Why did the author visit the shop so infrequently?
The author visited the shop so infrequently because the boots made by Gessler brothers lasted too long, best quality and material were used.
(i) After a very long spell of heat, the weather is at last. (ii) We have no right to people who do small jobs.
(iii) Nitin has always his uncle, who is a self-made man.
(iv) The police are the matter thoroughly.
(v) If you want to go out, I will the children for you.
(vi) I promise to on your brother when I visit Lucknow next.
(vi) when you are crossing the main road.
Speak to five adults in your neighbourhood. Ask them the following questions (in any language they are comfortable in). Then come back and share your findings with the class.
(i) Do they buy their provisions packed in plastic packets at a big store, or loose, from a smaller store near their house?
(ii) Where do they buy their footwear? Do they buy branded footwear, or footwear made locally? What reasons do they have for their preference?
(iii) Do they buy ready-made clothes, or buy cloth and get their clothes stitched by a tailor? Which do they think is better?
What was the effect on Mr Gessler of the author’s remark about a certain pair of boots?
What was Mr Gessler’s complaint against “big firms”?
Look at the picture.Ajit: I have decided to go abroad for higher studies.Anisa: Have you? I dont think I ll ever do that. I love my country.Let pairs of students talk to each other about leaving thecountry. One student repeats Ajit’s statement. The other
gives a reason for not agreeing with Ajit. The sentenceopenings given below should be used.
Notice the way Mr Gessler speaks English. His Englishis influenced by his mother tongue. He speaks Englishwith an accent.• When Mr Gessler speaks, p,t,k, sound like b,d,g. Canyou say these words as Mr Gessler would say them?It comes and never stops. Does it bother me? Not atall. Ask my brother, please.
What is the significance of the title? To whom or to what does it refer
What was the author’s opinion about Mr Gessler as a bootmaker?
Do you think Mr Gessler was a failure as a bootmaker or as a competitive businessman?
What did Nishad give Mr Nath? Why?
Why did the king want to know answers to three questions?
What is the secret that Meena shares with Mridu inthe backyard
Why did the king want no more talk about the hilsa-fish?
Why did the neighbours kill the dog?
What is “strange” about Mr Nath’s Sundays?
Messengers were sent throughout the kingdom
(i) to fetch wise men.
(ii) to find answers to the questions.
(iii) to look for the wise hermit.
(iv) to announce a reward for those who could answer the questions.
Mark your choice.
How does Ravi get milk for the kitten?
What did the king ask Gopal to do to prove that he was clever?
Mark the right item.
(i) The old farmer and his wife loved the dog
(a) because it helped them in their day-to-day work.
(b) as if it was their own baby.
(c) as they were kind to all living beings.
(ii) When the old couple became rich, they
(a) gave the dog better food.
(b) invited their greedy neighbours to a feast.
(c) lived comfortably and were generous towards their poor neighbours.
(iii) The greedy couple borrowed the mill and the mortar to make
(a) rice pastry and bean sauce.
(b) magic ash to win rewards.
(c) a pile of gold.
What is “strange” about Mr Nath’s Sundays?
Discuss in small groups
1.If you want to give away something of your own to the needy, would it be better to ask your elders first?
2.Is there someone of your age in the family who is very talkative? Do you find her/him interesting and impressive or otherwise? Share your ideas with others in the group.
3.Has Rukku Manni done exactly the same as the children? In your opinion, then, is it right for one party to blame the other?
(i) What makes Mridu conclude that the beggar has nomoney to buy chappals?
(ii) What does she suggest to show her concern?
What was the noise that startled Mridu and frightenedMahendran?
Why does Maya think Mr Nath is a crook? Who does she say the Sunday visitor is?
Why did the king want no more talk about the hilsa-fish?
“A sharp V-shaped line had formed between her eyebrows.” What does it suggest to you about Rukku Manni’s mood?
(i) Who was the bearded man?
(ii) Why did he ask for the king’s forgiveness?
The music master is making lovely music. Read aloudthe sentence in the text that expresses this idea.
Why did the daimio reward the farmer but punish his neighbour for the same act?