Maharashtra Board Class 5 English Balbharti Unit Two Chapter 9 The Triantiwontigongolope PDF Download

The Triantiiwontigongolope

There's a very funny insect that you do not often spy. And it isn't quite a spider, and it isn't quite a fly; It is something like a beetle, and a little like a bee, But nothing like a woolly grub that climbs upon a tree. Its name is quite a hard one, but you'll learn it soon, I hope. So try:

Tri-

Tri-anti-wonti-

Triantiiwontigongolope.

It lives on weeds and wattle-gum, and has a funny face; Its appetite is hearty, and its manners a disgrace. When first you come upon it, it will give you quite a scare, But when you look for it again, you find it isn't there. And unless you call it softly it will stay away and mope. So try:

Tri-

Tri-anti-wonti-

Triantiiwontigongolope.

Teacher's Note

This is a funny poem about an imaginary insect. It teaches children how to say a silly long name. Just like children learn the names of real insects in science class, this poem makes learning fun.

Exam Trick

Remember the name by breaking it into three parts: Tri-anti-wonti-Triantiiwontigongolope. Say each part slowly, then put them together fast.

Points to Remember

The insect is imaginary, not real.
It has a very long and funny name.
The poem teaches us how to say the name in three steps.
The insect lives on weeds and wattle-gum.
We should call it softly or it will go away.

It trembles if you tickle it or tread upon its toes; It is not an early riser, but it has a snubbish nose. If you sneer at it, or scold it, it will scuttle off in shame, But it purrs and purrs quite proudly if you call it by its name, And offer it some sandwiches of sealing-wax and soap. So try:

Tri-

Tri-anti-wonti-

Triantiiwontigongolope.

Teacher's Note

The poem describes how the insect reacts to different things. Children in India learn that animals have feelings too. When we are kind to them, they respond well.

Exam Trick

Remember: The insect gets sad if you are mean. It gets happy if you call it by its name. This teaches us kindness.

Points to Remember

The insect does not like being tickled or stepped on.
It has a snubbish nose and is not an early riser.
It runs away if you sneer or scold it.
It purrs when you call it by its proper name.
It likes sandwiches made of sealing-wax and soap.

But of course you haven't seen it; and I truthfully confess That I haven't seen it either, and I don't know its address. For there isn't such an insect, though there really might have been If the trees and grass were purple, and the sky was bottle green. It's just a little joke of mine, which you'll forgive, I hope. Oh, try!

Tri-

Tri-anti-wonti-

Triantiiwontigongolope.

- C.J. Dennis

Things to do:

1. Read the poem aloud using proper intonation.

2. Note that we say 'its appetite', 'its manners' and not 'it's appetite' or 'it's manners'. It's means 'it is' and its means 'belonging to it'.

3. Activities

(1) Is the insect described in the poem a real insect? Think about an imaginary creature. Describe it in your own words. You may draw its picture and label it.

(2) Think of other funny names for imaginary creatures. Write any 3 of them.

Teacher's Note

This poem is actually a joke. The insect does not really exist. It teaches children to use their imagination and think of new things. Just like children in India make up stories and imaginary friends.

Exam Trick

Remember: The poet says he has never seen the insect. It is imaginary. This is important for understanding the poem in exams.

Points to Remember

The Triantiiwontigongolope is not a real insect.
It is imaginary and the poet made it up as a joke.
The poem teaches us to use our imagination.
Long funny names can be broken into small parts.
This is a fun way to learn how to say difficult words.

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