Project Work ideas for 6th, 7th and 8th classes for Formative Assessment (FA)

Project Work ideas for 6th, 7th and 8th classes for Formative Assessment (FA) 

         Here I would love to share this information with you. When I discuss with my friend, Mr. Venumadhav SA English,  it is found as a good idea to make use it as a project for the class 8 English for formative assessment (FA). It would be absolutely a fantastic idea to engage the children to learn the language and learn their family as well. 

               The first unit of class 8 English is based on the theme, "family." The entire unit deals with theme, the family. Usually children will be enthusiastic and energetic in learning new things. So as to make the children engaged and learned we decided to give a project connecting their own families. It has made the children feel proud of themselves to learn about their families. They participated in the project curiously and found the information exactly taking the help of their elders in the family. And even they have taken the help of their friends in organizing the information collected. Finally they are asked to write a report on it. They have done happily and presented proudly.

               The question goes like this ....

For Class 8 - Project Work Question

Q: Collect the information of your family at least for the past five generations (or more) including yours. Organize the information in an order that would show the details of the family members in generations. Make a flow chart of the family. Give it a tittle. Finally write a few paras how you collected the information, how you organized it, how you felt during the collection and what are the new things you learnt about your family and present it in the class.

You can draw the family tree like this ...

For Class 7 - Project Work Question

Q: Read the story the Town Mouse and the Country Mouse and The Town Chid and the Country Child (poem). Then discuss with your friends the differences between the Town and the Country. Make a difference table to make it clear. Later write a paragraph on which you like the most the town life or the country life and state your reasons. Present it in your class.

Eg:

The Difference Table for the Town Life and the Country Life

The Town Life	The Country Life
Pure and fresh air to breath	Polluted air to breath

My observations: 

    I like to live in a country side. Because here we ........................

For Class 6 - Project Work Question

Q: You may love to draw pictures. There are many animals, birds, snakes and insects in this beautiful world. You may like someone among them. Now, draw an animal, or a bird, or a snake, or an insect that you like. You may colour it to make it natural and beautiful. Then write a paragraph about it. You may ask yourself these questions to write your paragraph ...

What does people call it?

How does it look like?

Why do you like it?

What does is eat?

Where does it live, trees/water/land etc?

How does it move one place to another?

How is it helpful for us? etc.

For example:

Peacock the national bird

        I love peacock. It looks like a big cock but has beautiful feathers on its tail. I like the feathers having beautiful colours on them. Sometimes the peacock dances spreading its tail beautifully in a fan shape. The peacock's tail is also called a train and contains up to 175 feathers. The peacock usually lives in small forests. Sometimes in the summer they come into our village to get some water. It has two and and a crown on its head that makes it more beautiful. The peacock eats fruit, berries, grains, ants, flower petals and plants. 

        Our country, India, has chosen the peacock as the National Bird. It is a crime to hunt the bird. I love the peacock. It's our pride.

   

Project Work ideas for 6th, 7th and 8th classes for Formative Assessment (FA) 

         Here I would love to share this information with you. When I discuss with my friend, Mr. Venumadhav SA English,  it is found as a good idea to make use it as a project for the class 8 English for formative assessment (FA). It would be absolutely a fantastic idea to engage the children to learn the language and learn their family as well. 

               The first unit of class 8 English is based on the theme, "family." The entire unit deals with theme, the family. Usually children will be enthusiastic and energetic in learning new things. So as to make the children engaged and learned we decided to give a project connecting their own families. It has made the children feel proud of themselves to learn about their families. They participated in the project curiously and found the information exactly taking the help of their elders in the family. And even they have taken the help of their friends in organizing the information collected. Finally they are asked to write a report on it. They have done happily and presented proudly.

               The question goes like this ....

For Class 8 - Project Work Question

Q: Collect the information of your family at least for the past five generations (or more) including yours. Organize the information in an order that would show the details of the family members in generations. Make a flow chart of the family. Give it a tittle. Finally write a few paras how you collected the information, how you organized it, how you felt during the collection and what are the new things you learnt about your family and present it in the class.

You can draw the family tree like this ...

For Class 7 - Project Work Question

Q: Read the story the Town Mouse and the Country Mouse and The Town Chid and the Country Child (poem). Then discuss with your friends the differences between the Town and the Country. Make a difference table to make it clear. Later write a paragraph on which you like the most the town life or the country life and state your reasons. Present it in your class.

Eg:

The Difference Table for the Town Life and the Country Life

The Town Life	The Country Life
Pure and fresh air to breath	Polluted air to breath

My observations: 

    I like to live in a country side. Because here we ........................

For Class 6 - Project Work Question

Q: You may love to draw pictures. There are many animals, birds, snakes and insects in this beautiful world. You may like someone among them. Now, draw an animal, or a bird, or a snake, or an insect that you like. You may colour it to make it natural and beautiful. Then write a paragraph about it. You may ask yourself these questions to write your paragraph ...

What does people call it?

How does it look like?

Why do you like it?

What does is eat?

Where does it live, trees/water/land etc?

How does it move one place to another?

How is it helpful for us? etc.

For example:

Peacock the national bird

        I love peacock. It looks like a big cock but has beautiful feathers on its tail. I like the feathers having beautiful colours on them. Sometimes the peacock dances spreading its tail beautifully in a fan shape. The peacock's tail is also called a train and contains up to 175 feathers. The peacock usually lives in small forests. Sometimes in the summer they come into our village to get some water. It has two and and a crown on its head that makes it more beautiful. The peacock eats fruit, berries, grains, ants, flower petals and plants. 

        Our country, India, has chosen the peacock as the National Bird. It is a crime to hunt the bird. I love the peacock. It's our pride.

   

A Letter to a Friend Comprehension Questions with Answers for class 8 English

 A LETTER TO A FRIEND

Comprehension questions with answers for better understand the text

1. Who are Ramesh and Suresh?

Ramesh and Suresh are friends.

2. Who wrote the letter?

Ramesh wrote the letter.

3. When was the letter written?

The letter was written on 12th November, 2012.

4. Where does Ramesh live now?

Ramesh lives in Hyderabad now.

5. Why did Ramesh apologise?

Ramesh apologised for not meeting Suresh when he visited Hyderabad.

6. Why did Ramesh not meet Suresh?

Ramesh did not meet Suresh because he had a meeting in his office.

7. Where did Ramesh and Suresh spend their childhood?

Ramesh and Suresh spend their childhood in Manikonda village.

8. Where did they use to play in their childhood?

They used to play in their garden everyday in their childhood.

9. What did they get from grandma?

They got fruits and biscuits from grandma.

10. Who used to tell them fairy tales?

Grandpa used to tell them fairly tales.

11. What were the stories about?

The stories were about princes, warriors, and village boys.

12. What is Ramesh now?

Ramesh is a computer programmer in an IT company.

13. Where does Ramesh work?

Ramesh works at Microsoft, a software company, in Hyderabad.

14. How many children does Ramesh have?

Ramesh has a child.

15. Who looks after their child when they go to work?

A baby care centre looks after their child when they go to work.

16. What are the games they used to play?

They used to play gilli-danda, hide and seek and kabaddi.

17. How do they feel in their apartment?

They feel that their flat is their world. They feel like a well for a frog.

18. Where did they go boating?

They went boating when they went on a picnic to Koilsagar.

19. Where did they go for a tour?

They went to Srisailam for a tour.

20. How does his son spend time?

His son spends time sitting before a computer and playing computer games.

21. What did his uncle bring him when he visited?

When his uncle visited him brought toys and fruits.

22. What are uncle and aunts for his son?

Uncle and aunts are just the same as the neighbours for his son.

23. According to Ramesh, what did they miss?

They missed the joy of family and their company and many more.

 A LETTER TO A FRIEND

Comprehension questions with answers for better understand the text

1. Who are Ramesh and Suresh?

Ramesh and Suresh are friends.

2. Who wrote the letter?

Ramesh wrote the letter.

3. When was the letter written?

The letter was written on 12th November, 2012.

4. Where does Ramesh live now?

Ramesh lives in Hyderabad now.

5. Why did Ramesh apologise?

Ramesh apologised for not meeting Suresh when he visited Hyderabad.

6. Why did Ramesh not meet Suresh?

Ramesh did not meet Suresh because he had a meeting in his office.

7. Where did Ramesh and Suresh spend their childhood?

Ramesh and Suresh spend their childhood in Manikonda village.

8. Where did they use to play in their childhood?

They used to play in their garden everyday in their childhood.

9. What did they get from grandma?

They got fruits and biscuits from grandma.

10. Who used to tell them fairy tales?

Grandpa used to tell them fairly tales.

11. What were the stories about?

The stories were about princes, warriors, and village boys.

12. What is Ramesh now?

Ramesh is a computer programmer in an IT company.

13. Where does Ramesh work?

Ramesh works at Microsoft, a software company, in Hyderabad.

14. How many children does Ramesh have?

Ramesh has a child.

15. Who looks after their child when they go to work?

A baby care centre looks after their child when they go to work.

16. What are the games they used to play?

They used to play gilli-danda, hide and seek and kabaddi.

17. How do they feel in their apartment?

They feel that their flat is their world. They feel like a well for a frog.

18. Where did they go boating?

They went boating when they went on a picnic to Koilsagar.

19. Where did they go for a tour?

They went to Srisailam for a tour.

20. How does his son spend time?

His son spends time sitting before a computer and playing computer games.

21. What did his uncle bring him when he visited?

When his uncle visited him brought toys and fruits.

22. What are uncle and aunts for his son?

Uncle and aunts are just the same as the neighbours for his son.

23. According to Ramesh, what did they miss?

They missed the joy of family and their company and many more.

SCERT TS Orientation Programme for English Teachers (Exempted Syllabus) for the academic year 2021-22

SCERT Telangana Orientation Programme 

for English Teachers 

(Exempted Syllabus) for the academic year 2021-22

        Here on 18th September, 2021 a special programme (awareness programme on 10th English) was conducted through TSAT Nipuna Live from 10 am to 1 pm which was hostef by Mr. R MangaReddy, Senior Faculty DIET Nalgonda and dealt in three sessions for classes 6 and 7, 8 and 9, and 10 each an hour respectively. It is said that the programme was organized by Department of Education TS and the SCERT TS Hyderabad. 

        The programme has discussed many points to be considered regarding the schedule of the academic calendar, deadlines of the FAs and SAs, Syllabus to be covered and exempted for this academic year, and many activities to be conducted to bridge the gap for the loss of almost one and a half year of classroom transaction for the students. Some of the practicing teachers were expressed a few techniques and practices to overcome loss during the pandemic.

Session for Class 10 English

    The exempted syllabus for the Academic Year 2021-22 for English subject according to the orientation programme... 

Exempted Units for class 10 English 👇👇

        Hence it is declared that the units 2 and 4 from class 10 English are exempted for this academic year 2021-22 too as per last year. Thus it may relieve some stress for the students as the time limits considered. 

Syllabus to be covered for class 10 English 👇👇

    According to the orientation programme the syllabus for class 10 for different exams to be considered... 

• FA1 can be taken in as much syllabus as completed till October 5
• SA1 is scheduled from 1.12.2021 to 8.12.2021
• Four units may be completed till SA1
• FA2 is to be completed by 31.01.2022
• FAs are to be conducted using all four tool (Read and Reflect, Written Works, Project Work, and Slip Test)

   

 Important points to be understood: 👇👇👇

• There would be only two FAs and two SAs for this academic year.
• No tool among the four is exempted from conducting FAs
• Only two units of textual syllabus is exempted (2nd and 4th Units)
• All the 17 discourses to be covered i.e., no discourses is exempted from the syllabus.
• We must not confuse that the unit 2 is exempted not the drama script as a discourse. That means there may be a question for drama script or play based on other units and their context. In the similar manner for all other classes too, only the textual syllabus is exempted.

Suggested strategies to conduct the classes 👇👇👇

        It is suggested to prepare mind maps, interactive questions to generate sub-text, model reading by the teachers, asking the children to underline important points, reading aloud by the students, giving contextual meanings, asking different questions to make the child understand the text better using different kinds of questions like, filling the blanks, finding true or false, matching, multiple choice questions and these based on factual, inferential and open ended nature. Teachers are asked to transact the class according to the Discourse Oriented Pedagogy. It is stressed to concentrate on discourses based practice from minor to major, simple to compound, easy to difficult.

        It is stressed to concentrate on all the aspects of the language like vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, discourses based on LSRW. Also stressed to keep an eye on learning outcomes while preparing for the transaction.

To watch the video on this programme for 10th class session 👇👇

Sessions for classes 6, 7, 8 and 9 English

Important points to be noted:👇👇👇👇

• This programme has declared that there would exemption two units of textual syllabus for each class as per the last year.
• For 6th class units 6 and 8 are exempted.
• For 7th class units 7 and 8 are exempted.
• For 8th class units 3 and 4 are exempted.
• For 9th class units 4 and 5 are exempted.
• 
  
  
  
  
• According to the programme the syllabus is exempted only for the examinations if a teacher can deal it for language enhancement, he can.
• The programme stressed on planning and has given a sample.
• Each unit may be covered in 15-19 days.
• More practice on reading and comprehension is to be given
• Unit related vocabulary should be elicited with the help of supportive activities.
• Creative writing should be given more importance.
• Units are exempted but not the discourses.
• Syllabus to be covered for classes 6 to 9 this year as follows ...
• 
  
  
• Hence it can be understood that FA1 can be taken in as much syllabus as completed till October 5.
• SA1 is scheduled from 01.12.2021 to 08.12.2021
• Four units may be completed till SA1
• FA2 is to be completed by 31.01.2022
• FAs are taken using all four tools (Written Work, Read and Reflect, Project Work, and Slip Test)
• FAs are reduced to two but not the tools to assess the performance.

Suggested strategy to over come the learning gaps👇👇👇

• Picture interaction
• Code switching
• Code mixing
• More practice for learners
• Activities and Games based transaction
• Taking some rhymes, songs or dialogues
• Short narratives
• More focus on reading activities earlier, and writing later 
• Target the learning outcomes
• Concentrate on prerequisites during planning

👉The one and only thing left in this orientation is clarity on SA question paper pattern, whether there are two papers or one to be clarified. It might be communicated later. Hope as soon as possible it would be cleared.

To watch the video on this programme for 6th and 7th classes session 👇👇

To watch the video on this programme for 8th and 9th classes session 👇👇

SCERT Telangana Orientation Programme 

for English Teachers 

(Exempted Syllabus) for the academic year 2021-22

        Here on 18th September, 2021 a special programme (awareness programme on 10th English) was conducted through TSAT Nipuna Live from 10 am to 1 pm which was hostef by Mr. R MangaReddy, Senior Faculty DIET Nalgonda and dealt in three sessions for classes 6 and 7, 8 and 9, and 10 each an hour respectively. It is said that the programme was organized by Department of Education TS and the SCERT TS Hyderabad. 

        The programme has discussed many points to be considered regarding the schedule of the academic calendar, deadlines of the FAs and SAs, Syllabus to be covered and exempted for this academic year, and many activities to be conducted to bridge the gap for the loss of almost one and a half year of classroom transaction for the students. Some of the practicing teachers were expressed a few techniques and practices to overcome loss during the pandemic.

Session for Class 10 English

    The exempted syllabus for the Academic Year 2021-22 for English subject according to the orientation programme... 

Exempted Units for class 10 English 👇👇

        Hence it is declared that the units 2 and 4 from class 10 English are exempted for this academic year 2021-22 too as per last year. Thus it may relieve some stress for the students as the time limits considered. 

Syllabus to be covered for class 10 English 👇👇

    According to the orientation programme the syllabus for class 10 for different exams to be considered... 

• FA1 can be taken in as much syllabus as completed till October 5
• SA1 is scheduled from 1.12.2021 to 8.12.2021
• Four units may be completed till SA1
• FA2 is to be completed by 31.01.2022
• FAs are to be conducted using all four tool (Read and Reflect, Written Works, Project Work, and Slip Test)

   

 Important points to be understood: 👇👇👇

• There would be only two FAs and two SAs for this academic year.
• No tool among the four is exempted from conducting FAs
• Only two units of textual syllabus is exempted (2nd and 4th Units)
• All the 17 discourses to be covered i.e., no discourses is exempted from the syllabus.
• We must not confuse that the unit 2 is exempted not the drama script as a discourse. That means there may be a question for drama script or play based on other units and their context. In the similar manner for all other classes too, only the textual syllabus is exempted.

Suggested strategies to conduct the classes 👇👇👇

        It is suggested to prepare mind maps, interactive questions to generate sub-text, model reading by the teachers, asking the children to underline important points, reading aloud by the students, giving contextual meanings, asking different questions to make the child understand the text better using different kinds of questions like, filling the blanks, finding true or false, matching, multiple choice questions and these based on factual, inferential and open ended nature. Teachers are asked to transact the class according to the Discourse Oriented Pedagogy. It is stressed to concentrate on discourses based practice from minor to major, simple to compound, easy to difficult.

        It is stressed to concentrate on all the aspects of the language like vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, discourses based on LSRW. Also stressed to keep an eye on learning outcomes while preparing for the transaction.

To watch the video on this programme for 10th class session 👇👇

Sessions for classes 6, 7, 8 and 9 English

Important points to be noted:👇👇👇👇

• This programme has declared that there would exemption two units of textual syllabus for each class as per the last year.
• For 6th class units 6 and 8 are exempted.
• For 7th class units 7 and 8 are exempted.
• For 8th class units 3 and 4 are exempted.
• For 9th class units 4 and 5 are exempted.
• 
  
  
  
  
• According to the programme the syllabus is exempted only for the examinations if a teacher can deal it for language enhancement, he can.
• The programme stressed on planning and has given a sample.
• Each unit may be covered in 15-19 days.
• More practice on reading and comprehension is to be given
• Unit related vocabulary should be elicited with the help of supportive activities.
• Creative writing should be given more importance.
• Units are exempted but not the discourses.
• Syllabus to be covered for classes 6 to 9 this year as follows ...
• 
  
  
• Hence it can be understood that FA1 can be taken in as much syllabus as completed till October 5.
• SA1 is scheduled from 01.12.2021 to 08.12.2021
• Four units may be completed till SA1
• FA2 is to be completed by 31.01.2022
• FAs are taken using all four tools (Written Work, Read and Reflect, Project Work, and Slip Test)
• FAs are reduced to two but not the tools to assess the performance.

Suggested strategy to over come the learning gaps👇👇👇

• Picture interaction
• Code switching
• Code mixing
• More practice for learners
• Activities and Games based transaction
• Taking some rhymes, songs or dialogues
• Short narratives
• More focus on reading activities earlier, and writing later 
• Target the learning outcomes
• Concentrate on prerequisites during planning

👉The one and only thing left in this orientation is clarity on SA question paper pattern, whether there are two papers or one to be clarified. It might be communicated later. Hope as soon as possible it would be cleared.

To watch the video on this programme for 6th and 7th classes session 👇👇

To watch the video on this programme for 8th and 9th classes session 👇👇

True Height Glossary and Comprehension Questions and Answers for class 9 English

 True Height

Glossary and Comprehension Questions with Answers 

for class 9 English

athlete (n): a person who is proficient in sports and other forms of physical exercise.
Eg: P T Usha is an athlete. She participated in running races.

pursue (v): to follow someone or something (or) to aim for something
Eg: He pursued his dreams with his hard work.

nerve-wracking (adj): causing stress or anxiety
Eg: It’s a nerve-wracking adventure in Amazon forests.
ultimate (adj): final
Eg: It was the ultimate jump that brought him first place.

awe-inspiring (adj): arousing awe through being impressive, formidable, or magnificent
Eg: Winning the world cup is an awe-inspiring achievement for the Indian Cricket team.

breathless (adj): out of breath
Eg: This mysterious story will leave you breathless.

quench (v): satisfy (one's thirst) 
Eg: You may quench your thirst for learning by reading many books.

intensity (n): the quality of being intense (seriousness, passion, zeal)
Eg: His intensity is to win the game.

astroturf (n): an artificial grass surface, used for athletic fields
Eg: The astroturf is so soft to play on it.

confront (v): meet (someone / something / a situation) face to face
Eg: Michael confronted the challenging competition and won it.

grace (n): simple elegance or refinement of movement
Eg: She has grace in her dance.

gymnast (n): a person trained or skilled in gymnastics
Eg: Srihari is a good gymnast.

fantasy (n): the faculty or activity of imagining things, especially things that are impossible or improbable
Eg: Sometimes reality and fantasy are hard to distinguish.

bird's-eye-view(n): a general view from above, or as if from above
Eg: She described the land from a bird's-eye-view.

excitement (n): a feeling of great enthusiasm and eagerness
Eg: We held our breath in excitement.

passion (n): strong and barely controllable emotion or feeling
Eg: They sang with great passion.

recurring (adj): occurring again periodically or repeatedly
Eg: He has a recurring dream about having lots of money and food.

soar (v): fly or rise high in the air
Eg: Eagles can soar in the sky effortlessly.
hard-core (adj): highly committed in one's support for or dedication to something
Eg: Dhoni is a hard-core cricketer. (i.e., He is a dedicated and committed cricketer)

realist (n): a person who accepts a situation as it is and is prepared to deal with it accordingly

Eg: She had always been a realist, not a dreamer.

regimented (adj): very strictly organized or controlled 

Eg: Modern children don't like being regimented.

dedication (n): the quality of being dedicated or committed to a task or purpose
Eg: She is dedicated to her studies.

determination (n): firmness of purpose; resoluteness
Eg: I admired him for his determination.

discipline (n): the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour, using punishment to correct disobedience
Eg: We need good discipline in our schools.

persistence (n): firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition
Eg: Her persistence gained her victory.

oblivious (adj): not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one (unaware, unconscious)
Eg: She was oblivious to our warnings.

ritual (n) /ˈriCH(o͞o)əl/: any customary observance or practice
Eg: She makes an elaborate ritual of the washing-up.

envision (v): imagine or visualize

Eg: Now close your eyes and simply envision colour  
                                                                                                                                         deafening (v): cause (someone) to lose the power of hearing permanently or temporarily         
Eg: We were deafened by the explosion. 

robin (n): a large thrush (bird) that typically has a reddish breast   
Eg:  A robin was pecking at crumbs on the ground.   

 
majesty (n): impressive stateliness, dignity, or beauty   
Eg: He flew with the majesty of an eagle.  

eruption (n): the act of starting suddenly and violently      
Eg: He was back to senses with the eruption of the people.  

giggle (v) /ˈɡiɡəl/: laugh lightly in a nervous, affected, or silly manner 
Eg: She giggled in amusement. 

accomplishment (n): something that has been achieved successfully
Eg: Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.   
 
swarm (v): move somewhere in large numbers   
Eg: The spectators swarmed him after his victory.   

heartfelt (adj): (of a feeling or its expression) sincere  
Eg: He got heartfelt congratulations on his victory.

1. What is the story about?
The story is about a successful person despite having no eyes.
2. Who is the athlete mentioned in the story?
The athlete mentioned in the story is Michael Stone.
3. Why do you think the narrator described it as a nerve wracking day?
Michael Stone was blind and he worked hard all the way to the National Junior Olympics. He was one of the finalists. It was the time to prove himself. Hence it was described as a nerve wracking day.
4. Why do you think it was the ultimate test of his sports career?
He confronted the most challenging day in his career. It was the day he wanted to prove himself. He worked hard all the way. Hence it was the ultimate test of his sports career. Also it will decide his future career.
5. His palms were sweating. Why?
He was anxious, tense and nervous on that day. So, his palms were sweating,
6. How was the astroturf?
The astroturf was as hot as the competition.
7. What is the game mentioned in the story?
The game mentioned in the story is POLE VAULTING.
8. Why do you think the stands were still filled with about 20,000 people even though the final race had entered an hour earlier?
As it was the great achievement of a person being blind, the stands were amused and wanted to encourage him. So, they were still filled even though the final race ended an hour earlier.
9. What kind of a game is pole vault?
Pole vault is a glamorous event.  
10. What are the elements involved in the game pole vault?
The pole-vaulter combines the grace of a gymnast with the strength of a bodybuilder. Pole vaulting also has the element of flying.
11. Why do you think it's a fantasy to watch pole vault?
For us it would not be real to fly as high as a two storeyed house. But it comes true in front of our eyes when watching the pole vault. Then we would imagine that we would fly inside. Hence it is a fantasy for us.
12. What kind of stories did Michael's mother tell him?
Michael’s mother read him numerous stories about flying when he was growing up. 
13. How were the stories described by his mother?
She narrated stories that described the land from a bird’s-eye-view.
14. What made Michael's dreams full of colour and beauty?
His mother’s excitement and passion for details in describing the stories made Michael’s dreams full of colour and beauty.
15. What was Michael's recurring dream?
In his recurring dream, he would be running down a country road. He could feel the rocks and chunks of dirt at his feet. As he raced down the golden-lined wheat fields, he would always outrun the locomotives passing by. He would begin soaring like an eagle.
16. Michael was compared to a bird. What was that?
Michael was compared to an eagle.
17. What would coincide with Michael's mother's stories?
Michael’s mother’s stories and his recurring dream coincide with each other.
18. What kind of a man was Michael's father?
Michaels father, Bert Stone, was a hard-core realist. He believed in hard work and sweat.
19. What was Michael's father's motto?
His motto: If you want something, work for it.
20. Michael did just that. What was that?
As his father told him to work hard and sweat for success, he did the same.
21. When did Michael start practicing pole-vaulting?
Michael started practicing pole-vaulting when he was fourteen.
22. How did Michael practice?
Michael started a very careful and regimented weightlifting programme. He worked out every other day with weights, with some kind of running work on alternate days.
23. Who do you think monitored Michael's training programme?
It was monitored by his coach, trainer and father.
24. What was a coach's dream?
A coach dreams of the trainee’s dedication, determination and discipline.
25. What are the three qualities mentioned to be successful in life?
Dedication, determination and discipline are the three qualities that must possess to be successful in our life.
26. What was Michael's passion?
Michael’s passion was to continue striving for perfection.
27. What would Michael's mother wish for him?
Michael’s mother wished that he could relax a bit more and be the ‘free dreaming’ little boy.
28. If Michael Stone was surprised, thrilled and arrogant about clearing the bar 17 feet, what would have happened next?
If Michael Stone was surprised, thrilled and arrogant about clearing the bar 17 feet, he would have not cleared the final jump and might have not surpassed his personal best and national and international Junior Olympics record.
29. What qualities were Michael's vision?
Constant preparation and determination were Michael’s vision.
30. How would you feel if you get second place in any competition rather than getting first?
It would not be ashamed of getting second place rather than getting first. But we shouldn’t lose our spirits in fighting for first.
31. How old was Michael Stone when he played in the National Junior Olympics?
He was seventeen years old when he played in the National Junior Olympics.
32. How did Michael Stone release his tension?
He took deep breaths and envisioned his mother to release his tension.
33. He felt his heart pounding. Why?
It was the time for his final jump in the competition. His opponent missed his final jump. If he could clear this one, he could be the winner. So, he felt his heart pounding for the toughest situation.
34. When Michael was sprinting he felt different yet familiar. Why?
When Michael was sprinting he felt different yet familiar. Because he sensed the feelings of his dream. Everything seemed to be the same as in his dreams.
35. How was the air when he took off?
The air around him was the purest and freshest he had ever sensed when he took off his flight over the bar.
36. What brought Michael Stone back to earth?
It was either the eruption of the people in the stands or the thump of his landing that brought him back to earth.
37. Why do you think Michael's father cried harder when Michael won the pole vault?
Michael’s father cried harder than ever for the tears of pride. He was too proud of his son’s achievement. 
38. What was the accomplishment mentioned in the passage?
Accomplishment means successfully completing something. Here Michael Stone won the National Junior Olympics and set a new world record.
39. Michael's life would never be the same. Why?
Michael had won the National Junior Olympics and set a new world record in pole vaulting. With all the media attention and heartfelt spectators and fans, his life wouldn’t be the same in future.
40. Why was this story so special?
It was so special and inspirational for anyone. Being a blind, the greatest loss for a human being, Michael Stone showed dedication, determination and discipline in pursuing his dreams.

41. What did Michael dream of?
Michael would have a recurring dream in which he would be running down a country road. He could feel the rocks and chunks of the dirt at his feet. As he raced down the golden-lined wheat fields, he would always outrun the locomotives passing by. He would begin soaring like an eagle

 True Height

Glossary and Comprehension Questions with Answers 

for class 9 English

athlete (n): a person who is proficient in sports and other forms of physical exercise.
Eg: P T Usha is an athlete. She participated in running races.

pursue (v): to follow someone or something (or) to aim for something
Eg: He pursued his dreams with his hard work.

nerve-wracking (adj): causing stress or anxiety
Eg: It’s a nerve-wracking adventure in Amazon forests.
ultimate (adj): final
Eg: It was the ultimate jump that brought him first place.

awe-inspiring (adj): arousing awe through being impressive, formidable, or magnificent
Eg: Winning the world cup is an awe-inspiring achievement for the Indian Cricket team.

breathless (adj): out of breath
Eg: This mysterious story will leave you breathless.

quench (v): satisfy (one's thirst) 
Eg: You may quench your thirst for learning by reading many books.

intensity (n): the quality of being intense (seriousness, passion, zeal)
Eg: His intensity is to win the game.

astroturf (n): an artificial grass surface, used for athletic fields
Eg: The astroturf is so soft to play on it.

confront (v): meet (someone / something / a situation) face to face
Eg: Michael confronted the challenging competition and won it.

grace (n): simple elegance or refinement of movement
Eg: She has grace in her dance.

gymnast (n): a person trained or skilled in gymnastics
Eg: Srihari is a good gymnast.

fantasy (n): the faculty or activity of imagining things, especially things that are impossible or improbable
Eg: Sometimes reality and fantasy are hard to distinguish.

bird's-eye-view(n): a general view from above, or as if from above
Eg: She described the land from a bird's-eye-view.

excitement (n): a feeling of great enthusiasm and eagerness
Eg: We held our breath in excitement.

passion (n): strong and barely controllable emotion or feeling
Eg: They sang with great passion.

recurring (adj): occurring again periodically or repeatedly
Eg: He has a recurring dream about having lots of money and food.

soar (v): fly or rise high in the air
Eg: Eagles can soar in the sky effortlessly.
hard-core (adj): highly committed in one's support for or dedication to something
Eg: Dhoni is a hard-core cricketer. (i.e., He is a dedicated and committed cricketer)

realist (n): a person who accepts a situation as it is and is prepared to deal with it accordingly

Eg: She had always been a realist, not a dreamer.

regimented (adj): very strictly organized or controlled 

Eg: Modern children don't like being regimented.

dedication (n): the quality of being dedicated or committed to a task or purpose
Eg: She is dedicated to her studies.

determination (n): firmness of purpose; resoluteness
Eg: I admired him for his determination.

discipline (n): the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour, using punishment to correct disobedience
Eg: We need good discipline in our schools.

persistence (n): firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition
Eg: Her persistence gained her victory.

oblivious (adj): not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one (unaware, unconscious)
Eg: She was oblivious to our warnings.

ritual (n) /ˈriCH(o͞o)əl/: any customary observance or practice
Eg: She makes an elaborate ritual of the washing-up.

envision (v): imagine or visualize

Eg: Now close your eyes and simply envision colour  
                                                                                                                                         deafening (v): cause (someone) to lose the power of hearing permanently or temporarily         
Eg: We were deafened by the explosion. 

robin (n): a large thrush (bird) that typically has a reddish breast   
Eg:  A robin was pecking at crumbs on the ground.   

 
majesty (n): impressive stateliness, dignity, or beauty   
Eg: He flew with the majesty of an eagle.  

eruption (n): the act of starting suddenly and violently      
Eg: He was back to senses with the eruption of the people.  

giggle (v) /ˈɡiɡəl/: laugh lightly in a nervous, affected, or silly manner 
Eg: She giggled in amusement. 

accomplishment (n): something that has been achieved successfully
Eg: Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.   
 
swarm (v): move somewhere in large numbers   
Eg: The spectators swarmed him after his victory.   

heartfelt (adj): (of a feeling or its expression) sincere  
Eg: He got heartfelt congratulations on his victory.

1. What is the story about?
The story is about a successful person despite having no eyes.
2. Who is the athlete mentioned in the story?
The athlete mentioned in the story is Michael Stone.
3. Why do you think the narrator described it as a nerve wracking day?
Michael Stone was blind and he worked hard all the way to the National Junior Olympics. He was one of the finalists. It was the time to prove himself. Hence it was described as a nerve wracking day.
4. Why do you think it was the ultimate test of his sports career?
He confronted the most challenging day in his career. It was the day he wanted to prove himself. He worked hard all the way. Hence it was the ultimate test of his sports career. Also it will decide his future career.
5. His palms were sweating. Why?
He was anxious, tense and nervous on that day. So, his palms were sweating,
6. How was the astroturf?
The astroturf was as hot as the competition.
7. What is the game mentioned in the story?
The game mentioned in the story is POLE VAULTING.
8. Why do you think the stands were still filled with about 20,000 people even though the final race had entered an hour earlier?
As it was the great achievement of a person being blind, the stands were amused and wanted to encourage him. So, they were still filled even though the final race ended an hour earlier.
9. What kind of a game is pole vault?
Pole vault is a glamorous event.  
10. What are the elements involved in the game pole vault?
The pole-vaulter combines the grace of a gymnast with the strength of a bodybuilder. Pole vaulting also has the element of flying.
11. Why do you think it's a fantasy to watch pole vault?
For us it would not be real to fly as high as a two storeyed house. But it comes true in front of our eyes when watching the pole vault. Then we would imagine that we would fly inside. Hence it is a fantasy for us.
12. What kind of stories did Michael's mother tell him?
Michael’s mother read him numerous stories about flying when he was growing up. 
13. How were the stories described by his mother?
She narrated stories that described the land from a bird’s-eye-view.
14. What made Michael's dreams full of colour and beauty?
His mother’s excitement and passion for details in describing the stories made Michael’s dreams full of colour and beauty.
15. What was Michael's recurring dream?
In his recurring dream, he would be running down a country road. He could feel the rocks and chunks of dirt at his feet. As he raced down the golden-lined wheat fields, he would always outrun the locomotives passing by. He would begin soaring like an eagle.
16. Michael was compared to a bird. What was that?
Michael was compared to an eagle.
17. What would coincide with Michael's mother's stories?
Michael’s mother’s stories and his recurring dream coincide with each other.
18. What kind of a man was Michael's father?
Michaels father, Bert Stone, was a hard-core realist. He believed in hard work and sweat.
19. What was Michael's father's motto?
His motto: If you want something, work for it.
20. Michael did just that. What was that?
As his father told him to work hard and sweat for success, he did the same.
21. When did Michael start practicing pole-vaulting?
Michael started practicing pole-vaulting when he was fourteen.
22. How did Michael practice?
Michael started a very careful and regimented weightlifting programme. He worked out every other day with weights, with some kind of running work on alternate days.
23. Who do you think monitored Michael's training programme?
It was monitored by his coach, trainer and father.
24. What was a coach's dream?
A coach dreams of the trainee’s dedication, determination and discipline.
25. What are the three qualities mentioned to be successful in life?
Dedication, determination and discipline are the three qualities that must possess to be successful in our life.
26. What was Michael's passion?
Michael’s passion was to continue striving for perfection.
27. What would Michael's mother wish for him?
Michael’s mother wished that he could relax a bit more and be the ‘free dreaming’ little boy.
28. If Michael Stone was surprised, thrilled and arrogant about clearing the bar 17 feet, what would have happened next?
If Michael Stone was surprised, thrilled and arrogant about clearing the bar 17 feet, he would have not cleared the final jump and might have not surpassed his personal best and national and international Junior Olympics record.
29. What qualities were Michael's vision?
Constant preparation and determination were Michael’s vision.
30. How would you feel if you get second place in any competition rather than getting first?
It would not be ashamed of getting second place rather than getting first. But we shouldn’t lose our spirits in fighting for first.
31. How old was Michael Stone when he played in the National Junior Olympics?
He was seventeen years old when he played in the National Junior Olympics.
32. How did Michael Stone release his tension?
He took deep breaths and envisioned his mother to release his tension.
33. He felt his heart pounding. Why?
It was the time for his final jump in the competition. His opponent missed his final jump. If he could clear this one, he could be the winner. So, he felt his heart pounding for the toughest situation.
34. When Michael was sprinting he felt different yet familiar. Why?
When Michael was sprinting he felt different yet familiar. Because he sensed the feelings of his dream. Everything seemed to be the same as in his dreams.
35. How was the air when he took off?
The air around him was the purest and freshest he had ever sensed when he took off his flight over the bar.
36. What brought Michael Stone back to earth?
It was either the eruption of the people in the stands or the thump of his landing that brought him back to earth.
37. Why do you think Michael's father cried harder when Michael won the pole vault?
Michael’s father cried harder than ever for the tears of pride. He was too proud of his son’s achievement. 
38. What was the accomplishment mentioned in the passage?
Accomplishment means successfully completing something. Here Michael Stone won the National Junior Olympics and set a new world record.
39. Michael's life would never be the same. Why?
Michael had won the National Junior Olympics and set a new world record in pole vaulting. With all the media attention and heartfelt spectators and fans, his life wouldn’t be the same in future.
40. Why was this story so special?
It was so special and inspirational for anyone. Being a blind, the greatest loss for a human being, Michael Stone showed dedication, determination and discipline in pursuing his dreams.

41. What did Michael dream of?
Michael would have a recurring dream in which he would be running down a country road. He could feel the rocks and chunks of the dirt at his feet. As he raced down the golden-lined wheat fields, he would always outrun the locomotives passing by. He would begin soaring like an eagle