Hello, my dear students! Welcome to today's English lesson. I am so happy to see you all here, ready to learn something new and exciting. Today, we are going to study a very interesting and inspiring chapter from your NCERT textbook. The chapter is called "Unit 4: Travel and Adventure." Now, isn't that an exciting topic? I am sure all of you have some travel experiences or adventures to share, but before we get to that, let me tell you what we will be learning today.
This unit has three main parts. First, we will read a beautiful story called "The Tunnel" written by the famous author Ruskin Bond. This story is about a young boy named Suraj who has an adventure near a railway tunnel in the jungle. Second, we will read a lovely poem called "Travel" by Edna St. Vincent Millay, which talks about the poet's love for trains and journeys. Third, we will read an inspiring real-life story about Arunima Sinha, who became the first Indian female amputee to climb Mount Everest. This story is titled "Conquering the Summit."
Along with reading these texts, we will also do many activities, answer questions, learn new vocabulary, and practice some grammar and writing skills. So, let's begin our journey!
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**Part 1: The Tunnel**
So students, let's start with the story "The Tunnel." Before we read the story, there are some pre-reading activities for you. These activities will help you think about what kind of adventures you enjoy and what kind of person you are. Let's do these activities together.
Look at the first question. It asks: "What kind of an adventure activity would you like to be a part of?" Now, there are four options, and you can choose the one or ones that apply to you. The first option is "Trying new activities." The second is "Reading a book." The third is "Spending time with friends." And the fourth is "Learning something new." Think about which of these you enjoy the most. If you like trying new things like climbing trees, riding bicycles, or exploring new places, then option one might be for you. If you love reading stories and books, then option two is for you. If you enjoy being with your friends and chatting with them, then option three is for you. And if you are curious and like to learn new things every day, then option four is for you.
Now, the second question asks: "Which of these places would you prefer to explore?" The options are: "Dense forests and clear streams," "Magical lands with fairies," "Busy cities with interesting people," and "Quiet places to think and create." Think about which place excites you the most. Do you like the idea of walking through a dense forest where you can hear birds singing and see clear streams flowing? Or do you prefer imagining magical lands with fairies and magic? Or do you enjoy the hustle and bustle of busy cities where you can meet different kinds of people? Or do you like quiet places where you can sit alone and think or create something new, like drawing or writing?
The third question is about activities. It asks: "Which one of these activities would you prefer to do?" The options are: "Climbing a mountain or exploring a jungle," "Finding a hidden treasure or discovering a secret world," "Solving puzzles or guessing riddles with friends," and "Making something creative or building a model." Each of these activities is different and requires different skills. Climbing a mountain or exploring a jungle is for those who love physical adventures and nature. Finding hidden treasure or discovering a secret world is for those who love mystery and imagination. Solving puzzles or guessing riddles is for those who love thinking and using their brains. And making something creative or building a model is for those who love to create with their hands.
The fourth question is about teamwork. It asks: "What do you think about teamwork?" The options are: "I love leading the team," "I enjoy working with others," "I prefer sharing ideas with friends," and "I like working alone." Think about which statement describes you the best. Do you like to be the leader and tell others what to do? Or do you like to work together with others as a team? Or do you prefer sharing your ideas with your friends rather than working alone? Or do you like to work alone and do things by yourself?
Now, based on your choices, there is a fun activity for you. The textbook says: "Based on your choices, which of the following do you think applies the best to you?" The options are: "Bold Explorer," "Imaginative Dreamer," "Energetic Planner," and "Thoughtful Creator." You may have guessed that if you chose more adventure-related options, you might be a Bold Explorer. If you chose options about magical lands and imagination, you might be an Imaginative Dreamer. If you chose options about planning and organizing, you might be an Energetic Planner. And if you chose options about creating and thinking, you might be a Thoughtful Creator. You can also add to this list based on your choices. For example, you could be a "Nature Lover" or a "Curious Learner" or anything else that fits you. Discuss with your classmates and see what you all came up with!
Now, let's read the story. But before we read, I want to introduce some vocabulary words that will help you understand the story better. These words might be new to you, but don't worry, I will explain each one.
The first word is "shimmered." It means shined with a light that appears to move. Imagine the sun shining on a lake, and the light seems to dance on the water. That is shimmering.
The second word is "embankment." It means a stone wall made to carry the railway over low ground. When trains need to pass through flat or low areas, they build a raised structure made of stones or earth. That is called an embankment.
The third word is "cutting." In this context, it means a narrow valley cut through a hill to make space for a railway line. So, when they need to build a railway through a hill, they cut through the hill and make a path. That is called a cutting.
The fourth word is "scrub-covered." It means covered with short trees and bushes. So, if a hill is covered with small plants and bushes, it is scrub-covered.
Now, let's read the first part of the story. I will read it aloud, and you should listen carefully.
"It was almost noon, and the jungle was very still, very silent. Heat waves shimmered along the railway embankment where it cut a path through the tall evergreen trees. The railway lines were two straight black serpents disappearing into the tunnel in the hillside."
So students, isn't that a beautiful description? The author compares the railway lines to "two straight black serpents" that disappear into the tunnel. This is called a simile, where two things are compared using "like" or "as." Here, the railway lines are compared to serpents because they are long, black, and seem to move like snakes. And the tunnel in the hillside is like the mouth of the serpent.
Now, Suraj stood near the cutting, waiting for the midday train. It wasn't a station, and he wasn't catching a train. He was waiting so that he could watch the steam engine come roaring out of the tunnel. So, Suraj is a curious boy who loves trains. He had cycled out of the town and taken the jungle path until he had come to a small village. He had left the cycle there, and walked over a low scrub-covered hill and down to the tunnel exit.
Now he looked up. He had heard, in the distance, the shrill whistle of the engine. He couldn't see anything, because the train was approaching from the other side of the hill; but presently a sound like distant thunder issued from the tunnel, and he knew the train was coming through.
Now, let's look at some more vocabulary words from this section. "Instinctively" means without thought or plan. "Flinch" means make a quick movement, usually because of fear or surprise. "Plume of smoke" means a long, thin cloud of smoke. "Shisham" is a tree found in northern parts of India. "Contemplation" means deep thought. And "reassure" means comfort or calm someone.
Now, let's read what happens next.
"A second or two later, the steam engine shot out of the tunnel, snorting and puffing like some green, black, and gold dragon, some beautiful monster out of Suraj's dreams. Showering sparks left and right, it roared a challenge to the jungle."
So students, here Suraj compares the train to a "magical creature" - a dragon. This is the first question in the "Let us discuss" section. It asks: "Suraj compares the train to a magical creature. Pick the phrases that convey the meaning." The phrases that convey this meaning are "like some green, black, and gold dragon" and "some beautiful monster out of Suraj's dreams." These phrases show that Suraj sees the train as a magical, mythical creature, like a dragon from a story.
Now, the next question is: "Suraj knew that the train was close by because _______________." Let's think about this. In the text, it says: "He had heard, in the distance, the shrill whistle of the engine." And then, "presently a sound like distant thunder issued from the tunnel." So, Suraj knew the train was coming because he heard the whistle and the sound of the engine. So the answer is: he heard the shrill whistle of the engine and the sound like distant thunder.
Now, let's continue reading.
"Instinctively, Suraj stepped back a few paces. Waves of hot steam struck him in the face. Even the trees seemed to flinch from the noise and heat. And then the train had gone, leaving only a plume of smoke to drift lazily over the tall shisham trees.
The jungle was still again. No one moved.
Suraj turned from his contemplation of the drifting smoke and began walking along the embankment towards the tunnel.
The tunnel grew darker as he walked further into it. When he had gone about twenty yards, it became pitch dark. Suraj had to turn and look back at the opening to reassure himself that there was still daylight outside. Ahead of him, the tunnel's other opening was just a small round circle of light.
The tunnel was still full of smoke from the train, but it would be several hours before another train came through. Till then, the cutting belonged to the jungle again."
Now, the third question in "Let us discuss" is: "What did Suraj see inside the tunnel?" Let's look at the text carefully. It says: "The walls were damp and sticky. A bat flew past. A lizard scuttled between the lines." So, inside the tunnel, Suraj saw damp and sticky walls, a bat flying past, and a lizard scuttling between the railway lines.
Now, the fourth question asks: "Select the correct option. What does Sunder Singh convey about the tunnel? He says that _______________ (it is damp and sticky inside/he has lent it to the Government)." Let's find this in the text. Later in the story, when Suraj meets the watchman, Sunder Singh says: "It is," said the watchman. "It is truly my tunnel, since no one else will have anything to do with it. I have only lent it to the Government." So, Sunder Singh says that he has lent it to the Government. So the correct option is "he has lent it to the Government."
Now, there's a flow chart question. "The watchman has created a system through which he informs the locomotive driver about any danger in the tunnel. The following flow chart shows this system. Refer to the text and complete the flow chart." Let me explain this system to you based on the text.
The text says: "Every day, before the train came through, he would walk the length of the tunnel. If all was well, he would return to his hut and take a nap. If something was wrong, he would walk back up the line and wave a red flag, and the engine driver would slow down. At night, the watchman lit an oil lamp and made a similar inspection of the tunnel. Of course, he would not stop the train if there was a porcupine on the line. But if there was any danger to the train, he'd go back up the line and wave his lamp to the approaching engine. If all was well, he'd hang his lamp at the door of his hut and go to sleep."
So, the flow chart would be something like this: The watchman inspects the tunnel. If all is well, he returns to his hut. If there is danger, he waves a red flag or lamp to the engine driver, who then slows down the train.
Now, let's continue reading the story. Suraj comes out of the tunnel and sees something on the hill.
"Coming straight from the darkness into the light, Suraj was dazzled by the sudden glare and put a hand up to shade his eyes. He looked up at the tree-covered hillside and thought he saw something moving between the trees.
It was just a flash of orange and gold, and a long swishing tail. It was there between the trees for a second or two, and then it was gone."
Now, Suraj meets the watchman, whose name is Sunder Singh. The watchman lives in a small hut near the tunnel entrance. There are marigolds in front of the hut and a vegetable patch at the back. The watchman's duty is to inspect the tunnel and keep it clear of obstacles.
Now, let's read the conversation between Suraj and Sunder Singh. Sunder Singh invites Suraj to sit down and asks him why he was inspecting his tunnel. Suraj says he wanted to see the train come through, and then he walked through the tunnel. When Suraj says he saw an animal on the hill, Sunder Singh tells him it was a leopard - "My leopard." Suraj is surprised and asks if the watchman owns a leopard too. Sunder Singh explains that the leopard comes to that range for a few days every month, and it is not dangerous. It is a leopard that minds its own business.
Then, Sunder Singh tells Suraj about the night mail train that comes through the tunnel at about nine o'clock. He invites Suraj to come and sit with him, and after the train has gone, he will take Suraj home. Suraj says he will ask his parents and asks if it will be safe. Sunder Singh says it is safer in the jungle than in the town. He gives an example: "But last month, when I went into town, I was almost run over by a bus."
Now, let's think about this. The question in "Let us think and reflect" asks: "According to Sunder Singh, 'It is safer in the forest than in the town'. What example does Sunder Singh give to support his opinion? What does this tell us about him?" The example he gives is that when he went to town last month, he was almost run over by a bus. This tells us that Sunder Singh is a simple man who is comfortable living in the jungle and prefers it over the busy town. It also shows that he has a good sense of humor.
Now, Sunder Singh yawns and stretches himself on the cot. He says he is going to take a nap because it is too hot to be up and about in the afternoon. Suraj complains that everyone goes to sleep in the afternoon, including his father. Sunder Singh says that animals also rest in the heat of the day, and "It is only the tribe of boys who cannot, or will not, rest." Then, he places a large banana leaf over his face to keep away the flies and falls asleep.
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Now, let's move to the second part of the story, which is about the evening when Suraj returns to see the night mail train.
"The following evening, towards dusk, as the flying foxes swooped silently out of the trees, Suraj made his way to the watchman's hut.
It had been a long hot day, but now the earth was cooling, and a light breeze was moving through the trees. It carried with it the scent of mango blossoms, the promise of rain."
Now, let's look at some vocabulary words from this section. "Swooped" means moved quickly through the air downwards. Flying foxes are large bats. "Seven sisters" refers to birds, also called jungle babblers, found in groups of six to eight.
Sunder Singh was waiting for Suraj. He had watered his small garden, and the flowers looked cool and fresh. A kettle was boiling on a small oil stove. "I am making tea," he said. "There is nothing like a glass of hot tea while waiting for a train."
They drank their tea, listening to the sharp notes of the tailorbird and the noisy chatter of the seven sisters.
Now, let's read about the night sounds in the jungle.
"As the brief twilight faded, most of the birds fell silent. Sunder Singh lit his oil lamp and said it was time for him to inspect the tunnel. He moved off towards the tunnel, while Suraj sat on the cot, sipping his tea. In the dark, the trees seemed to move closer to him. And the nightlife of the forest was conveyed on the breeze—the sharp call of a barking deer, the cry of a fox, the quaint tonk-tonk of a nightjar. There were some sounds that Suraj didn't recognise—sounds that came from the trees, creakings and whisperings, as though the trees were coming to life, stretching their limbs in the dark, flexing their fingers."
Now, let's look at some vocabulary. "Quaint" means unusual. "Nightjar" is a nocturnal bird with a short bill. "Flexing" means bending. "Trimming" here means adjusting the wick of the lamp.
Sunder Singh stood inside the tunnel, trimming his lamp. The night sounds were familiar to him, and he did not give them much thought; but something else—a padded footfall, a rustle of dry leaves—made him stand still for a few seconds, peering into the darkness. Then, humming softly to himself, he returned to where Suraj was waiting. Ten minutes remained for the night mail to arrive.
Now, let's read about the leopard in the tunnel.
"As Sunder Singh sat down on the cot beside Suraj, a new sound reached both of them quite distinctly—a rhythmic sawing sound, as if someone cutting through the branch of a tree.
'What's that?' whispered Suraj.
'It's the leopard,' said Sunder Singh. 'I think it's in the tunnel.'
'The train will soon be here,' said Suraj.
'Yes, my friend. And if we don't drive the leopard out of the tunnel, it will be run over and killed. I can't let that happen.'
'But won't it attack us if we try to drive it out?' asked Suraj, beginning to share the watchman's concern.
'Not this leopard. It knows me well. We have seen each other many times. It has a weakness for goats and stray dogs, but it will not harm us. Even so, I'll take my axe with me. You stay here, Suraj.'
'No, I'm coming with you. It will be better than sitting here alone in the dark!'
'All right, but stay close behind me. And remember, there is nothing to fear.'"
Now, let's answer the discussion questions for this part.
First question: "Sunder Singh knew that the leopard was in the tunnel because ________." The text says: "a new sound reached both of them quite distinctly—a rhythmic sawing sound, as if someone cutting through the branch of a tree." And then Sunder Singh says, "It's the leopard. I think it's in the tunnel." So, he knew because he heard the sawing sound.
Second question: "Why do you think Suraj was unable to do any shouting in the tunnel in the beginning?" The options are: "He was afraid of the leopard," "He didn't want to disturb the leopard," "He was trying to listen for the leopard," and "He didn't really believe Sunder Singh." Let's look at the text. It says: "Raising his lamp, Sunder Singh advanced into the tunnel, shouting at the top of his voice to try and scare away the animal. Suraj followed close behind, but he found he was unable to do any shouting. His throat was quite dry." So, the reason is that his throat was quite dry, which usually happens when you are nervous or afraid. So, the best answer is that he was afraid of the leopard. Option (i) is correct.
Third question: "What made the leopard disappear into the darkness?" Let's look at the text. It says: "Suraj and Sunder Singh both shouted together. Their voices rang through the tunnel. And the leopard, uncertain as to how many terrifying humans were there in the tunnel with him, turned swiftly and disappeared into the darkness." So, it was their shouting that made the leopard run away into the darkness.
Fourth question: "How did Suraj know Sunder Singh was at the tunnel?" This is from the later part of the story. When Suraj was traveling on the night mail train with his father, he saw the lamp at the tunnel. The text says: "and then, just as the engine let out a shrill whistle, Suraj saw the lamp. He couldn't see Sunder Singh, but he saw the lamp, and he knew that his friend was out there." So, he saw the lamp and knew that Sunder Singh was there.
Fifth question: "Why did Suraj's father take him along to Delhi?" The text says: "Suraj's father was going to Delhi on a business trip and had decided to take the boy along. ('I don't know where he gets to, most of the time,' he'd complained. 'I think it's time he learnt something about my business.')" So, his father took him along because he was going on a business trip and wanted Suraj to learn about his business.
Now, let's read the exciting part where they drive the leopard out of the tunnel and watch the train pass through.
"Raising his lamp, Sunder Singh advanced into the tunnel, shouting at the top of his voice to try and scare away the animal. Suraj followed close behind, but he found he was unable to do any shouting. His throat was quite dry.
They had gone about twenty paces into the tunnel when the light from the lamp fell upon the leopard. It was crouching between the tracks, only five metres away from them. It was not a very big leopard, but it looked lithe and sinewy. Baring its teeth and snarling, it went down on its belly, tail twitching.
Suraj and Sunder Singh both shouted together. Their voices rang through the tunnel. And the leopard, uncertain as to how many terrifying humans were there in the tunnel with him, turned swiftly and disappeared into the darkness.
To make sure that it had gone, Sunder Singh and Suraj walked the length of the tunnel. When they returned to the entrance, the rails were beginning to hum. They knew the train was coming.
Suraj put his hand to one of the rails and felt its tremor. He heard the distant rumble of the train. And then the engine came round the bend, hissing at them, scattering sparks into the darkness, defying the jungle as it roared through the steep sides of the cutting. It charged straight at the tunnel, and into it, thundering past Suraj like the beautiful dragon of his dreams. And when it had gone, the silence returned and the forest seemed to breathe, to live again. Only the rails still trembled with the passing of the train."
Now, let's look at some vocabulary words from this section. "Lithe" means thin and graceful. "Sinewy" means lean and muscular. "Snarling" means growling. "Twitching" means a short, sudden movement. "Defying" means opposing.
Now, let's read the last part of the story, where Suraj is traveling on the train with his father.
"They trembled again to the passing of the same train, almost a week later, when Suraj and his father were both travelling in it.
Suraj's father was scribbling in a notebook, doing his accounts. Suraj sat at an open window staring out at the darkness. His father was going to Delhi on a business trip and had decided to take the boy along. ('I don't know where he gets to, most of the time,' he'd complained. 'I think it's time he learnt something about my business.')
The night mail rushed through the forest with its hundreds of passengers. The carriage wheels beat out a steady rhythm on the rails. Tiny flickering lights came and went, as they passed small villages on the fringe of the jungle.
Suraj heard the rumble as the train passed over a small bridge. It was too dark to see the hut near the cutting, but he knew they must be approaching the tunnel. He strained his eyes looking out into the night; and then, just as the engine let out a shrill whistle, Suraj saw the lamp.
He couldn't see Sunder Singh, but he saw the lamp, and he knew that his friend was out there.
The train went into the tunnel and out again; it left the jungle behind and thundered across the endless plains.
Suraj stared out at the darkness, thinking of the lonely cutting in the forest and the watchman with the lamp, who would always remain a firefly for those travelling thousands as he lit up the darkness for steam engines and leopards."
Now, let's look at some vocabulary. "Flickering" means burning unsteadily. "Fringe" means edge. "Shrill" means sharp sound.
Now, I want you to think about why Sunder Singh is referred to as a "firefly." The text says: "the watchman with the lamp, who would always remain a firefly for those travelling thousands as he lit up the darkness for steam engines and leopards." A firefly is a small insect that produces light in the darkness. Similarly, Sunder Singh with his lamp lights up the darkness for the trains and the leopards. He is like a small but important light in the dark jungle. So, the answer is that Sunder Singh is called a firefly because he lights up the darkness with his lamp, just like a firefly lights up the night.
Now, let's do the "Let us think and reflect" section for the first part of the story.
First, read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
"Suraj had to turn and look back at the opening to reassure himself that there was still daylight outside. Ahead of him, the tunnel's other opening was just a small round circle of light.
The tunnel was still full of smoke from the train, but it would be several hours before another train came through. Till then, the cutting belonged to the jungle again.
Suraj didn't stop, because there was nothing to do in the tunnel and nothing to see. He had simply wanted to walk through, so that he would know what the inside of a tunnel was really like."
Now, question (i): "Write whether the following statement is true or false. Suraj looked back at the opening of the tunnel to check if the train was coming." Let's see. The text says: "Suraj had to turn and look back at the opening to reassure himself that there was still daylight outside." So, he looked back to reassure himself that there was still daylight outside, not to check if the train was coming. So, the statement is false.
Question (ii): "Choose the correct option to complete the sentence given below. Suraj did not stop anywhere in the tunnel because ________." The options are: "A. there was nothing to see in the tunnel," "B. the tunnel was damp and sticky," "C. he was in a hurry to get out of the tunnel," and "D. it was time for another train to come." Let's look at the text. It says: "Suraj didn't stop, because there was nothing to do in the tunnel and nothing to see." So, the correct answer is A: there was nothing to see in the tunnel.
Question (iii): "What does the sentence 'Till then, the cutting belonged to the jungle again' mean?" This sentence means that when the train passes and leaves, the tunnel and the area around it become quiet and empty again, and the jungle takes over. It is no longer occupied by humans or trains. The jungle reclaims the space.
Question (iv): "Suraj wanted to know the inside of the tunnel. What character trait of Suraj is highlighted here?" Suraj wanted to walk through the tunnel just to know what it was really like. This shows that he is curious. He has a curious nature and wants to explore and learn new things. So, the character trait is curiosity.
Now, let's do the second extract.
"The train will soon be here," said Suraj.
"Yes, my friend. And if we don't drive the leopard out of the tunnel, it will be run over and killed. I can't let that happen."
"But won't it attack us if we try to drive it out?" asked Suraj, beginning to share the watchman's concern.
"Not this leopard. It knows me well. We have seen each other many times. It has a weakness for goats and stray dogs, but it will not harm us. Even so, I'll take my axe with me. You stay here, Suraj."
Question (i): "What was the watchman's concern?" The watchman's concern was that if they didn't drive the leopard out of the tunnel, the leopard would be run over and killed by the train. He didn't want that to happen.
Question (ii): "Complete the sentence with a suitable reason. Sunder Singh was sure that the leopard in the tunnel would not attack him and Suraj because ________." The text says: "Not this leopard. It knows me well. We have seen each other many times." So, the reason is that the leopard knows Sunder Singh well as they have seen each other many times.
Question (iii): "Select the sentences that are true from those given below." Let's check each sentence.
A. Suraj wants to see the leopards in the jungle. - This is not mentioned in the text. Suraj saw a leopard by chance and was surprised. He didn't specifically want to see leopards. So, this is false.
B. Suraj is concerned about Sunder Singh's safety. - Yes, this is true. When Suraj asks, "But won't it attack us if we try to drive it out?" he is concerned about their safety.
C. The leopard in the tunnel attacks goats and stray dogs. - Yes, this is true. The text says: "It has a weakness for goats and stray dogs."
D. Sunder Singh wants to protect Suraj. - Yes, this is true. He tells Suraj to stay behind and offers to take his axe for protection.
E. Sunder Singh knows all about the animals in the jungle. - This is not entirely true. He knows about the leopard, but we cannot say he knows all about all animals. So, this is false.
So, the true sentences are B, C, and D.
Question (iv): "Choose the correct option to complete the sentence. Sunder Singh decides to take his axe with him. This tells us that he was ________." The options are: "A. violent," "B. cautious," "C. bold," and "D. afraid." Taking an axe shows that he is being cautious and prepared for any situation, even though he believes the leopard won't attack. So, the correct answer is B: cautious.
Now, let's answer the remaining questions in "Let us think and reflect."
1. "What does Sunder Singh convey by saying that he has lent his tunnel to the Government?" When Sunder Singh says he has lent his tunnel to the Government, he is being humorous. He means that he is the one who takes care of the tunnel, but officially, the tunnel belongs to the Government. He is the watchman, so he feels a personal connection to the tunnel, almost as if it belongs to him.
2. "According to Sunder Singh, 'It is safer in the forest than in the town'. What example does Sunder Singh give to support his opinion? What does this tell us about him?" We already answered this. He gives the example of almost being run over by a bus when he went to town. This tells us that he is comfortable in the jungle and prefers it over the busy town. It also shows his simple and humble nature.
3. "Sunder Singh has become part of the jungle life. Support the view with a suitable reason." Sunder Singh has been living near the tunnel for many years. He knows the animals in the jungle, like the leopard. He is familiar with the night sounds and the behavior of the animals. He inspects the tunnel every day and every night. He has made the jungle his home. So, he has become part of the jungle life.
4. "Sunder Singh and Suraj form an unlikely friendship. What draws them together?" Suraj is a young boy who loves adventures and trains. Sunder Singh is an old watchman who lives alone in the jungle. What draws them together is their shared love for the tunnel and the trains. Suraj is curious and wants to learn about the tunnel, and Sunder Singh is happy to share his knowledge. They both have a sense of wonder and respect for nature. Also, Sunder Singh is kind and welcoming, and Suraj is friendly and curious.
5. "Why is Sunder Singh referred to as a 'firefly'?" As we discussed, Sunder Singh is called a firefly because he lights up the darkness with his lamp, just like a firefly lights up the night. He is a small but important presence in the dark jungle, helping the trains and the animals.
6. "Do you think Suraj is an adventure-loving boy? Give reasons." Yes, Suraj is definitely an adventure-loving boy. He cycled out of town to the jungle just to watch the train come out of the tunnel. He walked through the dark tunnel just to know what it was like. He went back in the evening to see the night mail train. He even went into the tunnel with Sunder Singh to drive out the leopard, even though he was scared. All these actions show that he loves adventures.
Now, let's do the "Let us learn" section. This section has some language exercises.
First, "Complete the following sentences using the suitable phrases from the text given in the box below." The box has: "drifting smoke," "approaching engine," "sawing sound," and "flickering lights."
1. "We could hear the _______________ of the train long before it came into view at the station." The correct phrase is "approaching engine."
2. "The street was completely dark but the little boy walked to his house guided by the _______________ from the houses." The correct phrase is "flickering lights."
3. "The _______________ from the carpenter's workshop grew louder every hour." The correct phrase is "sawing sound."
4. "From the balcony, she watched the _______________ from her neighbour's chimney float across the backyard." The correct phrase is "drifting smoke."
Now, the next exercise is about "sound words." The text has many words that describe sounds. Let's match the words with their meanings.
Column 1 has: "creaking," "chatter," "hissing," "rustle," and "puffing."
Column 2 has: "(i) making a noise like a long 's' sound," "(ii) making a long low sound when a door or wooden object moves or is moved," "(iii) repeated series of short high sounds made by birds or monkeys," "(iv) blowing with short, quick blasts, as the wind," and "(v) a soft low, dry sound made by the movement of things such as leaves, paper, etc."
Let's match them:
1. "creaking" - (ii) making a long low sound when a door or wooden object moves or is moved. 2. "chatter" - (iii) repeated series of short high sounds made by birds or monkeys. 3. "hissing" - (i) making a noise like a long 's' sound. 4. "rustle" - (v) a soft low, dry sound made by the movement of things such as leaves, paper, etc. 5. "puffing" - (iv) blowing with short, quick blasts, as the wind.
Now, let's complete the sentences with the correct form of the sound words.
1. "The steam engine reached the station _______________ black smoke into the sky." The correct word is "puffing."
2. "Suddenly the snake raised its hood and made a _______________ noise." The correct word is "hissing."
3. "When the wind blew, I heard the _______________ of the wooden roof." The correct word is "creaking."
4. "He heard a _______________ of leaves behind him when he was walking in the woods." The correct word is "rustle."
5. "I get disturbed by the continuous _______________ of the monkeys in the neighbourhood." The correct word is "chatter."
Now, let's do the exercise about "would" and "used to."
The text says: "Every day, before the train came through, he would walk the length of the tunnel. If all was well, he would return to his hut and take a nap. If something was wrong, he would walk back up the line and wave a red flag and the engine driver would slow down. At night, the watchman lit an oil lamp and made a similar inspection of the tunnel."
The question is: "Why is the word 'would' used here?" The options are: "(i) to make a polite request," "(ii) to express a desire," and "(iii) to talk about a habit in the past." The correct answer is (iii) to talk about a habit in the past. "Would" is used here to describe a habitual action in the past, something that Sunder Singh used to do regularly.
The explanation says: "'Would' is used in these sentences to describe repeated activities for a period of time in the past. We call them 'habitual or routine actions in the past.' Would and used to both describe something that happened regularly in the past. However, 'used to' indicates a past action that doesn't happen any longer."
Now, let's complete the sentences using the verb in brackets with the correct form of "used to" or "would."
The example is: "When I was a child we used to live in a village near a forest."
Now, let's fill in the blanks:
(i) "Back then, we ____________ (grow) vegetables in our back garden." The answer is "used to grow" or "would grow." Both are correct, but "used to" emphasizes that they no longer do this. So, "used to grow" is better.
(ii) "Every day we ____________ (get up) early and go for a walk." The answer is "would get up" or "used to get up." Both are correct.
(iii) "The weather in summer ____________ (be) really nice." The answer is "used to be" or "was." Here, "used to be" emphasizes that it was like this in the past but may not be the same now.
(iv) "There was a lake near the house and we ____________ (go) there every Sunday for a picnic." The answer is "would go" or "used to go."
(v) "Winters ____________ (be) rather cold." The answer is "used to be" or "were."
(vi) "In the evenings, my father ____________ (tell) us incredible stories and we ____________ (listen) with admiration." The answers are "would tell" and "would listen."
Now, let's do the punctuation exercise. We need to use semicolons and colons to punctuate the following paragraph.
"We explored the busy by-lanes of Charminar, the heart of Hyderabad it was an exciting day. We wanted to do a few things buy bangles, taste biryani, and purchase pearl earrings, which are special to this area. As we walked through the lanes, we saw stalls selling spices, clothes, and jewellery the market was full of colours. We visited some famous spots Charminar, Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum, and Chowmahalla Palace each place was beautiful."
Let's punctuate it:
"We explored the busy by-lanes of Charminar, the heart of Hyderabad; it was an exciting day. We wanted to do a few things: buy bangles, taste biryani, and purchase pearl earrings, which are special to this area. As we walked through the lanes, we saw stalls selling spices, clothes, and jewellery; the market was full of colours. We visited some famous spots: Charminar, Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum, and Chowmahalla Palace; each place was beautiful."
Now, let's move on to the next part of the unit: "Travel."
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**Part 2: Travel**
Now, students, let's move on to the second section of this unit, which is a poem titled "Travel" by Edna St. Vincent Millay. Before we read the poem, there are some pre-reading activities.
First, there is a word web about travel. The textbook asks you to complete the following categories: "Modes of Transport," "Reasons for Travel," "Feelings," "Adventure Activities," "Destinations," and "Challenges." You can fill these with words like: for modes of transport - bus, train, airplane, car, bicycle; for reasons - work, vacation, study, visiting family; for feelings - joy, excitement, nervousness, anticipation; for adventure activities - exploring, trekking, camping, hiking; for destinations - riverside, mountains, cities, beaches; for challenges - bad weather, lost luggage, missed trains, language barriers.
Second, there is a scenario: "You are going on a trip to an adventure camp with your classmates and teacher." The questions are: "How will you travel to the adventure camp?" "What things will you take along?" "Why would you like to go there?" "What are the activities you would like to do with your friends?" and "How much time will it take to complete your adventure trip?" You can discuss these with your partner.
Third, there is a discussion question: "What might be the reasons that people enjoy train journeys?" Think about this. Some people enjoy train journeys because they can see the changing scenery, because they can meet new people, because they enjoy the rhythmic sound of the wheels, or because it brings back memories of past travels.
Now, let's read the poem.
"The railroad track is miles away, And the day is loud with voices speaking, Yet there isn't a train goes by all day But I hear its whistle shrieking.
All night there isn't a train goes by, Though the night is still for sleep and dreaming, But I see its cinders red on the sky, And hear its engine steaming.
My heart is warm with the friends I make, And better friends I'll not be knowing; Yet there isn't a train I wouldn't take, No matter where it's going."
Now, let's do the "Let us discuss" section.
First, "The main ideas of each stanza of the poem are given below. Write the number of the stanza against the matching main idea." The main ideas are: "At night, the speaker imagines the train and hears its engine in the quiet." This is stanza two. "The speaker feels a strong desire to take any train, no matter where it goes." This is stanza three. "The speaker hears the train whistle during the day, even though the train is far away." This is stanza one.
So, the answers are: 1 - The speaker hears the train whistle during the day, even though the train is far away. 2 - At night, the speaker imagines the train and hears its engine in the quiet. 3 - The speaker feels a strong desire to take any train, no matter where it goes.
Second, "Read the poem and underline the rhyming words in each stanza. Write the rhyming words from each stanza." Let's do this together.
Stanza 1: "away" and "day" rhyme. Also, "speaking" and "shrieking" rhyme. Wait, let me check the poem again. The first stanza is: "The railroad track is miles away, / And the day is loud with voices speaking, / Yet there isn't a train goes by all day / But I hear its whistle shrieking." So, the rhyming words are: "away" and "day" (not exact rhyme, but close), and "speaking" and "shrieking." Actually, looking at the structure, it seems like "away" rhymes with "day" (they both end with the "ay" sound), and "speaking" rhymes with "shrieking" (they both end with the "eaking" sound). So, the rhyming pattern is: away-day, speaking-shrieking.
Stanza 2: "by" and "sky" rhyme. Also, "dreaming" and "steaming" rhyme. Let's check: "All night there isn't a train goes by, / Though the night is still for sleep and dreaming, / But I see its cinders red on the sky, / And hear its engine steaming." So, "by" and "sky" rhyme, and "dreaming" and "steaming" rhyme.
Stanza 3: "make" and "take" rhyme. Also, "knowing" and "going" rhyme. Let's check: "My heart is warm with the friends I make, / And better friends I'll not be knowing; / Yet there isn't a train I wouldn't take, / No matter where it's going." So, "make" and "take" rhyme, and "knowing" and "going" rhyme.
Third, "Identify the rhyme scheme of the poem from the options given below." The options are: "AABB," "ABCA," "ABAB," and "ABBC." Let's look at the rhyme scheme. In stanza 1, the first line ends with "away," the second with "speaking," the third with "day," and the fourth with "shrieking." So, the pattern is: A-B-A-B. In stanza 2: by-dreaming-sky-steaming. That's also A-B-A-B. In stanza 3: make-knowing-take-going. That's also A-B-A-B. So, the rhyme scheme is ABAB. The answer is option 3: ABAB.
Fourth, "Identify the word in the poem that personifies the whistle of the train." Personification means giving human qualities to non-human things. In the poem, the whistle is described as "shrieking." This is a human action, so it is personification. The word is "shrieking."
Fifth, "Tone refers to the attitude the poet has about the poem. Which of these words can be used to describe the poet's tone in this poem?" The options are: serious, excited, curious, worried, thoughtful, content, enthusiastic, critical, joyful. Let's think about the poem. The poet talks about hearing the train whistle even when it's far away, seeing the cinders red on the sky at night, and saying that there isn't a train she wouldn't take. This shows that she loves trains and travel. Her tone is content, joyful, and enthusiastic about travel. So, the words that can describe her tone are: excited, content, enthusiastic, joyful, and thoughtful. You can choose any of these.
Sixth, "Select the words that tell us what the train symbolises for the poet." The options are: education, adventure, comfort, opportunities. The train symbolises adventure and opportunities. The poet says she would take any train, no matter where it's going, which shows her love for adventure and new experiences. So, the answers are: adventure and opportunities.
Seventh, "Complete the following by choosing the correct option from those given in brackets. The poet repeats the line, '...there isn't a train goes by,' in all three stanzas to ______. (highlight the speaker's fascination with the train/suggest that the area has many trains passing through)" The poet repeats this line to highlight her fascination with the train. She is so fascinated by trains that she hears them even when they are far away. So, the correct option is: highlight the speaker's fascination with the train.
Eighth, "The poem contrasts the busy day with the stillness of the night. What is the common factor in these?" In the day, the speaker hears the train whistle even though the track is miles away. In the night, she sees the cinders red on the sky and hears the engine steaming. The common factor is the train. Whether it is day or night, the train is always on her mind.
Ninth, "Imagery is a literary device that uses descriptive language to create mental pictures and appeal to the reader's senses (sight, sound, smell, taste and touch). It makes the descriptions more relatable. Select the phrases from the poem that are examples of imagery. One example is given: day is loud." Let's find more examples. "The railroad track is miles away" - this appeals to sight (distance). "the day is loud with voices speaking" - this appeals to sound. "I hear its whistle shrieking" - this appeals to sound. "the night is still for sleep and dreaming" - this appeals to sound and feeling. "I see its cinders red on the sky" - this appeals to sight. "My heart is warm with the friends I make" - this appeals to feeling. So, there are many examples of imagery in the poem.
Now, let's do the "Let us think and reflect" section for the poem.
First, read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
"My heart is warm with the friends I make, And better friends I'll not be knowing;..."
Question (i): "Choose the suitable option to complete the following. The line 'My heart is warm' refers to a heart that is ___." The options are: "A. filled with worries," "B. full of love," "C. feeling upset," and "D. experiencing anger." "My heart is warm" means the speaker is happy and full of love. So, the answer is B: full of love.
Question (ii): "What does the speaker say about her current friends?" The speaker says that her current friends are the best friends she will ever have. She says "better friends I'll not be knowing," which means she will never know better friends than the ones she has now.
Question (iii): "What does the line 'better friends I'll not be knowing' suggest about the speaker's feelings toward their current friends?" This line suggests that the speaker loves and appreciates her current friends very much. She believes they are the best friends she could ever have.
Question (iv): "Complete the following suitably. The tone of the speaker in these lines is _____." The options are: "grateful" and "content." The speaker is expressing love and gratitude for her friends. So, the tone is both grateful and content. But if we have to choose one, "content" might be better because she is satisfied with her friends. However, "grateful" also fits well. Let's see the options again. The answer could be either, but I think "content" is a better fit because she is happy and satisfied with what she has.
Now, let's answer the remaining questions in "Let us think and reflect."
1. "What does the phrase 'cinders red on the sky' tell us about the train at night?" This phrase tells us that at night, when the train passes, the sparks (cinders) from the engine glow red against the dark sky. It creates a beautiful, fiery image in the night.
2. "What is the significance of the repeated references to the train's whistle?" The repeated references to the train's whistle show that the train is a central theme in the poem. The whistle represents the train's presence and the speaker's connection to it. It also creates a vivid auditory image for the reader.
3. "What does the line 'no matter where it's going' reveal about the speaker's attitude towards travel?" This line reveals that the speaker is open to adventure and new experiences. She is not concerned about the destination; she just loves the journey itself. It shows her adventurous and free-spirited nature.
4. "Do you think the poet actually sees and hears the train? Why or why no?" This is an interesting question. The poet says the railroad track is miles away, yet she hears the whistle shrieking and sees the cinders red on the sky. This suggests that she might be imagining the train or thinking about it very vividly. It could be that she lives near the railway tracks and is familiar with the sounds, or it could be a poetic way of expressing her deep connection with trains. Either way, the poet creates a strong sensory experience for the reader.
Now, let's do the "Let us learn" section for the poem.
First, "Read the expressions from the poem given in Column 1 and match them with what they indicate in Column 2."
Column 1 has: "miles away," "cinders red," "heart is warm," "day is loud," and "engine steaming."
Column 2 has: "(i) The speaker's affection for their friends," "(ii) The fast and powerful movement of the train," "(iii) The busy and noisy atmosphere during the day," "(iv) The glow of the train's sparks lighting up the night sky," and "(v) The distance of the train from the speaker."
Let's match them:
1. "miles away" - (v) The distance of the train from the speaker. 2. "cinders red" - (iv) The glow of the train's sparks lighting up the night sky. 3. "heart is warm" - (i) The speaker's affection for their friends. 4. "day is loud" - (iii) The busy and noisy atmosphere during the day. 5. "engine steaming" - (ii) The fast and powerful movement of the train.
Now, let's use these expressions to fill in the blanks.
1. "After meeting her old friend, her _____ with the joy of rekindled memories." The correct expression is "heart is warm."
2. "As I arrived at the railway station I could hear the _____." The correct expression is "engine steaming."
3. "The marketplace is bustling, and the _____ with the chatter of shoppers and vendors." The correct expression is "day is loud."
4. "The bonfire glowed brightly, throwing _____ into the dark night sky." The correct expression is "cinders red."
5. "The sound of a train could still be heard _____ as the evening grew quiet." The correct expression is "miles away."
Now, the next exercise is about sound words. Let's match the meanings with the words.
Column 1 has: "shouting loudly, often in anger or excitement," "crying out in fear or excitement," "crying loudly with grief or sorrow," "making a high-pitched, piercing sound," "calling out loudly, often in a casual or informal way," "crying softly in a low, broken voice," and "crying loudly and uncontrollably."
Column 2 has: "wailing," "hollering," "screeching," "yelling," "whimpering," "bawling," and "screaming."
Let's match them:
1. "shouting loudly, often in anger or excitement" - "yelling" or "hollering." Let's say "yelling." 2. "crying out in fear or excitement" - "screaming" or "screeching." Let's say "screaming." 3. "crying loudly with grief or sorrow" - "wailing" or "bawling." Let's say "wailing." 4. "making a high-pitched, piercing sound" - "screeching." 5. "calling out loudly, often in a casual or informal way" - "hollering." 6. "crying softly in a low, broken voice" - "whimpering." 7. "crying loudly and uncontrollably" - "bawling."
Now, let's complete the paragraph using these words.
"The street was filled with a variety of sounds. A shopkeeper was 1. _____ to attract customers, while a child nearby was 2. _____ at his friend to wait for him. From the other side of the road, a toddler was 3. _____ uncontrollably after dropping his ice cream, and his mother tried to calm him as he began 4. _____ softly. In the background, someone's loud 5. _____ voice added to the bustling noise of the busy evening."
Let's fill in the blanks:
1. "hollering" - a shopkeeper calls out loudly to attract customers. 2. "yelling" - a child shouts to his friend. 3. "bawling" - a toddler cries loudly and uncontrollably. 4. "whimpering" - the toddler begins to cry softly. 5. "screaming" or "yelling" - someone's loud voice. Let's use "screaming" for variety.
Now, let's move on to the listening and speaking activities. The listening activities have transcripts provided in the textbook. Since this is an audio lesson, I will not be able to play the audio, but I can tell you what to listen for.
For the first listening activity about the museum treasure hunt, you need to mark the route on the map. The transcript tells you the order of rooms: Entrance Hall, Library (to the right), Art Gallery (straight), Decorative Art Gallery (first door on the left), Weapons Room (third door on the right), Musical Instruments Section (left from Weapons Room), and Auditorium (second room to the left in the Musical Instruments Section). The treasure is hidden in the Auditorium.
For the second listening activity about the school trip announcement, you need to circle the information that is not correct. Let's look at the transcript and the statements given in the textbook.
The statements are:
1. "The trip to the National Science Centre is organised on 15 September." But the transcript says "16 September." So, this is incorrect.
2. "Students will start from school at 8.00 in the morning and return by 5.00 in the evening." The transcript says "return by 5.30 in the evening." So, this is incorrect.
3. "Refreshment will not be provided during the trip." The transcript says "Light refreshments will be provided at the museum." So, this is incorrect.
4. "Students are permitted to carry a phone, a notebook, and a pen." The transcript says "You are not permitted to wear any jewellery or carry mobile phones. You may carry a notebook and a pen." So, they can carry a notebook and a pen, but not a phone. So, this statement is incorrect because it says they can carry a phone.
5. "The permission slip is to be signed by the class teacher." The transcript says "Interested students must bring a permission slip signed by your parent and submit them to their class teachers." So, it needs to be signed by the parent, not the class teacher. So, this is incorrect.
6. "The permission slip is to be submitted to your class teacher by 10 September." The transcript says "submit them to their class teachers by 10 September." So, this is correct.
7. "Mr. Mukherjee is the Adventure Club in-charge." The transcript says "please contact Mr. Mukherjee, the excursion in-charge." So, he is the excursion in-charge, not the Adventure Club in-charge. So, this is incorrect.
Now, let's do the speaking activity. This is a role-play where Student A plays Anju, and Student B plays the tour manager. Student A needs to call the tour manager for directions to the trekking site. Student B needs to give directions using the phrases given in the box: "turn left," "turn right," "keep going straight till...," "take the next left," "take the next right," "take the roundabout," "take the second left," "start from...," "on the opposite side," "right around the corner," "in front of," and "next to."
You can practice this conversation with your partner. For example:
Anju: Hello, is this the tour manager? I'm at the railway station and I need directions to the trekking site.
Tour Manager: Hello! Yes, this is the tour manager. From the railway station, you need to turn right and walk straight for about 500 meters until you reach the main road. Then, take a left turn...
And so on.
Now, let's do the writing activity. The first writing task is to write a descriptive paragraph about your experience of a train journey. You need to describe the sights, sounds, and feelings you experienced. Include details about the people around you, the scenery outside, and the atmosphere inside the train. You can use the guidelines given in the textbook to help you.
The second writing task is about writing a diamante poem. A diamante poem is shaped like a diamond and uses specific types of words. The example given is:
Day
Bright, sunny
Dancing, playing, running
Out comes the sun, down goes the sun
Resting, listening, dreaming
Quiet, peaceful
Night
Now, you need to write a diamante poem that connects "reading" and "adventure." You need to fill in the blanks with adjectives, -ing words, and nouns.
The format is:
Reading (the first topic)
_________, _________ (two adjectives about reading)
_________, _________, _________ (three -ing words about reading)
_________ (four nouns or a short phrase linking your topics)
_________, _________, _________ (three -ing words about adventure)
_________, _________ (two adjectives about adventure)
Adventure (the second topic)
For example:
Reading
Exciting, fun
Learning, exploring, discovering
Books, imagination, knowledge, journeys
Traveling, adventure, excitement, thrill
Adventurous, thrilling
Adventure
Now, let's move on to the third part of the unit: "Conquering the Summit."
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**Part 3: Conquering the Summit**
Now, students, let's read the inspiring story of Arunima Sinha, who became the first Indian female amputee to climb Mount Everest. This story is about courage, determination, and never giving up.
First, let's do the pre-reading activities. There are some icons representing adventure activities. You need to identify them. They might include climbing, trekking, skiing, paragliding, etc. Then, you need to discuss why people undertake these activities, how they would prepare for these activities, and which one you find the most exciting.
Also, there is a word web about the qualities of a mountaineer. You need to think about what qualities a mountaineer needs. Some qualities might be: courage, determination, patience, physical strength, mental strength, etc.
Now, let's read the story.
"This is a story that narrates the triumph of will, courage, determination, and dedication. Arunima Sinha's journey from a devastating accident to scaling the highest peak in the world stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. In 2011, at the age of 24, Arunima Sinha, a national-level volleyball player, faced a life-altering event. It challenged her in ways she could never have imagined. As she lay in the hospital bed with one leg amputated, Arunima made a vow that many would deem impossible: not only to walk again with a prosthetic leg but to scale Mount Everest. In 2013, she did just that, becoming the first Indian female amputee to achieve this feat. Hence, in 2015, she was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India. She was also awarded the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award and National Award for Best Female Mountaineer."
Now, let's look at some vocabulary words from this section. "Beacon" means source of inspiration. "Resilience" means ability to recover quickly from a difficulty. "Amputated" means cut off a part of the body. "Prosthetic leg" means an artificial leg that helps people to move around easily. "Feat" means achievement. "Harrowing" means extremely disturbing and painful. "Rigorous" means severe. "Endeavour" means an attempt to do something. "Surge" means a sudden and great increase. "Endurance" means ability to continue doing something difficult for a long time.
Now, let's continue reading.
"Arunima hails from Ambedkar Nagar, a small district in Uttar Pradesh. Her father was an army engineer, and her mother worked as a health supervisor. Sports were a significant part of Arunima's life, with her family having a natural inclination towards athletics. After completing her law degree following her post-graduation, Arunima decided to pursue a job in the paramilitary forces, which would allow her to continue her passion for sports while having a regular income.
On the fateful night of 11 April 2011, she met with a train accident. The hours that followed were harrowing. She never imagined she would survive that night, but survive she did, miraculously, displaying an extraordinary will to live. Arunima received a prosthetic leg and underwent physiotherapy. It was during this period that she made a profound decision. Inspired by an article about Mount Everest, she resolved to conquer the highest peak in the world."
Now, let's read about her training.
"To pursue her ambition, Arunima Sinha completed a basic mountaineering course at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi, followed by eighteen months of rigorous training. Arunima approached Bachendri Pal, the first Indian woman to summit Everest, to guide her in the endeavour. Bachendri Pal instilled confidence in Arunima and said, 'My child, you decided to climb Mount Everest in these situations with a prosthetic leg—you have conquered the Everest within you; the world will realise it later.'"
Now, let's read about her success.
"On 21 May 2013, after 52 exhausting days, Arunima Sinha reached the summit of Mount Everest. Standing at the top of the world, she felt a surge of emotions—pride, relief, and an overwhelming sense of achievement. She displayed the Indian flag at the summit and left behind a photograph of her idol, Swami Vivekananda, whose teachings had inspired her throughout her journey."
Now, let's read about her other achievements.
"Arunima's feat did not end with Everest. By July 2016, she had summited seven peaks in Europe, Africa, Australia, South America, North America, and of course, Mount Everest in Asia. In January 2019, she climbed the seventh peak on Antarctica and became world's first female amputee to climb Mount Vinson. Her goal to complete the Seven Summits was achieved."
Now, let's read about her message.
"Throughout her journey, Arunima has faced numerous challenges and setbacks. Yet, her story is not just about physical endurance but also about mental fortitude and the power of a positive mind set. Her message is simple yet profound: 'Never give up and work hard. Always remember your goal and work on it.'
Arunima's autobiography, *Born Again on the Mountain: A Story of Losing Everything and Finding It Back* records her incredible journey to the top of the world. It is a story of triumph over adversity, a testament to the human spirit's capacity to rise above the most challenging circumstances.
She was conferred with the honorary doctorate by the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. In her words, 'Failure is not when we fall short of achieving our goals. It is when we don't have goals worthy enough. Never forget your goal, respect it, work hard, and you will be the winner.' Dr. Arunima Sinha has not only conquered mountains but has also won people's hearts the world over, inspiring them to reach their own summits."
Now, let's look at some more vocabulary. "Fortitude" means courage over a long period. "Adversity" means a difficult situation. "Testament" means proof. "Conferred" means given an official title or honour.
Now, let's do the "Let us discuss" section.
"Read the statements given below and explain each statement in your words."
1. "Arunima Sinha is considered a beacon of hope and resilience." This means that Arunima Sinha is seen as a source of inspiration for others. She shows that it is possible to overcome even the most difficult challenges. Her story gives hope to people who are going through tough times.
2. "Arunima decided to climb Mount Everest despite losing her leg." This means that even after losing her leg in the accident, Arunima did not give up. She decided to challenge herself and climb the highest mountain in the world. This shows her courage and determination.
3. "Bachendri Pal's guidance was crucial in Arunima's journey to the summit of Mount Everest." This means that Bachendri Pal, who was the first Indian woman to climb Everest, played an important role in helping Arunima achieve her goal. She gave her advice, support, and confidence.
4. "Arunima's achievements go beyond just physical endurance." This means that Arunima's story is not just about physical strength. It is also about mental strength, positive thinking, and never giving up. She showed great mental fortitude throughout her journey.
5. "Arunima's autobiography inspires readers around the world." This means that her book, "Born Again on the Mountain," motivates and inspires people from all over the world to overcome their challenges and achieve their goals.
Now, let's do the "Let us think and reflect" section.
First, read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
"Bachendri Pal instilled confidence in Arunima and said, 'My child, you decided to climb Mount Everest in these situations with a prosthetic leg—you have conquered the Everest within you; the world will realise it later.'
On 21 May 2013, after 52 exhausting days, Arunima Sinha reached the summit of Mount Everest. Standing at the top of the world, she felt a surge of emotions—pride, relief, and an overwhelming sense of achievement."
Question 1: "Complete the sentence with a suitable reason. Bachendri Pal said that Arunima had conquered the Everest within her because ______________." The reason is that Arunima had already achieved a great victory by deciding to climb Mount Everest with a prosthetic leg. It was a huge challenge, and just deciding to do it showed great courage. So, the answer is: because she had the courage to attempt such a difficult climb despite her disability.
Question 2: "How might Arunima have felt after what Bachendri Pal told her?" After hearing this, Arunima would have felt confident and motivated. Bachendri Pal's words would have given her the belief that she could achieve her goal. She would have felt proud and determined.
Question 3: "Choose a phrase from the extract which shows that reaching the summit of Mount Everest was tiring." The phrase is "52 exhausting days." This shows that the climb was very tiring and took a long time.
Question 4: "Select the correct option to complete the sentence. After her success when Arunima felt 'an overwhelming sense of achievement', she would have most likely said, '______________.'" The options are: "(i) I am confident of my abilities," "(ii) I will accomplish this soon," "(iii) I am excited to begin this climb," and "(iv) I finally realised my dream." Since she had just achieved her goal, she would most likely say "I finally realised my dream." So, the answer is (iv).
Now, let's answer the remaining questions in "Let us think and reflect."
1. "What did Arunima do in order to fulfil her ambition of conquering Mount Everest?" She completed a basic mountaineering course at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi. She underwent eighteen months of rigorous training. She also approached Bachendri Pal for guidance. She worked hard and never gave up.
2. "Arunima is a beacon of hope and resilience. Support this statement with evidence from the text." The evidence is that she survived a devastating train accident, lost her leg, but still managed to climb Mount Everest. She became the first Indian female amputee to do so. She also climbed six other peaks and became the first female amputee to climb Mount Vinson. Her story inspires people around the world.
3. "Arunima's autobiography is titled *Born Again on the Mountain: A Story of Losing Everything and Finding It Back*. Why do you think this title is appropriate?" The title is appropriate because Arunima lost her leg in the accident, which was like losing everything. But she found herself again through mountaineering. She was "born again" on the mountain, meaning she rediscovered herself and her purpose in life. The title captures her journey of losing something precious and finding it back through her achievements.
4. "Arunima says, 'Failure is when we don't have goals worthy enough.' What would be the most likely impact of this statement on readers?" This statement would inspire readers to set big and worthy goals for themselves. It would encourage them to aim high and not settle for small goals. It would also remind them that having worthy goals is the first step to success.
Now, let's do the "Let us learn" section for this part.
First, "Read the underlined phrases in sentences (i)–(v) and match them with their appropriate meanings given in the box below."
The phrases are: "exhausting days