New Blue: Chapter Summary, Theme, and Q&A Class 6 Literary Reader

New Blue: Chapter Summary, Theme, and Q&A

Here you will find a detailed summary, analysis of themes, character sketches, and solved question answers for the chapter "New Blue" from the New Blue Literary Reader for Class 6. This story follows the experiences of Parvati, a young girl navigating the challenges of a new school in a foreign country. Students searching for "New Blue Class 6 summary," "Parvati's first day at school story," or "New Blue chapter solutions" will find this guide helpful.

Table of Contents

• Summary of "New Blue"
• Themes of the Chapter
• Character Sketches
• Word Meanings
• Question and Answers
  • Let's Infer
  • Let's Discuss

Summary of "New Blue"

"New Blue" is about a fifteen-year-old Indian girl, Parvati, and her tough first day at a new school in Malaysia. Everything feels strange: the uniform, books, language, and people. The day starts with embarrassing moments.

First, a nun mispronounces her name as "Poverty," making other students giggle. She also feels awkward because her hair is oily after she overslept and rushed her morning routine.

Next, a friendly classmate, Kim Lan, gives her dried ginger. The taste is too strong and makes her eyes water. Her teacher, Miss Goon, sees her and thinks she is crying from sadness, making Parvati feel even more pathetic.

The biggest embarrassment happens when she needs a games uniform. The games captain, Fawzia, tricks her by teaching her a Malay phrase. Fawzia tells her it means "I want a games uniform," but it really means "I want to marry your elder brother".

Parvati says this to Gillian Chew, the girl in charge of uniforms. Gillian gets angry until she realizes it's a prank. Instead of getting upset, Parvati handles it with grace. The story ends with her hoping her embarrassing day is finally over.

Themes of the Chapter

• Fitting In: The story shows how hard it is to be in a new place. Parvati feels like an outsider because of the new culture, language, and school, which makes her feel lonely.
• Facing Embarrassment: Parvati has many embarrassing moments. But she stays strong and even finds some humor in her bad day, showing she is resilient.
• Making Friends: The story looks at how teenagers interact. Kim Lan is kind, but Fawzia is mean. It shows that making friends in a new place can be complicated.
• Miscommunication: Language barriers are a big theme. Parvati gets into trouble because she doesn't know Malay, which shows how easily misunderstandings can happen when people can't communicate.

Character Sketches

• Parvati Chopra: The main character, a 15-year-old girl who feels shy but is also strong inside. She tries hard to fit in and handles a mean prank with maturity.
• Fawzia Ahmed: The games captain who plays a prank on Parvati. She seems tough and enjoys making the new girl feel uncomfortable, showing a mean side.
• Gillian Chew: The student with the uniforms. She is angry at first but becomes understanding and kind once she realizes Parvati was tricked. She even shares a laugh about it.
• Kim Lan: A friendly classmate who tries to be nice to Parvati by offering her ginger. Her gesture shows that there is kindness to be found in the new school.

Word Meanings

Word	Meaning
Pinafore	A loose dress with no sleeves, worn over a shirt or blouse.
Inauspicious	Showing signs that the future will not be good.
Muted	Quiet, not as loud as usual.
Tendrils	Long, slender, and curling ringlets of hair.
Pungent	Having a strong taste.
Inevitably	As is certain to happen.
Nestling	Hiding.
Pathetic	Making you feel sad.
Beamed	Gave a wide and happy smile.
Namby-pamby	A weak and emotional person.
Steely	Strong, hard, and unfriendly.
Hassle	Annoy somebody or cause trouble.
Drawled	Spoke slowly with vowel sounds that were longer than usual.
Griped	Felt annoyed.
Meekly	Without saying what she really felt.
Enunciating	Pronouncing words clearly.
Blanched	Became pale.
Contorted	Became twisted.
Indiscreet	Inappropriate or rude.

Question and Answers

Let's Infer

1. How was Parvati feeling when she came to her new school? Pick out words from the story which express her feelings.
Parvati felt nervous and out of place. The story uses phrases like her "heart was sinking and skipping," she "felt extremely silly," and she "felt all at sea in a leaky boat" to show her anxiety.

2. Why was the nun not able to say Parvati's name correctly? Why didn't Parvati correct her?
The nun, being a Malaysian Chinese, could not pronounce the hard rolling 'r' sound in "Parvati." Parvati did not correct her because she was new, felt shy, and didn't want to cause a fuss in front of the whole class.

3. Why do you think Miss Goon misunderstood Parvati's situation? What did she do to put Parvati at ease?
Miss Goon saw Parvati with tears in her eyes and assumed she was sad about being in a new school. She didn't know the spicy ginger was the real reason. To help, she put a reassuring hand on Parvati's shoulder and spoke kindly.

4. What prank did Fawzia Ahmed play on Parvati? Why do you think she did it?
Fawzia tricked Parvati by teaching her a Malay phrase that meant "I want to marry your elder brother" instead of "I want a games uniform." She likely did it to bully Parvati and amuse herself, seeing her as an easy target.

5. Which of the following words describe Parvati? Give reasons for your answer.
Words that describe Parvati are nervous, trusting, forgiving, friendly, and respectful. She was nervous on her first day, trusted Fawzia's "help," forgave the prank, tried to be friendly with everyone, and respectfully accepted Kim Lan's gift.

Let's Discuss

1. Do you think the girls at Parvati's new school were insensitive?
Some of the girls were insensitive. Fawzia was cruel with her prank, and others giggled at Parvati's name. However, Kim Lan and Annette were friendly from the start, and Gillian became understanding. So, the school had a mix of both sensitive and insensitive students.

2. It is natural for a new student to be nervous on the first day of school. What should we do to make him/her comfortable?
To make a new student feel comfortable, we can be friendly and welcoming. We should smile, introduce ourselves, and invite them to join our conversations or games. Showing them around and offering to help with schoolwork are also great ways to make them feel included.

New Blue Story Quiz

Poem Midnight Wood by Raymond Wilson - Summary Q&A Word meanings - Clas 6 Literary Reader Chapter 5

Poem Midnight Wood by Raymond Wilson - Summary Q&A Word meanings - Class 6 Literary Reader Chapter 5: A child-friendly guide with meanings, solved answers, and a quick quiz for revision.

Table of Contents

• Summary of the Poem Midnight Wood
• Word Meanings of the Poem Midnight Wood
• Let's enjoy the poem (Q&A)
• Interactive Quiz on the poem Midnight Wood

Summary of the Poem Midnight Wood

The poem takes the reader into a dark forest at midnight, asking what the eyes see, the ears hear, and the river hides. Strange shapes, whispering plants, and shrieking owls make the forest feel dangerous. The final warning from owlets suggests that anyone entering must choose the wood or river—and may be lost forever.

The poem shows how fear grows in darkness: normal things seem scary, and sounds feel louder. It is not only the forest, but the night and imagination that create a chilling mood.

Word Meanings of the Poem Midnight Wood

Word/Phrase	Meaning (Simple English)	Meaning (Simple Hindi)
Mist	Very light cloud near the ground that makes it hard to see	हल्का कुहासा, जमीन के पास हल्का धुंध
Hunchback shapes	Shapes that look bent or hunched, like curved backs	झुकी‑झुकी आकृतियाँ, कूबड़ जैसी
Frond	Large leaf, usually of a fern or palm	बड़ी पत्ती (आमतौर पर फर्न/खजूर की)
Fern	A plant with feathery leaves that grows in shade	फर्न—छाँव में उगने वाला पौधा
Clutching grass	Grass that seems to grab or hold as one walks	पकड़ने जैसा लगता घास
Snigger	To laugh quietly in a rude or teasing way	दबी हँसी, खिल्ली उड़ाना
Otter	Water animal with webbed feet and brown fur	ऊदबिलाव
Owlets	Baby owls	उल्लू के बच्चे
Whispering fear	Soft sounds that make one feel scared	धीमी आवाज़ें जो डर पैदा करें
Drift	To float and move with water or wind	बहना, सरकना
Shriek	To cry out in a loud, high-pitched voice	चीखना
Dead of night	The darkest, quietest time late at night	रात का सबसे गहरा समय

Let's enjoy the poem (Q&A)

1. Did you notice that each of the four stanzas in the poem describes one group of things that might make us afraid when we are alone in a wood at night? Can you list them?

• a. The things we see: mist, moonlight, star, cloud, hunchback shapes.
• b. The sounds we hear: thin wind, frond and fern, clutching grass sniggering.
• c. The things the river hides: otter, water‑rat, old can, bones of fish and man.
• d. The threats we face: owlets warn that whoever comes is lost forever.

2. What do these phrases mean?

• a. ‘hunchback shapes’: bent, crooked shapes that look like hunched backs in the dark.
• b. ‘clutching grass’: grass that feels like it is grabbing at one’s feet while walking.

3. Look at stanza 3. Which of the objects mentioned would you normally not expect to see in a river? How do you think they got there?

The “old can” and “bones of man” are unexpected in a river; the can suggests human littering, and “bones of man” is likely an imagined fear image, used to make the scene feel dangerous and mysterious.

4. If you believe what the owlets are actually saying, would you want to go to the wood?

No, because the owlets warn that whoever enters must choose between wood and river and will be lost, which makes the place feel unsafe at night.

5. Why do you think the poet repeats the phrase ‘dark in the wood’ several times?

The repetition builds rhythm and a strong mood of fear, reminding that darkness changes normal sights and sounds into something scary.

6. Are the sounds and sights described in the poem frightening in themselves? Does darkness have something to do with the way we feel in a wood at night?

Most things are ordinary (plants, wind, river, owls), but in the dark they seem dangerous. Yes, darkness and imagination make everything feel scarier.

7. If you found yourself all alone in a wood at midnight, would you be frightened?

Yes, because limited light and unfamiliar sounds can cause fear; staying calm, using a light, and thinking logically would help reduce that fear.

Interactive Quiz on the poem Midnight Wood

Midnight Wood – Comprehension Quiz

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The Bus Stop That Ate Children: Summary, Q&A, Word Meanings, Quiz (Class 6)

This chapter, “The Bus Stop That Ate Children” by Susan Gates, is a suspenseful story set near a giant baobab tree used as a bus stop. In this blog post you will find the story summary, word-meanings, Q&A and an interactive quiz for better understanding and exam prep!

Table of Contents

• Story Summary
• Word Meanings
• Let's Infer (Q&A)
• Let's discuss (Q&A)
• The Bus Stop That Ate Children – Comprehension Quiz

Story Summary

Precious must wait alone at a bus stop made inside a huge baobab tree while going to the market for rice, cassava, and beans. Her brother Kapito once told frightening tales that the “witch tree” eats children, making her feel nervous. When a tapping sound comes from a bump on the trunk, Precious panics—until a tiny hornbill chick squeezes out through a hole. She realizes the “witch’s larder” is just a bird’s nest sealed with mud. Relieved, she boards the bus, wiser about how stories can scare and also entertain.

Word Meanings

Word/Phrase	Meaning (Simple English)	Meaning (Simple Hindi)
Baobab	A very large African tree with a thick trunk and hollow space	बहुत बड़ा अफ्रीकी पेड़ जिसकी मोटी तना और खोखला भाग होता है
Hollow	Empty space inside something	अंदर से खाली
Witch (witch tree)	A magical, scary woman in stories; here, a scary idea about the tree	डायन; यहाँ पेड़ के बारे में डरावनी कल्पना
Nightmare	A very scary dream	डरावना सपना
Responsibility	Duty to do something important	ज़िम्मेदारी
Lumpy / Warty	Having many bumps or lumps on the surface	उभरा‑उभरा / मस्सेदार सतह
Scowling face	An angry-looking face	गुस्से वाला चेहरा
Thatch	Roof made from straw or reeds	फूस/घास‑फूस की छत
Guzzle	To drink or eat quickly and greedily	हड़बड़ी और लालच से पीना/खाना
Prowl	To move quietly while hunting or sneaking	दबे पाँव घूमना
“Scared out of your wits”	Extremely frightened	बहुत ज़्यादा डरे होना
Larder (witch’s larder)	A place to store food; here, bumps called a “store” in the scary tale	खाने का भंडार; यहाँ डरावनी कहानी में “भंडार”
Piping voice	Very high, thin sound	पतली, ऊँची आवाज़
Hornbill	A bird with a hard, horn-like beak	एक पक्षी जिसकी चोंच सींग जैसी होती है
Sealed	Closed tightly so nothing can go in or out	कसकर बंद
Exhausted	Very tired	बहुत थका हुआ
Cassava	Starchy food made from a tropical plant’s root	कसावा—एक कंद से बना स्टार्चयुक्त आहार
Rumpled	Looking crumpled or untidy	सिकुड़ा/बिखरा‑सा
Tap, tap	Light, repeated knocking sound	हल्की‑हल्की ठक‑ठक

Let's Infer (Q&A)

1. The baobab tree “was the kind of tree you could believe all sorts of things about”. What sorts of things does the author have in mind?

Because the tree is huge, ancient, lumpy, and hollow, people imagine it as a “witch tree” that can hide spirits, trap children, or swallow them—mysterious powers that turn an ordinary bus stop into a scary legend.

2. A gullible person is someone who is willing to believe anything or anyone. Is Precious gullible? How can you tell?

Precious is not fully gullible. She feels scared by Kapito’s stories, but she also questions them and finally checks the bump herself. When the hornbill chicks appear, she changes her belief using real evidence.

3. Think of appropriate words to describe Kapito. (Support your choices with reasons.) Do you think he enjoys scaring his little sister?

Kapito is imaginative, playful, and dramatic. He clearly enjoys scary storytelling and likes teasing Precious with ghostly details, so yes—he enjoys giving her harmless scares through his tales.

4. Which words would you use to describe Precious when she is waiting at the bus stop? How does she feel when she realizes that the bus stop is not a witch?

At first she is anxious, cautious, and responsible. After seeing the chicks, she feels relieved, amused, and confident, understanding how stories can seem real but be explained by nature.

5. When you saw the title “The Bus Stop That Ate Children”, what kind of story did you expect? How would you describe the story now that you have read it?

The title suggests a horror story. After reading, it feels like a gentle mystery that turns into a realistic explanation, teaching critical thinking and courage in a fun, child-friendly way.

Let's discuss (Q&A)

1. Is Kapito doing the right thing by telling Precious scary stories? Should Precious tell scary stories about the child-eating bus stop to her new brother or sister?

Scary stories can be fine if told kindly and followed by the truth, so children learn to ask questions. If Precious tells such stories, she should also explain the real reason (the hornbill nest) so younger kids feel safe and curious, not terrified.

2. Do children enjoy reading or listening to scary stories? Do you enjoy reading a frightening story?

Many children enjoy a little safe fright—it’s exciting and builds imagination. The best scary stories end with sense and comfort, helping readers become brave and thoughtful about what is real.

The Bus Stop That Ate Children – Comprehension Quiz

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Chapter 5 Ila Sachani: Embroidering Dreams With Her Feet - Class Poorvi NCERT Solved

Ila Sachani: Embroidering Dreams With Her Feet - Class 6 Poorvi NCERT Solution

This guide offers complete, easy-to-understand solutions for all questions and activities in the section "Ila Sachani: Embroidering Dreams With Her Feet" from Unit 5 of the NCERT Class 6 English textbook, Poorvi. Explore the inspiring story of Ila Sachani and learn about her journey, the art of embroidery, and the power of determination.

Table of Contents

• 1. Let us do these activities before we read (Page 21)
• 2. Let us discuss (Page 25)
• 3. Let us think and reflect (Page 26)
• 4. Let us learn (Page 26-28)
• 5. Let us listen (Page 28)
• 6. Let us speak (Page 29)
• 7. Let us write (Page 29)

1. Let us do these activities before we read (Page 21)

I. Look at the given picture and information. Discuss the questions with your teacher and classmates.

1. Do you think Pranav's task is simple? Why or why not?
   No, Pranav's task is not simple. Painting with one's feet requires immense practice, control, and concentration, which is much harder than using hands.
2. How does Pranav's special ability make you feel?
   Pranav's ability makes me feel inspired and amazed. It shows that with a strong will, a person can overcome any physical challenge.
3. What qualities do you think were important for Pranav to become successful?
   Qualities like determination, patience, hard work, and a positive attitude were very important for his success.
4. What message does Pranav’s story give us?
   Pranav’s story teaches us that we should never give up, no matter what difficulties we face. Our limitations do not define us; our courage and efforts do.

II. Look at the picture of Kathiawar embroidery. Discuss in pairs.

1. List the steps you think are needed to create this embroidery.
   The steps would be: first, drawing the design on the cloth; second, choosing the right coloured threads; third, threading the needle; and finally, making small, neat stitches to fill the design.
2. Discuss if these steps can be done with feet, instead of hands.
   It seems very difficult, but maybe possible. Holding the needle and cloth with feet and making precise stitches would require a lot of skill and practice.
3. What efforts would be needed if someone has to embroider with their feet? Do you think it is possible?
   It would need incredible focus, flexibility, and years of practice to train the feet to do such delicate work. Yes, I think it is possible, as people can achieve amazing things with dedication.

2. Let us discuss (Page 25)

Read the paragraphs and write the main idea for each. Then, match the main idea with two supporting details.

Paragraph	Main Idea	Two Supporting Details
1	Introduction to Ila Sachani's colourful embroidery	(i) Examples of embroidered things (ii) Ila's use of a shiny needle
2-3	Early challenges and family support	(i) Ila was born without the use of her hands. (ii) Her family taught her to use her feet for embroidery.
4	Mastering different embroidery styles	(i) She became an expert at threading a needle with her feet. (ii) She learned Kachhi, Kashmiri, and Lucknawi styles.
5	Gaining local admiration	(i) She first made designs for family and friends. (ii) Soon, her talent was discovered by the whole village.
6	Recognition at a state exhibition	(i) The government office in Surat displayed her work. (ii) People purchased her creations, making her famous.
7	National recognition and awards	(i) She participated in national-level exhibitions. (ii) She received many awards, including the President's Medal.
8-9	Message of her life story	(i) Financial independence and joy (ii) Challenges can be turned into victories

3. Let us think and reflect (Page 26)

I. Read the following lines and answer the questions that follow.

"Unlike other children, she could not use her hands in the usual way. While other small hands drew figures in the sand or plucked wild flowers, she wondered why she could not join them. She too wanted to hold a chalk in her hands and draw figures on a slate."

1. Choose the correct option to fill in the blank... 'Unlike other children' means that Ila was _______________ (unaware/ different/ simple)
   Answer: different
2. What could Ila have felt when she could not join others in things they did?
   She might have felt sad, left out, and frustrated because she couldn't do the simple things other children enjoyed.
3. Complete the following with a suitable reason.
   Ila could not draw figures on the slate because _______________.
   Answer: ...her hands did not work in the usual way.

II. What creative ways did Ila and her family use to overcome the challenges she faced?
Her family taught her to use her feet to do Kathiawar embroidery. Her parents also helped her learn to do other daily tasks like eating and combing her hair with her legs.

III. How did ‘new independence' help Ila?
'New independence' helped Ila by allowing her to earn a regular income from her art. More importantly, it brought her joy and satisfaction in doing something she loved.

IV. Why was the first state exhibition an important event in Ila's life?
The first state exhibition was important because it introduced her talent to a wider audience. People loved her work and bought it, which opened new doors for her and made her famous.

V. What does the sentence, ‘art has the power to rise above physical boundaries and touch the soul', tell us about the power of art?
This sentence means that art is a powerful form of expression that isn't limited by physical abilities. It can connect with people's emotions and feelings deeply, no matter how it is created.

VI. How can we be helpful and encouraging like Ila's family and friends when someone faces challenges?
We can be helpful by offering our support, showing them we believe in them, and helping them find new ways to do things. Being patient and celebrating their efforts is also very important.

VII. How can Ila's story help others to overcome challenges in their lives?
Ila's story shows that with determination, hard work, and a positive attitude, any challenge can be overcome. It teaches us not to give up on our dreams and that our abilities are not limited by our physical challenges.

4. Let us learn (Page 26-28)

I. Match the word to its correct synonym in Column C.

• tiny → small
• wonderful → fantastic
• quiet → silent
• task → work
• tough → difficult

II. Unscramble the antonyms of the words in Column A.

• 1. tiny - E G H U → HUGE
• 2. wonderful - R E E B L I T R → TERRIBLE
• 3. quiet - I Y N S O → NOISY
• 4. task - S I A E M T P → PASTIME
• 5. tough - S E Y A → EASY

III. Read the sentences from the text and focus on the highlighted words.

1. The highlighted words show a (ii) Large quantity.

2. Fill in the blanks:

1. We saw many buses on the road.
2. How much milk do you want?
3. There is a lot of milk needed.
4. I need many examples.
5. I have lots of energy left.
6. I ate a lot of rice.

5. Let us listen (Page 28)

You will listen to a talk about Kathiawar embroidery. As you listen, circle the correct option.

1. Form: (i) old
2. Colours: (ii) bright
3. Stitches: (ii) chain stitch
4. Seen on: (i) children's caps
5. Things used: (i) small mirrors
6. Designs: (ii) squares and triangles

6. Let us speak (Page 29)

In pairs, write down two questions you would like to ask Ila Sachani.

Here are two example questions:

1. What was the most difficult design you have ever created with your feet?
2. How did you feel when you received the President's Medal?

7. Let us write (Page 29)

Now, write a paragraph describing the artwork that you have created. Give a suitable title to your paragraph.

A Garden on Cardboard

I created a piece of art called "A Garden on Cardboard." For this, I used a piece of an old cardboard box as my canvas. I collected some colourful fallen flowers, small twigs, and green leaves from my garden. First, I arranged the twigs to look like the trunk and branches of a tree. Then, I carefully pasted the green leaves on the branches. Finally, I used the colourful flower petals to make bright flowers on my tree and some on the ground below. My artwork shows a beautiful, blooming tree and reminds me that we can create wonderful things from waste items.

Class 6 Poorvi Poem The Winner by Georgia Heard Complete NCERT Solution

Solutions for "The Winner" by Georgia Heard

"The Winner" by Georgia Heard is a simple yet beautiful poem that captures the pure joy of children playing outdoors in the evening. It describes their energy and excitement, and how the arrival of night naturally brings their game to an end. The poem helps us see the beauty in everyday moments and the natural rhythm of day and night.

Table of Contents

• 1. The Poem: The Winner
• 2. Let us discuss
• 3. Let us think and reflect
• 4. Let us learn
• 5. Let us listen
• 6. Let us speak
• 7. Let us write

The Poem: The Winner

Evenings,
we play ball
next to the creek
in our neighbour’s field.

We run so fast
I
can’t
even
catch
my
breath.

When blue dark turns to black,
cold grass aches our feet,
trees creep close—
game’s over.

Night wins!

Let us discuss

I. Read the given lines from the poem. Write the meaning of the lines by identifying the words/expressions in them.

Lines from the poem	Meaning
next to the creek	Beside a small stream of water.
I can't even catch my breath	Feeling breathless from running very fast.
When blue dark turns to black	The time when evening turns into night.
trees creep close	In the darkness, the trees seem to be moving nearer.

II. Read the poem. Complete the following based on the poem.

The children play ball in the neighbour's field. They run so fast that they run out of breath. They continue to play till the evening when the blue sky turns black and the trees are not clearly visible. They can feel their feet ache now that it is cold. Finally, they stop playing and go home as it is night.

Let us think and reflect

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

1. We run so fast / I / can't / even / catch / my / breath.

• (i) Complete the sentence: The speaker needs to catch her breath because C. running fast results in being breathless.
• (ii) Is the speaker alone? Why do you say so? No, the speaker is not alone. The poem uses the word "we," which means more than one person is playing.
• (iii) What does the pattern in the lines tell us? The way the lines are broken into short, quick words mimics the feeling of being out of breath.

2. When blue dark turns to black, / cold grass aches our feet, / trees creep close— / game’s over. / Night wins!

• (i) Give one reason why the grass is cold. The grass is cold because the sun has set and the night has begun.
• (ii) Complete the sentence suitably: The children's feet are aching because the cold grass makes them hurt.
• (iii) Why does ‘Night' win? Night wins because A. the time for play has ended.

Let us learn

1. Poetic Devices in 'The Winner':

• Pattern: The short lines "I / can't / even / catch / my / breath" create a pattern that shows how the speaker is breathing heavily.
• Personification: Giving human qualities to things that are not human. In the poem, "Night wins!" gives the night the human ability to win a game.

2. Water Bodies Word Web:

A creek is a type of water body. Here are some others:

River Pond Lake Stream Ocean

Let us listen

Listen to the riddles and write which sport is being referred to in the table below.

Riddle	Sport
1	Football
2	Kho-Kho
3	Swimming
4	Yoga

Let us speak

Enact the roles of a parent and a child in these situations:

• Situation 1: Coming home late after play.
  Child: "Sorry, Mom, I didn't see it was so late! We were having so much fun."
  Parent: "I was worried. Please be sure to come home on time tomorrow."
• Situation 2: Sharing details of the games you played.
  Child: "Dad, you won't believe it! I scored a goal today in football!"
  Parent: "That's fantastic! Tell me all about it. How did you do it?"
• Situation 3: Bringing a new friend home after playtime.
  Child: "Mom, this is my new friend, Rohan. We played cricket together."
  Parent: "Hello, Rohan! It's a pleasure to meet you. Would you like some juice?"

Let us write

Write a paragraph about your playtime.

My Evening Playtime

Every evening at 5 PM, I go to the park near my house to play with my friends, Aman and Priya. We love playing hide-and-seek and football. My favourite game is football because I love running and scoring goals. Playing with my friends makes me feel very happy and full of energy. We gain teamwork and friendship from these games. We play until the streetlights turn on, which is our signal that it's time to finish and go home.

Class 6 English Poorvi - Spices That Heal Us: Q&A and Exercises Solved

Let us do these activities before we read.

I A spice is any seed, fruit, root, bark, leaf or any other part of a plant used to give taste and colour to our food. Try to recall the names of three spices that are used for cooking in your home. Write them below and share your answers with your teacher.

1. Turmeric
2. Jeera (Cumin seeds)
3. Adrak (Ginger)

II Given below are pictures of some spices. Work in pairs and write what you call them in your language. Their names in English are given in the last column. Share your answers with your teacher.

S.No.	Spice Name in Your Language	Name in English
1	Haldi	Turmeric
2	Methi	Fenugreek
3	Jeera	Cumin seeds
4	Heeng	Asafoetida
5	Dalchini	Cinnamon
6	Laung	Clove
7	Adrak	Ginger
8	Kali Mirch	Black pepper
9	Saunf	Fennel seeds
10	Elaichi	Cardamom

LETTER FROM DAADI

Dear Vikram and Vaibhavi,

Namaste! I am happy to hear you both are better now. I hope the natural cures I shared helped you. Please remember these and share them with your friends. When I was a child, my grandmother taught me these home remedies from the kitchen for common illnesses caused by weather.

Here are some benefits of spices we have in our kitchen:

• Haldi (Turmeric) helps improve energy, digestion, and reduces body pain.
• Methi (Fenugreek) helps control sugar and body weight. Soak seeds overnight and drink the water in the morning.
• Jeera (Cumin seeds) soaked overnight improves digestion and helps cure sleeplessness.
• Heeng (Asafoetida) relieves tummy gas and controls cough and cold.
• Dalchini (Cinnamon) and Laung (Clove) help relieve toothache until you see a dentist.
• Adrak (Ginger) helps with cough, cold, and pain relief.
• Kali Mirch (Black pepper) aids digestion and reduces body pain.
• Saunf (Fennel seeds) and Ajwain (Carom seeds) help with digestion after meals.
• Elaichi (Cardamom) helps digestion, respiratory issues, and cures bad breath.

Always consult an elder before using these remedies. Lots of love and blessings!

Daadi

Let us think and reflect

I Read the given lines and answer the following questions.

‘When I was a child, I learnt them from my grandmother. She used to find cures for most of the weather-related common illnesses in the kitchen.’

1. Where exactly in the kitchen did her grandmother find the cures?
   She found the cures in the kitchen where the spices and herbs were kept.
2. Give one example of weather-related common illnesses.
   Cough and cold is one weather-related common illness.
3. What kind of relationship did the speaker have with her grandmother?
   The speaker had a loving and caring relationship with her grandmother.

II Fill in the blanks to complete the sentence.

Daadi soaked methi seeds overnight and drank the water in the morning to manage her sugar level and body weight.

III Circle the spice that is not useful for body pain according to Daadi's letter.

1. Turmeric
2. Fennel seeds
3. Ginger
4. Black pepper

IV Why did Daadi ask Vikram and Vaibhavi to share the natural cures with their friends?

Daadi wanted Vikram and Vaibhavi to share the natural cures so their friends could also benefit from these easy and safe remedies.

V What was Daadi's final advice to Vikram and Vaibhavi?

Daadi advised them to always consult an elder before using these natural cures.

VI How do we know that natural cures are passed from one generation to another?

We know because Daadi learned these cures from her grandmother and now she is sharing them with Vikram and Vaibhavi.

VII Why do you think we should know about the healing properties of spices?

Knowing the healing properties helps us use natural spices safely for health and avoid unnecessary medicines.

Let us learn

I You have read the uses of spices in the letter. Complete the following table with the help of your teacher. You may use the words from the box given below.

Part of the plant: root / bark / leaves / flower buds / fruit / seeds
Texture: rough / soft / silky
Taste: bitter / sweet / sour / salty / spicy

Spice Name	Part of the Plant	Colour	Texture
Turmeric	Root	Orange-yellow	Rough
Fenugreek	Seeds	Light brown	Hard
Cinnamon	Bark	Brown	Rough and dry
Clove	Flower buds	Dark brown	Hard and rough
Black pepper	Fruit (dried seeds)	Black	Hard and rough
Cardamom	Fruit	Light green	Soft and smooth

II Read the sentences given below.

• You may share them with your friends.
• You should try to remember these cures.
• It can help control cough and cold.
• You must consult an elder before you use them.
• I need to soak the methi seeds overnight.
• I used to put heeng water on your tummy.

The underlined words are known as helping verbs. These are called modal verbs or modals. Each modal verb has a different function.

1. The words given in Column A are helping verbs. Match the helping verbs in Column A with their functions in Column B.

Column A	Functions (Column B)
(i) may	B. suggestion
(ii) should	D. advice
(iii) can	E. ability
(iv) must	C. compulsion
(v) need to	F. necessity
(vi) used to	A. past habit

2. Complete the following dialogues with any four modals from the table given above. (Use a modal only once.)

Ajay: Anand had fever last week. He (i) must rest.

Suman: Yes, he (ii) should.

Ajay: He (iii) may take good care or he will fall ill again.

Suman: Yes, we (iv) need to remember how effective grandmother's natural cures are.

✓ Let us listen

You will listen to the benefits of Tulsi (Holy Basil), a common herb. As you listen, complete the fact sheet given below. (refer to page 102 for transcript)

THE WONDER HERB
1. Name	Tulsi   Family: basil
2. First found in	north central India
3. Now found	everywhere in India
4. Known as	The Queen of herbs
5. Can decrease levels of	glucose and cholesterol
6. Used to treat disorders of	breathing and digestion
7. Is used to make	mouth wash and toothpaste
8. We can have Tulsi leaves by	eating them raw or adding them while making tea

Let us speak

1. Daadi told Vikram and Vaibhavi about many spices. Choose one spice and introduce yourself as that spice to the class.

Answer: I choose Ginger. Hello everyone! My name is Ginger. I am the root part of the plant. I have a light brown color and a rough texture. My taste is spicy and strong. I have been used in cooking for thousands of years. I help people when they have cough, cold, and pain. You can use me in tea or as a spice in food.

2. Before you speak, make a spicy headband for the spice you chose. Follow the steps given below.

• Cut out strips of paper 2 inches wide.
• Join two ends to make a band that can fit your head.
• Make a small card with a picture of the spice. Colour it.
• Attach the card on your headband.

Use the headband while introducing yourself as the spice.

3. Mention the following while speaking.

• your name
• part of the plant
• colour
• texture
• taste
• benefits

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Let us write

I Vikram's grandmother shared two natural cures to cure his cough in her earlier letter. It was kept outside and a few drops of rain fell on it. Some of the words got washed away by the rain. Help Vikram complete the natural cures. Use the phrases given in the box below. There are two phrases that you do not need.

Phrases: some leaves of basil, for cough, the mixture, for high fever, you can have it, grind to get, amount of honey, a piece of fresh ginger, home remedy

Natural Cures for Cough

1. To prepare this home remedy, you just need ginger and honey. First, take a piece of fresh ginger, grate it and take the juice from it. Take about two teaspoons of this juice and add about two and a half teaspoons of amount of honey to it. Mix it properly. Warm the mixture slightly on very low heat for a minute. Then you can have it about three to four times a day to get relief from cough. Have patience to see the effect as natural cures with ginger and honey might take some time to show results.

2. To prepare the second home remedy for cough, take about 10 grams of each— long pepper, dried ginger and basil leaves. Add four to six small cardamoms and grind to get a fine powder. If you take this powder with an equal amount of honey, it will give you relief from cough.

II Now, write a short paragraph on Tulsi based on the completed fact sheet in ‘Let us listen’.

Tulsi, also called Holy Basil, is a very special herb that belongs to the basil family. It was first found in north central India and now grows almost everywhere in India. People call it the Queen of herbs because it has many health benefits. Tulsi can help lower sugar and cholesterol levels in the body. It is used to treat problems related to breathing and digestion. Tulsi is also used to make mouthwash and toothpaste to keep teeth and gums healthy. We can eat Tulsi leaves raw or add them to tea while making it, which helps calm the mind and protect us from pollution.

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Let us explore

I Now that you have read about many spices, can you guess the spices based on the riddles given below?

1. When your tummy felt funny
I was used by your granny
I made you fit and fine
And brought back your smile.
Who am I?
Answer: Ajwain (Carom seeds)

2. I come from under the ground
Thousands of years, I've been around.
For cooking you use me daily
From cold I can cure you surely.
Who am I?
Answer: Ginger (Adrak)

II Fill in the blanks to complete the riddle below. Write another riddle of your own and ask your family members to guess the spice.

1. Brownish- yellow in colour,
2. Bitter and spicy to taste,
I help everyone, to control their weight
Who am I?
Answer: Fenugreek (Methi)

My riddle:
I am small and round,
Green or black in colour found.
I add flavour to every dish,
And cure cough with my wish.
Who am I?
(Answer: Black pepper)

III Close your eyes and learn about spices by smelling and feeling them. The teacher may also provide a few different spices to try.