GOVERNMENT ENGLISH READER
POEM
MARCH
1.
Who are at work?
Ans. The oldest, the youngest and the strongest are all at work.
Why are the cows not raising their heads?
Ans. The cattle are not raising their heads because the grass is fresh, green
and sweet and the cows are enjoying it.
2.
What is the ploughboy doing ?
Ans. The ploughboy is busy at work and he is calling out to the others to come
and begin work.
4.Why does the poet say that the snow is only on the top of the bare hill?
Ans. It is warm and the snow on the ground and the lower levels of the hills has
melted away. The top of the mountains are cold and the snow there does not melt.
So there is snow only on the top of the hills.
5.Why is the poet called “March”?
Ans. In this poem March means movement. The movement of snow melting, the
grass springing to life, leaves, flowers and fruits appearing on trees. All of nature
marches back to life.
POEM
TREES
The first four lines of the poem say birds, children and people make use of trees , how do
they do this?
Ans. The birds built nests in trees, trees are their homes. Children built tree houses, like
nto swing on swings and play hide and seek behind trees. People like to have tea parties
under trees.
2. Why do trees make noise sometimes?
Trees make noise sometimes because the wind blows through them.
3. When do children complain about trees?
jjAns. Children complain about trees because their kites get caught up in their branches.
4.Where do the hikers look for cool shades in summer?
5. Why is mother happy to see trees?
Ans. Mother is happy to see trees because lovely pictures of trees can be painted.
6. Why does father grumble about his trees?
7. Which bird suggests the sound of an electric saw?
Ans. The sound which suggests the working of an electric saw is R…R..R
PROSE
THE GOOD SAMARITAN
1. Describe the pitiable state of the man in two short sentences.
Ans. The man was covered in the blood and dirt and was moaning in pain. They also stole
everything he had even his clothes.
2. “I don’t want to dirty my hand:, who said this? to whom?
Ans. The third traveler said this to himself when he saw the man covered in blood and
dirt.
3. “I am sure he’s no one I know “, Was this a good reason not to
Help the wounded man? Justify your answer.
Ans. This was not a good reason because as human beings we are supposed to
help everyone who needs our help even if that person is a stranger.
4. Who helped the wounded man?
Ans. A Samaritan helped the wounded man.
5. Did this man have a reason not to help the wounded man? If so, what was
it?
Ans. Samaritans and the Jews have been enemies for hundreds of years. So
the Samaritan had a very good reason for not helping the wounded man.
6. There was something special in this man’s act of kindness. What was it?
Ans. The Samaritan not only gave first aid to the wounded man but also
carried him to an inn where he paid the innkeeper some money and told
him to take care of the wounded man till he was strong again.
7. What first aid did the Samaritan give the wounded man? What was the
beast of burden in the ancient days?
Ans The Samaritan brushed the dust and gave him some water to drink. He
put some wine on the wounds, cleaned them to make them heal faster. The
beast of burden in the ancient days was donkey.
8. The Samaritan was well-to-do. Give two reasons for this.
Ans. We know that the Samaritan well-to-do because :
1. the Samaritan had a donkey.
2. He gave money to the innkeeper.
9. Who narrated this parable?
Ans. Jesus narrated this parable.
10. What moral lesson did Jesus teach through this parable?
Ans. This parable teaches us to love everybody especially strangers and
those who are in need of help.
PROSE
GALILEO
1. How is our knowledge about the earth different from the knowledge of people,
even learned men some 400 years ago?
Ans. In the early years people believed that the earth was stationary and the sun and
other heavenly bodies moved around it. Today we know that the sun is in the center and
the earth and other planets moved around it.
2. Who corrected people’s thinking about our earth in the 17 th century?
Ans. Galileo in the 17th century corrected people’s thinking about our earth.
3. What is Lippershey’s contribution to astronomy?
Ans. Lippershey, a native of Holland invented the telescope which makes distant
objects appear near. Astronomers use it to watch the stars.
4. What is a milky way?
Ans. The milky way is a broad white band of light seen across the sky at night. It contains
millions and millions of stars.
5. In what way is the moon similar to the earth?
Ans. The moon is similar to the earth because like the earth it has high mountains
and deep valleys.
6. Why was Galileo appointed professor at the university of Padua?
Ans. When the ruler of Venice saw the telescope he was greatly pleased and
appointed Galileo professor at the university of Padua.
7. What were the two important discoveries Galileo made with his improved
telescope?
Ans. The two important discoveries made by Galileo with his improved telescope were:
1. The planet Jupiter has little moons revolve around it.
2. The sun also spins around itself.
8. Who had made discoveries similar to Galileo’s in the 16th century?
Ans. Copernicus, a Polish astronomer said that the earth was a planet and that it
revolved round the sun. Galileo said the same.
9. What trouble did Galileo bring upon himself by telling the truth about the heavenly
bodies?
Ans. What Galileo said was the opposite of what the learned men and the Church so
he was called before the Inquisition to be tried and punished if he was an unbeliever.
10. What is the humorous story about Galileo facing the Inquisition?
Ans. Galileo was called before the Inquisition and made to kneel and declare that what
he said was wrong, but as he rose from his knees he said to himself “but still it does
move”.
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POEM
SPRING
1. Why does the poet consider spring “as the years most pleasant season”?
Ans. The poet considers spring as the year’s most pleasant season because life returns
to earth after the long cold season. All plants and trees bloom, children dance and
sing, the cold does not sting and the birds sing.
2. Describe the streets of the town in spring?
Ans. The people decorate the houses and streets with palms and wild flowers which
makes the atmosphere happy and bright. All old people are out on the streets enjoying
the beautiful, warm climate and young people are out on the streets meeting their
friends.
3. In autumn, ripe paddy fields give out a sweet smell. Can you think of a plant or a tree that breathe sweet in spring?
Ans. Beside the paddy fields breathing sweet in spring, we also have the apple tree,
cherry tree, hawthorn flowers give sweet smell in the spring season.
4. Write down 6 to 8 sentences about what we can see , hear, smell and feel in
springs
Ans. A. We can see greenery all around us.
b. We can see the animals in their natural surroundings.
c. We can hear the birds chirping.
d. We can smell the flowers.
e. We smell the apple tree and cherry tree.
f. We can feel the cool air.
g. We feel joyful, peaceful and happy.
PROSE
FRIEND IN NEED
1. What had Durvasa taught Kunti?
Ans. Durvasa taught Kunti a Mantra, a secret verse to invoke the Gods.
2. Whom did Kunti invoke?
Ans. Kunti invoked Surya, the Sun God.
3. What was Kunti blessed with?
Ans. Kunti was blessed with a child, who would prove to be the greatest of all
heroes.
4. What did Kunti do with the child?
Ans.
5.
Kunti put the baby in a basket and set it afloat on the river Ganga.
Why was Kunti disturbed?
Ans. The Pandavas and Kauravas were to fight each other and Karna was on
Duryodhana’s side who was a Kaurava king, and in doing so Karna was fighting
against his brothers. So Kunti was deeply disturbed.
6.
When did Kunti meet karna to reveal the truth?
Ans.
Kunti went to the banks of the river Ganga because Karna went there for his
daily morning prayers. He did this standing in the river facing the east with his eyes
closed.
7.
Why did Karna refuse to leave Duryodhana?
Ans.
The reasons why karna refused to leave Duryodhana were:
a. Duryodhana had befriended him in his hour of difficulty.
b. It did not matter to Duryodhana that he was a charioteer’s son.
c. Duryodhana had given him wealth, a kingdom, power, armies and above all a
lifelong friendship.
8.
What did Kunti plead with Karna?
Ans. Kunti asked Karna to join his brothers and to defend them against the
Kauravas.
9.
Did Karna become a traitor?
Ans.
10.
No, Karna did not become a traitor.
What did Krishna tell Kunti?
Ans.
Krishna told Kunti that there would be a war between her sons and their
cousins and that there would
Be much blood shed.
11.
Why did Karna come to dislike the Pandavas?
Ans.
Karna disliked the Pandavas because they insulted him in public and
spoke rude words to him.
12.
How did Duryodhana help?
Ans.
Duryodhana befriended him when he was put down by the Pandava
brothers and offered him a life
long friendship.
13.
Would I not be a traitor and a cheat, if I deserted him now?
1.
Who is the I?
Ans.
The ‘I’ here is Karna.
3.
Who was this person speaking to?
Ans.
4.
What was the answer?
Ans.
5.
The person is speaking to Kunti.
Kunti had no answer.
“It is the Pandavas you should lead not Duryodhana’s armies. Leave them”.
Who said this?
Ans.
6.
Ans.
7.
Ans.
Kunti said this.
To whom was it said?
This was said to Karna.
Why did she say this?
She said this because the Pandavas were his brothers.
8.
“Your sons will fight against their cousins. There will be much blood-shed’.
1.Who does the phrase ‘Your sons’ refer to?
Ans.
The Pandavas were five brothers so the phrase your sons refer to them.
9.
Who said this?
Ans.
10.
Ans
Krishna said this.
Who will fight against whom?
The Pandavas were to fight against the Kauravas.
POEM
RAIN IN SUMMER
Answer the following. :
a. The poet says it was dusty and hot. What was dusty and hot? What does the rain
do?
Ans. The poet speaks of the roads and streets being dusty and hot, but when it rains
the dust settles down and the atmosphere becomes cold.
b. The poet is watching the rain from his portico. True
c. When do rain drops clatter on the floor?
Ans.
The rain drops clatter on the roof whenever heavy drops fall.
d. The clatter sounds like a tramp of hoofs., so we may say that the poet’s house was
Ans.
A tin roof
e. Where does the rain water flow? How does it flow?
Ans.
The rain water flows into the gutter. It gushes and struggles out.
f. Why does the poet welcome the rain?
The poet welcomes the rain because the streets and roads are hot and dusty. The
atmosphere is also hot, but when it rains the streets and roads cool down, the
dust settles down. This makes everyone happy.
PROSE
SELF RELIANCE
1. Why did the kid scream?
Ans. The kid screamed as he had fallen into a ditch.
2. How do you know that the kid is self reliant?
Ans. We know that the kid is self reliant because he did not want others to show
mercy on him.
3. Who is the creator of our destiny?
Ans. We ourselves are the creator of our destiny.
3. What advice did Swamy Vivekananda give his disciples?
Ans. Swamy Vivekananda advised his disciples that if they felt they were nothing
then they become powerless. It is just escapism and you feel miserable. He also told
them that every man has to bear his own burden.
4. What is escapism?
Ans. Escapism means trying to avoid taking up responsibilities and showing
helplessness.
POEM
PIPING DOWN THE VALLEYS WILD
Answer the following questions:
1. In the first two stanzas of the poem you see two people. Who are they? Are they
happy or sad? How
an you say?
Ans. In the first stanza we see a piper and a child. They are happy. The piper is
piping pleasant songs and the child is enjoying it.
2. The child saw the piper first. False As the piper was piping the songs he saw the
child. The child is a boy.
3. The child had heard the piper piping below. True.
4. Why did the piper pipe with merry cheer?
Ans. The child asked the piper to pipe a song about a lamb so the piper pipe with
merry cheer and it made the child happy.
5. The child liked the song the piper piped. True
6. “And I wrote my happy songs”, says the poet. What did he wish to happen?
Ans. The poet wrote happy songs as he wished that every child should be happy
when they read the song.
7. We have enjoyed this poem haven’t we? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans. This poem is enjoyable because it speaks about the joy of an innocent child,
he is happy because the tune and the song were happy ones and the little things brought
joy to the child. The poet wants to share his joy with everyone.
8. There are two incidents that can happen only in someone’s dream. Skim the poem
and find them.
Ans. The two incidents that can happen only in someone’ dream is to see a face of a
child in the clouds and the second one is speaking to the children.
9. Why does only the child speak to the piper, not the piper to the child?
Ans. The piper does not speak because he is playing the pipe.
10. The child hears the piper piping and the piper, the child speaking. True
11. Does the poet praise the quality of innonence? Skim the poem and find two
symbols of innocence.
Ans. The symbol of innocence in this poem :
1. The child wept with joy to hear the song piped and sung by the poet .
2. The child first asked the piper to pipe the song, then to sing it and also to write it.
THE PATH TO ENGLISH
GLOWING IN THE DARK
1.
Describe the plastic tile that Sawant has created. How is the tile more efficient
than the glow-in-the-dark
Paint?
Ans. Sawant developed a four inch wide transparent plastic tile, coated with
glow powder. It features nine pyramids that increase the
Surface area and therefore its brightness. Its emits green light on its own
for eight hours after absorbing artificial light for three hours.
2.
“The biggest challenge was getting the correct coating method on the tile” .How
did Sawant solve this problem?
Ans.
Sawant had to at new and different methods of coating. He tested fourteen
methods before he came up with the perfect mixture.
3.
How did the idea of creating a paint that glows in the dark come to Sawant’s
mind?
Ans. One of his employees told Sawant that he had seen glowing stars in
someone’s house. It reminded him of a glow pigment he had
Sourced from Canada for one of his homemade innovations. And he
realized that it could be turned into a profitable proposition.
4.
Where all is the light emitting paint being used currently?
Ans.
His light emitting paint is already being used in the Thane Municipal
Corporation, Raj Bhavan and Trident Hotel in Bandra Kurla.
POEM
THE ARROW AND THE SONG
Answer the following:
1. The poet ‘shot” an arrow and ‘breathed’ a song. What do the words ‘shot’ and
‘breathed’ suggest?
Ans.
The word shot suggests pain and the word breathed suggests kind words.
2. Why could not the poet not follow the song or the arrow?
Ans. The poet could not follow the song or the arrow as they flew away swiftly.
3. Where and in what condition were the ‘arrow’ and the ‘song’ found by the poet?
Ans. The arrow was found in the bark of an oak tree and the song found in the heart
of a friend.
PROSE
NAME AND FAME
1. Who was Sunder? Why did the narrator admire him?
Ans. Sunder was the narrator’s class monitor. He admired him because he minded
the class in the teacher’s absence,
Collected their classwork copies and took them to the staffroom. He cleaned
the blackboard and kept the chalk
On the teacher’s table. He took down the names of those who talked in class
and minded the class just like the
Teacher when it went out of control.
2. What story did the grandmother tell him? What quality did the narrator admire in
her? What effect did it have on
The narrator?
Ans. Grandma told him the story of Lord Krishna who naughty and mischievous like
the narrator but had a lot of
Of love and affection for all living beings. He played flute and enchanted everyone
with his music. So the narrator
Is impressed by Lord Krishna’s story and and adds one more name to his existing
name.
3. Who was Kari? What was her real name? What quality did the narrator admire in
her?
Ans. Kari was the narrator’s sister. Her real name was Girija. The narrator troubled her
but she never carried tales
About him to the elders.
4. Describe the effect that the bus conductor had on the narrator.
Ans. The narrator watched the conductor’s every movement with fascination. He
collected change, put it in a leather bag and gave tickets. He then made up his mind to
To become a bus conductor.
PROSE
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD AND THE WOLF
Answer the following:
1. Why did the wolf knock on grandma’s door?
Ans. The wolf knocked grandma’s door as he felt that he would get a decent
meal.
2. How did the wolf dress up like grandma? Why did he do?
Ans. The wolf ate up grandma in one big bite and quickly put on grandma’s
clothes. He did so as he Waited to eat Little Red Riding Hood who would return
home after walking in the wood.
3.
How did Red Riding Hood react on seeing the wolf dressed as her grandma?
What questions did she ask the wolf? What replies did she get?
Ans. When Red Riding Hood saw the wolf dressed as her grandma she
stopped and stared at him. She asked him what great big ears he had and the wolf replied
to hear her better. She asked what great big eyes you have, the wolf replied to see her
better. She asked what a lovely great big furry coat he had on, he replied that she forgot
to ask him What big teeth he had.
4. Red Riding Hood does not hesitate from shooting the wolf. What does it tell
you about her character.
Ans. Red Riding Hood does not hesitate from shooting the wolf. This tells us that
she was a brave girl.
5. Later, Red Riding Hood was seen in the woods. What change had come over
her?
Ans. Later, when Red Riding Hood was seen in the woods, she was wearing a
lovely furry wolf skin coat instead of red cloak.
THE SCHOOL FOR SYMPATHY
1. What unusual thing did the author notice when he arrived at the school?
Ans. When the narrator arrived at the school he saw a girl of about twelve,
with her eyes covered with a bandage, being led carefully between the flower-beds by a
little boy of eight.
2. Describe Miss Beam.
Ans.
Miss Beam was middle-aged, authoritative, kind and understanding.
Her hair was beginning to turn grey, and her round figure was likely to be comforting to a
homesick child.
3. What was taught to children in Miss Beam’s school? What methods of teaching
were used?
Ans. The children were taught things that are useful to pupils like spelling,
adding, subtracting, multiplying, Writing. The rest was done by reading to them
and giving them interesting talks. There were practically no other lessons.
4. According to Miss Beam, what was the real aim of her school?
Ans. According to Miss Beam, the real aim of her school was not to teach
thought but thoughtfulness which is humanity, kindness and citizenship.
5. Miss Beam says that the blind day is ‘educative’ to both the ‘blind’ and the
‘helpers’. How?
Ans. The blind folded children will learn that the blind need assistance in
everything and the helpers learn that they should be thoughtful and develop
humanity towards the blind.
6. What did the author realize after guiding the girl around the school? How did
he feel when Miss Beam came to release him?
Ans. After guiding the girl around the girl the author discovered that he was
more thoughtful already than
Usual. He also realized that having to describe the surroundings to
another, makes them more interesting. When Miss Beam came to release him the author
was sorry to go.
POEM
SIX MEN AND AN ELEPHANT
1. How would the ‘blind’ men ‘see’ the elephant?
Ans. The blind men would see the elephant by observation.
2. Why does the second blind man compare the tusk of the elephant to a spear?
Ans. The second man compares the tusk of the elephant to a spear because it was
Round, smooth and sharp.
3. “Each in his own opinion,
Exceeding stiff and strong”,
1. Who is referred to by the word ‘each’?
Ans. Each is referred to every blind man
2. Why were ‘each’ ‘stiff’ and ‘strong’ in their opinion?
Ans. Each of the blind men were stiff and strong in their opinion as they believed
That they themselves were right.
The story of Eklavya
Answer the following:
1. Why did Guru Dronacharya not accept Eklavya as his disciple?
Ans. Eklavya belonged to a lower caste and only the princes took lessons from
Dronacharya. So Guru Dronacharya did not accept Eklavya as his disciple.
2. What qualities of character did Eklavya possess?
Ans. Eklavya was a master of great qualities of character. He was determined and
very steadfast. Nothing could shake his firm decisions. His determination and
eagerness for learning knew no boundaries.
3. How did Eklavya learn archery?
Ans. Eklavya installed a clay idol of Dronoacharya near his house. Every morning,
evening and night he prayed in front of the idol and taught himself lessons in
handling and using bow and arrows.
4. When and how did Dronacharya realize that Eklavya was superior even to
Arjuna?
Ans. Eklavya had sealed a dog’s mouth with an arrow. Drona and Arjuna were
surprised at this and went in search of the skillful fellow. And soon they found
Eklavya practising with his bow and arrow in front of the clay image of Drona.
Dronacharya understood the situation and realized that Eklavya was superior even
to Arjuna.
5. What is Gurudakshina? What did Dronacharya demand as Gurudakshina from
Eklavya?
Ans. Gurudakshina is the gift desired by the guru from his disciples after
successfully completing his tenure of teaching. Dronacharya demanded Eklavya’s
right thumb as his Gurudakshina.
6. Did Eklavya give the Gurudakshina that Dronacharya demanded?
Ans. Eklavya gave his right thumb as Gurudakshina as demanded by Dronacharya.
How Bakasura was slain
Answer the following:
1. What did the Brahman tell Kunti when she asked him about his ‘trouble’?
Ans. The Brahman told Kunti that his trouble was very great.
2. What was sent to Bakasura every week?
Ans. Every week a cartful of rice, two bullocks and a human being from one of the
townspeople’s houses was sent to Bakasura.
3. How did Kunti offer to solve the ‘trouble’ posed by Bakasura?
Ans. Kunti comforted the Brahman saying her son would go instead of him and kill
the Brahman and save the whole town.
4. Did the Brahman accept Kunti’s help at once? Why?
Ans. The Brahman did not accept Kunti’s help at once because they were his guests
and did not want them to suffer.
5. What happened after Bhima reached Bakasura’s cave with the cartload of
food?
Ans. After reaching Bakasura’s cave Bhima called out for Bakasura and sat down
eating the rice from the cart. Filled with anger Bakasura rushed towards Bhima
with a tree. But Bhima skillfully caught the tree threw Bakasura down and broke
his backbone. Bakasura cried out of pain, vomited blood and died.
6.
Why did the people of Ekachakra fall at Bhima’s feet?
Ans. Bhima dragged the dead body of Bakasura to one of the gates of the town.
When the people saw the dead body of the demon, they shouted and danced with
joy and fell in thousands at Bhima’s feet for saving their lives from the demon
Bakasura.
YES, WE CAN!
Answer the following:
1. Why did Simran plead with Meera to take her to the university every Saturday?
Ans. Simran pleaded with Meera to take her to the university every Saturday
because she loved the lush green campus and the winding pathways. The most
special part of the visit was getting to meet Rani.
2. Describe Rani. How did she greet Simran when the latter came to the
university?
Ans. Rani was a furry dog with shades of black, white, brown. Her eves were as
brown as dark as chocolate. Her collar was lemon green and had a small silver tag
with the initial ‘R’ on it.
3. How did Simran get the idea of raising money in aid of Rani?
Ans. When Simran was reading a magazine, her eyes fell upon a story about how
some people raised money for saving a tiger by going door-to- door by selling
cookies and home-made chocolates. Thus she got the idea of raising money in aid
of Rani.
4. Make a list of things that Simran “got together” for the sale.
Ans. Things that Simran got together for the sale were books and magazines,
greeting cards, beautiful pencils and erasers, two wind chimes and colourful beads.
5. How did people react when Simran told about them about the sale?
Ans. Simran walked from house to house and told everybody of her idea. Many
were interested and promised her that they would stop by. Some ignored her as
she was just a small girl. Some were really mean and said horrible things.
6. How did Simran sell her things?
Ans. Many people started streaming into the parking lot and looked through her
books. The books and the magazines sold fastest. A group of teenaged girls loved
the jewellery and bought the necklaces. A little girl made her mother buy a wind
chime. People were happy to help and in return get such good things at a good
price. Within three hours, all the things were sold out.
POEM
THE EXHORTATION OF A FATHER TO HIS CHILDREN
Answer the following:
1. What will happen to those who ‘defile’ children?
Ans. The children who defile will end up with nothing.
2.
a.
b.
c.
Say whether the following are true or false:
The father tells his children not to possess any pride- true
One should treat others as he wishes to be treated by them- true
Children should remember God only when they are in trouble – false
3. What are children advised to “have always before your eyes”?
Ans. Children are advised not to be proud and to remember that they are born to
die.?
4. How should the children treat those who ‘labour’ for them?
Ans. Children should not cheat those who labour for them. Instead they should
help them when they are in need.
5. What are the children advised to share with the ‘poor’ and the ‘feeble’?
Ans. The children are advised to share their money and food with the ‘poor’ and
the ‘feeble’.
GOVERNMENT TEXT
TRUE HEIGHT
Answer the following:
1. Which was the competition that Michael Stone participated in at the age of 17?
Ans. At the age of 17, Michael Stone participated in Pole vaulting at the National
Junior Olympics.
2. What was the height at which the pole was set for vaulting?
Ans. The pole for vaulting was set at a height of 17 feet.
3. What was Michael Stone’s best personal record in pole vaulting?
Ans . Michael Stone’s best personal record in pole vaulting was 16 feet 7 inches.
4. What kind of stories did Michael’s mother read to him when he was growing
up?
Ans. When Michael was growing up, his mother read stories about flying.
5. Who monitored Michael’s training?
Ans. Bert Stone, Michael’s father monitored his training.
6. When did Michael’s mother ask him to take deep breaths?
Ans. Michael’s mother always used to tell him to take deep breaths when he used
felt tensed, anxious or even scared.
7. “He was sure the crowd did, too” What was the crowd sure of?
Ans. Michael was tensed and nervous and his heart was pounding and he was sure
that the crowd was also nervous and tensed.
8.
II. Answer the following:
1. Why is ‘pole vaulting’ referred to as a glamour event?
Ans. Pole vaulting is referred to as a glamour event because the sportsman
combines the grace of a gymnast with the strength of a body builder.
2. What kind of dream did Michael have repeatedly?
Ans. Michael repeatedly dreamt that he was running down a country road feeling
the rocks and the chunks of dirt under his feet. He also dreamt that he was racing
down the goldern lined wheat fields and out running the locomotive or sowing
like an eagle.
3. What sort of a man was Bert Stone?
Ans. Bert Stone was not a dreamer but a realist who believed in hard work.
4. When did Michael realize that it was time for his final jump to win the
National Junior Olympics medal?
Ans. Michael lay on his back to relax his muscles when he heard the crowd groan
and he knew that the other vaulter had missed his final jump to win the National
Junior Olympic medal.
5. Why do you think he remembered his mother just before his final jump?
Ans. His mother always told him stories of flying and as he began to sprint down
the run way he began to fly and his take off was effortless.
6. “With all the media attention and hearty congratulations, Michael’s life
would never be the same”. Why?
Ans. Michael’s life would not be the same again not because he had won the
National Junior Olympics and set a new world record, but it was because Michael
Stone was blind.
7. Explain the training programme Michael Stone underwent to emerge the
winner in the National Junior Olympics.
Ans. At the age of fourteen Michael Stone began a weight lifting programme. He
worked everyday with weights and ran on alternate days. He was closely
monitored by his coach, trainer and father, Bert Stone. He was dedicated,
determined and disciplined student.
8. Describe in your words the sense of jubilation Michael felt on winning the
Pole vault event in the National Junior Olympics.
Ans. Michael soared with the majesty of an eagle over the pole and when the
crowd erupted with joy, Michael knew that he had won the national Junior
Olympics. He lay on his back for some time with the sun on his face and he
imagined the smile on his mother’s face and heard his dad’s laughter.
I want to quit the I.C.S
Answer the following:
1. Why did Subhash Chandra Bose think it proper to give a detailed introduction of
his family and himself to C.R.Das?
Ans. Subhash Chandra Bose was a stranger to C.R.Das. The introduction will make
C.R.Das to recognize Bose.
2. What options did he have in his mind after quitting the I.C.S?
Ans. After quitting the I.C.S, he wanted to plunge into national work with
determination. He would also do teaching at the National College in Calcutta and
would also take up writing, publishing books and newspapers, organizing village
societies, spreading education among the common people.
3. How did the Civil Service Examination help him?
Ans. Civil Service examination had helped him to have an all round education up to a
certain standard in Economics, Political Science, Law, Sanskrit and Geography.
4. Why didn’t he dare to write directly to C.R.Das? Who did he send his letter with?
Ans. When Bose wrote the letter he was still a government servant as he was I.C.S
probationer. He did not dare to write directly as his letter would be censored. So he
sent the letter through his trusted friend.
The gifts of nature
Answer the following in a word, a phrase and a sentence:
1. What is our moral duty?
Ans. It is our moral duty to look after the things God has given us.
2. Which animals are on the verge of extinction?
Ans. Tigers, lions and some rare species are on the verge of extinction.
3. Where should we throw waste paper, tins and bottles?
Ans. We not throw waste paper, tins and bottles in the dustbins.
4. What are trees said to be?
Ans. Trees are said to be ‘green gold’.
5. How can we maintain ecological balance?
Ans. We should plant more and more trees to maintain ecological balance.
6. Who are the carriers of pollen?
Ans. Bees and butterflies are the carries of pollen.
7. What is the wonderful handiwork of God?
Ans. The sun, moon, stars, mountains and seas are the wonderful handiwork of God.
Answer the following in 2 or 3 sentences:
1. What are the gifts of nature?
Ans. The mountains, the wide oceans, the sparkling streams, the dense forests, the
animals, birds and insects, the colourful flowers, fruits , the earth we live on and the
air that we breathe are the gifts of nature.
2. Why should we not destroy the gifts of nature?
Ans. The gifts of nature are ours to admire, use and preserve. So we should not destroy
the gifts of nature.
3. There were many more animals than there are today. Why?Discuss.
Ans. There were many animals than there are today. But over the years, hunters have
killed them for sport or food in large numbers. It is also feared that some species may
soon become extinct. Today tigers, lions and some rare species are on the verge of
extinction.
4. What is water pollution?
Ans. The oceans are polluted by oil spills and tons and tons of refuse is thrown into
into the rivers and oceans. This is known as water pollution.
5. Give three examples where trees are used in our daily life.
Ans. Trees are used to build houses, make furniture and used as firewood.
6. Why should we put out the camp-fire before we leave the camp?
Ans. The fire must be put before we leave the camp to avoid accidental forest fires.
7. What will happen if you take your pet animals to the garden?
Ans. If we take our pet animals to the garden they may step on the plants and destroy
them.
8. Name a few things of nature which gives you inspiration.
Ans. The moon, the stars, mountains and seas are a great source of beauty and
inspiration to us.
III. Answer the following in a paragraph:
1. How can take care of rare animals?
Ans. There were many more animals than there are today. But over the years, hunters
have killed them for sport or food in large numbers. It feared that some species may
soon become extinct. If we do not take care of these rare animals, there will soon be
none left. We must not kill animals and birds for sport. We should also preserve the
forests so that the wild animals can thrive and multiply.
2. What steps can be taken to prevent water pollution?
Ans. Rivers and oceans should not be polluted by letting out the industrial wastes. We
must be careful when huge oil ships sail in the ocean and avoid accidents . Waste
paper, tins and bottles should not be thrown into the river. We must avoid washing
dirty dishes in the river. And we must help to keep the river water clean and usable.
A ROSE FOR THE PRINCESS
Answer the following in a word or a sentence each:
1. Who was the rose a gift for?
Ans. The rose was a gift for the princess Jahanara.
2. Why does the princess gift silk to Maqbool?
Ans. The princess was very pleased with the rose Maqbool sent her, so she gifted silk
for a jacket for him.
3. What is the reward Maqbool receives from the princess for taking her out?
Ans. Magbool was punished for taking the princess out. He had to go to work at Akbar
Badshah’s tomb Sikandra.
4. What is the request that the princess makes to Maqbool?
Ans. The princess requested Maqbool to send her the Prasad, next time he went to the
mandir.
II.
Answer the following in 2-3 sentences:
1. Dilruba tells Maqbool she belongs to his family. Why does she say this?
Ans. Maqbool had given names to the rose plants in the garden. Dilruba was one of
the plants. He also said that the roses were his only family. So she that said that she
belonged to his family.
2. What is the condition Maqbool lays before he agrees to take Panna out with him?
Ans. Maqbool agreed on the condition that Panna should not expect him to buy her
anything at the bazaar as he did not have any money to waste.
3. What explanation does Panna give to explain her statementw, “But then the roads
were emptied for us”, What is the actual explanation?
Ans. When the Princess would visit the market place the roads would be emptied. And
Panna had accompanied Princess Jahanara when the roads were emptied.
4. What punishment does the Commander give Maqbool?Why?
Ans. Maqbool was asked to leave the palace and go to work at Akbar Badshah’s tomb
at Sikandra. He was punished because he had taken Princess Jahanara out to the
bustling streets of Agra.
5. ”Because of you I have had one of the most enjoyable days of my life” Write in
your own words why the princess tells Maqbool so.
Ans. Panna as a Princess had very often visited the streets of Agra, the roads were
emptied for her visit. So she never had a chance to see the crowded streets, people
walking here and there. She visited the Hanuman temple, rings the bell at the temple and
eats the Prasad. She sat and listened to the man singing on the masjid steps and stood
watching a funny magician. She bought roasted chana and sweet potatoes from a street
vendor. All this she could do because she went out with Maqbool. So she says that she
had one of the most enjoyable days of her life.
6. Describe Maqbool’s devotion to tending the garden.
Ans. Maqbool’s wife had died long ago. His sons were in the Emperor’s army and were
away with their families in the Deccan. And he was tending roses in the palace garden.
He loved them and called them his family. He lovingly called them by names like
gulbadan, badal, Dilruba, ghata and Subah. He shed tears when he was asked to go
away from the palace. He was delighted when he was asked to stay back and assured
to create the best roses in the kingdom.
THE TOUCH
Answer the following in one word of a sentence:
1. Why had the narrator come to the town?
Ans. The narrator had come to the town to visit her mother-in-law who was not well
and to spend some with her.
2. What was the caution she had received from her husband before going to visit her
Ans. The narrator’s husband had cautioned her to pull a chair and sit a little away
from him.
3. Was the narrator’s mother alive?
Ans. The narrator’s mother was alive.
4. What did father say to her finally?
Ans. Father asked the narrator if she could moved in the same town so that he could
stay with her.
5. Why had the narrator hesitated to face her father?
Ans. The narrator’s father ha d always been a strict disciplinarian and never spoken to
her lovingly. So she hesitated to face her father.
II. answer the following in 2 to 3 sentences:
1. What was the narrator’s childhood like?
Ans. From the narrator’s childhood, her father had always kept her at a distance in the
name of discipline and because of ‘madi’ his orthodox way of life. She never had the
courage to touch him. She always felt that he was in a state of ritual purity and was
used to keep herself away from him.
2. Why did the narrator feel, in her childhood, that her father kept her at a distance?
Ans. The narrator felt that in her childhood, her father kept her at a distance in the
name of discipline, and because of ‘madi’ his orthodox way of life.
3. The ‘mortar’ and the ‘drum’ in the proverb refer to two people. Who are they?
Ans. The ‘mortar’ and the ‘drum’ refer to the narrator’s father and mother.
4. Why did her father ask her to clip his nails?
Ans. The narrator’s father asked her to clip his nails because telling her mother was
useless. Her brothers were dead and their children were not around.
5. How did the narrator feel while returning from her father’s house?
Ans. While returning from her father’s house, the narrator’s father’s tender touch
haunted her. Tears welled in my eyes and blurred her view of the road.
NATURE’S FRIEND
a. The poem begins with words, “Say what you like’ What does this expression
mean?
Ans.” You may believe me or not”
b. What does “that’ in line 4 refer to?
Ans. “that’ refers to the flowers.
c. “ that wins the bee. “So the bee is defeated. – Not true
d. Think abut the meaning of the second stanza. Which of the meanings given
below is correct?
Ans. Only I touch the moth’s wings.
e. What did the poet do to turn the mouse’s eyes away?
Ans. The poet was playing to turn the mouse’s eyes away.
f. Why has the wren become the poet’s friend?
Ans. The wren has become the poet’s friend because she knows that the poet will
Not rob her eggs or chicks from the nest.
g. The poet tells us, animals love voices and faces of people. What examples does
he give?
Ans. The poet gives the examples of the cow and the horse who love his voice and
face.
THE COMET AND THE MOON
Answer the following in 1-2 sentences:
1. Who whooshed past the moon’s pale face?
Ans. The comet whooshed past the moon’s pale face.
2. Who was sulking?
Ans. The moon was sulking.
3. When was life better for the moon?
Ans. Life was better for the moon when the spacemen landed on it, walked and
scratched his back.
4. Why did the comet not answer the moon?
Ans. The comet did not answer the moon because it had already gone to wag its tail
around Venus.
5. What did the comet want to know when he saw the pale-faced moon?
Ans. When the comet saw the pale-faced moon he wanted to know the reason for his
sulky behavior.
6. Why does the moon think that he is doomed?
Ans. The moon thought that he is doomed as he stuck in the orbit and had to always
plod in chains of gravity.
7. Why does the moon envy the comet?
Ans. The moon envied the comet as he was free to flare and sizzle and roamed like
rockets do.
8. Which lines in stanza 5 suggest that the comet is very active? Explain.
Ans. The moon did not answer the moon’s request to stay and talk with him and
quickly left the place to wag its tail round the venus.
9. The moon is non-human. He does do things which we humans do. What are they?
Ans. The moon does two things which we humans do:
a. He looked sulky.
b. He envied the comet.
THE ANT AND THE CRICKET
Answer the following:
1. What did the cricket do when the weather was good? What should it have done
instead?
Ans. When the weather was good the cricket spent the time singing throughout the
day. Instead it should have stored food for the winter.
2. What was it unhappy about?
Ans. The cricket was unhappy when winter came because his cupboard was empty and
it had nothing to eat.
3. Is the reason why the poet calls it “oh ! what will become”, says the cricket, of
me?”
4. The cricket did not know how to keep himself alive. How did he express his
feeling?
Ans. “Oh what will become of me”.
5. The cricket did not have the courage to go to the ant at first. When did he make
bold to do this?
Ans. Starvation and famine made the cricket bold to go to the ant to borrow food.
6. Rewrite the long sentence in the second stanza as four simple sentences. Use the
active voice in your first sentence.
Ans. There were no crumbs.
The ground was covered with snow.
Not a flower was seen.
There were no leaves on the trees.
7. The cricket did not want to beg food. true
8. The ant was surprised the cricket’s request. Not true
9. The cricket lied to the ant. Not true
10. What advice was given by the ant?
Ans. The ant adviced the cricket to dance the winter away. The cricket could not dance
in the winter.
11. What do you think, the cricket did in the winter?
Ans. The cricket would have died of starvation and the biting cold in the winter.
AN AUGUST MIDNIGHT
Answer the following :
1. What funny movements did the insects make?
Ans. A sleepy fly rubs its hands in the middle of its writing. An insect banged at the hot
lamp-glass fell down moving round and round.
2. The poet says the meeting was willed by – god read the two lines in which he says
this.
Ans. God’s humbles they! I must yet why?
They know earth secrets that know not I.
3. Two thoughts cross the poet’s mind. What are they?
Ans. Two thoughts which cross the poet’s mind:
a. They know the secrets of the earth and the poet does not.
b. Then why did the insects bang at the lamp-glass.
4. Give two examples to prove that an animal, or a bird, or an insect knows
something that we, human beings, do not know.
Ans. The peacock knows the coming of the rain and dances with its spreaded wings.
Forest animals fore feel the earthquake and move to the other areas. Their cries
warn us about some natural calamity.
BEAUTY
Answer the following:
1. “Beauty is seen in the trees”. Says the poet.
a. What are the beautiful things you see in trees?
Ans. Green leaves, tender shoots, buds , flowers, colourful fruits, arm like branches,
pillar like trunks are the beautiful things in a tree.
b. Some trees suddenly turn beautiful when their season comes, give examples.
Ans. Gulmohar, mango, flame of the forest, and porlia tree.
2. It was evening. Raju saw a corn field. It looked beautiful. Can you say why it
looked beautiful?
Ans. The tall corn plant stood in green colour . Every plant had a yellow corn pod
looking upward covered with light green and white cover.
3. The poet says the rain and wind can be beautiful. Do you think so?
Discuss this with your friends and write four sentences on the beauty you see in
rain and wind.
Ans. Beauty in rain: The dark black clouds sail in the sky. The rain starts with a
drizzle and pours down heavily and washes down all the dust off the houses,
roads, trees.
Everything appears so fresh and clean. It also cools the atmosphere.
Beauty in wind: The gentle blowing wind is soothing in the warm summers. The
blowing breeze makes the flowers and plants to dance happily.
4. How can you see beauty in one’s work?
Ans. If one’s work is creative and perfect it is said to be beautiful. The work done
should be unique. Presentation of your work is also very important.
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