GSEB Class 7 English Honeycomb Chapter 4 The Ashes That Made Trees Bloom Solutions

The Ashes That Made Trees Bloom Class 7 Questions And Answers GSEB

Comprehension Check-I

 

Question 1. Why did the neighbours kill the dog?
Answer: The neighbors killed the dog because they were angry. They had hoped the dog would lead them to a treasure, but instead, it led them to a smelly dead kitten.
In simple words: The neighbors killed the dog out of anger. They expected treasure, but the dog showed them a dead kitten instead.

Exam Tip: When analyzing character actions, always explain the underlying motive or reason, especially when it involves negative emotions like anger or greed.

 

Mark The Right Item:

 

Question 1. The old farmer and his wife loved the dog ............................
(a) because it helped them in their day-to-day work.
(b) as if it was their own baby.
Answer: (b) as if it was their own baby
In simple words: The old farmer and his wife treated the dog like their own child.

Exam Tip: For multiple-choice questions, carefully read each option and choose the one that best captures the essence of the story's description.

 

Question 2. When the old couple became rich, they...
(a) gave the dog better food.
(b) invited their greedy neighbours to a feast.
(c) lived comfortably and were generous towards their poor neighbours.
Answer: (c) lived comfortably and were generous towards their poor neighbours
In simple words: When the old couple got rich, they lived well and were kind to their poor neighbors.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to how characters react to changes in their circumstances, as it often reveals their true nature or reinforces the story's theme.

 

Question 3. The greedy couple borrowed the mill and the mortar to make...
(a) rice pastry and bean sauce.
(b) magic ash to win rewards.
(c) a pile of gold.
Answer: (c) a pile of gold
In simple words: The greedy couple took the mill and mortar to produce a pile of gold.

Exam Tip: Remember the specific objective of the greedy couple, which was to replicate the kind farmer's good fortune through ill-gotten means.

 

Working With The Text

 

Answer The Following Questions:

 

Question 1. The old farmer is a kind person. What evidence of his kindness do you find in the first two paragraphs.
Answer: The old farmer was a gentle person. He treated his dog like his own child. He gave it fish with his own eating sticks and all the cooked rice it wished for. He was understanding and good to all living things, often digging up a patch of ground specifically to feed the birds.
In simple words: The farmer was kind. He loved his dog like a child, feeding it well and even digging soil to help feed birds.

Exam Tip: For character analysis, give specific examples from the text to support your points, showing how the character's actions demonstrate their traits.

 

Question 2. What did the dog do to lead the farmer to the hidden gold?
Answer: The dog ran towards the farmer, placed its front paws on his legs, and pointed its head towards a spot. At first, the farmer believed it was just playing and paid no attention. But the dog continued to whine and run back and forth for several minutes. Eventually, it led the farmer to a place where it started scratching the ground, revealing a heap of gold underneath.
In simple words: The dog ran to the farmer, put paws on his legs, and pointed its head to a spot. It then whined and scratched the ground, showing him hidden gold.

Exam Tip: When asked to describe an action, outline the sequence of events clearly, step-by-step, ensuring all parts of the dog's communication are included.

 

Question 3. (i) How did the spirit of the dog help the farmer first? (ii) How did it help him next?
Answer:
(i) First, the dog's spirit told the farmer to cut down the pine tree above its grave. From this tree, he was to create a mortar for rice cakes and a mill for bean sauce. The farmer followed these instructions. Around New Year's, the farmer wished to make some rice cakes. After the rice was cooked, his wife put it into the mortar, and he pounded the mixture into dough. When the cakes were ready to be cooked, the entire amount changed into a pile of gold coins. Likewise, when beans were crushed in the hand-mill, gold began to fall like rain, quickly filling the container beneath the mill.
(ii) Next, the spirit told the farmer that his evil neighbors had burned the hand-mill. The dog's spirit instructed him to gather the ashes from the mill and scatter them on dry trees to make them flower. The old man did this and was pleased to see that the spirit's words were true. His bare cherry tree in the garden grew flowers when a small amount of ashes was sprinkled on it. Afterward, the feudal lord rewarded him for making an old, dry cherry tree bloom once more.
In simple words: First, the dog's spirit told the farmer to make a mortar and mill from its grave's pine tree, which produced gold when used. Next, it told him to use the burned mill's ashes on dry trees to make them bloom, bringing him rewards.

Exam Tip: For multi-part questions, ensure each part is answered distinctly and completely, referring back to the narrative's sequence of events and their magical outcomes.

 

Question 4. Why did the daimio reward the farmer but punish his neighbour for the same act?
Answer: The lord rewarded the farmer because he made an old, dry cherry tree flower again. The greedy neighbor also scattered ashes on a dry cherry tree, just like the farmer. Yet, the outcome was different that time. The tree did not bloom, and instead, the dust flew into the eyes and noses of the lord and his wife. This is why the greedy neighbor received punishment.
In simple words: The lord rewarded the farmer because his ashes made a tree bloom. The neighbor was punished for the same act because his ashes only blew dust into the lord's eyes.

Exam Tip: Clearly contrast the actions and outcomes of both characters to explain why one was rewarded and the other punished, highlighting the moral of the story.

 

Working With Language

 

Question 1. Read the following conversation :
Ravi: What are you doing?
Mridu: I'm reading a book.
Ravi: Who wrote it?
Mridu: Ruskin Bond.
Ravi: Where did you find it?
Mridu: In the library.
Notice that 'what', 'who', 'where', are question words. Questions that require information begin with question words. Some other question words are 'when', 'why', 'where', 'which' and 'how'.
Remember that

• 'What' asks about actions, things, etc.
• 'Who' asks about people.
• 'Which' asks about people or things.
• 'Where' asks about place.
• 'When' asks about time.
• 'Why' asks about reason or purpose.
• 'How' asks about means, manner or degree.
• 'Whose' asks about possessions.

Read the following paragraph and frame questions on the italicised phrases:
Anil is in school. I am in school too. Anil is sitting in the left row. He is reading a book. Anil's friend is sitting in the second row. He is sharpening his pencil. The teacher is writing on the blackboard. Children are writing in their copybooks. Some children are looking out of the window.
Answer:
(1) Where is Anil?
(2) In which row is Anil sitting?
(3) What is he doing?
(4) Where is Anil's friend sitting?
(5) What is his friend doing?
(6) Who is writing on the blackboard?
In simple words: To find answers for specific parts of a sentence, use question words like 'where', 'what', and 'who'.

Exam Tip: When framing questions, identify the key information you want to elicit and choose the appropriate question word (e.g., Who, What, Where, When, Why, How, Which, Whose).

 

Question 2. Write appropriate question words in the blank spaces in the following dialogue :
Neha: .................... did you get this book?
Sheela: Yesterday morning.
Neha: .................... is your sister crying?
Sheela: Because she has lost her doll.
Neha: .................... room is this, yours or hers?
Sheela: It's ours.
Neha: .................... do you go to school?
Sheela: We walk to school. It is nearby.
Answer: When, Why, Whose, How
In simple words: We use 'When' for time, 'Why' for reason, 'Whose' for ownership, and 'How' for method or manner.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to the response given in the dialogue to determine the correct question word. For example, a time-based answer needs "When".

 

Question 3. Fill in the blanks with the words given in the box:
how what when where which
1. My friend lost his chemistry book. Now he doesn't know ................ to look for it.
2. There are so many toys in the shops. Neena can't decide .................... one to buy.
3. You don't know the way to my school. Ask the policeman .................... to get there.
4. You should decide soon .................... to start building your house.
5. Do you know .................... to ride a bicycle? I don't remember .................... and .................... I learnt it.
6. "You should know .................... to talk and .................... to keep your mouth shut," the teacher advised Anil.
Answer:
1. what, where
2. which
3. how
4. when
5. how, when, where
6. when, when
In simple words: Select the best question word from the list to make each sentence complete and grammatically correct.

Exam Tip: Consider the context of each sentence and the type of information being asked for to choose the most suitable question word.

 

Question 4. Add im- or into each of the following words and use them in place of the italicised words in the sentences given below: patient proper possible sensitive competent
1. The project appears very difficult at first sight but it can be completed if we work very hard.
2. He lacks competence. That's why he can't keep any job for more than a year.
3. "Don't lose patience. Your letter will come one day,” the postman told me.
4. That's not a proper remark to make under the circumstances.
5. He appears to be without sensitivity. In fact, he is very emotional.
Answer:
1. impossible
2. incompetent
3. be impatient
4. an improper
5. insensitive
In simple words: Add the prefix 'im-' or 'in-' to change the meaning of the given words to their opposite.

Exam Tip: Understand the meaning of prefixes like 'im-' and 'in-' (usually meaning "not") to correctly form the antonyms of words, and then choose the appropriate word to fit the context of each sentence.

 

Question 5. Read the following sentences :
It was a cold morning and stars still glowed in the sky. An old man was walking along the road. The words in italics are articles. 'A and 'an' are indefinite articles and 'the' is the 'definite article. A is used before a singular-countable noun. ‘An' is used before a word that begins with a vowel. Use a, an or the in the blanks:
There was once .................... play which became very successful .................... famous actor was acting in it. In .................... play his role was that of .................... aristocrat who had been imprisoned in .................... castle for twenty years. In .................... last act of .................... play someone would come on .................... stage with .................... letter which he would hand over to .................... prisoner. Even though .................... aristocrat was not expected to read .................... letter at each performance, he always insisted that .................... letter be written out from beginning to end.
Answer: a, A, the, an, a, the, the the, a the the, the the
In simple words: Fill in the empty spaces with the correct articles: 'a' for singular general nouns, 'an' for singular general nouns starting with a vowel sound, and 'the' for specific nouns.

Exam Tip: Remember that 'a' and 'an' are used for non-specific items, while 'the' is used for specific or already mentioned items. Pay attention to vowel sounds for 'an'.

 

Question 6. Encircle the correct article :
A: Would you like (a/an/the) apple or (a/an/the) banana?
B: I'd like (a/an/the) apple, please.
A: Take (a/an/the) one in (a/an/the) fruit bowl. You may take (a/an/the) orange also if you like.
B: Which one?
A: (A /An /The) one beside (a/an/the) banana.
Answer:
A. an, a
B. an
A. the, the, a
A. The, the
In simple words: In conversations, choose 'an' before vowel sounds, 'a' before consonant sounds, and 'the' when referring to specific things.

Exam Tip: When selecting articles in a dialogue, consider if the item is being introduced (a/an) or if it's already specific or understood (the).

 

Speaking And Writing

 

Question 1. Do you remember an anecdote or a story about a greedy or jealous person and the unhappy result of his /her action? Narrate the story to others in your class. Here is one for you to read. Seeing an old man planting a fig tree, the king asked why he was doing this. The man replied that he might live to eat the fruit, and even if he did not, his son would enjoy the figs. “Well,” said the king, “if you do live to eat the fruit of this tree, please let me know." The man promised to do so, and sure enough, before too long, the tree grew and bore fruit. Packing some fine figs in a basket, the old man set out for the palace to meet the king. The king accepted the gift and gave orders that the old man's basket be filled with gold. Now, next door to the old man, there lived a greedy old man jealous of his neighbour's good fortune. He also packed some figs in a basket and took them to the palace in the hope of getting gold. The king, on learning the man's motive, ordered him to stand in the compound and had him pelted with figs. The old man returned home and told his wife the sad story. She consoled him by saying, "You should be thankful that our neighbour did not grow coconuts."
Answer: The given story, titled 'The Greedy Man', tells of a king who, upon seeing an old man planting a fig tree, asked about his actions. The old man said he hoped to eat the fruit or that his son would enjoy it. The king asked to be informed if the man lived to taste the fruit. True to his word, the tree bore fruit, and the old man brought figs to the king. The king, pleased, filled the man's basket with gold. A jealous, greedy neighbor then also took figs to the palace, hoping for gold. However, the king, aware of his selfish reasons, ordered him to be pelted with figs. The old man's wife comforted him, noting he should be thankful their neighbor did not grow coconuts.
In simple words: The story 'The Greedy Man' shows how a kind old man was rewarded by a king for his simple actions, while a greedy neighbor who tried to copy him was punished. The moral is to be content and not envious of others.

Exam Tip: When asked to narrate a story, focus on the main characters, key events, and the ultimate moral or outcome, ensuring a clear beginning, middle, and end.

 

Once upon a time in Riau, lived a pair of husband and wife. They were very poor. The wife was very diligent, while the husband was 'very lazy. He just slept and slept every day. He did not want to help his wife to earn a living. The wife was helpless, she often prayed to God to help her husband. One night the husband had a dream. In his dream, an old man appeared before him. He told the husband to take his sampan and go to the river. “Go to the middle of the river and wait until a rope appears from the river. Take the rope slowly, and then you will find a golden chain. You can cut and take it, but don't take a very long piece of the chain,” said the old man. The husband then woke up from his dream. On the next day, the husband took his sampan and went to the river. He wanted to follow the old man's advice. “Where are you going?” asked the wife. She was so surprised to see her husband was busy preparing the sampan. “I want to go fishing, Honey. See you later!" the husband didn't want to tell his wife about his dream. He knew his wife would think he was crazy by following up a dream. After the husband arrived in the river, he rowed his sampan until he reached the middle of the river. He then looked around the water's surface very carefully. Suddenly a rope appeared from the river. “The old man was right!” said the husband to himself. He then slowly pulled the rope and at the end of the rope, he saw a golden chain! The chain was sparkling and glowing. It was made from pure gold. “Wow! It's really made of gold. I'm rich. I'm rich,” the husband said happily. He kept pulling the chain. He forgot the old man's warning that he should not take a very long piece of the chain. The poor man became greedy. He wanted to take the whole golden chain without cutting off just a sizeable piece. While he was busy pulling out the golden chain, a bird came to him. It talked, “Remember the old man's warning. Take only a moderate length of the golden chain.” But the poor man ignored the bird and kept on pulling out the chain. Before long, his sampan was filled with the coiling gold chain. It was so full that finally, the sampan could not hold the weight anymore. The sampan started to drown. The golden chain was sinking and went to the bottom of the river creating a big wave in the river. The wave almost swallowed the poor man. He was so panicked. He swam as fast as possible to the river bank. When he arrived on the bank, he felt sorry for himself. He blamed himself for being a fool. It was too late. Then at last he realized that it was a lesson for him to work hard if he wanted to earn money.

 

Question 2. Put each of the following in the correct order. Then use them appropriately to fill in the blanks in the paragraph that follows. Use correct punctuation marks:
English and Hindi / both / in / he writes
and only/a few short stories/many books in English /in Hindi
is / my Hindi / than my English / much better
Ravi Kant is a writer and ..........(1)............ Of course, he is much happier writing in English than in Hindi. He has written ..........(2)............ I find his books a little hard to understand ..........(3)............
Answer:
(1) he writes both in English and Hindi
(2) many books in English and only a few short stories in Hindi
(3) My Hindi is much better than my English.
In simple words: Arrange the scrambled phrases into logical sentences to complete the paragraph accurately.

Exam Tip: When reordering parts of a sentence, look for logical connections, subject-verb agreement, and phrases that naturally flow together to form coherent ideas.

 

Question 3. Are you fond of reading stories? Did you read one last month? If not, read one or two and then write a paragraph about the story. Use the following hints: title of the story name of author source how many characters which one you liked some details of the story main point (s) as you understand it Tell your friends why they should also read it.
Answer: The story I read is called 'The Golden Touch,' an ancient Greek Myth with an unknown author. It features three main characters. I especially liked the God of wine, Dionysus. The story tells us that King Midas performed a good deed and received blessings from Dionysus. His wish was that everything he touched would turn into gold. Initially, he was very happy with this gift. However, when he became hungry and touched his food, it also turned to gold. This made him realize the wish was not a blessing, especially when his beloved daughter turned into gold after he embraced her. This tale is a great lesson about the dangers of greed and why we should be careful what we wish for; it teaches that true happiness isn't found in material wealth.
In simple words: This story, 'The Golden Touch,' is a Greek myth about King Midas and his wish for everything to turn to gold. It teaches us that greed can bring unhappiness, even when you get what you want.

Exam Tip: When writing a story summary or review, make sure to include the title, main characters, key plot points, and the moral or theme. Use descriptive language to engage your audience.

 

The Golden Touch

There was once a king named Midas who did a good deed for a Satyr and was granted a wish by the God of wine, Dionysus. For his wish, Midas asked that whatever he touched would turn to gold. Although Dionysus tried to dissuade him, Midas insisted that the wish was an excellent one, and it was granted! Excitedly, Midas went about touching all sorts of things, turning them into gold. Soon Midas became hungry. He picked up a piece of food, but he couldn't eat it, for it had turned to gold in his hand! “I'll starve,” moaned Midas, “Perhaps this was not such a good wish after all!” Midas' beloved daughter, seeing his dismay, threw her arms about him to comfort him, and, she too turned to gold! “The golden touch is no blessing,” cried Midas. He went to the river and wept. The sand of that river turned as yellow as "fool's gold" for it is there, they say, that King Midas washed away the curse of the golden touch with his own tears.

 

GSEB Class 7 English The Ashes That Made Trees Bloom Additional Important Questions And Answers

 

Select The Most Appropriate Options As Answers And Complete The Following Sentences:

 

Question 1. The old couple loved their pet as if ............................
A. it was not a dog.
B. it were their own baby.
C. it were a gift from God.
D. it were an alien.
Answer: (B) it were their own baby
In simple words: The old couple loved their pet as if it were their own child.

Exam Tip: Read each option carefully to choose the one that best reflects the emotional connection described in the story.

 

Question 3. The kind old man often turned a sod to ............................
A. sow seeds.
B. fertilize it.
C. give food to the birds.
D. Both 'A' and 'B'.
Answer: (C) give food to the birds
In simple words: The kind old man usually turned up a patch of ground to give birds something to eat.

Exam Tip: Recall the farmer's actions towards all living creatures, especially birds, as described in the initial parts of the story, to identify his motivation.

 

Question 4. The dog revealed a pile of gold to the old man by ............................
A. keeping on whining.
B. running to and fro.
C. keeping on barking.
D. scratching the ground.
Answer: (D) scratching the ground
In simple words: The dog showed the old man a pile of gold by digging at the ground.

Exam Tip: Focus on the decisive action that directly led to the discovery of gold, as described in the narrative.

 

Question 5. The covetous old couple found ............................ after digging the place where the dog had led them.
A. a dead kitten
B. a pile of gold coins
C. a golden mortar
D. a hand-mill
Answer: (A) a dead kitten
In simple words: The greedy old couple discovered a dead kitten after digging where the dog led them.

Exam Tip: Remember the contrast between the kind farmer's discovery and the greedy neighbors' discovery, which highlights the theme of justice.

 

Question 6. The kind old couple paid homage to their beloved pet by ............................
A. putting fresh flowers.
B. laying a tray of food.
C. burning some costly sticks of incense.
D. All of these three.
Answer: (D) All of these three
In simple words: The kind old couple honored their cherished pet by doing all three things: placing fresh flowers, offering food, and burning expensive incense sticks.

Exam Tip: Recall the multiple ways the kind couple showed respect and love for their dog, as mentioned in the story, which involved a combination of rituals.

 

Question 7. The kind old man made a mortar out of ............................
A. the trunk of a pine tree.
B. gold plate.
C. soil.
D. rice dough.
Answer: (A) the trunk of a pine tree
In simple words: The kind old man created a mortar using the main part of a pine tree.

Exam Tip: Remember the specific instructions given by the dog's spirit about how to make the mortar from the tree over its grave.

 

Question 8. What happened when the greedy neighbouring couple tried to get gold from the mortar and magic mill?
A. They got tasty pastry and sauce.
B. The pastry and sauce turned into foul mass of worms.
C. The mortar broke.
D. The mm turned into magic ash.
Answer: (B) The pastry and sauce turned into foul mass of worms
In simple words: When the greedy neighbors tried to make gold using the mortar and magic mill, the dough and sauce changed into a nasty heap of worms.

Exam Tip: Contrast the magical outcome for the kind couple with the repulsive outcome for the greedy couple, emphasizing the consequence of their greed.

 

Question 9. In the second dream, the spirit of the dog asked the kind old man to ............................
A. take the ashes of the mill from the wicked neighbour.
B. sprinkle the ashes on the withered trees.
C. recreate the mortar and the mill.
D. Both 'A' and 'B.
Answer: (D) Both 'A' and 'B
In simple words: In his second dream, the dog's spirit told the kind old man to both take the ashes of the mill from the mean neighbor and scatter them on the dry trees.

Exam Tip: Remember the two main instructions the dog's spirit gave in the second dream regarding the ashes, which led to a new magical event.

 

Question 10. What miracle could the magic ash do?
A. It could make a bare tree bloom again.
B. It could make a dead person or animal alive.
C. It could produce gold coins If sprinkled on rice.
D. None of these three.
Answer: (A) It could make a bare tree bloom again
In simple words: The magical ash had the power to make a tree that had no leaves flower once more.

Exam Tip: Focus on the central magical element introduced in the story regarding the ashes and its specific power to bring life back to withered trees.

 

Question 11. What was the custom when their lord passed by in the days of the daimios?
A. The loyal people shut up their hlgh windows.
B. The people along the road lay down on the ground face downward.
C. They looked down his lordship.
D. Both A and 'B'.
Answer: (D) Both A and 'B'
In simple words: When the lord passed by in the days of the daimios, it was customary for loyal people to close their high windows and lie face down on the ground along the road.

Exam Tip: Recall the specific and unusual customs observed when a high-ranking official like the daimio traveled, as these details highlight cultural aspects of the story.

 

Question 12. What happened when the wicked man threw a handful of ashes over the tree?
A. The tree bloomed up.
B. The ash blew Into his own face.
C. The ash blew into the noses and eyes of the daimio and his wife.
D. Both B and 'C'.
Answer: (C) The ash blew into the noses and eyes of the daimio and his wife
In simple words: When the wicked man scattered a handful of ashes over the tree, the ash went into the noses and eyes of the lord and his wife.

Exam Tip: Contrast the positive outcome for the kind farmer with the negative, irritating outcome for the greedy neighbor when using the ashes, showing the consequences of malice.

 

Say Whether The Following Sentences Are True Or False:

 

Question 1. The kind couple fed the pet with titbits of fish.
Answer: True
In simple words: This statement is true, as the kind couple regularly fed their dog small pieces of fish from their own meals.

Exam Tip: Recall specific details about how the kind couple treated their dog to confirm the accuracy of statements related to their care.

 

Question 2. The words 'good souls' are used for the covetous neighbouring couple.
Answer: False
In simple words: This statement is false; 'good souls' refers to the kind farmer and his wife, not the greedy neighbors.

Exam Tip: Differentiate between the descriptions used for the kind couple ("good souls") and the greedy couple ("covetous" or "wicked") to avoid confusion.

 

Question 3. The dog did not eat or move as it was greatly afraid of the cruel pair.
Answer: True
In simple words: This statement is true; the dog was terrified of the mean couple and refused to eat or move.

Exam Tip: Remember the dog's behavior when it was brought to the greedy neighbors' house, as its fear was evident in its inaction.

 

Question 4. The carcass of the dog was buried under a cherry tree.
Answer: False
In simple words: This statement is false; the dog's body was buried under a pine tree, not a cherry tree.

Exam Tip: Recall the specific type of tree mentioned for the dog's burial in the story to correctly assess the truthfulness of the statement.

 

Question 5. The wicked neighbour borrowed the mortar and magic mill to make magic ashes.
Answer: False
In simple words: This statement is false; the greedy neighbors borrowed the mill to produce gold, not magic ashes.

Exam Tip: Remember the greedy neighbors' intention for borrowing the mill and mortar was to make gold, mimicking the kind farmer's good fortune.

 

Question 6. In the end, the wicked old man died in the mud.
Answer: True
In simple words: This statement is true; the wicked old man met a miserable end, dying in the mud.

Exam Tip: Recall the ultimate fate of the wicked old man in the story, which serves as a cautionary tale against greed and malice.

 

Answer The Following Questions In Two To Three Sentences Each:

 

Question 1. How did the kind old couple treat their dog?
Answer: The kind old couple treated their dog like their own child. The farmer's wife even made a blue crepe cushion for the dog. At mealtimes, they would give the dog lots of rice and small pieces of fish using their own eating sticks.
In simple words: The couple treated their dog like family, giving it a cushion and feeding it special food from their own chopsticks.

Exam Tip: Provide specific examples of their loving care to illustrate the depth of their affection for the dog, ensuring your answer is within the specified sentence limit.

 

Question 2. Describe the change the cherry tree underwent after the kind old man poured a pinch of ash over it.
Answer: During the winter, the cherry tree in the old couple's yard was without leaves. When the old man scattered a small amount of ashes on it, blossoms suddenly appeared. Beautiful pink flowers grew on the tree, and their lovely scent filled the surrounding air.
In simple words: In winter, the bare cherry tree instantly blossomed with beautiful pink flowers, filling the air with their lovely smell, after the old man sprinkled ashes.

Exam Tip: Describe the scene before and after the ashes were sprinkled to highlight the miraculous transformation and the sensory details like color and fragrance.

Answer the Following Questions in Four to Five Sentences Each:

 

Question 1. Explain three ways in which the dug helped his master. OR How did the dog repay his master?
Answer: The dog, when it was alive, guided its master to a pile of gold. After its death, it appeared in a dream and asked its master to prepare a grinding tool and a mill from the timber of the pine tree. While making rice sweets and bean paste during the New Year using these tools, the kind old couple again found gold dropping from every bit of the paste. After the grinding tool and the mill had been burned to ash by the cruel neighbors, the dog again appeared in the farmer's dream and asked the master to gather the ashes of these tools and spread them over the dry trees. The dry trees then grew blossoms. Being very pleased by this magic, they received rewards like silk clothes, soft cakes, fans, and other items from the daimio.

Exam Tip: When answering questions about a character's actions, remember to include all key events and their consequences from the story.

 

Question 2. The wicked farmer wanted to be rich like his neighbour. What happened every time when he tried to do so?
Answer: Every time the wicked farmer tried to become rich like his neighbor, he only got a bad-smelling dead kitten. In their second attempt, the greedy couple received a large amount of worms from the rice pastry dough and bean sauce. In their third attempt, the old man could not create magic with the ashes. He ruined the daimio's parade and was killed by the daimio's men as a punishment.

Exam Tip: Focus on describing the specific outcomes of the wicked farmer's attempts to highlight the contrast with the kind farmer's luck.

Read the Following Passages and Answer the Questions Given Below Them:

 

One day the dog came running to him, putting his paws against his legs and motioning with his head to some spot behind. The old man at first thought his pet was only playing and did not mind it. But the dog kept on whining and running to and fro for some minutes. Then the old man followed the dog a few yards to a place where the animal began a lively scratching. Thinking it was possibly a buried bone or bit of fish, the old man struck his hoe in the earth. when, lo! a pile of gold gleamed before him.

Question 1. (1) How did the dog beckon the old man?
Answer: The dog placed its front paws against the old man's legs and gestured with its head towards a specific spot behind him.

Exam Tip: When describing animal actions, use precise verbs to clearly illustrate how they communicate.

 

Question 1. (2) Why was the dog making gestures?
Answer: The dog was making these movements to guide the old man to the exact place where the gold was hidden.

Exam Tip: Always explain the purpose or intention behind a character's actions, especially when it leads to a significant event.

 

Question 1. (3) What did the dog do when the old man ignored his gestures at first?
Answer: When the old man first paid no attention to its gestures, the dog began whimpering and moved back and forth for several minutes.

Exam Tip: Detail the immediate reaction of characters or animals to an initial lack of understanding.

 

Question 1. (4) What had the old man actually expected to find from the place indicated by the dog?
Answer: The old man truly thought he would discover a buried bone or a small piece of fish at the spot the dog pointed out.

Exam Tip: Clearly state the initial expectations of a character to highlight the contrast with the actual discovery.

 

Now in the same village there lived a wicked old man and his wife, not a bit sensitive and kind, who had always kicked and scolded all dogs whenever any passed their house. Hearing of their neighbours' good luck, they coaxed the dog into their garden and set before him bits of fish and other dainties, hoping he would find a treasure for them. But the dog, being afraid of the cruel pair, would neither eat nor move. At last, however, the dog stopped at a certain spot, and began to sniff; so, thinking that this must surely be the lucky place, they dug, and found nothing but the decaying body of a dead kitten, over which they had to hold their noses. Furious at being disappointed, the wicked old couple seized the dog, and killed him. When the good old man saw that the dog, whom he had lent, did not come home, he went next door to ask what had become of him; and the wicked old man answered that he had killed the dog, and buried him at the root of a pine tree.

Question 2. (1) Why are the old couple called 'good souls' here?
Answer: The old couple are referred to as 'good souls' in this context because, using the gold they had found, they prepared a large meal for their friends and generously shared with their less fortunate neighbors. They did not keep all the gold just for themselves.

Exam Tip: When asked to explain a character's description, refer to their actions and motivations as evidence.

 

Question 2. (2) How much did the kind old couple fondle the dog?
Answer: The kind old couple petted the dog so much that it almost felt overwhelmed with affection.

Exam Tip: Use vivid language to describe the extent of affection or any strong emotion.

 

Question 2. (3) 'They had always kicked and scolded all dogs whenever any passed their house. What kind of their nature does this sentence suggest?
Answer: The phrase 'They had always kicked and criticized all dogs whenever any passed their house' indicates that their character was unkind and heartless.

Exam Tip: Analyze descriptive sentences to infer character traits and provide precise adjectives.

 

Question 2. (4) Pick out the words with similar meanings from the passage : (i) pampered (ii) tasty eatables
Answer:
(i) pampered = petted
(ii) tasty eatables = dainties

Exam Tip: Practice identifying synonyms within given passages to build your vocabulary skills.

 

So the good old fellow, with a heavy heart, went to the spot at night. He set up, just as in a tomb, a few bamboo tubes around the burial mound. He put fresh flowers in the bamboo tubes. He also laid a cup of water and a tray of food there. Later, he burned very costly incense sticks as well. He greatly mourned the death of his pet and shed copious tears over its grave. But there was more good luck in store yet for the old people-the reward of their honesty and virtue. That night, when the good old man was fast asleep in bed, the dog appeared to him and after thanking him for all his kindness, said-"Cause the pine tree, under which I am buried, a mortar, and use it, thinking of it as if it were myself."

 

man, taking a pinch of ashes from his basket, scattered it over the tree. In a moment it burst into blossom. The delighted daimio ordered the train to be stopped and got out to see the wonder. Calling the old man to him, he thanked him and ordered presents of silk robes, sponge- cake, fans and other rewards to be given him. He even invited him to his castle.

Question 3. (1) Why did the leader of the van avoid getting angry with the aged man up in the tree?
Answer: The leader of the group did not get upset with the old man in the tree because he realized the man was elderly and posed no threat to the daimio.

Exam Tip: Explain the reasons behind a character's actions, especially when they show unexpected restraint or consideration.

 

Question 3. (2) What did the aged man up in the tree do when the daimyo's palanquin drew near?
Answer: When the daimio's carrying chair came close, the old man in the tree took a small amount of ash from his basket and spread it over the tree.

Exam Tip: Describe specific actions clearly and in the correct sequence of events.

 

Question 3. (3) How was the old man rewarded?
Answer: The happy daimio thanked the elderly man and commanded that gifts like silk clothing, soft cakes, fans, and other presents be given to him. He also asked the old man to come to his castle.

Exam Tip: Enumerate all components of a reward or a list of items mentioned in the text.

 

Question 3. (4) Pick out the words with similar meanings from the passage : (i) sprinkled (ii) saw
Answer:
(i) sprinkled = scattered
(ii) saw = caught sight of

Exam Tip: Be accurate in matching words from the passage with their correct synonyms.

Vocabulary

Replace the Underlined Words Selecting the Most Appropriate Options From the Brackets:

 

Question 1. I didn't do it on purpose – it was an accident. (emotionally, intentionally, casually)
Answer: I didn't do it intentionally – it was an accident.

Exam Tip: Understand the subtle differences in meaning between similar words to choose the most appropriate synonym.

 

Question 2. I need one or two people to help me set up the equipment. (arrange, prepare, fill up)
Answer: I need one or two people to help me arrange the equipment.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to context clues in the sentence to select the best-fitting verb.

 

Question 3. My cat turns up his nose at the stale food. (expresses strong dislike, looks with (, surprise, leaves incomplete)
Answer: My cat expresses strong dislike at the stale food.

Exam Tip: Idiomatic expressions often have specific meanings that should be replaced with their literal equivalents.

 

Question 4. The well-dressed businessman looked down on the kid wearing a T-shirt in the elevator. (looked bending down, regarded as inferior, looked with dislike)
Answer: The well-dressed businessman regarded as inferior the kid wearing a T-shirt in the elevator.

Exam Tip: Choose the option that best conveys the original meaning while maintaining the sentence's tone.

Choose the Correct Words From the Brackets and Complete the Following Passages:

 

Question 1. (mortar. appeared, grate, sauce, spirit, pastry)
That night the __________ of the dog __________ to him In a dream and said, "Cut down the pine tree over my __________ and make from It a __________ your rice and a mile for your bean __________."
Answer: That night, the spirit of the dog appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Cut down the pine tree over my grave, and create from it a mortar for your rice pastry and a mill for your bean sauce.'

Exam Tip: Read the full story or context carefully to correctly fill in the missing words that complete the narrative.

 

Question 2. (loyal, Impertinence, d-zimio.s, lordship, custom, pasted)
Now, in the days of the __________ the __________ It was the __________ when their lord passed by. for all the __________ people to shut up their high windows. They even __________ them fast with a slip of paper, so as not to commit the __________ of looking down on his __________."
Answer: Now, in the days of the daimios, it was the custom when their lord passed by for all the loyal people to close their high windows. They even glued them shut quickly with a piece of paper, so as not to show disrespect by looking down on his lordship.

Exam Tip: Use contextual clues and understanding of the story to select the most suitable words for the blanks.

Grammar

Choose the Correct Article(s), Conjunction(s), and Preposition(s) to Complete the Following Passage:

 

Question 1. But __________ the greedy neighbour heard __________ It, he took some of __________ magic ashes __________ went out on the highway. There he waited __________ a daimlos train came __________ and, instead of kneeling down like the crowd, he climbed a withered cherry tree.
Answer: But when the greedy neighbor learned of it, he took some of the magical ashes and went out onto the highway. He waited there until a daimio's train came by, and instead of kneeling down like the crowd, he climbed a dried-up cherry tree.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the flow and logic of the passage to insert appropriate articles, conjunctions, and prepositions.

 

Question 2. The good old man humbly asked __________ the ashes __________ the covetous couple turned __________ their noses at him __________ scolded him __________ he were a thief, they let him fill his __________ basket __________ the ashes.
Answer: The good old man humbly asked for the ashes. Though the covetous couple turned up their noses at him and scolded him as if he were a thief, they let him fill his basket with the ashes.

Exam Tip: Consider the relationship between clauses and the implied tone to choose the best connecting words.

Fill in the Blanks With the Appropriate Forms of Verbs Given in the Brackets and Complete the Texts:

 

Question 1. Then they dragged him out of doors,..................1........... (take) a spade and hoe with them. No sooner ................... the dog .................... (get) near a pine tree growing in the garden than he began ........................... (paw) and scratch the ground.
Answer: Then they dragged him out of doors, taking a spade and hoe with them. No sooner had the dog got near a pine tree growing in the garden than it began to paw and scratch the ground.

Exam Tip: Ensure that the verb forms chosen correctly reflect the tense and sequence of actions in the narrative.

 

Question 2. The old man 1... (awake) and went at once to his wicked neighbour's (find) the miserable old pair ..............3.......... (sit) at the edge of their square fireplace, in the middle of the floor, smoking and spinning.
Answer: The old man awoke and went at once to his wicked neighbour's to find the miserable old pair sitting at the edge of their square fireplace, in the middle of the floor, smoking and spinning.

Exam Tip: Conjugate verbs accurately to maintain grammatical correctness and natural flow in the sentences.

Change the Voice of the Following:

 

Question 1. The kind people fed the pet with titbits of fish.
Answer: The pet was fed with titbits of fish by the kind people.

Exam Tip: To change to passive voice, make the object of the active sentence the subject, use a form of 'to be' + past participle, and add 'by' + original subject.

 

Question 2. The dumb creature loved its protectors like a being with a soul.
Answer: Its protectors were loved by the dumb creature like a being with a soul.

Exam Tip: Remember to maintain the original meaning and any comparative phrases when changing voice.

 

Question 3. They coaxed the dog into their garden.
Answer: The dog was coaxed into their garden by them.

Exam Tip: Ensure the past participle form of the verb is used correctly in passive voice constructions.

 

Question 4. The old man kicked and beat him to death.
Answer: He was kicked and beaten to death by the old man.

Exam Tip: When the active sentence has multiple verbs, ensure all are converted to the passive form.

 

Question 5. The old man chopped down the tree.
Answer: The tree was chopped down by the old man.

Exam Tip: Identify the direct object to become the subject of the passive sentence.

 

Question 6. Get down on your knees.
Answer: You are ordered to get down on your knees.

Exam Tip: For imperative sentences, the passive voice typically starts with "You are ordered/requested/advised to..."

 

Question 7. They were baking pastry at that time.
Answer: Pastry was being baked by them at that time.

Exam Tip: For continuous tenses, use 'being' after the form of 'to be' and before the past participle.

Rewrite as Directed:

 

Question 1. Having no children, they loved the dog very much. (Turn into Complex.)
Answer: Since they had no children, they loved the dog very much.

Exam Tip: To convert to a complex sentence, introduce a subordinating conjunction (like 'since', 'because', 'although') to connect the clauses.

 

Question 2. No sooner had the dog got near the pine tree than he began to scratch the ground. (Use 'As soon as'.)
Answer: As soon as the dog had got near the pine tree, he began to scratch the ground.

Exam Tip: 'No sooner... than' and 'As soon as' are interchangeable to express immediate sequence of events. Remove 'had' and invert the subject-verb order after 'no sooner'.

 

Question 3. There was nothing but a dead kitten, (Turn into Affirmative.)
Answer: There was only a dead kitten.

Exam Tip: To change a negative sentence with 'nothing but' to affirmative, replace 'nothing but' with 'only'.

 

Question 4. When New Year's time drew near, he wished to make some rice pastry, s (Turn into Simple.)
Answer: With the New Year drawing near, he wished to make some rice pastry.

Exam Tip: To simplify, you can often replace a time clause with a prepositional phrase or an infinitive phrase.

 

Question 5. They chopped the mill into pieces to use it as firewood. (Use 'so that'.)
Answer: They chopped the mill into pieces so that they could use it as firewood.

Exam Tip: 'So that' introduces a clause of purpose, clearly stating the reason for an action.

 

Question 6. Both he and his wife lived to a green old age. (Use 'not only ... but also.)
Answer: Not only he but his wife also lived to a green old age.

Exam Tip: 'Not only... but also' is used to connect two equally important pieces of information, emphasizing both.

 

Question 7. The covetous people scolded him, but they let him fill his basket with ashes, (Use 'but'.)
Answer: The covetous people scolded him, but they let him fill his basket with ashes.

Exam Tip: 'But' is a conjunction used to introduce a contrasting idea, highlighting a difference despite a preceding statement.

Additional Writing

 

Question. Write a paragraph on 'Dog' in about 150 words :
Answer: A dog is a common pet animal and has shown to be quite helpful to people. Dogs are well-known for their constant loyalty to their owners. They are found across the globe in many different types. A dog is a very alert animal and does its jobs very dependably. It has a clever mind and bright eyes. It is an omnivore, meaning it can eat both plant-based and animal-based food. It possesses very sharp teeth to rip and chew meat, even bones. A dog can be easily managed and trained to do many things with proper instruction. Depending on the different types of dogs, some have fur over their entire bodies or only on their necks. Generally, they have curved and furry tails. They come in various colors, sizes, and weights. It is a very loyal animal and never disappoints its owner. It watches over the owner's house very carefully against thieves, 24 hours a day. However, some can become very unsafe if they get wild. Today, rabies vaccinations help prevent this risk.

Exam Tip: When writing a descriptive paragraph, include various aspects like appearance, behavior, and uses to provide a comprehensive overview.

The Ashes That Made Trees Bloom Summary in English

The Ashes That Made Trees Bloom Summary:

The story "The Ashes That Made Trees Bloom,” written by William Elliot Griffis, is based on a Japanese tale. It is about an honest and hardworking couple who live with their pet dog, Muko. In the good old days, there lived a kind man with his wife, who had a favorite dog, which they used to feed with fish and tidbits from their own kitchen. One day, as the old couple walked in their garden, the dog went with them and began playing about.

All of a sudden, the dog stopped short and began to bark, “Bow, wow, wow!" wagging its tail quickly. The old people thought there must be something good to eat under the ground. So they brought a spade and began digging. When, to their surprise, a pile of gold gleamed underneath. They gathered the treasure together and, after giving aid to the poor, bought themselves a piece of land. Now, in the next house, there lived a greedy old couple, who, when they heard what had happened, came and borrowed the dog. Having taken him home, they prepared a great feast for him and said, "If you please, Mr. Dog, we would be very grateful if you would show us a place with plenty of money in it.” The dog, however, who until that time had received nothing but pushes and kicks from its hosts, would not eat any of the tasty foods they set before him. So the greedy couple began to get annoyed, and putting a rope around the dog's neck, led him out into the garden. But it was all in vain; no matter where they led him, the dog did not make a sound.

At last, however, the dog stopped at a certain spot and began to sniff. So, thinking that this must surely be the lucky place, they dug and found nothing but the decaying body of a dead kitten, over which they had to hold their noses. Furious at being disappointed, the wicked old couple seized the dog and killed him. When the good old man saw that the dog he had lent did not come home, he went next door to ask what had happened to him. The wicked old man answered that he had killed the dog and buried him at the root of a pine tree.

So the good old man, with a heavy heart, went to the spot at night. He set up, just as in a tomb, a few bamboo tubes around the burial mound. He put fresh flowers in the bamboo tubes. He also laid a cup of water and a tray of food there. Later, he burned very costly incense sticks as well. He greatly mourned the death of his pet and shed many tears over its grave. But there was more good fortune in store for the old people—the reward of their honesty and virtue. That night, when the good old man was fast asleep in bed, the dog appeared to him and after thanking him for all his kindness, said, "Because the pine tree, under which I am buried, a mortar, and use it, thinking of it as if it were myself."

The old man did as the dog had told him to do and made a mortar out of the wood of the pine tree. But when he ground the rice and made it into dough, suddenly the whole mass turned into gold coins. When the old woman took out the beans to fill in the mill, gold dropped like rain. When the wicked old couple saw this, they came to borrow the mortar. But no sooner did they try to use it than all their rice was turned into filth. So, in a fit of rage, they broke up the mortar and burned it. But the good old man, little suspecting that his precious mortar had been broken and burned, wondered why his neighbors did not bring it back to him.

Part II

One night, the dog appeared to him again in a dream and told him what had happened, adding that if he would take the ashes of the burnt mortar and sprinkle them on withered trees, the trees would revive and suddenly put out flowers. After saying this, the dog in the dream vanished, and the old man, who heard for the first time of the loss of his mortar, ran off weeping to the neighbor's house and begged them, at any rate, to give him back the ashes of his treasure.

Having obtained the ashes, he returned home and made a trial of their powers upon a withered cherry tree, which, upon being touched by the ashes, immediately began to sprout and blossom. The news of this miracle spread through the village, and everyone came to know about the wonder. The greedy couple next door also heard about it.

They collected the remaining ash and tried to put it into flowers on the barren trees. Needless to say, their efforts went in vain. During this time, the kind old man heard that his landlord was about to pass through a nearby street. He climbed upon a tree with the ashes. As soon as the landlord's entourage arrived, the old man made the barren tree bloom by sprinkling the ashes.

This was a time when the landlords were very powerful, and no one even dared to stand on their feet when they passed by, let alone climbing atop a tree. However, the old man's good intentions paid off, and he received valuable rewards from the landlord. As soon as the greedy neighbor came to know of this incident, he also set out with a handful of ash and perched himself atop a tree while the landlord was about to pass under it. Instead of blossoming the tree, the ashes flew into the landlord's eyes and mouth, blinding and choking him.

When the landlord's retainers saw this, they seized the old man and beat him to death. Thus, the greed and envy of the wicked man led him to a miserable death, whereas the kind friend of the dog, together with his wife, lived in peace and plenty. They lived for many years and enjoyed health and prosperity throughout.