English 03 Nothing Twice (Poem)

 

1. Single Short Question with Answer (Page 22–40)

Q: What is the central message of the poem Nothing Twice?
A: Each moment in life is unique and unrepeatable, so we should cherish the present without fear or regret.

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2. Bullet Points – Capsule Notes

• Nothing Twice highlights the uniqueness of every moment.

• Time flows forward; no event or experience can be exactly repeated.

• Each day differs from the previous, each relationship is unique.

• Fear and sorrow over fleeting time are pointless; we should embrace life as it comes.

• Human beings are alike yet different — like two drops of water.

• The unit includes grammar topics: Question Tags, Passive Voice, Past Continuous & Simple Past Tense, Noun Phrases, Adjectives & Compound Adjectives, and Affixation.

• Activities include character sketches, scene creation, screenplay writing, gratitude cards, and imagery analysis.

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3. Complete Description of Chapter

From page 22 to 40, the text transitions from Selma Lagerlöf’s speech (Debts of Gratitude) into the final Unit I poem, Nothing Twice. The poem reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the fact that no moment can be exactly replicated. It uses imagery of roses, kisses, and water drops to convey uniqueness and the inevitability of change.
Following the poem, the book shifts into language enrichment and writing skill sections:

• Imagery identification in poetry.

• Poetic devices like rhyme, alliteration, assonance.

• Question tag formation from prose examples.

• Passive voice and when it is used.

• Tense review — difference between past continuous and simple past.

• Noun phrases and verb phrases.

• Adjectives, including compound adjectives.

• Affixation (prefixes/suffixes) to form new words.

• Speaking tasks: seeking/giving opinions, expressing gratitude.

• Creative tasks: gratitude card, character sketch, screenplay from Half a Day.
  The unit ends with a glossary of key words.

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4. Important Points

• “Nothing can ever happen twice” is the core theme.

• Present moments are unrepeatable and should be valued.

• People are similar yet unique.

• Time passes without repetition; nostalgia and regret cannot reclaim moments.

• Language activities reinforce grammar in context.

• Creative writing builds empathy, reflection, and communication skills.

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5. Points to Remember with Q&A

Q1: What does “Today is always gone tomorrow” signify?
A1: Time moves on quickly; each day is temporary.

Q2: How does the poet compare human beings?
A2: Like two drops of water — seemingly similar, yet different.

Q3: Give an example of olfactory imagery from the poem.
A3: “Scent” from the rose.

Q4: What does a question tag do?
A4: It seeks confirmation from the listener.

Q5: Give one example of a compound adjective from the unit.
A5: “Dust-laden” (from Half a Day).

Q6: What’s the difference between past continuous and simple past?
A6: Simple past shows completed action; past continuous shows an action in progress at a past time.

Q7: What is affixation?
A7: Adding a prefix or suffix to change the meaning or form of a word.

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6. Activity with Answers

Activity – Imagery in Nothing Twice

Type of Image	Instance	Significance
Visual	rose	Symbol of beauty and sudden joy
Auditory	idle tongue mentions your name	Sound triggering emotion
Olfactory	scent	Evokes sensory memory
Kinaesthetic	fleeting day	Movement and passing time
Tactile	kisses	Physical expression of affection

Activity – Passive Voice Conversion
Active: The men sorted us into ranks.
Passive: We were sorted into ranks by the men.

Activity – Question Tag Practice
This course is only offered once, isn’t it?

Activity – Affixation
Word: bear → unbearable
Word: value → valuable

 

📄 Exam Quick Revision Chart

Section	Key Points	Examples / Notes
Poem Theme	Each moment is unique; cannot be repeated. Cherish the present.	“Nothing can ever happen twice”
Tone	Reflective, philosophical	Gentle yet urgent
Imagery Types	Visual, Auditory, Olfactory, Kinaesthetic, Tactile	Rose (V), idle tongue (A), scent (O), fleeting day (K), kisses (T)
Figures of Speech	Metaphor, simile, personification	“Two drops of water” – simile
Message	Value every moment; accept change	Today is gone tomorrow
Poetic Devices	Rhyme, alliteration, assonance	“rose… room” (assonance)
Question Tags	Seek confirmation	“It’s a gift, isn’t it?”
Passive Voice	Focus on action, not doer	“We were sorted into ranks”
Tense Focus	Simple Past vs. Past Continuous	“We played games” vs. “We were playing games”
Noun Phrase	Noun + modifiers	“The sound of the wheels”
Adjectives	Describe nouns	wondrous joy, grim building
Compound Adjectives	Two+ words acting as adjective	dust-laden winds, high-walled fortress
Affixation	Prefixes & suffixes	un- + bear + able → unbearable
Expression – Opinion	Seeking & giving	“How would you…?”, “In my opinion…”
Expression – Gratitude	Appreciation phrases	“I’m grateful for…”, “I appreciate it”
Creative Tasks	Gratitude card, screenplay, imagery analysis, character sketch	From Half a Day and Nothing Twice

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🎯 Likely Exam Questions

1. Explain the significance of “This course is only offered once.”

2. Identify two types of imagery in Nothing Twice with examples.

3. Convert: The teacher explained the poem. → Passive.

4. Add a suitable question tag: You enjoyed the poem, …?

5. Write one compound adjective from Unit I.

6. Differentiate between simple past and past continuous with examples from the unit.

7. What message does the poem give about time?

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⚡ Last-Minute Memory Tips

• Theme hook: Once gone, never again — moments are like fingerprints.

• Grammar hook: Question tags = match tense, flip polarity.

• Passive hook: Object → subject, verb changes form.

• Imagery hook: Use senses checklist (see, hear, smell, touch, move).

• Affixation hook: Prefix changes meaning, suffix changes form