Neem Baba – Part 1
Let us do these activities before we read.
1. A tree is useful to us in many ways. Mention some of these uses. Write them in the picture given below.
Provides Oxygen
Supplies Wood
Produces Fruits
2. Neem is a common tree in our country. Discuss in groups of four and fill Columns A and B with what you know about the neem tree and what you want to know
Answer:
| Column A What do you know? | Column B What do you want to know? |
| Indian tree | Height |
| Bitter taste | How Large are their leaves |
| Fruits sweet | Why not use as vegetables |
| Medicine | More use in agriculture |
Let us discuss
Amber found many facts about the neem tree from Neem Baba. Fill up the fact sheet based on what Neem Baba told her.
| LET US KNOW OUR NEEM | ||
| Common name: | Neem | Given by: Iranians |
| Period of birth: | Millions of Years Ago | |
| Born at: | North India or Myanmar | |
| Found in: | Asian, African Countries, and Parts of America | |
| Common names: | Nimba, Nimbaca, Nimb, Nim, Leemba, Nimori, Nimo, Nimbe, Nimbamond | |
| Names given by scientists: | 1. ‘Bitter grace of God’ 2. ‘Nature’s gift to man, | 2. Scientists |
| Names given by others: | 1. Magic tree 2. The tree of the twentieth century | 2. Common People |
Let us discuss
1. How is neem useful to farmers?
Answer:
- Pest Control: Neem seed powder protects crops from pests like locusts.
- Termite Protection: It prevents termites from damaging crop roots.
- Mosquito Control: It stops mosquito breeding in stagnant water in fields.
2. Mention some of the uses of the neem tree.
Answer:
- Medicinal: Neem leaves and bark are used in medicines.
- Personal Care: Neem oil is used in soaps and toothpaste.
- Wood: Neem wood is termite-resistant and used for furniture.
Let us think and reflect
1. You just read about the Neem tree. Write any two facts that surprised you the most.
Answer:
Two facts that surprised the most:
- Neem seed powder can prevent mosquito breeding in stagnant water.
- Neem wood cannot be attacked by termites.
2. Complete the following sentences.
(a) The old man asked Amber to call him Neem Baba because he was very old and wise like a grandfather.
(b) Neem seed powder protects crops from pests like locusts.
(c) Spraying neem powder is a cost-effective method to stop mosquitoes from breeding in stagnant water.
(d) One reason why doctors advise us to use neem leaves for someone suffering from measles is because neem leaves help reduce itching and prevent the spread of germs.
3. Why can Neem Baba not remember the year when he was born?
Answer: Neem Baba cannot remember the year when he was born because he is very old, possibly millions of years old, making it impossible to recall a specific year.
4. Which parts of the neem tree are used to make medicines?
Answer: Neem leaves, bark, flowers, fruits, and roots are used to make medicines.
Let us learn
1. Study these words from the text.
• something • neem oil • cleanliness-parting
• well known • grandmother • seed powder
• childhood • well trained • thought-provoking
Put the compound words given above in their trees.
These words are known as compound words. There are three types of compound words, based on how the words are separated.
• Open compound words: spaces between the words.
• Closed compound words: no spaces between the words.
• Hyphenated compound words: hyphens between the words.
| Open compound words | Closed compound words | Hyphenated compound words |
| Neem oil | Moonlight | mother-in-law |
| Age group | Something | thought-provoking |
| well known | Childhood | check-in |
2. Words that tell us what a person is doing are called verbs. In the table given below, match the verbs in the first column showing action in the present to verbs in the second column showing action in the past. Make a sentence with any one form of the verb. One has been done for you.
| Present | Past | Answer | Sentence |
| 1. become | a. made | 1.d. | I want to become a teacher when I grow up. |
| 2. find | b. gave | 2.e | I found an old box below my bed. |
| 3. make | c. told | 3.a. | Sheela made a beautiful painting. |
| 4. discover | d. became | 4.f. | Vasco Da Gama discovered sea route to India. |
| 5. tell | e. found | 5.c. | I told my brother a funny story. |
| 6. give | f. discovered | 6.b. | I gave some money to the beggar. |
Let us write
You have read about Neem Baba and learnt many things about the neem tree. Look at the trees in your neighborhood and write a paragraph about any one tree that you like.
• Where it is (roadside/park, etc.)
• How it looks (height, tree trunk, leaves, flowers, etc.)
• Why you like it (shade, medicinal properties, shelter, beauty, etc.)
• Give a title to your paragraph.
The Majestic Banyan Tree
In the park near my house stands a magnificent banyan tree, spreading its branches wide and providing shade to everyone who visits. The tree is tall, with a thick trunk that seems almost ancient, and its roots hang down from the branches, creating a natural curtain. The leaves are large and green, rustling gently in the wind. I love this tree because it offers a cool, shady spot where I can sit and read on hot days. The banyan tree is not only beautiful but also gives shelter to birds and small animals, making it a vital part of the park’s ecosystem. Its presence is calming, and it feels like the tree is watching over everyone who comes near.
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