Activities
A. Poet's Advice. In the poem, the poet uses words, phrases and lines which show
the contrast between the positive and negative aspects. These are values and
conducts that the persona approves and disapproves in order to live one's life. Read
each stanza below and list down the words/ phrases/ lines in the poem that shows
positive and negative traits. What advice does the poet express in each stanza?
Complete the chart below.
“IF”
POSITIVE ASPECT

Keep your head

Trust yourself

STANZA 1

Make allowance for
their doubting too,
can wait

Don't deal in lies

3.

Don't look too good,
nor talk too wise

STANZA 2

can dream

can think

5.

hear the truth you've
spoken

things you gave your
life to

STANZA 3

8.

Start again in your
beginnings

9.

Hold on when there is
nothing in you

NEGATIVE ASPECT

STANZA 1

losing theirs and blaming it on you

1.

2.

being hated

STANZA 2

4.

not make your thoughts your aim

disaster

6.

7.

STANZA 3

risk it on one turn of pitch-and toss and lose

POET'S ADVICE

STANZA 1

STANZA 2

STANZA 3​