ANSWERS

1. Quality

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

   • Mr. Gessler took time because he focused on perfection and craftsmanship, ensuring that every shoe was made with great care and quality.

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

   • The author admired the shoes, describing them as the best quality and extremely comfortable.

3. What changes did the author notice in Mr. Gessler’s shop over the years?

   • The shop became emptier, Mr. Gessler aged, and he lost customers due to competition from large manufacturers.

4. What led to the decline of Mr. Gessler’s business?

   • He refused to compromise on quality, worked slowly, and could not compete with mass-produced shoes.

5. What message does the story convey about dedication and craftsmanship?

   • The story highlights the value of dedication, honesty, and craftsmanship but also shows the harsh reality of business competition.

     
     

2. Expert Detectives

1. Why were Nishad and Maya curious about Mr. Nath?

   • They found him mysterious because he lived alone, had no visitors except one, and seemed secretive.

2. How did Nishad’s opinion about Mr. Nath differ from Maya’s?

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

3. What were some of the reasons Maya suspected Mr. Nath to be a crook?

   • He had few belongings, no friends, a scar on his face, and received visits from a stranger.

4. What did Ramesh tell Nishad about Mr. Nath’s daily routine?

   • Mr. Nath ate simple food, paid on time, and only received visits from a regular guest on Sundays.

5. How does the story show that appearances can be deceptive?

   • Though Mr. Nath looked suspicious, he was likely just a lonely man, proving that we shouldn’t judge people without knowing their full story.

     
     

3. The Invention of Vita-Wonk

1. Why did Mr. Wonka want to invent Vita-Wonk?

   • He needed a solution after inventing Wonka-Vite, which made people too young.

2. What unusual ingredients did he use to create the potion?

   • He used items from the oldest living things, including a 200-year-old tortoise’s toe, a tree’s sap, and a 4000-year-old fossil.

3. How did Mr. Wonka test the effectiveness of Vita-Wonk?

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

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

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

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

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

     
     

4. Gopal and the Hilsa Fish

1. Why was everyone talking about the Hilsa fish?

   • It was the most famous fish of the season, and everyone was obsessed with it.

2. What challenge did the king give to Gopal?

   • He had to bring a Hilsa fish to the palace without anyone talking about it.

3. How did Gopal disguise himself to carry the fish through the streets?

   • He wore torn clothes, smeared ash on his face, and behaved strangely.

4. Why didn’t people notice the Hilsa fish in Gopal’s hand?

   • They were too busy laughing at his strange appearance.

5. What does the story teach about wit and intelligence?

   • It shows that intelligence and creativity can solve even the most difficult problems.

     
     

5. Mystery of the Talking Fan

1. What did the poet observe about the fan before it started working properly?

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

2. Why did the fan make a continuous whirling sound?

   • It was old and needed oiling.

3. How was the mystery of the talking fan solved?

   • Once it was oiled, it stopped making noise and worked smoothly.

4. What literary devices are used in the poem?

   • Personification (the fan is described as "talking").

5. What is the underlying theme of the poem?

   • Regular maintenance is necessary for machines to function properly.

     
     

6. Dad and the Cat and the Tree

1. How did the cat get stuck on the tree?

   • It climbed too high and couldn’t get down.

2. What were Dad’s different attempts to rescue the cat?

   • He tried climbing the ladder, jumping, and using a branch.

3. What happened when Dad climbed the tree himself?

   • He fell down multiple times.

4. How did the cat react to all the efforts made to rescue it?

   • It jumped down on its own.

5. What humorous elements are present in the poem?

   • Dad’s overconfidence and clumsy attempts, while the cat simply jumps down effortlessly.

     
     

7. Meadow Surprises

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

   • Hidden nests, hopping rabbits, and insects in the grass.

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

   • As a magical place full of life and discoveries.

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

   • The grass is soft and smooth.

4. How can a meadow be explored to find hidden wonders?

   • By walking through it carefully, looking under rocks and grass.

5. What message does the poem convey about nature’s beauty?

   • Nature is full of small wonders if we take the time to observe it.

     
     

8. A Tiger in the House

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

   • He found him alone in the jungle and adopted him.

2. How did Timothy behave when he was young?

   • He was playful and friendly.

3. Why was Timothy taken to the zoo?

   • He grew too big and wild to be kept at home.

4. What was the shocking discovery when Grandfather visited Timothy at the zoo?

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

5. What does the story teach about the bond between humans and animals?

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

     
     

9. An Alien Hand

1. What was the strange discovery in the story?

   • A mysterious, moving alien hand.

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

   • They were both fascinated and scared.

3. What efforts were made to understand the alien presence?

   • Scientists studied the hand to learn about it.

4. What challenges did the characters face in the story?

   • They had trouble communicating with the alien hand.

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

   • Curiosity about the unknown and the wonders of science.