Introduction to ‘A Bottle of Dew’
This page serves as a comprehensive resource for Class 6 English NCERT textbook chapter titled ‘A Bottle of Dew’ from Unit 1: Fables and Folk Tales. This engaging chapter guides students through the whimsical story while developing their understanding of moral lessons present in fables.
Chapter Reading in Dual Audio
To aid students in their learning process, we present a YouTube video that features a line-by-line reading of ‘A Bottle of Dew’ in both English and Hindi. This dual audio format allows for seamless comprehension, catering to diverse learning preferences. The reading not only emphasizes pronunciation but also enhances the overall understanding of the text. Access the video below:
NCERT Solutions for ‘A Bottle of Dew’
For students needing further assistance with the chapter, we provide detailed NCERT solutions. These solutions encompass comprehensive explanations and insights into the chapter’s themes, characters, and moral lessons. You can download the complete NCERT solution for ‘A Bottle of Dew’ from the following link:
Conclusion
Engaging with ‘A Bottle of Dew’ through various resources can significantly enhance the learning experience for Class 6 students. Utilizing the YouTube video alongside NCERT solutions will ensure a holistic understanding of the chapter. We encourage you to explore the available materials for a complete educational experience.
NCERT Solutions
Let us do these activities before we read.
1.Circle the picture that matches with each word. Check your answers bysharing them with your classmates and teacher.
2. Answer these questions and discuss them with your classmates and teacher.
(a) Think of a time when you worked hard. What did you do then?
Answer: I remember a time when I worked really hard for our school science fair. I decided to build a model of a volcano that erupts. I spent weeks researching how to make the volcano look realistic and how to create a safe but impressive eruption. I gathered all the materials, did a lot of trial and error to get the eruption just right, and even made a poster explaining how real volcanoes work.
(b) How did it help you?
Answer: Working hard on the volcano project helped me a lot. First, it improved my understanding of volcanoes and science in general. It also taught me how to manage my time better because I had to balance this project with my regular homework and other activities. Plus, my project was a big hit at the science fair, and I won first place!
(c) How did it make you feel?
Answer: It made me feel really proud and accomplished. Seeing all my hard work pay off was amazing, and getting recognition from my teachers and classmates was a great feeling. It also boosted my confidence and made me realize that I can achieve great things if I put in the effort.
Let us discuss (Page 3)
1.What did Rama Natha believe?
Answer: Rama Natha believed that there was a magic potion that could turn any object into gold.
2. How did the sage help Rama Natha?
Answer: The sage, Mahipati, told Rama Natha about a method to create the magic potion. He explained that Rama Natha needed to plant banana plants, water them, collect the morning dew from the leaves in winter, and gather five liters of dew, which the sage would then turn into the potion using magic words.
3. Do you think Rama Natha will be able to collect the dew? Give a reason.
Answer: It’s unlikely that Rama Natha will be able to collect the dew. Collecting five liters of dew by hand from banana plants would take many years and require a lot of patience and consistent effort, which might be challenging for someone who has never managed his land or shown persistence in practical tasks.
Let us discuss (Page 5)
1.Why was Rama Natha angry?
Answer: Rama Natha was angry because the magic potion he had spent six years collecting did not turn a copper vessel into gold as he had expected. He felt he had been cheated and that his time and effort were wasted.
2. How did Rama Natha and Madhumati create wealth?
Answer: Rama Natha and Madhumati created wealth by planting and tending to a large banana plantation. While Rama Natha took care of the plants and collected the dew, Madhumati gathered the banana crop and sold it in the market, earning money from the sales. Their consistent hard work and dedication over the years led to a prosperous banana plantation, which generated significant income.
Let us think and reflect
1. Read the following lines and answer the questions that follow.
(a) He spent all his time to learn about the magic potion. People cheated him often, promising to tell him about it, but he did not give up. His wife, Madhumati, was tired of this and also worried because she saw how much money Rama Natha was spending. She was sure that soon they would be without money.
(i) Complete the sentence with a suitable reason.
Rama Natha did not ‘give up’ because he firmly believed in the existence of the magic potion and was determined to find it.
(ii) Read the column which shows ‘what happened’ and write the correct outcome in the next column.
(iii) Write whether the following statements are True or False.
(a) Madhumati was troubled about what her husband did. True (T)
(b) Rama Natha was very happy digging his fields. False (F)
(c) The sage wanted to show the right path to Rama Natha. True (T)
(b) Carefully, he took the bottle to the sage. The sage smiled and muttered something over the water. Then he returned the bottle and said, “Try it out.” Rama Natha sprinkled a few drops on a copper vessel and waited for it to turn to gold. To his surprise nothing happened!
(i) Choose the option that lists the events given below in the correct order.
a. The sage smiled.
b. Rama Natha gave the bottle to the sage.
c. Rama Natha dropped a few drops of water on a copper vessel.
d. He said something in a low voice over the water.
e. Rama Natha waited to see if the magic worked.
Answer: b, a, d, c, e
(ii) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the lines given above.
Seeing that the plant had dried up, the gardener sprinkled some water on it.
(iii) How might Rama Natha have felt when nothing happened to the copper vessel?
Answer: Rama Natha might have felt surprised, disappointed, and frustrated when nothing
happened to the copper vessel. He likely felt deceived and believed his efforts and
time had been wasted.
2. Answer the following questions.
(a)What did the sage ask Rama Natha to do to make the magic potion?
Answer: The sage asked Rama Natha to plant banana plants, water them regularly with his own hands, and collect the morning dew from the leaves during the winter months. He needed to gather five liters of dew and bring it to the sage, who would then chant magic words to turn the dew into the magic potion.
(b) Why did the sage ask Rama Natha to do everything himself?
Answer: The sage asked Rama Natha to do everything himself to teach him the value of hard work and perseverance. By making him care for the plants and collect the dew, the sage ensured that Rama Natha would invest his time and effort into something productive, ultimately leading to the realization that wealth is created through hard work and not through magic.
(c) How could Rama Natha have a big banana plantation after six years?
Answer: Rama Natha could have a big banana plantation after six years because he diligently planted and tended to the banana plants, increasing their number over time. His wife, Madhumati, also contributed by selling the bananas in the market, generating income which allowed them to expand their plantation. Their consistent hard work and dedication resulted in a large and prosperous banana plantation.
(d) How did the sage make Rama Natha believe that there is no magic potion?
Answer: The sage made Rama Natha believe that there is no magic potion by first having him complete the long and laborious task of collecting five liters of dew. When Rama Natha brought the dew to the sage, the sage performed a ritual but nothing happened when the dew was sprinkled on a copper vessel. The sage then revealed that the true source of wealth was the hard work and dedication Rama Natha had put into creating and maintaining the banana plantation, showing that there was no need for a magic potion.
(e) Fill in the ‘before’ and ‘after’ table about Rama Natha.
Let us learn
1. Read the following words from the story.
Use the words correctly to complete the paragraph given below. There are two extra words in the box that you do not need.
There was a farmer who had a huge coconut plantation. He worked hard and did not depend on luck. Every day was difficult but he did not give up. One day, a man bought a bag of coconuts from him, and promised to pay him the money the next day. Days passed and the man did not pay him anything. The farmer felt cheated. About two months later, he met the same man and asked him about his money. The man said, “Oh! I had forgotten. Now, I remember buying coconuts from you.” And he paid the money.
2. Read the words from the story in Column A. Read the new words in Column B. Complete the meanings of the words given in Column B. Meanings of some words are given.
The words given in each row of the table above have the same sounds but different spellings and meanings. Such words are called homophones.
3. Choose four pairs of homophones from the table above, and for each pair write a sentence that uses both homophones in the same sentence. Check your answers by sharing them with your teacher and classmates. An example has been given below:
I ate eight bananas for breakfast today.
Answer: I have a red eye due to infection
You’re getting late for your music class.
The dew was shining due to the bright sunlight.
The woman told her son not to play in the sun.
Not one but two players won the trophy.
He ate eight cherries.
I want to see the sea.
4. Match the phrases in Column A with the phrases in Column B. Use the connecting words given in the middle column to make meaningful sentences.
Now, write the new sentences in your notebook.
Answer: Some additional sentences following a similar structure:
• She finished her homework before dinner time.
• They cheered loudly as soon as their team scored a goal.
• He studied hard for the exam because he wanted to get good grades.
• The cat ran to its food bowl as soon as it heard the can opener.
• She put on her raincoat before stepping outside.
• They went to bed early because they had an early flight.
• The dog wagged its tail as soon as it saw its owner.
• He double-checked his luggage before leaving for the airport.
• They started the meeting as soon as everyone arrived.
• She smiled because she received a surprise gift.
5. Here are two sentences with letter ‘b’.
Read them slowly the first time. As you read them a few more times, read them faster each time.
Bunty bhaiya bought a big bunch of bananas.
A big bunch of bananas was bought by Bunty bhaiya.
Now, try to create a tongue twister on your own and share it with your peers.
Answer: Common tongue twisters
a. The sixth sick sheep stays in shelter of the shepherd.
b. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood.
c. She sells sea shells by the sea shore.
Let us listen
You will listen to what Madhurnati does with the bananas In her plantation. Asqou listen, number the events in the correct order in which they happen. Write the number In the box beside each event. (refer to NCERT page 36 for transcript)
Answer:
(a) Gives two bananas to a boy who is hungry [6]
(b) Meets her friend Kalawati in the market [3]
(c) Visits her mother and gives her two dozen bananas [1]
(d) Chooses to go home as only some bananas were left [5]
(e) Visits her neighbour and gifts them a bunch of bananas [7]
(f) Gives twelve bananas to her friend [4]
(g) Goes to the market to sell the bananas [2]
Let us speak
Answer: The words with the corresponding /s/ or /z/ sounds:
beds: /z/
sand: /s/
clothes: /z/
sea: /s/
was: [z]
keys: /z/
bags: /z/
nose: /z/
2. Discuss the following questions with a partner. You may use the hints given in brackets while speaking.
(a) What does hard work mean to you?
(It means ……/It is something ……/Well, you see…/What I mean is …)
Answer: Well, you see, hard work means putting in a lot of effort and dedication to achieve your goals. It is something that requires persistence and determination. What I mean is, hard work is essential for success because it helps you learn, grow, and overcome challenges.
(b) Give three reasons why you think hard work is important.
(Firstly, I feel …… because …… /Secondly, I think ….. since ……/Lastly, I believe ….. as …..)
Answer: Firstly, I feel hard work is important because it leads to personal growth and development. You learn new skills and improve yourself. Secondly, I think hard work is crucial since it builds discipline and a strong work ethic, which are essential for achieving long-term goals. Lastly, I believe hard work is important as it often leads to success and recognition, making you feel accomplished and proud of your efforts.
(c) Share three ideas you would give to someone who needs to work hard.
(To begin with, it is important that ….. /Next, you could …… /Finally, I think you should …)
Answer: To begin with, it is important that you set clear and achievable goals. This helps you stay focused and motivated. Next, you could create a schedule or plan to manage your time effectively and ensure you are consistently working towards your goals. Finally, I think you should stay positive and persistent, even when things get tough. Remember, hard work always pays off in the end.
Let us write
1. Work in pairs to complete the description of a banana. You may take the help of the words given in brackets. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer: I like to eat a banana at breakfast because it is healthy and gives energy. It is also rich in vitamins and filling. The taste of a banana is sweet and the outer covering feels smooth to the touch. It has a fruity and sweet smell. The outer covering of the banana is yellow, and the fruit inside is white.
Now, use the information given in the picture to write eight sentences about a banana. Share your responses with your classmates and teacher.
Answer: The eight sentences about a banana using the information provided:
1. I like to eat a banana at breakfast because it gives me energy to start my day.
2. Bananas are healthy because they are rich in vitamins and filling.
3. The taste of a banana is sweet, which makes it a delightful snack.
4. The outer covering of a banana feels smooth to the touch.
5. Bananas have a fruity and sweet smell that is quite refreshing.
6. The outer covering of a banana is yellow, indicating it is ripe.
7. The fruit inside a banana is white and soft.
8. Eating a banana is good for my skin and overall health.
2. On the basis of the story ‘A Bottle of Dew’ develop a script with dialogues and enact It with expressions. Present It in the assembly or your classroom.
Answer: ‘The script based on the story “A Bottle of Dew” with dialogues and expressions:
Title: A Bottle of Dew
Characters:
Rama Natha
Madhumati
Sage Mahipati
Narrator
Scene 1: Rama Natha’s Home
Narrator: (Voiceover) Rama Natha was the son of a rich landlord. His father left him large tracts of land, but he spent all his time searching for a magic potion that could turn objects into gold.
Rama Natha: (Determined, pacing) I know there’s a magic potion out there. I just need to find it!
Madhumati: (Worried, approaching Rama Natha) Rama Natha, you’ve spent so much money and time on this. We’ll be without money soon!
Rama Natha: (Resolute) I can’t give up, Madhumati. I have to find it.
Scene 2: Meeting Sage Mahipati
Narrator: (Voiceover) One day, a famous sage named Mahipati came to their town. Rama Natha approached him with hope.
Rama Natha: (Excited) Sage Mahipati, I’ve heard you know about the magic potion. Please, tell me!
Sage Mahipati: (Calm, wise) Yes, in my travels in the Himalayas, I heard how you could make such a potion. But it is difficult.
Rama Natha: (Eager) Tell me, Sage! I’ll do anything.
Sage Mahipati: (Instructive) Plant a banana plant and water it regularly with your hands. In winter, collect the morning dew from the leaves. When you have five liters of dew, bring it to me. I will chant some magic words, and it will turn into the potion.
Rama Natha: (Worried) But winter is only for a few months. It will take years to collect that much dew.
Sage Mahipati: (Encouraging) You can plant as many banana plants as you want. But remember, you must look after them yourself and collect the dew with your own hands.
Scene 3: Rama Natha’s Hard Work
Narrator: (Voiceover) Rama Natha went home and, after talking to Madhumati, started cleaning his fields and planting rows of banana plants.
Madhumati: (Supportive) I’ll help you, Rama Natha. Let’s work together.
Rama Natha: (Grateful) Thank you, Madhumati. We can do this.
Narrator: (Voiceover) They worked hard, and during the winter months, collected the dew with great care. Over the years, they expanded their plantation and earned money from selling bananas.
Scene 4: The Revelation
Narrator: (Voiceover) After six years, Rama Natha finally collected five liters of dew and took it to the sage.
Rama Natha: (Hopeful) Here is the dew, Sage. Please chant the magic words.
Sage Mahipati: (Smiling chanting softly) Try it out.
Rama Natha: (Sprinkling the dew on a copper vessel, waiting) Nothing happened! This is cheating!
Sage Mahipati: (Calm) Madhumati, please come forward.
Madhumati: (Carrying a box, opening it) Look, Rama Natha!
Rama Natha: (Astonished) Gold coins? How?
Sage Mahipati: (Wise) There is no magic potion. Your hard work on the plantation and Madhumati’s efforts in selling the bananas created this wealth. I played a trick on you to show you the value of hard work.
Rama Natha: (Understanding) Thank you, Sage. I see the wisdom in your words. From now on, I will work even harder.
Narrator: (Voiceover) And so, Rama Natha and Madhumati continued to work diligently, creating a prosperous and fulfilling life through their efforts.
(Curtain closes)
Let us Explore
Find out the varieties of bananas which are grown, cultivated and eaten in different parts of India. You can find information about them from websites such as:
https://nhb.gov.in/pdf/fruits/banana/ban013
Answer: The varieties of bananas grown, cultivated, and eaten in different parts of India:
a. Robusta
Region: Widely grown in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Description: This is a popular variety due to its high yield and resistance to diseases. The bananas are medium-sized, thick-skinned, and have a sweet taste.
b. Dwarf Cavendish
Region: Grown in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Bihar, and West Bengal.
Description: Known for its short stature, making it less susceptible to wind damage. The bananas are medium-sized, with a smooth texture and sweet flavor.
c. Poovan
Region: Commonly cultivated in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Description: This variety has small to medium-sized fruits with a distinctive taste. They are popular for their flavor and are used both for eating fresh and in cooking.
d. Rasthali (Silk)
Region: Predominantly grown in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
Description: Known for its unique aroma and sweet taste, the Rasthali banana has a thin skin and is highly valued for its flavour.
e. Nendran
Region: Grown mainly in Kerala.
Description: Also known as Kerala bananas, these are large, thick-skinned, and have a slightly sour taste when raw but turn sweet upon ripening. They are often used in making banana chips.
f. Monthan
Region: Cultivated in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Description: This variety is used mainly for cooking. The bananas are large, green when raw, and are often used in savory dishes.
g. Red Banana
Region: Grown in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
Description: Known for its reddish-purple skin, the red banana is sweet and creamy. It is rich in nutrients and has a unique flavor compared to yellow bananas.
h. Elakki Bale (Yelakki)
Region: Commonly grown in Karnataka.
Description: These are small, sweet bananas with a strong aroma. They are often referred to as baby bananas and are popular for their taste.
i. Grande Naine
Region: Widely grown in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
Description: Similar to Robusta, this variety is known for its high yield and disease resistance. The bananas are medium to large-sized, with a sweet taste.
j. Karpuravalli
Region: Grown in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Description: This variety has large, slightly curved fruits with a thick skin. The bananas are known for their excellent taste and aroma. These varieties reflect the diverse cultivation practices and preferences across different regions of India, each offering unique flavors and characteristics.
