Class 8 › English › Poorvi Chapter 1: Wit and WisdomClass 8 English — summary, notes, extra questions & NCERT solutions Tap a card to open it full-screen — swipe through like a story.
In “The Wit that Won Hearts”, who is the witty court poet who resolves the royal quarrel?
A Allasani Peddana B Birbal C Tenali Rama D Krishnadeva Raya
Unit 1 of Poorvi celebrates humour, intelligence and tact through the world of King Krishnadeva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire and his famously witty court poet, Tenali Rama. The main prose reading, “The Wit that Won Hearts”, retells how a small misunderstanding nearly broke the bond between the king and his queen, Thirumalambal. The king had recited a new poem to the tired queen, and when she yawned several times out of exhaustion he assumed she was insulting his work and stopped speaking to her. Heartbroken, the queen sought help from Tenali Rama. In open court Rama cleverly compared a poet to a farmer sowing seeds, then asked whether anyone could sow—or indeed live—without ever yawning. When even the king yawned, the whole court laughed and the king realised that yawning is as natural as breathing and not a mark of disrespect. He apologised to the queen, their bond was restored, and Rama was rewarded. The unit also includes the humorous poem “A Concrete Example” by Reginald Arkell, about Mrs. Jones and her unusual garden of stones. Together the readings show how wit, observation and gentle humour can resolve conflicts and reveal deeper truths about people.
1 Four young men walk to Ujjain, hoping to find work and somehow meet the king. 2 On the road, they study camel tracks and each notices one special detail. 3 A worried merchant asks about his missing camel, and the men describe it without seeing it. 4 The merchant thinks they are thieves and takes them to the king's court. 5 Before the king, each man explains his clue clearly and proves his sharp observation. 6 The king dismisses the false charge and appoints the four wise men as his advisers. T Tenali Rama The brilliant, witty court poet of Krishnadeva Raya; he resolves the royal quarrel through a clever, humorous argument.
K Krishnadeva Raya The wise and powerful Vijayanagara king (ruled 1509–29 CE) whose reign is called the empire’s Golden Era.
W Wit Quick, clever and humorous intelligence; the central quality praised in the unit and used by Rama to solve problems.
A Ashtadiggajas The eight celebrated poets of Krishnadeva Raya’s court, including Allasani Peddana and Tenali Ramakrishna.
T Theme – misunderstanding A small, trivial misunderstanding (the yawn) leads to a big problem, showing how conflicts often start over little things.
“ “A Concrete Example” (poem) A light humorous poem by Reginald Arkell about Mrs. Jones’s stone garden, included in the same unit to extend the theme of wit.
eludes
difficult to obtain
deliberate
think carefully
scrutinise
look carefully at
astray
away from the correct path
deduce
determine by reasoning
discern
see or notice something
insight
clear deep understanding
Q1 Who was Tenali Rama and why was he important in the king’s court? Answer Q2 What caused the quarrel between the king and the queen? Answer Q3 Why did the queen go to Tenali Rama for help? Answer Q4 How did Rama compare a poet to a farmer? Answer Q5 What made the king finally realise his mistake? Answer Q6 How did the king make amends with the queen? Answer Q7 What reward did Rama receive? Answer Q8 What is the central message of the prose lesson? Answer Q9 What kind of poem is “A Concrete Example” and who wrote it? Answer Q10 Why are qualities like wit and humour valued in a person? Answer Q1 I Select qualities of a person who uses wit from the box given below. wise serious clever powerful humorous stubborn courageous observant charming creative punctual confident energetic Now, discuss reasons for your choice of qualities. Answer Q2 II Work in pairs and answer the riddles that are given below. Share the answers with your classmates and teacher. I can be a friend or a foe, depending on how you use me. I can bring both joy or pain. What am I? What is always in front of you but can’t be seen? What has to be shared before you can keep it? I can be measured, but I cannot be touched. I can be spent, but I cannot be saved. What am I? Answer Q1 1. Why are qualities like humour and wit important in a person? Answer Q2 2. Why do you think kings and queens preferred to have witty people among their courtiers? Answer Q3 3. If you were asked to solve a disagreement between two people, what approach would you take? Answer Q4 4. Have you ever been in a situation where a small misunderstanding led to a big problem? How was it resolved? Answer Q1 I Rectify the following false statements from the text. 1. The queen insulted the king by speaking against the quality of his poem. Answer Q2 I Rectify the following false statements from the text. 2. Tenali Rama immediately went to the king and convinced him to talk to the queen. Answer Q3 I Rectify the following false statements from the text. 3. The courtiers admired the king’s poem and praised his literary talent. Answer Q4 I Rectify the following false statements from the text. 4. The ministers in the court were eager to hear Tenali Rama’s idea about paddy cultivation. Answer Q5 I Rectify the following false statements from the text. 5. The king never realised his mistake and continued to stay angry with the queen. Answer Q1 I Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow. 1. "... 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." (i) Why does the queen believe that only Tenali Rama can help the king understand? Answer Q2 I Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow. 1. (ii) What does the queen’s statement, "If I had known this would happen, I would have chosen another day", suggest about her feelings? A. She is angry at the king for overreacting. B. She regrets the unintended misunderstanding. C. She believes the poem was not worth listening to. D. She is worried that the king might punish her. Answer Q3 I Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow. 1. (iii) How does Tenali Rama’s response reflect his wisdom and problem-solving skills? Answer Q4 I Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow. 1. (iv) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option from those given in the brackets. The king’s reaction shows that he is sensitive and _________ (has a lot of faith/takes great pride) in his poetry. Answer Q5 I Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow. 2. 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." (i) Complete the following with a suitable explanation. When the king said, "I let my pride blind me", he means that ____. Answer Q6 I Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow. 2. (ii) Why does the queen say, "If you like, we can leave this quarrel behind us"? Answer Q7 I Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow. 2. (iii) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option from those given in the brackets. The king acknowledges that his pride clouded his judgement, which shows _________ (intelligence and courage/maturity and self-awareness) Answer Q8 I Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow. 2. (iv) State any one characteristic that the queen’s response to the king’s apology shows about her. Answer Q9 II Answer the following questions. 1. Why was the Vijayanagara Empire considered to be in its ‘Golden Era’ during Krishnadeva Raya’s reign? Answer Q10 II Answer the following questions. 2. How did Tenali Ramakrishna gain a special place in the king’s court? Answer Q11 II Answer the following questions. 3. How did the quarrel between the king and the queen affect the palace? Answer Q12 II Answer the following questions. 4. What strategy did Tenali Rama use to make the king realise his mistake? Answer Q13 II Answer the following questions. 5. What was the reaction of the courtiers when Tenali Rama introduced his ‘special’ paddy seeds? Answer Q14 II Answer the following questions. 6. How does the story conclude, and what lesson can be learnt from it? Answer Q1 I Fill in the blanks and complete the paragraph by choosing suitable expressions from the box given below. cast a shadow murmur swept through the room hush fell over mind raced back stormed off rippled through 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. ______ , making everyone feel uncomfortable. Just as things were getting serious, she made a clever remark and laughter 2. ______ the gathering, making everyone relaxed. The person who started the argument 3. ______. Everyone disapproved of the action and a 4. ______. My 5. ______ to how my mother had saved other situations like this. Without her, such moments would have 6. ______ over the gatherings. Answer Q2 II The writer uses words like ‘roared’ , ‘murmur’ in the text to indicate the sound produced. Fill in the blanks with suitable sound words from the box given below. You may refer to a dictionary. murmur sighed mumble gasped snickers thud groan rattle roared whispered 1. As the teacher began the riddle challenge, a __________ of excitement spread through the classroom. Answer Q3 II 2. Anaya __________ in relief—she loved riddles more than solving Mathematics problems. Answer Q4 II 3. ‘Think carefully,’ the teacher began to ___________ , as she wrote a riddle on the board. Answer Q5 II 4. When the question was revealed, a few students __________ , realising it wasn’t as easy as they had expected. Answer Q6 II 5. Some exchanged ____________ , wondering if anyone at all would be able to solve it. Answer Q7 II 6. Just then, Anaya tapped her book on the desk with a small ___________ , deep in thought. Answer Q8 II 7. ‘Ah, I see it now!’ she said stretching with a ___________ , as if it had taken her great effort. Answer Q9 II 8. A small breeze made the windows __________ , adding to the suspense of the moment. Answer Q10 II 9. ‘So, what’s the answer?’ the students ___________ , their voices filled with playful enthusiasm. Answer Q11 II 10. Leaning forward with a smile, Anaya __________ , ‘Sometimes, the trickiest questions have the simplest answers.’ Answer Q12 III As you have learnt, a compound word is formed when two or more words are combined to create a new word with a distinct meaning. These are of three types: closed compounds (sunlight, courtroom), hyphenated compounds (well-planned), and open compounds (paddy seeds). 1. Create new compound words by matching words in Column 1 with those in Column 2. Column 1 (i) quick Column 2 G. witted Answer Q13 III (ii) soft B. tempered Answer Q14 III (iii) common F. sense Answer Q15 III (iv) house H. hold Answer Q16 III (v) book E. store Answer Q17 III (vi) ill B. tempered Answer Q18 III (vii) sky D. blue Answer Q19 III (viii) dance A. hall Answer Q20 III 2. Fill in the blanks with the words created in the previous question. Ravi was (i) __________, always speaking calmly even in arguments. He grew up in a lively (ii) __________, where he learned to handle different personalities. His friend Arun, however, was (iii) __________ and often lost his patience. Despite this, Arun admired Ravi’s (iv) __________ thinking. One evening, as they passed a (v) __________, they saw some performers rushing out. Ravi noticed that one of them dropped a (vi) __________ 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) ________ round the corner.” True to his nature Arun promptly said to Ravi, “ It’s (viii) ________ that it’s not from a bakery but bookshop!” Ravi smiled and they walked on. Answer Q21 IV Read the sentences from the text and their explanation given in the table below. In sentence 1 ‘if you like’ is the subordinate clause (if clause) and ‘I will try my best to resolve this matter’ is the main clause. Identify the subordinate and main clauses in sentences 2 and 3. Sentence 2 If, by chance something were to go wrong, our farmers would suffer. Answer Q22 IV Sentence 3 If I had known this would happen, I would have chosen another day. Answer Q23 IV Now, match the subordinate clauses (if clauses) in Column 1 with the appropriate main clauses in Column 2 to make complete sentences. (i) If I had a magic wand, C. I would give myself wings. Answer Q24 IV (ii) If it rains tomorrow, E. We will stay indoors and play board games. Answer Q25 IV (iii) If you had listened carefully, F. You would have solved the puzzle. Answer Q26 IV (iv) If you finish your homework, A. We will go to the theatre. Answer Q27 IV (v) If I were invisible, B. I would sneak into the secret room. Answer Q28 IV (vi) If the alarm had rung, D. The boys would have woken up on time. Answer Q29 V Complete the following sentences appropriately with either the main clause or the subordinate clause (if clause). 1. Your teacher will be unhappy if _______________________. Answer Q30 V 2. They would have caught the train if _______________________. Answer Q31 V 3. _______________________ if you continue to stay up late every night. Answer Q32 V 4. If she knew the answer, _______________________. Answer Q33 V 5. _______________________ if she had studied harder. Answer Q34 V 6. If I had a million rupees, _______________________. Answer Q35 VI Complete the following sentences. One example has been done for you. 2. If I were the Head Teacher of my school, _______. Answer Q36 VI 3. If I were a bird, _______. Answer Q37 VI 4. If I were a magician, _______. Answer Q38 VI 5. If I had studied harder, _______. Answer Q1 I You will listen to a woman narrating a story. 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 _____. (i) loose (ii) thick (iii) short Answer Q2 I 2. The scholar is finally referred to as ________. (i) irritable (ii) mischievous (iii) arrogant Answer Q3 II You will once again listen to the story. As you listen, number the events of the story in the correct order of occurrence. 1. The great scholar was ashamed because he did not know what to say. 2. Rama accepted the challenge thrown by the visitor. 3. Rama had a bundle tied in silk when he came to the palace. 4. The king laughed at the explanation given by Rama. 5. The visitor wanted to show his superiority over others in the palace. 6. Rama showed the work to be a bundle of sticks tied together by a rope. 7. The king wanted to know more about the work mentioned by Rama. 8. The court scholars were afraid of the king’s anger. Answer Q1 I While asking questions, it is important to use the appropriate tone to convey the correct meaning. Now, work in pairs and mark the intonation in the questions given below. Take turns to practise by saying them aloud with the correct intonation. (i) Is this your cat? Answer Q2 I (ii) What is the name of your cat? Answer Q3 I (iii) Will you be going to your village? Answer Q4 I (iv) Why are you going to your village? Answer Q5 I (v) Is this where you live? Answer Q6 I (vi) Where do you live? Answer Q7 I (vii) Can I meet your parents? Answer Q8 I (viii) How are your parents? Answer Q9 I (ix) Do you have any plans for tomorrow? Answer Q10 I (x) What are you going to do tomorrow? Answer Q11 II ‘What’, ‘Why’, ‘When’, ‘How’, ‘Where’, and ‘Who’ are the words used to ask questions. These words are called question words. Work in pairs and take turns to ask and answer questions about a trip that you are planning. The destination (Where…), Purpose (Why…), Mode of transport (How…), Duration (When…), Travel companions (Who…), Activities (What…) Now, work in pairs and take turns to ask and answer the questions about witty characters in folktales or stories you have read. 1. The name of the witty character (Who...?) Answer Q12 II 2. The reason for her/his wit being important in the story (Why...?) Answer Q13 II 3. The most famous trick or clever idea she/he used (What…?) Answer Q14 II 4. The time period or setting of the folktale/story (When…?) Answer Q15 II 5. The way she/he used her/his intelligence to solve a problem (How...?) Answer Q16 II 6. The location where the story takes place (Where…?) Answer Q1 I Read the narrative essay given below. A Lesson in Responsibility Now, work in pairs and check if the following features are present in the narrative essay. 1. Introduction - The essay begins with a clear and engaging opening, sets context, central idea is clear. 2. Body - Events in logical sequence, descriptive details, characters and settings described, narrator's emotions shared, challenge or turning point. 3. Conclusion - ends with outcome, lesson stated. 4. Writing Style - personal engaging tone, first person narration. 5. Language - simple clear language, grammar punctuation correct. Now, write a narrative essay based on any one of the situations given below. The Day I Learnt the Value of Teamwork OR A Small Act of Kindness that Made a Difference Answer Q1 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. Raju flew his kite in the sky so wide, It soared with grace, full of pride. But a crow came along, Singing its song, And now it’s the crow on a joyride! Answer Q2 II Go to the library and read a story of your choice. Share its theme and the interesting parts of the story with your classmates and teacher. Answer Q3 III You must have read stories of wit, humour, and wisdom in your own language or English. Make a list of these stories that you have read on a chart paper. Each student should read at least one new story from the list. Answer Q1 I Read the names of items you usually find in a garden and write their names against each picture given below. garden hose, sapling, hedge, flower beds, flower pot, pebbles, rockery, fence, vine, wheelbarrow Answer Q2 II Work in groups of four. What kind of garden would you like to have? Mention the features that you can include and the reasons for your choice. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher. Answer Q3 III Read the title of the poem. What comes to your mind when you read the word ‘concrete’? Does it have more than one meaning? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher. Answer Q1 I Complete the following summary with exact words from the poem. The poem describes Mrs. Jones, the speaker’s next-door neighbour, who has a unique garden filled with 1. _________. Her garden includes a peculiar 2. _________, a pond, and a rockery, along with an unusual 3. _________ that she finds charming. Mrs. Jones plants tiny, 4. _________ plants between the stones, which the speaker thinks must be so small that they are planted with a 5. _________. One day, Mrs. Jones invites the speaker to see her garden, and they discuss a 6. _________ that Mrs. Jones treasures. When the speaker asks where the 7. _________ flower is, Mrs. Jones says that the speaker has been 8. _________ on it all along. Answer Q2 II Select the correct option to fill in the blanks for the following sentences. 1. The tone of the poem is ____________. (i) mocking (ii) humorous (iii) mournful (iv) amusing (v) light-hearted A. (i), (ii), and (iii) B. (i), (ii), and (v) C. (ii), (iii), and (iv) D. (ii), (iv), and (v) Answer Q3 II 2. The speaker in the poem is ____________. (i) Mrs. Jones (ii) the poet (iii) a gardener (iv) a child Answer Q4 II 3. The rhyme scheme of the poem is _________. (i) AABBCC (ii) ABABCC (iii) AABCAC (iv) ABBACC Answer Q5 III Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct answer given in the brackets. 1. The poet uses the word ‘stones’ in all stanzas in order to emphasise her ________. (obsession with a stony garden/pride in gardening skills) Answer Q6 III 2. The poet uses imagery to describe the features of the garden that help readers _____________. (understand Mrs. Jones’ love for plants/visualise the garden’s peculiar nature) Answer Q7 IV Pick examples of alliteration from the poem. Answer Q8 V A refrain is a repeated line or phrase that appears in each stanza. Identify the refrain from the poem. Answer Q9 VI Irony is a literary device that emphasises the difference between what is expected and what actually happens. Identify the line(s) from the poem that display(s) situational irony. Answer Q10 VII Complete the following sentences appropriately. 1. The word ‘concrete’ can refer to ______________ in Mrs. Jones’ garden. Answer Q11 VII 2. The title also has a symbolic meaning, as the poem provides a clear or ‘concrete’ example of Mrs. Jones’ ______________ gardening habits. Answer Q12 VIII The title ‘A Concrete Example’ carries both literal and symbolic (metaphorical) meaning. Such word play is called a pun. Give example. Answer Q1 I Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow. 1. My next-door neighbour, Mrs. Jones, has got a garden full of stones: A crazy path, a lily pond, a rockery and, just beyond A sundial with a strange device, which Mrs. Jones thinks rather nice. (i) What can be inferred about Mrs. Jones’s taste in gardening from the description of her garden being ‘full of stones’? Answer Q2 I (ii) Identify whether the following statement is true or false. The garden serves as a means to reveal more about Mrs. Jones herself. Answer Q3 I (iii) What does the poet mean by ‘crazy path’? Answer Q4 I (iv) What does the sundial with a ‘strange device’ suggest about Mrs. Jones’ personality? A. She has a fascination with unusual items. B. She prefers traditional garden decorations. C. She is uninterested in her garden’s appearance. D. She likes modern and expensive items. Answer Q5 II Answer the following questions. 1. How does Mrs. Jones feel about her garden? Support your answer with evidence from the poem. Answer Q6 II 2. Why do you think the speaker describes the plants as being so small that they could be planted with a pin? Answer Q7 II 3. What do we get to know about Mrs. Jones—based on her gardening style and her interaction with the speaker? Answer Q8 II 4. The poem portrays Mrs. Jones in a positive light. Support this statement. Answer Q9 II 5. What does the poem tell us about the way people think differently about the world around them? Answer Q1 I Select the appropriate word from the brackets that correctly replaces the underlined word in the sentences from the text. 1. A sundial with a strange device, (unusual, peculiar, new, rare, external) Answer Q2 I 2. … which Mrs. Jones thinks rather nice. (pleasant, superior, agreeable, gentle, charming) Answer Q3 I 3. They are so delicate… (delicious, fragile, dainty, graceful, weak) Answer Q4 I 4. “Where is this lovely thing?” I cried. (exclaimed, wept, shouted, announced, whispered) Answer Q5 II The ‘sundial’ is referred to as a ‘device’ in the poem. Work in pairs to infer the meaning of ‘device’. Share your thoughts with your classmates and teacher. Now, match the type of instruments in Column 1 with their definitions in Column 2. Column 3 shows one example of each type. 1. implement (i) something that is electrical and is used to do work in the house Answer Q6 III Complete the table by making new words in Column 1 using the hints given in Column 2. Replace the first letter of the given word to create new words. Column 1 nice (i) dice cut into small pieces (ii) grain that we cook (iii) plural of mouse (iv) bad habit Answer Q7 III soil (i) heat something (ii) work very hard (iii) length of wire in a circle (iv) sheets to wrap food items Answer Q1 I You will listen to a presentation about the wonderful Rock Garden of Chandigarh. As you listen, answer the following questions using one to three exact words from the presentation. 1. Where was Nek Chand’s Rock Garden featured? Answer Q2 I 2. What kind of sculptures does the Rock Garden have? Answer Q3 I 3. How is the Rock Garden divided? Answer Q4 I 4. Name any one thing that has been transformed into a piece of art in the Rock Garden. Answer Q5 I 5. Approximately, how many statues border the Rock Garden? Answer Q1 I The speaker of the poem might have felt sorry for stepping on Mrs. Jones’ flower. When we make a mistake, we must express regret and apologise for our actions. 1. When we apologise to a friend or a family member, we use informal language. Take turns to apologise for the following situations and respond to the apology. (i) You have eaten your brother’s share of sweets. (ii) You have broken your sister’s flower craft. (iii) You accidentally spilled ink on your mother’s important documents. (iv) You forgot to bring your friend’s notebook to the school after borrowing it. Answer Q2 I 2. When we apologise to someone in authority like a Principal or a teacher in a formal setting, we use formal language. Work in pairs and take turns to apologise for the following situations and respond to the apology. (i) You did not bring an assignment that was due for submission. (ii) You were late to school for the past three days and had to meet the Principal. (iii) You did not submit your project work and were asked to explain. Answer Q1 You are a member of the Nature Club of your school. Draft a notice informing the students of Grades 6–8 about the inauguration of the Herb Garden. Points to remember: Mention purpose, date, time, venue, whom to contact. Answer Q1 I Amrit Udyan is a garden spread over an expanse of 15 acres around Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Now, find out about popular gardens in your region and share with your classmates and teacher. Answer Q2 II A herbarium is a collection of plant samples preserved for long-term study, usually in the form of dried and pressed plants mounted on paper. Now, collect some fallen flowers and leaves from your neighbourhood. Place them in folds of a newspaper carefully and put a pile of books on them. After one week, take them out and use them to make a card, wall hanging or any other artwork. Answer Q3 III Read and enjoy the poem. A Sea of Foliage by Toru Dutt Answer Q1 I Why do we seek advice of the elderly in our family? Share your thoughts with your classmates and teacher. Answer Q2 II Knowledge is about learning facts and information, while wisdom is about using that knowledge with good judgement. Work in pairs. Read the following situations and classify each one as either ‘knowledge’ or ‘wisdom’. 1. Riya’s understanding of plant care helped her grow a healthy vegetable garden. 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. 5. Ramesh chose to forgive his friend for a misunderstanding. 6. Ms. Vaijayanthi delivered a lecture on Indian Classical music. Answer Q3 III Observe the picture carefully. What do you think might have happened? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher. Answer Q1 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. Answer Q2 I 2. Dev Datt said, “Indeed, we ought to be united in this hope. That is why we press on towards Ujjain,” because ___________________________. Answer Q3 I 3. Har Datt said, “Look there, friends. A camel has passed this way. The tracks are fresh,” because ___________________________. Answer Q4 I 4. Shiv Datt said, “It appears to be a merchant, running as if pursued by trouble,” because ___________________________. Answer Q5 I 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 ___________________________. Answer Q6 I 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 ___________________________. Answer Q7 I Arrange the following events in order of their occurrence from Scene II of the play. 1. The King makes the four young men his advisers, impressed by their skills. (8) 2. Ram Datt explains how he infers from the tracks that the camel is lame. 3. The King asks the merchant to clearly state his accusation. 4. The King praises the young men for their observations and dismisses the merchant’s accusation. 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. 6. Dev Datt explains his observation about the camel’s pain and careful movement. 7. Har Datt clarifies how he knew that the camel has a short tail. 8. The merchant accuses the four men of knowing a lot about his missing camel. Answer Q1 I Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow. 1. Dev Datt : Ten days are but a short span in the grand scheme of things. We may still have many more roads to wander before we find employment befitting all four of us. Ram Datt : If only we could secure an audience with the King of Ujjain. I am confident he would recognise our talents and appoint us to his service. (i) Identify the false statement from the two given below and rectify it. A. Dev Datt believes that finding employment is an easy task. B. Ram Datt is confident that the King would recognise their talents. Answer Q2 I 1. (ii) What does Ram Datt’s confidence in gaining the King’s recognition tell us about him? Answer Q3 I 1. (iii) Complete the sentence given below with the correct option from those given. In the line, ‘That’s why we press on towards Ujjain’, the phrase ‘press on’ refers to __________. A. walking with heavy steps B. moving forward with determination C. slowing down frequently for rest D. stopping briefly to save time Answer Q4 I 1. (iv) Har Datt says, “We need to devise a strategy.” What can be inferred about Har Datt’s character from his statement? A. He is doubtful of their abilities and wants to give up. B. He is eager to rush into the palace without preparation. C. He is cautious and thoughtful, preferring to plan ahead. D. He relies on others to make decisions for the group. Answer Q5 I 2. King : (To the four men) You have demonstrated remarkable intelligence and the ability to see beyond the obvious. Such minds are rare and highly valued in my court. I extend to you the honour of becoming my advisers. (i) Select the option that is true for both Assertion (A) and Reason (R). (A): The Merchant left the court feeling humbled and ashamed. (R): The King commanded that the four wise men join his court. 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. Answer Q6 I 2. (ii) Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct option. The line, ‘See beyond the obvious’ means that the men had the ability to ______. A. challenge common beliefs with reasoning B. interpret information in traditional ways C. notice details that others might overlook D. predict what is going to happen in the future Answer Q7 I 2. (iii) 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 ___________. Answer Q8 I 2. (iv) How does the King’s offer to the four men reflect his values as a ruler? Answer Q9 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? Answer Q10 II 2. Why did the merchant become suspicious of the four men? What does this tell us about him? Answer Q11 II 3. How do the four young men’s observations about the camel serve as a turning point in the play? Answer Q12 II 4. Why did the King believe the four young men and not the merchant? Answer Q13 II 5. How does the capability of the four young men make them suitable to become advisors? Answer Q14 II 6. Why does the merchant feel ashamed for accusing the four young men of stealing his camel? Explain in your own words. Answer Q1 I Complete the sentences by filling in the noun form of the textual words given in the brackets. 1. Some word games need a lot of thought and _________________. (deduce) Answer Q2 I 2. We need to make close _________________of animals in order to understand their behaviour. (observe) Answer Q3 I 3. A detailed _________________ of the documents shows a lot of errors. (scrutinise) Answer Q4 I 4. You should not make any false _________________against anyone. (accuse) Answer Q5 I 5. She was given an award in _________________of her contribution to literature. (recognise) Answer Q6 II Match the expressions in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. 1. with all our hearts (i) surprised Answer Q7 II 2. to be precise (ii) starts cheering together Answer Q8 II 3. gain an audience with (iii) hidden information that is not obvious Answer Q9 II 4. catch his breath (iv) exact and accurate Answer Q10 II 5. erupts in applause (v) meeting or hearing someone Answer Q11 II 6. grand scheme of things (vi) complete sincerity Answer Q12 II 7. taken aback (vii) to pause or rest for some time Answer Q13 II 8. more than meets the eye (viii) overall plan of life in a larger context Answer Q14 II Now, make sentences using any five of the expressions from Column 1. e.g., with all our hearts Answer Q15 III Match the different meanings of ‘face’ and ‘bear’ with the correct usage in the sentences. face 1. (n.) the front part of a person’s head (i) Ravi turned to face his father Answer Q16 III bear 1. (v.) tolerate (i) The trees that I planted took a long time to bear fruit. Answer Q17 IV Match the highlighted words in the sentences in Column 1 with the functions they express in Column 2. 1. I will gladly pay your fee if you can cure it. (i) expression of disbelief Answer Q18 IV 2. You must have stolen it and sold it off. (ii) imagined possibility Answer Q19 IV 3. You shall come with me to face the King! (iii) moral obligation Answer Q20 IV 4. How could you possibly know that? (iv) challenge Answer Q21 IV 5. I am confident he would recognise our talents (v) logical conclusion Answer Q22 IV 6. A camel with a long tail would have fended off pests (vi) wish or hope Answer Q23 IV 7. They may tell us more than meets the eye. (vii) necessity Answer Q24 IV 8. May your wisdom shine upon Ujjain (viii) prediction Answer Q25 IV 9. Indeed, we ought to be united in this hope. (ix) willingness Answer Q26 IV 10. We need to devise a strategy. (x) command Answer Q27 IV 11. You speak of my camel as if it stood before you (xi) possibility Answer Q28 V Complete the following story with modal verbs in the box given below by using the clues from the functions given within brackets. may must should can might could need to An old man, known for his wisdom, lived in a small village. One day, a young boy asked him, “How 1. _______ (ability) I become wise like you?” Answer Q29 V 2. Wisdom 2._______ (necessity) be earned through patience. Answer Q30 V 3. You 3. _______ (suggestion) listen, more than you speak. Answer Q31 V 4. It 4. _______ (weak possibility) take years, but I’ll try. Answer Q32 V 5. You 5._______ (obligation) learn from your mistakes too. Answer Q33 V 6. Wisdom 6. _______ (possibility) come slowly, but it always arrives for those who seek it. Answer Q34 V 7. he 7. _______ (ability) become wise if he followed the old man’s advice. Answer Q35 VI Rewrite the following sentences using appropriate modal verbs. You may take clues from the highlighted words. 2. It is unnecessary to worry about things beyond your control. Answer Q36 VI 3. It is not possible for a person to gain experience without taking risks. Answer Q37 VI 4. It is essential to treat others with kindness, even when they disagree with you. Answer Q38 VI 5. It is not allowed to interrupt when someone else is speaking. Answer Q1 I You will listen to four people sharing their thoughts on why they enjoy witty characters in stories. As you listen, match statements 1–6 given below to the speakers (i)–(iv). There are two statements you do not need. Statements Speaker No. 1. Witty characters prove that cleverness is as powerful as strength. 2. Witty characters show us ways to make learning enjoyable. 3. Witty characters in a story keep the reader involved. 4. Witty characters teach me that tricky situations can be managed calmly. 5. Witty characters add excitement to a story by their extraordinary deeds. 6. Witty characters can deactivate tense situations with their cleverness. Answer Q1 I The way in which a word is stressed in a sentence can change its meaning. Now, work in pairs. Take turns to say the following sentences aloud by stressing on the highlighted words. I take my dog for a walk in the evening etc. Share meanings. Answer Q2 II Statements and exclamatory sentences usually end with a falling tone. Practise by saying the following sentences with the correct intonation. Good day, kind sirs etc. Answer Q1 I You have observed that the kutcha road leading to your colony is in a very bad condition due to heavy rains. The potholes are dangerous for people and can lead to accidents. They also serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes as there is stagnant water all around. Write a letter of complaint to the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation or the Sarpanch, Gram Panchayat to look into the matter and take necessary action. Follow format of formal letter. Answer Q1 I Staging a play requires creativity, organisation, and teamwork. Steps involved in staging a play. Now, present the enactment of the play ‘Wisdom Paves the Way’ with the help of the steps you have just read. Answer Q2 II Stories related to wit and wisdom have always fascinated the readers. Go to the library and read the stories associated with the following. Vikramaditya and Betal, Tenali Rama, Gopal the Jester, Panchatantra Tales Answer Key-term flashcards
Flip cards · mark known · keyboard ← → and Space
Meaning 1 / 6
The brilliant, witty court poet of Krishnadeva Raya; he resolves the royal quarrel through a clever, humorous argument.
Tap to flip back
Keyboard: ← → to move · Space to flip
