This is a poem told by a young bird. As the bird grows, its idea of the world keeps changing — from the egg, to the nest, to the leaves, to the wide blue sky. At the end it admits it cannot really say what the world is like.
Key points
First the bird lived inside its egg. It thought the world was small, round and made of pale-blue shell.
Next it lived in a nest and thought the world was made of straw, with its mother covering it.
When it fluttered out of the nest, it saw leaves and thought the world was made of leaves.
When it flew beyond the tree and saw the blue sky, it understood that it had been 'blind' earlier.
The poem ends with a question: how is the world really made?
Message: our idea of the world depends on how much we have seen. The more we explore, the more we learn.
Important terms
Shell – the hard outer cover of an egg.
Nest – a home built by birds from twigs and straw.
Fluttered – moved the wings quickly and lightly.
Blind – here, not seeing or knowing the truth.
Language study
Rhyming words in the poem: well – shell, other – mother, find – blind, blue – you.
The poem is written in the first person (I, me), as if the bird is speaking.
5 important questions
Q1. Where did the bird live first?
Inside its egg, a small round house of pale-blue shell.
Q2. What did the bird think the world was made of when it lived in the nest?
It thought the world was made of straw.
Q3. Why did the bird say, "I have been very blind"?
Because when it came out of the nest it saw leaves and realised the world was bigger than it had thought.
Q4. What did the bird see when it flew beyond the tree?
It saw the wide blue sky.
Q5. What is the message of the poem?
Our knowledge is limited by what we see; as we explore more, our idea of the world grows.
Exam tip
Learn the four 'homes' of the bird in order: shell, nest, leaves, sky.
A lazy couple dreams of buying cows they do not have, and starts fighting about who will use the milk. They even break their earthen pots in anger. Gopal Bhand, a clever man, teaches them a lesson by pretending to chase cows out of a field that does not exist.
Key points
The couple spent their time in idle talk.
The husband said if he got extra money he would buy a few cows.
The wife planned to keep milk, dahi, butter and ghee in her earthen pots and send one pot of milk to her sister.
The husband wanted to sell all the milk in the market and refused to let any go to her sister.
They quarrelled, and in anger the husband smashed the pots one by one.
Gopal Bhand heard the noise, came in and began swinging a stick, saying their cows had ruined his field of beans and cucumbers.
When the husband said Gopal had no such field, Gopal simply raised his eyebrows.
Message: quarrelling over imaginary things is foolish; daydreams are not real.
Important terms
Idle – lazy, doing no useful work.
Exclaimed – said loudly with strong feeling.
Commotion – noisy confusion.
Astounded – very surprised.
Antics – funny or strange actions.
Daydream – pleasant thoughts about things we wish for, while awake.
Language study
A dream comes in sleep; a daydream happens when we are awake.
Words to read aloud: idle, enough, exclaimed, commotion, astounded, antics, wander, wielding.
5 important questions
Q1. What did the husband want to buy?
A few cows.
Q2. What plans did the wife make?
She planned to keep milk, dahi, butter and ghee in her pots and send a pot of milk to her sister.
Q3. Why did the couple quarrel?
The husband wanted to sell all the milk, but the wife wanted to send some to her sister.
Q4. What did Gopal Bhand say he was doing?
He said he was driving away their cows, which had ruined his field of beans and cucumbers.
Q5. What did Gopal Bhand want to teach them?
That they were fighting over cows that did not exist, just as his field did not exist.
Exam tip
Explain the joke at the end clearly — it is the main point of the story.
This short poem compares strawberries grown in gardens with wild strawberries growing in the woods. The poet feels that the wild berries, picked fresh beside a stream, are much sweeter and need nothing extra.
Key points
Garden strawberries are plump, juicy and fine.
But wise people know that wild strawberries from the woodland vine are sweeter.
Wild berries do not need a bowl, a silver spoon, sugar, spice or cream.
They are best when picked in June beside a trickling stream.
Message: natural things enjoyed fresh in nature are the best.
Important terms
Plump – full and round.
Juicy – full of juice.
Woodland – land covered with trees, a forest.
Vine – a plant with a long, thin stem that creeps or climbs.
This is a traditional folk tale. Kind and hard-working Marouckla is sent into the snowy forest by her cruel stepmother and stepsister Holena to fetch things that cannot grow in winter. The twelve months help her. When the greedy Holena and her mother go to the forest themselves, they are lost in a snowstorm.
Key points
The stepmother loved her own daughter Holena but hated Marouckla, only because Marouckla was prettier.
Marouckla did all the housework without complaining; Holena only dressed up and lazed about.
In deep winter, Holena ordered Marouckla to bring violets from the forest.
In the forest, Marouckla found twelve men sitting round a fire on twelve stones — the twelve months. Great January sat highest with a club.
Marouckla spoke politely. January gave the club to March; spring came at once and violets bloomed.
She was sent again for strawberries and then for apples; each time the right month helped her.
Greedy Holena and the stepmother went to the forest for more apples. Holena was rude to the months, so January brought a snowstorm and they were lost.
Good Marouckla got the cottage and land, married a kind man and lived happily.
Message: kindness and politeness are rewarded; greed and rudeness are punished.
Important terms
Stepmother – the wife of one's father who is not one's own mother.
Adorning – decorating oneself.
Rated – scolded angrily.
Scampered – ran quickly with small steps.
Language study
Compound words: step + mother, foot + print, snow + white, spring + time, any + where, gentle + hearted.
5 important questions
Q1. Why did the stepmother hate Marouckla?
Because Marouckla was prettier than her own daughter Holena.
Q2. In which season does the story take place?
In winter, when everything is covered with snow.
Q3. Who were the twelve men sitting round the fire?
They were the twelve months of the year.
Q4. How did Marouckla get violets in the snow?
January gave his club to March; spring came at once and violets bloomed for her.
Q5. What happened to Holena and her mother?
They were rude and greedy, so January brought a snowstorm and they were lost in the forest.
Exam tip
Remember the order: violets (March), then strawberries, then apples.
An announcement gives important information to many people at the same time. This lesson shows sample school announcements — a warning, a lost-and-found notice, a change in timings, competitions — and how to make one.
Key points
Announcements tell people about events, changes, warnings or lost and found things.
They can be made orally in class or written on the notice-board, or both.
A good announcement is short and clear. It tells what, when, where and who to contact.
Example: students are warned to stay away from the fence at a construction site because it is dangerous.
Example: a bicycle key with a blue key chain has been found; the owner should contact the school clerk.
When making an announcement aloud, speak clearly and slowly so that everyone hears all details.
Important terms
Announcement – a public statement giving information.
Notice-board – a board where written notices are put up.
Caution / Warning – telling people about danger.
Lost and Found – things lost by someone and found by others.
Language study
Useful phrases: "All students are informed that…", "Please note…", "Whoever has lost… may contact…".
Give each announcement a heading: Warning, Lost and Found, Football Match, Change in School Hours.
5 important questions
Q1. What is an announcement?
A short message giving important information to many people at once.
Q2. What are the two ways of making an announcement?
Orally (spoken) and in writing on a notice-board.
Q3. Give a heading to: "Stay away from the fence at the construction site."
Warning.
Q4. What details should an announcement include?
What is happening, when, where, and whom to contact.
Q5. Write a short announcement about a lost water bottle.
Lost and Found: A blue water bottle has been found in the playground. The owner may collect it from the class teacher of 5A.
Exam tip
Always give a heading and keep the announcement short and clear.
This lesson describes the 1936 Olympic hockey final in Berlin between India and Germany. On a wet field, before about forty thousand people and Hitler, the Indian team led by Captain Dhyan Chand beat Germany and won the Olympic gold for the third time in a row.
Key points
The final was played on 15 August 1936 in Berlin. Germany was the host and very confident.
It had rained the day before and the field was water-logged.
India had lost a practice match to Germany and was under pressure.
Germany tried India's own short-pass style and played aggressively.
Roop Singh scored India's first goal in the 32nd minute. In the second half India scored more; Dhyan Chand scored two.
Dhyan Chand removed his spiked shoes and socks and played barefoot on the wet ground.
He never played selfishly; he passed the ball so team-mates could score.
A German goalkeeper hurt him, but after first aid he came back and scored the last goal.
India won the Olympic gold for the third time in a row — a hat-trick.
Hitler offered him a high rank in the German army to play for Germany; he refused.
29 August, his birthday, is celebrated as National Sports Day in India.
Important terms
Water-logged – full of water.
Strategy – a plan to win.
Dribbling – moving the ball forward with small touches.
Hat-trick – three wins or goals in a row.
Spellbound – full of wonder.
Important dates and people
15 August 1936 – Berlin Olympics hockey final.
29 August – National Sports Day (Dhyan Chand's birthday).
5 important questions
Q1. Where and when was the hockey final held?
In Berlin, Germany, on 15 August 1936.
Q2. Why did Dhyan Chand remove his shoes?
His spiked shoes made it hard to run fast on the wet ground.
Q3. Who scored India's first goal?
Roop Singh, in the 32nd minute.
Q4. Why is Dhyan Chand called a true soldier and team player?
He returned to play after being hurt and passed the ball to others instead of playing selfishly.
Q5. How is Dhyan Chand remembered in India?
His birthday, 29 August, is National Sports Day.
Exam tip
Remember the year 1936, the place Berlin and National Sports Day on 29 August.
This is a project lesson. You ask ten friends (peers) to fill a sheet about themselves — likes, fears, habits, favourite personality — and then write or present a report summarising what you found.
Key points
A peer is a person of your own age or class.
The profile sheet asks: name, nickname, things I enjoy, things I appreciate, things I fear, things I hate to do, good and bad habits, favourite personality and why.
After collecting the sheets, make notes for each point.
In the report, show what most people said, what only some said, and what nobody mentioned.
Do not mention friends' names. Give only a summary.
Be careful not to hurt anyone's feelings.
End with what you found most interesting.
Important terms
Peer – someone of the same age or group.
Profile – a short description of a person.
Report – an organised account of information collected.
Summary – a short form of the main points.
Language study
Useful phrases for a report: "Most of my friends…", "Only two of them…", "Nobody mentioned…", "It appears that…".
Words for feelings: enjoy, appreciate, fear, hate.
5 important questions
Q1. What is a peer profile?
A short description of a friend of your age, showing their likes, dislikes, habits and favourite personality.
Q2. How many friends should fill the sheet?
Ten.
Q3. Why should you not write your friends' names in the report?
To protect their privacy and avoid hurting their feelings.
Q4. What should the report show?
What most friends said, what some said, what nobody said, and what was most interesting.
Q5. Write one sentence for a report about fears.
Most of my friends are afraid of the dark, but nobody mentioned examinations.
Exam tip
Practise writing a five-line report using "most", "some" and "nobody".
This is a funny nonsense poem by C. J. Dennis about an insect with a very long, strange name. The poet describes its looks and habits in detail, and at the end admits that no such insect exists — it was only a joke.
Key points
The insect is not quite a spider or a fly; it is a little like a beetle and a bee.
Its name is hard: Tri-anti-wonti-gongolope. The poet helps us say it in parts.
It lives on weeds and wattle-gum. It has a funny face, a big appetite and bad manners.
It gives you a scare when you first see it, but when you look again, it is gone.
It trembles if tickled, does not wake up early and has a snubbish nose.
If scolded, it runs away in shame; if called by its name, it purrs proudly.
It likes sandwiches of sealing-wax and soap!
In the end the poet confesses there is no such insect. It could exist only if trees and grass were purple and the sky bottle green.
Important terms
Spy – to see or notice.
Appetite – desire to eat.
Mope – to stay sad and quiet.
Scuttle – to run with short quick steps.
Confess – to admit the truth.
Language study
its = belonging to it (its manners). it's = it is.
A rich businessman wants a good son-in-law who can also run his business. He leaves a sack of rice with each of three honest brothers and goes away for nearly a year. How each brother uses the rice shows who is the wisest.
Key points
The three brothers were honest, kind and hard-working. The eldest ran a shop, the middle one was a priest, the youngest had just finished his education.
Their mother had brought them up after their father's sudden death.
Their father's friend, a prosperous businessman, was looking for a son-in-law for his only daughter.
He gave each brother a sack of rice to keep and left for some months.
The eldest sold the rice before it spoiled and returned the money.
The middle brother gave the rice to the poor in the friend's name and offered to pay for it. The friend was happy with the blessings.
The youngest exchanged the rice for paddy, sowed it on a borrowed plot and got twenty-five sacks. He kept five, sold twenty and asked for a share for his labour.
The businessman chose the youngest as his son-in-law because he used the rice wisely to make it grow.
Message: using resources wisely and working hard brings growth.
This lesson gives simple tips to speak well — in conversation, in a group discussion and while giving a speech. Anyone can become a good speaker with practice.
Key points
Speak clearly; do not mumble.
Look at the people you are talking to.
Do not be too loud or too soft, too fast or too slow.
Be polite and pleasant. Think of the listener's feelings and interests.
In a discussion, do not talk all the time; let others speak and listen carefully.
Tell others when you agree with or like their ideas, and share your own ideas.
Ask politely if you do not understand.
Use polite words when you interrupt, disagree or ask for an explanation.
For a speech: plan in advance, note the points in order, and rehearse in your mind.
Important terms
Mumble – to speak unclearly.
Audience – people listening to a speaker.
Interrupt – to stop someone while they are speaking.
Rehearse – to practise before the real event.
Language study
Polite expressions: Pardon? Excuse me. Sorry to interrupt, but… I'm afraid I don't agree. Could you please explain…? Thank you.
5 important questions
Q1. Write four tips to be a good speaker.
Speak clearly, look at the listener, keep the right speed and volume, and be polite.
Q2. How should you behave in a group discussion?
Let others speak, listen carefully, share your ideas and ask politely when in doubt.
Q3. "You should try to talk most of the time in a discussion." True or false?
False. We should let others speak too.
Q4. How should you prepare for a speech?
Plan it, note the points in order and rehearse it in your mind.
Q5. Write two polite expressions to use when you disagree.
"I'm sorry, but I don't agree." "I see your point, but I think…"
Exam tip
Learn a list of polite expressions; they are useful for many questions.
This short poem teaches us to look at the bright side of life. It asks us to remember happy things — flowers, golden hours, stars, smiles and friends — rather than sad things like falling leaves, clouds, shadows, tears and passing years.
Key points
Count your garden by its flowers, not by the leaves that fall.
Count your days by happy, golden hours; forget the clouds.
Count the nights by stars, not shadows.
Count your life by smiles, not tears.
On every birthday, count your age by friends, not years.
Message: be positive and value the good things in life.
Important terms
Golden hours – happy, precious times.
Shadows – here, sad or dark moments.
Count by – judge or measure by.
Language study
Happy things
Sad things
flowers
falling leaves
golden hours
clouds
stars
shadows
smiles
tears
friends
passing years
Rhyming words: flowers – hours, fall – all, tears – years.
5 important questions
Q1. How should we count our garden?
By the flowers, not by the leaves that fall.
Q2. How should we count our nights?
By the stars, not by the shadows.
Q3. How should we count our age on birthdays?
By the number of friends, not by the years.
Q4. What is the message of the poem?
Remember the happy things and ignore the sad ones; be positive.
Q5. Name five things people often count.
Money, marks, days, runs in cricket, and friends.
Exam tip
Learn the happy–sad pairs; they are asked as a classification table.
This lesson is taken from Gulliver's Travels by the English writer Jonathan Swift. After a shipwreck, Gulliver wakes up in Lilliput, a land of tiny people less than half a foot tall. They tie him down, then feed him and take him to their king's city.
Key points
Gulliver was a surgeon on ships. In May 1699 he sailed on the ship 'The Antelope'. A storm sank it and he swam to a strange land.
Tired, he slept for about nine hours.
When he woke, he could not move. Thousands of thin strings tied his arms, legs and long hair to the ground.
A tiny man, not half a foot high, walked up to his face; forty more followed. When Gulliver cried out, they ran away in fear.
He pulled one arm free; the Lilliputians shot arrows at him, so he decided to lie quietly.
An important man made a speech from a platform. Gulliver promised with gestures to stay quiet and showed he was hungry.
A hundred men brought food. The bread was as small as bullets, so he ate two or three loaves at a time.
Nine hundred men took three hours to load him on a huge cart pulled by 1,500 horses.
He was kept in an old unused church, the largest building in the country, with one foot tied by strong strings.
Important terms
Voyage – a long journey by sea.
Marooned – left alone on an island.
Exhausted – very tired.
Gestures – movements of hands to show meaning.
Lilliputians – the tiny people of Lilliput.
Language study
The story is told in the first person ('I'), in Gulliver's own words.
This is a short play. One morning a town street is full of garbage, broken glass and old tyres. People get hurt and cannot do their work. When the Mayor comes, the animals of the forest confess they brought the rubbish back — to teach humans how their dumped waste harms animals.
Key points
Characters: Mr Desai, Mrs Patel, Mrs Joshi and her daughters Nidhi and Madhu, Dr Sawant, the milkman, newspaper boy, hawker, school-bus driver, the Mayor and forest animals.
The street is suddenly littered with plastic bags, cartons, tins, broken glass and old tyres.
Madhu cuts her foot on broken glass; Dr Sawant dresses the wound.
The milkman's tyres are punctured, the newspaper boy trips over a tyre, and the school bus cannot run.
The people send for the Mayor, who is angry and asks who is responsible.
People say they give garbage to the collector or dump it near the river outside town.
The animals come out and confess they brought the litter back.
They explain that the dumped waste spoils their forests and rivers and hurts them.
The humans realise their mistake and learn to dispose of waste properly.
Message: our garbage harms nature; we must reduce and manage waste responsibly.
Important terms
Litter – rubbish lying around.
Mayor – the head of a city corporation.
Dispose of – to get rid of properly.
Confess – to admit a fault.
Hinder – to make difficult.
Language study
A play has characters, dialogues and stage directions (written in brackets, e.g. Enter Mrs Joshi).
5 important questions
Q1. What was the problem in the town that morning?
The streets were full of garbage, broken glass and old tyres.
Q2. How did Madhu get hurt?
She cut her foot on a piece of broken glass.
Q3. Why could the milkman not come on time?
His bicycle tyres were punctured, so he had to walk with a heavy milk can.
Q4. Who had spread the garbage and why?
The animals, to show the people how dumped waste spoils their homes and hurts them.
Q5. What lesson does the play teach?
We should not dump garbage carelessly; we must dispose of waste properly to protect nature.
Exam tip
Learn the names of the characters and the problem each one faced.
This is a creative group activity. Each group member picks story elements — characters, their qualities, story type, time period and place — from a chart without telling others. Then the group joins them to build an original story or play.
Key points
Make groups of five.
Column A: characters (magician, schoolgirl, robot, detective, farmer, king, dinosaur, etc.). One person chooses five.
In this poem, the poet enjoys a ride in a little boat on a wide blue lake or river. Everything around — ripples, lilies, reeds, dragonflies, swallows, fish and a kingfisher — fills the poet with delight.
Key points
The poet glides in a little boat on wide blue water under a bright, calm sky.
Nothing could give more delight than this ride.
Ripples run and twinkle in the sunlight.
Shadows of hills and trees are reflected in the water.
Large round lilies float near the reedy edge where bulrush and water-mace grow.
A big green dragonfly and a swallow skim by.
Fish jump and shine before splashing back into the stream.
A bright kingfisher darts past, flashing green and blue.
Message: nature is full of beauty if we look around us.
Important terms
Glide – move smoothly.
Ripples – small waves on water.
Reedy marge – water's edge where reeds grow thick.
Bulrush, water-mace – grass-like plants of wetlands.
Ere – before. Whilst – while.
Dart – move suddenly and quickly.
Language study
Rhyming words: glide – wide, bright – delight, run – sun, see – tree, large – marge, place – mace, dragonfly – by, gleam – stream, too – blue, boat – float.
Living things in the poem: insect – dragonfly; birds – swallow, kingfisher; plants – lilies, bulrush, water-mace, reeds; fish.
5 important questions
Q1. What is the poet doing?
The poet is gliding in a small boat on the water.
Q2. Does the poet like the experience? Which line tells us?
Yes. "What could give us more delight?"
Q3. What do the ripples do?
They run and twinkle brightly in the sun.
Q4. List the birds and insect in the poem.
Birds: swallow, kingfisher. Insect: dragonfly.
Q5. What does the kingfisher do?
It darts by quickly, flashing green and blue.
Exam tip
Make a list of all the living things in the poem; it is a common question.
Anshuman's parents are worried about his bad habits, but warnings and scolding do not work. On his grandfather's farm, his father makes him pull out the same kind of weed at three stages. Anshuman learns that bad habits, like weeds, are easy to remove only when they are small.
Key points
Anshuman was developing bad habits. His parents tried gentle words, warnings and scolding, but in vain. They never beat him.
On a morning walk on the farm, his father showed him a small seedling — a weed.
Anshuman pulled it out easily.
Further on, the same weed was a little bigger. He uprooted it carefully, removing the whole root.
Later they found the weed grown into a big plant with tiny flowers and dark fruit. Anshuman could not pull it out at all.
His father brought tools, and together they dug around it and removed it with great effort.
His father said: "Habits are like weeds. The longer you let them grow, the harder it is to uproot them."
Anshuman understood and never forgot that lesson.
Message: get rid of bad habits early.
Important terms
Weed – an unwanted plant growing among useful ones.
Indulge – to give someone what they want.
In vain – without success.
Uproot – to pull out with roots.
Implements – tools.
Language study
Opposites with prefixes: unhappy, uproot, ineffective, unnoticed, disbelieve, uncivilized, discontinue.
Phrases: in vain, get a hold of, get rid of.
5 important questions
Q1. Why were Anshuman's parents unhappy?
He was developing bad habits and would not listen to their warnings.
Q2. What methods did his parents use?
Gentle words, strict warnings and scolding.
Q3. Why could Anshuman not pull out the last weed?
It had grown big and its roots had gone deep into the soil.
Q4. What did his father compare bad habits to?
To weeds.
Q5. What lesson did Anshuman learn?
Bad habits should be removed early, before they become strong and hard to remove.
Exam tip
Explain the comparison: small weed = new habit; big weed = old habit.
This lesson tells us how to plan a party as a good host and how to behave as a good guest. It uses the example of a surprise party for Grandpa and shows formal and informal invitations.
Key points
As a host, first consult your family about the idea, time, date, place and menu.
Make a list of people to invite and send invitations well in advance — orally or in writing.
An invitation should say who is inviting, the occasion, and the day, time and place.
A formal invitation is polite and complete; an informal one, to friends, is short and friendly.
Choose a menu your guests will enjoy; think of their likes first (remember the fox and the crane).
Plan the programme: games, music, decorations and when food will be served.
Share the tasks with family members.
On the day, be ready on time, welcome guests warmly and see that everyone is comfortable.
A good guest replies to the invitation, arrives on time, behaves politely, does not waste food and thanks the host.
Important terms
Host – the person who invites and looks after guests.
Guest – the person who is invited.
Invitation – a request to come to an event.
Menu – the list of food to be served.
RSVP – a request to reply to an invitation.
Language study
Polite phrases: "We would be very happy if you could come." "Thank you for inviting me." "Please make yourself at home."
5 important questions
Q1. What information should an invitation contain?
Who is inviting whom, the occasion, and the day, time and place.
Q2. What should a host do before planning a party?
Consult family members and decide the time, date, place and menu.
Q3. Why should a host think of guests' likes while choosing the menu?
So that all guests enjoy the food, unlike the fox who served soup in a flat dish to the crane.
Q4. Write three qualities of a good guest.
Comes on time, is polite, thanks the host.
Q5. Write a short informal invitation to a friend.
Hi Riya! Come to my home on Sunday at 5 pm for my brother's birthday party. Don't be late! – Sona
Exam tip
Practise writing both a formal and an informal invitation.
This poem by George Cooper lists many beautiful things in nature that come in hundreds — stars, shells, birds, lambs, dewdrops, bees and butterflies. But in the whole wide world there is only one mother.
Key points
There are hundreds of stars in the sky and hundreds of shells on the shore.
Hundreds of birds sing as they fly by; hundreds of lambs play in sunny weather.
Hundreds of dewdrops greet the dawn.
Hundreds of bees are in the purple clover; hundreds of butterflies are on the lawn.
But in the whole world each of us has only one mother.
Message: a mother is precious and cannot be replaced; we must love and respect her.
Important terms
Shore – land along the edge of the sea.
Dewdrops – small drops of water on grass in the early morning.
Dawn – early morning, sunrise.
Clover – a small plant with three leaves and round flowers.
Lawn – a patch of short grass.
Language study
Rhyming words: sky – by, together – weather, dawn – lawn, clover – over.
Expression 'hundreds of': hundreds of children in the school, hundreds of cars on the road.
5 important questions
Q1. Name four things the poet says are in hundreds.
Stars, shells, birds and butterflies.
Q2. Why does the poet say the dewdrops greet the dawn?
Dewdrops appear early in the morning, as if welcoming the sunrise.
Q3. What is the message of the poem?
There are many things in nature, but only one mother; she is very special.
Q4. Where are the bees and the butterflies?
Bees are in the purple clover; butterflies are on the lawn.
Q5. Do you agree with the poet? Why?
Yes. A mother loves and cares for us like no one else; nobody can take her place.
Exam tip
Write the rhyming pairs and add one rhyming word of your own to each.
This is a part of the famous fantasy The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Dorothy, her dog Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion are travelling to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard. On the way they cross a deep ditch and escape the fierce Kalidahs by working together.
Key points
A cyclone carried Dorothy and Toto to the land of Oz.
The Tin Woodman wants a heart, the Scarecrow wants brains and the Cowardly Lion wants courage. All hope the Wizard of Oz will help.
On the road they find a wide, deep ditch with jagged rocks at the bottom.
The Lion feels he can jump it. Though afraid, he carries each friend across on his back, one by one.
The Scarecrow goes first, because a fall would not hurt him.
In the dark forest on the other side live the Kalidahs — beasts with bodies like bears and heads like tigers.
At a second ditch, the Tin Woodman chops a tree, and the Lion pushes it across to make a bridge.
When the Kalidahs chase them across, the Tin Woodman chops the tree and the beasts fall into the ditch.
Message: friends who help each other can overcome any danger; the 'cowardly' lion is actually brave.
Important terms
Fantasy – a story about imaginary worlds and creatures.
Ditch / gulf – a long, deep hole in the ground.
Jagged – rough and sharp.
Despairingly – without hope.
Mane – long hair on a lion's neck.
Language study
Author: Lyman Frank Baum (1856–1919).
Characters and their wishes: Tin Woodman – heart; Scarecrow – brains; Lion – courage.
5 important questions
Q1. What did each of Dorothy's friends want from the Wizard?
Tin Woodman – a heart; Scarecrow – brains; Lion – courage.
Q2. How did the travellers cross the first ditch?
The Lion jumped across, carrying each of them on his back one at a time.
Q3. Why did the Scarecrow go first?
If the Lion fell, the fall would not hurt the Scarecrow.
Q4. What were the Kalidahs?
Monstrous beasts with bodies like bears and heads like tigers.
Q5. Was the Lion really a coward? Why?
No. Though afraid, he jumped the ditch again and again to help his friends.
Exam tip
Remember who wrote the book and what each character wanted.
This lesson is a review of the novel "George's Secret Key to the Universe", written by Lucy Hawking with the great scientist Stephen Hawking. It also shows us how to write a book review.
Key points
George's parents are strong environmentalists. They avoid cars, TV, computers, packaged food and even electricity.
George is teased by friends and has many unanswered questions.
His new neighbour Annie's father, Eric, is a brilliant scientist who answers all his questions.
Eric has built a super-intelligent computer named Cosmos that can open windows to any planet, star, comet or black hole.
Cosmos works only with information fed by scientists. Eric and good scientists want to use it for people's welfare.
A selfish, angry scientist plans to steal Cosmos to rule another planet. Only George can stop him.
The science is explained simply. Stephen Hawking overcame serious physical disabilities, using a wheelchair and a computer voice.
The sketches are by Garry Parsons.
The reviewer feels science used wisely can help save the planet.
Important terms
Book review – a short write-up giving your opinion about a book.
Environmentalist – a person who works to protect nature.
Ridicule / jeering – making fun of someone.
Welfare – well-being.
Language study
A book review includes: title, author, main characters, a short outline (without the ending), what you liked, and whether you recommend it.
5 important questions
Q1. Why was George teased by his friends?
His parents did not allow TV, computers, packaged food or even electric lights at home.
Q2. Who was Eric?
Annie's father, a brilliant scientist who built the computer Cosmos.
Q3. What could Cosmos do?
Open windows on the universe and take people to any planet, star, comet or black hole and back.
Q4. What did the angry scientist want?
To steal Cosmos and Eric's research to set up his own rule on another planet.
Q5. What should a book review contain?
Title, author, characters, a short outline, your opinion and a recommendation.
Exam tip
Never give away the ending in a review; it spoils the book for readers.
This activity lesson gives simple ideas to help you write your own poem, using rhyming words, descriptions, your senses and your feelings.
Key points
Idea 1: Make a set of rhyming words (mountain – fountain, light – night). Write phrases that end with them and arrange them as a poem.
Idea 2: Choose something you love. Describe it in detail with adjectives, adverbs and comparisons ("soft as snow"). Write the lines one below the other.
Idea 3: Observe your surroundings. Write short descriptions of what you see, hear, smell and feel (cool breeze, bright flowers, fragrance).
Idea 4: Think of how you feel when very happy, angry or sad. Write what you say to yourself ("Why…", "How could I…", "Never will I…") and arrange it as a poem.
A poem is written in short lines. It may or may not rhyme.
Practise often; you can write poems at home too.
Important terms
Rhyme – words ending with the same sound.
Adjective – a describing word (soft, bright).
Comparison – showing likeness, e.g. "as white as snow".
Stanza – a group of lines in a poem.
Language study
Rhyming sets: cat – hat – bat; day – play – way; tree – free – sea.
Comparisons: as soft as cotton, as bright as the sun, as quick as a deer.
5 important questions
Q1. Write three pairs of rhyming words.
Light – night, mountain – fountain, cool – pool.
Q2. What helps make a description in a poem interesting?
Adjectives, adverbs and comparisons, and using all our senses.
Q3. Complete the comparison: as white as ___.
snow.
Q4. Write two lines about rain that rhyme.
Pitter-patter goes the rain, / Dancing on my window pane.
Q5. How is a poem arranged?
In short lines written one below the other, often in stanzas.
Exam tip
Use simple rhymes and one comparison; that is enough for a good short poem.
This lesson asks you to describe photographs using all five senses — sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. It gives many useful words for each sense.
Key points
We have five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste.
Look at a picture and imagine its colours, shapes, sizes and actions.
Imagine the sounds you would hear there.
Imagine how things would feel to the touch.
Imagine the smells and tastes.
Write short descriptions of 8–10 photographs using one or more senses.
Example: "The photograph shows a tiny black kitten. It is looking at something carefully. It is very soft."
Important terms
Senses – the powers of seeing, hearing, touching, smelling and tasting.
Aroma / Fragrance – a pleasant smell.
Odour / Stink – an unpleasant smell.
Shrill – high and sharp (sound).
Language study
Sense
Useful words
Sight
tiny, huge, bright, dim, round, zigzag, colourful
Sound
sweet, loud, soft, harsh, shrill, whisper, crash
Touch
hot, cold, soft, rough, smooth, sticky, slimy
Smell
fresh, strong, sweet, foul, aroma, fragrance
Taste
sweet, sour, bitter, salty, spicy
5 important questions
Q1. Name the five senses.
Sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste.
Q2. Write two words for a pleasant smell.
Aroma, fragrance.
Q3. Give three words to describe how things feel.
Rough, smooth, sticky.
Q4. Describe a mango using three senses.
It is bright yellow, smells sweet and tastes juicy and sweet.
Q5. Describe a busy railway station using sound words.
There is a loud whistle, the shrill cry of vendors and the noise of people talking.
Exam tip
Use at least three senses in every description to make it lively.
This is a short, funny imaginary poem. The Man in the Moon, sailing across the sky like a ship's captain, tries to drink milk from the Dipper (a group of stars). The Big Bear and Little Bear frighten him and he spills the milk.
Key points
The Man in the Moon sails the sky and is a remarkable skipper (captain).
He made a mistake when he tried to drink milk from the Dipper.
He dipped the Dipper into the Milky Way and filled it slowly and carefully.
The Big Bear growled and the Little Bear howled.
He got frightened and spilled the milk.
The poem plays on words: Dipper means a container and also a group of stars; the Milky Way sounds as if it holds milk.
Important terms
Skipper – captain of a ship or boat.
Dipper – (1) a container for taking out water; (2) star groups called the Big Dipper and Little Dipper.
Milky Way – a band of light made of countless stars across the night sky.
Constellation – a group of stars forming a shape.
Big Bear / Little Bear – other names of the two star groups.
Language study
Rhyming words: sky – (skipper / Dipper), way – (filled it / spilled it), growled – howled.
Fact or imagination: 'There are many stars in the sky' is a fact. 'There is a man in the Moon' and 'the Milky Way contains milk' are imaginary.
5 important questions
Q1. What mistake did the Man in the Moon make?
He tried to take a drink of milk from the Dipper.
Q2. From where did he fill the Dipper?
From the Milky Way.
Q3. Why did he spill the milk?
The Big Bear growled and the Little Bear howled, which frightened him.
Q4. What are the two meanings of 'Dipper'?
A container for taking out water, and a constellation of stars.
Q5. Is 'The Moon sails across the sky' a fact or imaginary?
Imaginary; the moon only seems to move across the sky.
Exam tip
Learn the meanings of Dipper and Milky Way given in the lesson.
A farmer, Kasim, buys a well from crafty old Ahmad. Then Ahmad says he sold only the well, not the water in it. The wise Qazi (judge) turns Ahmad's own argument against him, and Ahmad is left speechless.
Key points
A farmer needs a good source of water most of all.
Kasim wanted to use a well just outside his field. Its owner, Ahmad, was crafty and let no one use it.
Ahmad suggested Kasim buy the whole well. Kasim paid all his savings and bought it.
When Kasim began drawing water, Ahmad stopped him, saying he had sold the well but not the water.
Kasim complained to the Qazi, who called both to court.
The Qazi agreed the water belonged to Ahmad. Ahmad was overjoyed.
Then the Qazi said: since the water is Ahmad's, he has no right to keep it in Kasim's well. He must remove it at once or pay Kasim daily rent.
Ahmad was confused and everyone in court laughed.
Kasim was generous; he never asked Ahmad for the rent.
Message: cleverness used to cheat fails; wisdom brings justice.
Important terms
Crafty – clever in a dishonest way.
Access – permission to use.
Qazi – a judge.
Generous – kind and ready to give.
Summoned – called officially.
Language study
Similar meanings: sorry – sad, whole – entire, happily – joyfully, unfair – unjust, remove – take away.
Phrases: had his eye on, in his mind's eye, heart sank.
5 important questions
Q1. What does a farmer need most for his fields?
A good source of water.
Q2. Where was the well?
Just outside the boundary of Kasim's field.
Q3. What did Ahmad say when Kasim began to draw water?
That he had sold only the well, not the water; Kasim must pay separately for the water.
Q4. What did the judge tell Ahmad?
To remove his water from Kasim's well immediately or pay Kasim a daily rent.
Q5. How do we know Kasim was generous?
He never troubled Ahmad for the rent that was due.
Exam tip
Explain clearly how the Qazi turned Ahmad's argument against him.
The marathon race of about 42 km is named after the town of Marathon in Greece. This lesson tells the legend of Pheidippides, a runner who carried messages for Athens during a war with Persia, and died after running to Athens with the news of victory.
Key points
A marathon is a running race of about 42 km. The word also means a long task needing effort and patience.
The first marathon was held at the first modern Olympic Games in Greece, in memory of Pheidippides.
About 2,500 years ago, the mighty Persian army landed near Marathon to attack Athens.
Athens sent Pheidippides, a 'day-long runner', to ask Sparta for help. He ran about 100 km in a day.
Sparta was busy with ceremonies and did not help at once. He ran 100 km back with the news.
The brave Athenians attacked by surprise and drove the Persians back to their ships within hours.
The Persians then sailed towards Athens to capture it by sea while its army was away.
Pheidippides ran over 40 km by a shorter route through cliffs and mountains to warn the city.
He reached before the Persians, shouted "Joy to you! We won!" and collapsed, never to rise again.
Message: courage, duty and sacrifice for one's country.
Important terms
Legend – an old story that may not be fully true.
Messenger – one who carries messages.
Armour – metal covering to protect soldiers.
Strategist – one who plans cleverly.
Fleet – a group of ships.
Important dates and people
Pheidippides – Athenian runner; Marathon to Athens about 42 km.
5 important questions
Q1. What is a marathon?
A long-distance running race of about 42 km; also any long task needing effort.
Q2. Why was Pheidippides sent to Sparta?
To ask the Spartans for help against the Persian army.
Q3. Why did the Persians sail towards Athens?
The Athenian army was at Marathon, so the city had only old people, women and children.
Q4. Why did Pheidippides take a different route?
It was much shorter, through cliffs and mountains, so he could reach before the Persian ships.
Q5. What happened after he gave the message?
He collapsed and died; he gave his life in the service of Athens.
Exam tip
Remember the distances: 100 km to Sparta, 100 km back, about 42 km to Athens.
This lesson tells the story of money — from barter to stones, shells and metal coins to paper notes. It also teaches us to handle money carefully.
Key points
Different countries use different money: India – rupee (₹), USA – dollar ($), England – pound (£).
Long ago people exchanged goods for goods. This was barter.
People even used special stones, bricks of salt, shells and cowries as money.
Grain, cattle, goats and chickens were given in exchange for clothes, tools or as wages.
Later, bits of gold, silver and copper were used; they were easier to carry.
Paper money was first used in China about 1000 years ago.
A note has no value of its own; it is a promise to give that much money.
Notes are printed only by the government (in India, by the Reserve Bank of India).
Do not write on, tear or crumple notes. Spend money carefully because people work hard to earn it.
Important terms
Barter – exchanging goods without money.
Currency – money used in a country.
Cowries – small shells once used as money.
Wages – payment for work.
Language study
A tree diagram shows information in branches, e.g. Living things → Plants (flowering, non-flowering) and Animals (oviparous – lay eggs; viviparous – give birth).
5 important questions
Q1. What is barter?
Exchanging one thing for another without using money.
Q2. Name things that were used as money in the past.
Stones, bricks of salt, shells, cowries, cattle and grain.
Q3. Where was paper money first used?
In China, about 1000 years ago.
Q4. Why does a currency note have value?
It is a promise by the government to pay that much money.
Q5. How should we treat currency notes?
We should not write on, tear or crumple them, and we should spend money carefully.
Exam tip
Write a short note on money in order: barter → stones/shells → metals → paper notes.
In this poem by Lawrence Alma-Tadema, the poet asks a lark flying high in the sky if it ever wishes to be a quiet goldfish in the sea, and asks a goldfish diving deep if it ever wishes to sing and fly like a lark. The poem is about wishing to be something different.
Key points
The lark soars high in the sky.
The poet asks whether it ever gets tired, and whether the clouds in the empty sky seem dull.
Does it sometimes wish to be a silent goldfish in the sea?
The goldfish dives deep in the water.
The poet asks whether it is ever sad when cold waves creep around it.
Does it sometimes wish to sing and fly like a lark?
Message: each creature has its own life; sometimes we all wonder what it would be like to be someone else.
Important terms
Lark – a small bird known for its sweet song while flying.
Soaring – flying high.
Weary – tired.
Dreary – dull and gloomy.
On the wing – flying.
Long to – wish strongly.
Language study
Rhyming words: high – sky, weary – dreary, be – sea, deep – creep, sad – glad, sing – wing.
The poem is written as questions addressed to the lark and the goldfish.
5 important questions
Q1. What does the lark do?
It soars high in the sky and sings.
Q2. What does the goldfish do?
It dives deep in the sea silently.
Q3. What does the poet want to know from the lark?
Whether it gets tired, finds the clouds dull and wishes to be a silent goldfish.
Q4. What does the poet want to know from the goldfish?
Whether it feels sad in the cold waves and wishes to sing and fly like a lark.
Q5. Do you long to be something else? Write two lines.
Sometimes I wish I were a bird, so I could fly over mountains and see the whole world.
Exam tip
Contrast the lark (sky, singing) and the goldfish (sea, silent) in your answers.
A netizen is a citizen of the net — someone who uses the internet. This lesson explains the internet, websites, search engines, e-mail and passwords, and how to use the internet safely and responsibly.
Key points
A network is a system of things connected to each other. The internet is a network of computers that links millions of people.
Through the internet we can get and send information very fast as text, pictures, videos and sounds.
To log on is to start using the internet; to log off is to disconnect.
Information is kept on websites. Each website has its own address.
All the websites together form the World Wide Web (WWW).
Search engines help us find websites when we type a word or topic.
Visiting various websites is called browsing or surfing the net.
Unlike a printed book, a website can be updated many times.
Connected = online; not connected = offline.
An e-mail address is short and unique. An e-mail account is like your own letter box on the net.
A password locks your account. Never share it with anyone.
Just as exercise keeps our body fit, puzzles, riddles, board games and jokes keep our mind fit. This lesson explains the board game Nine Men's Morris, a maths trick and some riddles and fun facts.
Key points
Proverb: "A sound mind in a sound body" — both body and mind should be healthy.
We exercise our body by working out and playing; we exercise our mind with puzzles, riddles and games.
Nine Men's Morris is played by two players, each with nine pieces ('men').
Players take turns placing men on empty spots. Three men in a row or column make a 'mill'.
Making a mill lets you remove one of your opponent's men (but not from a mill, unless no others are left).
After placing all men, you move them to an adjacent empty spot.
With only three men left, a player can 'fly' to any empty spot.
A player with fewer than three men, or no move, loses.
Other mind games: tic-tac-toe, dots and boxes, riddles, number tricks. You can even invent your own games.
Important terms
Workout – a session of exercise.
Sound – here, healthy.
Mill – three men in a line in Nine Men's Morris.
Adjacent – next to.
Riddle – a puzzling question with a clever answer.
Language study
Proverb: A sound mind in a sound body.
Words for games: player, turn, opponent, move, win, lose.
5 important questions
Q1. What does 'A sound mind in a sound body' mean?
Both our body and mind should be kept fit and healthy.
Q2. How can we exercise our mind?
By solving puzzles and riddles, playing board games and enjoying jokes.
Q3. What is a 'mill' in Nine Men's Morris?
Three of a player's men placed in a row or column.
Q4. When does a player lose Nine Men's Morris?
When he has fewer than three men left or cannot make a move.
Q5. Name two other simple mind games.
Tic-tac-toe and dots and boxes.
Exam tip
Be able to explain the rules of one game in simple steps.
Helen Keller became blind and deaf as a small child. Her teacher Anne Sullivan taught her words by spelling them on her hand. At the water pump, Helen suddenly understood that everything has a name. She went on to read, write and become famous.
Key points
Because of an illness in early childhood, Helen could not see or hear, and so could not learn to speak.
Anne Sullivan came to teach her. She spelled words like D-O-L-L, C-A-K-E and M-U-G on Helen's hand.
At first Helen copied the spellings without understanding and grew bored and unhappy.
One day at the water pump, water flowed over one hand while Miss Sullivan spelled W-A-T-E-R on the other.
In a flash Helen understood that everything has a name.
She learnt names of things, then actions (sit, run) and descriptions (hard, soft, quickly).
She spelled words with her fingers. With her quick brain and good memory she learnt very fast.
She learnt to write on a special frame, to type, and to read Braille.
Message: with patience, hard work and a good teacher, great difficulties can be overcome.
Important terms
Blind – unable to see. Deaf – unable to hear.
Braille – a system of raised dots that blind people read by touch.
Obediently – doing as told.
Incredibly – in an amazing way.
Important dates and people
Anne Sullivan – Helen Keller's teacher.
5 important questions
Q1. Who was Anne Sullivan?
Helen Keller's teacher, who taught her to communicate by spelling words on her hand.
Q2. Why did Helen grow bored at first?
She copied the spellings but did not understand what they meant.
Q3. How did Helen understand that everything has a name?
At the water pump, Miss Sullivan spelled W-A-T-E-R on her hand while water flowed over the other.
Q4. What did Helen learn after nouns?
Action words like sit and run, and describing words like hard and soft.
Q5. What is Braille?
A system of raised dots that blind people read by touching with their fingers.
Exam tip
The water pump scene is the turning point — describe it clearly.
Rangoli is a beautiful Indian art of drawing designs on floors and walls with powder and colours. This lesson explains its meaning, designs, how it is made, its names in different States and its place in festivals.
Key points
'Rangoli' or 'Rangaawali' comes from 'rang' (colour) and 'aawali' (a row or vine).
In many homes, a rangoli is drawn in the courtyard or at the doorstep every day, afresh.
Special big designs are made on festivals and feasts.
Traditional designs use nature: mango, creepers, lotus, swans, peacocks, fish; also geometrical shapes.
Coarse powders like sand, marble dust, sawdust or rice powder give good grip for lines.
Lines should be unbroken and of even thickness; this needs practice.
A grid of dots helps to frame the design. A background of geru (red ochre) makes white designs stand out.
Rangoli has a special place in Diwali; it shows warm welcome to guests.
Names in other States: Chowkpurana (UP), Mandana (Rajasthan), Muggu (Andhra Pradesh), Alpanaa (Bengal), Aripanaa (Bihar, Uttarakhand), Kolam (Kerala, Tamil Nadu — made with rice powder).
Important terms
Motif – a single design used in a pattern.
Geru – red ochre clay.
Courtyard – open space in front of or inside a house.
Hospitality – warm welcome to guests.
Language study
State
Name of rangoli
Uttar Pradesh
Chowkpurana
Rajasthan
Mandana
Andhra Pradesh
Muggu
West Bengal
Alpanaa
Tamil Nadu, Kerala
Kolam
5 important questions
Q1. What does the word 'Rangaawali' mean?
'Rang' means colour and 'aawali' means a row or vine.
Q2. Which powders are used to make rangoli lines?
Sand, marble dust, sawdust or rice powder.
Q3. Why is rangoli drawn during Diwali?
It is an expression of warm hospitality and welcomes people into the house.
Q4. What is rangoli called in Tamil Nadu and Bengal?
Kolam in Tamil Nadu; Alpanaa in Bengal.
Q5. Name four traditional motifs used in rangoli.
Lotus, mango, peacock and fish.
Exam tip
Learn the names of rangoli in different States as a table.