Composition English Grammar For Class 6
Composition
COMPREHENSION
Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow, choosing the correct answers from the options given.
I
Ball Shah lived in Gujarat. He was a great miser. He hated to spend anything on anybody, even on himself. One day he saw some ripe dates on a tall palm tree. He liked dates very much and wanted to have some. But how could he get them? He did not like to ask anyone to climb up and get them for him, for he feared he might have to pay him something. So Ball Shah decided to climb the tree himself.
He had never climbed up a date palm before, but he managed to reach the top. He was about to pick some dates when he happened to look down. The height from the ground frightened him so much that he started to tremble.
1. Where did Ball Shah live?
(i) Gujarat (ii) Punjab (iii) Mumbai
2. What type of man was Ball Shah?
(i) a miser (ii) a spendthrift (iii) a robber
3. What did he hate?
(i) to work hard (ii) to spend (iii) to earn
4. One day, what did he see?
(i) ripe dates (ii) mangoes (iii) ripe apples
5. What did he not like to do?
(i) to ask to give him some dates (ii) to eat ripe dates (iii) to ask any one to climb up
6. What did Ball Shah decide?
(i) to leave the place (ii) to climb up the date palm (iii) to climb up a mango tree
7. What did he never do?
(i) never climbed up a date palm (ii) never ate ripe dates (iii) never feared
8. When did he get frightened?
(i) when he looked down (ii) he fell down from the height (iii) when he climbed up
9. Suggest a suitable title for the above passage.
(i) Ball Shah-A Miser and a Coward (ii) Ball Shah-A Brave Man (iii) Ball Shah-A Great Traveller
II
Midas, King of Phrygia, was a very greedy person. He loved gold more than anything else in the world. He was never really happy, though he had a lot of wealth.
One day God Bacchus came to Midas. Midas had once helped Bacchus and in return Bacchus offered him a gift. “What shall I give you,” he said, “that can bring you happiness?” Midas thought for a while and then said, “Please give me the power to turn everything I touch into gold.” Bacchus laughed and said, “Your wish is granted. As soon as the Sun rises tomorrow, you will have the golden touch.”
When Midas woke up next morning, he had indeed the golden touch! He touched his bed, the chairs, doors, windows, and all became solid gold. He went into the garden and turned flowers, fruits and trees into gold, too. He felt hungry and wished to have breakfast. He sat at the table and there were fresh bread, butter, fish and wine. But as soon as the food touched his lips, it turned into gold. So did the wine. It seemed he could no longer eat or drink.
After some time, his little daughter came to him and sat on his knee. When he put his hand on her, she became a gold statue. In the end, Midas had to pray to God Bacchus to take away the cursed gift of the golden touch.
1. What kind of man was Midas?
(i) a great miser (ii) a very greedy person (iii) a brave man
2. Why did God Bacchus offer him a gift?
(i) had once helped Bacchus (ii) pleased Bacchus (iii) annoyed Bacchus
3. What was Midas’ wish?
(i) to turn anything into gold (ii) to become rich (iii) to become brave
4. Why do you think Bacchus laughed before granting Midas’ wish?
(i) just for nothing (ii) to please Midas (iii) because he knew that was a foolish wish
5. Complete the following sentences:
(i) Midas was unable to eat or drink any longer, because
(a) anything he touched turned into gold (b) the food did not taste good (c) the food was cold
(ii) When Midas touched his daughter…….
(a) she became a gold statue (b) she flew away (c) she fell down
(iii) Midas wanted to get rid of the ‘golden touch’ because…………..
(a) his life had become miserable (b) he was happy (c) he had lot of gold
(iv) The moral of the story is ………….
(a) Greed is a Curse (b) Be Greedy (c) Get Gold
III
There are several species of birds which have wings but cannot fly. These include the African ostrich, the Australian emu, the kiwi, which is found in New Zealand, and the penguin, a sea bird. Ostriches, emus and kiwis walk everywhere. Ostriches are the world’s largest birds and can run very fast. They can run 70 km an hour and they can also swim well. Penguins are or run strong swimmers and can swim skilfully chasing fish in the seas.
1. This passage tells us about four species of birds. What are they?
2. What is special about these four species of birds?
3. Fill in the blanks:
Species The country they live in
(i) Ostriches ………………………..
(ii) …………………. Australia
(iii) Kiwis ………………………..
4. Which is the largest bird in the world?
5. Which runs faster, the emu or the ostrich?
6. Which birds can swim?
IV
A Knight was a man who fought on horseback, in Europe in the Middle Ages. Knights fought for the king or queen of their country or for the most important person in the area where they lived.
Knights wore armours to fight. An armour was made from the pieces of metal, shaped to fit different parts of the body. It was difficult to hurt a Knight who was covered from head to foot in metal. The armour was very heavy, so knights could not move fast. The horses had to be very strong.
A Knight fought with a lance. This was a long pole that had a sharp metal piece at the end. A Knight also had swords and daggers.
Knights were from important families. Young boys went to live in a Knight’s home. They worked as pages, fetching and carry things for the Knight and serving food. As they grew up and learned more, they were fully trained. Squires were taught how to be Knights. When they were fully trained, squires became Knights in a special ceremony.
After about AD 1600, people did not need Knights to fight any more.
1. Who was called a Knight in the Middle Ages?
2. What was the duty of a Knight?
3. What did the Knights wear to protect their bodies?
4. What was an armour made from?
5. Why was it difficult to hurt a Knight?
6. Why could Knights not move fast?
7. What was a lance?
8. What other weapons did the Knights have in addition to a lance?
9. What sort of families did the Knights belong to?
10. How could a boy become a Knight?
V
Once upon a time, two friends were passing through a forest. All of a sudden, they saw a big bear coming towards them. The two friends were frightened. One of them ran quickly and climbed up a tree. The other friend did not know how to climb a tree. He asked for help from his friend, but the friend refused to help. The second friend saw the bear rushing towards him. Out of fear he became unconscious and fell flat on the ground.
The bear came close to him to kill him. He sniffed around his mouth and ears. The bear thought that he was dead. He left him alone and went away.
After some time the first friend came down the tree. He shook his friend who was still lying on the ground. The second friend woke up and was surprised to find himself alive. The first friend asked him, “What did the bear tell you in your ears?” The second friend replied, “The bear told me that a true friend is one who helps at the time of difficulty.” The first friend felt ashamed of himself.
1. Why couldn’t the second friend escape from the big bear?
2. Why did the second friend become unconscious?
3. Why did the bear leave the unconscious boy on the ground alone and went away?
4. What made the first friend feel ashamed?
5. What does this story tell you about the character of the first friend?
6. Suggest a suitable moral of this paragraph.
7. Find the words from the paragraph which have the same meanings as: at once, at a fast speed, smelled.
VI
The new Everest expedition was ready to start. Tenzing put on his best clothes and went to ask for a job as a porter. But things went wrong again. Tenzing cut his hair short because the Indian boys laughed at his long hair and teased him. He was left by the party of climbers, as he did not look like a sherpa. He could not speak English to explain himself. He felt disappointed when they left without him. But in spite of these disappointments time and again, he never gave up the hope of climbing the mountains.
1. What did Tenzing ask for?
(i) a job (ii) shoes (iii) a shirt
2. Why did he not get the job?
(i) because he was sick (ii) because he did not look like a sherpa (iii) because he looked like a girl
3. Why did Tenzing have his hair cut?
(i) because boys laughed at him (ii) because the boys did not like his hair (iii) because his hair was long
4. How did he feel when he did not get the job?
(i) happy (ii) disappointed (iii) unhappy
5. Tenzing asked for a job as a:
(i) cook (ii) porter (iii) climber
LETTER WRITING
1. PERSONAL LETTERS
1. Write a letter to your friend Mohit, congratulating him on his success in the annual examination. Sign yourself as Varun.
525, Yamuna Vihar
Dehradun
November 15, 20xx
Dear Mohit
I am very thrilled to know about your result. I am very much pleased to know that you have stood first in your class and secured more than 95% marks in the annual examination. Your parents must be feeling very proud of you. All this is the result of hard work put in by you. Heartiest congratulations!
And keep it up.
Yours affectionately
Varun
2. Imagine you are Neha. Write a letter to your father giving him news about home. Your father is posted at Pune.
Examination Hall,
XYZ
November 20, 20XX
Dear Papa
You will be glad to know that Abhishek and I have passed our annual examinations. Abhishek has done quite well and got distinctions in three subjects. I could not do very well because I fell ill during the exams.
Mummy had an attack of flu a few days ago, but she is recovering fast. We are looking after her. Abhay’s marriage has been fixed for June 10. You will have to come to Delhi to attend the marriage. Don’t forget to bring the dresses you promised to buy for me.
Your loving daughter
Neha
3. Write a letter to your friend asking him to accompany you for a trip. You are Megha and your friend is Divya.
Examination Hall
X Y Z
September 28, 20xx
Dear Divya
Our Autumn vacation begins on October 1. I am spending this vacation with my parents in Bangalore. You have told me many times that you would like to visit Bangalore. Here is a good chance for you to see Bangalore. I invite you to accompany me to that beautiful city. I am sure we will have a nice time together. Let me know about your plan so that we may book a seat for you as well.
Yours lovingly
Megha
Exercise
1. Write a letter to your grandfather thanking him for the birthday gift in another city, sent by him.
2. Write a letter to one of your classmates, who now lives telling him that you have been chosen the headboy of your school.
3. You stayed with your friend for three days when you visited Pune last week. Write a letter to your friend thanking him for his hospitality and the courtesy and kindness with which his family treated you.
4. Write a letter to your friend Vicky, inviting him to visit Jaipur during Dussehra holidays. You are Megha.
2. WRITING APPLICATIONS
1. You need to join some other school as your father got transferred to another city. Write an application to the Principal of your present school for School Leaving Certificate. Sign as Anjali Verma, Class VI, Roll No. 10.
November 29, 20XX
The Principal
Indus Public School
Gurugram
Madam
My father has been transferred to Jaipur. My entire family will be moving to Jaipur by the end of this month. So it won’t be possible for me to continue my studies here.
Kindly issue me a School Leaving Certificate, so that I may be able to get admission in a school at Jaipur.
I will be highly obliged to you.
Yours obediently
Anjali Verma
Class VI
Roll No. 10
2. You have been fined for not taking the class test. Write an application to the Principal of your school for the remission of fine. You are Dinesh Kumar of Class VI, student of Government Senior Secondary School, Panipat.
November 20, 20XX
The Principal
Government Senior Secondary School
Panipat
Sir
I have been fined for not taking the class test in English on 15th of this month. I was suffering from fever, therefore I could not attend the school on that day.
I request you to kindly remit my fine and grant me permission to take the test on some other day.
I shall feel highly obliged to you for this act of kindness.
Yours obediently
Dinesh Kumar
Class VI
Roll No. 25
3. Write an application to your principal requesting to grant you leave for three days to attend the marriage of your cousin. You are Rajni Sharma of Class VI, Model School, Jalandhar.
November 15, 20XX
The Principal
Model School
Jalandhar
Sir/Madam
I am a student of Class VI of your School. I will not be able to attend the school for three days because I have to attend the marriage of my cousin.
I request you to kindly grant me leave for three days, i.e. from 17th to 19th November, 20XX.
I shall be highly thankful to you for this act of kindness.
Yours obediently,
Rajni Sharma
Class VI
Roll No. 42
Exercise
1. Write an application to the Headmaster of your school, requesting him to remit your fine on account of absence from school for three days without leave.
2. You have to go to the dentist for a check-up. Write an application to the Principal, requesting him to allow you to come to school late by to an hour.
3. Write an application to the principal of your school, requesting him to arrange a picnic for your class.
4. Write an application to the principal of your school, asking him to start a Debating Society of the school.
ESSAY WRITING
1. Cleanliness
Cleanliness is the state of being clean and free from dirt. It involves keeping our body, mind and surroundings clean. This helps us to maintain good health and keep several diseases at bay.
Cleanliness is a good habit which everyone should follow. It doesn’t involve much efforts to maintain cleanliness in our everyday lives. We can start by maintaining personal hygiene. Washing hands before and after taking meals, taking regular baths, trimming nails, cleaning hair, wearing fresh and clean clothes are some of the ways to ensure personal cleanliness.
Other than keeping our bodies clean, it is our duty to keep our surroundings clean as well. As responsible citizens of our country, we should not litter in public places like restaurants, parks, or stations. Garbage should be disposed properly in the bins. Cleanliness is important for the physical as well as mental health of the people. If your house or workplace is clean you may spend more time working there. Thus, cleanliness is a good practice to live a healthy and happy life.
2. My Country
India is my motherland. It is a very vast and great country. There are many mountains, rivers and lakes in India. The Himalayas, the Aravallis and many other mountain ranges are there in India. There are many big rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Yamuna and Godavari. These rivers are considered holy rivers. Many places of pilgrimage are situated on the banks of these rivers. These rivers make the land fertile and are a source of irrigation.
India is called a country of villages. There are big cities as well. Delhi is the capital of India. The population of India is about 102 crore. People of this country follow different religions and speak different languages; their customs and traditions are also different, but they are all Indians.
There is ‘unity in diversity’. People of different classes, castes, religions and languages love India and Indian culture. Indians are proud of their country and its culture. I love my country and I am proud it.
May India live long!
3. A Morning Walk
A morning walk is very good for health. It is a light exercise. It is equally good for the young and the old alike. It refreshes our mind and makes us smart.
I go for morning walk regularly. I get up at 5 a.m. and go out for a walk. My friend Ajay also goes with me. We often go to the nearby canal.
The time is very pleasant. We enjoy the beauty of Nature on the way. We take deep breaths in the cool air. It gives us a lot of energy. We take a stroll on the grassy lawns, Dew drops on the green grass look like pearls. Birds fly high up in the sky. Their songs add to the beauty of the atmosphere.
We walk along the canal for half an hour. We take a bath in the cold water. Waves of the running water sound like a sweet music to our ears. We feel happy and gay. The Sun appears by this time, therefore we return home and feel refreshed for the rest of the day. I can miss my meal but I cannot afford to miss my morning walk.
4. Pollution
Pollution is a serious issue prevailing in our society today. It is badly affecting our health. It is the mixing of harmful or poisonous materials into the environment of the earth. These harmful materials are called pollutants, which pollute the air, water, soil, etc. They cause health disorders and discomforts in normal living.
Pollution can be of many types like air pollution, water pollution, land pollution, noise pollution, etc. Air pollution is caused by mixing of harmful gases into the air. Smoke from industrial companies, vehicles, burning fuels, etc. is the primary cause of air pollution. The air we breathe is contaminated which adversely affects our health and causes various lung disorders. Water pollution is caused by mixing of waste materials and harmful chemicals in various water sources like rivers, lakes, ponds, etc. This water is used by farmers to grow crops which get contaminated and pose a threat to our health.
Pollution is increasing at an alarming rate directly or indirectly by human actions. Cutting down trees, urbanisation, industrialisation are some of the factors which contribute to the increasing level of pollution. It is not only restricted to an area, rather it is a national concern. We should take care of our environment to get control over the pollution and maintain the natural ecosystem.
5. Fire Safety
It is very important for us to be familiar with the hazards of fire. A little negligence can cause a lot of damage to life and property. An uncovered wire can trigger off a destructive spark which, if unheeded, can result in a deadly fire.
During the summer season, the wires get heated up quickly and a little carelessness can cause a short circuit. However, a few safety measures can definitely go a long way in preventing a fire. We should close the LPG gas and stove regulator, while not in use. The electrical circuits should not be overloaded with multiple adapters. In case of a short circuit, the main power supply should be cut off immediately. The fire fighting equipment should be kept in a good working condition. If we take simple precautions we can avert many serious accidents of fire.
6. My Favourite Holiday Destination
I love to go to my grandparents’ house during my holidays. My grandparents live in Cherrapunji, one of the most beautiful places in the north-eastern state of Meghalaya. It is a high-altitude town which offers stunning views of the mountains and the waterfalls.
There are many waterfalls in and around Cherrapunji as it receives rainfall throughout the year. Out of all, I like Nohkalilai waterfalls the most. It is one of the highest waterfalls in India. It is also one of the most popular tourist attractions near Cherrapunji. Many tourists can be seen here enjoying the scenic beauty of these waterfalls.
My brother loves to go to the Khoh Ramhah. One of the most impressive facts about this place is that the shape of the rock is in the form of a huge cone. There is a view point near the rock. We often pack our bags, eatables and other essentials and enjoy picnic here with our grandparents. The beauty of this place gets more enhanced during the monsoon season.
We also spend leisure time in Thangkharang Park, which is next to Khoh Ramhah. The views from this park mesmerise me the most. The park offers a nice view of Bangladesh. The view of the Kynrem falls flowing rapidly in three levels is the most appealing. The park also offers wonderful views of the extensive lush valleys and the plains.
I always look forward to visiting Cherrapunji. The awe-inspiring beauty of this place never fails to refresh my mind, body and soul.
Exercise
Write an essay on the following topics with the help of the outlines given:
1. Holi
Points: Its origin why it is celebrated – how it is celebrated – also celebrated in other countries must be celebrated in the right manner and spirit.
2. A Bank Robbery
Points: When it happened – how it happened – conduct of the robbers – people filled with fear – what did the robbers take their escape – unforgettable day for me.
STORY-WRITING
1. Old Man’s Treasure
Outlines: An old farmer – three idle sons – worried about them – tells them about a treasure in his fields – dies the sons dig up the field but find no treasure-disappointed – sow seeds – good crops – moral.
Once there was an old farmer who owned a big plot of land in the village. By tilling this land he supported his family. He had three sons who were very lazy. They did not help the old farmer in his work, but spent their time wandering about. They were not aware of their responsibility towards their old father.
The old farmer was very much worried about his three idle sons. He fell ill and could no longer work in the field. He thought of a plan to teach his sons a lesson and to save them from wasting their time. He called them and said, “I have buried a treasure in our fields, but I have forgotten the exact place. I am ill and too weak and may die any time. So I want all of you to dig up the field and find out the hidden treasure.”
After a few days the old farmer died. His sons remembered about the treasure which was hidden in the field. They worked very hard, day and night, and dug up the whole field. But they could not find any treasure anywhere and felt disappointed. They felt that their father had lied to them.
Since the field had been dug up, the brothers sowed the seeds and waited for the rains. They had a very good harvest. The elder brother said, “Our father did not lie to us. He had told us about the treasure, only to make us give up our idle habits and to work hard. We have got this treasure through our hard work. So we must now keep working hard and give up our laziness.” The other brothers also agreed with him. They were no longer lazy and did not waste their time and lived happily thereafter.
Moral: Hard work-A hidden treasure or No pains no gains.
2. Union is Strength
Outlines: An old farmer – four sons – always quarrelling with one another – father nearing death – called his sons – gave each a stick to break – everyone broke – tied four in a bundle – none could break – advantage of unity, etc.
An old farmer had four sons. They always quarrelled among themselves. He advised them to mend their ways, but in vain.
When his end was near, he called his sons. He asked the servant to bring some sticks. He gave a stick to each of them and asked them to break it. Each one of them broke the stick easily.
Then the farmer asked the servant to tie four sticks in a bundle and the farmer asked his sons to break the sticks. Each son tried hard but none could break the sticks in a bundle.
Then the father told his sons, “My sons, if you unite yourselves like the sticks, nobody can harm you. If you are divided, you will be ruined.” The advice worked and they promised to work and live in union.
Moral: United we stand and divided we fall.
3. The Lion and the Mouse
Outlines: Lion sleeping under a tree – a mouse running over his body -lion disturbed in sleep – catches the mouse – mouse prays for mercy – lion spares its life- the lion caught in a net- the mouse comes to his rescue -nibbles the ropes lion freed.
A lion was sleeping under a tree. A mouse came and began to dance over his body. Disturbed in his sleep, the lion woke up and caught the mouse.
The mouse begged for mercy, “Oh king, please spare my life. I shall repay your kindness.” The lion laughed and let the mouse go.
After some days, the lion was caught in a net. He tried to free himself but was unable to do so. He roared in pain and the mouse heard it.
The mouse came running and recognised the lion. It wanted to repay his kindness. It began to nibble at the ropes of the net. Soon the lion was free. The lion thanked his little friend.
Moral: Kindness never goes unrewarded.
4. The Goose that laid Golden Eggs
Outlines : A man and a hen laying a golden egg daily – man wants to become rich overnight – kills the hen – finds no egg- repents.
Once there was a greedy man. He had a goose which laid a golden egg daily. He became rich. But he was not contented. Instead, he was impatient to get more wealth. So he thought of killing the goose so that he could get all the eggs at once.
Therefore, the man killed the goose. Alas! there were no golden eggs inside. The man cursed his fate. He repented for his folly but he had lost the chance of getting richer.
Moral: Greed brings ruin and misery.
Exercises
Write stories with the help of the outlines given below.
1. An elephant taken to a stream for a bath – a tailor’s shop on the way – tailor gives him something to eat – one day tailor in angry mood – he pricks a needle into the elephant’s trunk – fills his trunk with mud – throws it in the tailor’s shop – Moral.
2. A thirsty fox – searching water – falls into a shallow well- unable to come out – a goat passes by- asks about water – the fox tells about the sweet water – the goat jumps in the cunning fox climbs on its back and jumps out the goat dies – Moral.
3. One summer – very hot water dried up a crow very thirsty – in search of water – a jug with water – crow tried to drink – level too low- puts pebbles – level rose little by little -hard work and success, etc. – Moral.
4. A boy falls in a bad company – father brings apples – puts them in the cupboard – places a rotten apple among them – next day all apples get rotten- teaches a lesson – Moral.
5. A dispute between the Sun and the Wind – each claims to be stronger – a traveller on the road – challenge to make him take off his coat – the wind blows hard – fails – the Sun shines- the traveller takes off his coat – Moral.