Pause and Ponder
Q1. What do you think about the Republic Day Parade on 26 January?
Answer:
Students can share their personal views. Possible points: It is a grand display of India's military strength, cultural diversity, and national pride. It features marching contingents, tableaux from states, flypasts, and honouring of bravehearts.
Q2. What are the highlights of this parade?
Answer:
Highlights include: 1) Marching contingents from the three armed forces and paramilitary forces. 2) Cultural tableaux from different states and union territories. 3) Flypast by the Indian Air Force. 4) Awarding of bravery medals like Param Vir Chakra and Ashoka Chakra. 5) Performances by school children and NCC cadets.
Q3. What bravery awards are given on this day, and who receives them?
Answer:
Bravery awards like Param Vir Chakra (the highest gallantry award), Ashoka Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, etc., are given to armed forces personnel and civilians who have displayed exceptional bravery and sacrifice for the nation.
Q1. The poem tells us that the boy was ‘proud’ that his feet were strong. This tells us that the boy was ________. (arrogant about being strong/grateful for his ability to help)
Answer:
grateful for his ability to help
Q2. What is the boy most likely to tell his friends on getting back? A. I’m so glad I could help her. B. I’m worried about her safety. C. I’m surprised she forgot to thank me. D. I’m thankful for all your support.
Answer:
A. I’m so glad I could help her. The boy is proud to have helped the old woman, showing his selfless nature.
Q3. Rectify the false sentence given below. The young boy’s actions were driven by a logical decision.
Answer:
The young boy’s actions were driven by empathy and a sense of duty, not merely a logical decision.
Exercises
Q1. What might be the old woman’s fears as she waited for a long time at the crossing?
Answer:
The old woman might have feared being hit by carriage wheels or horses’ feet on the slippery street, as mentioned in the poem.
Q2. How does the poet show the helplessness of the old woman? Support your answer with evidence from the poem.
Answer:
The poet shows the old woman’s helplessness by describing her as waiting alone at the crossing, unable to cross safely due to the crowd and slippery street. Evidence includes lines about carriage wheels and horses’ feet crowding her down.
Q3. Why does the boy decide to help the old woman? What does this tell us about him?
Answer:
The boy decides to help because he feels empathy and sees her vulnerability. This tells us he is kind, compassionate, and selfless.
Q4. How was the boy’s approach towards the old woman different from that of the other boys in the group?
Answer:
While the other boys may have ignored her or been indifferent, the boy stepped forward to guide her safely across, showing caring action over apathy.
Q5. Justify the appropriateness of the title of the poem.
Answer:
The title is appropriate because it focuses on the boy’s willingness to ‘lend a hand’ to someone in need, reflecting the core theme of empathy and helpfulness.
Q6. What does the poem suggest about the role of empathy and humanity in society?
Answer:
The poem suggests that empathy and humanity are essential for a caring society, where individuals help the vulnerable without expecting rewards.
Activities
Q1. Work in pairs. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher. What do you think about the Republic Day Parade on 26 January?
Answer:
Students can share their personal views. Possible points: It is a grand display of India's military strength, cultural diversity, and national pride. It features marching contingents, tableaux from states, flypasts, and honouring of bravehearts.
Q2. Work in pairs. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher. What are the highlights of this parade?
Answer:
Highlights include: 1) Marching contingents from the three armed forces and paramilitary forces. 2) Cultural tableaux from different states and union territories. 3) Flypast by the Indian Air Force. 4) Awarding of bravery medals like Param Vir Chakra and Ashoka Chakra. 5) Performances by school children and NCC cadets.
Q3. Work in pairs. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher. What bravery awards are given on this day, and who receives them?
Answer:
Bravery awards like Param Vir Chakra (the highest gallantry award), Ashoka Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, etc., are given to armed forces personnel and civilians who have displayed exceptional bravery and sacrifice for the nation.
Q4. Work in groups of four and discuss. What qualities do you think a soldier should have?
Answer:
A soldier should have qualities such as: 1) Courage and bravery – to face danger without fear. 2) Discipline – to follow orders and maintain order. 3) Loyalty – to the nation and fellow soldiers. 4) Dedication and sacrifice – willingness to put the nation above self. 5) Physical and mental strength – to endure harsh conditions. 6) Teamwork – to work effectively with others. 7) Integrity and honesty.
Q5. Work in groups of four and discuss. If you had to share a message with a soldier, what would it be?
Answer:
Students can express gratitude and respect. Example: 'Dear Soldier, thank you for your selfless service and sacrifice for our nation. Your courage inspires us every day. We are safe because of you. Jai Hind!'
Q6. Arrange the following events in chronological order. The first and the last events have been marked for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
Correct chronological order: 1 (born 1923), 4 (training at Sandhurst), 6 (commissioned in 1942), 3 (D Company flown to Srinagar), 5 (requested air strikes), 7 (killed by mortar shell), 2 (soldiers fought after his death), 8 (first recipient of PVC). Thus the sequence is: 1, 4, 6, 3, 5, 7, 2, 8.
QI. The grid given below has the antonyms of the words from the text. Locate these words in the grid horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. One example has been done for you. Words: firm, meek, merry, kind, anxious, bent. Grid provided.
Answer:
Students should locate: firm (e.g., 'strong' opposite), meek (opposite of bold), merry (opposite of sad), kind (opposite of cruel), anxious (opposite of calm), bent (opposite of straight). Example: 'firm' opposite in grid may be 'weak' – locate words like 'weak', 'bold', 'sad', 'cruel', 'calm', 'straight' in the grid.
QII. Match the words from the text given in Column 1 with the underlined phrases in Column 2. Column 1: 1. hastened, 2. heeded, 3. stir, 4. lend, 5. piled, 6. offered. Column 2: (i) The mother heard the baby move slightly..., (ii) It is our duty to give support..., (iii) The students worked quickly..., (iv) All the boxes were kept in a heap..., (v) They came forward to help us..., (vi) The stranded people were brought to safety because they paid attention...
Answer:
1. hastened – (iii) The students worked quickly...; 2. heeded – (vi) The stranded people... paid attention...; 3. stir – (i) The mother heard the baby move slightly...; 4. lend – (ii) It is our duty to give support...; 5. piled – (iv) All the boxes were kept in a heap...; 6. offered – (v) They came forward to help us...
QIII. In the poem, the poet uses the idiom ‘lend a hand’ which means ‘help somebody’. Some more idioms using ‘hand’ are given in Column 1. Match these idioms with their meanings in Column 2. Column 1: 1. get out of hand, 2. try your hand at something, 3. give somebody a free hand, 4. give somebody a big hand, 5. work hand in hand, 6. have your hands full. Column 2: (i) do something new, (ii) applaud somebody, (iii) work together, (iv) become difficult to control, (v) be very busy, (vi) allow somebody to do something with full freedom.
Answer:
1. get out of hand – (iv) become difficult to control; 2. try your hand at something – (i) do something new; 3. give somebody a free hand – (vi) allow somebody to do something with full freedom; 4. give somebody a big hand – (ii) applaud somebody; 5. work hand in hand – (iii) work together; 6. have your hands full – (v) be very busy.
QIV. Complete the following analogy by filling in the blanks with the correct words from the poem. 1. ___________ : winter :: heat : summer 2. hurt : ___________ :: old: aged 3. whispered : shouted :: humble : ___________ 4. eyes : ___________ :: legs : walk 5. having a lot of money: wealthy :: densely packed people: ___________
Answer:
1. cold : winter :: heat : summer; 2. hurt : injured :: old: aged; 3. whispered : shouted :: humble : proud; 4. eyes : see :: legs : walk; 5. having a lot of money: wealthy :: densely packed people: crowded
QV. Read the lines from the poem given below. ‘Lest the carriage wheels or the horses’ feet Should crowd her down in the slippery street.’ Explain the usage of ‘lest’.
Answer:
‘Lest’ means ‘to prevent something bad from happening’. It can be replaced with ‘just in case’. Here, it shows the boy’s concern to prevent the old woman from being hurt by carriage wheels or horses.
Let us discuss
Q1. Arrange the following events in chronological order. The first and the last events have been marked for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher. 1. Major Somnath Sharma was born in 1923 in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. (1) 2. Even after losing Major Somnath Sharma, the soldiers fought bravely to save Srinagar for India. 3. The D Company, under the command of Major Somnath Sharma, was flown into Srinagar. 4. Major Somnath Sharma underwent training at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. 5. Major Somnath Sharma requested air strikes to combat the enemy at Badgam. 6. Major Somnath Sharma was commissioned into the 19th Hyderabad Regiment in 1942. 7. Major Somnath Sharma was killed immediately after a mortar shell hit him. 8. Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. (8)
Answer:
Correct chronological order: 1 (born 1923), 4 (training at Sandhurst), 6 (commissioned in 1942), 3 (D Company flown to Srinagar), 5 (requested air strikes), 7 (killed by mortar shell), 2 (soldiers fought after his death), 8 (first recipient of PVC). Thus the sequence is: 1, 4, 6, 3, 5, 7, 2, 8.
Q1. Do you remember when you accompanied me at the magnificent ceremony in Delhi where our President awarded me the Padma Vibhushan in 1999? With great pride, you slipped the medal around your neck, looked at it in awe and asked me very innocently if you could keep it. Do you remember the answer your grandmother and I gave you? We told you that of course, this medal was yours as much as it was mine but that you should not be satisfied in merely keeping my award—the challenge before you...
Answer:
This is a rhetorical question from the text; it prompts reflection on the grandson’s actions, but no direct answer required.
Let us think and reflect
Q1(i). What can be inferred about the conditions from the line: 'The air was thick with gunfire...' A. The gunshots had stopped for a while. B. There was intense fighting on the battlefield. C. The invaders were retreating from the fight. D. The Indian soldiers had achieved victory.
Answer:
Correct answer: B. There was intense fighting on the battlefield. Explanation: The phrase 'air was thick with gunfire' suggests continuous and heavy firing, indicating fierce combat.
Q1(ii). Complete the sentence with a suitable reason. Despite heavy casualties, Major Somnath Sharma continued to lead his men because ________________________________________.
Answer:
Possible answer: he was determined to defend the position at all costs and did not want to abandon his men or his duty to the nation.
Q1(iii). Select the correct option for both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) given below: (A): Major Somnath Sharma moved fearlessly through the battlefield, even though he was injured. (R): He believed his courage was important to motivate the soldiers. 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:
Correct answer: A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). Explanation: The text says he moved fearlessly despite injuries because he was urging his men to fight with tenacity and valour, showing his courage motivated them.
Q1(iv). Fill in the blank with the correct word from those given in the brackets: Major Somnath Sharma was filling magazines, and encouraging his men to hold their ground despite ___________________________. (injuries/worry)
Answer:
Correct word: injuries. Explanation: The passage mentions 'Despite heavy casualties and his own injuries' he continued his actions.
Q2(i). What can be inferred about Somnath Sharma's early influences on his career? A. He was primarily influenced by his father's achievements in the military. B. His inspiration came solely from the tales of the Mahabharata. C. His family and heritage inspired his bravery and sense of duty. D. He decided to join the military out of necessity rather than passion.
Answer:
Correct answer: C. His family and heritage inspired his bravery and sense of duty. Explanation: The text mentions his father's distinguished service and the inspiring tales from the Mahabharata told by his grandfather, showing a combined influence of family and heritage.
Q2(ii). Identify whether the following statement is true or false: Somnat
Answer:
The statement appears incomplete in the provided text. However, based on the context, if the full statement relates to Somnath Sharma's early life or influences, students should refer to the text to verify truth or falsehood. The text does not provide a complete statement for evaluation.
Let us listen
QI. You will listen to a woman read the special broadcast of the news. As you listen, arrange the pictures in the correct sequence of the events that took place.
Answer:
Students should listen to the audio and sequence pictures based on the broadcast order.
QII. You will once again listen to the special broadcast of the news. As you listen, complete the following sentences with one to three exact words. 1. The woman was having a difficult time staying afloat due to the _________________. 2. Rohan leapt into the river to save the woman without any _________________. 3. Rohan’s act of bravery was witnessed by _________________. 4. Rohan was honoured at the Vigyan Bhawan for his incredible courage and _________________. 5. Rohan proved that when it comes to saving lives, age is _________________.
Answer:
1. strong currents; 2. hesitation; 3. many people; 4. selflessness; 5. just a number
Let us speak
QI. Read aloud the list of words from the poem that end in ‘-ed’. As you read, focus on the final sound of each word and place them in the appropriate columns. Words: ragged, aged, waited, heeded, offered, paused, guided, whispered. Columns: /id/ sound, /d/ sound, /t/ sound. Example done: ragged, heeded go in /id/; paused in /t/.
Answer:
/id/ sound: ragged, aged, waited, heeded, guided; /d/ sound: offered, whispered; /t/ sound: paused
QII. Work in pairs. Narrate an incident where you helped someone in the past. Take turns to speak and use the cue cards given (at school, at the market place, in the neighbourhood, in the playground). Use prompts like: It all started when…, At that moment, I realised…, etc.
Answer:
Students should narrate a personal experience using the given prompts.
Let us write
QI. Write a diary entry of a day you helped someone in need. Include: start with a sentence describing the day, mention whom you helped, explain the situation, add place and time, describe how you helped, describe the reaction, mention how you felt, conclude why you would do it again. Begin like: 26 April 20xx, Saturday 8:00 p.m. Dear Diary, Today, I feel was a special day...
Answer:
Students should write a personal diary entry following the given structure.
Let us explore
QI. Did you know that even Earth has been referred to as mother in the ancient scriptures of India? In section 12.1.12 of Prithvi-Sukta (hymn-to-the-earth) of Atharva Veda, Earth is referred to as mother and us as her children by stating: ‘Earth is my mother and I am her child’.
Answer:
This is an informational point; no specific question to answer.
QII. Work in groups of four. Find out the names of countries that refer to their country as ‘motherland’ and a few others as ‘fatherland’. Share your findings with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
Students should research and share examples like India as motherland, Germany as fatherland.
QIII. Read the poem and enjoy: ‘A Nation’s Strength’ by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Answer:
Poem provided for reading; no specific question.
QIV. Make a gratitude card for your mother/grandmother to thank her for at least five things that she does for you. Also write two things that you would do regularly to help them. Use recycled material to make and decorate the card.
Answer:
Students should create a card with five thankful points and two promises of help.
Let us do these activities before we read
QI. Arrange the worldwide means of communication given below in the timeline provided. 1. telephone, 2. email, 3. postcard, 4. telegraph, 5. mobile phone, 6. carrier pigeons.
Answer:
Oldest to newest: carrier pigeons, telegraph, postcard, telephone, email, mobile phone.
QII. Work in pairs and discuss the following things. 1. The reasons for change in the means of communication over the years. 2. The means of communication that you prefer to use and the reason for your choice. 3. Communication through social media: its benefits and precautions that one should take against its misuse.
Answer:
Students should discuss reasons like technology advancement, preference such as mobile for convenience, and benefits like connectivity with precautions like privacy.