Samacheer Kalvi Class 6 English Solutions Term 2 Chapter 2 Trip to Ooty

Warm Up (Text Book Page No. 112)

 

Question. Work in groups. Look at the pictures. Describe them. (Text Book Page No. 112)
Answer:
1. In the first picture, a family is rowing in a boat. We can also see birds flying at a distance above the water. It looks like a very beautiful scene.
2. In the second picture, school students are playing on the ground. They seem to be spending their time very happily.
3. A small picnic is shown in the third picture. A lady is sitting on a mat and drinking tea. The father and son are playing a ball game.
4. The fourth picture shows a seacoast at Mahabalipuram. Children are playing on the sand. Some children are lying and sitting on the sand, while others are looking at the sea. This scene shows different activities happening at a coastal area.
In simple words: The pictures show different fun activities like a family boating, kids playing at school, a family having a picnic, and children enjoying themselves by the sea. Each picture captures people having a good time outdoors.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to describe a picture, observe all the elements like people, objects, actions, and the setting. Use simple sentences to explain what you see.

Now Discuss The Following Questions In Pairs And Share Your Ideas With The Class.

 

Question 1. Where would you like to go for a picnic?
Answer: I would like to go to Vandalur Zoo for a picnic. It offers a chance to see many animals in a natural setting.
In simple words: I want to go to Vandalur Zoo for a picnic.

🎯 Exam Tip: When choosing a picnic spot, think about places that offer fun activities or unique sights, like a zoo or a park.

 

Question 2. Would you like to go with your friends or parents?
Answer: I would like to go with my parents. Spending time with family makes picnics more special.
In simple words: I would like to go with my parents.

🎯 Exam Tip: Family outings help create lasting memories, making them a great choice for trips.

 

Question 3. How do you prepare yourself for a picnic?
Answer: A picnic is usually a short visit to a place like Vandalur Zoo. So, we would pack lunch and snacks to take with us. We would also bring a few bedsheets to spread on the ground. For observing animals and birds from a distance, we would carry some water bottles and binoculars. This preparation ensures comfort and enjoyment.
In simple words: For a picnic, we pack food, drinks, bedsheets, and binoculars. These things help us relax and see animals better.

🎯 Exam Tip: Planning ahead for a picnic means packing essentials like food, water, and comfortable seating, along with any items for special activities like bird-watching.

 

Question 4. Why do we arrange an educational trip to schools?
Answer: Educational trips are arranged in schools to help students learn more deeply. We visit industrial places to see how things like cement, cloth, and biscuits are made. We also visit historical sites such as Mahabalipuram and Tanjore to learn about ancient arts and culture. All these experiences connect directly to what we study in class, helping us gain knowledge and inspiration outside the classroom. Seeing things in real life helps us understand them much better.
In simple words: Educational trips help students learn by visiting places like factories and historical sites. They connect what we study in books to the real world, giving us new ideas and understanding.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining the purpose of educational trips, focus on key benefits like practical learning, cultural exposure, and real-world connections to classroom studies.

Section - I

Textual Questions (Text Book Page No. 114)

 

Question 1. Where did the boys and girls go?
Answer: The boys and girls went to Ooty. They traveled there for a school trip.
In simple words: The boys and girls went to Ooty.

🎯 Exam Tip: For direct questions, provide a clear and concise answer based on the text.

 

Question 2. Why did Muthu say that he could walk along its side?
Answer: The train was moving very slowly. Because of this slow speed, Muthu said that he could easily walk along its side. This shows how leisurely the journey was.
In simple words: Muthu said he could walk next to the train because it was moving very slowly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the reason provided in the story for any character's statement or action.

 

Question 3. Why did the girls snigger?
Answer: The teacher asked Muthu in a firm voice to go back to his seat at once. Hearing the teacher's serious tone, the girls sniggered, or laughed quietly. This reaction often happens when someone gets a warning.
In simple words: The girls sniggered because the teacher told Muthu firmly to go back to his seat.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to character reactions and the events that cause them to understand their motivations.

Section - II

Textual Questions (Text Book Page No. 115)

 

Question 1. Why did the girl scream?
Answer: Monkeys were racing all along the tracks beside the train. One of these monkeys tried to snatch a banana from a girl's hand, which made her scream. Her scream was a natural reaction to the sudden fright.
In simple words: The girl screamed because a monkey tried to take a banana from her hand.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the immediate cause and effect in a situation to explain why something happened.

 

Question 2. Why did Muthu and his friends step out of the train?
Answer: Muthu and his friends stepped out of the train because it had stopped suddenly. They wanted to find out why the train had come to an unexpected halt. Their curiosity led them to investigate.
In simple words: Muthu and his friends got off the train to find out why it had stopped suddenly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for the reason behind characters' actions, especially when a sudden event occurs.

 

Question 3. Describe the beauty of the blue mountain?
Answer: The scene outside the train was very beautiful, with purple-blue mountains. These mountains formed a lovely backdrop, standing behind the green fields and large tea estates. The combination of colors created a stunning natural view.
In simple words: The blue mountains were beautiful, set against green fields and tea gardens. They made the scenery look wonderful.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing scenery, use descriptive adjectives to paint a vivid picture for the reader, focusing on colors, shapes, and textures.

Section - III

Textual Questions (Text Book Page No. 118)

Think And Answer: (Text Book Page No. 118)

 

Question 1. What made the trip a memorable one?
Answer: The trip became memorable because of a baby elephant sitting on the track. The engine driver tried to coax it, but it wouldn't move. Muthu went up to the baby elephant with a bunch of bananas. The elephant then moved to eat them, allowing Muthu to slowly back away. Once the baby elephant was off the track, the train could continue. This unusual event made the entire trip unforgettable for everyone. It was a moment of quick thinking and kindness.
In simple words: The trip was memorable because a baby elephant blocked the train. Muthu used bananas to make the elephant move, which was a clever and exciting moment.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the main incident that stood out during the trip and explain how it contributed to the trip's memorability, highlighting any problem-solving or unique events.

 

Question 2. What does the phrase 'presence of mind' mean? Explain the phrase using Muthu's action.
Answer: The phrase 'presence of mind' means having the ability to think clearly and take the right action during a critical moment. Muthu showed great presence of mind when the baby elephant blocked the tracks. Instead of panicking, he calmly used bananas to lure the elephant away, successfully clearing the track. This quick and intelligent solution demonstrated his ability to act wisely under pressure.
In simple words: 'Presence of mind' means being able to think fast and act smartly when something difficult happens. Muthu showed this when he used bananas to get the baby elephant off the train tracks.

🎯 Exam Tip: To explain a phrase, first define it clearly, then provide a specific example from the story that illustrates its meaning, connecting the character's actions to the definition.

 

Question 3. What is the difference between this toy train and a normal train?
Answer: A normal train moves very fast, which means we cannot truly see and enjoy the beautiful scenery and landscape outside. In contrast, the toy train moves very slowly. This slow speed allowed the passengers to notice and appreciate the wide, wind-swept tea estates, the cloud-covered mountains, and the gently swaying trees. The toy train offers a more relaxed and scenic journey compared to a regular train. Its slow pace creates a more immersive experience.
In simple words: A regular train is too fast to enjoy the view. The toy train moves slowly, letting people see the tea gardens, mountains, and trees clearly and enjoy the beauty.

🎯 Exam Tip: When comparing two things, identify key contrasting features like speed, purpose, and the resulting experience for passengers.

Textual Exercises

 

A. Choose The Most Appropriate Option.

Read And Understand

 

Question 1. Merlin was thrilled when the school arranged the trip because
(a) Geetha madam arranged the trip
(b) she had heard about the beautiful journey by the toy train
(c) she wanted to visit Ooty
(d) she loved to go with her friends.
Answer: (b) she had heard about the beautiful journey by the toy train
In simple words: Merlin was excited for the trip because she knew the toy train journey would be beautiful.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always read all options carefully before choosing the best fit. Look for details that directly support the character's feeling.

 

Question 2. The teacher asked the children to take their seat because
(a) the children had to take their breakfast
(b) she wanted to check whether all the children were present
(c) the train was about to move
(d) the train was about to stop
Answer: (c) the train was about to move
In simple words: The teacher told the children to sit down because the train was going to start moving.

🎯 Exam Tip: Context clues often help determine the correct reason for an instruction. Here, preparing for departure is the key.

 

Question 3. Geetha madam couldn't stop the children from running out of the train because they
(a) wanted to relax
(b) wanted to see what had happened
(c) were getting bored sitting inside the train
(d) wanted to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Answer: (b) wanted to see what had happened
In simple words: Geetha madam could not stop the children because they wanted to find out why the train had stopped.

🎯 Exam Tip: Children's natural curiosity often drives their actions, especially when something unexpected occurs.

 

Question 4. The people were making all kinds of sounds because
(a) they wanted to move the baby elephant out of the track
(b) they were afraid
(c) they were confused
(d) someone stopped the train.
Answer: (a) they wanted to move the baby elephant out of the track
In simple words: People were making noise because they wanted the baby elephant to get off the train tracks.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the purpose behind collective actions in a story to grasp their significance.

 

Question 5. We do not really see the landscape from a normal train because the
(a) train travels along with the city
(b) train never passes through such places
(c) windows are closed
(d) train travels too fast.
Answer: (d) train travels too fast
In simple words: We cannot properly see the outside view from a normal train because it moves too quickly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Relate the characteristics of transport (like speed) to the resulting experience (like visibility of scenery).

 

B. Recall Merlin's memories and complete the story map. (Text Book Page No. 120)
Answer: Here is the story map summarizing Merlin's memories:

• Merlin's class teacher arranged a trip to Ooty.
• They went to Ooty by the toy train.
• They found monkeys racing all along the tracks.
• A monkey snatched a banana from a girl.
• The train stopped with a loud thud.
• A baby elephant was sitting on the track. Muthu showed quick thinking to get the baby out of the tracks.
• It was a memorable trip for everyone.
• There is a difference between travelling in a normal fast train and the slow toy train.
• They were able to enjoy the beauty outside only while travelling by the toy train.

In simple words: The story map shows key events like the Ooty trip, the toy train ride, monkeys, a banana being snatched, the train stopping for a baby elephant, Muthu's smart action, and how slow trains help enjoy nature. All these made the trip memorable.

🎯 Exam Tip: When recalling a story, break it down into main events or plot points. Sequencing these events helps in summarizing the narrative effectively.

 

C. Narrate the story based on the story map.
Answer: Merlin's class teacher arranged a trip to Ooty, and they traveled there by toy train. On the way, monkeys were seen racing along the tracks. One monkey even snatched a banana from a girl, causing her to scream. Suddenly, the train stopped with a thud because a baby elephant was sitting on the track. Muthu, a clever student, used his presence of mind to make the baby elephant move out of the way. This memorable trip allowed everyone to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the landscape, something that wouldn't be possible on a normal fast train. They all agreed they would never forget the wide, wind-swept tea estates, cloud-covered mountains, and swaying trees. This adventure made the trip truly special.
In simple words: The story is about a school trip to Ooty by toy train. They saw monkeys, one of whom stole a banana. The train stopped because of a baby elephant, but Muthu cleverly moved it. Everyone loved seeing the tea estates and mountains because the slow train let them enjoy the view.

🎯 Exam Tip: To narrate a story from a map, connect each point with smooth transitions, ensuring the narrative flows logically and captures the essence of the plot.

 

D. Write the story in your own words.
Answer: Geetha madam organized a trip to Ooty for twenty boys and girls from class six. They all traveled by a charming toy train, sitting comfortably on wooden chairs. Fatima had brought delicious parotta and chutney, and she remarked on how beautiful the train was. The journey began with a jerk, and the train slowly left the station with a long hoot, making everyone clap with joy. It then snaked its way up the steep hillside. Muthu joked that he could walk alongside the train due to its slow speed. Geetha Madam firmly told him to return to his seat, which made the girls snigger. Monkeys were racing along the tracks, and one even snatched a banana from a girl, who screamed and moved back. Merlin and Fatima saw a lovely bluebird with a pretty crown. Suddenly, the train stopped with a thud.
Everyone got out to see what had happened. They found a baby elephant sitting on the track, with its mother trumpeting nearby. People tried to shoo the baby elephant away, but it didn't work. Muthu, a clever boy, used a trick: he showed bunches of bananas to the baby. Seeing the bananas, the elephant started moving to eat them. As it moved, the mother elephant stopped trumpeting. Once the baby was safely off the track, Muthu was hailed as a hero, and the train slowly started moving again. The students felt it was a fantastic trip. Merlin said she would never forget the wide, wind-swept tea estates, cloud-covered mountains, and swaying trees. The sound of streams, waterfalls, and bird calls made the trip truly enchanting. It was an amazing adventure for all of them.
In simple words: The story is about a class trip to Ooty. They rode a slow toy train, saw monkeys, and a baby elephant stopped the train. Muthu cleverly used bananas to move the elephant, becoming a hero. Everyone enjoyed the beautiful views and sounds, making it a wonderful and memorable trip.

🎯 Exam Tip: When rewriting a story in your own words, focus on simplifying the language, using shorter sentences, and ensuring all key plot points and character actions are included while maintaining the original meaning.

Vocabulary

 

E. Complete The Words By Reading Their Meaning.

 

Question 1. s_e_ta_u_ar – eye-catching
Answer: Spectacular
In simple words: The missing letters complete the word 'spectacular', which means eye-catching or very impressive.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the given meaning to help you fill in the blanks and identify the complete word correctly.

 

Question 2. _x_i_e – thrilled
Answer: excited
In simple words: The missing letters complete the word 'excited', which means thrilled or very happy.

🎯 Exam Tip: Think of synonyms for the given meaning to help you figure out the incomplete word.

 

Question 3. d_l_c_s – tasty
Answer: delicious
In simple words: The missing letters complete the word 'delicious', meaning tasty.

🎯 Exam Tip: Practice common vocabulary words to quickly fill in missing letters based on their definitions.

 

Question 4. s_re_ - shout
Answer: scream
In simple words: The missing letters complete the word 'scream', which means to shout loudly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Consider different words that fit the meaning and letter pattern to find the correct answer.

 

Question 5. f_i_h_e_d – afraid
Answer: frightened
In simple words: The missing letters complete the word 'frightened', which means to be afraid.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for clues in the number of blanks and the known letters to determine the correct word.

 

F. Now, Try Splitting Each Of These Words Into Syllables. (Text Book Page No. 121)
Answer:

In simple words: Syllables are parts of a word that have one vowel sound. We split words into these smaller parts to help us pronounce them correctly.

🎯 Exam Tip: To split words into syllables, listen for the vowel sounds. Each vowel sound usually forms a new syllable. Practice clapping out syllables to improve your skill.

Listening

 

G. Listen To Your Teacher Reading A Passage On Udhagamandalam-The Queen Of Hill Stations. Tick The Appropriate Answer. (Text Book Page No. 121)

 

Question 1. Udhagamandalam is located in the Western Ghats zone at an altitude of
(a) 2045 m
(b) 2240 m
(c) 2234 m
(d) 2040 m
Answer: (b) 2240 m
In simple words: Udhagamandalam, also known as Ooty, is found in the Western Ghats mountains and is located 2240 meters above sea level. This high altitude gives it a cool climate.

🎯 Exam Tip: For listening comprehension, pay close attention to specific facts like numbers and measurements as they are often tested.

 

Question 2. Centuries ago Udhagamandalam was called
(a) Ooty
(b) Otacamund
(c) Oththai-Kal Mandu
(d) Mund
Answer: (c) Oththai-Kal Mandu
In simple words: A long time ago, Udhagamandalam was known by the name Oththai-Kal Mandu, which means 'Single Stone Village' due to a large stone found there.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember historical names or older forms of names mentioned in the text, as these are common facts in such passages.

 

Question 3. The maximum summer temperature of Udhagamandalam is
(a) 10°c
(b) 21°c
(c) 5°c
(d) 20°c
Answer: (b) 21°c
In simple words: Even in summer, the highest temperature in Udhagamandalam is only 21 degrees Celsius, making it a cool place. This pleasant weather makes it a popular hill station.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note specific climate details like temperature ranges, as they often highlight the unique characteristics of a place.

 

Question 4. Udhagamandalam was inhibited by tribals called
(a) Toda
(b) Irula
(c) Mund
(d) Britons
Answer: (a) Toda
In simple words: The native people who lived in Udhagamandalam first were the Toda tribe. They have a unique culture and traditions in the region.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify key groups or communities associated with a place, especially indigenous populations mentioned in the text.

 

Question 5. Ooty was the Summer Capital of the during the British Rule.
(a) British
(b) Todas
(c) Tourists
(d) Madras Presidency
Answer: (d) Madras Presidency
In simple words: During the time of British rule, Ooty was the place where the government of Madras Presidency would move to during the hot summer months. This allowed them to escape the heat of the plains.

🎯 Exam Tip: Historical roles and administrative details like "summer capital" are important facts to remember from a passage.

Speaking

H. Travelling Can Help A Person To Understand And Appreciate Different Places. Discuss In Groups And Talk About Places You Have Visited Recently. Present Your Experiences To The Class.

 

I. Look At The Picture Of A Village Festival Carefully. Talk About The Activities That Are Going On By Using The Hints Given In The Help Box.
Answer: This picture shows people celebrating a local festival. They are pulling a temple car along the road, which carries their God. People and children are clearly enjoying the day. There is a giant wheel for children, adding to the fun. A temple stands in the middle of the village, beautifully decorated and painted. Children are busy buying ice cream, and the scene includes trees, clouds, and birds. Everyone, both adults and children, looks to be in a very cheerful mood. We can get a lot of information about the festival just by looking at the pictures, which helps us learn on our own. This kind of festival brings the community together in celebration.
In simple words: The picture shows a happy village festival. People are pulling a decorated temple car, and kids are enjoying a giant wheel and buying ice cream. Everyone looks happy, and the scene is full of fun activities. The hints mentioned "About the place and the people – what is happening what do the children and the adults do? Kind of shapes – performances."

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing a picture, categorize your observations into different aspects like people, activities, setting, and overall mood. Use the provided hints to guide your description.

 

Question J. Read the sentences given below. Does the action happen every day or is it happening at this moment?

Answer: The actions are classified based on their tense. Actions like "waters every morning" or "has three sides" describe regular habits or facts, indicating they happen "every day". Actions like "is writing" or "are playing" use the present continuous tense, showing they are "happening at this moment". Understanding verb tenses helps us know exactly when an action is taking place.
In simple words: We look at the sentence to see if something happens always or right now. "Every morning" means it's a daily habit. "Is writing" means it's happening at this moment.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to keywords like "every morning", "regularly" for daily actions, and verbs ending in "-ing" (like "is writing") for actions happening at the moment. This distinction is key for correct tense usage.

 

Question K. Read the sentences given below and circle the verbs appropriately.

 

Question K.1. Children (like)/likes ice-creams.
Answer: The correct verb is "like". When the subject "children" is plural (meaning more than one), we use the base form of the verb "like" in the simple present tense. This ensures the verb agrees with its subject in number.
In simple words: Because "children" means many kids, we use "like" instead of "likes".

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that for plural subjects (like 'children'), the verb usually does not end in '-s' or '-es' in the simple present tense.

 

Question K.2. Birds is flying / (are flying) in the sky.
Answer: The correct phrase is "are flying". Since "birds" is a plural subject, the plural auxiliary verb "are" must be used with the main verb in its -ing form. This shows proper subject-verb agreement for actions happening right now.
In simple words: Since there are many "birds", we say "are flying" because they are doing it now.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use "is" for singular subjects and "are" for plural subjects when talking about actions happening now (present continuous tense).

 

Question K.3. The doctor (is treating)/are treating the patient.
Answer: The correct phrase is "is treating". Because "doctor" is a singular subject, we use the singular auxiliary verb "is" with the -ing form of the main verb. This ensures the verb matches the singular subject.
In simple words: For one "doctor", we use "is treating".

🎯 Exam Tip: For singular subjects like 'the doctor', always use 'is' with the '-ing' form of the verb for actions happening now.

 

Question K.4. Our school is commencing /(commences) at 9.00 in the morning.
Answer: The correct verb is "commences". This is because the sentence describes a regular schedule or a habitual event, which requires the simple present tense for a singular subject ("school"). The school starts at 9:00 AM every day.
In simple words: When something happens regularly, like school starting every day, we use "commences" (simple present tense) for a singular subject.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use simple present tense for habitual actions, schedules, or fixed events, especially when specific times are mentioned as regular occurrences.

 

Question K.5. The florist sell/(sells) flowers on the street.
Answer: The correct verb is "sells". Since "florist" is a singular subject, the verb in the simple present tense must end with an "-s". This is a fundamental rule of subject-verb agreement in English.
In simple words: For one "florist", we add 's' to the verb, so it's "sells".

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to add '-s' or '-es' to verbs in the simple present tense when the subject is singular (he, she, it, or a single person/thing).

 

Question L. Vimala and Srinath have met after a long time. Read the conversation given below and complete the dialogue. Role-play the situation with your own words.

Vimala: Hello Srinath, I haven't seen you for a long time. Where are you rushing off?
Srinath: I'm rushing to the hospital.
Vimala: Why are you going to the hospital? Are you ill?
Srinath: No, I go to see my friend.
Vimala: Oh! What happened to him?
Srinath: He got his leg fractured.
Vimala: Are you free tomorrow?
Srinath: Yes, I am free.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to complete a dialogue, imagine yourself in the situation and think about what a natural response would be. Pay attention to the flow of conversation and the context of the dialogue.

 

Question M. Sinduja is getting ready to sleep. She starts writing her diary. Help her complete it by using the verbs given in brackets. (start to eat have finished go reach)

 

Question M.1. I got up at 7 o'clock. I ............................ breakfast.
Answer: what
In simple words: This part of the diary entry notes what Sinduja had for breakfast after waking up at 7 o'clock. A diary is a personal record of daily activities.

🎯 Exam Tip: For diary entries, recall common daily routines. Always check the available verbs in the bracket for the best fit to fill in the blanks.

 

Question M.2. I ............................ to the office by car.
Answer: started
In simple words: After breakfast, Sinduja began her journey to the office using her car. This shows the next step in her morning routine.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing a diary, use past tense verbs to describe events that have already happened during the day, maintaining a consistent narrative flow.

 

Question M.3. I ............................ to work.
Answer: had, 1. p.m.
In simple words: This entry indicates that Sinduja had her lunch break while working at 1 p.m. This detail helps to fill in her daily schedule.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to keywords like "to work" and "1 p.m." to infer the action, which often involves having lunch during a workday.

 

Question M.4. I ............................ lunch at ............................
Answer:
In simple words: This part would typically describe when and where Sinduja had her lunch. It helps to complete the sequence of her daily events.

🎯 Exam Tip: When an answer is not provided, think about a logical activity that happens around lunchtime in a diary entry. Consider the context of the day's other activities.

 

Question M.5. I ............................ my task at 7 p.m.
Answer: finished
In simple words: By 7 p.m., Sinduja had completed her work tasks. This marks the end of her official duties for the day.

🎯 Exam Tip: Verbs like "finished" are used to indicate the completion of an activity, especially when a specific time is mentioned for its conclusion.

 

Question M.6. I ............................ home at 8 p.m.
Answer: reached
In simple words: Sinduja arrived back at her home at 8 p.m. This completes her daily travel and marks her return from work.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Reached" is the appropriate verb for arriving at a destination, especially with a specific time mentioned for the arrival.

 

Question N. Read the sentences carefully and fill in the blanks with a suitable tense form of the verbs given in brackets.

 

Question N.1. The doorbell rang, while I __________ (do) my homework.
Answer: was doing
In simple words: This sentence talks about two things happening: the doorbell rang, and at the same time, I was busy doing homework. We use "was doing" for an action that was going on when something else happened.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the past continuous tense (was/were + -ing verb) to describe an action that was in progress when another past action interrupted it or happened simultaneously.

 

Question N.2. We saw an elephant, while we __________ (go) on a trip to Ooty.
Answer: were going
In simple words: We use "were going" because seeing the elephant happened during our trip to Ooty. It shows one action already happening when another one took place.

🎯 Exam Tip: The past continuous tense is suitable for describing background actions that were happening over a period when a shorter, specific event occurred.

 

Question N.3. Mary fell asleep while she __________ (read) a book.
Answer: was reading
In simple words: Mary was reading her book, and while she was doing that, she fell asleep. "Was reading" tells us what she was doing at that moment.

🎯 Exam Tip: This structure (past simple + while + past continuous) commonly shows an action interrupting another ongoing action in the past.

 

Question N.4. The television was on but nobody __________ (watch) it.
Answer: was watching
In simple words: The TV was on, but no one was actively looking at it. "Was watching" tells us about an ongoing action that was not happening.

🎯 Exam Tip: Negative forms of the past continuous (was/were not + -ing verb) are used to indicate an action that was *not* happening at a particular time in the past.

 

Question N.5. Baskaran hurt his hand while he __________ (cut) mangoes.
Answer: was cutting
In simple words: Baskaran was in the middle of cutting mangoes when he hurt his hand. This shows one action (cutting) was happening when another (getting hurt) happened.

🎯 Exam Tip: This sentence structure highlights a shorter event (hurting hand) occurring during a longer, continuous past activity (cutting mangoes).

 

Writing

 

Question O. Read the informal letter given below. Now write a reply to Mangai.

Sender's Address: 150, Arcot Road, Vadapalani, Chennai - 52.

Date: 20th July 2018.

Salutation: Dear Mangai,

Body of the letter:

I'm fine. I am happy to hear that you are now in a new lovely house. You have written about a boy called Sundar living next door.

You have expressed your desire to become a writer. Once you have chosen a career. You should always think about it. You should have hope and courage. You will achieve your aim.

Please send me the story you are writing now.

Subscription: Yours lovingly,

Signature: Rosy.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing an informal letter, remember to use a friendly tone and include personal details. A good reply often references points from the original letter and can add new, relevant information.

 

Creative Writing

 

Question P. The Pooja holidays are about to start. Prasanth and Deepak are friends. Both their families have planned to go on a trip to Munnar. Develop a conversation on how they plan for their trip.

🎯 Exam Tip: When developing a conversation for trip planning, ensure it flows naturally. Think about common questions people ask, such as duration, mode of transport, and places to visit, to make the dialogue realistic.

 

Question P.1. How many days for the trip?
Answer: The trip has been planned for four days. This duration allows for a good balance of travel, relaxation, and exploration of the destination.
In simple words: They planned to go for four days.

🎯 Exam Tip: When planning any trip, always decide on the duration first, as it affects all other aspects like budget and activities.

 

Question P.2. What mode of transport to use?
Answer: They have chosen a travel Minibus for their trip. A minibus is a practical choice for a family group, offering both comfort and sufficient space for luggage and passengers.
In simple words: They will go by a travel Minibus.

🎯 Exam Tip: Consider the number of people and the distance to be covered when choosing the best mode of transport for a group trip.

 

Question P.3. Which route to take?
Answer: Their planned route is via Theni and Bodi. Choosing a specific route beforehand helps in estimating travel time, identifying potential rest stops, and preparing for road conditions.
In simple words: They will travel through Theni and Bodi.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always research routes beforehand to understand the travel time, road conditions, and any scenic spots along the way.

 

Question P.4. Which hotel to book for the stay?
Answer: They have booked their stay at Munar's Restaurant. While unusual for a restaurant to be a primary stay, it could indicate a place offering lodging as well. It's important to confirm accommodation details and amenities when booking.
In simple words: They booked to stay at Munar's Restaurant.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always secure accommodation bookings in advance, confirming whether it's a hotel, guesthouse, or a restaurant with lodging facilities, to avoid last-minute issues.

 

Question P.5. What are the tourist spots to be visited?
Answer: The planned tourist spots include Atukkal waterfalls, Echo point, and Pothamedu viewpoint, along with other places. Visiting such diverse spots helps create a memorable and well-rounded travel experience.
In simple words: They will visit Atukkal waterfalls, Echo point, and Pothamedu viewpoint.

🎯 Exam Tip: Make a list of must-see places and research their opening hours, accessibility, and unique features when planning sightseeing activities.

 

Question P.6. What are the things to be packed for the trip?
Answer: They will pack dresses, bedsheets, snacks, woollen coats, and all other essential items. Packing effectively ensures comfort and readiness for different weather conditions and activities, especially in a hill station like Munnar.
In simple words: They will pack clothes, bedsheets, snacks, warm coats, and other useful things.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always make a detailed packing list based on the destination's climate, planned activities, and personal needs to avoid forgetting essentials and ensure a comfortable journey.

 

Trip to Ooty Summary in English

 

Merlin writes a letter to Malli about her trip to Ooty with her friends. Their class teacher, Geetha Madam, arranged this trip. Merlin was very excited when she stepped into the toy train. The train moved with a jerk. As it moved, they saw monkeys racing along the tracks. A monkey tried to snatch a banana from a girl. She let out a scream and moved back. The train stopped suddenly because there was a baby elephant on the track. It was a memorable trip for everyone. Muthu, one of the boys, acted wisely by getting the baby elephant off the track. Everyone was excited about this trip to Ooty. This detailed account of the journey captures the various events, both fun and challenging, that made the trip special.

 

Trip to Ooty Summary in Tamil

 

மெர்லின் தனது நண்பர்களுடன் ஊட்டிக்கு தனது பயணம் குறித்து மல்லிக்கு ஒரு கடிதம் எழுதுகிறாள். அவர்களின் வகுப்பு ஆசிரியை கீதா அவர்களை இந்தப் பயணத்தை ஏற்பாடு செய்திருந்தார். மெர்லின் பொம்மை ரயிலில் நுழைந்தபோது மிகவும் உற்சாகமாக இருந்தார். ரயில் ஒரு குலுங்கலுடன் நகர்ந்தது. அது நகர்ந்தபோது குரங்குகள் பாதையைத் தொடர்ந்து ஓடிக்கொண்டிருந்தன. ஒரு குரங்கு ஒரு பெண்ணிடம் இருந்து ஒரு வாழைப்பழத்தை பறிக்க முயன்றது. அவள் அலறிவிட்டு பின்னால் சென்றாள். பாதையில் ஒரு குட்டி யானை இருந்ததால் ரயில் திடீரென்று நின்றது. இது ஒரு அனைவருக்கும் மறக்க முடியாத பயணம். சிறுவர்களில் ஒருவரான முத்து, குட்டி யானையை பாதையிலிருந்து விலக்கி புத்திசாலித்தனமாக செயல்பட்டாள். ஊட்டிக்கு இந்தப் பயணம் குறித்து அனைவரும் உற்சாகமாக இருந்தனர். இது பயணத்தின் முக்கிய நிகழ்வுகளையும் மாணவர்களின் அனுபவங்களையும் தெளிவாக எடுத்துரைக்கிறது.