Samacheer Kalvi Class 6 English Solutions Term 1 Poem 1 The Crocodile

Warm Up (Text Book Page No. 99)

Question. What do crocodiles eat? Talk about it.
Answer: Crocodiles are meat-eating reptiles. They hunt and consume various animals such as fish, birds, and smaller creatures. Sometimes, they even prey on humans. These powerful animals live in rivers, river dams, and lakes, and can thrive both on land and in water. This ability to live in both environments makes them adaptable predators.
In simple words: Crocodiles are carnivores that eat fish, birds, small animals, and sometimes people. They live in water bodies like rivers and also on land.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing animal characteristics, mention their diet, habitat, and any unique features like their ability to live in different environments.

Textual Exercise (Text Book Page No. 101)

B. Choose the rhyming words from the box and write them in the correct blanks.
Words from the box: file, din, caws, nail, while, paws, mail, thin

Question 1. claws, jaws, ...............
Answer: paws, caws
In simple words: The words "claws" and "jaws" rhyme with "paws" and "caws."

🎯 Exam Tip: When identifying rhyming words, focus on the sounds at the end of the words, not just the spelling.

Question 2. grin, in, ...............
Answer: din, thin
In simple words: The words "grin" and "in" rhyme with "din" and "thin."

🎯 Exam Tip: Practice saying the words aloud to better identify their rhyming sounds.

Question 3. crocodile, Nile ...............
Answer: file, while
In simple words: The words "crocodile" and "Nile" rhyme with "file" and "while."

🎯 Exam Tip: Rhyming words often have similar vowel sounds and ending consonant sounds.

Question 4. tail, scale, ...............
Answer: nail, mail
In simple words: The words "tail" and "scale" rhyme with "nail" and "mail."

🎯 Exam Tip: Expanding your vocabulary of rhyming words can help improve your understanding of poetry.

C. Read these lines and answer the questions given below. (Text Book Page No. 102)

Question 1. How cheerful he seems to grin. Who does 'he' refer to?
Answer: The word 'he' in this line refers to the Crocodile. The poet uses this to describe the crocodile's seemingly pleasant appearance.
In simple words: 'He' means the crocodile in the poem.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always identify the subject of a pronoun by looking at the context of the surrounding lines or stanzas.

Question 2. And pour the water of the Nile. What does the Nile refer to? Where is it?
Answer: The Nile is a famous river that flows through Egypt. In this poem, 'the water of the Nile' actually refers to the crocodile's tears, showing its deceptive nature. Crocodiles are known to shed tears while eating prey, a behavior sometimes called 'crocodile tears.'
In simple words: The Nile is a river in Egypt. Here, it means the crocodile's tears.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to figurative language, where words or phrases are used in a non-literal way, like in this reference to crocodile tears.

Question 3. And welcomes little fishes in With gently smiling jaws! Who welcomes the fish? Why?
Answer: The Crocodile welcomes the little fish. It does this because it is hungry and intends to eat them as its prey. This shows the crocodile's cunning way of luring its food.
In simple words: The crocodile welcomes the fish to eat them because it is hungry.

🎯 Exam Tip: Analyze the actions of characters (even animals in a poem) to understand their motivations and intentions.

Question. Which line tells you that the crocodile is hungry?
Answer: The first line of the poem tells us that the Crocodile is hungry. This is suggested by its 'cheerful grin' and 'gently smiling jaws' which are actually preparing for a meal. This portrays a deceptive friendliness.
In simple words: The poem's first line about its cheerful grin shows the crocodile is hungry.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for subtle clues in the text that reveal a character's true feelings or intentions, especially when they are hidden behind a facade.

D. Work in pairs. Share your answers with your partner.

Question 1. What is the poem about?
Answer: The poem is about a crocodile. It describes its physical features and its cunning behavior, particularly how it lures and preys on other creatures. The poem offers a cautionary tale.
In simple words: The poem is about a crocodile and how it tricks others.

🎯 Exam Tip: To find the main topic of a poem, identify the central subject or character that is discussed throughout.

Question 2. How does the crocodile's tail look?
Answer: The crocodile's tail looks very shiny. This is often enhanced by the water it pours on its body, making it appear more appealing. The shine can attract prey.
In simple words: The crocodile's tail looks shiny.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to descriptive words used for appearance; they often highlight key characteristics.

Question 3. What does 'improve his tail' mean?
Answer: To 'improve his tail' means to make it look better than before. The crocodile uses this to attract its prey. This refers to enhancing its appearance.
In simple words: It means to make the tail look nicer or more attractive.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that phrases in poetry might have a specific meaning within the poem's context, even if they sound simple.

Question 4. How does he spread his claws?
Answer: The crocodile spreads his claws very neatly. This careful action might be part of its hunting strategy, making it seem less threatening or more precise. It helps in preparing to catch prey.
In simple words: He spreads his claws very carefully.

🎯 Exam Tip: Notice adverbs like 'neatly' as they provide important details about how an action is performed.

Question 5. Why does he welcome little fishes?
Answer: He welcomes the little fishes because he is hungry and wants to feed on them. The crocodile uses a deceptive welcome to trick them into coming closer. This is a survival tactic.
In simple words: He welcomes fish because he is hungry and wants to eat them.

🎯 Exam Tip: Relate a character's actions directly to their basic needs or instincts mentioned in the text.

Question 6. Which line talks about the crocodile's mouth and his shape?
Answer: The last line of the poem talks about the crocodile's mouth and its shape. This line completes the description of the crocodile's physical attributes used for hunting. It often highlights the gaping jaws.
In simple words: The last line of the poem describes the crocodile's mouth and its overall body shape.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked about specific descriptions, scan the poem for keywords related to the body parts mentioned.

E. What does the poet say about the crocodile? Write in your own words, (in about fifty words)

Answer: The poet describes the crocodile as a big, meat-eating reptile living near rivers. It develops a shiny tail. The Nile's water makes its scales golden and bright. It looks happy when it grins, but it actually welcomes fish with open jaws to eat them. Adult crocodiles are long and strong. This emphasizes its deceptive nature and power.
In simple words: The poet says the crocodile is a large, river-dwelling reptile. It has a shiny tail and looks cheerful, but it secretly uses its jaws to catch fish when hungry.

🎯 Exam Tip: When summarizing, select key descriptive phrases and actions to capture the poet's main points concisely and clearly.

6th English Guide The Crocodile Additional Appreciation Questions

Question 1. How cheerful he seems to grin. How neatly spreads his claws. a. Who spreads his claws?
Answer: The crocodile spreads his claws. This action is part of its seemingly friendly but deceptive posture.
In simple words: The crocodile spreads its claws.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect actions directly to the animal or character performing them based on the poem's context.

Question 1. b. What is the meaning of the word cheerful?
Answer: The word 'cheerful' means happy or joyful. In the poem, it describes the crocodile's deceptive grin. While it appears cheerful, it hides its true intent.
In simple words: Cheerful means happy.

🎯 Exam Tip: When defining words, provide a simple synonym and explain its context within the text if it's used ironically or deceptively.

Question 2. And pour the water of the Nile On every golden scale! a. Why is the scale golden?
Answer: The scale on the crocodile's tail appears golden because of the way the water is poured on it, making it shine brightly. This effect is further enhanced by sunlight, creating an attractive shimmer. This makes the crocodile seem more appealing.
In simple words: The scales look golden because water makes them shiny, especially in the sun.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for descriptive imagery that explains physical appearances, connecting natural elements like water and sun to their effects.

Question 2. b. What is referred to as the water of the Nile?
Answer: The water of the Nile refers to the tears shed by the crocodile. These are not real tears of sadness but a deceptive display. This highlights the crocodile's manipulative behavior.
In simple words: The water of the Nile means the crocodile's tears in the poem.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that literal descriptions in poetry can often be symbolic or refer to something else, requiring contextual interpretation.

Question 3. How cheerful he seems to grins. How neatly spreads his claws. What is the poetic device used in this line? Explain your answer.
Answer: The poetic device used here is personification. The poet uses the word "he" to refer to the crocodile instead of "it". This gives human-like qualities to the animal. It also suggests that the crocodile's tears are not from sadness, but a trick to catch its prey, showing a deliberate, human-like intention. Personification helps the reader connect with the animal's actions.
In simple words: The poet uses personification by calling the crocodile "he" instead of "it." This makes the crocodile seem more human-like, especially in its trickery to catch food.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify poetic devices like personification by looking for human qualities or actions assigned to inanimate objects or animals.

The Crocodile Summary in English

Answer: The poem talks about a crocodile living in the Nile River. The poet explains that the crocodile makes itself look better by pouring water on its body, which makes it shine. Its scales then appear golden when the sun's rays hit them. This makes the crocodile look very appealing to the fish it wants to catch for food. This shows how animals can use appearance to hunt.
In simple words: The poem is about a Nile crocodile that makes itself look attractive by shining its scales with water and sunlight to trick fish into becoming its prey.

🎯 Exam Tip: When summarizing, focus on the main character, setting, and the central action or theme of the text.

Moral:

Answer: The moral of the poem warns us to be cautious of people who seem friendly but have bad intentions. They often wait for a chance to harm innocent individuals who are unaware of their true motives. So, the poet advises us to be very careful when interacting with others and not to be fooled by sweet words or attractive looks. It teaches us to judge character beyond outward appearances.
In simple words: Be careful of people who seem nice but have bad plans. Don't be fooled by their kind looks or words.

🎯 Exam Tip: Morals usually convey a life lesson or a warning, so identify the core message about behavior or human nature.

The Crocodile Summary in Tamil

Answer: நைல் நதியில் வாழும் முதலைப் பற்றி கவிஞர் பேசுகிறார். முதலை தனது உடலில் தண்ணீர் ஊற்றுவதன் மூலம் தனது தோற்றத்தை மேம்படுத்துகிறது. அது பிரகாசிக்க வைக்கிறது மற்றும் சூரியனின் கதிர்களின் கீழ் செதில்கள் தங்கமாகத் தோன்றும் என்று அவர் நமக்குச் சொல்கிறார். இது அவர் வேட்டையாட விரும்பும் மீன்களுக்கு மிகவும் கவர்ச்சியாகத் தோன்றும். இதன் மூலம் தன் இரையைப் பிடிக்கும் தந்திரத்தைக் காட்டுகிறது.
In simple words: கவிஞர் நைல் நதி முதலையைப் பற்றி கூறுகிறார். அது தன் தோற்றத்தை அழகாக்கி, மீன்களைக் கவர்ந்து வேட்டையாடுகிறது.

🎯 Exam Tip: சுருக்கத்தை எழுதும்போது, கவிதையின் முக்கிய கதாபாத்திரங்கள், இடம், மற்றும் முக்கிய செய்திகளைத் தெளிவாகக் குறிப்பிடவும்.

ஒழுக்கநெறி:

Answer: மக்கள் நட்பாக தோன்றுகிறார்கள். ஆனால் அவர்களின் சிகப்பு மெல்லிய நோக்கங்களை அறியாத அப்பாவி மீது தாக்குதல் நடத்தும்வரை காத்திருக்கிறார்கள். எனவே மற்றவர்களுடன் பழகும்போது கவிஞர் அவரை மிகவும் கவனமாக வெளிப்படுத்துகிறார். ஆனால் அவர்களின் பிரமிப்பு அல்லது கவர்ச்சியான தோற்றத்தால் இன்னும் விலகிச் செல்லவில்லை. இந்தக் கவிதை, வெளிப்புறத் தோற்றத்தை மட்டும் வைத்து மக்களை எடைபோடக் கூடாது என்ற பாடத்தைக் கற்பிக்கிறது.
In simple words: சிலர் நல்லவர்களாகத் தோன்றினாலும், அவர்கள் தீய நோக்கங்களுடன் காத்திருக்கலாம். எனவே, அழகான தோற்றத்தால் ஏமாறாமல் மற்றவர்களுடன் கவனமாகப் பழக வேண்டும்.

🎯 Exam Tip: ஒரு கவிதையின் ஒழுக்கநெறி, மனித நடத்தையைப் பற்றிய ஒரு முக்கியமான படிப்பினையாக இருக்கும். அதைத் தெளிவாகப் புரிந்துகொள்ள முயற்சிக்கவும்.

The Crocodile About the Author in English

Answer: Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known by his pen name Lewis Carroll, was born in England between 1832 and 1898. He is the famous writer of children's books like "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass." He was very good at Mathematics and received many awards for his mathematical talent. He was also a keen photographer and wrote many essays, political pamphlets, and poems. Carroll loved to entertain children, which is why he wrote many books for them. His "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" became the most popular children's book in England and was one of the most popular worldwide by 1932. His works continue to delight readers globally.
In simple words: Lewis Carroll, whose real name was Charles Dodgson, was an English writer famous for children's books like "Alice in Wonderland." He was also good at math and enjoyed photography.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing about an author, include their real name, pen name, birth/death dates, major works, and notable achievements or interests.

The Crocodile About the Author in Tamil

Answer: லெவிஸ் கரோல் என்ற புனைப்பெயரால் அறியப்படும் சார்லஸ் லியூட்ரிட்ஜ் டாட்சன் (1832 – 1898), இங்கிலாந்தில் பிறந்தார். அவர் புகழ்பெற்ற குழந்தைப் புத்தகங்களான “Alice's Adventures in the Wonderland” மற்றும் “Through the looking – Glass” ஆகியவற்றின் ஆசிரியர் ஆவார். அவர் தன்னுடைய சிறந்த கணித அறிவிற்கு பல பரிசுகளை வென்றுள்ளார். அவர் ஒரு தீவிர புகைப்படக் கலைஞர். அவர் பல கட்டுரைகள், அரசியல் துண்டுப் பிரசுரங்கள் மற்றும் கவிதைகளை எழுதியுள்ளார். கரோல் குழந்தைகளை மகிழ்விக்கவே பல குழந்தைப் புத்தகங்களை எழுதியுள்ளார். அவரது 'Alice's Adventures in the Wonderland' புத்தகம் இங்கிலாந்தில் மிகவும் பிரபலமான புத்தகமாகவும், 1932ஆம் ஆண்டில் அது உலகளவில் மிகவும் பிரபலமானதாக மாறியது. இன்றும் அவரது படைப்புகள் உலக அளவில் வாசிக்கப்படுகின்றன.
In simple words: லெவிஸ் கரோல் (சார்லஸ் டாட்சன்) ஒரு ஆங்கில எழுத்தாளர். "ஆலிஸ் இன் வொண்டர்லேண்ட்" போன்ற குழந்தைப் புத்தகங்களுக்காக அவர் மிகவும் பிரபலமானவர்.

🎯 Exam Tip: ஒரு ஆசிரியரைப் பற்றி எழுதும்போது, அவர்களின் உண்மையான பெயர், புனைப்பெயர், பிறந்த, இறந்த ஆண்டுகள், முக்கிய படைப்புகள் மற்றும் குறிப்பிடத்தக்க பங்களிப்புகளைச் சேர்க்கவும்.