Maharashtra Board Class 5 English Chapter 26 Water in the Well Solutions

English Balbharati Std 5 Digest Chapter 26 Water in the Well Textbook Questions and Answers

Question 1. Find a word that has a similar meaning.
1. sorry
2. whole

🎯 Exam Tip: To score full marks, provide a clear and accurate synonym for each word listed in the question.

Answer The Following Questions

Question 1. What does a farmer need most for his fields?
Answer: A farmer needs a good source of water for his field. Water is essential for crop growth and survival.
In simple words: Farmers need water the most for their fields to help their crops grow well.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering questions about basic needs, always identify the primary requirement and briefly explain its importance.

Question 2. Where was the well situated?
Answer: The well was situated just outside the boundary of Kasim's field. This placement was crucial to the story's conflict.
In simple words: The well was right next to Kasim's field, but not inside it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to details about location and placement as they often play a significant role in the plot of a story.

Question 3. What did Ahmad tell Kasim when he dug a channel and began to draw water?
Answer: When Kasim dug a channel and began to draw water, Ahmad questioned him about what he was doing and asked how he dared to touch the water in his presence. Ahmad was trying to assert his ownership over the water, despite having sold the well.
In simple words: Ahmad angrily asked Kasim why he was taking water and how he dared to touch it.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing character interactions, include their actions and direct speech or the essence of their words to show their feelings and intentions.

Question 4. What did the Judge tell Ahmad?
Answer: The Judge told Ahmad that he had no right to keep his belongings in Kasim's field without paying rent for the space. The Judge's clever ruling resolved the dispute.
In simple words: The Judge told Ahmad he couldn't keep his well on Kasim's land without paying rent for the space it occupied.

🎯 Exam Tip: For questions about resolutions or judgments, clearly state the decision made and the reasoning behind it, especially if it's a clever solution.

Question 5. How do we come to know that Kasim was a generous man?
Answer: Despite the Judge giving the judgement that Ahmad would have to pay a daily rent to Kasim, Kasim never troubled Ahmad for the 'rent' that was due to him. In this way, we come to know that Kasim was a generous man. This act of not demanding what was rightfully his truly showcased his kind nature.
In simple words: We know Kasim was generous because even after the judge said Ahmad should pay rent, Kasim never asked Ahmad for that money.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to identify character traits, always support your answer with specific actions or inactions from the story, demonstrating how they reveal the trait.

Find The Meaning Of The Following Phrase And Use Them In Your Own Sentence.

Question 1. again and again
Answer: again and again: repeatedly. I could not believe the bad news, so I read it again and again. This phrase highlights a continuous or frequent action.
In simple words: It means doing something many times, over and over.

🎯 Exam Tip: For phrase definitions, first provide a clear synonym or short explanation, then demonstrate understanding by using it correctly in a new, relevant sentence.

Question 2. thought over
Answer: thought over- consider. Ivan thought over the suggestion made by his friend but was not convinced. This implies a careful and deliberate mental process.
In simple words: It means to think carefully about something before making a decision.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining a phrase, ensure your definition is concise and your example sentence clearly illustrates its meaning in context.

Question 3. in his mind's eye
Answer: in his mind's eye- in his imagination. He could see the scene and the events in his mind's eye. This phrase emphasizes the power of visualization.
In simple words: It means to imagine something clearly in your thoughts, as if you are seeing it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the imaginative aspect when defining "in his mind's eye" and use an example that shows someone visualizing a scene or event.

Question 4. in store for...
Answer: [The source content for the definition and sentence is incomplete here. Typically, 'in store for' means 'awaiting' or 'reserved for'. For example: "Great adventures were in store for the young explorer."]
In simple words: This phrase means something is waiting to happen to someone in the future.

🎯 Exam Tip: For phrases like this, understand their idiomatic meaning (what they truly imply beyond the individual words) and practice using them in sentences to show foresight or anticipation.

Question 5. (his/her) ..... heart sank
Answer: (his/her) heart sank- to be disappointed. His heart sank when he heard that he was not selected for the match.
In simple words: When someone's heart sinks, it means they feel very disappointed or sad about something.

🎯 Exam Tip: When defining phrases, always provide a clear meaning and an example sentence to show correct usage.

Question 6. heart of hearts
Answer: heart of hearts: know something but not admit it I knew in my heart of hearts that something was wrong.
In simple words: To know something in your heart of hearts means you deeply believe it, even if you don't say it out loud or admit it to others.

🎯 Exam Tip: For idiomatic expressions, explain the underlying meaning and illustrate it with a relevant example sentence.

4. Group Work:

Question 1. Form groups of 5-8. In each group, rewrite the story in the form of a play. Present scenes from your play in the classroom.
Answer: (Ahmad and Kasim are standing near Ahmad's well).
In simple words: This activity encourages creative writing and dramatic adaptation, allowing students to transform a narrative into a performable script.

🎯 Exam Tip: When converting a story into a play, focus on creating engaging dialogue and clear stage directions to bring the narrative to life.

(Next day Kasim is at the well digging out a channel)
Ahmad: What are you doing Kasim? How dare you touch the water in my presence?
Kasim: What do you mean? Haven't you sold this well to me?
Ahmad: Ah, I sold the well all right, but not the water in the well. The water still belongs to me, you can't use it. If you needed the water along with the well, you should have said so. I have a suggestion for you, pay for the water separately and use it. You can buy freshwater every day. I don't mind.
(Kasim rushes to the Qazi and tells him the whole story. Ahmad is summoned to the court and the Qazi hears his argument patiently and then.....)
Qazi: Hmm, I see that you are right. What you have sold is the well, the water is all yours. Isn't that so?
Ahmad: My Lord, I am so grateful you understand the fine points of this case. The water does indeed belong to me.
Qazi: In that case Ahmad, why are you keeping it in Kasim's well? You have no right to keep your belongings in his property. You must remove the water immediately or else, you can pay a daily rent to Kasim. Then he will allow you to use his well.
(Ahmad is dumbfounded, people present in the court laugh)
Kasim: (thinks to himself) I will never trouble Ahmad for the 'rent'. After all I got justice.
(Curtain falls)

English Balbharati Std 5 Answers Chapter 26 Water In The Well Additional Important Questions And Answers

Answer The Following:

Question 1. What does a farmer need most for his field?
Answer: A farmer needs a good source of water for his field. Water is essential for crops to grow and thrive.
In simple words: Farmers need water the most for their fields to make sure their crops grow well.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering questions about basic needs, always identify the primary requirement and briefly state its importance.

Question 2. Do you think Ahmad was right in what he did? Why?
Answer: Ahmad was not right in what he did as he had sold the well to Kasim. Later he claimed that it was only the well and not the water in the well which he had sold. It was indeed unfair and unjust. This kind of deception is morally wrong.
In simple words: Ahmad was wrong because he sold the well but then tried to claim the water inside it, which was unfair to Kasim.

🎯 Exam Tip: For questions asking for your opinion, state it clearly (right/wrong) and then provide specific reasons from the story to support your view.

Activities

Question 1. Give one word for:
1. The limit of an area or line marking it
2. A conclusion reached after consideration
3. Make known to public
4. A reason put forward
5. A place where legal cases are heard
Answer:
1. boundary
2. decision
3. announce
4. argument
5. court
In simple words: This question asks you to find single words that match the given definitions, like finding a synonym for each phrase.

🎯 Exam Tip: For "one word for" questions, read each definition carefully and think of the most precise single word that fits the meaning. Practice vocabulary regularly.

Question 2. Spot some describing words used in the lesson and fill in the blank.

• good
• whole
• some
• fresh

Language Study

Question 1. Find a word that has similar meaning:
1. cunning
2. proposal
Answer:
1. crafty
2. suggestion. These words are synonyms, offering alternative ways to express the same idea.
In simple words: For 'cunning', a similar word is 'crafty'. For 'proposal', a similar word is 'suggestion'.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked for synonyms, provide words that can be used interchangeably in context to score full marks.

Find The Meaning Of The Following Phrases And Use Them In Your Own Sentences.

Question 1. again and again : repeatedly.
Answer: The phrase "again and again" means repeatedly, indicating an action that happens multiple times. For example, she practiced the song again and again until she perfected it.
In simple words: "Again and again" means doing something many times.

🎯 Exam Tip: When defining phrases, provide a clear synonym or explanation and, if asked, a simple sentence demonstrating its correct usage.

Question 2. thought over : consider.
Answer: Ivan thought over the suggestion made by his friend but was not convinced. Thinking things over carefully helps in making good decisions.
In simple words: "Thought over" means to consider something carefully, like thinking about a friend's idea before deciding.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked for the meaning of a phrase, provide a clear definition and then use it correctly in a sentence to show understanding.

Question 3. in his mind's eye: in his imagination.
Answer: He could see the scene and the events in his mind's eye. This phrase describes visualizing something clearly without it being physically present.
In simple words: "In his mind's eye" means to imagine something vividly, like seeing a picture in your head.

🎯 Exam Tip: For idiomatic expressions, first define the idiom and then construct a sentence that naturally incorporates its meaning.

Question 4. in store for: awaiting for something to happen in future.
Answer: The thief did not think of what was in store for him, if he got caught. Often, people don't consider the consequences that await them.
In simple words: "In store for" means what is going to happen to someone in the future, especially if it's a surprise or consequence.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining phrases, ensure your example sentence clearly demonstrates the future-oriented nature of "in store for."

Question 5. his/her heart sank: to be disappointed.
Answer: His heart sank when he heard that he was not selected for the match. This feeling of disappointment can be quite sudden and strong.
In simple words: "His heart sank" means someone suddenly felt very disappointed or sad about something.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use a scenario that clearly evokes a feeling of disappointment to illustrate the phrase "heart sank."

Question 6. heart of hearts : know something but not admit it
Answer: I knew in my heart of hearts that something was wrong. This phrase refers to a deep, inner conviction that one might not express outwardly.
In simple words: "In my heart of hearts" means you know something to be true deep inside yourself, even if you don't say it out loud.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the internal, often unspoken, knowledge when using the phrase "heart of hearts" in your example sentence.

Do As Directed

Question 1. What a farmer needs most for his fields is a good source of water. (pick out the nouns in the sentence given above)
Answer: The nouns in the sentence are: farmer, fields, source, water. Nouns are words that name a person, place, thing, or idea.
In simple words: Nouns are naming words. In this sentence, the things being named are 'farmer', 'fields', 'source', and 'water'.

🎯 Exam Tip: To identify nouns, look for words that name people, places, animals, things, or ideas. Don't confuse them with verbs (actions) or adjectives (descriptions).

Question 2. Ahmad, the man who owned the well, was a crafty old man (Pick out adjectives from the sentence given above)
Answer: The adjectives in the sentence are 'crafty' and 'old'. These words describe the man.
In simple words: Adjectives are words that describe nouns. Here, 'crafty' and 'old' tell us more about Ahmad.

🎯 Exam Tip: To identify adjectives, look for words that describe a noun (person, place, thing) by telling you 'what kind' or 'how many'.

Question 3. Kasim thought over the suggestion and liked it. (State the part of speech of the underlined Trond)
Answer: The word 'and' is a conjunction. It connects two parts of the sentence.
In simple words: A conjunction is a word that joins words, phrases, or clauses together, like 'and' or 'but'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Conjunctions are linking words. Common conjunctions include 'and', 'but', 'or', 'so', 'because'.

Question 4. What are you doing Kasim how dare you touch the water in my presence said Ahmad (Punctuate)
Answer: "What are you doing, Kasim? How dare you touch the water in my presence?" said Ahmad. Proper punctuation makes the dialogue clear and easy to understand.
In simple words: When punctuating direct speech, put quotation marks around the exact words spoken, use a comma before the speaker's name, and add question marks or exclamation marks inside the quotes if needed.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to use quotation marks for direct speech, commas to separate the speech from the speaker, and correct end punctuation (question mark, exclamation mark, or period) inside the quotation marks.

Question 5. Pay for the water separately. (Pick out the adverb)
Answer: The adverb in the sentence is 'separately'. It describes how the payment should be made.
In simple words: An adverb tells us how, when, where, or to what extent an action is done. Many adverbs end in '-ly'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adverbs often modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Look for words that answer questions like 'how?', 'when?', 'where?', or 'why?'.

Question 6. But Kasim was a generous man. (Add a question lag)
Answer: But Kasim was a generous man, wasn't he? Question tags are short questions added to the end of a statement.
In simple words: A question tag turns a statement into a question, usually to confirm something. If the statement is positive, the tag is negative, and vice-versa.

🎯 Exam Tip: When adding a question tag, use the auxiliary verb from the main sentence (or 'do/does/did' if none) and the pronoun corresponding to the subject. Remember to use a comma before the tag.

Reading Skills, Vocabulary and Grammar

Read the following extract and answer the questions given below:

Question 1. State whether the following statements are true or false.
1. Ahmad had always thought that the Qazi would side with him.
2. Ahmad was a generous man.
Answer:
1. False
2. False
In simple words: Ahmad was mistaken in his belief about the Qazi, and he was not portrayed as generous in the story.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always read the statements carefully and recall the story details to determine if they are true or false. Pay attention to character traits.

Question 2. Write about the setting of the above given extract.
Answer: The above extract was set in the court. The court is often a place where disputes are resolved.
In simple words: The story takes place in a court, where legal matters are decided.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identifying the setting helps understand the context of the events. Look for keywords that describe the location.

Question 3. Why was Ahmad overjoyed?
Answer: Ahmad was overjoyed as he thought that the Qazi was speaking in his favour. He misinterpreted the Qazi's initial statements.
In simple words: Ahmad was happy because he thought the judge was supporting him.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked about a character's emotions, state the emotion and then provide the specific reason from the text.

Question 4. Kasim's heart sank (Explain the words underlined above)
Answer: Being a simple man Kasim thought that the Qazi was on Ahmad's side, and that he had lost the case, so he was disappointed. This feeling of disappointment made his heart sink.
In simple words: Kasim felt very disappointed and sad because he believed he had lost the case.

🎯 Exam Tip: To explain an idiom or phrase, describe the feeling or situation it represents in simple terms, relating it back to the character's context.

Question 5. How did the Qazi prove his wisdom?
Answer: Since Ahmad maintained that he had only sold the well and not the water to Kasim, the Qazi said that Ahmad had no right to keep his belongings in Kasim's property. A clever twist of logic revealed Ahmad's greed.
In simple words: The Qazi showed his wisdom by telling Ahmad that if he only sold the well and not the water, he couldn't keep his water in Kasim's well.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining how someone proved wisdom, focus on the specific action or statement that demonstrated their intelligence or fairness.

Question 6. Give a suitable moral for the extract.
Answer: A suitable moral for the extract is 'you can fool some people some time, but not all the people all the time.' This timeless lesson emphasizes that deception can only last for so long before the truth is revealed.
In simple words: The story teaches that you can trick people for a while, but eventually, everyone will realize the truth.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked for a moral, identify the main lesson or message the story conveys about human behavior or life. Use a concise, impactful sentence.

Question 7.
(a) Give the adjective forms of :
1. right - righteous
2. thought – thoughtful
(b) Give the noun forms of:
1. allow - allowance
2. laugh .- laughter
Answer:
(a) The adjective forms are:
1. right - righteous
2. thought - thoughtful
(b) The noun forms are:
1. allow - allowance
2. laugh - laughter
Understanding these word transformations helps in building a stronger vocabulary.
In simple words: This question asks you to change words into their adjective and noun forms, which is important for understanding how words relate to each other.

🎯 Exam Tip: Practice identifying different forms of words (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs) as it improves vocabulary and grammar skills. Pay attention to common suffixes and prefixes.

Water In The Well Summary In English

Summary: 'Water in the well is a story which revolves around two main characters, Kasim and Ahmad. Kasim was a farmer and he had an eye on Ahmad's well as that would help him to channelise water to his fields. Each time Kasim would beg for access to Ahmad's well his request would be turned down by Ahmad. Finally one day, Ahmad suggested to Kasim that he could buy the well from him. Kasim who liked the idea, which he considered beneficial, bought the well at the cost of all his savings. The next day Kasim went to his own well (or so he thought) and dug out a channel to draw water. Ahmad questioned him how he dared to touch the water in his presence and further continued that he had only sold the well to him and not the water in the

well which still belonged to him. He even put forward a suggestion that Kasim could pay him for the water separately on a daily basis and use it A shocked Kasim rushes to the Qazi who heard the argument patiently.

The Qazi's wisdom comes to light when he tells Ahmad that he had no right to keep his belongings, i.e. the water in Kasim's property. He also instructed him to remove the water immediately or pay daily rent to Kasim after which Kasim would allow him to use the well. A confused Ahmad was left speechless. But Kasim who was a generous man never troubled Ahmad for the 'rent'.

Meanings:

1. boundary (n) – the limit of an area or the line marking it .
2. crafty (adj) – cunning
3. access (n) – approach or enter
4. suggestion (n) a proposal
5. decision (n) – a conclusion reached after consideration
6. channel (n) – passage or a stretch of water
7. announced (o) – make known to public
8. presence (n) – being present
9. argument (n): a reason put forward
10. court (n) a place where legal cases are heard
11. summoned (v) – send for
12. patiently (adv) – calmly endure
13. Qazi (n) one who dispenses justice (here)