Samacheer Kalvi Class 9 English Solutions Poem 4 The Spider and the Fly

B. Read the following lines from the poem and answer the questions in a sentence or two.

1. The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I've many curious things to show when you are there”

Question 1. (a) How to reach the spider's parlour.
Answer: To reach the spider's parlour, one must go up a winding stair. This path is often tricky and requires careful navigation.
In simple words: You have to climb a twisting staircase to get to the spider's room.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering about directions, specify both the path and any special features of it, like "winding stair."

Question 1. (b) What will the fly get to see in the parlour?
Answer: The fly will get to see many interesting and unusual things inside the spider's parlour. The spider promises exciting sights to lure the fly in.
In simple words: The fly will see many strange and interesting things in the spider's room.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on what is *promised* by the character, even if it's deceptive, as that's what the question asks about.

2. "Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “kind Sir, that cannot be,
I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!”

Question 2. (a) Is the fly willing to enter the spider's pantry?
Answer: No, the fly is not willing to enter the spider's pantry. The fly has heard bad things about it and wants to stay away.
In simple words: No, the fly does not want to go into the spider's pantry.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to negative phrases like "not willing" or "do not wish" as they clearly indicate the character's refusal.

Question 2. (b) Can you guess what was in the pantry?
Answer: No, I cannot guess what was in the pantry from the given lines. The poem only suggests it is something the fly fears.
In simple words: No, I cannot guess what was in the pantry from the poem.

🎯 Exam Tip: If the text does not provide enough information to answer, state that clearly rather than making assumptions.

3. "Sweet creature!” said the Spider, "you're witty and you're wise,
How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!"

Question 3. (a) List the words used by the spider to describe the fly.
Answer: The spider used these words to describe the fly: sweet, witty, wise, handsome, gauzy, and brilliant. These words were used as flattery to attract the fly.
In simple words: The spider called the fly sweet, witty, wise, handsome, gauzy, and brilliant.

🎯 Exam Tip: When listing descriptive words, ensure you extract every adjective directly used by the character in the text.

Question 3. (b) Why does the spider say that the fly is witty?
Answer: The spider says the fly is witty because it is trying to flatter her. The spider uses praise to trick the fly into its web. Flattery is a common tool for deception.
In simple words: The spider is just flattering the fly by calling her witty, trying to trick her.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the character's motivation. Here, the spider's words are not genuine but serve a purpose.

4. The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:

Question 4. (a) Why is the poet using the word den to describe the spider's web?
Answer: The poet uses the word "den" to describe the spider's web because it suggests a dangerous place, like a lion's den. This comparison makes the web seem like a hunter's trap. It emphasizes the spider's predatory nature.
In simple words: The poet calls the web a "den" to show it's a dangerous place, like where a wild animal lives.

🎯 Exam Tip: Consider the connotations of words used by the poet; "den" implies danger and a predator's lair.

Question 4. (b) Why was the spider sure that the fly would come back again?
Answer: The spider was sure the fly would come back again because the fly was silly and easily fooled. The spider knew its flattery would eventually work on the gullible fly.
In simple words: The spider knew the fly was foolish, so it was sure the fly would return.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify character traits. The fly's silliness is a key reason for the spider's confidence.

5. With buzzy wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue

Question 5. (a) Who does she' refer to?
Answer: In these lines, "she" refers to the fly. The fly is captivated by the spider's compliments about her appearance.
In simple words: "She" means the fly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always relate pronouns back to the most recent female character or object mentioned in the text.

Question 5. (b) What was she thinking of?
Answer: She was thinking only of her brilliant eyes and her beautiful green and purple colors. The fly was caught up in her own vanity and the spider's flattery.
In simple words: She was thinking about her shiny eyes and pretty green and purple colors.

🎯 Exam Tip: When a question asks what a character is thinking, refer directly to the thoughts described in the poem.

6. And now dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed:

Question 6. (a) Who does T' refer to?
Answer: In this context, "I" refers to the poet. The poet is speaking directly to the readers, offering a moral lesson.
In simple words: "I" is the poet who wrote the poem.

🎯 Exam Tip: When a speaker breaks the narrative to address the audience directly, it's usually the author or poet.

Question 6. (b) What is the advice given to the readers?
Answer: The advice given to the readers is not to pay attention to idle, silly, or flattering words. This means people should be careful about listening to insincere compliments. The poet warns against being easily deceived.
In simple words: The advice is not to listen to empty, flattering words.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the core message or moral lesson presented at the end of a fable or allegorical poem.

Additional Questions and Answers

1. 'I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high
Will you rest upon my little bed? “said the spider to the fly.

Question 1. (a) Who does T' refer to?
Answer: In these lines, "I" refers to the spider. The spider is speaking to the fly, trying to lure her into its web.
In simple words: "I" means the spider.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the speaker of the lines. In dialogues, the speaker is usually indicated by "said [character]."

Question 1. (b) Who does 'You' refer to?
Answer: "You" refers to the fly. The spider is talking to the fly, suggesting that she is tired from flying so high.
In simple words: "You" means the fly.

Answer: The fly was weary, according to the spider. The spider used this idea to tempt the fly to rest.
In simple words: The fly was tired.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that pronouns like "you" often refer to the character being directly addressed in a conversation.

Question 1. (c) Who was weary according to the spider?
Answer: According to the spider, the fly was weary. The spider pretends to care about the fly's tiredness to invite her to rest.
In simple words: The spider thought the fly was tired.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiate between objective facts and what a character *says* or *believes*. Here, it's about what the spider says.

Question 1. (d) Why was the fly weary?
Answer: The fly was weary because it had been flying very high. Flying for a long time at a high altitude can be tiring for a small insect.
In simple words: The fly was tired because it flew very high.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for the direct cause-and-effect stated in the poem for physical states like weariness.

Question 1. (e) What did the spider ask the fly?
Answer: The spider asked the fly if she would like to rest upon his little bed. This was part of the spider's plan to trick the fly. The spider hoped to catch the fly when she was vulnerable.
In simple words: The spider asked the fly to rest on its bed.

🎯 Exam Tip: Quote or paraphrase the spider's direct request when asked what it asked.

2. There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin.
And if you like to rest awhile.
I'll snugly tuck you in.

Question 2. (a) Describe the spider's bed.
Answer: The spider's bed is described as having pretty curtains drawn around it, and the sheets are fine and thin. These details are used to make the bed sound appealing and comfortable. The spider wants to make the bed seem inviting.
In simple words: The spider's bed has nice curtains around it and thin, soft sheets.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing something from a poem, use the exact descriptive words provided in the text.

Question 2. (b) What is the condition laid by the spider?
Answer: The condition laid by the spider is that if the fly likes to rest awhile, the spider will snugly tuck her in. This implies the fly has to choose to accept the invitation before the spider acts.
In simple words: The spider said if the fly wants to rest, it will tuck her into the bed.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify conditional phrases like "if you like" to pinpoint the exact condition stated.

3. I have within my pantry, good store of all that's nice;
I'm sure you're very welcome – will you please to take a slice?

Question 3. (a) What is the pantry?
Answer: A pantry is a room where beverages, food, and dishes are stored. It is typically a place to keep food items safe and ready for use.
In simple words: A pantry is a room where food, drinks, and plates are kept.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define the term based on its general meaning and how it functions in a household context.

Question 3. (b) What kind of pantry is it?
Answer: It is a pantry that supposedly holds a good store of "all nice things." The spider describes it as a place full of delightful provisions to tempt the fly further.
In simple words: It is a pantry filled with many nice things.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing something, use the specific adjectives or phrases from the text to characterize it.

4. So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly
And set his table ready, to dine up the fly.

Question 4. (a) Who wove a subtle web?
Answer: The spider wove a subtle web. It created a clever and hidden trap to catch its prey.
In simple words: The spider made a clever web.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the subject performing the action mentioned in the question.

Question 4. (b) What is a subtle web?
Answer: A subtle web is the dwelling place of a spider, crafted in a clever and not-easily-noticed way. It is a cunning trap meant to be hidden from its victims. The word "subtle" means it's not obvious.
In simple words: A subtle web is a smart, hidden home that the spider builds.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the meaning of "subtle" in the context of the web—that it's discreet and deceptive.

Question 4. (c) What is the table mentioned here?
Answer: The table mentioned here is the dining table. The spider set it up as a place where it intends to eat the fly.
In simple words: It is a dining table.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the context of the word "table" within the spider's predatory intentions.

Question 4. (d) What is the table ready?
Answer: The table is ready for eating the fly. The spider has prepared it as a place to consume its catch. This shows the spider's true, dark intentions.
In simple words: The table is ready for the spider to eat the fly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect the readiness of the table directly to the spider's ultimate goal mentioned in the poem.

5. Your robes are green and purple – there's a crest upon your head
Your eye are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead.

Question 5. (a) Whose robes are green and purple?
Answer: The fly's robes are green and purple. The spider praises these beautiful colors to flatter the fly. This makes the fly feel special.
In simple words: The fly has green and purple robes.

🎯 Exam Tip: Directly attribute the description to the character it refers to in the poem.

Question 5. (b) What is there upon the fly's head?
Answer: There is a crest upon the fly's head. This is another feature the spider points out to flatter the fly. A crest is like a plume or a decorative growth.
In simple words: The fly has a crest on its head.

🎯 Exam Tip: Extract specific details from the poem when asked about physical attributes of a character.

Question 5. (c) What are the fly's eyes compared to?
Answer: The fly's eyes are compared to a bright diamond. This simile emphasizes their brilliance and sparkling quality. The spider uses this comparison to charm the fly.
In simple words: The fly's eyes are compared to a bright diamond.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the exact object used for comparison in a simile when asked about it.

Question 5. (d) Whose eye are dull like lead?
Answer: The spider's eyes are dull like lead. The spider contrasts its own plain eyes with the fly's brilliant ones, making itself seem humble while elevating the fly. Lead is a heavy, dull metal.
In simple words: The spider's eyes are dull like lead.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note character comparisons. Here, the contrast between the fly's and spider's eyes is important.

6. Up jumped the cunning spider, and fiercely held her fast,
He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den

Question 6. (a) Why did the spider jump up?
Answer: The spider jumped up because it caught the fly. It seized its prey after successfully luring it in. The sudden movement shows its predatory instinct.
In simple words: The spider jumped up to catch the fly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect the action (jumping) to the immediate outcome (catching the fly) as described in the poem.

Question 6. (b) How did the spider hold the fly?
Answer: The spider fiercely held the fly fast. This means it held her very tightly and with great force, showing its aggressive nature. The fly had no chance to escape.
In simple words: The spider held the fly very tightly and strongly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use adverbs and verbs from the poem like "fiercely" and "held fast" to describe the action accurately.

Question 6. (c) Who dragged whom up the winding stair?
Answer: The spider dragged the fly up the winding stair. This action shows the fly's helplessness and the spider's control. The fly was forced into the spider's home.
In simple words: The spider dragged the fly up the winding stair.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state both the subject (who did it) and the object (to whom it was done) in your answer.

Question 6. (d) Where did the spider take the fly?
Answer: The spider took the fly into his dismal den. This is the dark and dreadful place where the spider lives and eats its prey. "Dismal" means gloomy.
In simple words: The spider took the fly into its dark, gloomy home.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide the specific destination mentioned in the poem and its descriptive adjective.

Question 6. (e) What is meant by dismal den?
Answer: A "dismal den" means a gloomy or horrible cave. It describes a dark, sad, and frightening place, which perfectly fits the spider's web where it kills its prey. The word "dismal" adds to the sense of dread.
In simple words: "Dismal den" means a gloomy or horrible cave.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain both parts of the phrase: "dismal" meaning gloomy/horrible and "den" meaning a cave/lair.

Question 6. (f) What is the dismal den?
Answer: The dismal den is the cobweb, which is the home of the spider. It is called "dismal" because of the dark purpose it serves. A cobweb is a messy, old spider web.
In simple words: The dismal den is the spider's cobweb home.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state the literal object being described by the poetic phrase "dismal den."

Question 6. (g) Why is it called a dismal den?
Answer: It is called a dismal den because the spider kills and eats its prey in the cobweb. This makes the place dark, scary, and filled with death. The word "dismal" perfectly describes this grim function.
In simple words: It's called a dismal den because the spider kills and eats its prey there.

🎯 Exam Tip: Relate the descriptive word "dismal" to the actual, grim function of the spider's lair.

7. Unto an evil counsellor, close heart, and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the spider and the fly.

Question 7. (a) To whom one should close heart, ear and eye?
Answer: One should close their heart, ear, and eye to an evil counsellor. This means avoiding people who give bad advice or try to trick you. It's important to protect yourself from harmful influences.
In simple words: You should close your heart, ear, and eye to people who give bad advice.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the object of the warning, which is the "evil counsellor" in the poem.

Question 7. (b) What lesson do the readers take from this tale?
Answer: The lesson readers take from this tale is not to listen to evil counsellors or take their bad advice. It teaches us to be wary of flattery and those who might try to harm us. The story warns us to be careful about whom we trust.
In simple words: The lesson is not to listen to bad advice from evil people.

🎯 Exam Tip: State the moral directly, avoiding the trap of flattery and evil influence.

Question 7. (c) Do you want to be the spider or the fly?
Answer: I do not want to be the spider or the fly. The spider is cunning and evil, while the fly is foolish and becomes a victim. Neither role is desirable as both face negative outcomes.
In simple words: I do not want to be the spider or the fly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state your preference and briefly explain why neither option is good based on the story's themes.

Question 7. (d) Who is an evil counsellor in general?
Answer: In general, an evil counsellor is someone who tries to trick or harm others by offering bad advice, often to make them their prey. They use deceptive words to achieve their selfish goals. An evil counsellor manipulates others for personal gain.
In simple words: An evil counsellor is someone who gives bad advice to trick others.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define the term broadly, focusing on the character's malicious intent and deceptive methods.

Question 7. (e) What is the advice given here?
Answer: The advice given here is "Beware of evil counsellors." This means people should be cautious of those who offer deceptive guidance. It reminds us to be alert to harmful suggestions.
In simple words: The advice is to be careful of bad advisors.

🎯 Exam Tip: Quote the key warning phrase if it is explicitly given in the text.

B. Complete the summary.

Question 8. The poem begins with the spider's (1)............... of the fly. He (2)............. to the fly to come into its home. The spicier describes his parlour as the (3)............. one. The spider kindles the curiosity of the fly so that she may enter his home. Fortunately, the fly was (4)........... and refused to get into its home. Now the spider pretends to be a(5) man and asks her to come and rest in his home. He offers her (6)............ and a. thin fine sheets to rest. This time also the fly (7)............ the spider's offer very politely. The next weapon that the spider uses is (8)........... The spider praises the (9)........... and (10).......... of the fly and also praises her (11)......... He invites her to look at herself in the (12)............ which is in his parlour. The fl y is (13)........... by the words of the spider and she falls a (14).......... to her (15)..........
Answer:
1. Friendliness
2. requests
3. prettiest
4. wise
5. good
6. bed
7. refuses
8. flattery
9. wing
10. eyes
11. head
12. mirror
13. enticed/tempted
14. prey
15. enemy
In simple words: This summary fills in the blanks of the poem's story. It shows how the spider used friendliness, requests, and flattery to trick the wise but tempted fly into becoming its prey. The fly initially refused, but eventually fell for the spider's words.

🎯 Exam Tip: Read the summary carefully and fill in the blanks with the most fitting words from the context of the poem to ensure accuracy.

C. Answer the following

Question 1. Write a character sketch of the spider.
Answer:
Title: The Spider and the Fly
Author/Poetess: Mary Botham Howitt (1799 -1888)
Characters: Spider and Fly
Theme: Beware of Evil Counsellors.

The spider in the poem is a very cunning and deceitful creature. Its main goal is to trick the fly into its home, which is actually a trap. At first, the spider tries to gently persuade the fly by describing its parlour as a comfortable place and offering a bed to rest and treats from its pantry. It promises to welcome the fly warmly. However, the fly is initially smart and resists these offers. The spider then changes its strategy and uses intense flattery, praising the fly's gauzy wings, brilliant eyes, and even offering a mirror for the fly to admire herself. This tactic works because the fly becomes vain. The spider is a master of lies, always trying to ensnare the innocent. It pretends to be kind and friendly, but its true intention is to make the fly its meal. The poet warns readers about such deceptive individuals, emphasizing that vanity can make people vulnerable to harm.
In simple words: The spider is very clever and tricky. It uses sweet words and promises of comfort to trick the fly into its web. The spider praises the fly's looks to make her feel important. It always tries to trap others with its lies.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing a character sketch, describe the character's traits, motivations, and methods, supporting them with examples from the story, and include any given metadata such as title and author.

Question 2. What happens if we fall prey to flattery? Give instances from the poem 'The spider and the fly'.
Answer:
Title: The Spider and the Fly
Poetess: Mary Botham Howitt
Characters: Spider and Fly
Theme: Prevention is better than cure; Flattery is a deadly weapon to defeat enemies.

If we fall prey to flattery, bad things can easily happen to us, just like they did to the fly in the poem. The poem clearly shows that people who are easily swayed by superficial praise can face serious consequences. The fly is tricked and trapped because of the spider's clever compliments. The spider uses words like "witty," "wise," "handsome," "gauzy," and "brilliant" to describe the fly's eyes and wings. The fly believes these words and becomes proud of her appearance, eventually giving in to the spider's invitations. When the fly finally accepts the flattery as truth, she is destroyed. The poem warns: "To idle, silly, flattering words, I pray you never give heed." It teaches that if people in society believe tempting words and praises, they too will fall prey to flattery and suffer, much like the fly. This highlights the importance of being aware of false praise. As the saying goes, "Don't be penny wise and pound foolish," meaning don't focus on small gains while risking bigger losses.
In simple words: If we believe flattery, bad things happen. The fly in the poem believed the spider's sweet words about her looks and got caught. The poem teaches us not to listen to empty praises because they can lead to trouble.

🎯 Exam Tip: To answer this type of question, first state the consequence of flattery, then provide specific examples from the poem (like the spider's words) that illustrate this consequence. Also, include any relevant metadata.

Question 3. In your own Give a detailed description of: (a) The spider's parlour
Answer: The story "The Spider and the Fly" tells of a cunning spider who tricks a naive fly using charm and flattery. The spider invites the fly to its parlour, describing it as the prettiest little room the fly has ever seen. The way to the parlour is up a winding stair, adding to its mysterious appeal. Inside, the spider claims to have many curious things to show. It also mentions a soft bed for resting, complete with pretty curtains drawn around and fine, thin sheets. Overall, the spider presents its parlour as the best and most beautiful place, designed to entice the fly to enter and fall into its trap. The parlour's description is crafted to appeal to the fly's sense of wonder and comfort.
In simple words: The spider's parlour is a pretty room with a winding stair. It has many interesting things, a soft bed with curtains, and fine sheets. The spider says it is the best and prettiest place to make the fly want to come inside.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing a place, include specific details like its entrance, contents, and overall impression, as portrayed in the poem.

Appreciate The Poem

Figures Of Speech

1. Consonance: Repetition of similar consonant sounds in words that are close to each other. For example: "T is the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy." Other examples from the poem are: "Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by;" and "So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly." This literary device adds rhythm and musicality to the poem.
In simple words: When the same sound made by consonants is repeated often in nearby words, it's called consonance. It's like a soft sound echoing.

🎯 Exam Tip: To identify consonance, look for repeated consonant sounds (not letters) within words, especially at the end or middle of words, in a sequence.

2. Assonance: Repetition of similar vowel sounds in words that are close to each other. For example: "T is the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy." Another example from the poem is: "The spider turned him roundabout and went into his den." Also, in the line "I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high," the repeated 'ea' vowel sound is an example. This creates an internal rhyme within lines.
In simple words: Assonance is when you hear the same vowel sound repeated in nearby words. It helps make the poem sound good.

🎯 Exam Tip: Unlike rhyme, assonance focuses on the repetition of vowel sounds anywhere within the words, not just at the end of lines.

3. Anaphora: Anaphora is when a word or phrase is repeated at the start of several sentences, paragraphs, or lines that come one after another. An example from the poem is: "How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!" This repetition helps to emphasize a point or create a rhythmic effect.
In simple words: Anaphora means starting many lines or sentences with the same word or phrase. It helps to make those words stand out.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for identical wording at the very beginning of consecutive lines or clauses to spot anaphora. It's a powerful rhetorical device.

Question. Identify the figures of speech. "Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead! "
Answer: The figure of speech used is a simile. A simile compares two different things using words like 'like' or 'as'. Here, the fly's eyes are compared to bright diamonds, and the spider's eyes are compared to dull lead. This comparison helps the reader visualize the contrasting appearances.
In simple words: This is a simile. It compares eyes to a diamond and to lead, using the word "like."

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that a simile uses "like" or "as" to compare two unlike things, while a metaphor states one thing is another.

Question. 4. Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. Pick out the words in alliteration. “Sweet creature! " said the Spider, "you're witty and you 're wise,”
Answer: Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words that are close together. In the given lines, the words "Sweet - Spider" show alliteration with the 'S' sound. Also, "witty - wise" shows alliteration with the 'W' sound. Alliteration makes the text more pleasing to read and remember, adding musicality to the poem.
In simple words: Alliteration is when words that are close together start with the same sound. In the example, "Sweet Spider" and "witty wise" use alliteration.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the sound, not just the letter. For instance, 'k' and 'c' can alliterate if they make the same sound, like 'kind' and 'cat'.

Listening

Question. D. Listen to the passage and fill in the blanks with appropriate answers:
1. Without trust there is no ............
2. ............ is a very rare thing to find in life.
3. When people betray you learn from the ............
4. Don't let ............ on the road throw you back.
5. If we keep moving forward you will have a wonderfully ............

Answer:
1. Without trust there is no relationship.
2. Trust is a very rare thing to find in life.
3. When people betray you, you learn from the situation.
4. Don't let small bumps on the road throw you back.
5. If we keep moving forward, you will have a wonderfully fulfilling life. These answers complete common life lessons about building strong relationships and handling challenges, emphasizing resilience.
In simple words: Trust is key in relationships. It's rare to find. When people let you down, learn from it. Don't let small problems stop you. Keep going for a good life.

🎯 Exam Tip: For fill-in-the-blanks, always read the full sentence to understand the context and choose the most fitting word that makes sense grammatically and logically.

Speaking

Question. E. The cunning spider was waiting for a chance to put the fly into its web and it used all the possible ways to trap her. Have you ever been trapped by flattery to do something you did not want to do? Discuss in pairs and share your experience in the class.
Answer: Yes, I was once trapped by flattery. My friend Ajay, who was a year older and smarter, suggested we go swimming in the river. He knew I couldn't swim well, but he praised my ability, saying I could swim perfectly and he'd teach me more. Despite my doubts, his compliments made me trust him, and I jumped into the deep, fast-flowing river. I struggled and shouted for help, but Ajay didn't come to my rescue, thinking it was a game. Luckily, some people nearby saw me and saved me. They also advised Ajay not to play such dangerous games. This experience taught me to be careful of flattery, as it can sometimes lead to bad situations. "Only a friend in need is a friend indeed" truly means a friend who helps when you're in trouble.
In simple words: My friend flattered me to go swimming, even though I couldn't swim. I got into trouble in the river but was saved by others. I learned that flattery can be dangerous, and real friends help you, not trick you.

🎯 Exam Tip: When sharing a personal experience, describe the situation, your feelings, the turning point, and the lesson learned to make your story clear and impactful.

Writing

Question. F. The fly gives into flattery and becomes the spider's prey. If you are asked to give a happy ending to the poem, how will you save the fly? Write in your own words.
Answer: To give the poem a happy ending, the story would change like this: The cunning spider first tried to trick the fly, who refused its invitation. The spider then used many flattering words, praising the fly's beautiful wings and eyes. The fly, feeling proud, started to believe the spider's false compliments. Just as the spider was about to jump and catch the fly, a quick lizard suddenly appeared. The spider got scared and quickly left its web, giving the fly a chance to escape. The fly, now very alert, struggled hard against the sticky threads of the web. It managed to break free and fly away, having learned a valuable lesson about the dangers of flattery. This shows that even in tricky situations, help can arrive unexpectedly, allowing for a hopeful outcome. As the saying goes, "Where there is a will, there is a way."
In simple words: A lizard scares away the spider just as it's about to catch the fly. The fly learns its lesson, breaks free from the web, and flies to safety, showing that help can come when you least expect it.

🎯 Exam Tip: For creative writing tasks, ensure your ending resolves the main conflict, fits the story's theme, and clearly shows the characters' changed understanding or fate.