Samacheer Kalvi Class 4 English Solutions Term 3 Chapter 3 The Magic Pencil

A. Choose the best answer.

Question 1. Chris enjoyed doing all sorts of things except, writing and ____.
(a) Singing
(b) Art
(c) Acting
Answer: (b) Art
In simple words: Chris did not like doing art. He found art and writing difficult.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always pay attention to keywords like 'except' which change the meaning of the question.

Question 2. One day Chris tried to draw a _____.
(a) Rectangular
(b) Circle
(c) Triangle
Answer: (b) Circle
In simple words: Chris tried to draw a round shape, which is called a circle.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember key events like what Chris drew first, as these often come up in questions.

Question 3. Pencil asked him to draw _____.
(a) Pair of eyes
(b) Pair of ears
(c) Face
Answer: (a) pair of eyes
In simple words: The pencil wanted Chris to draw two eyes for it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on who said what and what they asked for in the story.

Question 4. Draw me some hair, quickly, I look like a _____.
(a) Princess
(b) Lollipop
(c) Prince
Answer: (b) Lollipop
In simple words: The drawing wanted hair because it looked like a lollipop.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to funny comparisons or specific phrases used by characters.

Question 5. Before going to bed that night, Chris gave his new teacher a _____.
(a) Hearty thanks
(b) Costly pen
(c) A ring
Answer: (a) Hearty thanks
In simple words: Chris gave a big thank you to his new drawing teacher.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the resolution or moral of the story, as it often involves expressions of gratitude or lessons learned.

B. Answer the following questions.

Question 1. What was the truth finally learned by Chris?
Answer: Chris finally learned that to become good at something, he needed to keep trying and also enjoy the process. This means practice is important, but so is having fun while learning.
In simple words: Chris learned that you must keep trying and enjoy what you do to learn well.

🎯 Exam Tip: This question asks for the main lesson Chris learned, which is a key takeaway from the story.

Question 2. How can we do our work better?
Answer: We can make our work better by practicing a lot and finding joy in what we are doing. When you enjoy a task, you often put in more effort and learn faster.
In simple words: To improve our work, we should practice often and enjoy it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Relate the story's moral to real-life applications when answering 'how' questions.

Question 3. Why did he rub the circle again and again?
Answer: Chris rubbed the circle many times because it did not look good, and the drawing itself kept asking him to make it better. The drawing acted like a patient teacher, pushing Chris to improve.
In simple words: He kept erasing the circle because it wasn't good and the drawing told him to improve it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention both Chris's perception and the drawing's interaction to fully answer 'why'.

Question 4. Why was Chris worried?
Answer: Chris was worried because he wasn't sure if his afternoon conversation with the little drawing was real or if he had just been dreaming. He wondered about the truth of his unusual experience.
In simple words: Chris was worried because he didn't know if he really talked to the drawing or if it was a dream.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for emotional states of characters and the specific reasons behind them.

Question 5. What is the one thing you will try and improve after reading the story? How?
Answer: After reading the story, one thing I will try to improve is to always imagine what I want to achieve before starting a task and then keep working to make it better and better. This helps in achieving a clear vision and continuously improving my skills.
In simple words: I will imagine my goal first, then keep trying to do my work better and better.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked for personal takeaways, always connect your answer back to the central theme of perseverance and continuous improvement from the story.

I. Write True or False.

Question 1. One day Chris found a pen of such lovely colours.
Answer: False. Chris actually found a pencil, not a pen, that had lovely colours. The type of drawing tool is important here.
In simple words: False. Chris found a pencil, not a pen.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be careful with details like 'pen' versus 'pencil'; these small differences can change a true statement to false.

Question 2. Chris managed to draw two little spots outside the circle.
Answer: False. Chris drew the two little spots for the eyes *inside* the circle, not outside it. Placement matters in drawing.
In simple words: False. The spots were drawn inside the circle.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to location details like 'inside' or 'outside' when judging true/false statements.

Question 3. Chris erased the circle and drew another one.
Answer: True. After the drawing spoke to him, Chris erased his first attempt and tried drawing a new circle. This shows his willingness to improve.
In simple words: True. Chris drew a new circle after erasing the first one.

🎯 Exam Tip: Statements about actions taken by characters are often key to understanding the plot.

Question 4. Chris drew for two hours at a time.
Answer: False. In the story, Chris had never practiced for more than ten minutes at a time before, not two hours. His long practice session with the magic pencil was a new experience.
In simple words: False. Chris usually practiced for only ten minutes at a time.

🎯 Exam Tip: Confirm numerical facts and time durations mentioned in the story before deciding true or false.

Question 5. It made no difference whether you had the magic pencil or not.
Answer: True. Chris realized that the magic pencil itself wasn't what made him better; it was his continuous effort and enjoyment. The real magic was in trying and enjoying the process.
In simple words: True. The magic was in trying, not in the pencil.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the deeper message of the story, which is often about internal effort rather than external tools.

II. Identify the Character/Speaker.

Question 1. “At least draw me a pair of eyes.”
Answer: The drawing
In simple words: The drawing said this.

🎯 Exam Tip: Quotes usually identify the speaker. If it's an object, state 'The drawing' or 'The circle'.

Question 2. “I don't draw very well.”
Answer: Chris
In simple words: Chris said this.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for cues like 'said Chris' or 'replied' in the narration to identify the speaker.

Question 3. "I'm going to have to teach you how to draw until you can do me well."
Answer: The circle
In simple words: The circle said this.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify who is taking on a teaching or guiding role in the dialogue.

Question 4. "But I didn't do anything!"
Answer: Chris
In simple words: Chris said this.

🎯 Exam Tip: Sometimes a character's reaction or exclamation helps identify them as the speaker.

Question 5. "You are correct, but, thank you."
Answer: Chris
In simple words: Chris said this.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify expressions of agreement or thanks to pinpoint the speaker.

Question 6. "OK. No problem.”
Answer: The drawing
In simple words: The drawing said this.

🎯 Exam Tip: Short, direct responses often come from the character who is giving instructions or reassuring another.

III. Choose the best answer.

Question 1. He carefully kept the pencil in his _____.
(a) Pocket
(b) School bag
(c) Cupboard
Answer: (b) School bag
In simple words: Chris kept the pencil in his school bag.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to details about object placement, as it shows their importance.

Question 2. "Hey! You forgot my _____ again!"
(a) Ears
(b) Head
(c) Eyes
Answer: (c) Eyes
In simple words: The drawing said Chris forgot its eyes.

🎯 Exam Tip: Specific direct quotes are often used to test memory of the story's dialogue.

Question 3. Using _____ and pencils was not easy for him.
(a) Pens
(b) Brushes
(c) Notebooks
Answer: (b) Brushes
In simple words: Chris found it hard to use brushes and pencils.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the things Chris struggled with at the beginning of the story.

Question 4. Just then, his drawing began to _____ to him.
(a) Listen
(b) Read
(c) Speak
Answer: (c) Speak
In simple words: The drawing started to talk to Chris.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize the key magical event that starts the main part of the story.

Question 5. Chris managed to draw _____ little spots inside the circle.
(a) Two
(b) Three
(c) Four
Answer: (a) Two
In simple words: Chris drew two small spots for eyes inside the circle.

🎯 Exam Tip: Specific numbers or quantities are often tested in comprehension questions.

Let Us Read Aloud

A. Read the Passage 3 Times and Colour the Medal for Each Time.

The school was decorated for the Annual Sports Day. The children came to the running track to cheer the runners. The next event was 800 meters running. Megala was in the race. She wanted to win the race, but the other runners were district and divisional winners. The race started. All had to finish two laps. At the end of the first lap, Megala was in the fifth place. Suddenly, she fell on the ground. Everyone ran to help her. But before that she got up and started to run. All children and teachers cheered her. She had come last, but the headmaster gave her a special prize.

Answer the Following Questions.

Question 1. What was the event Megala participated?
Answer: Megala participated in the 800 meters running event. This was a challenging race that required speed and endurance.
In simple words: Megala took part in the 800-meter running race.

🎯 Exam Tip: Scan the passage for specific details about events, names, and distances.

Question 2. Why did everyone support Megala?
Answer: Everyone supported Megala because she fell down during the race, and people wanted to help her. Her determination to get up and continue also inspired them.
In simple words: People supported Megala because she fell, and they wanted to help her.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for reasons behind characters' actions and reactions within the text.

Question 3. What is the main idea of the story?
Answer: The main idea of this story is to encourage people to keep trying, even when faced with difficulties. Megala's example shows that perseverance is more important than winning.
In simple words: The story teaches us to keep trying and never give up.

🎯 Exam Tip: The main idea is often the lesson or moral that the story conveys.

Question 4. Why did the head master give Megala a special prize?
Answer: The headmaster gave Megala a special prize because she showed great courage and determination by continuing to run even after falling. Her spirit was more valuable than her race position.
In simple words: The headmaster gave Megala a prize because she did not give up after falling.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the character's qualities and actions that lead to a reward or recognition.

Complete the Following Picture Board.

Question 1.
Answer: There was once a cunning crane living near a pond. It lied to the fish and a crab, telling them the pond would soon dry up due to a drought. The crane pretended to offer help, saying it would take them to another pond with plenty of water. Sadly, all the fish and the crab believed the crane and agreed to its plan. The crane's true intention was to eat them.
In simple words: A clever crane lied to the fish and a crab, saying the pond would dry. It offered to move them to a new pond, but it really wanted to eat them.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the initial setup of the story, especially the cunning plan of the antagonist.

Question 2.
Answer: One day, the crane carried the crab. Just as the crane was about to eat it, the clever crab quickly attacked. The crab saw the bones of the fish heads, realizing the crane's evil plan. The crab then used its strong claws to pinch the crane's neck so hard that the wicked crane died. This shows quick thinking can save lives.
In simple words: As the crane tried to eat the crab, the crab saw fish bones. It realized the crane's evil plan and pinched the crane's neck, killing it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the turning point of the story, where the prey outsmarts the predator.

Question 3.
Answer: The wicked crane had been taking the fish one by one to the woods, where it secretly ate them. Only the bones were left behind, showing the crane's deceit. This part describes the crane's villainous acts.
In simple words: The crane took the fish to the woods and ate them, leaving only bones.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the sequence of events and the deceptive actions of the crane.

Question 4.
Answer: After understanding the crane's evil nature, the clever crab immediately used its claws to pinch the crane's head with great force. This broke the crane's head, and the wicked crane died. Justice was served for the fish.
In simple words: The crab strongly pinched the crane's head, which broke it, and the evil crane died.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the climax and resolution of the story, especially how the antagonist is defeated.

I Can Do

A. Choose the Correct Option.

Question 1. The child got an _____ for winning the race.
(a) Award
(b) Magic
(c) Shock
Answer: (a) Award
In simple words: The child received an award for winning or participating well in the race.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect this question back to the previous story about Megala and her prize.

Question 2. I got _____ to see his favourite heroine.
(a) Fend
(b) Chance
(c) Deaf
Answer: (b) Chance
In simple words: I got a chance to see my favorite heroine.

🎯 Exam Tip: Choose the word that fits the context of getting an opportunity.

B. Match with the Opposite Gender.

Question 1. Prince - bridegroom
Answer: prince - princess
In simple words: The female word for prince is princess.

🎯 Exam Tip: Know common gender pairs and identify incorrect pairings in the question.

Question 2. Hero - princess
Answer: hero - heroine
In simple words: The female word for hero is heroine.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be precise with gender pairs; a hero has a heroine, a king has a queen.

Question 3. Bride - heroine
Answer: bride - bridegroom
In simple words: The male word for bride is bridegroom.

🎯 Exam Tip: Match the correct male and female terms for people or roles.

C. Write the Correct Word.

rooster king hen tiger queen tigress

Question 1.
Answer: Rooster. The animal shown in the image is a rooster. A rooster is a male chicken, recognized by its bright feathers and loud crow.
In simple words: This is a rooster, which is a male chicken.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on identifying common animals and their correct names.

Question 2.
Answer: Hen. The animal in the picture is a hen. A hen is a female chicken, known for laying eggs.
In simple words: This is a hen, a female chicken.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between male and female animal names where applicable.

Question 3.
Answer: King. The person depicted in the image is a king. A king is a male ruler of an independent state, usually inheriting the position.
In simple words: This is a king, a male ruler.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize common titles and roles for people.

Question 4.
Answer: Queen. The person shown is a queen. A queen is the female ruler of an independent state, or the wife of a king.
In simple words: This is a queen, a female ruler.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the female equivalent of 'king'.

Question 5.
Answer: Tiger. The animal in the image is a tiger. A tiger is a large, powerful carnivorous cat known for its striped coat.
In simple words: This is a tiger, a large striped cat.

🎯 Exam Tip: Name common wild animals correctly.

Question 6.
Answer: Tigress. The animal shown is a tigress. A tigress is a female tiger. Many animal species have different names for males and females.
In simple words: This is a tigress, a female tiger.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the female equivalent of 'tiger'.

D. Recite the Poem Never Give Up with Correct Intonation.

E. Match the Rhyming Words.

Question 1. Earn - day
Answer: Earn - learn. The words 'earn' and 'learn' rhyme with each other. They both end with a similar sound.
In simple words: 'Earn' and 'learn' sound alike at the end.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the ending sounds of words to identify rhymes.

Question 2. Fend - learn
Answer: Fend - end. The words 'fend' and 'end' rhyme. Both words have the '-end' sound at their conclusion.
In simple words: 'Fend' and 'end' rhyme.

🎯 Exam Tip: Practice matching words with similar sounds, not just similar spellings.

Question 3. Glow - end
Answer: Glow - slow. The words 'glow' and 'slow' rhyme. They share the same '-ow' sound at the end.
In simple words: 'Glow' and 'slow' rhyme.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pronounce words aloud to help identify their rhyming patterns.

Question 4. Play - slow
Answer: Play - day. The words 'play' and 'day' rhyme together. Both words conclude with the '-ay' sound.
In simple words: 'Play' and 'day' rhyme.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize common rhyming patterns to quickly find matching words.

F. Fill in the Blanks With Present Continuous Tense of the Given Word.

Question 1. They _______ (eat) their breakfast.
Answer: They are eating their breakfast. The present continuous tense is used to show an action happening right now.
In simple words: The sentence shows what 'they' are doing at this very moment, which is eating their breakfast.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to use the correct form of 'to be' (am, is, or are) before the verb ending in '-ing' for present continuous tense.

Question 2. He _______ (read) a news paper.
Answer: He is reading a news paper. This tense helps us talk about ongoing actions.
In simple words: The sentence tells us what 'he' is currently doing, which is reading the newspaper.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to the subject of the sentence to choose between 'is' (for singular) and 'are' (for plural).

Question 3. Bharathi _______ (write) his home work.
Answer: Bharathi is writing his home work. Remember to use 'is' or 'are' and add '-ing' to the verb.
In simple words: This sentence explains what Bharathi is busy doing now, which is writing her homework.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure the verb agrees with the subject (e.g., 'Bharathi is writing', not 'Bharathi are writing').