Let us discuss
Page No. 46
I. Complete the following sentence by selecting a suitable reason.
The Cat’s-food-Man suggests to Doctor Dolittle that he should become an animal doctor because he believes that Dolittle ___________.
1. earns less fee by treating human patients
2. enjoys the company of animals as they speak less
3. dislikes spending time with human patients
4. knows more about animals than the local veterinarians
Answer: 4. knows more about animals than the local veterinarians
- Explanation: The Cat’s-food-Man praises Dolittle’s knowledge of animals, stating, “you know all about animals—much more than what these vets here do,” and references Dolittle’s book about cats, indicating his expertise surpasses that of local veterinarians.
II. Fill in the blanks by choosing the suitable option given in the brackets.
Doctor Dolittle reacts to Polynesia’s information about animal languages with both excitement and ____________ (certainty/curiosity). He rushes to ____________ (write/memorise) the bird words she provides and is interested in learning more.
Answer: Doctor Dolittle reacts to Polynesia’s information about animal languages with both excitement and curiosity. He rushes to write the bird words she provides and is interested in learning more.
III. Do you think Doctor Dolittle would be famous as an animal doctor? If yes, why? If not, why not?
Answer: Yes, Doctor Dolittle would be famous as an animal doctor because he can communicate with animals in their own languages, allowing him to understand their specific needs and provide effective treatment. The text states that he learned to talk to animals with Polynesia’s help and could understand everything they said, which enabled him to cure them easily. For example, he provided green spectacles to a plough horse with vision problems, solving an issue the local vet couldn’t address. As a result, animals spread the word about his abilities, and he became famous among creatures worldwide, as evidenced by the diverse animals visiting his house and the birds spreading his reputation to foreign lands. His unique ability and success in treating animals, combined with his dedication, ensured his fame.
Let us discuss
Page No. 49
I. What became a common sight in Puddleby after Doctor Dolittle started treating animals?
1. Humans talking to farm animals
2. Farm animals wearing glasses
3. Farm animals learning bird language
4. Birds riding atop farm animals
Answer: 2. Farm animals wearing glasses
- Explanation: The text states that after Doctor Dolittle provided green spectacles to a plough horse to address its vision problem, “it became a common sight to see farm animals wearing glasses in the countryside, round Puddleby; and a blind horse was a thing unknown.” This indicates that farm animals wearing glasses became a frequent and notable occurrence in Puddleby.
II. What challenges do you think Doctor Dolittle might face if more and more animals come to him for help?
Answer: Dr. Dolittle would definitely face many challenges if more animals come‘to him. First, he may have to spend more time checking each animal. He has to learn many more languages to cure the patients. He may also face space problems for their treatment.
III Arrange the following events in correct order according to the story. Two have been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and the teacher.
Answer: (iv), (viii), (i), (iii), (vi), (ii), (ix), (vii), (x), (v)
Let us think and reflect
Page No. 50
I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
1. “If I say, ‘Polly wants a cracker’, you understand me. But hear this: Kaka oi-ee, fee-fee?”
“Good Gracious!” cried the Doctor. “What does that mean?”
“That means, ‘Is the porridge hot yet?’—in bird language.”
“My! You don’t say so!” said the Doctor. “You never talked that way to
me before.”
“What would have been the good?” said Polynesia, dusting some cracker
crumbs off her left wing. “You wouldn’t have understood me if I had.”
(i) Complete the sentence by choosing the correct option.
In the line, “Good Gracious!” cried the Doctor, the expression
‘Good Gracious’ can be replaced by ______________!
A. bravo B. gosh C. alas D. hurray
Answer: B. gosh
- Explanation: “Good Gracious” is an exclamation of surprise or astonishment, similar to “gosh,” which fits the context of Dolittle’s reaction to learning about bird language. “Bravo” (praise), “alas” (sorrow), and “hurray” (celebration) do not convey the same sense of surprise.
(ii) Why had Polynesia never used bird language with the Doctor earlier?
Answer: Polynesia had never used bird language with the Doctor earlier because he wouldn’t have understood her, as she states, “What would have been the good? You wouldn’t have understood me if I had.”
(iii) Identify whether the following statement is true or false.
Polynesia had been munching on a food item while talking to Doctor Dolittle.
Answer: True
- Explanation: The text mentions Polynesia “dusting some cracker crumbs off her left wing,” which implies she had been eating a cracker while talking to Dolittle, as crumbs are a result of munching on a food item like a cracker.
(iv) How did Doctor Dolittle feel according to the extract?
A. anxious B. surprised C. angry D. relaxed
Answer: B. surprised
- Explanation: Dolittle’s exclamations like “Good Gracious!” and “My! You don’t say so!” along with his excited rush to write down the bird language (as noted in the broader text) indicate he was surprised and amazed by Polynesia’s revelation about bird language. There is no evidence of anxiety, anger, or relaxation in his reaction.
2. “I would like a pair like yours,” said the horse—“only green. They’ll keep the Sun out of my eyes while I’m ploughing the field.”
“Certainly,” said the Doctor. “Green ones you shall have.”
“You know, the trouble is, Sir,” said the plough horse as the Doctor opened the front door to let him out—“the trouble is that anybody thinks he can doctor animals—just because the animals don’t complain. As a matter of fact, it takes a much cleverer man to be a really good animal doctor than it does to be a good people’s doctor.”
(i) Choose a word from the extract to complete the analogy.
digging: flower bed:: ______________: field
Answer: ploughing
- Explanation: In the analogy, “digging” is an activity associated with a “flower bed” (where one digs to plant or tend flowers). Similarly, “ploughing” is an activity associated with a “field” (where a horse ploughs to prepare the land for farming), as mentioned in the extract when the horse refers to “ploughing the field.”
(ii) Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
Doctor Dolittle’s attitude in the extract is _________.
A. respectful B. sentimental C. understanding D. careful
Answer: C. understanding
- Explanation: Dolittle’s response, “Certainly,” and his willingness to provide green spectacles tailored to the horse’s specific need (to keep the sun out while ploughing) demonstrate an understanding attitude. He listens to the horse’s request and agrees without hesitation, showing empathy and comprehension of the animal’s needs. “Respectful” is less specific, “sentimental” implies emotional attachment not evident here, and “careful” suggests caution not highlighted in this interaction.
(iii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
Based on the extract, we can conclude that doctors take animals for granted because _________.
Answer: animals don’t complain.
- Explanation: The plough horse explicitly states, “the trouble is that anybody thinks he can doctor animals—just because the animals don’t complain.” This suggests that doctors assume treating animals is easier or overlook their needs because animals do not verbally express their issues, leading to a lack of thorough care, as seen with the vet who failed to check the horse’s eyes.
(iv) Do you agree with the concluding sentence of the extract? Why/why not?
Answer: Yes, I agree with the concluding sentence of the extract: “As a matter of fact, it takes a much cleverer man to be a really good animal doctor than it does to be a good people’s doctor.”
Why: The text supports this idea by illustrating that animals communicate differently (e.g., through body language or their own languages, as taught by Polynesia), requiring a doctor to be highly perceptive and skilled to interpret these non-verbal cues accurately. For example, Dolittle’s ability to understand the horse’s need for spectacles, which the previous vet missed, shows the specialized knowledge and intelligence needed to diagnose and treat animals effectively. Unlike human patients who can describe their symptoms verbally, animals rely on the doctor’s ability to observe and interpret subtle signs, which demands greater insight and ingenuity. Additionally, the diversity of species Dolittle treats (from horses to mice) requires a broad understanding of various animal physiologies and behaviors, further highlighting the complexity of being a good animal doctor.
II. Answer the following questions.
1. How can we say that Polynesia was a good trainer of animal language?
Answer: Polynesia was a good trainer of animal language because she effectively taught Doctor Dolittle to understand and communicate in bird language, demonstrating patience, clarity, and expertise. The text describes how she sat on the kitchen table all afternoon, giving him bird words slowly so he could write them down, starting with the “Birds’ A.B.C.” She also explained the nuances of animal communication, such as how animals use body language (e.g., ears, tails, noses) to convey messages, helping Dolittle grasp the complexity of their languages. Her ability to translate phrases like “Ka-ka oi-ee, fee-fee” into “Is the porridge hot yet?” and her guidance in recognizing Jip’s nose twitch as a question about the rain stopping show her skill in making animal language accessible. This thorough and structured teaching enabled Dolittle to learn animal languages well enough to communicate directly with animals, indicating Polynesia’s effectiveness as a trainer.
2. Explain how Doctor Dolittle gave equal and individual attention to each animal who came to him for treatment.
Answer: Doctor Dolittle gave equal and individual attention to each animal by creating a tailored system to accommodate their diverse needs and by listening to their specific complaints in their own languages. The text notes that he had special doors labeled “HORSES,” “COWS,” and “SHEEP” for different species, and even a tiny tunnel for mice into the cellar, where they waited patiently in rows for him. This organization ensured that every animal, regardless of size or type, had access to his care. For example, he addressed the plough horse’s vision problem by providing custom green spectacles to suit its needs while ploughing, showing individualized treatment. The text also states that animals told him “where the pain was and how they felt,” and he cured them easily because he understood their language, indicating he listened attentively to each animal’s unique symptoms. This approach applied to all creatures, from farm animals to small field animals like harvest mice and bats, demonstrating his commitment to treating each one equally and attentively.
3. How does Doctor Dolittle’s readiness to follow the parrot’s advice highlight the importance of listening to different viewpoints?
Answer: Doctor Dolittle’s readiness to follow Polynesia’s advice to become an animal doctor highlights the importance of listening to different viewpoints by showing how openness to new perspectives can lead to transformative outcomes. Initially a people’s doctor, Dolittle was skeptical, noting “there are plenty of animal doctors.” However, Polynesia’s unique viewpoint as a parrot who understood both human and animal languages offered insights he hadn’t considered, such as the ability of animals to talk and the inadequacy of existing veterinarians. His willingness to engage with her, as seen when he excitedly asked for more bird words and wrote them down, demonstrates his openness to learning from an unconventional source. This decision led him to abandon human medicine and become a renowned animal doctor, illustrating how valuing diverse perspectives—in this case, from a parrot—can uncover new opportunities and solutions that might otherwise be overlooked.
4. Which qualities of Doctor Dolittle made him famous among the animals? Explain with evidence from the text.
Answer: Doctor Dolittle’s fame among animals stemmed from his unique ability to communicate with them, his empathy, his dedication, and his effectiveness in treatment.
- Communication Skills: His ability to learn and speak animal languages, taught by Polynesia, allowed him to understand their exact needs. The text states, “he got to learn the language of the animals so well that he could talk to them himself and understand everything they said,” enabling precise diagnoses.
- Empathy: He listened attentively to animals’ complaints, as seen when he responded to the plough horse’s need for green spectacles with “Certainly,” showing he valued their comfort and needs.
- Dedication: Dolittle’s commitment is evident in his creation of special doors and tunnels for different animals, ensuring accessibility for all, and his crowded garden, indicating he worked tirelessly to treat everyone.
- Effectiveness: His treatments were successful, as shown when “the plough horse stopped going blind” and “a blind horse was a thing unknown” in Puddleby. The text confirms his fame, noting that “every living thing for miles and miles got to know about John Dolittle, M.D.,” and birds spread his reputation worldwide, because animals shared stories of his successful cures. These qualities made him a trusted and celebrated figure among animals globally.
5. What changes do you think would happen in the world if people suddenly gained the ability like Doctor Dolittle, to understand and communicate with animals?
Answer: If people suddenly gained the ability to understand and communicate with animals like Doctor Dolittle, the world would likely see profound changes in human-animal relationships, environmental conservation, and societal practices:
- Improved Animal Welfare: People could directly understand animals’ needs and pains, leading to better care, as seen with Dolittle’s precise treatments (e.g., spectacles for the horse). This would reduce neglect and mistreatment in farming, pet care, and wildlife management, as humans would hear animals’ complaints directly.
- Enhanced Conservation Efforts: Understanding animals’ perspectives could boost efforts to protect endangered species and habitats. For instance, animals could communicate threats like poaching or habitat loss, prompting faster human intervention, similar to how Dolittle’s fame spread through animals’ communication.
- Changes in Industries: Industries like factory farming or animal testing might face scrutiny or reform, as animals could vocalize their suffering, leading to ethical debates and potentially more humane alternatives, inspired by Dolittle’s empathetic approach.
- Strengthened Bonds: Pets and working animals would form deeper bonds with humans, as seen with Dolittle’s interactions, fostering mutual respect and cooperation. For example, farmers could work more effectively with animals like the plough horse by addressing their specific needs.
- Cultural Shifts: Societies might develop new values prioritizing animal rights, influenced by direct communication, much like Dolittle’s shift to animal doctoring after learning their languages. However, challenges could arise, such as managing conflicting human and animal interests or overwhelming demands from animals, requiring systems like Dolittle’s organized doors to ensure fairness. Overall, this ability would foster empathy and collaboration, reshaping human-animal dynamics for the better.
Let us learn
Page No. 52
I. Read the following words from the text.
Cat’s-food-Man, bird language, flowerpots
Are all the words that are combined to form another word written the same way?
Complete the following table correctly by choosing words from the box given below. An example has been done for you.
Answer:
II. Create compound words from the table given below.
Now, complete the paragraph with suitable compound words from the table. An example has been done for you.
After being treated by Doctor Dolittle, the A. fun-loving dolphins danced playfully in his sanctuary. The B. _________ chatter of monkeys echoed through the C. _________, their ailments cured. D. ________eagles soared gracefully E. ________ their health
restored. F. ___________ among the G. ________chirped joyfully from the branches. All creatures were happy with Doctor Dolittle’s care.
Answer:
fter being treated by Doctor Dolittle, the A. fun-loving dolphins danced playfully in his sanctuary. The B. Song birds chatter of monkeys echoed through the C. tree-tops, their ailments cured. D. High flying eagles soared gracefully E. never ending their health restored. F. Early risers among the G. overhead chirped joyfully from the branches. All creatures were happy with Doctor Dolittle’s care.
III. Underline the names of animals that are hidden in the sentences given below. Clues are given within the brackets. An example has been done for you.
1. Dr. Dolittle was eating oatmeal for his breakfast. (a farm animal)
1. Dr. Dolittle was eating oatmeal for his breakfast. (a farm animal)
2. Old ladies began to bring him their pets. (an insect)
3. The author sees the connection between humans and animals. (a farm animal)
4. The three baby dinosaurs are from ice age. (field animal)
5. The patients who came late didn’t know where to go. (ship of the desert)
Answer: 1. goat, 2. ant, 3. horse, 4. mice, 5. camel
IV. Read the following sentence from the text. Study the highlighted words.
But that stupid man over the hill never even looked at my eyes.
The highlighted words spell and read the same backwards too.
Read the sentences below and identify the palindrome words and sentences.
1. Step on no pets.
2. Naman saw a race car at the show.
3. Nitin speaks in Malayalam.
4. The engineer used a rotator to check the surface level.
5. The pilot relied on the radar to navigate safely.
6. Eva can I see bees in a cave?
Now, create your own palindrome and share it with your classmates and the teacher.
Answer:
1. Mr. Owl ate my metal worm.
2. Yo, banana boy!
3. Do geese see God?
4. 22/02/2022
5. eye
6. did
7. nun
V. Underline the verbs and identify the tense form in the following sentences from the text.
1. He is asking you a question.
2. Oh, there are plenty of animal doctors.
3. I am going blind in one eye.
4. … the trouble is that anybody thinks he can doctor animals.
Answer:
1. He is asking you a question.
- Verb: is asking
- Tense: Present Continuous
- Explanation: “Is asking” indicates an action happening at the moment of speaking, characteristic of the present continuous tense (structure: is/are + verb-ing).
2. Oh, there are plenty of animal doctors.
- Verb: are
- Tense: Simple Present
- Explanation: “Are” describes a current state or fact that is generally true, fitting the simple present tense (structure: base verb or be verb for states).
3. I am going blind in one eye.
- Verb: am going
- Tense: Present Continuous
- Explanation: “Am going” describes an ongoing process or condition happening now, aligning with the present continuous tense (structure: is/are/am + verb-ing).
4. … the trouble is that anybody thinks he can doctor animals.
- Verbs: is, thinks, can doctor
- Tense:
- is: Simple Present
- thinks: Simple Present
- can doctor: Simple Present (modal verb “can” with base verb “doctor”)
- Explanation: “Is” and “thinks” describe general facts or beliefs, fitting the simple present tense. “Can doctor” uses the modal “can” with the base verb “doctor,” also in simple present, indicating a general ability or possibility.
VI Read the following sentences from the text.
• That man’s (man has) got sense.
• Can’t you see that it has stopped raining?
In the first sentence the verbs, ‘has got’ denote an action that is relevant at the time of speaking.
In the second sentence, the verbs ‘has stopped’ denote an action that is recently completed.
Fill in the blanks using the correct form of verbs (present perfect) given within brackets.
Since becoming an animal doctor, Doctor Dolittle 1. _________ (learn) to communicate with all animals and birds. He 2. _________ (treat) countless farm animals and pets with care. The parrot, Polynesia, 3. _________ (teach) him bird-language, and he 4. _________ (write) books about his adventures. Many people 5. _________ (bring) their sick animals to his door. Over the years, Dolittle 6. _________ (become) renowned worldwide for his unique abilities.
Answer: Since becoming an animal doctor, Doctor Dolittle 1. has learnt (learn) to communicate with all animals and birds. He 2. has treated (treat) countless farm animals and pets with care. The parrot, Polynesia, 3. has taught (teach) him bird- language, and he 4. has written (write) books about his adventures. Many people 5. have brought (bring) their sick animals to his door. Over the years, Dolittle 6. has become (become)
Let us listen
Page No. 55
I. You will listen to an announcement. As you listen, state whether the following statement is true or false. (Transcript for the teacher on pg. 88)
Dr. Dolittle’s new clinic presents an offer of free medicines.
Answer: False
II. You will listen to the announcement again. As you listen, complete the details given below with one or two exact words you hear.
1. The new clinic is located in the town of ______________.
2. The address is 12, ______________ Lane.
3. The clinic is open Monday to Friday from ______________ a.m. to 5 p.m.
4. Special timings for ______________ are on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
5. Dr. Dolittle will ensure that animals get the ______________.
6. All animals—horses, cows, ______________, wild animals, and others are welcome.
Answer: 1. Woodstock, 2. Rose, 3. 9 a.m., 4. birds, 5. best care, 6. to pets
Let us write
Page No. 57
A notice is a means of formal communication for a particular group of persons. It informs them about some important event, such as an invitation to a meeting, an announcement, to give instructions, make appeals, etc.
Write a notice in about 50 words about the Annual Health Check-up for students of Grades 6–8. Remind students to collect their health check-up cards from the class teacher. Include all other necessary details about date, time, and venue.
Complete the draft of the notice by using the words and phrases given in the box below.
Remember to
• use formal language in third person.
• mention the reason for writing the notice and any other relevant information. For example, whom
to contact, when and where, etc.
• write the notice in a box.
Answer:
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