2. A B C D E F G H
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
I J K L M N O P
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Q R S T U V W X
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Y Z
25 26
DEGREE - 4+5+7+18+5+5 = 44
BEAUTY - 2+5+1+21+20+25 = 74
MONEY - 13+15+14+5+25 = 72
ATTITUDE - 1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100
3. Introduction
Nature belongs to all living creatures, and
humans should strive to live in harmony with
it.
Connecting with nature is a captivating
experience that brings joy and fulfillment.
Have you ever spent leisure time surrounded
by nature's beauty?
Let's delve into the story of a boy who
discovers the wonders of nature and finds
unity with its essence.
4. Author - Ruskin Bond
19 May
1934
Ruskin Bond was
born on May 19,
1934, in India.
1957
At the young age of
seventeen, he wrote
his first novel, 'The
Room on the Roof',
which won the John
Llewellyn Rhys
Prize in 1957.
1992
In 1992, he was
honored with the
Sahitya Akademi
Award for his
collection of short
stories titled 'Our
Trees Still Grow in
Dehra'.
1999
Recognized for his
significant
contributions to
children's
literature, he was
awarded the Padma
Shri in 1999.
2017
In 2017, he received
the 'Lifetime
Achievement
Award'.
Currently
Currently he
resides with his
adopted family in
Landour, near
Mussoorie
5. The Grand Banyan Tree
The story is set in a grand home in India, where the narrator lives
with his grandfather.
The banyan tree is a magnificent and ancient tree, older than both the
house and the narrator's grandfather, and is a central part of the
narrator's childhood.
The narrator claims the banyan tree as his own special place because
his grandfather, now 65, can no longer climb it.
The tree is described as creating a maze of arches with its branches
that touch the ground and take root again, symbolizing nature's
endless cycle.
The grandmother playfully teases the grandfather about his age,
comparing him to the Countess of Desmond who climbed trees at 117
years old.
The banyan tree serves as a silent witness to the daily life and the
passage of time in the narrator's family and the surrounding
community.
7. Friendship with a Squirrel
The narrator encounters a small grey squirrel in the
banyan tree. Initially he cautious of human presence.
Over time, the squirrel's distrust turns into friendship,
especially when it realizes the narrator does not do any
harm and offers food.
The squirrel grows bold and friendly, eventually taking
food directly from the narrator's hands and even exploring
his pockets for treats.
This unusual friendship highlights the trust that can
develop between humans and wildlife, with patience and
kindness.
.This early connection emphasizes the idea that even small
acts of kindness towards animals can lead to meaningful
relationships.
9. Springtime in the Banyan Tree
Spring brings the banyan tree to life with
small red figs, attracting various birds.
The tree becomes a bustling hub for birds like
the red-bottomed bulbul, rosy pastors,
parrots, and crows, making it the noisiest
spot around.
This seasonal change highlights the tree's
role as a vital ecosystem for different species,
showcasing nature's interconnectedness.
11. The Mongoose and Cobra Fight
A mongoose and cobra engage in a fierce battle in the
garden, capturing the narrator's attention.
From the safety of the banyan tree, the narrator
witnesses the intense confrontation between the two
predators.
Despite the cobra's deadly venom and the mongoose's
agility, the mongoose emerges victorious, showcasing
nature's struggle for survival.
This thrilling event underscores the raw power and
resilience of wildlife in their natural habitat.
13. The Crow and Myna's Misadventure
Intrigued by the fight, a crow and myna attempt to join
the fray but fail in their interference.
Their misguided intervention leads to tragedy as the cobra
strikes down the crow, illustrating the risks of getting
involved in nature's battles.
This incident adds humor and tragedy to the intense
struggle between the mongoose and cobra, emphasizing
the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters.
The crow's demise serves as a reminder of the dangers
lurking in the natural world, even for curious onlookers.
15. Victory and Aftermath
The mongoose wins the battle against the
cobra, showing how strong and brave it is.
The myna bird feels happy about the
mongoose's victory, and the narrator thinks
about how important the mongoose is for
their garden.
The fight makes the narrator feel even closer
to the animals in the garden, making him
appreciate them more.
17. Narration of the Adventure
The narrator describes returning
home from a tree and informing
Grandfather about a fight witnessed.
Grandfather encourages a mongoose
to live in the garden to keep away
snakes.
The mongoose is not tamed because a
wild mongoose is more useful.
19. The Mongoose's Role
The mongoose patrols the garden
regularly, keeping snakes away.
It steals eggs from the poultry
house but doesn't harm the birds.
Grandmother forgives the
mongoose for stealing because it
protects the house from snakes.
21. Strange Friendship
The narrator's white rat becomes friends with a
squirrel in the banyan tree.
The squirrel begins making a home and even tries
to build it in the narrator's pockets.
Grandmother's lost knitting turns up in the tree,
along with three baby squirrels, all white.
23. The Mystery of White Squirrels
The appearance of white baby
squirrels' puzzles Grandfather and the
narrator.
The connection between the frequent
visits of the white rat to the tree and
the squirrels' appearance is made.
Grandfather explains the possibility of
rats and squirrels having offspring due
to their relatedness.
25. Reflections on Nature's Wonders
The banyan tree serves as a
backdrop for various adventures and
mysteries.
The interconnectedness of nature is
showcased through the relationships
between animals in the story.
The story emphasizes the beauty
and marvel found in everyday
encounters with wildlife.
26.
27. "…house and grounds were of Grandfather’s
domain. But the magnificent old banyan tree was
mine." Why did the boy say so?
The boy claimed the banyan tree as his own because
his grandfather at the age of 65 could no longer
climb it, making it his personal space.
28. How did the squirrel become a friend of the boy?
The squirrel became a friend of the boy because
the boy started leaving him pieces of cake and
biscuit, which made the squirrel grow bolder and
eventually take food from his hands.
29. What did the friends of the squirrel think about his
friendship with a human? What might have made
them think so?
The squirrel's friends and relatives likely thought
him headstrong and foolish for trusting a human,
possibly due to the general cautiousness of wild
animals towards humans.
30. How was the banyan tree the noisiest place during the fig season?
The banyan tree was full of small red figs.
Attracted birds of all kinds to its branches.
Red-bottomed bulbuls, rosy pastors, parrots, and crows gathered
for the figs.
Birds were noisy, squabbling and gossiping among themselves.
Their collective chatter and squabbles made the tree very loud.
The fig season turned the banyan tree into a bustling, noisy hub
for birds.
31. How did the boy make the spring season exciting for himself?
The boy built a small platform in the banyan tree to spend his afternoons.
He observed the wildlife, including birds and a squirrel, making the tree
and its surroundings lively.
The boy fed a grey squirrel, making it a close companion, which added
excitement to his daily routine.
He witnessed an intense battle between a mongoose and a cobra, adding a
thrilling experience to his spring season.
The presence of the banyan tree as a hub of activity and interaction with
animals made the season exciting for him.
32. What was the incident that triggered a long-lasting
excitement for the boy in summer?
Witnessing a mongoose and a cobra engaging in a fierce
battle.
Observing the intense confrontation between the two
creatures.
Seeing the mongoose emerge victorious over the deadly
cobra.
Experiencing the thrill and excitement of the dramatic
event.
33. How did the cobra regard his opponent? Were they true
warriors?
The cobra regarded his opponent, the mongoose, with
defiance, hissing and raising his hood in a threatening
manner.
Both the cobra and the mongoose were true warriors,
displaying courage and skill in their battle.
The cobra tried to mesmerize the mongoose with his
unwavering gaze, while the mongoose remained focused and
agile in his attacks.
Despite their differences in size and abilities, both animals
fought fiercely, making it a battle of champions.
34. How did the mongoose manage to escape from the snake's
bite?
The mongoose moved quickly and jumped to one side when
the cobra struck.
It dodged the cobra's attack by being swift and agile.
Despite the cobra's fast movement, the mongoose was able to
evade its bite.
The mongoose's reflexes helped it to avoid getting bitten by
the snake.
By being alert and nimble, the mongoose avoided the cobra's
deadly strike.
35. The cobra was a good fighter. Pick out one of his fighting
techniques.
The cobra used its broad, spectacled hood to intimidate its
opponent.
It raised three of its six feet off the ground and spread its
hood.
The cobra swayed slowly from side to side, trying to
mesmerize its enemy.
Its forked tongue darted in and out as it hissed defiance.
36. The mongoose proved that he was clever. Can you cite any
instance of his cleverness?
The mongoose cleverly avoided the cobra's strike by jumping
aside swiftly.
Instead of engaging directly, the mongoose made feints to trick
the cobra into attacking, then swiftly counterattacked.
Despite the cobra's attempts to mesmerize him with its eyes, the
mongoose focused on a strategic point below the cobra's hood.
The mongoose showed intelligence by knowing when to attack
and when to retreat, eventually overpowering the cobra.
37. What were the reactions of the spectators when the cobra
struck?
The myna and the jungle crow dived at the cobra.
They collided in mid-air.
They returned to the cactus plant, shrieking at each other.
They watched the battle from a safe distance afterward.
38. How did the crow push itself into trouble?
The crow tried to interfere in the fight between the mongoose
and the cobra.
It attempted to dive at the cobra alongside the myna bird.
In doing so, it collided with the myna bird in mid-air.
The collision caused the crow to lose control and momentum.
As a result, it couldn't avoid the cobra's strike.
The crow was struck by the cobra's head with great force,
flinging it nearly twenty feet away.
39. Why is the myna said to be wise?
The myna is said to be wise because it refrained from
interfering again after witnessing the cobra-mongoose fight.
It observed the danger and chose to stay safe on the cactus
plant.
By avoiding further involvement, it showed intelligence and
survival instincts.
The myna's decision to fly away after the fight ended
demonstrated its ability to assess risks and make wise
choices.
40. Who won the battle? What made the myna peer into the
bushes?
The mongoose won the battle against the cobra.
The myna peered into the bushes because it saw the mongoose
dragging the defeated cobra into them.
41. What prevented Grandfather from taming the mongoose?
Grandfather believed wild mongooses were more useful than
domesticated ones.
He encouraged the mongoose to live in the garden to keep
away snakes.
Grandfather fed the mongoose regularly with kitchen scraps.
Taming the mongoose wasn't attempted because it was
already helpful in its wild state.
42. Why would Grandmother forgive the mongoose for stealing
the eggs?
Grandmother would forgive the mongoose because it helps
keep snakes away from the house.
Even though the mongoose steals eggs, it doesn't harm the
birds.
Grandmother values the mongoose's role in protecting the
family from dangerous snakes.
The benefit of having the mongoose around outweighs the
occasional mischief it causes.
43. Who was the new friend of the squirrel? How did they enjoy
their friendship?
The new friend of the squirrel was a white rat.
They enjoyed their friendship by going on little excursions
among the branches of the banyan tree.
The squirrel tried to build a nest, and the rat helped gather
materials.
They spent time together exploring and playing in the tree's
roots and branches.
44. How did the boy come to know that the squirrel was building
a nest?
The boy found straw and grass falling out of his pockets.
When he investigated a hole in the banyan tree, he discovered
knitting and a steel needle.
Inside the hole, he found knitting material and noticed three
baby squirrels among the wool.
This discovery led him to realize that the squirrel was
building a nest in the tree.
45. What was the wonder that nature had kept for them in the
nest?
Inside the nest, they found three baby squirrels.
The surprising thing was that all three squirrels were white.
This was unexpected because squirrels are typically grey or
brown.
The white colour of the squirrels amazed them.
49. Activity 2
Ivy Cottage Landour Cantt Dehradun 28 April 1997
Dear Sravan,
Hope you are enjoying your vacation there.
I have some exciting news to share with you! During my time here in Dehradun, I've made a
fascinating new friend – a small grey squirrel. You wouldn't believe how much joy this little
creature has brought into my life. From the first moment we met, I felt a special connection with
it.
This squirrel is unlike any other I've encountered before. At first, it seemed a bit cautious
around me, but after some time, it began to trust me. Now, it comes to visit me every day, and
we've developed a unique bond. I've even started leaving bits of food out for it, and it's become
quite comfortable taking treats from my hand.
I can't wait for you to meet my new friend when you visit. I'm sure you'll be just as enchanted by
it as I am.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours lovingly,
sd/- (name)
51. • Set the Scene:
• Introduce the Characters:
• Chronological Order:
• Vivid Descriptions:
• Show, Don’t Just Tell:
• Include the Climax:
• Conclude Properly:
• Maintain Pace and Structure:
• Use First-Person Perspective When Appropriate:
• Emphasize Key Moments:
• Reflect:
• Make It Clear and Fun:
52. The boy was sitting on the platform halfway up the tree. It was a warm
afternoon, and he was feeling a bit sleepy. Suddenly, he noticed a movement
in the garden below. A big black cobra was slithering out from behind some
bushes. At the same time, a grey mongoose appeared from the bushes on the
other side.
The boy's heart started beating fast as he watched the cobra and mongoose
come face to face. The cobra raised its head, showing its hood, while the
mongoose bristled its fur and bushed its tail. They looked ready to fight.
With a hiss, the cobra struck out at the mongoose, but the mongoose was
quick. It dodged the attack and darted in to bite the cobra. The two animals
danced around each other, striking and dodging.
53. The boy watched in awe as the mongoose showed its agility, jumping and
biting at the cobra while avoiding its deadly strikes. The cobra, meanwhile,
tried to use its size and strength to overpower the mongoose.
It was a fierce battle, with both animals showing incredible skill and
determination. The boy held his breath, afraid for the mongoose but also
amazed by its bravery.
Finally, after what seemed like ages, the mongoose got the upper hand. With a
final snap of its jaws, it grabbed the cobra by the snout and held on until the
snake stopped moving.
The boy let out a cheer as he watched the mongoose emerge victorious. He felt
a rush of excitement and admiration for the brave little animal.He couldn't
wait to tell his grandfather about the incredible fight he had witnessed.
54. ‘And amongst the wool were the three baby
squirrels - all of them white!’ The boy
couldn’t stop wondering about the white
squirrels. If he scribbled down this
unforgettable sight in his diary, how would it be?
Activity 5
55. Title: Unforgettable Sight: White Squirrels in the Banyan Tree
Date: [Date]
Location: Banyan Tree, Dehradun
Today, I witnessed something truly remarkable in the banyan tree near our home. As I climbed up
its sturdy branches, I stumbled upon a nest nestled among the leaves. What caught my eye was
not just the nest itself, but the surprise it held within.
To my astonishment, nestled among the wool in the nest were three baby squirrels. But what
made them truly extraordinary was their colour – all three of them were white! I couldn't believe
my eyes as I gazed upon these rare creatures.
Their pure white fur contrasted beautifully against the greenery of the tree, creating a scene
straight out of a fairy tale. I couldn't help but marvel at nature's wonders and the mysteries it
holds.
This unforgettable sight will stay etched in my memory forever, reminding me of the magic that
surrounds us in the simplest of moments.
[Name]
56. Title: Conservation of Nature: Promoting Beauty and Harmony
Everywhere
Introduction:
A single banyan tree exemplifies beauty and harmony in nature.
Promoting Beauty Everywhere:
Planting more trees: Increase the number of trees in urban and rural areas.
Creating green spaces: Establish parks, gardens, and green belts in cities.
Protecting natural habitats: Preserve forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems.
Promoting biodiversity: Protecting diverse plant and animal species enhances
beauty.
Incorporating green architecture: Integrate nature into urban design and
infrastructure.
57. Enhancing Harmony Everywhere:
Reducing pollution: Minimize air, water, and soil pollution to maintain a clean
environment.
Conserving resources: Practice sustainable use of water, energy, and natural
Mitigating climate change: Take actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
global warming.
Supporting wildlife conservation: Protect endangered species and their habitats.
Fostering community engagement: Encourage participation in environmental
conservation efforts.
Conclusion:
Conservation of nature is crucial for creating beauty and harmony everywhere.
Everyone can contribute to conservation efforts through small actions and
Together, we can ensure a sustainable and beautiful environment for future
60. Read the following sentences.
1. It was an old banyan tree.
2. The tree was older than the house.
3. It was the oldest banyan tree in the town.
In sentence 1, the adjective 'old' merely tells us that the banyan
tree is old.
In sentence 2, the adjective 'older' is used to
………………………………………
In sentence 3, the adjective 'oldest' tells us that
…………………………………..
61. In sentence 2, the adjective 'older' is used to indicate a
comparison between the age of the banyan tree and the age of
the house, suggesting that the tree is older than the house.
In sentence 3, the adjective 'oldest' tells us that among all the
banyan trees in the town, the specific tree being referred to is
the one with the greatest age, making it the oldest banyan tre
in the town.
62. Fill in the blanks suitably.
1. No other bird is as .................. as the crow.
(clever, cleverer, cleverest)
2. The grey mongoose was ................... than the cobra.
(aggressive, more aggressive, most aggressive)
3. The banyan tree was the ................... place on the road.
(noise, noisier, noisiest)
4. The cobra was a ..................... fighter.
(skilful, more skilful, most skilful)
5. The evening was ...................... than the morning.
(hot, hotter, hottest)
6. The myna was as ............................ as the crow.
(contented, more contented, most contented)
7. It was the ...................... fight of the snake with the mongoose.
(bad, worse, worst)
8. It was one of the ............................ vacations the boy had.
(unforgettable, more unforgettable, most unforgettable)
9. Grandfather is the ............................. member of the family.
(old, elder, eldest)
10. The mongoose darted in as ............................... as the cobra.
(swiftly, more swiftly, most swiftly)
63. 1.No other bird is as clever as the crow. (clever)
2.The grey mongoose was more aggressive than the cobra.
(aggressive)
3.The banyan tree was the noisiest place on the road. (noisy)
4.The cobra was a more skilful fighter. (skilful)
5.The evening was hotter than the morning. (hot)
6.The myna was as contented as the crow. (contented)
7.It was the worst fight of the snake with the mongoose. (bad)
8.It was one of the most unforgettable vacations the boy had.
(unforgettable)
9.Grandfather is the eldest member of the family. (old)
10.The mongoose darted in as swiftly as the cobra. (swiftly)
64. Degrees of comparison are used to compare
different things or qualities. There are
three degrees of comparison:
**Degrees of Comparison**
66. This is the basic form of an adjective or
adverb.
It simply describes a quality without
making any comparison.
• Example: "She is tall."
Positive Degree
67. This degree is used when comparing two things or
qualities.
To form the comparative degree, we add "-er" to most one-
syllable adjectives or adverbs, and use "more" before longer
adjectives or adverbs.
• Example:
One syllable: "She is taller than her sister."
More than one syllable: "She is more intelligent than her
classmates."
Comparative Degree
68. This degree is used when comparing three or more things
or qualities.
To form the superlative degree, we add "-est" to most one-
syllable adjectives or adverbs, and use "most" before longer
adjectives or adverbs.
• Example:
One syllable: "She is the tallest in her family."
More than one syllable: "She is the most intelligent student
in her class."
Superlative Degree
69. Some adjectives and adverbs have irregular forms in
comparative and superlative degrees (e.g., good, better,
best).
When comparing two things, use "than" after the
comparative form.
When comparing more than two things, use "the" before the
superlative form.
Important Points to Remember
70. - Good (Positive) - Better (Comparative) - Best (Superlative)
- Bad (Positive) - Worse (Comparative) - Worst (Superlative)
Examples of Irregular Forms
Remember, the degrees of comparison help us express differences in
quality, size, or quantity between things or people. They make our
language more descriptive and interesting!