7th Eng Sem-1 Inner Pages 27-3-21

BLOSSOMS - 7
ENGLISH READER
Semester-1
Textbook Development Committee
Smt. Vetriselvi. K, I.A.S.
State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha, Andhra Pradesh
Special Officer, English Medium Project, Andhra Pradesh
Dr. B. Pratap Reddy, MA., B.Ed., Ph.D.

Director - SCERT, Andhra Pradesh
Sri. D. Madhusudhana Rao, MA., B.Ed.
Director - Government Textbook Press, AP
Co - Ordinator
Dr. Katabathina Subramanyam

M.Sc, M.A, M.Ed, M.Phil, Ph.D.
Professor, SCERT, Andhra Pradesh
Editors
Dr. Hitesh C. Bhakat
Professor, RIESI, Bengaluru.
Dr. K. Narsimha Rao, M.A, M.Phil., Ph.D.,
Professor, EFLU, Hyderabad.
Dr. V.B. Chitra

Professor, JNTU, Ananthapuramu
Sri. G.G.S. Nageswara Rao, M.A, M.Ed., Lecturer in English

D.I.E.T, Bheemunipatnam, Visakhapatnam Dist.
Acknowledgements to
Dr. R. Meganathan, Dr. K.N. Shoba, M.A, M.Phil., Ph.D.,
Professor, NCERT, New Delhi Asst. Professor, Anna University, Chennai.
Published by Samagra Shiksha, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Amaravati.
https://amaravathiteacher.com
© Government of Andhra Pradesh, Amaravati
First Published 2021
All rights reserved
No part of this publication may be

reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted, in any form or by any means
without the prior permission in writing of the
publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any
form of binding or cover other than that in
which it is published and without a similar
condition including this condition being
imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
The copyright holder of this book is the
Commissioner of School Education,
Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh.
This book has been printed on 70 G.S.M. SS Maplitho

Title Page 200 G.S.M. White Art Card
Free distribution by Samagra Shiksha, Government of Andhra Pradesh
Printed in India
at the A.P. Govt. Text Book Press
Amaravati
Andhra Pradesh
ii
Subject Co-ordinator
Sri. Adini Vijay Kumar
Dept. of C&T, SCERT, AP, Amaravati
Authors
Sri. Cheemalapati VLSKN Sarma, Sri. Pydi Kasiviswanadha Rao, SA,

S A, Z.P.H.S, Vempadam, Vizianagaram Dt. ZPHS, Ravichandri, Srikakulam Dt.
Sri. G. Kumaraswamy, SA Smt. S.Padma Priya, PGT

Z.P.H.S, Janakayyapeta, Visakhapatnam Dt. APMS, Gospadu, Kurnool Dt.
Sri. K.David Brainard, SA Shaik Sahanaz, SA

MPUPS, Kammavaripalli, Anantapur Dt. Z.P.H.S, Tellabadu, Prakasam Dt.
Smt. T.Sunitha, SA Sri. M.Diwakar, SA

MPUPS, Gurrajupeta, Visakhapatnam Dt. ZPPHS,Vemagiri, East Godavari Dt.
Sri. P.Nirikshana Raju, SA Smt. P.Swarnalatha, Faculty,

MVNZPHS, Undrajavaram, W.G. Dt. DIET, Mynampadu, Prakasam Dt.
Smt. M.Geetha Bharati, SA Smt. M.Abigail, Faculty,

SRRZPHS(B), Nuzivid, Krishna Dt. DIET, Boyapalem, Guntur Dt.
Sri.P.Vijaya Babu, SA Smt. K.Jothi, SA

ZPHS, Chamedala, SPSR Nellore Dt. ZPHS, Pillaripattu, Chittoor Dt.
Sri. B.Venkateswarlu, SA Smt. B.V.P. Srilalitha, Faculty,

ZPHS, Sidhout, YSR Kadapa Dt. SCERT, A P, Vijayawada.
Dr. M.Ravikiran,
Professor, SCERT, A P, Vijayawada.
Illustrator DTP & Designing

Sri. S.P.Mallikarjuna Rao, Rasmi Graphics,
Art Instructor, ZPHS, Tadigadapa, Hyderabad
Krishna Dist.
iii
Foreword
The Government of Andhra Pradesh has unleashed a new era in school education by intro-
ducing extensive curricular reforms from the academic year 2021-22. The Government has taken
up curricular reforms intending to enhance the learning outcomes of the children with focus on
building solid foundational learning and to build up an environment conducive for an effective
teaching-learning process. To achieve this objective, special care has been taken in designing the
textbooks to achieve global standards.
As a part of the curricular reform, in order to support the designing of textbooks with better
pedagogical strategies, handbooks are given to teachers with elaborate lesson plans. Parental hand-
books are prepared to impart awareness regarding the teaching-learning process to the parent
community. QR codes are incorporated in the beginning of each lesson to enable learning outside
the classroom.
There are eight lessons in the textbook. The lessons are developed on the basis of the
themes prescribed by NEP-2020 viz., wit and humour, motivation, culture and tourism, bravery,
freedom, women empowerment, inclusivity, love for animals and responsibility. Utmost care has
been taken in the selection of main- reading, poems and extensive-reading that they are age and
level appropriate. It is vivid that the variety of genre included the textbook will facilitate the stu-
dents in exploring the different types of literature and help them grow interest in writing discourses
on their owl and also achieving the learning outcomes.
We are grateful to the Honourable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Sri.Y.S.Jagan Mohan
Reddy for being our source of inspiration to carry out such an extensive reform in the education
department field of education. We extend our gratitude to Honourable Minister of Education
Dr. Adimulapu Suresh, for striving towards qualitative education. Our special thanks to Sri. Budithi
Rajsekhar, IAS, Principal Secretary, School Education, Sri. Vadrevu Chinaveerabhadrudu, IAS,
Commissioner, School Education, Mrs. Vetriselvi. K, IAS State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha,
for their constant motivation and esteemed guidance.
We convey our special thanks to Sri C A V Prasad, Member, School Education Regulatory
and Monitoring Commission, Professor Ramanujam Meganathan, NCERT, Dr. V. Madhavi, Assis-
tant Professor, SKD University, Anantapur, Dr. R.Poornima, Academic Consultant, British Coun-
cil, Smt. K.N. Sobha, Assistant Professor, Anna University, Chennai and the textbook writers who
studied curriculum from North America to South Africa and recommended the best practices
across the globe to reach global standards. Our heartfelt thanks to NCERT, SCERT of Karnataka,
Kerala, and Tamilnadu in designing the textbooks. We also thank our textbook writers, editors,
artists and layout designers for their contribution and dedication in the development of this text-
book.
Constructive feedback from the teachers and parents is invited for the refinement of the
textbook.
Dr. B. Pratap Reddy
Director
SCERT – Andhra Pradesh
iv
Our National Anthem
- Rabindranath Tagore
Jana-gana-mana-adhinayaka jaya he
Bharata-bhagya-vidhata
Panjaba-Sindhu-Gujarata-Maratha
Dravida-Utkala-Banga
Vindhya-Himachala-Yamuna-Ganga
uchchala-jaladhi-taranga
Tava Subha name jage, tave subha asisa mage,
gahe tava jaya-gatha.
Jana-gana-mangala-dayaka jaya he
Bharata-bhagya-vidhata.
Jaya he, Jaya he, Jaya he,
jaya jaya jaya jaya he.
Pledge
- Pydimarri Venkata Subba Rao
India is my country. All Indians are my brothers and sisters.

I love my country and I am proud of its rich and varied heritage.
I shall always strive to be worthy of it.
I shall give my parents, teachers and all elders respect,
and treat everyone with courtesy. I shall be kind to animals.
To my country and my people, I pledge my devotion.
In their well-being and prosperity alone lies my happiness.
BLOSSOMS - 7
ENGLISH READER
Class - 7
Semester - 1
Contents
S.No Content Month Pages
1. My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken and Me June 1
2. The Turning Point July - Aug 19
3. A Journey Through the Hills and Valleys Aug - Sep 34
4. The Brave Little Bowman Oct 50
Student Corner Teacher Corner
vi
Learning Outcomes
The learner
1. My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken and Me :

1. Listening and speaking:
participates in activities in English like role play and conversations
shares jokes and puzzles.
visits and understands what is to be learnt in language laboratory.
2. Reading comprehension.
reads a variety of texts in English and identify the main ideas.
3. Grammatical awareness
writes grammatically correct sentences using Present Perfect Tense etc.
understands the use of different kinds of sentences in positive and negative
form, and uses them in Spoken English.
4. Vocabulary
visualises text in his mind, uses the phrase ‘of course’ in his daily life.
5. Creative writing
completes different kinds of conversations.
writes reply letter for the given (informal) letter.
2. The Turning Point

1. Listening and Speaking
sings the poem and appreciate it.
uses polite requests in different contexts.
2. Reading comprehension
identifies the message of the lesson and the poem.
3. Grammatical Awareness
identifies the differences between Present Perfect Tense and The Simple Past
Tense.
4. Vocabulary
refers to the dictionary to know the sounds of /c/ and /g/.
5. Creative writing:-
prepares a Biographical sketch based on the information provided.
vii
3. A Journey Through the Hills and Valleys
1. Listening and the speaking
responds to instructions made in a class or school assembly.
expresses his / her likes and dislikes.
2. Reading comprehension
recollects his memories regarding his travelsc and enjoys the present journey
in the text.
3. Grammatical awarenesscc
completes word ladder.
completes the tables with correct prefixes/suffixes.
5. Creative writing
writes paragraph with the help of hints provided.
writes a letter to his friend.
4. The Brave Little Bowman
1. Listening and speaking:

sings the poem and appreciate it.
frames sentences to make offering for help and asking for help .
uses polite requests in various contexts.
2. Reading Comprehension:
identifies the characters in the lesson and understands their nature.
3. Grammatical Awareness:
writes grammatically correct sentences for a variety of situations using Simple
Future.
writes negative sentences for the given positive sentences and frames questions
.
4. Vocabulary:
finds the past and past participle forms of the verbs.
writes antonyms to the given words.
5. Creative Writing:
describes the feelings of the Bowman in the context and writes rewrite in the
form of a story.
viii
Instructions to teachers
In this book...
Certain values and attitudes, namely compassion, friendship, caring for elders,
forgiveness, patriotism, saving environment and humour which are more relevant to the
present society are included.
The components in each Unit are designed to create interest among students and
make them involve in various learning activities to improve their language skills.
1) Pre-reading:
Each lesson contains a face sheet with a picture on it.
This picture is to be used as a trigger for interacting with learners with the help of
various questions.
2) Reading:
Reading session is conducted to enable the learners to make sense of the reading
text and reflect on the text.
Each reading text has a form and a theme.
The reading text may be divided into a few segments and transacted in a few periods.
3) Vocabulary:
Vocabulary session focuses on enriching the learners’ language.
To enable the learners to identify words and to use them in their day to day
communication.
It is always better to contextualise vocabulary in real life situations.
4) Grammar:
Grammar session lays emphasis on making the learners’ language more accurate
and to enable the learners to use grammar in different contexts in their real life.
It is always better to teach grammar contextually.
5) Writing:
Writing session aims at enabling the learners to develop imaginative thinking abilities
to express themselves creatively.
A discussion is to be generated on what the learners are going to write and let them
note down the points before they start writing the given task.
ix
6) Talking Time:
‘Talking Time’ session activates and stimulates the learners to generate the language
by themselves.
There is a lot of scope to attract the learners towards English language by involving
them in various activities in this sessions namely minimal pairs, language functions
etc.
7) Project Work:
Project work gives scope for “Learning by doing.” So, ensure that every student
should participate.
Project work enables the learners to improve their language skills and to participate
in teamwork.
8) Listening:
Listening session provides a lot of input that is very important for second language
acquisition especially for improving speaking skill.
It is always better to provide opportunities both inside and outside the classroom
for the learners to be exposed to listening input.
9) Extensive Reading (Read it yourself) :
This session enables the learners to build reading speed which helps learners to
understand English faster and better.
It may be seen that the objective of extensive reading is ‘reading for pleasure.’
10) Study skills:
This books lays the greatest emphasis on developing study skills where learners
infer, analyse, evaluate, interpret and refer to dictionary on their own.
11) Fun Time:
This session activates and stimulates the learners to think and use their imagination
in puzzle solving, answering riddles etc.
‘Fun Time’ makes them enjoy using English.
12) Poem:
The inclusion of four poems in this book helps the learners enjoy and appreciate
poetry.
Observe the picture. Discuss and answer the
questions.
1. Where are the children?

2. Is it a village or a town? Why?
3. What are the boys looking at?
4. Are the children friendly with the animals? Discuss.
5. What are the children doing?
Now, let us read about an eight-year-old girl who lives in a painted village in
South Africa with her mother, her aunts, her mischievous younger brother, and her
best friend, a chicken.
1 English Reader
My Painted House,
My Friendly Chicken and Me
Hello Stranger-friend,
I am Thandi, an Ndebele girl in South Africa. I am eight years old,
and my best friend is a chicken. You may laugh at that, but when I tell my
friend secrets, she can talk all she wants…but no one can understand
her…except another chicken, of course.
My chicken listens to my stories; she has other uses too. If you play
with her and take her mind off what’s going on, you can quickly-very
quickly- snatch a feather or two when she is distracted. She doesn’t
notice, and the feathers will come in handy later, of course.
I have two hopes. One is my name, Thandi, which means hope in my language. All children
are a hope for their families and many Ndebele girls are named Hope. If you like, you can call yourself
Hope, too, in secret, of course. Especially, if you are a boy, of course. The other hope I have is that
at the end of this book I can say “Good-bye friend,” not “Good-bye stranger-friend.”
What’s in a name?
* Find out more about your name. Does it have a special meaning?
Share it with your classmates.
I don’t know why, but Ndebele people do not call

anything beautiful. Even that the best thing is described
as good. All Ndebele women paint their houses and I
want you to know, stranger-friend, no one’s house is as
good as my mother’s. She has started to teach me to
paint good, very good designs.
Blossoms - 7 2
When I am taller, I shall have a house so good people will stop in front of my walls and smile,
and even laugh out loud.
You have to have strong eyes to paint well, and your hand must not shake like a leaf on a tree,
for you must fill a chicken’s feather with paint and draw a line as straight as a spear.
* 1. Can you think of some pictures that can be drawn with a feather?
2. How are colours used to decorate the houses in villages during
festivals?
You must have the pattern inside

your head, even before you dip the
feather into the paint. Your hand must be
steady to make the patterns sharp, the
walls are high, and your legs must be
strong. Sometimes my mother and her
sisters sit by the fire in winter, or in
summer under shade trees, and they
make good things with beads. They tell
stories as they sort and string and sew.
My mother lets me watch her and very
soon I shall be making the amaphotho (a beaded apron) and the ghabi (the fringed lion flap), and they
will be so good that when I dance, the stars will dance with me.
* 1. Where do you see such pictures ?

2. Say something about them.
My father built us small houses, and my mother painted them. We pretend that we can become
small and go inside and have our meal. In my village, the children play with penny whistles and
bicycles. Some are so shy that they try to lose themselves in their mothers’ blankets, and some just sit
back deep inside themselves and look out at the world.
When my friends and I go to school, we wear the uniforms father bought in the town, but when
we come home, we start jumping and laughing because we can take off those dry, dull clothes and
put on our beads again and look very good.
3 English Reader
* 1. How do you dress up on your birth day?
2. What do you like to wear on special occasions?
Sometimes I go to the city with my mother and sisters and aunts in a wagon pulled by four
mules. The women wear their best blankets and best neck rings and very good leg rings, of course. I
am always happy to see the city people stare at my mother and relatives because the city folk have
nothing so good as the Ndebele women. All their houses are in one sad colour and the women I see
have no beads at all. I feel sorry for them and I give them a good smile. It must help because they
laugh.
I wonder, are little brothers in your village as mischievous as my little brother?
He wears a sun cap because he is supposed to tend the sheep, but he is so mischievous that
sometimes I would like to give him away, to someone far, far away…. to a good person.
He tries to get into everybody’s business, and even wants to make a chicken his best friend. He
will never succeed mainly because you have to know how to speak to animals. My brother can’t help
shouting and of course the chicken runs away.
Now, about my very friend – the chicken – she runs from me only when she is on her own
errands, but when she is free, I take her in my arms and tell her that I … no. I can’t tell you because
you are not a chicken.
I have enjoyed telling you about my village, my mother, and my squirmy brother, the beads and
the painted houses, and my good friend, the chicken. You may call me friend, and I would like to call
you friend. If we ever meet, I will let you hold my chicken. She will keep your secrets safe. You know
why, of course.
Describe your village and say about the people living there in your own words.
Describe your best friend. What characteristics make a good friend?
Ndebele : (noun)
a tribe from Zimbabwe and north-eastern South Africa and they speak the
Bantu language, one of the official languages of South Africa.
Blossoms - 7 4
About the Author
Maya Angelou born Marguerite Annie Johnson; (April
4, 1928 – May 28, 2014) was an American poet, memoirist, and
civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three
books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a
list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50
years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary
degrees. The first one I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969);
tells of her life up to the age of 17, and brought her international
Maya Angelou recognition and acclaim. Her famous poems are 'And Still I Rise'
(1978), 'Mother, A cradle to Hold Me'.(2006)
Snatch (v) : quickly seize (something) in a rude or abrupt way.
Hope (n) : a feeling of expectation for a particular thing to happen.
Of course : used to introduce an idea or action as being obvious or to be expected;

certainly
Feather (n) : soft, light and hairy thing that covers a bird’s body.
Pattern (n) : a particular way in which something is done, is organized, or happens
Fringed (adj) : having a decorative border of hanging threads for clothing.
Pretend (v) : to give a false appearance of being, possessing, or performing; pose.
Penny whistles (n) : flute like wind instrument
City folk (n) : city people
Mischievous (adj) : causing or showing a fondness for causing trouble in a playful way; naughty
way.
Tend (v) : care for or look after
Errand (n) : a short journey either to take a message or to take or collect something
Squirmy (adj) : To twist about in a wriggling, snake like motion.
5 English Reader
A. Answer the following questions
1. Who is Thandi? Who is her best friend?
2. How does Thandi snatch a feather from her chicken?
3. What are the two hopes of Thandi?
4. Why do you think Ndebele people do not call anything beautiful?
5. What, according to Thandi, what are some of the points to be kept in mind while painting?
6. Describe the clothing of Ndebele women.
7. Why couldn’t Thandi’s brother be friends with chicken?
8. What did Thandi say about her best friend, chicken?
B. Say if the following statements are True/ False:

1. Thandi’s chicken listens to her stories and has other uses. ( )
2. Ndebele people call everything beautiful. ( )
3. All Ndebele women paint their houses. ( )
4. Thandi’s father built them small houses, and her mother painted them. ( )
5. Thandi’s brother is not so mischievous. ( )
C. You have read the story, 'My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken and Me'. Read
the interesting aspects of village life shared by Thandi mentioned in the help box.
Help box
Thandi’s best friend
String and sew.
Penny whistles and bicycles
Hand must not shake like a leaf on a tree
Amaphotho and ghabi
Pretend to go inside small houses built by father.
You must have the pattern inside your head
One can tell all their secrets
Blossoms - 7 6
Place the sentences under the right heading. One is done for you.
Thandi’s friend – Thandi’s painting Thandi’s Clothing Thandi’s Village

Chicken Games
Thandi’s best
friend
A. VISUALISE - Text to Mind

Read the following sentences taken from the story, locate the phrases that are highlighted /
expressions / part.
You must have the pattern inside your head, even before you dip the feather into the paint.
Here the highlighted part, ‘have the pattern inside your head’ means one should visualise
or have clear picture before any work.
To Visualise means to form a picture of someone or something in your mind, in order to
imagine or remember him, her, or it.
Activity: Visualise the text given and draw the picture of it. One is done for you.
VISUALISE in the text in my mind
Text to Mind
I saw a dog.
It was big.
It was brown in colour.
It had put its tongue outside.
I saw a man with a long nose,
curly hair and big toes.
He had rings on his fingers and
anklets on his feet.
A lovely park with a lake in the middle.
Ducks swimming in the lake.
Children sailing their paper boats.
7 English Reader
A. Read the following sentences from the story.
1. I don’t know why, but Ndebele people do not call anything beautiful.
2. …no one’s house is as good as my mother’s.
3. …..he tries to get into everybody’s business.
The highlighted words use apostrophe ( ' ). Now guess the use of apostrophe.
Apostrophe ( ' ) can be confusing or tricky. However, they aren’t difficult to learn. Sometimes
they form possessives and sometimes they form contractions. Here are some tips to remember.
Apostrophe for possessions

For most singular nouns, add apostrophe + s:
The cat’s tail, the student’s book, the manager’s room
For most plural nouns, add only an apostrophe:
The cats’ tails (multiple cats) the students’ books (multiple students) the managers’
rooms (multiple managers)
Apostrophe for contractions
A contraction is a shortened form of a word (or group of words) that omits certain letters or
sounds. In a contraction, an apostrophe represents missing letters.
He would = He’d. They are = they’re.
I have = I’ve. You cannot = you can’t.
Exercise:
A. Write the contraction for each pair of words. Example: should not – shouldn’t
1. are not ________ 3. I am _________
2. he is _________ 4. she will _________
B. Complete each sentence. Write the possessive forms of the noun given in the
brackets.
Eg: The baby's doll is a new brand one. (baby)
1. This is _____________ textbook. (Angel)
2. The _____________ blanket is blue. (boy)
Blossoms - 7 8
B. Present Perfect Tense:
Let’s consider the following sentences from the text which denote just completed actions
She has started to teach me to paint good, very good designs.
I have enjoyed telling you about my village.
These actions are said to be in present perfect tense (have/has + past participle).
Here are some more examples of the present perfect tense (underlined):
Bobby has eaten the breakfast.
They have called the police.
Has she painted the wall?
The Present perfect tense is used for unfinished actions with stative verbs and finished actions with
focus on present situation.
Positive Positive Short Form (Contracted Form)

I have played. I’ve played
You have worked. You’ve worked
He has written. He’s written
She has walked. She’s walked
It has rained. It’s rained
We have travelled. We’ve travelled
They have studied. They’ve studied
Negative Negative Short Form (Contracted Form)

I have not eaten. I haven’t eaten.
You have not been to America. You haven’t been to America.
He has not seen. He hasn’t seen.
She has not played. She hasn’t played.
It has not gone. It hasn't gone.
We have not danced. We haven't danced.
Note: Contracted forms are used in spoken form not in wirtten form.
9 English Reader
Exercise: Fill in the blanks with the Present Perfect form of the verb. One is done for you.
Eg: I have worked (work) today.
1. I _______________(not/work) today.
2. We ____________ (buy) a new lamp.
3. We ____________ (not / plan) our holiday yet.
4. Where ________(be / you) ?
5. He____________ (write) five letters.
6. She___________ (not / see) him for a long time.
7. ____________(be / you) at school?
8. The school _____________(not / start) yet.
A. Read the passage from the narrative/ story. Write a dialogue.

Hello Stranger-friend,
I am Thandi, an Ndebele girl in South Africa. I am eight years old, and my best friend is a
chicken. You may laugh at that, but when I tell my friend secrets, she can talk all she wants…but no
one can understand her… except another chicken, of course. My chicken not only listens to my
stories; she has other uses. If you play with her and take her mind off what’s going on, you can
quickly-very quickly- snatch a feather or two when she is distracted. She doesn’t notice, and the
feathers will come in handy later, of course.
Complete the conversation.
Thandi : Hello! Stranger-friend!
Stranger-friend : Hello! What is your name?
Thandi : I am Thandi.
Stranger-friend : Where are you from?
Thandi : I am …………………………………………………
Stranger-friend : ………………………………………….?
Thandi : I am eight years old.
Stranger-friend : ……………………… best friend?
Thandi : ………………………
Blossoms - 7 10
Thandi : Hello Stranger-friend!
Stranger-friend : ………………………… tell …………….………….?
Thandi : Secrets.
Stranger-friend : Can …………………………understand your words?
Thandi : Yes, of course.
Stranger-friend : What else do you do with your chicken?
Thandi : ………………………………………………
Stranger-friend : How do you snatch her feathers?
Thandi : ………………………………………………
B. Letter Writing: (Informal Letter)

Read the letter written to a friend describing the beauty of her village and the people
living in it.
Gandhipuram,
Feb 01, 2021.
Dear Gayatri,
I hope this letter finds you in good health.
My village is near Anantapuram. It is about 100 kilometres away from the district
headquarters. We have fresh air, water and a clean environment in my village. My village is
beautiful with many green fields, cattle and mango trees. We are the leading producers of
mango, coconut and also tamarind. We get pure honey and ghee as well. We play in the sandy
beach every evening. My friends and I play many Indian games that are forgotten those days
like marbles, Kho- Kho, Kabaddi, etc.
The villagers are helpful and cooperative to one another. We like to celebrate different
occasions. We are peace-loving people. We enjoy holidays with relatives and friends. My
village is a land of relations that follows the traditions and culture inherited from our ancestors.
Please convey my regards to aunt and uncle. Awaiting your reply.
Yours lovingly,
Razia.
11 English Reader
Now, imagine you are Gayatri and write a reply letter describing the village/ locality you
live in.
Bhaskarnagar,
Feb 07, 2021.
Dear Razia,
Yours lovingly,
______________
C. Write a letter to Thandi. Describe similarities and differences between yours and
her hopes, likes, dislikes and her games you may become good friends.
A. Language Function: Introducing self. (use the help box)
Hello! My name is ___________________.
I come from _____________________(name of the place )
I am _______________years old. (age)
There are ________ people in my family. (number of family)
I’m a student at ____________________. (name of the school)
Blossoms - 7 12
My favourite subject is ________________. (favourite subject)
My hobbies are ___________, __________, and ____________. (hobby)
In my free time, I also enjoy ________________. (sports/music)
I like/dislike/hate______________________________. (like / dislike)
My favourite food/ drink is ___________________. (favourite food)
I study English because ______________________. (purpose)
I would like to become ___________________in future. (aim in life)
Help Box
Hobbies Jobs
Sports
Reading Books
Listening to music Teacher Engineer
Volley ball Badminton
Playing computer games Doctor Businessman
Tennis Cricket
Surfing the internet Manager Politician
Cycling Fishing etc... Chatting with best friends
Collecting stamps/coins etc…
B. Language Function: Introducing others
You have learnt how to introduce yourself. Now introduce your friend to your class
using the hints given.
Hello! Friends! This is ___________________.
He/ She is from _____________________________.
He/ She is in _______________________________.
His / Her favourite subject is ______________________.
……………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………..
13 English Reader
Listen to the following story.
UBUNTU
An anthropologist (someone who scientifically studies humans and their customs, beliefs, and
relationships) created a game for the African tribal children. He placed a basket of sweets near a tree
and made the children stand 100 metres away. Then he announced that whoever reaches first would
get all the sweets in the basket.
When he said, ready, steady, go!
Do you know what these children did?
They all held each other’s hands, ran together towards the tree, divided the sweets equally among
themselves, ate the sweets and enjoyed it. When the anthropologist asked them why they did so, they
answered ‘Ubuntu’.
Which meant…'How can one be happy when the others are sad?'
Ubuntu in their language means - ‘I am because we are!’
Let all of us always have this attitude and spread happiness wherever we go.
Answer the following questions:
1. Who is an ‘anthropologist’?
2. What game did the anthropologist plan with the basket of
sweets?
3. What instructions did the anthropologist give to the children
to do?
4. What did the children do on hearing the anthropologist’s
instructions?
5. What does the word ‘UBUNTU’ mean in the African tribal
language language?
Blossoms - 7 14
READ IT YOURSELF
TOM PAINTS THE FENCE
Tom was a young, imaginative and mischievous twelve-year old boy. Tom's mother had passed
away. He was living with his Aunt Polly on the banks of the river Mississippi. She loved him as much
as she loved her sister. The aunt knew that “If you spare the rod you will spoil the child” . She
wanted to be strict or he would grow up lazy and be spoilt. One day the aunt thought to herself, “I’ll
make him work tomorrow. It’s mighty hard to make him work on Saturdays when all the boys are on
a holiday”. The aunt had asked Tom to paint the fence.
Saturday morning came; it was a bright day. The hill behind the village was covered with
summer green. Tom appeared on the pavement with a bucket of whitewash and a long- handled
brush. He surveyed the fence, thirty yards of broad fence and nine feet high. Life to him seemed
hollow, and existence but a burden. Sighing, Tom dipped his brush and passed it along the top most
plank. He began to think of the fun he had planned for the day, like going for swimming, and his
sorrows multiplied. Soon the boys who were free would come tripping along and they would ridicule
him for having work to do. The very thought of it upset him. At this dark moment he got a great,
magnificent idea. He took up his brush and calmly resumed his work.
There came Ben Rogers, the very boy, of all boys, whose ridicule he had been dreading. Ben
was eating an apple and seemed to be in high spirits. Tom went on whitewashing and paid no attention
to Ben. Ben said, “Hello! You’ve got to work even on a holiday?” Tom replied, “I do not consider
this as work because it gives me pleasure.” He went on painting the fence just like an artist. Ben was
watching all that and he was getting more and more interested. At last Ben asked Tom, “Tom, let me
whitewash a little” Tom answered negatively saying, “My Aunt is very particular about this fence and
everybody cannot paint the whole of it right way.” Ben was getting very eager and asked Tom.
“Tom, I’ll be very careful, now let me try.
I’ll give you half of my apple” Tom replied
“No, sorry, I can’t let you, I am afraid…”
Ben begged him, ‘I’ll give you the whole
apple” Then Tom gave him the brush and
Ben started painting while Tom sat down
happily in the shadow of a tree, eating the
apple.
Poor Ben was sweating and was working
under the sun for a long time. When Ben
15 English Reader
was tired, Tom gave the brush to Billy who gave him his kite in return. When Billy was tired, Johnny
Miller gave his pair of marbles to Tom and took the brush. Tom was really in wealth at the end of the
day. Everybody paid him a prize to get a chance to whitewash the fence. They came to laugh at Tom
but he made them work. The whole fence was nicely whitewashed with three coats of paint within
afternoon.
When Aunt Polly saw the fence, she said in surprise, “Oh! Tom, you can work when you want to,
only you hardly ever want to”. She took him home and gave him the best apple she had and allowed
him to go and play.
(An extract from the “Adventures of Tom Sawyer”, written by Mark Twain in 1876)
About the author

Mark Twain (1835-1910) whose real name was Samuel Langhorne Clements,
was an American writer. He is best remembered as the man who gave the
immortal characters of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
Fence (n) : a structure that divides two areas of land, similar to a wall but made of
wood or wire.
Pavement (n) : a flat part at the side of a road for people to walk on hollow
Hollow (adj) : having a hole or an empty space inside an object
Existence (n) : being real or living or of being present
Ridicule (v) : make fun of somebody/something or make them look silly; mockery
Magnificent (adj) : extremely attractive and impressive; deserving praise; splendid
Resume (v) : begins again or continues after being interrupted
Dreading (v) : to be very afraid of something; to fear that something bad is going to
happen.
Blossoms - 7 16
Comprehension
A. Answer the following questions:

1. What was the name of Tom’s Aunt? Why was he living with his aunt?
2. How did Aunt Polly prove that she was strict?
3. What work was assigned to Tom to do?
4. Describe the feelings of Tom when his aunt asked him to paint the fence.
5. How did Tom become rich with gifts by the end of the day?
6. What does it means to "Spare the rod and Spoil the child".
B. Choose the correct answer from the options given

1. What did Tom plan to do on a Saturday? ( )
(a) go to school (b) do homework (c) go for swimming
2. Tom did not want the boys to see him whitewashing because they would ....... ( )
(a) make fun of him (b) tell their teacher (c) throw mud at the fence
3. How did Tom make Ben and others paint the fence? ( )
(a) by bribing them with money
(b) by pretending painting to be fun
(c) by threatening them
4. Tom was really in wealth at the end of the day, because… ( )
(a) many boys paid him
(b) aunt Polly gave him money
(c) he sold the paint
5. What did aunt Polly give him for painting the fence? ( )
(a) a doorknob (b) an apple (c) a new dress.
1. Teacher: Which one is closer, Sun or Africa?

Bobby: Sun
Teacher: Why?
Bobby: We can see the sun, but can’t see Africa.
17 English Reader
2. What day do the chickens hate most?
Ans: Friday (FRY-day)
You have read the story “My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken and Me”.
You might have understood how Thandi has enjoyed telling you about her village, her hopes,
her mother, her brother, the beads, the painted house, and her good friend, the chicken.
Now, collect information regarding your family, friendship, home, village/ locality,
traditions and culture, and make a picture gallery with your paintings, art and craft.
On my With With
Check points own friends’ help teachers’ help
I was able to read the main reading text.
I got the main idea of the passage.
I was able to use the glossary given.
I was able to do the vocabulary tasks
I was able to do the writing task.
I was able to perform different functions

in English language.
I was able to listen to and respond to the

story narrated / read by my teacher.
Blossoms - 7 18
Observe the following picture and respond.
Questions:
1. Guess the characters in the picture.
2. How do you think are they related to each other?
3. Why did the young man meet the other person?
4. What is the man with a beard saying?
5. Why do we listen to persons?
Some events bring about a remarkable change in the life of an individual. Such
events become turning points. Let’s read about an incident in the life of A P J Abdul
Kalam when he was in class V that became the turning point in his life.
19 English Reader
THE TURNING POINT
I was in class V when the Second World War, the largest conflict in human history, was at its
peak. Because of the war all the resources were scarce and the prices were not affordable. So, I
had to take up my first job as a newspaper boy. My task was to pick up a bundle of Tamil Newspapers
and to deliver them to some local offices, some tea stalls and occasionally a few homes. Before I set
out to distribute, I used to sit on the bench there at the station, open the bundle and carefully pluck out
a copy of the daily newspaper Dinamani. The first page always caught my attention as it was usually
filled with the photos of fighter aircrafts and stories of the second world war. The German air force
called Luftwaffe was sending hundreds of planes and bombers to attack the city and the British Royal
Air Force had to deploy their full air force to defend their motherland. The stories would be about
brave pilots from both the sides, and how they manoeuvred their aircraft and bombers. As a young
boy, I used to love the stories of the pilots and their planes. I was curious about planes. I wanted to
be a pilot myself.
Back in my village there were few

people with whom I could discuss about
aircrafts. I belonged to a poor family where
nobody went to school. However, I had the
advantage of being in the company of great
teachers.
* Who is your favourite teacher? What do you like about him/her?

Which topic fascinated you the most in his/her class?
My curiosity grew in science because of a very special teacher when I was a ten-year-old boy
in Class V. This was indeed a life-changing event. My science teacher’s name was Shri Siva
Subramania Iyer. One day the topic of discussion in our class of sixty-five was ‘how birds fly’. He
drew a sketch of a bird with a tail, wings and feathers a head on the board and explained how a bird
flew. He explained how a bird could lift itself, fly and change direction by using its wings and the tail.
Blossoms - 7 20
He asked us whether we understood.
We gave a gloomy reply - no. Mr. Iyer
did not get upset. That evening he took
all of us to the seashore. The sunset,
waves, cool breeze and the chirping of
birds all together made it a very pleasant
atmosphere. He asked all of us to notice
how the birds make a formation in a
group and fly. He also told us to notice
the shape of the formation made by the
birds while flew. He drew our attention
towards how they flap their wings to fly
higher and how they use the tail to propel directions. Mr. Iyer also made us notice how the bird is
powered to fly by itself. In 15 minutes, all the students cheerfully shouted "yes sir, we now understand
how birds fly on their own."
The flight principle got imprinted in my mind and I decided that in the future I will study subjects
related to flight. However, as a little boy I needed guidance to pursue this field. I asked my teacher
Mr. Iyer to guide and tell me how to pursue my interest. He told me to study and explore the field of
aviation science and aeroplanes.
1. What do you want to become in your life?

* 2. How do you feel when you see birds flying in groups?
Whatever I had learnt that day changed my life. I was inspired to have an aim. Later I realized
how important it was to study physics. I chose physics. I opted for aeronautical engineering at the
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. Then, I became an aeronautical engineer and a space
technologist. Mr. Iyer's class had transformed my life which led me to make a profession out of my
passion. Aeronautics, or the science of flight, was special to me. My career began in this field.
(Note: After graduating from IIT, Madras, Dr. Abdul Kalam had joined DRDO and had designed
helicopters for the Indian Army. He was later transferred to the Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) and had worked as the project director for SLV-III, India’s first indigenous
satellite launch vehicle. In the year 1980 he had joined the Indian missile programme and had
made two missiles namely Agni and Prithvi for the Indian Army. People affectionately called
him as ‘The Missile Man of India.” Later on he had got a chance to work as the Chief Scientific
21 English Reader
Advisor to the Prime Minister of India from 1992 to 1999. In the year 2002, he was elected as
the 11th President of India unanimously by all political parties. In 1997 the Government of
India honoured him with the highest civilian award the Bharat Ratna. He dedicated his
achievements to all his teachers who inspired him and had motivated him to serve his motherland
throughout his life. In his autobiography ‘The Wings of Fire’, he had mentioned that his teacher
Siva Subrahmanya Iyer’s lecture was the turning point for all of his accomplishments.)
About the Author

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was an
Indian aerospace scientist and a politician who had served as
the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was born
on the15th of October, 1931 at Dhanushkodi, Rameswaram,
Tamil Nadu. He is popularly known as the Missile Man of India.
His book ‘Wings of Fire’ is widely read and is inspiring. This
lesson is an extract from his book ‘My Teachers’.
Turning point ( n) : a time at which an important change takes place
Conflict (n) : clash, a serious disagreement
Scarce (adj) : rare
Affordable (adj) : reasonably priced
Defend (v) : protect
Manoeuvred (v) : plotted / steered
Curiosity (n) : a strong desire to know
Gloomy (adj) : unhappy
Flap ( v) : move up and down
Generate ( v) : produce or create
Blossoms - 7 22
Unique (adj) : matchless / special
Transform (v) : change
Passion (n) : strong desire
Indigenous (adj) : native, local
Ignite (v) : light, kindle
A. Answer the following questions

1. Why did Kalam take up the job as a newspaper boy?
2. What was Kalam curious about?
3. Which topic did Shri Siva Subrahmaniya Iyer discuss one day in the class?
4. Where did the teacher take the whole class to explain the concept of bird's flight?
5. What was the turning point in Kalam’s life? Explain.
6. When was Kalam honoured with Bharat Ratna?
B. Arrange the following sentences in the order they occurred in the story.
1. Abdul Kalam decided to study aeronautical engineering.
2. The photos of fighter air crafts and the stories of the second World War caught my attention.
3. In 2002 he was elected the 11th President of India.
4. Siva Subrahmanya Iyer took the whole class to the seashore.
5. Kalam felt what he had learnt that day changed his life.
C. Read the following statements. Answer 'True' (T) or 'False' (F).

1. Sri Siva Subramania Iyer, sowed the seeds of vision ( )
2. One day Kalam taught about the bird’s flight. ( )
3. Sri Subramania Iyer took the students to the airport to show the flying of ( )
aeroplanes.
4. Sri Kalam took up computer engineering at Madras Institute of Technology ( )
5. Sri Subramania Iyer ignited young minds. ( )
23 English Reader
Correct the false statements and rewrite them in the space provided.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
A. Other forms of the words
Read the following sentences from the text.
1. The prices were not affordable.

2. It was usually filled with the photos of fighter aircrafts.
Look at the underlined words in the above sentences. The word ‘affordable’ comes from the root
word ‘afford’ and the word ‘usually’ comes from the root word ‘usual.’
Identify the other forms of the following words used in the lesson ‘The Turning Point’.
word Other form of the word found in the text

occasion occasionally
———————————
care ———————————
curious ———————————
discuss ———————————
combine ———————————
motivate ———————————
cheer ———————————
unanimous ———————————
achieve ———————————
accomplish ———————————
B. Compound Adjectives
Read the following sentences.
My curiosity was fulfilled by a very special teacher when I was a ten-year-old boy in Class V.
This was indeed a life-changing event.
Blossoms - 7 24
In the above sentence the words “ten”, “year” and “old” and “life” and “ changing” are
combined using a hyphen (-) and is made into a single adjective called compound adjective. Compound
adjectives can be formed by bringing two different words together with a hyphen.
E.g. five-day, smart – looking, old – fashioned, short – haired
Match the following words in Set -A with Set - B to make compound adjectives and write
them in the space given.
Set-A Set-B Compound Adjective
absent aged ……………………

middle hearted ……………………
well behaved ……………………
brand minded …………………….
kind new …………………….
Fill in the blanks with the compound adjectives you have made.
1. Kalam was one of the ___________ boys in his class.
2. The _____________ girl helped the old man to cross the road.
3. Mohan who is an ______________ person, forgot his wallet at the cash counter.
4. Murali bought a ___________ car.
5. The ______________ man who is standing at the gate, is my uncle.
C. Compound Words
When you read the lesson ‘The Turning Point’ you might have come across the following
words.
“ Newspaper”, “seashore”,” sunset”
These words are formed when two or more words are joined together to create a new
word, that has entirely new meaning.
Try and make compound words with the following words. You are free to add a
word either to the left or right of the given words. One is done for you.
E.g: House - housekeeper, storehouse

1. Hand 2. Room 3. Pot 4. Butter 5. Box
25 English Reader
Make more compound words and have fun.
Fill in the blanks with a suitable word from the help box to make a compound word . One is
done for you.
E.g. moon light house
(Moonlight and lighthouse are two different compound words
with the same word light.) Help Box
1. Cane _________ candy light

2. News __________ bag cover
sugar
3. Pillow __________ story fisher
land
4. King _________ man
paper
5. Grass __________ mark
The Present Perfect Tense vs The Simple Past Tense:

Look at the following sentences from the text.
1. That evening he took all of us to the seashore.
2. I chose physics.
3. This was indeed a life-changing event.
4. Kalam dedicated his achievements to all his teachers.
The above sentences denote the actions completed in the past. Hence, the verb is in simple past
tense.
take took taken (Irregular Verb)
dedicate dedicated dedicated (Regular Verb)
Be forms:
am/is – was – been
are – were – been
Identify at least five verb forms used in the simple past tense from the text.
—————————— ————————— ————————
—————————— ————————— ————————
Blossoms - 7 26
Exercise 1:
Fill in the blanks with past form of the verb given in brackets.
1. Sankar _________ (join) the bank last month.
2. Where _________ (be) you yesterday?
3. Fathima __________ (pass) the intermediate exam in 2016.
4. Indian Cricket team _________ (win) the trophy in 2017.
5. Leena __________ (write) her examinations and _______ (go) home immediately.
Already we have discussed ‘present perfect tense’ in unit-1.

Present perfect tense denotes the action that began in the past and continuous to the present time.
We write present perfect tense with the markers like ‘just, yet, etc. (adverbs of time).
We write past tense with the markers like yesterday, last week/month/…, ago, etc.
Exercise 2:
Time adverbs used with present perfect tense
Just yet since already for ever / never
1. Is Mr. Ravi at home ?
No, he ____________ left for work.
2. When does the train to Kakinada arrive?
It has ____________ left.
3. The Chief Guest hasn't arrived. _____________

4. I have lived in Vijayawada _________ a long time.
5. I have lived in Delhi __________ 2004.
6. Have you ____________ been to a circus?
A. You have read the text ‘The Turning Point.’ The stories of the World War and the
inspiring teachings of his teacher Sri Siva Subrahmaniya Iyer acted as a turning point
of Kalam’s life.
Now prepare a script for a speech on the turning point in the life of Abdul Kalam and present
it on the Teachers' Day in your school.
27 English Reader
B. Prepare a biographical sketch of Sri APJ Abdul Kalam using the given information.
Bir t h: 15 Oct 1931 at Dhanushkodi, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
First job: Newspaper vendor

Inspiration: His Science teacher Sri Siva Subrahmania Iyer’s lecture
Education: Aeronautical Engineering from M.I.T. ( 1960)
Positions: IGMDP, DRDO, ISRO – Chief Advisor and Chairman
Achievements: Project Devil and Project Valiant (1970)
SLV – III, ROHINI, PSLV, PRUDVI & AGNI Missiles, Nuclear Test. Pokaran -II
Invented ‘Low Cost Coronary Stent’ and Rugged Tablet Computer with Dr.Soma Raju (1998)
Unanimously elected as the presedent of India (2002 – 2007) ‘People’s President
Literary Works: Wrote ‘Wings of Fire’, ‘Ignited Minds,’ etc.
Awards: Honoured with Padma Bhushan (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990) and Bharath Ratna
(1997)
Death: 27 July 2015
Try the following riddle.
The three-letter word that reads the same backwards: _ _ _ ( a part of the body)
Read the following 'Palindrome'
1. Race car 2. Madam 3. Don’t nod 4. Dogma I am God
5. Never odd or even 6. Madam I’m Adam 7. Too bad I hid a boot
Share your observations with your friends.
A. Making announcements:
Read the announcements usually made during the school assembly.
Dear Students, I have an announcement to make. We are planning to conduct sports and
literary competitions on the occasion of Independence Day. The students those who want to participate
Blossoms - 7 28
in the sports competitions have to give their names to the Physical Director of our school. Those who
want to participate in the literary competitions have to give their names to the English teacher.
You are the secretary of your school English club. Make an announcement for the
activities to be planned for the English day.
B. Role-play:
Polite Request : (Could you please…… / Would you mind.....)

Srikar : Excuse me, could you please tell me when the Tirumala Express leaves for
Vizag?
Enquiry : It starts at 5.05 p.m. every day.
Srikar : Could you please tell me the time of arrival at Vizag?
Enquiry : It reaches Vizag at 11 a.m. the next day.
Srikar : Thank you. Would you mind telling me if the tickets are available for
tomorrow?
Enquiry : Let me check . Sorry. No tickets are available until next Sunday.
Srikar : OK, thank you, Sir. I'll plan my journey accordingly.
Enquiry : You are welcome.
Language focus
1. Could you please . . . . . . . .
Eg: Could you please give me your pen?
2. Would you mind . . . . .
Eg: Would you mind opening the window? /Could you open the window
Exercise A
Underline the correct expression to complete each request
1. Could you / Would you mind bringing me some milk for my coffee?
2. Could you / Would you mind answering the question?
3. Could you / Would you go to the shop for me?
4. Could you / would you mind turning off the music?
5. Could you / would you mind bringing me a glass of banana juice?
29 English Reader
Exercise: B
Complete the polite requests with the correct forms of the verb in brackets
1. Could you __________ (bring) me a cup of coffee?
2. Could you ___________ (lend) me your pen?
3. Would you mind __________ (call) a taxi for me?
4. Would you mind __________ (close) the door?
5. Could you __________ (get) me a glass of water?
6. Would you mind ________ (carry) these bags for me?
TRANSFORMATION OF VIVEKANANDA
The relationship between Sri Rama Krishna and Vivekananda (formerly named as Narendranath)
began in November 1881 when they met at the house of Surendranath Mitra. Rama Krishna had
asked Narendranath to sing. He was impressed with the singing talent of Narendranadh and invited
him to Dakshineswar.
Narendra accepted the invitation. The meeting with Sri Rama Krishna proved to be a turning
point in the life of Narendranath. Initially, he did not accept Rama Krishna as his master. But eventually,
he became one of the closest disciples of Rama Krishna who shaped the personality of Narendranath
and inspired him to dedicate his life to serve the human.
Inspired by Rama Krishna, Narendranath became a monk and was named Vivekananda and
he presented a speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions held on 23rd September, 1893 in
Chicago.
His meeting with Sri RamaKrishna in Dakshineswar was a turning point which resulted in the
transformation of Vivekananda.
A. Listen to the story and state the following statements are true / false.
1. The meeting with Sri Ramakrishna was the turning point in the life of Vivekananda ( )
2. Sri Ramakrishna presented a speech in Chicago. ( )
3. Sri Ramakrishna and Vivekananda first met at the house of Surendranath Mitra. ( )
Blossoms - 7 30
Comprehension:
1. Why did Rama Krishna invite Narendranath to Dakshineswar?
2. How did Rama Krishna inspire Narendranath?
3. Where did Vivekananda present his speech?
4. What did Vivekananda dedicate his life to?
5. Do you believe in transformation of yourself?
Study the following Tree diagram
Things in our surroundings
Living things Non-living things
Plants Animals
Flowering Non-flowering Oviparous Viviparous
1. What is the tree diagram about?
2. What are the two kinds of animals mentioned in the above tree diagram?
3. Things in our surroundings are categorised into ——————————. ( )
a) four b) 2 c) 4
4. ‘Viviparous’ is a category of —————————————. ( )
a) plants b) Oviparous c) Animals
5. ‘’Water’ comes under —————————————. ( )
a) Living things b) Oviparous c) Non-living things.
31 English Reader
GIVE ME STRENGTH
This is my prayer to thee, My Lord – strike,

strike at the root of penury in my heart.
Give me the strength lightly to bear my joys and sorrows.
Give me the strength to make my love fruitful in service.
Give me the strength never to disown the poor or bend my knees before insolent might.
Give me the strength to raise my mind high above daily trifles.
And give me the strength to surrender my strength to thy will with love.
Rabindranath Tagore
About the Poet:

Rabindranath Tagore ( 7 May 1861 – 7 August 1941) usually
called Gurudev was a learned man from West Bengal from the Indian
sub continent. He was a poet, musician and artist. He reshaped Bengali
literature and music. He is the author of the Gitanjali, Which is a
collection of beautiful verse. He was the first Indian to win the Nobel
Prize in literature in 1913. Tagore’s poetry is viewed as spiritual and
patriotic. He was referred to as ‘the Bard of Bengal’.
Strike : hit forcibly
Penury : extreme poverty
Fruitful : producing results
Disown : refuse
Insolent : extremely unpleasant
Might : impressive power
Trifles : things of little value or importance
Blossoms - 7 32
Appreciation of the poem:
Answer the following questions.
1. What does the poet pray for?
2. What does the poet want to bear with strength?
3. What type of service does the poet want to make?
4. How does the poet want to treat the poor and the mighty?
5. What does the poet want to do with the strength finally?
Choose the right option and write it in the brackets given.

1. Strike at the root of _________ in my heart. ( )
a) treasury b) happiness c) penury
2. Give me strength to bear my __________ ( )
a) riches and treasures b) joys and sorrows c) property
3. Give me strength to make my love ____________ in service. ( )
a) fruitful b) selfish c) sacrifice
4. Give me strength to raise high above daily ___________ ( )
a) enjoyment b) trifles c) chores
5. The poet wants to surrender his strength to ___________ ( )
a) the mighty b) God’s will c) poor
Check-point On my own With friend’s With

help teacher’s help
I was able to do the vocabulary tasks.
I was able to do the grammar exercise.
I was able to do the writing tasks.
I was able to do the task under study skills.
I was able to enjoy the poem.
33 English Reader
Look at the pictures and answer the following questions.
Questions:
1. Have you ever visited such places?

2. Which of the above places do you like the most?
3. Share your experience based on the places you have visited / liked.
4. Which picture means/shows the tradition and culture?
5. Mention some tourist spots in your District.
Let’s enjoy the scenic beauty of the Ooty and the Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh, located in
Visakhapatnam district.
Blossoms - 7 34
Journey Through the Hills
and Valleys
It has been my longing since childhood to visit the Eastern Ghats. I’ve heard about the
stunning beauty of the valleys, caves, tunnels and the journey through ghat roads. The geographical
magic of the Eastern Ghats and frequent appearance of Lambasingi in both the print and electronic
media has always tempted me.
During the period from November to January, the hills with lushing greenery and blossoms
welcome the visitors. The beauty of the valleys attracts the movie makers even.
I set off from Visakhapatnam along with my friends at 6 a.m. to catch the Kirandul
Passenger, the only train from Visakhapatnam to Borra Caves. Had I missed this mode of
travel, I would have missed the most exciting moments of the train journey. And of course, there
is a lot of scope to plan our journey on road but it’s different. The first task that we had finished
was taking breakfast after boarding the train.
Journey through Tunnels

When the train was crossing the tunnels, we felt as if it were night because of the darkness
for a few minutes even after the dawn. I could still remember the astounding experience in the
longest tunnel among the 58 tunnels. Particularly the special coach called Vista dome coach,
the air-conditioned tourist compartment with wide windows and LCD TV, is a special attraction
to this train journey. After Chimidipalli station, just after a tunnel, a grand waterfall made us
spellbound. I could not account all the water falls like this during the journey. The train reached
Borra Caves by 9.40 a.m. We got down with our baggage. The train journey from Visakhapatnam
to Borra Caves gave us an unforgettable experience which made us speechless.
Araku Road Way
35 English Reader
Borra Caves
It was no exaggeration what I came to know about this God’s Architecture. At a height
of 705 metres above the sea level, made of Karstic limestone, manifested with magnificence,
the Borra Caves are the largest caves in the country. While entering the caves everyone in our
group enjoyed the echo of shouts of visitors. Unknowingly, we also shouted in excitement.
You can understand the feelings of the boulders there. The chilled weather in the caves gave us
a different experience. These caves are a good source of enjoyment and also experiential
learning. Out of the caves, on either side of the road, the tribes sell their handicrafts made
with bamboos, spices collected from forests and products of their farming, etc. to make their
living.
We had lunch at Borra Caves at 1 p.m. We had a very sumptuous lunch. Very special
dishes of this agency area, which were differently processed with all the spices of the taste
particularly.
Tyda Nature Camp

Around 2:00 in the afternoon we reached Tyda Nature Camp. It is also called Tyda
Jungle Bells that facilitates for rock climbing, trekking, bird watching and target shooting with
bow and arrows. Log huts, tents set in tribal environment for the tourists’ night stay are more
enjoyable as they offer pleasant and serene atmosphere that is not found in concrete jungles.
But, of course, we couldn’t find time for the stay. As we planned our night stay at Araku Valley,
we moved to Ananthagiri, brimming with coffee plantations and water falls, which are located
between Tyda and Araku Valley.
Blossoms - 7 36
We reached Araku Valley, the Andhra Ooty and a monumental vacation spot in Andhra
Pradesh. Wow! The aroma of coffee all over the surroundings certainly gets the exhausted
minds energized. It was the Coffee Museum where one may be tempted to relish the taste of the
coffee made with different aromas. Really, it’s the best beverage that I have ever had.
Here, we visited the Tribal Museum, the exhibition of many interesting things like the
traditional art, handicrafts, ornaments and dresses used by the tribes, etc. It is an apt place for
those who are enthusiastic to learn more about the culture and tradition of the local tribes. I was
surprised to know the life style of tribal people. Kodhus, a Primitive Tribal Group (PTG) use a
different language which is a non-scripted dialect of Oriya.
Most interestingly, this valley is a boon for the film producers and directors as the vast
scenic area seems to be a carpet of ‘gold’ with shining yellow Niger flowers (Valisilu). The
picturesque back drop captivates the hearts of tourists to click selfies and snaps. It is indeed, a
wonderful feast for the eyes. Here, the railway track and the road way seem to go parallel.
This is a wonderful phenomenon for shooting, chasing and fighting events in the movies.
Padmapuram Gardens
I feel proud to visit this Garden for its great history. This popular botanical garden, built in
1942 in 26 acres, was the source of cultivating vegetables for the soldiers who fought in the
World War II. After that, the garden was converted as a Horticultural Nursery cum Training
Centre. It was fun to have a glance at every aspect of the garden in Araku Express, the toy train.
Enchanting tree-huts (hanging cottages) ten feet above the ground level look like nature’s lap
contrasting our regular houses with cement and concrete.
Padmapuram Gardens
37 English Reader
Compensating our feeling of sorry for
missing the stay at Tyda Jungle Bells, we had
a wonderful stay at Araku and enjoyed the
cultural programs of the tribal people. At night,
there was an unforgettable camp fire in which
we all enjoyed Dhimsa, the local ceremonial
dance of the agency, performed by 12 to 16 Dhimsa
women while men beating the drums. We stayed at night in Araku in the huts and the tents
which were set in tribal environment for tourists.
Lambasingi
Lambasingi, the Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh, a small hamlet in Visakhapatnam district, is
known for the snowfall with a record fall of 00 C and sometimes - 30 C temperatures particularly
between November and January. It is also called ‘Korra Bayalu’ in their local language. Fenced
by towering hills, tall green trees and surrounded by the mist, the area provides a perfect magical
setting to enjoy winters. If anyone stays out in the open, one will be frozen.
Feeling the warmth of the sun rise at Lambasingi made an auspicious start of the day that
lasts forever. After having breakfast, we visited Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary, one of the best
places of visit. I was glad to see the strange visitors, the birds. I wonder how they survive in the
intense cold weather. But their joy knew no bounds as they live in their natural habitat.
Having lunch at Narisipatnam, one of the gateways to the Eastern Ghats, we started to
Visakhapatnam in our hired vehicle and reached by 5.30 p.m. I felt, we were back to our busy
life from an entirely different world of peace and pleasure. The entire journey was a memorable
and adventurous experience in my life. Only an expert driver can make you reach your destination
safe on this risky curved road with hair-pin bends. The journey was quite amazing and
adventurous.
The tour is not an expensive one to bear. It would be better to plan the journey by train
upto Borra Caves and for the remaining journey, you can take any vehicle.
Blossoms - 7 38
Valley (n) : an elongated depression of the earth’s surface usually between
ranges of hills
Tunnel (n) : a covered passage way
Lush (adj) : over grown
Astounding (adj) : amazing, astonishing
Serene (adj) : peaceful
Sumptuous (adj) : luxurious/rich; delicious
Exhausted (adj) : extremely tired
Brimming (v) : overflow
Monumental (adj) : highly significant/very great
Phenomenon (n) : an observable event
Ceremonial (adj) : ritual; formal
Auspicious (adj) : favourable; encouraging
A. Answer the following questions:

1. Why was the journey to the tribal area a memorable one to the author?
2. Which places did the author visit on his journey?
3. How did the travellers enjoy the train journey?
4. What are the beautiful scenic places that the tourists visited in Lambasingi?
5. How does the author describe the Ananthagiri hills?
6. How do the tribal people make earn their living?
B) Choose the right option and write it in brackets.
1. The most favourable time to visit Araku is . . . ( )
a) between November to January b) between June to August
c) between August to October d) between October to December
2. Araku and Lambasingi are in the . . . . ( )

a) Western Ghats b) North Eastern Ghats
c) Eastern Ghats d) East West Ghats
39 English Reader
3. The dance performed by the tribes in Araku is called . . . ( )
a) Savara b) Dhimsa c) Kuchipudi d) Folk
4. Borra caves are made of . . . . ( )
a) karstic Limestone b) chalk Limestone
c) tufa Limestone d) coquina Limestone
5. Ananthagiri hills are popular for . . . . ( )
a) waterfalls b) flowers
c) coffee Plantations d) both ‘a’ and ‘c’
C) Put the following sentences in the order of events.
1. We visited Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary.
2. We enjoyed Dhimsa dance performed by women.
3. The tribal people were selling their handicrafts on the either side of the road.
4. We set off from Visakhapatnam to Borra.
5. The train passed above the Borra caves.
A. Prepare a word map related to ‘forest products’
Forest
Trees
Products
Blossoms - 7 40
C. Look at the following words:
1. attraction 2. unknowing
1. The word ‘Attraction’ consists of two parts. (root + suffix)
The root word is ‘attract’, suffix is ‘ion’
2. The word ‘unknowing’ consists of two parts (prefix + root)
The Prefix is ‘un’, root word is ‘knowing’.
Now complete the following tables with appropriate prefixes/suffixes to

the root words to make new words,
Note: Suffixes come after the root word, Prefixes come before the root word.
The first one is done for you.
Prefix Root New word Root Suffix

-dis locate dislocate beauty -ful beautiful
experience permit
perfect continue
like enjoy
natural green
A. Locate the following sentences in the text

1. It is a bird-lovers’ heaven and one of the best places to visit in Lambasingi.
2. It is the most beautiful and important hill station in Andhra Pradesh.
Here we can observe the word ‘best’ in the 1st sentence and ‘most’ in the 2nd sentence are
superlative adjectives. Both the adjectives take definite article ‘the’before them.
a) Now, find some more superlative adjectives from the text and write them in the
place provided.
Eg. the longest 3. ——————————
1. ——————————— 4. ——————————
2. ——————————— 5. ——————————
41 English Reader
In previous classes, you might have learnt about adjectives that are expressed in three
degrees i.e. Positive, Comparative and Superlative.
B. Read the following statements. Label them with ‘P’ for Positive, ‘C’ for Comparative
and ‘S’ for Superlative degree.
1. Borra Caves are the longest caves in Eastern Ghats. ( )
2. The Krishna is longer than the Penna. ( )
3. There are many big buildings in our town. ( )
4. Iron is heavier than Silver. ( )
5. Araku Valley is one of the most beautiful places. ( )
6. The Pacific is the deepest ocean in the world. ( )
7. The horse does not run so fast as the cheetah. ( )
8. Australia is not so big as India. ( )
9. There are many strong players in our team. ( )
10. India is one of the largest countries in the world ( )
C. Prepositions
Fill the blanks with the relevant words choosing from the box.
to above at by from
The train also passed _____ the Borra Caves. We got down ___ Borra Caves _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
quarter to 10am. The train journey ______ Visakhapatnam ___ Borra Caves made us speechless
and gave an unforgettable experience.
The words which you have filled in the blanks are prepositions.
Prepositions are words that give the position of the nouns or the relationship between
two nouns, two pronouns or a noun and a pronoun.
Prepositions of Place
There are four Prepositions of Place.

1. “at” describes a specific point in space.
E.g. I am at the library
Blossoms - 7 42
2. “in” describes an enclosed space.
E.g. We live in Delhi
3. “on” describes an object’s relationship to a surface.
E.g. The cat is jumping on the table.
4. “by” describes an object’s nearness to other objects
E.g. The boy stood by the window.
Prepositions of Direction
Prepositions of direction indicate in which direction the object is moving.

Eg: above, across, along, around, behind, below, besides, over, through, toward, up, down,
between, inside, in, near, under, into, onto
The train passed through the tunnel.
We walked along the road.
The boy ran up the hill.
The river runs between the hills.
Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions given in the box.
in below onto towards above at along down on from
1. Is your brother ____ the shop?
2. My father has returned ______ his workplace.
3. A small stream runs ____ the bridge.
4. Prema fell _____ the floor.
5. A helicopter hovered ______ our house.
6. The cat jumped ____ the wall.
7. The rocket is going ________ the moon.
8. The flight ran ____ the runway.
9. Row your boat gently _____ the stream.
10. The boy put the chocolate____ his pocket.
43 English Reader
A) Write a paragraph using the hints given below.
On a holiday – went to Horsely hills – with my family – great trip in my life – started journey –
sunny day – excited about – Gali Bandalu – road was full of eucalyptus and sandal wood trees
– extremely panoramic – Koundinya Wild life sanctuary – Environmental park, Mallamma Temple
– worth seeing
B) Write a letter to your friend about your visit to a tourist place in summer holidays.
Listen to the following text:
Travelling gives you many wonderful experiences you cannot find in your own country. You
meet local people and get to understand different cultures. It’s so exciting. I love planning trips and
doing some research on the country or countries I want to visit. Sometimes, I like to plan everything
in advance, my flights, hotels and tours, etc. For me, the most exciting thing is arriving in a country
with no hotel reservation and no fixed plans. I prefer staying in hostels and guest houses. You get to
meet and talk to different and interesting people and share information. I also like to visit places that
are off the beaten track. Being somewhere with thousands of other tourists is not my cup of tea.
Listen to the text again and tick the correct options.
Travelling gives you many _______ (wonderful/worst) experiences you cannot find in your
own country. You meet local people and get to __________ (understand/misunderstand) different
cultures. It’s so exciting. I ______ (love / dislike ) planning trips and doing some research on the
country or countries I want to visit. Sometimes, I like to plan ________ (nothing/everything) in
advance, my flights, hotels and tours, etc. For me, the most exciting thing is arriving in a country with
no ______ (hotel reservations/ room reservations) and no fixed plans. I prefer staying in ______
(railway stations/hostels) and guest houses. You get to meet and talk to different and interesting
people and share information. I also like to visit places that are off the beaten ______ (track/truck).
Being somewhere with thousands of other tourists is not my cup of tea.
Blossoms - 7 44
1. Already, you have read the Travelogue ‘Journey through the Hills and Valleys’. You
may have such beautiful places in your locality too. Using the following language
functions share your likes and dislikes with your friend.
Expressing Likes Expressing Dislikes
Eg : I really enjoy the trip. Eg : I don’t think all the hill region
is enjoyable.
I’m very fond of… I’m sorry, but I don’t like it at all
Wow/Lovely! It’s absolutely terrible/awful
I’m crazy about I’m afraid I dislike/ don’t like…
…….is wonderful/ really good I specially dislike…
…is one of my favourites I don’t like . . . . .
Collect the list of tourist places in your district. Write a small description about the places
by collecting relevant pictures. Display the pictures and the information in your class room.
Poem to enjoy
A pin had a head but has no hair
A clock has a face but no mouth there
Needles have eyes but they cannot see
A fly has a trunk without lock or key
A timepiece may lose but cannot win
A corn field dimples without chin
Rivers run though they have no feet
A saw has feet but it does not run
Ash trees have keys yet never a lock
And a baby crows without being a cock
45 English Reader
Think and match the following.
1. bottle teeth
2. tree tongue
3. shoe neck
4. comb spine
5. flame nose
6. hammer trunk
7. aeroplane head
8. book sole
Read it yourself
Gandikota The Grand Canyon of India
Gandikota Gandikota was the seat of power for many
Feb 19th, 2021 ancient dynasties, ever since its discovery by
G andikota, the magnificient piece of Kakatiya Raja, a subordinate of the then
nature’s architecture, has come to be known as Chalukya ruler.
the Hidden Grand Canyon of India. The travellers The Fort, having a five-mile perimeter wall
who visit will be stunned by its beauty. It is guarding it, is one of the favourite tourist
located in Kadapa District of Andhra Pradesh. hotspots. This fort has an impressive history as
It resembles the Grand Canyon, Arizona, US. it was once the undefeatable stronghold of its
There are many astounding areas that are alluring time. It was built in such a manner that the
to the visitors in and around Gandikota. ‘Gandi’ Gandikota gorge provides it a natural defence
means ‘Canyon’ and ‘Kota’ means ‘Fort’. The on the north and west sides.
village nearby this area is known to be
Gandikota.
The spectacular gorge formed by the
Pennar River that cuts through Erramala hills
offers a beautiful view. A gorge is a narrow valley
between hills or mountains, with steep rocky
walls and a stream running through it. In fact,
gorges are formed because of erosion of rock
over a long period of time.
Blossoms - 7 46
The Fort made of red stone has excellent etc; are the special attractions here. All the three
palaces adorned with fine carvings. It is very modes of transportation air, train, and road are
exciting to walk along the fort’s wall and spend available.
a few moments by the serene river. A trip to this
You can also visit Mylavaram Dam nearby
place is worth it, considering the fact that you
and do some boating in the serene waters of the
can peep into history through the walls of
reservoir. You can also visit the Belum Caves
Gandikota Fort, which narrates the tale of
which is India’s largest and the longest natural
various civilizations that existed thousands of
cave system, the Owk Reservoir and
years ago.
Banaganapalle.
The best time to visit this place is between
Booking in advance for an overnight stay
September and February, as the weather during
on the weekends is necessary as the Haritha
this time is comparatively pleasant. Summers are
Resort run by the Government is the only
too hot and there will be significantly low water
accommodation available in Gandikota. There
levels, the canyon seems less appealing.
are multiple camping areas outside the Fort and
There are several other attractions and on the banks of the Pennar River for those who
things to do in Gandikota like kayaking, rock are looking for quirky stay options and wish to
climbing, trekking and rappelling. Surely you can sleep under the stars with the river gushing
enjoy watching stars at night. The granary, prison, beside.
47 English Reader
1. Architecture (n) : any particular style of building design
2. Astounding (adj) : surprisingly impressive
3. Allure (v) : extremely attractive
4. Adorned (v) : made more beautiful
5. Serene (adj) : calm and peaceful
6. Appealing (adj) : attractive or interesting
7. Quirky (adj) : unusual
8. Gushing (v) : flow out of something in a rapid and plentiful stream
A. 1. Write one of the interesting things you like the most in the news article.
2. What is the right time to visit Gandikota? Why?
B. Read the following and say whether they are true / false.
1. Gorges are formed because of rock erosion over a long period of time. ( )
2. A five-mile perimeter wall around Gandikota fort is constructed to protect it. ( )
3. Gandikota, the Grand Canyon of India, is only one such a place in the world. ( )
4. Gandikota is an example of artificial architecture. ( )
5. Gandikota can only be reached by road. ( )
Blossoms - 7 48
With friend’s With teacher’s
Indicators On my own
help help
I was able to read the main

reading text.
I was able to use the glossary

given.
I was able to answer the questions
under reading comprehension.
I was able to do the vocabulary
tasks.
I was able to do the grammar
exercises.
I was able to do the writing task.
I was able to do the listening task.
I was able to do the language

functions.

under study skills.
I was able to do the project work.

under Read it yourself.
49 English Reader
Look at the picture below and answer the questions that follow.
1. What are the men / boys doing?

2. What weapons are they using?
3. Where do we see such fight scenes?
4. Can you name some world famous personalities from any field?
5. Is it their appearance / skill that makes them great personalities?
Let us read about a person who is a talented archer and a great warrior whose only
wish in his life was to be a part of the army. Let us see how was fulfilled his wish.
Blossoms - 7 50
The Brave little Bowman
Once there lived a little wise man with a crooked back. He was a skilled archer. His only wish
was to join the army. He thought that the King might not give him the job because of his crooked
back. The little wise man wanted to find a strong man and ask him to take him as his assistant. Then
the King would take both of them. He went in search of a big man.
One day he saw a big man digging a ditch.
The Little Man : You are a big and strong man. Why are you digging ditches? Can’t you find
some other work?
The Big Man : I don’t know any other work, and I have to earn my living.
The Little Man : Don’t do this work anymore. Come with me. We will go to the king and ask
for a job in the army for you.
The Big Man : I can’t do that. I am not a skilled warrior and can’t fight.
The Little Man : Don’t worry about that. Just go to the King, ask for a job in the army and
introduce me as your assistant.
The Big Man : But, how can a little man like you assist me?
51 English Reader
The Little Man : You can’t judge a book by its cover. There is no such a bowman like me in
the country. I will do the work assigned to you and we will divide the pay
equally. Now, will you come with me?
The Big Man : Okay, I will go with you.
They went to the palace gates. The big man sent a word to the king that there was a skilled
bowman at the gate. The king sent for the big man.
The King : What do you want? Why did you come here?
The Big Man : My greetings to you, your Majesty. I want to join your army.
The King : Who is this little man?
The Big Man : He is my assistant, your Majesty. I want you to take him too along with me.
The King : I will take the both of you and give a thousand silver coins a month.
The Big Man : Thank you very much, your Highness! We will serve you to the best of our
abilities.
They joined the army and were happy. One day the King sent for the big man and told him that
there was a tiger in the forest who was killing people.
The King : You must go to the forest and kill the tiger. Will you do it?
The Big Man : Yes, your Majesty! I will kill the tiger.
Blossoms - 7 52
The King : Go at once!
The Big Man : Your order My Lord!
* 1. Do you know the success story of Sudha Chandran? Discuss.
2. Collect the names of such personalities and share with your friends.
The big man and the little man went into the forest. The little bowman killed the tiger. They
reported the same to the king.
The Big Man : I have killed the man-eater, your Majesty.
The King : Oh! You have killed the tiger! Very glad. I appreciate you, brave man. Take
this bag of gold coins.
The Big Man : Thank you, your Highness.
The big man and the little man shared the coins equally. One day, the King was informed that a
wild elephant was creating panic among the people: running up and down the road, tossing people in
the air, causing injuries and in some cases death to the people. Immediately the King ordered the big
man to meet him. The big man reported to the King.
The King : Have you heard about the wild elephant?
The Big Man : Yes, your Majesty.
The King : Go and kill the wild elephant and put the people’s fears to rest.
The Big Man : Certainly, your Highness!
The big man and the little man went to look out for the wild elephant. The little man shot the
elephant and killed it and they reported it to the King.
The Big Man : I have killed the wild elephant, your Majesty.
The King : Bravo! You have once again proved that you are a very brave man. I am happy
to have you in my army. Take your reward.
All the people in the kingdom praised the big man for his bravery. The big man became very
proud. He gave a cold shoulder to the little man and said many harsh and unkind words to the little
man. He also said that he could get on very well without the help of the little man. A few days later, as
a bolt from the blue for the big man, the kingdom was attacked by an enemy.
53 English Reader
The king received a message either to surrender his kingdom to him or to get ready for the battle. The
King at once sent his army.
1. Can the big man win the battle? Substantiate your answer.
*
2. Will the little man support the big man?
The Big Man : (armed and mounted on a war elephant) Today is my last day in this world.
I am definitely going to die.
The Little Man : Pull yourself together. I will sit behind you on the war elephant and shoot with
my bow and arrow.
The war elephant went out of the city and entered the battle-field. Then at the sound of the
first drum beat, the big man shook with fear.
The Little Man : Hang in there. You need not be afraid. If you fall off now, you will be killed.
The Big Man slipped off the elephant’s back, and ran back to the city.
The Big Man : I don’t want this job. I don’t want your money either. I can do any job as
long as I live.
The Little man : Oh! what a coward he is! though big and strong! However, this is a blessing in
disguise. I will fight for the king and prove that I am better than the big man,
though I don’t have a big and strong body.
The little bowman drove the war-elephant into the fight. The army broke into the enemy king’s
camp. The little man’s army drove the enemy out of their kingdom and won the battle. The king heard
about the little bowman. The people called him 'The Brave Little Bowman.' The king made him the
chief of the army and gave him rich gifts. The big man was ashamed of himself and went back to his
work of digging ditches. As per the saying, ‘better late than never’, the little man received the much-
deserved honour at last.
(Adapted from Jataka Tales)
Blossoms - 7 54
Crooked (adj) : bent or twisted out of shape
Earn a living (idiom) : to earn money needed for food and clothing.
Ditch (n) : a narrow channel dug at the side of the road or field, to carry
away water.
Praise (v) : express warm approval or admiration
Harsh (adj) : unkind, severe
Bowman (n) : an archer
Mounted (adj) : riding an animal, typically a horse
Warrior (n) : a brave or experienced soldier or fighter
Skilled (adj) : having or showing the knowledge or ability
Panic (n) : sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety
Put fear to rest (phrase) : to calm one’s fear
Armed (adj) : carrying weapons to fight
A. Answer the following questions.
1. Why didn’t the little bowman go to the King and ask for a job in the army?
2. What did the little bowman tell the big man to do when he saw him digging ditches?
3. How did the big man introduce the little man to the king?
4. Did the big man kill the tiger and the wild elephant? Who killed them?
5. If you were the big man what would you do in the battlefield?
6. Did the running away of the big man from the battlefield benefit the little man? How?
B. Put the following sentences in the order of events.
The big man and the little man joined the king’s army. ( )
The little man told the big man to ask the king to let him join the army. ( )
55 English Reader
The little man saw a big strong man digging a ditch. ( )
The big man slipped off the war elephant’s back and ran off into the city. ( )
The little man killed the tiger and the wild elephant. ( )
C. Say whether the following statements are True or False.

1. The little bowman introduced the big man as his assistant to the king. ( )
2. The little man killed the tiger and the wild elephant. ( )
3. The big man asked the king to pay him five hundred pieces a month. ( )
4. The little bowman led the elephant into the battle and won the battle. ( )
5. The king made the little bowman the chief of his army and gave him rich gifts. ( )
Correct the false statements and write them here

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
1 2
b
A. CROSSWORD PUZZLE Across
Fill the puzzle using the clues 1. an archer
given below. 3. sudden uncontrollable fear or
3
i
4
anxiety
c 5. unkind, severe
5
6. having knowledge or ability
Down
6 7
2. a brave soldier
s d
3. express warm approval or
admiration
4. bent or twisted out of shape
7. a narrow channel dug at the
side of the road or field
Blossoms - 7 56
B. Observe how the past and past participle forms of the verbs are formed in set I and
set II.
Set I Set II
Present Past Participle Present Past Participle
walk walked walked take took taken
ask asked asked drive drove driven
join joined joined do did done
talk talked talked fly flew flown
watch watched watched give gave given
Note:
Verbs such as walk, ask, join, etc, which you find in set I are Regular Verbs.
Verbs such as take, drive, give, etc, which you find in set II are Irregular Verbs.
Pick out the verbs from the lesson and write the V2 (past) and V3 (past participle) forms and
place them under proper headings.
Set I Set II
Regular Verbs Irregular Verbs
Present Past Participle Present Past Participle
C. Find the ‘antonyms / opposites’ for the given words from the reading text.
1. unarmed 2. foolish 3. unskilled 4. relaxed 5. coward
6. separate 7. gentle 8. proud 9. straight 10. dismount
57 English Reader
D. Fill in the blanks with the opposite of the word underlined.
1. Never speak harshly, always speak _____________.
2. Cruelty towards animals is a sin. We should show ___________ to animals.
3. Everybody likes to be praised. Nobody likes to be ____________.
4. I am glad I got the job, but ____________ on leaving my home town.
5. David told his timid young brother to be ____________.
A. Read the following sentences from the reading text.

The King will take both of us.
We will go to the King and ask for a job.
Will you come with me?
These sentences are in the simple future tense.
Pick out some more sentences which are in the simple future tense from the reading text and write
them here.
1. ——————————— 2. ——————————
3. ——————————— 4. —————————
5. ——————————— 6. —————————
You have already learnt the structure and usage of simple future tense. Now, do the following
exercise.
A. Here is how Karim, John and Indu plan their summer holidays.
Fill the blanks with suitable form of verb given in brackets.
Hello, I am Karim. Every summer we ___________(go) to Chennai
to visit my grandparents. But this summer, we __________(not visit)
them. We __________(go) on a tour to Singapore. We
_________(do) a lot of shopping there. We ____________(visit)
all the sight-seeing places in Singapore. We ____________(stay)
there for ten days.
Blossoms - 7 58
Hello, I am John. This summer I _________(go) camping with my
classmates and we ___________(climb) up trees. We
____________(make) campfires and ___________(sleep) in tents. But
it ____________(last) only for a week. Then, like every summer
I ___________(read) books and ______________(watch) T.V at home.
Hi, I am Indu. Every summer we _______(go) to my grandpa’s

village. He has a lovely farm. This summer too, we _________(go)
there. I ________(ride) a horse. I ___________(climb) trees and
_________(go) fishing and _________(pick) up flowers also. I
___________(feed) the lovely animals.
B. Fill the blanks with the verb in simple future tense. (One is done for you)
Ex. He ________________(come) tomorrow.
Ans: He will come tomorrow.
1. Karim __________________(travel) around Europe next year.
2. The exams ______________(be) in June.
3. The students _________________(finish) the English project in two days.
4. He _____________________(call) me tomorrow afternoon.
5. I ___________________(get) you something to drink.
C. Write negative sentences for the given positive sentences. (One is done for you.)
Ex. They will go shopping on Saturday.
Ans: They will not go shopping on Saturday.
1. My mother will assign work to me.
___________________________________________________
59 English Reader
2. He will get the job.
____________________________________________________.
3. We shall buy another house.
_____________________________________________________.
4. The doctor will see you very soon.
______________________________________________________.
5. He will leave tomorrow.
______________________________________________________.
D. Framing questions that take Yes/No responses
Read the following sentences from the story.
Little man : Can’t you find some other work?
Big man : No, I can’t.
The King : Have you heard about the wild elephant?
Big man : Yes, your Majesty.
The King : You must go to the forest and kill the tiger. Will you do it?
Big man : Yes, your Majesty! I will kill the tiger.
Look at the answers to the above questions. Those answers begin with either YES or NO.
The above questions begin with words can, have, will, did etc. (The Auxiliary Verbs). Now let us
see how these questions are framed.
1. Observe the position of the auxiliary verb in the statement and the question.
S.No. Statement Question
1 She is learning classical dance. Is she learning classical dance?
2 They were playing chess Were they playing chess?
3 He will finish the project in time. Will he finish the project in time?
4 We can enjoy the movie. Can we enjoy the movie?
5 I should write the examination. Should I write the examination?
Blossoms - 7 60
Now, frame questions to the given statements. (One is done for you)
1. He was a skilled archer
Ans: Was he a skilled archer?
2. The king will take both of them.
———————————————————————————————
3. I am not a skilled warrior.
———————————————————————————————
4. She is preparing dinner for us.
———————————————————————————————
5. The little girl can tell the names of all Indian Presidents.
———————————————————————————————
6. My friends are going on an excursion.
———————————————————————————————
7. They were building a house by this time last year.
———————————————————————————————
8. I should attend the meeting.
———————————————————————————————
9. We shall take up the challenge.
———————————————————————————————
10. The Prime Minister has declared the lockdown.
———————————————————————————————
2. Observe the following Statements and Questions.
Statement Yes / No question
Birds fly in the air. Do birds fly in the air?
A cow gives us milk. Does a cow give us milk?
He got top rank in the examination. Did he get top rank in the examination?
61 English Reader
Now, frame questions for the given statements: (One is done for you)
1. The rainbow appears in the sky.

Ans: Does the rainbow appear in the sky?
2. The Sun rises in the east.
———————————————————————————
3. Trees give us fruits.
———————————————————————————
4. He wrote a novel.
———————————————————————————
5. She sang a song on the dais.
———————————————————————————
A. In the story the big man was appreciated for killing the tiger and the wild elephant. He started
ignoring the little bowman. Describe the feelings of the little bowman in this context.
Make use of the following hints
Unlucky I am – with my skill – killed the tiger – killed the wild elephant – but credit went to the
big man – the King and the people praised him — I was ignored – really unfortunate – what can I do
now? – can I reveal the truth — may the King punish us – better to keep quiet.
B. You have read the lesson ‘The Brave Little Bowman’. Rewrite it in the form a story.
LANGUAGE FUNCTION: Offering and asking for help:

Read the following conversation between Gowtham and Sudha. Work in pairs.
Gowtham : Hello! Sudha. What will you do tomorrow?
Sudha : I’ll work on my English project.
Gowtham : Shall I help you to complete your project work?
Sudha : I’ll be glad if you can.
Gowtham : Certainly, Sudha.
Sudha : Thank you very much.
Blossoms - 7 62
Here are some examples for asking for help / offering help:
Asking for help Offering help
Could you help me………… Can / May I help ……………….
Would you mind …………… Would you like me to help you….
Can you do me a small favour,.. I will help you……..
Please……… If you need any help, let me know….
Can you please lend me ……. Do you want me to help you……
Frame sentences to make offers using the words given and practice.
1. Cook the dinner (shall): ————————————————————————
2. Clean the floor (Can) —————————————————————————
3. Cup of coffee (Would)—————————————————————————
4. Do the shopping (Will)—————————————————————————
5. Make some sandwiches (Would) ————————————————————
Listen to the story and answer the questions that follow.
An Audacious Village
A country’s protected by the armed forces like the army, the navy and the air force. If one
wants to join the armed forces, one needs bravery and patriotism. You may have many professionals
like engineers, doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc., in your locality. However it is rare to find people
who work in the army from your area. Madhavaram, called Military Madhavaram in West Godavari
District, which is famous for sending men to serve in the armed services for centuries. Almost every
household in the small village has at least one member serving in the armed forces.
During colonial rule, youth from the village flocked to the military and participated in major
wars. Nearly 90 soldiers from this remote village participated in World War I and the figure rose up
to 1,110 in World War II. Many soldiers from this village have laid down their lives.
63 English Reader
Soldiers from the village have been a part of every war that independent India has fought.
Many soldiers from this village sacrifice and guard the Indian frontiers. The girls in the village prefer to
marry military men. The villagers, to commemorate the sacrifice and services of the soldiers, built a
memorial for soldiers on the lines of New Delhi’s Amar Jawan. For many years, joining the Indian
Armed Forces has remained the career of choice for the young men of the village.
1. What qualities are required to join the Armed forces?
2. Whom do the girls in the village prefer to marry?
3. How did the villagers commemorate the sacrifice made by the soldiers?
4. How many World Wars are mentioned in the story?
5. What is Amar Jawan famous for?
A. Study the following pie-chart and answer the questions that follow.
Recommended Diet
Fruit
Protein
Vegetables
Dairy
Grains
Other
1. What is the pie chart about?
2. What is the percentage of vegetables in the diet recommended?
3. ————————————— occupied 9% of the diet recommended. ( )
a) Vegetables b) Grains c) Other
4. Which two items are equally recommended in our diet? ( )
a) Grains & Other b)Dairy & Vegetables c) Vegetables & Protein
Blossoms - 7 64
5. Identify the true/false statement.
a. The percentage of fruit in our diet is 23% ( )
b. Grains occupy the least perccentage of our diet. ( )
c. Vegetables occupy 18% share of our diet. ( )
B. Dictionary Entry
play
/pleI/
See definitions in:
All Sports Games Gambling Art Music
verb
1. engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose.
"the children were playing by a pool"
Similar
2. take part in (a sport).
"I play squash and badminton"
Similar: take part in
noun
1. activity engaged in for enjoyment and recreation, especially by children.

"a child at play may use a stick as an aeroplane"
Similar: amusement entertainment relaxation recreation enjoyment
2. the conducting of a sporting match.
"rain wrecked the second day's play"
Look at the word 'make'. By replacing the underlined letter ‘k’ in the word with r, l and t we
can make new words like 'mare, male, mate' and so on. Now make at least three new words by
replacing the letter underlined with any letter of your choice.
make - mare male mate
1. same - __________________________
65 English Reader
2. poke - _________________________________
3. robe - _________________________________
4. sail -_________________________________
5. bake - __________________________________
Riddles :
Here are some riddles for you to solve. (One is done for you)
Ex. I am tall when I am young and I am short when I am old. What am I?

Answer : Candle
1. You walk into a room that contains a candle, a kerosene lamp, a match and a fireplace. What
would you light first?
Ans: _____________________________________________________
2. A man dies of old age on his 25th birthday. How is this possible?
Ans: _____________________________________________________
3. What has many keys but can't open a single lock?
Ans: _____________________________________________________
4. What is black when it is clean and white when it is dirty?
Ans: _____________________________________________________
5. Where does today come before yesterday?
Ans: _____________________________________________________
Tongue Twisters:
Say them aloud.
1. Troubles never troubled Trouble, as he himself troubled troubles.
2. Mine collected fine and wished to have wine but the shopkeeper closed at nine for fear of fine.
3. Bumble often mumbles something to Rumble but the latter does not catch the matter as nothing
matters to him.
Blossoms - 7 66
4. Mr. Will, prepared a will as he willed to inherit his paper mill to his doughter, Jill.
5. Ms. Sind wound the bandage round the wound and soon unwound it as it was not wound
properly around the wound.
A Fairy Song
Over hill, over dale,
Thorough bush, thorough brier,
Over park, over pale,
Thorough flood, thorough fire!
I do wander everywhere,
Swifter than the moon’s sphere;
And I serve the Fairy Queen,
To dew her orbs upon the green;
The cowslips tall her pensioners be;

In their gold coats spots you see;
Those be rubies, fairy favours;
In those freckles live their savours;
I must go seek some dewdrops here,
And hang a pearl in every cowslip’s ear.
By William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616) was an English playwright,

poet, and actor often called the English National Poet and considered
by many to be the greatest dramatist of all time. He was nicknamed
The Bard of Avon. Shakespeare’s works include 38 plays, 2 narrative
poems, and 154 sonnets and a variety of other poems. His plays like
Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear are some of the finest works in those
genres. Some of his works are studied as academic subjects at
postgraduate level across the world. This poem (A Fairy Song) is
taken from his comedy play ‘A Mid Summer Night’s Dream.
67 English Reader
1. Dale : valley
2. Thorough (ancient) : through
3. Brier : a thorny plant
4. Pale : a wooden strip forming part of a fence
5. Swifter : faster
6. Sphere : range
7. Freckles : spots
8. Savours : flavours
9. Cowslip : a kind of plant grown in Europe and West Asia.
Choose the correct options to complete the sentences.
1. The fairy wanders ————————————————— ( )
(a) over the dale (b) over the hill (c) everywhere
2. The fairy is serving the Fairy Queen by dropping ——————upon the green.
(a) dew drop (b) cowslips (c) rubies ( )
3. The fairy walks faster than the rotation of the ——————————— ( )
(a) Fairy Queen (b) dew drops (c) Moon
4. The fairy wants to hang a ————————————— in every cowslip’s ear.
(a) dew drops (b) ruby (c) pearl ( )
5. Who are the fairy queen’s pensioners? ( )
(a) cowslips (b) dew drops (c) orbs
1. Where does the fairy wander?
2. How quickly does the fairy wander?
3. Who does the fairy serve?
Blossoms - 7 68
4. What are the spots on the cowslips compared with?
5. Identify and write the other rhyming words in the poem:.
( E.g. dale – pale)
1. ———————————— 2. ————————————
3. ———————————— 4. ————————————
5. ———————————— 6. ————————————
Fun-time answers: sale, sake, save / pole, pore, pose / rose, role, rope / sail, tail,
mail, rail / bale, base, bare, bade
Riddles answers: 2. a match / 3. He was born on 29th February, / 4. A piano / 5. A

blackboard / 6. In a dictionary
Indicators On my With friend’s With teacher’s

own help help
I was able to answer all the questions.
I was able to do the vocabulary tasks.
I was able to do the grammar exercise.
I was able to do the writing tasks.
I was able to perform different functions in

English language.
I was able to do the task under study skills.
I was able to recite the poem.
I was able to answer the questions under

the poem.
69 English Reader
Vocabulary
Snatch Stunning
Handy Boarding
Stranger Astounding
Spear Compartment
Pattern Exaggeration
Pretend Architecture,
Wagon Brimming
Mischievous Enthusiastic
Errand Picturesque
Fringed Compensating
Attention Skilled
Manoeuvred, Highness
Advantage Appreciate
Curiosity Panic
Bloomy Tossing
Powered Deserve
Guidence Ability
Aviation Swift
Aeronautical Mounted
Transform Crooked
Blossoms - 7 70

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BLOSSOMS - 7

Dr. B. Pratap Reddy, MA., B.Ed., Ph.D.

Dr. Katabathina Subramanyam

Dr. V.B. Chitra

Sri. G.G.S. Nageswara Rao, M.A, M.Ed., Lecturer in English

First Published 2021

All rights reserved

No part of this publication may be

This book has been printed on 70 G.S.M. SS Maplitho

Free distribution by Samagra Shiksha, Government of Andhra Pradesh

Sri. Cheemalapati VLSKN Sarma, Sri. Pydi Kasiviswanadha Rao, SA,

Sri. G. Kumaraswamy, SA Smt. S.Padma Priya, PGT

Sri. K.David Brainard, SA Shaik Sahanaz, SA

Smt. T.Sunitha, SA Sri. M.Diwakar, SA

Sri. P.Nirikshana Raju, SA Smt. P.Swarnalatha, Faculty,

Smt. M.Geetha Bharati, SA Smt. M.Abigail, Faculty,

Sri.P.Vijaya Babu, SA Smt. K.Jothi, SA

Sri. B.Venkateswarlu, SA Smt. B.V.P. Srilalitha, Faculty,

Illustrator DTP & Designing

India is my country. All Indians are my brothers and sisters.

S.No Content Month Pages

1. My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken and Me June 1

2. The Turning Point July - Aug 19

3. A Journey Through the Hills and Valleys Aug - Sep 34

4. The Brave Little Bowman Oct 50

Student Corner Teacher Corner

1. My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken and Me :

2. The Turning Point

4. The Brave Little Bowman

1. Listening and speaking:

1. Where are the children?

I don’t know why, but Ndebele people do not call

You must have the pattern inside

* 1. Where do you see such pictures ?

Snatch (v) : quickly seize (something) in a rude or abrupt way.

Hope (n) : a feeling of expectation for a particular thing to happen.

Of course : used to introduce an idea or action as being obvious or to be expected;

Pattern (n) : a particular way in which something is done, is organized, or happens

Fringed (adj) : having a decorative border of hanging threads for clothing.

Pretend (v) : to give a false appearance of being, possessing, or performing; pose.

Penny whistles (n) : flute like wind instrument

City folk (n) : city people

Tend (v) : care for or look after

Squirmy (adj) : To twist about in a wriggling, snake like motion.

B. Say if the following statements are True/ False:

Thandi’s friend – Thandi’s painting Thandi’s Clothing Thandi’s Village

A. VISUALISE - Text to Mind

2. …no one’s house is as good as my mother’s.

3. …..he tries to get into everybody’s business.

Apostrophe for possessions

He would = He’d. They are = they’re.

I have = I’ve. You cannot = you can’t.

Positive Positive Short Form (Contracted Form)

Negative Negative Short Form (Contracted Form)

A. Read the passage from the narrative/ story. Write a dialogue.

B. Letter Writing: (Informal Letter)

A. Language Function: Introducing self. (use the help box)

Hello! My name is ___________________.

I come from _____________________(name of the place )

I am _______________years old. (age)

My hobbies are _, , and ____. (hobby)