Question 1

Consult your dictionary and complete the following table. The first one has been done for you.

|  adjective | only before noun | not before noun | both before and after the verb be  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  indispensable |  |  | ✓  |
|  impressed |  |  |   |
|  afraid |  |  |   |
|  outdoor |  |  |   |
|  paternal |  |  |   |
|  countless |  |  |   |
|  priceless |  |  |   |

Use these words in phrases or sentences of your own.

Accepted Answer

The table is to be completed by consulting a dictionary to identify whether each adjective is used only before a noun, not before a noun, or both before and after the verb 'be'. For example:

|  adjective | only before noun | not before noun | both before and after the verb be  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  indispensable |  |  | ✓  |
|  impressed |  | ✓ |   |
|  afraid |  | ✓ |   |
|  outdoor | ✓ |  |   |
|  paternal | ✓ |  |   |
|  countless | ✓ |  |   |
|  priceless | ✓ |  |   |

Then, use each adjective in a phrase or sentence, e.g.,
- Impressed: She was impressed by the performance.
- Afraid: He is afraid of spiders.
- Outdoor: We enjoy outdoor activities.
- Paternal: He has a strong paternal instinct.
- Countless: There are countless stars in the sky.
- Priceless: The painting is priceless.

This exercise helps understand adjective usage and sentence formation. — Step 1: Look up each adjective in the dictionary to find its usage.
Step 2: Mark the appropriate column in the table.
Step 3: Form sentences or phrases using each adjective to demonstrate understanding.

Question 2

I. Imagine the famous singer Kishori Amonkar is going to visit your school. You have been asked to introduce her to the audience before her performance. How would you introduce her?

Here is some information about Kishori Amonkar you can find on the Internet. Read the passage and make notes of the main points about:

- her parentage
- the school of music she belongs to
- her achievements
- her inspiration
- awards

II. Use your notes on Kishori Amonkar to introduce her to an imaginary audience. You may use one of the following phrases to introduce a guest:

I am honoured to introduce.../I feel privileged to introduce.../We welcome you...

Accepted Answer

I. Notes on Kishori Amonkar:
- Parentage: Daughter of Smt. Mogubal Kurdikar, a great artist.
- School of Music: Initially influenced by Ustad Alladiya Khan of the Jaipur-Atrului gharana; later developed her own unique style.
- Achievements: Considered the finest female vocalist of her generation.
- Inspiration: Inspired by ancient Vedic sages and devotional vocal music.
- Awards: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1985), Padma Bhushan (1987), Sangeet Samradhini Award (1997).

II. Sample introduction:
"I am honoured to introduce Padma Bhushan Kishori Amonkar, widely regarded as the finest female vocalist of her generation. Born in 1931 to the renowned artist Smt. Mogubal Kurdikar, she initially trained under the Jaipur-Atrului gharana but later developed her own unique style. Inspired by the ancient Vedic sages, her soulful and intellectual approach to raaga performance has revived the study of khayal music. She has been honoured with prestigious awards including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Padma Bhushan, and the Sangeet Samradhini Award. Please join me in welcoming Kishori Amonkar to our school." — Step 1: Read the passage carefully and extract key points.
Step 2: Organize notes under the given headings.
Step 3: Use the notes to compose a formal introduction using the suggested phrases.

Question 3

"If you work hard and know where you're going, you'll get there," says Evelyn Glennie.

You have now read about two musicians, Evelyn Glennie and Ustad Bismillah Khan. Do you think that they both worked hard? Where did they want to 'go'?

Answer these questions in two paragraphs, one on each of the two musicians.

Accepted Answer

Evelyn Glennie worked very hard to become a renowned percussionist despite being deaf. She practiced diligently and was determined to succeed. Her goal was to become a successful musician and inspire others by overcoming her disability.

Ustad Bismillah Khan also worked hard throughout his life to master the shehnai and popularize it as a classical instrument. He wanted to preserve and promote Indian classical music and bring recognition to the shehnai on the global stage.

Both musicians had clear goals and worked tirelessly to achieve excellence in their respective fields. — Step 1: Reflect on the biographies of both musicians.
Step 2: Identify their hard work and goals.
Step 3: Write two paragraphs explaining these points clearly.

Question 4

Thinking about the Poem

I. 1. What are the things the wind does in the first stanza?

2. Have you seen anybody winnow grain at home or in a paddy field? What is the word in your language for winnowing? What do people use for winnowing? (Give the words in your language, if you know them.)

3. What does the poet say the wind god winnows?

4. What should we do to make friends with the wind?

5. What do the last four lines of the poem mean to you?

6. How does the poet speak to the wind — in anger or with humour? You must also have seen or heard of the wind "crumbling lives". What is your response to this? Is it like the poet's?

Accepted Answer

1. In the first stanza, the wind blows strongly causing destruction: breaking shutters, scattering papers, throwing down books, tearing pages, bringing rain, and poking fun at weak things.

2. Yes, I have seen winnowing done in fields or at home. In my language, winnowing is called 'dhunai' (example). People use a winnowing basket or a flat plate to toss the grain so the wind separates the husk.

3. The poet says the wind god winnows and crushes frail, crumbling houses, doors, rafters, wood, bodies, lives, and hearts.

4. To make friends with the wind, we should build strong homes, join doors firmly, strengthen our bodies, and make our hearts steadfast.

5. The last four lines mean that the wind can extinguish weak fires but makes strong fires flourish; thus, the wind's friendship is beneficial and worthy of praise.

6. The poet speaks to the wind with a mix of humour and respect, acknowledging its power. My response to the wind 'crumbling lives' is one of awe and acceptance, similar to the poet's, recognizing nature's strength. — Step 1: Read the poem carefully.
Step 2: Answer each question based on the poem's content and personal experience.
Step 3: Reflect on the poet's tone and your own feelings about the wind's power.

Question 5

II. The poem you have just read is originally in the Tamil. Do you know any such poems in your language?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I know poems in my language that reflect nature and its elements, similar to the Tamil poem. For example, [mention a poem], which describes the wind/rain/sun and its effects on life and nature.

If not, one can explore local folk or classical poetry that deals with natural phenomena. — Step 1: Recall poems in your mother tongue or regional language.
Step 2: Identify any that are about natural elements like wind.
Step 3: Share the name or theme of such poems.

Question 6

What is the main theme of the story 'The Pot Maker'?

Accepted Answer

Patience, perseverance, and the value of hard work — The story 'The Pot Maker' primarily explores themes of patience, perseverance, and the value of hard work through the potter and his son's experiences in learning pottery.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the setting of 'The Pot Maker'?

Accepted Answer

A village where pottery is crafted — The story is set in a village where the potter and his son live and work, focusing on the traditional craft of pottery making.

Question 8

Why does the potter emphasize patience to his son when making pots?

Accepted Answer

Because rushing leads to broken and cracked pots — The potter teaches his son that rushing through the pottery-making process causes cracks and breakage, reducing the quality of the pots.

Question 9

What is the first step in the potter’s craft as explained in the chapter?

Accepted Answer

Selecting soft, fine clay — The potter begins by choosing the right kind of clay, which is soft and fine, suitable for making quality pots.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the kneading process in pottery making?

Accepted Answer

Removing air bubbles and ensuring uniform clay consistency — Kneading is done to remove air bubbles from the clay and to make its texture uniform, which is important for the pot's strength.

Question 11

What role does the potter’s wheel play in making a pot?

Accepted Answer

It helps shape the clay symmetrically by rotating — The potter’s wheel rotates the clay, allowing the potter to shape it evenly and symmetrically using his hands.

Question 12

Why is firing the pot in a kiln an important step in pottery making?

Accepted Answer

It hardens the clay and makes the pot durable — Firing in the kiln heats the pot at high temperatures, which strengthens the clay and makes the pot hard and durable.

Question 13

What mistake does the potter’s son frequently make while shaping the pots?

Accepted Answer

Rushing the process and not allowing clay to settle properly — The son’s impatience causes him to rush, leading to uneven shaping and fragile pots that crack easily.

Question 14

How does the potter advise his son to improve his pottery skills?

Accepted Answer

To be patient and gentle while shaping the pots — The potter advises his son that patience and careful handling are key to making good quality pots.

Question 15

Which lesson does the potter’s son learn after repeated failures?

Accepted Answer

That patience, perseverance, and steady effort are necessary for mastery — The son learns that mastery comes through patience, perseverance, and consistent practice despite initial failures.

The Pot Maker

The Pot Maker — Study Notes

Reflect and Respond

Reading for Meaning - I

Reading for Meaning - II

Practice Questions — The Pot Maker

All 8 Chapters in Beehive