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Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Wisdom Paves the Way: Class 8 NCERT | Full Summary & All Solved Exercise Answers

Wisdom Paves the Way

Complete Play Guide & Exercise Solutions

Play Summary

"Wisdom Paves the Way" is a play about four intelligent young men—Ram Datt, Shiv Datt, Har Datt, and Dev Datt—who are traveling to the city of Ujjain in search of work. They hope to gain an audience with the King, confident that he will recognize their talents. On their way, they come across the fresh tracks of a camel and, through keen observation, each deduces a specific detail about the animal. Ram Datt figures out it's lame, Shiv Datt that it's blind in one eye, Har Datt that it has a short tail, and Dev Datt that it's suffering from stomach pain.

They soon encounter a distressed merchant who has lost his camel. When the four men describe the camel perfectly, the merchant, instead of being impressed, accuses them of theft since they claim they haven't seen the animal. He drags them to the King's court. Before the King, each man calmly explains the logical reasoning behind his deduction. The King is thoroughly impressed by their sharp intellect and wisdom. He dismisses the merchant's baseless accusation and, recognizing the value of such minds, offers the four men positions as his royal advisors. The play concludes with the men humbly accepting the honor, their long journey ending with unexpected success, proving that wisdom indeed paves the way.

Word Meanings

Difficult Word/Expression	Meaning
adorned	beautified
tapestries	heavy decorative fabrics woven with pictures or patterns
resolute	determined
bustling	busy
eludes	difficult to obtain
devise	to think of
deliberate	to think carefully
scrutinise	to look carefully at
in haste	in a hurry
pursued	chased
countenance	facial expression
distressed	worried
astray	away from the correct path
indignant	angry
yonder	over there
draperies	long thick curtains
canopy	a cover fixed over a seat for decoration
grievance	complaint
accusations	claims that someone has done something wrong
deduce	to determine by reasoning
discern	to see or notice something
foliage	green leaves and plants
fended off	guarded against
insight	a clear/deep understanding
sound	healthy
intimately	in a detailed way
flawless	perfect
chastened	felt sorry
counsel	advice
beacon	guiding light

Let us do these activities before we read

II. Classify each one as either 'knowledge' or 'wisdom'.

Knowledge	Wisdom
1. Riya's understanding of plant care helped her grow a healthy vegetable garden in her backyard.	2. Mr. Kumar values time with family over chasing wealth.
3. Karuna's expertise in computer programming helped her develop a successful app.	4. Rohan understood the value of time management and created a timetable to complete his assignments systematically.
6. Ms. Vaijayanthi delivered a lecture on Indian Classical music at the cultural festival.	5. Ramesh chose to forgive his friend for a misunderstanding.

Let us discuss

Scene I: Complete the following sentences with suitable reasons.

Shiv Datt said, "I believe it has been over a week, perhaps even longer," because it had been a long time since they left the village.
Dev Datt said, "Indeed, we ought to be united in this hope. That is why we press on towards Ujjain," because their shared goal of meeting the King gave them the determination to continue their difficult journey.
Har Datt said, "Look there, friends. A camel has passed this way. The tracks are fresh," because he could see clear footprints on the dusty road that had not yet been disturbed by wind or time.
Shiv Datt said, "It appears to be a merchant, running as if pursued by trouble," because the man was running quickly and had a worried or distressed expression on his face.
The merchant said, "How could you possibly know that? The poor creature has been unwell for two weeks now. Surely you are a healer!" because he was astonished that Dev Datt knew about the camel's stomach pain without having seen the animal.
Dev Datt said, "You are free to do as you wish, sir. If the King desires our presence, we shall be waiting under that banyan tree yonder," because he was confident and calm, knowing they had done nothing wrong and were not afraid to face the King.

Scene II: Arrange the following events in order.

(3) The King asks the merchant to clearly state his accusation.
(8) The merchant accuses the four men of knowing a lot about his missing camel.
(2) Ram Datt explains how he infers from the tracks that the camel is lame.
(5) Shiv Datt reveals that the camel is blind in its right eye as it had only chewed on the leaves on the left side of the road.
(7) Har Datt clarifies how he knew that the camel has a short tail.
(6) Dev Datt explains his observation about the camel's pain and careful movement.
(4) The King praises the young men for their observations and dismisses the merchant's accusation.
(1) The King makes the four young men his advisers, impressed by their skills.

Let us think and reflect

I. Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.

Extract 1

Identify the false statement from the two given below and rectify it.
False Statement: A. Dev Datt believes that finding employment is an easy task.
Rectified Statement: Dev Datt believes that finding suitable employment may take a long time and require them to "wander many more roads."
What does Ram Datt's confidence in gaining the King's recognition tell us about him?
It tells us that Ram Datt is confident in his and his friends' abilities and believes that their talents are valuable enough to be recognized by a ruler.
In the line, 'That's why we press on towards Ujjain', the phrase 'press on' refers to
B. moving forward with determination
What can be inferred about Har Datt's character from his statement?
C. He is cautious and thoughtful, preferring to plan ahead.

Extract 2

Select the option that is true for both Assertion (A) and Reason (R).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A). (The Merchant left because his accusation was proven baseless, not because the men were hired.)
The line, 'See beyond the obvious' means that the men had the ability to
C. notice details that others might overlook
Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason.
Ram Datt described the King's offer as 'an honour we had not dared to dream of' because they were simple travelers looking for any kind of work, and being appointed as royal advisors was an outcome far beyond their highest expectations.
How does the King's offer to the four men reflect his values as a ruler?
It reflects that the King is a wise ruler who values intelligence, wisdom, and keen observation over status or wealth. He recognizes true talent and understands its importance in governing his kingdom.

II. Answer the following questions.

What does the dusty road leading to Ujjain tell us about the challenges of the young men's journey?
The dusty road symbolizes a long, tiring, and difficult journey. It suggests that the young men have faced hardship and have been traveling for a while, yet they remain determined.
Why did the merchant become suspicious of the four men? What does this tell us about him?
The merchant became suspicious because the men knew precise details about his lost camel without claiming to have seen it. This tells us that the merchant is quick to jump to conclusions, mistrustful, and perhaps not very imaginative, as he couldn't conceive of how they could know such things through deduction alone.
How do the four young men's observations about the camel serve as a turning point in the play?
The observations are the turning point because they transform the men from ordinary, unemployed travelers into extraordinary individuals in the eyes of the King. Their deductions serve as an unconventional job interview, showcasing their unique talents and leading directly to their appointment as royal advisors.
Why did the King believe the four young men and not the merchant?
The King believed the young men because they provided logical, flawless reasoning for each of their observations. Their explanations were based on evidence and deduction, whereas the merchant's claim was based only on suspicion and anger. The King, being wise, recognized the power of their intellect.
How does the capability of the four young men make them suitable to become advisors?
Their capabilities—keen observation, logical deduction, and the ability to see beyond the obvious—are essential qualities for advisors. These skills allow them to analyze situations deeply, understand complex problems from small details, and provide insightful counsel, which is invaluable for a ruler.
Why does the merchant feel ashamed for accusing the four young men of stealing his camel? Explain in your own words.
The merchant feels ashamed because he realizes how wrong he was. He publicly accused innocent men of being thieves in front of the King, only to have them prove their intelligence and integrity. He was proven to be foolish and quick to anger, which left him embarrassed and chastened.

Let us learn

I. Complete the sentences by filling in the noun form of the textual words.

Some word games need a lot of thought and deduction. (deduce)
We need to make close observations of animals in order to understand their behaviour. (observe)
A detailed scrutiny of the documents shows a lot of errors. (scrutinise)
You should not make any false accusations against anyone. (accuse)
She was given an award in recognition of her contribution to literature. (recognise)

II. Match the expressions in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.

1. with all our hearts → (vi) complete sincerity
2. to be precise → (iv) exact and accurate
3. gain an audience with → (v) meeting or hearing someone
4. catch his breath → (vii) to pause or rest for some time
5. erupts in applause → (ii) starts cheering together
6. grand scheme of things → (viii) overall plan of life in a larger context
7. taken aback → (i) surprised
8. more than meets the eye → (iii) hidden information that is not obvious

III. Match the different meanings of 'face' and 'bear'.

Face

(i) Ravi turned to face his father, when he was called. → 2. (v.) to be positioned with the face or front towards
(ii) The face of the clock was painted red and blue. → 4. (n.) the front or surface of a thing
(iii) She has a round, smiling face. → 1. (n.) the front part of a person's head
(iv) We should be ready to face life's challenges. → 3. (v.) to deal with a difficult task or situation

Bear

(i) The trees that I planted in my garden took a long time to bear fruit. → 4. (v.) produce; give birth to
(ii) I spotted a bear on a wildlife safari. → 3. (n.) a large heavy mammal
(iii) Riya agreed to bear the responsibilities with confidence. → 2. (v.) accept
(iv) I can't bear the sound of vehicles honking. → 1. (v.) tolerate

IV. Match the highlighted words with the functions they express.

1. I will gladly pay your fee... → (ix) willingness
2. You must have stolen it... → (v) logical conclusion
3. You shall come with me... → (x) command
4. How could you possibly know that? → (i) expression of disbelief
5. I am confident he would recognise our talents... → (xi) possibility
6. A camel with a long tail would have fended off... → (ii) imagined (hypothetical) possibility
7. They may tell us more than meets the eye. → (viii) prediction
8. May your wisdom shine upon Ujjain... → (vi) wish or hope
9. Indeed, we ought to be united in this hope. → (iii) moral obligation or advice
10. We need to devise a strategy. → (vii) necessity
11. ...as if it stood before you, yet you dare to claim... → (iv) challenge

V. Complete the following story with modal verbs.

An old man, known for his wisdom, lived in a small village. One day, a young boy asked him, "How 1. can (ability) I become wise like you?" The old man smiled and said, "Wisdom 2. must (necessity) be earned through patience. You 3. should (suggestion) listen, more than you speak." The boy thought for a while and replied, "It 4. might (weak possibility) take years, but I'll try." The old man nodded. "You 5. need to (obligation) learn from your mistakes too. Wisdom 6. may (possibility) come slowly, but it always arrives for those who seek it." The boy knew he 7. could (ability) become wise if he followed the old man's advice.

VI. Rewrite the following sentences using appropriate modal verbs.

It is advisable for you to think before you speak.
You should think before you speak.
It is unnecessary to worry about things beyond your control.
You need not worry about things beyond your control.
It is not possible for a person to gain experience without taking risks.
A person cannot gain experience without taking risks.
It is essential to treat others with kindness, even when they disagree with you.
You must treat others with kindness, even when they disagree with you.
It is not allowed to interrupt when someone else is speaking.
You must not interrupt when someone else is speaking.

Let us listen

I. Match statements 1-6 given below to the speakers (i)-(iv).

Statement 1: Witty characters prove that cleverness is as powerful as strength. → Speaker (ii)
Statement 2: Witty characters show us ways to make learning enjoyable. → Speaker (iv)
Statement 3: Witty characters in a story keep the reader involved. → Not used
Statement 4: Witty characters teach me that tricky situations can be managed calmly. → Speaker (iii)
Statement 5: Witty characters add excitement to a story by their extraordinary deeds. → Not used
Statement 6: Witty characters can deactivate tense situations with their cleverness. → Speaker (i)

Let us write

I. Write a letter of complaint.

15, Nehru Nagar,

Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh

14 October 2025

The Commissioner,

Municipal Corporation,

Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh

Subject: Complaint regarding the poor condition of Kutcha Road in Nehru Nagar

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to draw your attention to the deplorable condition of the kutcha road leading to our colony, Nehru Nagar. Due to the recent heavy rains, the road has become virtually unusable and is causing significant inconvenience to the residents.

The road is now riddled with large potholes, which are filled with stagnant water. Firstly, these potholes pose a serious threat to commuters, especially two-wheeler riders and pedestrians, and could lead to accidents. Secondly, the stagnant water has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of diseases like dengue and malaria in our locality. As a result, the daily life of residents has been severely disrupted.

Firstly, I would like to suggest that immediate action be taken to fill the potholes as a temporary measure. Secondly, we request you to initiate the process of constructing a proper, permanent road for our colony. I request you to look into this matter urgently and take the necessary action to resolve these issues.

Thank you.

I look forward to your prompt response.

Yours faithfully,

(Signature)

Rohan Sharma

Let us explore

This final section encourages you to bring the play to life and explore other classic tales of intelligence. You are invited to:

Stage the play 'Wisdom Paves the Way' in your class, following the detailed steps provided for production, from choosing a director to performing for an audience.
Visit the library to read other famous stories that celebrate wit and wisdom, such as tales of Vikramaditya and Betal, Gopal the Jester, Tenali Rama, and the Panchatantra Tales.

NCERT Class 8 Poem Solutions: A Concrete Example | Summary & All Answers

A Concrete Example

Complete Poem Guide & Exercise Solutions

Poem Summary

"A Concrete Example" by Reginald Arkell is a light-hearted and humorous poem about the speaker's next-door neighbour, Mrs. Jones, and her peculiar garden. The garden is filled mostly with stones, a "crazy path," a lily pond, a rockery, and an unusual sundial. Mrs. Jones plants extremely tiny flowers between the stones, which the speaker amusingly imagines must be planted with a pin. The poem concludes with a funny incident where Mrs. Jones invites the speaker over to admire a particular flower, and after a long discussion, reveals that the speaker has been standing on it the whole time. The poem gently pokes fun at Mrs. Jones's unique gardening style while also highlighting her passion for it.

Let us discuss

I. Complete the following summary with exact words from the poem.

The poem describes Mrs. Jones, the speaker's next-door neighbour, who has a unique garden filled with 1. stones. Her garden includes a 2. crazy path, a 3. lily pond, and a rockery, along with an unusual 4. sundial that she finds charming. Mrs. Jones plants tiny, 5. delicate plants between the stones, which the speaker thinks must be so small that they are planted with a 6. pin. One day, Mrs. Jones invites the speaker to see her garden, and they discuss a 7. flower that Mrs. Jones treasures. When the speaker asks where the 8. lovely thing is, Mrs. Jones says that the speaker has been 9. standing on it all along.

II. Select the correct option to fill in the blanks.

The tone of the poem is D. (ii), (iv), and (v) (humorous, amusing, light-hearted).
The speaker in the poem is (iv) a child (or a neighbour with a childlike sense of wonder and observation).
The rhyme scheme of the poem is (i) AABBCC.

III. Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct answer.

The poet uses the word 'stones' in all stanzas in order to emphasise her obsession with a stony garden.
The poet uses imagery to describe the features of the garden that help readers visualise the garden's peculiar nature.

IV. Pick examples of alliteration from the poem.

Answer: An example of alliteration from the poem is: "puts little plants".

V. Identify the refrain from the poem.

Answer: The refrain in the poem is: "My next-door neighbour, Mrs. Jones,"

VI. Identify the line(s) from the poem that display(s) situational irony.

Answer: The lines that display situational irony are:

"Where is this lovely thing?" I cried.
"You're standing on it," she replied.

This is ironic because the speaker is searching for something beautiful, which is unexpectedly right under their feet, being crushed.

VII. Complete the following sentences appropriately.

The word 'concrete' can refer to the stones and other solid materials in Mrs. Jones' garden.
The title also has a symbolic meaning, as the poem provides a clear or 'concrete' example of Mrs. Jones' peculiar gardening habits.

Let us think and reflect

I. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow.

What can be inferred about Mrs. Jones's taste in gardening from the description of her garden being 'full of stones'?
It can be inferred that Mrs. Jones has an unconventional and unique taste in gardening. She prefers hardscapes like stones, paths, and rockeries over a traditional garden full of soil and large plants.
Identify whether the following statement is true or false.
The garden serves as a means to reveal more about Mrs. Jones herself. - True.
What does the poet mean by 'crazy path'?
A 'crazy path' likely means a winding, uneven, or irregularly designed path, not a straight or formal one, which adds to the garden's peculiar character.
What does the sundial with a 'strange device' suggest about Mrs. Jones' personality?
A. She has a fascination with unusual items.

II. Answer the following questions.

How does Mrs. Jones feel about her garden? Support your answer with evidence from the poem.
Mrs. Jones feels very proud and fond of her garden. Evidence includes her thinking the "strange device" on her sundial is "rather nice" and her excitement in inviting the speaker over to "see her stones" and discuss a flower for "quite a quarter of an hour."
Why do you think the speaker describes the plants as being so small that they could be planted with a pin?
The speaker uses this exaggeration to emphasize just how tiny and delicate the plants are. It creates a humorous image that highlights the contrast between the massive stones and the minuscule flowers.
What do we get to know about Mrs. Jones-based on her gardening style and her interaction with the speaker?
We learn that Mrs. Jones is a person with unique tastes who finds beauty in unconventional things. She is passionate about her hobby, patient (planting tiny flowers), and friendly, as she eagerly shares her garden with her neighbour.
The poem portrays Mrs. Jones in a positive light. Support this statement.
The statement is true. Although the speaker finds her garden peculiar, the tone is gentle and amusing, not critical. Mrs. Jones is portrayed as a charming, friendly neighbour who is passionate about her unique garden, which makes her a likable character.
What does the poem tell us about the way people think differently about the world around them?
The poem shows that beauty is subjective. What one person (the speaker) sees as a peculiar garden full of stones, another (Mrs. Jones) sees as a wonderful collection of treasures and delicate plants. It highlights that people find joy and value in very different things.

Let us learn

I. Select the appropriate word from the brackets that correctly replaces the underlined word.

A sundial with a strange device, - peculiar
... which Mrs. Jones thinks rather nice. - charming
They are so delicate... - fragile
"Where is this lovely thing?" I cried. - exclaimed

II. Match the type of instruments in Column 1 with their definitions in Column 2.

Column 1	Column 2
1. implement	(iii) something that works on being moved by hand
2. tool	(v) something used by hand to make or repair
3. equipment	(iv) a set of necessary items for a particular purpose
4. appliance	(i) something that is electrical and is used to do work in the house
5. gadget	(ii) something small that is mechanical or electronic

III. Complete the table by making new words.

1. From "nice"

(i) dice - cut into small pieces
(ii) rice - grain that we cook
(iii) mice - plural of mouse
(iv) vice - bad habit

2. From "soil"

(i) boil - heat something
(ii) toil - work very hard
(iii) coil - length of wire in a circle
(iv) foil - sheets to wrap food items

Let us listen

I. As you listen, answer the following questions.

Where was Nek Chand's Rock Garden featured?
An Indian postage stamp.
What kind of sculptures does the Rock Garden have?
Colourful sculptures.
How is the Rock Garden divided?
Three distinct phases.
Name any one thing that has been transformed into a piece of art in the Rock Garden.
Broken toilet pots (or terracotta pots / light fixtures).
Approximately, how many statues border the Rock Garden?
Around 5,000 statues.

Let us speak

I. Apology Dialogues

1. Informal Apologies

(i) You have eaten your brother's share of sweets.
You: I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to, but I ate your share of the sweets.
Brother: That's alright. Just ask me next time!

2. Formal Apologies

(i) You did not bring an assignment that was due for submission.
You: Ma'am, I'm extremely sorry for not bringing my assignment today. I promise it won't happen again.
Teacher: I accept your apology. Please ensure you submit it tomorrow without fail.

Let us write

Draft a notice informing the students about the inauguration of the Herb Garden.

GREENWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOL

NOTICE

Date: 14 October 2025

Inauguration of the Herb Garden

This is to inform all students of Grades 6-8 that the Nature Club is inaugurating a new Herb Garden in the school. The inauguration ceremony will be held as per the details given below:

Date: 20 October 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Venue: Beside the school playground

The garden will be inaugurated by our respected Principal, Mrs. Sharma. All students are invited to attend the event and learn about the importance of medicinal herbs.

Aarav Kumar
(Signature)
Aarav Kumar
Secretary, Nature Club

Let us explore

Activities

The "Let us explore" section provides engaging activities to deepen your appreciation for nature and creativity. You are encouraged to:

Take a virtual tour of the beautiful Amrit Udyan at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Create your own herbarium by collecting, pressing, and designing with fallen flowers and leaves from your neighbourhood.
Read and enjoy the poem "A Sea of Foliage" by Toru Dutt to see another perspective on a garden's beauty.

Monday, October 13, 2025

The Wit That Won Hearts: Class 8 NCERT Chapter 1 | Complete Summary, Q&A, and Word Meanings

The Wit that Won Hearts

Complete Story Guide & Exercise Solutions

Summary of The Wit That Won Hearts

The story ‘The Wit that Won Hearts’ is about the famous King Krishnadeva Raya and his clever courtier, Tenali Rama. The trouble starts when the king gets cross with his queen. He was reading her a poem he had written, but she was very tired and yawned. The king felt insulted and, in his anger, stopped speaking to her completely, which made the queen very sad.

Desperate, the queen asks Tenali Rama for help. Being very wise, Tenali Rama comes up with a brilliant plan. In the middle of the king’s court, he starts a discussion about farming. He cleverly brings up the topic of yawning while sowing seeds, which makes the king himself yawn. This makes the king realise that yawning is just a natural thing and not a sign of disrespect. He feels sorry for being so harsh and goes to apologise to the queen. They make up, and happiness returns to the palace, all thanks to Tenali Rama's clever thinking.

Word Meanings

Difficult Word/Expression	Meaning in Simple English	Meaning in Simple Hindi
Renowned	Famous and respected.	प्रसिद्ध और सम्मानित
Illustrious	Very famous and admired.	प्रख्यात, मशहूर
Patron	A person who supports artists, writers, or musicians.	संरक्षक
Acclaimed	Praised publicly.	प्रशंसित
Witty	Able to say or write clever and amusing things.	हाज़िरजवाब, चतुर
Insurmountable	(of a problem) so great that it cannot be dealt with.	अजेय, जिसे पार न किया जा सके
Disharmony	Disagreement or conflict.	अनबन, मतभेद
Trivial	Not important or serious.	तुच्छ, मामूली
Forlorn	Sad and lonely.	उदास और अकेला
Distraught	Extremely upset and anxious.	बहुत परेशान और व्याकुल
Vague	Not clear or definite.	अस्पष्ट
Stormed off	Left a place in a very angry way.	गुस्से में चले जाना
Strategy	A plan to achieve something.	रणनीति, योजना
Profusely	In large amounts.	बहुत अधिक मात्रा में
Bustling	Full of busy activity.	हलचल से भरा हुआ
Intricately	In a very detailed and complex way.	जटिलता से, बारीकी से
Exquisite	Extremely beautiful and delicate.	अत्यंत सुंदर
Gnawed at him	Bothered or worried him continuously.	उसे अंदर ही अंदर खाना
Sarcasm	The use of words to mean the opposite of what you say.	व्यंग्य, ताना
Unfazed	Not worried or surprised by something unexpected.	बेफिक्र, अविचलित
Absurd	Ridiculous or not making sense.	बेतुका
Furrowed	(of eyebrows) brought together to show worry or anger.	भौंहें चढ़ाना
Skeptical	Having doubts; not easily convinced.	संदेहपूर्ण
Realisation dawned	Suddenly understood something.	अहसास होना
Orchestrated	Carefully planned and organised.	योजनाबद्ध
Brimmed	Was full to the very top.	लबालब भरा हुआ

Let us discuss

I. Rectify the following false statements from the text.

Statement: The queen insulted the king by speaking against the quality of his poem.

Answer: This statement is false. The queen did not insult the king by speaking against his poem; in fact, she did not say anything at all. The king felt insulted because she yawned several times while he was reciting it, as she was very tired. He mistook her tiredness for disrespect.
Statement: Tenali Rama immediately went to the king and convinced him to talk to the queen.

Answer: This statement is false. Tenali Rama did not go to the king immediately. He told the queen that the matter needed a well-planned approach and that he would need some time to think of the right strategy to solve the problem without making things worse.
Statement: The courtiers admired the king’s poem and praised his literary talent.

Answer: This statement is false. The courtiers did not admire or praise the king’s poem. The story mentions that when the king tried to recite the poem to his ministers, they all avoided him by making excuses, suggesting they were not impressed by it.
Statement: The ministers in the court were eager to hear Tenali Rama’s idea about paddy cultivation.

Answer: This statement is false. The ministers and courtiers were not eager; they were actually skeptical and amused. When Tenali Rama presented his idea of special paddy seeds, some courtiers whispered sarcastically and snickered, finding his claims absurd.
Statement: The king never realised his mistake and continued to stay angry with the queen.

Answer: This statement is false. The king did realise his mistake. After Tenali Rama cleverly made the king himself yawn, the king understood that yawning is a natural act and not a sign of disrespect. He felt sorry for his behaviour, apologised to the queen, and their quarrel was resolved.

Let us think and reflect

I. Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow.

“… The king thought I was disrespecting his poem and stormed off. Since then, he has not spoken to me. If I had known this would happen I would have chosen another day. Help me, please, Rama. Only you can help the king understand.”

Rama nodded thoughtfully. “If you like, I will try my best to resolve this matter, Your Highness. But this needs a well-planned approach and I may need time to find the right strategy.”

Why does the queen believe that only Tenali Rama can help the king understand?

Answer: The queen believes only Tenali Rama can help because he is famous for his great wisdom and cleverness. She knows he has a special talent for solving difficult problems and can find a way to make the king understand the situation without causing more trouble.
What does the queen’s statement, “If I had known this would happen, I would have chosen another day,” suggest about her feelings?

Answer: B. She regrets the unintended misunderstanding. This shows she feels sorry that her actions led to a problem, even though she did not mean to disrespect the king.
How does Tenali Rama’s response reflect his wisdom and problem-solving skills?

Answer: Tenali Rama’s response shows he is wise because he does not act in a hurry. He understands that the king is angry and that the situation is delicate. By saying he needs a "well-planned approach" and "time to find the right strategy," he shows that he is a thoughtful and careful problem-solver.
The king’s reaction shows that he is sensitive and ______ in his poetry.

Answer: The king’s reaction shows that he is sensitive and takes great pride in his poetry. His extreme anger over a yawn shows how much his poem meant to him.

That evening, the king approached the queen with a softened expression. “Thirumalambal”, he began, his voice gentle, “I have been foolish. I see now that I overreacted. I let my pride blind me. I’m so sorry.”

The queen, who had longed for this moment, smiled and replied, “If you like, we can leave this quarrel behind us. I would very much like to listen to your poem.”

When the king said, “I let my pride blind me”, he means that ______.

Answer: When the king said, “I let my pride blind me,” he means that his ego and hurt feelings stopped him from seeing the situation clearly. His pride made him believe the queen was being disrespectful, and it caused him to act foolishly and unfairly.
Why does the queen say, “If you like, we can leave this quarrel behind us”?

Answer: The queen says this to show that she has forgiven the king and wants to end the argument. She is ready to forget the misunderstanding and restore peace and happiness to their relationship.
The king acknowledges that his pride clouded his judgement, which shows ______.

Answer: The king acknowledges that his pride clouded his judgement, which shows maturity and self-awareness. Admitting your own mistake, especially when you are a king, is a sign that you are mature and understand your own faults.
State any one characteristic that the queen’s response to the king’s apology shows about her.

Answer: The queen’s response shows that she is forgiving and gracious. She accepts his apology immediately and does not hold on to anger, showing her kind nature.

II. Answer the following questions.

Why was the Vijayanagara Empire considered to be in its ‘Golden Era’ during Krishnadeva Raya’s reign?

Answer: The Vijayanagara Empire was considered to be in its ‘Golden Era’ during Krishnadeva Raya’s reign because it was a time of great prosperity. Art, literature, and architecture flourished, and the empire became famous for its wealth and cultural achievements.
How did Tenali Ramakrishna gain a special place in the king’s court?

Answer: Tenali Ramakrishna gained a special place in the king's court because of his sharp mind and sense of humour. He was known for finding clever and effective solutions to very difficult problems, which made him a valuable and witty advisor to the king.
How did the quarrel between the king and the queen affect the palace?

Answer: The quarrel created a sad and gloomy atmosphere in the palace. The king’s absence and silence cast a shadow over everything, and the usually cheerful and lively corridors became quiet and depressing.
What strategy did Tenali Rama use to make the king realise his mistake?

Answer: Tenali Rama used a clever, indirect strategy. In the middle of a court discussion about farming, he brought up a story about special paddy seeds. He playfully suggested that a person who yawns while sowing them would ruin the harvest. This made the king himself yawn, which led him to understand that yawning is a natural, uncontrollable action and not a sign of disrespect.
What was the reaction of the courtiers when Tenali Rama introduced his ‘special’ paddy seeds?

Answer: The courtiers were doubtful and made fun of Tenali Rama’s idea. They did not take him seriously and whispered sarcastic comments to each other, with some even laughing quietly at what they thought was an absurd claim.
How does the story conclude, and what lesson can be learnt from it?

Answer: The story concludes happily with the king apologising to the queen after realising his mistake, all thanks to Tenali Rama's clever plan. The palace returns to being a joyful place. The main lesson from the story is that wisdom and wit are more powerful than anger. It teaches us to think before reacting and to understand that many conflicts are just based on simple misunderstandings.

Let us learn

I. Fill in the blanks and complete the paragraph by choosing suitable expressions from the box given below.

My mother is quite witty, and her sense of humour always lightens stressful moments. Once, at a family dinner, an argument began over a minor issue, and 1. a hush fell over, making everyone feel uncomfortable. Just as things were getting serious, she made a clever remark and laughter 2. rippled through the gathering, making everyone relaxed. The person who started the argument 3. stormed off. Everyone disapproved of the action and a 4. murmur swept through the room. My 5. mind raced back to how my mother had saved other situations like this. Without her, such moments would have 6. cast a shadow over the gatherings. I hope that I grow up to be as witty as my mother.

II. Fill in the blanks with suitable sound words from the box given below.

As the teacher began the riddle challenge, a murmur of excitement spread through the classroom.
Anaya sighed in relief—she loved riddles more than solving Mathematics problems.
'Think carefully', the teacher began to mumble as she wrote a riddle on the board.
When the question was revealed, a few students groaned, realising it wasn't as easy as they had expected.
Some exchanged snickers, wondering if anyone at all would be able to solve it.
Just then, Anaya tapped her book on the desk with a small thud, deep in thought.
'Ah, I see it now!' she gasped as if it had taken her great effort.
A small breeze made the windows rattle, adding to the suspense of the moment.
'So, what's the answer?' the students roared, their voices filled with playful enthusiasm.
Leaning forward with a smile, Anaya whispered, 'Sometimes, the trickiest questions have the simplest answers.'

III. Create new compound words by matching words in Column 1 with those in Column 2.

1. Matching Words

(i) quick - G. witted → quick-witted
(ii) soft - C. spoken → soft-spoken
(iii) sky - D. blue → sky-blue
(iv) common - F. sense → common sense
(v) book - E. store → bookstore
(vi) ill - B. tempered → ill-tempered
(vii) house - H. hold → household
(viii) dance - A. hall → dance hall

2. Fill in the blanks

Ravi was (i) soft-spoken, always speaking calmly even in arguments. He grew up in a lively (ii) household, where he learned to handle different personalities. His friend Arun, however, was (iii) ill-tempered and often lost his patience. Despite this, Arun admired Ravi's (iv) quick-witted thinking. One evening, as they passed a (v) dance hall, they saw some performers rushing out. Ravi noticed that one of them dropped a (vi) sky-blue book on the ground. "Is this yours?" he asked. "Oh thank you, young man!" the performer smiled. "It's a recent purchase from the (vii) bookstore round the corner." True to his nature Arun promptly said to Ravi, "It's (viii) common sense that it's not from a bakery but a bookshop!" Ravi smiled and they walked on.

IV. Identify the subordinate and main clauses in sentences 2 and 3.

Sentence 2:

Subordinate clause (if clause): If, by chance something were to go wrong
Main clause: our farmers would suffer.

Sentence 3:

Subordinate clause (if clause): If I had known this would happen
Main clause: I would have chosen another day.

Match the subordinate clauses with the appropriate main clauses.

(i) If I had a magic wand, → C. I would give myself wings.
(ii) If it rains tomorrow, → E. We will stay indoors and play board games.
(iii) If you had listened carefully, → F. You would have solved the puzzle.
(iv) If you finish your homework, → A. We will go to the theatre.
(v) If I were invisible, → B. I would sneak into the secret room.
(vi) If the alarm had rung, → D. The boys would have woken up on time.

V. Complete the following sentences appropriately.

Your teacher will be unhappy if you do not complete your homework.
They would have caught the train if they had left home a little earlier.
You will damage your health if you continue to stay up late every night.
If she knew the answer, she would tell us immediately.
She would have passed the exam if she had studied harder.
If I had a million rupees, I would travel the world.

VI. Complete the following sentences.

If I were a tree, I would play with the wind and talk to the birds.
If I were the Head Teacher of my school, I would introduce a weekly games period for all classes.
If I were a bird, I would fly high above the clouds and see the world.
If I were a magician, I would make all the trash in the world disappear.
If I had studied harder, I would have scored the first rank in my class.

Let us listen

I. As you listen, fill in the blanks in the following sentences by selecting the correct options.

The rope tying the bundle of sticks was (ii) thick.
The scholar is finally referred to as (iii) arrogant.

II. As you listen, number the events of the story in the correct order of occurrence.

The visitor wanted to show his superiority over others in the palace.
The court scholars were afraid of the king's anger.
Rama accepted the challenge thrown by the visitor.
Rama had a bundle tied in silk when he came to the palace.
The great scholar was ashamed because he did not know what to say.
The king wanted to know more about the work mentioned by Rama.
Rama showed the work to be a bundle of sticks tied together by a rope.
The king laughed at the explanation given by Rama.

Let us speak

I. Work in pairs and mark the intonation in the questions given below.

(↑ = Rising Tone, ↓ = Falling Tone)

Is this your cat? ↑
What is the name of your cat? ↓
Will you be going to your village? ↑
Why are you going to your village? ↓
Is this where you live? ↑
Where do you live? ↓
Can I meet your parents? ↑
How are your parents? ↓
Do you have any plans for tomorrow? ↑
What are you going to do tomorrow? ↓

II. Use question words to make some questions.

Questions about a witty character:

Who is the witty character?
Why is her/his wit important in the story?
What was the most famous trick or clever idea she/he used?
When is the time period or setting of the folktale/story?
How did she/he use her/his intelligence to solve a problem?
Where does the story take place?

Let us write

I. Check if the following features are present in the narrative essay.

1. Introduction

The essay begins with a clear and engaging opening.
The introduction sets the context for the narrative.
The central idea or purpose is clear.

2. Body of the essay

Events are narrated in a logical sequence.
Descriptive details are used.
Characters and settings are clearly described.
The narrator's emotions or thoughts are shared.
The essay includes a challenge or a problem or a turning point.

3. Conclusion

The essay ends with an outcome.
A lesson or a message is clearly stated.

4. Writing Style

The tone is personal and engaging.
First person narration is used (for example, 'I,' 'my').

5. Language

The essay uses simple and clear language.
Grammar, punctuation, and spellings are correctly used.

Now, write a narrative essay based on any one of the situations given below.

The Day I Learnt the Value of Teamwork

I always believed I was fastest and smartest when I worked alone. The idea of a "team" seemed like a delay, a chain that would only slow me down. That all changed during our annual Sports Day, a day I learned a lesson that wasn't about winning, but about working together.

The final event was the 4x100 meter relay race. I was chosen as the last runner for my house, the "anchor leg," because of my speed. I was confident. My teammates—Rohan, Priya, and Sameer—were good, but I was sure I could make up for any lost time. The whistle blew, and Rohan started strong. He passed the baton to Priya, but the exchange was clumsy. We lost a precious second. My heart sank. Then, Sameer took the baton and ran with all his might, but he was still behind the lead runner. When he approached me, my frustration was mounting. It was all up to me.

I snatched the baton and flew down the track. The wind whistled past my ears as I pushed myself harder than ever before. I overtook one runner, then another. The finish line was just meters away, and the lead runner was just ahead. I lunged forward, but it wasn't enough. We came in second. As my teammates gathered around me, I expected to feel angry, but instead, I saw the shared disappointment and also the shared pride in their eyes for how hard we had all tried. We hadn't won, but we had pushed ourselves to the limit, together. That moment, standing with my team, I realised that the joy wasn't just in crossing the finish line first, but in the shared effort and the race we ran as one.

Let us explore

I. Limericks are poems in five lines that have a twist in the last line. Read and enjoy the following limericks and create one on your own.

Here is an original limerick:

A clever young student named Raj,
Built a robot inside his garage.
It cleaned up his room,
With a whir and a zoom,
Then demanded a weekly surcharge!

II & III. Activities

These sections encourage you to visit the library, read new stories of wit and wisdom, and share them with your class. This is a great way to discover new characters and tales!