The Lazy Frog — Class 5 English (CBSE)
From the current Class 5 English Marigold textbook. Read this humorous poem about a very lazy frog, then attempt the practice questions.
1. About the poem
'The Lazy Frog' is a humorous poem about a frog who does absolutely nothing all day. When anyone asks him to help or do something, he pretends to be deaf (unable to hear). The poem pokes gentle fun at laziness while entertaining readers with the frog's ridiculous excuses. Children can relate to the idea of not wanting to do work — but the poem also gently suggests that being too lazy is not a good thing.
2. The poem (summary)
The poem introduces a frog who spends his entire day doing nothing. He sits in one place and does not move. When others ask him to help or join them, he pretends not to hear. He ignores everyone and continues to be lazy. The frog seems perfectly happy doing nothing at all.
The poem is written in a light, funny tone. The humour comes from the frog's exaggerated laziness and his silly excuse of pretending to be deaf. While the poem makes us laugh, it also shows that being lazy is not a good quality.
3. Theme and values
| Theme | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Laziness | The frog does nothing all day and avoids all work. |
| Excuses | The frog pretends to be deaf to avoid helping. |
| Humour | The poem uses exaggeration for comic effect. |
| Responsibility | The poem gently suggests that being lazy is not good. |
| Consequences | (Implied) Laziness does not help anyone. |
Values to learn
- It is good to be helpful and active.
- Making excuses to avoid work is not a good habit.
- Everyone should contribute and do their share.
- Hard work and participation are rewarding.
4. Poetic devices
Rhyme scheme
The poem has a regular rhyme scheme, usually AABB (couplets). This creates a bouncy, playful rhythm that suits the humorous subject.
Repetition
Words or phrases describing the frog's laziness are repeated to emphasise his unwillingness to do anything.
Humour
The humour comes from:
- The exaggeration of the frog's laziness.
- The ridiculous excuse of pretending to be deaf.
- The contrast between what the frog should do and what he actually does.
Personification
The frog is given human qualities — he can 'pretend', 'ignore', and make 'excuses'. This makes the character more relatable and funny.
5. Key vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Lazy | Not willing to work or be active |
| Pretend | To act as if something is true when it is not |
| Deaf | Unable to hear |
| Ignore | To pay no attention to someone or something |
| Stretch | To extend or straighten the body |
| Yawn | To open the mouth wide when tired or bored |
| Snooze | To sleep or nap lightly |
| Grumble | To complain in a low voice |
| Slouch | To sit or stand in a lazy, drooping way |
| Idle | Doing nothing; not active |
6. Reading comprehension
Questions to think about while reading
- What does the frog do all day?
- How does the frog respond when someone asks him to help?
- Is the frog's behaviour good or bad? Why?
- Why does the poet find the frog funny?
- Can you think of a time when you made an excuse to avoid work?
Understanding the character
The frog is a comic character. His laziness is exaggerated to make us laugh. But through the humour, the poem also encourages us to think about our own habits.
7. Writing practice
Prompt 1: Describe a hardworking animal and a lazy animal. How are they different?
Prompt 2: Write a short story about a lazy animal who learns the importance of hard work.
Prompt 3: Imagine you are the frog's friend. Write a conversation where you try to convince the frog to be more active.
8. Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking the poem praises laziness Fix: The poem uses humour to show laziness in a funny way, but the message is that being lazy is not a good quality.
- Mistake: Missing the humour because of the serious topic Fix: The poem is meant to be funny. The frog's behaviour is deliberately exaggerated to make readers smile.
- Mistake: Not recognising personification Fix: The frog is given human traits (pretending, ignoring, making excuses). This is personification.
9. Self-test
- What does the lazy frog do all day?
- How does the frog respond when asked to help?
- Does the poem praise or make fun of laziness?
- What quality does the frog lack?
- What would you say to the frog to encourage him to be active?
10. Answer key
-
What does the lazy frog do all day? Answer: The frog does nothing all day. He sits in one place, does not move, and is completely idle.
-
How does the frog respond when asked to help? Answer: He pretends to be deaf and ignores the person asking.
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Does the poem praise or make fun of laziness? Answer: The poem makes fun of laziness. The frog's behaviour is presented in a humorous way that shows laziness is silly.
-
What quality does the frog lack? Answer: The frog lacks responsibility, helpfulness, and willingness to work.
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What would you say to the frog to encourage him to be active? Answer: (Sample answer) Dear Frog, being active is more fun than sitting still all day. Come play with us and you will enjoy yourself!
11. Quick revision
- Subject: A very lazy frog who pretends to be deaf to avoid work.
- Tone: Humorous, lighthearted.
- Central message: Being lazy is not a good quality. It is better to be active and helpful.
- Poetic devices: Rhyme, repetition, personification, humour.
- The frog's behaviour is exaggerated for comic effect.
- Connect the poem to the value of responsibility and hard work.
- Read aloud to enjoy the rhythm and humour.
