, I saw a vibrant rainbow arching across the horizon after a gentle monsoon drizzle when the sun broke through the clouds. A rainbow occurs when sunlight passes through millions of falling raindrops, which act as tiny prisms, refracting, reflecting, and dispersing white light into its seven constituent colors. Seeing it filled me with wonder and serenity.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Personal observation described with emotional impact
1.5 Marks
Scientific atmospheric condition (sunlight + rain droplets refracting light)
1.5 Marks
Q7
Let us Learn • Vocabulary
Complete the table of Degrees of Comparison for adjectives featured in and inspired by the poem:
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
- Positive: Pretty | Comparative: Prettier | Superlative: Prettiest
- Positive: High | Comparative: Higher | Superlative: Highest
- Positive: Great | Comparative: Greater | Superlative: Greatest
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Pretty / Prettier / Prettiest correct
1 Mark
High / Higher / Highest correct
1 Mark
Great / Greater / Greatest correct
1 Mark
Q8
Let us Learn • Vocabulary
Explain the scientific acronym VIBGYOR and write a memorable mnemonic sentence to remember the colors in correct sequence.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
VIBGYOR Sequence:
- V: Violet
- I: Indigo
- B: Blue
- G: Green
- Y: Yellow
- O: Orange
- R: Red
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 7 rainbow colors listed in precise optical order
2 Marks
Creative, correct mnemonic sentence provided
1 Mark
Q9
Let us Write • Descriptive Writing
Write a short descriptive paragraph (50–60 words) capturing the sights, scents, and sounds of a countryside after a fresh rainfall.
[4 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Nature's Fresh Canvas:
As the dark thunderclouds parted, a warm golden ray of sunlight bathed the countryside. The soothing scent of wet earth (petrichor) rose from the soil. Crystal raindrops glistened like diamonds on trembling green leaves. Birds chirped enthusiastically from tree branches, and across the eastern sky stretched a majestic, luminous rainbow that made the whole world look washed, renewed, and joyful.
As the dark thunderclouds parted, a warm golden ray of sunlight bathed the countryside. The soothing scent of wet earth (petrichor) rose from the soil. Crystal raindrops glistened like diamonds on trembling green leaves. Birds chirped enthusiastically from tree branches, and across the eastern sky stretched a majestic, luminous rainbow that made the whole world look washed, renewed, and joyful.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Rich sensory details (petrichor, glistening drops, birdsong)
2 Marks
Accurate grammar, spelling, and expressive vocabulary
2 Marks
Q10
Let us Explore • Science Experiment
Step-by-Step Practical Activity: How can you create a miniature rainbow in your classroom or home using water and sunlight?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Materials Needed: A shallow glass bowl of water, a small flat mirror, a white sheet of cardboard, and bright sunlight.
Procedure:
Procedure:
- Place the glass bowl of water near a sunny window with direct sunlight falling into it.
- Submerge the flat mirror inside the water at a tilted angle (around 45 degrees).
- Position the white cardboard sheet in the shade opposite the mirror.
- Adjust the angle until the reflected beam strikes the white cardboard, revealing a spectrum of seven vibrant rainbow colors!
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear listing of accessible materials
1 Mark
Accurate step-by-step optical dispersion procedure
2 Marks
Q11
Reading is Fun • In-Depth Comprehension • The Rainbow
[Textbook Exercise 1] In 'The Rainbow', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q12
Let's Talk • Conversational Inquiry & Expression • The Rainbow
[Textbook Exercise 2] In 'The Rainbow', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q13
Word Building • Vocabulary Bank & Word Families • The Rainbow
[Textbook Exercise 3] In 'The Rainbow', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q14
Grammar in Context • Syntax, Tenses & Parts of Speech • The Rainbow
[Textbook Exercise 4] In 'The Rainbow', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q15
Let's Write • Creative Composition & Expression • The Rainbow
[Textbook Exercise 5] In 'The Rainbow', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q16
Spoken English • Pronunciation & Phonics • The Rainbow
[Textbook Exercise 6] In 'The Rainbow', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q17
Say Aloud • Rhyming Pairs & Auditory Discrimination • The Rainbow
[Textbook Exercise 7] In 'The Rainbow', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q18
Team Time & Activity • Collaborative Project Work • The Rainbow
[Textbook Exercise 8] In 'The Rainbow', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q19
Curriculum Competency • Value Analysis & Ethics • The Rainbow
[Textbook Exercise 9] In 'The Rainbow', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q20
Reading is Fun • In-Depth Comprehension • The Rainbow
[Textbook Exercise 10] In 'The Rainbow', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q21
Let's Talk • Conversational Inquiry & Expression • The Rainbow
[Textbook Exercise 11] In 'The Rainbow', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q22
Word Building • Vocabulary Bank & Word Families • The Rainbow
[Textbook Exercise 12] In 'The Rainbow', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Rainbow, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study
Artistic Appreciation & Environmental Stewardship
A town municipal corporation plans to build a six-lane concrete flyover through an ancient city park, arguing that roads symbolize human progress. School students argue that cutting down century-old banyan trees will permanently destroy the green canopy where clouds, birds, and natural beauty thrive.
Analytical Task: Connecting this dilemma to Christina Rossetti's theme in 'The Rainbow', formulate three compelling arguments the students should submit to urge the city to adopt eco-sensitive green architecture.
Evaluation & Model Answer:
Eco-Sensitive Architecture Proposals:
- Inherent Superiority of Natural Systems: Just as Rossetti shows that clouds and rainbows surpass stone bridges in beauty, mature urban trees provide vital ecological services (air purification, temperature cooling, bird nesting) that no concrete flyover can replicate.
- Subterranean or Elevated Bypass Alignment: Re-route the flyover around the perimeter of the heritage park or construct a tunneled bypass to preserve 100% of the forest canopy intact.
- Green Canopy Bridges & Eco-Ducts: If road expansion is inevitable, mandate wildlife-friendly overpasses lined with native plants to maintain natural continuity between disjointed green pockets.
Rubric: 1.5 Marks for thematic connection to Rossetti's nature vs. engineering motif + 3.5 Marks for 3 actionable eco-urban planning solutions = 5 Marks