Lesson 1: The Case of the Fifth Word

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Vocabulary & Language Work

Q1. Synonyms:

• Quarrel → Argument

• Competitor → Rival

• Mystery → Puzzle

• Idea → Thought

Q2. Antonyms:

• Fair × Unfair

• Angry × Calm

• Win × Lose

• Friend × Enemy

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Vocabulary & Language Work

Q1. Synonyms:

• Wonder → Marvel

• Rare → Unique

• Preserve → Protect

• Mystery → Secret

Q2. Antonyms:

• Natural × Artificial

• Strong × Weak

• Ancient × Modern

• Safe × Unsafe

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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.

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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.

Dreams and Discoveries

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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.

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Let Us Discuss

Q1. Complete the cause-and-effect table.

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.

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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.

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Character Traits Table

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Onomatopoeia Matching

• Crash → sudden loud sound of breaking

• Humming → continuous low and soothing sound

• Hissed → whispered angrily

• Hammering, sawing, clattering → constant loud construction noises

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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

Table of Shaana’s Travels

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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.

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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.

Nurturing Nature

Part 1 — Neem Baba

(Adapted from S. I. Farooqi)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Part 2 — What a Bird Thought

Poem by Anonymous

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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.

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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.

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Part 3 — Spices that Heal Us

(A letter from Daadi about home remedies)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.