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  • Chapter – 6, English, Hornbill, Prose – 1

    Silk Road

    Author: Nick Middleton

    Pre-text Questions (with answers)

    Q1. Why is the Silk Road famous in history?
    Ans. The Silk Road was an ancient trade route connecting Asia with Europe, famous for trade in silk, spices, culture, and ideas.

    Q2. What do travelogues usually show us?
    Ans. They give firsthand experiences of journeys, describing landscapes, people, and cultures from the perspective of the traveler.

    Post-text Questions (with answers)

    A. Understanding the Text

    Q1. Where was the author traveling and for what purpose?
    Ans. He was traveling to Mount Kailash in Tibet for a pilgrimage, describing the landscape and experiences along the way.

    Q2. What difficulties did the travelers face?
    Ans. They faced rough roads, altitude sickness, bad weather, and physical exhaustion during the journey.

    Q3. Who was Tsetan, and how did he help?
    Ans. Tsetan was the Tibetan driver who skillfully guided them through dangerous terrain and ensured their safety.

    Q4. How did the author describe the village people?
    Ans. He described them as simple, hospitable, and deeply spiritual, living in harmony with nature.

    Q5. What impression do we get about the landscape of Tibet?
    Ans. Tibet is portrayed as barren yet beautiful, with high mountains, icy winds, remote settlements, and an atmosphere of deep spirituality.

    B. Talking About the Text

    Q1. What values are reflected in the journey to Kailash?
    Ans. Determination, faith, endurance, and appreciation of cultural and natural beauty.

    Q2. How is the journey both physical and spiritual?
    Ans. Physically, it was challenging due to harsh conditions, while spiritually it gave inner strength, peace, and closeness to faith.

    Q3. What does the travelogue tell us about Tibetan life?
    Ans. Tibetans are shown as resilient people, living with few resources but strong in faith, simplicity, and contentment.

    C. Working with Words

    • Pilgrimage → religious journey.

    • Ascent → climb or upward journey.

    • Hospitable → welcoming, generous.

    D. Noticing Form

    • The text is a travelogue, blending factual description with personal impressions and reflections.

    Summary of Silk Road

    Nick Middleton’s Silk Road is a travelogue that recounts his adventurous journey through the inhospitable landscape of Tibet as he travels to Mount Kailash, a sacred pilgrimage site. The text is not just about physical travel but also about spiritual discovery and cultural exploration.

    The author begins his journey across rugged mountains and rough roads in the company of his Tibetan driver, Tsetan. The terrain is harsh, with icy winds, snow-covered passes, and dangerous roads, making the journey both exhausting and risky. Yet, Tsetan’s expertise and courage ensure safe passage, highlighting the resilience of the Tibetan people.

    During the journey, Middleton interacts with locals and describes their lifestyle. He portrays the Tibetan villagers as simple, kind-hearted, and deeply religious. Their homes are modest, but their hospitality is rich. He notices prayer flags, monasteries, and rituals, which add to the spiritual atmosphere of Tibet.

    The physical journey also takes a toll on Middleton, who experiences altitude sickness. The thin air, freezing cold, and long climbs test his endurance. Despite the difficulties, the spiritual significance of reaching Mount Kailash keeps him motivated.

    The travelogue captures the beauty of Tibet—its barren yet striking landscape, towering mountains, and vast plains. The author notes how nature dominates the land, shaping the lives of its people. Unlike urban societies, Tibet seems untouched by modern excess, retaining its spiritual essence.

    At a deeper level, the journey becomes symbolic. The hardships faced on the road mirror the struggles of life, while the destination—Mount Kailash—represents spiritual fulfillment. Middleton suggests that pilgrimage is not only about reaching a holy place but also about experiencing inner growth and reflection.

    The Silk Road, historically a trade route connecting Asia and Europe, becomes in the narrative a road of self-discovery. By documenting both the challenges and the rewards, Middleton presents a vivid account of how travel broadens horizons, tests human limits, and enriches the soul.

    In conclusion, Silk Road is more than a travel diary. It is a meditation on resilience, faith, and the harmony between human beings and nature. It reminds us that true journeys are both physical and spiritual, shaping not only our experiences but also our inner selves.

    Biography of Nick Middleton

    Nick Middleton (1960–2021) was a British geographer, writer, explorer, and television presenter, well known for his engaging travel books and documentaries. His work combined scientific geography with personal travel experiences, making complex ideas accessible to a wide audience.

    Born in London in 1960, Middleton studied geography at Oxford University, where he later became a fellow at St. Anne’s College. His academic focus was on environmental issues, climate, and the impact of geography on human societies. However, he was equally passionate about popularising geography through writing and media.

    Middleton’s career as a writer and explorer took him to more than 80 countries. He wrote extensively about deserts, mountains, and remote regions of the world. His book Going to Extremes (1998), based on a Channel 4 television series, explored how people survive in the harshest environments—deserts, Arctic tundra, and high mountains. This combination of scientific explanation and storytelling won him a wide readership.

    Another notable work, Atlas of the World’s Extreme Weather (2002), studied how geography and climate shape societies. His travel writings often blended personal adventure with cultural insights, as seen in Silk Road, where he described the harsh yet spiritually rich landscape of Tibet.

    In addition to books, Middleton appeared in documentaries and television programs, where he shared his experiences as a traveler and geographer. His warm style and curiosity made him popular among audiences.

    Academically, Middleton’s research included work on desertification, climate change, and environmental adaptation. He collaborated with institutions worldwide, bridging the gap between fieldwork and classroom learning.

    Despite his global recognition, Middleton remained grounded. He believed geography was not just about maps but about people—their struggles, adaptations, and stories. Through his writing, he showed how geography and culture are inseparable.

    Nick Middleton passed away in 2021, leaving behind a legacy as a geographer who could make the subject exciting and human-centered. His works continue to inspire students, travelers, and readers to view geography not just as a science but as a story of human survival and discovery.

  • Chapter – 5, English, Hornbill, Prose – 1

    The Adventure

    Author: Jayant Narlikar

    Pre-text Questions (with answers)

    Q1. Do you think history could have turned out differently if some events had changed?
    Ans. Yes. History depends on decisions, wars, and discoveries. If any major event had happened differently, the course of history would also have changed.

    Q2. How does science fiction help us think about history and reality?
    Ans. Science fiction allows us to imagine alternate possibilities—how science, time, or chance could create different worlds or versions of reality.

    Post-text Questions (with answers)

    A. Understanding the Text

    Q1. What strange experience did Professor Gaitonde have?
    Ans. He found himself in an alternate version of reality where history had taken a different course.

    Q2. How was the Maratha history different in this parallel world?
    Ans. In this world, the Marathas had defeated the British at the Battle of Panipat in 1761 and established strong rule, preventing British colonisation.

    Q3. What differences did Gaitonde notice in Bombay?
    Ans. He saw signs in Hindi and English, a different set of institutions, and a society influenced more by indigenous traditions than by Western colonial impact.

    Q4. How does the author use the concept of Catastrophe Theory in the story?
    Ans. He explains that small changes in historical events could lead to massive shifts in the course of history, creating alternate realities.

    Q5. How did Gaitonde return to his original reality?
    Ans. After an accident (a truck hitting him), he returned to his normal world, realising that he had experienced a time-space shift.

    B. Talking About the Text

    Q1. Why is this story called The Adventure?
    Ans. Because it combines the thrill of science fiction with the adventure of exploring alternate versions of history.

    Q2. What is the significance of the Battle of Panipat in the story?
    Ans. It is the turning point in history; in one world the Marathas lost, in the alternate world they won, leading to completely different futures.

    Q3. What message does Jayant Narlikar give through this story?
    Ans. That history is not fixed—it could have been different. Science and imagination can help us think critically about reality and its possibilities.

    C. Working with Words

    • Catastrophe Theory → a scientific idea that small events can trigger sudden large changes.

    • Parallel world → another version of reality.

    • Alternate history → imagining how history might have unfolded differently.

    D. Noticing Form

    • The story blends science fiction with historical imagination, creating a mix of realism and speculation.

    Summary of The Adventure

    Jayant Narlikar’s The Adventure is a fascinating story that blends science fiction with history. It uses the concept of alternate realities to explore how small changes in the past could have completely altered the present.

    The protagonist, Professor Gangadharpant Gaitonde, is a historian. One day, he experiences a strange shift after a road accident and finds himself in a world that looks familiar yet different. He realises that he has somehow entered an alternate version of reality.

    In this parallel world, history has taken a different course. The Battle of Panipat in 1761, a turning point in Indian history, ended differently here. Instead of losing to Ahmad Shah Abdali, the Marathas won decisively. As a result, they established a strong and unified rule in India, preventing British colonisation.

    This alternate victory had far-reaching consequences. When Gaitonde visits Bombay, he notices striking differences. The signs are in Hindi and English, the city is governed by Indian institutions, and society is deeply rooted in Indian traditions rather than Western influence. India in this reality has developed differently, with more indigenous confidence and less colonial dominance.

    Gaitonde is both amazed and unsettled by this discovery. Being a historian, he realises that this world is an example of how history could have diverged from the known timeline.

    Later, through his friend Rajendra Deshpande, the concept of Catastrophe Theory and quantum mechanics is introduced. Catastrophe Theory suggests that a small event at a crucial point can completely change the outcome of history. In this case, a different decision at Panipat altered the entire destiny of the subcontinent.

    Gaitonde eventually returns to his original reality after another accident, realising that his journey into the parallel world was a time-space shift—a glimpse of how things might have been.

    The story highlights the fragility of history and the power of imagination. It shows that the world we live in is only one of many possibilities. Science fiction, through such alternate histories, makes us reflect on the complexity of time, space, and chance.

    At its core, The Adventure is not just about fantasy. It is a meditation on history, science, and destiny. It teaches that while history is fixed in our records, it could have easily taken another turn, reminding us of the uncertainty of human progress.

    Biography of Jayant Narlikar

    Jayant Vishnu Narlikar (1938– ) is one of India’s most distinguished astrophysicists and a noted writer of science fiction. He is admired both for his scientific contributions and for his ability to popularise science through lectures, essays, and imaginative stories.

    Born on 19 July 1938 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Narlikar was the son of a mathematician and a Sanskrit scholar, which gave him an early exposure to both scientific and cultural traditions. He pursued his undergraduate studies in physics at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where he stood first in his class. Later, he went to the University of Cambridge, UK, for higher studies.

    At Cambridge, Narlikar worked under the famous astrophysicist Fred Hoyle. Together, they developed the Hoyle–Narlikar theory of gravitation, an alternative to Einstein’s general relativity. This theory attempted to explain the universe’s structure and offered a different perspective on cosmology.

    Narlikar’s research covered a wide range of areas in astrophysics, including cosmology, relativity, and gravitational theory. His contributions earned him recognition worldwide. He was also a strong advocate for independent and original thinking in Indian science.

    In addition to his scientific work, Narlikar is also celebrated as a science communicator and writer. He wrote extensively in English and Marathi, producing essays, books, and stories that made complex scientific concepts accessible to general readers. His science fiction blends imagination with solid scientific ideas, inspiring curiosity in younger generations.

    Stories like The Adventure show his creative side. By mixing history with scientific theories such as quantum mechanics and catastrophe theory, he demonstrates how science fiction can be a bridge between fact and imagination. His works often encourage readers to think critically about science, society, and the future.

    Narlikar has received numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan (1965) and the Padma Vibhushan (2004) for his contributions to science. He also served as the founding director of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, making it an international hub for astrophysics research.

    Despite his global reputation, Narlikar remained committed to science education in India. He delivered public lectures, wrote popular science books, and inspired countless students to pursue careers in research.

    Jayant Narlikar represents the rare combination of a world-class scientist and a creative storyteller. Through his research, he expanded the horizons of cosmology, and through his writings, he expanded the horizons of imagination.

  • Chapter – 4, English, Hornbill, Poem – 1

    Poem – Childhood

    Poet: Markus Natten

    Pre-text Questions (with answers)

    Q1. What do you think marks the end of childhood?
    Ans. Childhood ends when innocence gives way to awareness—when a child begins to question, reason, and understand the realities of life.

    Q2. Do you believe childhood is lost suddenly or gradually?
    Ans. Childhood is lost gradually; as children grow, their thinking changes and they move into maturity step by step.

    Post-text Questions (with answers)

    A. Understanding the Poem

    Q1. What questions does the poet raise about childhood?
    Ans. He asks when childhood ended—was it when he realized that adults are hypocritical, when he discovered the difference between truth and lies, or when he became aware of individuality?

    Q2. What realization did the poet have about adults?
    Ans. He realized that adults often preach love and goodness but do not practice it, which made him question their honesty.

    Q3. What truth about life did the poet discover?
    Ans. That heaven and hell are not real physical places, but only exist in the human mind and imagination.

    Q4. What is meant by “individuality” in the poem?
    Ans. It means self-awareness—the understanding that each person is unique, with an independent identity and personality.

    Q5. Where does the poet say childhood has gone?
    Ans. He says childhood has gone into some forgotten place, hidden in an infant’s face, symbolising innocence that cannot be regained.

    B. Talking About the Poem

    Q1. Do you think the poet looks at childhood with nostalgia or criticism?
    Ans. With nostalgia. He remembers childhood as a time of innocence, faith, and simplicity, which contrasts with the doubts and complexities of adulthood.

    Q2. What message does the poem convey?
    Ans. That childhood is a stage of purity and wonder, but it inevitably ends as awareness, reasoning, and individuality take over.

    C. Working with Words

    • Hypocrisy → pretending to have virtues one does not follow.

    • Individuality → uniqueness of a person.

    • Innocence → purity, absence of doubt or guilt.

    D. Noticing Form

    • The poem is written in free verse with a reflective, questioning tone.

    • Repetition of the question “When did my childhood go?” emphasises the poet’s search for answers.

    Summary of Childhood

    Markus Natten’s poem Childhood is a reflective exploration of the transition from innocence to experience. The poet contemplates when exactly childhood ends and maturity begins, raising deep philosophical questions about human growth.

    The poem begins with the poet asking when his childhood went away. He suggests several possibilities. Perhaps it ended when he realized that adults often do not practice what they preach. They talk about love and goodness but fail to live up to these ideals. This hypocrisy made the poet question the sincerity of grown-ups. Childhood, in contrast, was a stage of unquestioning faith.

    The poet then considers another possibility. Maybe childhood ended when he discovered that heaven and hell were not real physical places but mere concepts. This realization shattered a part of his innocence. As a child, he believed what he was told, but with reasoning and maturity, he understood that such stories were only symbolic.

    The third possibility is when he became aware of his individuality. Childhood is often marked by dependence and lack of self-identity, but adulthood comes with the realization that every human being is unique, with independent thoughts, choices, and responsibilities. This awareness may mark the end of innocence and the beginning of maturity.

    Despite these reflections, the poet acknowledges that childhood is never truly gone—it hides in “some forgotten place,” perhaps visible in the pure face of an infant. Childhood remains as a symbol of innocence, untouched by hypocrisy, reasoning, or self-consciousness.

    The poem captures the universal human experience of growing up. It shows how loss of innocence is both natural and inevitable. Childhood is marked by trust, simplicity, and wonder, but maturity brings doubt, logic, and individuality. This shift is not necessarily negative but highlights the complexity of human development.

    The structure of the poem—with repeated questioning—mirrors the poet’s confusion and search for answers. The use of free verse and reflective tone adds to its philosophical quality.

    In essence, Childhood is not about a specific time but about a mental shift. It reflects the bittersweet reality of growing up—where one gains self-awareness but loses the innocence of unquestioned belief. Through this poem, Markus Natten reminds readers of the beauty of childhood and the inevitability of change.

    Biography of Markus Natten

    Markus Natten is a contemporary Norwegian poet best known for his reflective poem Childhood, which is widely studied in schools and universities. Though not a very prolific poet, Natten has gained recognition for his ability to capture deep philosophical ideas in simple language.

    Born in Norway in the 20th century, Markus Natten grew up in a literary environment that valued nature, introspection, and philosophical questioning—qualities that strongly influence his writing. Details of his personal life remain relatively private, but his work reveals a deep concern with universal human experiences such as growth, innocence, and the search for meaning.

    Childhood, his most famous poem, explores the transition from innocence to awareness, questioning when exactly childhood ends. Natten uses simple, conversational language to reflect profound thoughts, making the poem accessible to young readers while still resonating with adults. This ability to balance simplicity with depth is a hallmark of his style.

    Natten’s poetry is often associated with themes of identity, philosophy, and human development. He does not use ornate language or rigid structures. Instead, he prefers free verse, allowing his ideas to flow naturally, almost like a conversation.

    His work reflects the Scandinavian tradition of introspection and simplicity, echoing broader European philosophical ideas. By blending personal reflection with universal concerns, Natten ensures that his poetry remains timeless.

    Although Childhood is part of the NCERT Class 11 English textbook Hornbill, his writings are appreciated beyond classrooms. The poem resonates globally because every individual experiences the bittersweet passage from childhood to adulthood.

    Natten’s contribution lies not in a vast body of work but in his clarity of thought and philosophical depth. Through a single poem, he has managed to provoke generations of students and readers to reflect on their own lives, questioning when and how innocence gives way to maturity.

    Even though Markus Natten is not a household name like other great poets, his poem Childhood has earned him a lasting place in literary studies. By raising questions without fixed answers, he teaches readers that growth is complex and subjective.

    Thus, Markus Natten’s legacy lies in the way his poetry helps readers explore themselves. Through Childhood, he gives voice to universal emotions, making him a significant yet understated poet of our times.

  • Chapter – 3, English, Hornbill, Poem – 1

    Poem – The Laburnum Top

    Poet: Ted Hughes

    Pre-text Questions (with answers)

    Q1. What do you usually notice in a tree when it has no birds or animals around?
    Ans. It appears silent, lifeless, and still, even though it may still be alive in itself.

    Q2. How does the presence of birds make a tree more lively?
    Ans. Birds bring sound, movement, and energy to trees. Their chirping and activity turn silence into vibrancy.

    Post-text Questions (with answers)

    A. Understanding the Poem

    Q1. What is described at the beginning of the poem?
    Ans. The laburnum tree, quiet and still, with yellowing leaves, symbolizing lifelessness and emptiness.

    Q2. What happens when the goldfinch arrives?
    Ans. The goldfinch enters the tree suddenly, bringing a burst of energy and activity. The tree, once silent, comes alive with sound and movement.

    Q3. How does the bird transform the tree?
    Ans. The bird is like an engine that energises the tree; it turns into a lively machine full of activity and sound.

    Q4. What happens when the bird flies away?
    Ans. The tree once again becomes silent and still, returning to its lifeless state.

    Q5. What is the central idea of the poem?
    Ans. The poem shows the contrast between silence and vitality, suggesting that energy and life come from dynamic forces (symbolised by the bird) even in an otherwise still environment.

    B. Talking About the Poem

    Q1. Why does the poet compare the bird to an engine?
    Ans. Because the bird, like an engine, powers the tree with life, activity, and sound, transforming its stillness into vibrancy.

    Q2. How does the poem highlight the interdependence of nature?
    Ans. It shows that trees and birds complement each other: the tree provides shelter, and the bird brings liveliness.

    Q3. What message do you derive from the poem?
    Ans. Life is a balance of stillness and activity. Vitality comes and goes, but both silence and liveliness are natural parts of existence.

    C. Working with Words

    • Laburnum → a type of tree with yellow flowers.

    • Goldfinch → a small bright yellow bird.

    • Stirring → moving, coming alive.

    D. Noticing Form

    • The poem is in free verse, with no rhyme scheme, creating a natural, conversational tone.

    • It uses metaphors and similes to compare the bird with an engine and the tree with a machine.

    Summary of The Laburnum Top

    Ted Hughes’ The Laburnum Top is a symbolic poem that beautifully captures the cycle of silence and vitality in nature through the imagery of a tree and a bird.

    The poem opens with a description of a laburnum tree. It appears still, quiet, and lifeless, with yellowing leaves that suggest decay and emptiness. This imagery sets the tone of calmness and silence, highlighting the tree’s dormant state.

    Suddenly, the goldfinch enters. The bird is small but energetic, and its arrival immediately changes the atmosphere. As it perches and moves inside the tree, the once-silent laburnum becomes full of movement and sound. The tree is compared to a machine that has been powered by an engine—the goldfinch. The metaphor captures how the bird’s energy infuses the tree with life.

    The poet describes how the bird feeds its young ones hidden in the tree. Their chirping and fluttering make the tree vibrate with activity. The laburnum, which seemed lifeless, is transformed into a lively and dynamic space.

    However, this liveliness is temporary. Once the goldfinch flies away, the energy departs, and the laburnum returns to silence and stillness. The cycle of silence, sudden vitality, and silence again mirrors the rhythm of life itself.

    The poem highlights the interdependence of life in nature. The laburnum tree provides shelter and protection to the bird and its nestlings, while the goldfinch fills the tree with life. Together, they symbolise how different elements of nature support each other.

    At a deeper level, the poem symbolises the human condition. Just as the tree remains still until the bird animates it, human lives often gain meaning and energy through relationships, inspiration, or fleeting moments of joy. Yet, silence and stillness are also essential parts of existence.

    The poem also reflects Hughes’ fascination with the natural world. His choice of the goldfinch, a bright and energetic bird, highlights the sudden burst of vitality that life brings into otherwise ordinary settings. The contrast between the lifeless laburnum and the energetic bird underscores the theme of transience—that life, energy, and joy are temporary, yet profoundly meaningful.

    In conclusion, The Laburnum Top is more than a simple description of a bird and a tree. It is a reflection on how vitality comes and goes, how nature’s cycles mirror human life, and how silence and energy together form the rhythm of existence.

    Biography of Ted Hughes

    Ted Hughes (1930–1998) was one of the most influential English poets of the 20th century. Known for his powerful imagery, deep connection with nature, and exploration of human instincts, Hughes’ poetry continues to be studied and admired worldwide.

    Born on 17 August 1930 in Mytholmroyd, Yorkshire, England, Edward James Hughes (later known as Ted Hughes) grew up surrounded by the wild moors, rivers, and countryside of northern England. This early environment shaped his lifelong fascination with animals and the raw forces of nature, themes that dominate much of his poetry.

    He studied at Cambridge University, initially focusing on English literature before switching to archaeology and anthropology. His interest in myth, folklore, and human origins deeply influenced his later works.

    Hughes’ first collection, The Hawk in the Rain (1957), immediately established him as a significant voice. His poetry was noted for its vigorous rhythm, stark imagery, and elemental power. Collections such as Crow (1970) and Moortown(1979) continued his exploration of the relationship between humans, animals, and nature.

    In 1956, Hughes married the American poet Sylvia Plath. Their marriage was famously turbulent, and Plath’s tragic suicide in 1963 drew public attention. Hughes was both criticised and sympathised with, but he later edited and published much of Plath’s poetry, ensuring her legacy.

    As a poet, Hughes was not limited to one style. While much of his poetry is raw and elemental, he also wrote children’s literature, translations, plays, and essays. His children’s works, such as The Iron Man (1968), gained immense popularity.

    Hughes’ poetry often portrays animals and birds as symbols of instinctual power. In The Laburnum Top, for instance, the goldfinch symbolises energy and vitality that transforms silence into life. His work is marked by a sense of awe at the brutality and beauty of nature.

    In recognition of his contribution to literature, Hughes was appointed Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom in 1984, a position he held until his death in 1998. His later works, including Birthday Letters (1998), addressed his relationship with Sylvia Plath and won the Whitbread Book of the Year award.

    Ted Hughes died on 28 October 1998, but his legacy endures. His poetry continues to be celebrated for its intense power, its exploration of nature and human instinct, and its ability to capture life’s energy in striking language.

  • Chapter – 1, English, Hornbill, Prose – 1

    Lesson 1 – The Portrait of a Lady

    Author: Khushwant Singh

    Pre-text Questions (with answers)

    Q1. What do you usually observe in the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren?
    Ans. The relationship is generally warm, affectionate, and filled with love. Grandparents often share stories, traditions, and values, while grandchildren bring joy and liveliness to their lives.

    Q2. Do you think a grandmother can also be a close friend to her grandchild? Why?
    Ans. Yes, because grandmothers provide emotional security, spend time in storytelling, and offer unconditional love. Their wisdom and patience make them ideal companions for children.

    Post-text Questions (with answers)

    A. Understanding the Text

    Q1. Mention the three phases of the author’s relationship with his grandmother before he left for abroad.
    Ans.

    1. Childhood: Close companionship—he lived with her, went to school with her, and she helped him with lessons.

    2. Boyhood: Distance grew—he went to an English school in a bus; she could not help with his modern subjects.

    3. Youth: Greater separation—he went to university and lived in the city; they shared the same room but little conversation.

    Q2. Mention three reasons why the author’s grandmother was disturbed when he went to the city school.
    Ans.

    1. She could not understand subjects like English, Science, and music.

    2. She disliked that there was no teaching about God or scriptures.

    3. She felt alienated because she was no longer part of his education.

    Q3. Mention three ways in which the author’s grandmother spent her days after he grew up.
    Ans.

    1. She spun the wheel and recited prayers.

    2. She fed stray dogs in the street.

    3. She accepted a life of quiet seclusion, withdrawing into her spirituality.

    Q4. The odd way in which the grandmother behaved just before she died.
    Ans. She stopped talking to the family, lay peacefully reciting prayers and telling her beads, and refused to waste time on worldly conversation.

    Q5. The way in which the sparrows expressed their sorrow when the author’s grandmother died.
    Ans. Thousands of sparrows sat quietly in and around the house, without chirping, expressing silent grief. The next morning, they flew away quietly.

    B. Talking About the Text

    Q1. The author’s grandmother was a religious person. What are the different ways in which we come to know this?
    Ans. She always prayed while helping the author, carried a rosary, disapproved of music, believed in scriptures, and spent her final days reciting prayers.

    Q2. Describe the changing relationship between the author and his grandmother. Did their feelings for each other change?
    Ans. Their companionship weakened as he grew, studied modern subjects, and moved to the city. Yet, their emotional bond and love remained unchanged.

    Q3. Would you agree that the author’s grandmother was a strong character? Give reasons.
    Ans. Yes. She adjusted to loneliness without complaint, maintained her religious devotion, accepted change gracefully, and faced death with dignity.

    C. Thinking About Language

    • Example: The text uses words like “harl” of rosary beads, “serenity” of her face, “mournful” sparrows. Students should list such words and use them in sentences.

    D. Working With Words

    • Words like tranquility, seclusion, serenity, mourning, sequestered may be noted and used in exercises.

    E. Noticing Form

    • The story is written in first person with a reflective, nostalgic tone. Students can attempt writing a short note about their own grandparent in similar style.

    Summary of The Portrait of a Lady (≈ 430 words)

    Khushwant Singh’s The Portrait of a Lady is a moving and realistic portrayal of his grandmother and their evolving relationship over time. The narrative is personal, reflective, and tinged with nostalgia.

    In his early childhood, Singh lived with his grandmother in a village. She was described as an old, wrinkled woman who seemed to have been old for decades. Despite her physical appearance, she was deeply affectionate and spiritually devoted. She bathed him, dressed him, and accompanied him to school. While he learned alphabets, she sat in the temple reading scriptures. Their bond was intimate, and she was a constant companion.

    As Singh grew older, changes began to appear. When his parents settled in the city, he joined an English school and started traveling by bus. This created a distance between them. The grandmother could no longer help him with his lessons, as they included English words, Science, and music—subjects she neither understood nor approved of. She disapproved of Western education and particularly disliked music, which she associated with the frivolity of harlots and beggars. This intellectual distance symbolised the fading closeness between them.

    Later, when Singh went to university, their separation increased further. They still shared a room, but she withdrew into her spinning wheel, rosary, and prayers. She accepted her seclusion gracefully, without complaint. The only break in her silence was when she fed sparrows and stray dogs, showing her boundless compassion.

    When Singh returned from studying abroad, the grandmother was overjoyed. In celebration, she ignored her usual prayers and sang with village women, beating the drum—a rare moment of liveliness. The next day, however, she fell ill. Though the family thought it was a minor fever, she believed her end was near. Refusing to waste her remaining time in conversation, she lay reciting prayers and telling her beads. She died peacefully, leaving behind an image of dignity and devotion.

    Her death was mourned not only by the family but also by nature itself. Thousands of sparrows sat silently in and around the house, refusing to eat or chirp. Their silent mourning reflected the gravity of her passing.

    The story is not merely about a grandmother but about timeless human values—love, faith, sacrifice, and the acceptance of change and death with grace. Through his grandmother, Singh highlights the beauty of spiritual strength and quiet endurance.

    Biography of Khushwant Singh (≈ 420 words)

    Khushwant Singh (1915–2014) was one of India’s most prolific writers, journalists, and public intellectuals. Known for his sharp wit, candid expression, and deep insight into Indian society, he left an indelible mark on literature and journalism.

    Born on 2 February 1915 in Hadali (now in Pakistan), Singh belonged to a prosperous Sikh family. He studied at Government College, Lahore, before pursuing law at King’s College, London, and later at the Inner Temple, London. Although he briefly practiced law, he soon shifted his focus to writing and journalism.

    As a writer, Singh had remarkable versatility. His literary output spanned short stories, novels, historical accounts, biographies, and translations. His most celebrated novel, Train to Pakistan (1956), is a poignant depiction of the Partition of India, capturing the violence, human suffering, and moral dilemmas of that tragic period. Other works include Delhi: A Novel, The Company of Women, and numerous collections of short stories. His fiction is known for its honesty, social critique, and deep humanism.

    Apart from fiction, Singh contributed immensely as a historian and biographer. He wrote A History of the Sikhs, a scholarly yet accessible account of Sikhism and its evolution. He also translated classics like the Guru Granth Sahib and Ibn Battuta’s Travels. His historical works reflected his respect for India’s pluralism and cultural richness.

    As a journalist, Singh was equally influential. He edited several prominent publications, including The Illustrated Weekly of India, The Hindustan Times, and The National Herald. His bold editorials and satirical columns made him both loved and controversial. For decades, his weekly column “With Malice Towards One and All” entertained readers with sharp humour, irony, and social criticism.

    Singh’s personality combined intellectual sharpness with irreverent humour. He was outspoken about politics, religion, and morality, often challenging hypocrisy. At the same time, he was deeply humane, known for his compassion, honesty, and secular outlook.

    In recognition of his contributions, Singh was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1974, though he returned it in protest against Operation Blue Star in 1984. Later, he received the Padma Vibhushan in 2007, India’s second-highest civilian award.

    Khushwant Singh passed away on 20 March 2014 at the age of 99. His legacy continues through his writings, which blend humour, honesty, and a deep understanding of India. Through works like The Portrait of a Lady, he celebrated ordinary human relationships, capturing their beauty and dignity with simplicity and affection.

  • Unit – 5, Class 8th English, Poorvi, NCERT

    Lesson 1: Feathered Friend – Arthur C. Clarke

    Before the Text

    Q1. What comes to your mind when you hear “life in space”?
    Ans. Astronauts floating in zero gravity, space stations, advanced machines, and unusual challenges.

    Q2. Do you think animals can be useful in space? How?
    Ans. Yes, animals can sense danger earlier, give companionship, and even help in experiments.

    Q3. Why might space travel be dangerous for humans?
    Ans. Because of lack of oxygen, zero gravity, cosmic radiation, and isolation.

    Let Us Discuss

    Q1. Who was Claribel?
    Ans. A small yellow canary secretly taken aboard the space station.

    Q2. Who brought her there?
    Ans. Sven Olsen, the narrator’s friend and fellow astronaut.

    Q3. Why did the narrator think Sven had chosen a canary?
    Ans. Because canaries are light, cheerful companions and have been used in coal mines to detect poisonous gases.

    Q4. What happened one morning inside the space station?
    Ans. Claribel fainted, which alerted the astronauts that oxygen had leaked.

    Q5. How did the bird save their lives?
    Ans. By fainting first, she warned them of low oxygen levels before it was dangerous for humans.

    Let Us Think and Reflect

    Extract 1

    Q1. Why did the narrator call Claribel an “illegal immigrant”?
    Ans. Because animals were not officially allowed on the space station.

    Q2. What does this reveal about Sven?
    Ans. That he was kind-hearted, playful, and valued companionship.

    Q3. Why was Claribel welcomed despite being illegal?
    Ans. Because she brought joy and song to the astronauts.

    Extract 2

    Q1. Why did Claribel faint before the astronauts?
    Ans. Because small animals need more oxygen and are affected earlier by lack of it.

    Q2. How does this incident show science in action?
    Ans. It shows how living beings react differently to changes in environment, and how animals can be natural warning systems.

    Q3. What qualities of Claribel are admired in the story?
    Ans. Her innocence, cheerfulness, and her unintentional role as a life-saver.

    Comprehension Questions

    Q1. Why did the narrator initially disapprove of Claribel?
    Ans. Because he thought bringing a bird was childish and unnecessary in a space station.

    Q2. How did his opinion change?
    Ans. He realised the bird was useful when she saved their lives.

    Q3. What does the story teach us about animals?
    Ans. That they are sensitive, valuable companions, and can even save human lives.

    Q4. Why is the story titled Feathered Friend?
    Ans. Because Claribel, the feathered canary, proved to be a true friend by warning them of danger.

    Q5. How is humour used in the story?
    Ans. By calling the bird an “illegal immigrant” and describing Sven’s secret plan in a light, amusing way.

    Vocabulary & Language Work

    Q1. Synonyms:

    • Illegal → Unlawful

    • Friend → Companion

    • Oxygen → Air

    • Warn → Alert

    Q2. Antonyms:

    • Life × Death

    • Legal × Illegal

    • Large × Small

    • Safe × Dangerous

    Writing Task

    Q. Write a diary entry as Sven Olsen on the day Claribel saved the astronauts.

    Ans.
    Dear Diary,
    Today Claribel proved why she belongs with us in space. This morning, she fainted suddenly. At first, I was terrified. But then we realised what had happened—oxygen levels were dropping fast. If not for her, we might not have noticed until it was too late. Who would have thought a little yellow bird could save the lives of strong astronauts? She is not just my pet, but everyone’s feathered friend now.
    – Sven

    Summary of the Story

    Feathered Friend by Arthur C. Clarke is a humorous yet thoughtful science fiction story set in a space station. Sven Olsen secretly brings a canary, Claribel, aboard. While some astronauts laugh at this, the bird proves her worth when she faints, warning them of low oxygen levels. This helps save their lives. The story highlights the importance of animals, their sensitivity, and the bond between humans and other creatures. It shows that even in a world of science and technology, simple natural companions can be life-savers.

    Lesson 2: Magnifying Glass – Walter de la Mare

    Before the Text

    Q1. Have you used a magnifying glass? What did you observe?
    Ans. Yes, I used it to look at leaves, insects, and small print. It made tiny details look bigger and clearer.

    Q2. Why do children enjoy using magnifying glasses?
    Ans. Because they make small things appear large and magical, sparking curiosity and fun.

    Let Us Discuss

    Q1. What does the child do with the magnifying glass?
    Ans. The child looks at everyday objects—ant, letters, hair, dust, leaf—and discovers hidden details.

    Q2. What does the poem suggest about curiosity?
    Ans. That curiosity turns ordinary things into exciting discoveries.

    Q3. Why does the poet use a child’s point of view?
    Ans. To show innocence, wonder, and the joy of exploring small things.

    Q4. How does the magnifying glass change the child’s world?
    Ans. It makes common objects appear extraordinary, teaching that science reveals hidden beauty.

    Let Us Think and Reflect

    Extract 1

    Q1. What objects does the child observe first?
    Ans. An ant and printed letters.

    Q2. Why does the ant look different?
    Ans. It looks huge and strange through the magnifying glass.

    Q3. What does this show about science tools?
    Ans. That simple tools help us see the world in new ways.

    Extract 2

    Q1. What other things did the child see?
    Ans. A hair, a leaf, and tiny specks of dust.

    Q2. How did these things appear?
    Ans. Large, detailed, and sometimes surprising.

    Q3. What feelings do these discoveries bring?
    Ans. Excitement, wonder, and curiosity to explore more.

    Comprehension Questions

    Q1. What is the central idea of the poem?
    Ans. The joy of curiosity and how science tools like magnifying glasses reveal hidden wonders.

    Q2. Why is the magnifying glass compared to magic?
    Ans. Because it transforms ordinary things into something extraordinary.

    Q3. How does the poem connect science and imagination?
    Ans. By showing how observation creates amazement, mixing knowledge with wonder.

    Q4. What values does the poem teach children?
    Ans. Curiosity, observation, creativity, and love for learning.

    Vocabulary & Language Work

    Q1. Synonyms:

    • Magnify → Enlarge

    • Tiny → Small, minute

    • Strange → Unusual

    • Discover → Find

    Q2. Antonyms:

    • Big × Small

    • Clear × Blurred

    • Magic × Ordinary

    • Known × Unknown

    Writing Task

    Q. Imagine you are a child with a magnifying glass. Write a short poem or paragraph about what you see.

    Ans.
    Through my tiny magic glass,
    I see the world in class.
    A leaf becomes a forest deep,
    An ant a giant, on a leap.
    Dust like planets in the sky,
    So much wonder meets my eye.

    Summary of the Poem

    Magnifying Glass by Walter de la Mare captures the curiosity of a child exploring the world with a magnifying glass. Simple things like ants, leaves, dust, and letters become extraordinary under the lens. The poem blends science and imagination, showing that curiosity and observation turn everyday life into a magical discovery.

    Lesson 3: Bibha Chowdhuri – The Beam of Light that Lit the Path for Women in Indian Science

    Before the Text

    Q1. Do you know any famous Indian women scientists?
    Ans. Yes, like Kalpana Chawla (astronaut), Janaki Ammal (botanist), and Tessy Thomas (missile scientist).

    Q2. Why is it important to highlight women scientists?
    Ans. Because their contributions inspire future generations and show that science belongs to everyone.

    Q3. What qualities are needed to succeed in science?
    Ans. Curiosity, hard work, patience, observation, and determination.

    Let Us Discuss

    Q1. Who was Bibha Chowdhuri?
    Ans. She was India’s first woman particle physicist and a pioneer in cosmic ray research.

    Q2. With whom did she work in England?
    Ans. With Nobel Prize winner Patrick Blackett at the University of Manchester.

    Q3. What was her contribution to physics?
    Ans. She studied cosmic rays and particles like mesons, making important discoveries in particle physics.

    Q4. What role did she play in India after independence?
    Ans. She worked at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and later at the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics in Kolkata.

    Q5. How was she honoured later?
    Ans. The International Astronomical Union named a star, “Bibha,” after her in 2017.

    Let Us Think and Reflect

    Extract 1

    Q1. Why was it difficult for Bibha to pursue science in her time?
    Ans. Because women faced gender bias and very few studied science in the 1930s.

    Q2. What does her success prove?
    Ans. That determination and talent can overcome social barriers.

    Q3. What values are shown in her life?
    Ans. Courage, dedication, and passion for knowledge.

    Extract 2

    Q1. Why was Bibha’s work not widely recognised in her lifetime?
    Ans. Because she worked in a male-dominated field where women’s contributions were often overlooked.

    Q2. How does naming a star after her give justice?
    Ans. It immortalises her name, shining as a symbol of inspiration for future scientists.

    Q3. What lesson can students learn from her?
    Ans. To never give up, to break barriers, and to follow curiosity with perseverance.

    Comprehension Questions

    Q1. Why is Bibha Chowdhuri called “a beam of light”?
    Ans. Because like light, she illuminated the path for women in science and inspired others.

    Q2. What field of science did she specialise in?
    Ans. Particle physics and cosmic ray research.

    Q3. How did she contribute to Indian science after returning?
    Ans. By teaching, guiding young scientists, and doing research at top Indian institutes.

    Q4. What does her story tell us about women in science?
    Ans. That though women faced challenges, they made pioneering contributions with courage and brilliance.

    Q5. How can we continue her legacy today?
    Ans. By encouraging girls in STEM fields, supporting equality, and recognising women scientists.

    Vocabulary & Language Work

    Q1. Synonyms:

    • Beam → Ray

    • Pioneer → Trailblazer

    • Inspire → Motivate

    • Honour → Respect

    Q2. Antonyms:

    • Success × Failure

    • Recognised × Ignored

    • Early × Late

    • Male-dominated × Equal

    Writing Task

    Q. Write a short biographical sketch of Bibha Chowdhuri.

    Ans.
    Bibha Chowdhuri (1913–1991) was India’s first woman particle physicist. She studied physics at the University of Calcutta and later worked with Nobel Laureate Patrick Blackett in England on cosmic rays. Returning to India, she worked at TIFR and the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics. Despite facing gender bias, she made pioneering contributions to particle physics. In 2017, a star was named “Bibha” in her honour. She remains an inspiration for all who wish to break barriers in science.

    Summary of the Lesson

    This lesson tells the story of Bibha Chowdhuri, India’s first woman particle physicist. At a time when very few women studied science, she became a pioneer in cosmic ray research and worked with Nobel laureates. She contributed greatly to Indian science after independence but did not receive the recognition she deserved during her lifetime. Later, a star was named after her. Her life teaches us the values of determination, courage, and the importance of recognising women in science.

  • Unit – 4, Class 8th English, Poorvi, NCERT

    Lesson 1: The Cherry Tree – Ruskin Bond

    Before the Text

    Q1. Have you ever planted a tree or a sapling? What was the experience like?
    Ans. Yes, I planted a neem sapling. Watching it grow gave me joy and taught me patience.

    Q2. Why is it important to plant trees?
    Ans. Because they give us oxygen, shade, fruits, wood, and help balance the environment.

    Q3. How do you feel when you see a tree you planted grow?
    Ans. Proud and happy, like taking care of a friend and watching it thrive.

    Let Us Discuss

    Q1. Who planted the cherry seed?
    Ans. Rakesh, a boy living in the hills.

    Q2. Where did he plant it?
    Ans. In a corner of his grandfather’s garden, near a dry stony ground.

    Q3. What difficulties did the plant face?
    Ans. It was eaten by a goat, cut by a grass-cutter, and once almost dried up in summer.

    Q4. How did the cherry tree survive?
    Ans. Despite struggles, it grew slowly and strongly with nature’s care—rain, sun, and soil.

    Q5. What did the tree look like after four years?
    Ans. It grew tall, blossomed with pink flowers, and bore small cherries.

    Let Us Think and Reflect

    Extract 1

    Q1. Why was Rakesh curious about the seed?
    Ans. Because he wanted to see how something so small could grow into a tree.

    Q2. What does his act of planting show?
    Ans. His love for nature and eagerness to learn.

    Q3. What lesson does this extract give us?
    Ans. That small actions, like planting a seed, can lead to great results.

    Extract 2

    Q1. How did the tree reflect the cycle of nature?
    Ans. It faced heat, rain, animals, and humans, but continued to grow, showing resilience of life.

    Q2. What does the cherry tree symbolize?
    Ans. Patience, hope, and the rewards of nurturing nature.

    Q3. How did Rakesh and his grandfather feel seeing the blossoms?
    Ans. Proud, amazed, and grateful to nature.

    Comprehension Questions

    Q1. Why did Rakesh plant the cherry seed?
    Ans. Out of curiosity and encouragement from his grandfather.

    Q2. How did the goat and grass-cutter affect the plant?
    Ans. The goat ate its leaves, and the grass-cutter cut it to the ground.

    Q3. Why is nature called a true caretaker in the story?
    Ans. Because despite troubles, nature—sunlight, rain, and soil—helped the seed grow into a tree.

    Q4. What values do we learn from the cherry tree’s survival?
    Ans. Perseverance, patience, and respect for nature.

    Q5. How is the story an example of “Environment” theme?
    Ans. It shows the bond between humans and nature, and how planting trees sustains life.

    Vocabulary & Language Work

    Q1. Synonyms:

    • Curious → Eager

    • Blossom → Flower

    • Survive → Continue, endure

    • Proud → Glad, happy

    Q2. Antonyms:

    • Plant × Uproot

    • Strong × Weak

    • Hope × Despair

    • Life × Death

    Writing Task

    Q. Write a short paragraph on “A Tree I Love.”
    Ans. I love the banyan tree in my village. It is huge, with thick roots and branches that spread like a roof. Birds nest in it, and children play under its shade. For me, it is not just a tree but a living companion that has seen many generations.

    Summary of the Story

    The Cherry Tree by Ruskin Bond is about Rakesh, a boy who plants a cherry seed in his grandfather’s garden. The sapling faces many struggles—being eaten by a goat, cut down, and dried by the sun. But with the care of nature, it grows into a beautiful tree with blossoms and cherries after four years. Rakesh and his grandfather feel joy and pride at its growth. The story teaches us the values of patience, perseverance, and love for nature.

    Lesson 2: Harvest Hymn – Sarojini Naidu

    Before the Text

    Q1. Why do farmers pray during harvest time?
    Ans. To thank God for the crops and to ask for blessings for a good yield and prosperity.

    Q2. How are festivals like Pongal, Baisakhi, or Onam related to harvest?
    Ans. They are celebrated by farmers after harvesting crops, to express gratitude and joy.

    Q3. Why is agriculture important for our country?
    Ans. Because it provides food, raw materials, and livelihood for millions of people.

    Let Us Discuss

    Q1. To whom is the poem addressed?
    Ans. To God, as a prayer of gratitude and request for blessings on the fields.

    Q2. What do the farmers ask from God?
    Ans. To bless their fields, protect them from pests, storms, and droughts, and grant them rich harvests.

    Q3. What images of nature are used in the poem?
    Ans. Fields, golden corn, green pastures, rain, sunshine, and storms.

    Q4. Why is the poem called a “hymn”?
    Ans. Because it is written like a prayer or song of devotion.

    Let Us Think and Reflect

    Extract 1

    Q1. What is meant by “Lord of the harvest”?
    Ans. God, who is believed to control nature and crops.

    Q2. Why do farmers call themselves “children of earth”?
    Ans. Because they live close to the soil and depend on it for survival.

    Q3. What values are reflected in these lines?
    Ans. Humility, gratitude, and devotion.

    Extract 2

    Q1. What dangers do farmers fear?
    Ans. Pests, floods, droughts, and storms destroying their crops.

    Q2. How do they seek God’s help?
    Ans. By praying for protection, sunshine, and rain in proper measure.

    Q3. What tone do these lines carry?
    Ans. Hopeful, humble, and devotional.

    Comprehension Questions

    Q1. Why is farming described as a partnership between humans and God?
    Ans. Because farmers work hard, but they depend on God’s blessings like rain and sunshine for crops to grow.

    Q2. What message does the poem give us?
    Ans. To respect nature, be grateful, and pray for balance in the environment.

    Q3. How does the poem highlight the link between nature and human life?
    Ans. By showing that human survival depends on fields, rain, and natural forces.

    Q4. Why is Sarojini Naidu called the “Nightingale of India”?
    Ans. Because of her melodious, lyrical poetry expressing deep emotions about nature, patriotism, and life.

    Vocabulary & Language Work

    Q1. Synonyms:

    • Hymn → Prayer, song

    • Harvest → Yield, crops

    • Bless → Protect, favour

    • Earth → Soil, land

    Q2. Antonyms:

    • Golden × Pale

    • Hope × Despair

    • Calm × Storm

    • Life × Death

    Writing Task

    Q. Write a short prayer thanking nature for food.

    Ans.
    “O God of nature, we thank you for the sun that shines, the rain that falls, and the soil that gives us food. Bless the farmers who work hard and protect our fields from harm. May all people share the harvest with joy and gratitude.”

    Summary of the Poem

    Harvest Hymn by Sarojini Naidu is a prayer-poem sung by farmers. They ask God, the “Lord of the harvest,” to bless their crops, protect them from pests and storms, and give them prosperity. The poem uses beautiful images of fields, sunshine, and rain. It reflects the farmers’ humility, gratitude, and dependence on nature. The central message is that human life depends on nature’s blessings, and we should live with gratitude and devotion.

    Lesson 3: Waiting for the Rain – Kamakshi Balasubramanian

    Before the Text

    Q1. How do people feel when it doesn’t rain for a long time?
    Ans. They feel worried, helpless, and anxious because crops, animals, and daily life suffer.

    Q2. Why is rain so important in villages?
    Ans. Because it provides water for farming, drinking, and daily use—villages mostly depend on rainfall.

    Q3. Have you experienced the first rain of the season? How does it feel?
    Ans. Yes, it feels refreshing, joyful, and fills the air with a pleasant smell of wet earth.

    Let Us Discuss

    Q1. Where does this story take place?
    Ans. In a village suffering from drought.

    Q2. Who is the main character?
    Ans. A boy named Arjun, who lives with his family.

    Q3. What were the villagers waiting for?
    Ans. They were waiting desperately for rain to save their crops and lives.

    Q4. How did drought affect the people?
    Ans. Wells dried up, crops failed, cattle starved, and people became restless.

    Q5. How did Arjun’s family respond to the drought?
    Ans. They worried about survival but tried to remain hopeful for rain.

    Let Us Think and Reflect

    Extract 1

    Q1. Why did Arjun’s father look up at the sky so often?
    Ans. To check for rain clouds with hope and anxiety.

    Q2. What did the parched land symbolise?
    Ans. Helplessness of farmers and the dependence on rain.

    Q3. What values are shown in the villagers’ behaviour?
    Ans. Patience, endurance, and unity in suffering.

    Extract 2

    Q1. What was the change when the first drops fell?
    Ans. The dry earth smelled sweet, people danced with joy, and nature looked alive again.

    Q2. How did the rain bring relief?
    Ans. It filled tanks and wells, revived crops, and gave hope to the villagers.

    Q3. What does the arrival of rain symbolise?
    Ans. New life, hope, and the cycle of renewal in nature.

    Comprehension Questions

    Q1. Why were the villagers desperate for rain?
    Ans. Because without rain they had no water for crops, animals, or daily needs.

    Q2. How did the drought affect children like Arjun?
    Ans. They felt anxious, hungry, and watched their parents’ struggles with fear.

    Q3. What was the mood of the village before and after the rain?
    Ans. Before → tense, hopeless, and silent.
    After → joyful, lively, and full of celebration.

    Q4. What lesson do we learn from the villagers’ experience?
    Ans. To value water, use it carefully, and respect nature’s role in our survival.

    Q5. How is this story related to “Environment”?
    Ans. It shows human dependence on rain, the dangers of drought, and the importance of conserving water.

    Vocabulary & Language Work

    Q1. Synonyms:

    • Parched → Dry

    • Drought → Lack of rain

    • Relief → Comfort

    • Joy → Happiness

    Q2. Antonyms:

    • Wet × Dry

    • Full × Empty

    • Hope × Despair

    • Alive × Dead

    Writing Task

    Q. Write a diary entry as Arjun on the day the rain came.

    Ans.
    Dear Diary,
    Today was the happiest day of my life! After so many weeks of waiting, dark clouds covered the sky. Suddenly, drops of rain fell, and the earth smelled wonderful. Everyone in the village came out—some danced, some prayed, all were smiling. Wells are filling again, and our crops will grow. The rain has given us new hope.
    – Arjun

    📚 Summary of the Story

    Waiting for the Rain by Kamakshi Balasubramanian describes life in a drought-hit village through the eyes of a boy, Arjun. The villagers wait anxiously as their crops and cattle suffer. The parched earth reflects their despair. Finally, when the rain arrives, it transforms the scene into joy, relief, and celebration. The story highlights the importance of water and teaches us to value nature, conserve resources, and live with patience and hope.

  • Unit – 3, Class 8th English, Poorvi, NCERT

    Lesson 1: The Case of the Fifth Word

    (Adapted from Donald J. Sobol’s Encyclopedia Brown stories)

    Before the Text

    Q1. Do you like detective stories? Why/Why not?
    Ans. Yes, because they are full of suspense, puzzles, and clever solutions.

    Q2. What qualities should a good detective have?
    Ans. Sharp observation, logical thinking, patience, courage, and honesty.

    Q3. Can children be detectives? Give reasons.
    Ans. Yes, because children are curious, observant, and sometimes notice details adults miss.

    Let Us Discuss

    Q1. Who was Encyclopedia Brown?
    Ans. A young boy detective, son of the police chief, who solved mysteries using logic and keen observation.

    Q2. What was the mystery in this story?
    Ans. Bugs Meany accused Willy Armstrong of cheating in a contest by using five words instead of four in his slogan.

    Q3. What was the contest about?
    Ans. A supermarket contest where participants had to complete the slogan:
    “Supermarket prices are low. You get more at …” in four words only.

    Q4. What did Willy write?
    Ans. “Supermarket prices are low. You get more at Supermart, not at a competitor.”

    Q5. Why did Bugs say it was five words?
    Ans. Because he claimed “a competitor” counted as two separate words.

    Let Us Think and Reflect

    Extract 1

    Q1. Why was Bugs angry with Willy?
    Ans. Because Willy had written a better slogan and Bugs wanted to win.

    Q2. What did Bugs demand?
    Ans. That Willy should be disqualified for using five words.

    Q3. How did Encyclopedia Brown solve the puzzle?
    Ans. He explained that “a competitor” was treated as one idea in the contest slogan, so Willy’s answer had only four words.

    Q4. What qualities of Encyclopedia Brown are shown here?
    Ans. Intelligence, logical reasoning, fairness, and confidence.

    Comprehension Questions

    Q1. What was Bugs’ nature?
    Ans. He was quarrelsome, jealous, and always tried to bully others.

    Q2. How did Encyclopedia Brown prove Willy’s slogan was correct?
    Ans. By showing that “a competitor” was not two words but a single idea, making the total four words.

    Q3. Why is the story titled “The Case of the Fifth Word”?
    Ans. Because the whole mystery revolved around whether Willy had used a fifth word or not.

    Q4. What values can we learn from Encyclopedia Brown?
    Ans. To think carefully, be fair, and solve problems with logic instead of anger.

    Q5. What lesson do we learn from this case?
    Ans. That truth and reasoning win over bullying and dishonesty.

    Vocabulary & Language Work

    Q1. Synonyms:

    • Quarrel → Argument

    • Competitor → Rival

    • Mystery → Puzzle

    • Idea → Thought

    Q2. Antonyms:

    • Fair × Unfair

    • Angry × Calm

    • Win × Lose

    • Friend × Enemy

    Writing Task

    Q. Imagine you are Encyclopedia Brown. Write a diary entry about how you solved the case.

    Ans.
    Dear Diary,
    Today Bugs tried to bully Willy Armstrong at the supermarket contest. He claimed Willy used five words instead of four. Everyone was confused, but I read the slogan carefully. I noticed that “a competitor” was one idea, not two words. I explained it clearly, and Willy was proved right. Once again, logic and fairness solved the mystery!
    – Encyclopedia

    Summary of the Story

    The Case of the Fifth Word is a detective story about Encyclopedia Brown, a boy detective. In a supermarket contest, Bugs Meany accused Willy Armstrong of cheating by using five words in his slogan instead of four. Encyclopedia Brown carefully examined the slogan and explained that “a competitor” was one idea, so the answer had only four words. Willy was declared correct, and Bugs was defeated. The story teaches us that wit, reasoning, and honesty can solve problems and overcome dishonesty.

    Lesson 2: The Magic Brush of Dreams

    Before the Text

    Q1. Do you like stories or poems about magic? Why?
    Ans. Yes, because they make us imagine wonderful possibilities beyond ordinary life.

    Q2. What would you create if you had a magic brush?
    Ans. (Example:) I would paint a library that never ends, or food for all hungry people.

    Let Us Discuss

    Q1. What is the central idea of the poem?
    Ans. That imagination is powerful and can create magical worlds through dreams and art.

    Q2. What is the “magic brush of dreams”?
    Ans. It is a symbol of creativity and imagination that can bring to life whatever one imagines.

    Q3. How does the poet describe the magic brush?
    Ans. As a tool that paints wishes into reality—palaces, gardens, rivers, and adventures.

    Q4. Why does the poet mix dreams with reality?
    Ans. To show that creativity can transform life and that all great achievements begin as dreams.

    Let Us Think and Reflect

    Extract 1

    Q1. What does the brush paint first?
    Ans. It paints beautiful scenes like flowers, gardens, and palaces.

    Q2. Why is this magical?
    Ans. Because ordinary strokes create extraordinary things that normally cannot appear instantly.

    Q3. What does this tell us about imagination?
    Ans. Imagination can make life colourful and limitless.

    Extract 2

    Q1. What happens when the brush paints adventures?
    Ans. It creates rivers, ships, and journeys that take the dreamer to new places.

    Q2. What feelings do these images create?
    Ans. Wonder, excitement, and joy of exploration.

    Q3. Why does the poet use rich imagery?
    Ans. To help readers see, feel, and enjoy the magic in their own imagination.

    Comprehension Questions

    Q1. What is the main message of the poem?
    Ans. Creativity and imagination are like a magic brush that can change the world.

    Q2. What values does the poem teach us?
    Ans. To dream big, be creative, and use imagination for good purposes.

    Q3. How is this poem an example of “mystery and magic”?
    Ans. Because it describes magical powers of painting dreams into reality.

    Q4. Why do children enjoy such poems?
    Ans. Because they spark imagination and make the impossible seem possible.

    Vocabulary & Language Work

    Q1. Synonyms:

    • Magic → Enchantment

    • Dream → Vision

    • Paint → Colour, depict

    • Create → Build, form

    Q2. Antonyms:

    • Real × Imaginary

    • Dull × Bright

    • Ordinary × Extraordinary

    • Limited × Unlimited

    Writing Task

    Q. Imagine you had a magic brush. Write 4–5 sentences about what you would paint.

    Ans.
    If I had a magic brush, I would paint food for all hungry people in the world. I would create schools in every village so that all children could study. I would draw forests full of animals and rivers full of clean water. My brush would make the earth a happy and beautiful place.

    Summary of the Poem

    The Magic Brush of Dreams is a poem that celebrates imagination. It describes a magical brush that paints not just objects but also wishes, adventures, and dreams. The poet shows how creativity can bring joy, colour, and wonder to life. The poem conveys that imagination is powerful, and with creativity we can shape a brighter future.

    Lesson 3: Spectacular Wonders

    Before the Text

    Q1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “wonder”?
    Ans. Something rare, extraordinary, or breathtaking like the Taj Mahal or the Grand Canyon.

    Q2. What wonders of nature have you seen?
    Ans. (Example:) Waterfalls, caves, mountain ranges, or coral reefs.

    Q3. Why are such wonders important?
    Ans. Because they inspire awe, attract visitors, and remind us of nature’s power and beauty.

    Let Us Discuss

    Q1. Which natural wonders are described in the lesson?
    Ans.

    1. Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya

    2. Marble Rocks of Bhedaghat, Madhya Pradesh

    3. Borra Caves of Andhra Pradesh

    4. Loktak Lake in Manipur

    Q2. What makes the Living Root Bridges special?
    Ans. They are made naturally from roots of rubber trees, shaped by people over centuries.

    Q3. Why are the Marble Rocks unique?
    Ans. Because the river Narmada has cut through marble cliffs, making white shining rocks and waterfalls.

    Q4. What is mysterious about the Borra Caves?
    Ans. The limestone caves have strange shapes of stalactites and stalagmites that look like animals, gods, and objects.

    Q5. Why is Loktak Lake important?
    Ans. It is famous for its floating islands (phumdis) and as the habitat of the rare Sangai deer.

    Let Us Think and Reflect

    Extract 1

    Q1. How do the people of Meghalaya use the root bridges?
    Ans. They use them as natural pathways across rivers and streams.

    Q2. What does this show about their relationship with nature?
    Ans. It shows harmony, patience, and respect for nature.

    Q3. What values can we learn from this?
    Ans. Sustainable living and creativity in using natural resources.

    Extract 2

    Q1. What sights make the Marble Rocks magical?
    Ans. The gleaming white rocks, tall cliffs, and the Dhuandhar waterfall.

    Q2. Why do people find them mysterious at night?
    Ans. Because moonlight makes the rocks glow, creating an enchanting view.

    Extract 3

    Q1. How are stalactites and stalagmites formed?
    Ans. By deposition of minerals from dripping water over thousands of years.

    Q2. Why do visitors see shapes in them?
    Ans. Because their natural forms resemble animals, humans, and divine figures.

    Extract 4

    Q1. What are phumdis?
    Ans. Floating islands of vegetation on Loktak Lake.

    Q2. Why is the Sangai deer special?
    Ans. It is rare, endangered, and found only in Manipur.

    Comprehension Questions

    Q1. What makes India a land of spectacular wonders?
    Ans. Its unique geography with caves, rivers, lakes, and natural marvels.

    Q2. How do such wonders attract tourism?
    Ans. Visitors come to see their beauty and mystery, boosting local culture and economy.

    Q3. Why should we preserve these natural wonders?
    Ans. To protect biodiversity, maintain ecological balance, and keep heritage alive for future generations.

    Q4. Which wonder would you like to visit and why?
    Ans. (Example:) Loktak Lake, because floating islands and rare animals sound magical.

    Vocabulary & Language Work

    Q1. Synonyms:

    • Wonder → Marvel

    • Rare → Unique

    • Preserve → Protect

    • Mystery → Secret

    Q2. Antonyms:

    • Natural × Artificial

    • Strong × Weak

    • Ancient × Modern

    • Safe × Unsafe

    Writing Task

    Q. Write a short paragraph on “Why we must preserve natural wonders.”
    Ans. Natural wonders are treasures of our planet. They show the creativity of nature and give us joy. They also support biodiversity and help tourism. If we damage them, we lose beauty, history, and balance in the environment. Therefore, it is our duty to protect and preserve them.

    Summary of the Lesson

    Spectacular Wonders introduces some of India’s natural marvels: the Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya, the Marble Rocks of Bhedaghat, the Borra Caves, and Loktak Lake of Manipur. Each of these places combines beauty, mystery, and cultural importance. The lesson teaches us that India’s landscapes are magical, and we must protect them. It highlights values of sustainability, respect for nature, and wonder at creation.

  • Unit – 2, Class 8th English, Poorvi, NCERT

    Lesson 1: A Tale of Valour – Major Somnath Sharma

    Before the Text

    Q1. What do you think about the Republic Day Parade on 26 January?
    Ans. It is a grand celebration that showcases India’s cultural diversity, military strength, and unity.

    Q2. What are the highlights of this parade?
    Ans. Tableaux from states, school performances, bravery awards, and the display of armed forces.

    Q3. What bravery awards are given on this day, and who receives them?
    Ans. Gallantry awards such as Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra are awarded to soldiers for acts of extraordinary bravery.

    Q4. What qualities should a soldier have?
    Ans. Courage, discipline, loyalty, patriotism, self-sacrifice, and determination.

    Q5. If you had to share a message with a soldier, what would it be?
    Ans. “We are safe because of your courage. Your sacrifice inspires us to serve the nation in our own way.”

    Let Us Discuss (Pg. 59)

    Q. Arrange the following events in chronological order:

    1. Major Somnath Sharma was born in 1923 in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.

    2. He trained at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.

    3. Commissioned into the 19th Hyderabad Regiment in 1942.

    4. D Company, under his command, was flown into Srinagar.

    5. Requested air strikes at Badgam.

    6. Killed by a mortar shell in the battle.

    7. Soldiers continued fighting even after his death to save Srinagar.

    8. He was awarded the first Param Vir Chakra.

    Let Us Think and Reflect (Pg. 60–61)

    Extract 1
    (i) Inference → B. There was intense fighting on the battlefield.
    (ii) He continued to lead because → he wanted to inspire his men and protect Srinagar.
    (iii) Assertion–Reason → A. Both are true, and (R) explains (A).
    (iv) Fill word → injuries.

    Extract 2
    (i) Early influences → C. His family and heritage inspired his bravery and duty.
    (ii) True/False → False (not mentioned he was wealthy).
    (iii) Phrase meaning → He performed duties with dedication, honour, and excellence.
    (iv) Word for “visually charming” → picturesque.

    Comprehension Questions

    Q1. What is the significance of “forever alive, forever alive”?
    Ans. The repetition emphasizes that Major Somnath’s courage will never be forgotten.

    Q2. Why was his leadership critical during the Battle of Badgam?
    Ans. His courage, planning, and orders motivated his men to resist until reinforcements arrived.

    Q3. What were his last words? What do they show?
    Ans. “I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round.”
    They reflect his unshakable duty, bravery, and sacrifice.

    Q4. What might have happened if his company had not held ground?
    Ans. The enemy would have captured Srinagar airport and Kashmir, changing history.

    Q5. Why does his story inspire us even today?
    Ans. Because it shows how selflessness and courage can save a nation.

    Q6. How can his values apply to our lives?
    Ans. By being brave in difficulties, performing our duty sincerely, and making sacrifices for others.

    Lesson 2: Somebody’s Mother – Mary Dow Brine

    Before the Text

    Q1. What do you do when you see an old person struggling to cross the road?
    Ans. I try to help them cross safely or stop vehicles until they cross.

    Q2. Why should we show respect to elders?
    Ans. Because they have experience, wisdom, and deserve care and dignity.

    Q3. What values do we learn from helping elders?
    Ans. Kindness, empathy, responsibility, and humanity.

    Let Us Discuss (Pg. 67)

    Q1. How did the woman look?
    Ans. Old, poor, weak, with tattered clothes and anxious eyes.

    Q2. Why was she afraid to cross?
    Ans. Because the road was crowded and slippery, and she was too frail to walk quickly.

    Q3. How did the schoolboy help her?
    Ans. He offered his arm and carefully guided her across the busy road.

    Q4. How did the crowd react?
    Ans. They just watched but did not help; only the boy stepped forward.

    Q5. What did the boy think after helping her?
    Ans. That someone would help his own mother in her old age, just as he helped this woman.

    Let Us Think and Reflect (Pg. 68–69)

    Extract 1

    Q1. Why did the old woman wait?
    Ans. Because she was scared of falling or being hurt on the crowded road.

    Q2. What was the crowd doing?
    Ans. People were rushing by but nobody stopped to help her.

    Q3. What qualities of the woman are shown here?
    Ans. Patience, helplessness, and fear.

    Q4. What do we learn from this situation?
    Ans. That we should be aware of others’ needs and show kindness without waiting for others to act.

    Extract 2

    Q1. What did the boy do for the old woman?
    Ans. He took her hand and led her safely across the road.

    Q2. What thought comforted him?
    Ans. That someone would show the same kindness to his own mother when she needed help.

    Q3. What is the message of the poem?
    Ans. That small acts of kindness can make a big difference and will come back to us in the future.

    Q4. What quality of the boy do you admire?
    Ans. His compassion, selflessness, and respect for elders.

    Comprehension Questions

    Q1. Why is the poem called “Somebody’s Mother”?
    Ans. Because the old woman, though poor and unknown, was precious to someone as a mother.

    Q2. Why did others ignore the old woman?
    Ans. They were too busy and indifferent to notice her need.

    Q3. How does the poem highlight the contrast between the crowd and the boy?
    Ans. The crowd was indifferent, but the boy was kind and thoughtful.

    Q4. What values does the poem teach us?
    Ans. Compassion, respect for elders, empathy, and humanity.

    Q5. How can we practice this lesson in our daily life?
    Ans. By helping the needy, respecting elders, and offering kindness without expecting rewards.

    Vocabulary & Language Work

    Q1. Pick synonyms:

    • Poor → Needy, destitute

    • Afraid → Scared, fearful

    • Help → Assist, aid

    • Old → Aged, elderly

    Q2. Write antonyms:

    • Kind × Cruel

    • Weak × Strong

    • Safe × Unsafe

    • Rich × Poor

    Writing Task

    Q. Write a paragraph on the importance of small acts of kindness.
    Ans. Small acts of kindness make the world a better place. Helping an old person, comforting a friend, or sharing with the needy are simple actions but have deep impact. Kindness not only helps others but also brings peace and happiness to us. As shown in the poem, the boy’s small act of helping an old woman became a great lesson in humanity.

    Summary of the Poem

    Somebody’s Mother by Mary Dow Brine is about a poor old woman waiting to cross a busy road. The crowd ignores her, but one schoolboy helps her cross safely. The boy feels comforted, believing someone will help his own mother in the future. The poem conveys the values of compassion, empathy, and respect for elders, showing that even small acts of kindness are noble and timeless.

    Lesson 3: I Too Had a Dream – Verghese Kurien

    Before the Text

    Q1. Do you drink milk every day? Why is it important?
    Ans. Yes, milk gives us protein, calcium, and energy. It helps in growth and keeps our bones strong.

    Q2. What do you know about “Operation Flood”?
    Ans. It was a dairy development programme started in India to increase milk production and make India the largest producer of milk in the world.

    Q3. What qualities are needed for a person to serve society?
    Ans. Honesty, dedication, hard work, and a vision to improve people’s lives.

    Let Us Discuss (Pg. 77–78)

    Q1. What did Verghese Kurien study abroad?
    Ans. He studied mechanical engineering and dairy engineering.

    Q2. Why did he want to leave Anand at first?
    Ans. Because he was sent there for a government job but didn’t like the small town.

    Q3. Who convinced him to stay in Anand?
    Ans. Tribhuvandas Patel, a freedom fighter and farmer leader.

    Q4. What was the situation of farmers before the milk cooperative?
    Ans. Farmers were exploited by middlemen and got very little money for their milk.

    Q5. What change came after the cooperative movement?
    Ans. Farmers began selling milk directly through cooperatives, earning fair prices and improving their lives.

    Let Us Think and Reflect (Pg. 79–80)

    Extract 1

    Q1. What made Kurien stay back in Anand?
    Ans. The trust of farmers and the chance to serve them motivated him to stay.

    Q2. What values guided his decision?
    Ans. Service, compassion, and social responsibility.

    Q3. What does the phrase “white revolution” mean?
    Ans. It refers to the increase in milk production and self-sufficiency in India’s dairy sector.

    Extract 2

    Q1. What was Kurien’s vision for India?
    Ans. To empower farmers, make India self-sufficient in milk, and uplift rural communities.

    Q2. What role did farmers play in this success?
    Ans. Farmers united under cooperatives, worked together, and became owners of the dairy movement.

    Q3. What is the tone of the passage?
    Ans. Inspiring and hopeful.

    Comprehension Questions

    Q1. Why is Verghese Kurien called the “Father of the White Revolution”?
    Ans. Because he led India’s milk cooperative movement and made India the world’s largest producer of milk.

    Q2. How did Amul become successful?
    Ans. By uniting farmers under cooperatives, eliminating middlemen, and ensuring quality milk products.

    Q3. What values can we learn from Kurien’s life?
    Ans. Dedication, service to society, leadership, and belief in the power of cooperation.

    Q4. What might have happened if he had left Anand?
    Ans. The cooperative movement would have failed, and farmers would have remained poor and exploited.

    Q5. How can students apply Kurien’s example in their own lives?
    Ans. By working hard, being honest, and using their knowledge to help society.

    Vocabulary & Language Work

    Q1. Synonyms:

    • Exploit → misuse, take advantage

    • Cooperative → teamwork, association

    • Vision → dream, goal

    • Empower → strengthen, enable

    Q2. Antonyms:

    • Success × Failure

    • Unite × Divide

    • Rich × Poor

    • Rural × Urban

    Writing Task

    Q. Write a short paragraph on “Why cooperation is important in society.”
    Ans. Cooperation is the key to progress. When people work together, they can solve bigger problems. Just like farmers in Amul united to fight exploitation, cooperation in families, schools, and communities helps achieve goals faster and better. It teaches teamwork, equality, and collective responsibility.

    Summary of the Lesson

    I Too Had a Dream is the story of Verghese Kurien, the Father of the White Revolution. After studying abroad, he came to Anand reluctantly but was persuaded to stay by Tribhuvandas Patel. Seeing the exploitation of farmers, Kurien devoted his life to building cooperatives like Amul. This brought fair prices, empowered farmers, and made India the world’s largest milk producer. His life teaches us that dedication, cooperation, and service to society can transform a nation.

  • Unit – 1, Class 8th English, Poorvi, NCERT

    Lesson 1: The Wit that Won Hearts

    Before the Text

    Q1. Who was Krishnadeva Raya?
    Ans. He was a famous emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire in South India, known for his justice, bravery, and encouragement of art and learning.

    Q2. Who was Tenali Rama?
    Ans. He was a witty poet and advisor in Krishnadeva Raya’s court, known for his intelligence, humour, and presence of mind.

    Let Us Discuss

    Q1. Why did the king of Vijayanagara hold court every day?
    Ans. To discuss matters of state, hear grievances, and take advice from his courtiers.

    Q2. Why did the court become dull sometimes?
    Ans. Because most ministers gave the same kind of answers and only flattered the king instead of being original.

    Q3. How did Tenali Rama make the court lively?
    Ans. With his wit, humour, and clever remarks, which entertained the king and taught lessons at the same time.

    Let Us Think and Reflect

    Extract 1

    Q1. Why was the king not amused by the courtiers?
    Ans. Because their words were repetitive, insincere, and boring.

    Q2. What did Tenali Rama do differently?
    Ans. He spoke with wit, wisdom, and humour, which impressed everyone.

    Q3. What does the phrase “win hearts” mean here?
    Ans. To gain admiration, love, and respect of others.

    Extract 2

    Q1. How did the courtiers feel about Tenali Rama?
    Ans. Some admired him, but many were jealous because the king appreciated him most.

    Q2. Why did the king value Tenali Rama?
    Ans. Because he was bold, intelligent, and made even serious matters easy through humour.

    Q3. Which quality of Tenali Rama do you like the most? Why?
    Ans. (Personal – Example:) His quick wit, because he could solve problems smartly and make people laugh at the same time.

    Comprehension Questions

    Q1. What was special about Tenali Rama’s wit?
    Ans. It was not only funny but also wise, giving lessons in justice and common sense.

    Q2. How did Tenali Rama “win hearts”?
    Ans. By entertaining the king and courtiers, solving problems cleverly, and teaching lessons through humour.

    Q3. Why did some courtiers dislike Tenali Rama?
    Ans. Because they were jealous of the attention and rewards he received from the king.

    Q4. What lesson do we learn from Tenali Rama’s life?
    Ans. That wit and wisdom are more powerful than flattery, and honesty with intelligence always wins.

    Vocabulary & Language Work

    Q1. Pick synonyms for ‘wit’ from the lesson.
    Ans. Humour, intelligence, cleverness.

    Q2. Write antonyms of:

    • Amused × Bored

    • Bold × Timid

    • Wise × Foolish

    • Friend × Enemy

    Writing Task

    Q1. Write a short paragraph on why wit is important in life.
    Ans. Wit is important because it helps us face challenges with intelligence and humour. A witty person can solve problems quickly, avoid conflicts, and make others happy. Wit is not just about being funny but also about being wise and practical.

    Summary of the Lesson

    The Wit that Won Hearts is about Tenali Rama, a witty courtier in the court of Krishnadeva Raya. While other courtiers only flattered the king, Tenali Rama used his cleverness and humour to entertain and teach lessons. The king valued him because he made the court lively, solved problems wisely, and “won the hearts” of people. The story highlights that intelligence combined with humour is more powerful than flattery or empty praise.

    Lesson 2: A Concrete Example – Reginald Arkell

    Before the Text

    Q1. What does the word ‘concrete’ mean in the title?
    Ans. It has two meanings – (i) building material, and (ii) something real and solid, not just an idea. The poet uses it humorously with both meanings.

    Q2. What do you think the poem is about?
    Ans. About a man who fell on concrete and became a “concrete example” for others.

    Let Us Discuss

    Q1. What happened to the man in the poem?
    Ans. He slipped and fell on the hard concrete road.

    Q2. Why did people call him a “concrete example”?
    Ans. Because he fell on concrete and became a real-life example of carelessness.

    Q3. How is humour created in the poem?
    Ans. Through the pun on the word “concrete,” light tone, and exaggeration of a simple fall.

    Q4. Why do you think the poet wrote such a short and simple poem?
    Ans. To give a quick humorous lesson that carelessness leads to accidents.

    Let Us Think and Reflect

    Extract 1

    Q1. What does “this is a concrete example” mean?
    Ans. It means both literally (falling on concrete) and figuratively (a lesson for others).

    Q2. Why do you think the poet used very simple words?
    Ans. To make the humour clear and easy for everyone to understand.

    Q3. What is the tone of the poem?
    Ans. Light, humorous, and playful.

    Comprehension Questions

    Q1. What is the central idea of the poem?
    Ans. Carelessness can lead to accidents, and we can learn lessons even from small incidents.

    Q2. What is the pun in the poem?
    Ans. The word “concrete” is used both as a noun (the road surface) and as an adjective (a real example).

    Q3. How does the poem show wit?
    Ans. By using wordplay and humour to turn a simple accident into a funny lesson.

    Vocabulary & Language Work

    Q1. Write synonyms of ‘example’.
    Ans. Model, illustration, case, instance.

    Q2. Write antonyms of:

    • Careless × Careful

    • Hard × Soft

    • Fall × Rise

    • Real × Imaginary

    Writing Task

    Q1. Write two humorous lines like the poem, using wordplay.
    Ans.

    1. He burned his tongue on hot soup, a spicy example of impatience.

    2. She tripped on the stairs, a stepping example of carelessness.

    Summary of the Poem

    A Concrete Example is a short humorous poem by Reginald Arkell. It describes a careless man who slipped and fell on a concrete road. The poet cleverly plays on the word “concrete” – the man fell on concrete and also became a real-life “concrete example” of carelessness. With wit and humour, the poem teaches us to be careful and shows how even small incidents can be lessons.

    Lesson 3: Wisdom Paves the Way – Play (The Four Young Men and the King of Ujjain)

    Before the Text

    Q1. What do you mean by wisdom?
    Ans. Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge, experience, and good judgment to make the right decisions.

    Q2. How is wisdom different from knowledge?
    Ans. Knowledge is information or facts; wisdom is knowing how to use that knowledge wisely in life.

    Let Us Discuss

    Q1. Who were the four young men?
    Ans. They were poor but ambitious Brahmin youths who wanted to learn special skills to improve their lives.

    Q2. What did they learn?
    Ans. Three of them mastered sciences like creating life and using powers, while the fourth one was wise though less educated.

    Q3. Why did they set out to show their learning?
    Ans. To prove their knowledge, gain recognition, and use their skills.

    Q4. What happened in the forest?
    Ans. The three learned men decided to test their powers on the bones of a dead lion.

    Let Us Think and Reflect

    Extract 1

    Q1. What was the first man’s contribution?
    Ans. He collected the bones and arranged them properly.

    Q2. What did the second man do?
    Ans. He used his science to add flesh and skin to the bones.

    Q3. What was the third man about to do?
    Ans. He wanted to bring the lion back to life.

    Q4. Why did the fourth man stop them?
    Ans. Because he was wise enough to see the danger in reviving a lion.

    Extract 2

    Q1. What did the wise man do while the others worked?
    Ans. He quickly climbed up a tree to save himself from danger.

    Q2. What happened when the lion came to life?
    Ans. The lion killed the three foolish men.

    Q3. What lesson does the play teach?
    Ans. That wisdom is more important than mere knowledge or skill.

    Comprehension Questions

    Q1. Why did the three young men lack wisdom?
    Ans. Because they were blinded by pride in their knowledge and didn’t think of consequences.

    Q2. How did the fourth young man show wisdom?
    Ans. By warning the others and saving himself by climbing the tree.

    Q3. What is the main difference between knowledge and wisdom in the story?
    Ans. Knowledge helped create life, but wisdom prevented foolish actions and saved a life.

    Q4. Why is the play called “Wisdom Paves the Way”?
    Ans. Because wisdom guided the fourth man safely while the others perished due to lack of it.

    Vocabulary & Language Work

    Q1. Find antonyms:

    • Wise × Foolish

    • Alive × Dead

    • Friend × Enemy

    • Safe × Unsafe

    Q2. Fill in blanks with correct words:

    1. The students were full of pride in their knowledge.

    2. Only wisdom can prevent misuse of power.

    3. He quickly climbed up the tree.

    4. The lion killed the three men.

    Writing Task

    Q1. Write a short paragraph on why wisdom is more valuable than knowledge.
    Ans. Wisdom is more valuable than knowledge because knowledge gives us power, but wisdom tells us how to use that power rightly. Without wisdom, knowledge can be dangerous, as shown in the story where three learned men lost their lives, but the wise man survived.

    Summary of the Play

    Wisdom Paves the Way is a play about four young Brahmins. Three of them had great knowledge of sciences but no wisdom, while the fourth had little learning but much wisdom. To test their skills, the three tried to bring a dead lion back to life. The wise man warned them but was ignored. As the lion came alive, it killed the three, but the wise man saved himself by climbing a tree. The play teaches that knowledge without wisdom is dangerous, and true wisdom is the path to safety and success.

  • Unit – 5, Class 7th English, Poorvi, NCERT

    Bravehearts

    Lesson 1: A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers

    Before the Text

    Q1. Whom should every Indian pay homage to?
    Ans. Our brave soldiers who defend the nation.

    Q2. Write ways to celebrate their victories and honour their sacrifices.

    Celebrating Victories Honouring Sacrifices
    Visiting war memorials Observing Silence on Martyrs’ Day
    Organising parades Supporting families of martyrs
    Singing patriotic songs Building monuments/memorials

    Let Us Discuss

    Q1. Complete the table of war heroes.

    Name of the War Hero Contribution and Achievement Award Given
    Major Somnath Sharma Battle of Badgam (1947) First Param Vir Chakra (PVC) posthumously
    Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla Sacrificed his life in 1971 war as a Navy officer Maha Vir Chakra (MVC)
    Lance Naik Albert Ekka Displayed courage in 1971 war at Gangasagar Param Vir Chakra (PVC) posthumously
    Major Padmapani Acharya Kargil War (1999), showed leadership despite injury Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) posthumously

    Q2. Sentences that evoke feelings:

    1. Wonder – “29,000 tablets with more than 26,000 names…”

    2. Heartening – “Government has recognised the sacrifice of brave soldiers…”

    3. Motivation – “I aspire to be courageous like him when I join the army!”

    4. Pride – “It truly is a majestic site that filled me with pride…”

    5. Visually inspiring – “Lighting design transforms the landscape from dawn to dusk.”

    6. Sadness – “The discourses brought tears to my eyes…”

    7. Gratitude – “Freedom and security we enjoy today is because of soldiers.”

    8. Inspiration – “It motivated me to live a life worthy of the sacrifices of our heroes.”

    Q3. Which is India’s highest gallantry award?
    Ans. The Param Vir Chakra (PVC).

    Q4. How would Ananda feel after reading Soumya’s letter?
    Ans. Inspired, proud, and motivated to serve the nation.

    Q5. Did Soumya enjoy writing the letter? Why?
    Ans. Yes, because she shared her heartfelt emotions and inspiring experience of the National War Memorial.

    Think and Reflect (Extracts)

    Extract 1:
    (i) flame: valour :: wreath: respect
    (ii) Lighting design changes the monument’s look and makes it visually appealing.
    (iii) “It truly is a majestic site” → opinion.
    (iv) Everlasting flame suggests eternal stories of courage.
    (v) Tone → Admiring (C).

    Extract 2:
    (i) “I have heard a lot about it.”
    (ii) Because memorials often look like monuments/statues.
    (iii) commemorate
    (iv) “In my view, it is also an expression of deep gratitude…”
    (v) Because they sacrifice their lives to defend the country.

    Comprehension Qs

    Q1. What is the significance of the National War Memorial?
    Ans. It honours fallen soldiers, reminds us of the cost of freedom, and inspires patriotism.

    Q2. How did Lance Naik Albert Ekka display courage?
    Ans. Despite being wounded, he attacked enemy bunkers, silenced machine guns, and sacrificed his life.

    Q3. How is the War Memorial app useful?
    Ans. It provides interactive information, murals, and stories in 21 languages to spread awareness.

    Q4. Why is it our duty to pay homage to soldiers?
    Ans. Because our freedom and safety exist due to their sacrifices.

    Q5. How does the title “A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers” fit?
    Ans. The text shows gratitude and respect for bravehearts through Soumya’s and Ananda’s letters.

    Q6. Why were students awestruck and humbled?
    Ans. They realised the courage of soldiers and the heavy sacrifices made for the nation.

    ✨ Lesson 2: My Dear Soldiers – Poem by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

    Let Us Discuss

    Q1. Complete the summary.

    1. land

    2. borders

    3. scorching

    4. lonely

    5. deserts

    6. youth

    7. feat

    Q2. Theme of poem?
    Ans. (i) Patriotism & sacrifice.

    Q3. Tone of poem?
    Ans. Respectful, grateful, prayerful. (iv & v)

    Q4. Poetic Devices:

    1. Imagery – Shows soldiers in deserts, marshes, seas.

    2. Simile – Soldiers compared to yogis.

    3. Metaphor – Wind chimes as symbols of respect.

    4. Repetition – Emphasises the bond between soldiers and people.

    5. Alliteration – “season or snowy,” creates musical effect.

    Think and Reflect (Extract)

    1. Opposites – asleep/awake, windy/snowy, hot/cold.

    2. Refers to soldiers’ commitment to duty.

    3. True.

    4. “Windy season or snowy days or scorching sun’s sweltering rays.”

    5. Quality → Dedication.

    Short Answers

    Q1. Who is the speaker?
    Ans. The poet, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

    Q2. How is theme conveyed through imagery?
    Ans. Through pictures of soldiers in deserts, seas, marshes, mountains.

    Q3. How does the poet highlight commitment?
    Ans. By showing soldiers guarding in all terrains and weathers.

    Q4. What does “prime of your youth” mean?
    Ans. Soldiers sacrifice the best years of their life for the nation.

    Q5. Why should we pray for soldiers?
    Ans. For their safety, strength, and blessings as they protect the nation selflessly.

    Lesson 3: Rani Abbakka (Play)

    Let Us Discuss

    Q1. Match words with meanings (Pg. 213):

    • vassal → state under another

    • coronation → ceremony of making king/queen

    • successor → one who follows another

    • rash → careless

    • sovereign → independent country

    • league → partnership

    • wrath → anger

    • seize → capture

    • resolve → determination

    • raged → happened violently

    • decisive → effective in decision-making

    • apprehended → caught

    • dauntless → fearless

    • avenge → take revenge

    Q2. Cause–Effect Table

    1. Ullal captured → had to pay tribute.

    2. Rani’s marriage decision → husband thought it hasty.

    3. Veera Narsimha ordered soldiers → to stop Abbakka.

    4. Rajas refused support → feared Portuguese power.

    5. Portuguese attacked Ullal → Abbakka retaliated.

    Think and Reflect

    Extract

    1. Tribute = tax/payment.

    2. Because Ullal was independent.

    3. True.

    4. Replace defied → disobeyed.

    5. Qualities → Bold, capable, determined (i, iii, v).

    Short Qs

    1. Mother felt proud and reassured by Abbakka’s courage.

    2. Support shows loyalty and faith in Abbakka’s leadership.

    3. People felt proud and relieved when Portuguese were defeated.

    4. Abbakka’s victory inspired others to resist foreign powers.

    Unit 5 Summary

    • A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers – Through Soumya’s and Ananda’s letters, students learn about the National War Memorial and gallant heroes like Major Somnath Sharma, Albert Ekka, and Padmapani Acharya.

    • My Dear Soldiers – Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s heartfelt poem praises soldiers’ sacrifices, dedication, and courage in every terrain and season.

    • Rani Abbakka – The fearless queen of Ullal who fought the Portuguese, showing courage, leadership, and patriotism.

  • Unit – 4, Class 7th English, Poorvi, NCERT

    Lesson – 1 The Tunnel – Ruskin Bond

    Before the Text (Pg. 139–140)

    Q1. What kind of an adventure activity would you like to be a part of?
    Ans. (Personal response – Example:) Trekking in the mountains because it combines nature and adventure.

    Q2. How would you like to spend your weekends?
    Ans. (Example:) (i) Trying new activities, (ii) Learning something new.

    Q3. Which places would you prefer to explore?
    Ans. (Example:) (i) Dense forests and clear streams.

    Q4. Which activity would you prefer to do?
    Ans. (Example:) (i) Climbing a mountain or exploring a jungle.

    Q5. What do you think about teamwork?
    Ans. (Example:) (ii) I enjoy working with others.

    Let Us Discuss (Pg. 144, 148)

    Q1. Suraj compares the train to a magical creature. Pick the phrases.
    Ans. “Snorting and puffing like some green, black, and gold dragon” and “some beautiful monster out of Suraj’s dreams.”

    Q2. Suraj knew the train was close by because…
    Ans. He heard a sound like distant thunder coming from the tunnel.

    Q3. What did Suraj see inside the tunnel?
    Ans. Smoke, darkness, a bat, and a lizard scuttling between the lines.

    Q4. What does Sunder Singh convey about the tunnel?
    Ans. He says he has lent it to the Government.

    Q5. Complete the flow chart (watchman’s system).

    • Walks the length of the tunnel

    • (i) If all clear → returns to hut

    • (ii) Hangs his lamp at the door

    • (iii) Goes to take a nap

    • (iv) If danger found → walks back up the line

    • (v) Waves his lamp to warn the locomotive driver

    Q1. Sunder Singh knew that the leopard was in the tunnel because…
    Ans. He heard a rhythmic sawing sound that leopards make.

    Q2. Why was Suraj unable to do any shouting in the tunnel?
    Ans. (i) He was afraid of the leopard.

    Q3. What made the leopard disappear into the darkness?
    Ans. The combined shouting of Sunder Singh and Suraj.

    Q4. How did Suraj know Sunder Singh was at the tunnel?
    Ans. He saw the lamp hanging outside even though he couldn’t see the watchman.

    Q5. Why did Suraj’s father take him along to Delhi?
    Ans. So that Suraj could learn something about his father’s business.

    Let Us Think and Reflect (Pg. 149–150)

    Extract 1

    1. Statement: Suraj looked back at the tunnel to check if the train was coming. – False.

    2. Suraj did not stop in the tunnel because – A. there was nothing to see in the tunnel.

    3. Meaning of “Till then, the cutting belonged to the jungle again.” – It means the jungle regains its silence and control until the next train comes.

    4. Suraj’s character trait – Curiosity/adventure-loving nature.

    Extract 2

    1. Watchman’s concern – The leopard might be run over by the train.

    2. Why leopard would not attack – Because it knew him well.

    3. True sentences: B, C, D, E.

    4. Sunder Singh decides to take his axe → He was cautious.

    Short/Long Answer Qs

    Q1. What does Sunder Singh mean by lending his tunnel to the Government?
    Ans. He feels a personal connection with the tunnel as its caretaker, but officially it belongs to the Government.

    Q2. Why does he say forest is safer than the town?
    Ans. Because he was almost run over by a bus in town. This shows his comfort and belonging to the jungle.

    Q3. How has he become part of the jungle life?
    Ans. He knows its animals, is unafraid of them, and lives in harmony with nature.

    Q4. What draws Suraj and Sunder Singh together?
    Ans. Their shared love for adventure, nature, and the thrilling experience of the tunnel.

    Q5. Why is Sunder Singh called a “firefly”?
    Ans. Because his lamp lights up the darkness for trains and travelers like a firefly.

    Q6. Do you think Suraj is adventure-loving? Give reasons.
    Ans. Yes. He goes to the jungle alone, explores the tunnel, and bravely accompanies Sunder Singh to face the leopard.

    Lesson 2: Travel – Edna St. Vincent Millay

    Before the Text (Pg. 154)

    Q1. Why do people travel?
    Ans. To explore new places, enjoy nature, meet new people, and learn different cultures.

    Q2. Do you like traveling? Why?
    Ans. Yes, because it gives adventure, relaxation, and new experiences.

    Q3. How do you prefer to travel?
    Ans. (Personal – Example:) By train because it is comfortable and allows me to see landscapes.

    Q4. Would you rather travel alone or with friends/family? Why?
    Ans. (Example:) With family, because we can share experiences and have fun together.

    Let Us Discuss (Pg. 156–157)

    Q1. What is the main desire expressed in the poem?
    Ans. The poet wants to leave everyday routine and go on a journey with the passing train.

    Q2. What kind of life is the poet tired of?
    Ans. A monotonous life full of duties, responsibilities, and repetition.

    Q3. What does the poet want instead?
    Ans. She wants freedom, adventure, and to see distant places by traveling.

    Q4. What does the train symbolize in the poem?
    Ans. It symbolizes escape, adventure, and the possibility of new experiences.

    Q5. Why does the poet say “My heart is warm with friends I make”?
    Ans. Because traveling allows meeting new people and forming friendships.

    Q6. Pick three images of movement in the poem.
    Ans. “The longing for the sea’s far reaches,” “The curving sky,” “The ringing of the train.”

    Q7. Why does the poet repeat the word “away”?
    Ans. To stress her strong desire to escape routine life and go far away.

    Let Us Think and Reflect (Pg. 158–159)

    Extract 1

    Q1. What is the meaning of “I hear the wind a-blowing”?
    Ans. It means the poet imagines the sound of the wind calling her to adventure.

    Q2. Why does the poet want to leave?
    Ans. Because she feels restless and wants a break from routine life.

    Q3. Pick the phrase showing the world is wide and inviting.
    Ans. “The curving sky.”

    Q4. The tone of the poet here is…
    Ans. Longing and restless.

    Extract 2

    Q1. Why does the poet say “my heart is warm”?
    Ans. Because she feels joy at the thought of traveling and meeting new people.

    Q2. What are the poet’s feelings in this extract?
    Ans. Hopeful and excited about the possibilities of travel.

    Q3. Which line shows she is ready to start at once?
    Ans. “I am tired of my room and the crowded street.”

    Q4. Tone of this extract is…
    Ans. Excited and hopeful.

    Short/Long Answer Qs

    Q1. What is the central theme of the poem?
    Ans. The human desire for travel, adventure, and freedom from monotony.

    Q2. How does the poet express her restlessness?
    Ans. By repeating “away,” describing wind, ringing train, and curving sky.

    Q3. What does travel mean for the poet?
    Ans. It means escape, joy, freedom, and meeting new people.

    Q4. Why is this poem suitable for “Travel and Adventure”?
    Ans. Because it celebrates the thrill of leaving routine life to explore the world.

    Poetic Devices

    Q1. Identify examples of alliteration.
    Ans. “wind a-blowing,” “sea’s far reaches.”

    Q2. Identify imagery in the poem.
    Ans. Visual imagery: “curving sky,” “crowded street.”
    Auditory imagery: “wind a-blowing,” “ringing of the train.”

    Q3. Rhyme scheme of the poem?
    Ans. Irregular rhyme; mainly free verse.

    Summary of the Poem

    In Travel, Edna St. Vincent Millay expresses a deep desire to leave her ordinary life and travel far away with the passing train. She hears the call of the wind and the ringing train, which symbolize freedom and adventure. She longs for wide skies, the sea, and new friendships. The poem highlights restlessness, curiosity, and the human longing to explore beyond routine life.

    Lesson 3: Conquering the Summit – Arunima Sinha’s Story

    Before the Text (Pg. 161–162)

    Q1. What do you feel when you hear about Mount Everest?
    Ans. A sense of awe, challenge, and admiration for climbers who conquer it.

    Q2. Name some qualities needed to climb a mountain.
    Ans. Courage, determination, physical strength, mental toughness, and teamwork.

    Q3. Do you think climbing Everest is easy? Why/Why not?
    Ans. No, because it requires intense training, survival skills, and the ability to face extreme weather.

    Let Us Discuss (Pg. 165–166)

    Q1. What happened to Arunima in 2011?
    Ans. She was pushed out of a moving train by robbers and lost her left leg.

    Q2. How did she react to her disability?
    Ans. She decided not to give up, trained hard, and chose to climb Mount Everest.

    Q3. Who trained her for mountaineering?
    Ans. Bachendri Pal, the first Indian woman to climb Everest.

    Q4. What challenges did she face during her climb?
    Ans. Harsh weather, fatigue, lack of oxygen, injury pain, and danger of avalanches.

    Q5. What was her greatest achievement?
    Ans. She became the first woman amputee in the world to climb Mount Everest (2013).

    Let Us Think and Reflect (Pg. 167–168)

    Extract 1

    Q1. Why was the incident shocking?
    Ans. Because losing a leg suddenly changed her life completely.

    Q2. How did Arunima turn tragedy into opportunity?
    Ans. By setting a bigger goal—to climb Everest—and working towards it.

    Q3. Which phrase shows her positive mindset?
    Ans. “I will turn my weakness into my strength.”

    Extract 2

    Q1. Why did Arunima dedicate her climb to differently-abled people?
    Ans. To inspire them to believe that nothing is impossible.

    Q2. What made her journey inspiring?
    Ans. Her courage, hard work, and determination despite being an amputee.

    Q3. What values can we learn from her?
    Ans. Perseverance, courage, resilience, and the power of positive thinking.

    Short/Long Answer Qs

    Q1. How did Arunima’s disability change her life’s path?
    Ans. It gave her a new mission to prove that even with disability one can achieve the impossible.

    Q2. What role did Bachendri Pal play in her journey?
    Ans. She trained Arunima in mountaineering and motivated her to pursue Everest.

    Q3. Why is Arunima a role model?
    Ans. Because she showed that with determination, one can overcome any challenge.

    Q4. What message does her story give us?
    Ans. That obstacles can become opportunities, and hard work leads to success.

    Activities (Pg. 169–170)

    Q1. What government schemes support differently-abled people?
    Ans. Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, ADIP Scheme (Assistive Devices), Scholarships for differently-abled students, Skill Development schemes.

    Q2. Imagine you are Arunima writing in your diary after the climb. Write a short entry.

    Sample Diary Entry:
    “Today, standing at the top of Mount Everest, I feel tears of joy. The pain of losing my leg has turned into strength. I dedicate this climb to all differently-abled people. Nothing is impossible if we believe in ourselves. This moment is proof that determination conquers all.”

    Summary of the Lesson

    Conquering the Summit is the inspiring story of Arunima Sinha, who lost her leg in a train accident in 2011 but chose not to give up. Instead, she trained in mountaineering under Bachendri Pal and, in 2013, became the first woman amputee to climb Mount Everest. Her courage, determination, and positive mindset made her an icon of resilience. She dedicated her achievement to differently-abled people, proving that no obstacle is too great when one has the will to succeed.

    Unit 4 – Final Summary

    • The Tunnel (Ruskin Bond): Adventure of Suraj and watchman Sunder Singh, facing fear in the jungle and tunnel.

    • Travel (Edna St. Vincent Millay): A lyrical poem about the desire to escape routine and explore new places.

    • Conquering the Summit (Arunima Sinha): Real-life story of courage and determination, proving “disability is not inability.”

  • Unit – 3, Class 7th English, Poorvi, NCERT

    Dreams and Discoveries

    Lesson 1: My Brother’s Great Invention (Prose)

    Before the Text

    Q1. I am a concept invented by ancient Indian mathematicians. Without me, modern calculations would be impossible. Who am I?
    Ans. Zero.

    Q2. I am an ancient Indian practice, now popular worldwide. I focus on physical and mental well-being. What am I?
    Ans. Yoga.

    Q3. What would the world be like without inventions and discoveries?
    Ans. Life would be difficult and limited; we wouldn’t have electricity, transport, medicine, or communication.

    Q4. Fill the grid with qualities of an inventor.
    Ans. Creative, Curious, Determined, Imaginative, Innovative, Risk-taking.

    Let Us Discuss

    Q1. Complete the cause-and-effect table.

    Cause Effect
    Anand set up his burglar alarm to work when the door opened softly. Papa was soaked and got angry.
    Anita avoided responsibility. Anand alone faced consequences.
    They watched Back to the Future. Anand was inspired to make a time machine.
    Papa said “NO” to the time machine. Anand felt crestfallen but still believed in it.

    Q2. Did Anand keep his promise not to use the time machine?
    Ans. No. He tried to use it secretly when his parents went out.

    Q3. Arrange events in correct order.

    1. Anita wakes Anand, hearing someone at the door.

    2. The door swings open; Boppa enters.

    3. Anand misleads Boppa into his room.

    4. Strange noises come from the time machine.

    5. Mrs. Sharma, her husband, and Dr. Mohan unlock the door.

    6. Boppa disappears; only his green scarf is found.

    Let Us Think and Reflect

    Extract 1

    1. When Anita says “let me put you in the picture,” what does she mean?
      Ans. She wants to introduce the situation to the readers.

    2. What does “tinkering” mean?
      Ans. Dismantling and creating or improving gadgets.

    3. Which trait suits Anand best?
      Ans. Creative and experimental.

    4. Compare Anita’s view of Anand with his own view.
      Ans. Anita thinks Anand is bothersome and careless. Anand thinks he is a scientist and genius.

    Extract 2

    1. Why was Anita angry with Anand?
      Ans. Because he misled the thief into his own room.

    2. Which action shows Anand’s presence of mind?
      Ans. Diverting the thief to buy time to think of a plan.

    3. Cause of strange noises?
      Ans. Anand’s time machine getting activated.

    4. Atmosphere of the scene?
      Ans. C. Tense and suspenseful.

    Character Traits Table

    Character Traits Evidence
    Anand Bothersome Gets on Papa’s nerves with inventions.
    Anand Creative Loves tinkering with gadgets.
    Anand Confident Says, “Nothing will go wrong this time.”
    Anita Responsible “We’re old enough to look after ourselves.”
    Anita Curious “But how does the alarm know…?”
    Anita Careful “Now clean up this mess before anyone gets home.”

    Onomatopoeia Matching

    • Crash → sudden loud sound of breaking

    • Humming → continuous low and soothing sound

    • Hissed → whispered angrily

    • Hammering, sawing, clattering → constant loud construction noises

    Comprehension Qs

    Q1. What prompted Anand to create the burglar alarm?
    Ans. A series of thefts in the colony.

    Q2. How did Papa become the target of the alarm?
    Ans. He opened the door softly, which triggered the alarm.

    Q3. How did family react to Anand’s inventions?
    Ans. Papa got angry, Ma felt concerned, Anita was cautious, but Anand remained confident.

    Q4. How was Anand during inventing binges?
    Ans. Restless, noisy, and careless, dismantling household items.

    Q5. Why did Mr. Sharma not believe Anand?
    Ans. Because time machines seemed imaginary and impossible.

    Q6. What might have happened to Boppa?
    Ans. Either he escaped unnoticed or was transported by the time machine.

    Lesson 2: Paper Boats (Rabindranath Tagore – Poem)

    Q1. Complete the summary.

    1. Stream

    2. Village

    3. Strange

    4. Shiuli

    5. Night

    6. Clouds

    7. Float

    8. Dreams

    Q2. Theme of the poem?
    Ans. Innocence, imagination, playfulness. (Option iv: 1, 2, 4)

    Q3. The setting is a natural, outdoor environment. True or False?
    Ans. True.

    Q4. Tone and mood?
    Ans. Gentle and wishful; Thoughtful.

    Q5. Examples of alliteration.
    Ans. “Blooms of the dawn,” “Fairies of sleep.”

    Q6. Fill in blanks.

    • Repetition: “Day by day” and “one by one.”

    • Imagery: “White bulging sails” and “midnight stars.”

    Think and Reflect

    Q1. Why does the poet write his personal details?
    Ans. So strangers who find the boats may know him.

    Q2. How does the poet show child’s imagination?
    Ans. By imagining clouds as playmates and fairies sailing his boats.

    Q3. How does imagination and reality mix?
    Ans. The real paper boats float on the stream; imagination makes them carry flowers, dreams, and fairies.

    Lesson 3: North, South, East, West (Travel Postcards – C.G. Salamander)

    Table of Shaana’s Travels

    Place Activities / Description
    Thajiwas Glacier, Kashmir White and blue ice, snowball fights.
    Himachal Pradesh Birds chirping, mountains, bears (or Appa’s snoring!).
    Arunachal Pradesh Thick forests, treehouse, hope to see red pandas.
    Sundarbans, West Bengal Wetlands, mangroves, crocodiles, snake, flooding.
    Gujarat (Desert) Hot, colourful clothes, surprise test.
    Narmada River Rafting adventure, fast scary waters.
    Goa Plateaus, hills, tunnels, beaches.
    Chennai & Puducherry Surfing, rough waves.
    Olaikaadu Beach Diving, collecting pebbles.

    Think and Reflect

    Q1. Why was Amma sad about Sundarbans?
    Ans. Because frequent floods affected the land and people.

    Q2. Which line shows Shaana’s nervousness?
    Ans. “I hope crocodiles and the lonely snake don’t follow us home.”

    Q3. Assertion/Reason about missing friends.
    Ans. A. Both are true, and reason correctly explains assertion.

    Q4. Feeling when Shaana says “I never knew such a place existed”?
    Ans. D. Wonder.

    Q5. Why did Shaana stay awake in Goa?
    Ans. She loved looking out at the plateaus.

    Q6. Change in attitude towards tunnels?
    Ans. From fear to comfort (Option A).

    Q7. What do her observations on snow and flooding show?
    Ans. Signs of climate change and environmental concerns.

    Q8. What does her travel show about India?
    Ans. Diversity of landscapes – glaciers, deserts, wetlands, plateaus, beaches.

    Q9. What might Shaana have learnt from her travels?
    Ans. Curiosity, respect for nature, geography of India, and cultural diversity.

    Q10. Why presented as postcards?
    Ans. To make it personal, lively, and show a child’s voice.

    Summary

    • My Brother’s Great Invention – Anand’s failed burglar alarm and time machine bring humour and suspense, showing creativity and risks of inventions.

    • Paper Boats – Tagore celebrates childhood imagination, innocence, and the blending of dreams with reality.

    • North, South, East, West – Shaana’s postcards highlight India’s geographical and cultural diversity through travel experiences.

  • Unit – 2, Class 7th English, Poorvi, NCERT

    Wit and Humour – Question Answers

    Lesson 1: Animals, Birds and Dr. Dolittle (by Hugh Lofting)

    Before the Text (Pg. 43)

    Q1. Do you have a pet or domestic animal? If yes, why? If not, why not?
    Ans. (Personal response – Example:) Yes, I have a pet dog because it keeps me happy and gives company.

    Q2. How do people usually spend time with a pet?
    Ans. By feeding, playing, walking, and caring for them.

    Q3. If you could communicate with an animal, which would you choose and why?
    Ans. I would choose a bird like a parrot, because it can fly and tell me about the skies.

    Let Us Discuss (Pg. 46)

    Q1. Why did the Cat’s-food-Man suggest Dr. Dolittle become an animal doctor?
    Ans. Because Dr. Dolittle knew more about animals than the local veterinarians.

    Q2. Dr. Dolittle reacted to Polynesia’s information with excitement and ____________.
    Ans. Curiosity; he rushed to write the bird words in his book.

    Q3. Do you think Dr. Dolittle would be famous as an animal doctor? Why?
    Ans. Yes, because he could understand animal languages and treat them correctly.

    Let Us Discuss (Pg. 49)

    Q1. What became a common sight in Puddleby?
    Ans. Farm animals wearing spectacles.

    Q2. What challenges might Dr. Dolittle face with more animals coming?
    Ans. Overcrowding and difficulty in attending to all animals.
    How to overcome? By organising special doors and giving each animal personal attention.

    Q3. Arrange events in correct order.

    1. A man suggests Dolittle treat animals.

    2. Polynesia reveals animals can talk.

    3. Polynesia teaches Dolittle animal language.

    4. Dolittle gives up being a people’s doctor.

    5. A horse asks for green spectacles.

    6. Animals find Dolittle can understand them.

    7. Special doors are made for animals.

    8. Animals from all over come to him.

    9. Dolittle becomes world-famous.

    Let Us Think and Reflect (Pg. 50–52)

    Extract 1

    (i) “Good Gracious!” can be replaced by gosh!
    (ii) Polynesia never used bird language earlier because Dolittle wouldn’t have understood.
    (iii) True – Polynesia was eating cracker crumbs.
    (iv) Dolittle felt surprised.

    Extract 2

    (i) digging: flower bed :: ploughing: field
    (ii) Dolittle’s attitude was understanding.
    (iii) Doctors take animals for granted because animals cannot complain.
    (iv) Yes, it takes more cleverness to treat animals because they can’t explain their illness in human words.

    Short/Long Answer Qs

    Q1. How was Polynesia a good trainer?
    Ans. She patiently taught Dolittle bird language and explained animal gestures.

    Q2. How did Dolittle give equal attention to each animal?
    Ans. By creating special doors for each kind and listening carefully to their problems.

    Q3. What does his readiness to follow Polynesia’s advice show?
    Ans. It shows open-mindedness and respect for different viewpoints.

    Q4. Which qualities made Dolittle famous?
    Ans. Kindness, patience, intelligence, and ability to understand animals.

    Q5. What if humans could understand animal language?
    Ans. It would improve animal welfare, reduce cruelty, and strengthen human–animal bonds.

    Lesson 2: A Funny Man (Poem by Natalie Joan)

    Let Us Discuss (Pg. 61)

    Q1. Identify true statements.

    1. True

    2. False – he was polite.

    3. True

    4. True

    5. False – he gave a bun, not a rose.

    6. True

    Q2. Word meanings:

    1. Currant (a seedless raisin)

    2. Staggered (moved unsteadily)

    Q3. Complete sentences.

    1. Tone – Humorous, because the man’s actions are silly but amusing.

    2. Rhyme scheme – AABB, gives a musical quality.

    3. Word ‘funny’ is repeated to stress humour.

    Q4. Correct answers:

    1. Humorous and nonsensical

    2. Monologue

    3. Alliteration

    Q5. Reorder line:
    “But never had I seen before / Such a funny sounding sight.” → Correct order: But I had never seen before / Such a funny sounding sight.

    Let Us Think and Reflect (Pg. 62–63)

    Extract 1
    (i) He called her ‘Your Highness’ to be funny and polite.
    (ii) “Allow me to present” shows polite request.
    (iii) Correct option: Image of a currant bun.
    (iv) Poet says “Well!” in surprise because the bun was presented as a rose.

    Extract 2
    (i) “You never heard in all your life / Such a funny feeling sound.”
    (ii) Poet calls him ‘my friend’ because he seemed harmless and friendly.
    (iii) His hopping home on his head shows he was carefree and whimsical.
    (iv) Last line makes readers feel cheerful.

    Short/Long Answer Qs

    Q1. Which trait of the funny man is most appealing?
    Ans. His playfulness and creativity in doing unusual things.

    Q2. How does his unusual behaviour affect the mood?
    Ans. It makes the poem light, humorous, and entertaining.

    Q3. Suggest an alternative title.
    Ans. “The Man Who Wore Shoes on His Head” – because it highlights his silliness.

    Q4. Why did the poet include dialogues?
    Ans. To make the poem lively and conversational.

    Q5. What message does the poet convey?
    Ans. Life can be fun and joyful if we add humour and imagination.

    Lesson 3: Say the Right Thing (Play by G.C. Thornley)

    Let Us Discuss (Scene I, Pg. 73)

    Q1. Fill the table.

    Speaker Words Reason
    Mrs. Shaw “Put that coat away.” To keep the room tidy.
    Mary “I’m not a child.” To show annoyance.
    Mrs. Shaw “Be kind, say pleasant things.” To guide Mary in politeness.

    Q2. Will Mary follow her mother’s advice?
    Ans. No, because she is careless and speaks without thinking.

    Let Us Discuss (Scene II, Pg. 77)

    Q1. Rectify false statements.

    1. Correct: Mrs. Harding liked Lanfield very much.

    2. Wrong: Mrs. Harding had no children, but Mary thought she did.

    3. Wrong: Mrs. Best read newspapers, but Mary mocked bankers.

    4. Wrong: Mrs. Shaw defended blue dresses and red coats.

    5. Wrong: Mary disliked the dog, which turned out to be Harding’s.

    Let Us Think and Reflect (Pg. 78–79)

    Extract 1
    (i) Answer: C. She wants Mary to develop social skills.
    (ii) They are discussing how to have a polite conversation.
    (iii) Mary wanted to show she could talk well.
    (iv) Mary – eager; Mrs. Shaw – cautious.

    Extract 2
    (i) Mary saw Mrs. Cotter because she stayed in bed in the mornings and came out later.
    (ii) Mary’s comment shows she cannot understand why people need doctors.
    (iii) She enjoyed good health because she never needed a doctor.
    (iv) True – she offended Mrs. Harding unintentionally.

    Short/Long Answer Qs

    Q1. What does Mary’s view on bankers reveal?
    Ans. She thought bankers lived dull lives, always busy with trains and newspapers.

    Q2. What do her interactions reveal about polite conversation?
    Ans. That she lacked sensitivity and often embarrassed others.

    Q3. What does repeated “no one speaks” show?
    Ans. Awkward silences caused by Mary’s blunders.

    Q4. How does Mary’s attitude change?
    Ans. She starts confident but ends embarrassed after many mistakes.

    Q5. What do Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee’s responses show?
    Ans. They were patient, polite, and tried not to hurt Mary.

    Q6. What lesson does the play teach?
    Ans. The importance of speaking kindly and politely in society.

    Summary

    • In Animals, Birds and Dr. Dolittle, humour arises from Dolittle learning animal languages and curing them in funny ways.

    • In A Funny Man, humour comes from absurd and playful behaviour.

    • In Say the Right Thing, humour is created by Mary’s innocent but rude mistakes in conversation.

  • Unit – 1, Class 7th English, Poorvi, NCERT

    The Day the River Spoke – Question Answers

    Before the Text (Pg. 1)

    Q1. Are the sounds around us trying to tell you something?
    Ans. Yes, sounds of nature communicate feelings—for example, chirping birds show joy, wind suggests movement, and water gives peace.

    Q2. Do you think the things around you also listen to you all day long?
    Ans. Yes, in a way. Nature responds to us—trees give shade, rivers flow, and animals react to our presence.

    Q3. What could Jahnavi’s dream be?
    Ans. Jahnavi’s dream was to go to school and study like her siblings.

    Q4. How could Jahnavi make her dream come true?
    Ans. She could bravely go to school herself and show her interest to the teacher.

    Q5. What is your dream? What can you do to make your dream come true?
    Ans. (Personal response—example:) My dream is to become a teacher. I will work hard, study well, and stay determined to achieve it.

    Intent Questions (Pg. 3–6)

    Q1. What was Jahnavi’s dream? Was it important to her? Why?
    Ans. Her dream was to study in school. It was very important because she was curious and wanted to learn like her siblings.

    Q2. Do you think the river can help her in fulfilling her dream? How?
    Ans. Yes, the River encouraged Jahnavi to have courage and guided her to attend school secretly.

    Q3. Complete the table with Jahnavi’s questions and the River’s answers.

    Jahnavi’s Questions River’s Answers
    Why does the moon always come from behind the hills? Because it goes down to the sea like the River.
    Can girls do as much as boys? Yes, little girls can do as much as boys.
    What are ships? Big boats carrying hundreds of people with shining lights.
    Will ships come here? No, the river is too small; Chandu’s catamaran is enough.

    Extra Questions (Pg. 7–15)

    Extract-based

    Q1. What is the tone of the River in the given extract?
    Ans. The tone of the River is assuring and sympathetic.

    Q2. Pick a phrase showing Jahnavi was a frequent visitor.
    Ans. “You have been coming here every day, well, almost every day.”

    Q3. Why is the exclamation used in ‘It couldn’t be the river!’?
    Ans. It shows Jahnavi’s disbelief.

    Q4. Mention three qualities of the River.
    Ans. The River is affectionate, thoughtful, and kind-hearted.

    Q5. Why does the River say little girls can do as much as little boys?
    Ans. Because girls are equally capable of learning, swimming, and achieving as boys.

    Q6. True or False: The River encourages Jahnavi to have faith in herself.
    Ans. True.

    Q7. What does ‘slip along’ mean?
    Ans. It means to move quietly.

    Q8. What does the repetition of “I couldn’t” show?
    Ans. It shows Jahnavi’s fear and lack of confidence.

    Short/Long Answer

    Q1. Why does the writer describe nature in detail at the beginning?
    Ans. To create a calm atmosphere and to personify the River as a living character.

    Q2. How did the River know so much about Jahnavi?
    Ans. Because Jahnavi visited daily and shared her feelings by the riverside.

    Q3. What does Jahnavi mean by “I’m so old now, they’ll never let me go”?
    Ans. She feels that girls are often not allowed to study if they are older, and she fears being denied education.

    Q4. Why did the River laugh when Jahnavi said she would be scared at school?
    Ans. Because Jahnavi was brave with snakes, lizards, and trains but afraid of a classroom.

    Q5. Why should Jahnavi follow the River’s advice?
    Ans. Because education would empower her and change her life.

    Q6. How does the conversation between Jahnavi and the River make the story appealing?
    Ans. It adds magic, personification, and inspiration, making the story lively.

    Q7. What is the main message of the story?
    Ans. The importance of girls’ education and the courage to follow dreams.

    Language & Activity

    Q1. Why has the author capitalized the word ‘River’?
    Ans. Because the River is personified as a character.

    Q2. Pick sound words from the text.
    Ans. Shrieked, splashed, murmuring, wailed, rustle, gasped, rattling, noisy, cried.

    Q3. Give meanings of borrowed words.

    • Karma – Sanskrit

    • Sahib – Urdu/Persian

    • Chutney – Hindi

    • Guru – Sanskrit

    • Verandah – Hindi

    • Jungle – Hindi

    • Areca – Kannada/Malayalam

    • Palanquin – Sanskrit

    Q4. Crossword answers (Pg. 9):

    1. Ship

    2. Boat

    3. Raft

    4. Steamer

    5. Canoe

    6. Tug

    7. Yacht

    Q5. Fill in blanks with prepositions (Pg. 10).

    1. at

    2. outside

    3. inside

    4. between

    5. about

    6. about

    Summary

    Jahnavi, a little girl in a coastal village, dreams of going to school but her parents stop her. The River speaks to her, encourages her, and tells her to try. She bravely goes to school and the teacher supports her. Later, her parents agree, and her mother feels proud. Jahnavi promises to teach other girls in the future. The story teaches the value of courage, equality, and education.

    Biography of Kamala Nair

    Kamala Nair was an Indian writer and educationist. She is known for simple yet powerful stories highlighting themes like women’s empowerment, childhood aspirations, and social equality. Her story The Day the River Spoke reflects her belief in the importance of education for girls and the role of courage in achieving dreams.

    Try Again – Question Answers

    Before the Text (Pg. 16)

    Q1. Who inspires you to do your best?
    Ans. (Personal response – Example:) My parents inspire me to do my best because they always encourage me.

    Q2. Identify what you see in the pictures and what can we learn.
    Ans. (Personal response – Example:) The pictures show people trying again after failure. We can learn that perseverance leads to success.

    Let Us Discuss (Pg. 19–20)

    Q1. Complete the summary of the poem by filling in the blanks.
    Ans.

    1. despair

    2. great

    3. low

    4. mounted

    5. attempts

    6. conquered

    7. strive

    8. tried

    Q2. Why can we say the poet uses the narrative style?
    Ans. Because the poem tells a story about King Bruce and the spider in a sequence of events.

    Q3. What is the central idea of the poem?
    Ans. The central idea is perseverance—never give up even after repeated failures.

    Q4. Pick three examples of lines that describe the spider’s efforts.
    Ans.

    • “It soon began to cling and crawl / Straight up with strong endeavour.”

    • “Up, up it ran, not a second to stay.”

    • “Steadily, steadily, inch by inch, / Higher and higher he got.”

    Q5. Pick three examples of alliteration.
    Ans.

    • “flung himself down in low despair”

    • “silken, filmy clue”

    • “bold little run at the very last pinch”

    Q6. Why does the poet repeat “tried and tried,” “steadily, steadily,” “up, up”?
    Ans. To emphasize persistence and to create rhythm that mirrors repeated efforts.

    Q7. Fill in the blanks (Pg. 19).

    1. Rhyme scheme: AABB

    2. ‘Bravo’ is an example of: Interjection

    3. The poet uses ‘tis and ‘twas for: Rhythm

    Metaphor & Simile (Pg. 20)

    Q1. Identify metaphors (M) and similes (S).
    (i) He ran as fast as a cheetah. – S
    (ii) The world is a stage. – M
    (iii) The night was as dark as coal. – S
    (iv) He sang like an angel. – S
    (v) Her voice was music to his ears. – M
    (vi) The classroom was a zoo. – M
    (vii) The baby slept like a log. – S
    (viii) Her smile was as bright as the sun. – S
    (ix) The lake was a mirror. – M

    Q2. Transform similes to metaphors and vice versa.
    (iii) The book was like a treasure chest → The book was a treasure chest.
    (iv) Her laughter was like a melody → Her laughter was a melody.
    (v) The mountain was like a guard → The mountain stood as a guard.
    (vi) The night was a velvet cloak → The night was like a velvet cloak.
    (vii) Her thoughts were butterflies → Her thoughts were like butterflies.

    Think and Reflect (Pg. 21–22)

    Extract 1
    Q1. Select the phrase showing the King’s emotion.
    Ans. “He flung himself down in low despair.”

    Q2. Why does the poet use ‘low’ before despair?
    Ans. To intensify the sadness and hopelessness of the King.

    Q3. Meaning of ‘pondered’?
    Ans. B. Thought

    Q4. What image does ‘silken filmy clue’ create?
    Ans. Something very delicate and soft.

    Extract 2
    Q1. Complete the analogy: toil : hard :: tumble : fall.
    Ans. D. jump : tumble

    Q2. Two characteristics of the spider.
    Ans. Persistent and courageous.

    Q3. What does “Ah me!” express?
    Ans. Stress/worry.

    Q4. Why can readers relate to this extract?
    Ans. Because everyone faces failures but hopes for success through persistence.

    Short/Long Answer Qs

    Q1. How does the first stanza set the mood of the poem?
    Ans. It shows the King’s despair and hopelessness, creating a mood of failure and sadness.

    Q2. Describe how King Bruce’s attitude changes.
    Ans. At first he is discouraged, but after watching the spider’s determination, he gains courage and succeeds.

    Q3. Why does the poet describe every action of the spider?
    Ans. To highlight patience, detail, and persistence as a lesson for readers.

    Q4. How does the spider inspire us?
    Ans. By showing that repeated effort and perseverance can overcome despair.

    Q5. Explain: “Failures are stepping stones to success.”
    Ans. Each failure teaches us and brings us closer to success, as shown by the spider and King Bruce.

    Q6. How does the spider’s journey show that anyone can inspire us?
    Ans. Even a small creature like a spider can inspire a king to overcome despair.

    Language Work (Pg. 22–23)

    Q1. Write opposites.

    1. up × down

    2. fast × slow

    3. glad × sad

    4. win × lose

    5. succeed × fail

    Q2. Meanings of underlined words:

    • endeavour – work very hard

    • toil – work long and hard

    • strive – try very hard

    • braced – prepared for something difficult

    Q3. Classify words for distance.

    • Far: afar, remoteness, light year, yonder

    • Near: vicinity, a stone’s throw, adjacent, proximity

    Summary of the Poem

    The poem Try Again narrates the story of King Bruce of Scotland who loses hope after repeated failures. He observes a spider failing again and again while trying to reach its web but finally succeeding after nine attempts. This inspires the King to keep trying. The poem conveys that perseverance, patience, and determination lead to success.

    Biography of Eliza Cook

    Eliza Cook (1818–1889) was an English poet and journalist. She was self-educated and known for her simple, inspiring verses that appealed to ordinary readers. Her poetry often carried moral lessons of hard work, courage, and perseverance. Try Again reflects her belief that persistence in the face of difficulties is the key to success.

    Three Days to See – Question Answers

    Before the Text (Pg. 27)

    Q1. Recall a visit to a place you liked. Write the details.
    Ans. (Personal – Example:) I visited a hill station with my family. I could see tall mountains, hear birds, smell fresh pine trees, taste local food, and feel the cool breeze.

    Q2. How does this memory make you feel?
    Ans. It makes me feel joyful and refreshed.

    Q3. Do you think your experience would be different if you could not see or hear?
    Ans. Yes, it would be very different. Without sight or hearing, I would miss many details, colours, sounds, and expressions.

    Let Us Discuss (Pg. 31–32)

    Q1. Identify the true statements.
    Ans.

    1. False

    2. False

    3. True

    4. True

    5. False

    6. True

    7. True

    Q2. Complete the table of what Helen Keller wanted to do on each day.

    Day 1 Day 2 Day 3
    See the people whose kindness made life worth living, know her friends by their faces Arise with dawn, see sunrise, visit museums to see history of earth and man Go to the city, observe daily life, watch people’s expressions, understand their joys and struggles

    Q3. How is the narrator able to understand the feelings of a person though she calls the eye the ‘window of the soul’?
    Ans. She touches faces and can sense emotions like laughter or sorrow through tone, expressions, and physical touch.

    Let Us Think and Reflect (Pg. 32–33)

    Extract 1

    Q1. What does ‘delicate symmetry of a leaf’ symbolise?
    Ans. The beauty, balance, and perfection of nature.

    Q2. List two phrases describing the texture of objects in nature.
    Ans. “smooth skin of a silver birch,” “rough, shaggy bark of a pine.”

    Q3. What does “awakening Nature after her winter’s sleep” refer to?
    Ans. The arrival of spring when trees and plants bloom after winter.

    Q4. What is the tone of the writer?
    Ans. C. Admiring

    Extract 2

    Q1. Which word does not match with ‘thrilling’?
    Ans. C. Knowledge

    Q2. Why does the writer call the earth “sleeping earth”?
    Ans. Because at night the earth seems silent and still, like asleep.

    Q3. Why does the writer dedicate the day to a brief look at past and present?
    Ans. To see man’s progress and learn history through museums.

    Q4. Why does she use “should” many times?
    Ans. Because she imagines the activities as wishes, not certainties.

    Short/Long Answer Questions

    Q1. Explain: “The sense of touch makes up for the loss of sight and hearing.”
    Ans. Helen Keller understood the world by touching objects, faces, trees, and birds. This gave her joy and knowledge despite blindness and deafness.

    Q2. Why does the author believe sight is the most wonderful sense?
    Ans. Because it reveals beauty, colour, people’s expressions, nature, and life in its fullest form.

    Q3. How can her opinion guide us to be kinder to people with disabilities?
    Ans. By valuing our senses, we learn empathy and realise how strong differently-abled people are in overcoming challenges.

    Q4. What is the significance of imagining the loss of a sense?
    Ans. It helps us value our senses more and live every moment with gratitude.

    Q5. How does the author encourage people to use their senses?
    Ans. She asks us to use each sense as if we might lose it tomorrow, enjoying every sound, sight, smell, taste, and touch.

    Q6. What do her choices for three days reveal about her values?
    Ans. They show she values relationships, nature’s beauty, human progress, and understanding daily life.

    Let Us Learn (Pg. 33–34)

    Q1. Fill the sensory words.

    Sense From Text New Word
    Sight Panorama Colour
    Hearing Music Melody
    Smell Perfume Fragrance
    Taste Relish Sweetness
    Touch Rough Smooth

    Q2. Identify modal verbs & functions.

    1. You can learn – Ability

    2. They might arrive – Possibility

    3. She must finish – Necessity/Obligation

    4. They ought to apologise – Moral obligation

    5. He would like – Polite request

    Q3. Fill in blanks with modal verbs (Pg. 34–35).
    (i) May I leave early today if I finish my tasks?
    (ii) I must finish this report by tomorrow.
    (iii) You should consider all the pros and cons.
    (iv) It might rain later today.
    (v) Could you pass the salt, please?
    (vi) You ought to apologise for the mistake.
    (vii) We shall go to any park nearby.

    Summary

    Three Days to See by Helen Keller describes what she would like to see if she had eyesight for three days. On the first day, she would see her loved ones. On the second day, she would see the beauty of nature and human history in museums. On the third day, she would watch the busy life of people in the city. She advises those with sight to use their eyes and senses fully, as if they might lose them tomorrow. The lesson teaches gratitude, appreciation of life, and empathy towards people with disabilities.

    Biography of Helen Keller

    Helen Keller (1880–1968) was an American author, activist, and lecturer. She lost her sight and hearing at 19 months but overcame her disabilities with the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan. She became the first deaf-blind person to earn a college degree and wrote inspiring books. Her work focused on education, women’s rights, and support for people with disabilities. Her essay Three Days to See reflects her gratitude for life and her message to value our senses.

    _________________________

    📘 Unit 1 – Remaining Activities (Q&A)

    🎧 Listening Task 1 – Five Speakers (Pg. 39)

    Q1. Who said girls should get equal opportunities and freedom to choose careers?
    Ans. The Father (Speaker i).

    Q2. Who said many girls earlier could not attend school but today things have changed?
    Ans. The Grandmother (Speaker ii).

    Q3. Who explained that school teaches hands-on skills, dignity of labour, and vocational choices?
    Ans. The Teacher (Speaker iii).

    Q4. Who expressed joy of learning and companionship in school?
    Ans. The Student (Speaker iv).

    Q5. Who advised all students to attend regularly and focus on learning, not gender differences?
    Ans. The Principal (Speaker v).

    🎧 Listening Task 2 – The Ant Story (Pg. 40–41)

    Q1. What was the ant known for?
    Ans. Determination and never-give-up attitude.

    Q2. Why was the ant unable to take the roti home?
    Ans. Because it was too heavy to carry alone.

    Q3. What was the bird doing?
    Ans. Building a nest.

    Q4. How did the bird inspire the ant?
    Ans. By not giving up despite difficulties.

    Q5. How did the fellow ants help?
    Ans. They joined together and lifted the crumb with teamwork.

    Q6. What is the moral of the story?
    Ans. Teamwork and perseverance help us achieve success.

    🎧 Listening Task 3 – Mother–Son Conversation (Pg. 41–42)

    Q1. Who was the new student Anuj talked about?
    Ans. Tara, a visually impaired student using Braille.

    Q2. What did Anuj think Digital India was about?
    Ans. He thought it was only about learning computers.

    Q3. What did the mother explain about Digital India?
    Ans. It provides inclusive digital infrastructure and services, including assistive technologies.

    Q4. What is a screen reader?
    Ans. Software that reads text aloud from computers and smartphones for the visually impaired.

    Q5. What change did Anuj feel after learning this?
    Ans. He felt proud of his school for including Tara and realised visually impaired people can be independent.

    Q6. What final message did the mother give?
    Ans. Inclusion is not just about tools, but also about the right mindset.

    🗣️ Speaking Activities (Pg. 13, 25, 36)

    Q1. What advice should be given if a girl wants to play football but the school has only a boys’ team?
    Ans. “You should talk to the school authorities. Girls should also be allowed to play.”

    Q2. What advice for someone weak in Mathematics due to nervousness?
    Ans. “You should practise regularly and stay calm in exams.”

    Q3. Advice for a student who enjoys music but lacks practice time?
    Ans. “You must manage your time better and dedicate some time to practice daily.”

    Q4. Advice for someone unable to see the blackboard clearly?
    Ans. “You should sit in the front rows or get your eyesight checked.”

    ✍️ Writing Tasks (Pg. 14–15, 25–26, 36–37)

    Q1. Why do the girls look happy in the poster? (Pg. 14)
    Ans. Because they are attending school and getting education.

    Q2. Relation between dignity and happiness?
    Ans. Education gives dignity (self-respect), and dignity brings happiness.

    Q3. How does a nation prosper when daughters are happy?
    Ans. Educated and happy girls contribute to progress in family, society, and nation.

    Q4. Write a descriptive paragraph about a recent place you visited. (Pg. 36)
    Ans. (Personal example – Taj Mahal)
    “The Taj Mahal looked magnificent under the sunlight. The white marble sparkled, the Yamuna flowed nearby, and I heard guides explaining its history. The air smelt fresh with flowers. I felt proud to witness such beauty.”

    Q5. Write a letter to cousin on overcoming difficulties. (Pg. 25–26)

    Sample:

    20, Rajendra Nagar
    Jeevanpur
    23 August 20XX

    Dear Monika,
    I hope you are well. I want to share my plan to overcome difficulties. First, I will stay calm and patient. Next, I will try different methods instead of giving up. Then, I will seek help from my teachers and friends. Finally, I will keep trying until I succeed. Remember, failures are stepping stones to success. Never quit—keep trying!

    Yours affectionately,
    Deepa

    🔎 Explore/Projects (Pg. 13–15, 37–38)

    Q1. Why are rivers in India considered sacred?
    Ans. Because they provide life, water, fertility, and are worshipped in tradition. Most are seen as goddesses.

    Q2. Name some government schemes for girl education.
    Ans. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Balika Samridhi Yojana, Samagra Shiksha Scheme, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya.

    Q3. What is Braille? Who invented it?
    Ans. A tactile system of raised dots for reading and writing used by visually impaired people. It was invented by Louis Braille.

    Q4. What is Indian Sign Language (ISL)?
    Ans. A visual language using hand gestures and expressions used by hearing-impaired people in India.

     

  • Unit – 5, Class 6th English, Poorvi, NCERT

    Culture and Tradition

    Part 1 — Hamara Bharat: Incredible India!

    Pre-Reading / Warm-up

    Q1. What makes India unique in the world?
    India is unique because of its diversity in languages, religions, food, festivals, music, dance, and traditions, yet all people live together as one nation.

    Q2. Which part of India do you belong to? What is special about it?
    (Students give personal answers — e.g., Punjab is known for Bhangra and wheat fields, Tamil Nadu for Bharatanatyam and temples, etc.)

    Comprehension Check

    Q1. What does “Incredible India” mean?
    It means India is full of wonders, with rich culture, history, and traditions that make it truly special.

    Q2. How does India show unity in diversity?
    People from different regions, speaking different languages, eating different foods, and following different religions live together with respect and harmony.

    Q3. What examples of India’s cultural richness are given?
    Examples include colourful festivals like Diwali and Eid, classical dances like Kathak and Bharatanatyam, monuments like the Taj Mahal, and cuisines like dosa, biryani, and chole-bhature.

    Q4. What is the message of this passage?
    The message is to take pride in our country’s diversity and to celebrate our shared heritage.

    Think & Answer

    Q1. Why do people from around the world visit India?
    They visit to see its monuments, experience its traditions, taste its food, and enjoy its festivals.

    Q2. What can students do to preserve India’s culture?
    Students can learn about folk art, respect traditions, celebrate festivals, and promote unity in schools and communities.

    Vocabulary & Grammar

    • Heritage = valuable traditions and culture from the past

    • Diverse = varied, different

    • Harmony = peaceful living together

    • Pride = feeling of honour and respect

    Sentences:

    1. India has a rich cultural heritage.

    2. Our country is diverse in languages and traditions.

    3. People should live in harmony despite differences.

    4. We feel pride in being Indians.

    Extra Questions

    Short Answer

    1. What is meant by “unity in diversity”?
      It means people of different backgrounds live together peacefully in one nation.

    2. Name some Indian dances.
      Kathak, Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Manipuri.

    3. Which Indian monuments are famous worldwide?
      Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Sun Temple at Konark.

    Long Answer

    Q. How is India an example of unity in diversity?
    India is one of the most diverse countries in the world. People follow different religions like Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism. They speak different languages like Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Punjabi, and many more. The food also varies — from idlis and dosas in the south to parathas and dal in the north. Festivals like Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, and Baisakhi are celebrated with equal joy. Despite this diversity, Indians stand united as one nation. This unity makes India strong and unique. It teaches us that differences are not weaknesses but strengths when combined with respect and love.

    Summary of Hamara Bharat: Incredible India!

    Hamara Bharat introduces the idea of India as “Incredible India,” a land of endless wonders. The passage celebrates the diversity of the country and explains why India is respected all over the world.

    India has always been known for its unity in diversity. It is home to people of different religions, languages, and traditions. Each region has its own food, dress, dance, and music. Festivals such as Diwali, Holi, Eid, Pongal, Christmas, and Baisakhi fill the land with colours and joy. Despite all these differences, Indians live together as one family, which makes the country unique.

    The passage also highlights India’s cultural heritage. Its monuments like the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Sun Temple attract visitors from all over the world. Tourists also come to enjoy India’s classical dances such as Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, and Manipuri. The food culture of India is another attraction. From spicy curries to sweets, every state offers something special.

    The text reminds readers that India is not just a land of traditions but also of values like peace, respect, and harmony. The strength of India lies in its people, who share their culture with love.

    In the end, the message is clear: we must feel proud of our culture, preserve our traditions, and celebrate our unity. This is what makes India incredible.

    Part 2 — Kala Kritiyon ka Bharat

    Pre-Reading / Warm-up

    Q1. What kinds of art do you see in your region?
    I see folk dances, traditional paintings, handicrafts, and music that reflect local culture.

    Q2. Why is it important to learn about other states’ cultures?
    It helps us respect diversity, build unity, and feel proud of India’s rich traditions.

    Comprehension Check

    Q1. What is the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme?
    It is a programme started by the Government of India to strengthen unity and cultural exchange among states.

    Q2. What are some examples of folk art from different states?

    • Madhubani painting from Bihar

    • Kathakali dance from Kerala

    • Garba dance from Gujarat

    • Warli painting from Maharashtra

    • Bihu dance from Assam

    Q3. How does this programme help students?
    It helps students learn about different languages, songs, festivals, art, and culture of other states.

    Q4. Why is folk art important?
    Because it preserves traditions, teaches history, and shows the creativity of common people.

    Think & Answer

    Q1. How do cultural exchanges make India strong?
    They create respect and understanding among people of different states, building unity in diversity.

    Q2. How can schools promote Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat?
    By organising cultural exhibitions, folk dance competitions, art fairs, and exchange programmes with students from other states.

    Vocabulary & Grammar

    • Culture = traditions and customs of a group

    • Heritage = valuable traditions from the past

    • Exchange = giving and receiving between people

    • Preserve = to protect and keep safe

    Sentences:

    1. Each state in India has its own unique culture.

    2. Monuments are part of our heritage.

    3. Students had an exchange of ideas in the fair.

    4. We must preserve our old temples and paintings.

    Extra Questions

    Short Answer

    1. What does Madhubani painting show?
      It shows scenes from nature, gods, and village life using bright colours.

    2. Which dance from Kerala is famous for colourful masks?
      Kathakali is famous for its makeup, masks, and costumes.

    3. Why do we need to promote folk art among children?
      Because it keeps traditions alive and helps the young generation value their roots.

    Long Answer

    Q. Why is Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat important for students?
    The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme is important because it teaches students about India’s unity in diversity. By pairing one state with another, students learn about each other’s language, songs, food, art, and festivals. For example, children from Gujarat may learn about Assam’s Bihu dance, and children from Assam may learn about Gujarat’s Garba. This exchange builds respect, friendship, and national pride. It also prevents traditions from being forgotten and helps preserve folk art. For students, it is fun and educational because they not only read but also perform dances, create art, and celebrate festivals together. Thus, the programme makes the idea of “One India, Great India” a reality.

    Summary of Kala Kritiyon ka Bharat

    The passage Kala Kritiyon ka Bharat explains India’s rich tradition of folk arts and how the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme helps preserve them.

    India is a country of diversity. Each state has its own art forms, dances, music, and handicrafts. For example, Bihar is famous for Madhubani paintings, Kerala for Kathakali dance, Assam for Bihu, Gujarat for Garba, and Maharashtra for Warli painting. These art forms are created by common people and passed from one generation to the next. They show the creativity and traditions of villages.

    The Government of India started the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme to promote unity. In this programme, states are paired so that students can learn about each other’s culture. Through festivals, exhibitions, workshops, and competitions, young people experience the language, songs, food, and art of other regions. This creates respect and unity among different communities.

    The text reminds us that folk art is more than entertainment. It carries stories of history, faith, and everyday life. Without efforts to preserve it, such traditions could be lost. Schools and students play a big role by celebrating art fairs, performing folk dances, and sharing culture.

    The message is clear: by respecting and promoting folk art, we celebrate India’s unity in diversity. The strength of our country lies not only in modern progress but also in our cultural heritage.

    Part 3 — The Kites

    Poem by Daphne Lister

    Pre-Reading / Warm-up

    Q1. Have you ever flown a kite? How did you feel?
    Yes, I have flown a kite. I felt excited, happy, and free as it rose high in the sky.

    Q2. Why do you think people enjoy kite flying?
    Because it is fun, colourful, and gives a feeling of freedom as the kite dances in the wind.

    Comprehension Check

    Q1. What do kites look like as they fly in the sky?
    The poet compares them to colourful birds soaring in the wind.

    Q2. What happens to the kites when the wind blows strongly?
    They rise high, dart, and dive, dancing playfully against the sky.

    Q3. How does the poet describe kites at sunset?
    She describes them as resting, tired and quiet, as the day ends.

    Q4. What is the main idea of the poem?
    That kites are symbols of joy, playfulness, and freedom, and their flight is like a dance in the sky.

    Think & Answer

    Q1. How does the poem show the beauty of simple pleasures?
    It shows that something as simple as flying kites can fill our hearts with joy and wonder.

    Q2. What lesson can we learn from the poem?
    We learn to appreciate small joys in life, just like watching kites fly freely in the wind.

    Vocabulary & Grammar

    • Soar = to fly high

    • Flutter = to move lightly in the air

    • Dart = to move quickly

    • Tired = feeling weak after effort

    Sentences:

    1. Eagles soar high above the mountains.

    2. The butterfly began to flutter its wings.

    3. The cat made a quick dart to catch the toy.

    4. After the long walk, I felt tired.

    Extra Questions

    Short Answer

    1. Why are kites compared to birds?
      Because they fly high, move swiftly, and dance with the wind like colourful birds.

    2. What does kite flying symbolise?
      It symbolises freedom, joy, and the playful spirit of life.

    3. What happens to kites when the evening comes?
      They grow still and tired, no longer dancing, just as day ends.

    Long Answer

    Q. How does the poet describe the journey of kites in the sky?
    The poet Daphne Lister describes the kites as lively and colourful objects dancing in the wind. At first, they rise high, soaring gracefully. The wind makes them flutter, dart, and dive, just like birds full of energy. Children on the ground control the strings, but the kites look free as they move across the blue sky. The poem captures the excitement of their flight and the beauty of the moment. As the sun sets, the kites grow tired and rest. This ending shows how even joyful things must come to a close. Through her description, the poet shows us how kite flying is not only a game but also a picture of freedom, happiness, and the cycles of life.

    Summary of The Kites

    The poem The Kites by Daphne Lister is a joyful description of kite flying.

    The poet compares the kites to birds that soar high in the sky. They are colourful and move gracefully with the wind. At times they flutter gently, and at other times they dart and dive quickly, showing their playful nature. The sky becomes bright and lively with the kites dancing across it.

    The poet shows how kite flying is a symbol of freedom and joy. Children enjoy watching them climb higher and higher, feeling proud of their control. Yet, to the eyes, the kites seem independent, flying freely like living creatures.

    As the day moves on and the evening arrives, the kites grow still. They no longer dance in the air but rest quietly as the sun sets. This gives the poem a peaceful ending, reminding us that every activity and every joy has a time to pause.

    The poem celebrates the beauty of simple pleasures in life. Just as flying a kite can make a person happy, small experiences can bring great joy. It also symbolises life’s journey — full of energy and play at first, but calm and restful at the end.

    Biography — Daphne Lister

    Daphne Lister was a poet known for her simple and delightful poems, often written for children. Although not much is widely recorded about her personal life, her works are remembered for their clarity, simplicity, and ability to connect with young readers.

    She often used everyday experiences, nature, and play as themes for her poems. The Kites is one such poem, where she describes the movement of kites in the sky. Through vivid comparisons and lively words, she makes children see the beauty of kite flying as more than just a pastime.

    Her poetry style is straightforward. She avoids complex words and instead writes with simplicity, so readers can easily understand and enjoy her verses. Many of her poems have been included in school textbooks, where they teach not only language but also values — such as appreciating small joys, respecting nature, and finding beauty in ordinary things.

    Through her writing, Daphne Lister has influenced many young learners by showing that poetry is not distant or difficult, but close to our everyday lives. Poems like The Kites are timeless because they remind us of the innocence of childhood and the happiness found in simple activities.

    Part 4 — Ila Sachani: Embroidering Dreams with Her Feet

    Pre-Reading / Warm-up

    Q1. Have you heard of people doing extraordinary things despite disabilities?
    Yes, there are many inspiring people who achieve greatness despite physical challenges.

    Q2. Why is it important to respect differently-abled persons?
    Because they show courage, talent, and determination, and they remind us that ability is stronger than disability.

    Comprehension Check

    Q1. Who is Ila Sachani?
    Ila Sachani is a differently-abled woman from Gujarat, famous for her beautiful embroidery work, which she does using her feet.

    Q2. Why does Ila use her feet for embroidery?
    Because she was born without hands, she trained herself to use her feet skillfully.

    Q3. What kind of embroidery does she create?
    She creates colourful designs with traditional stitches like mirror work, beadwork, and chain stitch.

    Q4. What recognition has Ila Sachani received?
    She has won several awards, including the President’s Award for Outstanding Artistry.

    Q5. What is the lesson of her life story?
    That hard work, courage, and determination can overcome any limitation.

    Think & Answer

    Q1. How did Ila turn her weakness into her strength?
    She could not use her hands, so she trained her feet and became a skilled embroidery artist.

    Q2. What inspiration can children take from Ila’s life?
    Children can learn that nothing is impossible if we work hard, stay positive, and never give up.

    Vocabulary & Grammar

    • Differently-abled = having physical challenges but special abilities

    • Embroidery = decorative needlework on cloth

    • Determination = strong willpower

    • Inspire = to encourage by setting an example

    Sentences:

    1. She is differently-abled but very talented.

    2. The dress had beautiful embroidery on it.

    3. With determination, he achieved his goal.

    4. Great leaders inspire people to do good.

    Extra Questions

    Short Answer

    1. Where is Ila Sachani from?
      She is from Gujarat, India.

    2. What makes her embroidery special?
      She uses her feet with skill and creativity to make colourful, traditional designs.

    3. What message does her story give us?
      That courage and determination can turn challenges into opportunities.

    Long Answer

    Q. How does Ila Sachani’s life show that disability is not an obstacle to success?
    Ila Sachani was born without hands, but she did not let her disability stop her. Instead of feeling helpless, she decided to train her feet to do embroidery. She practised for years and developed extraordinary skill. Using her toes, she threads needles, makes fine stitches, and creates colourful traditional designs. Her work includes mirror embroidery, beadwork, and chain stitch, which are admired for their beauty. Ila’s efforts earned her national awards and recognition. She is respected as an artist who proved that talent and determination are more powerful than physical limitations. Her life teaches us that success is possible if we believe in ourselves and keep working hard.

    Summary of Ila Sachani: Embroidering Dreams with Her Feet

    The story Ila Sachani: Embroidering Dreams with Her Feet is an inspiring account of courage and determination.

    Ila Sachani was born in Gujarat without hands. For many people, this would have been a barrier, but Ila refused to let it stop her. From childhood, she was interested in embroidery, a traditional craft of her state. She realised she could not use her hands, so she decided to train her feet instead.

    With patience and effort, Ila learned to hold needles and thread between her toes. She practised tirelessly and gradually became skilled at creating beautiful embroidery. Her designs include mirror work, beadwork, and chain stitch, all of which require precision and creativity. What makes her work special is that she uses her feet with the same accuracy that others use their hands.

    Her embroidery became famous in her community and later across the country. She participated in exhibitions and received the President’s Award for Outstanding Artistry. Ila’s story spread as an example of how determination can overcome any limitation.

    The story also highlights the value of traditional arts. Ila keeps alive the embroidery techniques of Gujarat while showing that disability does not mean inability. Her life teaches everyone that courage, self-belief, and hard work are the keys to success.

    In the end, Ila Sachani stands as a role model for children and adults alike. She shows that no obstacle is too great if one has the will to achieve. Her dreams, embroidered with her feet, inspire us to never give up.

    Biography — Ila Sachani

    Ila Sachani is a famous differently-abled embroidery artist from Gujarat, India. Born without hands, she faced many challenges as a child. Yet, instead of giving up, she found her own way to create art. She trained her feet to do embroidery and soon became highly skilled.

    Her work includes traditional embroidery styles such as mirror work, beadwork, and chain stitch, which are part of Gujarat’s heritage. She makes colourful designs on cloth that show both creativity and precision. What makes her embroidery special is that she does it all with her toes.

    Ila’s talent brought her national recognition. She was honoured with awards, including the President’s Award for Outstanding Artistry, which is given to people who show excellence in traditional crafts. Her life story has been featured in newspapers, magazines, and school textbooks as an inspiration.

    Through her work, Ila Sachani has shown that disability is not the end of dreams. She proves that talent, when combined with determination, can achieve wonders. She also preserves India’s traditional art while motivating others to be strong.

    Her biography is not just about art but about courage, perseverance, and hope. Ila Sachani inspires us to believe that there are no limits when we have the will to succeed.

  • Unit – 4, Class 6th English, Poorvi, NCERT

    Sports and Wellness

    Part 1 — Change of Heart

    Pre-Reading / Warm-up

    Q1. Do you play outdoor games? Which is your favourite?
    Yes, I play outdoor games. My favourite is cricket because it teaches teamwork and strategy.

    Q2. What do we learn from playing games?
    We learn discipline, teamwork, leadership, patience, and respect for rules.

    Q3. How should we behave with our competitors?
    We should respect them, play fairly, and show good sportsmanship whether we win or lose.

    Comprehension Check

    Q1. Who were Prabhat and Surya?
    Prabhat and Surya were classmates and competitors in a running race.

    Q2. How did Prabhat feel before the race?
    Prabhat was nervous and wanted to win at any cost.

    Q3. What happened during the race?
    Prabhat ran fast, but when he saw Surya fall down, he stopped to help him instead of continuing.

    Q4. What was the reaction of the spectators?
    The spectators cheered for Prabhat’s kindness and appreciated his sporting spirit more than a medal.

    Q5. What did Prabhat realise in the end?
    He realised that true victory lies in humanity, compassion, and good sportsmanship, not just in winning medals.

    Think & Answer

    Q1. Why did Prabhat stop during the race?
    Because he saw Surya fall and realised helping a friend was more important than winning.

    Q2. What lesson does the story teach us?
    It teaches us that humanity, kindness, and sportsmanship are more valuable than competition.

    Vocabulary & Grammar

    Q1. Opposites from the story:

    • Win × Lose

    • Start × Finish

    • Nervous × Confident

    • Friend × Enemy

    Q2. Sentences:

    1. The player showed great sportsmanship by praising his opponent.

    2. Helping others is the true mark of humanity.

    3. She was nervous before the test.

    4. Winning with honesty brings pride.

    Extra Questions

    Short Answer

    1. Why did the audience clap for Prabhat?
      Because he showed kindness and humanity, which were greater than winning.

    2. What did Surya learn from Prabhat’s action?
      He learned that friendship and support matter more than rivalry.

    3. What does the title “Change of Heart” mean?
      It means Prabhat changed his attitude from selfishness to kindness and humanity.

    Long Answer

    Q. How does the story highlight the true meaning of sports?
    The story highlights that sports are not only about winning but also about discipline, compassion, and fair play. Prabhat initially wanted to win at any cost. However, when he saw Surya fall, he stopped and helped him instead of rushing to victory. This act earned him the respect of the spectators. The crowd valued his humanity more than a medal. Prabhat’s action showed that the spirit of sports lies in friendship, respect, and care. Winning is temporary, but kindness is remembered forever. The story teaches children that true success is measured by values, not trophies.

    Summary of Change of Heart

    Change of Heart is a heartwarming story about two classmates, Prabhat and Surya, who take part in a school running race.

    Prabhat was determined to win and dreamed of standing first. He practised hard and wanted the medal badly. On the day of the race, the students gathered to cheer. Prabhat and Surya lined up with other competitors. The whistle blew, and the race began. Prabhat ran with all his strength, his eyes fixed on the finish line.

    As the race progressed, Surya suddenly stumbled and fell to the ground. Seeing this, Prabhat felt torn. At first, he thought of running on to secure victory. But then his heart changed. Instead of ignoring Surya, he stopped, turned back, and helped his classmate to stand. The two boys walked together, finishing the race side by side.

    The crowd erupted in applause. They admired Prabhat’s humanity more than they would have admired any winner. Though he lost the race, he won the hearts of all. The teachers and students praised him for showing true sportsmanship.

    Prabhat realised that medals and trophies fade, but kindness and friendship are remembered forever. The story teaches us that the purpose of sports is not just to compete but to build discipline, friendship, and values.

    The title Change of Heart refers to Prabhat’s transformation — from focusing only on victory to understanding that helping others is the real triumph. His noble act showed that compassion is greater than competition.

    This story is an inspiring reminder for children and adults alike: winning is important, but playing with fairness, respect, and humanity is the true essence of sports.

    Part 2 — The Winner

    Poem by Georgia Heard

    Pre-Reading / Warm-up

    Q1. Who do you think is a winner?
    A winner is someone who tries their best, shows courage, and does not give up, even if they lose.

    Q2. Is winning only about medals and trophies?
    No, true winning is about effort, honesty, and never losing hope.

    Comprehension Check

    Q1. What does the poet mean by “the one who listens to the heart”?
    It means the true winner follows their inner voice, dreams, and values rather than focusing only on prizes.

    Q2. Who does the poet call a real winner?
    The poet calls someone a real winner who keeps trying, believes in themselves, and does not give up, whether they win a medal or not.

    Q3. Why does the poet say the winner is not always the one who comes first?
    Because winning is about courage, effort, and determination, not just standing first in a competition.

    Think & Answer

    Q1. How is effort more important than result?
    Effort shows our strength, honesty, and spirit. Results may change, but effort makes us stronger and teaches lessons.

    Q2. What message does the poem give to children?
    That they should not worry only about ranks and medals. True victory lies in trying, dreaming, and believing in themselves.

    Vocabulary & Grammar

    • Courage = bravery to face difficulties

    • Effort = hard work put into something

    • Heart = symbol of feelings and inner strength

    • Victory = success or triumph

    Sentences:

    1. She had the courage to speak the truth.

    2. With constant effort, he improved his handwriting.

    3. Always listen to your heart while making decisions.

    4. The team celebrated their victory with joy.

    Extra Questions

    Short Answer

    1. Why is listening to the heart important?
      Because it guides us to follow our dreams and stay true to ourselves.

    2. What kind of people are true winners?
      Those who work hard, stay positive, and never give up even if they lose.

    3. Why does the poet say victory is not always about coming first?
      Because the value lies in trying and showing courage, not just winning medals.

    Long Answer

    Q. How does the poem redefine the meaning of winning?
    The poem The Winner teaches us that true winning is not about trophies or ranks but about courage, determination, and effort. The poet, Georgia Heard, explains that a real winner is someone who listens to their heart, follows their dreams, and does not give up. Such a person may or may not come first, but they have the courage to keep trying. The poem inspires children to value effort over results. It encourages them not to be discouraged by failure but to see every step as progress. This view makes winning more meaningful because it is about inner strength, not just outer prizes.

    Summary of The Winner

    Georgia Heard’s poem The Winner gives a new meaning to the idea of victory.

    The poet says that the real winner is not always the person who comes first in a competition. Instead, the true winner is the one who listens to their heart, works hard, and never gives up. Winning is not just about medals and certificates but about courage, hope, and determination.

    The poem explains that dreams and goals guide us, and those who keep following their dreams are true champions. Even if they fail sometimes, their effort makes them stronger. True winners rise after every fall and continue their journey with courage.

    The poet’s message is simple: do not measure success only by trophies. Success is about honesty, effort, and inner satisfaction. Children should learn to try their best without fear of losing. The poem inspires everyone to be brave, hopeful, and determined in life.

    Thus, The Winner is not about victory in sports alone but about victory in life through courage and perseverance.

    Biography — Georgia Heard

    Georgia Heard is an American poet, author, and educator known for her inspiring poems and books for children. She believes that poetry is not just about rhyme and rhythm but about feelings and truth.

    She was born in 1958 in the United States and grew up with a love for reading and writing. She studied creative writing and later began teaching children how to express themselves through poetry. Her career is dedicated to making poetry meaningful and accessible to students.

    Heard has written many poetry collections and books on teaching poetry, such as Awakening the Heart: Exploring Poetry in Elementary and Middle School, For the Good of the Earth and Sun, and The Arrow Finds Its Mark. Her works show how poetry can help children understand their emotions and connect with the world.

    In her poems, she often talks about courage, dreams, and inner strength. The poem The Winner is an excellent example of her belief that success is about effort and self-belief, not just medals.

    She has been honoured as a thoughtful teacher and writer who inspires both children and teachers. Her life’s work is to spread the joy of poetry and to teach young people that their voices matter.

    Georgia Heard continues to write, teach, and inspire readers all over the world. Her poems are included in many schoolbooks because of their simple language and strong messages.

    Part 3 — Yoga: A Way of Life

    Pre-Reading / Warm-up

    Q1. Have you ever practised yoga? How did you feel?
    Yes, I have practised yoga. It made me feel calm, fresh, and more energetic.

    Q2. Why do you think yoga is popular all over the world?
    Because yoga improves both physical health and mental peace, and anyone can practise it.

    Comprehension Check

    Q1. What is yoga?
    Yoga is an ancient practice from India that connects the body, mind, and spirit through postures, breathing, and meditation.

    Q2. Who is known as the father of yoga?
    Sage Patanjali is called the father of yoga because he compiled its principles in the Yoga Sutras.

    Q3. How does yoga help our body?
    It makes the body flexible, improves blood circulation, strengthens muscles, and keeps us fit.

    Q4. How does yoga help the mind?
    It improves concentration, reduces stress, and brings peace of mind.

    Q5. Why is yoga called “a way of life”?
    Because it is not just exercise but a discipline that guides how we live, eat, think, and behave in daily life.

    Think & Answer

    Q1. Why do people all over the world practise yoga today?
    Because it improves health, reduces stress, and brings balance to life.

    Q2. What lesson does yoga teach us?
    It teaches harmony, discipline, self-control, and respect for both body and nature.

    Vocabulary & Grammar

    • Posture = the position of the body

    • Meditation = practice of focusing the mind

    • Discipline = training of the mind and body to follow rules

    • Harmony = living peacefully and in balance

    Sentences:

    1. The teacher corrected my sitting posture.

    2. Daily meditation brings peace of mind.

    3. Good health requires discipline.

    4. Music brings harmony to the soul.

    Extra Questions

    Short Answer

    1. What are some yoga postures mentioned in the text?
      Examples include Padmasana (lotus pose), Bhujangasana (cobra pose), and Tadasana (mountain pose).

    2. Why is breathing important in yoga?
      Because controlled breathing gives more oxygen, calms the mind, and improves focus.

    3. What does yoga combine together?
      Yoga combines body, mind, and spirit into harmony.

    Long Answer

    Q. How is yoga different from ordinary exercise?
    Yoga is different from ordinary exercise because it focuses on both the body and the mind. While exercise strengthens muscles and improves stamina, yoga also improves breathing, concentration, and emotional balance. Yoga includes postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation. It not only makes the body flexible but also helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Unlike exercises that may strain the body, yoga works gently and can be done by people of all ages. It teaches self-control, discipline, and harmony. That is why yoga is called a way of life.

    Summary of Yoga: A Way of Life

    Yoga: A Way of Life is an informative passage that explains the origin, benefits, and importance of yoga.

    Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that connects the body, mind, and spirit. It was developed thousands of years ago and explained by Sage Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras. He is remembered as the father of yoga. The text explains that yoga is not only physical exercise but a lifestyle that promotes balance and harmony.

    Yoga includes asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), and dhyana (meditation). Postures make the body strong and flexible, while breathing exercises improve oxygen supply and calm the mind. Meditation develops focus and peace. Together, these practices create overall well-being.

    The passage explains that yoga benefits both the body and the mind. It helps in digestion, blood circulation, and muscle strength. It reduces stress, improves memory, and develops confidence. Unlike ordinary exercise, yoga is gentle and can be done by anyone. It also teaches discipline, healthy eating, and right thinking.

    That is why yoga is called “a way of life.” It is not limited to the yoga mat but extends to how we live each day — with harmony, respect, and discipline.

    Today, yoga has spread all over the world. People in every country practise it for fitness and mental peace. The United Nations has even declared June 21 as International Yoga Day to honour this priceless gift of India to the world.

    The passage concludes by reminding us that practising yoga daily makes life healthier and happier. It brings unity between body and mind, and teaches us to live in balance with nature.

    Biography / Note — Sage Patanjali

    Sage Patanjali is remembered as the father of yoga. He lived in ancient India, though the exact dates of his life are not known. He is famous for compiling the Yoga Sutras, a collection of 195 short verses that explain the philosophy and practice of yoga.

    Patanjali taught that yoga is more than exercise; it is a way to control the mind and achieve inner peace. According to him, yoga helps us reduce suffering, calm the mind, and move toward self-realisation. His Yoga Sutras describe the eightfold path of yoga, known as Ashtanga Yoga, which includes moral values, self-discipline, postures, breathing, concentration, meditation, and ultimate union with the spirit.

    Because of his clear explanation, yoga became organised and easier to practise. That is why Patanjali is called the father of yoga. His teachings are still relevant today, and millions of people around the world practise yoga according to his principles.

    Yoga is India’s gift to the world, and Sage Patanjali’s contribution is invaluable. By reminding us to live with discipline, harmony, and balance, his work continues to guide people toward a healthy and peaceful life.

  • Unit – 3, Class 6th English, Poorvi, NCERT

    Nurturing Nature

    Part 1 — Neem Baba

    (Adapted from S. I. Farooqi)

    Pre-Reading / Warm-up

    Q1. Have you seen a neem tree? What is special about it?
    Yes, neem trees are common. They are special because their leaves, bark, and oil are used as medicine and for keeping away insects.

    Q2. Do you think trees can talk?
    No, trees cannot speak like humans, but they communicate through their presence, shade, and usefulness. In stories, writers often imagine trees talking to teach lessons.

    Comprehension Check

    Q1. Who is Amber?
    Amber is a young child who talks with the neem tree in the story.

    Q2. What does Amber ask the neem tree?
    Amber asks why people call the tree “Neem Baba” and why they respect it so much.

    Q3. What reply does the Neem Baba give?
    Neem Baba explains that he gives shade, cures diseases, and protects people from insects and germs.

    Q4. How does the neem tree protect villagers from diseases?
    Its leaves and twigs are used as medicine, and its smoke keeps away mosquitoes and germs.

    Q5. Why do people call the tree “Neem Baba”?
    Because the neem tree has served people for generations like a wise elder and protector, they respect it by calling it “Baba.”

    Think & Answer

    Q1. What lesson do we learn from Neem Baba?
    We learn that trees are selfless. They serve humans, animals, and birds without expecting anything in return.

    Q2. How should we treat trees?
    We should respect, protect, and plant more trees because they give us life and health.

    Vocabulary & Grammar

    Q1. Opposites from the story:

    • Young × Old

    • Disease × Health

    • Enemy × Friend

    • Respect × Disrespect

    Q2. Sentences:

    1. Neem leaves are bitter but very healthy.

    2. The old man gave me good advice.

    3. Clean water keeps us free from disease.

    4. We should always show respect to elders and nature.

    Extra Questions

    Short Answer

    1. Why do people use neem twigs to brush teeth?
      Because they are good for gums and keep the mouth healthy.

    2. How does Neem Baba describe himself?
      As a humble servant of nature who heals, protects, and provides shade.

    3. What does the story teach us about nature?
      That nature gives generously, and we must take care of it.

    Long Answer

    Q. How is the neem tree a symbol of selfless service?
    The neem tree, called Neem Baba, serves as a symbol of generosity and selflessness. It provides shade in the hot sun, its leaves and bark cure many illnesses, and its smoke keeps away mosquitoes. People also use its twigs as toothbrushes for healthy gums. All of this it gives without asking anything in return. The tree does not choose who benefits from it — rich or poor, young or old, all enjoy its gifts. That is why people respect it like a wise elder and call it Baba. The story reminds us to respect trees, plant more of them, and live in harmony with nature.

    Summary of Neem Baba

    The story Neem Baba is an imaginative conversation between a child, Amber, and a neem tree. It highlights the neem tree’s importance and the lessons it teaches us.

    Amber asks the tree why people call it Neem Baba and why they show so much respect. The tree replies that it has served people for centuries. It explains that it provides shade to travellers and villagers, helps cure many diseases, and protects people from mosquitoes and germs. Its leaves, bark, and oil are used in home remedies. Its twigs are used to clean teeth and keep gums healthy.

    The neem tree tells Amber that it expects nothing in return. It gives its services freely to everyone, whether rich or poor. This selfless service is why people respect it as Baba, meaning a wise and kind elder.

    Through this conversation, Amber learns that nature silently helps humans in many ways. Trees provide oxygen, medicines, shade, fruits, and shelter for birds and animals. The neem tree teaches that humans must care for nature in return.

    The story ends with the strong message that we should never cut down trees carelessly. Instead, we should plant more trees and respect them. The neem tree stands as a guardian of health and a symbol of kindness.

    Thus, Neem Baba reminds us that nature is our greatest teacher and that we must live in harmony with it.

    Biography — S. I. Farooqi

    Syed Iqbal Farooqi (often written as S. I. Farooqi) is a well-known Indian science writer and environmentalist. He is admired for writing about plants, animals, and the environment in a way that children can easily understand.

    He has published many books and articles on medicinal plants, environmental science, and the importance of biodiversity. His works often highlight how nature, especially trees and plants, play a vital role in human life. By writing in simple language, he makes young readers curious about science and respectful towards nature.

    One of his contributions has been spreading knowledge about India’s traditional herbal medicines. He explains how common plants like neem, tulsi, and turmeric are powerful in healing and protecting health. His writings connect modern science with traditional wisdom.

    Farooqi also contributed to children’s literature by adapting folk tales and stories about nature into forms suitable for school textbooks. Neem Baba is one such adaptation, where a neem tree speaks to a child and explains its usefulness.

    Through his work, Farooqi has encouraged readers to conserve the environment and respect natural resources. His life and writings show his deep love for nature and his mission to make everyone, especially children, aware of its value.

    Part 2 — What a Bird Thought

    Poem by Anonymous

    Pre-Reading / Warm-up

    Q1. Have you seen birds in their nests? What do they do there?
    Yes, I have seen birds in their nests. They rest, feed their chicks, and stay safe from danger.

    Q2. Do birds change their nests? Why?
    Yes, they often change their nests when they grow bigger, when chicks learn to fly, or when they migrate.

    Comprehension Check

    Q1. What did the bird first think about its world?
    The bird first thought that its world was only the little shell of its egg.

    Q2. How did the bird’s idea of the world change when it hatched?
    When it hatched, it saw the nest and thought the nest was the entire world.

    Q3. What happened when the bird grew a little older?
    As the bird grew, it looked out and saw trees, the sky, and rivers. It realised the world was much bigger.

    Q4. How did the bird feel when it discovered the vast world?
    The bird was surprised and amazed at how big the world was compared to what it had first imagined.

    Think & Answer

    Q1. What does the poem teach us about life and knowledge?
    The poem teaches that as we grow, our understanding of the world expands. Life is much bigger than we first imagine.

    Q2. How is the bird’s journey like a human child’s growth?
    Just as the bird first thought its shell was the world, children too think their small home is the whole world. As they grow, they learn that the world is vast and full of wonders.

    Vocabulary & Grammar

    • World: the place we live in

    • Nest: home made by birds

    • Shell: the covering of an egg

    • Amazed: surprised in a happy way

    Sentences:

    1. The baby bird cracked its shell.

    2. The crow built a nest in the tree.

    3. The world is full of different countries.

    4. She was amazed by the fireworks.

    Extra Questions

    Short Answer (2–3 lines)

    1. Why did the bird think the egg was the whole world?
      Because that was the only place it knew before hatching.

    2. What made the bird realise the world was bigger than the nest?
      Looking out at the sky, trees, and rivers showed the bird how vast the world was.

    3. What feeling does the bird’s discovery reflect?
      It reflects wonder, curiosity, and excitement about learning new things.

    Long Answer

    Q. How does the poem compare the growth of a bird to human learning?
    The poem compares the stages of a bird’s life to the way humans grow and learn. At first, the bird believes its egg is the world. This is like a newborn baby who only knows its mother. After hatching, the bird thinks the nest is the whole world, just as a child thinks the home is everything. Later, as the bird grows, it sees trees, rivers, and the sky. Similarly, as children grow, they explore schools, society, and the world outside. Finally, the bird realises the world is much bigger than it imagined, which is also true for humans as they learn more and discover life’s vastness. The poem teaches us that knowledge is endless and that curiosity helps us expand our view of the world.

    Summary of What a Bird Thought

    What a Bird Thought is a short and meaningful poem that describes a bird’s discovery of the world.

    At first, the bird is inside its egg. It thinks that the egg is the entire world because that is all it knows. Later, when the bird hatches, it finds itself in a nest. Now it believes that the nest is the world.

    As the bird grows older, it looks out of the nest and sees trees, rivers, and the wide sky. It realises that the world is much bigger than the shell or the nest. The bird is filled with surprise and wonder at this discovery.

    The poem uses the bird’s growth as a symbol for human growth and learning. Just as the bird’s understanding of the world changes, humans also start by knowing very little but slowly learn that the world is vast and full of new experiences.

    The poem’s message is simple but powerful: our knowledge and view of life grow with time. What we think is the whole world now may only be a small part of the bigger reality.

    Note on Authorship (Anonymous)

    The poem What a Bird Thought is credited to Anonymous in the textbook, meaning the author’s name is not known. Many old poems and folk rhymes are passed down through generations without records of who wrote them. Such poems are preserved in oral tradition and collected later in school readers.

    The value of these anonymous works is not in knowing the author but in the lessons they give. What a Bird Thought is one such timeless piece that connects children to curiosity, growth, and the beauty of discovery.

    Part 3 — Spices that Heal Us

    (A letter from Daadi about home remedies)

    Pre-Reading / Warm-up

    Q1. What do you do when you catch a cold or cough?
    I usually drink warm water, take rest, and sometimes have home remedies like ginger tea.

    Q2. Do you know of any spices used in your home for health?
    Yes, we use turmeric in milk for colds, ginger for sore throats, and black pepper for cough.

    Comprehension Check

    Q1. Who writes the letter in the story?
    Daadi (grandmother) writes the letter to her grandchildren.

    Q2. Why does she write the letter?
    To tell her grandchildren about the healing power of Indian spices and to encourage them to use home remedies.

    Q3. Which spice does she suggest for sore throat?
    Ginger with honey, or turmeric milk.

    Q4. Which spice helps with digestion?
    Cumin seeds help with digestion.

    Q5. Which spice is used for cough?
    Black pepper is used for cough and colds.

    Q6. Why does Daadi say spices are special?
    Because they are not only used for cooking but also as natural medicines for common illnesses.

    Think & Answer

    Q1. What do we learn about the wisdom of grandparents?
    Grandparents carry knowledge of traditional remedies, which are safe, natural, and effective.

    Q2. Why are spices important in Indian homes?
    They add flavour to food and also act as home medicines.

    Vocabulary & Grammar

    • Remedy = cure

    • Digest = to process food

    • Sore = painful

    • Aroma = pleasant smell

    Sentences:

    1. Turmeric milk is a good remedy for colds.

    2. Cumin water helps to digest heavy meals.

    3. She had a sore throat and drank ginger tea.

    4. The aroma of spices filled the kitchen.

    Extra Questions

    Short Answer

    1. Why does Daadi mention turmeric?
      Because turmeric is a natural antiseptic and good for colds when mixed with warm milk.

    2. Which spice is used for stomach pain?
      Cumin seeds are used for stomach aches and indigestion.

    3. What is the main message of Daadi’s letter?
      That natural spices in our kitchen are powerful medicines and should be respected.

    Long Answer

    Q. How does the story show the importance of traditional knowledge?
    The story shows that our grandparents’ knowledge of spices is precious. Daadi writes a letter explaining how simple kitchen spices can heal common illnesses. Turmeric cures colds, cumin helps digestion, and black pepper eases cough. She wants children to value natural remedies instead of always running for modern medicines. This teaches us that Indian households carry generations of wisdom, passed down with love. By sharing these remedies, Daadi not only teaches health care but also shows her love and concern. The story highlights that tradition and modern life can go together.

    Summary of Spices that Heal Us

    Spices that Heal Us is a story told in the form of a letter from a grandmother, Daadi, to her grandchildren. In the letter, Daadi explains the medicinal value of common Indian spices and encourages her grandchildren to use them wisely.

    She begins by telling them that spices are not only for adding taste to food but also work as natural medicines. She lists some examples. Turmeric, when added to warm milk, cures colds and works as an antiseptic. Ginger, mixed with honey, helps with sore throats. Black pepper is useful in curing coughs. Cumin seeds help with digestion and relieve stomach aches.

    Daadi shares these remedies not just as health tips but as part of the wisdom passed down through generations. She reminds her grandchildren that before modern medicines were popular, people relied on natural remedies, and they were very effective. She also explains that spices are safe, easily available, and have no harmful side effects if used properly.

    The letter is filled with care and warmth. Daadi’s love for her grandchildren is seen in her desire to keep them healthy. She wants them to grow up respecting the knowledge of elders and to see the value in nature’s gifts.

    Through this letter, the reader learns that everyday kitchen spices are treasures. They add flavour to food and also protect our health. The story also teaches us to respect our traditions, as they often contain valuable scientific truths.

    Thus, Spices that Heal Us is not just about home remedies but also about love, tradition, and the importance of passing knowledge from one generation to another.

    About the Source (Folk Wisdom & Traditional Healing)

    This text is written in the form of a grandmother’s letter, showing how family elders share health knowledge. It draws on India’s long tradition of using spices like turmeric, ginger, cumin, and pepper for healing. Such wisdom has been part of Ayurveda and folk practices for centuries.

  • Unit – 2, Class 6th English, Poorvi, NCERT

    Friendship

    Part 1 — The Unlikely Best Friends

    By Subba Rao

    Pages: 40–51 (as in the textbook)

    Pre-Reading / Warm-up

    Q1. Have you ever had an unlikely friend?
    Yes, sometimes I have become friends with people or animals I never expected. These friendships turned out to be special.

    Q2. Why are friends important?
    Friends give us joy, support us in difficult times, and make life meaningful.

    Comprehension Check

    Q1. Who were Gajaraj and Buntee?
    Gajaraj was a royal elephant, and Buntee was a stray dog.

    Q2. How did Buntee come to live with Gajaraj?
    She entered the stable for food and gradually became Gajaraj’s companion.

    Q3. Why did Gajaraj become ill?
    Because Buntee was taken away by a farmer, and he became lonely and sad.

    Q4. What cured Gajaraj?
    Buntee’s return brought him joy, and he quickly recovered.

    Think & Answer

    Q1. Why did the elephant and the dog become unlikely best friends?
    Because they offered each other love, loyalty, and companionship despite being different species.

    Q2. What is the lesson of the story?
    True friendship goes beyond size, shape, or background. It is based on trust and love.

    Vocabulary & Grammar

    • Opposites: Big × Small, Happy × Sad, Ill × Healthy

    • Sentences:

      • Majestic: The king rode a majestic horse.

      • Appetite: After running, he had a good appetite.

      • Loyalty: The dog showed loyalty by guarding the house.

    Extra Questions

    Short Answer

    1. Why did the farmer buy Buntee? → He admired her loyalty and wanted her for himself.

    2. How did the mahout know Gajaraj was unhappy? → He noticed the elephant stopped eating and looked sad.

    3. What does this story show about animals? → That they can form deep and loving friendships like humans.

    Long Answer (150–200 words)
    The story proves that friendship is not limited to humans. Gajaraj, a huge elephant, and Buntee, a small dog, became best friends. They shared food, joy, and companionship. When Buntee was taken away, Gajaraj grew so sad that he fell ill. Only Buntee’s return could cure him. This shows that true friendship is about emotional bonds, not size or species.

    Summary

    The Unlikely Best Friends by Subba Rao is a touching tale of friendship between Gajaraj, a royal elephant, and Buntee, a stray dog.

    Gajaraj lived in a temple stable and was looked after by the mahout. He had everything, but he was lonely. One day, Buntee, a stray dog, entered the stable searching for food. She ate the crumbs left after Gajaraj’s feeding. Slowly, she began staying in the stable.

    Over time, Buntee and Gajaraj became inseparable. Buntee shared his food, played with him, and gave him warmth. Gajaraj, in return, gave her love and protection. Their unlikely friendship blossomed, proving that bonds of love can exist beyond species.

    One day, a farmer noticed Buntee’s loyalty and affection. He bought her and took her away. Gajaraj became very sad. He refused to eat, lost his appetite, and looked weak. The mahout and priest grew worried and called a vet. The vet found no physical illness. He realised Gajaraj’s suffering was emotional.

    When Buntee was returned, Gajaraj’s joy returned too. He ate well again, and his health improved. Their reunion showed how deep their bond was.

    The story teaches that true friendship is about love and loyalty, not appearances. It shows that even animals can form strong friendships that heal hearts.

    Biography — Subba Rao

    Subba Rao is an Indian writer well-known for his children’s stories and retellings of traditional tales. He often drew inspiration from folklore, mythology, and moral fables. His writing is simple, clear, and always carries a valuable lesson.

    Many of Subba Rao’s works are used in school textbooks because they are easy for children to understand and enjoyable to read. He believed stories were not only for entertainment but also for teaching values like kindness, honesty, friendship, and loyalty.

    The Unlikely Best Friends is one such story. By narrating the friendship between a mighty elephant and a small dog, Subba Rao teaches children that friendship is about love and not about size or power. His style is warm and engaging, making young readers connect with his characters.

    Though Subba Rao may not be widely known outside classrooms, his stories have shaped the moral lessons of countless students. He belongs to the tradition of Indian writers who use stories as tools to guide young minds toward goodness.

    His contribution lies in keeping moral tales alive for modern readers. Children remember his stories for their simplicity and lasting message.

    A Friend’s Prayer

    By Jill Wolf

    Pages: 52–55 (as printed)

     Pre-Reading / Warm-up

    Q1. What do you pray for your friends?
    I pray for their happiness, good health, and courage.

    Q2. Is a good friend a blessing? Why?
    Yes, a good friend is a blessing because true friends share joys and sorrows.

    Comprehension Check

    Q1. What does the poet pray for?
    She prays for her friend’s courage, small sorrows, joyful laughter, and lasting friendship.

    Q2. What does “use my heart to see” mean?
    It means to understand friends with compassion and love, not judgment.

    Think & Answer

    Why is laughter important?
    Laughter brings joy and makes life lighter, strengthening friendships.

    Vocabulary & Grammar

    • Courage = bravery

    • Sorrow = sadness

    • Forever = always

    Sentences:

    • Courage helps us face hardships.

    • Sorrow teaches us patience.

    • True friendship lasts forever.

    Extra Questions

    Short Answer

    1. Why is the poem called a prayer? → Because it expresses heartfelt wishes for a friend.

    2. What does the poet promise? → To help her friend, to listen, and to love them as they are.

    Summary

    A Friend’s Prayer by Jill Wolf is a heartfelt poem about the love between friends.

    The poet begins by asking for courage for her friend to face life’s battles bravely. She prays that her friend’s sorrows be small and bearable so they do not take away happiness. She also prays for abundant laughter, so her friend’s life is full of joy.

    The poet then promises to be a true friend herself. She says she will do all she can to help and make her friend’s wishes come true. She asks for the ability to use her heart to see, meaning she wants to understand her friends with compassion. She promises to love her friend as they are, without judgment.

    The poem ends with a prayer that friendship continues forever. It beautifully expresses the selfless nature of true friendship.

    Biography — Jill Wolf

    Jill Wolf is a poet whose works are loved for their warmth, simplicity, and sincerity. Although not much is known about her personal life, her poems are widely used in school readers and anthologies because they carry timeless values.

    Her poem A Friend’s Prayer is especially popular. It expresses what true friendship means — wishing courage in sorrows, joy in laughter, and loyalty forever. Children and adults alike enjoy it because of its simple words and deep feelings.

    Jill Wolf believed that poetry should be clear and touch the heart. She did not use difficult language or abstract ideas. Instead, she wrote about universal emotions like love, care, hope, and friendship. This makes her poems relatable to all readers.

    Though she may not be a famous literary figure, her contribution is significant in moral education. Teachers use her poems to explain human values, and students remember them easily.

    Through A Friend’s Prayer, Jill Wolf has given us a model of true friendship — one that is selfless, loyal, and eternal.

    Part 3 — The Chair

    Pages: 60–63 (as printed)

    Pre-Reading / Warm-up

    Do true friends stay when times are hard?
    Yes, true friends stay with us in good times and bad, while false friends leave.

    Comprehension Check

    Q1. Who was Mario?
    Mario was a boy proud of having many friends.

    Q2. What gift did his grandfather give him?
    An invisible chair to test who his true friends were.

    Q3. What happened when Mario sat on the chair?
    Some laughed at him because they could not see it, but a few true friends held him up.

    Think & Answer

    What does the invisible chair symbolise?
    It symbolises life’s tests that reveal who truly stands by us.

    Moral: True friends are few but precious.

    Summary

    The Chair is a short moral story about Mario, a boy with many friends. He often boasted about them but secretly doubted if they were real friends. His wise grandfather gave him a magical invisible chair to test them.

    The chair could only be seen and supported by true friends. Mario took it to school and tried to sit. Many classmates could not see it and laughed at him, thinking he was pretending. Some even mocked him.

    But three of his friends came forward. They believed in him, saw the chair, and helped him sit without falling. These three friends proved their loyalty, while the others proved false.

    Through this test, Mario understood that true friends are not many but a precious few who support us in times of need. The story teaches that friendship should not be measured by numbers but by loyalty and love.

  • Unit – 1, Class 6th English, Poorvi, NCERT

    A Bottle of Dew

    By Sudha Murty

    Pre-Reading / Warm-up (Before the Story)

    Q1. Have you ever met a beggar? How did you feel when you saw him/her?
    Yes, I have seen beggars near temples and traffic signals. I felt both pity for their suffering and sadness that they had no proper work or support.

    Q2. Do you think giving money to beggars really helps them? Why/Why not?
    Not always. Sometimes money is misused. Instead of giving money, providing food, clothes, or opportunities for work is more helpful.

    Q3. What qualities should a king or a leader have?
    A king or leader should be kind, just, wise, fair, and able to guide people toward good values.

    Page 1–3 – Comprehension Check

    Q1. Who came to meet the king one morning?
    An old man came to meet the king.

    Q2. What did the old man say?
    He said he was very poor and needed money to marry off his daughter.

    Q3. How did the king respond to the old man’s request?
    The king kindly gave him some money and promised to help again if needed.

    Q4. What did the old man do with the money?
    He wasted it on useless things and came back again for more help.

    Q5. What did the king finally ask him to do?
    The king asked him to bring a bottle of dew before he would give more money.

    Page 4–5 – Think and Answer

    Q1. Why did the king ask the old man to bring a bottle of dew?
    The king wanted to teach him that life cannot be lived on charity. Just as dew cannot be collected in a bottle, living without work is impossible.

    Q2. What lesson did the old man learn at the end of the story?
    He realised that hard work is necessary for survival, and depending on others is shameful and fruitless.

    Page 6–7 – Vocabulary & Grammar

    Q1. Pick the opposites from the story:

    • Rich × Poor

    • Morning × Evening

    • Useful × Useless

    • Young × Old

    Q2. Fill in the blanks:
    (i) The old man was lazy and did not work.
    (ii) The king was kind but also wise.
    (iii) The man wanted money to marry his daughter.
    (iv) A bottle of dew cannot be collected.

    Extra Questions

    Short Answer

    1. Why did the king stop giving money after some time?
      Because the old man wasted it and showed no signs of changing his habits.

    2. What does the bottle of dew symbolise?
      It symbolises the futility of laziness and the importance of self-reliance.

    3. How did the king balance kindness with wisdom?
      He gave help at first but then used a clever way to make the old man learn a lesson.

    Long Answer

    Q. How does Sudha Murty’s story teach the value of hard work?
    The story shows that hard work is the foundation of a meaningful life. The old man in the story wanted to live by asking for money without doing any work. Though the king was generous and helped him, he also realised that this attitude would not change unless the old man learned a lesson. By asking him to bring a bottle of dew, the king cleverly showed that his approach was impossible. Just as dew cannot be collected, life cannot be lived without effort. At last, the old man understood that nothing in the world is free and that one must earn to survive. The story teaches children to be hardworking, independent, and responsible rather than lazy and dependent.

    Summary of A Bottle of Dew

    Sudha Murty’s A Bottle of Dew is a story that combines kindness with wisdom to teach the importance of self-reliance.

    The story begins with a poor old man who goes to meet a king. He tells the king he is poor and needs money to marry off his daughter. The king, known for his kindness, gives him some money. The old man, however, does not use the money wisely. Instead of saving it or spending it on his daughter, he wastes it on useless things. Soon, he returns to the king, asking for more help.

    The king understands that the old man is lazy and careless. Giving him money again will not help him but make him more dependent. So, the king decides to teach him a lesson. He tells the man he will give him more money only if he brings him a bottle of dew.

    The old man tries, but collecting dew is impossible. After many failed attempts, he realises the king’s hidden message: just as one cannot fill a bottle with dew, one cannot live without working hard. Charity may help for a moment, but it cannot replace self-effort.

    Ashamed of his behaviour, the old man learns that nothing in life is free. One must earn through hard work to live with dignity.

    The story ends with the moral that self-reliance, not laziness, gives true happiness.

    Biography – Sudha Murty

    Sudha Murty is a famous Indian writer, social worker, and teacher. She was born on 19 August 1950 in Shiggaon, Karnataka. From a young age, she was hardworking, curious, and loved learning.

    She studied engineering and became the first woman engineer at TELCO (now Tata Motors). Later, she also earned a master’s degree and worked as a teacher. She is married to N. R. Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys.

    Sudha Murty is best known as a writer. She writes in both English and Kannada. Her stories are simple but powerful, teaching values like honesty, hard work, compassion, and kindness. Some of her famous books are Wise and Otherwise, How I Taught My Grandmother to Read, The Magic of the Lost Temple, and The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk. Children especially love her books because they are easy to understand and always have a moral.

    She is also the Chairperson of Infosys Foundation, which helps in areas like education, healthcare, and rural development. She has built schools, libraries, and hospitals in many villages.

    Sudha Murty lives a simple life and believes in service to others. She is admired for her humility, generosity, and wisdom. Her stories, like A Bottle of Dew, continue to inspire children and adults to live better lives.

    ___________________

    The Raven and the Fox

    By Jean de la Fontaine

    Pre-Reading / Warm-up (Before the Poem)

    Q1. Have you ever seen a crow or raven with food in its beak? What happens then?
    Yes, often other birds try to snatch it, or people throw stones to make the crow drop it.

    Q2. Why do you think animals sometimes trick each other?
    Animals trick each other mostly to get food or protect themselves.

    Q3. Do you think it is right to flatter others for selfish gain? Why/Why not?
    No, flattery for selfish gain is wrong because it is dishonest and may harm the other person.

    Reading the Poem – Comprehension Check

    Q1. Who is sitting on a tree in the poem? What is he holding in his beak?
    A raven (crow) is sitting on a tree, holding a piece of cheese in his beak.

    Q2. What does the fox say to the raven at first?
    The fox flatters the raven by praising his beauty and calling him the king of birds.

    Q3. What does the fox ask the raven to do? Why?
    The fox asks the raven to sing. He wants the raven to open his beak so that the cheese will fall down.

    Q4. What happens when the raven tries to sing?
    When the raven opens his beak to sing, the cheese falls to the ground, and the fox quickly snatches it.

    Q5. What lesson does the raven learn?
    The raven realises he has been fooled by flattery and should not trust sweet words blindly.

    Think and Answer

    Q1. Do you think the raven was foolish? Why?
    Yes, the raven was foolish because he was carried away by the fox’s false praise and lost his food.

    Q2. What is the moral of the poem?
    We should not be misled by flattery. Always judge people by their actions, not their sweet words.

    Vocabulary & Grammar

    Q1. Find opposites in the poem/story context:

    • Foolish × Wise

    • Friend × Enemy

    • Praise × Criticism

    • Win × Lose

    Q2. Make sentences using these words:

    1. Flattery – He fell into trouble because of false flattery.

    2. Foolish – It was foolish to believe the stranger’s lies.

    3. Snatch – The monkey tried to snatch the banana from my hand.

    4. Praise – The teacher praised the student for his honesty.

    Extra Questions

    Short Answer

    1. How does the fox trick the raven?
      By flattering the raven’s looks and requesting him to sing, so the cheese falls.

    2. Why does the raven lose his cheese?
      Because he opens his beak to sing, forgetting he is holding the cheese.

    3. What should we learn from the raven’s mistake?
      We should not let pride or flattery make us lose our sense.

    Long Answer

    Q. How does the poem teach us the dangers of flattery?
    The poem shows how flattery can deceive even the proud. The fox praises the raven’s beauty and pretends to admire him as king of birds. The raven, feeling proud, wants to prove his talent by singing. But as soon as he opens his beak, the cheese falls, and the fox runs away with it. This teaches us that people may use sweet words for selfish purposes. Pride makes us vulnerable to such tricks. The poem warns us to remain humble and cautious. True friends give honest praise, while flatterers seek only their own benefit.

    Summary of The Raven and the Fox

    Jean de la Fontaine’s poem The Raven and the Fox is a fable in verse that teaches a moral lesson.

    The poem begins with a raven sitting on a tree branch, holding a piece of cheese in his beak. A fox passes by and sees the cheese. Being cunning, he decides to trick the raven into dropping it.

    The fox starts praising the raven. He calls him handsome, the king of birds, and says that if his voice is as sweet as his looks, he would be the most perfect bird. The raven, flattered by these words, feels proud and wishes to show off his singing voice.

    When the raven opens his beak to sing, the cheese falls down. The fox immediately picks it up and runs away. The raven is left embarrassed and hungry.

    Through this simple tale, the poet conveys a universal truth: flattery can be dangerous. Those who trust false praise often lose what they have. The raven’s mistake was pride and foolishness, while the fox’s cunning teaches us to beware of flatterers.

    Thus, the poem is entertaining but also carries a clear moral lesson: “Do not trust flatterers.”

    Biography – Jean de la Fontaine

    Jean de la Fontaine (1621–1695) was a famous French poet and fabulist, best known for his fables.

    He was born on 8 July 1621 in Château-Thierry, France. From childhood, he loved stories and poetry. Though trained in law, he was more interested in literature and writing.

    La Fontaine became famous for his Fables, inspired by Aesop and Indian stories like the Panchatantra. He wrote them in verse, making them entertaining and easy to remember. His fables often featured animals with human qualities, teaching moral lessons through their actions. The Raven and the Fox is one such fable, showing how pride and flattery can lead to foolishness.

    His fables were not only for children but also for adults, as they cleverly criticised human weaknesses like greed, pride, and dishonesty. Kings, courtiers, and ordinary people all enjoyed them.

    Apart from fables, he also wrote tales, poems, and plays, but his fables made him immortal. Even today, they are read worldwide and form part of school textbooks.

    La Fontaine lived during the reign of King Louis XIV. Though life was not always easy, his talent earned him the admiration of scholars and readers.

    He passed away on 13 April 1695, but his stories continue to inspire generations. He is remembered as one of the greatest fabulists in the world.

    Rama to the Rescue

    Amar Chitra Katha Retelling

    Pre-Reading / Warm-up (Before the Story)

    Q1. Who is your favourite character from the Ramayana? Why?
    My favourite is Hanuman because he is brave, loyal, and helps Rama selflessly.

    Q2. Do you know why Rama had to fight Ravana?
    Yes, because Ravana kidnapped Sita, Rama’s wife, and took her to Lanka. Rama fought to rescue her.

    Q3. Do you think good always wins over evil? Why?
    Yes, in the long run, goodness wins because truth and justice are stronger than lies and cruelty.

    Page 8–10 – Comprehension Check

    Q1. Why did Ravana kidnap Sita?
    Because he wanted to take revenge on Rama and also desired Sita’s beauty.

    Q2. Who helped Rama in finding Sita?
    Hanuman, along with Sugriva and the Vanara (monkey) army, helped Rama.

    Q3. How did Rama and his army cross the sea to reach Lanka?
    They built a bridge of stones across the sea, known as the Ram Setu.

    Q4. Who killed Ravana in the battle?
    Rama himself killed Ravana with his divine bow and arrow.

    Q5. What happened after Ravana was killed?
    Sita was freed, and Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya, where Rama was crowned king.

    Page 11 – Think and Answer

    Q1. What qualities of Rama do you admire most?
    Rama was brave, truthful, compassionate, and always stood for dharma (righteousness).

    Q2. What lesson does the story of Rama and Ravana teach us?
    It teaches us that evil, no matter how strong, is ultimately defeated by goodness, truth, and justice.

    Vocabulary & Grammar

    Q1. Find opposites in the story context:

    • Good × Evil

    • Truth × Lies

    • Friend × Enemy

    • Brave × Cowardly

    Q2. Fill in the blanks:

    1. Rama was the prince of Ayodhya.

    2. Sita was kidnapped by Ravana.

    3. The bridge across the sea was called Ram Setu.

    4. Rama killed Ravana with his bow and arrow.

    Extra Questions

    Short Answer

    1. Who was Ravana?
      Ravana was the ten-headed king of Lanka, a great scholar but arrogant and cruel.

    2. How did Hanuman help Rama?
      Hanuman leapt across the ocean, found Sita in Ashok Vatika, and burned Lanka with his fiery tail.

    3. What role did the Vanara army play?
      They helped Rama build the bridge, fought bravely in battle, and supported him in rescuing Sita.

    Long Answer

    Q. How does the battle between Rama and Ravana symbolise the fight between good and evil?
    The Ramayana’s central theme is the victory of good over evil. Rama represents virtue, truth, and righteousness, while Ravana represents arrogance, lust, and cruelty. Ravana kidnaps Sita through deceit, symbolising the misuse of power. Rama, instead of acting out of anger, patiently gathers allies and prepares for battle with courage and fairness. The Vanara army, led by Hanuman and Sugriva, shows the strength of loyalty and friendship. The construction of the Ram Setu demonstrates determination and teamwork. Finally, Rama defeats Ravana, proving that evil, no matter how mighty, cannot last. The story teaches us that moral values, courage, and justice always triumph. This timeless message inspires us to live truthfully and bravely.

    Summary of Rama to the Rescue

    The story Rama to the Rescue retells an important episode from the Ramayana — Rama’s battle with Ravana to rescue Sita.

    Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, lived in exile with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. One day, Sita was kidnapped by Ravana, the ten-headed king of Lanka. Ravana, though a learned scholar and powerful king, was arrogant and driven by desire. He carried Sita to his palace in Lanka.

    Rama was heartbroken but determined to bring her back. With the help of Hanuman and Sugriva, the king of monkeys, Rama raised a mighty army of Vanaras. Hanuman leapt across the ocean, discovered Sita in Ashok Vatika, and assured her that Rama would rescue her soon.

    To reach Lanka, Rama’s army built a bridge of stones across the sea, called Ram Setu. With faith and teamwork, they crossed over and prepared for battle.

    A fierce war followed between Rama’s army and Ravana’s forces. Many heroic duels took place, with warriors on both sides displaying bravery. Hanuman, Angada, and Lakshmana fought valiantly. Ultimately, Rama confronted Ravana himself. With his divine bow and arrow, Rama killed Ravana and ended his reign of terror.

    Sita was freed and reunited with Rama. Together with Lakshmana, they returned to Ayodhya. Rama was crowned king, and his rule, known as Rama Rajya, became a symbol of justice, peace, and prosperity.

    The story is not just about war but about values. Rama’s patience, courage, and devotion to truth stand in contrast to Ravana’s arrogance and greed. The message is clear: good always defeats evil, and righteousness is the strongest weapon of all.

    About Amar Chitra Katha

    Rama to the Rescue is adapted from Amar Chitra Katha, India’s most famous comic book series.

    Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) was founded in 1967 by Anant Pai, popularly known as “Uncle Pai.” His idea was to teach Indian children about their own history, mythology, and culture in a fun way, through colourful comic books. At that time, children were more familiar with Western stories, and Pai wanted to connect them with India’s heritage.

    Amar Chitra Katha comics cover Indian epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, stories of gods and goddesses, freedom fighters, kings, saints, and great leaders. The stories are written in simple language and beautifully illustrated, making them easy for children to enjoy and understand.

    The comics became so popular that generations of Indians grew up reading them. Today, ACK has published more than 400 titles in many Indian languages and English, with millions of copies sold worldwide.

    Through Amar Chitra Katha, children learn not just stories but also values like courage, honesty, respect, and devotion. In Rama to the Rescue, ACK brings alive the epic battle of Rama and Ravana, showing how truth and goodness always win.

    Even today, Amar Chitra Katha remains a cultural treasure, keeping India’s rich traditions alive in the hearts of young readers.