"The School Bell Rings Again..." is a cheerful poem about the start of a new school year. The students are now in Grade Six. They are excited about the new things they will learn, and they promise to work hard together with the motto "Yes, we can!"
Key points
The poem describes a new school year and "a brand new start".
Everyone in the class will take part in learning.
"Buckle up" means get ready, as if for an exciting journey.
In Grade Six, new things are added to the "learning mix": difficult calculations and new forms of writing.
Each term will be exciting.
The class is like a "clan", a close group, and its motto should be "Yes, we can!"
The poet says "begin, commence, get cracking" (all mean start) and warns that there should be "no slacking".
Central idea: a new school year is a fresh chance to learn with team spirit and hard work.
The poet is anonymous.
Important terms
buckle up – get ready for something exciting.
clan – a group of related families; here, the class as one team.
commence – to start or begin.
get cracking – start working quickly.
slacking – becoming lazy or slow.
Language study
Rhyming words: start – part, go – know, cracking – slacking, writing – exciting, six – mix, clan – can.
Alliteration: the same first consonant sound repeated in nearby words. Example: "A year in which we will all take part." Another: "brand new start" / "buckle up".
Synonyms for "start": begin, commence, get cracking.
5 important questions
Q1. What does the poem describe at the start?
A new school year and a brand new start.
Q2. What does "buckle up" suggest in the poem?
Get ready for a journey, that is, prepare for an exciting year of learning.
Q3. Which grade are the students in?
Grade Six.
Q4. What should be the motto of the class?
"Yes, we can!"
Q5. Find the rhyming words for "start" and "cracking".
start – part; cracking – slacking.
Exam tip
Learn the meaning of alliteration with one example from the poem; it is often asked.
"Self Help is the Only Way" is a fable about a mother lark and her young ones living in a cornfield. The farmer first plans to depend on his neighbours, then on his relatives, to reap the corn. Only when he decides to do it himself does the mother lark move her family. The moral: self-help is better than depending on others.
Key points
A family of larks lived happily in a cozy nest in a field of ripe corn.
The mother asked her children to keep their eyes and ears open and report what the farmer said.
Day 1: the farmer said he would call his neighbours to reap the corn. The young larks were scared, but the mother said there was no danger yet.
Day 2: the farmer said he would call his relatives. The mother smiled; relatives would give priority to their own crops.
Day 3: the farmer said he himself would come and reap the corn.
Now the mother said they must leave at once, because when a person takes up work in his own hands, no power on earth can stop him.
The mother lark was patient, wise and calm.
Moral: "Self-help is always preferable to other's help."
Important terms
cozy – warm and comfortable.
reap – to cut and gather crops.
survey – to examine or inspect an area.
priority – the most important thing, to be done first.
determined – having made a firm decision.
preferable – more desirable.
Language study
Articles: "a" before a consonant sound (a nest), "an" before a vowel sound (an elephant, an umbrella), "the" for a specific or known thing (the sun, the farmer).
Examples: "The sun rises in the east." "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." "The largest mammal on Earth is the blue whale."
5 important questions
Q1. Where did the lark family live?
In a cozy nest in a field of ripe corn.
Q2. Why did the mother lark say there was no danger on the first two days?
The farmer was depending on neighbours and relatives, who would give priority to their own work.
Q3. When did the mother lark decide to leave?
When the farmer said he himself would come to reap the corn.
Q4. What is the moral of the story?
Self-help is the only way; depending on others delays work.
Q5. Fill in with a/an/the: "I saw ___ elephant." "___ sun rises in the east."
an; The.
Exam tip
Practise the three-day sequence of events and write the moral in your own words.
"Mindfulness" is an article that explains how paying attention to the present moment helps us handle stress and difficult emotions calmly. It lists the mental and physical benefits of mindfulness and gives two simple exercises to practise it daily.
Key points
Mindfulness means bringing our attention to the present moment.
It helps us respond to stress and difficult emotions in a calmer, more thoughtful way.
People often worry about the future; mindfulness brings focus back to the present.
Paying attention to breath, body and surroundings gives calm and clarity.
It improves focus and concentration.
Practices like meditation and yoga may reduce blood pressure, improve immunity, decrease chronic pain and help us sleep better.
It can be practised during walking, eating or washing dishes.
Exercise 1: "Three-minute breathing space" – sit comfortably, close your eyes, focus on breathing; if the mind wanders, gently bring it back.
Exercise 2: "Sensory awareness" – notice sights, sounds, smells, tastes and sensations around you.
Mindfulness is a skill that takes time to learn.
Important terms
mindfulness – full attention to the present moment.
anxiety – a feeling of worry or nervousness.
clarity – clear thinking.
immunity – the body's power to fight disease.
chronic – lasting a long time.
Language study
Punctuation marks: full stop (.), comma (,), question mark (?), exclamation mark (!), single quotation marks (' '), double quotation marks (" ").
Examples: "How can we include mindfulness in our daily lives?" "Remember, mindfulness is a skill that takes time to learn." A simple mindful exercise is the 'three-minute breathing space'.
5 important questions
Q1. What is mindfulness?
Bringing our attention to the present moment so that we can respond calmly to stress and emotions.
Q2. Give two benefits of mindfulness.
It reduces stress and anxiety, and improves focus and concentration.
Q3. How is the 'three-minute breathing space' practised?
Sit comfortably, close your eyes, focus on your breathing, bring the mind back if it wanders, then slowly open your eyes.
Q4. When can mindfulness be practised?
During daily activities like walking, eating or washing dishes, and through meditation or yoga.
Q5. Punctuate: how can we include mindfulness in our daily lives
How can we include mindfulness in our daily lives?
Exam tip
Remember both exercises by name and two physical health benefits.
"Love for One's Motherland" is a story set in Ethiopia about a hundred years ago. European tourists are treated as royal guests by the king. When they leave, soldiers take their shoes, dust them clean and return them, because the Ethiopians do not want even a speck of their soil to leave their country. The story shows deep love for one's motherland.
Key points
Tourists from European countries came to see Ethiopia's natural beauty and stayed in an inn.
The simple Ethiopians were too shy to talk to the strange foreigners.
The tourists asked the king for a guide who knew both languages.
The king was pleased that they liked his land. He treated them as royal guests, put them up in his palace and gave them a guide.
They saw all the places worth seeing and recorded everything in their diaries.
At departure, the king gave them costly presents and his men led them to the harbour.
On the ship, soldiers made the tourists take off their shoes. The tourists were puzzled and felt insulted.
The shoes were returned clean. The minister explained: "We don't want you to take back our soil... We love our soil more than our own lives."
The tourists were amazed at the Ethiopians' love for their soil.
Important terms
inn – a place giving food and shelter to travellers.
admired – appreciated.
board – to get on a ship, plane or bus.
whispered – spoke very softly.
puzzled – confused.
bare feet – with nothing on the feet.
Language study
Pronouns: Personal (I, me, he, she, it, we, they, them); Relative (who, whom, which, that, whose) – "He bought the pen which was very expensive."; Demonstrative (this, that, these, those) – "This is my book."
Sounds /s/ and /z/: /s/ – hits, kicks, famous, price; /z/ – is, was, always, please, because, papers.
5 important questions
Q1. Where were the tourists staying?
In an inn.
Q2. Why did the tourists approach the king?
To request a guide who could speak their language and the local language.
Q3. How did the king treat the tourists?
As royal guests; he put them up in his palace, gave them a guide and costly presents.
Q4. Why did the soldiers take the tourists' shoes?
To dust off the Ethiopian soil, because they did not want even their soil to leave the country.
Q5. How can you show love for your country as a student?
By keeping surroundings clean, respecting public property, being honest and serving others.
Exam tip
The twist with the shoes is the heart of the story; explain it in the minister's own words.
"Radha's Letter to Mowgli" is a friendly, informal letter. Radha writes to Mowgli, the "jungle boy", asking about his holiday adventures with Bagheera, Baloo and Kaa. She uses lively, playful expressions and says she wants to visit the jungle on her next vacation.
Key points
The letter opens informally: "Hey Mowgli! How're you doing, jungle boy?"
Radha asks Mowgli to "spill the beans", that is, tell everything about jungle life.
She mentions his friends: Bagheera (panther), Baloo (bear), Kaa (python) and the wolves.
She asks whether he still dangles from vines, relaxes by the river and dances with wolves at midnight.
She jokes that Baloo is still "hogging all the honey" and that Kaa still hypnotises everyone with his devious eyes.
She misses their conversations and his weird jungle stories.
She wants to visit the jungle on her next vacation.
She ends warmly: "Take care and be safe – do not get eaten by any tigers! Your friend, Radha."
The letter teaches the format and friendly tone of an informal letter.
Important terms
spill the beans – tell everything / reveal a secret.
dangling from vines – hanging loosely from climbing plants.
hogging – taking more than one's share.
hypnotize – to put someone into a sleep-like state.
"A Water Drop!" is a poem that follows the journey of a single water drop. It floats in the sky among cotton-like clouds, is pushed by the wind, falls as rain, trickles through the soil, travels through pipes and tanks, and finally splashes out of the poet's tap. The poem reminds us how precious every drop of water is.
Key points
The poet wonders about a water drop high in the sky, shining like a bead.
The clouds were soft like cotton and seemed to play games with glee.
The wind pushed the drop here and there, like a game of hide-and-seek.
Suddenly it fell as rain; the poet wonders whether that was a loss or a gain.
It landed on the ground and trickled slowly through soil where roots and tiny creatures grow.
Pipes and tanks carried it along, humming a melodious song.
At last it reached the tap's shiny spout and gushed out into the basin.
The journey shows the water cycle and that the water in our taps travels a long way, so we must not waste it.
The poet is anonymous.
Important terms
bead – a small drop of liquid.
glee – great delight.
trickled – flowed in a thin stream.
gush – to flow out suddenly.
spout – a pipe or tube through which liquid comes out.
melodious – producing pleasant music.
Language study
Simile: compares two different things using "like" or "as". Example: "The clouds were soft like cotton."
Rhyming pairs: sky – high, see – glee, along – song, rain – gain, slow – grow, spout – out.
Sound words for flowing water: trickle, gush, splash, drip, gurgle.
5 important questions
Q1. True or False: The water drop stayed in the sky forever.
False. It fell down as rain.
Q2. To what are the clouds compared?
To cotton – "soft like cotton".
Q3. Through which places did the drop travel after falling?
Through the soil, then through pipes and tanks, and finally out of the tap.
Q4. Where did the drop's journey end?
In the basin, after gushing out of the tap's spout (not in a lake).
Q5. Give the rhyming words for "rain" and "along".
rain – gain; along – song.
Exam tip
Learn the meaning of simile with the cotton example and be ready to write the poem's journey in prose.
"The Midnight Stitch" is a short play about Denu, a poor cobbler, and his wife Dhania. When they are down to their last piece of leather, shoes appear finished every morning. They hide and discover five kind fairies who make the shoes at night. Dhania sews colourful clothes for the fairies to thank them. The play teaches kindness and gratitude.
Key points
Characters: Denu (the cobbler), Dhania (his wife), the fairies and the Narrator.
Denu had only the last piece of leather and feared they would have no food.
Dhania had faith that everything would be alright.
Denu cut the leather at night; the next morning he found a shining new pair of shoes.
He sold them, bought more leather, and the same thing happened night after night.
Curious, they hid behind the door and saw five fairies with tiny cobbler's tools, singing and dancing as they worked.
The fairies sang that they like to help the needy and feed everybody, except the greedy.
To show gratitude, Dhania sewed five bright, colourful sets of clothes for the fairies.
The fairies happily wore them and danced all night. Denu and Dhania never forgot their kindness.
Important terms
cobbler – a person who makes or repairs shoes.
tiny – very small.
greedy – wanting more than you need.
stitch – a loop of thread made in sewing.
gratitude – thankfulness.
Language study
Sentence stress: content words (nouns, verbs, adjectives) are stressed. In "I'll make some nice clothes for the fairies", stressing "I'll" shows who makes them, "nice" shows quality, "fairies" shows who receives them.
Short vowel sounds: /i/ sit, /e/ pen, /æ/ cat, /ʌ/ sun, /ɒ/ box, /ʊ/ put, /ə/ about.
Smaller words from bigger ones: leather – eat, her; teacher – each, teach.
5 important questions
Q1. Why was Denu worried?
He had only the last piece of leather and no money to buy more, so they might have no food.
Q2. What surprised Denu in the morning?
A new pair of shoes, shining bright, was ready in his workshop.
Q3. Who made the shoes?
Five kind fairies, using tiny cobbler's tools.
Q4. How did Denu and Dhania show their gratitude?
Dhania sewed five pairs of bright, colourful clothes for the fairies.
Q5. Whom do the fairies not help?
Those who are greedy.
Exam tip
Remember the sequence: last leather → shoes appear → hide and watch → fairies → gift of clothes.
"The Value of Time" is a moral story about a hardworking farmer and his lazy son Bhikhu. The farmer tries advice and examples from nature, then tells Bhikhu about gold hidden in a barren tree. Bhikhu keeps putting it off, and a woodcutter finds the gold. Bhikhu learns too late that time once lost is lost forever.
Key points
The farmer worked from sunrise till twilight; his son Bhikhu was fun-loving and lazy, sleeping and gossiping.
First, the farmer told him to wake early and enjoy the sunrise, birdsong and breeze. Bhikhu promised but overslept.
Second, he explained nature's design: the sun never rises late; the white lily blossoms only once a year in the rains. "Money once spent can be got back, but time once lost is lost forever." This sermon fell flat.
Third, he said he had hidden gold in the hollow of a barren tree, covered by a bird's nest of leaves and straw.
Bhikhu was tempted but lazy: "Where is the hurry? Who knows about the hidden gold?"
The next day a poor woodcutter cut the dry tree and found a bag of gold.
Bhikhu's laziness cost him a fortune; repentance could not bring it back.
Kabir's couplet teaches: do today what you plan for tomorrow, and do now what you plan for today ("Kal kare so aaj kar, aaj kare so ab").
Important terms
twilight – the dim light after sunset.
sermonising – giving moral advice like a lecture.
barren – dry, not producing anything.
repentance – feeling sorry for a mistake.
on the spur of the moment – immediately, without delay.
Language study
Tenses: Present – Bhikhu sleeps late. Past – A woodcutter cut the tree. Future – I will finish my work today.
Time words: past – yesterday, last night, last month; present – today, now; future – tomorrow, next month, tonight.
Proverb: Time and tide wait for none.
5 important questions
Q1. How was Bhikhu different from his father?
The farmer was hardworking, while Bhikhu was lazy and spent time sleeping and gossiping.
Q2. What examples from nature did the farmer give?
The sun never rises late, the moon appears every night, and the white lily blooms only once a year in the rains.
Q3. Where did the farmer hide the gold?
In the hollow of a barren tree in the field.
Q4. Who got the gold and how?
A poor woodcutter, who cut down the dry tree and found the bag of gold.
Q5. What lesson does the story teach?
Time once lost never comes back; we should do our work without delay.
Exam tip
Quote the line "Money once spent can be got back, but time once lost is lost forever" in your answers.
"Young Voices about Independence Day" presents the views of children from different cities on what independence means to them and how India can become a fairer, more equal and progressive nation. Their ideas cover freedom of expression, confidence, equality, education, cleanliness and support for sportswomen.
Key points
Independence Day is celebrated on 15 August.
Jubilees: Silver – 25 years, Golden – 50, Diamond – 60, Platinum – 70.
Respecting the National Flag and National Anthem is a Fundamental Duty (Article 51A).
Avani (Jaipur): independence means freedom to speak, ask questions, share ideas and make one's own choices.
Bhavya (Mumbai): she feels independent when she buys groceries on her own; it builds confidence.
Arnav (Mumbai): independence is like a happy cloud roaming freely, while respecting others' independence.
Children suggest uplifting everyone, removing poverty, creating jobs and respecting others' customs.
Investing in the future: education, innovation, skills and scientific research for a digital future.
Clean India, Better India: fines for spitting and littering (Avantika, Ghaziabad).
Supporting sportswomen: equal opportunities and equal cheering for girls (Mrunmayee, Thane).
Equality: an education system that teaches equality, and voting for good leaders.
Important terms
independence – freedom from the control of others.
restriction – a limit or control.
progressive – moving forward, developing.
uplift – to raise to a better condition.
eradicate – to remove completely.
Language study
Types of sentences: Declarative – makes a statement ("Children expressed their ideas."). Imperative – gives an order or request ("Salute the National Flag."). Exclamatory – shows strong feeling ("What a proud day it is!"). Interrogative – asks a question ("What does independence mean to you?").
5 important questions
Q1. What does independence mean to Avani?
Freedom to speak, raise questions, share ideas, live freely and make one's own choices.
Q2. How does Bhavya feel independent?
When she buys groceries on her own and pays money carefully.
Q3. Match: Golden Jubilee – ?
50 years.
Q4. Give two ideas from the children to make India better.
Keep the nation clean with fines for littering, and give girls equal opportunities in sports.
Q5. Identify the type: "Salute the Indian National Flag."
Imperative sentence.
Exam tip
Learn the four types of sentences with one example each; they are common grammar questions.
"The Ancient Indian Doctor Charak" is a story set in Kolhapur. When little Meera hurts her knee, her grandfather gives first aid and tells her about Charaka, one of the greatest physicians of ancient India and a founding father of Ayurveda. Meera learns that a true doctor needs not only medicine but also compassion.
Key points
Meera, eight years old, falls while playing and her knee bleeds; Grandfather gives household first aid.
She asks how people treated illness in ancient times.
Charaka lived nearly two thousand years ago and is considered one of the founding fathers of Ayurveda.
He wrote the Charaka Samhita, covering anatomy, diagnosis, treatment and ethics.
He believed disease is caused by imbalances in the body; healing comes from restoring harmony through herbs, diet and lifestyle.
He stressed prevention as much as cure.
A good doctor must be wise, compassionate and deeply observant.
He contributed to understanding genetics and described care of infants and children, an early text on paediatrics.
His philosophy: "A person who helps others in distress is the greatest among men."
Grandfather's message: "Healing begins with care and compassion."
Important terms
physician – a doctor or healer.
Ayurveda – ancient Indian system of medicine.
anatomy – study of the structure of bodies.
diagnosis – identifying the nature and cause of an illness.
ethics – principles of right behaviour.
compassion – kindness and care for others.
Language study
Adverbs modify a verb, adjective or another adverb. Manner – how (slowly, carefully); Time – when (today, soon, later, yesterday); Place – where (here, there, inside).
Example: "Swapnil ran swiftly to catch the bus." (manner)
"Words" is a short poem about the power of words. Some words heal, give hope and soothe fears; others hurt, cause grief and cut like a knife. The poet advises us not to speak in haste but to think well and choose kind words.
Key points
Some words heal and some hurt; some cause sorrow and some cause mirth (joy).
Harsh words bring grief and tears; kind words soothe troublesome fears.
Some words "kill" and some "give life".
Some words hit as hard as a steel-tipped knife.
Some bring hope to a sinking (sad) heart; some can even separate husband and wife.
Harsh words come from a thoughtless mind; sweet words belong to a kind heart.
Message: do not open your mouth in haste; think about every word and speak politely.
The poet is anonymous.
Important terms
mirth – happiness or joy.
soothe – to calm or comfort.
sinking heart – feeling sad or depressed.
haste – hurry.
harsh – rough and unkind.
Language study
Rhyme scheme: aabb (pairs of lines rhyme): hurt – mirth, tears – fears, life – knife, heart – apart, mind – kind, haste – taste.
Repetition: the same word or phrase is repeated. Example: "Some cause sorrow and some cause mirth."
Simile: "Some hit as hard, as a steel tipped knife."
Idioms with "word": word of mouth (spread by talking), eat your words (admit you were wrong), word for word (exactly), word gets around (news spreads).
5 important questions
Q1. What should we do to become a polite speaker?
Think well before speaking, avoid speaking in haste and use kind, sweet words.
Q2. Why does the poet say harsh words bring grief and tears?
Because unkind words hurt people's feelings and make them sad.
Q3. Fill in: Some words hit as hard as a ______ tipped knife.
steel.
Q4. What does a "sinking heart" mean?
Feeling sad or depressed.
Q5. Write the rhyme scheme of the poem.
aabb.
Exam tip
Be ready to write the poem's appreciation: title, poet, rhyme scheme, figure of speech, theme.
"Dreaming Big: Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar" is an imaginary interview of the famous Indian scientist by Poorva, a Grade Six student. He describes his childhood of poverty, the people who inspired him, his return to India, his work in polymer science and his secret of success: hard work and discipline.
Key points
Born in Mashel village, Goa. His father died when he was six; his mother moved with him to Mumbai.
He walked barefoot and studied under streetlights; he studied in a Marathi-medium municipal school in Girgaon.
Despite being an SSC topper he almost gave up studies; friends collected Rs. 200 for his admission to Jai Hind College. A scholarship from the Sir Dorabjee Tata Trust helped later.
Inspirations: his mother and his science teacher.
Turning points: his Guru Prof. Manmohan Sharma (PhD in three years) and his mentor Bharat Ratna Prof. C. N. R. Rao.
He worked in the UK but returned to India in 1974 to help nation-building through science.
He is a chemical engineer; his research is in polymer science (plastics, rubber, some medicines).
He became Director-General of CSIR.
Unforgettable moment: becoming a Fellow of the Royal Society, London, in 1998 – signing the same book as Sir Isaac Newton.
He started the 'Anjani Mashelkar Inclusive Innovation Award' in his mother's memory.
Quote: "It is not money, but ideas that make great inventions." Secret of success: "work, work and more work".
Important terms
inspiration – someone who encourages you.
mentor – a guide who helps you improve.
polymer – material used to make plastic, rubber etc.
inclusive – including everyone.
innovation – a new, creative idea.
Language study
Phrases: to give up (to stop trying), with the help of, a lot of, to be full of.
Intonation: Wh-questions and statements usually have falling intonation ("What is your name?"); yes/no questions have rising intonation ("Are you ready?").
Jumbled words: TOONINAVIN – innovation; ONITATSNAI – (practise forming a word from these letters); CLISUNVIE – inclusive.
5 important questions
Q1. What difficulties did Dr. Mashelkar face in childhood?
His father died early, he was poor, walked barefoot and studied under streetlights.
Q2. How did his friends help him?
They collected Rs. 200 for his admission to Jai Hind College.
Q3. Why did he return to India?
His heart was in India; he wanted to use his knowledge for nation-building.
Q4. What was his unforgettable moment?
Becoming a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1998 and signing the same book as Sir Isaac Newton.
Q5. List the awards he received.
Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.
Exam tip
Remember the key years (1974 return, 1998 FRS) and his famous quote about ideas.
"Too Scared to Sleep" by Nancy Lenz is a funny story about two girls, Beth and Kelly, camping out on Uncle Frank's land. Beth thinks Uncle Frank warned them about "ghosts". At night they see two white shapes at the gate and run to the cabin in fear. In the morning they learn he had said "goats", not "ghosts".
Key points
Beth and Kelly camp under a big oak tree on Uncle Frank's land; an owl hoots and leaves rustle.
Beth wants to be closer to the cabin; Kelly says that would spoil the camping.
Beth says Uncle Frank told them to fasten the gate "so the ghosts won't come in".
Kelly laughs – Uncle Frank is always kidding.
At night Beth hears a noise and sees something white trying to open the gate.
Both girls run to the cabin, leaving their boots and sleeping bags, and lock the door.
Next morning Uncle Frank brings doughnuts and finds them asleep in chairs.
He explains he said "goats" – his neighbour's goats always sneak into his vegetable garden.
The two hairy, four-footed "ghosts" are calmly chewing grass by the fence; the girls groan and laugh.
Message: fear often comes from misunderstanding; listen carefully.
Important terms
hoot – loud high sound of an owl.
rustle – soft whispering sound of leaves.
shivered – shook with fear or cold.
squirmed – wriggled out.
kidding – joking.
Language study
Homophones: same sound, different spelling and meaning (see – sea, two – too).
Homographs: same spelling, different meanings: bank (river bank / money bank), seal (animal / to close), tire, bark (dog's bark / tree bark).
Pun: a play on words with double meaning for humour. "A bicycle can't stand on its own because it is two-tired." The story itself is built on ghosts / goats.
5 important questions
Q1. Where did the girls camp?
Under a big oak tree on Uncle Frank's land, near his cabin.
Q2. What did Beth think Uncle Frank had said?
To fasten the gate so the ghosts would not come in.
Q3. Why did the girls run to the cabin?
They saw two white forms at the gate and thought they were ghosts.
Q4. What were the "ghosts" really?
The neighbour's two white goats.
Q5. What is a pun? Give an example.
A play on words with double meaning; "The maths teacher has too many problems."
Exam tip
Explain the humour: the whole fright came from mishearing "goats" as "ghosts".
"Eco-Warriors Unite!" is a skit about a group of children – Aarav, Priya, Kabir, Isha, Rohan and Neha – who go trekking at High Hills and find it full of garbage and polluted water. They call three superheroes, but even the superheroes give up. The children then clean the place themselves and realise that they are the real superheroes.
Key points
The children expect birdsong and a crystal-clear waterfall, but find "a treasure of garbage" and a dirty stream.
Aarav calls superheroes with a funny chant: "Zip zap zoom..."
Shakti Sen, Bhirbhiri and Dhoomchand arrive.
Bhirbhiri faints because of the garbage smell.
Dhoomchand finds the river full of plastic bags instead of fish – aquatic life is in danger. He disappears to look for clean water.
Shakti Sen says the garbage is too much and leaves: "You have made the earth the biggest dustbin ever!"
The children decide to help themselves and become eco-warriors.
They collect trash, sort recyclables (paper, plastic), clean the water, reuse bags and avoid throwing garbage in water.
Message: we must take responsibility for our environment; small actions together make a big difference.
eco-warrior – a person who works to protect the environment.
trek – a long walk, often in hills.
aquatic life – plants and animals living in water.
recycle – to process used material to make new things.
litter – rubbish left lying around.
Language study
Tenses practice: present continuous – "He is working on C-Language nowadays."; past continuous – "They were watching a movie when the phone rang."; future – "She will do exercise tomorrow morning."
3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
5 important questions
Q1. What did the children find at High Hills?
Garbage everywhere and a dirty, polluted waterfall and river.
Q2. Name the three superheroes.
Shakti Sen, Bhirbhiri and Dhoomchand.
Q3. Why did Shakti Sen refuse to help?
The garbage was too much to collect; he said humans had made the earth the biggest dustbin.
Q4. What did the children do in the end?
They became eco-warriors, collected trash, sorted recyclables and cleaned the water themselves.
Q5. Classify as dry or wet waste: banana peel, plastic wrapper.
"A Book Review: Ranji the Music Maker" gives an extract from Ruskin Bond's story and a model book review. Nine-year-old Ranji tries to play an old flute; the crows ignore him, but cats of the neighbourhood gather and follow him like fans of a rock star. The lesson teaches how to write a book review.
Key points
Ranji found an old flute in the storeroom and tried to play it on the steps of his house.
At first he produced only a few shrill notes; a crow's caw sounded better.
After some time he managed a few magical notes.
A tabby kitten (white with black patches) sat and listened with rapt attention; its mother, a large black cat with green eyes, joined, purring softly.
Soon ginger, grey, spotted, fluffy and skinny cats gathered.
Fearing his mother would be annoyed by the cats, Ranji walked down the lane towards the railway station; the cats followed.
He wondered if this was what it was like to be a rock star – but followed by cats, not people.
Review – central theme: Ranji finds a flute, a trumpet and a big drum and gives impromptu concerts to neighbours, cats and zoo animals, while really looking for a friend who will hear the magic in his din.
Best part: he tries every instrument on everyone around him, making it very funny.
Important terms
shrill – high-pitched and piercing.
mohalla – a neighbourhood.
wheezily – with a whistling, breathy sound.
rapt attention – complete attention.
impromptu – done without planning.
Language study
Book review format: 1. Name of the book 2. Writer's name 3. Central theme 4. Characters 5. The best part of the book 6. Your opinion/recommendation.
Describing words for cats: tabby, ginger, grey, spotted, fluffy, skinny.
5 important questions
Q1. Who wrote "Ranji the Music Maker"?
Ruskin Bond.
Q2. Which characters are in the story?
Ranji, his mother, cats, dogs, birds, a crocodile and others.
Q3. Why did Ranji think his mother would be annoyed?
Because so many cats had gathered in front of their house.
Q4. Why did Ranji feel like a rock star?
A crowd of cats followed him as he played, like fans follow a pop singer.
Q5. What is the best part of the book according to the review?
Ranji tries every instrument on every person and animal around him, which is very funny.
Exam tip
Practise writing a five-point book review of your favourite book.
"The Song of the Mischievous Dog" by Dylan Thomas is a funny poem in which a naughty dog speaks. It lists silly beliefs some people hold, then describes its own joys: bones, biscuits, chasing rabbits and stones – and, best of all, biting the plump calf of a person's leg. It hopes we won't think it too vicious.
Key points
Many say "a dog has its day" and "a cat has a number of lives".
Others think a lobster is pink and bees never work in their hives (both are wrong or funny ideas).
Fewer people insist that a horse has a horn and two humps, and a person who jokes that a mare can build nests is as rare as a red donkey.
In spite of all this, the dog has "moments of bliss".
It loves bones; though doubtful about biscuits, it is willing to risk them.
It loves to chase rabbits and stones.
Its greatest delight is to bite a plump, "delicious" calf (the back of a person's leg).
It hopes we won't think it too vicious.
The poem is humorous and shows a pet's playful, mischievous nature.
"The Indian Root of Mathematics" tells about Leelavati, a girl of ancient India who loved nature and maths, and about the book 'Leelavati' by Bhaskaracharya, which teaches arithmetic through poetic examples. It also explains that India gave the world many important mathematical ideas, such as zero and the decimal system.
Key points
Leelavati loved lotus flowers, peacocks, swans and the antics of monkeys – and she loved maths.
She studied from a poetic book, also called 'Leelavati', whose sums used beautiful things from nature.
Example sum: a peacock on a tall coconut tree swoops on a serpent going to its hole; how far is the hole from the tree?
Indians have been skilled mathematicians for thousands of years.
The concept of zero originated in India; the world learned the decimal system from India.
Indians knew square roots, cube roots, algebra, geometry and trigonometry long before many others.
Great mathematicians: Aryabhata and Bhaskaracharya.
Bhaskaracharya lived in the 12th century and wrote 'Leelavati', with examples written as verses.
'Leelavati' was used as a maths textbook in many parts of India for centuries.
Other ancient experts: Sushruta – surgery, Patanjali – yoga, Charaka – Ayurvedic medicine, Nagarjuna – alchemy, Aryabhata – concept of zero.
Important terms
fond – loving something very much.
swooped – moved quickly downwards through the air.
antics – funny, playful actions.
poetic – written in the form of poetry.
concept – an idea.
Language study
Prepositions: time (since, in, on), place (across, under), direction (towards), purpose (for), relation (of).
Phrases: to be fond of, to be afraid of, in search of.
"The Untold Story of Samosa" is an article about how India's favourite snack actually began in Persia as the 'Sambosa'. It travelled with traders, became royal food in Mughal courts and later got its famous potato filling after the Portuguese brought potatoes to India. The article also explains its triangle shape and its "global cousins".
Key points
The samosa did not originate in India; its roots are in Persia, where it was called 'Sambosa'.
An Iranian historian mentioned the Sambosa in the 10th century: small crescent-shaped pastries stuffed with minced meat, nuts, onions or dried fruits.
Arabic texts (11th–13th centuries) describe 'Sambusak' in Syria, Egypt and Lebanon – perfect travel food for caravans.
In the 14th century, Middle Eastern traders brought the recipe to India along with silks, spices and jewels.
In Mughal times it became royal food; Amir Khusrau wrote of it at royal banquets, and the Ain-i-Akbari listed it in Akbar's royal spread.
The Portuguese brought the potato to India in the 16th century from South America; the British popularised it in the 19th century.
The potato-pea masala filling replaced meat and fruit, and the aloo samosa was born.
Why a triangle? One theory: inspired by Egyptian pyramids; a practical one: triangles are easier to fold, seal and fry.
"A Report about Heavy Rains" is a news report written by Subodh, a Grade Six student. It describes how heavy rain in Mumbai during Krishna Janmashtami and Dahi Handi caused a landslide, waterlogging and traffic jams. The lesson teaches the format of a report and the difference between natural and man-made disasters.
Key points
Title: "Heavy Rains Trigger Landslides in Maharashtra"; By: Subodh, Grade Six; Date: 27 August 2024; Place: Mumbai.
Heavy rain lashed Mumbai and parts of Maharashtra on Saturday during Krishna Janmashtami and Dahi Handi.
Continuous downpour disrupted normal life.
The soil became weak and caused a landslide at one place.
At least five people died and three were injured.
Rescue teams reached quickly and took the injured to hospitals.
Waterlogging, submerged roads and traffic jams caused inconvenience.
Authorities advised people to stay indoors and avoid unsafe areas.
Conclusion: heavy monsoon rain is dangerous; safety and alertness are needed.
"The Unbreakable Navdeep Singh" tells the inspiring story of Navdeep Singh, a para-athlete born with dwarfism. Facing cruel words and rejection, he turned negativity into determination and won gold in the men's javelin F41 at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. He later received the Arjuna Award. His story shows the power of self-belief and perseverance.
Key points
Harsh words like "You're worthless" ignited a fire in Navdeep instead of breaking him.
Born with dwarfism, he faced societal rejection and relentless criticism.
His determination and resilience took him to the pinnacle: a gold medal in men's javelin F41 at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
He also won silver in the men's javelin throw F41 final at the World Para Athletics Championships on 5 October 2025.
He received the Arjuna Award from President Droupadi Murmu and called it a moment of immense pride.
He said the victory belonged to everyone who believed in and supported him.
His journey began in 2012, when he received the National Child Award from then President Pranab Mukherjee for winning medals at the Para Athletics Nationals.
Message: unwavering self-belief can overcome any challenge; he is a beacon of hope.
Important terms
dwarfism – a condition in which a person is much shorter than average.
relentless – not stopping.
resilience – the ability to recover from difficulties.
pinnacle – the highest point.
perseverance – continuing to try despite difficulties.
beacon – a source of guidance or inspiration.
Language study
Conjunctions join words, phrases or sentences: and, but, or, because, so, since.
Examples: "John and Alex are friends." "I like pizza but Yogita doesn't." "She missed her school van because she woke up late." "Mugdha was tired so she slept."
Affirmative statements: "I am strong." "I am capable." "I can overcome challenges."
5 important questions
Q1. Which medal did Navdeep win at the 2024 Paris Paralympics?
Gold in the men's javelin F41 event.
Q2. Who presented him the National Child Award?
Then President Pranab Mukherjee, in 2012.
Q3. What challenges did Navdeep face, and how did he overcome them?
He faced rejection and harsh criticism due to dwarfism; he overcame them with determination, hard work and self-belief.
Q4. What did Navdeep say about his Arjuna Award?
It was a moment of immense pride, and the victory belonged to everyone who supported him.
Q5. Fill in with a conjunction: I left early ___ I felt sick.
because.
Exam tip
Remember the key achievements in order: National Child Award (2012) → Paralympic gold (2024) → Arjuna Award.
"Give me Strength" is a prayer by Rabindranath Tagore. The poet asks God to remove the poverty of his heart and to give him inner strength – to bear joys and sorrows lightly, to serve others with love, never to abandon the poor or bow before the arrogant, to rise above small worries, and finally to surrender his strength to God's will.
Key points
The poem is a prayer addressed to God ("thee, my Lord").
The poet asks God to strike at the root of penury (poverty) in his heart – meaning poverty of spirit and love.
He asks for strength to bear his joys and sorrows lightly, with balance.
He wants his love to be fruitful in service to others.
He asks never to disown the poor.
He refuses to bend his knees before insolent (rude, arrogant) power.
He wants to raise his mind above daily trifles (small, unimportant things).
Lastly, he asks for strength to surrender his strength to God's will with love.
The strength he asks for is moral and spiritual, not physical.
Important terms
penury – extreme poverty.
disown – to refuse to accept someone.
insolent – rude and disrespectful.
trifles – unimportant things.
surrender – to give up oneself to another's will.
Language study
Metaphor: a comparison without "like" or "as". "Strike at the root of penury in my heart" – penury is compared to a plant with a root.
Repetition: "Give me the strength" is repeated for emphasis.
Rhyming words for practice: light – lightly, dove – love, tender – surrender.
Important dates and people
Rabindranath Tagore – poet; this prayer is from his collection Gitanjali.
5 important questions
Q1. What does the poet ask God to strike at?
The root of penury in his heart.
Q2. What strength does the poet ask for first?
The strength to bear his joys and sorrows lightly.
Q3. In what form is the poem written?
As a prayer.
Q4. What are "daily trifles" and why does the poet want to rise above them?
Small, unimportant worries; rising above them keeps the mind calm and focused on higher things.
Q5. Give an example of a metaphor from the poem.
"Strike at the root of penury in my heart."
Exam tip
Explain that the poet asks for inner, moral strength – not physical strength or wealth.
"Autobiography of a Comb" is a story in which Meera's old wooden comb, forgotten in a drawer, suddenly speaks and tells its own life story. It describes how combs have been used for thousands of years – from ancient Egypt to medieval Europe and India – and reminds Meera that "old is gold".
Key points
Meera finds her old brown wooden comb covered in dust in a drawer; it starts talking.
The comb says its earliest family lived in ancient Egypt, where people first used thorns, sticks and fish bones to comb hair.
Craftsmen later made combs of wood and bone; kings and queens prized them and even placed them in tombs.
In the Middle Ages (England, Spain, Russia) women covered their hair but displayed beautiful combs as a sign of wealth; carved bone combs are now in Russian museums.
In 18th-century Europe combs held large wigs in place; in Spain tall tortoiseshell combs fastened lace veils (mantillas).
In the early 20th century, women cut their hair short, and the comb returned to its simple job of keeping hair tidy.
In India, combs were carved from wood and ivory with floral designs; later made of metal and plastic.
Meera had forgotten the old comb after buying a shiny pink plastic one; when that broke, the old comb was still strong.
Message: old things have strength and stories; "Old is gold". The comb's job – keeping people neat, clean and confident – never changed.
Important terms
autobiography – a life story written by the person (or thing) itself, in the first person.
"A Courage that Saved Lives" is a newspaper report about Kareena Thapa, a 17-year-old girl from Amravati. She bravely prevented an LPG cylinder explosion and saved 70 families in her apartment building. She was honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar by President Droupadi Murmu on Veer Bal Din.
Key points
Report dated 27 December 2024, Amravati.
On 15 May 2024, a fire broke out in a flat in Jai Amba apartments, Kathora area, Amravati.
Kareena broke the lock of the flat to get inside.
Despite fire and smoke, she threw buckets of water and controlled the fire near the LPG cylinder.
She pulled out the LPG cylinder, preventing an explosion; her timely action averted a major disaster and saved 70 families.
She was among 17 children honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The ceremony, organised by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, was held on Veer Bal Din.
Veer Bal Din remembers the sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru.
The award has a medal, a plaque and a certificate; it honours children for courage, sports, social service, science, environment, art and research.
Her name was recommended by the local Women and Child Development office through the District Collector.
Important terms
exhibited – showed.
averted – avoided.
exemplary – outstanding.
cognizance – official notice.
disaster – a dangerous event causing great harm.
Language study
Parts of a news report: headline, place and date line, main news (who, what, when, where, why, how), details, conclusion.
Informal letter: congratulate Kareena using greeting, warm body and closing.
Word meanings: apartment – a large building with flats; exemplary courage – great bravery; certificate – a written document of achievement.
5 important questions
Q1. Which city does Kareena Thapa belong to?
Amravati.
Q2. How many families did she save?
70 families.
Q3. What did she prevent from exploding?
An LPG cylinder.
Q4. Who presented the award and on which occasion?
President Droupadi Murmu, on Veer Bal Din.
Q5. Write two qualities of Kareena Thapa.
Courage and quick thinking (presence of mind).
Exam tip
Remember the five facts: Amravati, 70 families, LPG cylinder, President Droupadi Murmu, Veer Bal Din.
"Supportive Friends" is a story about Scurry the squirrel, who is too busy collecting nuts for winter to spend time with his friends Amelia Mouse, Walter Woodpecker and Rocky Rabbit. When a storm blows his tree down, the same friends help him without hesitation. Scurry learns that friends always have time for each other.
Key points
In autumn, Scurry was in a hurry, collecting and burying nuts for winter.
Amelia Mouse invited him to see her winter bed – "No time! I'm in a hurry."
Walter Woodpecker wanted to show his best, biggest tree hole – "No time!"
Rocky Rabbit wanted to show how fast he could dig a burrow – "No time!"
That night the wind howled and Scurry's tree crashed down.
Amelia shared her warm bed with him.
Next morning Walter offered his great new tree hole as Scurry's new home.
Rocky dug out the nuts buried under the fallen tree.
Scurry invited them for supper as a thank-you; they joked "No time! We're in a hurry," then laughed: "We always have time for a friend."
Message: true friends support each other; we should make time for friends.
"The Information Hunt" is about Mona, who feels lost in a library while searching for information on an Indian woman scientist for her assignment. The librarian introduces her to offline resources (books, magazines, encyclopaedias, newspapers) and online resources (websites, digital encyclopaedias, e-books, videos, e-libraries), and explains why both should be used.
Key points
Mona felt like a sailor lost at sea among shelves full of books, magazines and newspapers.
She had watched a film on India's Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) showing ISRO scientists, led by a determined woman scientist, overcoming challenges.
Her assignment: a one-page biography of any woman scientist of India.
The librarian showed her the library catalogue – a list of all books, searchable by title, author or topic.
Offline resources (no internet): books (biographies, reference books), magazines (weekly/monthly articles and interviews), encyclopaedias (short facts, dates, pictures), newspapers (current events and awards).
Online resources: educational and government websites (e.g. ISRO's official website), digital encyclopaedias, online articles and e-books, educational videos and e-libraries.
Offline resources give deep, reliable, well-organised information.
Online resources give quick, updated, easy-to-search information.
Using both wisely makes students smart researchers.
Important terms
catalogue – a list of all books in a library.
resource – a source of information or help.
encyclopaedia – a book or set of books with facts on many subjects.
biography – the life story of a person.
adrift – floating without direction; feeling lost.
Language study
Simile: "Mona felt like a sailor lost at sea."
Metaphor: "an ocean of information".
Word clues game: It is used in school / we write on it / it has many pages – notebook.
5 important questions
Q1. Why did Mona go to the library?
To find information about an Indian woman scientist for a one-page biography.
Q2. What is a library catalogue?
A list of all the books in a library that helps search by title, author or topic.
Q3. Name four offline resources.
Books, magazines, encyclopaedias and newspapers.
Q4. Give two examples of online resources.
Educational websites such as ISRO's website, and e-libraries.
Q5. Why should students use both offline and online resources?
Offline resources are deep and reliable; online ones are quick and updated, so together they give complete information.
Exam tip
Prepare a two-column table: offline vs online resources with two features each.
"Mirror" by Sylvia Plath is a poem in which a mirror speaks. It says it is "silver and exact" and reflects everything truthfully, without love or dislike. In the second part the mirror becomes like a lake into which a woman looks every day, searching for her true self, and sees herself growing older.
Key points
The mirror describes itself as silver and exact, with no preconceptions (no prejudice).
It "swallows" whatever it sees immediately, just as it is, "unmisted by love or dislike".
It says it is not cruel, only truthful – "the eye of a little god, four-cornered".
Most of the time it "meditates" on the opposite wall, which is pink with speckles; it feels the wall is part of its heart.
Faces and darkness come between them again and again.
In the second stanza the mirror becomes a lake. A woman bends over it, searching for what she really is.
She turns to "those liars, the candles or the moon", whose soft light flatters her.
The mirror reflects her faithfully; she rewards it with tears and agitated hands, unhappy with the truth.
Each morning her face replaces the darkness; over the years a young girl has "drowned" in it and an old woman rises towards her.
Theme: truth, ageing and how people struggle to accept reality.
Important terms
preconceptions – opinions formed before knowing the facts.
swallow – take in completely.
unmisted – clear, not covered.
speckles – small spots.
flickers – shines unsteadily.
agitation – nervous movement.
Language study
Personification: the mirror speaks and "meditates" like a person.
Metaphor: "Now I am a lake" – the mirror is directly called a lake.
Simile: "like a terrible fish" – the old woman's image rising is compared to a fish.
Repetition: "over and over".
5 important questions
Q1. What does the mirror meditate on most of the time?
The opposite wall, which is pink with speckles.
Q2. Why does the mirror say it has no preconceptions?
It shows things exactly as they are, without love or dislike.
Q3. Why are the candles and the moon called "liars"?
Their soft, dim light hides flaws and does not show the truth.
Q4. "Now I am a lake" is an example of which figure of speech?
Metaphor.
Q5. "Like a terrible fish" is an example of which figure of speech?
Simile.
Exam tip
Identify simile, metaphor and personification in the poem; these device questions are very common.
"Songs of the Soil" introduces India's folk songs and storytelling traditions: Powada and Owi from Maharashtra, Bihu from Assam, Chakri from Jammu and Kashmir, and Burra Katha from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Folk songs preserve history, express emotions and show the rich cultural heritage of India.
Key points
Powada: a traditional Marathi ballad praising heroic deeds of great leaders and warriors. It began in the 17th century in the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. "Powada" means "to glorify"; its composers are called Shahirs. Famous modern Shahirs: Annabhau Sathe and Krishnarao Sable.
Purpose of Powada: inspire courage, spread social awareness and preserve history orally.
Owi: a short Marathi verse sung by village women during chores like grinding grain on the jata, fetching water or farm work; it expresses emotions and wisdom simply.
Bihu: folk song of Assam sung during the Bihu festival; expresses joy, love, youth and nature. Instruments: dhol, pepa (buffalo-horn pipe), gogona, toka.
Chakri: folk song of Jammu and Kashmir (Jammu region); performers sing in a circular (chakri) formation. Instruments: harmonium, dholak, nagara, chimta, sarangi.
Burra Katha: folk storytelling with music from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana; "burra" is a tambura-like instrument and "katha" means story. It has roots in Harikatha and Yakshagana.
Maharashtra's folk dances include Lavani and Koli dance; traditional wear – Nauvari sari, dhoti-kurta.
Important terms
ballad – a song or poem that tells a story.
glorify – to praise and honour.
preserve – to protect and keep safe.
chores – small routine tasks.
heritage – traditions and culture passed down from earlier generations.
Language study
Root word + suffix: formation = form + -ation; performance = perform + -ance; traditional = tradition + -al; awareness = aware + -ness; musical = music + -al; historical = history + -cal.
"Dadaji and International Women's Day" (from 'Champak', by Vivek Chakravarty) is a picture story. Rahul teases his sister Riya by showing her a magazine title that seems to say women can't do anything. Dadaji tells them about great women from India and the world. In the end the real title is revealed: "Is there anything that today's women cannot do?" – Rahul had covered the word "not" with his finger.
Key points
On International Women's Day, Rahul teases Riya that women are weak; Riya gets angry.
Dadaji says women have made their mark everywhere – sports, battlefield, ocean depths and space.
Examples: Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams (space), Sarla Thukral (India's first woman pilot).
World examples: Malala Yousafzai (girls' education), Emma Gonzalez (stood against weapon violence), Marie Curie, Sarojini Naidu, Jane Addams, Aung San Suu Kyi.
International Women's Day is celebrated every year on 8 March to recognise women's achievements and promote gender equality, and to plan further action for women's progress.
Rahul admits he was joking; he had covered "not" in the title with his fingers.
Message: women and men have equally important roles; both deserve equal opportunities.
Warm-up facts: Kalpana Chawla – first Indian woman in space; Savitribai Phule – first woman teacher of India; Arunima Sinha was a national volleyball player; Rajmata Jijau was born at Sindkhed Raja; Mary Kom – boxer.
Important terms
achievements – things done successfully through hard work.
contribute – to give one's part along with others.
teasing – making fun of someone.
nodded – moved the head up and down to say yes.
gender equality – equal rights and opportunities for all genders.
Language study
Parts of speech: in "Rahul laughed, Dadaji nodded and Riya smiled" – laughed, nodded, smiled are verbs; Rahul, Dadaji, Riya are nouns (proper nouns); "and" is a conjunction.
Riddle-style clues for practice of vocabulary.
5 important questions
Q1. When is International Women's Day celebrated?
Every year on 8 March.
Q2. Why do we celebrate International Women's Day?
To recognise women's achievements, promote gender equality and plan action for women's progress.
Q3. Who was India's first woman pilot, according to the story?
Sarla Thukral.
Q4. How had Rahul fooled Riya?
He covered the word "not" in the title "Is there anything that today's women cannot do?" with his fingers.
Q5. Who is known as the first woman teacher of India?
Savitribai Phule.
Exam tip
Learn the warm-up quiz answers and the 8 March date; they make easy one-mark questions.
"The Clever Boy" is a folk tale about Cheemo, a shepherd's son. His joyfully tossed cap frightens a rich merchant's son's horse. Cheemo explains a riddle, and the young man tests him with an impossible request. Cheemo answers with an equally impossible condition and wins five gold coins for his cleverness.
Key points
Cheemo took his sheep to the pasture every day.
He solved a riddle his father had given him and tossed his fur cap high in joy.
The cap fell on the head of a passing horse, which reared up; the rider, the son of the city's richest merchant, fell off and became angry.
Cheemo explained the riddle: "What is higher than a man but shorter than a hen?" Answer: a cap – on the head it is higher than a man; on the ground it is shorter than a hen.
The young man pretended to know the answer and then set a test: bring a sheep that is not black, white, grey, mixed or any other colour.
Next day Cheemo said the sheep was ready, but it must be collected on a day that is not Sunday to Saturday, and not in the morning, day, evening or night.
The young man laughed, praised his cleverness and gave him five gold coins, offering him a job any time.
Message: presence of mind and clever thinking can solve impossible problems.
Important terms
pasture – grassland where animals graze.
mounted – sitting on a horse.
reared up – rose up on its hind legs.
revealed – told something.
reward – a gift for doing something good.
departed – went away.
Language study
Pun: a play on words. "I used to be a banker but I lost interest." "The electrician got shocked by the news."
Assertive (declarative) sentences state facts: "I enjoy reading storybooks." Interrogative sentences ask questions: "Who is your best friend?"
Riddles use double meanings, like the cap riddle.
5 important questions
Q1. Whose son was Cheemo?
A shepherd's son.
Q2. Why did the horse rear up?
Cheemo's cap fell on its head and frightened it.
Q3. What was the riddle and its answer?
"What is higher than a man but shorter than a hen?" – A cap.
Q4. How did Cheemo answer the young man's impossible request?
He set an equally impossible condition: collect the sheep on no day of the week and at no time of day.
Q5. What did the young man give Cheemo?
Five gold coins and his address for a future job.
Exam tip
Explain why Cheemo's reply was clever: he matched an impossible demand with an impossible condition.
"An Imaginary Conversation" is a humorous dialogue between a young university science student and Sir Isaac Newton, who visits from the past. Newton has watched centuries of scientific progress and wants to know whether man is any happier because of it. The student says happiness cannot be measured, but man today leads a fuller life with more opportunities.
Key points
Sir Isaac Newton was a famous mathematician and scientist of the 17th–18th century, remembered for stating the law of gravity.
The story says he discovered it when an apple fell on his head in his orchard.
Newton arrives in old-fashioned clothes; the student thinks it is a joke, and Newton is offended.
Newton corrects the student: he did not invent the law of gravity – nature or God did; he discovered it.
He has seen trains, wireless communication and a thousand scientific wonders, and wonders if man is happier.
The student says it depends on the meaning of "happier" and the period compared; Newton suggests five hundred years.
Happiness cannot be weighed or measured, but man leads a "fuller life" today.
A fuller life means greater opportunities to be healthy, educate and amuse oneself, and do what one enjoys; medical science cures diseases so fewer people die young.
Message: science gives opportunities, but happiness depends on how we use them.
Important terms
distinguished – famous and respected.
instructive – giving useful knowledge.
ridiculous – very silly.
rapidity – great speed.
gravity – the force that pulls objects towards the earth.
Language study
Discover vs invent: discover – find something that already exists (gravity); invent – create something new (telephone).
Tenses in the dialogue: past – "I discovered it", "I have been watching" (present perfect continuous), "I have seen" (present perfect), "Medical science can cure him" (modal).
Dialogue writing: speaker's name, colon, words spoken; stage directions in brackets.
5 important questions
Q1. Who was Sir Isaac Newton?
A famous mathematician and scientist of the 17th–18th century, known for stating the law of gravity.
Q2. Why was Newton annoyed with the student at first?
The student made fun of his old-fashioned clothes.
Q3. Why did Newton say he did not invent the law of gravity?
Because gravity was made by nature or God; he only discovered it.
Q4. What was the purpose of Newton's visit?
To find out whether man is happier as a result of scientific progress.
Q5. What does the student mean by a "fuller life"?
More opportunities to be healthy, educated and entertained, and to do what one enjoys.
Exam tip
Be clear about the difference between "discover" and "invent" – it is the key point of the dialogue.