Unit 1: The Voice of God
Complete Reading Comprehension Matrix, Explanations, MCQs, and Solved Grammar Labs
Words & Meanings Vocabulary Glossary
| S.NO. | Vocabulary Words | English Core Meanings |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Among | Amidst |
| 2. | Bent | Tendency; orientation of mind |
| 3. | Climbed | Past tense of climb; Mounted, Went up (Go up) |
| 4. | Declare | To say something clearly or firmly, Announce |
| 5. | Dwell | To live; reside as an inhabitant |
| 6. | Sought | The past tense of seek; To search, To want, Looked for |
| 7. | Note | Message; structural observation |
| 8. | People | Masses, Public, Human race |
| 9. | Steeple | The tallest part of a religious building, Minaret, Spire tower |
| 10. | Topmost | The highest; uppermost location point |
| 11. | Voice | Sound produced by sentient beings |
Biography of the Poet
Louis I. Newman (1893 - 1972)
This poem is written by Dr. Louis I. Newman. He was a prominent American poet and scholar. He was born on August 3, 1893, in Providence, Rhode Island (USA). He studied at Brown University, and following his doctorate, joined Columbia University as an active academic lecturer. He is the highly acclaimed author of many volumes on religious subjects. His writing inside "The Voice Of God" clearly showcases his spiritual attitude, bringing out his natural religious bent of mind.
Central Idea / Message Variations
Poem Summary & Textbook Text
In this poem, Louis I. Newman says that once he wanted to hear the voice of God. So he climbed to the top of the steeple of a church. But God declared that he lives among the people and ordered the poet to go down to them. In this short poem, the poet actually wants to say that God is pleased with those who love and serve the creatures of God. This poem tells us that God is present everywhere all the time.
The poet Louis I. Newman was desirous to hear the voice of God, so one day he climbed the tallest part of a religious building. There he heard the voice of God, Who said to him that He dwells among the people, so he should go down there where he can find Him. The theme of the poem is that God loves and lives among the people. This poem expresses the love and closeness of God to mankind.
"I sought to hear the voice of God,
And climbed the topmost steeple.
But God declared, “Go down again,
I dwell among the people.”"
Sindhi Translation Note: شاعر خدا جي آواز ٻڌڻ لاءِ عبادتگاهه جي سڀ کان مٿانهين مينار تي چڙهي ويو، پر خدا فرمايو ته مان ماڻهن جي وچ ۾ رهان ٿو، تنهنڪري واپس هيٺ وڃو. هي نظم ٻڌائي ٿو ته انسانيت جي خدمت ئي اصل ۾ رب پاڪ جي رضا حاصل ڪرڻ جو ذريعو آهي.
Reference To Context & Solved Explanations
And climbed the top most steeple,
But God declared: 'Go down again,
I dwell among the people.'"
Poem: The Voice Of God
Poet: Louis. I. Newman (1893-1972)
-
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
Ans: Poem: The Voice Of God. Poet: An American poet, Dr. Louis I. Newman. -
(ii) What does the poet mean by the line "I dwell among the people"?
Ans: In this line, the poet means that we should search for God among common people because He lives among human beings. So the best way to find God is to serve humanity.
[Alternative Answer]: The poet wanted to hear the voice of God, so he climbed the highest steeple to seek divine nearness. However, God told him to go down and mingle among the masses. The experience of ascending the steeple taught the poet a deep lesson that the search for God is hidden inside the services of mankind. -
(iii) What did God declare?
Ans: God declared and commanded him to go down from the steeple structure because He (God) lives down among the common people. -
(iv) What is the message of the poem?
Ans: Through the poem “The Voice of God”, the poet conveys the message that God is present everywhere. He is all-seeing and all-hearing. We may win His happiness and validation by serving our fellow beings and by putting them at ease.
Questions, Answers & Supplementary Notes
Q1: Why did the author/poet climb to the steeple?
Option 1The poet climbed the steeple because he believed that God would be found in such high, elevated places. Therefore, he climbed up in order to have the honor of being close to God and hear His voice directly.
Option 2The author climbed the steeple because he thought that by climbing the tower structure he would get closer to God and be able to hear the voice of God.
Option 3The poet wanted to hear the voice of God from a place as physically close as possible, so he climbed to the top of the steeple.
Q2: Why did God tell him to go down again?
Option 1God told the poet to go down again because He does not live only in the sky. He is everywhere; we may find Him by serving suffering humanity and by removing their difficulties. The poet is trying to say that even a common man can find Him.
Option 2God told him to go down because He lives among His people. If we want to get close to God, we must have faith in Him, perform good deeds, and love our fellow human beings.
Option 3God told the poet to go down again because He dwells among the people. The poet should not stay aloof from people. So God asked the poet to go to them and mingle with them. To love one's fellowmen is the best way to win God's love. God loves those people who are caring and loving to others. If we want to be close to God, we should love people and help them.
Q3: Say in your own words what you think is the message or main idea of this poem.
Option 1Through the poem “The Voice of God”, the poet conveys the message that God is present everywhere. He is all-seeing and all-hearing. We may win His happiness by serving our fellow beings and by putting them at ease.
Option 2The message of the poem is that everything in nature speaks of the presence of God, so we can find Him at any time. The poem also tells us that God is very close to people and lives in their hearts, wanting all of us to love our fellowmen and serve humanity.
Option 3The message of the poem is that we should be very friendly and loving to other people. This is one of the best things that a human can do. God is happy with that person who takes care of and serves mankind.
Q4: Who has composed the poem “The Voice of God” and what do you know about the poet?
Answer: The poem “The Voice of God” has been composed by Louis I. Newman (1893-1972). He was an American poet, born in Providence, Rhode Island (USA). He studied at Brown University and after his doctorate lectured at Columbia University. He is the author of many books on religious subjects, and this poem clearly brings out his spiritual, religious bent of mind.
Q5: “I dwell among the people” — what does this line mean according to the poem?
Answer: The poet wanted to hear the voice of God. He climbed the highest steeple to seek nearness to God, but God told him to go down and mingle among the people. This experience taught the poet that the search for God is hidden within the service of mankind. God loves all His creatures, especially human beings, who are His most beloved creation. Therefore, we should never separate ourselves from people.
The Voice of God: Core MCQs Prep
1. The poem "The Voice of God" is written by ___________.
2. Louis I. Newman lectured as a university scholar at:
3. By professional deployment, Louis I. Newman was a/an:
4. Louis I. Newman was born in which calendar year?
5. Louis I. Newman passed away in which calendar year?
6. Louis I. Newman passed away at what final age?
7. Louis I. Newman authored numerous textbooks focusing on __________ subjects.
8. Inside the poem text, the reference word "I" in the first line belongs to:
9. Louis I. Newman earned his formal Doctorate degree from which university?
10. What is the fundamental message value of "The Voice of God"?
11. Grammatically, the term "Sought" functions as the second form of:
12. Which term serves as a direct synonym for the vocabulary word "Topmost"?
13. Which of the following defines the highest tower part of a religious building?
14. Structurally, the poem "The Voice of God" consists of how many total lines?
15. In the fourth line of the text, the reference identity word "I" signals:
16. Select the correct sequential words to complete the poem stanza:
"I ______ to hear the voice of God, And climbed the ____________, But God declared: “ Go ______ again, I _______ among the people."
17. Dr. Louis I. Newman spent his early life as an inhabitant of:
Additional Exam Objective MCQs
1. The poet of the poem "The Voice of God" was ________ .
2. Louis I. Newman was a __________ by profession.
3. The poet had a/an _______ bent of mind.
4. Louis I. Newman was a/an _______ national poet.
5. Louis I. Newman was born in the year ____.
6. Louis I. Newman died in the year ____.
7. Following his doctorate studies, Newman lectured at ____.
8. _______ is the tallest spire part of an architectural religious building.
9. "I ________ to hear the voice of God, And climbed the top most steeple,"
10. "But God declared: Go down again, I _____ among the people."
11. Louis I. Newman has composed which specific lyric poem?
12. The underlying orientation of mind of the poet was explicitly:
13. Looking for God, the tracking narrator climbed a:
14. What command structural phrase did God declare?
15. According to the text parameters, God dwells among:
16. The poem "The Voice of God" is explicitly a:
17. This short text teaches us to do what with society?
Textbook Objective Review Blanks
- 1. This poem has been written by Louis I. Newman.
- 2. The poet wanted to hear the voice of God, so he climbed the topmost steeple.
- 3. God declared that He dwells among the people.
- 4. The term "dwell" means to live.
- 5. The vocabulary word "steeple" means the tower of a religious building.
- 6. "I dwell among the people" — here, the word "I" stands explicitly for God.
- 7. In this poem, the poet teaches us that God lives directly among the people.
Unit 1.2: Oral Communication
[This language section contains standard classroom conversation paths, speech practices, and dialogue articulation matrices from the textbook syllabus.]
Exercise 1: Capitalization Corrections
Ans The mausoleum of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai is in Sindh.
Ans Sameer and Ali went to Quetta last July.
Ans The river Indus flows from Gilgit, Baltistan to the Arabian Sea.
Ans The Liaquat National Hospital is on Stadium Road in Karachi.
Ans “Are Zahra and Samina coming today?“ asked Mrs. Afzal.
Ans The highest peak, Mount Everest, is in the Himalayan ranges in Nepal.
Ans We are planning to go to Islamabad in March to see the Faisal Mosque.
Ans He said, "My uncle’s name is Asif Sheikh and he lives in London.”
Exercise 2: Inserting Commas, Full Stops & Marks
1. The helping group needs clothes food water blankets and shoes for the flood victims
Ans The helping group needs clothes, food, water, blankets and shoes for the flood victims.2. Hurrah Pakistan has won the world cup We must meet celebrate enjoy and have fun
Ans Hurrah! Pakistan has won the world cup. We must meet, celebrate, enjoy and have fun.3. Nevertheless some people are talking some are resting some are reading and some are having fun
Ans Nevertheless, some people are talking, some are resting, some are reading and some are having fun.4. “Have you finished your home work” his mother asked
Ans “Have you finished your homework?” his mother asked.5. Alas the old man is dead He suffered a lot
Ans Alas! the old man is dead. He suffered a lot.6. The teacher said ”Where is your bag ” “I don’t know” said Sabah “I just keep it here”
Ans The teacher said, ”Where is your bag?” “I don’t know,” said Sabah. “I just keep it here.”7. Moreover I have seen his picture in magazines on television and in movies
Ans Moreover, I have seen his picture in magazines, on television and in movies.8. Chuck chuck chuck The train began moving out of station therefore the people started running
Ans Chuck, chuck, chuck. The train began moving out of station, therefore, the people started running.9. Wow This is a pleasant surprise Why didn’t you tell me you were coming
Ans Wow! This is a pleasant surprise. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?10. “Your book has been lying on this table for ten days” said Mr Jawad ”When will you read it”
Ans “Your book has been lying on this table for ten days," said Mr Jawad. ”When will you read it?”Exercise 3: Apostrophes & Quotation Marks
1. This book isn’t mine, said Abdul Karim. I dont know who put it here.
Ans “This book isn’t mine,” said Abdul Karim. “I don’t know who put it here.”2. Can we go to sea side, father? the children asked. Its such a lovely day.
Ans “Can we go to sea side, father?“ The children asked. “It Im’s such a lovely day.”3. The girls father said, Ill take you to school today. Its still early and well reach in time.
Ans The girl’s father said, “I’ll take you to school today. It’s still early and we’ll reach in time.”4. Mother said, Wholl help me clean the house? I cant said Laila Ive got to write an essay.
Ans Mother said, “Who 'll help me clean the house?” “I can’t,” said Laila. ”I’ve got to write an essay.”5. Ive seen this movie before. Whats its name? said Fakhir. I don’t know, replied Asad.
Ans “I’ve seen this movie before. What’s its name?” said Fakhir. “I don’t know,” replied Asad.6. Sabiha, said Rana, arent we going to Hyderabad today? No, said Sabiha, im not feeling well.
Ans “Sabiha,” said Rana, ”Aren’t we going to Hyderabad today?” “No,“ said Sabiha, “I’m not feeling well.”7. This is Najmas house, said Nabila. Ive been here before. However, the gates colour has been changed.
Ans “This is Najma’s house,” said Nabila. "I’ve been here before. However, the gate’s colour has been changed.”8. Hurry up, lets go, children, said grandfather. Put on your shoes. Were already late. I don’t want to miss the bus.
Ans “Hurry up, let’s go, children," said grandfather. “Put on your shoes. We’re already late. I don’t want to miss the bus.”Exercise 4: Solved Narrative Passage Block
One day Rashid said to his friends, ”You know what I read in the newspaper, that yellow house near our school is haunted.” “Ghosts!” said Sajjad, ”I don’t believe in ghosts.” Sara, however, said, ”I believe in ghosts and I’m sure that all of you believe in ghosts. Really, if you don’t believe in them, I challenge you to spend the night in that house.” “What! you must be joking,” said Javed. “No, I’m serious,” said Sara. “Prove it to me that you don’t believe in ghosts by staying there tonight or else I’ll tell everyone that you’re cowards.” “All right,” said Rashid. “I’ll do it. Who’ll come with me? I can depend on you, Asad, can’t I? Will you come, Javed? Can I rely on you coming with me?” Ghufran, Tahir, Asad, and Javed all agreed to go. They decided to meet at eight o‘clock. Javed said, ”I’ve got to complete my homework before I go. Please wait for me, I’m late. I don’t want to go alone.” “Surprise! surprise!” said Rashid when they met outside the house at 8 o’clock. ”Look, who’s here?” “There’s no one else here,” said Javed. ”What do you mean?” “I mean Shahid. Didn’t you just see him go in?” “I didn’t see anyone,” Tahir, Ghufran, Javed, and Asad replied together. “Do you think we should go in?” said Javed.
Exercise 5: Prefix & Suffix Foundations
| ROOT WORD | PREFIX | SUFFIX |
|---|---|---|
| The most basic structural part of an entry word. | It is placed before the root word. Adding it to the beginning of a word changes it into another word and meaning. | It is placed after the root word. Adding it to the ending of a word changes it into another word and meaning. |
PART A: Add Prefixes (dis, im, un, pre, mis, ab, non, in, ir, il)
| Base Word | Prefix + Word Conversion | Base Word | Prefix + Word Conversion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay | Prepay | Usual | Unusual |
| Order | Disorder | Selfish | Unselfish |
| Obey | Disobey | literate | Illiterate |
| Formal | Informal | Mortal | Immortal |
| Use | Misuse | Easy | Uneasy |
| Honest | Dishonest | Legal | Illegal |
| Certain | Uncertain | appear | Disappear |
| Normal | Abnormal | Pleasant | Unpleasant |
| Logical | Illogical | bearable | Unbearable |
| Regular | Irregular | fortunately | Unfortunately |
| Polite | Impolite | relevant | Irrelevant |
| Understand | Misunderstand | Official | Unofficial |
| Successful | Unsuccessful | Sense | Nonsense |
| Conscious | Unconscious | Agree | Disagree |
| Possible | Impossible | Happy | Unhappy |
PART B: Add Suffixes (ish, al, ful, en, ness, ment, able, hood, ive, ion)
⚠️ In most root terms closing in 'e', the ending letter 'e' is dropped prior to adding the suffix.
| Word | Word + Suffix Result | Word | Word + Suffix Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child | Childish / Childhood | Strength | Strengthen |
| Power | Powerful | Response | Responsive |
| Pollute | Pollution | Excite | Excitement |
| Suggest | Suggestion | Agree | Agreement / Agreeable |
| Mother | Motherhood | Relate | Relation / Relatable |
| Help | Helpful | Kind | Kindness |
| Accident | Accidental | Survive | Survival |
| Achieve | Achievement | Shame | Shameful |
| Enjoy | Enjoyment / Enjoyable | Comfort | Comfortable |
| Attract | Attraction | Sad | Sadness / Sadden |
| Reflect | Reflection | Employ | Employment |
| Salt | Saltish | Reject | Rejection |
| Product | Production | Inform | Information |
| Equip | Equipment | Improve | Improvement |
| Amuse | Amusement | Cheer | Cheerful |
Exercise 6: Word Blank Completions
- 1. My father was feeling uneasy due to severe pain. (easy)
- 2. His seat on the train was very comfortable. (comfort)
- 3. Mr. Moeen is very irregular and is often absent from his office. (regular)
- 4. His childish behaviour bothered everyone. (child)
- 5. There is a lot of pollution in our country. (pollute)
- 6. We must show kindness to everyone, especially the old and the weak. (Kind)
- 7. All survived in the horrible accident, but unfortunately the driver was killed. (fortunate)
- 8. Reflection of the sunlight in the mirror disturbed me when I was driving. (reflect)
- 9. Rejection from the national hockey team was unbearable for me. (reject, bearable)
- 10. The information given by the team member was informal. (inform, formal)
Exercise 7: Root Sentence Matrix
| S.NO | Structural Form | Target Words | Syllabus Model Contextual Sentences |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Root word | Pay | The businessman promised to pay all the debt. [OR]: They receive their pay on the last day of a month. |
| Prefix + Root | Pre pay | I have bought a prepaid SIM for my mobile phone. | |
| Suffix + Root | payment | He has cleared all the payments before leaving the office. | |
| 2. | Root word | Happy | He wants to live a happy life. |
| Prefix + Root | Un happy | Saima is always unhappy with her circumstances. | |
| Suffix + Root | Happiness | All the money of the world cannot buy happiness. | |
| 3. | Root word | Agree | I agree to his plan of picnic. |
| Prefix + Root | Dis agree | The government officials disagree to his suggestions. | |
| Suffix + Root | Agreement | The government has reached an agreement with the members of civil society over the electricity problem. | |
| 4. | Root word | Order | We should obey the orders of our teachers. |
| Prefix + Root | Re order | He re ordered the books for his friends. | |
| Suffix + Root | dis order | The whole room was in disorder. | |
| 5. | Root word | Use | We should use all the available resources to complete our project. |
| Prefix + Root | Re use | The plastic bottles should be re used to avoid pollution. | |
| Suffix + Root | useless | All his efforts to find his lost book were useless. | |
| 6. | Root word | Respect | We should respect our elders. |
| Prefix + Root | Dis respect | We should not disrespect anyone. | |
| Suffix + Root | Respectable | Mr Ahmed is a very respectable man. | |
| 7. | Root word | Comfort | I take care of my Parents comfort always. |
| Prefix + Root | dis comfort | Steve had some discomfort, but no real pain. | |
| Suffix + Root | Comfortable | That chair is very comfortable, we should buy it. |
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