6. Verghese Kurien — I Too Had A Dream – Worksheet Solutions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Instruction: Select the correct option for each question.

Q1. What was Verghese Kurien’s main reason for choosing to work in Anand, Gujarat?
(a) To become a chief executive of a large company
(b) To serve the nation’s farmers and contribute to India’s progress
(c) To pursue a career in the Indian Army
(d) To move to the US as a successful NRI 

Ans: (b) To serve the nation’s farmers and contribute to India’s progress
Kurien chose to work in Anand to help dairy farmers and build a nation free from hunger and poverty, as mentioned in his letter to his grandson.

Verghese Kurien

Q2. What value did Kurien emphasize as the most important in his life?
(a) Wealth
(b) Fame
(c) Integrity
(d) Ambition 

Ans: (c) Integrity
Kurien stressed that integrity, especially personal integrity, is crucial, as it involves being honest with oneself and others, guiding his contributions.

Q3. What award did Kurien receive in 1999, as mentioned in the chapter?
(a) Bharat Ratna
(b) Padma Shri
(c) Padma Bhushan
(d) Padma Vibhushan
  

Ans: (d) Padma Vibhushan
Kurien recalls the 1999 ceremony where he received the Padma Vibhushan, and his grandson Siddharth tried on the medal.

Q4. How did Kurien’s grandmother contribute to his work in Anand?
(a) She moved to the US to support him financially
(b) She supported his choice to live and work in Anand
(c) She encouraged him to join the Indian Army
(d) She advised him to pursue metallurgy 

Ans: (b) She supported his choice to live and work in Anand
Kurien’s grandmother chose to stand by his decision to work in Anand, giving him strength despite the lack of comforts there.

Q5. What does Kurien say about failure in the chapter?
(a) Failure is about not succeeding in any task
(b) Failure is not trying or contributing to the common good
(c) Failure is about not earning awards
(d) Failure is about not being happy 

Ans: (b) Failure is not trying or contributing to the common good
Kurien explains that failure is not about not succeeding but about not putting in effort or contributing to society, even modestly.

Fill in the Blanks

Instruction: Fill in the blanks with the correct word based on the chapter.

Q1. Kurien started his work soon after India became ________.
Ans: independent

Kurien mentions starting his career after India’s independence, focusing on building a nation free from hunger and poverty.

Q2. Kurien worked with a small ________ of dairy farmers in Anand.
Ans: cooperative

He joined a cooperative of dairy farmers in Anand, which was a key part of his life’s work to empower farmers.

Q3. Kurien’s mentor in Anand was ________ Patel.
Ans: Tribhuvandas

Kurien credits Tribhuvandas Patel as his mentor and supporter, whose values influenced his work in Anand.

Q4. Kurien dedicated his musings to his grandson ________ and other children.
Ans: Siddharth

The letter is addressed to Siddharth, with hopes that it inspires him and his generation to work for the greater good.

Q5. Kurien believed that life is a ________ and should not be wasted.
Ans: privilege

He describes life as a privilege, urging Siddharth to use his talents and contribute to the common good responsibly.

Very Short Answer Questions

Instruction: Answer the following questions in one line.

Q1. Where did Kurien choose to work instead of pursuing other careers?
Ans: Anand, Gujarat  

Q2. What was the time period when Kurien began his work, as mentioned in the chapter?
Ans: Soon after India’s independence  

Q3. What did Kurien’s grandmother sacrifice to support his work in Anand?
Ans: Simple comforts  

Q4. What did Kurien say about the rewards of a life well-spent?
Ans: They come from working for the larger good  

Q5. What did Kurien urge Siddharth to earn in his lifetime?
Ans: His own reward  Short Answer Questions

Instruction: Answer the following questions in 2–3 lines.

Q1. Why did Kurien prefer writing a letter to his grandson instead of using a telephone?
Ans: Writing a letter conveys thoughts that can be treasured and re-read for lasting joy. Unlike a phone call’s fleeting joy, a letter becomes a keepsake. It helps Siddharth understand Kurien’s life and work later.

Q2. What was Kurien’s dream for India as described in the chapter?
Ans: Kurien dreamed of an India free from hunger and poverty, where people live with equal respect. He wanted the nation to be among the foremost in the world. This vision guided his work with farmers.

Q3. How did Kurien’s choice to work in Anand change his life?
Ans: Choosing Anand led Kurien to a life of service to farmers, transforming his career from metallurgy or military options. It gave him purpose and recognition. This choice defined his meaningful contributions.

Q4. What did Kurien learn about happiness from his experiences?
Ans: Kurien learned there is little connection between life’s circumstances and happiness. Comparing oneself to others creates false images of perfection. He advises cherishing what one has instead.

Q5. How did Kurien view the role of personal integrity in his work?
Ans: Kurien saw personal integrity as being honest with oneself, which made honesty with others effortless. It was a core value inherited from his family and mentor. This guided his contributions to India’s progress.

5. Somebody’s Mother – Worksheet Solutions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Instruction: Select the correct option for each question.

Q1. Why was the old woman afraid to cross the street?
(a) Because it was too dark
(b) Because the street was slippery with snow
(c) Because there were no traffic lights
(d) Because she had lost her way

Ans: (b) Because the street was slippery with snow
The poem mentions “slippery street” and “carriage wheels or horses’ feet,” showing her fear.

Q2. How did the other schoolboys behave towards the old woman?
(a) They teased her.
(b) They quickly helped her.
(c) They ignored her and passed by.
(d) They laughed at her.

Ans: (c) They ignored her and passed by.
The poem clearly says the children “hastened past” and “nor offered a helping hand.”

Q3. What was the young boy’s attitude after helping the woman?
(a) Angry and upset
(b) Proud and happy
(c) Careless and indifferent
(d) Sad and disappointed

Ans: (b) Proud and happy
The boy’s “young heart happy and well content” shows his pride and joy.

Q4. What prayer did the old woman make for the boy?
(a) That he would become rich
(b) That he would pass his exams
(c) That God be kind to him
(d) That he would become famous

Ans: (c) That God be kind to him
At night she prayed: “God be kind to the noble boy.”

Q5. What does the phrase “Somebody’s mother” mainly highlight?
(a) That the woman was poor
(b) That she was unknown to others but precious to her child
(c) That she had many children
(d) That she was waiting for her son

Ans: (b) That she was unknown to others but precious to her child
The repetition stresses empathy — every mother is precious to someone.

Fill in the Blanks

Instruction: Fill in the blanks with the correct word based on the chapter.

Q1. The poem Somebody’s Mother was written by __________.
Ans: Mary Dow Brine

She is the poet of this touching piece.

Q2. The boys came out of school like a flock of __________.
Ans: sheep

The simile compares the noisy schoolboys to a flock of sheep.

Q3. The woman’s feet were described as __________ and slow.
Ans: aged

This highlights her weakness and helplessness.

Q4. The boy guided the woman across the __________ street.
Ans: slippery

“Slippery street” reflects danger and the woman’s fear.

Q5. At the end, the woman prayed for the __________ boy.
Ans: noble

She called him noble for his kind action.

Very Short Answer Questions

Instruction: Answer the following questions in one line.

Q1. Who is the central character of the poem?
Ans: An old, ragged, and helpless woman.

Q2. How did the children react to the old woman at first?
Ans: They ignored her and hurried away.

Q3. Who helped the old woman cross the street?
Ans: A kind young schoolboy.

Q4. What was the boy proud of after helping her?
Ans: That his strong feet could guide her trembling ones.

Q5. What quality of the boy does the poem highlight?
Ans: His kindness and empathy.

Short Answer Questions

Instruction: Answer the following questions in 2–3 lines.

Q1. Describe the condition of the old woman in the poem.
Ans: The old woman was ragged, grey, and bent with the chill of the winter day. Her feet were aged and slow, making her too weak and fearful to cross the slippery street alone.

Q2. How does the poet show the difference between the old woman and the schoolboys?
Ans: The poet contrasts the timid and helpless woman with the boys who were cheerful, carefree, and energetic after school. While she stood alone and anxious, they rushed past laughing and enjoying the snow.

Q3. Why did the boy stop to help the woman?
Ans: The boy felt deep compassion when he saw her struggling and realized she could not cross by herself. He also thought of his own mother and hoped someone would help her in the same way if she was old and helpless one day.

Q4. What impact did the boy’s act of kindness have on the old woman?
Ans: The woman felt comforted and safe as the boy guided her across the street. That night, touched by his kindness, she prayed for the noble boy’s happiness and asked God to be kind to him.

Q5. What message does the poem convey to society?
Ans: The poem conveys that kindness and empathy are essential values in society. It teaches us to respect and support the elderly and reminds us that helping others today may bring help to our own loved ones tomorrow.

Match the Following

Instruction: Match Column A with the correct option in Column B.

Ans: 

  1. The old woman’s condition → B. Aged and slow
  2. The schoolboys’ behavior → C. Rushed past without helping
  3. The young lad’s action → D. Guided her across the street
  4. The young lad’s feeling → A. Happy and content
  5. The poem’s message → E. Value of helping others

4. A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam – Worksheet Solutions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Instruction: Select the correct option for each question.

Q1. Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of which prestigious award?
(a) Ashoka Chakra
(b) Vir Chakra
(c) Param Vir Chakra
(d) Maha Vir Chakra

Ans: (c) Param Vir Chakra
He was India’s first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, awarded posthumously for his bravery in the Battle of Badgam.

Major Somnath SharmaQ2. The Battle of Badgam took place in which year?
(a) 1942
(b) 1945
(c) 1947
(d) 1950

Ans: (c) 1947
The battle was fought on 3rd November 1947 during the Indo–Pakistan War of 1947–48.

Q3. Who was the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir at the time of Pakistan’s invasion in 1947?
(a) Raja Gulab Singh
(b) Maharaja Hari Singh
(c) Zorawar Singh
(d) General Cariappa

Ans: (b) Maharaja Hari Singh
Maharaja Hari Singh was the ruler when Pakistan launched Operation Gulmarg to annex Kashmir.

Q4. Which regiment did Major Somnath Sharma command during the Battle of Badgam?
(a) 8th Battalion, Hyderabad Regiment
(b) 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment
(c) Punjab Regiment
(d) Dogra Regiment

Ans: (b) 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment
He led the D Company of the 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment in Srinagar.

Q5. What was Major Somnath Sharma’s famous last message to Brigade headquarters?
(a) “I will not retreat; I will fight till the last breath.”
(b) “We shall fight with courage and strength.”
(c) “The enemy is 50 yards from us… I shall not withdraw an inch but fight to the last man and the last round.”
(d) “Victory belongs to those who fight bravely.”

Ans: (c) “The enemy is 50 yards from us… I shall not withdraw an inch but fight to the last man and the last round.”
These were his immortal last words before being killed in action.

Fill in the Blanks

Instruction: Fill in the blanks with the correct word based on the chapter.

Q1. Pakistan launched Operation ________ to annex Kashmir in 1947.
Ans: Gulmarg

Operation Gulmarg was Pakistan’s plan to capture Kashmir by sending trained infiltrators.

Q2. Major Somnath Sharma was born on 31 January ____ in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.
Ans: 1923

He was born in 1923 in Dadh, Kangra, into a family with a military background.

Q3. The Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir officially became a part of India on __ October 1947.
Ans: 26

On 26 October 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession to join India.

Q4. The Indian troops were airlifted to Srinagar on __ October 1947.
Ans: 27

Soldiers were airlifted into Srinagar to quickly respond to the Pakistani invasion.

Q5. Major Somnath Sharma studied at Sherwood College, ______ during his early education.
Ans: Nainital

He completed his schooling at Sherwood College before military training.

Very Short Answer Questions

Instruction: Answer the following questions in one line.

Q1. At what age did Major Somnath Sharma sacrifice his life?
Ans: At the age of 24.

Q2. What was the main objective of the Pakistani invaders in 1947?
Ans: To capture Srinagar and annex Kashmir.

Q3. Which family member inspired Somnath Sharma with tales from the Mahabharata?
Ans: His grandfather.

Q4. Where did Major Somnath Sharma receive his military training?
Ans: At the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.

Q5. Which battalion was awarded the Battle Honour, Srinagar?
Ans: The 4th Kumaon Battalion.

Short Answer Questions

Instruction: Answer the following questions in 1–2 lines.

Q1. Why was the village of Badgam strategically important in 1947?
Ans: Badgam was at a higher altitude near the Srinagar airport. Controlling it was crucial for protecting the airfield and supply lines.

Q2. How did Major Somnath Sharma show commitment despite his injury?
Ans: Even though his left hand was in plaster, he insisted on leading his company into battle, saying his men would not go without him.

Q3. What role did air strikes play in the Battle of Badgam?
Ans: Major Somnath requested air support and marked targets with ground panels, which helped the Indian Air Force strike enemy positions effectively.

Q4. What was the immediate outcome of D Company’s resistance in the battle?
Ans: Their resistance delayed the invaders, allowing reinforcements to arrive and saving Srinagar from falling.

Q5. Why is Major Somnath Sharma remembered as an inspiration?
Ans: His bravery, leadership, and supreme sacrifice embody patriotism and continue to inspire soldiers and citizens alike.

Match the Following

Instruction: Match Column A with the correct option in Column B.

Ans: 1 → b, 2 → a, 3 → c, 4 → d, 5 → e

  • Operation Gulmarg was Pakistan’s plan to invade Kashmir.
  • Kashmir acceded to India on 26 October 1947.
  • Troops were airlifted on 27 October 1947.
  • Somnath studied at Sherwood College, Nainital.
  • He was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.

3. Wisdom Paves the Way – Worksheet Solutions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Instruction: Select the correct option for each question.

Q1. Where are the four young men traveling to find work?
(a) Delhi
(b) Ujjain
(c) Jaipur
(d) Agra

Ans: (b) Ujjain
The story begins with Ram Datt, Shiv Datt, Har Datt, and Dev Datt walking along a road to Ujjain, hoping to find jobs in the city.

Q2. What does the merchant accuse the young men of doing?
(a) Stealing his camel
(b) Lying to the King 
(c) Hiding in the forest
(d) Refusing to help him

Ans(a) Stealing his camel
The merchant believes the young men stole his camel because they know specific details about it, like its limp and blindness.

Q3. How does Ram Datt know the camel is lame?
(a) He saw the camel limping
(b) He heard the merchant’s description
(c) He noticed uneven footprints 
(d) He found blood on the road

Ans: (c) He noticed uneven footprints
Ram Datt observes that three footprints are clear but one is faint, indicating the camel limps on one leg.

Q4. What job does the King offer the young men?
(a) Soldiers
(b) Advisers
(c) Merchants
(d) Farmers

Ans: (b) Advisers
Impressed by their wisdom, the King offers the four young men positions as his advisers to guide his decisions.

Q5. What is the main theme of the story?
(a) Importance of wealth
(b) Power of friendship alone 
(c) Need for fast travel
(d) Value of wisdom and observation

Ans(d) Value of wisdom and observation
The story shows how the young men’s careful observations and logical thinking help them prove their innocence and earn the King’s respect.

Fill in the Blanks

Instruction: Fill in the blanks with the correct word based on the chapter.

Q1. The four young men have been traveling for _____ days to reach Ujjain.
Ans: Ten

Ram Datt confirms they have been traveling for ten days, which feels long to them as they search for work.

Q2. The merchant is upset because his _____ is missing.
Ans: Camel

The merchant approaches the young men in distress, asking for help to find his lost camel.

Q3. Shiv Datt deduces the camel is blind in its _____ eye.
Ans: Right

Shiv Datt notices the camel ate leaves only on the left side, indicating it is blind in its right eye.

Q4. The King’s court is decorated with rich _____ and tall pillars.
AnsDraperies

The story describes the King’s court as grand, with rich draperies and tall columns, creating a regal atmosphere.

Q5. The King praises the young men for their _____ after hearing their explanations.
AnsWisdom

The King is impressed by the young men’s logical reasoning and calls them wise, not thieves, as the merchant claimed.

Very Short Answer Questions

Instruction: Answer the following questions in one line.

Q1. What is the name of the city the four young men are traveling to?
AnsUjjain

Q2. Who runs toward the young men asking for help with a lost animal?
Ans: The merchant

Q3. Where do the young men stop to discuss the camel tracks?
AnsUnder a tree

Q4. What does Har Datt notice that suggests the camel has a short tail?
Ans: Blood droplets

Q5. What does the King do after dismissing the merchant’s accusations?
Ans: Offers the young men jobs as advisers

Short Answer Questions

Instruction: Answer the following questions in 2–3 lines.

Q1. Why do the young men want to meet the King of Ujjain?
Ans: The young men hope to meet the King because they believe he will recognize their talents and give them jobs. Ram Datt is confident the King will value their skills.

Q2. How does Dev Datt know the camel has a stomachache?
Ans: Dev Datt notices the camel’s front feet make deep prints, but the back feet prints are faint, showing it moves carefully due to stomach pain.

Q3. Why does the merchant think the young men are thieves?
Ans: The merchant thinks they are thieves because they know details about his camel, like its limp and blindness, but say they haven’t seen it. He believes only thieves would know so much.

Q4. How does the King react to the young men’s explanations?
AnsThe King is amazed by their logical explanations and praises their wisdom. He offers them jobs as his advisers, valuing their smart thinking.

Q5. What lesson does the story teach about observation?
AnsThe story teaches that careful observation and logical thinking can solve problems and earn respect. The young men’s attention to details about the camel proves their innocence and wins them prestigious jobs.

2. A Concrete Example – Worksheet Solutions

Multiple Choice Questions

Instruction: Select the correct option for each question.

Q1. What is the primary material in Mrs. Jones’s garden?
(a) Flowers
(b) Grass
(c) Stones
(d) Trees

Ans: c) Stones
The poem describes Mrs. Jones’s garden as being filled with stones, which is unusual compared to typical gardens with flowers or grass.

Q2. What does the poem suggest about Mrs. Jones’s attitude toward her garden?
(a) She is embarrassed by it
(b) She wants to change it 
(c) She ignores it
(d) She takes pride in it

Ans: (d) She takes pride in it
Mrs. Jones thinks her garden’s features, like the sundial, are “rather nice” and invites the speaker to see it, showing her pride.

Q3. What is the setting of the interaction between the speaker and Mrs. Jones in the third stanza?
(a) A market
(b) Mrs. Jones’s garden
(c) The speaker’s house
(d) A park

Ans: (b) Mrs. Jones’s garden
The third stanza describes the speaker visiting Mrs. Jones’s garden to see her stones and discuss a flower.

Q4. What does the “strange device” on the sundial suggest about Mrs. Jones’s taste?
(a) She prefers modern technology
(b) She likes simple designs
(c) She values unusual features
(d) She dislikes decorative items

Ans: (c) She values unusual features
The sundial’s “strange device” is described as something Mrs. Jones finds “rather nice,” indicating her quirky taste for unusual and unique garden features.

Q5. What creates the ironic moment in the poem’s final stanza?
(a) The speaker steps on the flower he admires
(b) Mrs. Jones forgets about her garden
(c) The speaker buys a plant from Mrs. Jones
(d) Mrs. Jones changes her garden’s design

Ans: (a) The speaker steps on the flower he admires
The irony occurs when the speaker, after praising a flower, is told he is standing on it, highlighting his unawareness in a humorous way.

Fill in the Blanks

Instruction: Fill in the blanks with the correct word based on the chapter.

Q1. Mrs. Jones’s garden has a ______ path that twists and turns.
Ans: crazy

The poem describes the path as “crazy,” meaning it is winding and unusual, reflecting the garden’s unique design.

Q2. The ______ in Mrs. Jones’s garden is a tool that tells time using the sun.
Ans: sundial

The poem mentions a sundial with a strange device, which is a device that uses the sun’s shadow to tell time.

Q3. The speaker finds the tiny plants so small that they seem to have no ______ at all.
Ans: significance

The poem states the plants “don’t mean anything at all,” indicating the speaker thinks they lack importance in garden full of stones.

Q4. Mrs. Jones is described as an ______ gardener who loves her stone garden.
Ans: enthusiastic

The poem shows Mrs. Jones’s enthusiasm through her pride in her garden and inviting the speaker to see it.

Very Short Answer Questions

Instruction: Answer the following questions in one line.

Q1. What is the name of the poet who wrote “A Concrete Example”?
Ans: Reginald Arkell wrote “A Concrete Example.”

Q2. What contains water lilies in Mrs. Jones’s garden?
Ans: The lily pond contains water lilies.

Q3. How long do the speaker and Mrs. Jones talk about the flower?
Ans: They talk about the flower for a quarter of an hour.

Q4. What does Mrs. Jones say when the speaker asks where the flower is?
Ans: She says, “You’re standing on it.”

Q5. What type of garden feature is the rockery in the poem?
Ans: The rockery is a decorative arrangement of stones.

Short Answer Questions

Instruction: Answer the following questions in 2–3 lines.

Q1. How does the poem’s structure contribute to its readability?
Ans: The poem’s three stanzas with six lines each and an AABBCC rhyme scheme create a rhythmic, easy-to-follow structure. This makes it fun and simple to read and enjoy.

Q2. Why does the speaker think the tiny plants are insignificant?
Ans: The speaker thinks the tiny plants are insignificant because they are so small and delicate compared to the large stones. He humorously says they “don’t mean anything at all,” showing his different perspective from Mrs. Jones.

Q3. How does the dialogue in the third stanza make the poem more humorous?
Ans: The dialogue in the third stanza, where the speaker asks, “Where is this lovely thing?” and Mrs. Jones replies, “You’re standing on it,” creates humor by revealing the speaker’s funny mistake. It makes the poem lively by showing a surprising and playful exchange between them.

Q4. How does the poem show Mrs. Jones’s unique taste in gardening?
Ans: Mrs. Jones’s garden, filled with stones and unusual features like a sundial with a strange device, shows her unique taste. Her focus on tiny plants and pride in her stone garden reflect her unconventional style.

Q5. What lesson about perception does the poem teach?
Ans: The poem teaches that perception varies, as Mrs. Jones sees beauty in her stone garden and tiny plants, while the speaker finds them insignificant. This shows Class 8 students that people can view the same thing differently.Match the Following

Instruction: Match Column A with the correct option in Column B.

Ans:

  • a. Crazy path – 2. Winding and unusual: The poem describes the “crazy path” as twisting and turning, indicating an unusual, non-straight design.
  • b. Lily pond – 4. Water feature with lilies: The lily pond is a water feature in the garden, likely containing water lilies, as mentioned in the poem.
  • c. Sundial – 1. Tells time using the sun: The sundial is a device in the garden that uses the sun’s shadow to tell time, noted for its strange design.
  • d. Rockery – 5. Decorative stone arrangement: The rockery is a garden feature made of stones arranged artistically, a key part of Mrs. Jones’s garden.
  • e. Plants – 3. Tiny and delicate: The plants in the poem are described as “delicate and small,” placed between the stones by Mrs. Jones.

1. The Wit that Won Hearts – Worksheet Solutions

Multiple Choice Questions

Instruction: Select the correct option for each question.

Q1. What was the Vijayanagara Empire known for during Krishnadeva Raya’s reign?
(a) Only military strength
(b) Trade with foreign empires
(c) Wealth, splendor, and cultural brilliance
(d) Only agricultural advancements

Ans: (c) Wealth, splendor, and cultural brilliance
The chapter describes the Vijayanagara Empire as flourishing in wealth, splendor, and cultural achievements like art and literature during Krishnadeva Raya’s rule.

Q2. What role did Tenali Ramakrishna primarily play in the king’s court?
(a) Military general
(b) Poet and clever advisor
(c) Palace architect
(d) Royal chef 

Ans: (b) Poet and clever advisor
Tenali Ramakrishna was one of the Ashtadiggajas poets and used his wit to advise the king, as seen in resolving the royal couple’s quarrel.

Q3. Why did Krishnadeva Raya stop speaking to Thirumalambal?
(a) She criticized his poetry
(b) She left the palace
(c) She ignored his orders
(d) She yawned during his poem recitation

Ans: (d) She yawned during his poem recitation
The king felt disrespected when Thirumalambal yawned while he recited his poem, leading to their quarrel.

Q4. What did Tenali Ramakrishna bring to the court to present his idea?
(a) A plate of paddy seeds
(b) A musical instrument
(c) A map of the empire
(d) A book of poems 

Ans: (a) A plate of paddy seeds
Tenali used a plate of paddy seeds to make a point about sowing and yawning, cleverly addressing the king’s misunderstanding.

Q5. How did the court react when Tenali mentioned yawning?
(a) They remained silent
(b) They burst into laughter
(c) They became angry
(d) They left the hall

Ans: (b) They burst into laughter
The courtiers laughed when Tenali humorously linked yawning to careless sowing, lightening the court’s mood.

Q6. What did Krishnadeva Raya realize after Tenali’s intervention?
(a) He needed new seeds
(b) He should write clearer poems
(c) He needed better ministers
(d) He had misjudged Thirumalambal

Ans: (d) He had misjudged Thirumalambal
Tenali’s words made the king realize he wrongly took the queen’s yawning as disrespect, prompting his apology.

Fill in the Blanks

Instruction: Fill in the blanks with the correct word based on the chapter.

Q1. Tenali Ramakrishna claimed his seeds could produce a harvest ______ times greater.
Ans: three

Tenali stated that the paddy seeds could yield three times more than the current harvest to make his point.

Q2. The king sat on an ______ throne during court discussions.
Ans: ornate

The chapter describes Krishnadeva Raya sitting on an ornate throne, emphasizing the court’s grandeur.

Q3. The queen’s name was ______ in the story.
Ans: Thirumalambal

Thirumalambal is the queen who quarreled with Krishnadeva Raya and sought Tenali’s help.

Q4. The courtiers made ______ remarks about Tenali’s seed claim.
Ans: sarcastic

The chapter notes that courtiers whispered sarcastic comments, like “magic seeds,” mocking Tenali’s claim.

Q5. Krishnadeva Raya’s poem included references to the sun, moon, and ______.
Ans: stars

Thirumalambal told Tenali that the king’s poem was about the sun, moon, and stars but was unclear.

Q6. The palace regained its ______ after the royal couple reconciled.
Ans: joy

After the quarrel was resolved, the palace became joyful and lively again, as per the chapter.

Very Short Answer Questions

Instruction: Answer the following questions in one line.

Q1. What was the name of Krishnadeva Raya’s Sanskrit play?
Ans: Jambavati Parinayam was his Sanskrit play.

Q2. Who was one of the poets in the Ashtadiggajas besides Tenali Ramakrishna?
Ans: Allasani Peddana was another poet in the Ashtadiggajas.

Q3. What natural action did Tenali compare yawning to?
Ans: Tenali compared yawning to breathing.

Q4. What did the royal couple give Tenali after resolving their quarrel?
Ans: They gave him gifts.

Q5. How long did the king avoid speaking to Thirumalambal after their quarrel?
Ans: He avoided her for weeks.

Short Answer Questions

Instruction: Answer the following questions in 2–3 lines.

Q1. What was the Golden Era of the Vijayanagara Empire?
Ans: The Golden Era was the period of Krishnadeva Raya’s reign (1509–1529 CE). It was marked by advancements in art, literature, and architecture, making the empire culturally vibrant.

Q2. Why did the ministers avoid giving feedback on the king’s poem?
Ans: The ministers found the king’s poem unclear and dodged giving feedback with excuses. They likely feared upsetting him due to his pride as a poet.

Q3. How did Tenali Ramakrishna respond when Thirumalambal asked for help?
Ans: Tenali listened thoughtfully and asked for time to devise a strategy. He promised to do his best to resolve the royal couple’s quarrel.

Q4. What practical solutions did the ministers propose for better crop yields?
Ans: The ministers suggested expanding irrigation systems and using better manure. These solutions aimed to improve paddy cultivation in the empire.

Q5. How did Thirumalambal react to the king’s apology?
Ans: Thirumalambal smiled and asked to hear his poem again. She was willing to move past the quarrel, restoring their relationship.Match the Following

Instruction: Match Column A with the correct option in Column B.Column AColumn B1. Krishnadeva RayaA. Resolved royal quarrel2. Tenali RamakrishnaB. Golden Era ruler3. ThirumalambalC. Poet group in court4. AshtadiggajasD. Yawned during poem recitation5. Paddy seedsE. Used in Tenali’s court strategy

Ans:
1-B, 2-A, 3-D, 4-C, 5-E  

  • 1-B: Krishnadeva Raya was the ruler during the Vijayanagara Empire’s Golden Era, known for cultural and literary achievements.  
  • 2-A: Tenali Ramakrishna used his wit to resolve the royal couple’s quarrel, restoring harmony.  
  • 3-D: Thirumalambal yawned during the king’s poem, which he mistook as disrespect, causing their quarrel.  
  • 4-C: The Ashtadiggajas were the eight esteemed poets in Krishnadeva Raya’s court, including Tenali and Allasani Peddana.  
  • 5-E: Tenali used a plate of paddy seeds in his court strategy to make a point about yawning and sowing, prompting the king’s reflection.

15. Bibha Chowdhuri: The Beam of Light that Lit the Path for Women in Indian Science – Textbook Worksheet

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Instruction: Select the correct option for each question.

Q1. In which year was Bibha Chowdhuri born?
(a) 1910
(b) 1913
(c) 1920
(d) 1915

Q2. Bibha Chowdhuri pursued her Ph.D. on which subject?
(a) Nuclear energy
(b) Subatomic particles
(c) Cosmic rays
(d) Astronomy

Q3. Who nominated Bibha Chowdhuri for the Nobel Prize in 1950?
(a) Vikram Sarabhai
(b) Homi J. Bhabha
(c) Erwin Schrödinger
(d) Patrick M.S. Blackett

Q4. What honour did the International Astronomical Union (IAU) give Bibha in 2019?
(a) A professorship in her name
(b) A star named after her
(c) A research lab named after her
(d) A telescope named after her

Q5. Who is popularly known as the “Rocket Woman of India”?
(a) Kalpana Chawla
(b) Sunita Williams
(c) Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava
(dTessy Thomas

Fill in the Blanks

Instruction: Fill in the blanks with the correct word based on the chapter.

Q1. Bibha Chowdhuri became the first woman faculty member at ______ in 1949.

Q2. Bibha Chowdhuri’s most notable scientific contribution was the discovery of ______.

Q3. The Government of India declared a ______ professorship in her name in 2020.

Q4. Bibha worked under the mentorship of ______ at the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad.

Q5. Bibha Chowdhuri passed away in the year ______.

Very Short Answer Questions

Instruction: Answer the following questions in one line.

Q1. Where was Bibha Chowdhuri born?

Q2. Which institute did Bibha join before going abroad for higher studies?

Q3. Who guided Bibha during her Ph.D. in Manchester?

Q4. Which star was renamed ‘Bibha’ by IAU?

Q5. What nickname did newspapers give Bibha during her early career?

Short Answer Questions

Instruction: Answer the following questions in 2–3 lines.

Q1. Why is Bibha Chowdhuri considered a pioneer in Indian science?

Q2. What challenges did Bibha face during her career?

Q3. What was Bibha’s contribution after returning to India in 1949?

Q4. How is Bibha’s legacy honoured today?

Q5. How do present-day women scientists reflect Bibha’s pioneering spirit?

14. Magnifying Glass – Textbook Worksheet

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Instruction: Select the correct option for each question.

Q1. What does the poet compare a drop of water to?
(a) A piece of glass
(b) A hive of bees
(c) A tiny forest
(d) A chalk piece

Q2. What does the magnifying glass make out of a scrap of chalk?
(a) A stone
(b) A myriad shells
(c) A forest
(d) A drop of water

Q3. What creature does the poet describe as having “tigerish claws”?
(a) Spider
(b) Fly
(c) Bee
(d) Ant

Q4. What does the magnifying glass help the poet to watch?
(a) The moon’s craters
(b) The spinning of spider’s web
(c) The flying of bees
(d) The blooming of flowers

Q5. According to the poet, what would lenses like the magnifying glass help us do with the moon?
(a) See its light clearly
(b) Walk there in an afternoon
(c) Count its craters
(d) Plant trees there

Fill in the Blanks

Instruction: Fill in the blanks with the correct word based on the chapter.

Q1. The magnifying glass makes a scrap of chalk appear like a __________.

Q2. A drop of water looks like a hive of __________ through the magnifying glass.

Q3. The spider spins its web using its __________.

Q4. The magnifying glass can make even the __________ thing look marvellous.

Q5. The poet of Magnifying Glass is __________.

Very Short Answer Questions

Instruction: Answer the following questions in one line.

Q1. What object does the poem revolve around?

Q2. Who is the poet of Magnifying Glass?

Q3. What mistake do flies make in the poem?

Q4. What natural object does an inch of moss resemble under the glass?

Q5. Which heavenly body is mentioned at the end of the poem?

Short Answer Questions 

Instruction: Answer the following questions in 2–3 lines.

Q1. How does the poet describe the effect of the magnifying glass on chalk?

Q2. What does the magnifying glass reveal about a drop of water?

Q3. Why does the poet call the spider’s claws “tigerish”?

Q4. What lesson does the poem teach about small things?

Q5. What does the poet imagine about the moon with stronger lenses?

13. Feathered Friend – Textbook Worksheet

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

(Instruction: Select the correct option for each question.)

Q1. Why was Sven Olsen easily qualified for work in space?
(a) He was very tall
(b) He was wiry and light in weight
(c) He had experience with animals
(d) He was a trained pilot

Q2. What pet did Sven smuggle into the space station?
(a) A dog
(b) A parrot
(c) A canary
(d) A cat

Q3. Why did the crew first think Claribel had fainted?
(a) She had eaten too much
(b) She had collided with a wall
(c) She was sick from space travel
(d) She lacked oxygen

Q4. What was the actual reason for the failure in the space station?
(a) A broken pipe
(b) Frozen air purifier and a failed alarm
(c) Electrical wiring issue
(d) Leakage of water vapor

Q5. What is the significance of Claribel in the story?
(a) She was just a pet for Sven
(b) She entertained the crew with songs
(c) She saved the crew’s lives
(d) She was part of a science experiment

Fill in the Blanks

(Instruction: Fill in the blanks with the correct word based on the chapter.)

Q1. Sven smuggled a ______ into the space station.

Q2. Claribel fainted because of lack of ______ in the space station.

Q3. The alarms did not go off because the second alarm circuit was not ______.

Q4. The space station had experienced one of its rare ______ by Earth’s shadow.

Q5. Miners once carried ______ with them to detect dangerous gases.

Very Short Answer Questions 

(Instruction: Answer the following questions in one line.)

Q1. Who was Claribel?

Q2. What work did Sven excel at in the space station?

Q3. What sound first revealed Claribel’s presence to the narrator?

Q4. What revived Claribel when she fainted?

Q5. What recognition did the narrator give to Claribel at the end?

Short Answer Questions 

(Instruction: Answer the following questions in 2–3 lines.)

Q1. Why was Claribel considered an ideal pet for the space station?

Q2. Why did the crew have trouble hiding Claribel from VIP visitors?

Q3. How did Claribel save the crew from disaster?

Q4. Why was the alarm system unreliable?

Q5. What lesson does the story suggest about technology and nature?

12. Waiting for the Rain – Textbook Worksheet

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Instruction: Select the correct option for each question.

Q1. What did Velu hope for at the beginning of the story?
(a) A good harvest
(b) A visit from the astrologer
(c) That it would rain
(d) A holiday from work

Q2. Why did Velu not agree with consulting astrologers?
(a) He did not believe in hard work
(b) He thought rains always came without such talks
(c) He was afraid of astrologers
(d) He wanted to leave the village

Q3. Where did Velu go to ask about the rains?
(a) The temple
(b) The city’s weather office
(c) The old woman
(d) His neighbors

Q4. What lesson did the old woman teach Velu?
(a) That he should stop farming
(b) That the land also needs rest
(c) That farmers must work harder
(d) That rain is useless without toil

Q5. How does the story end?
(a) Velu leaves farming forever
(b) The old woman disappears
(c) Velu runs home happily as rain begins
(d) The astrologers predict correctly

Fill in the Blanks

Instruction: Fill in the blanks with the correct word based on the chapter.

Q1. Velu was a ______ who worked hard without rest.

Q2. Velu usually grew jowar in one season and ______ in the next.

Q3. The barren land looked ______ and the farmers lived on hope.

Q4. The old woman compared Nature to a ______ who cares for her children.

Q5. The story ends with Velu feeling a cool ______ on his back, followed by rain.

Very Short Answer Questions

Instruction: Answer the following questions in one line.

Q1. Who is the main character of the story?

Q2. How many years had Velu been farming his own land?

Q3. Why was Velu dejected?

Q4. Where did Velu rest on his way back from the city?

Q5. What natural event brought joy to Velu in the end?

Short Answer Questions

Instruction: Answer the following questions in 2–3 lines.

Q1. Why was rain so important for Velu and his village?

Q2. Why did Velu feel punished despite working honestly?

Q3. How did the old woman explain the absence of rain?

Q4. What difference did the conversation with the old woman make to Velu?

Q5. How did Velu’s mood change at the end of the story?