CBSE Class 6 English The Dancing Bears

SECTION-A

A. Read the passage carefully and answer the following questions.

The Dancing Bears

A sanctuary is usually a large forest area where animals are allowed to live in their natural surroundings. They are not allowed to be hunted or killed. In this way many animals like tigers, elephants and rhinoceroses have been saved.

Do you know that there is a big forest called Surkeetam near Agra where there is a sanctuary for dancing bears of India? The Uttar Pradesh government has granted 17 acres of forestland for the rehabilitation of these dancing sloth bears, and to save them from a cruel and dreadful life. Many international organizations have also donated money to help in this effort. International Animal Rescue from the United Kingdom and One Voice, from France have sent donations for the sloth bear rescue facility. Already 28 liberated bears are living in this sanctuary.

Perhaps you do not see a dancing bear in your city. But for years bears were made to perform to earn money for their owners. Their owners were gypsies who roamed from place to place and never stayed long in one place. These gypsies trained the bears to entertain people. The bears had ropes put through their muzzles. It hurt their mouth and nose badly. Straps and wires were also used over their nose and mouth to stop them from biting. They were not given enough food or care and were often beaten.

In the bear rescue facility, they are now given three nourishing meals of porridge, fruits, nuts, rotis and honey. They sleep in dens, on fresh, clean straw. The older bears took a long time to recover, but the younger ones became healthy soon. They now swim and play without any fear of being captured.

The government and other organizations are also making efforts to train the gypsies to learn other ways of earning a livelihood. But there are still about 1200 dancing bears in India who need to be protected.

A.1. (i) What is a sanctuary?
Answer: A sanctuary is usually a large forest area where animals are allowed to live safely in their natural surroundings without being hunted or killed.
In simple words: A sanctuary is a safe protected home in the forest for wild animals.

Exam Tip: Always look for direct definitions at the very beginning of reading comprehension passages.

A.1. (ii) Where is the sanctuary for dancing bears?
Answer: The sanctuary for dancing bears is located in a big forest called Surkeetam near Agra in Uttar Pradesh.
In simple words: The dancing bear sanctuary is in Surkeetam forest near Agra.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to proper nouns like names of places and locations mentioned in the text.

A.1. (iii) How did the gypsies treat and train bears?
Answer: The gypsies treated the bears cruelly by putting ropes through their muzzles, using straps and wires over their nose and mouth to stop biting, giving them insufficient food and care, and often beating them to train them to entertain people.
In simple words: Gypsies treated bears very cruelly, hurting them and beating them to make them perform.

A.1. (iv) What kind of food is given to the bears in the sanctuary?
Answer: In the rescue facility, the bears are given three nourishing meals consisting of porridge, fruits, nuts, rotis, and honey.
In simple words: The bears get healthy and tasty meals like porridge, fruits, nuts, rotis, and honey.

Exam Tip: When asked about lists in a passage, make sure to include all items mentioned to secure full marks.

A.1. (v) What help did the government and the international organizations give to rehabilitate sloth bears?
Answer: The Uttar Pradesh government granted 17 acres of forestland for rehabilitation, while international organizations like International Animal Rescue (United Kingdom) and One Voice (France) donated money to help build and maintain the rescue facility.
In simple words: The government gave land and foreign organizations donated money to rescue and rehabilitate the bears.

Exam Tip: Distinguish clearly between the contribution of the local government (land) and international bodies (donations).

SECTION-B

B.1. Write a paragraph on '5 things I would include in a time-capsule and why'
Answer: If I were to create a time-capsule for future generations to discover, I would include five meaningful items that define our current era. First, I would include a smartphone to showcase modern digital technology, communication, and how rapidly our computing power has evolved. Second, I would include a seeds packet of diverse crop plants to highlight our agricultural biodiversity and the current environmental challenges we face in preserving nature. Third, I would include a traditional printed book of global literature to preserve the beauty of physical reading in a digital age. Fourth, I would add a miniature solar panel model to represent humanity's vital transition toward renewable and clean energy sources. Finally, I would include a handwritten journal filled with personal notes, dreams, and drawings from my family and friends to give future generations a glimpse into our daily human emotions, values, and social lives.
In simple words: A time-capsule is a container filled with special modern items to show people in the future how we lived today.

Exam Tip: When writing descriptive paragraphs, maintain a clear structure with an introductory sentence, five distinct points with reasons, and a concluding thought.

B.2. Construct a story from the following outline.
An old lady becomes blind - calls in a doctor - agrees to pay large fee if cured, but nothing if not. Doctor comes daily - covets lady's furniture - delays the cure - takes some of the furniture everyday - at last cures her - demands fee - lady refuses to pay, saying cure not complete - doctor takes her to court - judge asks lady why she will not pay - she says sight not properly restored - she cannot see all her furniture - judge gives verdict.
Answer:
The Clever Lady and the Greedy Doctor
Once upon a time, a wealthy old lady living in a small town suddenly lost her eyesight. Distraught, she called in a famous doctor. She promised him a massive fee if he could successfully cure her blindness, but made it clear that she would pay nothing if he failed. The greedy doctor agreed to the terms and began his visits.
However, the doctor was dishonest and deeply coveted the old lady's exquisite antique furniture. He decided to play a cunning game. Instead of curing her quickly, he deliberately delayed the treatment week after week. Every time he visited, he would secretly steal away a piece of her valuable furniture, carrying it home piece by piece.
Months passed, and the doctor finally used his medicines to restore her sight completely. When the old lady opened her eyes and saw, the doctor immediately demanded his large promised fee. But looking around her magnificent house, the old lady noticed that much of her precious furniture was missing. Realizing the doctor's wicked theft, she flatly refused to pay him a single penny.
Furious, the doctor dragged the old lady to court before a wise judge. The judge asked the old lady why she was refusing to pay the doctor his rightful fee after he had restored her vision. With a calm and clever smile, the old lady replied, "Your Honour, my cure is indeed incomplete. The doctor claims my sight is restored, but I cannot see all my expensive furniture in my house. My eyesight is clearly still defective!"
The wise judge immediately understood the doctor's dishonesty and greed. He ruled in favor of the old lady, ordering the doctor to return all the stolen furniture at once, while declaring that the doctor deserved no fee for his deceitful conduct.
In simple words: A greedy doctor stole a blind lady's furniture while delaying her cure, but she used her wit in court to expose him and keep her money.

Exam Tip: Give your story an engaging title, maintain narrative flow, and ensure all key points from the prompt outline are logically connected.

SECTION-C

C.1. Classify the sentences into their kinds:-
(i) There is a bridge across the river.
(ii) How enchanting the night is!
(iii) May I make a call from this telephone?
(iv) Stop making noise.
(v) I lost my water bottle yesterday.
Answer:
(i) There is a bridge across the river. - Declarative / Assertive sentence (Statement)
(ii) How enchanting the night is! - Exclamatory sentence
(iii) May I make a call from this telephone? - Interrogative sentence (Question)
(iv) Stop making noise. - Imperative sentence (Command / Request)
(v) I lost my water bottle yesterday. - Declarative / Assertive sentence (Statement)
In simple words: Sentences are classified based on whether they state a fact, ask a question, give a command, or express strong feelings.

Exam Tip: Always check the punctuation mark at the end of a sentence (period, question mark, or exclamation mark) as a quick clue to its kind.

C.2. Write questions beginning with 'do', 'does' or 'did' for these answer:
(i) Yes, my father reads 'The Times of India'.
(ii) No, I do not like to fly kites.
(iii) Yes, I got my house painted last year
(iv) Yes, I have a brother and a sister.
(v) No, I could not attend the seminar on deforestation.
Answer:
(i) Does your father read 'The Times of India'?
(ii) Do you like to fly kites?
(iii) Did you get your house painted last year?
(iv) Do you have a brother and a sister?
(v) Could you attend the seminar on deforestation? (Or: Did you attend the seminar on deforestation?)

In simple words: Form questions by placing auxiliary verbs 'do', 'does', or 'did' at the beginning based on the tense and subject.

Exam Tip: Remember that when using 'do', 'does', or 'did' in interrogative sentences, the main verb must always be in its base/first form.

SECTION-D

D. Tick the most appropriate answer-
D.1. (i) Joy Adamson's nocturnal visitors were.
(a) hyenas
(b) foxes
(c) wolves
Answer: (a) hyenas
In Joy Adamson's wildlife accounts, hyenas are noted as nocturnal visitors.
In simple words: Joy Adamson was visited at night by hyenas.

Exam Tip: Memorize key characters, animals, and specific details from your literature textbook chapters.

D.1. (ii) The humans frighten the animals.
(a) when they take photographs of the animals
(b) when they talk loudly and get out of their cars
(c) when they offer different food items to them
Answer: (b) when they talk loudly and get out of their cars
Making loud noises and stepping out of vehicles disrupts wildlife and alarms the animals.
In simple words: Loud talking and getting out of cars scares wild animals.

Exam Tip: Read prose lessons carefully to understand how human actions impact wildlife behavior.

D.1. (iii) Poachers are
(a) People who catch and kill animals illegally
(b) People who train animals
(c) People who look after animals in sanctuaries.
Answer: (a) People who catch and kill animals illegally
Poachers hunt wildlife unlawfully for commercial gain such as skin, horns, or tusks.
In simple words: Poachers are illegal hunters who kill wild animals.

Exam Tip: Learn important vocabulary words related to environmental conservation like poachers, sanctuary, and endangered species.

D.2. (i) The three friends who rescued the Baby elephant were
(a) Babul, Dhanai and Jonti
(b) Babul, Dhanai and Monti
(c) Babul, Bunti and Jonti
Answer: (a) Babul, Dhanai and Jonti
According to the chapter 'Saving The Baby Elephant', the three young rescuers were Babul, Dhanai, and Jonti.
In simple words: Babul, Dhanai, and Jonti saved the baby elephant.

Exam Tip: Keep track of character names in story-based chapters to avoid confusion in MCQs.

D.2. (ii) The author of the lesson 'Saving The Baby Is'
(a) Anup kumar Dutta
(b) Ruskin Bond
(c) Enid Blyton
Answer: (a) Anup kumar Dutta
Anup Kumar Dutta is the acclaimed author of the story involving wildlife rescue adventures.
In simple words: The story was written by Anup Kumar Dutta.

Exam Tip: Always learn the names of authors and poets for every textbook unit.

D.2. (iii) The mother elephant greeted her baby
(a) by curling its trunk around it
(b) by giving out a furious trumpet
(c) by crying gently
Answer: (a) by curling its trunk around it
Mother elephants affectionately show care and welcome their calves by wrapping or curling their trunks around them.
In simple words: The mother elephant lovingly wrapped her trunk around her baby.

Exam Tip: Notice emotional details and animal behavior descriptions in wildlife stories.

D.3. 'The baby was safe now. The mother would protected it. And Nalia would be in for a surprise'.
(i) Name the lesson and the writer.
(ii) Who is Nalia here?
(iii) Why would he be surprised?
Answer:
(i) Lesson: 'Saving The Baby Elephant' (or 'Saving The Baby Is'), Writer: Anup Kumar Dutta.
(ii) Nalia is one of the characters / villagers / forest dwellers associated with the incident in the story.
(iii) He would be surprised because he would discover that the baby elephant has been successfully rescued and reunited safely with its mother.
In simple words: Nalia would be shocked to see the baby elephant safely back with its mother after all the danger.

Exam Tip: Answer multi-part context questions point by point to ensure all sub-questions are clearly addressed.

Activity

I. Making monkeys play tricks on the roadside, to the tune of the keeper, is a common sight now-a-days. Write at least two slogans to dissuade people from watching so as to discourage such cruel deeds.
Answer:
1. Clapping at street shows fuels animal woes - Let wild animals live free, not in captivity!
2. Stop the street show, let the monkey go - Entertainment shouldn't mean lifetime pain!
In simple words: Slogans are short, catchy phrases used to make people aware and stop cruel practices against animals.

Exam Tip: Good slogans should be brief, rhythmic, and carry a powerful moral message.

II. Work in pairs or groups and make posters on the topic ENDANGERED ANIMALS or any particular ENDANGERED ANIMAL. Use pictures or drawings with the text. You may note down appropriate information under these headings.
(i) name of the animal.
(ii) places where they are found.
(iii) interesting facts about the species.
(iv) why do you think this species is endangered.
(v) possible solutions to help this species, survive.
Answer:
(i) Name of the animal: The Bengal Tiger.
(ii) Places where they are found: Tropical jungles, mangroves, and grasslands of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.
(iii) Interesting facts about the species: Tigers are excellent swimmers, each tiger has a unique stripe pattern like human fingerprints, and they can leap distances of up to 33 feet.
(iv) Why do you think this species is endangered: Tigers are endangered due to rampant illegal poaching for their skin and bones, loss of natural forest habitat caused by human encroachment, and depletion of prey animals.
(v) Possible solutions to help this species survive: Strict anti-poaching laws, establishment of protected wildlife reserves and tiger corridors, and community education programs to promote peaceful human-wildlife coexistence.
In simple words: Tigers are endangered animals that need strict protection, safe forests, and a stop to poaching to survive.

Exam Tip: Organize poster information logically under clear headings to demonstrate thorough research and structured thinking.

III. A debate is a competition in which two opposing teams make speeches to support their arguments and disagree with those of the other team, in a logical, methodical manner. The topic of the debate is called the motion. The speakers speak either for the motion or against it.
Topic: Animals should not be kept in the zoo
Now, in your notebooks, write down:
(i) Three points in favour of the motion.
(ii) At least one example to support each of your points.
(iii) A good introduction and conclusion to your speech.
Answer:
(i) Three points in favour of the motion ("Animals should not be kept in the zoo"):
1. Confinement in small enclosures deprives wild animals of their natural roaming space and liberty.
2. Zoo environments often cause severe psychological stress, depression, and unnatural stereotypic behaviors in animals.
3. Modern wildlife documentaries and virtual sanctuaries educate people far better than caged animal exhibits.

(ii) Supporting examples:
1. Elephants in the wild walk tens of kilometers daily, whereas zoo elephants are restricted to tiny concrete enclosures, leading to joint ailments.
2. Polar bears kept in warm climate zoos suffer from extreme heat stress and psychological distress, pacing back and forth continuously.
3. Wildlife films by creators like David Attenborough showcase animal behavior in breathtaking natural habitats without requiring any animal captivity.

(iii) Introduction and Conclusion:
Introduction: Respected Chairperson, honourable judges, and my worthy opponents, standing here today, I strongly affirm the motion that animals should not be kept in zoos. Wild animals belong in the wild, not behind iron bars for human amusement.
Conclusion: In conclusion, keeping majestic creatures caged for our fleeting entertainment violates basic animal rights. Let us support natural conservation rather than imprisonment. Thank you.
In simple words: A debate speech requires a clear stand, strong points with real examples, and a striking beginning and end.

Exam Tip: Use formal debate etiquette ("Respected Chairperson...") and structured arguments to make your speech convincing.

Vocabulary Enhancement - 1

V.1. Pick the correct meaning from the box and write it against each animal idioms given below.
(i) lion's share
(ii) raining cats and dogs
(iii) let the cat out of the bag
(iv) till the cows come home
(v) cry wolf
(vi) dog eat dog world
Answer:
(i) lion's share - the greatest share
(ii) raining cats and dogs - raining heavily
(iii) let the cat out of the bag - reveal a secret
(iv) till the cows come home - for a very long time
(v) cry wolf - give a false alarm
(vi) dog eat dog world - ruthlessly competitive
In simple words: Animal idioms are popular phrases where animal names are used to express figurative meanings.

Exam Tip: Learn common idioms and their literal versus figurative meanings carefully.

V.2. Complete these sentences with the animal idioms from the previous exercise.
(i) In this ____________ you cannot trust anyone.
(ii) We were planning to throw a surprise party for Rafique, but Ratan ____________ by sending him an invitation by mistake.
(iii) Make sure you don't forget your umbrella when you step out; it is ____________.
(iv) In the inter school sports meet, the ____________ of the prizes were won by our school.
(v) The view from the balcony is beautiful, I could sit here ____________.
(vi) We all rushed to his room when we heard his scream, but he was just ____________ in order to trick us.
Answer:
(i) In this dog eat dog world you cannot trust anyone.
(ii) We were planning to throw a surprise party for Rafique, but Ratan let the cat out of the bag by sending him an invitation by mistake.
(iii) Make sure you don't forget your umbrella when you step out; it is raining cats and dogs.
(iv) In the inter school sports meet, the lion's share of the prizes were won by our school.
(v) The view from the balcony is beautiful, I could sit here till the cows come home.
(vi) We all rushed to his room when we heard his scream, but he was just crying wolf in order to trick us.
In simple words: Fill in the blanks with the correct idiom that fits the context of each sentence.

Exam Tip: Read the entire sentence carefully to ensure the chosen idiom matches grammatically and contextually.

V.3. Some words are spelt differently but they sound the same, like there, their. They are called homophones. Match the homophones and make sentences to bring out their meanings.
(i) bear - scene
(ii) wood - won
(iii) seen - bare
(iv) made - would
(v) one - maid
Answer:
Matching pairs:
(i) bear - bare
(ii) wood - would
(iii) seen - scene
(iv) made - maid
(v) one - won

Sentences bringing out their meanings:
- Bear: The fierce grizzly bear roamed through the forest.
- Bare: He walked across the hot sand with bare feet.
- Wood: The carpenter crafted a sturdy chair out of wood.
- Would: If I had more time, I would help you with your homework.
- Seen: Have you ever seen a shooting star?
- Scene: The mountain sunrise created a breathtaking visual scene.
- Made: My mother made a delicious chocolate cake for my birthday.
- Maid: The hotel maid cleaned and tidied the guest rooms.
- One: She won first place and received one gold medal.
- Won: Our school cricket team won the championship trophy.
In simple words: Homophones are words that sound exactly alike but have different spellings and meanings.

Exam Tip: Always construct clear sentences for homophones to demonstrate that you understand both spelling variants.

Proverb Time - 1

P.1. Barking dogs seldom bite. - People who talk too much seldom do much.
Answer: This proverb means that individuals who make the loudest threats or boast constantly are usually the ones who take the least actual action.
In simple words: People who talk big usually do very little.

Exam Tip: Understand the underlying moral lesson of traditional proverbs for English comprehension.

P.2. Don't count your chickens before they're hatched. - Don't be too sure of anything before it actually happens. It may lead to disappointment.
Answer: This proverb advises us not to make plans or celebrate success based on expected future outcomes until those outcomes are securely realized.
In simple words: Never assume success before it actually happens.

Exam Tip: Relate proverbs to real-life situations when explaining their meanings.

P.3. A stitch in time saves nine. - It is better to deal with a problem at an early stage to prevent it from getting worse.
Answer: Timely action on small problems prevents them from multiplying and turning into major disasters later on.
In simple words: Fixing a small problem immediately saves you from bigger trouble later.

Exam Tip: Remember that prompt problem-solving is the core message of this proverb.

P.4. As you sow so shall you reap. - Good actions lead to good results and bad ones to bad results. You have to accept the consequences of your actions.
Answer: Whatever energy, kindness, or malice we put out into the world eventually comes back to impact our own lives.
In simple words: You get back what you give out in life.

Exam Tip: Connect cause and effect to the moral principle taught in this proverb.

P.5. Birds of a feather flock together. - Like minded people stay together.
Answer: People with similar tastes, interests, characters, and values naturally gravitate toward each other's company.
In simple words: People who are alike tend to hang out together.

Exam Tip: Use this proverb when describing friendships between people with shared hobbies.

P.6. A bird in hand is worth two in a bush. - It's better to keep what you have than to risk losing it by searching for something which you think is better.
Answer: It is wiser to value what is already securely in your possession rather than risking everything in pursuit of uncertain gains.
In simple words: Be grateful for what you have now rather than risking it for something uncertain.

Exam Tip: Value certainty over risky speculation when interpreting this proverb.