Maharashtra Board Textbook Solutions for Standard Four

Lesson 19 – The Ugly Duckling

Things to do

1. Answer the following questions:

(a) Why did the ugly duckling decide to leave the lake?

Ans: The ugly duckling decided to leave the lake because she was feeling very lonely and sad.

 

(b) What did he find wherever he tried to seek shelter?

Ans: Wherever the poor duckling tried to seek shelter, he found that he was always ridiculed by other smaller birds, animals, and even human beings who poked fun at him.

 

(c) Why was the ugly duckling afraid to look at his own reflection? 

Ans: The ugly duckling was afraid to look at his own reflection because whenever he looked at it, he thought he looked so ugly.

 

(d) Who did he meet in the beautiful garden?

Ans: The ugly duckling met graceful white swans in the garden.

 

(e) Was he happy in the end? Which lines tell us that he was happy? 

Ans: Yes, the ugly duckling was happy in the end. The line “I never dreamed of such happiness as this while I was an ugly duckling!” tells us that he was happy.

2. Describe a beautiful swan using your own words. (3-5 lines)

Ans: A swan is a graceful bird with pure white feathers that shimmer in the sunlight. Its long neck curves elegantly, like the letter “S.” As it glides on water, its reflection ripples like a magical painting. The swan’s beak is orange and black, and it moves like a gentle dancer. Seeing a swan is like finding a fairy tale friend in the real world!

3. Discuss with your friends:

(a) Who is happier, young children or grown-ups?

Ans: Both kids and grown-ups can be happy! Kids find joy in toys, friends, and new places. Grown-ups are happy when they reach goals and spend time with loved ones. Happiness is different for everyone, and both can have lots of happy moments in life!

 

(b) What can we do to build our confidence?

Ans: To feel confident, we can practice what we’re good at, ask for help, think positive, and be kind. Celebrating our achievements and believing in ourselves also makes confidence grow!

4. Read and learn:

    • hen: chicken
    • sheep: lamb
    • cat: kitten
    • dog: puppy
    • cow: calf
    • duck duckling
    • goose: gosling 
    • lion: cub
    • deer: fawn
    • goat: kid
    • swan: cygnet