NCERT Solutions Class 6 English
Chapter 1: Who Did Patrick’s Homework?
Summary:
The chapter “Who Did Patrick’s Homework?” revolves around a boy named Patrick, who was not good at studies and always found excuses to avoid doing his homework. One day, he wished for help with his homework, and to his surprise, a tiny elf appeared claiming he would do Patrick’s homework in return for something Patrick could do for him. Patrick agrees, but soon realizes that the elf is causing more trouble than help. Eventually, Patrick learns the importance of taking responsibility for his actions and decides to do his own homework.
Solutions:
WORKING WITH THE TEXT
Question 1. What did Patrick think his cat was playing with? What was it really? (2)
Answer : Patrick believed his cat was playing with a tiny doll, but in reality, it was the smallest of men, an elf.
Question 2. Why did the little man grant Patrick a wish? (2)
Answer : Patrick saved the tiny man from the cat by refusing to return him, so in gratitude, the elf promised to grant Patrick one wish.
Question 3. What was Patrick’s wish? (3)
Answer: Patrick’s greatest wish was to have the little man do all his homework until the end of the session, as he despised the task.
Question 4. In what subjects did the little man need help, to do Patrick’s homework? (5,6)
Ans: The little man needed Patrick’s help in Math, English and history.
Question 5. How did Patrick help him? (7)
Answer: Patrick sat with the little man, guiding him through the homework. He fetched books from the library and read them aloud to help him.
Question 6. Who do you think did Patrick’s homework — the little man, or Patrick himself? Give reasons for your answer. (9, 10)
Answer: Patrick did all the homework himself. He repeatedly helped the elf with guidance and books.
WORKING WITH LANGUAGE
Question A. Fill in the blanks in the sentences below with the words or phrases from the box. (You may not know the meaning of all the words. Look such words up in a dictionary, or ask your teacher.)
| out of luck | mystery | true to his word | chores | semester | between you and me | look up |
1. Some people find household ————————————— a bore, but I like to help at home.
2. Who stole the diamond is still a ————————————— .
3. This ————————————— we are going to have a class exhibition.
4. —————————————, the elf began to help Patrick.
5. Can you ————————————— this word in the dictionary?
6. I started early to be on time, but I was ———————————. There was a traffic jam!
7. She says she’s got a lot of books, but ———————————— I think most of them are borrowed.
Answer: 1. chores, 2. mystery, 3. semester, 4. True to his word, 5. lookup, 6. out of luck, 7. between you and me
Question B. Use the clues given below to complete this crossword puzzle.
Across
- very tired
- had an angry look on the face
- short trousers
- a fault in a machine that prevents it from working properly
- a small and naughty boy-fairy
Down
- work that must be done everyday, often boring
- a basket with a lid
- gave a short, high-pitched cry
Answer:
Across:
- weary
- scowled
- breeches
- glitch
- elf
Down:
- chores
- hamper
- shrieked
SPEAKING
Question A: In the story Patrick does difficult things he hates to do, because the elf pretends he needs help. Have you ever done something difficult or frightening, by pretending about it in some way?
Tell your classmates about it.
Or
Say what you feel about homework. (The words and phrases in the boxes may help you.) Do you think it is useful, even though you may not like it? Form pairs, and speak to each other.
For example:
You may say, “I am not fond of homework.”
Your partner may reply, “But my sister helps me with my lessons at home, and that gives a boost to my marks.”
(not) be fond of (not) take to (not) develop a liking for (not) appeal to (not) be keen on (not) have a taste for
support assist with the aid of help be a boon give a boost to
Answer:
I: “I must confess, I’ve never been fond of cooking. It just never appealed to me.”
My partner: “That’s understandable. But with the aid of cooking tutorials online, it can be much easier. They give a boost to your confidence in the kitchen.”
I: “That’s true. Having those resources to assist me might make it more manageable.”
I: “I’ve never taken to gardening. It seems like too much work.”
My partner: “I see. But having a friend who loves gardening can be a boon. They can support you and make it more enjoyable.”
I: “That makes sense. Maybe with their help, I could develop a liking for it.”
I: “I’ve never developed a liking for skiing. It’s just not my thing.”
My partner: “I get that. But with the aid of a skilled instructor, skiing can become much more enjoyable. They can assist you and make the learning process smoother.”
I: “You’re right. Perhaps having someone to help me along the way could change my perspective on it.”
I: “I’ve never been keen on hiking. It sounds exhausting.”
My partner: “I understand. But being in nature can be a great support for your mental and physical health. It can give you a boost of energy.”
I: “That’s true. Maybe with the aid of beautiful scenery, I could learn to appreciate hiking more.”
I: “I’ve never had a taste for spicy food. It’s just too intense for me.”
My partner: “I see where you’re coming from. But with the aid of milder spices, you can still enjoy flavorful dishes without the overwhelming heat. It can be a boon for your palate.”
I: “Hmm, that’s a good point. Maybe with that kind of support, I could explore different cuisines more comfortably.”
WRITING
Question A: This story has a lot of rhyming words, as a poem does. Can you write out some parts of it like a poem, so that the rhymes come at the end of separate lines?
For example:
Patrick never did homework. “Too boring,” he said.
He played baseball and hockey and Nintendo instead.
Answer:
1. He yelled, “Save me! Don’t give me back to that cat.
I’ll grant you a wish, I promise you that.”
2. “Help me! Help me!” he’d say.
And Patrick would have to help — in whatever way
3. Here, sit down beside me,
you simply must guide me.
4. As a matter of fact, every day in every way that little elf was a nag!
Patrick was working harder than ever and was it a drag!