Showing posts with label Question Answers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Question Answers. Show all posts

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

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

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
adornedbeautified
tapestriesheavy decorative fabrics woven with pictures or patterns
resolutedetermined
bustlingbusy
eludesdifficult to obtain
deviseto think of
deliberateto think carefully
scrutiniseto look carefully at
in hastein a hurry
pursuedchased
countenancefacial expression
distressedworried
astrayaway from the correct path
indignantangry
yonderover there
draperieslong thick curtains
canopya cover fixed over a seat for decoration
grievancecomplaint
accusationsclaims that someone has done something wrong
deduceto determine by reasoning
discernto see or notice something
foliagegreen leaves and plants
fended offguarded against
insighta clear/deep understanding
soundhealthy
intimatelyin a detailed way
flawlessperfect
chastenedfelt sorry
counseladvice
beaconguiding light

Let us do these activities before we read

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

KnowledgeWisdom
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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

  1. (3) The King asks the merchant to clearly state his accusation.
  2. (8) The merchant accuses the four men of knowing a lot about his missing camel.
  3. (2) Ram Datt explains how he infers from the tracks that the camel is lame.
  4. (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.
  5. (7) Har Datt clarifies how he knew that the camel has a short tail.
  6. (6) Dev Datt explains his observation about the camel's pain and careful movement.
  7. (4) The King praises the young men for their observations and dismisses the merchant's accusation.
  8. (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

  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."
  2. 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.
  3. In the line, 'That's why we press on towards Ujjain', the phrase 'press on' refers to
    B. moving forward with determination
  4. What can be inferred about Har Datt's character from his statement?
    C. He is cautious and thoughtful, preferring to plan ahead.

Extract 2

  1. 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.)
  2. The line, 'See beyond the obvious' means that the men had the ability to
    C. notice details that others might overlook
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

  1. Some word games need a lot of thought and deduction. (deduce)
  2. We need to make close observations of animals in order to understand their behaviour. (observe)
  3. A detailed scrutiny of the documents shows a lot of errors. (scrutinise)
  4. You should not make any false accusations against anyone. (accuse)
  5. 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.

  1. It is advisable for you to think before you speak.
    You should think before you speak.
  2. It is unnecessary to worry about things beyond your control.
    You need not worry about things beyond your control.
  3. It is not possible for a person to gain experience without taking risks.
    A person cannot gain experience without taking risks.
  4. 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.
  5. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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 A Concrete Example Solution


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.

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

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

  1. The poet uses the word 'stones' in all stanzas in order to emphasise her obsession with a stony garden.
  2. 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.

  1. The word 'concrete' can refer to the stones and other solid materials in Mrs. Jones' garden.
  2. 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.

  1. 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.
  2. Identify whether the following statement is true or false.
    The garden serves as a means to reveal more about Mrs. Jones herself. - True.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

  1. 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."
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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

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

Column 1Column 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.

  1. Where was Nek Chand's Rock Garden featured?
    An Indian postage stamp.
  2. What kind of sculptures does the Rock Garden have?
    Colourful sculptures.
  3. How is the Rock Garden divided?
    Three distinct phases.
  4. 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).
  5. 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.

Thursday, September 4, 2025

Class 6 Poorvi Yoga–a Way of Life Complete NCERT Solution

Yoga – A Way of Life

Class 6 Poorvi “Yoga–a Way of Life” Complete NCERT Solution provides easy, exam-ready answers to all textbook tasks: Word Meaning, Let us discuss, Let us think and reflect, Let us learn, Let us listen, Let us speak, and Let us write, from Unit 4 Sports and Wellness for quick revision and scoring better.

Class 6 Poorvi Yoga A Way of Life Solved

Word Meaning

Difficult words from the chapter with simple meanings and Hindi equivalents.

Word Meaning (Simple English) Meaning (Hindi)
originatedstarted in the pastउत्पन्न हुआ / शुरू हुआ
Sanskritan ancient Indian languageसंस्कृत (प्राचीन भारतीय भाषा)
yujto join or to uniteजुड़ना / जोड़ना
harmonybalance and peace togetherसामंजस्य / संतुलन
holisticcomplete and whole (body and mind)समग्र / पूर्ण
well-beinggood health and happinessकल्याण / स्वस्थ अवस्था
distractionsthings that disturb focusविखंडन / ध्यान भंग करने वाली चीजें
asanasyoga posturesआसन (योग मुद्राएं)
enduranceability to continue for longerधैर्य / सहनशक्ति
circulationmovement of blood in the bodyरक्त संचार
immune systembody’s power to fight illnessप्रतिरक्षा तंत्र
anxietyworry and stressचिंता / घबराहट
meditationcalm thinking with focusध्यान
posturethe way we hold our bodyबैठने/खड़े होने की अवस्था
awarenessclear knowledge of what we doजागरूकता / सचेतना

Let us discuss

Read the passage again and fill in the blanks with words from the box.

Box: sleep • lifestyle • health • strength • calm • stress • balance

Yoga is a practice that not only improves physical flexibility but also improves mental balance and leads to a healthier lifestyle. It involves a series of asanas, which increase muscular strength. Practising yoga also leads to a better body and mind balance and reduces body pain such as in the lower back. Moreover, the focus on breathing techniques and meditation makes the mind calm, lessens stress, and improves the quality of sleep. This helps to adopt a more positive life.

Let us think and reflect

  1. What is the aim of yoga?
    The aim of yoga is to make the mind quiet and the body healthy, so a person can live with peace, balance, and good habits.
  2. Explain the idea of unity in yoga.
    Unity means joining mind and body, thoughts and actions, and living in balance with nature.
  3. What does the launch of the WHO mYoga app tell us about the importance of yoga?
    It shows that yoga is useful for everyone and is supported worldwide to improve health and daily practice.
  4. Describe one long-term effect that the practice of yoga can have on a person's qualities.
    Regular yoga builds patience and focus. It helps a person stay calm and make better choices.

Let us learn

1. Practice vs Practise (British English use)

  • practice (noun): the act or habit. Example: Daily yoga practice helps health.
  • practise (verb): to do repeatedly. Example: I practise breathing every morning.

Fill in the blanks:

  1. It is important to have a regular practice of stretching every morning to stay flexible.
  2. I practise yoga every day to keep my mind and body healthy.
  3. The teacher said, you can join the school hockey team but it requires a lot of practice to improve your skills.
  4. Our athletics coach asked us to practise running on grass to strengthen our grip while running.
  5. I practise deep breathing exercises when I feel stressed to calm myself down.
  6. Developing a good habit of eating fruits and vegetables should be a daily practice.

2. Advice vs Advise

  • advice (noun): suggestion for help. Example: My teacher gave me good advice.
  • advise (verb): to suggest. Example: Doctors advise daily exercise.

Model sentences:

  • Grandfather’s advice about sleep helped me focus in class.
  • Coaches often advise students to drink water after practice.
  • Her mother’s advice was to eat fresh fruits daily.
  • Teachers advise children to be regular with homework.

Let us listen

Listen to a student speaking about practising yoga with a grandparent. Then mark true statements.

Statement T / F
The student sees people in the park doing breathing exercises.T
Grandfather started yoga only a few years ago.F
The student practises simple yoga with grandfather.T
Breathing practice helps the student feel calm and focused.T
Grandfather is unhealthy due to poor eating.F
The student plans to learn asanas during holidays.T

Let us speak

Share your “yoga thoughts” in pairs or groups of four.

If you have tried yoga

  • I practise yoga because it makes me feel calm.
  • My favourite thing about yoga is deep breathing.
  • I feel relaxed after a yoga session because I focus on my breath.
  • I want to practise Tree Pose because it improves balance.

If you have not tried yoga yet

  • I wish to practise yoga to become more flexible.
  • I hope that once I begin, I will sleep better.
  • I want to try easy asanas because they are safe to start with.

Let us write

Write a short paragraph on “The Benefits of Yoga”. Use the sentence starters.

Sample Paragraph

Yoga is important because it joins the mind and body and helps us live in balance. One benefit of yoga that interests me is better sleep, because breathing slowly makes me calm. A popular yoga pose is the Mountain Pose because it teaches good posture. Yoga is not just physical exercise; it also teaches focus and patience. Finally, yoga can be a great way to stay healthy and happy every day.

Write your own:

  • Why is yoga important for you?
  • Which pose or breathing do you like and why?
  • How does yoga help in school or at home?

Thursday, September 21, 2023

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

Lemon-Yellow and Fig

Summary of Lemon-Yellow and Fig

A vibrant sari shop with colorful textiles.

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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