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

Wisdom Paves the Way

Complete Play Guide & Exercise Solutions

Table of Contents

• Play Summary
• Word Meanings
• Before We Read Activities
• Let us discuss
• Let us think and reflect
• Let us learn
• Let us listen
• Let us speak
• Let us write
• Let us explore

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.

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.

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

Table of Contents

• Story Summary
• Word Meanings
• Let us discuss
• Let us think and reflect
• Let us learn
• Let us listen
• Let us speak
• Let us write
• Let us explore

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.”

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.”

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

1. As the teacher began the riddle challenge, a murmur of excitement spread through the classroom.
2. Anaya sighed in relief—she loved riddles more than solving Mathematics problems.
3. 'Think carefully', the teacher began to mumble as she wrote a riddle on the board.
4. When the question was revealed, a few students groaned, realising it wasn't as easy as they had expected.
5. Some exchanged snickers, wondering if anyone at all would be able to solve it.
6. Just then, Anaya tapped her book on the desk with a small thud, deep in thought.
7. 'Ah, I see it now!' she gasped as if it had taken her great effort.
8. A small breeze made the windows rattle, adding to the suspense of the moment.
9. 'So, what's the answer?' the students roared, their voices filled with playful enthusiasm.
10. 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.

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

VI. Complete the following sentences.

1. If I were a tree, I would play with the wind and talk to the birds.
2. If I were the Head Teacher of my school, I would introduce a weekly games period for all classes.
3. If I were a bird, I would fly high above the clouds and see the world.
4. If I were a magician, I would make all the trash in the world disappear.
5. 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.

1. The rope tying the bundle of sticks was (ii) thick.
2. 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.

1. The visitor wanted to show his superiority over others in the palace.
2. The court scholars were afraid of the king's anger.
3. Rama accepted the challenge thrown by the visitor.
4. Rama had a bundle tied in silk when he came to the palace.
5. The great scholar was ashamed because he did not know what to say.
6. The king wanted to know more about the work mentioned by Rama.
7. Rama showed the work to be a bundle of sticks tied together by a rope.
8. 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)

1. Is this your cat? ↑
2. What is the name of your cat? ↓
3. Will you be going to your village? ↑
4. Why are you going to your village? ↓
5. Is this where you live? ↑
6. Where do you live? ↓
7. Can I meet your parents? ↑
8. How are your parents? ↓
9. Do you have any plans for tomorrow? ↑
10. What are you going to do tomorrow? ↓

II. Use question words to make some questions.

Questions about a witty character:

1. Who is the witty character?
2. Why is her/his wit important in the story?
3. What was the most famous trick or clever idea she/he used?
4. When is the time period or setting of the folktale/story?
5. How did she/he use her/his intelligence to solve a problem?
6. 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!

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.

Table of Contents

• Word Meaning
• Let us discuss
• Let us think and reflect
• Let us learn 
• Let us listen
• Let us speak 
• Let us write 

Word Meaning

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

Word	Meaning (Simple English)	Meaning (Hindi)
originated	started in the past	उत्पन्न हुआ / शुरू हुआ
Sanskrit	an ancient Indian language	संस्कृत (प्राचीन भारतीय भाषा)
yuj	to join or to unite	जुड़ना / जोड़ना
harmony	balance and peace together	सामंजस्य / संतुलन
holistic	complete and whole (body and mind)	समग्र / पूर्ण
well-being	good health and happiness	कल्याण / स्वस्थ अवस्था
distractions	things that disturb focus	विखंडन / ध्यान भंग करने वाली चीजें
asanas	yoga postures	आसन (योग मुद्राएं)
endurance	ability to continue for longer	धैर्य / सहनशक्ति
circulation	movement of blood in the body	रक्त संचार
immune system	body’s power to fight illness	प्रतिरक्षा तंत्र
anxiety	worry and stress	चिंता / घबराहट
meditation	calm thinking with focus	ध्यान
posture	the way we hold our body	बैठने/खड़े होने की अवस्था
awareness	clear knowledge of what we do	जागरूकता / 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?

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

Lemon-Yellow and Fig

Contents

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

Summary of Lemon-Yellow and Fig

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

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

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

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

Word Meanings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let's Infer: Questions & Answers

1. The narrator describes an experience that he had:

   b. in the morning.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interactive Quiz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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