Here are the answers to all the questions:

LITERATURE - HONEYCOMB

1. Expert Detectives (Prose)

1. Why were Nishad and Maya suspicious of Mr. Nath?

   • They found him mysterious because he lived alone, had very few possessions, and received visits from only one man.

2. What was Nishad’s opinion about Mr. Nath, and how did it differ from Maya’s?

   • Nishad believed that Mr. Nath was a kind and lonely man, while Maya was convinced that he was a criminal hiding from the police.

3. Who was the only visitor Mr. Nath received regularly, and why was it significant?

   • A tall, fair man visited him every Sunday. Maya believed he was his accomplice, but Nishad thought he was a friend helping him.

4. How did Ramesh describe Mr. Nath’s daily habits?

   • Ramesh said Mr. Nath ate simple food, paid on time, and never spoke much.

5. What lesson does the story teach about judging people based on appearances?

   • It teaches that appearances can be deceptive, and we should not judge someone without knowing their full story.

2. Mystery of the Talking Fan (Poem)

1. What strange behaviour did the fan exhibit in the poem?

   • The fan made a continuous whirling sound, as if it were talking.

2. How did the mystery of the talking fan get solved?

   • When the fan was oiled, it stopped making noise and worked smoothly.

3. What literary device is used in the poem to describe the fan?

   • Personification, as the fan is given human-like qualities.

4. What does the poet suggest about maintaining household items?

   • Regular maintenance is necessary to keep machines functioning properly.

5. How does the poet make an ordinary object like a fan seem interesting?

   • By giving it a voice and turning it into a mysterious character.

3. The Invention of Vita-Wonk (Prose)

1. What problem did Mr. Wonka face before inventing Vita-Wonk?

   • His previous invention, Wonka-Vite, made people too young, even disappearing in some cases.

2. What unusual ingredients did Mr. Wonka use to create Vita-Wonk?

   • He used ingredients from the oldest living things, such as a 200-year-old tortoise’s toe and a prehistoric tree’s sap.

3. What was the main difference between Vita-Wonk and Wonka-Vite?

   • Wonka-Vite made people younger, while Vita-Wonk made them older.

4. How did Mr. Wonka test Vita-Wonk?

   • He tested it on Oompa-Loompas to ensure it worked.

5. What lesson does the story teach about scientific experiments?

   • It highlights the importance of careful testing and the unexpected consequences of science.

4. Garden Snake (Poem)

1. What was the poet’s initial reaction upon seeing the snake?

   • He was afraid of it.

2. How did the poet’s mother help him overcome his fear?

   • She explained that the garden snake was harmless and only ate insects.

3. What is the central message of the poem?

   • Not all snakes are dangerous; some are harmless.

4. How does the poem challenge common misconceptions about snakes?

   • It shows that fear of snakes is often unnecessary, as some snakes are non-venomous.

5. What imagery does the poet use to describe the snake’s movement?

   • The snake moves in a curving, graceful manner through the grass.

5. A Homage to our Brave Soldiers (Prose)

1. Why is it important to pay tribute to our brave soldiers?

   • Because they sacrifice their lives for the safety and freedom of the country.

2. How does the lesson highlight the sacrifices made by soldiers?

   • It discusses the hardships soldiers endure and their courage in battle.

3. What qualities of soldiers are emphasized in the story?

   • Courage, patriotism, and selflessness.

4. How do memorials and tributes help in remembering soldiers' contributions?

   • They serve as reminders of the sacrifices made and inspire future generations.

5. What message does the story convey about patriotism?

   • True patriotism involves respect and gratitude for those who protect the nation.

6. Meadow Surprises (Poem)

1. What are some of the surprises one can find in a meadow?

   • Hidden nests, hopping rabbits, and small insects.

2. How does the poet describe the beauty of nature?

   • As full of surprises and hidden wonders.

3. What do the words ‘velvet grass’ suggest about the meadow?

   • The grass is soft and smooth.

4. How does the poem encourage the reader to observe nature closely?

   • By urging them to look under rocks and grass for hidden creatures.

5. What message does the poem convey about appreciating the natural world?

   • Nature is full of beauty and surprises for those who take the time to notice.

7. Quality (Prose)

1. Why did Mr. Gessler take so much time to make shoes?

   • He focused on perfection and craftsmanship.

2. How did the narrator feel about the shoes made by Mr. Gessler?

   • He admired them for their superior quality.

3. What challenges did Mr. Gessler face in his business?

   • Competition from large manufacturers and his slow production process.

4. What qualities of Mr. Gessler made him an exceptional shoemaker?

   • Dedication, skill, and honesty.

5. What is the central theme of the story?

   • The value of dedication and the impact of industrialization on craftsmanship.

8. Dad and the Cat and the Tree (Poem)

1. How did Dad plan to rescue the cat?

   • By climbing the tree himself.

2. What happened each time Dad attempted to save the cat?

   • He fell down multiple times.

3. How did the cat finally get down from the tree?

   • It jumped down on its own.

4. What humorous elements are present in the poem?

   • Dad’s overconfidence and clumsy failures.

5. What lesson does the poem teach about confidence and problem-solving?

   • Confidence is good, but sometimes things don’t go as planned.

SUPPLEMENTARY READER - AN ALIEN HAND

1. The Bear Story

1. How did the lady find the bear cub?

   • She found it alone in the forest.

2. How did the bear behave as a pet?

   • It was gentle, playful, and obedient.

3. Why was the bear tied up on Sundays?

   • The lady visited her friends, and they feared the bear might harm them.

4. What misunderstanding occurred when the lady returned home?

   • She thought the bear had followed her, but it was a different one.

5. What does the story teach about kindness to animals?

   • Animals respond to love and care, just like humans.

2. A Tiger in the House

1. How did Grandfather bring Timothy, the tiger cub, home?

   • He found him in the jungle.

2. How did Timothy behave as a young cub?

   • He was playful and friendly.

3. Why was Timothy sent to the zoo?

   • He became too big and wild to keep at home.

4. What was the surprising revelation when Grandfather visited Timothy at the zoo?

   • The real Timothy had died, and Grandfather was petting a wild tiger.

5. What lesson does the story teach about human-animal relationships?

   • Animals can form bonds with humans, but they belong in the wild.

3. An Alien Hand

1. What was the strange discovery made in the story?

   • A mysterious alien hand was found that moved on its own, suggesting it had intelligence or control over itself.

2. How did the children react to the alien hand?

   • They were both fascinated and scared, unsure whether it was dangerous or friendly.

3. What efforts were made to communicate with the alien presence?

   • Scientists and researchers studied the hand, trying to understand its movements and signals.

4. What challenges did the characters face while studying the alien hand?

   • The hand behaved in unpredictable ways, making it difficult to determine its purpose or origin.

5. What is the central theme of An Alien Hand?

   • The story explores curiosity, the unknown, and humanity’s quest for understanding extraterrestrial life.

4. The Tiny Teacher

1. Why is the ant considered the "tiny teacher"?

   • Ants are highly disciplined, hardworking, and organized, serving as role models for teamwork and dedication.

2. What lessons can humans learn from ants?

   • Humans can learn discipline, teamwork, responsibility, cleanliness, and perseverance from ants.

3. How do ants communicate with each other?

   • Ants use their feelers (antennae) to touch and pass messages to one another.

4. What is the role of the queen ant in the colony?

   • The queen ant lays eggs and is responsible for the reproduction of the entire colony.

5. How does the story highlight discipline and teamwork?

   • It describes how ants live harmoniously, perform their duties without conflict, and work together efficiently.