Question Answers Class 10 Chapter 1.6 Kumarbharati English Maharashtra Board

The Alchemy of Nature

ENGLISH WORKSHOP

1. What things in nature teach us the following:

(a) Nothing is impossible to achieve

Answer: The small bits of grass peeping through cracks in a concrete pavement teach us that nothing is impossible to achieve. Even in tough conditions, life finds a way to grow.

(b) Problems are not permanent

Answer: The tree bare of leaves in winter, which becomes green again in spring, teaches us that problems are not permanent. Difficult times pass, and better days return.

(c) Be humble and adjust

Answer: Water teaches us to be humble and adjust. It flows gently, changes its form, and adapts to the shape of the rocks without ego.

(d) Make the best use of time and opportunity

Answer: The hibiscus flower teaches  us to make the best use of time and opportunity. It blooms for just one day but lives fully, showing us to seize every moment.

(e) Be persistent

Answer: The water shaping the hard rocks over time teaches us to be persistent. Constant effort, even if small, can overcome big challenges.

(f) Many hands make work light

Answer: The army of ants carrying a fly much bigger than themselves teaches us that many hands make work light. Teamwork makes tasks easier.

(g) Delicate structures are not a sign of weakness

Answer: Spider webs teach us that delicate structures are not a sign of weakness. Though they look fragile, they are strong and effective.

2. Read the questions from the lesson. What do they imply?

(a) Are you listening?

Answer: This question implies that nature has lessons to teach us, but we need to pay attention and be aware to learn from it.

(b) What if we too lived our lives, however short, to its fullest?

Answer: This question implies that we should take inspiration from the hibiscus flower and live every day with energy and purpose, no matter how short life is.

(c) What if we too are consistent, organised, focused . . . ?

Answer: This question implies that if we adopt the qualities of ants-consistency, organization, and focus-we can achieve great things, even when the task seems hard.

3. Go through the lesson again and complete the flow-chart that highlights the life of a ‘hibiscus’ flower.

1. A flower blooms on the hibiscus plant every fortnight – Big, bright, and tender.
2. Through the day, it smiles with the sun and dances with the wind – Full of life and energy.
3. As evening approaches, it starts wilting – Begins to fade and droop.
4. By the next evening, it falls and becomes one with the earth – Withers completely and returns to nature.

4. Fill in the web: What does Nature do for human beings?

• Motivates – Nature inspires us to keep going, like ants or water shaping rocks.
• Soothes – It calms us, like the gentle sound of water or wind.
• Nurtures – It supports life, giving us food, air, and water.
• Fulfils – It meets our needs and brings joy, like a rainbow or flowers.
• Teaches – It gives us lessons, like persistence from water or teamwork from ants.
• Amazes – It leaves us in awe, like the vast ocean or starry sky.

5. The writer explains the contrasting features of ‘water’ and ‘rock’ in the lesson. Write all the features of both water and rock in the given table.

6. The writer has very positively described the different things in nature. Discuss with your partner the special features of each one of them. Add on the list.

7. Think and answer in your own words.

(a) How should you deal with difficulties and problems?

Answer: We should deal with difficulties like water flowing over rocks-stay calm, keep trying, and don’t give up. Over time, even big problems can be solved.

(b) ‘An oyster turns a grain of sand into a pearl.’ What can we learn from this example?

Answer: We learn that something irritating or hard, like a problem, can be turned into something beautiful and valuable if we work on it patiently.

(c) How does nature succeed in its ‘Alchemy’? What can it turn a small person into?

Answer: Nature succeeds in its alchemy by transforming simple things-like a caterpillar into a butterfly-through mysterious processes. It can turn a small person into someone great by teaching them strength, patience, and wisdom.

(d) Which two aspects of nature teach us to accept change and adjust according to the situation?

Answer: Water, which changes its form with the sun and wind, and the tree, which loses leaves in winter but grows back in spring, teach us to accept change and adjust.

(e) Why does the writer begin by quoting the lines from William Blake’s poem (Auguries of Innocence)?

Answer: The writer begins with the poem to show that even small things in nature, like a grain of sand or a flower, hold big lessons and beauty. It sets the tone for appreciating nature’s wonders.

8. (A) Pick out from the lesson 10 examples of each.

Concrete Nouns (that you can touch or see):

1. Sand
2. Flower
3. Palm
4. Earth
5. Hibiscus
6. Ocean
7. Rocks
8. Grass
9. Tree
10. Ants

Abstract Nouns (that which you cannot touch or see):

1. Infinity
2. Eternity
3. Beauty
4. Awe
5. Splendour
6. Joy
7. Conviction
8. Perseverance
9. Teamwork
10. Passion

(B) Underline the verbs in the sentences below and say whether they are Transitive (needing an Object) or Intransitive (need not have an Object).

1. One can witness and experience the beauty of Heaven.

• Can witness – Transitive (object: the beauty)
• Experience – Transitive (object: the beauty)

2. It leaves me in complete awe.

• Leaves – Transitive (object: me)

3. Nature soothes and nurtures.

• Soothes – Transitive (implied object: us)
• Nurtures – Transitive (implied object: us)

4. It withers completely.

• Withers – Intransitive (no object)

5. The flower comes to life only for a day.

• Comes – Intransitive (no object)

6. A rainbow colours the entire sky.

• Colours – Transitive (object: the entire sky)

7. It smiles and dances.

• Smiles – Intransitive (no object)
• Dances – Intransitive (no object)

9. (A) Compose about 8 to 10 sets of imaginary dialogues between a bird, a tree, and its fruit regarding the effects of environmental changes.

(To be written in your notebook as per the instruction. Here’s a sample to guide you):

• Bird: “Tree, why are your leaves so dry this year?”
• Tree: “The rains are less, little bird. The weather is changing.”
• Fruit: “I’m smaller too because I don’t get enough water.”
• Bird: “Will I still find food here next year?”
• Tree: “If the rain comes back, yes. But it’s hard to know now.”
• Fruit: “Humans cut trees nearby; it’s hotter now.”
• Bird: “I miss the cool shade for my nest.”
• Tree: “We all feel it, but we must adapt to survive.” (Continue with 2-4 more sets in your notebook.)

(B) Prepare a Fact file of any of the following plants/trees, using the points given. [Example: Neem]

• Name of Plant/Tree: Neem
• Scientific Name: Azadirachta indica
• Region and Climate: Found in India, warm and tropical climate
• Features: Evergreen tree with small white flowers and bitter fruits
• Growth: Grows fast, up to 15-20 meters tall
• Size, Shape, and Colour: Tall, broad leaves, green with serrated edges
• Uses: Medicine, insect repellent, wood for furniture
• Any Special Feature: Known as “village pharmacy” for its healing properties

10. ‘Impossible’ itself says ‘I M possible’. Do you agree? Justify your answer by citing something that you have experienced or heard from someone.

• Answer: Yes, I agree. The word “impossible” hides “I’m possible,” showing that even tough things can be done. For example, my friend thought he couldn’t pass math, but with daily practice, he scored well. It shows that effort can turn the impossible into possible.

11. You have an environment protection week celebration in your school. You have invited an environmentalist. Your friend interviews him/her about how to save the environment. Frame suitable Interview Questions.

1. What inspired you to become an environmentalist?
2. What is the biggest threat to our environment today?
3. How can students like us help protect nature?
4. What small changes can we make at home to save energy?
5. Why is planting trees so important?
6. How does pollution affect animals and plants?
7. What can we do to reduce plastic waste?
8. How can we spread awareness about saving the environment?

12. Write a News Report on the ‘Environment Day’ celebrated in your school.

(Sample report):

Environment Day Celebrated at [Your School Name]

[Your City], April 8, 2025 – Our school celebrated Environment Day with great enthusiasm yesterday. The event began with a speech by our Principal on the importance of protecting nature. Students planted trees in the school garden and took a pledge to reduce waste. A skit on pollution’s effects, performed by Class 9 students, was the highlight. An environmentalist, Mr. Sharma, spoke about saving water and energy. The day ended with a cleanliness drive, leaving everyone inspired to care for our planet.