The Pot Maker
Exercise Question
Questions within the Lesson
Exercise Question
Check Your Understanding
I. Do you think Onula’s support helped Sentila? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Ans :- Yes, Onula’s support helped Sentila because she guided her patiently, encouraged her, and taught her the correct method of making a pot, which gave Sentila confidence and helped her succeed.
II. Sentila observes her mother making pots. What does this tell us about her?
Ans :- This tells us that Sentila was observant, eager to learn, and deeply interested in pot making.
III Arrange the following events of the story in the correct sequence. Share your answer with your classmates and teacher.
Ans :-
| Sequence | Event |
|---|---|
| 1st | 4. Sentila was passionate about pottery but did not share it with her mother. |
| 2nd | 6. Sentila overheard her mother saying that pot making was a tiring job and that she earned very little from it. |
| 3rd | 3. Sentila observed how other expert potters crafted beautiful pots. |
| 4th | 1. The village council called Mesoba to know about Arenla’s unwillingness to teach pottery to Sentila. |
| 5th | 8. Sentila learnt the art of pot making for a year from her mother, but was unsuccessful. |
| 6th | 5. Onula guided Sentila in the art of pot making. |
| 7th | 2. Arenla made a new batch of pots and asked Sentila to continue the work as she was unwell. |
| 8th | 9. Sentila was able to make pots quickly and skillfully, just one less than her mother’s. |
| 9th | 7. Onula observed two rows of pots inside the work shed, which she felt was the work of two people. |
Critical Reflection
I Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow
1. Pounding the stubborn clay inside bamboo cylinders to soften it, is also tedious. So many times I’ve dropped the mould out of sheer exhaustion and have had to start all over again. It takes months to bring out a batch of pots after so much labour. And the reward? A few rupees. But if Sentila learns weaving, she can make much more money besides providing enough cloth for the family. Weaving is not messy like pot making and can be done indoors in all seasons. Also, the time spent on weaving one shawl is much less and the return is handsome.
(i) Choose the correct reason for the given assertion.
(A): The effort in making pots is far greater than the returns.
A. The process of pot making is quite tiresome and long, and one hardly earns much.
B. The process of pot making is exhausting, takes a long time, yet gives a sense of satisfaction.
Answer:- A. The process of pot making is quite tiresome and long, and one hardly earns much.
(ii) Why does Arenla want Sentila to learn weaving?
Answer:- Arenla wants Sentila to learn weaving because it earns more money, provides enough cloth for the family, and is easier and less tiring than pot making.
(iii) State one advantage that weaving has over pot making, as per the extract.
Answer:- One advantage of weaving is that it can be done indoors in all seasons.
(iv) Choose the sentence that uses the word ‘handsome’ in the same way as in the extract.
A. My father is a handsome man.
B. They will make a handsome profit selling this property.
Answer:- B. They will make a handsome profit selling this property.
(v) ‘And the reward?’ What is the author’s purpose of using a question mark here?
Answer:- The author uses the question mark to emphasise the very low reward after so much hard work and to show disappointment.
2. Onula saw her taking out some clay and the implements from her basket quietly. She watched Sentila’s clumsy efforts to make a pot and noticed that Sentila was too tense. As a result, the clay seemed unable or unwilling to yield the right shape. When Sentila wearily let the misshapen lump fall flat on the ground, Onula went to her and said, “Don’t worry, little one, I shall teach you how to make a perfect pot.” Sentila watched in amazement as Onula fashioned a beautiful pot and asked her to try again.
(i) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
Onula feels Sentila’s effort at making a pot is clumsy because she was too tense and unable to shape the clay properly.
(ii) Choose the correct option to complete the following sentence.
‘Don’t worry, little one, I shall teach you how to make a perfect pot.’
This shows that Onula was _____________.
A. sincere and generous
B. forgiving and thoughtful
C. thoughtful and generous
D. forgiving and sincere
Answer: C. thoughtful and generous
(iii) Which among the following is the effect of a cause?
A. As a result, the clay seemed unable or unwilling to yield the right shape.
B. Onula saw her taking out some clay and the implements from her basket quietly.
Answer: A. As a result, the clay seemed unable or unwilling to yield the right shape.
(iv) ‘Onula fashioned a beautiful pot.’ Here, the word ‘fashioned’ means created.(created/styled)
(v) How might Sentila have felt when she saw ‘the misshapen lump fall flat on the ground’?
Answer: Sentila might have felt tired, frustrated, and disappointed.
II Answer the following questions.
1. Describe the process of pot making followed by expert pot makers, as observed by Sentila.
Answer: Sentila observed that the clay was first mixed with water and pounded to make it soft. Then the potter pushed the left hand into the lump of clay and rotated it while shaping it with a spatula in the right hand. The pots were then given a final touch, dried in the sun, arranged in a kiln with hay and bamboo, and carefully fired.
2. What warning was given to Mesoba by the village council?
Answer: The village council warned Mesoba to remind Arenla that it was her duty to teach pot making to her daughter, as such traditional skills must be passed on and do not belong to any individual.
3. How did Sentila feel when she failed at pot making even after a year of training with her mother?
Answer: Sentila felt ashamed, frustrated, and disappointed when she failed to learn pot making even after a year.
4. ‘Onula stood there for a long time as if trying to absorb a new phenomenon’. Explain.
Answer: Onula saw two identical rows of pots and realised that Sentila had finally mastered the skill. She was amazed and tried to understand this surprising and important moment.
5. ‘The tradition and history of the people did not belong to any individual,’ what does this symbolise?
Answer: It symbolises that traditional skills and cultural heritage are shared by the community and should be passed on to future generations, not kept by one person alone.
6. What is the significance of the concluding line of the story, ‘A new pot maker was born’?
Answer: The concluding line signifies that Sentila had finally mastered the art of pot making and had become a skilled potter. It also shows the continuation of tradition and the birth of a new artisan.
7. What is the role of perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams? Elaborate with reference to Sentila.
Answer: Perseverance plays an important role in achieving one’s dreams. Sentila did not give up despite repeated failures and difficulties. She continued to practise and learn with determination. With guidance and constant effort, she finally succeeded in becoming a skilled pot maker.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
I Read the highlighted words in the following sentences from the text.
1. She taught Sentila how to dig the clay with dao, load it on to her carrying basket…
2. Sentila was a quick learner and turned the clay into malleable dough. Pounding the stubborn clay inside bamboo cylinders to soften it …
The highlighted words describe the tools and materials required in the process of pot making.
Now, classify the words/phrases given in the box as shown in the table below. One example for each category has been done for you.
Answer:-
| Tools/Implements | Raw Materials | Process |
|---|---|---|
| dao | dough | pounding |
| spatula | clay | rotating |
| basket | bamboo | shaping |
| cylinders | bed of hay | |
| kiln |
II Notice the use of the following words in the text.
These words relate to livelihood and economic aspects that are crucial for any enterprise/business/vocation. Work in pairs and find the meanings of the following words related to economy. You may refer to a dictionary.
Now, frame sentences using each word.
Answer:-
| Word | Meaning | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Bankrupt | Having no money and unable to pay debts. | The businessman became bankrupt after heavy losses. |
| Credit | The ability to borrow money. | He bought the goods on credit from the shopkeeper. |
| Currency | The money used in a country. | The Indian currency is the rupee. |
| Debt | Money that is owed to someone. | He is in debt because he borrowed a lot of money. |
| Fiscal | Related to government money or finance. | The government announced a new fiscal policy. |
| Inflation | A rise in prices of goods and services. | Inflation makes things more expensive for people. |
| Investment | Putting money into something to earn profit. | He made an investment in a small business. |
| Interest | Extra money paid for borrowing money. | She paid interest on the loan taken from the bank. |
III . Read the following sentences from the text. The main clause has been underlined and the subordinate clause has been circled.
… she realised that the pot was ready.
✔ She intuitively sensed that something momentous had happened.
Subordinate clauses that act like nouns and perform the same functions as subject or object are called noun clauses.
1. Complete the following sentences with suitable noun clauses.
(i) The elders emphasised that the tradition must be followed carefully.
(ii) Mesoba explained why the clay needed proper preparation before shaping.
(iii) Onula’s promise was that she would learn the skill of pottery sincerely.
(iv) Sentila observed her mother carefully when she was shaping the mouth of the pot, which showed great skill and patience.
(v) The kiln, where the pots were fired, required careful attention to prevent over-or-under firing.
2. Read the following sentences from the text. Underline the main clause and circle the subordinate clause.
(i) Arenla took Sentila to the riverbank (where the grey and red clay was found).
(ii) She started on the next one (and like a sprinter who had suddenly found momentum).
(iii) …skills such as pot making (which not only catered to the needs of the people…).
Subordinate clauses that act like adjectives and give further description of the noun in the main clause are called adjectival or relative clauses.
3. Complete the following sentences with suitable relative clauses.
(i) Sentila, whose mother was a skilled potter, practised the craft diligently.
(ii) The village council, where the elders gathered to discuss important matters, sought an explanation for Arenla’s reluctance.
(iii) The potter’s hands, which were steady and experienced, shaped the clay into beautiful creations.
(iv) Arenla, her mother, wanted her to learn weaving, which was an important traditional skill.
(v) Mesoba went home and discussed the matter with Arenla, who listened carefully and understood the situation.
4. Read the highlighted words in the following lines from the text.
✔ Onula saw her taking out some clay…
✔ … make as many pots as they could.
✔ … did not belong to any individual.
✔ Slowly she walked away from this place of wonder.
✔ … they would not have enough days of sunshine …
(i) Find out some more determiners from the text.
Answer: Some more determiners are: the, her, they, those, these, our.
(ii) Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners. The first two blanks have been done for you.
A. The florist arranged five bouquets for her clients, that were displayed in an elegant floral shop.
B. The carpenter crafted some unique tables, and they became the centrepiece in his furniture collection.
C. All of the apprentices in the culinary class demonstrated their knife skills during the intense cooking session.
D. Some of the sculptures were displayed at the art exhibition, showcasing many diverse artistic skills.
Writing Task
Reflective Writing – Sample Write-up: Identifying Skills and Passion
Reflective writing encourages introspection and thoughtful exploration of personal experiences, skills, and aspirations. It helps individuals gain deeper insights into themselves and their goals through structured reflection.
I. Follow the steps given below to create a write-up about your skills and passions.
Step 1: Introduction
Reflect on your passions and the skills you currently possess or are developing. Consider why these activities or interests are meaningful and enjoyable to you.
Step 2: Describing skills
Describe specific activities or practices you engage in to nurture your skills. This could include hobbies, classes (art, music, coding, etc.), workshops, or personal projects.
Step 3: Passion into profession
Identify which of these skills you believe have the potential to turn your passion into a profession. Explain why you think these skills are crucial or advantageous in your chosen field.
Step 4: Examples and reflection
Provide examples or anecdotes that illustrate how your skills and passions complement each other. Reflect on how these experiences have shaped your career aspirations and personal growth.
Step 5: Conclusion
Summarise your reflections. Discuss any insights gained about yourself, your skills, and your career ambitions through this exercise.
Answer:-
Step 1: Introduction
I enjoy drawing and painting, and it is one of my greatest passions. I feel happy and relaxed whenever I create art. It allows me to express my thoughts and emotions in a creative way. I am also developing my skills in digital design, which I find very interesting.
Step 2: Describing Skills
To improve my skills, I practice drawing regularly at home. I also watch online tutorials and take part in school art competitions. Sometimes, I attend art workshops where I learn new techniques like shading and colouring. I also experiment with digital tools on the computer to create designs.
Step 3: Passion into Profession
I believe my skills in drawing and design can help me build a career in graphic design or animation. These skills are important because they help in creating visual content for advertisements, games, and movies. Creativity and practice are very important in this field.
Step 4: Examples and Reflection
For example, I once made a poster for a school competition, and it was appreciated by my teachers. This encouraged me to improve further. I have realised that my passion for art and my skills work well together and help me grow. These experiences have made me confident about choosing a creative career.
Step 5: Conclusion
In conclusion, I have learned that my passion for art is not just a hobby but can become my future profession. This reflection helped me understand my strengths and motivated me to work harder towards my goals.
Leave a Reply