1. Where was Abdul Kalam's house?
Answer:- Abdul Kalam's house was on Mosque Street in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. It was a large ancestral house built of limestone and brick.
2. What do you think Dinamani is the name of? Give a reason for your answer.
Answer:- Dinamani is the name of a newspaper because Abdul Kalam read its headlines to learn about the Second World War.
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 arranged 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 collect newspaper bundles thrown from a moving train during the Second World War.
5. Had he earned any money before that? In what way?
Answer:- Yes, before that he earned money by collecting tamarind seeds and selling them to a provision shop.
II. Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (30–40 words).
1. How does the author describe:
(i) His father
Answer:- Abdul Kalam describes his father as a simple, honest, wise, and disciplined man. Though he had little formal education and wealth, he possessed great wisdom, generosity, and strong moral values.
(ii) His mother
Answer:- Abdul Kalam describes his mother as a kind, caring, and generous woman. She fed many people every day and filled the home with love, compassion, and faith in goodness.
(iii) Himself
Answer:- Abdul Kalam describes himself as a short, ordinary-looking boy born into a middle-class family. He had a secure childhood and was hardworking, curious, and eager to learn.
2. What characteristics does he say he inherited from his parents?
Answer:- Abdul Kalam inherited honesty, self-discipline, and wisdom from his father. From his mother, he inherited kindness, compassion, generosity, and faith in goodness. These qualities greatly influenced his character and success.
III. Answer these questions in two or three paragraphs (100–150 words).
1. "On the whole, the small society of Rameswaram was very rigid in terms of the segregation of different social groups."
(i) Which social groups does he mention? Were these groups easily identifiable?
Answer:- Abdul Kalam mentions Muslims and orthodox Hindu Brahmins. Yes, they were easily identifiable by their dress and religious symbols. Kalam wore a Muslim cap, while Ramanadha Sastry wore the sacred thread.
(ii) Were they aware only of their differences or did they also share friendships and experiences?
Answer:- Although people belonged to different religions, they shared strong friendships and respected each other's traditions. Kalam's close friends were Hindu boys, and his family listened to stories from both the Ramayana and the life of the Prophet. During religious festivals, people from different communities worked together peacefully.
(iii) Identify the people who tried to bridge these differences.
Answer:- Lakshmana Sastry and Sivasubramania Iyer tried to remove social and religious differences. Lakshmana Sastry strongly opposed discrimination in school, while Sivasubramania Iyer encouraged equality by inviting Abdul Kalam to his home for meals.
(iv) Narrate two incidents that show how differences were created and resolved.
Answer:- The first incident occurred when a new teacher asked Abdul Kalam to move away from Ramanadha Sastry because of religious differences. Lakshmana Sastry condemned the teacher's behaviour, and the teacher later apologized.
The second incident took place when Sivasubramania Iyer's wife refused to serve Kalam food because he was a Muslim. However, after seeing her husband's example, she changed her attitude and later served Kalam herself. These incidents show that education, understanding, and kindness can remove prejudice.
2.(i) Why did Abdul Kalam want to leave Rameswaram?
Answer:- Abdul Kalam wanted to leave Rameswaram to continue his education at Ramanathapuram. He wished to gain knowledge and achieve success in life.
(ii) What did his father say to this?
Answer:- His father encouraged him to leave and said that, like a seagull, he must fly alone to grow. He also quoted Khalil Gibran, saying that parents can give children love but cannot control their future.
(iii) What do you think his father's words mean? Why did he speak those words?
Answer:- His father's words mean that children must become independent and follow their own dreams. Parents should support them instead of holding them back.
He spoke these words to encourage Abdul Kalam to pursue higher education confidently. His father believed that true love allows children the freedom to grow and achieve their goals.
Thinking about Language
I.1. What are the things that can erupt? What things can surge?
(a) Erupt
Answer:- "Erupt" means to burst out suddenly or violently.
Examples:
A volcano erupts.
War erupts.
Violence erupts.
Laughter erupts.
Anger erupts.
(b) Surge
Answer:- "Surge" means to rise or move forward suddenly and strongly.
Examples:
A surge of pride.
A surge of emotions.
2. What are the meanings of the word "trace"? Which meaning is closest to the text?
Answer:- The word trace has several meanings:
To find or discover something.
To follow the path of something.
A small sign or mark left behind.
In the lesson, trace means to follow or find information. Abdul Kalam tried to follow the news of the Second World War through the newspaper headlines.
3. What does "undistinguished" mean?
Answer:- "Undistinguished" means ordinary, not special, or not noticeable. In the lesson, Abdul Kalam uses it to describe his ordinary appearance.
II. 1. Match the phrases
Column A Column B
(i) broke out - (c) began suddenly in a violent way
(ii) in accordance with - (f) according to a particular rule, principle, or system
(iii) a helping hand - (d) assistance
(iv) could not stomach - (b) was not able to tolerate
(v) generosity of spirit - (a) an attitude of kindness, a readiness to give freely
(vi) figures of authority - (e) persons with power to make decisions
II. 2. Form the opposites
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 in Passive Voice
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.
