Lesson 1: The Wit that Won Hearts

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

The Day the River Spoke – Question Answers

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Let Us Learn (Pg. 33–34)

Q1. Fill the sensory words.

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.

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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.

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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.

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📘 Unit 1 – Remaining Activities (Q&A)

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🎧 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).

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🎧 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.

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🎧 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.

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🗣️ 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.”

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✍️ 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

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🔎 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.

 

A Bottle of Dew

By Sudha Murty

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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

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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.