Listen, Speak and Write

Class 6 English · Chapter 1: A Bottle of Dew · NCERT Poorvi section pp. 10–12

Learn

Sounds of "s": the letter s does not always sound the same. In sage and promising it is a hissing /s/. In wisdom and trees it is a buzzing /z/. In surprise, the first s is /s/ and the second is /z/! Say beds, sand, clothes, sea, was, keys, bags, nose and listen to each s.

Speaking about hard work: use helpful phrases. What it means: "It means …", "What I mean is …". Giving reasons: "Firstly, I feel … because …", "Secondly, I think … since …", "Lastly, I believe … as …". Giving advice: "To begin with, it is important that …", "Next, you could …", "Finally, I think you should …".

Describe a banana using your senses: colour (green, yellow), how the skin feels (smooth, soft), smell (fruity, sweet), taste (sweet, creamy), why it's healthy (gives energy, rich in vitamins), and when you like to eat it. Example: "A ripe banana has a smooth yellow skin and a sweet, fruity smell." Write eight sentences like this.

Write a script: turn the story into a short play with dialogues for Rama Natha, Madhumati and the sage, and act it out. Start each line with the speaker's name, e.g. Rama Natha: "Tell me how to make the potion!" Add actions in brackets: (The sage smiles.) Explore: India grows many kinds of bananas, from small, sweet elaichi bananas to big red ones. Find out which grow in your region.

Explore: /s/ or /z/?

1. Say each word aloud, then sort it.

Remember

• The letter s can sound like /s/ (sage) or /z/ (trees, wisdom).
• Use linking phrases (firstly, secondly, lastly) to give reasons clearly; describe things using your senses.

Quick check

In the word "wisdom", the letter s sounds like …

1. /z/
2. /s/
3. /sh/
4. silent

Think about it

Give three reasons why hard work is important, using firstly, secondly and lastly.

Practice

Practise with fresh questions at three levels (easy, medium, hard), some answered hands-on, with hints and worked answers. Get 4 of your last 5 right to finish the topic.