english coursebook - it@school final std vi... · this is your new english coursebook. it provides...

GOVERNMENT OF KERALA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION2009

ENGLISH COURSEBOOK

STANDARD VI

Volume I

Prepared by:State Council of EducationalResearch and Training (SCERT)Poojappura,Thiruvananthapuram -12, Kerala.Website: www.scertkerala.gov.ine-mail: [email protected]

© Government of Kerala • Department of Education • 2009

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

Jana Gana Mana Adhinayaka Jaya HeBharatha Bhagya Vidhata

Punjab Sindhu Gujarata MarathaDravida Utkala Banga

Vindhya Himachala Yamuna GangaUchala Jaladhi TarangaTava Subha Name Jage

Tava Subha Ashisa Mage,Gahe Tava Jaya Gatha

Jana Gana Mangala Dayaka Jaya HeBharatha Bhagya VidhataJaya He Jaya He Jaya HeJaya Jaya Jaya Jaya He.

Dear learners,

This is your new English Coursebook. It provides

you a variety of stories, poems and songs. The

book also contains a number of activities. You can

enjoy doing them on your own or with the help of

your teacher. You can make a collection of all your

creations. This book also provides you opportunities

for singing, dancing and acting.

This is the first volume of your Coursebook. It

contains three units. The second volume will reach

in your hands later on.

Your teacher will be ready to help you in all your

efforts. Let’s make learning English a pleasurable

experience.

I am sure you will become a confident user of

English with the help of this Coursebook.

Wish you all success.

A.P.M. MOHAMMED HANISH IASDirector (In charge)

SCERT

Members participated in the textbook workshop.

1. Smt. Jabeena.A.2. Sri. Jose D’ Sujeev3. Sri. Raghunathan Parali4. Smt. Rani.S.5. Sri. Santhosh Kumar.A.V.6. Sri. Sujith.S.7. Sri. Sukhadan.K.N.

Experts

1. Dr. K N Anandan2. Dr. Nazurddin Khan3. Dr. K M Sherief4. Prof. V K Saraswathy5. Prof. Sasikumaran Unnithan6. Dr. N Suresh Kumar

Artists

1. Sri.Deepesh.T2. Sri.Haridasan.N.K.3. Sri.Ramesan.P.4. Sri.Shyam.V.K.

Academic Co-ordinator

Smt. K.K.Chandini

State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT)Vidyabhavan, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 012

Contents

Unit Title Pages

Unit-1 Sujatha and the Wild Elephant 7-33

Unit-2 The Friends 34-64

Unit-3 Children with Strong Will 65-88

7

Based on a story by Cartoonist Sankar

8

Your teacher has told you how Sujatha met a wildelephant, hasn’t she?

What will Sujatha do now?Will she run away?Will the elephant attack her?

Face to Face with an ElephantSujatha stared at the elephant in fright.For a while she couldn’t move.She could hear her heartbeat.‘What will I do now? Should I cry for help?No.’ She decided to beg the elephant not to attack her.But how could the elephant understand her language?Suddenly an idea struck her.She thought about the banana thatshe had kept in her pocket.She took it out.‘Do you like bananas? I’ve only onewith me. I’ll give it to you.’She held the banana out to theelephant.Did the tusker understandSujatha’s words?The elephant looked at herfor some time. Then itstretched its long trunk andtook the banana from her.The elephant put thebanana into itscave-like mouth.It swallowed thebanana and shook itshead in gratitude.Then it started walkingback to the forest.

Now, read on...

9

After a few steps, the elephant turned and looked at Sujathaagain. It was getting dark. Sujatha hastily tied the grass into abundle. She put the bundle of grass on her head. She gazed atthe elephant.‘It is going away.’ Sujatha went back home.Her mother was waiting for her at the door.‘Why is Sujatha late?’ she wondered.Sujatha’s mother was sick and weak. She couldn’t do any work.She was worried about Sujatha going to the forest.But who else would bring the grass?The sun was setting behind the hills.Darkness was enveloping the trees.‘Oh! There she is.’ She saw Sujatha hastening towards her in thelight of the setting sun.

Do animals understand human language?Share your experience.

Imagine and write the conversation betweenSujatha and her mother.

Fill in the boxes using the words yes/ somewhat/ no.

I could begin the conversation well.

I wrote sufficient number of exchanges.

I was able to express the ideas and feelings well.

My Conversation

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10

The Friendship

Sujatha had brought some bananas for the elephant.The elephant came as expected.‘I will not give all the bananas together. I will give them one byone. Otherwise my friend will go back soon,’ she thought.The elephant ate the banana Sujatha offered.Seeing more banana in her hand, it stretched its trunk again.This time Sujatha didn’t feel so frightened as before.She slowly touched its trunk.She offered one more banana to it.Sujatha went closer to the elephant. But the elephant didn’tstretch its trunk. Instead it opened its mouth wide.Sujatha was excited. She put the rest of the bananas into itsmouth. She patted its trunk and gently caressed it with herfingers. The elephant enjoyed it. They began to play.Sujatha’s joy knew nobounds. She felt thatshe was on top of theworld. Her eyessparkled. She hada friend now. Notan ordinary friendlike what the otherchildren had. Anelephant! A hugewild tusker!Sujatha sang anddanced with theelephant.

Will the elephant come to meet Sujatha?What will Sujatha do?

You know that Sujatha and the elephant havebecome friends.

Now, read on...

11

My Elephant Thinks I’m Wonderful

My elephant thinks I’m wonderful,My elephant thinks I’m cool,My elephant hangs around with me,And follows me into school.

My elephant likes the way I look,He thinks that I’m fun and smart,He thinks that I’m kind and generous,And have a terrific heart.

My elephant thinks I’m brave and bold,He is proud of my strength and guts,But mostly he likes the way I smell,My elephant thinks I’ve wits.

-Kenn Nesbitt

Now, sing on...

Let’s listen to her song.

12

The elephant and Sujatha are close friends now.Do you have any close friend like this?An animal friend? What’s its name?

Write about your close friend.

Sujatha named her elephant.Do you like his name?

Now, read on...

The Disappointment

Everyday Sujatha andSudharman met at thepond. Sujatha would giveSudharman bananas.‘Open your mouth,’ Sujatha wouldtell Sudharman.The elephant could understandeverything she said.He would open his mouth to swallowthe bananas.‘Good, very good, Sudharman!’Sujatha would congratulate him on hisevery little act.He would respond by shaking his head,lifting his trunk, and flapping his ears.

One day, Sudharman came to the pondto meet Sujatha. But she was not there.He waited for a long time. But Sujathadid not turn up.Sudharman became very sad.He went back to the forest disappointed.

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13

The Destruction

Sujatha woke up early in the morning. She opened the doorand came out. To her surprise, there was a bunch of unripebananas in the corner of the veranda.‘Who brought it here?’ she wondered.‘Anyhow I will give the bananas to Sudharman when theyripen,’ she decided.She stepped out into the courtyard and saw the footprints of anelephant.‘Oh! Then it must be Sudharman who put the bananas here,’she thought.She dragged the heavy bunch of bananas into her room. Shekept it under the cot on which her mother was sleeping. Shewas careful enough not to wake her mother. Sujatha’s motherwas ill.‘I must buy medicine for mother.’ Sujatha started to the market.There was an unusual crowd in the market. People wereshouting and talking angrily.‘What’s the matter?’ Sujatha asked the shopkeeper.‘Didn’t you know? An elephant destroyed our crops last night.The villagers are furious. They are going tocomplain to the Mooppan*. They areplanning to catch the elephant.’Sujatha was shocked to hearthis. She was almost certainthat it was Sudharman.Sujatha ran to the villageMooppan.

What will Sudharman do now?

Now, read on...

* village head

14

Sujatha is going to the village Mooppan to know hisdecision.What will she do now?

Do you think it was Sudharman who kept the bunch of bananas onthe veranda?Will he go back without seeing Sujatha? Why?

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15

The Trap

Pappanar and his men dug a pit to trap Sudharman.In the evening Sujatha visited the place.‘That elephant usually comes this way. He will not see this pitcovered with leaves and grass. Poor elephant!He will certainly fall into it.’Sujatha heard someone whispering.It was from the top of a tree.‘Oh! They are Pappanar’s friends.They are waiting for Sudharman.’Sujatha was worried.With a heavy heart she returned home.

Now, read on...

Why do people trap elephants?Don’t animals have freedom to live on their own?

Put down your views......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

You have heard from your teacher that the villagershave decided to trap Sudharman.

How are the villagers going to trap Sudharman?

16

Anxious Moments

Sujatha opened the door and went out.‘Why are people shouting and clapping?Did they catch Sudharman?’She saw people running towardsthe place where the pit wasdug. Their uproar echoedall around. Sujatha waseager to reach there. Butshe had to preparebreakfast. She had toattend to her sickmother.Somehow she finishedall her householdchores. Hastily she ran tothe elephant pit.The crowd didn’t allowSujatha to go near. But shetried to have a look at thepit. She saw four elephantsnear the pit.

Now, read on...

Now, you know why Sujatha couldn’t sleep thatnight.

Did she see Sudharman there?What were the elephants doing?

Will Sudharman be trapped?What will happen to Sudharman?What will Sujatha do to help Sudharman?

17

Look at these pictures.What do you see in them?Is Sudharman there?If so, where is he?What are the other elephants doing?

18

How well did I write?


I was able to describe the incident well.

The sentences I used wereproperly connected.

I was able to express myideas in apt words.

The ideas were arrangedin proper sequence.

I used proper punctuations.

Develop ideas from the pictures and write a description.

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19

THE ESCAPE

‘I’ve come here to save you,’Sujatha said to Sudharman.Sudharman was tied withsix strong ropes – his neckwith two and legs withfour.It was very difficult forSujatha to cut the ropes. Shehad to work hard to cut allthe six ropes.She tried to cut the ropesround the neck first.Sudharman lowered hishead as if to help Sujatha.Sujatha was tired. Yet, shedidn’t give up. Then shestarted cutting the ropesaround the legs.

Now, read on...

You know that Sujatha went to Sudharman witha knife. What is she planning to do?

20

On my reading

Fill in the boxes using the wordsfully/ partially/ not at all/ not applicable.

I enjoyed reading the story.

I could connect the idea of the storywith the story my teacher told.

I got the idea of the storyfrom my own reading.

I got the idea with the helpof my teacher and friends.

Have you ever saved anyone from danger? If so, how?Imagine yourself in Sujatha’s place. Then what would be yourthoughts.

Express your ideas.

It was almost dawn when she finished the work.Sudharman moved towards Sujatha.He looked thankfully at her.‘Go… go…. Escape from here quickly. Get away,’Sujatha whispered to Sudharman, and ran back home.

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Look at the picture.

What are the villagers doing to Sudharman?What might Sujatha feel about the incident?Write it down.

22

Villagers Try to Drive Away the Tusker

Sujatha was angry with Sudharman.‘You cruel elephant! You ruined the crops… destroyed houses.You are cruel! So cruel!’ Sujatha cried out.Sudharman stood still. He had never before seen Sujatha crying.Never had he seen her getting angry.Sudharman slowly stretched his trunk and caressed her.‘Sudharman hasn’t changed! He is still my friend,’ Sujatharealised.Sujatha put her arms round his trunk and kissed him.The villagers were watching this from a distance.‘Why doesn’t he kill that girl?’ they wondered.‘Come. This is a golden chance. Come let’s drive this animalaway,’ a man shouted.

Now, read on...

Your teacher has told you how Sujatha metSudharman after a long time, hasn’t she?

23

Soon hundreds of people gathered. They began to throw stonesat Sudharman. Someone threw a spear at him.Suddenly Sudharman lifted Sujatha with his trunk and rantowards the forest.When they reached the edge of the forest, Sudharman slowlyput her down.Sujatha was confused.‘What shall I do? But Sudharman is my friend. Nobody shouldharm him. Sudharman should not attack people,’ Sujathathought.Soon they heard the uproar of the people.‘They are almost here. My dear friend, go back to the forest. Itis your home. You will be free there. Go, my dear friend.Go back.’ Sujatha wept bitterly.But Sudharman didn’t listen to her words. He stood still. Therewere tears in his eyes too.The shouting grew louder and louder.

24

‘Sudharman, you are my dear friend. Won’t you listen to me?Please go to the forest, to the thick forest.’ Sujatha pointed to thethick clump of trees in the distance.Sudharman looked at her. She was standing like a statue.‘Go… go back to the forest. Don’t come back to see me again.’ Itwas an order.‘She is my friend. I must obey her. It is difficult to leave her. ButI must go,’ he thought.Slowly he moved. Once again he looked back longingly atSujatha.She stood there still, pointing to the forest.Sudharman walked away. He hastened towards the forest. Soonhe disappeared.Sujatha heaved a deep sigh. She knew that her dear friend hadleft her forever. She would never see him again.

Sujatha told Sudharman to go back to the forest.Did she really want to part with him?

25

Extended reading

Fun

Running and joking,Playing in the sun.Singing and dancing,Roaming is fun.

What funny things,Didn’t we do together!

Chums*He sits and begs, he gives a paw,He is, as you can see,The finest dog you ever saw,And he belongs to me.

He follows me everywhere I goAnd even when I swim.I laugh because he thinks, youknow,That I belong to him.

But still no matter what we doWe never have a fuss;And so I guess it must be trueThat we belong to us.

Arthur Guiterman

*chum : friend

26

My Dog

His nose is short and scrubby*;His ears hang rather low;And he always brings the stick back,No matter how far you throw.

He gets spanked* rather oftenFor things he shouldn’t do,Like lying- on- bed, and barking,And eating up shoes when they’re new.

He always wants to be goingWhere he isn’t supposed to go,He tracks up the house when it’s snowing-Oh, puppy, I love you so.

Marchette Chute

• The dog in the poem is mischievous. He often getsa spanking for being naughty.

• Do you have any pets at home that aremischievous? Share your experiences with others.

* scrubby(adj): tidy, neat* spank(v): slap with one’s open hand or a flat object

Here is another poem for you. Read and enjoy it.

Extended reading

27

There is an expression ‘cave-like mouth’ on Page 2.What will each of these blind men say about theelephant? Write in the bubbles.

Extended activity

28

Let’s

mak

e an

ELE

PHA

NT

Materials

• colourful paper rectangles• black marker pen• scissors• glue

• Make the elephants in many sizes. Create a whole family ofelephants.

• Create a parade of circus elephants. Add a colourful blanketand headpiece, using paper scraps and marker pens.

• Make a series of elephants to sit on the top of a library shelf.Write the title for a good story on each elephant.

Extended activity

29

Let’s

mak

e an

ELE

PHA

NT

Ways to use

1 Fold the rectangle in half.

2 Make a slanted line for the trunk.Cut out a rounded section for the legs.

3 Use a rounded scrap for ears.Fold up the trunk and glue it inplace. Cut a tail out.

4 Bend up the tail.Fold up sections for the feet.Add eyes with the marker pen.

30

Activity 1She saw Sujatha hastening towards her in the light of the settingsun.Look at the underlined expression.The word setting is used in relation to ‘sun’.What are the other words that can be related to ‘sun’?Develop a concept map.

Frame sentences using the words you have written.

Extended Activities

setting sun

31

Activity 2Read the following sentence.

Darkness was enveloping the trees.

Given below are a string of words. Each can replace the word‘enveloping’.

blanketing, covering, carpeting, jacketing

Frame different sentences using these words.

Activity 3In the sentence, ‘Sujatha was excited’, the word ‘excited’ is usedto show a certain feeling. The feeling in Sujatha’s mind isexcitement.Consider the following set of words:

enjoyed disappointed

surprised frightened

wondered shocked

worriedWhat is the feeling indicated by each of these words?

32

One day a fox told a cat, ‘You know, I’m very clever.I know hundred of tricks so my enemies can’t catchme. What you know?’

The cat smiles and said, ‘I know only one way.’

Just then they heard dogs bark and see some men.The cat quickly climbed up a tree and hid its branches.The fox began think. He could not decided the way toescape. It was too late. The a dogs and the men caughtthe fox and killed it.

Here is a small story written by Sunitha, of Class VI. There are a fewerrors in the story which are underlined. Edit the story and rewrite it.

Fill in the boxes using the words yes or no.

I deleted the excess words.

I corrected the wrong forms of words.

I corrected the punctuation errors.

I added new words wherever necessary.

I corrected the misspellings.

How well did I edit the story?

Editing

33

GLOSSARY

bushy (adj): growing thicklyRamu has bushy hair.

caress(v): to touch softly and lovinglyThe mother caressed her baby.

certain(adv) : sureIt is certain that he will win the award.

chores(n): work that is done regularlyespecially domestic work.Mother goes to sleep only after finishingher chores.

crowd(n): large number of peopleSeeing a crowd near the road he stoppedhis scooter.

destroy(v): to damage something sobadly that it cannot be used or repairedThe tsunami destroyed the fishing boats.

disappoint(v): to make someone feelsad because something they expecteddid not happenThe result of the match disappointed theplayers.

echo(v): to resoundHis voice echoed in the hall.

explain(v): to make clearThe teacher explained the idea to thestudents.

flap(v): to move up and down orsidewaysThe elephant flapped its ears.

fortunately(adv): luckilyI was late. Fortunately, I got the train.

fright(n): feeling of fearI got a terrible fright when the dogjumped at me.

furious(adj): very angryMother was furious when she knew thatI had lost my umbrella again.

gather(v): to collectChildren gathered flowers for the‘pookkalam.’

gratitude(n): thankfulnessMeena expressed her gratitude to theteacher for helping her.

hastily(adv): in a hurryAs I was already late, I hastily packedmy baggages.

realise(v): to understandShe realised her mistake.

respond(v): to reply, react or answerHe responded in a friendly way.

snore(v): to breathe noisly during sleepI couldn’t sleep, as my brother wassnoring loudly.

stare(v): to look for a long time with theeyes wide openDon’t stare at people like that. Youmight annoy them.

stretch(v): to reach for somethingHe stretched his hand to take the bookfrom the top of the shelf.

tame(v):to train an animal or a bird tolive with humansIt will take many months to tame anelephant.

torture(v):to give strong mental orbodily painIt is against the law to torture people inpolice custody..twinkling(adj): shiningWe see twinkling stars at night.

uproar(n): a lot of noise aboutsomethingPeople made an uproar when the busknocked down a child.

whisper(v): to speak in a low voiceHe whispered the secret to me.

35

FIROZ

Student of standard V.Captain of the school cricket club.Only son of Moin and Ayisha.Always acts as though he has a bat in his hand.

RAVI

He loves music.He loves to wear half trousers.His parents are Beena and Madhu.He studies in standard VI.He is very good at climbing tall trees.He has a calf as his pet.

INDU

I’m Ravi’s calf.My mother is Poovali.I have a white spot on my forehead.

The Friends

They are seven.They call themselves ‘FRIENDS’.They found a name for their group by putting together the firstletter of each of their names.

Let’s read about them.

36

EMIL

My name is Emil Fernandez.Friends call me ‘Emil’.My mother calls me ‘Emi’.My father calls me ‘Kuttan’.I am the son of Rita and Fernandez.I have a sister.She is Diya.I study in standard II.I have a bicycle tyre to play with.

NEHA

Miaow…. Hi, friends.I am Sunaina’s cat.My eyes are blue.I am the only black cat here.Mice run away when I mew.

37

SUNAINASunaina is the leader of the ‘Friends’.She is a student of standard VII.She is the tallest among the ‘Friends’.She is very good in paper craft.It is her hobby.Ahamed and Sainaba are her parents.They always encourage her in her hobby.

DIYA

She studies in standard VI.She is a little poet.She finds time to talk to plantsand flowers.Her younger brother, Emil,calls her ‘Diyechi’.

38

Now, you know more about the ‘Friends’, don’t you?Do you want to know about the place they live in?

Now, read on...

Heaven on Earth

Kunnumpuram is a small hamlet on a hill, covered with silkygreen grass. Rocks lie scattered among the grass like elephantcalves. In October, small flowers appear and the hill turns violet.In April, the grass dries up and the hill turns golden yellow.A Njaval tree holds its green umbrella above the hill. Light greenflowers on it slowly turn to dark violet fruits in May.Towards the north of the tree there is a huge rock. It looks like atusker. You can climb up to sit on it and see the blue sea in thewest. Sometimes fishing boats appear on the sea like small blackspots.Green paddy fields stretch like a carpet on the eastern side ofthe hill. Flocks of cranes fly up from the fields and come downagain.Near the ‘elephant rock’ there are some steps. They lead you

39

Do you like Kunnumpuram? Why?Do you like the place where you live?

Describe your place.

down to a dark cave. Porcupines and mongooses live there.

A babbling brook makes its way down to the valley, on thesouthern side of the hill. Smooth rocks, covered with greenweeds, make a home for crabs. Water snakes wait in the slits ofrocks for their food. Large green frogs swell their bellies andbulge their eyes. Small fishes swim in the cool, refreshing,crystal-clear water of the brook. Near the paddy fields, there isa pond. It is very deep. Its water is bluish green and still. Pinkwater-lilies smile at passers-by.

A gentle breeze, carrying the fragrance of distant flowers,always lingers around.

40

You’ve heard from your teacher how the ‘Friends’tried to catch a crab.Will they get the crab?What will they do with the crab?

Emil’s Encounter with the Crab

It was a real big crab. It had two stout pincers. It crawled to thebait, with a quick move of its pincers. Sunaina was waiting forthat moment. She pulled the line.‘Wow!’ She pulled the crab out of the brook. All the friends ranto the spot. The crab lay upside down on its shell. It was beatingits yellow belly with its pincers and legs, and was struggling toget up.

How well did I write?


I was able to describe the place well.

The sentences I used wereproperly connected.

I was able to express myideas in apt words.

The ideas were arrangedin proper sequence.

I used proper punctuation marks.

Hope you enjoyed describing your home.There is a poem ‘Barefoot Days’ in the extended readingsection at the end of this unit on page 51. Read it too.

Now, read on...

41

‘Emil’s mother will cook it for us,’ said Firoz.His mouth watered.‘Let’s take it home,’ said Emil.He stretched his hand to take the crab.‘You fool, it will bite off your fingers,’ Sunaina grunted.But Emil didn’t listen to her. He touched the crab.It happened quite suddenly.The crab snapped at Emil’s finger with its pincers.‘Ow!’ Emil cried aloud.He tried to shake the crab off. But the crabtightened its hold. Emil shook his hand andran. The crab still clung to his finger.‘Emil, stop…,’ cried Ravi.All the friends ran after Emil.The pain was quite severe. Emil didn’t knowwhat to do. At last he dipped his hand in thewater.‘My God…,’ Sunaina cried out.When it was back in the brook, thecrab released its pincers. Itcrawled and sank to thebottom.‘Serves you right, youclay-headed buffoon!’Sunaina gritted her teeth.Emil was ashamed.He hung his headand ran to Diya, hissister.His fingers werebleeding.‘I will not speak toSunaina any more.Who does shethink she is?’ Emilmuttered.

42

Where is Diya now?What will Emil say to his sister?

Develop a conversation betweenDiya and Emil.



I wrote a sufficient number of exchanges.

I was able to express the ideas and feelings well.

My Conversation

Do you like the ‘FRIENDS’?They have named their group FRIENDS.Do you have any such companions or groups?Give your group an interesting name.Write about your group.

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43

Diya, the Poet

Diya was sitting on the branch of a fallen tree near the pond.Her eyes glided over the slimy stones on the bank, over thewater-lilies, praying for the moon to shine. The calm, still, deepwater of the pond reflected the blue sky. There was a patch ofwhite cloud in the sky.A tortoise came up from the depths to breathe. It made rippleson the water. The image of the sky and the cloud was broken,but soon the water became still. It shone like a mirror again.Diya bent down and looked into the pond. She was trying towrite down some lines of a poem.

The cloud is a shipSailing on the pond.

Now, read on...

44

She hummed two lines and then closed her eyes. She wasworking hard on the third line.Suddenly she heard a splash. Diya was startled and openedher eyes wide. Someone was swimming in the water. He cameup and wiped his face with his hands.It was Ravi.‘Oh! You disturbed me. I was trying to think of some lines,’Diya complained.‘I didn’t know you were a poet! Come down for a swim,’ Ravisaid. Diya joined him reluctantly.Soon, the other friends also came running and jumped into thepond.Indu and Neha too joined them. Neha tried to sit on Indu’sback. Indu shook her away. Neha swam to Sunaina and sat onher shoulder.‘Miaow…,’ she mewed.Sunaina swam with Neha on her back.‘Look!’ Emil pointed to the sky.Everybody looked up.

On my reading


I enjoyed reading the story.

I could connect the idea of the storywith the story, my teacher told.

I got the idea of the storyfrom my own reading.


45

Now, read on...

What did they see in the sky? Let’s find out.

A Delightful Sight

High up in the sky, above the white clouds, a small object wasgliding silently by.‘An aeroplane!’ Firoz shouted.‘Where?’ asked Emil.‘There… above that large cloud,’ said Firoz looking up.‘It is very small,’ said Emil.‘No, it is very big. It carries hundreds of people in it.’Diya showed off her knowledge.‘Oh no! You are lying,’ said Emil.

He looked at the aeroplane. The sun’s rays painted it silver.It crossed the sun and disappeared into the blue of the

sky.‘One day I’ll also fly an aeroplane,’ said Sunaina.The children tried to trace the plane in the sky. But

it had vanished.‘Some day it will come closer to us,’

they thought.Their eyes gleamedwith hope.

46

Now, read the beginning of the story.Complete the story with the help of the pictures.

The grass around the Njaval tree was sweet and tasty. Indu didn’traise her head even for a second.

Lying on the elephant rock,Neha watched Indu.A grasshopper hopped againand flew up. Neha jumpedafter it. She fell down fromthe rock. But she landed onher four legs. She lookedaround for the hopper, her tail

high up in the air. The grasshopper had disappeared in thegrass. Neha decided to search for the grasshopper. She crawledinto the long grass.A fox was watching all these. It saw the calf grazing alone.

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Develop the speech congratulating Neha.

Congratulations Neha,’ Emil said.‘Neha is the hero.’ Firoz gave her a big hand.Neha raised her tail and swirled it in the air.Diya came with a garland in her hands. She put it round Neha’sneck.‘My dear friends,’ Sunaina began to deliver a speechcongratulating Neha.

Neha, the Heroine

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The Helicopter

‘What is that sound?’‘Is it an aeroplane?’‘No.’‘Then, what is it?’The children looked up.In the west, above the blue line of the sea, they saw somethingflying in the sky.The children were seeing a helicopter for the first time in theirlife. The helicopter came near the hill.‘See, it is flying very low,’ Firoz shouted.‘It has a fan on top,’ Sunaina discovered.‘If we climb the Njaval tree, we can touch it,’ Ravi said.

Now, read on...

50

‘That’s right.’ Emil ran to the tree.The friends began to climb the tree. Neha did it quite easily.Ravi was at the top. Firoz was just below, followed by Diyaand Sunaina.Emil hugged the tree and tried to climb up. Indu stood underthe tree watching.‘Help me, please. I can’t climb,’ Emil cried out.Sunaina grasped Diya’s leg with one hand and held out theother to Emil.‘Hold me, Emil,’ Sunaina said.‘Be careful, don’t pull me down,’ Diya said.‘Don’t worry. I’ll hold you,’ Firoz assured her.With one hand Firoz held the branch on which Ravi wasstanding. He held out the other hand to Diya.Neha came down to Ravi to see what was happening.‘Now, come on Emil.’ Sunaina tried to pull Emil up.‘C...r...a...c...k!’ The branch on which Ravi was standing broke.The ‘Friends’ had a great fall.‘Miaow....’ Neha was the last to come down.The branches of the Njaval tree were swinging in a strong wind.

The terrifying sound of the copter seemed quite near.‘See, it is landing here, on our hill,’ Sunainascreamed. Everybody looked up.They could see the copter coming down.‘Run, run for your lives,’ Sunaina shouted.The children ran. They hid behind the elephant rock.The propeller of the copter blew off the

sand and loose soil there.Dust rose up with the dry leaves on theground.‘I can’t see anything,’ cried Emil.The helicopter touched theground.Two men got out of it.

Who are they?What is the purpose of their visit?

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Experts visit the proposedsite for airportKunnumpuram: Putting anend to a year long drama, ateam of experts headed byK.Sitaram, visited the proposedsite for the airport atKunnumpuram. The expertsarrived from Delhi in ahelicopter in the morning.‘We found this place a perfectsite for the airport,’ Sitaram toldthe press persons. ‘The airportwill start functioning in a yearor two, if things go well,’ he

added. Kunnumpuram maynot have to wait long toassume a prominent place inthe aviation map of India.

On my reading


I understood the news reportfrom my own reading.


I could analyse the report.

Listen to your teacher.

Read on...

52

The StormA strong wind blew.Small yellow leaves flew up in the air.Dark clouds appeared in the eastern sky.The howling of the wind turned into a shrieking whistle.Trees swayed and tried to hold on to one another.Darkness spread all over the sky. A streak of lightning tore theblack sheath of the sky. The next moment the earth shook to thesound of thunder. Rain poured down heavily.The wind roared. It ran around the Njaval tree like a wild beast.It pulled the branches with all its strength. The tree groaned.Water flowed in thick streams below the tree. The soil that hadembraced the roots for many years was swept away by therushing water.In the flash of lightning, roots appeared naked-like the bones ofa dead animal.The wind blew with all its might. The tree could no longerhold out. Brushing against the branches of the smaller treesnearby, the great Njaval treecrashed down on the‘elephant rock’. The othertrees turned pale in thefierce lightning.Green tender Njavalfruits lay scattered inthe muddy water.

You have understood from your teacher that the‘Friends’ have to leave the village.

Now, read on...

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We shall Meet Again

Scene OneNear the Elephant Rock.[Emil, Firoz, Diya, Sunaina and Ravi enter]

Sunaina : [to Ravi] Where is Indu?[Ravi looks down. He is crying.]

Diya : What happened, Ravi?[Ravi covers his face with his hands.]

Firoz : I’ll tell you. His father has sold Indu.Diya : What!Firoz : Yes. His father said they could not take Indu with

them when they were to leave the place.Sunaina : [to Ravi] Is it true?

You came to know from your teacher, whathappened to Indu, didn’t you?

Now, read on...

54

[Ravi cries. Emil comes forward.]Emil : Ravietta, don’t cry. Let’s play.

This is the last day we are together.Ravi : Yes, I know. We are all leaving this place.

This is the last day here. Come, let’s play.[Ravi and Sunaina stand in the middle of the stage.They hold their hands together to form an arch.]

Emil (sings): One two three fourFlowers are yellowLeaves are green….[The children begin to run around. They pass underthe arch. Suddenly Emil stops singing and burst outinto tears. Emil hugs Ravi.]

Emil : Ravietta, Sunainathatha, won’t we meet again?Won’t we meet again?

Ravi : Who knows! We have to leave here this very night.We have to go to some other place.

Firoz : Why can’t we settle in the same village?Sunaina : How can we? All of us may not get land at the

same place.Ravi : So, we may not meet again.Firoz : Can’t we write letters to each other?Diya : How can we? Do we know where we are going?

[Silence for a moment. Sunaina moves to Diya andholds her hand.]

Sunaina : Diya, can’t you sing a song for us?Diya : How can I?...Firoz : Please, Diya.

We may not hear you sing anymore.[Diya moves to Firoz and holds hishands. She sings a song.]

55

Song

Together for yearsWe played in the sun.Go we must nowBut we’ll meet, we’ll meet,We’ll meet somewhere.

Together for daysWe swam in the lake.Part we must nowBut we’ll meet, we’ll meet,We’ll meet somehow.

Together for hoursWe swung on the swings.Leave we must nowBut we’ll meet, we’ll meet,We’ll meet someday.

Curtain.

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Take Off

And at last the day came. An aeroplane took off from the newairport. There was a large crowd to witness the great moment.The hill where the Njaval tree stood is no more. The ‘elephantrock’ on which the ‘Friends’ used to sit, the brook in which thecrabs swam, the paddy fields where the golden grains dancedin the wind, the hedges on which the cranes stood on one leg,have all disappeared.

Where have the ‘Friends’ gone? Who knows!They might be watching the aeroplane that tookoff from the hamlet where they once lived.The aeroplane gliding up into the blue sky, abovethe white clouds.Their eyes might still be gleaming with hope.

You may have guessed that the ‘Friends’ movedto different places.

Now, read on...

57

Extended reading

Barefoot Days

In the morning, very early,That’s the time I love to goBarefoot where the ferns grow curlyAnd grass is cool between each toe,On a summer morning – O!On a summer morning!

That is when the birds go byUp the sunny slopes of air,And each rose has a butterflyOr a golden bee to wear.And I am glad in every toe –Such a summer morning – O!Such a summer morning!

Rachel Field

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Extended reading

The Months

JANUARY brings the snowMakes one’s feet and fingers glow.

FEBRUARY brings the rain,Thaws the frozen lake again.

MARCH brings breezes, loud and shrill,To stir the dancing daffodil.

APRIL brings the primrose sweet,Scatters daisies at our feet.

MAY brings flocks of pretty lambsSkipping by their fleecy dames.

JUNE brings tulips, lilies, roses,Fills the children’s hands with posies.

Hot JULY brings cooling showersApricots, and gilly flowers.

AUGUST brings the sheaves of corn;Then the harvest home is borne.

Warm SEPTEMBER brings the fruit;Sportsmen then begin to shoot.

Fresh OCTOBER brings the pheasant;Then to gather nuts is pleasant.

Dull NOVEMBER brings the blast;Then the leaves are whirling fast.

Chill DECEMBER brings the sleet,Blazing fire, and Christmas treat.

Sara Coleridge

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DescriptionA description tells you what something is like. It tells you about itscolour, shape, smell…etc.

Colour Her eyes are blue.

Shape/size In October small flowers appear.

What something looks like Rocks lie scattered among the grass like elephant calves.

What something feels like Smooth rocks covered with green weeds make home for crabs.

What noise something A babbling brook makes it way downmakes to the valley, on the southern side of

the rock.

What something smells or A gentle breeze, carrying the fragrancetastes like of distant flowers, always lingers

around the hill.

What movement something The crab crawled to the bait, with amakes quick move of its pincers.

Pick out similar expressions from the Coursebook and write them down.

‘What is a friend?A single soul dwelling in two bodies.’

- Aristotle

‘Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow.Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead.Just walk beside me and be my friend.’

-Albert Camus

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Activity 1Look at the following rhyme. It is incomplete. You can completeit by choosing the words given in the box.

The LanternI am not lonely in the night,For I have a magic …..When you look at it by ……,You can’t see a single …..,But at night there can be ….,Teeny-weeny rays of ….,For my light you realizeIs a jar of ….

ray, day , fireflies, light, green, seen

Activity 2Complete the crossword puzzle given below. (Downwards)The words denote different water bodies. One has been donefor you.

Extended Activities

1

2 3 4

5

W A T E R

E

L

L

‘The only way to have a friend is to be one.’-Ralph Waldo Emerson

‘Friends are the sunshine of life.’-John Hay

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Activity 3Fill in the boxes against the lines choosing the words from thebox given at the end that have the meanings of the underlinedexpressions. One has been done for you.

Here are two words.They begin with ‘per…’One means to try to entertain perform

The other means to let you do something.

Here are three words.They begin with ‘pre…’The first is very valuable.

The second makes things.

The third acts falsely.

Here are four words.They begin with ‘pro…’The first is very important.

The second always disagrees.

The third suggests a plan, an idea etc.

The fourth moves or pushes forward.

propose, perform,prevent, precious, permit,pertain, propel, prepare, pretend, prominent,protest, progress, prolong

‘The best mirror is an old friend.’-George Herbert

‘Let your best be for your friend.’-Khalil Gibran

‘Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store orunder a tree, but in the hearts of true friends.’

-Cindy Lew

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Editing

Here is a story written by Sujith, of Class VI. There are a few errors inthe story which are underlined. Edit the story and rewrite it.

There was once king who had three sons. Two of theywere proud and self important. The third is very quietand humble. When the king become old and week, andthought that he would soon dye, he wonder which ofhis son ought to be king after him. So he said to them,‘Go out into the world and travel. Whoever bring meback the finest carpet shall be king after my death.’ Then,so that they should not quarel, he led them out in frontof the castle and, blowing three fethers into the air said,‘as they fly so shall you go.’

Fill in the boxes using the words yes or no.





I corrected the misspelt words.

How well did I edit the story?

63

GLOSSARY

approach(v): to come nearDrive slowly when you approach aschool.

arch(v): to make something in curvedshapeShe stretched her arms out and archedher back.

aviation(n): flying or operating ofaircraft

assume(v): to think that something istrueI didn’t see your car. So I assumed youhad gone out.

assure(v): to make sureThe doctor assured us that the patientwould be well soon.

babbling(adj): making a sound likewater flowing over rocks

bark(n): the outer covering of a treeThe bark of the guava tree is verysmooth.

blaze(v): to burn brightlyThe room was warm with the fireblazing in the fireplace.

borne(adj): carried by water, sea, airetc.

brook(n): a small streamThere is a brook at the foot of the hill.

bulge(v): to stick out in a round shapeHis pockets were bulging with candy.

dame(n): woman

depart(v): leave from a placeThe train for Ernakulam will depart fromplatform number 5 soon.

discover(v): to find something that ishidden or unknownShe has discovered how to open thedoor.

embrace(v): to put your arms aroundsomeone in a friendly or loving mannerHe embraced his son tenderly.

fierce(adj): more strongly, loudly etcthan usualIt was snowing something fierce lastnight.fleecy(adj): soft and woolly

fragrance(n): a pleasant smellWe all like the fragrance of roses.

frequently(adv): very often or manytimesDo you go to the library frequently?

gleam(v): to shine softlyHis face gleamed in wonder.

grasp(v): to seize firmly with the handor arm

grunt(v): to say a few words in a roughvoiceHe grunted when the stone hit him.

hamlet(n): a small village

hedge(n): a row of bushes or shrubs ortall plants forming a boundary

horizon(n): the place where the land orsea seem to meet the skyWe could see a ship on the horizon.

line(n) a piece or length of thread,string or rope

linger(v): to stay somewhere a littlelongerHer eyes lingered on the baby’s face.

perform(v): to do something toentertain peopleIndian cricket team performed well in thetwenty-twenty cricket championship.

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pincers(n): claws of some kind of shellfishCrabs have a pair of pincers.

pheasant(n): a large bird with a longtail

porcupine(n): an animal with long,sharp, needle-like parts growing allover its body

posy(n): a small bunch of flowers

precious(adj): very valuableThe doll is very precious to me becauseit was given by my mother.

pretend(v): to act falselyThe young boy pretended to be a filmactor.

prominent(adj): importantMy grandfather’s photograph isdisplayed in a prominent position in thehall.

propose(v): to suggest or plan somethingThey proposed to build a museum.

protest(v): to say or do somethingpublicly to show one’s disagreementMy son protested when I switched offthe TV.

reluctantly(adv): doing somethingunwillingly and slowlyWe reluctantly agreed to leave the party.

resist(v): to stop from being forced todo somethingI just can’t resist chocolates.

scatter(v): to throw or draw a lot ofthings over a wide areaThe sky was scattered with stars.

severe(adj): very bad or seriousHe had severe pain in his stomach.

sheath(n): cover of darkness (here)The morning sun uncovered the sheathof darkness.

sheaves(n): (pl. of sheaf), several piecesof paper tied togetherHe laid a sheaf of document on the desk.

shriek(v): to make a very high, loudsoundHe shrieked in pain when the dog bithim.

shrill(adj): high and unpleasant sound

shudder(v): to shake uncontrollably fora short time because you are afraidReema shuddered when Anitha touchedher shoulder in the dark.

sleet(n): half frozen rain that fallswhen it is very cold

stretch(v): to spread out or cover a largearea of landThe paddy field stretched as far as theeye could see.

struggle(v): to try hardIndians struggled much to getindependence.

sway(v): to move slowly from one sideto anotherBranches of trees swayed gently in thewind.

tear(v): (tore - torn) to damagesomething such as paper or cloth bypulling it too hardHe tore the paper into pieces.

thaws(n): period of long weatherduring which snow and ice melt

trace(v): to follow and find outShe has lost hopes of tracing her missingdaughter.

whirl(v): to turn or spin around veryquickly

witness(v): to see something happenThere was no witness to the roadaccident.

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Children with Strong Will

UNIT 3

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Look at the picture below.

What are the children doing?What is the boy saying?Why doesn’t the conductor open the door?

Have you ever faced situations like this?

67

Now, read on...

Your teacher has told you that Anjali and her sisterArathi were waiting for the bus. Then what mighthave happened to Arathi?

A Shock

‘My sister ... my sister...,’ Anjali ran after the bus, whimpering.But the bus did not stop. It sped away belching thick clouds ofsmoke and dust. Tears and smoke blurred her vision. The busturned a curve and disappeared from view.Anjali stood there bewildered.An old man was watching her from the other side of the road.He crossed the road and walked up to her.‘Child, don’t cry,’ he said, ‘that conductor is a bit rude.But don’t worry, you’ll get the next bus.’She looked at him thankfully.She waited eagerly for the next bus.

Why didn’t the bus stop for Anjali to get in?Have you ever had such an experience?

68

Express Anjali’s thoughts when the busdisappeared from her view?

I could write Anjali’s feelings well.

I used apt words for describing her thoughts.

I could express all the ideas I gathered.


How well did I describe Anjali’s thoughts?

Fill in the boxes using yes/ somewhat/ no.

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Arathi has no money with her.What will she do now?Is she afraid?

Help at Last

The overcrowded bus moved along the dusty road groaningand wobbling. The stench of sweat and the dust was suffocating.‘Give way,’ the conductor pushed Arathi aside rudely. It hurther arm. The glaring eyes of the conductor scared her. She beganto cry.‘What’re you crying for? Give me the fare,’ the conductorshouted. Arathi’s cry became louder and louder.‘Arathi, what happened?’She turned around and sawher uncle Babu looking at herwith concern.‘Uncle, the conductor didn’tallow Anjali to get in.He closed the door. My busfare is with her,’ Arathisobbed again.‘Don’t worry, my dear. Ishall pay thefare, and takeyou home. Anjaliwill come by the nextbus.’Uncle consoled her.Arathi felt relieved.

Now, read on...

70


I described the events well.

The ideas were arranged in proper order.

I used apt words and expressions.

The sentences I used were properly connected.


What do you think of the conductor’s attitude?Imagine that Arathi’s uncle was not in the bus. How would the otherpassengers react?

Put yourself in Arathi’s place.

Listen to your teacher.

How does Anjali describe the events to her father?

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How well did I write the description?

71

My Tree

Julia Butterfly Hill is a young nature activist. She is bestknown for spending 738 days on the top of a tree. Born on 18February 1974 in Arkansas, Julia Butterfly Hill was only 24when she climbed a California Redwood tree and set up herhome there. The tree, 1000 years old and 180 feet tall, was set tobe cut down by the Pacific Lumber Company. Members of certainvoluntary organizations helped Julia build a small tarpaulinshelter on the top of the tree, in which she was to spend the nexttwo years of her life.

Several people beforeher had spent hours or dayson the top of it, and when itwas Julia’s turn, her idea wassimply to continue the fight.However, days turned intoweeks, and on Day 42, JuliaButterfly Hill broke theworld record for tree-sitting.It is a form of protest whichinvolves sitting on a tree untilthe demands of the tree-sitter are met. Her tree was nicknamedLuna. People called it so because it was first climbed at night,with only the moon for a guiding light. The tree became asymbol in the fight to protect redwood forests.

While up on the tree, Julia Butterfly Hill endured severeharassment from the logging company, which included soundhorns, bright lights, and strong winds generated from ahelicopter. The harsh sounds, the light, and the strong wind,were not enough to make her give in. She also survived one ofthe most severe winters in the history of California.

Now, read more about her.

You’ve heard from your teacher that Anjali’s fathertold her about Julia Butterfly Hill.

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Julia Butterfly Hill climbed downfrom Luna on 18 December 1999,after striking a deal with PacificLumber Company. According tothe agreement, the tree and a three-acre land around it, would beforever preserved.Julia Butterfly Hill has been thesubject of several documentaries,interviews, and books, includingher own memoirs, ‘The Legacy ofLuna.’ After climbing down fromLuna, she went on a nationwide tourspeaking against deforestation.

(from www.wisegeek.com)Julia is a nature activist. Who is a nature activist? What will you doif you were a nature activist?What problems did Julia face while living there?What made her go for tree-sitting?Have you seen such shelters or huts on the branches of trees? Where?What are they used for?


I enjoyed reading the passage.

I got the idea of the passage on my own.

I got the idea with the help of my friendsin the group.

The teacher helped me to understandthe passage.

I used the glossary given at the end of the unit.

How well did I read?

73

The Decision

The next day Anjali called all her friends. She told them aboutJulia’s fight.The story inspired them all. Anjali explained the situation.‘Friends, we have all the rights that the grown-ups have. Theright to travel, good education, better food, and everything else.But the bus owners seem to think that we have no right to travelin buses.’‘We must do something,’ said Sumesh.‘Yes, we must,’ they all said in a single voice.‘But, what?’ asked Anitha.‘We must complain to the police,’ Athira suggested.‘That’s what my father asked me to do.’‘Right. That is a good idea.’ All agreed.They started writing a complaint to the Sub Inspector of Police.

Has any story inspired you to do something like this?Share it with your friends.

Help Anjali and her friends write the complaint letter.

Your teacher told you that Anjali was inspired byJulia Butterfly Hill’s story, didn’t she?

Now, let’s read ...

74

In Search Of Justice

Anjali and her friends walked towards the police station.The sentry with a gun was standing at the door.‘Will the Inspector listen to us or will he be rude?’Anjali thought.‘Sir, can I see the Inspector?’ she asked the sentry.‘Wait here. He will come in a few minutes,’ he said.They stood near the door. Scared of the policeman with thegun, Arathi hid herself behind Anjali.Anjali’s eyes wandered over the old rusty vehicles lyingscattered in the courtyard.Suddenly a jeep drove in and stopped in front ofthe steps.The Sub Inspector got out of the jeep. The sentrysaluted him. The inspector’s eyes fell on thechildren at the door.‘Sir, we have a complaint,’ Anjali said.‘Come with me.’ The inspector went in.The children followed.

Your teacher has told you the bitter experienceAnjali had in the bus, hasn’t she?

Now, read on...

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There are old rusty vehicles scattered in the courtyardof the police station.

How did these vehicles happen to be there?

You have read the passage, haven’t you?Now write the likely conversation between theInspector and Anjali.

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I wrote sufficient number of exchanges.

I could express the ideas and feelings well.


How well did I write the conversation?

76

The Plan

We shall have a meeting this afternoon,’ suggested Rahul.‘Certainly. Let’s call Rani teacher too,’ Remya said.After lunch, most of the children of VI B assembled in thelibrary hall.Ms. Rani came to the hall. Rahul explained the matter to her.‘Dear children,’ Ms. Rani spoke to them. ‘You have gatheredhere to react on the issue you face almost everyday. It’s a goodattempt. Anjali had a painful experience in the bus. You’ve fileda complaint at the police station. But that is not enough.You have many rights. You have the right to travel on concessionrate. It’s not anybody’s charity.’

Now, you know from your teacher what theInspector told the children, don’t you?

Now, continue reading...

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The words of their teacher inspired them.‘We must protest against this discrimination,’ Remya suggested.‘That’s a good idea, but how?’ Rahul looked at her eagerly.‘We can put up posters in all public places,’ Anjali said.‘Posters and slogans,’ Jameela added.All agreed with her.The sound of the applause echoed in the hall.

What are the rights of children?

How did you become aware of your rights? Did anyone inspire you?What will you do to make your friends aware of their rights?

Don’t you prepare posters to enlighten your friendsabout their rights?

Write them in your notebook.


I used apt words.

I used a good lay out.

I was able to convey the message through my poster.


How well did I prepare the poster?

78

Exercising Their Right

Anjali looked for help. But nobody came forward. Some of thepassengers even looked at her mockingly.‘It’s your right.’ Her father’s voice echoed in her mind.Anjali saw a policeman a short distance away.He was talking over a mobile phone.Anjali went up to him.‘Sir,’ Anjali called. The policeman turned to her when hefinished talking.‘What’s the matter?’ She explained the matter to him.

Now, you understood from your teacher thedifficulty the children faced in boarding the bus.What will Anjali do now?

Read on...

79

‘Ok, come with me.’ Anjali followed him.‘Conductor, let the children also get in,’ the policeman called out.‘Sir, please. If they get in now, the bus will be full.We won’t get any more passengers. I’ll let them in after a while,’the conductor said.‘Ok, children, you may get in later,’ the policeman said.‘Sorry sir, but we can’t get in when the bus is full.We want to get in now. It is our right,’ Anjali said.‘Oh! Is it? You too have rights!’ The policeman moved away.

Why did some passengers look mockingly at Anjali?Comment on the attitude of the passengers.Why do you think the policeman did not help the children?What will Anjali do now?

80

Imagine and write what happened then...........................................................................................................

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I fixed the events.

I fixed the characters.

I fixed the location.

I arranged the events in a proper order.

I used dialogue in the narrative.

I wrote the feelings/thoughtsof the characters.

I used a variety of sentences.

I concluded the story well.

How well did I write the narrative?

81

Your teacher has told you how Anjali gotjustice at last, hasn’t you?

The Repentance

‘The girl who argued withme hotly, offered her seatto a lady. So did herfriends.I’d say they are quitedifferent. That girl isa good leader too.Why did she arguewith me? No, it wasnot an argument. Shewas fighting for herright. It was I whobehaved rather rudely.I should not have pushedher out of the bus. I don’tknow what happened to me.After all, she is of mydaughter’s age. In fact, she lookslike my daughter. Yes, like my owndaughter.’

Why did the conductor change his attitude towards Anjali?Will the conductor apologise to Anjali?What will Anjali feel then?

Now, read on...

82

Here is a description written by Parvathy, a student of Class VI. Thereare a few errors in it and they are underlined. Edit the description.

Fill in the boxes using the words yes or no





I corrected the misspellings.

I going to school. My friend Revathy was not with me.So I pedalled the bicycle fast!When I was cross the road, an auto-rickshaw was came onmy way. I didn’t notice it. The Driver applied the break.Still, the auto-rickshaw hits my bicycle. I lost my balanceand fall on the road. My books and the lunch-box wasscattered on the road.People came running. A old man helped me to get on tomy feet. They all blamed the driver.They helped me reach the school in a same auto-rickshaw.The driver apologised and agreed to got the bicyclerepaired.

How well did I edit the description?

Editing

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CHILDREN’S RIGHTS

How many of you are aware that the United NationsOrganization (UNO) has declared Ten Children’s Rights?They are:

1. Right to be loved.

2. Right to nutritious food and good health.

3. Right to education.

4. Right to entertainment coupled with proper physicalgrowth.

5. Right to get his/her nationality in his/her name.

6. Right to get others’ attention in distress.

7. Right to relief in cases of natural calamities.

8. Right to nurture and develop their inherent skills andabilities so as to be a useful member of the society.

9. Right to nurture humanitarian values and goodwill withothers.

10. Right to guard against forces dividing the country on caste,religion, and on other grounds.

Do you know that 10 December, every year, is celebrated asHuman Rights Day? You will be surprised to learn that manyof the above rights are denied to millions of children the worldover.

Extended reading

Have you seen such children around you?Write about them.

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Extended reading

I can give you life, but I can’t live it for you.I can give you instructions, but I can’t tell you where to go.I can give you liberty, but I can’t help you to protect it.I can teach you the difference between good and bad,but I can’t make the decision for you.I can give you advice, but I can’t accept it for you.I can give you love, but I can’t force you to receive it.I can teach you to share, but I can’t stop you from being selfish.I can teach you to respect, but I can’t make you be respected.I can talk to you about having important goals,but I can’t achieve them for you.I can teach you about charity, but I can’t make you be generous.

- Patrick Atkinson

A Message for my Child

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Rumbling and rattly good green BusWhere are you going to carry us?Up the shiny lengths of AvenueWhere lights keep company two by two;Where windows glitter with things to buy,And churches hold their steeples high.Round the Circle and past the Park,Still and shadowy, dim and dark,Over the asphalt and into the Drive-Isn’t it fun to be alive?Look to the left and the River’s thereWith ships and whistles and freshened air;To the right - more windows, row on row,And everyone like a picture show,Or little stages where people playAt being themselves by night and dayAnd never guess that they have usFor audience in the good green Bus.

Good Green Bus

Extended reading

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Activity 1Julia Butterfly is a nature activist. A nature activist is one who isdeeply involved in issues related to nature and fights for itsprotection. What will you call people who are involved in thefollowing fields? One example is given for you.

education - educationistpolitics – ___________society – ___________cardiology - ___________history - ___________science - ___________physics - ___________chemistry - ___________

Activity 2City life is difficult compared to that of a village.What makes the city life difficult?Add more points to the following:

Dusty roads

Over-crowded buses

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Activity 3A driver is one who drives a vehicle. (eg. the bus driver)Who drives or controls the following vehicles?

ship

aeroplane

train

Extended Activities

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GLOSSARY

abandon(v): to give up, stopThe game was abandoned because ofheavy rain.

argue(v): to speak angrily withsomebody because you disagree withthem; debateMy brother always argues with myviews.

asphalt(n): a black sticky surface thatbecomes hard when it dries, used formaking the surface of roads

belch(v): to let air and smoke from avehicleThe transport bus belched out heavysmoke polluting the place.

bewilder(adj): totally confusedHari was bewildered by the heavy trafficin the city.

blur (v): to make less clear or less easyto understandTears blurred her eyes.

calamity(n): a terrible and unexpectedevent that causes a lot of damage orsufferingTsunami is a natural calamity.

concern(v): to make someone feelworried or upsetThere is concern among us on globalwarming.

courtyard(n): an open space that ispartly or completely surroundedby buildingsChildren are playing in the courtyard.

deforestation(n): cutting down of trees

desperate(adj): in an extreme badcondition, in a state of hopelessnessThe doctor made a desperate attemptto save the life of the child.

disappear(v): to become impossible toseeThe moon disappeared behind theclouds.

discrimination(n): the practice oftreating a person or a group differentlyfrom another in an unfair way

distress(n): feeling of extremeunhappinessMeera’s behaviour caused her parentsgreat distress.

eager(adj): very interested bysomething that is going to happenShe was eager to know her results.

echo(v): to resound, bounceThe gunshot echoed through the forest.

endure(v): to faceYou must be ready to endure anyhardships.

entrance(n): a door, gate, passage etc.Pramod walked in through the frontentrance of the house.

gather (v) to come together in one placeto form a group; assembleWhen the bell rang all children gatheredbefore the office room.

glare(v): to look angrily at someone fora long timeThe dog glared at the stranger.

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growl(v): to make a low sound in thethroat angrilyThe dog growled at the stranger andjumped out barking.

harassment(n): troubling behaviourThey protested against the harassmentof the police.

harsh(v): to be rough and loudThe sentry’s harsh words frightened thechildren.

hide(v): to concealI hid behind a tree.

inspire(v): to give somebody a strongwish to do something well; encourageThe speech inspired her.

lumber(n): pieces of wood used formaking houses

mercy(n): kindness towards somebodyThe old lady looked at the beggar childwith mercy.

mocking(adj): disrespectfulHer voice was slightly mocking.

penetrating(adj): passing throughsomething

proper(adj): right or suitableEverything was in its proper place.

residence(n): house

relieve(adj): get away from anunpleasant feelingI was relieved to hear that I had passedmy exams.

rude(adj): showing no respect to othersWhy are you so rude to your neighbour?

rumble(v): to make a series of long lowsounds

rust(n): a reddish brown substance thatis formed on some metals by action ofwater and airThe pipes are covered with rust.

rusty(adj): covered with rust

scared(adj): afraid that somethingShe is scared of going out alone.

scattered(adj): spread over a wide areaThe farmer scattered the seeds in thefield.

sentry(n): a policeman whose job is toguard somethingHe is on sentry duty.

sob(v): to cry noisly, taking sudden,sharp breathsThe child began to sob when he felldown from the bicycle.

stagger(v): to walk with unsteady stepsThe drunkard staggered home.

steeples(n): a road or hill that is steepand slopes at a high angle

stench(n): very strong bad smell

striking a deal(phr): coming to anagreement

suffocating(adj): making breathedifficultThe smoke from the bus was suffocatingfor her.

survive(v): to continue to live normallyin spite of many problemsCockroach is the only species that cansurvive an earthquake.

vision(n): ability to see

wander(v): to walk slowly aroundwithout any purpose.She wandered around the streets.

whimper(v): to make low crying soundHe heard the dog whimper.

wobble(v): to move unsteadily fromside to sideGutters cause vehicles wobble.

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