Lesson 1: A Tale of Valour – Major Somnath Sharma

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

Wit and Humour – Question Answers

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

Let Us Discuss (Scene I, Pg. 73)

Q1. Fill the table.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Friendship

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Part 1 — The Unlikely Best Friends

By Subba Rao

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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.