Maggie Cuts Her Hair - Q&A - Literary Reader 7 - New Learning to Communicate

Summary of the Story

Maggie and Tom are siblings visiting their Aunt Glegg, who is very critical and demanding. Aunt Glegg criticises Maggie's hair, suggesting it should be cut shorter for health reasons. Feeling frustrated and wanting to stop the criticism, Maggie cuts her own hair in a bold act of defiance, even getting Tom to help her.

When Maggie goes downstairs for dinner, her family is shocked and amused by her new look. Mrs Tulliver, her mother, is upset and worried about what others will think. Maggie feels embarrassed and hurt by their reactions, especially when Tom laughs at her. However, her father, Mr Tulliver, comforts her and tells her she was right to cut her hair if it bothered her. This kindness contrasts with the criticism from the rest of the family, making Maggie feel somewhat better.

In the end, Maggie and Tom are allowed to leave the table and play outside, giving Maggie a chance to escape the uncomfortable situation.

List of Difficult Words with Definitions

1. Handsome - Good-looking.
2. Comely - Attractive and pleasant to look at.
3. Gell - Girl (an old-fashioned way of saying "girl").
4. Emphatic - Speaking or acting in a forceful way.
5. Boarding school - A school where students live during the term.
6. Declined - Refused or said no.
7. Plague - To bother or annoy.
8. Locks - Strands or pieces of hair.
9. Snip - A quick cut with scissors.
10. Queer - Strange or unusual.
11. Flush - To become red in the face, often from excitement or anger.
12. Irrevocable - Impossible to change or undo.
13. Reproach - Blame or criticism.
14. Defiance - Open resistance or bold disobedience.
15. Feeble - Weak.
16. Soothe - To comfort or calm someone.
17. Capstrings - Strings on a cap or bonnet.
18. Resignation - Accepting something unpleasant that cannot be changed.
19. Dessert - Sweet food eaten at the end of a meal.
20. Empathetic - Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
21. Concern - Worry or care about something important.

LET'S INFER

1. Would you say Maggie and Tom were fond of their aunt?

   • ANSWER: No, Maggie and Tom were not fond of their aunt. They thought she was ugly and did not like the way she spoke to them.

2. Why did Maggie cut off her hair?

   • ANSWER: Maggie cut off her hair because her aunt and mother were always criticizing it, and she wanted to stop them from finding fault with her.

3. How did Maggie react when Tom exclaimed '... what a queer thing you look!'?

   • ANSWER: Maggie felt hurt and started to cry because Tom laughed at her and called her an idiot.

4. Describe what happened when Maggie went down for dinner.

   • ANSWER: When Maggie went down for dinner, her mother screamed, everyone looked at her, and they laughed and criticized her. Maggie felt embarrassed and ran to her father, who comforted her.

5. 'Delicious words of tenderness!' Whose words are being referred to here?

   • ANSWER: These words refer to Mr. Tulliver's comforting words to Maggie when he told her it was okay to cut her hair and that he would take her side.

6. How is Maggie's relationship with her father different from her relationship with the other members of her family?

• ANSWER: Maggie's father is kind and supportive towards her, unlike the other family members, who often criticize and laugh at her. He comforts her and makes her feel better.

LET'S DISCUSS

1. In what other ways could Maggie have expressed her sense of defiance?

   • ANSWER: Maggie could have talked to her mother or aunt about how their comments made her feel. She could have also tried to prove she was a good and clever girl in other ways, like by doing well in school or helping at home.

2. Was Mrs. Tulliver empathetic to Maggie's dilemmas? What do you think her main concerns were?

   • ANSWER: Mrs. Tulliver was not very empathetic to Maggie's dilemmas. She was more concerned about what others thought and wanted Maggie to look neat and presentable rather than understanding how Maggie felt about her hair.

If I Were You by Douglas James

If I Were You by Douglas James

Summary

Gerrard prepares to leave his home for play practice but is interrupted by the sight of a burglar approaching him with a revolver. The burglar notices their striking resemblance and orders Gerrard to raise his hands. Despite the danger, Gerrard remains surprisingly calm and engages the intruder in conversation. Eventually, the burglar forces Gerrard to sit in a chair.

 

During their conversation, it becomes apparent that Gerrard is a mysterious single man who owns a car and is frequently in and out. Meanwhile, the burglar is a jewel thief on the run after killing a cop. He plans to murder Gerrard and assume his identity to evade the police.

 

Gerrard realizes that the burglar is impulsive and not very bright, so he devises a clever plan to deceive him. He fabricates a story about being a crook and a killer on the run from the authorities, just like the burglar. Gerrard convinces the burglar to come with him to the garage where they can both escape in his car.

 

However, once they reach the garage, Gerrard reveals that the garage door is actually a cabinet in which he locks up the burglar and notifies the authorities of his whereabouts. Through his quick thinking and agility, Gerrard saves his own life.

Let’s Infer Questions

1.     What did Gerrard tell the Intruder about himself? Was he telling the truth or was he being funny? If the latter, why?

Gerrard tried to mislead the Intruder by telling that when he was a child, gypsies kidnapped him and now in his thirties, he had no one in his life. However, Gerrard was not being truthful and was instead attempting to make light of the situation to demonstrate that he was not intimidated by an armed criminal. As a matter of fact, Gerrard had already begun fabricating stories about himself.

2.     What made Gerrard ask the intruder, ‘Are you an American’? (Clue: Look up the origin of ‘guy’ in the dictionary.)

When the Intruder says, “Better be careful, wise guy!” Gerrard asked him whether he was American because the word ‘guy’ is mostly used by Americans.

3.     Gerrard said, ‘You have been so modest.’ Was Gerrard being

a.     funny?

b.    truthful?

c.     ironic?
Give reason for your answer.

Gerrard was being ironic when he said to the Intruder that he has been very modest in his dealing with Gerrard, because instead of acting on his plan the Intruder was delaying things.

4.     The intruder announced, ‘I’m going to kill you.’ Was Gerrard nervous? How would you describe Gerrard’s reactions?

Gerrard was not nervous, rather he was ahead of the Intruder in planning his escape and concocted a story in his mind. Upon hearing the threat ‘I’m going to kill you.’ Gerrard remained calm and replied that once the Intruder knows about Gerrar he will not kill him and would regret twice if he proceeds with his plan.

5.     Do you think Gerrard

a.     was intelligent?

b.    had presence of mind?

c.     had a sense of humour?
Give evidence from the play in support of your answer.

 

Gerrard is intelligent and had a great presence of mind. He, by remaining calm and presence of mind, convinces the Intruder that Gerrard himself is hardcore criminal on the run and that the police his searching him in a case of murder.

6.     Pick out words from the play which indicate that the intruder was coarse and uncultured.

 

These are some of the words that indicate that the intruder was a coarse and uncultured person.

 

·      “Put those paws up!”

·      “I’ll make you crawl”

·      “I’m as smart as you and smarter…”

·      “I have got brains and I use them”

·      “dandy bus”

·      “tradespeople”

Let’s discuss

1.     It is not safe to stay alone, especially in secluded places.

 

Staying alone in secluded places can be risky and unsafe for various reasons. Firstly, there is a higher chance of being a victim of crime, such as theft, burglary, or assault. In secluded areas, there are often no witnesses or security personnel to provide protection. Criminals may take advantage of this situation and commit crimes.

 

Moreover, staying alone in isolated places can pose a significant risk to one's physical and mental health. If one falls sick or experiences an emergency, there may not be anyone around to provide assistance. This can lead to serious consequences and even result in fatalities. Additionally, prolonged isolation can have adverse effects on one's mental health, causing feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

 

Another danger of staying alone in secluded places is the risk of natural disasters such as floods, fires, or earthquakes. In such situations, being alone can increase the risk of harm or even death as there is no one around to help or provide assistance.

 

2.     Criminals often get caught because of their overconfidence.

 

Criminals who become overconfident in their abilities and success rate are more likely to get caught. This is because overconfidence often leads to careless mistakes and a false sense of invincibility, which can ultimately lead to their downfall.

 

One of the primary reasons why overconfident criminals get caught is that they underestimate the intelligence and resources of law enforcement agencies. They may believe that they are smarter than the police and can outsmart them. However, this kind of thinking often leads to making errors that give away their identity or location.

 

Overconfident criminals may also be more reckless in their actions, making them more noticeable and easier to track. They may be less cautious about leaving evidence at the scene of a crime, leading to the discovery of their identity. Additionally, overconfident criminals may be more likely to brag about their crimes, leading to them being reported by someone who overhears them.

 

Furthermore, overconfidence can lead to complacency and a lack of attention to detail. Criminals who believe that they are invincible may not take the necessary precautions to cover their tracks or avoid detection, leading to their arrest.

 

The Intruder in this play is also very overconfident and makes the mistake of believing Gerrard and gets ultimately arrested.

 

 

Class 7 - English - New Learning to Communicate - Literary Reader - The Story of My Life by Helen Keller

 The Story of My Life

-Helen Keller

The Story in Short

Helen Keller was a little girl who was born without being able to see or hear. At first, she was very sad and frustrated because she couldn't understand the world around her or talk to people. But then, a special teacher named Anne came into her life.

Anne taught Helen how to communicate using signs and helped her learn how to read and write. It was a hard job, but Anne was very patient and never gave up on Helen. With Anne's help, Helen learned so much and became a famous person who wrote books and helped others who had trouble seeing or hearing.

The story of Helen Keller shows that even when things seem hard, with determination and the right help, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve great things.

Let’s infer

1. How did Helen realise she was different from other people? What was her reaction? 

Answer:

In "The Story of My Life" by Helen Keller, she realized she was different from other people when she was a young child and realized she could not see or hear. Her initial reaction was frustration and anger, as she was unable to communicate her needs or understand the world around her. 

2. Why does Helen call the day she met Anne Mansfield Sullivan the most important day of her life? 

Answer:

Helen Keller considers the day she met Anne Mansfield Sullivan to be the most important day of her life because it marked the beginning of her journey towards communication and understanding. Anne's arrival allowed Helen to express herself, to understand and engage with the world around her, and to feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment. 

3. How did Anne Sullivan educate Helen? Do you think it was a difficult job? Why?

Answer:

Anne Sullivan used a combination of sign language, lip-reading, and manual spelling to educate Helen Keller. Anne would spell words into Helen's hand and help her associate the signs with the objects they represented. This process was difficult and required a great deal of patience and persistence on Anne's part, as Helen was a challenging student. She was often stubborn, had a limited attention span, and struggled to understand abstract concepts. However, Anne was dedicated to her job and used her creativity and determination to find ways to reach and teach Helen.

Yes, Anne's job was definitely a difficult one, as she was teaching a blind and deaf child in an era where there were limited resources and understanding of how to educate such children. She faced many challenges, including Helen's lack of attention, frustration, and anger, but she never gave up on her. Anne's persistence, creativity, and love for Helen made a huge impact on Helen's life and helped her to overcome her disabilities and become the person she is known to be today.

4. Why did Helen repent breaking her doll?

Answer:

Helen repented breaking her doll because she realized that her actions were wrong and that she had acted impulsively and without thought. She felt guilty and ashamed, and her conscience pricked her, leading her to repent.

Let’s discuss

1. With willpower and guidance, we can overcome any obstacle.

Answer:

The story of Helen Keller is a powerful testament to the idea that with willpower and guidance, we can overcome any obstacle. Despite being born deaf and blind, Helen was able to achieve great things in her life, becoming a renowned author, political activist, and advocate for people with disabilities.

Her journey towards self-discovery and fulfillment was marked by her unwavering willpower and determination to overcome the limitations of her disabilities. With the guidance and support of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, Helen was able to learn how to communicate and engage with the world around her. Anne's patience, creativity, and love for Helen were crucial in helping her overcome her disabilities and unlock her full potential.

The story of Helen Keller highlights the transformative power of willpower and guidance in helping us overcome obstacles and achieve our goals. It shows that, with determination, creativity, and the right support, we can overcome even the most challenging of circumstances and achieve great things. This message is an inspiration to us all and serves as a reminder of the limitless potential of the human spirit.

2. Education empowers us and makes us better individuals.

Answer:

The story of Helen Keller demonstrates the power of education in transforming and empowering individuals. Helen was born deaf and blind, and as a result, was unable to communicate or understand the world around her. However, with the help of her teacher Anne Sullivan, she was able to learn sign language and eventually learn to read, write, and communicate with others. This opened up a whole new world for her and allowed her to break out of the isolation and frustration she experienced as a result of her disabilities.

Education empowered Helen by giving her the tools to express herself and engage with the world around her. It allowed her to understand her surroundings, to form meaningful relationships, and to pursue her passions and interests. It also gave her a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and helped her to develop a strong sense of self-esteem and confidence.

In this sense, the story of Helen Keller highlights the importance of education as a means of empowering individuals and helping them to overcome their challenges. Education provides us with the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to succeed in life and to become better, more fulfilled individuals. By giving us the ability to understand and engage with the world, education can help us to realize our full potential and to lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Poem - Daybreak by H W Longfellow

Class 7 - English - Literary Reader - Poem - Daybreak - HW Longfellow

Summary

The poem describes the arrival of a wind from the sea which brings the message of daybreak. The wind calls out to ships, people, and the forest to awaken and start the day. It also touches the wing of a sleeping bird and instructs it to sing. As it blows over the farms, it tells the rooster to crow and whispers to the fields of corn to bow in preparation for the morning. The wind also calls out to the belfry tower and the churchyard, but with a sigh of sadness for the dead, as it is not yet time for them to awaken. The poem portrays the wind as a messenger of the new day, bringing life and activity to the world.

Let's enjoy the poem

Question 1. Who acts as the messenger in the poem?

Answer:

The wind acts as the messenger in the poem "Daybreak" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, conveying the news of the daybreak to the world.

Question 2. The wind moves from the sea/land towards the sea/land.(Strike out the wrong words)

Answer:

The wind moves from the sea towards the land.

Question 3. Which of the following is not a sign of daybreak in the poem? (Tick it)

Answer:

a. The mists begin to lift.

b. The ships begin to sail.

c. The leaves on the trees flutter.

d. The bird begins to chirp.

e. The cock crows.

f. The corn plants bend.

g. The church bell tolls.

h. The people buried in the churchyard wake up.

Question 4. When you sigh, you take and then let out a long deep breath that can be heard, to show that you are sad, disappointed, tired, etc. Why does the wind sigh when it crosses the churchyard? (last stanza)

Answer:

In the poem "Daybreak" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the wind sighs when it crosses the churchyard because it is said to be "breathing low in sorrow". The wind's sighing is a metaphor for the mournful, sorrowful atmosphere of the churchyard, where people have been laid to rest.

Question 5. Find rhyming words in the poem for the following:

power, fear, key, tie, torn, cling, bout

Answer:

• power: hour
• fear: near
• key: sea
• tie: lie
• torn: corn
• cling: sing
• bout: shout

A Bitterly Cold Night by Premchand

Class 7 - English - New Learning to Communicate - Literary Reader

Let’s infer

Question 1. Were Halku and Jabra fond of each other? Give a reason for your answer.

Answer:

Yes, Halku and Jabra appear to be fond of each other. Halku is concerned for Jabra's comfort and well-being and tries to find ways to protect him from the cold. He also speaks to Jabra as if he understands him, patting his back and trying to console him. Additionally, Jabra looks at Halku with eyes "overflowing with love." These actions suggest that Halku and Jabra have a close relationship.

Question 2. Why did Halku embrace Jabra even though his body stank? 

Answer:

Halku embraced Jabra despite the fact that the dog stank because he needed comfort in a difficult moment. He was cold and struggling with poverty, and his wife had just taken away the money he had saved for a blanket. Halku was feeling discouraged and defeated, and Jabra provided him with a source of comfort and love.

Question 3. Why did Halku not chase away the wild cattle eating the crop?

Answer:

Halku did not want to chase away the wild cattle because he preferred to stay warm and cozy by the fire. He was also fed up sleeping outside in the cold and allowed the cattle to destro his crop.

Question 4. Why did Halku have a look of contentment when he saw the ruined field? 

Answer:

Halku had a look of contentment when he saw the ruined field because he would not have to sleep nights out in the biting cold doing tenant farming.

Question 5. Was Halku exploited by his landlord? Give reasons in support of your answer.

Answer:

Yes Halku was exploited by his landlord. When his wife requests him to put off paying the landlort so as to buy blanket for winter, Halku told her that if not paid the landlord would threaten and insult him. His wife requests him to give up tenant faming saying that the work was killing Halku and it would never enable them to pay off their debts. All this indicate that Halku was exploited by his landlord.

Let's discuss

1. Was it fair on the part of the landlord to make Halku spend a cold night out in the open? 

Answer:

It was not fair on the part of the landlord to make Halku spend a cold night out in the open. It is unfortunate that landlords or people in position never bother about the poeple who work under them. The only thing that worries them is money and profit. Halku’s story is representative of the exploitation that is prevalent in society.

2. Since Halku was getting paid for guarding the field, he shouldn't have allowed the wild cattle to destroy the crop.

Answer:

Halku was not getting paid enough and the exploitation and suffering he was undergoing somehow compelled him to allow the wild cattle to destroy the crop. Apparently it appears incorrect that Halku allowed the wild cattle to destroy the crop but under the circumstances he did the right thing.

Pip’s Adventure by Charles Dickens

Class 7 - English - New Learning to Communicate - Literary Reader - Chapter 7 - Pip's Adventure

Let’s infer

Question 1. Why did Pip live with his sister, Mrs Joe Gargery? 

Answer:

Pip lived with his sister, Mrs Joe Gargery because he was an orphan and had no other family to take care of him. Mrs Joe Gargery was his legal guardian and raised him from a young age.

Question 2. a. Where did Pip meet the convict?

Answer:

Pip meets the convict in the graveyard near his home. In this graveyard, Pip’s parents and siblings were buried.

Question 2. b. Did he feel threatened by the convict? Why?

Answer:

Yes, Pip felt threatened by the convict when he first met him in the graveyard. The convict was a frightening figure, dressed in rough clothes and with a menacing demeanour. He threatened Pip with physical harm if he did not comply with his demands for food and a file. Pip was a young boy at the time and felt scared and intimidated by the convict, who was a stranger to him.

Question 3. The convict ordered Pip to get him a file. What use do you think he had of the file?

Answer:

The convict ordered Pip to bring him a file because he needed it to remove the leg irons that were holding him captive. The convict was trying to break free from the authorities who were pursuing him and the file was necessary for him to remove the shackles and regain his freedom.

Question 4. What food did Pip steal for the convict?

Answer:

1. bread and cheese, mincemeat, and a pie 

Question 5. What did Pip feel when he ran into a group of soldiers?

Let’s discuss

1. We should extend our kindness to everyone from all walks of life.
   
   Answer:
   In "Great Expectations"(Pip’s Adventure) by Charles Dickens, the theme of extending kindness to others, regardless of their social status or background, is a recurring one. The story shows how Pip learns the importance of treating people with kindness and compassion, no matter who they are or what they have done.

For example, when Pip meets the convict in the graveyard, he is initially afraid and intimidated, but he also feels compassion for the man's plight and agrees to help him. This act of kindness towards a stranger leads to a series of events that change Pip's life forever. The story suggests that extending kindness to others can have a profound impact on both the recipient and the giver.

Additionally, the character of Joe Gargery, Pip's brother-in-law, represents the idea that people should be judged based on their inner qualities and not their external circumstances. Joe is a simple blacksmith who is always kind and compassionate, despite his humble origins and lack of education. He serves as an example of how people from all walks of life can embody the qualities of kindness and generosity.

In conclusion, "Great Expectations"(Pip’s Adventure) encourages the reader to extend kindness and compassion to everyone, regardless of their background or social status. The story shows that this act of kindness can have a profound impact on both the recipient and the giver, and that people should be judged based on their inner qualities and not their external circumstances.

2. As children, we are often haunted with irrational fears.
   
   Answer:
   In "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens, the character of Pip serves as an example of how children can be haunted by irrational fears. As a young boy, Pip is afraid of many things, including the dark, the unknown, and the mysterious convict he meets in the graveyard. These fears are rooted in his imagination and lack of experience, but they nonetheless have a profound impact on his life.

For example, Pip's fear of the unknown leads him to believe that the convict he meets in the graveyard is a dangerous and evil person, when in reality he is just a desperate and scared man. Similarly, Pip's fear of the dark and the unknown leads him to believe in ghosts and other supernatural beings, causing him to experience feelings of terror and anxiety.

The story of Pip demonstrates how children can be easily influenced by their fears, and how these fears can shape their perceptions and beliefs. The fears of childhood can linger into adulthood, affecting a person's experiences and relationships with others. The story suggests that it is important to understand and confront these fears, rather than letting them control our lives.

In conclusion, "Great Expectations" highlights the theme that, as children, we are often haunted by irrational fears, which can shape our perceptions and beliefs. The story shows that it is important to understand and confront these fears, rather than letting them control our lives, in order to overcome them and live a more fulfilling life.