GSEB Class 6 English Honeysuckle Chapter 10 The Banyan Tree Solutions

(A) Complete the following sentences:

Question 1. The old banyan tree 'did not belong' to grandfather, but only to the boy because ..........
Answer: The old banyan tree did not belong to grandfather, but only to the boy because his sixty-five-year-old grandfather could not climb it.
In simple words: The banyan tree was the boy's, not his grandfather's, because his grandfather was too old to climb it.

Exam Tip: For fill-in-the-blank questions, ensure your completion accurately reflects the story's details and character motivations.

Question 2. The small grey squirrel became friendly when ..........
Answer: The tiny grey squirrel became friendly when it found that the boy did not carry a catapult or an air gun.
In simple words: The squirrel became the boy's friend once it saw he didn't have a weapon like a catapult or air gun.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to the specific actions or conditions that lead to a character's change in behavior or relationship.

Question 3. When the boy started to bring him pieces of cake and biscuit, the squirrel ...........
Answer: When the boy started to bring him pieces of cake and biscuit, the squirrel began taking food directly from the author's hands.
In simple words: The squirrel began eating from the boy's hand after the boy started offering it cake and biscuits.

Exam Tip: Remember to use descriptive verbs to show the progression of events and relationships in the story.

Question 4. In the spring, the banyan tree .......... and .......... would come there.
Answer: In the spring, the banyan tree was full of small red figs, and birds of all kinds would come there.
In simple words: During springtime, when the banyan tree had many red figs, all sorts of birds would visit it.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to seasonal changes and their effects on the natural environment described in the story.

Question 5. The banyan tree served the boy as a ..........
Answer: The banyan tree served the boy as a library.
In simple words: The boy used the banyan tree as his personal library to read books.

Exam Tip: Note how characters creatively utilize their surroundings for their activities and interests.

Question 6. The young boy spent his afternoons in the tree ..........
Answer: The young boy spent his afternoons in the tree when it was not too hot.
In simple words: The boy would spend his afternoons in the tree, especially when the weather wasn't too warm.

Exam Tip: Consider the specific conditions or times mentioned that influence characters' daily routines.

(B) Answer the following questions:

Question 1. "It was to be a battle of champions.”
(1) What qualities did the two champions have? Pick out words and phrases from the paragraph above this line in the text and write them down.
Answer:

Exam Tip: When asked to list qualities, present them clearly, perhaps using a table or bullet points for better organization.

Question 1. (2) What did the cobra and the mongoose do, to show their readiness for the fight?
Answer: To show their readiness for the fight, the cobra raised itself three feet off the ground. Its forked tongue darted in and out, and it also spread its broad, spectacled hood. The mongoose bushed its tail, and the long hair on its spine stood up.
In simple words: The cobra prepared by lifting itself, flicking its tongue, and spreading its hood. The mongoose showed readiness by fluffing its tail and raising the hair on its back.

Exam Tip: Describe specific, distinct actions for each character to fully explain their preparation for a conflict.

Question 2. Who were the other two spectators? What did they do? (Did they watch, or did they join in the fight?)
Answer: The myna and the jungle crow were the other two spectators. They not only watched the combatants but also took part in the fight.
In simple words: The myna and the jungle crow were watching, and they also got involved in the fight.

Exam Tip: Identify all characters involved in a scene and describe their roles, whether as observers or active participants.

Question 3. Read the descriptions below of what the snake did and what the mongoose did. Arrange their actions in proper order. Did they watch or did they join in the fight?
Answer: The snake and the mongoose both participated in the fight. Here are their actions in proper order:
What the snake did:
(1) Tried to mesmerise the mongoose.
(2) Struck on the side that the mongoose pretended to attack.
(3) Struck the crow.
(4) Struck again and missed.
(5) Coiled itself around the mongoose.
(6) Ceased to struggle.
What the mongoose did:
(1) Refused to look into the snake's eyes.
(2) Pretended to attack the cobra on one side.
(3) Darted away and bit the cobra on the back.
(4) Sprang aside, jumped in and bit.
(5) Grabbed the snake by the snout.
(6) Dragged the snake into the bushes.
In simple words: The snake tried to trick the mongoose with its eyes and attacked it, even hitting a crow. The mongoose avoided looking at the snake's eyes, faked an attack, bit the cobra, and eventually dragged it away. Both joined the fight.

Exam Tip: For sequence-of-events questions, list actions in chronological order and clearly separate actions of different characters.

Question 4.1. What happened to the crow in the end?
Answer: In the end, the crow got bitten by the cobra.
In simple words: The crow was ultimately bitten by the cobra.

Exam Tip: Note the consequences of interference, especially when observing dangerous situations.

Question 4.2. What did the myna do finally?
Answer: In the end, the myna hopped carefully on the ground. It looked closely into the bushes from a safe distance and then flew away with a loud cry of congratulations.
In simple words: The myna carefully checked the bushes, then flew away while making a happy sound.

Exam Tip: Describe the final actions and emotional state of characters after a significant event.

Speaking

Look at these sentences:

• The tree was older than grandfather.
• Grandfather was sixty-five years old.

Question. How old was the tree? Can you guess?
Answer:
• The tree was more than sixty-five years old.
• The tree was as old as Dehra Dun itself.
In simple words: The tree was older than the sixty-five-year-old grandfather, and possibly as ancient as the city of Dehra Dun.

Exam Tip: When making educated guesses, base your estimations on the contextual clues provided in the text.

Question. Suppose Dehra Dun is 300 years old. How old is the tree?
Answer: If Dehra Dun is 300 years old, the tree is also around 300 years old. When two things share a similar age, we use "as...as" to describe them.
In simple words: If Dehra Dun is 300 years old, the tree is also about 300 years old. We use "as...as" to show they are the same age.

Exam Tip: Understand comparative structures like "as...as" for indicating similarity or equality in descriptions.

Here is another set of examples:

• Mr Gupta is 180 centimetres tall.
• Mrs Gupta is 160 centimetres tall.

Mrs Gupta is as tall as Mr Sinha.

Use the words In the box to speak about the people and the things below, using as as or er than.

(Notice that in the word hot the letter 't' is doubled when -er is added.)

Question. (1) Zeba is as tall as Rani. Ruby is shorter than Zeba and Rani.
Answer: Zeba is as tall as Rani. Ruby is shorter than Zeba and Rani.
In simple words: Zeba and Rani are the same height. Ruby is not as tall as either Zeba or Rani.

Exam Tip: Practice using 'as tall as' for equality and 'shorter than' for comparison when describing heights.

Question. (2) Vijay is as strong as Akshay. Anwar is stronger than Vijay and Akshay.
Answer: Vijay is as strong as Akshay. Anwar is stronger than Vijay and Akshay.
In simple words: Vijay and Akshay have the same strength. Anwar has more strength than both Vijay and Akshay.

Exam Tip: Use 'as strong as' for equal strength and 'stronger than' for greater strength in comparisons.

Question. (3) Shimla is as cold as Gangtok. Srinagar is colder than Shimla and Gangtok.
Answer: Shimla is as cold as Gangtok. Srinagar is colder than Shimla and Gangtok.
In simple words: Shimla and Gangtok are equally cold. Srinagar is colder than both Shimla and Gangtok.

Exam Tip: Apply 'as cold as' for similar coldness and 'colder than' for greater coldness when comparing places.

Question. (4) Rom's pencil is as long as Rajas pencil. Mon's pencil is longer than Romis and Rajas pencil.
Answer: Rom's pencil is as long as Rajas' pencil. Mon's pencil is longer than Romis' and Rajas' pencil.
In simple words: Rom and Rajas have pencils of equal length. Mon's pencil is longer than both Rom's and Rajas' pencils.

Exam Tip: Be careful with apostrophes for possessives like "Rajas'" and maintain consistent comparisons.

Question. (5) Delhi is as hot as Nagpur. Delhi and Nagpur are hotter than Chennai.
Answer: Delhi is as hot as Nagpur. Delhi and Nagpur are hotter than Chennai.
In simple words: Delhi and Nagpur are equally hot. Both Delhi and Nagpur are warmer than Chennai.

Exam Tip: Use 'as hot as' for equal temperature and 'hotter than' for higher temperature in geographical comparisons.

Gseb Class 6 English The Banyan Tree Additional Important Questions And Answers

Answer the following questions in one sentence each:

Question 1. Why does the author say that the magnificent old banyan tree belonged to him?
Answer: The author says that the magnificent old banyan tree belonged to him because his grandfather, at sixty-five years old, could no longer climb it.
In simple words: The author felt the banyan tree was his because his grandfather, being sixty-five, could no longer climb it.

Exam Tip: Explain the reasons for ownership or attachment, especially when it's based on unique circumstances.

Question 2. According to the author, how old was the banyan tree?
Answer: According to the author, the banyan tree was older than the house and older than his grandfather, perhaps even as ancient as the city of Dehra Dun itself.
In simple words: The author believes the banyan tree was older than his house and grandfather, possibly as old as Dehra Dun city.

Exam Tip: When discussing age or time, use comparative language to convey the author's perspective effectively.

Question 3. What would happen to the banyan tree during spring?
Answer: During spring, when the banyan tree was full of small red figs, various birds would gather in its branches; red-bottomed bulbuls, cheerful and greedy parrots, mynas, and crows would squabble with each other. This made the banyan tree the loudest spot in the garden.
In simple words: In spring, when red figs grew on the banyan tree, many birds like bulbuls, parrots, mynas, and crows came to eat and fight, making the tree the loudest place.

Exam Tip: Detail the changes in nature and wildlife activity during different seasons as described in the narrative.

Question 4. How did the cobra show that he was ready to fight?
Answer: The cobra showed its readiness to fight by raising three of its six feet off the ground and spreading its broad, spectacled hood.
In simple words: The cobra prepared for battle by lifting part of its body and fanning out its hood.

Exam Tip: Focus on the specific physical displays or postures characters adopt to signal their intentions.

Question 5. Why had the crow and the myna settled on the cactus?
Answer: The crow and the myna had settled on the cactus to watch the outcome of the fight between the mongoose and the cobra.
In simple words: The crow and myna sat on the cactus because they wanted to watch the mongoose and cobra fight.

Exam Tip: Identify the observers in a scene and their motivation for being present.

Question 6. Where did the mongoose fix his gaze before opening the attack and why?
Answer: The mongoose fixed its gaze at a point below the cobra's hood just before opening the attack because the mongoose was aware of the power of the cobra's glassy, unwinking eyes.
In simple words: The mongoose looked below the cobra's head before attacking because it knew the cobra's eyes were dangerous.

Exam Tip: Explain both the action and the reasoning behind a character's strategic moves in a conflict.

Question 7. Which creatures lived in the banyan tree?
Answer: Squirrels, snails, and butterflies lived in the banyan tree.
In simple words: Squirrels, snails, and butterflies made their home in the banyan tree.

Exam Tip: List all mentioned inhabitants of a particular setting to show comprehensive understanding.

Question 8. Why did the squirrel's relatives think him foolish and headstrong?
Answer: The young squirrel became friendly with the writer, a human being, so his relatives thought him foolish and headstrong.
In simple words: The squirrel's family believed he was foolish and stubborn because he befriended a human.

Exam Tip: Explain family or community reactions to unconventional behavior, especially when it involves perceived risks.

Question 9. When did birds of all kinds flock into the branches of the banyan tree? Why?
Answer: In the spring, red-bottomed bulbuls, parrots, mynas, and crows gathered in the branches of the banyan tree. They came because the tree was full of small red figs, which served as food.
In simple words: All sorts of birds came to the banyan tree in spring because it was full of tasty red figs for them to eat.

Exam Tip: When asked "why" for an event, ensure your answer clearly states the reason or motivation.

Question 10. What did the writer do when he did not feel like reading among the branches of the banyan tree?
Answer: When the writer did not feel like reading among the branches of the banyan tree, he would look down through the leaves at the world below.
In simple words: Instead of reading, the writer would gaze down through the leaves at everything happening below the tree.

Exam Tip: Describe alternative activities characters engage in when their primary activity is paused or undesired.

Question 11. How was the hood of the cobra?
Answer: The hood of the cobra was broad and spectacled.
In simple words: The cobra's hood was wide and marked with a pattern that looked like spectacles.

Exam Tip: Use precise descriptive adjectives to illustrate physical features of animals or objects.

Question 12. Why were the cobra and the mongoose unaware of the presence of the writer?
Answer: The cobra and the mongoose were unaware of the writer's presence because he was hiding in the banyan tree.
In simple words: The writer was hidden in the banyan tree, so the cobra and mongoose did not know he was there.

Exam Tip: Identify the factors that contribute to a character's invisibility or undetected presence in a scene.

Question 13. When would all have been well with the myna and the crow?
Answer: All would have been well with the myna and the crow had they been content only to watch and not interfered in their fight.
In simple words: The myna and crow would have been safe if they had only watched the fight instead of getting involved.

Exam Tip: Consider the hypothetical outcomes when characters make different choices or act with more caution.

Question 14. What happened when the myna and the crow hurled themselves at the cobra first time?
Answer: When the myna and the crow hurled themselves at the cobra the first time, they collided heavily in mid-air.
In simple words: The myna and crow crashed into each other in the air when they first attacked the cobra.

Exam Tip: Describe the immediate and direct consequences of rash or uncoordinated actions.

Question 15. How many efforts did the myna and the crow do to interfere the fight between the cobra and the mongoose?
Answer: The myna and the crow made three attempts to interfere with the fight between the cobra and the mongoose.
In simple words: The myna and crow tried three times to get involved in the cobra and mongoose fight.

Exam Tip: Quantify actions when appropriate, such as specifying the number of attempts made by characters.

Answer the following questions in two or three sentences each:

Question 1. Describe the banyan tree.
Answer: The banyan tree was as old as Dehra Dun itself. This huge tree possessed spreading branches that hung to the ground and took root again, forming numerous twisting passages. Squirrels, snails, and butterflies lived among these passages.
In simple words: The banyan tree was very old, like Dehra Dun city. It had wide branches that rooted to the ground, making many secret paths where squirrels, snails, and butterflies lived.

Exam Tip: Use vivid adjectives and detail physical features, age, and inhabitants when describing natural elements.

Question 2. Who was the first friend of the writer? How did the writer become friendly with him?
Answer: A small grey squirrel was the writer's first friend. The writer became friendly with him when the squirrel realized he had no catapult or air gun. The writer then brought him pieces of cake and biscuits, making the squirrel quite bold and soon taking morsels from his hand.
In simple words: The writer's first friend was a small grey squirrel. They became friends after the squirrel saw the writer had no weapons and the writer fed it treats.

Exam Tip: Clearly identify characters and explain the progression of their relationships, highlighting key actions or realizations.

Question 3. Write three sentences about the writer's banyan tree library.
Answer: The writer had built a simple platform where he would spend his afternoons when the weather was not too hot. He could read there, propping himself up against the tree with a cushion from the living room. Books like Treasure Island, Huckleberry Finn, and The Story of Dr. Dolittle made up the writer's banyan tree library.
In simple words: The writer made a platform in the tree to read in the afternoons. He would lean against the tree with a cushion. Books like Treasure Island were part of his tree library.

Exam Tip: Provide specific details, such as the location, purpose, and content, when describing a personal space or collection.

Question 4. Why does the narrator call the fight of the cobra and the mongoose 'The Battle of Champions'?
Answer: The narrator calls the fight of the cobra and the mongoose 'The Battle of Champions' because both animals were highly skilled fighters. The mongoose was known for being clever and aggressive, while the cobra was a very skillful and experienced fighter.
In simple words: The narrator calls it a 'Battle of Champions' because both the cobra and mongoose were excellent fighters, with the mongoose being smart and strong, and the cobra being skilled and experienced.

Exam Tip: Justify character descriptions by highlighting specific traits and abilities that support the given title or epithet.

Question 5. How did the mongoose and the cobra prepare themselves for the upcoming fight?
Answer: Hissing defiance, the cobra darted its forked tongue in and out. It then raised three of its six feet off the ground and spread its broad, spectacled hood. The mongoose bushed its tail, causing the long hair on its spine to stand up.
In simple words: The cobra hissed, flicked its tongue, lifted its body, and spread its hood. The mongoose fluffed its tail and raised the hair on its back, showing they were ready to fight.

Exam Tip: Detail the distinct actions each participant takes to signal readiness for a confrontation.

Answer the following questions in four to five sentences each:

Question 1. How did the cobra kill the crow?
Answer: The crow and the myna were determined to join the fight between the cobra and the mongoose. During the third round of the fight, the crow dived at the cobra but missed its target. Although it managed to fly mid-air, it decided to turn back towards the cobra. However, before the crow could do so, the cobra quickly whipped its head back and violently struck the crow with its snout. The crow's body was flung twenty feet across the garden, fluttered for some time, and then lay motionless.
In simple words: The crow tried to join the fight by diving at the cobra but missed. As it turned back, the cobra quickly struck it with its snout, flinging the crow far away, where it died.

Exam Tip: Describe the sequence of events leading to a fatality, including all actions by the aggressor and the victim.

Question 2. How did the author make use of the banyan tree in his grandfather's house?
Answer: The author was very fond of the banyan tree at his grandfather's house. He had constructed a simple platform where he would spend his afternoons when the weather was not too hot. He had created his own library there, reading books such as Treasure Island, Huckleberry Finn, and The Story of Dr. Dolittle. When he did not feel like reading, he would look down through the leaves at the world below.
In simple words: The author loved the banyan tree and built a platform in it. He used it as his library to read books like Treasure Island on hot afternoons. If he didn't want to read, he would simply watch the world from above.

Exam Tip: Provide specific examples of how a character interacts with and utilizes a significant natural feature in their environment.

Question 3. Why has the author said that it was to be a battle of champions?
Answer: One afternoon, while the author was relaxing on his simple platform in the banyan tree, he observed a huge black cobra gliding out of a clump of cactus below. Simultaneously, a mongoose emerged from the bushes and headed directly for the cobra. They confronted each other at a clearing beneath the banyan tree. The cobra was a skillful and experienced fighter, capable of swift movement and striking with lightning speed, possessing deadly poison in its fangs. The mongoose, on the other hand, was three feet long, a superior fighter, clever, and aggressive. Therefore, the author described it as a battle of champions due to such formidable opponents.
In simple words: The author called it a "battle of champions" because he saw a strong cobra and a clever mongoose get ready to fight under the banyan tree. Both animals were excellent and dangerous fighters, making it a powerful match.

Exam Tip: When explaining a title or metaphor, provide detailed descriptions of the key elements or characters that justify its use.

Question 4. Describe the interference of the myna and the crow in the fight between the cobra and the mongoose.
Answer: The myna and crow initially hurled themselves at the snake, colliding heavily in mid-air. A second time, they dived at the snake again and bumped into each other. Then, still determined to participate, they dived a third time at the cobra, but this time they missed both each other and their target. The myna flew back, but the crow was bitten by the cobra and sadly lost its life.
In simple words: The myna and crow tried to join the fight three times. They crashed into each other twice while attacking the snake. The third time, they missed, and the crow was bitten by the cobra and died.

Exam Tip: Detail the repeated attempts of interfering characters, noting their impact and the ultimate consequences of their involvement.

Question 5. How did the mongoose win over the cobra in the fight?
Answer: The cobra was weakening after a prolonged fight, yet the mongoose continued to approach it fearlessly. The mongoose raised itself on its short legs and, with a quick snap, caught the large snake by its snout. The cobra writhed and thrashed wildly and even coiled itself around the mongoose, but without effect. Finally, gripping the snake firmly around its hood, the mongoose dragged it into the bushes.
In simple words: After a long fight, the weakening cobra was caught by its snout when the mongoose quickly snapped at it. Even though the cobra struggled and coiled, the mongoose held on, then dragged the snake into the bushes to win.

Exam Tip: Highlight the decisive actions and sustained effort of the victorious character, illustrating their strategy and determination.

Select the most appropriate options as answers and complete the following sentences:

Question 1. The old banyan tree was mine because ...........
A. the land in which it had grown belonged to his grandparents.
B. the grand father could no longer climb it.
C. he had given it a special name.
D. every morning he watered it.
Answer: (B) the grand father could no longer climb it.
In simple words: The banyan tree felt like the boy's because his grandfather was too old to climb it anymore.

Exam Tip: Choose the option that best explains the emotional or personal connection described in the narrative.

Question 2. The banyan tree was older than ...........
A. the writer's grandfather.
B. their house.
C. Dehra Dun.
D. Both A and B
Answer: (D) Both A and B
In simple words: The banyan tree was older than both the writer's grandfather and their house.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to comparative statements in the text that establish the age of different elements.

Question 3. The small grey squirrel became friendly with the writer when ...........
A. he saw that the writer had no air gun.
B. he saw that the writer had no catapult.
C. he saw that the writer had biscuits to feed him.
D. Both A and B
Answer: (D) Both A and B
In simple words: The small grey squirrel became friends with the writer when it realized the writer had neither an air gun nor a catapult.

Exam Tip: Combine all correct conditions or reasons mentioned in the text for a complete answer, especially when "Both A and B" is an option.

Question 4. The squirrel's friends and relatives probably thought him foolish and headstrong as ...........
A. he was trusting a human.
B. he was wasting time with a human.
C. he fed himself on cakes and biscuits.
D. he never played with squirrels.
Answer: (A) he was trusting a human.
In simple words: The squirrel's family believed he was foolish and stubborn for trusting a human.

Exam Tip: Understand the cultural or social norms within the story's animal community to explain their judgment of the squirrel's actions.

Question 5. During the ........... season, the banyan tree was the noisiest place in the garden.
A. winter
B. summer
C. spring
D. monsoon
Answer: (C) spring
In simple words: The banyan tree was the loudest spot in the garden during the spring season.

Exam Tip: Recall specific details about the banyan tree's activity and what season it occurred in.

Question 6. What does the writer term as a grand stand view?
A. the banyan tree full of small red figs.
B. watching the world below sitting among the branches of the tree.
C. a fight between a mongoose and a cobra.
D. view of parrots. myna and crows squabbling with one another.
Answer: (C) a fight between a mongoose and a cobra.
In simple words: The writer called the fight between the mongoose and a cobra a "grandstand view" because it was an exciting and clear spectacle.

Exam Tip: Understand the figurative language used by the author and its specific application in the narrative.

Question 7. The writer saw a cobra coming out of ...........
A. the hollow of the banyan tree.
B. the bushes.
C. a clump of cactus.
D. a hole under the banyan tree.
Answer: (C) a clump of cactus.
In simple words: The writer saw the cobra emerging from a cluster of cactus plants.

Exam Tip: Remember the precise details of the setting and where key events unfold.

Question 8. Deadly poison of a snake is stored in ...........
A. its mouth.
B. its teeth.
C. the sacs behind its fangs.
D. its throat.
Answer: (C) the sacs behind its fangs.
In simple words: The snake's lethal poison is kept in small sacs located behind its fangs.

Exam Tip: Recall specific biological details mentioned about the animals in the story.

Question 9. Who were the spectators of the fight?
A. a myna.
B. a jungle crow.
C. the writer himself.
D. All of the three given above
Answer: (D) All of the three given above
In simple words: The myna, the jungle crow, and the writer himself were all watching the fight.

Exam Tip: When an option says "All of the above," double-check if each individual option is indeed correct based on the story.

Question 10. When the crow and the myna hurled themselves at the cobra, ...........
A. the cobra lost its attention on the mongoose.
B. the cobra hissed at them.
C. they collided heavily in mid-air.
D. the mongoose got a chance to attack the cobra.
Answer: (C) they collided heavily in mid-air.
In simple words: When the crow and myna attacked the cobra, they crashed into each other in the middle of the air.

Exam Tip: Remember the specific outcome of the birds' first attempt to interfere in the fight.

Question 11. What happened to the crow who interfered in the fight between the cobra and the mongoose?
A. the mongoose bit him and he died.
B. the cobra bit him and he died.
C. it flew back to the cactus.
D. it flew away anticipating danger.
Answer: (B) the cobra bit him and he died.
In simple words: The crow that got involved in the fight was bitten by the cobra and passed away.

Exam Tip: Distinguish between the fates of different interfering characters and the precise cause of any injury or death.

Question 12. What did the mongoose do to the snake after killing it?
A. The mongoose ate it up.
B. The mongoose dragged it into the bushes.
C. The mongoose left it lying dead.
D. The mongoose leapt up and started dancing with joy.
Answer: (B) The mongoose dragged it into the bushes.
In simple words: After defeating the snake, the mongoose pulled its body into the bushes.

Exam Tip: Recall the final action performed by the victor after a battle or confrontation.

Question 13. Which feature of the banyan tree provided a complex environment for its inhabitants?
A. The construction made in the open ground.
B. Squirrels and snails
C. The hanging branches of the banyan tree.
D. Butterflies
Answer: (C) The hanging branches of the banyan tree.
In simple words: The banyan tree's hanging branches were a home for many creatures.

Exam Tip: Identify the specific parts of the banyan tree that served as habitats or unique structural elements mentioned in the story.

Question 14. The writer could spy the world ...........
A. with his camera.
B. from the top of his house.
C. hiding himself behind the branches of, the banyan tree.
D. by peeping through 'the window of his old house.
Answer: (C) hiding himself behind the branches of, the banyan tree.
In simple words: The writer could secretly watch the world by staying hidden among the banyan tree's branches.

Exam Tip: Recognize the writer's vantage point and the method used for observing the surroundings.

Question 15. Who was the writer's first friend?
A. A small grey squirrel.
B. A boy in the neighbourhood.
C. His grandfather.
D. A red-bottomed bulbul.
Answer: (A) A small grey squirrel.
In simple words: The writer's first friend was a little grey squirrel.

Exam Tip: Clearly identify the primary characters and their initial relationships as presented in the story.

Question 16. What did the parrots, myna and crows keep doing all the while?
A. Twittering
B. Cawing
C. Squabbling with one another
D. Hopping from one branch to another
Answer: (C) Squabbling with one another
In simple words: The parrots, myna, and crows were constantly fighting and arguing among themselves.

Exam Tip: Focus on the most frequent and characteristic actions of groups of animals as described in the narrative.

Question 17. The banyan tree was the noisiest place during ...........
A. winter
B. summer
C. spring
D. monsoon
Answer: (C) spring
In simple words: The banyan tree was the loudest area during the spring season.

Exam Tip: Connect the intensity of noise with specific seasons or events as mentioned in the text.

Question 18. A huge black cobra emerged from __________
(a) a hole under the banyan tree.
(b) a clump of cactus.
(c) a burrow beside the banyan tree.
(d) the trunk of the tree.
Answer: (b) a clump of cactus.
In simple words: The big black snake appeared from a cluster of spiky plants.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to descriptive words like 'clump' as they provide specific details about the setting.

Question 19. The mongoose was __________
(a) grey in colour.
(b) three feet long.
(c) clever and aggressive.
(d) All of the options
Answer: (a) grey in colour.
In simple words: The mongoose had a gray color.

Exam Tip: For descriptive questions, remember key visual details about characters or animals, such as their color or size.

Question 20. The tail of the mongoose was...
(a) bushy.
(b) spectacled.
(c) very long.
(d) broad.
Answer: (a) bushy.
In simple words: The mongoose had a thick, furry tail.

Exam Tip: Note specific physical attributes mentioned in the text to answer descriptive questions accurately.

Question 21. By swaying slowly from side to side, the cobra was trying to ....
(a) evade the mongoose.
(b) mesmerize the mongoose into making a false move.
(c) tire out mongoose to carry on the fight further.
Answer: (b) mesmerize the mongoose into making a false move.
In simple words: The cobra moved slowly from side to side, attempting to hypnotize the mongoose and trick it.

Exam Tip: Understand the predatory tactics described for each animal to explain their actions during the fight.

Question 22. While fighting, the eyes of the cobra were __________
(a) glassy.
(b) blood-shot.
(c) unwinking.
(d) Both A and C
Answer: (d) Both A and C
In simple words: The cobra's eyes were shiny like glass and did not blink while it fought.

Exam Tip: Recall details about the cobra's appearance during the fight, such as its eyes, to provide a complete answer.

Question 23. The myna and the crow were sitting...
(a) on the top branch of the banyan tree.
(b) on a cactus.
(c) on the terrace of the writer's old house.
(d) in the bushes nearby.
Answer: (b) on a cactus.
In simple words: The two birds were perched on a thorny plant.

Exam Tip: Identify the specific observation points of the spectators in the story.

Question 24. The crow died of...
(a) the cobra-bite.
(b) the mongoose-bite.
(c) the collision with myna in the midair.
(d) shot from the writer's air gun.
Answer: (a) the cobra-bite.
In simple words: The crow was killed by a bite from the cobra.

Exam Tip: Remember the outcome of the crow's interference in the fight to answer this question.

Complete The Incomplete Sentences:

Question 1. The tree was older than ..........
Answer: The tree was older than the house, older than the writer's grandfather.
In simple words: The banyan tree was older than both the family's house and the writer's grandfather.

Exam Tip: When completing sentences, ensure the added information is consistent with the story's context and details.

Question 2. The writer lived in ...........
Answer: The writer lived in the house that belonged to his grandparents.
In simple words: The writer resided in his grandparents' home.

Exam Tip: For fill-in-the-blanks, recall who owned the house where the writer lived.

Question 3. When the squirrel found that the writer was not armed with .......... he became friendly.
Answer: When the squirrel found that the writer was not armed with catapult or air gun, he became friendly.
In simple words: The squirrel became friendly once it realized the writer didn't have any weapons.

Exam Tip: Understand the reasons for the squirrel's change in behavior and its eventual trust in the writer.

Question 4. Halfway up the tree, the writer had built ..........
Answer: Halfway up the tree, the writer had built a crude platform to spend his afternoons.
In simple words: The writer constructed a simple wooden area in the middle of the tree for spending his afternoons.

Exam Tip: Remember what the writer built in the banyan tree and its purpose.

Question 5. The gardener had gone into his house because of ..........
Answer: The gardener had gone into his house because of terrible heat of summer.
In simple words: The gardener entered his house due to the very hot summer weather.

Exam Tip: Connect the gardener's action to the prevailing weather conditions mentioned in the story.

Question 6. Hissing defiance, the cobra's forked tongue was ..........
Answer: Hissing defiance, the cobra's forked tongue was darting in and out.
In simple words: The cobra's split tongue moved quickly in and out while it made a hissing sound of challenge.

Exam Tip: Describe the cobra's actions and movements, especially its tongue, when it was ready to fight.

Question 7. The cobra and the mongoose were unaware of ..........
Answer: The cobra and the mongoose were unaware of the writer's presence in the tree.
In simple words: Both the cobra and the mongoose did not know the writer was watching them from the tree.

Exam Tip: Recall where the writer was positioned during the fight and why the animals didn't notice him.

Question 8. When the myna and the crow flew mid-air first time, they...
Answer: When the myna and the crow flew mid-air first time, they collided heavily in mid-air.
In simple words: The myna and crow crashed into each other in the air during their first attempt.

Exam Tip: Remember the initial failed attempt by the birds to interfere in the fight.

State Whether The Following Sentences Are True Or False. Put 'T' For True And 'F' For False:

Question 1. The hanging branches of the banyan tree took root again.
Answer: True
In simple words: It is true that the tree's branches grew down and formed new roots.

Exam Tip: Recall the unique characteristic of banyan trees mentioned in the story, where branches form new roots.

Question 2. The twisting passages formed by the branches of the banyan tree confused the writer a lot.
Answer: False
In simple words: It is false; the writer was not confused by the tree's branches.

Exam Tip: The writer was familiar with the tree and used its passages, so he was not confused.

Question 3. The squirrel's friends and relatives thought him wise and smart for trusting a human.
Answer: False
In simple words: It is false; the squirrel's friends and family believed he was foolish for trusting a person.

Exam Tip: Remember that the squirrel's relatives considered his friendship with a human to be foolish or headstrong.

Question 4. The banyan tree was a library for the writer.
Answer: True
In simple words: It is true; the writer considered the banyan tree his special place for reading books.

Exam Tip: Recognize the figurative language used to describe the writer's use of the tree for reading.

Question 5. The writer wanted to have a swim with the buffaloes
Answer: True
In simple words: It is true that the writer thought about swimming with the buffaloes.

Exam Tip: Recall the writer's thoughts and daydreams while relaxing in the tree.

Question 6. A mongoose emerged from the bushes.
Answer: True
In simple words: It is true that the mongoose came out from the shrubs.

Exam Tip: Remember where the mongoose appeared from just before the fight began.

Question 7. The cobra was three metres long.
Answer: False
In simple words: It is false; the story states the mongoose was three feet long, not the cobra.

Exam Tip: Distinguish between the sizes of the mongoose and the cobra as described in the text.

Question 8. The cobra was a skilful and experienced fighter.
Answer: True
In simple words: It is true that the cobra was an expert and skilled combatant.

Exam Tip: Identify the qualities of the cobra that made it a formidable opponent.

Question 9. After the bite of the cobra, the crow flung nearly twenty feet away.
Answer: True
In simple words: It is true that after being bitten, the crow was thrown a significant distance.

Exam Tip: Recall the immediate consequence of the cobra's strike on the crow.

Question 10. In the last move the mongoose had the big snake by the snout.
Answer: True
In simple words: It is true; at the end of the fight, the mongoose held the large snake by its nose.

Exam Tip: Remember the decisive action taken by the mongoose to defeat the cobra.

(B) Read The Following Passages And Answer The Questions Given Below Them:

My first friend was a small grey squirrel. Arching his back and sniffing into the air, he seemed at first to resent my invasion of his privacy. But when he found that I did not arm myself with catapult or air gun, he became friendly and when I started bringing him pieces of cake and biscuit he grew quite bold and was soon taking morsels from hand. Before long, he was delving into my pockets and helping himself to whatever he could find. He was a very young squirrel and his friends and relatives probably thought him foolish and headstrong for trusting a human.

Question 1. Who was the author's first friend and how did he first react to the presence of the author?
Answer: A small grey squirrel was the author's first friend. He felt insecure and used to resent the author's presence as he felt it was an invasion of his privacy.
In simple words: The writer's first friend was a little grey squirrel. At first, it disliked the writer being there because it felt its personal space was invaded.

Exam Tip: For passage-based questions, accurately identify the character and their initial feelings as described.

Question 2. When did the author's friend become friendly with the author?
Answer: When the author's friend found out that the author had no catapult or air gun, he became friendly with the author.
In simple words: The squirrel became friendly with the writer when it realized the writer carried no weapons.

Exam Tip: Pinpoint the specific event that caused the squirrel to trust the author and become friendly.

Question 3. When the author started getting pieces of cake and biscuit for his friend, the squirrel became...?
Answer: When the author started getting pieces of cake and biscuit for his friend, the squirrel became quite bold and soon began taking morsels from the author's hand.
In simple words: The squirrel became very brave and began eating food directly from the writer's hand after being offered treats.

Exam Tip: Show how the squirrel's trust and familiarity with the author grew over time due to the offerings.

Question 4. Why would the author's friend delve into his pockets?
Answer: The author's friend would delve into his pockets to help himself with whatever he could find there to eat.
In simple words: The squirrel would go into the writer's pockets to get any food it could find for itself.

Exam Tip: Explain the squirrel's motivation, which was to find more food, demonstrating its growing confidence.

Question 5. Why would the relatives and friends of the squirrel think him to be foolish and headstrong?
Answer: The relatives and the friends of the squirrel think him to be foolish and headstrong for trusting a human.
In simple words: The other squirrels believed he was foolish and stubborn for trusting a human being.

Exam Tip: Highlight the contrast between the squirrel's actions and the typical cautious behavior expected by other squirrels.

Halfway up the tree I had built a crude platform where I would spend the afternoons when it was not too hot. I could read there propping myself up against the tree with a cushion from the living room. Treasure Island, Huckleberry Finn and The Story of Dr Dolittle were some of the books that made up my banyan tree library. When I did not feel like reading, I could look down through the leaves at the world below. And on one particular afternoon I had a grandstand view of that classic of the Indian wilds, a fight between a mongoose and a cobra.

Question 1. What had the author built halfway up the tree ?
Answer: The author had built a crude platform halfway up the tree.
In simple words: The writer built a simple, rough wooden area partway up the tree.

Exam Tip: State clearly what the author constructed in the tree, as mentioned directly in the passage.

Question 2. What would the author do on a crude platform' built halfway up the tree ?
Answer: The author would spend the afternoons on a crude platform built halfway up the tree when it was not too hot. He would read there propping himself up against the tree with a cushion from the living room.
In simple words: The writer spent his afternoons on the platform when it wasn't too hot, reading books while leaning against the tree with a cushion.

Exam Tip: Detail the various activities the author engaged in on the platform, including reading and relaxing.

Question 3. What books were part of the writer's banyan tree library?
Answer: Books like Treasure Island, Huckleberry Finn, and The Story of Dr. Dolittle were some of the books that made up the writer's banyan tree library.
In simple words: The writer's tree library contained books such as Treasure Island, Huckleberry Finn, and The Story of Dr. Dolittle.

Exam Tip: List the specific book titles mentioned in the passage as part of the author's collection.

Question 4. What did the author do when he did not read?
Answer: When the author did not read, he would look down through the leaves at the world below.
In simple words: If the writer wasn't reading, he would gaze down through the leaves at the surroundings.

Exam Tip: Mention the author's alternative activity, which involved observing his surroundings from the tree.

Question 5. What grandstand view did the author have on one particular afternoon?
Answer: One particular afternoon, the author had a grandstand view of the classic Indian wilds, a fight between the mongoose and the cobra.
In simple words: On one afternoon, the writer watched a major fight between a mongoose and a cobra from his tree perch.

Exam Tip: Clearly state the significant event the author witnessed from his vantage point in the tree.

The warm breezes of approaching summer had sent everyone, including the gardener, into the house. I was feeling drowsy myself, wondering if I should go to the pond and have a swim with Ramu and the buffaloes, when I saw a huge black cobra gliding out of a clump of cactus. At the same time a mongoose emerged from the bushes and went straight for the cobra. In a clearing beneath the banyan tree, in bright sunshine, they came face to face. The cobra knew only too well that the grey mongoose, three feet long, was a superb fighter, clever and aggressive. But the cobra, too, was a skilful and an experienced fighter. He could move swiftly and strike with the speed of light and the sacs behind his long sharp fangs were full of deadly poison. It was to be a battle of champions.

Question 1. Why had everyone including the gardener gone inside the house?
Answer: The warm breezes of the approaching summer had sent everyone including the gardener inside the house.
In simple words: Everyone, including the gardener, had gone inside the house because of the hot summer winds.

Exam Tip: Explain the reason for everyone seeking shelter indoors, relating it to the weather conditions.

Question 2. What was the author thinking of doing?
Answer: The author was thinking of going to the pond and having a swim with Ramu and the buffaloes.
In simple words: The writer was considering going for a swim in the pond with Ramu and the buffaloes.

Exam Tip: Identify the specific activity the author considered doing to cool off.

Question 3. What did the author see as he sat on the crude platform one fine afternoon?
Answer: One fine afternoon as the author sat on his crude platform he saw a huge black cobra gliding out of a clump of cactus. He also saw a mongoose emerge from the bushes and going straight for the cobra.
In simple words: While on his platform, the writer saw a large black cobra come out from some cactus, and then a mongoose appear from the bushes and head toward the cobra.

Exam Tip: Describe the sequence of events the author observed, focusing on the appearance of both animals.

Question 4. What was the cobra aware of?
Answer: The cobra was aware that the mongoose, who was three feet long, was a superb fighter, clever and aggressive.
In simple words: The cobra knew the mongoose was a very good, smart, and fierce fighter, being three feet in length.

Exam Tip: Explain the cobra's perception of the mongoose's fighting abilities and characteristics.

Question 5. Describe the cobra.
Answer: The cobra was a skilful and an experienced fighter. He could move swiftly and strike with the speed of light. The sacs behind his long sharp fangs were full of deadly poison.
In simple words: The cobra was a skilled and experienced fighter that moved fast and struck quickly. It also had venomous sacs behind its long, sharp fangs.

Exam Tip: Provide details about the cobra's fighting skills, speed, and dangerous venom.

The cobra stood on the defensive, swaying slowly from side to side, trying to mesmerise the mongoose into making a false move. But the mongoose knew the power of his opponent's glassy, unwinking eyes and refused to meet them. Instead he fixed his gaze at a point just below the cobra's hood and opened the attack. Moving forward quickly until he was just within the cobra's reach, the mongoose made a pretended move to one side. Immediately the cobra struck. His great hood came down so swiftly that I thought nothing could save the mongoose. But the little fellow jumped neatly to one side, and darted in as swiftly as the cobra, biting the snake on the back and darting away again out of reach. At the same moment that the cobra struck, the crow and the myna hurled themselves at him, only to collide heavily in mid-air. Shrieking insults at each other they returned to the cactus plant. A few drops of blood glistened on the cobra's back.

Question 1. How was the cobra trying to mesmerise the mongoose?
Answer: The cobra was swaying slowly from side to side in order to mesmerise the mongoose.
In simple words: The cobra tried to hypnotize the mongoose by moving its body slowly from side to side.

Exam Tip: Explain the specific technique the cobra used to try and trick its opponent.

Question 2. Why did the mongoose not meet the eyes of the cobra?
Answer: The mongoose was aware of the power of the glassy, unwinking eyes of the cobra. Hence, he did not meet the cobra's eyes.
In simple words: The mongoose knew the cobra's unblinking, shiny eyes had power to confuse, so it avoided looking directly at them.

Exam Tip: Focus on the mongoose's intelligence and its strategy to counter the cobra's mesmerizing gaze.

Question 3. Why did the author think that nothing would be able to save the mongoose?
Answer: As the fight between the mongoose and the cobra was gaining momentum, the mongoose in order to misguide the cobra pretended to move to one side. Immediately the cobra struck with his great hood very swiftly on the mongoose. Hence the author thought that nothing would be able to save the mongoose.
In simple words: When the cobra struck quickly with its hood after being tricked, the author thought the mongoose couldn't escape because the attack was so fast and powerful.

Exam Tip: Explain the author's reasoning based on the speed and force of the cobra's strike.

Question 4. How did the mongoose save himself?
Answer: The mongoose jumped neatly to one side and darted in as swiftly as the cobra, biting the snake on the back and darting away again out of reach.
In simple words: The mongoose quickly jumped aside, bit the cobra on the back, and then darted away before the cobra could react.

Exam Tip: Describe the mongoose's quick and effective counter-move, showing its agility and predatory skill.

Question 5. Why did the crow and the myna hurl insults at each other?
Answer: To join the fight, the crow and the myna both hurled themselves on the cobra at the same time. However, they collided heavily in mid-air. Hence they returned to the cactus plant hurling insults at each other.
In simple words: The crow and myna yelled at each other because they crashed into each other while trying to attack the cobra, ruining their attempt to join the fight.

Exam Tip: Explain the birds' intended action (joining the fight) and the accidental collision that led to their squabbling.

I saw the bird flung nearly twenty feet across the garden. It fluttered about for a while, then lay still. The myna remained on the cactus plant and when the snake and the mongoose returned to the fight, very wisely decided not to interfere again. The cobra was weakening and the mongoose, walking fearlessly up to it, raised himself on his short legs and with a lightning snap had the big snake by the snout. The cobra writhed and lashed about in a frightening manner and even coiled itself about the mongoose, but to no avail. along its quivering length, gripped it round the hood and dragged it into the bushes. The myna dropped cautiously to the ground, hopped about, peered into the bushes from a safe distance and then, with a shrill cry of congratulation, flew away.

Question 1. Why did the myna decide not to interfere again?
Answer: The myna had witnessed the crow losing its life in the quest of participating in the fight. Hence, it decided not to interfere again in the fight.
In simple words: The myna saw the crow die while trying to join the fight, so it decided not to get involved anymore.

Exam Tip: Connect the myna's decision to its observation of the crow's fatal mistake.

Question 2. What did the mongoose do after it saw that the cobra was weakening?
Answer: After it saw that the cobra was weakening, the mongoose walked fearlessly up to it, raised himself on his short legs and with a lightning snap had the big snake by the snout.
In simple words: Seeing the cobra weaken, the mongoose bravely approached it, stood on its back legs, and quickly bit the snake's nose.

Exam Tip: Describe the mongoose's confident and decisive actions when it perceived the cobra's vulnerability.

Question 3. How did the mongoose kill the cobra?
Answer: Once the mongoose had the cobra by its snout, the cobra writhed and lashed about in a frightening manner and even coiled itself around the mongoose, but to no avail. The mongoose hung grimly on until the snake had ceased to struggle.
In simple words: The mongoose held the cobra tightly by its snout and kept holding on until the snake stopped fighting, despite the cobra's struggles.

Exam Tip: Explain the final, persistent action of the mongoose that led to the cobra's defeat.

Question 4. What did the mongoose do after the snake had ceased to struggle?
Answer: After the snake had ceased to struggle, the mongoose smelt the snake along its quivering length, gripped it round the hood and dragged it into the bushes.
In simple words: Once the snake stopped moving, the mongoose sniffed its body, grabbed it by the head, and pulled it into the bushes.

Exam Tip: Describe the mongoose's post-fight actions, including ensuring the cobra was dead and removing it from the scene.

Question 5. What did the myna do after the mongoose dragged the cobra into the bushes?
Answer: After the mongoose dragged the cobra into the bushes, the myna dropped cautiously to the ground, hopped about, peered into the bushes from a safe distance and then with a shrill cry of congratulation, flew away.
In simple words: After the mongoose took the cobra away, the myna landed carefully, looked into the bushes from afar, and then flew off with a loud shout of victory.

Exam Tip: Detail the myna's cautious curiosity and its final action of celebration after the fight concluded.

Working With Language

(A)

Question 1. The word 'round' usually means a kind of shape. What is its meaning in the story?
Answer: In this story, the word 'round' means the stage in a fight or in a competition.
In simple words: Here, 'round' refers to a specific phase or part of a fight or contest.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to context clues to determine the specific meaning of a word when it has multiple definitions.

Question 2. Find five words in the following paragraph, which are generally associated with trees. But here, they have been used differently. Underline the words. Hari leaves for work at nine every morning. He works in the local branch of the firm of which his uncle is the owner. Hari's success is really the fruit of his own labour. He is happy, but he has a small problem. The root cause of his problem is a stray dog near his office. The dog welcomes Hari with a loud bark every day.
Answer: Leaves, branch, fruit, root and bark.
In simple words: The five words related to trees that are used differently in the paragraph are 'leaves', 'branch', 'fruit', 'root', and 'bark'.

Exam Tip: Identify words that have both literal meanings (related to trees) and figurative meanings (as used in the paragraph).

(B) The Words In The Box Are All The Words That Describe Movement. Use Them To Fill In The Blanks In The Sentences Below:

dived, gliding, sprang, darting, whipped, back, delving

Question. Complete the following sentences using the words provided.
1. When he began to trust me, the squirrel, began .......... into my pockets for morsels of cake.
2. I saw a cobra .......... out of a clump of cactus.
3. The snake hissed, his forked tongue ........... in and out.
4. When the cobra tried to bite it, the mongoose ........... aside.
5. The snake ........... his head .......... to strike at the crow.
6. The birds ........... at the snake.
Answer:
1. delving
2. gliding
3. darting
4. sprang
5. whipped, back
6. dived
In simple words: The words describing movement are used to complete each sentence accurately.

Exam Tip: Choose the best-fitting word for each blank, considering the context and the type of movement being described.

(C) Find Words In The Story, Which Show Things Striking Violently Against Each Other.

Question. Complete the following sentences describing violent actions.
1. The cobra struck the crow, his snout th .......... ing against its body.
2. The crow and the myna c .......... in mid-air.
3. The birds dived at the snake, but b .......... d into each other instead.
Answer:
1. thudding
2. collided
3. bumped
In simple words: The words chosen describe how things hit each other with force.

Exam Tip: Focus on identifying verbs that convey forceful impact or violent contact between objects.

(D) Look At These Sentences :

Question. Choose 'would' and 'could' to replace the italicized words in the following sentences : Grandfather says, in the old days.
1. Elephants were able to fly in the sky, like clouds. They were also able to change their shapes. They used to fly behind clouds and frighten them. People used to look up at the sky in wonder.
2. Because there was no electricity, he used to get up with the sun and he used to go to bed with the sun, like the birds.
3. Like the owl, he could see quite well in the dark. He could tell who was coming by listening to their footsteps.
Answer:
1. Elephants could fly in the sky, like clouds. They could also change their shapes. They would fly behind clouds and frighten them. People would look up at the sky in wonder.
2. Because there was no electricity, he would get up with the sun and would go to bed with the sun, like the birds.
3. Like the owl, he could see quite well in the dark. He could tell who was coming by listening to their footsteps.
In simple words: Replace 'were able to' with 'could' for ability and 'used to' with 'would' for past habits, keeping the meaning the same.

Exam Tip: Remember that 'could' expresses ability or possibility in the past, while 'would' expresses habitual actions or conditions in the past.

Grammar

Active And Passive Voice:

An action of a subject, in relation to an object, is expressed in two ways. These two ways of expressing the action of a subject are known as voices. There are two types of voices :

• Active voice
• Passive voice

Active voice: In active sentences, the thing doing the action is the subject of the sentence and the thing receiving the action is the object. Most sentences that we use in everyday language are active sentences.

(Thing doing action) + (verb) + (thing receiving action)

For example: She is eating an apple.

Here 'She' is the subject, 'is eating' 'is the verb and 'apple' becomes the object of the verb.

Passive voice: In passive sentences, the thing receiving the action is the subject of the sentence and the things performing the action is optionally included at the end of the sentence.

(Things receiving action) + (correct form of verb 'to be') + (past participle of the verb) + (by) + (thing doing action)

For example: An apple is being eaten by her. Here, 'an apple' is the subject, 'is being eaten' is the verb and 'her' is the object.

The meaning or the main idea of the sentence either expressed as active or passive voice remains the same; the difference in both the voices is that we should focus on the subject and the object of a sentence. In Active voice, the subject acts upon the object. In Passive voice, the object acts upon the subject. The meaning remains the same, only the sequence of the words changes.

The structure of the same sentence in both the voices is as follows :

Active voice : Subject + Verb + Object

Passive voice : Object + Verb + Subject

Rules for changing Active voice to Passive voice :

Rule 1 : The structure of the sentence will be reversed in Passive voice. The places of the subject and the object will interchange. Example: Active voice: She is buying fruits and vegetables. Passive voice: Fruits and vegetables are being bought by her.

Rule 2: Only past participle form or third form of the verb will always be used as main verb in Passive voices for all tenses. No other form of verb will be used as main verb. Example: Active voice: He buys a camera. Passive voice: A camera is bought by him.

Rule 3: The word 'by' will either be used explicitly or would be implied before the subject in Passive voice. Example: Active voice: She drinks water. Passive voice: Water is drunk by her.

Rule 4: Other words such as 'with' or 'to' may also be used instead of the word 'by' depending upon the subject of the sentence. These words are used in very few cases. The word 'by' is used in most cases. Example: Active voice: I know him. Passive voice: He is known to me. Active voice: Water fills a tub. Passive voice: A tub is filled with water.

Rule 5: The auxiliary verb will be changed in Passive voice depending upon the tense of the sentence in the Active voice.

Rule 6: Subject may not always be mentioned, in Passive voice. A Passive voice sentence can be written without a subject if it gives a clear idea about the subject. Example: Women are not treated as equals. (Passive voice)

Exercises

(A) Identify Whether the Following Sentences Are in Active or in Passive Voice:
(1) The dog was jumping over the fence.
(2) The school declared a holiday to celebrate the annual day.
(3) A beautiful painting was put on display by the artist.
(4) All roads leading to her home were blocked by traffic.
(5) Children enjoy eating ice creams.
(6) I went to the garden in my locality with my mother.
(7) She was gifted a computer.
(8) The balloons were filled with air.
(9) Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal.
(10) The teacher distributed sweets amongst all the students.

Answer:
(1) This sentence is in the Active voice.
(2) This sentence shows an Active voice.
(3) This sentence is written in the Passive voice.
(4) This sentence is in the Passive voice.
(5) This sentence uses the Active voice.
(6) This sentence expresses an Active voice.
(7) This sentence is in the Passive voice.
(8) This sentence is presented in the Passive voice.
(9) This sentence is in the Active voice.
(10) This sentence shows an Active voice.

Exam Tip: To figure out if a sentence is active or passive, look for who performs the action. If the subject does the action, it is active; if the subject receives the action, it is passive.

(B) Change the Following Sentences From Active Voice to Passive Voice:

Question 1. Both the sisters have cleaned this room.
Answer: This room has been cleaned by both the sisters.

Exam Tip: Remember to use the correct form of "to be" and the past participle of the main verb when converting to passive voice.

Question 2. The entire Gupta family visited the fair last evening.
Answer: The fair was visited by the entire Gupta family last evening.

Exam Tip: When converting, always identify the object in the active sentence first, as it becomes the subject in the passive sentence.

Question 3. My aunt has cooked some delicious sweets.
Answer: Delicious tasty treats have been prepared by my aunt.

Exam Tip: Ensure the verb tense in the passive voice matches the original active voice sentence (e.g., present perfect in this case).

Question 4. The guard opened the gate to the building.
Answer: The gate to the building was opened by the guard.

Exam Tip: The passive voice often emphasizes the action or the receiver of the action rather than the performer.

Question 5. The mother scolded the child for misbehaving.
Answer: The child was scolded by the mother for misbehaving.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to prepositional phrases; they usually remain unchanged when converting voice.

Question 6. My father gifted me a brand new bicycle.
Answer: I was gifted a brand new bicycle by my father.

Exam Tip: Sentences with indirect objects can sometimes have two passive forms. Choose the one that feels most natural.

Question 7. Many guests attended the wedding party.
Answer: The wedding party was attended by many guests.

Exam Tip: Ensure the subject-verb agreement is correct after changing the voice, as the subject of the sentence often changes.

Question 8. She was so hungry that she almost gulped down her food.
Answer: She was so hungry that her food was almost gulped down by her.

Exam Tip: Complex sentences with subordinate clauses usually only have the main clause changed to passive voice.

Question 9. New cars only add on to the chaotic traffic on the road.
Answer: The chaotic traffic on the road is only added by the new cars.

Exam Tip: When the agent (who performs the action) is clear from context, it can sometimes be omitted in the passive voice.

Question 10. Money cannot buy all the happiness.
Answer: All the happiness cannot be bought by money.

Exam Tip: Modals (like 'can', 'should', 'will') are followed by 'be' and the past participle in passive voice.

Question 11. He teaches English.
Answer: English is taught by him.

Exam Tip: For simple present tense, the passive structure is 'is/am/are + past participle'.

Question 12. The master punished the servant.
Answer: The servant was punished by the master.

Exam Tip: For simple past tense, the passive structure is 'was/were + past participle'.

Question 13. He wore a blue shirt.
Answer: A blue shirt was worn by him.

Exam Tip: Be careful with irregular verbs; ensure you use the correct past participle form.

Question 14. I have finished the job.
Answer: The job has been finished by me.

Exam Tip: For present perfect tense, the passive structure is 'has/have been + past participle'.

Question 15. I sent the report yesterday.
Answer: The report was sent by me yesterday.

Exam Tip: Adverbs of time (like 'yesterday') usually stay at the end of the sentence in both active and passive voice.

(C) Change the Following From Passive Voice to Active Voice:

Question 1. He is being cheated by his own friends.
Answer: His own friends are cheating on him.

Exam Tip: When converting from passive to active, identify the agent (performer of the action) which is usually after 'by', and make it the new subject.

Question 2. The story was listened to with apt attention.
Answer: They listened to the story with apt attention.

Exam Tip: If the agent is not mentioned (e.g., "The story was listened to"), assume a general pronoun like "They" or "Someone" for the active voice.

Question 3. The trees were uprooted by the rains.
Answer: The rains uprooted the trees.

Exam Tip: Be sure to revert the verb to its active form and tense (e.g., 'were uprooted' becomes 'uprooted').

Question 4. By whom was this poem written ?
Answer: Who wrote this poem?

Exam Tip: For passive interrogative sentences, change the question word and verb form to active structure.

Question 5. America was discovered by Columbus.
Answer: Columbus discovered America.

Exam Tip: The passive structure 'was/were + past participle' in active becomes the simple past tense of the verb.

Question 6. The international borders are being well guarded by the army.
Answer: The army is well guarding the international borders.

Exam Tip: For passive continuous tense, 'is/am/are being + past participle' becomes 'is/am/are + -ing form' in active.

Question 7. Is Rakesh being taught English by you ?
Answer: Are you teaching English to Rakesh?

Exam Tip: When the subject is "you" in an interrogative passive sentence, make sure "you" becomes the subject in the active question.

Question 8. The broken window-pane was replaced by my neighbour.
Answer: My neighbour replaced the broken window-pane.

Exam Tip: Identify the object in the passive voice; it will become the object in the active voice.

Question 9. A spider was killed by the boy.
Answer: The boy killed a spider.

Exam Tip: Keep the meaning and tense of the sentence consistent when performing the conversion.

Question 10. A canal was being dug by the workers.
Answer: The workers were digging a canal.

Exam Tip: For past continuous passive, 'was/were being + past participle' becomes 'was/were + -ing form' in active.

Question 11. All the necessary precautions were taken by them.
Answer: They took all the necessary precautions.

Exam Tip: The agent "them" correctly becomes "They" as the subject in the active sentence.

Question 12. Maize is sown in the rainy season.
Answer: The farmers sow maize in the rainy season.

Exam Tip: When the agent is implied (e.g., farmers sow maize), you may need to add a suitable subject in the active voice.

Question 13. Let him be helped by you.
Answer: Help him.

Exam Tip: Imperative passive sentences are often converted to simple imperative active sentences.

Question 14. A song is sung by him.
Answer: He sings a song.

Exam Tip: Ensure the verb agreement and form are appropriate for the new active subject.

Question 15. Is a letter being written by you?
Answer: Are you writing a letter?

Exam Tip: For present continuous interrogative passive, 'Is/Are + object + being + past participle' becomes 'Is/Are + subject + -ing form + object'.

(D) Select the Appropriate Words From the Box and Fill In the Blanks in the Given Text:
(Words from the box: hurled, shrieking, that, glistened, struck, only, returned, heavily.)
At the same moment _________ the cobra _________ the crow and the myna _________ them selves at him _________ to collide _________ In mid-air _________ insults at each other they _________ to the cactus plant. A few drops of blood _________ on the cobra's neck.

Answer: At the same moment that the cobra struck, the crow and the myna hurled themselves at him, only to collide heavily in mid-air. Shrieking insults at each other they returned to the cactus plant. A few drops of blood glistened on the cobra's neck.

Exam Tip: Read the full passage and all options first to understand the context before choosing words. Some words might seem plausible but only one fits the overall meaning.

(E) Each of the Following Lines Has an Error in It. Pick Them Out and Correct Them As Shown Below:

Exam Tip: Carefully review each sentence for grammatical and spelling mistakes, focusing on verb forms, articles, and adverbial usage as shown in these corrections.

(F) Fill in the Blanks in the Following Text With the Appropriate Forms of Verbs Given in the Brackets:
Students _________ (discuss) the special prize. In Class V, Naren _________ (laugh) and _________ (say) loudly to Rashmin, you _________ (know), Rashmin, that the special prize for the best character _________ (award) to Tapan ?

Answer: Students were discussing the special prize. In Class V, Naren laughed and said loudly to Rashmin, "Do you know, Rashmin, that the special prize for the best character will be awarded to Tapan?"

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the context and time indicators in the sentence to select the correct verb tense and form (e.g., past continuous, simple past, future passive).

(G) Fill in the Blanks in the Following Text With Appropriate Conjunctions:
The children were so _________ happy they never quarrelled amongst themselves _________ were always hungry to know more. This was one school _________ they could not stay away from

Answer: The children were so happy that they never quarrelled amongst themselves and were always hungry to know more. This was one school which they could not stay away from.

Exam Tip: Conjunctions link ideas and sentences. Choose ones that logically connect the clauses, like 'that' for result, 'and' for addition, and 'which' for a descriptive clause.

Question 1. Transform the following sentences as instructed:
(1) Though the house and grounds belonged to my grandparents, the magnificent old banyan tree was mine. (Use 'but'.)
(2) My grandfather, at sixty-five, could no longer climb the tree. (Turn into Affirmative.)
(3) The tree was older than the house. (Change the Degree.)
(4) It was too hot to stay up in the room. (Remove 'too'.)
(5) The young boy spent his afternoons in the tree. (Change the Voice.)
(6) The long hair on his spine stood up (Turn into Interrogative.)
(7) The cobra stood on the defensive ........... (Add a Question Tag.)
(8) I was feeling drowsy myself. (Turn into Negative.)

Answer:
(1) The house and grounds belonged to my grandparents, but the magnificent old banyan tree was mine.
(2) My grandfather, at sixty-five, was unable to climb the tree.
(3) The house was not so old as the tree.
(4) It was so hot that we could not stay up in the room.
(5) His afternoons were spent by the young boy in the tree.
(6) Didn't the long hair on his spine stand up?
(7) The cobra stood on the defensive, didn't it?
(8) I was not feeling fresh myself.

Exam Tip: When transforming sentences, ensure the meaning remains identical to the original, even if the structure changes.

(I) Read the Descriptions Below of What the Snake Did and What the Mongoose Did. Arrange Their Actions in Proper Order:
(1) ceased to struggle : (1) grabbed the snake by the snout
(2) tried to mesmerise the mongoose : (2) dragged the snake into the bushes
(3) coiled itself around the mongoose : (3) darted away and bit the cobra on the back
(4) struck the crow : (4) pretended to attack the cobra on one side
(5) struck again and missed : (5) refused to look into the snake's eyes
(6) struck on the side that the mongoose pretended to attack : (6) sprang aside, jumped in and bit

Answer:
(1) The snake tried to mesmerise the mongoose; the mongoose refused to look into the snake's eyes.
(2) The snake struck on the side that the mongoose pretended to attack; the mongoose darted away and bit the cobra on the back.
(3) The snake coiled itself around the mongoose; the mongoose sprang aside, jumped in and bit.
(4) The snake struck the crow; the mongoose pretended to attack the cobra on one side.
(5) The snake struck again and missed; the mongoose grabbed the snake by the snout.
(6) The snake ceased to struggle; the mongoose dragged the snake into the bushes.

Exam Tip: For ordering actions, carefully reread the narrative sequence to ensure each event is placed in its correct chronological position.

(J) Turn the Following Dialogue Into Indirect Speech:
"Hello. Rutvik! You are not allowed in here! Were working !” warned the teacher. "I know! But I've been sent to tell you to meet the principal soon.” 'Who sent you here to give me this message'?” My class teacher, madam.”

Answer: The teacher warned Rutvik that he was not allowed there and added that they were working. Rutvik replied that he knew it, but that he had been sent to tell her to meet the principal soon. The teacher then asked Rutwik who had sent him there to give her that message. Rutwik respectfully replied that his class teacher had sent him there to give her that message.

Exam Tip: When converting to indirect speech, remember to change pronouns, verb tenses (backshift), and time/place expressions as necessary. Also, use reporting verbs like 'warned', 'replied', 'asked'.

Additional Writing

My Favourite Place
Read again the paragraphs of the story in which the author describes the banyan tree and what he used to do there. Is there a place in your house or in your grandparents' or uncles' or aunts' houses, that you specially like ? Write a short paragraph about it, saying
• where it is
• what you do there
• why you like it

Answer: My favourite spot is the quiet area in my grandmother's garden, surrounded by mountains. Although it gets warm during the day, the evenings are much cooler. I love swinging on the hammock there and reading my favourite books while listening to the birds chirp melodiously. It is my special place in her house.

Exam Tip: When describing a favorite place, use vivid adjectives and sensory details (sights, sounds, smells) to make your writing engaging for the reader.

Writing Skills

Write an Essay on the Topic 'A Visit to the Countryside'. You Can Make Use of the Points Mentioned Below:
Last summer vacation my family and I planned a trip to our farm-70 km from Ahmedabad city-fair from the hustle and bustle of the chaotic city life - we drove down-journey was pleasamt-we played games and samg songs all through the journey-soon the landscape chamged-we could see green fields on both sides – also opened windows to get some fresh air - we stopped by to have some fresh sugaircane juice – we were aimazed as it was pleasant in the otherwise scorching summer felt a cool breeze blowing by – reached the farm in the evening – the caretaker cooked meal with fresh home grown vegetables from our fatrm – enjoyed delicious mead-went to the terrace to sleep-under the sky - played gaunes – were surprised as we needed wairm clothes to keep ourselves warm - in the morning we were woken up by the melodious notes of the birds - we went for a wadk in the farms – were explained how seeds aire sown amd the process of growing headthy crops-spent the day knowing people working ' in the farm-played with their children-had some delicious food adl day-slept peacefully that night – next morning it was time to I return-I took back pleasant memories from the trip-look forward to visiting'the farms once again soon.

Answer: Last summer vacation, my family and I planned a trip to our farm, located 70 km away from Ahmedabad city. It was far from the busy, noisy city life. We drove down, and the trip was very pleasant. We played games and sang songs throughout the journey. Soon, the landscape changed, and we could see green fields on both sides. We opened the windows to get some fresh air and stopped to enjoy fresh sugarcane juice. We were amazed at how pleasant it felt, despite the scorching summer, with a cool breeze blowing. We reached the farm in the evening, and the caretaker prepared a meal with fresh, homegrown vegetables from our farm. We savored a delicious dinner before heading to the terrace to sleep under the open sky. We were surprised that we needed warm clothes to keep ourselves cozy in the morning, waking up to the melodious sounds of birds. We then took a walk through the farms, where we learned about seed sowing and the process of growing healthy crops. We spent the day getting to know the people working on the farm, playing with their children, and enjoying delicious food all day. We slept peacefully that night. The next morning, it was time to return. I carried back many pleasant memories from the trip and look forward to visiting the farms again soon.

Exam Tip: When writing an essay based on points, make sure to expand each point into full sentences, connect them logically, and use descriptive language to create a vivid picture.

Write a Report on 'The Independence Day Celebrated in My School'.

Celebration of Independence Day

Answer:
August 16, 2020
This year, we celebrated Independence Day with great fanfare. As usual, there was the parade and the flag-hoisting ceremony in the school grounds. This was followed by several speeches and the singing of the national anthem. Standard VIII was in charge of the class exhibition this year. The theme chosen was 'India-My Country'. We decorated four classrooms with charts and models, providing information about all the states and union territories of India. Parents and students alike lined up to take a look. It was truly a feast of colours. One of the classrooms was a food shop, where ethnic Indian food from all regions of the nation was served. The money gathered would be put into the 'Poor Students Fund'. We collected almost four thousand rupees this time. The Headmaster congratulated us. After lunch, we went home, feeling quite thrilled that our Independence Day celebration was a huge success.

Exam Tip: A good report should include the date, a clear title, and cover key events in chronological order, using formal and objective language.

Match the Columns:

Answer: (1-h), (2-e), (3-a), (4-g), (5-b), (6-c), (7-d), (8-f).

Exam Tip: When matching columns, try to find obvious pairs first, then use the process of elimination for the remaining items. Ensure each item from one column is matched exactly once.

The Banyan Tree Summary in English

Part I

The author describes the story of a young boy (the writer) and his experiences at his grandfather's house. Although the house and its grounds belonged to his grandparents, the magnificent huge banyan tree was considered his own. The writer had constructed a large platform halfway up the tree, where he would spend his afternoons. His very first friend there was a small grey squirrel. He used this platform as his personal library, where he would read books. When he did not feel like reading, he would look down from the platform to observe the world below. Through the leaves, one day he witnessed an interesting fight between a mongoose and a snake. The mongoose and the cobra then faced each other in a clearing beneath the banyan tree. Both animals prepared themselves for a fight. The mongoose fixed its gaze just below the cobra's hood and then began its attack. The fight started, and every time the cobra attacked, the mongoose swiftly sprang aside.

Two other spectators, a crow and a myna, also joined in the fight, during which the crow sadly lost its life. The fight continued for some time, and the cobra eventually grew tired. The mongoose then raised itself on its short legs and, with a quick lightning-fast snap, caught the cobra by the snout. The mongoose held on tightly until the snake stopped struggling. Then, the mongoose gripped the cobra around its hood and pulled it into the nearby bushes. The myna came down to the ground cautiously, peered into the bushes, and then flew away, seemingly congratulating the mongoose.

Glossary

spy (v.) watch secretly; resent (v.) dislike, feel angry about; privacy (n.) the right of freedom to be left alone; morsels (n.) small pieces of food; delving (v.) going deep into; fig season (n.) the time when figs appear; propping myself up (v.) leaning against; grandstand view (n.) a clear view from the best position (a grandstand is a large covered space with rows of seats for people to watch sports); gliding (v.) moving smoothly; clump (n.) group (of bushes or trees); emerged (v.) came out; clearing (n.) an open space in a forest where there are no trees; sacs (n.) a part (of an animal or plant) shaped like a bag; fangs (n.) long, sharp teeth (of snake or dog); defiance (n.) rebellion, resistance; dart (v.) move quickly, suddenly; combatants (n.) participants in a fight; spectators (n.) those who watch a show, a game, etc.; outcome (n.) result; mesmerise (v.) here, magically persuade a false move; unwise action (n.) a foolish action; glistened (v.) shone round; stage (n.) here, a phase in a fight or a competition; pull up (v.) here, stop; whipped... back (v.) moved back suddenly; snout (n.) the nose and mouth of an animal; to no avail (adv.) with no success.