6 My Childhood
I. Answer these
questions in one or two sentences each.
1. Where was
Abdul Kalam's house?
Answer: Abdul Kalam's
house was on Mosque Street in Rameswaram, in the erstwhile Madras State.
2. What do you
think Dinamani is the name of? Give a reason for your answer.
Answer: Dinamani is
likely the name of a newspaper. The reason is that Abdul Kalam mentions trying
to trace the stories his brother-in-law told him about the war in the headlines
of Dinamani.
3. Who were
Abdul Kalam's school friends? What did they later become?
Answer: Abdul Kalam's
school friends were Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan, and Sivaprakasan. Ramanadha
Sastry became the priest of the Rameswaram temple, Aravindan started a business
arranging transport for pilgrims, and Sivaprakasan became a catering contractor
for the Southern Railways.
4. How did Abdul
Kalam earn his first wages?
Answer: Abdul Kalam
earned his first wages by helping his cousin Samsuddin distribute newspapers.
He was tasked with catching the newspaper bundles thrown from the moving train.
5. Had he earned
any money before that? In what way?
Answer: Yes, before
earning his first wages, Abdul Kalam made money by collecting and selling
tamarind seeds to a provision shop. He earned one anna for a day's collection.
II. Answer each
of these questions in a short paragraph (about 30 words)
1. How does the
author describe:
(i) his father
(ii) his mother
(iii) himsell?
Answer: (i) His
father: The author describes his father as a man with limited formal education
and wealth, but with great innate wisdom and a generous spirit. He was
disciplined and avoided unnecessary comforts.
(ii) His mother:
The author portrays his mother as a kind and caring person who was an ideal
partner to his father. She was known for her generosity, often feeding more
outsiders than family members.
(iii) Himself:
The author describes himself as a short boy with average looks, born to tall
and handsome parents. He recalls having a secure childhood in a large ancestral
house, both materially and emotionally.
2. What
characteristics does he say he inherited from his parents?
Answer: The author
inherited honesty and self-discipline from his father, and faith in goodness
and deep kindness from his mother. These qualities were instilled in him and
his siblings, shaping their character.
III. Discuss
these questions in class with your teacher and then write down your answers in
two or three paragraphs each.
1. “On the
whole, the small society of Rameswaram was very rigid in terms of the
segregation of different social groups,” says the author.
(i) Which social
groups does he mention? Were these groups easily identifiable (for example, by
the way they dressed)?
Answer: In the text,
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam mentions different social groups based on religion and
caste. For example, he talks about the Muslim community, to which he belonged,
and the orthodox Hindu Brahmin community, which included his friends. These
groups were easily identifiable by their clothing and other customs. For instance,
Kalam wore a cap that marked him as a Muslim, while his friend Ramanadha Sastry
wore a sacred thread that identified him as a Hindu Brahmin.
(ii) Were they
aware only of their differences or did they also naturally share friendships
and experiences? (Think of the bedtime stories in Kalam’s house; of who his
friends were; and of what used to take place in the pond near his house.)
Answer: Although the
society of Rameswaram was rigid in segregating different social groups, the
children, including Kalam and his friends, did not let these differences affect
their friendships. They shared a natural bond and common experiences, such as
listening to bedtime stories about both Hindu and Islamic traditions. The pond
near Kalam's house was also a place where religious rituals took place, and
Kalam's family participated in these rituals, showing that despite the societal
divisions, there was a sharing of culture and experiences.
(iii) The author
speaks both of people who were very aware of the differences among them and
those who tried to bridge these differences. Can you identify such people in
the text?
Answer: The text
mentions people who were aware of social differences and those who tried to
bridge them. For example, the new teacher at Kalam's school was aware of and
acted upon these differences by making Kalam sit at the back of the classroom.
On the other hand, people like Lakshmana Sastry, who confronted the teacher,
and Kalam's science teacher, Sivasubramania Iyer, who invited Kalam to his home
despite religious differences, were those who worked to bridge these divides.
(iv) Narrate two
incidents that show how differences can be created, and also how they can be
resolved. How can people change their attitudes?
Answer: One incident
that shows how differences can be created is when the new teacher at Kalam's
school made him sit at the back because he was a Muslim. This act hurt Kalam
and his friend Ramanadha Sastry, highlighting how societal divisions can be
imposed by individuals in positions of authority.
Another incident that shows how
differences can be resolved is when Lakshmana Sastry, Ramanadha's father,
confronted the teacher and made him apologize for his behavior. This strong
stand against discrimination helped the teacher understand his mistake and
reform his attitude.
People can change their attitudes by
being open-minded and empathetic, just as Sivasubramania Iyer did when he
invited Kalam to his home and later convinced his wife to accept him. Through
understanding and communication, individuals can overcome prejudices and build
more inclusive communities.
2.
(i) Why did
Abdul Kalam want to leave Rameswaram?
Answer: Abdul Kalam
wanted to leave Rameswaram because he wished to pursue higher studies. He
realized that to grow and achieve his dreams, he needed to study at the
district headquarters in Ramanathapuram, where he could access better
educational opportunities.
(ii) What did
his father say to this?
Answer: Kalam's
father, Jainulabdeen, supported his decision to leave Rameswaram. He expressed
his understanding by saying, "Abul! I know you have to go away to grow.
Does the seagull not fly across the sun, alone and without a nest?" He
also quoted the poet Khalil Gibran to Kalam’s mother, emphasizing that children
belong to life and must follow their own paths, even if it means leaving their
parents.
(iii) What do
you think his words mean? Why do you think he spoke those words?
Answer: Kalam's
father’s words convey the idea that growth often requires one to step out of
their comfort zone and face the world on their own, much like a seagull flying
high and far from its nest. By quoting Khalil Gibran, he further explained that
children, although born to parents, have their own destinies to fulfill. His
father spoke these words to reassure both Kalam and his mother, encouraging
Kalam to pursue his dreams while reminding his mother that letting go is a
necessary part of parenting. This shows his deep wisdom and understanding of
life’s broader truths.
Thinking about
Language
I. Find the
sentences in the text where these words occur:
|
erupt
|
surge
|
trace
|
undistinguished
|
casualty
|
Answer:
1. Erupt:
"For reasons I have never been able to understand, a sudden demand for
tamarind seeds erupted in the market."
2. Surge:
"Half a century later, I can still feel the surge of pride
in earning my own money for the first time."
3. Trace:
"My brother-in-law Jallaluddin would tell me stories about the War which I
would later attempt to trace in the headlines in Dinamani."
4.
Undistinguished: "I was one of many children — a short boy with rather undistinguished
looks, born to tall and handsome parents."
5. Casualty:
"The first casualty came in the form of the suspension of
the train halt at Rameswaram station."
Look these words
up in a dictionary which gives examples of how they are used.
Now answer the
following questions.
1. What are the
things that can erupt? Use examples to explain the various meanings of erupt.
Now do the same for the word surge. What things can surge?
Answer:
Erupt:
• Volcanoes: A
volcano can erupt when it suddenly expels lava, ash, and gases. Example:
"The volcano erupted with a loud roar, sending ash high into the
sky."
• Emotions:
Emotions like anger or excitement can erupt suddenly and forcefully. Example:
"She tried to stay calm, but her anger erupted when she heard the
news."
• Violence or
Conflict: Riots or violence can erupt when tension reaches a breaking point.
Example: "Protests erupted across the city after the controversial
decision."
Surge:
• Water or Waves:
The sea or waves can surge when they rise suddenly and powerfully. Example:
"A huge wave surged over the rocks, drenching everything in its
path."
• Crowds: A
crowd of people can surge forward suddenly, often in excitement or panic.
Example: "The crowd surged toward the stage when the band appeared."
• Electricity: A
sudden increase in electrical power can be described as a surge. Example:
"The power surge caused the lights to flicker."
• Emotions:
Similar to erupt, emotions can also surge when they increase suddenly. Example:
"A surge of joy filled her heart when she saw her old friend."
2. What are the
meanings of the word trace and which of the meanings is closest to the word in
the text?
Answer:
Trace:
• Follow or
Track: To follow or find the path of something. Example: "Detectives are
trying to trace the missing person's last steps."
• Draw or
Outline: To copy or draw the outline of something. Example: "The artist
traced the outline of the figure on the canvas."
• Small Amount:
A very small amount of something left behind. Example: "There was only a
trace of sugar left in the jar."
In the text, the
word trace is used in the sense of trying to follow or find information. The
closest meaning is "to follow or track," as Kalam tried to find
information about the war in the newspaper headlines.
3. Can you find
the word undistinguished in your dictionary? (If not, look up the word
distinguished and say what undistinguished must mean.)
Answer:
Distinguished:
• Notable or
Admirable: Standing out due to excellence or being worthy of respect. Example:
"He is a distinguished scholar known for his contributions to
science."
Undistinguished:
• Not Notable:
The opposite of distinguished. It means not standing out, ordinary, or lacking
any special qualities. Example: "He was an undistinguished student,
blending in with the rest of the class."
II. 1. Match the
phrases in Column A with their meanings in Column B.
|
A
|
B
|
|
(i) broke out
|
(a) an
attitude of kindness, a readiness to give freely
|
|
(ii) in
accordance with
|
(b) was not
able to tolerate
|
|
(iii) a
helping hand
|
(c) began
suddenly in a violent way
|
|
(iv) could not
stomach
|
(d) assistance
|
|
(v) generosity
of spirit
|
(e) persons
with power to make decisions
|
|
(vi) figures
of authority
|
(f) according
to a particular rule, principle, or system
|
Answer:
1. broke out
-> (c) began suddenly in a violent way
2. in accordance
with -> (f) according to a particular rule, principle, or system
3. a helping
hand -> (d) assistance
4. could not
stomach -> (b) was not able to tolerate
5. generosity of
spirit -> (a) an attitude of kindness, a readiness to give freely
6. figures of
authority -> (e) persons with power to make decisions
2. Study the
words in italics in the sentences below. They are formed by prefixing un – or
in – to their antonyms (words opposite in meaning).
• I was a short
boy with rather undistinguished looks. (un + distinguished)
• My austere
father used to avoid all inessential comforts.(in + essential)
• The area was
completely unaffected by the war.(un + affected)
• He should not
spread the poison of social inequality and communal intolerance. (in +
equality, in + tolerance)
Now form the
opposites of the words below by prefixing un- or in-. The prefix in-can also
have the forms il-, ir-, or im- (for example: illiterate–il + literate, impractical
–im + practical, irrational –ir + rational). You may consult a dictionary if
you wish.
|
_____ adequate
|
_____
acceptable
|
_____ regular
|
_____ tolerant
|
|
_____
demanding
|
_____ active
|
_____ true
|
_____
permanent
|
|
_____
patriotic
|
_____ disputed
|
_____ accessible
|
_____ coherent
|
|
_____ logical
|
_____ legal
|
_____
responsible
|
_____ possible
|
Answer:
adequate-
inadequate
acceptable-
unacceptable
regular-
irregular
tolerant-
intolerant
demanding-
undemanding
active- inactive
true- untrue
permanent-
impermanent
patriotic-
unpatriotic
disputed-
undisputed
accessible-
inaccessible
coherent-
incoherent
logical-
illogical
legal- illegal
responsible-
irresponsible
possible-
impossible
IV. Rewrite the
sentences below, changing the verbs in brackets into the passive form.
1. In
yesterday’s competition the prizes (give away) by the Principal.
Answer: In yesterday’s
competition, the prizes were given away by the Principal.
2. In spite of
financial difficulties, the labourers (pay) on time.
Answer: In spite of
financial difficulties, the labourers were paid on time.
3. On Republic
Day, vehicles (not allow) beyond this point.
Answer: On Republic Day,
vehicles are not allowed beyond this point.
4. Second-hand
books (buy and sell) on the pavement every Saturday.
Answer: Second-hand
books are bought and sold on the pavement every Saturday.
5. Elections to
the Lok Sabha (hold) every five years.
Answer: Elections to the
Lok Sabha are held every five years.
6. Our National
Anthem (compose) Rabindranath Tagore.
Answer: Our National
Anthem was composed by Rabindranath Tagore.
V. Rewrite the
paragraphs below, using the correct form of the verb given in brackets.
1. How Helmets
Came To Be Used in Cricket
Nari Contractor
was the Captain and an opening batsman for India in the 1960s. The Indian
cricket team went on a tour to the West Indies in 1962. In a match against
Barbados in Bridgetown, Nari Contractor (seriously injure and collapse). In
those days helmets (not wear). Contractor (hit) on the head by a bouncer from
Charlie Griffith. Contractor’s skull (fracture). The entire team (deeply
concern). The West Indies players (worry). Contractor (rush ) to hospital. He
(accompany) by Frank Worrell, the Captain of the West Indies Team. Blood
(donate) by the West Indies players. Thanks to the timely help, Contractor
(save). Nowadays helmets (routinely use) against bowlers.
Answer:
How Helmets Came
To Be Used in Cricket
Nari Contractor
was the Captain and an opening batsman for India in the 1960s. The Indian
cricket team went on a tour to the West Indies in 1962. In a match against
Barbados in Bridgetown, Nari Contractor was seriously injured and
collapsed. In those days, helmets were not worn.
Contractor was hit on the head by a bouncer from Charlie
Griffith. Contractor’s skull was fractured. The entire
team was deeply concerned. The West Indies players were
worried. Contractor was rushed to the
hospital. He was accompanied by Frank Worrell, the Captain
of the West Indies Team. Blood was donated by the West Indies
players. Thanks to the timely help, Contractor was saved.
Nowadays, helmets are routinely used against bowlers.
2. Oil from
Seeds
Vegetable oils
(make) from seeds and fruits of many plants growing all over the world, from
tiny sesame seeds to big, juicy coconuts. Oil (produce) from cotton seeds,
groundnuts, soya beans and sunflower seeds. Olive oil (use) for cooking, salad
dressing etc. Olives (shake) from the trees and (gather) up, usually by hand.
The olives (ground) to a thick paste which is spread onto special mats. Then
the mats (layer) up on the pressing machine which will gently squeeze them to
produce olive oil.
Answer:
Oil from Seeds
Vegetable oils are
made from seeds and fruits of many plants growing all over the
world, from tiny sesame seeds to big, juicy coconuts. Oil is produced
from cotton seeds, groundnuts, soya beans, and sunflower seeds. Olive oil is
used for cooking, salad dressing, etc. Olives are shaken
from the trees and gathered up, usually by hand. The
olives are ground to a thick paste which is spread onto
special mats. Then the mats are layered up on the pressing
machine which will gently squeeze them to produce olive oil.