Lesson 18 – Look Before you Leap!
darted: moved quickly and suddenly
lily pad: one of the floating leaves of a waterlily
headlong: head first ‘Diving headlong’ means diving into water with the head going into water first and then the rest of the body
Things to do
1. Answer the following questions:
(a) What was the pond like in summer?
Ans: In the summer, ponds began to dry up. The lilies also dried up, and very few insects were found.
(b) Why were the frogs worried?
Ans: The frogs were worried because the pond had started drying up.
(c) Why did the frogs begin to jump for joy?
Ans: The frogs began to jump for joy because they found a well with plenty of water.
(d) What was the well like? Describe it in two or three lines.
Ans: The well was built in stone and had a high circular wall. The well was quite deep, but there was still a lot of water at its bottom.
(e) What problem did the frog see?
Ans: The frogs realized the problem: they can easily dive into the well but cannot come out if it dries up. The walls of the well were so high that they would not be able to come out and search for a new place and probably could die inside.
2. Guess the meaning of the following phrases. Then use them in your own sentences –
(i) long, long ago
Ans:
Meaning: a very long time ago.
Sentence: Long, long ago, there lived a wise king in Persia.
(ii) all day long
Ans:
Meaning: the whole day.
Sentence: The farmer honestly worked all day long.
(iii) last forever
Ans:
Meaning: to last for a very long time
Sentence: The holy man said that good deeds last forever.
(iv) jump for joy
Ans:
Meaning: feel very happy
Sentence: On seeing his friends, the child jumped for joy.
(v) the sooner, the better.
Ans:
Meaning: better for something to happen or be done as soon as possible.
Sentence: The sooner we clean our room, the better it will look!
3. Where can you find the answers to your questions? Write any 2 sources.
(a) The rainy season
Ans: The rainy season is the best season ever. It starts after the summer season. It begins in June and lasts until September. In the rainy season, we can see green plants and trees everywhere. For travelling outside the home, we can use an umbrella, a raincoat, etc. Small animals come out in the rainy season.
(b) The cold season
Ans: The cold season starts after the rainy season. Winter lasts from October to February. I love the winter season. People use warm clothes like sweaters, scarves, etc. for protection from the cold. Everyone likes to eat warm food and drink warm drinks in the cold season.
(c) The hot season.
Ans: The hot season, which is summer, happens from March to May. It’s very hot during this time. People use things like air conditioners, coolers, and fans to get cool air. We wear light clothes and drink lots of water to stay comfortable. Schools have holidays, and we can go to the beach or pool. Even though it’s really warm, we can enjoy yummy fruits and play outside when it’s not too hot.
4. What precautions will you take on the following occasions?
Crossing the road
Ans: Before crossing the road, we should look at both sides, the right and the left; if no vehicle is coming, we should then cross the road.
On a picnic in a new place
Ans: We shouldn’t go away alone; stay with our group members.
Boarding a bus or getting down from it
Ans: First, let the bus stop, and then get down from it.
Going somewhere on your own
Ans: Inform your family where you are going, and do not share all your information with strangers.
Jumping down
Ans: Check the height and, before jumping, see if you can also safely come back. Don’t take any risks.
Climbing a tree
Ans: See if the tree has strong branches. Hold each branch tightly. Also, check if it is too dangerous in case you have a fall.
5. This is a story that explains the saying ‘Look before you leap’. Can you think of stories that explain other proverbs? Tell the story about any one of the following proverbs:
- Self-help is the best help.
- Slow but steady wins the race.
- A friend in need is a friend indeed.
- Union is strength.
- Better late than never.
Ans:
Slow but Steady Wins the Race
Once, a fast hare and a slow tortoise lived in a forest. The hare teased the tortoise, so they decided to race. The hare sped off and took a nap, sure of winning. The tortoise moved slowly but without stopping. When the hare woke, the tortoise was almost done. Slowly and steadily, the tortoise won. The animals learned that being steady can win over being too fast. The tortoise’s determination taught them, “Slow but steady wins the race.”
6. Make a collection of proverbs.
Ans:
(1) Actions speak louder than words.
(2) All that glitters is not gold.
(3) An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
(4) When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
(5) Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
(6) Every cloud has a silver lining.
(7) Haste makes waste.
(8) A penny saved is a penny earned.
(9) Two wrongs don’t make a right.
(10) Practice makes perfect.
(11) Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
(12) Don’t cry over spilled milk.
(13) The early bird catches the worm.
(14) A stitch in time saves nine.
(15) You can’t judge a book by its cover.