6STD UNIT 1 : POEM - THE CROCODILE

UNIT 1 : POEM - THE CROCODILE

10 STD English Prose Chapter 2 The Night the Ghost Got in Question and answer with paragraph.

 10 STD English Prose Chapter 2 The Night the Ghost Got in

The Night the Ghost Got in In Text Questions

a. Where was the author when he heard the noise?
Answer:
The author had just stepped out of the bathtub, when he heard the noise.

b. What did the narrator think the unusual sound was?
Answer:
At first, he thought it was his father or his brother Roy. Next, he suspected that it was a burglar. Later on, he thought that it was a ghost.

c. What were the various sounds the brothers heard when they went downstairs?
Answer:
The brothers heard like a man running and started up the stairs towards them. They thought that they were coming two at a time. They saw nothing, but only heard the steps.

d. Who were the narrator neighbours?
Answer:
The narrator’s neighbours were a retired engraver named Bodwell and his wife.

e. How did the Bodwells react, when a shoe was thrown into their house?
Answer:
Mr. Bodwell was shouting, frothing a little and shaking his fist. Mrs. Bodwell wanted to sell their house and go back to Peoria. For some years, he had been in a bad way and was subjected to mild attacks.

f. What did the Bodwells think when they heard the mother shout?
Answer:
Bodwell thought that there were burglars in his house when they heard the mother shout.

g. What was the grandfather wearing?
Answer:
The narrator’s grandfather was wearing a long flannel nightgown over long woollen pants, a nightcap and a leather jacket around his chest.

h. What conclusions did grandfather jump to when he saw the cops?
Answer:
His grandfather was going through fits where he believes he is in the war. He thinks that General Meade’s men are deserting under fire from Stonewall Jackson.

i. Were the policemen willing to leave the house?
Answer:
No, the policemen were not willing to leave without getting their hand on somebody besides grandfather.

j. What made the reporter gaze at the author?
Answer:
The author had put on one of his mother’s dress, as he couldn’t find anything else. The reporter looked at him with mingled suspicion and interest.

The Night the Ghost Got in Textual Questions

A. Answer the following questions in a sentence or two.

Question 1.
Why was the narrator sorry to have paid attention to the footsteps?
Answer:
The imagination of the ghost getting into his house lead to a commotion. It caused his mother to throw a shoe through a window of the neighbouring house. It ended with his grandfather shooting a policeman. So the narrator was sorry to have paid attention to the footsteps.

Question 2.
Why did Herman and the author slam the doors?
Answer:
Herman and the author slammed the doors because they thought that someone was coming up their stairs. They were scared as they heard the steps of someone.

Question 3.
What woke up the mother?
Answer:
The slamming of the doors had awakened their mother.

Question 4.
What do you understand by the mother’s act of throwing the shoe?
Answer:
His mother enormously fancied the thrill of throwing a shoe through a glass window of her neighbour. She is a highly excitable woman.

Question 5.
Why do you think Mrs. Bodwell wanted to sell the house?
Answer:
Mrs. Bodwell wanted to sell the house, as she wanted to go back to Peoria, due to the frequent mild attacks.

Question 6.
How did the cops manage to enter the locked house?
Answer:
The cops managed to enter the locked house by breaking the glass of the front door.

Question 7.
Why were the policemen prevented from entering grandfather’s room?
Answer:
The policemen were prevented from entering into grandfather’s room because the narrator realized that it would be bad if they do so. His grandfather was going through a phase, in which he believed that General Meade’s men were beginning to retreat. They were under the control of Stonewall Jackson.

Question 8.
Who used the zither and how?
Answer:
Zither was used by the guinea pig to sleep on it. It would never sleep anywhere except on the zither.

Question 9.
Mention the things that the grandfather imagined.
Answer:
His grandfather imagined that the cops were deserters from Meade’s army. He thought that they were trying to hide away in his attic.

very Short Questions & Answers – Additional

1. How many members were there in the family?
Answer:
There were six members in the family.

2. Where did the noise come from?
Answer:
The noise of the footsteps came from the dining room.

3. Why did the narrator’s brother Herman, slam the door?
Answer:
Herman slammed the door because he was afraid of the sound of the footsteps.

4. Why was Mrs. Bodwell talking about selling the house?
Answer:
Mrs. Bodwell was talking about selling the house, as she wanted to go back to Peoria, due to the frequent mild attacks.

5. How many policemen entered the house?
Answer:
There were about eight policemen who entered the house.

6. How did the cops manage to enter into the locked house?
Answer:
The cops managed to enter the locked house by breaking the glass of the front door.

7. Why were the police pushing the furniture here and there?
Answer:
The police were pushing the furniture here and there to make a thorough search of the burglars.

8. Where was the grandfather sleeping?
Answer:
The grandfather was sleeping in the attic on the old walnut bed.

9. What was the time, when the mother threw a shoe a the neighbour’s window?
Answer:
It was about two o’clock of a moonless night, when the mother threw a shoe at the neighbour’s window.

10. What did they hear in the attic? Why?
Answer:
They heard a creaking in the attic because the grandfather was turning over in his bed.

Short Questions & Answers – Additional

Question 1.
What was the mother’s reaction? How did she manage the situation?
Answer:
When the narrator’s mother got to know of the situation she shouted ‘Burglars’ and decided to call the police. She alerted the immediate neighbour, a retired engraver Bodwell.

Question 2.
How would you react, if on a dark night, there were any sounds in your kitchen?
Answer:
Being quite bold and daring, I would venture into the kitchen and try to find out the cause of the sounds. Then I will try to call my neighbours to help me out.

Question 3.
Do you think it was right on the mother’s part to throw a shoe and break the neighbour’s window?
Answer:
It was right to the extent that the mother was trying to alert in throwing a shoe and breaking their window.

Question 4.
What type of action did the police start taking once they were inside the house?
Answer:
The police went all over the place, checking drawers and cupboards, ransacking the floors, pulling beds away from the walls, tearing clothes off the hooks and pulling boxes and suitcases off the shelves.

Question 5.
Why were the cops reluctant to leave?
Answer:
The cops were reluctant to leave without getting their hands on somebody besides grandfather. The night had been distinctly a defeat for them.

Question 6.
Describe the appearance of a reporter, who spoke to the narrator. What did he ask him?
Answer:
The reporter was a wispy man with a thin face. He went up to the narrator and looked at him with mingled suspicion and interest. He questioned the narrator about what had happened. When the narrator said that they had ghosts, he gazed at him for a long time and walked away.

Question 7.
What was the comment given by the mother about the policeman who was shot by the grandfather?
Answer:
She commented that the policeman who was shot by the grandfather was “such a nice-looking young man”.

B. Answer the following questions in about 100-150 words.

Question 1.
Describe the funny incident that caused the confusion in the house.
Answer:
James, the author comes out of the bathroom, drying himse dining table. He wakes up his brother Herman. They both listen to the footsteps and gets scared. Their mother wakes up. When she comes to know lf. At that moment, he hears the footsteps of someone walking downstairs near theshe alerts her neighbour to call the police. The police arrive with some reporters. They search all over, upstairs and downstairs. When they find nothing, they rush to the attic. The narrator’s grandfather believes that he is still in the war. He thinks that the policemen are deserters. So he starts shooting at them. The policemen leave their house immediately, creating a lot of confusion everywhere.

Question 2.
Narrate the extensive search operation made by the policemen in the house.
Answer:
The police were on hand in a commendably short time. They began banging at the narrator’s front door. When nobody responded, they broke into the house. They searched downstairs and upstairs messing up everything. They opened all the doors and windows. They pulled the drawers and furniture. They began to ransack the floor, pulled beds away from the walls, tore clothes off the hooks in the closets. They also pulled suitcases and boxes off the shelves. Later, they heard some creaking in the attic. They stepped into the attic. As his grandfather thought that they were the deserters from Meade’s army, so he started shooting at them. Then he went back to bed. The cops were unwilling to leave without getting their hand on somebody. They felt it was a defeat for them. They began to poke into things again and finally left the place.

Paragraph Questions & Answers – Additional

Question 1.
What is the theme of the story ‘The Night of the Ghost got in’?
Answer:
One of the central theme of this story is paranoia, which is a mental condition characterized by false beliefs. When the narrator hears footsteps downstairs, he immediately suspects that an intruder has broken into the family home. His mother wakes up, becomes ‘all excited and alerts the neighbours, the Bodwells to call the police. Mrs. Bodwell’s reaction to the news is also one of hysterical paranoia. She says that they ought to sell the house and move away. When the police arrive, their reaction is also one of paranoia. They accuse the narrator of an instance of being a criminal and demand to know what he is doing at the house.

Similarly, the police are “all over the place”, as they search for an intruder, literally leaving no stone unturned. The narrator’s grandfather also believes that the police are “deserters” from the army. While much of this paranoia is tinged with instances of comedy, it also has important consequences. Like the intruder, this supernatural paranoia has no factual basis, leaving the reader to wonder what really happened that night and therefore creating a deeper sense of mystery.

Question 2.
Give the character sketches of (a) Narrator’s Grandfather, (b) Narrator’s mother.
Answer:
(a) Narrator’s Grandfather is a veteran of the Union army of the civil war, which ended fifty-two years earlier. His bedroom is in the attic. When the police come to the house to search for an intruder, the grandfather thinks that they are soldiers who are deserting because they are losing to the south. He calls them “cowardly dogs” and “lily-livered cattle” and then reaches for a policeman’s holster and shoots a man with his own gun. The police retreat afraid of the crazy old man, but next morning at the breakfast table, Grandfather seems perfectly aware of the previous night’s situation, asking everyone what so many police had been doing around their house.

(b) Narrator’s mother is a highly excitable woman, scatterbrained in some regards, yet practical when she needs to be. Hearing a sound in her house and suspecting that it is a burglar, she thinks of the clever plan of alerting a neighbour by throwing a shoe through his closed window. After he has gone to phone to the police, however, she considers throwing the matching shoe, “because the thrill of heaving a shoe through a window glass had enormously taken her fancy”. She is surprised to hear that grandfather has shot a policeman, not because of the daring violence of the act, but because, “He was such a nice-looking young man.”

10 th STD life poem question & answers

Chapter 1 Life poem

Life Textual Questions

A. Read the following lines from the poem and answer the questions that follows.

Life Poem by Henry Van Dyke Line by Line Explanation Question 1. Let me but live my life from year to year,
With forward face and unreluctant soul;
(a) Whom does the word ‘me’ refer to?
(b) What kind of life does the poet want to lead?
Answer:
(a) ‘Me’ refers to the poet, Henry Van Dyke.
(b) The poet wants to live a joyous life with plenty of positivity towards the future.

2. Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal;
Not mourning for the things that disappear
(a) Why do you think the poet is not in a hurry?
(b) What should one not mourn for?
Answer:
(a) The poet wants to move towards his goal without hurrying or turning away from it.
(b) One must not mourn for the things lost in the past.

Life Poem Figure of Speech by Henry Van Dyke Question 3. In the dim past, nor holding back in fear
From what the future veils; but with a whole
And happy heart, that pays its toll
To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer.
(a) What does the poet mean by the phrase ‘in the dim past’?
(b) Is the poet afraid of future?
(c) How can one travel on with cheer?
Answer:
(a) ‘In the dim past’ means the sad days of the past.
(b) No, the poet is not afraid of future.
(c) One can travel on with cheer by retaining the pleasures of childhood.

So Let the Way Wind Up the Hill or Down Figure of Speech Question 4. So let the way wind up the hill or down,
O’er rough or smooth, the journey will be joy:
Still seeking what I sought when but a boy,
New friendship, high adventure, and a crown
(a) How is the way of life?
(b) How should be the journey of life?
(c) What did the poet seek as a boy?
Answer:
(a) The way of life could go up the hill or down, rough or smooth.
(b) The journey of life must be joyful.
(c) The poet seeks new friends and high adventure.

English Poems about Life Question 5. My heart will keep the courage of the quest,
And hope the road’s last turn will be the best.
(a) What kind of quest does the poet seek here?
(b) What is the poet’s hope?
Answer:
(a) The quest is to seek a purposeful life with courage and determination.
(b) The poet hopes for a beautiful life with a clear sense of purpose.

6. In the dim past, nor holding back in fear
From what the future veils; but with a whole
And happy heart, that pays its toll
To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer.
(a) Identify the rhyming words of the given lines.
Answer:
fear – cheer; whole – toll.

Let Me But Live My Life from Year to Year Poem Question 7. Let me but live my life from year to year,
With forward face and unreluctant soul;
Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal;
Not mourning for the things that disappear
(a) Identify the rhyme scheme of the given lines.
Answer:
The rhyming scheme: a b b a.

Poetic Comprehension – Additional

Poem on Life In English Question 1. Let me but live my life from year to year,
With forward face and unreluctant soul;
Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal;
Not mourning for the things that disappear
(a) How does the poet want to live his life?
(b) What does he say about past events?
Answer:
(a) He wants to live his life happily with forwarding momentum and positivity.
(b) He tells us not to worry about the past things that disappeared.

Poetic Devices – Additional

English Poem about Life Question 1. With forward face and unreluctant soul;
Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal;
(a) What literary device is used here?
(b) Pick out the alliterated words in these lines.
Answer:
(a) Couplet is used in this poem. A couplet is two lines of verse that are joined by a rhyme.
(b) The alliterated words: Forward – face; (1st line), Not-nor; (2nd line)

Poem about Life Journey Question 2. “So let the way wind up the hill or down”
(a) What is the figure of speech used here?
Answer:
Personification. The way is personified as a human. It takes us up the hill or down.

3. “My heart will keep the courage of the quest,
And hope the road’s last turn will be the best”.
(a) What is the literary device used here?
Answer:
Couplet is the literary device used here.

B. Answer the following question in about 80-100 words.

1. Describe the journey of life as depicted in the poem by Henry Van Dyke.
Answer:
In this poem, life is described not as an entity, but as an experience. One should live with courage and dedication. Life should be lived without hurry and with a clear sense of purpose that drives the mind and soul. The poet encourages us to let go of all that has been lost in the past as well as the uncertainty the future holds. He tells us to embrace the present with the happiness which nourishes the young and the old. Happiness gives us nourishment on this journey with a smile on our face. Whatever situation life throws at us, it is the journey that should be joyous, for it teaches us to grow and live. Our imagination should have the innocence and fearlessness of childhood. We should seek out new friendships, new adventures and new experiences which enrich us. He encourages us to have faith and determination in our hearts, as we take on this beautiful journey. We should have eternal hope that our story ends joyfully.

Paragraph Questions & Answers Additional

English Poetry on Life Question 1.
What is the message of the poem “Life”?
Answer:
Henry Van Dyke was a visionary American author. His poem “Life” describes life taking on life in its truest form, an adventure. The poet wants to live his life looking ahead, willing to do something. He neither wants to hurry nor move away from his goal. He does not want to mourn the things he has lost, not hold back for fear of the future. He instead prefers to live his life with a whole and happy heart which cheerfully travels from youth to old age. Therefore, it does not matter to him whether the path goes up or down the hill, rough or smooth, the journey will be joyful. He will continue to seek what he wanted as a boy – new friendship, high adventure and a crown (prize). His heart will remain courageous and pursue his desires. He hopes that every turn in his life’s journey will be the best.

Question 2.
What does the poet narrate to us in this poem?
Answer:
In this poem, the poet narrates to us about how he would want to look forward with a happy and cheerful mind without worrying too much about the future. He thinks that he should live life to the fullest by retaining the child-like innocence and pleasures of life. Finally, he hopes that his life will be meaningful and that better things will happen to him in the future which lies ahead of him.

English Poem on Life Question 3.
What are the main concepts and ideas in the poem ‘Life’?
Answer:
The poet wants to live his life looking ahead, willing to do something. He neither wants to hurry nor move away from his goal. He does not want to mourn the things he has lost, not hold back for fear of the future. He instead prefers to live his life with a whole and happy heart which cheerfully travels from youth to old age. Therefore, it does not matter to him whether the path goes up or down the hill, rough or smooth, the journey will be joyful. He will continue to seek what he wanted as a boy – new friendship, (vii) high adventure and a crown (prize). His heart will remain courageous and pursue his desires. He hopes that every turn in his life’s journey will be the best.

C. Based on your understanding of the poem, complete the following passage by using the phrases given in the box.

youth to old age	up or down the hill	to hurry nor move away
high adventure	joyful	mourn	looking ahead

The poet wants to live his life (i) ________, willing to do something. He neither wants (ii) ________ from his goal. He does not want to (iii) ________ the things he has lost, not hold back for fear of the future. He instead prefers to live his life with a whole and happy heart which cheerfully travels from (iv) ________. Therefore, it does not matter to him whether the path goes (v)________, rough or smooth, the journey will be (vi)________. He will continue to seek what he wanted as a boy – new friendship, (vii) _______ ________ and a crown (prize). His heart will remain courageous and pursue his desires. He hopes that every turn in his life’s journey will be the best.
Answer:
(i) looking ahead
(ii) to hurry nor move away
(iii) mourn
(iv) youth to old age
(v) up or down the hill
(vi) joyful
(vii) high adventure

Life By Henry Van Dyke

Henry Van Dyke (1852 – 1933) was born in Pennsylvania, USA. A nature lover and avid reader, he earned degrees from Princeton, then served as a Presbyterian minister for more than 20 years. (He was considered one of the best preachers in New York City). He eventually returned to Princeton, where he spent nearly 20 years as a professor of English, with a bit of service as the U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg and the Netherlands in between. A writer whose talent extended to many different genres, Henry’s best-known works are probably the lyrics of the hymn “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” and the two Chris

Life Textual Questions

A. Read the following lines from the poem and answer the questions that follows.

Life Poem by Henry Van Dyke Line by Line Explanation Question 1. Let me but live my life from year to year,
With forward face and unreluctant soul;
(a) Whom does the word ‘me’ refer to?
(b) What kind of life does the poet want to lead?
Answer:
(a) ‘Me’ refers to the poet, Henry Van Dyke.
(b) The poet wants to live a joyous life with plenty of positivity towards the future.

2. Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal;
Not mourning for the things that disappear
(a) Why do you think the poet is not in a hurry?
(b) What should one not mourn for?
Answer:
(a) The poet wants to move towards his goal without hurrying or turning away from it.
(b) One must not mourn for the things lost in the past.

Life Poem Figure of Speech by Henry Van Dyke Question 3. In the dim past, nor holding back in fear
From what the future veils; but with a whole
And happy heart, that pays its toll
To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer.
(a) What does the poet mean by the phrase ‘in the dim past’?
(b) Is the poet afraid of future?
(c) How can one travel on with cheer?
Answer:
(a) ‘In the dim past’ means the sad days of the past.
(b) No, the poet is not afraid of future.
(c) One can travel on with cheer by retaining the pleasures of childhood.

So Let the Way Wind Up the Hill or Down Figure of Speech Question 4. So let the way wind up the hill or down,
O’er rough or smooth, the journey will be joy:
Still seeking what I sought when but a boy,
New friendship, high adventure, and a crown
(a) How is the way of life?
(b) How should be the journey of life?
(c) What did the poet seek as a boy?
Answer:
(a) The way of life could go up the hill or down, rough or smooth.
(b) The journey of life must be joyful.
(c) The poet seeks new friends and high adventure.

English Poems about Life Question 5. My heart will keep the courage of the quest,
And hope the road’s last turn will be the best.
(a) What kind of quest does the poet seek here?
(b) What is the poet’s hope?
Answer:
(a) The quest is to seek a purposeful life with courage and determination.
(b) The poet hopes for a beautiful life with a clear sense of purpose.

6. In the dim past, nor holding back in fear
From what the future veils; but with a whole
And happy heart, that pays its toll
To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer.
(a) Identify the rhyming words of the given lines.
Answer:
fear – cheer; whole – toll.

Let Me But Live My Life from Year to Year Poem Question 7. Let me but live my life from year to year,
With forward face and unreluctant soul;
Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal;
Not mourning for the things that disappear
(a) Identify the rhyme scheme of the given lines.
Answer:
The rhyming scheme: a b b a.

Poetic Comprehension – Additional

Poem on Life In English Question 1. Let me but live my life from year to year,
With forward face and unreluctant soul;
Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal;
Not mourning for the things that disappear
(a) How does the poet want to live his life?
(b) What does he say about past events?
Answer:
(a) He wants to live his life happily with forwarding momentum and positivity.
(b) He tells us not to worry about the past things that disappeared.

Poetic Devices – Additional

English Poem about Life Question 1. With forward face and unreluctant soul;
Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal;
(a) What literary device is used here?
(b) Pick out the alliterated words in these lines.
Answer:
(a) Couplet is used in this poem. A couplet is two lines of verse that are joined by a rhyme.
(b) The alliterated words: Forward – face; (1st line), Not-nor; (2nd line)

Poem about Life Journey Question 2. “So let the way wind up the hill or down”
(a) What is the figure of speech used here?
Answer:
Personification. The way is personified as a human. It takes us up the hill or down.

3. “My heart will keep the courage of the quest,
And hope the road’s last turn will be the best”.
(a) What is the literary device used here?
Answer:
Couplet is the literary device used here.

B. Answer the following question in about 80-100 words.

1. Describe the journey of life as depicted in the poem by Henry Van Dyke.
Answer:
In this poem, life is described not as an entity, but as an experience. One should live with courage and dedication. Life should be lived without hurry and with a clear sense of purpose that drives the mind and soul. The poet encourages us to let go of all that has been lost in the past as well as the uncertainty the future holds. He tells us to embrace the present with the happiness which nourishes the young and the old. Happiness gives us nourishment on this journey with a smile on our face. Whatever situation life throws at us, it is the journey that should be joyous, for it teaches us to grow and live. Our imagination should have the innocence and fearlessness of childhood. We should seek out new friendships, new adventures and new experiences which enrich us. He encourages us to have faith and determination in our hearts, as we take on this beautiful journey. We should have eternal hope that our story ends joyfully.

Paragraph Questions & Answers Additional

English Poetry on Life Question 1.
What is the message of the poem “Life”?
Answer:
Henry Van Dyke was a visionary American author. His poem “Life” describes life taking on life in its truest form, an adventure. The poet wants to live his life looking ahead, willing to do something. He neither wants to hurry nor move away from his goal. He does not want to mourn the things he has lost, not hold back for fear of the future. He instead prefers to live his life with a whole and happy heart which cheerfully travels from youth to old age. Therefore, it does not matter to him whether the path goes up or down the hill, rough or smooth, the journey will be joyful. He will continue to seek what he wanted as a boy – new friendship, high adventure and a crown (prize). His heart will remain courageous and pursue his desires. He hopes that every turn in his life’s journey will be the best.

Question 2.
What does the poet narrate to us in this poem?
Answer:
In this poem, the poet narrates to us about how he would want to look forward with a happy and cheerful mind without worrying too much about the future. He thinks that he should live life to the fullest by retaining the child-like innocence and pleasures of life. Finally, he hopes that his life will be meaningful and that better things will happen to him in the future which lies ahead of him.

English Poem on Life Question 3.
What are the main concepts and ideas in the poem ‘Life’?
Answer:
The poet wants to live his life looking ahead, willing to do something. He neither wants to hurry nor move away from his goal. He does not want to mourn the things he has lost, not hold back for fear of the future. He instead prefers to live his life with a whole and happy heart which cheerfully travels from youth to old age. Therefore, it does not matter to him whether the path goes up or down the hill, rough or smooth, the journey will be joyful. He will continue to seek what he wanted as a boy – new friendship, (vii) high adventure and a crown (prize). His heart will remain courageous and pursue his desires. He hopes that every turn in his life’s journey will be the best.

C. Based on your understanding of the poem, complete the following passage by using the phrases given in the box.

youth to old age	up or down the hill	to hurry nor move away
high adventure	joyful	mourn	looking ahead

The poet wants to live his life (i) ________, willing to do something. He neither wants (ii) ________ from his goal. He does not want to (iii) ________ the things he has lost, not hold back for fear of the future. He instead prefers to live his life with a whole and happy heart which cheerfully travels from (iv) ________. Therefore, it does not matter to him whether the path goes (v)________, rough or smooth, the journey will be (vi)________. He will continue to seek what he wanted as a boy – new friendship, (vii) _______ ________ and a crown (prize). His heart will remain courageous and pursue his desires. He hopes that every turn in his life’s journey will be the best.
Answer:
(i) looking ahead
(ii) to hurry nor move away
(iii) mourn
(iv) youth to old age
(v) up or down the hill
(vi) joyful
(vii) high adventure

Life By Henry Van Dyke

Henry Van Dyke (1852 – 1933) was born in Pennsylvania, USA. A nature lover and avid reader, he earned degrees from Princeton, then served as a Presbyterian minister for more than 20 years. (He was considered one of the best preachers in New York City). He eventually returned to Princeton, where he spent nearly 20 years as a professor of English, with a bit of service as the U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg and the Netherlands in between. A writer whose talent extended to many different genres, Henry’s best-known works are probably the lyrics of the hymn “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” and the two Christmas stories, “The Other Wise Man” and “The First Christmas Tree”.

Henry Van Dyke is a visionary American author. His poem “Life” describes life taking on life in its truest form, an adventure. This poem is beautiful and inspiring but also idealistic. One cannot help but be charmed by his childlike hope and absolute faith in the abilities of a warm heart and an able mind.

Life Key points

• Life is an experience.
• To be lived with courage.
• One should not worry about the uncertain future.
• Happiness nourishes life with extra energy.
• Imaginations to be fearless and pure.
• New friendships, new adventures, new explorations to enrich us.
• To always hope for a joyous future with determination and faith.

Life Summary

In this poem, life is described not as an entity, but as an experience. One should live with courage and dedication. Life should be lived without hurry and with a clear sense of purpose that drives the mind and soul. The poet encourages us to let go of all that has been lost in the past as well as the uncertainty the future holds. He tells us to embrace the present with the happiness which nourishes the young and the old. Happiness gives us. nourishment on this journey with a smile on our face.

Whatever situation life throws at us, it is the journey that should be joyous, for it teaches us to grow and live. Our imagination should have the innocence and fearlessness of childhood. We should seek out new friendships, new adventures and new experiences which enrich us. He encourages us to have faith and determination in our hearts, as we take on this beautiful journey. We should have eternal hope that our story ends joyfully.

Life Explanation of Poetic Lines

Line No. 1 – 2
Let me but live my life from year to year,
With forward face and unreluctant soul;
Explanation:
The poet is giving advice to the readers from his own personal experiences. The poet wants to live his life happily as it comes with forward momentum and optimism. He wants to live his life every year with a happy heart.

Line No. 3 – 4
Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal;
Not mourning for the things that disappear
Explanation:
The poet does not like to hurry in any matters or situations. He doesn’t want to turn away from his aims. What he wanted to achieve, he will do it with confidence and hope. He does not like to feel sad and keep on worrying about the things that have passed away.

Line No. 5 – 6
In the dim past, nor holding back in
fear From what the future veils;
Explanation:
He doesn’t want to think about his dull past and hold back in fear about the uncertainty of his future. He wanted to look forward with a happy and cheerful mind. He doesn’t want to worry too much about his future.

Line No. 6 – 8
but with a whole.
And happy heart, that pays its toll
To Youth and Age, and travels on with
cheer.
Explanation:
He thinks that he should live life to the fullest by retaining the child-like innocence and pleasures of life. He likes to travel his journey of life cheerfully.

Line No. 9 -10
So let the way wind up the hill or down,
O’er rough or smooth, the journey will be joy:
Explanation:
Though his way goes up in the path of a mountain or down the valley, he would enjoy his journey. No matter whatever happens if his path is difficult or easy, he will make it a joyful journey.

Line No. 11 – 12
Still seeking what I sought when but a boy,
New friendship, high adventure, and a crown,
Explanation:
He is searching to find what he was searching for when he was a boy – his new adventures, his hopes, his new friendship and his new experiences which enrich him.

Line No. 13 – 14
My heart will keep the courage of the quest,
And hope the road’s last turn will be the best.
Explanation:
Life is described not as an entity but as an experience. One should live with courage, dedication and a clear sense of purpose that drives the mind and soul. The poet encourages us to have faith and determination in our hearts, as we take on this beautiful journey.

Life Glossary

crown (n) – a prize or position offered for being the best
dim – dark
goal – aim
mourning (v) – feeling or expressing great sadness
quest (n) – a long search for something that is difficult to find
seeking – hunting
sought – desired
toll – payment
unreluctant (adj.) – willing to do something (This form is generally not used but the poet has coined it for emphasis)
veils (v) – to hide or cover something so that you cannot see it clearly or understand it
wind – curve

6th STD sea turtle lesson book back question & answers...

10th STD Active and Passive book back question & Answer...page no:14,15,16

F. Active and Passive Change the following sentences to the other voice.

Question 1.
The manager appointed many office assistants.
Answer:
Many office assistants were appointed by the manager.

Question 2.
You are making a cake now.
Answer:
A cake is being made by you.

Question 3.
That portrait was painted by my grandmother.
Answer:
My grandmother painted that portrait.

Question 4.
Malini had bought a colourful hat for her daughter.
Answer:
A colourful hat had been bought by Malini for her daughter.

Question 5.
They have asked me to pay the fine.
Answer:
I was asked to pay the fine by them.

Question 6.
The militants were being taken to prison by the police.
Answer:
The police were taking the militants to prison.

Question 7.
His behaviour vexes me.
Answer:
I am vexed by his behaviour.

Question 8.
Rosy will solve the problem.
Answer:
The problem will be solved by Rosy.

Question 9.
Our army has defeated the enemy.
Answer:
The enemy has been defeated by our army.

Question 10.
The salesman answered all the questions patiently.
Answer:
All the questions were answered patiently by the salesman.

G. Change the following into Passive voice.

Question 1.
Please call him at once.
Answer:
You are requested to call him at once.

Question 2.
How did you cross the river?
Answer:
How was the river crossed by you?

Question 3.
No one is borrowing the novels from the library.
Answer:
The novels are not being borrowed from the library.

Question 4.
Will you help me?
Answer:
Will I be helped by you?

Question 5.
Go for a jog early in the morning.
Answer:
You are advised to go for a jog early in the morning.

Question 6.
Why have you left your brother at home?
Answer:
Why has your brother been left at home by you?

Question 7.
Nobody should violate the rules.
Answer:
The rules should not be violated.

Question 8.
Someone has to initiate it immediately.
Answer:
It has to be initiated immediately.

Question 9.
Have you invited Raman to the party?
Answer:
Has Raman been invited to the party by you?

Question 10.
Please do not walk on the grass.
Answer:
You are requested not to walk on the grass.

Question 11.
Cross the busy roads carefully.
Answer:
You are advised to cross the busy roads carefully. / Let the busy roads be crossed carefully.

Question 12.
When will you book the tickets to Bengaluru?
Answer:
When will the tickets be booked to Bengaluru by you?

H. In the following sentences the verbs have two objects namely Direct and Indirect objects. Change each of the following sentences into two passives using direct object as the subject in one and indirect in the other.

Question 1.
John gave a bar of chocolate to Jill.
Answer:
(a) Jill was given a bar of chocolate by John.
(b) A bar of chocolate was given to Jill by John.

Question 2.
Pragathi lent a pencil to Keerthana.
Answer:
(a) Keerthana was lent a pencil by Pragathi.
(b) A pencil was lent to Keerthana by Pragathi.

Question 3.
Sudha told the truth to her friend.
Answer:
(a) The truth was told to her friend by Sudha.
(b) Her friend was told the truth by Sudha.

Question 4.
They offered the job to Venkat.
Answer:
(a) Venkat was offered a job by them.
(b) A job was offered to Venkat by them.

Question 5.
The boss showed the new computer to Kaviya.
Answer:
(a) Kaviya was shown the new computer by the boss.
(b) The new computer was shown to Kaviya by the boss.

I. Rewrite the following passage in Passive Voice.

A few days ago, someone stole Ambrose’s motorbike. Ambrose had left it outside his house. He reported the theft to the police. The police told him that they would try to find his motorbike. This morning, they found his motorbike. The police called Ambrose to the police station. The thieves had painted it and then sold it to someone else. The new owner had parked the motorbike outside a mall when the police found it. After an enquiry, the police arrested the thieves.
Answer:
A few days ago, Ambrose’s motorbike was stolen by someone. It had been left outside his house by Ambrose. The theft was reported to the police by him. He was told by the police that they would try to find his motorbike. This morning, his motorbike was found by them. Ambrose was called to the police station by the police. It had been painted and then sold to someone else by the thieves. The motorbike had been parked outside a mall by the new owner, when it was found by the police. After an enquiry, the thieves were arrested by the police.

J. Write a recipe of your favorite dish in passive voice. Remember to list out the ingredients of the dish you have chosen and their quantity. Use Simple Present tense to write your recipe.
Answer:
Recipe of my favorite dish:
Pulka Chapathi Roti

Ingredients :

1. 500 gms wheat flour
2. 1 teaspoon salt
3. 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4. 400 ml water

500 gm of wheat flour should be taken in a bowl. A teaspoon of salt should be added to it. One tablespoon of vegetable oil should be added to it. Water should be poured little by little and kneaded well. It should not be kneaded too hard. After kneading it, it should be covered with wet cloth for twenty minutes. Little rolls should be taken to be rolled to a circle. Then it should be heated on a low flame on both sides in a tava. Then it can be eaten hot with potato kurma.

K. Write a report of an event held at your school using Passive voice. Use Simple Past Tense to narrate the event.
Answer:
Report of an event :
Farewell Party
A farewell party was organized for our XII Std students on 28th February 2019. The students of X were invited by the students of XII Std. Teachers handling XII and XI Std were present for the party. Two or three events were arranged by the students of XI Std. Then the XII Std students were given some snacks and a memento each as a token of remembrance by the students of XI. The party was enjoyed by each and every student and it ended at 6.00 p.m with a farewell speech by an XI Std student.

6th std Sea Turtles Lesson Book Back Question & answers.

I. Short questions  

 1.  How many species of sea turtles are there in the world?  There are seven species of sea turtles in the world 

2. Name the sea turtles found in India. 

 The Olive Ridley, the Hawksbill, the Green Sea Turtle, the Loggerhead and the Leatherback are found in India. 

3. Which is the largest sea turtle? Which is the smallest one?  The Leatherback is the largest sea turtle. The Olive Ridley is the smallest one. 4. Where do sea turtles live?  Sea turtles live in the oceans but they come ashore to lay  eggs. 

 5. What is ‘mass nesting’ or Arribada?  On certain nights thousands of female sea turtles come ashore simultaneously. They lay their eggs on particular beaches. This is called mass nesting or Arribada. 

6. What are the threats to the eggs of sea turtles?  The local people collect the eggs for eating, Jackals, dogs and pigs cat  the eggs.

 7. What are the dangers that await the hatchlings of sea turtles?  Many hatchlings fall prey to crabs or birds. Most of them that reach the water are eaten by predators. 

8. What are the things that threaten the survival of sea turtles?  People hunt the sea turtles for their meat. They also collect their eggs for eating. Some sea turtles are trapped in the nets of motorboats. Pollution thrown into the sea and construction activities on nesting beaches hurt their survival.

 9. What do you know about sea turtles in general?  Sea turtles live in the oceans. But they come ashore to lay eggs. There are seven species of sea turtles. The Olive Ridley, the  Hawksbill, the Green Sea Turtle, the Loggerhead and the Leatherback are found in India. The Leatherback is the largest sea turtle and the Olive Ridley  is the smallest one. 

10. What is mass nesting or Arribada.  On certain nights thousands of female turtles gather. They come ashore at the same time. They lay their eggs on particular beaches. This strange happening is known as mass nesting or Arribada. In our country it takes place in Odisha. 

11. How does the female turtle lay its eggs?  Female turtles come ashore at night. Using their flippers they move on the beach. Each turtle scoops a nest cavity. It lays about 100 eggs into it. Then it hides the eggs by filling them with  sand. After that all the female turtles return to the sea. The eggs are left to incubate in the warmth of  the sun. 

12. Describe how the eggs of the sea turtle hatch.  The eggs of the sea turtle hatch 45-60 days later. The eggshell is leathery. The hatchlings slash open it. For that purpose the hatchlings uses its egg-tooth. The egg-tooth  is like a razor blade. It is the eggs of the hatching’s snout. When the eggs are  hatched the hatchlings make a hurried dash to the sea.

 13. What are the threats to the survival of sea turtles?  People hunt the sea turtles for meat. They also collect  their eggs. Sometimes the turtles are trapped in the nets of motorboats. Pollution and dumping of plastics into the ocean threaten their survival. Construction activities on nesting sites pose a threat to the survival of sea turtles. 

II. True or False

 1. Turtles are different from tortoises.   True 

2. Turtles are sea animals.     True 

3. There are seven kinds of sea turtles in the world. True 

4. Sea turtles are very small.    False 5. Turtles come ashore to lay eggs.   True 

6. Sea turtles come to rest on land.   False

 7. Olive Ridleys are the only sea turtles seen on Indian shores.   True 8. Female Olive Ridleys come ashore at night to lay eggs.   True 

9. The eggs of an Olive Ridley are in the shape and size of a  cricket ball. False

 10. Ridleys come to lay their eggs in the month of January.   True

 11. The turtles use their flippers and make a hollow for their nests.  True 12. The hatchlings use a tiny egg-tooth to come out of the eggs.   True

 III. Fill in the table given below: S.No Problems faced by the hatchlings Effect Solution 

1 Pollution Survival of sea turtles becomes difficult. Reduce the usage of plastics. 

2 Predators Eggs and hatchings are destroyed. Provide fences to keep off animals. 

3 Human Activities Eggs, hatchlings and turtles destroyed. Take steps to prevent pollution and construction in nesting sites. The nesting sites should be made protected site. 

  

IV. Choose the correct answer. If may choose more than one answer if needed. 

1. The  _________ is a biological relative of tortoises. a. sea turtle    b. fish   c. reptile 

2. In India’s coastal waters we can see a species of ________

a. tortoises   b. sea turtles  c. dolphin 3. Sea turtles come to the shore to_________ a. visit their birth places b. lay eggs  c. go back to sea

 4. It is a problem for sea turtles to come ashore because _________. a.  they find it difficult to walk on sand b. they don’t know their way to the shore c. animals and people hunt them 

5. A sea turtle camouflages its nest by tossing sand on it to _________. a. hide its eggs from predators b. incubate eggs in the warmth of the sun c. keep the hatchlings safe. 

10th Grammar - modals page.no12,13,14

Grammar

A. Complete these sentences using appropriate modals. The clues in the brackets will help you.

1. When I was a child, I ………. climb trees easily but now I can’t. (ability in the past)
2. I ………… win this singing contest. (determination)
3. You …………. buy this book. It is worth buying. (advice or suggestion)
4. Poongothai ………….. speak several languages. (ability in the present)
5. I swear I …………. tell lies again. (promise)
6. My father ………… play badminton in the evenings when he was at college. (past habit)
7. You ……………. do as I say! (command)
8. ………… I have another glass of water? (request)
9. Sibi has not practised hard but he ……………. win the race. (possibility)
10. We …………… preserve our natural resources. (duty)
Answers:

1. could
2. can
3. should
4. can
5. shall not
6. used to
7. should
8. May
9. can
10. ought to

B. Rewrite the following sentences by rectifying the errors in the use of models.

Question 1.
Would I have your autograph?
Answer:
May l have your autograph?

Question 2.
I can be fifteen next April.
Answer:
I shall be fifteen next April.

Question 3.
Take an umbrella. It should rain later.
Answer:
Take an umbrella. It may rain later.

Question 4.
The magistrate ordered that he might pay the fine.
Answer:
The magistrate ordered that he must pay the fine.

Question 5.
Make me a cup of tea, shall you?
Answer:
Make me a cup of tea, will you?

Question 6.
You may speak politely to the elders.
Answer:
You must / ought to speak politely to the elders.

Question 7.
You will get your teeth cleaned at least once a year.
Answer:
You should get your teeth cleaned at least once a year.

Question 8.
We could grow vegetables in our kitchen garden but we don’t do it now.
Answer:
We used to grow vegetables in our kitchen garden but we don’t do it now.

Question 9.
Must I get your jacket? The weather is cold.
Answer:
Shall I get your jacket? The weather is cold.

Question 10.
Could the train be on time?
Answer:
Will the train be on time?

C. Read the dialogue and fill in the blanks with suitable modals.

Dad : Shall we go out for dinner tonight?
Charan : Yes, Dad. We shall go to a restaurant where I can have some ice cream.
Dad : OK. Then, I shall be home by 7 p.m. Mom and you must be ready by then.
Charan : Sure. We shall. My friend told me that there is a magic show nearby. Will you please take us there?
Dad : We may not have time to go for the magic show, I suppose. If we have enough time left, we shall plan.
Charan : By the way, must we inform our gate keeper about our outing?
Dad : Yes, we must so that he will be aware we aren’t at home.
Charan : Shall I call up Mom and tell her about our plan today?
Dad : You have to. Otherwise, we might be in trouble when she returns home.
Charan : Hmm… by the time you come home in the evening, we will be waiting for you. Hope you won’t be late. Bye.

D. Read the following dialogues and supply appropriate modals.

Student : Can we leave our bags in the class during the break?
Teacher : Yes, you may but arrange them neatly.
Passenger : My child is 6 years old. Do I have to buy him a ticket?
Conductor : Yes, you must. It costs half of the price of an adult ticket.
Vani : Can we go for coffee after the meeting?
Yoga : No, I shan’t. I have to go home.
Salesman : When will I receive my order?
Customer : I shall assure you sir, the order will be delivered tomorrow.
Neela : Do you think I should write about my education background in the resume?
Preethi : Yes, you must. You may get a better job.

E. Here are a few sentences already done for you. The clues given would be helpful to \ make more sentences on your own.

1. I would suggest that you take the Uzhavan Express to Thanjavur from Chennai.
2. You will be more comfortable if you could book 3 tier A/C.
3. You could enjoy the trip.
4. You should visit the temples,
5. You mustn’t miss visiting the Big Temple.
6. You can buy many artistic things.
7. You must see the Saraswathi Mahal and its library.
8. A big palace can be seen in Thanjavur.
9. We shall buy Dancing Dolls.
10. Thiruvaiyaru, Kallanai Dam and Poondi Church can be visited from Thanjavur.

Writing skill book back Question.(Advertisement and Report writing)

Writing

I. Prepare attractive advertisements using the hints given below.

Question 1.
Home appliances – Aadi Sale – 20-50% – Special Combo Offers – Muthusamy & Co., Raja Street, Gingee.
Answer:

Question 2.
Mobile Galaxy – Smartphones – accessories – SIM cards – Recharge – Free Power banks on Mobile purchase – No.1, Tollgate, Trichy
Answer:

Writing

J. Write a report of the following events in about 100-120 words.

Question 1.
‘Educational Development Day’ was organized in your school on 15th July. The District Collector was the Chief Guest of the event. As part of the event, many competitions were held and the prizes were distributed to the winners and participants. It was a grand and successful event. Now, as the member of the organizing committee, write a report on the event in about 120 words.
Answer:
Educational Development Day
by Ravi Tej
Ratna Matriculation Higher Secondary organized the Educational Development Day on 15th July 2018. The event was to inculcate the skills of writing, reading, listening and speaking in the students. Approximately 500 students participated in this Programme. The programme began with a prayer song sung by the school choir. After this, the Headmaster delivered the welcome speech. This programme was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Mrs. Malini Ramesh, the District Collector.

Many competitions were held for the students in three levels – Sub. Junior, Junior and Senior levels. In each level, there were various competitions like recitation, elocution, slogan reading and some listening activities. Many students took part in all these competitions with enthusiasm and a winning spirit. At the end of the programme, prizes were distributed to the winners and participants. They were given valuable books and certificates. The Chief Guest praised all the winners and participants for their wonderful performance. The event ended with the National Anthem. It was a grand and successful event.

Question 2.
You are the School Pupil Leader. You have been asked to write a report on the Inaugural Ceremony of English Literary Association of your school which was held recently. Write a report on the same in not more than 120 words.
Answer:
Inaugural Ceremony of English Literary Association
by Karen Raj (School Pupil Leader)
Christ Matriculation School organized the inaugural ceremony of English Literary Association on 22nd February 2019. The event was to create a better learning atmosphere in our school and to make the students overcome their fear, when they perform in front of the audience. The Chief Guest was our Headmaster Mr. Rahul Pandey. The programme began with an invocation (prayer) by our school choir. Our English teacher, Mrs. Premalatha welcomed the gathering. Our Headmaster addressed the gathering with an inspirational speech and guidance. After his speech, he inaugurated the English Literary Association. A skit was enacted by the students of X Std and elocution on the, Importance of Education, was given by R. Ranjini of X Std A? The programme ended with the vote of thanks by the Asst. School Pupil Leader, R. Bharath, of XII Std.

Question 3.
You are the Coordinator of the Science Forum of your school. An event had been organized on account of National Science Day for the members of the forum. Now, write a report based on your observation of “National Science Day” at your school.
Answer:
National Science Day
by Suhasini (Coordinator of Science Forum)
St. John’s School of Pallavaram organized a Science Exhibition in the event of National Science Day for the members of the forum on 28th February 2019. The purpose of this event was to commemorate and honour Sir C. V. Raman for his legacy. He had discovered Raman Effect on the 28th February 1928. All the members of this forum and the students from nearby schools were invited to have a glance at the science exhibition. The Chief Guest for this event was Mr. Natesan, Professor of S.G. Arts & Science College, Vellore. He gave some motivational tips and guidelines to promote our Forum and Science department. The event came to an end with the National Anthem.

 

His first flight lesson Vocabulary P.No:7,8

Vocabulary

C. Change the parts of speech of the given words in the chart.

Noun Verb Adjective Adverb

exhaustion exhaust exhaustible exhaustively

wideness widen wide widely

madness madden mad madly

perfection perfect perfect perfectly

D. Read the following sentences and change the form of the underlined words as directed.

Question 1.

His family was screaming and offering him food. (to adjective)

Answer:

His screaming family was offering him food.

Question 2.

The young seagull gave out a loudcall. (to adverb)

Answer:

The young seagull gave out a call loudly.

Question 3.

The bird cackled amusedly while flying. (to noun)

Answer:

The bird cackled in amusement while flying.

Question 4.

The depth of the sea from the ledge scared the seagull. (to adjective)

Answer:

The deep sea scared the seagull.

Question 5.

The successful flight of the bird was a proud moment for the seagull’s family. (to verb)

Answer:

The bird successfully flighted and it was a proud moment for the seagull’s family.

E. Use the following words to construct meaningful sentences on your own.

1. coward – They called him a coward.

2. gradual – We noticed a gradual increase in temperature.

3. praise – She received a lot of praise.

4. courageous – She is a very courageous girl.

5. starvation – Many children die of starvation in Somalia.

sea turtle mind map

His First Flight Text Questions

His First Flight In Text Questions

a. Why did the seagull fail to fly?

Answer:

The seagull failed to fly because he did not have confidence on his wings and he had fear to fly.

b. What did the parents do, when the young seagull failed to fly?

Answer:

His parents tried to make him fly by scolding him and threatening him to starve on his ledge.

c. What was the first catch of the young seagull’s older brother?

Answer:

The first catch of the young sea gull’s older brother was a herring.

d. What did the young seagull manage to find in his search for food on the ledge?

Answer:

The young seagull managed to find dried pieces of eggshell in his search for food on the ledge.

e. What did the young bird do to seek the attention of his parents?

Answer:

He stood on one leg with the other leg hidden under his wing. He closed one eye, then the other and

pretended to be falling asleep. This was done by the bird to seek the attention of his parents.

f. What made the young seagull go mad?

Answer:

His mother was standing on a little high hump on the plateau. She was tearing a piece of fish that lay at her feet. She scraped each side of her beak on the rock. The sight of the food maddened him.

g. Why did the young bird utter a joyful scream?

Answer:

The young bird saw his mother picking up a piece of fish and flying across to him. Seeing this, the bird uttered a joyful scream.

h. Did the mother bird offer any food to the young bird?

Answer:

No, the mother bird did not offer any food to the young bird.

i. How did the bird feel when it started flying for the first time?

Answer:

He felt his wings spread outwards. The wind rushed against his breast feathers, stomach and wings. He could feel the tips of his wings cutting through the air.

j. What did the young bird’s family do when he started flying?

Answer:

They were flying around him, praising, soaring and diving together with him.

His First Flight Textual Questions

A. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.

Question 1.

How was the young seagull’s first attempt to fly?

Answer:

The young seagull tried to fly. But he was scared to do so. His parents, brothers and sister persuaded him to fly. They also motivated him. But the young seagull felt that his wings would not support him.

Question 2.

How did the parents support and encourage the young seagull’s brothers and sister?

Answer:

His parents were flying about with his brothers and sister. They were perfecting them in the art of flight. They also taught them how to skim the waves and how to dive for fish.

Question 3.

Give an instance that shows the pathetic condition of the young bird.

Answer:

The young seagull had not eaten since the previous nightfall. There was not a single scrap of food left. He searched for food every inch of the straw nest. He even chewed at the dried pieces of eggshell.

Question 4.

How did the bird try to reach its parents without having to fly?

Answer:

The young seagull ran back and forth from one end of the ledge to the other end. His long grey legs stepped daintily, trying to find some means of reaching his parents without flying.

Question 5.

Do you think that the young seagulls parents were harsh to him? Why?

Answer:

Yes, they were harsh towards the seagull because they wanted him to learn the art of flying without any one’s help.

Question 6.

What prompted the young seagull to fly finally?

Answer:

His mother picked up a piece of fish and flew across to him with it. But then she halted, just opposite to him. She was almost within reach of his beak. Maddened by hunger, the young seagull dived at the fish. This act of his mother prompted the young seagull to fly finally.

Question 7.

What happened to the young seagull when it landed on the green sea?

Answer:

When the young seagull landed on the green sea, his legs sank into it. He screamed with fright and attempted to rise again. He was exhausted. His feet sank into the sea. His belly touched it. He sank no further. He was floating on it.

Short Questions & Answers – Additional

Question 1.

How many brothers and sisters did the young seagull have? When did they fly away from the ledge?

Answer:

The young seagull had two brothers and one sister. They flew away the previous day from the ledge.

Question 2.

Where did the seagull run back, when he was frightened to fly? Why was he afraid?

Answer:

The young seagull ran back to the little hole under the ledge, where he slept at night. He was afraid to see the vast expanse of the sea beneath him.

Question 3.

What appeared so desperate to the seagull?

Answer:

The seagull failed to gather the courage to take a plunge into the sea. This appeared so desperate to him.

Question 4.

How long was the seagull alone without anyone near him? Why did he feel the heat?

Answer:

He was alone for twenty four hours without anyone near him. He felt the heat because he had not eaten since the previous nightfall.

Question 5.

Where did he search for food?

Answer:

He searched every inch, rooting among the rough, dirt-caked straw nest, where he and his brothers and sister had been hatched.

B. Answer each of the following questions in a paragraph of about 100-150 words.

Question 1.

Describe the struggles underwent by the young seagull to overcome its fear of flying.

Answer:

The young seagull was afraid of flying. His parents strove their level best to teach the young seagull to fly but in vain. The parents, brothers and sister thought a plan to teach him to fly. They flew away to another rock and left him alone. They did not give him anything to eat. He stood there on one leg and closed his eyes. He was very hungry. He searched for food everywhere. He even chewed the dried pieces of the eggshells. He saw his mother tearing a piece of fish. He begged his mother to give him food. So the mother flew with the piece of fish to the young seagull. When she reached over him, she became motionless in the air. She did not get down on the rock. She wanted to give the young seagull an incentive to fly. The seagull bent forward and jumped at the fish. He was much frightened. But he began to flap his wings to save himself.

Question 2.

Your parents sometimes behave like the young bird’s parents. They may seem cruel and unrelenting. Does it mean that they do not care for you? Explain your views about it with reference from the story.

Answer:

Parents really care for about their children. They may be seen as cruel, but they are not so. The mother seagull turned to be cruel but her intention was kind. She wanted to give the young seagull an incentive to fly. Likewise, our parents may be sometimes harsh and strict. We would feel that they don’t understand our feelings and are cruel to us. But we realize later that they are like this, only to give us encouragement and to avoid our fear and doubts. They guide us to overcome our fears in life. We have to conquer our fear and venture forth. Only then we will realize that we are born with wings.

Paragraph Question & Answer Additional

Question 1.

What is the message of the lesson ‘His first flight’?

Answer:

‘His first flight’ is a parable. The seagulls convey the message of self-confidence, motivation and self-reliance. The mother seagull motivates the young one enough to get him to learn flying. The young seagull realises the importance of belief and faith. He flaps his wings to learn . flying and gain the confidence to be independent. The story conveys “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”. The parable also stresses the importance of family ties and devoted support. It tells about the painful process of learning an important lesson in life.