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When we have to write answers of an chapter like little girl we write answers in past tense but when we have to write answers of a poem like Rain on the Roof ,we generally write answers in present tense . Why????
Please answers .

Dear Student,

Answers from a chapter are usually written in past tense while when we are referring to a poem, we usually write in present tense. This is because poems mostly talk about things which are eternal truth.

However, there is no defined rule for answering any question. It is more important to is to pick one tense and stick with it throughout your answer. Grammatically speaking, both past or present tense would be considered correct, but switching between the two is not suggested.

Hope this information will clear your doubts about topic.
If you have any more doubts just ask here on the forum and our experts will try to help you out as soon as possible.
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Hi !!
In english language ,the way you write answers matters on the mood of the story or poem based on which you are writing your answers.If the poet or author has picturized the story or the poem in a way that you fell when you read it that it is in the present,we write answers in the present tense and if when you read it you feel it is in the past tense we write answers in the past tense.Now taking the the lesson and poem you have asked into view,
In the case of the lesson "The little girl", It is a story that has already taken place.i.e, The incident(s) that have been described and discussed in the lesson have taken place in the past.When you read the chapter, you do not feel that Kezia still feels her father as a tyrant . She has already realised in the past that her father is too busy to be a Mr. Macdonald.Thus, we write answers to the chapter in the past tense.

In the case of the poem "Rain on the roof", Coates Kinney has very beautifully portrayed what he likes to do when it rains,and this applies to every time it rains.I hope you are able to understand what i mean.I mean, he likes to lie on his cottage chamber bed and listen to the pitter patter of the rain drops EACH AND EVERY TIME IT RAINS. So this applies to the past,present and future. Also , if you read the poem, you will realise that the poem is in PRESENT TENSE. Thus, we write answers to this poem in the Present tense.

hope this helps!!

( if you still dont understand please do ask.I can explain it)

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