Working with the TextBased on the story "Gopal and the Hilsa-fish,"
Question 1: Why did the king want no more talk about the hilsa-fish?
Ans: The king was tired of hearing everyone—from commoners to courtiers—talk about nothing but hilsa-fish. It was the season for the fish, and he wanted his court to discuss more important matters.
Question 2: What did the king ask Gopal to do to prove that he was clever?
Ans: The king challenged Gopal to buy a huge hilsa-fish and bring it to the palace without anyone asking him a single word about the fish along the way.
Question 3: What three things did Gopal do before he went to buy his hilsa-fish?
Ans: Before leaving, Gopal:Half-shaved his face.Smeared ash over his body.Dressed himself in rags.
Question 4: How did Gopal get inside the palace to see the king after he had bought the fish?
Ans: When the guards refused to let him in because of his appearance, Gopal began to dance and sing loudly. The king heard the commotion outside and ordered the "crazy man" to be brought before him.
Question 5: Explain why no one seemed to be interested in talking about the hilsa-fish which Gopal had bought.
Ans: People were so distracted by Gopal's ridiculous and comical appearance (his half-shaved face, ash, and rags) that they didn't even notice the fish he was carrying. All their attention was focused on his strange look.
Question 6: Write 'True' or 'False'
(i) The king lost his temper easily. — True
(ii) Gopal was a madman. — False
(iii) Gopal was a clever man. — True
(iv) Gopal was too poor to afford decent clothes. — False
(v) The king got angry when he was shown to be wrong. — False (He actually laughed and congratulated Gopal).
Reporting Speech
(ii) "Why is your face half-shaven?"
Sol: Gopal's wife asked him why his face was half-shaven.
(iii) "I accept the challenge, Your Majesty."
Sol: Gopal told the king that he accepted the challenge.
(iv) "I want to see the king."
Sol: Gopal told the guards that he wanted to see the king.
(v) "Bring the man to me at once."
Sol: The king ordered the guard to bring the man to him at once.
Write meaning ,and use in sentences
Challenge: Difficult task:
چیلنج، مشکل کام، مقابلے کی دعوت
Learning English is a challenge for many students.
Mystic: a spiritual person
صوفی، روحانی رازوں سے متعلق
The old mystic lived alone in the mountains.
Comical: Funny
مزاحیہ، ہنسانے والا
His comical face made everyone laugh.
Courtier: a minister of king:
درباری، بادشاہ کے دربار کا رکن
The courtier welcomed the king to the palace.
Smearing: spreading
ملنا، پھیلانا، بدنام کرنا
She is smearing butter on the bread.
Quick Answers to the Exercise Questions:
(i) Where is the stag?
Ans: By a pool of water in the forest.
(ii) What is he doing?
Ans: He is drinking water and looking at his reflection.
(iii) Does he like his antlers?
Ans: Yes, he is very proud of them.
(iv) Does he like his legs?
Ans: No, he finds them thin and ugly.
(v) Why is the stag running?
Ans: Because hunters and hounds are chasing him.
(vi) Is he able to hide in the bushes?
Ans: No, his antlers get stuck in the branches.
(vii) Where are the hunters now?
Ans: They are closing in on him.
(viii) Are they closing in on the stag?
Ans: Yes, while he is stuck.
(ix) Is the stag free?
Ans: Eventually, yes, he manages to break free and escape.
(x) What does the stag say about his horns and legs?
Ans: He realizes his "ugly" legs saved him, while his "beautiful" horns nearly killed him.
Title: The Vain Stag
Once, a thirsty stag went to a pond to drink water. Seeing his reflection, he felt very proud of his majestic antlers but felt disgusted by his skinny legs. Suddenly, he heard hunters nearby. He started running, and his thin legs carried him swiftly away.However, as he entered a thick forest, his antlers got tangled in the branches. As the hunters drew near, he realized his mistake. With a great effort, he wrenched himself free and escaped. He finally understood that what is beautiful is not always useful, and what is plain can sometimes be a lifesaver.
