THE DAY THE RIVER SPOKE (Page 230)
Pre-reading Activities
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I. Close your eyes and quietly listen to the sounds around you for a minute.
1. Are they trying to tell you something?
2. Do you think the things around you also listen to you all day long?1. Yes, the sounds of birds chirping, rustling leaves, and flowing water convey the liveliness and peace of nature.
2. Yes, nature and the surrounding environment seem to quietly witness and listen to our everyday feelings and activities. -
II. Jahnavi was a bright young girl who lived with her parents and three brothers in a coastal village in India. Her parents worked on the farm. She had a dream.
1. What could that dream be?
2. How could she make her dream come true?
3. What is your dream? What can you do to make your dream come true?1. Jahnavi's dream was to go to school, learn to read, write her name, and understand the mysteries of nature.
2. She could make her dream come true by finding courage, speaking up for her education, and seeking the help of a teacher.
3. My dream is to become a teacher/scientist and serve society. I can achieve this by studying diligently and developing good skills.
Let us discuss (Page 232)
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1. What was Jahnavi's dream? Was it important to her? Why?
Jahnavi's dream was to attend school and learn to read and write like her brother and sister. It was extremely important to her because she had an inquisitive mind and wanted to find answers to questions about the natural world around her.
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2. Do you think the river can help her in fulfilling her dream? How?
Yes. The River encourages Jahnavi by telling her that girls can do as much as boys. It gives her practical advice to slip into the school and listen to the classes, which ultimately helps her meet the teacher.
Let us discuss (Page 235)
| Column 1 (Jahnavi's Questions) | Column 2 (The River's Answers) |
|---|---|
| ...why the moon always comes from behind the hills...? | "It goes down towards the sea. I've seen; it always takes the same way—over the mountains and down to the sea, like me!" |
| "Can I do something?" | "...little girls can do as much as little boys." |
| "What are ships?" | "Big boats, so big that they can take hundreds of people, and they sail along the sea with lights that shine all night." |
| Will they come here? | "I'm afraid not... Too large, you know. Chandu's catamaran is good enough for me. Chandu can take you to see a ship, someday." |
Let us think and reflect (Page 236)
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I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
1. "You shouldn't cry, you know," the voice went on. "And you really shouldn't be scared, when you have been coming here to see me every day, well, almost every day." She was puzzled. It was such a voice, like the river. It couldn't be the river! "Well, tell me all about it," said the River, for it was the River. "I've got to hurry to reach the sea, you know."
(i) Complete the sentence with the correct option from those given in the brackets.
The tone of the River in the given extract is assuring.
(ii) Select a phrase from the extract which shows that Jahnavi was a frequent visitor to the spot.
"coming here to see me every day, well, almost every day" -
(iii) Choose the correct option to complete the sentence.
The use of an exclamation mark at the end of the line, 'It couldn't be the river!' expresses:Answer: D. disbelief -
(iv) Choose three qualities of the River highlighted in the extract from the box (affectionate, forgiving, thoughtful, impatient, kind-hearted):
affectionate, thoughtful, kind-hearted
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2. "Can I do something?" asked Jahnavi. "Well, it's up to you," said the River. "Seems to me little girls can do as much as little boys-they swim as fast as little boys. You just slip along one morning and sit there in the school and listen to what's going on, and maybe the teacher will let you stay."
"I couldn't," gasped Jahnavi. "I couldn't! They'd scare me! They'd chase me out."
(i) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
According to the River, there was no difference between girls and boys because little girls can do as much as little boys and swim just as fast.
(ii) Identify whether the following statement is true or false.
The River encourages Jahnavi to have faith in herself and fulfill her desire to go to school.Statement Ans The River encourages Jahnavi to have faith in herself and fulfill her desire to go to school. True -
(iii) Choose the correct option to complete the sentence.
When the River suggests that Jahnavi should 'slip along', it means that she should move:Answer: C. quietly -
(iv) What does the repetition of the phrase 'I couldn't' tell us?
The repetition reflects Jahnavi's deep fear, lack of self-confidence, and apprehension about being rejected or driven away from school.
Questions (Page 237)
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II. Answer the following questions:
1. Why does the writer describe different aspects of nature in great detail at the beginning of the story?The writer creates a vivid, peaceful setting and introduces nature (the lizard, kingfisher, and river) as active, living companions to Jahnavi's feelings. -
2. How did the River know so much about Jahnavi?
Because Jahnavi had been visiting the river bank almost every day, sitting by the water and sharing her quiet presence.
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3. Jahnavi says, "And I'm so old now, they'll never let me go." What can you infer about Jahnavi and the school from this line?
Jahnavi feels that at nearly ten years of age, she has missed the initial age of starting school and worries that her family or teachers will consider her too old to begin grade one.
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4. Why did the River laugh when Jahnavi said she would be scared at school?
The River laughed because Jahnavi was brave enough not to fear lizards, snakes in the bamboo thicket, or roaring trains, yet was afraid of school.
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5. Why should Jahnavi follow the River's advice?
Because taking initiative and showing courage was the only practical way to demonstrate her eagerness to learn and gain admission into school.
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6. How does the conversation between Jahnavi and the River make the story more appealing?
Personifying the River adds a magical, comforting quality to the story, turning nature into a gentle mentor that guides a young girl towards her dream.
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7. What is the main message that the writer intends to convey?
Girls deserve equal educational opportunities, and determination, curiosity, and courage can overcome societal barriers.
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8. How can we tell that Jahnavi's family didn't make her education prioritise?
Her brothers were sent to school while Jahnavi was kept at home year after year to look after her younger siblings and perform domestic chores.
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9. In what ways does the River serve as a symbolic presence within the story?
The River symbolizes continuous movement, knowledge, freedom, and the boundless journey toward growth and self-discovery.
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10. How does the River act as a guiding force in Jahnavi's life?
It listens to her doubts, instills gender equality, gives her actionable advice to visit the school, and encourages her to believe in herself.
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11. What do Jahnavi's tears by the river reveal about her feelings and silent suffering?
Her tears reveal her intense longing for learning, her feelings of neglect and isolation, and the sadness of being denied education simply because she is a girl.
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12. How do Jahnavi's fears about school reflect the difficulties faced by girl children in getting education?
They highlight the social conditioning where girls internalize self-doubt, fear rejection, and feel burdened by family expectations before finding institutional support.
Let us learn - Vocabulary & Sounds (Page 237)
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I. Why has the author used a capital letter for the 'River' even when it is a common noun?
The author has capitalized 'River' because it is personified as a living character who speaks, listens, and interacts directly with Jahnavi.
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II. Pick sound words from the text and write them next to the correct definition:
Definition Sound Word 1. made a high-pitched piercing sound shrieked 2. to cause liquid to strike or fall on something splashed 3. a low continuous background noise murmuring 4. cry with loud uncontrollable gasps sob 5. to make a soft dry sound, like paper or leaves moving rustle 6. took a short quick breath through the mouth due to surprise, pain or shock gasped 7. shaking rapidly to make continuous short, sharp sounds rattling 8. making a lot of noise noisy 9. made a long, high cry, usually because of pain or sadness wailed
Page 238
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Fill in the blanks with suitable sound words from exercise (II):
The classroom grew (i) noisy as the students noticed the teacher carrying the answer papers. As the teacher turned the pages with a (ii) rustle, the children (iii) gasped wondering what comments awaited. Someone (iv) wailed in frustration, and the (v) murmuring of the students steadily increased. Finally, when the teacher praised the students for their excellent performance, the students (vi) shrieked with excitement.
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III. Origin of Borrowed Indian Words:
Word Origin Language Meaning 1. karma Sanskrit Action, work, or deed and its effect 2. sahib Hindi / Arabic Master, gentleman, sir 3. chutney Hindi Spicy condiment made of fruits/vegetables 4. guru Sanskrit Spiritual teacher, master 5. verandah Hindi / Portuguese Roofed open porch along the outside of a house 6. jungle Hindi / Sanskrit Dense tropical forest 7. areca Malayalam / Kannada Betel palm tree or nut 8. palanquin Sanskrit / Hindi Covered litter carried on poles by bearers
Crossword Puzzle - Water Transport (Page 239)
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V. Solve the crossword puzzle based on words related to water transport:
Clue Direction & Number Clue Description Ans Across 1 A large vessel used for transporting goods or passengers by sea SHIP Across 2 A small vessel for travelling on water, propelled by oars, sails, or engine BOAT Across 3 A flat floating structure for travelling across water RAFT Across 4 A boat or ship driven by steam STEAMER Down 5 A small, light, narrow boat, pointed at both ends and moved using a paddle CANOE Down 6 A powerful boat used to pull large ships into and out of port TUGBOAT Down 7 A boat with sails and engine, used for racing or pleasure (rhymes with 'cot') YACHT
Grammar (Page 240)
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VI. Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions given within the brackets:
On her first day 1. at school, Jahnavi stood nervously 2. outside the gate, clutching her bag close to her. The bell rang and she hurried 3. inside the bustling classroom. She found a seat 4. between two friendly classmates. The teacher greeted them warmly and started the lesson 5. about numbers. Jahnavi listened attentively, feeling excited 6. about the new adventure ahead.
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VII. Fill in the blanks with prepositions or adverbs:
1. The cat jumped on / off the table. (preposition)
2. The children played outside until dark. (adverb)
3. She quickly ran across / into the park. (preposition)
4. The helicopter was hovering above. (adverb)
5. We were just walking along chatting. (adverb)
6. After thoroughly wiping his shoes, he stepped in / inside. (adverb)
7. She drove slowly around the sharp curve. (preposition)
8. He placed the keys under / on the mat before leaving. (preposition)
Let us listen (Page 241)
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I. Circle the words used by the speakers in the transcript (Transcript Page 270):
Words used: careers, homemaker, books, Principal
(Unneeded words: posters, advertisements, lawyer, desks, newspapers, marriage) -
II. Match each statement to the Speaker (Transcript Page 270):
Statement Ans Speaker No. 1. Promotes active participation for all in school activities ( v ) Speaker (v): Principal 3. Believes in the power of education that leads to freedom of choice ( i ) Speaker (i): Father 4. Shares that school also means companionship ( iv ) Speaker (iv): Student 7. Believes that learning skills is not gender-based ( iii ) Speaker (iii): Teacher
Speaking Activity - Movie Review (Page 243)
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1. Who is the main character in the movie?
The main character in the movie is Ishaan.
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2. What problem does Ishaan face in the story?
Ishaan struggles with dyslexia, which makes reading and writing difficult, leading to misunderstandings from his parents and teachers.
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3. Who helps Ishaan discover his hidden talent?
His compassionate art teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh, helps him discover his artistic talent.
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4. What message does the movie give about children?
The movie gives the message that every child is unique and special and has their own individual pace and creative talents.
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5. Why is Taare Zameen Par called a heart-touching film?
Because it sensitively portrays the emotional pain, struggles, and triumph of a child through empathy, patience, and love.
Poster Comprehension (Page 245)
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III. Read the poster "The Happiness of a Nation lies in the Dignity of its Daughters" and answer the questions:
1. What are the things you can observe in the poster?
2. Why do you think the girls look happy?
3. Dignity means 'self-respect'. What is the relation between 'dignity' and 'happiness'?
4. How does a Nation prosper when its daughters are happy?1. The poster shows cheerful young schoolgirls studying together with notebooks and smiling brightly.
2. They look happy because they are attending school, gaining knowledge, and enjoying equal rights.
3. Dignity gives individuals self-respect and confidence; when one feels respected and valued, true happiness naturally follows.
4. When daughters are educated and happy, they contribute to social reform, economic growth, and the overall progress of the nation.
POEM: TRY AGAIN (Page 250)
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I. Complete the summary of the poem by filling in the blanks:
The poem, written in a narrative style, tells the story of King Bruce of Scotland, who was feeling 1. low after failing multiple times to achieve something 2. great for his people. In a moment of 3. despair, he observed a spider trying to reach its web high above. The spider 4. mounted every time it fell after getting close to its goal. It made nine 5. attempts and finally succeeded. The king said that the spider had 6. conquered and so would he. Inspired by the spider's determination, King Bruce decided to 7. strive. When he 8. tried this time, he ultimately succeeded.
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II. Complete the following sentences suitably:
1. We can say that the poet uses the narrative style because the poem tells a complete, engaging story of King Bruce and the spider.
2. The central idea of the poem is perseverance and continuous effort: never give up in the face of failure. -
III. Pick three examples from the poem for each of the following:
1. Lines that describe the spider's efforts:
- "It soon began to cling and crawl"
- "Up, up it ran, not a second to stay"
- "Steadily, steadily, inch by inch"
2. Alliteration:
- "cling and crawl"
- "thread it had to tread"
- "defied despair" -
IV. Why does the poet repeat the words or phrases: tried and tried; steadily, steadily; up, up?
The repetition emphasizes the slow, relentless, continuous effort and unwavering patience of the spider.
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V. Multiple Choice Questions:
1. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABAB.
2. 'Bravo' is an example of interjection.
3. The poet uses 'twas and 'tis for the sake of rhythm.
Metaphors and Similes (Page 251)
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1. Identify metaphors and similes (M for metaphor, S for simile):
Sentence Ans (i) He ran as fast as a cheetah. S (Simile) (ii) The world is a stage. M (Metaphor) (iii) The night was as dark as coal. S (Simile) (iv) He sang like an angel. S (Simile) (v) Her voice was music to his ears. M (Metaphor) (vi) The classroom was a zoo. M (Metaphor) (vii) The baby slept like a log. S (Simile) (viii) Her smile was as bright as the sun. S (Simile) (ix) The lake was a mirror, reflecting the sky. M (Metaphor) -
2. Transform similes to metaphors and metaphors to similes:
(iii) The book was a treasure chest, filled with endless adventures.
→ The book was like a treasure chest, filled with endless adventures.
(iv) Her laughter was a melody that brightened the darkest days.
→ Her laughter sounded like a melody that brightened the darkest days.
(v) The mountain stood as a guard, watching over the valley below.
→ The mountain was a guard, watching over the valley below.
(vi) The night was like a velvet cloak, wrapping the world in mystery.
→ The night was a velvet cloak, wrapping the world in mystery.
(vii) Her thoughts were like butterflies in a summer meadow.
→ Her thoughts were fluttering butterflies in a summer meadow.
Try Again - Extracts (Page 252)
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1. He flung himself down in low despair, / As grieved as man could be; / And after a while he pondered there, / "I'll give it all up," said he. / Now just at that moment a spider dropped, / With its silken, filmy clue;
(i) Physical expression of emotional state: "flung himself down in low despair".
(ii) Why 'low'? To emphasize deep sorrow and hopelessness.
(iii) 'Pondered' means:Answer: B. thought - (iv) 'Silken filmy clue' creates an image that is very delicate and soft.
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2. "...when it toils so hard to reach and cling, / And tumbles every time. / But up the insect went once more, / Ah me! 'tis an anxious minute; / He's only a foot from his cobweb door, / Oh say, will he lose or win it?"
(i) Analogy: toil : hard ::Answer: A. roll : tumble -
(ii) Two characteristics of the spider: Determination, Resilience / Never-give-up attitude.
(iii) 'Ah me!' indicates:Answer: B. stress (anxiety / suspense)
Vocabulary & Opposites (Page 254)
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I. Write the opposites of the following words:
Word Opposite 1. up down 2. fast slow 3. glad sad / unhappy 4. win lose 5. succeed fail -
II. Match meanings of underlined words:
(i) endeavour: an attempt to do something new or difficult
(ii) toil: work very hard and/or for a long time
(iii) strive: to try very hard to achieve something
(iv) braced: prepared themselves for something difficult -
III. Classify distance words into Far and Near:
Far Near middle of nowhere, remoteness, yonder, light year, afar, farther proximity, hairline, vicinity, adjacent, a stone's throw
THREE DAYS TO SEE (Page 262)
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I. Identify the statements that are true from the ones given below:
Statement Ans 1. The author expresses a deep longing to experience the world through the sense of hearing. False (Sight) 2. The author would like exploring the city only to observe how people are suffering. False 3. The author would spend the first day seeing the people whose kind-heartedness and friendship have enriched her life. True 4. The author acknowledges that even in three days, she would not be able to see everything. True 5. The author feels that everyone can find the greatest joy merely by the sense of touch. False 6. The author advises those who can see to appreciate every moment as if they might lose their senses tomorrow. True 7. On the third day, the author would like to observe people in their daily lives and understand their experiences. True -
II. Complete the table: What Helen Keller wanted to do on the three days:
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 See the people and friends whose companionship enriched her life; look into their eyes and faces. Arise at dawn; behold the sunrise; visit museums to see human progress, history, and ancient fossils. Visit the bustling city; observe everyday lives of ordinary people in streets and work places.
Modal Verbs (Page 265)
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III. Identify modal verbs and the functions they express:
1. You can learn a lot from this experience. → Ability / Possibility
2. They might arrive late due to traffic. → Possibility
3. She must finish her homework before dinner. → Necessity / Obligation
4. They ought to apologise for their mistake. → Moral obligation
5. He would like to have some lassi, please. → Polite request -
IV. Fill in the blanks with appropriate modal verbs:
Situation Sentence with Modal Verb Function 1. Want to leave work early May I leave early if I finish all my tasks? Permission 2. Important deadline tomorrow I must finish this report by tomorrow. Obligation / Necessity 3. Friend deciding on Art class You should consider all the pros and cons before making a decision. Suggestion / Advice 4. Clouds in the sky It might rain later today. Possibility 5. Asking for salt at dinner Could you pass the salt, please? Polite request 6. Advising apology You ought to apologise for the mistake you made. Moral obligation 7. Deciding picnic spot We could go to any park nearby for picnic. Suggestion
Let us listen (Page 267)
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Select four true statements based on the mother-son dialogue (Transcript Page 272):
Statement Ans 1. Anuj finds the concept of Braille fascinating and wants to learn more about it. True 3. Anuj initially thinks that Digital India is only about learning how to use computers. True 4. Mother believes that screen readers are very effective for persons who are visually impaired. True 7. Mother believes a right mindset is the best support for persons who are visually impaired. True
