Chapter 7: Fair Play

NCERT Solutions Class 6 English

Chapter 7: Fair Play

Summary:
“Fair Play” revolves around the importance of honesty and fairness in sports and life. It tells the story of Mohan, who is known for his honesty and integrity, even in challenging situations. The chapter highlights the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect for rules. It emphasizes that winning with integrity is more important than winning at any cost.

Solutions:

1. Reading Comprehension:

• Question 1: Who is the main character in the chapter “Fair Play”?
  • Answer: The main character in the chapter is Mohan.
• Question 2: What is Mohan known for?
  • Answer: Mohan is known for his honesty and integrity.
• Question 3: Describe an incident from the chapter that illustrates Mohan’s honesty.
  • Answer: An incident from the chapter is when Mohan declares himself out during a cricket match, even though the opposing team’s fielder insists otherwise.
• Question 4: Why does Mohan believe in fair play?
  • Answer: Mohan believes in fair play because he understands the importance of honesty, integrity, and respect for rules in sports and life.
• Question 5: What is the message conveyed by the chapter?
  • Answer: The message conveyed by the chapter is that honesty, integrity, and fair play are essential values that contribute to personal character development and success in life.

1. Vocabulary:

• Word 1: Integrity
  • Meaning: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
• Word 2: Sportsmanship
  • Meaning: Fair and generous behavior or treatment of others, especially in a sporting contest.
• Word 3: Respect
  • Meaning: A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
• Word 4: Integrity
  • Meaning: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.

1. Writing:

• Write a short paragraph about a time when you or someone you know demonstrated fair play and honesty in a challenging situation.

1. Grammar:

• Rewrite the following sentences using the correct tense:
  • Original: Mohan is believe in fair play.
  • Rewritten: Mohan believes in fair play.

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This is a brief overview of the solutions for Chapter 7: “Fair Play” in Class 6 English.

WORKING WITH THE TEXT

A. Match the sentences under I with those under II:

1. Jumman and Algu were the best of friends.
2. Jumman’s aunt transferred her property to him.
3. The aunt decided to appeal to the panchayat.
4. Algu was unwilling to support the aunt.
5. Jumman was very happy to hear Algu’s name as head Panch.
{II}
1. He believed that his friend would be fair and just.
2. She wanted justice.
3. In the absence of one, the other took care of his family.
4. The condition was that he would be responsible for her welfare.
5. The bond of friendship between Jumman and Algu was very strong.

Answers:
1. (3) In the absence of one, the other took care of his family.
2. (4) The condition was that he would be responsible for her welfare.
3. (2) She wanted justice.
4. (5) The bond of friendship between Jumman and Algu was very strong.
5. (1) He believed that his friend would be fair and just.

B. Who says this to whom and why?

1. “My wife knows best how to run the house.”
– Who says this? Jumman
– To whom? His aunt
– Why? Jumman said this to dismiss his aunt’s request for a monthly allowance.

2. “But is it right, my son, to keep mum and not say what you consider just and fair?”
– Who says this? Jumman’s aunt
– To whom? Algu
– Why? She wanted Algu to support her case in the panchayat against Jumman.

3. “What have you to say in your defence?”
– Who says this? Algu
– To whom? Jumman
– Why? As head Panch, Algu asked Jumman to defend himself against his aunt’s accusations.

4. “I can’t pay you a penny for the wretched beast you sold me.”
– Who says this? Sahu
– To whom? Algu
– Why?Sahu refused to pay for the bullock that died shortly after he bought it from Algu.

C. Answer the following questions:

1. “Then the situation changed.” What is being referred to? (2)
2. When Jumman’s aunt realised that she was not welcome in
   his house, what arrangement did she suggest?{3}
3. What was the villagers’ reaction when the aunt explained
   her case to them? (4)
4. Why was Jumman happy over Algu’s nomination as head
   Panch? (6)
5. “God lives in the heart of the Panch.” the aunt said. What
   did she mean? (6)
6. What was Algu’s verdict as head Panch? How did Jumman
   take it? (7, 8)
7. Algu found himself in a tight spot. What was his problem? (9)
8. Why was Algu upset over Jumman’s nomination as head
   Panch? (12, 13)
9. What was Jumman’s verdict as head Panch? How did Algu
   take it? (14, 15)
10. Which of the following sums up the story best?
    (i) “I also know that you will not kill your conscience for
    the sake of friendship.”
    (ii) “Let no one deviate from the path of justice and truth for
    friendship or enmity.”
    (iii) “The voice of the Panch is the voice of God.”
    Give a reason for your choice.

Answer

WORKING WITH THE TEXT

C. Answer the following questions.

1. “Then the situation changed.” What is being referred to? (2)

• The statement “Then the situation changed” refers to the time when Jumman and his family became tired of the old aunt. They started treating her indifferently, and Jumman’s wife begrudged the little food that the old lady needed every day.

2. When Jumman’s aunt realised that she was not welcome in his house, what arrangement did she suggest? (3)

• When Jumman’s aunt realized that she was not welcome in his house anymore, she suggested that Jumman give her a monthly allowance so that she could set up a separate kitchen and live independently.

3. What was the villagers’ reaction when the aunt explained her case to them? (4)

• The villagers had mixed reactions when the aunt explained her case. Some sympathized with her, others laughed at her, and a few advised her to reconcile with Jumman and his wife.

4. Why was Jumman happy over Algu’s nomination as head Panch? (6)

• Jumman was happy over Algu’s nomination as head Panch because he believed that Algu, being his best friend, would support him and give a favorable verdict.

5. “God lives in the heart of the Panch.” the aunt said. What did she mean? (6)

• When the aunt said, “God lives in the heart of the Panch,” she meant that a Panch (judge) must be fair and just, making decisions without personal bias, as if guided by a divine sense of justice.

6. What was Algu’s verdict as head Panch? How did Jumman take it? (7, 8)

• Algu’s verdict as head Panch was that Jumman must pay his aunt a monthly allowance or return the property to her. Jumman was very unhappy with this decision, and their friendship broke apart, turning Jumman into Algu’s enemy.

7. Algu found himself in a tight spot. What was his problem? (9)

• Algu found himself in a tight spot when one of his bullocks died, and he sold the other to Sahu with an agreement that Sahu would pay for it within a month. However, the bullock died within the month, and Sahu refused to pay, claiming that the bullock had brought him nothing but ruin.

8. Why was Algu upset over Jumman’s nomination as head Panch? (12, 13)

• Algu was upset over Jumman’s nomination as head Panch because he feared that Jumman would take revenge and not be fair due to the previous verdict Algu had given against him.

9. What was Jumman’s verdict as head Panch? How did Algu take it? (14, 15)

• Jumman’s verdict as head Panch was that Sahu should pay Algu the price of the bullock since it was healthy at the time of sale, and its death was unfortunate but not Algu’s fault. Algu was very happy and felt justice had been served.

10. Which of the following sums up the story best?
(i) “I also know that you will not kill your conscience for the sake of friendship.”
(ii) “Let no one deviate from the path of justice and truth for friendship or enmity.”
(iii) “The voice of the Panch is the voice of God.”

Answer:
(ii) “Let no one deviate from the path of justice and truth for friendship or enmity.”

Reason:
This statement best sums up the story as it highlights the main lesson that both Algu and Jumman learned: a true Panch must remain impartial and uphold justice and truth, regardless of personal relationships or conflicts.

WORKING WITH LANGUAGE

A. Replace the italicised portion of each sentence below with a
suitable phrase from the box. Make necessary changes,
wherever required.

.look after swallow make it up keep mum go into
ease one’s conscience as ill luck would have it
a tight spot take chances my heart sank

1. The best way to avoid an unnecessary argument is to remain silent.
2. Unfortunately, the train I was trying to catch was cancelled.
   
3. He has been told not to take risks while driving a car through
   a crowded street.
4. The patient needs to be properly taken care of.
5. Why don’t the two of you end your quarrel by shaking hands?
6. I was in a difficult situation till my friends came to my rescue.
7. When I saw a pile of dirty dishes, I felt very disappointed.
8. I will examine the matter carefully before commenting on it.
9. They criticised him in the meeting but he accepted without
   protest all the criticism.
10. It will free me from worry to know that I had done nothing wrong.

Answer-

A. Replace the italicised portion of each sentence below with a suitable phrase from the box. Make necessary changes, wherever required.

Box of Phrases:

• look after
• swallow
• make it up
• keep mum
• go into
• ease one’s conscience
• as ill luck would have it
• a tight spot
• take chances
• my heart sank

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1. The best way to avoid an unnecessary argument is to remain silent.

• keep mum Sentence: The best way to avoid an unnecessary argument is to keep mum.

1. Unfortunately, the train I was trying to catch was cancelled.

• as ill luck would have it Sentence: As ill luck would have it, the train I was trying to catch was cancelled.

1. He has been told not to take risks while driving a car through a crowded street.

• take chances Sentence: He has been told not to take chances while driving a car through a crowded street.

1. The patient needs to be properly taken care of.

• look after Sentence: The patient needs to be properly looked after.

1. Why don’t the two of you end your quarrel by shaking hands?

• make it up Sentence: Why don’t the two of you make it up by shaking hands?

1. I was in a difficult situation till my friends came to my rescue.

• a tight spot Sentence: I was in a tight spot till my friends came to my rescue.

1. When I saw a pile of dirty dishes, I felt very disappointed.

• my heart sank Sentence: When I saw a pile of dirty dishes, my heart sank.

1. I will examine the matter carefully before commenting on it.

• go into Sentence: I will go into the matter carefully before commenting on it.

1. They criticised him in the meeting but he accepted without protest all the criticism.

• swallow Sentence: They criticised him in the meeting but he swallowed all the criticism without protest.

1. It will free me from worry to know that I had done nothing wrong.
   • ease one’s conscience
   Sentence: It will ease my conscience to know that I had done nothing wrong.

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Summary Table

Original Sentence	Replaced Phrase	New Sentence
The best way to avoid an unnecessary argument is to remain silent.	keep mum	The best way to avoid an unnecessary argument is to keep mum.
Unfortunately, the train I was trying to catch was cancelled.	as ill luck would have it	As ill luck would have it, the train I was trying to catch was cancelled.
He has been told not to take risks while driving a car through a crowded street.	take chances	He has been told not to take chances while driving a car through a crowded street.
The patient needs to be properly taken care of.	look after	The patient needs to be properly looked after.
Why don’t the two of you end your quarrel by shaking hands?	make it up	Why don’t the two of you make it up by shaking hands?
I was in a difficult situation till my friends came to my rescue.	a tight spot	I was in a tight spot till my friends came to my rescue.
When I saw a pile of dirty dishes, I felt very disappointed.	my heart sank	When I saw a pile of dirty dishes, my heart sank.
I will examine the matter carefully before commenting on it.	go into	I will go into the matter carefully before commenting on it.
They criticised him in the meeting but he accepted without protest all the criticism.	swallow	They criticised him in the meeting but he swallowed all the criticism without protest.
It will free me from worry to know that I had done nothing wrong.	ease one’s conscience	It will ease my conscience to know that I had done nothing wrong.

B. Look at the following phrases and their meanings. Use the
phrases to fill in the blanks in the sentences given below.
set up — put in place or start
set aside — save or keep for a particular purpose
set down — write or record
set out — start on a journey
set in — begin and seem likely to continue

1. Why don’t you ————————————— your ideas on paper?
2. A fund has been ————————————— for the soldiers’
   families.
3. We should ————————————— a little money every month.
4. You should buy some woollens before winter ——————— .
5. They ———————————— on the last stage of their journey

Answer

1. Why don’t you ————————————— your ideas on paper?
set down


2.A fund has been ————————————— for the soldiers’ families.
set up

3. We should ————————————— a little money every month.
set aside

4.You should buy some woollens before winter ——————— .
-sets in

5.They ———————————— on the last stage of their journey.
set out

B. Work in small groups. Ask your partner the questions given
below. If possible, ask him/her a reason for saying Yes or No.
Then tick Yes/No, whichever is proper.

1. Do you have a separate room for sleep and study? Yes/No
2. Would you prefer to live in a joint family? Yes/No
3. Do you get on with people? Yes/No
4. Do you like the area you live in? Yes/No
5. Do you find the place overcrowded ?Yes/No
6. Do you use public transport? Yes/No
7. Would you like a vehicle of our own? Yes/No
8. Do you like reading? Yes/No
9. Would you like to be a teacher/doctor/engineer/ Yes/No
   architect?

Answer-

Do it your self

C. Now that you have completed the above project, write a brief
report stating what you did, how you did it and the conclusion.

Report on Fair Play Story Analysis

Objective:
The objective of this project was to read and understand the story “Fair Play” by Premchand, and to answer related questions with simple and clear explanations.

Procedure:

1. Reading the Story: I carefully read the story “Fair Play,” which is about two friends, Jumman Shaikh and Algu Chowdhry, who face a moral dilemma involving friendship, justice, and responsibility.
2. Understanding Key Events:

• Friendship: Jumman and Algu are best friends, trusted and respected in their village.
• Conflict: Jumman’s treatment of his old aunt deteriorates after she transfers her property to him. She takes her case to the village panchayat.
• First Panchayat: Algu, chosen as the head Panch, rules in favor of Jumman’s aunt, leading to a fallout between the friends.
• Reversal of Fortune: Algu later faces a similar situation with Samjhu Sahu over a bullock. Jumman is chosen as the head Panch.
• Second Panchayat: Despite their strained friendship, Jumman delivers a fair judgment, ruling in favor of Algu.

1. Answering Questions: I focused on answering questions based on the story with simple and straightforward responses, ensuring clarity and comprehension.

Conclusion:
This project provided valuable lessons on justice, fairness, and the responsibilities of friendship. Both Jumman and Algu demonstrated that true integrity involves setting aside personal biases and making fair decisions. The story emphasizes that justice should be impartial, whether dealing with friends or adversaries, and highlights the importance of moral courage and righteousness.

DICTIATION

Your teacher will speak the words listed below. Write against
each a word of opposite meaning.
Examples: liquid solid
hard soft

1. old —————————————————
2. wet —————————————————
3. open —————————————————
4. blunt —————————————————
5. forget —————————————————

Answer

1. old — new
2. wet — dry
3. open — closed
4. blunt — sharp
5. forget —remember

Vocation poem

1. Your partner and you may now be able to answer these questions.
(i) Who is the speaker in the poem? Who are the people the
speaker meets? What are they doing?
(ii) What wishes does the child in the poem make? Why does
the child want to be a hawker, a gardener, or a watchman?
Pick out the lines in each stanza, which tell us this.
(iii) From the way the child envies the hawker, the gardener
and the watchman, we can guess that there are many things
the child has to do, or must not do.
Make a list of the do’s and don’ts that the child doesn’t like.
The first line is done for you.
The child must The child must not
come home at a fixed time. get his clothes dirty in the dust.
——————————————————— ———————————————————
——————————————————— ———————————————————

Now add to the list your own complaints about the things
you have to do, or must not do.
(iv) Like the child in the poem, you perhaps have your own wishes
for yourself. Talk to your friend, using “I wish I were…

Answer

Answers to the Questions

(i) Who is the speaker in the poem? Who are the people the speaker meets? What are they doing?

The speaker in the poem is a child. The people the speaker meets are:

• A hawker, who is crying, “Bangles, crystal bangles!”
• A gardener, who is digging the ground.
• A watchman, who is walking up and down the lane with his lantern.

(ii) What wishes does the child in the poem make? Why does the child want to be a hawker, a gardener, or a watchman? Pick out the lines in each stanza, which tell us this.

The child makes the following wishes:

• The child wishes to be a hawker because the hawker has no fixed road to take, no place to go, and no time to come home.
• Lines: “I wish I were a hawker, spending my day in the road, crying, ‘Bangles, crystal bangles!'”
• The child wishes to be a gardener because the gardener does what he likes, soils his clothes, and nobody scolds him.
• Lines: “I wish I were a gardener digging away at the garden with nobody to stop me from digging.”
• The child wishes to be a watchman because the watchman walks the street all night, swinging his lantern, and never goes to bed.
• Lines: “I wish I were a watchman walking the street all night, chasing the shadows with my lantern.”

(iii) From the way the child envies the hawker, the gardener, and the watchman, we can guess that there are many things the child has to do, or must not do. Make a list of the do’s and don’ts that the child doesn’t like.

The child must:

• Come home at a fixed time.
• Go to school every day.
• Obey the school rules.

The child must not:

• Get his clothes dirty in the dust.
• Stay outside late.
• Play in the dirt.
• Skip school.
• Disobey parents and teachers.
• Stay up late at night.

Complaints About Things I Have to Do or Must Not Do

I must:

• Finish my homework every day.
• Help with household chores.
• Go to bed early.
• Eat healthy food.
• Be polite and respectful.

I must not:

• Spend too much time playing video games.
• Watch too much TV.
• Eat too many sweets.
• Stay up late.
• Make a mess in my room.

(iv) Like the child in the poem, you perhaps have your own wishes for yourself. Talk to your friend, using “I wish I were…”

• I wish I were an astronaut, exploring space and discovering new planets.
• I wish I were a musician, playing my favorite songs on a big stage.
• I wish I were a painter, creating beautiful artwork all day long.
• I wish I were a writer, crafting stories that captivate readers.
• I wish I were a traveler, visiting different countries and experiencing new cultures.

2. Find out the different kinds of work done by the people in your
neighbourhood. Make different cards for different kinds of work.
You can make the card colourful with pictures of the persons
doing the work.

Answer

Do it yourself