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Sad I Ams

Stanza One

Line no. Line Interpretation

1 I am The persona thinks/feels that he is like

2 the ring The ring of a can which people always


throw after opening the can before drinking
3 from an empty Cola can

4 the scrapings The food that is stuck at the bottom of a


pan which people scrape off/remove
5 from an unwashed porridge pan before washing the pan

6 the severed arm The broken arm of a toy (called Action


Man) which was bought/used last year.
7 of last years Action Man.

Stanza Two

Line no. Line Interpretation

1 I am The persona thinks/feels that he is like

2 the envelope The envelope which cannot be used


because the glue is not sticky anymore
3 on which the gum is gone

4 the Sellotape The cellophane tape that angers/annoys/

5 where you cant find the end Irritates people because they cannot find
the end of it

6 the toothless stapler, springless bulldog clip The things that anger/annoy/irritate people
such as a stapler that has no
bullets/staples in it or a clip that has no
spring/grip, so they are useless when
people need them

7 the dried-up liquid paper The liquid paper that cannot be used
anymore because it has dried up. It
8 that mars instead of mends
smudges/dirties the paper (mars) than it
helps (mends) to erase/correct the mistake

9 the stamped addressed reply The letter (as a reply to someone) which
you already wrote the address and put a
10 that you forgot stamp on, but sadly you forgot to post it!

11 to send.

Stanza Three

Line no. Line Interpretation

1 I am The persona thinks/feels that he is like

2 the battery in which no charge is left The battery that cannot be charged at all,
so it is now useless

3 the starter motor which remains inert The motor/engine that has no power

4 the tyre on which the tread is worn The tyre that is already worn out and
dangerous to be used, so it has to be
replaced with a new one

5 the sparking plug which shows no sign of The sparking plug that does not work
spark

6 the carburettor choked by bits and dirt The carburettor cannot function because it
is filled with dirt and dust

7 the chromium trim from which the shine has The metal plating that is no longer shiny.
gone.

Stanza Four

Line no. Line Interpretation

1 I am The persona thinks/feels that he is like

2 a garden A garden which is neglected (not being


taken care of)
3 overgrown with weeds

4 a library book
5 that no one ever reads A book in the library that nobody is
interested to borrow/read

6 a stray A stray animal that is not being given food


by anybody
7 that no one thinks to feed

8 the piece of good advice An advice which is very good but nobody
wants to follow it.
9 which no one seems to need.

FOCUS on FEELINGS:
STANZA1 : feeling unwanted
STANZA2 : feeling useless
STANZA 3 : feeling old
STANZA4 : feeling neglected

THEMES:
Sadness
Self-pity
Loneliness

MORAL VALUES:
Confidence
Determination
Positive attitude
Courage
Appreciation
Gratitude

MORAL LESSONS:
Self-confidence is the key to personal success
We must be determined to improve ourselves for the better
Always try to be positive in life
Be brave/courageous in everything we do
Appreciate what we have
Appreciate others
Be grateful to God for His blessings

PRACTICE 1

STANZA 1

1. Where does the ring come from? ______________________________________


2. Where do the scrapings come from? ___________________________________
3. What is Action Man? _______________________________________________
STANZA 2

List the problems of the following:

(a) Envelope ____________________________________


(b) Sellotape ____________________________________
(c) Stapler ______________________________________
(d) Bulldog clip __________________________________
(e) Liquid paper _________________________________

STANZA 3

1. What type of vehicle is referred to in this stanza?


_______________________________
2. Write the lines to suggest that the vehicle cannot start or move
a) Line ___ : ______________________________________
b) Line ___ : ______________________________________
c) Line ___ : ______________________________________
d) Line ___ : ______________________________________

STANZA 4

List the items mentioned in this stanza:

a) ___________________
b) ___________________
c) ___________________
d) ___________________

PRACTICE 2 (HOTS Questions)

STANZA 1

1. Who do you think love to drink from cans?


a) ___________________
b) ___________________
c) ___________________
2. Who do you think broke the arm of the Action Man? __________________________

STANZA 2

1. Describe how you feel when you cannot find the end of a cellophane tape.
___________________________________________________________________
_
2. What would you do to correct your written mistake when your liquid paper is dried
up?________________________________________________________________
_
3. How would you feel when you suddenly found a letter which you forgot to post?
___________________________________________________________________
_
STANZA 3

1. What would you do if your vehicle cannot start or move?


a) ________________________________________________________________
b) ________________________________________________________________

2. Would you buy a new vehicle if you cannot use the one you have? Why?
a) ________________________________________________________________
b) ________________________________________________________________

STANZA 4

1. What should you do if your garden is overgrown with weeds?


__________________________________________________________________
2. Who should be looking after your garden at home? Why?
__________________________________________________________________
3. In your opinion, what makes a library book uninteresting?
a) _______________________________________________________________
b) _______________________________________________________________
4. Suggest ways to solve the problems of stray animals in your neighbourhood.
a) ________________________________________________________________
b) ________________________________________________________________

PRACTICE 3 (VOCABULARY)

No. Word Meaning No. Word Meaning

1 Scrapings 5 Inert

2 Severed 6 Tread

3 Mars 7 Choked

4 Mend 8 Stray

Note :

The title Sad I Ams tells us that the whole poem is about the overall feeling of
sadness.
I Ams is used because I am is the beginning of every stanza used FOUR times in
the poem.
News Break

Stanza One

Line no. Line Interpretation

1 Now why so loving, darling, The persona, who is the


parent(father/mother), is asking
his/her child the reason for being in
a loving mood

2 And why the sudden kiss? The child does not usually kiss
his/her parent, so the sudden kiss is
a surprise

3 Youd help me with some little jobs? The persona/parent asks if the child
wants to help him/her

4 For goodness sake, whats this? The persona/parent finds the childs
behaviour quite strange / not normal

Stanza Two

Line no. Line Interpretation

1 Your face is clean for once, dear. The childs face is normally dirty but
not today

2 Your clothes without a crease. His/her clothes are neat and not
crumpled/creased

3 You saved your luncheon money? The persona/parent is shocked that


the child does not spend all the
money given to him/her to buy lunch

4 Will wonders never cease? The persona/parent finds it amazing


and still cannot believe what he/she
sees

Stanza Three

Line no. Line Interpretation

1 No dropping of your school books, Usually, the child would just drop
his/her schoolbooks when he/she
gets home
2 No shrieking, childish treble. and would be making a lot of noise

3 Today, you are a lamb, love, but today, he/she is very well
behaved just like a lamb

4 Where yesterday a rebel. It was just yesterday when the child


was behaving badly

Stanza Four

Line no. Line Interpretation

1 But surely youre some stranger, The persona/parent still cannot


believe that the child is very good
today almost like a stranger

2 No rage or hullabaloo. The child is not angry or making a


fuss

3 Come closer, let me look, dear, The persona/parent asks the child to
come nearer to him/her

4 Can this be REALLY you? Still, the persona/parent cannot


believe the changes in the child
today (sudden & drastic changes)

Stanza Five

Line no. Line Interpretation

1 Now were you struck by lightning The persona/parent asks jokingly if


the child was struck by lightning
(something very tragic or dramatic)

2 Or were you stunned at sport? Or maybe the child was shocked or


surprised by bad sports news

3 Ahnow I see the reason. Now, the persona/parent realises


the reason for the childs strange but
good behaviour today

4 Youve brought your school report! The child has brought home his/her
school report, and from his/her good
behaviour, it seems that he/she
does not want to be scolded by
his/her parent
Note : darling, dear & love are terms used by most parents when talking to their
children.

Focus:
STANZA1 : Surprise
STANZA2 : Confusion
STANZA3 : Comparison
STANZA4 : Wonder
STANZA5 :Realisation

THEMES:
Honesty is the best policy
Courage
Respect your parents
Truth hurts but works
Hard work pays off

MORAL VALUES:
Honesty
Courage
Determination
Confidence
Respect
Truthfulness

MORAL LESSONS:
We must struggle for success
Always speak the truth
Respect our parents and those older than us
Always be on our best behaviour

PRACTICE 1

STANZA 1

1. Who is asking the question?


_____________________________________________
2. How many questions are asked in this stanza? ______________________________

STANZA 2

1. Describe the childs face. ________________________________________________


2. Quote the line which shows that the child is being careful.
______________________________________________________________________
STANZA 3

1. List the things that the child would normally do when he/she got home.
a) _____________________________________________
b) _____________________________________________
c) _____________________________________________
2. What does it mean when the persona/parent says that the child is a lamb?
______________________________________________________________________

STANZA 4

1. What does the persona/parent ask the child to do?


______________________________________________________________________
2. Which line suggests that the persona/parent cannot believe what he/she sees?
______________________________________________________________________

STANZA 5

1. Which line suggests that the persona/parent has just realised what is happening.
______________________________________________________________________
2. What does the child bring back from school?
______________________________________________________________________

PRACTICE 2 (HOTS Questions)


1. Describe the persona/parents feelings when he/she says For goodness sake,
whats this? in stanza 1.
___________________________________________________________________
_
2. What would the child normally do with his/her luncheon money at school (stanza 2)?
___________________________________________________________________
_
3. Give an example of what the child did when the persona/parent says Where
yesterday a rebel (stanza 3)
___________________________________________________________________
_
4. Why does the persona/parent feel that the child is a stranger (stanza 4)?
___________________________________________________________________
_
5. What do you think the child would say to his/her parent when he/she gives the school
report?
___________________________________________________________________
_
6. Describe your own feelings every time you give your school academic report to your
parents.
___________________________________________________________________
_
7. Do you think examinations are important for students? Give TWO reasons.
a) ________________________________________________________________
_
b) ________________________________________________________________
_
8. Why are parents concerned about their childrens studies?
___________________________________________________________________
_
9. Suggest TWO ways students can follow in order to get success in their studies.
a) ________________________________________________________________
_
b) ________________________________________________________________
_
10. What is your future career? Why?
___________________________________________________________________
_

PRACTICE 3 (VOCABULARY)

No. Word Meaning No. Word Meaning

1 Crease 5 Rebel

2 Cease 6 Rage

3 Shrieking 7 Hullabaloo

4 Treble 8 Stunned
Stanza One

Line no. Line Interpretation

1 My dads as brave as a dad can be The persona makes a statement about


his/her father as a brave/courageous
person (a father is normally brave)

2 I rate him Number One, In his/her opinion, his/her father is the best

3 Hes not afraid of the dead of night, His/her father is not scared of the quietest
and darkest part of the night

4 Or anything under the sun. Or anything that exists around us. (It can
also mean that his/her father is not afraid
of anything during the day)

Stanza Two

Line no. Line Interpretation

1 Hes not afraid of a late-night film, The personas father is not scared of
watching horror movies on television late
2 Full of horrors on the telly, at night

3 And is he afraid of skeletons? He is also definitely not scared of


skeletons. (not on your Nelly! is a British
4 Not dad, not on your Nelly! expression which means Certainly not!)

Stanza Three

Line no. Line Interpretation

1 Hes not afraid of meeting ghosts, The personas father does not fear
meeting ghosts (something that most of us
are scared of)

2 Hed even smile and greet em, He can even smile and greet or talk to the
ghosts.

(em informal British or American, short


form of them)

3 And things that scare most dads the most, His/her father can also beat/overcome
many things or problems that other fathers
4 My dad could just defeat em. are afraid of/cannot do.

Stanza Four
Line no. Line Interpretation

1 Hes not afraid of vampires, The personas father does not fear
vampires

2 Or a wolf-man come to get him, Or a wolf-man that is going to attack him

3 If Frankensteins monster knocked on our He would not be worried or scared even if


door, the horrible Frankensteins monster came
to their house.
4 He wouldnt let that upset him.

Stanza Five

Line no. Line Interpretation

1 My dads as brave as a dad can be, The persona makes a statement about
his/her father as a brave/courageous
person (a father is normally brave) it is
repeated to emphasize his fathers
bravery/courage

2 And hes always ready to prove it. He is willing and confident to show his
bravery/courage

3 So why, when a spiders in the bath, The persona admires his/her father and is
proud of him, but he/she cannot
4 Does Mum have to come and remove it? understand why his/her mother has to get
rid of a spider (just a small insect) that is in
the bathtub.

(Perhaps, his/her father is scared of tiny


insects!)

IS NOT AFRAID OF IS AFRAID OF

DAD STANZA 1

The darkness or quietness of the night


Anything or everything around him /during the
day STANZA 5
STANZA 2
Spider
Horror movies on television at night
Skeletons
STANZA 3

Ghosts
Things that scare other fathers
STANZA 4

Vampires
Wolf-man
Frankensteins monster

Note:
Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus is a novel written by the English author Mary
Wollstonecraft Shelley that tells the story of a young science student Victor Frankenstein, who
creates a grotesque but human like creature in a scientific experiment. Shelley started writing
the story when she was 18, and the first edition of the novel was published anonymously in
London in 1818, when she was 20. Shelley's name first appeared on the second edition,
published in France in 1823.

THEMES:
Bravery / Courage
Heroism
Admiration
Father and child
Leadership by example

MORAL VALUES:
Bravery / Courage
Admiration
Confidence
Love
Respect
Helpfulness

MORAL LESSONS:
We should appreciate the qualities of our fathers
We have to be brave/courageous in any situation
We should show good examples to others
Parents are brave/courageous in their own ways
Family unity is important
We should show our gratitude to our parents by helping them

PRACTICE 1

STANZA 1

1. Which line suggests that the persona thinks of his father as the best hero?
__________________________________________________________
2. What is the meaning of the dead of night?
__________________________________________________________
STANZA 2

1. List two things that do not scare the personas father.


(i) ____________________________________________________
(ii) ____________________________________________________
2. Which line tells us that the persona is confident about his fathers bravery?
__________________________________________________________

STANZA 3

1. What would the personas father do to prove that he is not afraid of ghosts?
____________________________________________________________
2. Which line suggests that his father is better than other fathers?
____________________________________________________________

STANZA 4

1. List the three types of monsters mentioned in this stanza.


(i) ______________________________________________________
(ii) ______________________________________________________
(iii) ______________________________________________________
2. The word him refers to ________________________________________

STANZA 5

1. Which line suggests that the personas father is very confident?


____________________________________________________________
2. What does his mother have to do in the bathroom?
____________________________________________________________

PRACTICE 2 (HOTS Questions)

1. Who do you think the persona is talking to about his father? Why?
____________________________________________________________

2. How does the persona know that his father is not afraid of watching horror movies
late at night?
_____________________________________________________________

3. In your opinion, which line is the best description of his fathers bravery? Why?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

4. What would his father do to the monsters (in stanza 4)? How?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

5. Why do you think the personas mother has to remove the spider in the bathtub?
_____________________________________________________________
6. Suggest two ways to show your appreciation to your father.
(i) _______________________________________________________
(ii) _______________________________________________________
7. Apart from your father, who would you consider your hero? Why?
_____________________________________________________________

8. What would be the best present you could give to your father on his birthday? Why?
_____________________________________________________________

PRACTICE 3 (VOCABULARY)

No. Word Meaning No. Word Meaning

1 Horrors 4 Vampires

2 Skeleton 5 Upset

3 Defeat 6 Remove
This poem is all about the colour RED

Line no. Line Interpretation:

RED is the colour of

1 Red is sunset Hot and bright sun

2 Blazing and bright.

3 Red is feeling brave Bravery and strength/power

4 With all your might.

5 Red is a sunburn Nose that is burnt by the sun (when you are under the
hot sun for too long)
6 Spot on your nose.

7 Sometimes red A rose (the flower)

8 Is a red, red, rose.

9 Red squiggles out Blood that comes out of a cut finger/hand

10 When you cut your hand.

11 Red is a brick Brick that is used to build houses and buildings

12 And the sound of aband. Loud and high pitch sound of a musical band

13 Red is hotness The great feeling of embarrassment makes you feel like
hiding from other people
14 You get inside
(Some people blush when they are embarrassed their
15 When youre embarrassed faces turn red)
16 And want to hide.

17 Fire-cracker, fire-engine Fire crackers, fire brigade

18 Fire-flicker red or an unsteady movement of flame like a candle or


flickering light (like a police car/ambulance/fire brigade)

19 And when youre angry Your head feels hot with anger (hot temper)

20 Red runs through your head.

21 Red is an Indian, Reference to the native American tribe

22 A Valentine heart. Romantic love


23 The trimmings on The bright red decorations on a circus cart

24 A circus cart.

25 Red is a lipstick The colour of lipstick that women love to wear

26 Red is a shout Loud call or cry (to show a strong emotion)

27 Red is a signal A warning of danger (to be on the look-out / to be alert)

28 That says: Watch out!

29 Red is a great big A big rubber ball

30 Rubber ball. (small children are always attracted to a red ball)

31 Red is the giantest Red is the most widely seen colour around us / the
colour that we will notice immediately around us
32 Colour of all.
(giant already means very big. giantest is just to make
it sound extremely big)

33 Red is a show-off, Obviously easy to see/notice/display

34 No doubt about it - (Some people use red simply to attract attention


maybe for personal reasons)

35 But can you imagine The question emphasizes the fact that our life would be
dull and boring without red as a colour in the world.
36 Living without it?

Positive and Negative Traits of Red:

Positive keywords include:


action
energy and speed
attention-getting
assertive and confident
energizing
stimulating
exciting
powerful
passionate
stimulating
courageous and strong
spontaneous
determined
adventure

Negative keywords include:


aggressive
domineering
tiring
angry
quick-tempered
cruel
fearful
intolerant
rebellious
hateful
violent

#################################
THEMES:
Courage
Red is the warmest of all colors.
Positive versus Negative
Prosperity
Life and vitality

MORAL VALUES:
Bravery/Courage
Determination
Love
Positive attitude
Confidence

MORAL LESSONS:
We should have a positive attitude in our daily life
Have self confidence in doing everything and anything
Be brave/courageous in facing the challenges in life
We must try to control our anger or temper
We should not be hateful towards others
We must try to change our bad behaviour

PRACTICE 1
1. From the poem, list the positive examples of red.
(i) _____________________________________________________________
(ii) _____________________________________________________________
(iii) _____________________________________________________________
(iv) _____________________________________________________________
(v) _____________________________________________________________
2. From the poem, list the negative examples of red.
(i) _____________________________________________________________
(ii) _____________________________________________________________
(iii) _____________________________________________________________
(iv) _____________________________________________________________
(v) _____________________________________________________________

3. What is the meaning of with all your might?


___________________________________________________________________
4. What causes a sunburn?
___________________________________________________________________
5. In the poem, you refers to
_______________________________________________________
6. Red squiggles out refers to ____________________________________________
7. What flower does red refer to in this poem?
___________________________________________________________________
8. Which line suggests that red is also the colour of love?
___________________________________________________________________
9. Which line tells us that some people wear red to attract attention?
___________________________________________________________________
10. What does it in the last line refer to?
___________________________________________________________________

PRACTICE 2 (HOTS Questions)


1. Why do you think red refers to the sunset and not the sunrise?
________________________________________________________________
_
2. How is it possible for you to get a sunburn? Explain.
________________________________________________________________
_
3. Based on your own experience, why do people dislike feeling embarrassed?
________________________________________________________________
_
4. Why do you think people give red roses to their loved ones?
________________________________________________________________
5. How could a visit to a circus make you happy?
________________________________________________________________

6. In your opinion, is red the best colour for a lipstick? Why?


________________________________________________________________

7. Who do you think would be interested in playing with a big red rubber ball? Why?
________________________________________________________________
8. Do you think red is the best choice of colour for a school uniform? Why?
________________________________________________________________
9. Would you want to live in a red bungalow? Why?
________________________________________________________________
10. Some people do not like red. Give two possible reasons.
(i) __________________________________________________________
(ii) __________________________________________________________

PRACTICE 3 (VOCABULARY)

No. Word Meaning No. Word Meaning

1 Blazing 4 Embarrassed

2 Might 5 Flicker

3 Squizzles 6 Trimmings

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. Red captures attention. It is one of the most visible colours, second only to
yellow - which explains why it is used on fire engines and stop signs to trigger
alertness.
2. Red is one of the top two favourite colours of all people.
3. Red is the most popular colour used on flags in the world. Approximately 77% of
all flags include red.
4. Red is the international colour for STOP.
5. Red represents beauty in many languages and cultures.
6. Red is the colour of good luck in Asia and is the most popular colour in China.
Red is associated with fire, south, and summer. It is also associated with good
luck and fortune.
7. In England, red phone booths and red double-decker buses are national icons.
Standard British pillar boxes (mail boxes) have been painted red since 1874.
8. In India, a red mark on the forehead is said to bring good luck. To the Hindu,
red symbolizes joy, life, energy, and creativity.
9. Red is an auspicious colour for marriage. Brides in India and Nepal wear red
saris; in Japan, a red kimono symbolizes happiness and good luck.

10. In Malaysia and Singapore, the colour red traditionally symbolizes joy. Chinese
New Year is celebrated by wearing red clothing and decorating the house with
red. Red envelopes with luck money are given to unmarried children to bring
good fortune to them for the rest of the year.
11. Most Japanese children draw the sun as a big red circle.
12. Red roses symbolize passionate love.
13. Red is the colour of Mars. This planet is known as the God of War.
14. Bees cannot see the colour red, but they can see all other bright colors. Red
flowers are usually pollinated by birds, butterflies, bats, and wind, rather than
bees.

POPULAR PHRASES THAT INCLUDE RED


Red carpet treatment (giving privileged treatment to an important person)
Caught red-handed (found guilty doing something bad)
Red in the face (to become embarrassed)
Seeing red (getting angry)
Red flag (a warning of danger)
Not worth a red cent (no value)
Red letter day(a memorable, joyful day)
Red tape (extra formalities in governmental process)
In the red (a term to describe an economic loss)
Stanza One

Line no. Line Interpretation

1 The day the bulldozers came The bulldozers came into the forest during the
day

2 Rooks were building Rooks (the black crows) were busy building
their nests on the trees
3 Crazy egg baskets in the oaks;

4 Green flies sizzled by the pond The flies were flying noisily in the pond area

5 And a cold-eyed toad The emotionless toad was waiting to catch the
flies.
6 Waited for them.

Stanza Two

Line no. Line Interpretation

1 The day the bulldozers came Repetition of the title : to suggest disaster and
destruction in the forest

2 Squirrels were scattering The squirrels panicked and got scared. They
ran up the tree trunks
3 Up tree trunks,

4 And leapt from branches The squirrels jumped but the tree branches
were no longer there because they had been
5 That were hardly there. chopped off.

Stanza Three

Line no. Line Interpretation

1 The fox The sleeping fox was disturbed

2 Stirred in his sleep

3 As the ground trembled. When he felt the ground shake

4 Ha ha! he thought, But he did not worry

5 Im quite safe, And felt that he was not in danger

6 Deep down in the Earth, Because he was underground

7 No one can get me here. No danger or harm would come to him


8 Then the bulldozers came. But the bulldozers were powerful machines
and could destroy anything.

THEMES:
Deforestration is destructive
Development affects environment
Progress affects forest
Machines versus nature

MORAL VALUES:
Love and care
Respect
Concern
Consideration
Co-operation
Kindness

MORAL LESSONS:
We should preserve our forest
Be kind and protect animals
Love nature
Save our environment

PRACTICE 1

STANZA 1

1. What are the creatures mentioned in this stanza?


________________________________________________________________
2. What are rooks? __________________________________________________
3. The crazy egg baskets refer to _______________________________________
4. The word them refers to ___________________________________

STANZA 2

1. What animal does this stanza focus on? _______________________________


2. Describe what they did when the bulldozers came. _______________________
_______________________________________________________________
3. branches that were hardly there What happened to the branches? _______
_______________________________________________________________

STANZA 3

1. What disturbed the foxs sleep?_____________________________________


2. Where was the fox when the bulldozers came? __________________________
3. Which line suggests that the fox was not worried? _______________________

PRACTICE 2 (HOTS Questions)

STANZA 1

1. Give a possible reason for the rooks to be building their nests on trees.
_______________________________________________________________
2. Why would a toad be waiting for the green flies? ________________________

STANZA 2

1. If you were the squirrel, how would you feel when the bulldozers came into the
forest?
_______________________________________________________________
2. What would happen to the squirrels if they fell off the trees?
_______________________________________________________________

STANZA 3

1. What could possibly cause the ground to tremble?


_______________________________________________________________
2. Do you think the fox would survive? Give a reason for your answer.
_______________________________________________________________
3. Suggest TWO ways to save the fox and other animals from destruction caused by
the bulldozers.
a) ________________________________________________________________
b) ________________________________________________________________

PRACTICE 3 (VOCABULARY)

No. Word Meaning No. Word Meaning

1 rooks 5 scattering

2 oaks 6 leapt

3 sizzled 7 hardly

4 Cold-eyed 8 stirred
Note :

Bulldozers were invented in the early twentieth century. They are very powerful machines
that are specially created to clear land, forests or areas for agriculture or housing
development.

Deforestration destroys the natural habitat of native wildlife and the creatures would have
nowhere to live. Such is the negative effect of modernisation on our environment.

Poisoned Talk

Stanza One

Line no. Line Interpretation

1 Who killed cock robin? The person wanted to know who killed the cock robin
(a male bird)

2 I, said the worm The worm admitted that it killed the bird in a cruel
way
3 I did him great harm.

4 He died on the branch of a withered tree The robin died on a tree that was weak and dying

5 From the acid soil that poisoned me. The acid soil was toxic and the worm was affected.
The bird was affected too after eating the worm.

Stanza Two

Line no. Line Interpretation

1 Who killed the heron? The person wanted to know who killed the heron (a
bird that feeds on fish)

2 I, mouthed the fish, The fish confessed that it killed the bird because the
fish was already poisoned or polluted.
3 With my tainted flesh
4 I killed tern, duck and drake, In fact, the birds that fed on the fish in the lake died
because of the poisoned flesh of the fish.
5 All the birds of the lake.

Stanza Three

Line no. Line Interpretation

1 Who killed the lake? The person wanted to know who killed/destroyed the
lake.

2 I, boasted Industry, The lake was destroyed by the industry around it

3 I poisoned with mercury Note: Mercury is an industrial waste that is released


into the water.
4 Fish, plant and weed
This toxic waste killed the fish, plant and weed in the
lake

5 To pamper mens greed. To please people who were greedy and selfish, not
caring about the environment.

Stanza Four

Line no. Line Interpretation

1 Who killed the flowers? The person wanted to know who killed/destroyed the
flowers

2 I, moaned the wind, The wind sadly admitted that it blew acid rain all over
the place, without any control
3 I prowled unconfined,

4 Blowing acid rain

5 Over field, flood and fen. Acid rain destroyed the plants and trees, affected the
water and wetland too.
Stanza Five

Line no. Line Interpretation

1 Who killed the forest? The person wanted to know who killed/destroyed the
forest

2 I ensured that it died, The forest was destroyed by sulphur dioxide (gas or
liquid from the industrial processes and the burning of
3 Said sulphur dioxide. coal & petroleum. It dissolves in water to form acid and
is harmful to plants and animals.)

4 And all life within it, Sulphur dioxide destroyed all the creatures in the
forest, including the worm and the linnet (small bird).
5 From earthworm to linnet.

THEMES:
Destruction of the environment and the wildlife
Industries lead to destruction
Development versus environment
Crime against nature
Mans greed versus nature

MORAL VALUES:
Love and care
Moderation
Responsibility
Concern
Co-operation
Kindness

MORAL LESSONS:
We should protect our environment
We should be kind and protect plants and animals
Love nature
Save our environment

PRACTICE 1

STANZA 1

1. Where did the cock robin die?________________________________________


2. What poisoned the worm?__________________________________________

STANZA 2

1. How did the fish kill the heron? _______________________________________


2. What else did the fish kill?___________________________________________
STANZA 3

1. What did Industry poison the lake with? _______________________________


2. Why did Industry kill the lake? ______________________________________

STANZA 4

1. Which word suggests that the wind was sad? __________________________


2. Which phrase has the same meaning as move freely)?
_______________________________________________________________

STANZA 5

1. What destroyed the forest? _________________________________________


2. Which line tells us that everything in the forest was destroyed?
_______________________________________________________________

PRACTICE 2 (HOTS Questions)

1. How could the robin be poisoned by the worm?


______________________________________________________________
2. Why did the birds go to the lake?
______________________________________________________________
3. Give TWO negative effects of modern industries.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
4. Name TWO types of pollution.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
5. How can we save the environment? Suggest TWO ways.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

PRACTICE 3 (VOCABULARY)

No. Word Meaning No. Word Meaning

1 withered 5 moaned

2 tainted 6 prowl

3 boasted 7 unconfined

4 pamper 8 fen
Note :

BIRDS mentioned in the poem:

Cock robin, heron, tern,


drake, duck, linnet

cock robin tern

heron duck

drake linnet
NOVEL-WE DIDNT MEAN TO GO TO SEA
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Arthur Ransome (18 January 1884 3 June 1967) was an English author and journalist. He
is best known for writing the Swallows and Amazons series of children's books about the
school-holiday adventures of children, mostly in the Lake District and the Norfolk Broads.
Many of the books involve sailing, while fishing and camping are other common subjects.
Ransome's writing is noted for his detailed descriptions of activities. He used many actual
features from the Lake District landscape but he also invented his own geography, mixing
descriptions of different places. Ransome's own interest in sailing and his need to provide an
accurate description caused him to undertake a voyage across the North Sea to Flushing. His
book We Didn't Mean To Go To Sea (1937) reflects this, and he based the fictional Goblin on
his own boat Nancy Blackett (which in turn took its name from a character in the series).

Ransome won the inaugural Carnegie Medal from the Library Association, and Durham
University made him an honorary Master of Arts. Leeds University made him an
honorary Doctor of Letters. Translations of his books have been published in several
languages and he became popular in many countries.
SYNOPSIS
John, Susan, Titty and Roger Walker move with their mother and younger sister Brigit
to Pin Mill, to await their fathers return to Britain from service overseas (China). There, they
befriend Jim Brading, owner of the yacht Goblin, who invites them on a quiet cruise on the
River Orwell. With their mothers permission to spend a night on board the Goblin, on
condition that they do not go outside Harwich Harbour, all goes well, until a series of events
leaves the cfour Walkers alone and drifting out to sea in a fog which leads to a few days being
at sea.
Meanwhile, Jim has bad luck. Going ashore, he meets with an accident that lands him
in hospital where he remains unconscious for forty-eight hours (2 days). As the children wait
for his return, the Goblin has an accident and loses her chain and anchor and drifts out to
sea.
John proves to be the worthy son of a sailor father, Susan heroic over sea-sickness,
Roger and Titty resourceful, brave and sensible. They finally find themselves in the North
Sea. Not everyone could be so sturdy and so intelligent as John to steer the yacht to safety.
The children use their skills and keep their wits when they are shrewdly tested with so many
problems while at sea until their father appeared to help them sail the Goblin back safely.

Goblin
The Compass
N : North NE : North-east
E : East SE : South-east
W : West NW : North-west
S : South SW : South-west

CHAPTER SUMMARIES
CHAPTER SUMMARY

1 John, Susan, Roger and Titty help Jim Brading to tie a rope to the buoy. In
return he invites them to sail aboard Goblin. Mother agrees provided that they
On the stay within the estuary of the rivers Orwell and Stour, do not pass the Beach
River End buoy at the mouth of the rivers, and do not go out to sea. These conditions
are imposed because of the important arrival of their father, who is expected
to return by ferry at any time from Holland. The children agree to these
conditions.

2 Unfortunately, on the second morning Goblin runs out of petrol because Jim
forgets to fill up before they start the journey. So, Jim rows ashore to buy
In Harbour some petrol and promises to return in ten minutes but does not return. The
children wait for the whole day until an unexpected fog drifts over the river,
and the Goblin is without her captain.

3 Some hours later, after hearing the anchor drag in the fog, the children realise
that the tide has risen, the anchor chain is now too short, and they are drifting
Drifting out down the river. While John tries to put out more chain, John loses the anchor,
to Sea and the yacht drifts out beyond Beach End into the North Sea. Aboard the
drifting boat, John decides that it is safer to hoist the sails and go farther out
to sea rather than take the risk of being wrecked in the fog. They plan to return
to the river, but find that sailing against the wind is impossible, so they have to
sail eastward with the wind.
4 The Goblin sails east through the night in hazardous conditions, being nearly
run down as the navigation lights are out of paraffin. John has to leave
A Stormy Susan at the helm while he reefs the mainsail. He is almost swept overboard,
Night but manages to save himself and the rest in the yacht.

5 John persuades Susan to continue moving to the nearest port rather than
trying to return to Harwich. Along the way, they rescue a kitten floating on a
Sinbad packing-case. They find themselves approaching an unknown coast - it is the
and the Southern Netherlands. They see a pilot ship and pick up a Dutch pilot who
Pilot decides to help the children and it is free of charge. As they are approaching
Flushing, a ferry is leaving to Harwich. Their father happens to be on that ferry
and sees John and shouts to him in surprise.

6 Their father leaves the ferry just in time and returns to help them sail the
Goblin back to Harwich. Susan is terribly upset about their mother who will
Arriving in be worrying about them, so their father sends a telegram from Harwich to
Holland their mother.

7 On arriving in England, the Goblin and its crew are reunited with their mother
and with Jim Brading, who is looking for his missing yacht. Their mother feels
Coming angry because she thinks that they actually and secretly go to meet their
Home father. Jim was unconscious and in hospital for two days, suffering from
concussion after being involved in a collision with a bus. Roger keeps telling
their mother that they met Father in Holland. Hence, Father has to tell their
mother about the mishap. Finally, the children hope that their mother will
understand that they didn't mean to go to sea.

Characters
John, Susan, Titty, Roger, Bridget Walker
Jim Brading
Mary Walker (Mother)
Commander Ted Walker (Father)
Miss Powell
Sinbad the kitten
the Flushing Pilot
MAIN CHARACTERS

Read each chapter and write notes about each of the characters below. Find the evidence to
support your description. An example has been given.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION EVIDENCE

JOHN 1)Reliable When the yacht drifts out to sea, he uses his skills and
experience to steer the yacht to avoid any danger or
accidents to make sure that everyone is safe.

SUSAN

ROGER
TITTY

FATHER

JIM
THEMES

Togetherness
Through thick or thin
Man proposes, God disposes
Expect the unexpected
Man versus nature

MORAL VALUES

Love & Care Responsibility Bravery


Patience Co-operation Courage
Honesty Kindness Determination
Perseverance Helpfulness Obedience
Gratitude Appreciation Confidence

MORAL LESSONS

1. We should always be positive and courageous.


2. Have confidence in everything we do.
3. Never give up.
4. We should try to solve a problem wisely and rationally.
5. We must always stick together as a family
6. Always be prepared for unexpected events in life.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

In PT3, the novel is


included in SECTION D
10 marks
written in not less than 50 words in continuous form (not in point form)

PLAN YOUR ANSWER :


NOTE: You are required to use your higher order thinking skills (HOTS) when answering the
question on the novel. So, you need to be systematic and organised in your approach.

PARAGRAPH ANSWER
1 INTRODUCTION
2 3 POINTS + EVIDENCE
3 CONCLUSION
??? Paragraph 1

Point 1 Point 2 Point 3

Paragraph 2

Evidence Evidence Evidence

Conclusion Paragraph 3

NOTE: As you read the question, highlight/underline the key words.

Based on the novel that you have studied, write about the character that you like the most.
Provide evidence from the text to support your answer.

John Paragraph 1

Brave Intelligent Caring

Paragraph 2

Manages to knows how to concerned about


control the steer the yacht his siblings during
yacht in the to safety the journey
bad weather

Conclusion Paragraph
3
EXAMPLE:
PARAGRAPH 1 Based on the novel We didnt mean to go to sea by Arthur Ransome, the
character that I like the most is John Walker. This is because he is very
brave, intelligent and caring.

PARAGRAPH 2 John is a very brave boy. When the four siblings are at sea, he manages to
control the yacht in the bad weather, calmly and using his skills, for example
when he tried to avoid the buoys and the shoals. He is also intelligent because
he knows how to steer the yacht to safety, such as when he always refers to
the chart and watches the compass carefully. He can think and act fast to make
sure that they are safe from the fog and the storm. I like John because he is
a very caring brother. He is concerned about Susan, Roger and Titty, especially
when Susan suffered from sea sickness.

PARAGRAPH 3 In conclusion, the character I like the most is John because he is a very
brave, intelligent and caring person. He will be a good role model for all
students.

Now, try to answer the following questions based on the example given.

Do you like the story? Give reasons to support your answer, with evidence from the text.

Write about an event that makes you feel happy. Give reasons why you feel that way, with close
reference to the text.

Choose one character in the story and describe how he or she is an important character in that story.

Write about an event that makes you worried. Give reasons why the event makes you feel this way.
Sad I Ams

PRACTICE 1

STANZA 1

1. Where does the ring come from? Empty Cola can


2. Where do the scrapings come from? Unwashed porridge pan
3. What is Action Man? A toy

STANZA 2

Problems:

(a) The gum is gone


(b) The end cannot be found
(c) Toothless
(d) Springless
(e) Dried up

STANZA 3

1. What type of vehicle is referred to in this stanza? Car/van/lorry


2. Write the lines to suggest that the vehicle cannot start or move
a) Line 2 : the battery in which no charge is left
b) Line 3 : the starter motor which remains inert
c) Line 5 : the sparking plug which shows no sign of spark
d) Line 6 : the carburettor choked by bits and dirt

STANZA 4

List the items mentioned in this stanza

a) Garden
b) Library book
c) Stray
d) Advice

PRACTICE 2 (HOTS Questions)

NOTE : The answers for HOTS questions can be varied & wide ranging but most
importantly, they should be logical/reasonable and relevant to the question. Teachers are
advised to use their own discretion. The answers given below are simply examples of
acceptable ones.

STANZA 1

1. Who do you think love to drink from cans?


a) Children
b) Boys
c) Men
2. Who do you think broke the arm of the Action Man? A child / the owner of the toy

STANZA 2

1. Describe how you feel when you cannot find the end of a cellophane tape. Frustrated
/ angry / upset
2. What would you do to correct your written mistake when your liquid paper is dried
up?
Cancel my mistake using a pen
3. How would you feel when you suddenly found a letter which you forgot to post?
Frustrated because the letter did not reach the person I wrote to

STANZA 3

1) What would you do if your vehicle cannot start or move?


a) Call a mechanic
b) Try to repair it myself
2) Would you buy a new vehicle if you cannot use the one you have? Why?
Yes
a) Because it is already old
b) Because I need a vehicle as a transport to move around
No
a) Because I do not have enough money to buy a new one
b) Because the vehicle is special to me and I want to keep it

STANZA 4

1. What should you do if your garden is overgrown with weeds?


Mow the lawn
2. Who should be looking after your garden at home? Why?
My mother/father because she/he knows about gardening
3. In your opinion, what makes a library book uninteresting?
a) The cover looks boring
b) It is too thick
4. Suggest ways to solve the problems of stray animals in your neighbourhood.
a) Take them as pets
b) Have a Care for Animals campaign

PRACTICE 3 (VOCABULARY)

No. Word Meaning No. Word Meaning

1 Scrapings The food that is stuck to 5 Inert Not moving/starting


the bottom of the pan

2 Severed Cut off 6 Tread The pattern on the


surface of a tyre

3 Mars Spoils/makes 7 Choked Full of something that


something become stops the flow
worse

4 Mend Repair/make better 8 Stray Wandering animal


that nobody wants

News Break

PRACTICE 1

STANZA 1

1. Who is asking the question? The persona / parent / father / mother / guardian
2. How many questions are asked in this stanza? Four

STANZA 2

1. Describe the childs face. Clean


2. Quote the line which shows that the child is being careful. Your clothes without a
crease

STANZA 3

1. List the things that the child would normally do when he/she got home.
a) Dropped school books
b) Shrieked
c) Made childish treble
2. What does it mean when the persona/parent says that the child is a lamb?
He/she is very well behaved

STANZA 4
1. What does the persona/parent ask the child to do?
To come closer to him/her
2. Which line suggests that the persona/parent cannot believe what he/she sees?
Can this be REALLY you?

STANZA 5

1. Which line suggests that the persona/parent has just realised what is happening.
Ahnow I see the reason
2. What does the child bring back from school?
His/her school report

PRACTICE 2 (HOTS Questions)

NOTE : The answers for HOTS questions can be varied & wide ranging but most
importantly, they should be logical/reasonable and relevant to the question. Teachers are
advised to use their own discretion. The answers given below are simply examples of
acceptable ones.

1. Describe the persona/parents feelings when he/she says For goodness sake,
whats this? in stanza 1.
The parent finds the childs behaviour quite strange / not normal OR
He/she is surprised or shocked
2. What would the child normally do with his/her luncheon money at school (stanza 2)?
Buy food and drinks at recess time
3. Give an example of what the child did when the persona/parent says Where
yesterday a rebel (stanza 3)
He/she did not listen to his/her parents advice OR he/she messed his/her bedroom
4. Why does the persona/parent feel that the child is a stranger (stanza 4)?
Because he/she is being very good
5. What do you think the child would say to his/her parent when he/she gives the school
report?
Mum/Dad, this is my report card. I hope you wont be angry.
6. Describe your own feelings every time you give your school academic report to your
parents.
I feel nervous and also scared because my result is not always good
7. Do you think examinations are important for students? Give TWO reasons.
a) Examinations will test them on what they have learned and understood
b) Students will be more serious in their studies because the results will be
important for their future
8. Why are parents concerned about their childrens studies?
Because they want the best for their children
9. Suggest TWO ways students can follow in order to get success in their studies.
a) Have a personal study time table
b) Study in small groups after school
10) What is your future career? Why?
I want to be a doctor because I want to help treat people, especially the poor ones.

PRACTICE 3 (VOCABULARY)
No. Word Meaning No. Word Meaning

1 Crease Not smooth 5 Rebel A person who goes


against the rule/law

2 Cease Stop 6 Rage Anger

3 Shrieking Screamed 7 Hullabaloo Fuss / commotion

4 Treble Noise/loud sound 8 Stunned Shocked/surprised

My Hero

PRACTICE 1

STANZA 1

1. Which line suggests that the persona thinks of his father as the best hero?
I rate him Number One
2. What is the meaning of the dead of night?
The night is very dark and quiet

STANZA 2

1. List two things that do not scare the personas father.


(i) Late-night film /horror movie on television
(ii) Skeletons

2. Which line tells us that the persona is confident about his fathers bravery?
Not dad, not on your Nelly!

STANZA 3

1. What would the personas father do to prove that he is not afraid of ghosts?
Smile and greet them
2. Which line suggests that his father is better than other fathers?
My dad could just defeat em

STANZA 4

1. List the three types of monsters mentioned in this stanza.


(i) Vampires
(ii) Wolf-man
(iii) Frankensteins monster
2. The word him refers to the personas father

STANZA 5

1. Which line suggests that the personas father is very confident?


And hes always ready to prove it
2. What does his mother have to do in the bathroom?
She has to remove the spider that is in the bathtub

PRACTICE 2 (HOTS Questions)

NOTE : The answers for HOTS questions can be varied & wide ranging but most
importantly, they should be logical/reasonable and relevant to the question. Teachers are
advised to use their own discretion. The answers given below are simply examples of
acceptable ones.

1. Who do you think the persona is talking to about his father? Why?
Maybe he is talking to his friends/classmates because they are making comparisons
about their fathers.
2. How does the persona know that his father is not afraid of watching horror movies
late at night?
The persona sleeps late every night / he watches the movies with his father.
3. In your opinion, which line is the best description of his fathers bravery? Why?
My dad could just defeat em because he can do what other fathers cannot do.
(Note: The student can just choose any line but he needs to justify his choice.)
4. What would his father do to the monsters (in stanza 4)? How?
He would kill them all by using his karate skills.
5. Why do you think the personas mother has to remove the spider in the bathtub?
His father is scared of spiders or tiny/furry insects.
6. Suggest two ways to show your appreciation to your father.
(i) Always help him wash his car
(ii) Play games with him
7. Apart from your father, who would you consider your hero? Why?
I choose my neighbour because he is strong and brave like my father.
8. What would be the best present you could give to your father on his birthday? Why?
I will give him a video camera so that he can record all the family activities for his
video collection.

PRACTICE 3 (VOCABULARY)

No. Word Meaning No. Word Meaning

1 Horrors Fears 4 Vampires Living corpse

2 Skeleton Bones of a dead 5 Upset Unhappy/disappointed


person

3 Defeat Win over 6 Remove Get rid of/throw away

What is red?

PRACTICE 1
1. From the poem, list the positive examples of red. (Choose five from the list
below)
(i) Sunset (vii) fire-crackers (festive occasions)
(ii) Feeling brave (viii) fire-engine
(iii) Rose (ix) lipstick
(iv) Brick (x) rubber ball
(v) Sound of a band (xi) Valentine heart
(vi) Circus cart (xii) Red Indian

2. From the poem, list the negative examples of red.


(i) Sunburn
(ii) Anger
(iii) Shout
(iv) Blood from a cut
(v) Feeling embarrassed

3. What is the meaning of with all your might?


With all your power or strength
4. What causes a sunburn?
Being under the hot sun for too long
5. In the poem, you refers to the reader
6. Red squiggles out refers to blood
7. What flower does red refer to in this poem?
Rose
8. Which line suggests that red is also the colour of love?
A Valentine heart.
9. Which line tells us that some people wear red to attract attention?
Red is a show-off
10. What does it in the last line refer to?
Red

PRACTICE 2 (HOTS Questions)


NOTE : The answers for HOTS questions can be varied & wide ranging but most
importantly, they should be logical/reasonable and relevant to the question. Teachers are
advised to use their own discretion. The answers given below are simply examples of
acceptable ones.

1. Why do you think red refers to the sunset and not the sunrise?
Because it is getting dark and the sun is setting
2. How is it possible for you to get a sunburn? Explain.
When I sit under the sun for too long without wearing anything to protect me from
the heat, like wearing a cap or hat I will get a sunburn.
3. Based on your own experience, why do people dislike feeling embarrassed?
Because they do not want to be laughed at / they will lose their confidence when
they feel silly.
4. Why do you think people give red roses to their loved ones?
As a symbol of love or romance / Red roses are special because they are very
beautiful and expensive.
5. How could a visit to a circus make you happy?
I can see many interesting circus acts and also animals like tigers and elephants.
6. In your opinion, is red the best colour for a lipstick? Why?
Yes, because it is a bright and can make a woman look very beautiful.
OR
No, because it is too bright and it will make a woman look ugly/like a clown.
7. Who do you think would be interested in playing with a big red rubber ball? Why?
Small children will like it because it will be fun trying to kick or catch a big ball.
8. Do you think red is the best choice of colour for a school uniform? Why?
Yes, because it will make the students look smart and cheerful.
OR
No, because it is not suitable for a school as a place to study.
9. Would you want to live in a red bungalow? Why?
Yes, because my house will look the most interesting in my area.
OR
No, my neighbours will think that we are a crazy family because we choose red
paint.
10. Some people do not like red. Give two possible reasons.
(i) The colour is too bright
(ii) They do not like to show off.

PRACTICE 3 (VOCABULARY)

No. Word Meaning No. Word Meaning

1 Blazing Burning brightly 4 Embarrassed Feeling

2 Might Power/strength 5 Flicker Glint/glimmer

3 Squizzles Wriggles/moves 6 Trimmings decorations


unevenly

The Day the Bulldozers Came

PRACTICE 1

STANZA 1

1. What are the creatures mentioned in this stanza? Rooks, green flies and toad.
2. What are rooks? Birds
3. The crazy egg baskets refer to bird nests.
4. The word them refers to the green flies.
STANZA 2

1. What animal does this stanza focus on? Squirrels.


2. Describe what they did when the bulldozers came.
They were scattering up tree trunks and leapt from the branches.
3. branches that were hardly there What happened to the branches?
The branches were chopped/cut off/broken.

STANZA 3

1. What disturbed the foxs sleep? The ground trembled.


2. Where was the fox when the bulldozers came? Deep down in the Earth /
underground.
3. Which line suggests that the fox was not worried? Im quite safe (line 5)

PRACTICE 2 (HOTS Questions)

NOTE : The answers for HOTS questions can be varied & wide ranging but most
importantly, they should be logical/reasonable and relevant to the question. Teachers are
advised to use their own discretion. The answers given below are simply examples of
acceptable ones.

STANZA 1

1. Give a possible reason for the rooks to be building their nests on trees.
To be safe from any types of danger or wild animals.
2. Why would a toad be waiting for the green flies? To eat them.

STANZA 2

1. If you were the squirrel, how would you feel when the bulldozers came into the
forest?
I would feel very scared because my life would be in danger.
2. What would happen to the squirrels if they fell off the trees?
They would have died or been injured.

STANZA 3

1. What could possibly cause the ground to tremble?


The bulldozer that was moving in the forest.
2. Do you think the fox would survive? Give a reason for your answer.
YES, because he was deep down underground where the bulldozer could not
possibly reach him.
NO, because he could die when the ground collapsed and buried him alive.
3. Suggest TWO ways to save the fox and other animals from destruction caused by
the bulldozers.
a) Move the animals in the forest to a nearby zoo or forest reserve.
b) Prevent deforestration in the forest where these animals live.
PRACTICE 3 (VOCABULARY)

No. Word Meaning No. Word Meaning

1 rooks crows/birds 5 scattering moving all over the


place

2 oaks trees 6 leapt jumped

3 sizzled flew noisily 7 hardly Not at all

4 Cold-eyed emotionless 8 stirred moved gently

Poisoned Talk

PRACTICE 1

STANZA 1

1. Where did the cock robin die? On the branch of a withered tree
2. What poisoned the worm? The acid soil

STANZA 2

1. How did the fish kill the heron? With its tainted flesh
2. What else did the fish kill? Tern, duck, drake and all the birds of the lake.

STANZA 3

1. What did Industry poison the lake with? Mercury


2. Why did Industry kill the lake? To pamper mans greed / to satisfy greedy people

STANZA 4

1. Which word suggests that the wind was sad? moaned (line 2)
2. Which phrase has the same meaning as move freely)? prowl unconfined (line 3)

STANZA 5

1. What destroyed the forest? Sulphur dioxide


2. Which line tells us that everything in the forest was destroyed?And all life within it(line
4)

PRACTICE 2 (HOTS Questions)

NOTE : The answers for HOTS questions can be varied & wide ranging but most
importantly, they should be logical/reasonable and relevant to the question. Teachers are
advised to use their own discretion. The answers given below are simply examples of
acceptable ones.

1. How could the robin be poisoned by the worm?


The robin must have eaten the worm.
2. Why did the birds go to the lake?
To look for fish to eat.
3. Give TWO negative effects of modern industries.
i. Global warming
ii. Pollution
4. Name TWO types of pollution.
i. Air pollution
ii. Water pollution
5. How can we save the environment? Suggest TWO ways.
i. Plant more trees
ii. Reduce pollution

PRACTICE 3 (VOCABULARY)

No. Word Meaning No. Word Meaning

1 withered dried 5 moaned made the sound of


pain

2 tainted contaminated/polluted 6 prowl move around

3 boasted Talked proudly 7 unconfined Not restricted/limited

4 pamper give special treatment 8 fen wetland

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