Think and complete the poem titled 'A Soldier's Pride', given below.
In fields so vast, our soldiers stand, With hearts so brave, and firm 1. _____, They guard our land both night and 2. _____, To keep our fears and foes at bay.
With every dawn and setting 3. _____, Their duty calls, it must be done, Through 4. _____ skies and blazing heat, They 5. _____ along with steady feet.
For love of land, they 6. _____ and strive, To keep our hopes and 7. _____ alive, With pride and honour, they defend, Our beloved India, till the very 8. _____.
hand
day
sun
stormy
march
fight
dreams
end
Explanation
(1) The word 'hand' completes the rhyme with 'stand' from the first line. 'Firm hand' also collocates well, suggesting determination and strength. (2) The word 'day' completes the common phrase 'night and day' and rhymes with 'bay' from the previous line. (3) The word 'sun' completes the phrase 'setting sun' (opposite of 'dawn') and rhymes with 'done' in the next line. (4) The word 'stormy' describes difficult weather conditions that soldiers face, contrasting with 'blazing heat'. (5) The word 'march' is appropriate for soldiers' movement and rhymes with 'arch' (implied rhythm). It fits the context of soldiers moving with steady feet. (6) The word 'fight' pairs with 'strive' and rhymes with 'alive' in the next line. Soldiers fight for their land. (7) The word 'dreams' pairs with 'hopes' (hopes and dreams is a common collocation) and completes the meaning of keeping citizens' aspirations alive. (8) The word 'end' completes the phrase 'till the very end' and rhymes with 'defend' from the previous line.