Chapter 8
The Tree and the River
Work in pairs. Think and share your responses for the following questions.
1. What is the first picture about?
Ans: The first picture is about a dry and barren land with very few trees and a nearly dried-up river. The land appears lifeless, and the environment looks harsh and uninhabitable. It highlights the negative effects of deforestation and lack of water.
2. What are the people doing?
Ans: The people in the first picture are working together to restore the environment. They appear to be planting trees and making efforts to bring greenery back to the barren land. Their actions suggest an attempt to conserve nature and revive the river.
3. Who are green volunteers?
Ans: Green volunteers are people who actively participate in environmental conservation efforts, such as planting trees, cleaning rivers, and protecting nature. In the picture, the individuals planting trees and working to restore the land are the green volunteers. They help make the environment greener and healthier.
4. What do you observe in the second picture? Why is the place beautiful?
Ans: In the second picture, I observe a lush green landscape with a flowing river, trees, and various animals like deer and a peacock. The place looks vibrant and full of life.
The place is beautiful because of the presence of greenery, water, and wildlife. The trees provide shade and fresh air, the river adds to the scenic beauty, and the animals make the environment lively and natural. The picture shows a healthy and balanced ecosystem.
5. Tell some differences between the two pictures.
Ans: Here are some differences between the two pictures:
Environment: The first picture shows a dry, barren land with cracked soil and almost no vegetation, while the second picture has lush greenery with trees, plants, and a flowing river.
Water Availability: In the first picture, the river appears almost dry with just a small amount of water, whereas in the second picture, the river is full and flowing.
Wildlife: The first picture lacks animals, showing a lifeless environment, while the second picture has deer, a peacock, and other wildlife, indicating a healthy ecosystem.
Human Activity: In the first picture, people are seen working to plant trees and restore the land, while in the second picture, nature is already thriving.
Overall Mood: The first picture looks dull, lifeless, and depressing, while the second picture appears vibrant, fresh, and full of life.
These differences highlight the importance of trees and rivers in maintaining a healthy environment.
6. What will happen if there are no trees and rivers on earth?
Ans: If there are no trees and rivers on Earth, the following consequences will occur:
No Oxygen Production: Trees produce oxygen through photosynthesis. Without them, oxygen levels will decrease, making it difficult for humans and animals to survive.
Loss of Wildlife: Many animals depend on trees for food and shelter, and rivers for drinking water. Without these, biodiversity will decline, leading to the extinction of many species.
Extreme Climate Conditions: Trees help regulate temperature and maintain the balance of nature. Without them, global temperatures will rise, leading to severe climate change and increased natural disasters like droughts and floods.
Water Scarcity: Rivers provide fresh water for drinking, farming, and daily use. Without them, water sources will dry up, causing a severe crisis for all living beings.
Soil Erosion and Desertification: Trees prevent soil erosion by holding the soil with their roots. Without trees, the land will become barren and turn into a desert.
Lack of Food and Resources: Trees provide fruits, wood, and medicinal plants. Rivers support agriculture and fishing. Without these, food production will decline, leading to starvation.
Unhealthy Environment: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants, keeping the air clean. Without them, air pollution will increase, leading to more respiratory diseases and health problems.
Overall, life on Earth will become extremely difficult, and survival will be almost impossible without trees and rivers.
. Answer the following questions.
1. Who are the two characters talking to each other?
Ans: The two characters talking to each other are the tree and the river.
2. What does the expression "the waste is choking around me" mean in the story?
Ans: The expression "the waste is choking around me" in the story means that the river is getting polluted with waste, making it difficult for it to flow properly and sustain life. The waste is suffocating the river, just like how choking affects breathing in humans.
3. Why did they comfort each other?
Ans: The tree and the river comforted each other because they were both suffering. The river was drying up due to a lack of water and pollution, while the tree was being cut down and had no water for its roots. They shared their sorrow and tried to support each other in their difficult situation.
4. How did they convey the problem to the green club?
Ans: The tree and the river conveyed their problem to the Green Club by writing a letter. In the letter, they explained how they were suffering—people were cutting down trees, and waste was being dumped into the river, causing them both to struggle for survival. They requested the Green Club’s help to save them from this danger.
5. How was their problem solved?
Ans: Their problem was solved when the Green Club volunteers took the issue seriously. They started a mass tree-planting activity and took steps to save the trees and clean the river. After a few months, the river became fresh and clean, and the tree turned green again. The tree and river were happy and grateful to the Green Volunteers for making a big difference in their lives.
6. What do you do to make your school 'clean and green'?
Ans: To make our school clean and green, we can take the following steps:
1. Plant More Trees – Organize tree-planting drives in and around the school.
2. Keep the School Clean – Avoid littering and use dustbins for waste disposal.
3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Practice waste segregation and recycling of paper and plastic.
4. Save Water – Avoid wasting water and fix any leaks in school premises.
5. Use Eco-Friendly Materials – Encourage the use of cloth bags, reusable bottles, and biodegradable items.
6. Energy Conservation – Switch off fans and lights when not in use.
7. Raise Awareness – Conduct campaigns and activities to educate students about the importance of a clean and green environment.
Answer the following questions
1. What sail on the river?
Ans: Boats sail on the rivers.
2. Clouds are prettier than 'these'. What does the word 'these' 'refer to in the poem?
Ans: In the poem, the word 'these' refers to boats that sail on the rivers and ships that sail on the seas. The poet says that the clouds sailing across the sky are prettier than the boats and ships.
3. In the poet's opinion, what is far prettier than all other things mentioned in the poem?
Ans: In the poet's opinion, the rainbow is far prettier than all other things mentioned in the poem. The poet describes it as "the bow that bridges heaven" and says it is more beautiful than the boats, ships, and even the clouds.
4. When does the rainbow appear?
Ans: The rainbow appears after the rain when sunlight passes through water droplets in the sky, creating a beautiful arc of colors.
5. Describe the rainbow in your own words?
Ans: The rainbow is a beautiful, colorful arc that appears in the sky after it rains. It is formed when sunlight passes through tiny water droplets, bending and spreading into different colors. A rainbow usually has seven colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet—arranged in a curved shape. It looks like a magical bridge connecting the earth and the sky, bringing joy and wonder to those who see it.
6. What does the expression "the waste is choking around me" mean in the story?
Ans: It means that the river is filled with waste and pollution, making it difficult for it to flow and survive.
7. Why did they comfort each other?
Ans: The tree and the river comforted each other because both were suffering— the river was drying up due to pollution, and the tree was being cut down by people.
8. How did they convey the problem to the Green Club?
Ans: They conveyed the problem by writing a letter to the Green Volunteers of the Green Club, explaining their suffering and asking for help.
