Mystery and Magic — Class 8 English
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2- Mathematics
- Space weighted by chapter size
- Charts from the book's own data
- Traps corrected
- Space weighted by chapter size
- Charts from the book's own data
- Traps corrected
- Space weighted by chapter size
- Charts from the book's own data
- Traps corrected
Chapter summary
The story in steps
- Chief Brown brings home a mystery, and Encyclopedia quietly listens at dinner.
- The family discusses Tim Nolan, the old jewellery robbery, and Davenport’s link with him.
- Chief Brown says Nolan dies after a stroke and leaves his nursery to Davenport.
- A strange four-word note clipped to the will troubles Chief Brown and Mrs. Brown.
- Encyclopedia sees that the words hide the names of weekdays from a calendar.
- He finds the missing fifth word, Friday or fir, and the jewellery is found under the fir tree.
Key ideas & terms
- Encyclopedia Brown (Leroy)
- The boy detective who solves the case using logic and a sharp memory; he helps his father, the police chief.
- “The Case of the Fifth Word”
- A detective story adapted from Donald J. Sobol about a coded clue hiding stolen jewellery.
- Code / cipher
- A hidden message; here, four words stand for days of the week with the letters d-a-y removed.
- The fifth word
- The unwritten word “Fir” (Friday), the key that reveals the jewellery is hidden under a fir tree.
- Deduction
- Reasoning step by step from clues to a conclusion, the main skill the detective uses.
- Theme – mystery and wonder
- The unit blends logical puzzles with imaginative, magical pieces to celebrate curiosity and creativity.
शब्दार्थ · Word meanings
- nickname
- pet name
- matter-of-fact manner
- without showing much emotion
- hold-ups
- robberies using threat or violence
- nursery
- place where young plants are grown
- testify
- make a statement in court
- hunch
- a strong feeling about something
- loot
- stolen goods
- stroke
- sudden serious illness affecting movement
- will
- legal paper about property after death
- leafed through
- quickly turned the pages
- code
- hidden message
- foreseen
- predicted
Extra questions & answers
Who solves the mystery in “The Case of the Fifth Word”?
The boy detective Encyclopedia (Leroy) Brown, who helps his father, the Chief of Police.
What clue did the criminal Nolan leave behind?
Four strange-looking words written on a sheet torn from a desk calendar.
How was the code in the four words constructed?
Each word stood for a day of the week with the letters d-a-y removed—Nom=Monday, Utes=Tuesday, Sweden=Wednesday, Hurts=Thursday.
What was the unwritten fifth word, and what did it stand for?
The fifth word was “Fir”, standing for Friday—the missing day in the sequence.
Where was the stolen jewellery actually hidden?
Under the young fir tree in Nolan’s nursery, inside a jug of earth—just as Encyclopedia had reasoned.
Why was the calendar sheet an important detail?
It hinted that the words were linked to days of the week, helping the detective crack the code.
What skill does the story mainly celebrate?
Careful observation and logical, step-by-step reasoning that turns a confusing clue into a clear solution.
Why would the code mean nothing to an ordinary person?
Without knowing it referred to a hiding place and to days of the week, the four odd words seemed meaningless.
How does the unit combine “mystery” and “magic”?
It pairs a logical detective story with imaginative pieces like “The Magic Brush of Dreams” to mix reasoning with wonder.
What can readers learn from a detective story like this?
To read closely, notice small details, reason logically and enjoy the challenge of solving puzzles themselves.
Let us do these activities before we read.
I Work in pairs. Solve the crossword puzzle given below with the clues in the form of anagrams. Across: 3. Declare 6. Tucks 7. Heart 9. Felt 10. Sown 12. Sword 13. Evil Down: 1. Aces 2. Read 4. Tool 5. Alps 6. Hooks 8. Mane 11. Loves Note: An anagram is a word or phrase that is made by rearranging the letters in a different order to make a new word or phrase. For example, ‘Neat’ is an anagram of ‘a net’.
The anagrams are solved by rearranging letters: Across 3 Declare = CLEARED, 6 Tucks = STUCK, 7 Heart = EARTH, 9 Felt = LEFT, 10 Sown = SNOW, 12 Sword = WORDS, 13 Evil = VILE or LIVE, Down 1 Aces = CASE, 2 Read = DEAR, 4 Tool = LOOT, 5 Alps = SLAP or PALS, 6 Hooks = SHOOK, 8 Mane = NAME or MEAN, 11 Loves = SOLVE. These words fit the crossword grid.
1. Lalit said that he could not sing but that was not the case as he sang melodiously later.
(iii) situation - here case means the actual situation or truth.
2. The lawyer was waiting for the case to be taken up in court.
(iv) matter - here case means a legal matter or lawsuit.
3. My pencil case is a gift from my grandmother.
(ii) container - here case means a box or container for holding things.
4. The subject of a formal letter is written in title case.
(i) writing format - here case means the style of lettering with capital letters.
Let us discuss
I Complete the following statements with suitable reasons. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher. 1. Leroy’s nickname was Encyclopedia and everyone called him by that name because ______________.
Leroy was called Encyclopedia because his head was full of facts from A to Z like an encyclopedia. He read more books than anyone in Idaville and never forgot a fact, so his friends found the nickname fitting.
2. At the dinner table on Tuesday night, Chief Brown stared at his cream-of-mushroom soup as ______________.
he had a mystery he could not solve. Staring at his soup was his habit when he was troubled by a difficult case, here the mystery of Nolan's death and the hidden jewellery.
3. Encyclopedia sat quietly at the dinner table because ______________.
he knew his mother and father were discussing the case for his benefit. He was listening keenly to gather clues so he could help his father solve it.
4. Nolan put the will on the kitchen table because ______________.
he had suffered a stroke and realized he was dying. With his last strength he wanted to ensure his property including the palm-tree nursery and the coded clue would reach Davenport.
II Do you think Chief Brown would need Leroy’s help to solve this case? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Yes, Chief Brown would need Leroy's help because he could not understand the four-word code Nom Utes Sweden Hurts and his search of Nolan's house had found nothing. Leroy's knowledge of calendars and word codes and his ability to ask the key question about the fir tree was needed to locate the hidden jewellery.
Let us discuss
I A fact is something that can be proven true or false. A fact is not based on people’s beliefs. An opinion on the other hand is a belief, feeling, or judgement, and can vary from one person to another. An opinion cannot be proven. Identify which of the following statements from part I and II of the story are facts or opinions. One example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher. 1. Encyclopedia’s father was the Chief of Police. Fact
Fact - it can be verified that Chief Brown held that position.
2. Everyone thought that Chief Brown must be the smartest police chief in the country.
Opinion - it is a belief or judgement of people, not verifiable.
3. An encyclopedia is a book or set of books filled with facts from A to Z.
Fact - this is a definitional, verifiable statement.
4. Leroy’s friends said that he was like a library and computer rolled into one, and more user-friendly.
Opinion - it is a comparative judgement and feeling of his friends.
5. Two masked men held up the Diamond Mart on Sixth Avenue.
Fact - it is an event described as having happened and could be proven.
6. Nolan and Davenport had met while both were in prison in South Carolina.
Fact - stated as an event in their past.
7. Chief Brown’s hunch was that Davenport and Nolan decided to hide the loot until things cooled down.
Opinion - a hunch is a strong feeling or guess, not proven.
8. Nolan wrote a four words code to tell Davenport where he had hidden the stolen jewellery.
Fact - the text later confirms this was his purpose, verifiable within the story.
II Complete the table by choosing the character traits of Leroy given in the box below. There is an extra word that you do not need. One example has been done for you. cleverness knowledgeable keen listener gentle humble Textual Evidences Traits 1. He read more books than anyone in Idaville, and he never forgot a fact. knowledgeable 2. Encyclopedia never spoke of the help he gave his father. He didn’t want to seem different from other boys.
humble - he does not boast about his help and wants to be like other boys.
3. Encyclopedia sat quietly. He knew his mother and father were discussing the case for his benefit.
keen listener - he listens attentively and understands without interrupting.
4. Usually, he needed to ask only one question to solve a case before dessert.
cleverness - he shows sharp intelligence and quick reasoning.
Let us think and reflect
(i) Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason. Chief Brown’s dilemma can be called unique because____________.
his best detective is his own eighth-grade son Leroy, but he cannot tell anyone because no one would believe that a boy solves cases the police cannot.
(ii) What can be inferred about why Encyclopedia never spoke of the help he gave his father? A. He is shy and lacks confidence in his abilities to share his insights. B. He wants to avoid the jealousy others might feel about his skills. C. He desires to blend with the other boys to prevent seeming different. D. He is embarrassed about being smarter than most adults around him.
C. He desires to blend with the other boys to prevent seeming different - the text says he did not want to seem different from other boys.
(iii) The parents choose not to call their son ‘Encyclopedia’. Select the reason that is false. A. For them he is more than his unique abilities; he is their child, with a personal identity. B. Calling him by his real name reflects their affection and the desire to acknowledge him as an ordinary boy. C. They want him to be remembered as different from the others around.
C is false. His parents use his real name Leroy out of affection and to treat him as their ordinary child, not to make him seem different. Only others use the nickname.
(iv) What does the writer mean by the fact that Leroy was ‘stuck with’ the name Encyclopedia?
It means he could not get rid of the nickname. Even though he wanted to be ordinary, everyone except parents and teachers insisted on calling him Encyclopedia because his knowledge made the name stick.
(i) What does Chief Brown’s reaction of shaking his head suggest about his understanding of the four words? A. He is confident that the words are a clue. B. He is confused, unable to make sense of the words. C. He believes the words are random and meaningless. D. He thinks the words are unrelated to the case.
B. He is confused, unable to make sense of the words - he cannot decode Nom Utes Sweden Hurts and needs help.
(ii) Identify whether the given statement is true or false. Mrs. Brown explained the actual meanings of the individual words rather than decoding the hidden message behind them.
True. She gave dictionary meanings - Nom as nominative, Utes as tribe, Sweden as country, Hurts as hurts - without seeing the calendar code.
(iii) What does Mrs. Brown’s inability to decode the words suggest about the message?
It suggests the code is clever and simple only to someone looking for a hiding place and with the key of the calendar. Without that context the words look like nonsense, so a well-educated person like Mrs. Brown also fails.
(iv) Complete the following sentence suitably. The purpose of Encyclopedia’s reminder in the last line of the extract was to _________________. (refocus the discussion on the context of the crime/suggest that the coded message was meant for Davenport/imply that the message was likely a clue about the location of the stolen jewellery)
refocus the discussion on the context of the crime and imply that the message was likely a clue about the location of the stolen jewellery - he reminds them Davenport disappeared after the hold-up and the loot was hidden, so the words must point to the hiding place.
II Answer the following questions. 1. Nolan and Davenport were very close. Support this statement with evidence from the text.
They met in prison in South Carolina and became friendly due to shared interests. Davenport came to live with Nolan a week before the robbery, they planned the hold-up together, and Nolan left everything including his nursery to Davenport in his will.
2. Why did Davenport disappear right after the jewellery hold-up? What might his plans have been if, Nolan had not died?
He disappeared to avoid arrest and to let the case cool down while the jewellery stayed hidden with Nolan. If Nolan had not died, Davenport would have later returned quietly to claim the nursery and dig up the loot using the code, without police notice.
3. What does Mrs. Brown’s interest in the case tell us about her?
She is intelligent, curious and supportive. As a former English teacher she analyses words, asks good questions, and participates actively in the dinner-table detective work, showing she is observant and logical.
4. Explain why Chief Brown was proud of his son.
He is proud because Leroy, an eighth grader, is smarter than the police force. Leroy solves difficult cases quickly, often with one question before dessert, yet remains humble and helpful.
5. Why were Chief Brown’s suspicions regarding Nolan and Davenport justified, even when there was a lack of concrete proof?
Their prison friendship, Davenport's arrival just before the robbery, the clerk's partial identification of Nolan, the lack of other suspects, and the fact that no loot was found all pointed to them, so his hunch was logical even without eyewitness testimony.
6. Analyse the role of the four-word coded message in the story.
The code is the central puzzle. Written on calendar paper, Nom Utes Sweden Hurts hides Monday to Thursday by dropping -day. The missing fifth word Fir = Friday reveals the jewellery is under the fir tree. It shows Nolan's cleverness and Encyclopedia's brilliance in cracking it.
7. Write a character sketch on Leroy with the help of the character traits table given in ‘Let us discuss’ section. You may begin it like this: Encyclopedia was a knowledgeable eighth grader who never forgot a fact that he read.
Encyclopedia was a knowledgeable eighth grader who never forgot a fact that he read. He was humble, never boasting about helping his father solve cases. He was a keen listener who sat quietly while his parents discussed cases for his benefit. His cleverness let him solve mysteries with a single sharp question, like asking about the fir tree. Despite being brilliant he wanted to be ordinary and friendly like any boy.
Let us learn
1. put on
(iv) wear (clothes, hat, etc.)
2. cooled down
(iii) became normal or calmed
3. turned up
(i) appeared, been discovered
4. make of
(vi) have an idea or understanding of something
5. figure out
(ii) solve a problem
6. got away with
(v) escaped without being punished
A. Finally, some important evidence about the case has _______________.
turned up
B. After I _______________, I understood that I had made a big mistake.
cooled down
C. I couldn’t _______________ why he was angry with me.
figure out
D. He _______________ his special coat and went to his friend’s birthday party.
put on
E. Ravi forgets to do his homework but he _______________ it as teacher didn’t ask for it that day.
got away with
F. I do not know what to _______________ his behaviour.
make of
II Fill in the blanks in the following sentences by choosing the correct word pairs from the box given below. week/weak dying/dyeing fore/four peace/piece break/brake 1. After running for 50 kilometres last _________________, I felt _________________ for two days.
week, weak
2. When the committee met yesterday, they brought _________________ local cases to the _________________.
four, fore
3. While learning to drive, Rina used too much force on the _________________, causing the car to _________________ down.
brake, break
4. He has composed a beautiful _________________ of music in order to bring _________________ to thousands of people.
piece, peace
5. She was busy _________________ her hair not caring about the _________________ flowers in her garden.
dyeing, dying
III Leroy solved the mystery of the missing fifth word with his critical thinking abilities. Work in pairs to solve the puzzles given in the illustrations below and infer what they say. One example has been done for you. Answer: Top secret AGED AGED AGED sense sense sense sense sense sense Try M 1 L L I O N GO It It It It R O A D S R O D S stand ONCE 2 SECRET SECRET SECRET uu
AGED AGED AGED = Old age or Three ages; sense sense / sense sense / sense sense = nonsense, common sense; Try M 1 L L I O N = Try one in a million; GO It It It It = Go for it; R O A D with R above and S below = Crossroads; S R O D S with stand = Understand; ONCE 2 = Once in a blue moon; SECRET SECRET SECRET = Three secrets; uu with SECRET on top = You are top secret.
IV Spoonerism is a mistake made when speaking, where the first sounds of the words in a phrase or a sentence are exchanged with each other. This usually gives a funny meaning. Some examples of spoonerism are saying ‘wrong load’ instead of ‘long road’, ‘round of mice’ instead of ‘mound of rice’. Find the correct order for the following spoonerisms. 1. knowing sits 2. it’s roaring with pain. 3. plaster man 4. blarm wanket 5. tars and crucks 6. shake a tower 7. bead a rook 8. mardon me padam
1 knowing sits = sitting knows, 2 it’s roaring with pain = it’s pouring with rain, 3 plaster man = master plan, 4 blarm wanket = warm blanket, 5 tars and crucks = cars and trucks, 6 shake a tower = take a shower, 7 bead a rook = read a book, 8 mardon me padam = pardon me madam.
V Read the following sentences from the text and study the highlighted words. Now, fill in the blanks with the words in the box given below to complete the following sentences. There are two extra words that you do not need. Detective stories are exciting, keeping readers guessing (i) ____________ the real culprit is. They take place in settings (ii) ____________ clues are hidden carefully. (iii) ____________ the mystery seems tricky, a clever detective always finds answers. Readers often wonder (iv) ____________ criminals leave small but important clues. The challenge is to decide (v) ____________ suspect is guilty. (vi) ____________ the truth is revealed, everything makes sense. But one may wonder (vii) ____________ they could have solved it themselves. These stories are fun (viii) ____________ they make readers think till the very end. where why who though which when because whose if how
(i) who, (ii) where, (iii) Though, (iv) why, (v) which, (vi) When, (vii) if, (viii) because
VI Combine the following pairs of sentences using the word given in brackets. One example has been done for you. 1. We gave him the signal. He was waiting for the signal. (that) Answer: We gave him the signal that he was waiting for. 2. We went to a place. The incident occurred there. (where)
We went to the place where the incident occurred.
3. Teacher said she would retire soon. She is now nearly sixty. (who)
The teacher who is now nearly sixty said she would retire soon.
4. It was the day. Half the class was absent. (when)
It was the day when half the class was absent.
VII Now, follow these steps to transform the sentences given as examples from direct speech to indirect speech. Indirect Speech (i) Mrs. Brown asked ______________________________________________. (“What’s suspicious about that?” Mrs. Brown asked.)
Mrs. Brown asked what was suspicious about that.
(ii) Mrs. Brown questioned Leroy __________________________________. (“What do you make of the four words, Leroy?”)
Mrs. Brown questioned Leroy what he made of the four words.
(iii) Mrs. Brown inquired __________________________________________. (“Wasn’t he mixed up in a jewellery robbery a few years ago?”)
Mrs. Brown inquired whether he had not been mixed up in a jewellery robbery a few years before.
(iv) Mrs. Brown asked Chief Brown ________________________________. (“Didn’t you search Nolan’s house, dear?”)
Mrs. Brown asked Chief Brown if he had not searched Nolan's house.
(v) Mrs. Brown inquired ___________________________________________. (“Is there a young fir tree in Mr. Nolan’s palm-tree nursery?”)
Encyclopedia inquired whether there was a young fir tree in Mr. Nolan's palm-tree nursery.
VIII Rewrite the following sentences in Reported Speech. 1. “Why did you stop talking to me?” asked Rohan. Rohan questioned __________________________________________________.
Rohan questioned why I had stopped talking to him.
2. “Did you enjoy the family gathering yesterday?” asked my aunt. My aunt asked ______________________________________________________.
My aunt asked if I had enjoyed the family gathering the day before.
3. “When will you visit us again?” asked my grandmother. My grandmother inquired _________________________________________.
My grandmother inquired when I would visit them again.
4. Madavi said to Ravi, “Will you come with me to meet our old teacher tomorrow?” asked Madavi. Madavi asked Ravi __________________________________________________.
Madavi asked Ravi whether he would go with her to meet their old teacher the following day.
5. My friend said, “What gift are you planning to give your brother?” My friend inquired _________________________________________________.
My friend inquired what gift I was planning to give my brother.
6. “Shall I carry these notebooks to the staffroom, Ma’am?” asked Veenu. Veenu asked her teacher ____________________________________________.
Veenu asked her teacher whether she should carry those notebooks to the staffroom.
IX Read the conversation between Aditi and Rahul. Aditi: Did you see anyone leave a package near the lift? Rahul: I noticed a man wearing a blue jacket drop it off. Aditi: What time did you see this happen? Rahul: It was around 6:45 p.m. Aditi: Were you able to see his face? Rahul: He wore a hood and so I couldn’t see his face. Complete the following paragraph by transforming the dialogue in indirect speech. Aditi asked Rahul 1. ___________________________________________________. Rahul replied that he had noticed a man wearing a blue jacket drop it off. Aditi asked Rahul 2. ___________________________________________________. Rahul replied that it had been around 6.45 p.m. Aditi further inquired 3. _______________________________________________. Rahul said that he had worn a hood, so he couldn’t see his face.
1. whether he had seen anyone leave a package near the lift, 2. what time he had seen that happen, 3. whether he had been able to see his face.
Let us listen
I You will listen to a podcast about ways of improving observation skills. As you listen, mark the statements 1–4 as true or false. (Transcript for teacher on page 151) 1. Observation skills help improve your common sense. 2. Rushing through tasks helps you focus better and observe more. 3. Taking notes or making sketches helps with what you observe. 4. Incorporating tips on observation skills will soon lead to success.
1. False - podcast says observation helps awareness, decision making and memory, not common sense directly. 2. False - rushing leads to missed details. 3. True - notes and sketches reinforce memory. 4. False - it says you will soon observe things you never noticed before, not immediate success.
II You will once again listen to the podcast. As you listen, complete the given sentences by filling in the blanks with one to three exact words you hear. 1. It is important to slow down and ___________________ to notice several aspects around you more clearly.
take your time
2. The more senses like hearing and smelling you use, the more ___________________ you absorb.
information
3. People who are ___________________ tend to be better observers because they seek to understand what they notice.
curious
4. When you make a note of things, it helps reinforce the ________________ in your memory.
details
5. Practising mindfulness helps a person stay ___________________ with their surroundings.
present in the moment / fully engage
Let us speak
I Read the following words from the text loudly with the help of pronunciation guide given in brackets. jewellery (jool-ree) clerk (claak) dessert (dih-zuht)—a sweet dish Now, practise reading the following words. January (ja-nyoo-uh-ree) sour (sau-uh) pizza (peet-zaa) Wednesday (wenz-day) bowl (bol) buffet (buh-fay) pronunciation (pruh-nuhn-see-ay-shn)
Practice reading aloud: January is pronounced ja-nyoo-uh-ree, Wednesday as wenz-day, sour as sau-uh, bowl as bol, pizza as peet-zaa, buffet as buh-fay, pronunciation as pruh-nuhn-see-ay-shn, jewellery as jool-ree, clerk as claak, dessert as dih-zuht.
II Work in groups of five or six. Conduct a group discussion on the topic, ‘The Interesting Aspects of a Mystery Story’.
In the discussion, students can mention suspense, clues, red herrings, clever detective, unexpected twist, and the satisfaction of solving the puzzle before the end. Use turn-taking phrases like If I may say something and I fully agree, and the moderator summarizes views.
Let us write
I A report is written for an event that has already occurred. The purpose of a report is to provide first-hand details of an incident or event. It presents the information in a proper sequence. Read the sample report written about the ‘Inter-school Football Tournament’ organised by your Vidyalaya. Note the format, content, and language used. Now,as a member of the Art and Craft Club, write a report on an ‘Inter-school Art Exhibition’ organised by your school. Include the necessary details.
Inter-school Art Exhibition by Aarav, Class 8 - Member, Art and Craft Club. An Inter-school Art Exhibition was organised by our Vidyalaya on 10 May 20XX in the School Auditorium. Twelve schools participated. The exhibition was inaugurated by the eminent artist Ms. Sunita Rao on Friday. Paintings, sculptures and craft works were displayed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Following keen appreciation, the team from ABC School won the Best Exhibit Award. The prize distribution was held in the evening. The Chief Guest said, Art nurtures creativity and patience. The event was a great success showcasing talent and imagination.
Let us explore
I Work in pairs. Read the words and observe the images given below. Check if your answers match. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. These are optical illusions which may trick the eye and make you think that you can see two different things.
These are classic optical illusions like vase-faces, duck-rabbit, old-young woman etc. Each image can be seen as two different pictures depending on focus, showing how eyes can be tricked.
II Read the steps to play a language game—Name the Mystery Object. 1. Divide the class into teams. 2. Each team chooses an object and prepares three hints to enable the other teams to name the object. 3. Each team takes turns to name the object given by the other team. 4. If a team names the object with the first hint, they get 20 points, with the second hint 10 points, and with the third hint 5 points. One example with three hints: (i) I display information for all to share, with a swipe I’m clean and bare. (ii) I am rectangular or a square, whom neither teacher nor student can spare. (iii) I am mostly black, sometimes green, now in white too I am seen.
The object is a blackboard / whiteboard / smart board. It displays information, is rectangular, and is found in black, green and now white in classrooms.
III Visit the library and look for an encyclopedia. What is it? Check how it is different from a dictionary. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
An encyclopedia is a set of books giving detailed information on many subjects from A to Z. A dictionary gives word meanings, pronunciation and usage, while an encyclopedia gives comprehensive facts and articles about topics.
IV A thesaurus is a reference book or digital tool that provides a collection of words with similar meanings, allowing users to find alternative words or phrases to express the same idea. Choose any five words and find out their alternative words from the thesaurus.
Happy - joyful, cheerful, delighted; Brave - courageous, fearless; Big - large, huge, enormous; Small - tiny, little; Smart - intelligent, clever. A thesaurus helps improve vocabulary.
Let us do these activities before we read.
I Work in pairs. Discuss the following questions. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher. 1. Mention a magical object that you would like to have. Give a reason for your choice.
I would like to have a magic wand that could clean the environment instantly because I want to reduce pollution and make surroundings healthy.
2. What would you draw for yourself, if you had a magic paint brush? Why?
I would draw books and a bicycle for myself so I could learn more and travel easily.
3. Would you use the magic paint brush to draw for someone else? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Yes, I would draw food, clothes and houses for poor people because sharing magic to help others brings more happiness than using it only for myself.
II Work in pairs. Discuss instances of acts of kindness that you have heard, read, or experienced. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Examples include helping an elderly person cross the road, sharing lunch with a hungry classmate, and neighbours helping after a flood. Such acts show compassion and build community.
III Work in pairs and guess the meanings of the words given below and draw pictures depicting their meanings. Share with your classmates and teacher. paintbrush joy fortress feast fear winding twig bows drawing cold Now, arrange these words into different categories as given below. Things: ................................................................. Actions: ................................................................. Emotions: .................................................................
Things: paintbrush, fortress, twig, bows; Actions: drawing, winding, bows (as verb); Emotions: joy, fear, cold (feeling). Pictures can show a brush for paintbrush, castle for fortress, small branch for twig, smiling face for joy.
Let us discuss
I Arrange the events in order of occurrence in the poem. The last one has been marked for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher. 1. Gopi paints a bowl of khichdi, which becomes real and amazes the villagers. 2. The Zamindar orders Gopi to paint treasures for him. 3. Gopi is told to gather food but instead sits drawing pictures in the sand. 4. Gopi returns to the village with the Zamindar and his men chasing her. 5. The Zamindar throws Gopi into prison. 6. Gopi paints a road and a horse to escape. 7. Gopi uses the magic brush to paint useful items for the villagers. 8. Gopi paints a wide river, stopping the Zamindar and his men. 9. A man gives a magic brush to Gopi to paint only for the poor. 10. Gopi scares the Zamindar away, and celebrates with the villagers. 10
Correct order: 9, 3, 1, 7, 2, 5, 6, 4, 8, 10. First the man gives brush, then Gopi ignores food gathering to draw, paints khichdi, helps villagers, Zamindar orders treasures, imprisons her, she escapes with road and horse, is chased back, creates river, then scares him and celebrates.
II Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct answer from the box given below. triumphant and celebratory tension and suspense playful and innocent The tone of the poem shifts throughout, reflecting the different moods of the story. Initially, the tone is 1. _________________ as Gopi uses her imagination to draw in the sand, and later when the Zamindar enters the story, the tone shifts to one of 2. _________________. In the final part of the poem, the tone becomes 3. _________________ as Gopi escapes, the Zamindar is defeated, and the villagers rejoice.
1. playful and innocent, 2. tension and suspense, 3. triumphant and celebratory
III Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct option from within the brackets. 1. The poem mostly follows a simple rhyme scheme, _________________, which adds a rhythmic flow. (ABCB, ABBA, ABAB)
ABCB - the second and fourth lines rhyme while first and third do not, giving a ballad-like flow.
2. This poem belongs to the _________________ poetry genre, which tells a story through verse. (descriptive, narrative or ballad, free style)
narrative or ballad
IV Give examples from the poem for the following explanations. 1. The poem is rich in imagery, creating clear pictures in the reader’s mind. For example, ___________________.
For example, 'She paints a bowl of khichdi and waits, Until the paint has dried' and 'She paints a mighty river wide, Its currents fast and deep' create vivid visual pictures.
2. What is the effect of repetition in the line—‘On you, and you and you!’?
Repetition creates emphasis, urgency and fear. It shows Gopi's powerful threat to the Zamindar and his men that the beast will attack each of them, heightening drama.
1. The magic paintbrush (i) greed and the desire for wealth
(iii) the power of art and imagination to change the world
2. The grand fortress (ii) barriers to protect Gopi from the Zamindar’s anger
(i) greed and the desire for wealth
3. The river and the beast (iii) the power of art and imagination to change the world
(ii) barriers to protect Gopi from the Zamindar's anger - they symbolise protective obstacles she creates.
VI Identify whether the following statement is true or false. While Gopi uses the magic brush to help others, the Zamindar wants to use it for personal gain. This contrast drives the moral of the story.
True - Gopi helps the poor with useful things while the Zamindar wants treasures and fortress for selfish power, highlighting kindness versus greed.
Let us think and reflect
(i) Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option from those given in the brackets. The man is whispering and telling Gopi to keep the brush a secret reflects his _______________________ (careful and secretive/magical and delightful) nature.
careful and secretive - he knows the brush's power could be misused by the greedy if known.
(ii) What is the significance of the man slipping the brush into Gopi’s hand?
Slipping it secretly shows trust and a quiet transfer of responsibility. It signals that the brush is meant for humble, kind hands like Gopi's, not for display.
(iii) Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason. The most likely reason the man instructs Gopi to ‘Paint not for wealthy ones but only for the poor’ is because he _______________________.
wants the magic to serve those in need and prevent misuse by the rich and powerful who would exploit it for greed.
(iv) Select the most appropriate title for the extract from the two given below. A. The Magic Brush’s Secret B. Gopi’s Special Gift
A. The Magic Brush's Secret - the extract focuses on the secret giving of the brush and its condition.
(i) Complete the following sentence with the correct reason. The news of Gopi’s magic brush spreads ‘through forests, fields, and plains’ because of its _______________________.
wonder and usefulness - the magic gains helped many poor villagers, so word spread widely and quickly.
(ii) Why does the poet refer to things painted by Gopi’s paintbrush as ‘magic gains’?
Because every painting becomes real and useful - food, clothes, tools - which are gains achieved through magic, admired by all.
(iii) Which of the following statements given below is false? Rectify the false statement. A. Gopi’s magic brush draws the attention of the powerful Zamindar. B. The Zamindar requests Gopi to paint a grand fortress and jewels.
B is false. The Zamindar does not request politely; he orders and threatens Gopi to paint a fortress and treasures. Corrected: The Zamindar orders Gopi to paint a grand fortress and jewels.
(iv) What does the Zamindar’s demand for a grand fortress and jewels reveal about his character?
It reveals he is greedy, power-hungry, arrogant and exploitative, wanting to use magic for personal wealth and control rather than welfare.
II Answer the following questions. 1. Explain why Gopi made the right decision by refusing to paint for the Zamindar.
She kept her promise to help only the poor. Obeying the Zamindar would have made her break trust and let greed misuse magic. Her refusal shows integrity and courage.
2. Gopi threatens to draw a beast to scare away the Zamindar. Justify her action. How would you have dealt with the situation differently?
Her threat is self-defence after imprisonment and pursuit. It is non-violent but effective, stopping the chase without harming anyone. I would also use clever non-violent trick like a river or mountain, and try to make the Zamindar understand sharing helps all.
3. What is the significance of Gopi celebrating with the villagers at the end of the poem?
It shows community victory, gratitude and the triumph of kindness over greed. Painting a feast with music unites villagers and shows magic's purpose is collective joy.
4. Compare Gopi’s use of the magic brush to how the Zamindar would have used it.
Gopi paints practical needs - khichdi, muffler, plough, shawl - for the poor. The Zamindar wants fortress, gold and jewels for personal power and luxury. Her use is selfless and helpful, his is selfish and dominating.
5. What can be inferred about Gopi’s character based on her refusal to follow the Zamindar’s orders?
She is brave, principled, loyal to her promise, compassionate towards the poor, and not intimidated by power.
6. Justify the appropriateness of the title of the poem.
The title The Magic Brush of Dreams fits because the brush makes dreams real. It turns Gopi's kind dreams for others into reality and fulfills villagers' dreams of help, contrasting with the Zamindar's greedy dreams.
7. If you had the magic brush, how would you use it in today’s world?
I would paint clean water, food, medicines, schools and trees for needy areas, and paint solutions like solar panels and shelters for the homeless, using magic to reduce inequality and protect nature.
Let us learn
1. His speech drew loud applause from the audience. (i) opened
(iii) got a reaction
2. The event will draw huge crowds from all neighbouring places. (ii) pulled out
(iv) attract
3. Plants draw water from the soil. (iii) got a reaction
(vi) absorb
4. I reached the station when the train was drawing into the station. (iv) attract
(v) moving
5. The room was dark, so she drew the curtains to let the sunlight in. (v) moving
(i) opened
6. He drew a piece of paper from the folder. (vi) absorb
(ii) pulled out
II Fill in the crossword. Clues have been given below. You will find the words in the poem. Across Down 2. the fastest pace of a horse 4. happen fast 7. speaks very softly 10. take hold of (something) and quickly remove it from its place 11. having a lot of money; rich 12. take hold of something suddenly and forcibly 1. runs away from a place 3. possessing a great deal of strength or power 5. a deep loud shout in pain or anger 6. to act according to rules 8. moved in a continuous flow in a specified direction 9. a win after overcoming an enemy
PLUCK — to take hold of something and quickly remove it from its place (as in the poem, 'Go and pluck the mangoes').
III There are certain expressions that convey a sudden feeling or reaction. They can be used to express a variety of emotions and thoughts. Example: ... he whispers. “Hush!” (‘Hush’ denotes the act of silencing someone) Now, match the expressions in Column 1 with what emotions or reactions they convey, in Column 2. Column 1 Column 2 1. Phew! (i) surprise 2. Eek! (ii) pain 3. Ouch! (iii) mistake 4. Yippee! (iv) attract attention 5. Whoa! (v) relief 6. Oops! (vi) delight 7. Hey! (vii) alarm Now, create sentences using any five expressions from Column 1.
1 Phew - (v) relief, 2 Eek - (vii) alarm, 3 Ouch - (ii) pain, 4 Yippee - (vi) delight, 5 Whoa - (i) surprise, 6 Oops - (iii) mistake, 7 Hey - (iv) attract attention. Sentences: Phew! I finished homework on time. Ouch! I pricked my finger. Yippee! We won the match. Oops! I spilled ink. Hey! Look at this beautiful painting.
Let us listen
I You will listen to five speakers speak about a magical power they wish for. As you listen, match statements 1–7 with speakers (i)–(v). There are two statements you do not need. (Transcript for teacher on page 152 ) Statements Speaker No. 1. Power of healing ailments 2. Ability to end poverty in the world 3. Power to control the weather as per need 4. Ability to make wise business decisions 5. Power to predict one’s own future clearly 6. Ability to remember information quickly 7. Power to move around without using vehicles
Speaker (i) - 5 Power to predict future and make wise business decisions (also 4), Speaker (ii) - 6 Ability to remember information quickly, Speaker (iii) - 7 Power to move around without vehicles (flying), Speaker (iv) - 1 Power of healing ailments, Speaker (v) - 3 Power to control weather. Statement 2 Ability to end poverty is not needed.
Let us speak
I Intonation is the rise and fall of the pitch of tone while speaking. The ‘falling’ tone is the fall in the pitch of the voice from a high level to a low level. It is marked [ ]. The falling tone is generally used in imperative sentences. Such sentences are used in speech for different communicative purposes— to express a command or an instruction, to ask for a favour or to give a warning. Read the following sentences from the text with the falling tone. • Come here! • Seize this magic brush… • Paint my fortress tall! • Go and fetch some rice.
Read each imperative with a falling tone at the end, lowering pitch on here, brush, tall, rice to show command.
II Work in pairs. Take turns to make requests for the following formal and informal situations. Formal Requests Situation 1 Situation 2 Situation 3 You request your teacher to organise a class picnic. You request your class teacher for an extra sports period, since you missed it last week. You request your Activity incharge teacher to include you in the upcoming inter-school event. Informal Requests Situation 1 Situation 2 Situation 3 You request your sibling to help you with the completion of your project. You request your mother to enroll you in a dance class. You request your cousin to come over to spend the weekend with you. You may use the following phrases when you make the request. Formal Informal • Would you mind if… • Do you think you could… • I would like to… • Would it be possible… • Can/Will you… • Do you mind if… • By any chance do you know… • I was wondering if…
Formal: Would you mind if we organise a class picnic next month? Would it be possible to arrange an extra sports period as I missed last week? I would like to be included in the inter-school event. Informal: Can you help me with my project please? I was wondering if you could enroll me in a dance class? Will you come over for the weekend?
Let us write
II Complete the given checklist based on your observations and understanding of what an imaginative essay includes. Share the answers with your classmates and teacher. 1. Title — A relevant title 2. Introduction • Captivating opening sentence to catch the reader’s attention • Clear statement of the setting, situation, or main idea • Establishes the tone (e.g., playful, serious, and adventurous) • Introduces the narrator briefly (if applicable) 3. Setting and Context • Description of the setting to create a mental picture • Clear time frame (past, present, or future) • Brief explanation of any unique or imaginative elements (e.g., powers, fantasy world) 4. Characters • Main character introduced with unique traits • Supporting characters briefly described (if relevant) 5. Central Idea • Clear focus on a single powerful idea or narrative • Logical flow of events, even if the story involves imagination or fantasy 6. Language and Style • Use of sensory details (sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste) to enhance the narrative • Creative metaphors or similes to enrich descriptions 7. Resolution • Key turning point or moment of realisation • Resolution of the main idea • Clear takeaway message 8. Conclusion • Ends on a reflective or thought-provoking note • Summarises the main message or leaves the reader with a strong final impression
Checklist: Title should be catchy and relevant. Introduction needs a hook and sets tone. Setting paints vivid picture and time frame. Characters are distinct. Central idea stays focused with logical sequence. Language uses sensory words and similes. Resolution shows turning point and message. Conclusion reflects and leaves impression. All elements were present in My Life as EcoFlash sample.
III Write an imaginative essay on any one of the following. 1. Imagine you were a scarf that flew away from a clothesline. Describe the places you travelled to and how you came back. Also write about what you thought was the most valuable experience. 2. Imagine you stumbled upon a magical book in the library. The book transported you to a different time period. Describe your experience and an important learning.
I choose topic 2: One rainy afternoon I found a dusty glowing book titled Time Wings in the library. As I opened it I was pulled into ancient Nalanda. I walked among students debating under trees, saw palm-leaf manuscripts and teachers teaching astronomy. I learned that knowledge shared grows. When I returned, I valued books more and promised to share learning, realizing curiosity connects past and future.
Let us explore
II Words can also play tricks. Read the riddles about things that seem to be unreal and find what they refer to. 1. I can fill a room, but I take up no space. I’m often heard, but never seen. What am I? 2. The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I? 3. I have cities but no houses, I have forests but no trees. What am I? 4. I’m tall when I’m young and short when I’m old, in a dark room, my story is told.
1 Light or Sound - answer is light, or air or sound that fills room without space. 2 Footsteps, 3 A map, 4 A candle or pencil - tall when new, short when used, tells story in dark when lit or when projecting.
III You are asked to create a magical object. What object would you create? Make a drawing with all its details and mention its special quality on the same sheet. Put up the sheet on the display board.
I would create a Magic Water Pot that never empties and purifies any water poured into it, providing clean drinking water to villages. It would be clay-coloured with blue waves, a leaf symbol, and it would produce sweet water when you say Please share.
Let us do these activities before we read.
I Look at the pictures given below and sort them into natural and man-made wonders. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Natural: ______, ______, ______, and ______ Man-made: ______, ______, ______, and ______
Natural: Valley of Flowers, Living Root Bridges (natural but made with human help), Magnetic Hills illusion, Chandipur Beach etc. Man-made: Taj Mahal, Kallanai Dam etc. Sort based on natural formation versus human construction.
II Which of these wonders—man-made or natural—are more appealing and why? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Natural wonders are more appealing because they show nature's mystery and power that humans cannot fully control, and they change with seasons and time, creating awe.
III Work in pairs. Write down two wonders of nature that have amazed you. Discuss what makes them impressive. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
The Himalayas amaze me with snow peaks and height. The desert's shifting dunes amaze with patterns formed by wind. Both show scale, beauty and natural forces.
IV Work in groups of four. Complete the web chart given below with words that you associate with the phrase, ‘Nature’s Power’. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher. Nature’s Power
Nature's Power associates: storm, earthquake, waterfall, volcano, healing, beauty, life-giving, mysterious, vast, resilient, nurturing.
Let us discuss
I Complete the information in the table given below. One example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher. Amazing Natural Phenomena Location One Unique Feature 1. The Valley of Flowers Chamoli district, Uttarakhand Around 600 species of exotic flowers 2. The Living Root Bridges 3. Buldhana district, Maharashtra 4. Magnetic Hills 5. Glowing Waters 6. West Bengal 7. Balasore district, Odisha
2. The Living Root Bridges - Meghalaya - bridges made of intertwined living roots lasting hundreds of years, up to 175 feet long. 3. The Lonar Crater Lake - Buldhana district Maharashtra - only crater in basaltic rock formed by meteorite, third largest. 4. Magnetic Hills - Leh district Ladakh - vehicles appear to roll uphill due to optical illusion. 5. Glowing Waters - Kumbalangi Kerala - bioluminescence due to micro-planktons. 6. The Sundarbans - West Bengal - mangrove forest in delta of Ganga Brahmaputra Meghna with Royal Bengal Tiger. 7. The Invisible Chandipur Beach - Balasore district Odisha - sea retreats 2-5 km during ebb tide and reappears.
Let us think and reflect
(i) Replace the underlined phrase with one from the extract. India is the birthplace of several rare species of flora and fauna that thrive in its diverse ecosystems.
India is home to some of the most mystifying natural phenomena that surprise and spark our imagination.
(ii) What does the phrase ‘nature’s unusual side’ suggest about the phenomena described?
It suggests these natural wonders are strange, rare and puzzling, showing nature behaving in unexpected ways that spark imagination.
(iii) Complete the similarity by choosing the correct option. spark: imagination : : ______________ : ______________. A. inspiration; creativity B. wonder; amazement C. effort; reward D. knowledge; books
A. inspiration; creativity - spark leads to imagination as inspiration leads to creativity.
(iv) Identify whether the following statement is true or false. Some natural phenomena can surprise people.
True.
(i) Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason. The writer’s most likely purpose to introduce the information about the Chandipur Beach phenomenon with a question is to ____________________. (engage the reader’s curiosity and create a sense of suspense/draw the reader to learn more about the unusual phenomenon/set the tone for the surprising nature of the content that follows)
engage the reader's curiosity and create a sense of suspense about a disappearing sea.
(ii) Select the option that is correct for both Assertion (A) and Reason (R). (A): Chandipur Beach in Odisha is known for its unique feature of the sea disappearing. (R): The tides retreat drastically, exposing the Chandipur beach. A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of(A). B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A). C. (A) is true, but (R) is false. D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
A. Both are true and R correctly explains A - the ebb tide retreat of 2-5 km makes sea seem to disappear.
(iii) What does the term ‘unique’ suggest about the beach in Balasore? A. very popular B. one of its kind C. ancient place D. far from city
B. one of its kind
(iv) What does the writer want to convey with the use of the phrase ‘playing hide-and-seek with its visitors’?
It conveys the playful, mysterious nature of the sea appearing and disappearing, as if the beach teases visitors.
II Answer the following questions. 1. How are the living root bridges a boon for the local people of Meghalaya?
They help cross waterways during monsoons when bamboo bridges wash away. They last centuries, are eco-friendly, and show indigenous knowledge, making travel safe.
2. Why is the Lonar Crater Lake considered a remarkable and rare site?
It is the only crater in India formed in basaltic rock by meteorite impact, third largest in world, with a circular depression and saline lake, blending celestial and terrestrial beauty.
3. What might be the writer’s purpose of highlighting the awe-inspiring natural wonders of India?
To make readers appreciate India's diverse mystique, blend science with folklore, and encourage preservation and pride in natural heritage.
4. The writer uses descriptive language and introductory questions for some of the natural phenomena. What impact does it have on the readers?
Descriptive language creates vivid images and awe, while questions engage curiosity and make readers active, eager to learn the explanation.
5. Which of these unusual phenomena did you find the most interesting and why?
The Living Root Bridges interest me most because they are living engineering - roots grown over years into strong bridges - showing harmony between humans and nature.
Let us learn
I Fill in the blanks with the correct expressions from the text given in the box below. came into existence to no end in full glory in disbelief to name a few age-old problem 1. I have read many stories _____________________.
to name a few
2. Do you know when this little town _____________________?
came into existence
3. His hard work has helped him _____________________.
in full glory - alternatively to no end may fit but best is in full glory for blooming
4. There are no simple solutions to the _____________________ of traffic jams.
age-old problem
5. He opened the ancient wooden box and stared at the treasure _____________________.
in disbelief
6. The garden is _____________________ in spring with lots of beautiful flowers in bloom.
in full glory
II Select the correct synonyms from the box given below that match the list of words in 1–5. You may refer to a thesaurus. colossal exotic serene enigmatic spectacular 1. mysterious, puzzling, baffling
enigmatic
2. mighty, gigantic, huge
colossal
3. breath-taking, stunning, awe-inspiring
spectacular
4. peaceful, calm, tranquil
serene
5. unusual, peculiar, foreign
exotic
III The expressions ‘hide-and-seek’ and ‘flora and fauna’ are used in the text. These are called binomials—a pair of fixed words joined by ‘and’ or ‘or’. The binomials are mostly synonyms, antonyms, rhyming words, same sound words (alliterations), etc. Match the binomials in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. You may refer to a dictionary. Column 1 Column 2 1. odds and ends (i) put different things together to get a range of possibilities 2. on and off (ii) complete part of or belong to 3. mix and match (iii) choose only the best (things, people, etc.) 4. all or nothing (iv) at some time in the future 5. part and parcel (v) sometimes, occasionally 6. pick and choose (vi) increase or develop very quickly 7. sooner or later (vii) small, unimportant things 8. leaps and bounds (viii) something to be done completely or not at all Use the binomials given in Column 1 in sentences of your own.
1 odds and ends - (vii) small unimportant things, 2 on and off - (v) sometimes occasionally, 3 mix and match - (i) put different things together, 4 all or nothing - (viii) done completely or not at all, 5 part and parcel - (ii) belong to, 6 pick and choose - (iii) choose only best, 7 sooner or later - (iv) at some future time, 8 leaps and bounds - (vi) increase very quickly. Sentence: I cleared odds and ends from my room. He visits on and off. You can mix and match colours. It's all or nothing for the exam. Hard work is part and parcel of success. Don't pick and choose friends. Sooner or later truth comes out. Technology grows by leaps and bounds.
IV Study the highlighted words in the following sentences from the text. • The living root bridges are one of Meghalaya’s most beautiful… • …creating a striking visual contrast against the surrounding rugged terrain. In the given sentences, the highlighted words ‘living’, ‘striking’, and ‘rugged’ are examples of verbs used as adjectives. Such verbs are called participles. Participles are verb forms that can function as adjectives, and they come in two types: present participles (‘living’ and ‘striking’) usually ending in –ing, and past participles (‘rugged’) usually ending in -ed, -d, -t, -en, or –n. (though irregular verbs may vary) Present participles are used to describe ongoing or continuous actions. For example, People have seen these lights moving quickly in random directions but often hanging out in one spot for a while before fading. Past participles usually describe actions that have already been completed. For example, When the vehicles are parked at the indicated spot, they begin moving forward at a speed of almost 20km/h. Now, fill in the blanks using present participle or past participle form of the verbs in the box given below. stand amaze carve scatter glow 1. The _______________ marble monument looks even more spectacular in the moonlight.
glowing
2. The _______________ view of the Himalayas from Darjeeling attracts visitors from all over the world.
amazing
3. The Sun Temple in Konark features intricately _______________ stone wheels and walls.
carved
4. _______________ at a height of 182 m, the Statue of Unity is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Standing
5. The _______________ islands of the Andaman and Nicobar offer some of the cleanest beaches in India.
scattered
V Underline the gerunds and participles in the following sentences. Write ‘G’ for gerunds and ‘P’ for participles in the space provided. One example has been done for you. 1. Dancing is a great way to express emotions. G 2. Travelling can broaden your perspective. 3. The falling leaves signalled the arrival of autumn. 4. She enjoys cooking new recipes for her family. 5. Reading helps improve your vocabulary. 6. He watched the shimmering stars in the night sky. 7. Forgetting the keys inside, Kanchan locked the door.
2 Travelling - G, 3 falling - P, 4 cooking - G, 5 Reading - G, 6 shimmering - P, 7 Forgetting - P (participle clause)
VI Combine the following pairs of sentences using participles or gerunds. You may use the clues given in brackets. One example has been done for you. 1. Nitesh entered the room. He saw his friend sitting in the corner. (participle) Entering the room, Nitesh saw his friend sitting in the corner. 2. Smitha walked carelessly. She slipped on the doormat. (participle)
Walking carelessly, Smitha slipped on the doormat.
3. Sleep for eight hours. It is good for health. (gerund)
Sleeping for eight hours is good for health.
4. Ranjith felt happy about the result. He called his parents. (participle)
Feeling happy about the result, Ranjith called his parents.
5. Father encouraged Meena. Meena joined the course. (gerund)
Father encouraged Meena to join the course / Meena's joining the course was encouraged by father - gerund: Meena's joining the course was due to father's encouragement.
Let us listen
I You will listen to a brother and sister discuss a natural phenomenon. As you listen, mark the four true statements from 1–6 given below. (Transcript for teacher on page 153) 1. The brother was taken aback to see the posted pictures. 2. The brother admitted to not knowing about his sister’s favourite picture. 3. The sister stated that the rainbow mountain was like any other mountain. 4. The brother was aware of the reason for the formation of colours on the mountain. 5. The brother was surprised to learn about the mountain being covered with snow till recently. 6. The sister understood nature’s role in the beauty of the mountain.
True statements are 2, 4, 5, 6. 1 is false - he liked them, not shocked. 3 is false - she said it was marvellous and unique, not ordinary. Brother admitted not knowing sister's favourite was also rainbow mountain, knew colours come from minerals, was surprised about snow cover, sister appreciated nature painting it.
Let us speak
I Work in groups of four. Make a presentation on a place of interest in and around your region that people like to visit. You may use the following guidelines to make your presentation. Guidelines: 1. Slides 1–2: Choose any popular place of interest in your region. 2. Slides 3–4: Mention where it is located and how to reach there. 3. Slides 5–6: Describe the attractions of the place, why it is popular and explain its historical importance, if any. 4. Slides 7–8: List out weather conditions, local food, customs, and language. 5. Slides 9–10: Suggest the best time of the year to visit and why you recommend this place.
Presentation example: Mysore Palace - Slides 1-2 title with images, 3-4 located in Mysore Karnataka reachable by train bus, 5-6 attraction grand architecture, Dasara festival, historical Wodeyar dynasty, 7-8 pleasant winter weather, Mysore pak, Kannada customs, 9-10 best Oct-Mar for cool weather and festival, recommend for culture and history.
Let us write
I You just read vivid descriptions of the natural wonders of our country. Write a descriptive essay for your school magazine describing anything from nature that attracted your attention. It may be an object, a place, or an event experienced by you. Remember to give a title to your essay. Use proper format and content organisation—begin with a title, include introduction (one paragraph), body (two to three paragraphs), and conclusion (one paragraph).
Title: The Monsoon Rainbow at My Village Lake. Introduction: Last August I saw a double rainbow over our lake after heavy rain. Body 1 describes dark clouds clearing and sunlight piercing. Body 2 describes colours reflecting on water, birds returning, scent of wet earth. Body 3 describes villagers stopping to watch and children laughing. Conclusion: The moment reminded me how nature briefly paints hope after storms, leaving lasting calm and wonder.
Let us explore
I Man-made Wonders 1. Kallanai Dam (The Grand Anaicut) in Tamil Nadu is one of the world’s oldest dams and is still in use. The Kallanai Dam represents a significant achievement in ancient Indian hydraulic engineering. It was built by the Chola King Karikala around 150 CE. 2. Another spectacular legacy of ancient wisdom that we have is the world’s first residential university at Nalanda in Bihar. Nalanda was established much before any European university, providing higher education to thousands of students. It was declared as a UNESCO heritage site in 1980. You may visit the site given below to know more about this. https://nalandauniv.edu.in/about-nalanda/history-and-revival/ 3. Hampi, a town in Karnataka, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Vittala Temple in Hampi was built in the 15th century. This temple has 56 special pillars known as the SaReGaMa pillars. When these pillars are tapped, they produce musical notes that can be heard clearly. 4. Some of the man-made wonders of modern India include the Bandra–Worli Sea Link in Mumbai; Statue of Unity in Gujarat; Bhupen Hazarika Setu (The Dhola-Sadiya Bridge) in Assam; and many more.
These examples show India's ancient and modern engineering marvels. Students can research more and note how they blend function, art and heritage, and why they attract visitors.
II Some micro-planktons in the sea are bioluminescent. Have you seen any other life form that has this quality? Identify the insect given below and find out what it is called in your language. Look out for it when you visit a field or a place with a wetland.
The insect is a firefly or jugnu. It glows at night due to bioluminescence in its abdomen to attract mates. In Hindi it is jugnu, in many languages similar. It is seen in fields and wetlands after monsoon.