SSLC KARNATAKA
Subject – English (3rd Language)
ONLINE PRACTICE Quiz -1
UNIT 6 – PROSE
Unit 6 : SIMPLETON!
Important Notes for Exam Study
Central Idea of the Lesson:
The lesson “Simpleton” emphasizes the values of kindness, compassion, and humility. Through the story of the younger cousin, often ridiculed as a simpleton, the narrative highlights how empathy toward others, even small creatures, can lead to unexpected rewards and success. The story contrasts the arrogance of the elder brothers with the simpleton’s good-heartedness, demonstrating that genuine virtue and a pure heart triumph over cleverness and pride.
Pre-Reading Activity Summary:
- A dog saves Golkonda by barking and alerting the guards about the Moghul soldiers trying to climb the palace wall using a ladder.
- Guards push the ladder, and the soldiers fall into the moat, successfully preventing the attack.
Summary of the Story:
- Introduction to the Brothers
- Two elder brothers are clever but wasteful and arrogant.
- The younger cousin is simple, kind, and often mocked as a “simpleton.”
- Encounters with Nature
- The brothers attempt to harm ants, ducks, and bees.
- The simpleton shows compassion and stops them from causing harm.
- Arrival at the Castle
- The brothers and the simpleton find an enchanted castle.
- A deaf old man gives them food, shelter, and challenges to break the spell.
- Three Tasks Assigned:
- First Task: Collect 1,000 pearls lost in the moss.
- The ants, grateful for his kindness, collect all the pearls.
- Second Task: Retrieve a key from the bottom of a lake.
- The ducks, saved earlier, dive into the lake and bring the key.
- Third Task: Identify and wake the youngest princess among three identical daughters.
- The queen bee, grateful for being spared, helps identify the youngest by sitting on her lips.
- First Task: Collect 1,000 pearls lost in the moss.
- Conclusion:
- The simpleton’s kindness breaks the castle’s spell.
- Everyone turned into stone is restored to life.
- The elder brothers learn to value the simpleton, realizing his virtues.
Glossary Terms:
- Simpleton: Foolish person.
- Ant-hill: Home of ants.
- Roast: Cook or fry.
- Spell: Magic charm.
- Gratitude: Thankfulness.
Important Questions and Answers:
- What did the older brothers call their younger cousin?
- They called him “simpleton” because he was quiet and simple.
- What did the three brothers see on the path when they were walking?
- They saw an ant-hill, a lake with ducks, and a bees’ nest.
- What did the simpleton say when his brothers wanted to upset the ant-hill?
- He told them not to harm the ants or destroy their house.
- Why did the simpleton’s brothers wish to catch one of the ducks?
- They wanted to roast and eat a duck.
- What did the old man give the brothers in the castle?
- He gave them food and beds to sleep.
- How many pearls did the second brother collect?
- He collected only 200 pearls.
- What was the second task given to the simpleton?
- To retrieve a key from the bottom of a lake.
- Who helped the simpleton to find the youngest daughter of the King?
- The queen bee helped him.