Detective No. 30 by L Swenson - Question Answer - Word Meaning - Extra Questions for Practice

Summary of the Story Detective No. 30

John was bored because his friend Billie was away, so he decided to play detective. He saw a man parking a car and followed him. The man acted suspiciously, entering a house and later coming out disguised. John noted the car's license plate number. The next day, John's father read about a burglary in that house and called the police after John shared what he saw. At the police station, John identified the thief, leading to the man's arrest. John received a $100 reward for his help. 

Word Meaning

1. Unhappy: Not happy; feeling sad.
2. Interesting: Something that grabs attention or is fun to do.
3. Zipper fastener: A device used to close clothes, bags, etc.
4. Badge: A small piece of metal or plastic with words or symbols, worn to show who you are or what you do.
5. Detective: A person who finds out information, especially to solve crimes.
6. Thief: A person who steals things.
7. Parked: Stopped and left a vehicle in a place.
8. Engine: The part of a car that makes it move.
9. Handbrake: A brake in a car that is used to keep it still when parked.
10. Path: A way or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading.
11. License plate: A metal plate on a car with numbers and letters that identifies the car.
12. Whiskers: Long hairs growing on the face of an animal or person.
13. Suitcase: A large case with a handle used for carrying clothes and other things when traveling.
14. Inspector: A police officer of high rank.
15. Reward: Money or another gift given for doing something good or finding something.
16. Jewellery: Decorative items like rings, necklaces, and bracelets.
17. Break into: Enter a building by force, usually to steal something.
18. Offering: Providing something to someone.
19. Suddenly: Quickly and unexpectedly.
20. Afraid: Feeling fear or worry.
21. Seals: Stickers or stamps used to mark something.
22. Muddy: Covered with or full of mud (wet earth).
23. Roared: Made a very loud sound.
24. Prove: Show something is true with evidence.
25. Brains: Intelligence or mental ability.
26. Uniform: Special clothes worn by all members of a group or organization.
27. Policemen: Men who are members of the police force.
28. Television: A device that receives broadcast signals and displays them on a screen.
29. Neighbours: People who live near you.
30. Shaking hands: Grasping someone's hand as a greeting or to show agreement.

Let's Infer

1. Rearrange the main events of the story in the order in which they happened. 

ANSWER:

1. b - One day, John saw a man parking his car, and followed him into a shop.
2. a - He saw the big-nosed man go around to the back of the house.
3. g - A little later he saw a man with grey whiskers carry a suitcase out of the house.
4. c - He noted down the number of the car.
5. d - The next morning, John's father noticed a newspaper report on the burglary in Mr. Stone's house.
6. f - John's father called up the police and asked them to come home.
7. e - John's father took Billie and John to the police station.
8. i - John identified the burglar at the police station.
9. h - The police found the burglar after obtaining useful information from John.
10. j - He received a reward of $100.

2. Do you agree with the following statements? Say Yes (Y) or No (N).

ANSWER:

1. John was a full-time detective. No (N) 
2. Sticking a seal on the man's coat helped John notice that the man leaving Mr. Stone's house was the same man who entered it. Yes (Y) 
3. The man left the engine of his car running before entering the house because he wanted to make a quick getaway later. Yes (Y) 
4. The report that John's father read in the newspaper said that the man who burgled Mr. Stone's house had been caught. No (N) 
5. John's father asked the police to come home so that he could tell them who the burglar was. Yes (Y) 
6. Billie had already seen Tarzan but John hadn't. Yes (Y) 
7. John found it difficult to identify the burglar in the police station because there were other men standing with the burglar. No (N) 
8. The grey-haired gentleman who gave John $100 was Mr. Stone. Yes (Y)

Let's Discuss

1. Do you agree with the burglar’s statement?

   • The burglar's statement is correct. John watched carefully and reported details. His help was important to catch the thief. Without him, the police would have struggled to find the suspect.

2. Which three words describe John best? And why?

   • John is observant because he notices important details like the car's license plate. He is intelligent for using his observations to help the police. Additionally, he is careful in taking notes.

3. Qualities of a good detective:

• Observant: Noticing and remembering details that might be important for solving a case.
• Intelligent: Using reasoning and analysis to piece together clues and understand the case.
• Patient: Taking the time to thoroughly investigate and follow up on leads without rushing.
• Careful: Pays attention to details and ensures accuracy in collecting and reporting information.

Extra Questions and Answers for Practice

1. Why was John unhappy at the beginning of the story?

   • John was unhappy because his friend Billie had gone to the dentist with his mother, leaving John alone with nothing interesting to do.

2. What idea made John brighten up?

   • John's face brightened when he remembered his Detective No. 30 badge. He decided to play detective and follow a thief.

3. What unusual action did the man take with his car?

   • The man started his car engine, pulled up the handbrake, and then got out, leaving the engine running. He then quickly walked to Mr. Stone's house and went around to the back.

4. Why did John think the man who came out of Mr. Stone's house was different from the man who went in?

   • John thought the man was different because the man who came out had grey whiskers and wore a grey cap, while the man who went in had a smooth face, a big nose, and wore a hat.

5. What did John do to identify the car the man drove?

   • John carefully noted the license plate number of the car and wrote it down on a piece of paper.

6. How did John’s father react when John told him about the man?

   • John's father was initially skeptical but decided to call the police when John told him everything he had seen.

7. What key piece of evidence did John provide to the police to help them identify the thief?

   • John provided the police with the license plate number of the car, which was dark green and muddy.

8. How did the policemen verify John's story at the police station?

   • The policemen verified John's story by asking him to identify the man he had followed. John pointed out the man with the big nose and then confirmed it was the same man by finding the red seal he had stuck on the man’s coat.

9. What was the outcome for John and Billie at the end of the story?

   • John and Billie were praised for their clever detective work, and John received a hundred-dollar reward for helping to catch the thief.

Poem: The Magical Earth by Gulzar - New Learning to Communicate - Literary Reader 7

The Magical Earth

An Interactive Guide by Gulzar

Contents

• Poem Text
• Difficult Words with Definitions
• Summary of the Poem
• Questions & Answers
• Important Questions
• Interactive Quiz

Poem Text

There is something indeed in the earth of my garden

Is this earth magical?

The earth knows how to do magic!

If I sow a guava seed, it gives me guavas

If I put in a jamun kernel, it gives me jamuns

A bitter gourd for a bitter gourd, a lemon for a lemon!

If I ask for a flower, it gives me pink flowers

Whatever colour I give to it, it returns that to me

Has it hidden all these colours in the soil below?

I dug a lot but found nothing

The earth knows how to do magic!

The earth knows how to do magic

It shows so many tricks

When it balances these long coconut trees on its fingers

It does not even let them fall!

The wind does its best, but the earth does not let them fumble!

A sherbet, or milk, or water

Anything may fall, it absorbs them all

How much water does it drink?!

It gulps down whatever you give

Be it from a jug or a bucket

Amazingly, its stomach never fills

I have heard that it can even hide a river inside!

The earth knows how to do magic!

Are there sugar godowns under the earth?

Or rocks of lime?

How does this earth put sweetness into fruits?

From where does it get all this?

Pomegranates, plums and mangoes—in all of them

Sweetness, but different kinds

The leaves tasteless but the fruits sweet

The musambi sweet, the lemon sour

Undoubtedly, it knows magic!

Otherwise, why is the bamboo tasteless,

and the sugarcane sweet?

Difficult Words with Definitions

1. Magical: Having special, mysterious, or supernatural qualities.

2. Kernel: The inner, softer part of a seed, nut, or fruit stone.

3. Fumble: To handle something clumsily.

4. Sherbet: A sweet flavoured drink.

5. Absorb: To soak up or take in a liquid or substance.

6. Godowns: Warehouses or storage places, especially in South Asia.

7. Musambi: Sweet lime, a citrus fruit.

8. Undoubtedly: Without doubt; certainly.

Summary of "The Magical Earth"

In "The Magical Earth," Gulzar expresses a childlike wonder at the mysterious and magical qualities of the earth. He observes how the earth acts like a magician, transforming seeds into their corresponding plants and fruits—a guava seed becomes a guava tree, a jamun kernel becomes a jamun tree. It even returns flowers in the exact color planted. The poet marvels at the earth's physical strength, personifying it as a skilled performer balancing tall coconut trees against the wind.

The earth's capacity seems endless; it absorbs any liquid poured into it without ever getting full, as if it could hide a whole river inside. The ultimate magic, for the poet, lies in the earth's ability to create different flavors. He wonders how it infuses fruits with various kinds of sweetness while keeping leaves tasteless, and how it can produce a sweet sugarcane right next to a tasteless bamboo. This constant display of mysterious power convinces the poet that the earth truly knows how to do magic.

Questions & Answers

1. This is a poem in praise of the magical powers of earth. Do you agree?

   Yes, the poem is a celebration of the earth's seemingly magical and wondrous abilities.

2. The word earth in the poem refers to:

   c. the substance that plants grow in.

3. Say whether the following statements are True (T) or False (F).

   • a. If you plant a guava seed, you will get a guava later. - True
   • b. If you plant the seed of a particular vegetable, the earth will give you that vegetable later. - True
   • c. If you want a flower of a particular colour, the earth will give you flowers of different colours. - False
   • d. When the wind does its best to make a coconut tree fall down, the earth prevents it from happening. - True
   • e. The earth absorbs only sweet-tasting liquids like sherbet. - False
   • f. The earth has huge quantities of groundwater. - True
   • g. The earth stores large quantities of sugar. - False
   • h. The earth puts the same sweetness into all fruits. - False
   • i. Even though both the bamboo and the sugarcane are tropical plants, only the latter tastes sweet. - True

4. Personification is a literary device... Pick out any two examples of the tricks that 'magician earth' performs.

   Two examples of tricks the 'magician earth' performs are:

   1. It balances tall coconut trees "on its fingers" and doesn't let them fall, even when the wind blows hard.
   2. It "gulps down" any liquid you give it from a jug or bucket, and its "stomach never fills."

Important Questions

1. Why does the poet call the earth ‘magical’?
   The poet calls it magical because it performs wonders like turning a tiny seed into a fruit-bearing tree, producing colorful flowers, and absorbing endless water without ever filling up.

2. How does the earth balance the tall coconut trees?
   It is personified as holding them steady on its "fingers," preventing them from falling even when the wind tries to push them over.

3. What question does the poet ask about sweetness in fruits?
   He wonders how the earth creates so many different kinds of sweetness for fruits like mangoes, plums, and pomegranates, and where this sweetness comes from.

4. What is the contrast between bamboo and sugarcane that puzzles the poet?
   The poet is puzzled that although both plants grow from the same earth, the bamboo is tasteless while the sugarcane is full of sweetness.

5. What message do you learn from this poem?
   The poem teaches us to look at the natural world with a sense of wonder and appreciation. It reminds us that everyday processes, like a seed growing into a plant, are truly magical and mysterious.

Interactive Quiz

1. What is the main theme of the poem "The Magical Earth"?

a) The challenges of gardening b) The scientific process of plant growth c) The wondrous and mysterious powers of the earth d) The different types of soil

2. What literary device is most prominent in the line "When it balances these long coconut trees on its fingers"?

a) Simile b) Personification c) Metaphor d) Alliteration

3. According to the poet, what happens if he plants a jamun kernel?

a) It gives him guavas b) It gives him jamuns c) It gives him pink flowers d) It gives him lemons

4. What puzzles the poet about the flavors of plants?

a) Why all fruits are sweet b) Why leaves are sweet but fruits are tasteless c) Why bamboo is tasteless while sugarcane from the same earth is sweet d) Why all flowers taste the same

5. What does the poet mean when he says the earth's "stomach never fills"?

a) The earth has a small appetite b) The earth can absorb a seemingly infinite amount of water c) The earth only drinks milk d) The earth is always hungry for soil

Maggie Cuts Her Hair - Q&A - Literary Reader 7 - New Learning to Communicate

Summary of the Story

Maggie and Tom are siblings visiting their Aunt Glegg, who is very critical and demanding. Aunt Glegg criticises Maggie's hair, suggesting it should be cut shorter for health reasons. Feeling frustrated and wanting to stop the criticism, Maggie cuts her own hair in a bold act of defiance, even getting Tom to help her.

When Maggie goes downstairs for dinner, her family is shocked and amused by her new look. Mrs Tulliver, her mother, is upset and worried about what others will think. Maggie feels embarrassed and hurt by their reactions, especially when Tom laughs at her. However, her father, Mr Tulliver, comforts her and tells her she was right to cut her hair if it bothered her. This kindness contrasts with the criticism from the rest of the family, making Maggie feel somewhat better.

In the end, Maggie and Tom are allowed to leave the table and play outside, giving Maggie a chance to escape the uncomfortable situation.

List of Difficult Words with Definitions

1. Handsome - Good-looking.
2. Comely - Attractive and pleasant to look at.
3. Gell - Girl (an old-fashioned way of saying "girl").
4. Emphatic - Speaking or acting in a forceful way.
5. Boarding school - A school where students live during the term.
6. Declined - Refused or said no.
7. Plague - To bother or annoy.
8. Locks - Strands or pieces of hair.
9. Snip - A quick cut with scissors.
10. Queer - Strange or unusual.
11. Flush - To become red in the face, often from excitement or anger.
12. Irrevocable - Impossible to change or undo.
13. Reproach - Blame or criticism.
14. Defiance - Open resistance or bold disobedience.
15. Feeble - Weak.
16. Soothe - To comfort or calm someone.
17. Capstrings - Strings on a cap or bonnet.
18. Resignation - Accepting something unpleasant that cannot be changed.
19. Dessert - Sweet food eaten at the end of a meal.
20. Empathetic - Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
21. Concern - Worry or care about something important.

LET'S INFER

1. Would you say Maggie and Tom were fond of their aunt?

   • ANSWER: No, Maggie and Tom were not fond of their aunt. They thought she was ugly and did not like the way she spoke to them.

2. Why did Maggie cut off her hair?

   • ANSWER: Maggie cut off her hair because her aunt and mother were always criticizing it, and she wanted to stop them from finding fault with her.

3. How did Maggie react when Tom exclaimed '... what a queer thing you look!'?

   • ANSWER: Maggie felt hurt and started to cry because Tom laughed at her and called her an idiot.

4. Describe what happened when Maggie went down for dinner.

   • ANSWER: When Maggie went down for dinner, her mother screamed, everyone looked at her, and they laughed and criticized her. Maggie felt embarrassed and ran to her father, who comforted her.

5. 'Delicious words of tenderness!' Whose words are being referred to here?

   • ANSWER: These words refer to Mr. Tulliver's comforting words to Maggie when he told her it was okay to cut her hair and that he would take her side.

6. How is Maggie's relationship with her father different from her relationship with the other members of her family?

• ANSWER: Maggie's father is kind and supportive towards her, unlike the other family members, who often criticize and laugh at her. He comforts her and makes her feel better.

LET'S DISCUSS

1. In what other ways could Maggie have expressed her sense of defiance?

   • ANSWER: Maggie could have talked to her mother or aunt about how their comments made her feel. She could have also tried to prove she was a good and clever girl in other ways, like by doing well in school or helping at home.

2. Was Mrs. Tulliver empathetic to Maggie's dilemmas? What do you think her main concerns were?

   • ANSWER: Mrs. Tulliver was not very empathetic to Maggie's dilemmas. She was more concerned about what others thought and wanted Maggie to look neat and presentable rather than understanding how Maggie felt about her hair.

Poem: I Was Sitting by my Window Summary Q&A Solved and Explained

Let's enjoy the poem.

Q1. Who do you think is the speaker? How can you tell?

ANSWER: The speaker is most likely a child. This can be inferred from the whimsical nature of the events and the focus on a routine like sitting by the window "each morning."


Q2. The speaker's room is clean and tidy. True or False?

ANSWER: False

Q3. The items related to cleaning that appear in the poem are: buckets, ...... (Complete the list.)

ANSWER: The items related to cleaning that appear in the poem are: buckets, dustpans, brooms, boxes of sponges, mops, cans of cleanser, and bars of soap.

Q4. The items related to dancing that appear in the poem are: pirouettes, ......(Complete the list.)

ANSWER: The items related to dancing that appear in the poem are: pirouettes, pivots, a song and dance, wiggles, waltzes, and prances.

Q5. 'this is someone's way of telling me that I should clean my room.' (last stanza) Who do you think 'someone' is? Why do you think so?

ANSWER: 'Someone' here is most probably the mother of the speaker. Usually, parents ask their children to clean their rooms and make them tidy.

Q6. This poem has several examples of personification: for example, mops display playfulness and skill. Can you find other examples of personification in the poem?

ANSWER: The poem brings things to life by pretending they can act like people! It says it rained "buckets" (buckets can't rain!), the supplies showed up "from nowhere" (like magic!), and even danced a "song and dance."

Q7. Find rhyming words in the poem for the following: loom, yawning, four, glance, mope, hill.

ANSWER: Here are some rhyming words in the poem: Loom - room, Yawning - morning, Four-door

Glance - dance, Mope - soap, hill-sill.

Summary

The poem "I Was Sitting by My Window" tells the story of a child who witnesses something strange. While looking out the window, a bunch of cleaning supplies suddenly appear – buckets, dustpans, brooms, and more! These supplies then come alive and put on a whole show, dancing and twirling around the room.  It's a surprising and funny event, and the poem leaves us wondering if it's a playful way of reminding the child to clean up!

Coursebook 7 Unit 4 Section Two 'A Tiger Comes to Town' Solved

Coursebook 7 Unit 4 Section One 'The Boy and the Swallow' Solved

New Learning to Communicate - Coursebook 7 - Unit 2 - Section One - SOLVED

 Section One

A True Story About Ladybugs

New Learning to Communicate - Coursebook 7 - Unit 1 - Section Three - The Bridge Builder - SOLVED

 Section Three

The Bridge Builder

As a wise person said, 'Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community. Here's an inspiring poem about a person who truly cares for others...

An old man going a lone highway,

Came, at the evening cold and gray,

To a chasm vast and deep and wide.

Through which was flowing a sullen tide

The old man crossed in the twilight dim,

The sullen stream had no fear for him;

But he turned when safe on the other side

And built a bridge to span the tide.

“Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim near,

“You are wasting your strength with building here;

Your journey will end with the ending day,

You never again will pass this way;

You’ve crossed the chasm, deep and wide,

Why build this bridge at evening tide?”

The builder lifted his old gray head;

“Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said,

“There followed after me to-day

A youth whose feet must pass this way.

This chasm that has been as naught to me

To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be;

He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;

Good friend, I am building this bridge for him!”

New Learning to Communicate - Coursebook 7 - Unit 1 - Section Two - A Christmas Carol - Solved

Section Two

A Christmas Carol

Carols are devotional songs sung at Christmas. There is a noticeable element of cheerfulness in carols. This is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a lonely, unhappy man who did not like Christmas. One Christmas, however, his life changed...

New Learning to Communicate - Coursebook 7 - Unit 1 - Caring for Others - Warm Up and Section one - Solved

Section One

Every child is free to be a child

Caring for those in trouble, children in particular, often requires sacrifice and service. Here is the amazing story of a truly caring person who believes that he can make the world a better place for children...

New Learning to Communicate - Workbook 7 - Test 1 - Solved

New Learning to Communicate - Workbook 7 - Unit 3 - The Importance of Science - Solved

My Financial Career by Stephen Leacock - Literary Reader 7 - Class 7 Q&A Solved

Summary

"My Financial Career" is a humorous short story written by Canadian author Stephen Leacock. It was first published in 1910 and is considered one of Leacock's most famous works. The story is a satirical take on the anxiety and confusion that can accompany a visit to the bank.

The narrator of the story is an ordinary man who has a fear of banks and financial institutions. He describes his dread of entering a bank and dealing with the intimidating bank clerks. Despite his fear, he decides to open a bank account with $56 in cash.

The narrator's visit to the bank is filled with comical mishaps and misunderstandings. He is nervous and clumsy, causing a series of awkward and embarrassing situations. For example, he is unsure of how to fill out the deposit slip and struggles to communicate with the bank clerk. He also inadvertently knocks over a chair and stumbles into a woman who is also at the bank.

In the end, the narrator manages to deposit his money into the bank, but he decides that the experience was too stressful and vows to keep his money at home in the future.

"My Financial Career" is a humorous commentary on the complexities and perceived formality of the banking system, as seen through the eyes of an ordinary and anxious individual. It highlights the absurdity of everyday situations and the anxiety they can provoke, even when the task at hand is as simple as opening a bank account. The story is known for its wit and satire and has been appreciated by readers for its humorous take on a common experience.

Let's Infer

1. a. Why did the narrator go to a bank?

ANSWER:

The narrator went to the bank because he wanted to open a bank account and deposit some money.

b. What did he tell the accountant? 

ANSWER:

He told the accountant that he wanted to open an account and deposit fifty-six dollars.

2. a. How much did he want to deposit? How much would that amount be in Indian currency?

ANSWER:

The narrator wanted to deposit fifty-six dollars. In Indian currency this would be approximately equivalent to 4,600 Indian Rupees.

b. Does one go to the manager only when one has to deposit a big amount?

ANSWER:

No, one does not need to see the bank manager for every big deposit. Clerks or accountants handle deposits and accounts, while managers deal with complex transactions.

3. How much did he want to withdraw? What amount did he enter in his cheque? 

ANSWER:

The narrator initially wanted to withdraw six dollars, but he wrote fifty-six dollars on his cheque.

4. The narrator told the clerk he wanted to withdraw the money in fifties'. Was this a foolish response? If so, why? 

ANSWER:

Yes, the narrator's request to withdraw in fifties seemed foolish. He had only fifty-six dollars, which puzzled the clerk as it wasn't enough for the request.

5. Where does the narrator keep his money? Is it safer to keep one's money on one's person or in a bank?

ANSWER:

The narrator keeps his money sewn in his coat lining. This is unsafe, as it can be lost or stolen more easily than storing it in a bank.

The Tree in Season by Robert Fisher Summary Q&A Solved

Poem

SPRING

The tree hums quietly to itself
a lullaby to the buds
bursting with baby leaves
its branches ride the winds
and in all its new green glory
the tree begins to sing

SUMMER

The tree stretches in the sun
it knows the birds that fly
the beasts that run, climb and jump
from its heavy loaded branches
it yawns and digs its roots
deep into the still centre
of the spinning earth

AUTUMN

The tree shivers in the shortening day
its leaves turn gold
the clouds pass
the seeds fall
the tree drops its coins of gold
and the days are rich
with the spending of leaves

WINTER

Old branches ache
tree stands naked in the storms
deep frozen bleak and bare
deep underground life lies sleeping
the tree sleeps
and waits for the returning sun
to wake him
from his woody dreams

(Robert Fisher)

Let's enjoy the poem

1. a. What does the singing of the tree indicate?

ANSWER:

The singing of the tree in spring indicates its vitality and the joy of the season. It suggests that the tree is full of life, and its leaves and branches are vibrant with growth.

  
1. b. What is meant by "green glory'? Why is it 'new"?

ANSWER:

 "Green glory" refers to the lush and vibrant green color of the tree's leaves during the spring season. It is described as "new" because the leaves have just started to grow after the winter, making them fresh and young.

2. Why are the branches of the tree 'heavily loaded' in summer? 

ANSWER:

The branches of the tree are described as "heavily loaded" in summer because they are bearing the weight of leaves, possibly fruit, and providing shelter for birds and other creatures. This is a common characteristic of many trees during the summer when they are in full foliage.

3. What is meant by the 'coins of gold"? Why does the tree drop them?

ANSWER:

"Coins of gold" refers to the tree's leaves turning golden in autumn. The tree drops its leaves as a natural part of its seasonal cycle. This shedding of leaves is like "spending" them because they fall to the ground and return nutrients to the soil, enriching it for future growth.

4. a. Why is the tree 'naked' in winter?

ANSWER:

The tree is "naked" in winter because it has shed its leaves, leaving only its bare branches. This is a typical characteristic of deciduous trees during the winter months.

b. What is 'the life that lies sleeping deep underground? 

ANSWER:

"The life that lies sleeping deep underground" likely refers to the roots and other organisms in the soil that are dormant during the winter. These underground parts of the tree and the surrounding ecosystem are waiting for warmer temperatures to become active again.

c. What does the tree dream of?

ANSWER:

 The tree is personified as dreaming of the return of spring and the warmth of the sun, which will bring new growth and vitality to its branches and leaves.

d. In which season would the sun wake up the tree?

ANSWER:

The sun would wake up the tree in spring when temperatures rise, and the environment becomes conducive to growth and activity.

Summary of 'The Tree in Season' by Robert Fisher

"The Tree in Season" by Robert Fisher is a poem that describes the different seasons through the life cycle of a tree.

In spring, the tree comes to life with the emergence of new leaves and sings quietly, symbolising the vitality and joy of the season.

During summer, the tree thrives, stretching its branches in the sun and providing shelter for various creatures. Its roots delve deep into the earth.

As autumn arrives, the tree's leaves turn golden, fall to the ground like "coins of gold," and enrich the soil, making the days "rich with the spending of leaves."

Winter brings a stark contrast as the tree stands "naked" and dormant. Life lies dormant underground, waiting for the return of the sun to awaken it from its winter slumber.

The poem explores the cyclical nature of life, growth, and dormancy, using the tree as a metaphor for the changing seasons and the interconnectedness of life with nature.

MCQs of the poem 'The Tree in Season' by Robert Fisher

Below are 10 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the poem "The Tree in Season" by Robert Fisher to test comprehension:

1. In the poem, what does the tree do in spring?

   a. It sheds its leaves

   b. It sings quietly

   c. It stretches in the sun

   d. It shivers in the shortening day

2. What is the significance of the tree's leaves turning gold in the poem?

   a. It indicates the arrival of spring

   b. It represents the tree's sadness

   c. It symbolizes the richness of autumn

   d. It means the tree is unhealthy

3. What is the tree doing during summer in the poem?

   a. Sleeping

   b. Singing loudly

   c. Stretching in the sun

   d. Shedding its leaves

4. Why are the tree's branches described as "heavily loaded" in summer?

   a. Because they are full of birds

   b. Because they are covered in snow

   c. Because they are laden with leaves and possibly fruit

   d. Because they are about to break

5. In the poem, what do the "coins of gold" represent?

   a. Money the tree collects

   b. Leaves that fall to the ground in autumn

   c. The tree's bark

   d. Seeds dropped by the tree

6. Why is the tree described as "naked" in winter?

   a. Because it loses all its branches

   b. Because it is cold

   c. Because it is shedding its leaves

   d. Because it has no leaves

7. What is the tree waiting for in winter, according to the poem?

   a. Rain

   b. Snow

   c. The return of the sun

   d. Strong winds

8. What is the tree dreaming of in the poem?

   a. Flying with the birds

   b. Growing taller

   c. Waking up from its woody dreams

   d. The return of spring and warmth from the sun

9. In which season does the tree "spend" its leaves?

   a. Spring

   b. Summer

   c. Autumn

   d. Winter

10. What does the tree do with its roots during summer, according to the poem?

    a. It pulls them out of the ground

    b. It yawns

    c. It stretches them deep into the earth

    d. It cuts them off

Answers:

1. b. It sings quietly

2. c. It symbolizes the richness of autumn

3. c. Stretching in the sun

4. c. Because they are laden with leaves and possibly fruit

5. b. Leaves that fall to the ground in autumn

6. d. Because it has no leaves

7. c. The return of the sun

8. d. The return of spring and warmth from the sun

9. c. Autumn

10. c. It stretches them deep into the earth

The Last Truck Ride by Ruskin Bond - Literary Reader 7 - Class 7 Q&A Solved

Summary of 'The Last Truck Ride' by Ruskin Bond

The story begins with Pritam Singh, a Sikh truck driver, driving his own truck along a mountain road with his young companion, Nathu. Pritam makes a living by transporting limestone from quarries to the depot, and Nathu works as his helper. Nathu had left his village due to a failed crop and found work with Pritam.

As they journey through the mountains, they encounter mules on the narrow road and the challenging conditions of the terrain. The story touches on their conversation about the barren landscape, the effects of limestone quarrying, and Nathu's memories of his village.

At the quarry, they load the truck with limestone rocks. Nathu helps the laborers with the loading, despite the contractor's objection. After loading, they begin their journey back, but a dangerous situation arises when a stray mule appears on the road. Pritam loses control of the truck, and it goes over the edge of a cliff, tumbling down the hillside.

Nathu, though injured and shaken, manages to find Pritam trapped inside the truck. With the help of others who arrive at the scene, they rescue Pritam and take him to the hospital. Pritam survives with injuries, but his beloved truck is beyond repair.

In the end, Pritam realizes that he can no longer continue as a truck driver and must return home to live with his sons. Nathu also decides to return to his village and work on the land, preferring to cultivate it rather than exploit it for its resources.

Pritam acknowledges the role of the scraggy old oak tree in saving his life during the accident and imparts a valuable lesson to Nathu about the importance of nature and the land.

This story explores themes of nature, environmental impact, the bonds formed in difficult circumstances, and the realization of the value of land and life.

Word/Meaning

1. Turbaned (adjective): Wearing a traditional head covering called a turban, often worn by Sikh men.

   Meaning: A type of headgear tied in a special way.

2. Quarry (noun): A place where stones, minerals, or other valuable materials are extracted.

   Meaning: A location where rocks are taken from the ground.

3. Dependant (noun): Someone who relies on or is supported by another person.

   Meaning: A person who needs help or support from someone else.

4. Independence (noun): Freedom from being controlled by others; self-sufficiency.

   Meaning: Being able to make decisions and live on your own.

5. Contractor (noun): A person or company hired to perform specific work or services.

   Meaning: Someone who is hired to do a particular job.

6. Overseer (noun): A person who supervises or manages the work of others.

   Meaning: Someone who watches over and directs the work of others.

7. Precipitous (adjective): Very steep or sheer, typically referring to a slope or hill.

   Meaning: A very steep and almost vertical incline.

8. Accelerator (noun): A pedal or control in a vehicle that makes it go faster.

   Meaning: A part in a vehicle that makes it speed up.

9. Collarbone (noun): The bone that connects the shoulder blade to the breastbone.

   Meaning: A bone in the upper chest area.

10. Dislocated (verb): To force a bone out of its normal position in a joint.

    Meaning: When a bone is moved from its usual place.

11. Fractured (verb): Broken, typically referring to a bone.

    Meaning: When something, like a bone, is cracked or broken.

12. Bandaged (adjective): Covered with bandages, usually to protect an injury.

    Meaning: Wrapped in cloth to protect or heal an injury.

Let's Infer

Q1. Was the relationship between Pritam Singh and Nathu 

a. warm and affectionate?

b. cold and formal?

Give a reason for your choice.

ANSWER:

The relationship between Pritam Singh and Nathu was a. warm and affectionate.

Reason: Throughout the story, Pritam and Nathu share a camaraderie. Pritam treats Nathu with kindness and defends him when the contractor objects to Nathu helping with the loading. Nathu also cares for Pritam's well-being when the accident occurs.

Q2. Nathu said, 'It will retire before you do.'  

a. Who is 'it' here? b. What does it tell us about 'its' age?

ANSWER:

'It' in the statement 'It will retire before you do' refers to Pritam Singh's truck. This statement tells us that the truck is quite old, as it has been in use for a long time and is showing signs of aging.

Q3. Select the words which describe the road to the quarry.

a. narrow

b. steep

C. uneven

d. well-maintained

C. tarred

(Tick all the right choices.) 

ANSWER:

The words that describe the road to the quarry are:

a. narrow

b. steep

c. uneven

Q4. What kind of a driver was Pritam Singh?

a. good

b. careful

C. rash and reckless

Give an example in support of your choice. 

ANSWER:

Pritam Singh can be characterised as c. rash and reckless as a driver based on his behaviour in the story. One example to support this choice is when he was driving fast on sharp bends in the challenging mountain terrain despite Nathu's discomfort and request to slow down. This risky driving behaviour ultimately leads to the accident where the truck goes off the road, endangering their lives.

Q5. What did Nathu mean by the statement, 'It's better to grow things on the land than to blast things out of it"?

ANSWER:

Nathu's statement, "It's better to grow things on the land than to blast things out of it," means that he believes farming and cultivating the land for crops is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way of living compared to mining and extracting resources from the land, which can harm the environment.

Q6. What did Pritam Singh learn from the accident?

ANSWER:

Pritam Singh learned from the accident that life is precious and that nature, represented by the scraggy old oak tree, can significantly save lives. He also likely realised the fragility of his own existence and the importance of valuing the land and the environment.

Let's Discuss

1. It is important to grow trees:

Growing trees is undeniably essential for numerous reasons:

• Environmental Benefits: Trees are vital for maintaining a healthy environment. They absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, and help mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. They also provide habitat for wildlife, which is crucial for biodiversity.
• Air Quality: Trees act as natural air purifiers, filtering out pollutants and particulate matter from the air. They help improve air quality in urban areas, reducing the risk of respiratory diseases in humans.
• Erosion Control: Tree roots stabilize soil and prevent erosion, particularly in hilly or forested regions. This helps maintain fertile soil for agriculture and prevents landslides.
• Shade and Cooling: Trees provide shade and help cool the environment, reducing the urban heat island effect. They also conserve energy by reducing the need for air conditioning.
• Aesthetic Value: Trees enhance the beauty of landscapes, making cities and rural areas more attractive and pleasant to live in.

2. A boy of Nathu's age should have been going to school. Making Nathu work was a violation of the rights of a child:

• Right to Education: Every child has the fundamental right to education, as recognized by international conventions and most national laws. Denying a child access to education not only hampers their personal development but also hinders the progress of society as a whole. Education is crucial for acquiring knowledge, skills, and opportunities for a better future.
• Child Labor: Making a child work when they should be in school is considered child labor and is widely condemned. Child labor deprives children of their childhood, subjects them to exploitative conditions, and often perpetuates the cycle of poverty.
• Development and Well-being: Education is a pathway to personal development, empowerment, and social mobility. It equips children with the tools they need to make informed choices and contribute positively to society. Depriving children of education can have long-term negative consequences for their well-being.
• Alternative Solutions: Rather than subjecting children to labor, societies should prioritize ensuring access to quality education and creating an environment where children can thrive academically and socially. Governments and communities must work together to eliminate child labor and promote education as a right for all children.

In the context of Nathu's situation in the story, his inability to attend school and being forced to work due to economic hardships is indeed a violation of his rights as a child. Efforts should be made to address such issues, provide opportunities for education, and protect the rights of children to ensure their well-being and future prospects.

Lemon-Yellow and Fig by Manohar Malgonkar - Literary Reader 7 - Class 7 Q&A Solved

Lemon-Yellow and Fig

Contents

• Story Summary
• Word Meanings
• Let's Infer: Questions & Answers
• Important Questions
• Interactive Quiz

Summary of Lemon-Yellow and Fig

In the story "Lemon-Yellow and Fig," the protagonist is a young salesman who has recently secured a job selling saris and choli pieces in a shop in Bombay. His employer, Mr. Ratnam, hired him based on his perceived honesty. The protagonist takes his job seriously and is doing well, even making significant sales in a short time.

However, a strange coincidence occurs when two women, one wearing a distinct perfume, visit the shop on the same day. The first woman purchases a sari and pays with a one-hundred-rupee note. When the second woman, wearing the same perfume, comes in later, the protagonist becomes suspicious. He thinks they might be attempting a scam where one woman distracts him while the other claims to have given a one-hundred-rupee note for a smaller purchase.

To outsmart any potential trick, the protagonist discreetly removes the one-hundred-rupee note from the cash box, pretending to send it to his brother in a nearby shop. He then serves the second woman, who pays with smaller notes. Everything seems fine until the arrival of Mr. Ratnam, the owner.

Mr. Ratnam conducts a stock check and praises the protagonist's skills, revealing that he had sent his own daughter and sister to the shop to test his honesty. However, when they open the cash box, they discover that one hundred rupees are missing. Stunned and unable to explain the discrepancy he himself created, the protagonist is seen as a thief. Mr. Ratnam, disappointed, fires him on the spot. The story ends with the protagonist, now unemployed, ironically having to re-emphasize the very honesty that his own cleverness caused to be questioned.

Word Meanings

1. Saris: Traditional Indian women's garments, typically made of silk or cotton and draped elegantly around the body.

2. Choli: A short-sleeved, midriff-baring blouse worn with a sari.

3. Munim: An accountant or clerk responsible for financial matters.

4. Accomplice: A person who helps another in committing a crime or wrongdoing.

5. Cursory: Hasty, done quickly with little attention to detail.

6. Discrepancy: A lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts.

7. Denomination: The face value of a banknote or coin.

8. Scam: A fraudulent or deceptive scheme to trick someone.

9. Hunch: An intuitive feeling or guess based on limited information.

10. Bohni: The first sale of the day in a shop, believed by some to influence the day's success.

Let's Infer: Questions & Answers

1. The narrator describes an experience that he had:

   b. in the morning.

2. What is the job that the narrator is referring to? Did he like his job? How can you tell?

   The narrator's job is selling saris and choli pieces in a shop. Yes, he liked his job. We can tell because he describes it as a "good job" and mentions that he was "beginning to excel at it."

3. 'I was lucky to get the job.' Why does the narrator say this?

   He says this because the owner, Mr. Ratnam, hired him not based on experience but on a "hunch" that he had an honest face. The narrator recognized this as a fortunate opportunity based on trust.

4. Why do you think the young lady gave the narrator a one-hundred-rupee note rather than 40 in, say, ten-rupee notes?

   In the context of the narrator's suspicion, a large denomination note is a key element of the classic scam he fears. It creates the potential for a dispute over the amount of change owed.

5. How did the narrator conclude that the two customers belonged to the same household? Did he guess correctly? How do you know?

   He concluded they were together because they both wore the same distinct perfume. He did guess correctly. We know this because the shop owner, Mr. Ratnam, later reveals that the two women were his own daughter and sister, whom he sent to the shop together.

6. Why did the narrator examine the notes? What had he already concluded about the two women? Why was he not sure that it was the same 'old trick'?

   He examined the notes because he was still suspicious of a scam. He had already concluded the two women were working together as accomplices. He was not sure it was the same "old trick" because the second woman paid with smaller notes, which didn't fit the pattern of the scam he was expecting.

7. Was Mr Ratnam's visit to the shop related in any way to the visit of the two ladies to the shop earlier? How do you know?

   Yes, his visit was directly related. We know this because Mr. Ratnam explicitly tells the narrator, "I sent my daughter and then my sister to your counter" to test his customer service and honesty.

8. What did Mr Ratnam do when he found that a sum of one hundred rupees was missing from the cash box? Why did he do so?

   When Mr. Ratnam found one hundred rupees missing, he immediately fired the narrator. He did so because, from his perspective, the missing money was clear evidence of theft, and he was deeply disappointed that his trust in the narrator's "honest face" had been broken.

Important Questions

1. Why was the narrator's honesty so important to Mr. Ratnam?

   Mr. Ratnam hired the narrator based on the "hunch" that he had an honest face. His trust was the foundation of the narrator's employment, which is why he decided to test it and why he was so disappointed by the apparent theft.

2. What was the "old trick" or scam the narrator was afraid of?

   The narrator was afraid of a scam where two accomplices work together. The first person pays with a large note (like 100 rupees). Later, the second person makes a small purchase and then claims they also paid with a large note, hoping to confuse the salesman into giving extra change.

3. Describe the protagonist's plan to outsmart the suspected scammers.

   To prevent the suspected scam, the protagonist took the one-hundred-rupee note from the cash box and pretended to send it to his brother via a helper. This way, if the second woman claimed to have paid with a large note, he could prove it wasn't in the cash box.

4. What is the main irony in the story's ending?

   The main irony is that the narrator, in his attempt to be clever and prevent being cheated, ends up creating a situation that makes him look like a thief. His own actions to prove his diligence led to him being fired for dishonesty.

5. How did the protagonist's overthinking and suspicion lead to his downfall?

   Instead of simply trusting the process and his own ability to handle transactions honestly, the protagonist overthought the situation. His suspicion led him to take a secretive action (removing the money) which he couldn't explain later, directly causing Mr. Ratnam to believe he had stolen it.

Interactive Quiz

1. On what basis did Mr. Ratnam initially hire the narrator?

a) His previous experience b) A strong recommendation c) He had an honest face d) He was a family friend

2. What specific detail made the narrator suspect the two women were accomplices?

a) They looked alike b) They wore the same distinct perfume c) They arrived at the same time d) They bought the same saris

3. Why did Mr. Ratnam send the two women to the shop?

a) To buy saris for a wedding b) To help the narrator with sales c) To test the narrator's honesty and skills d) To check on the shop's inventory

4. What action did the narrator take that ultimately cost him his job?

a) He argued with a customer b) He gave the wrong change c) He closed the shop early d) He secretly removed money from the cash box

5. What was the value of the sari bought by the first woman?

a) 90 rupees b) 100 rupees c) 40 rupees d) 10 rupees

6. The narrator's "clever" plan backfired because it created a...

a) profit for the shop b) happy customer c) cash discrepancy d) new sales record

7. What does the term "Bohni" refer to in the story?

a) A type of sari b) The shop owner's name c) The last sale of the day d) The first sale of the day

8. What was Mr. Ratnam's final emotion towards the narrator?

a) Anger b) Disappointment c) Confusion d) Happiness

9. Who were the two women customers revealed to be?

a) Famous actresses b) Plainclothes police officers c) Mr. Ratnam's daughter and sister d) Professional scammers

10. The central theme of the story revolves around...

a) The difficulty of finding a job b) The art of selling saris c) The importance of family d) Irony and misjudgment