The Tremendous Tree Question Answers, Summary & Glossary Notes: Get here answer to textbook exercises. Glossary is comprehensive to help students understand the lesson.
Glossary
- Annoyingly familiar: A situation that is not rare but commonly experienced and irritating.
- Bewildered: Confused or perplexed.
- Unwashed behind the ears: Metaphorical expression suggesting a lack of experience or sophistication.
- Erratic: Irregular or unpredictable.
- Scorching: Extremely hot or burning.
- Mopped their hot and bothered brows: Wiped their sweaty foreheads, indicating discomfort or frustration.
- Resigned themselves: Accepted or submitted to a situation reluctantly.
- drooped: sagged, hanging down
- Blazed its bounty almost obscenely: The Gulmohar displayed its beauty in a vivid and conspicuous manner, almost excessively.
- Oppressive: Extremely intense and uncomfortable
- iridescence: The brightness or shimmering quality of the flowers.
- Summer wilted everything else: The heat of summer caused everything to lose strength or vitality.
- Birds panted, beaks open: Birds were breathing heavily with their beaks open, struggling in the hot weather.
- Vain: unsuccessful effort
- stray: scattered
- Tar burned through rubber-soled shoes: The asphalt (tar) on the ground was so hot that it caused discomfort or damage to the soles of rubber shoes.
- Blistered feet: Feet with blisters, indicating burns or irritation from the hot ground.
- Living in an oven turned to maximum heat: Describing the extreme heat, akin to being in a very hot and intense environment.
- Water supply turning into a mere trickle: small, slow stream
- Born fatalists: People who have a predisposition to accept fate as inevitable.
- Bear all hardships stoically: Endure difficulties with calmness and without complaint.
- sapped: drained or exhausted
- Stray shreds of rebellion or active protest: Any remaining inclination to resist or protest..
- Place empty buckets under taps: Positioned containers under water outlets in the hope of collecting water.
- Betters at the horse races: Similar to individuals placing bets on horses in a race, residents were eagerly waiting for water as if placing bets.
- Strange rumours: Unusual or unexpected pieces of information circulating in the community.
- Decided that something must be done: The residents collectively reached the conclusion that action needed to be taken.
- Lawn hasn’t burned up and died: The grass in the lawn remained healthy and green, not affected by the heat.
- Residents of C Block: People living in a specific residential block named C Block.
- deprived: not supplied or given
- Logical step: The sensible or reasonable action to take in a given situation.
- Complain to the relevant authorities: Lodge a formal protest or grievance with the appropriate administrative bodies.
- Faultless in their supplies: The authorities responsible for water distribution were not at fault or did not have any issues with their service.
- Meanest trickle: A very small and meagre flow of water.
- Investigate more thoroughly: Conduct a more detailed examination or inquiry.
- Someone was stealing the water: Suspecting unauthorized taking or diverting of water.
- Duly then: In accordance with what is expected or required.
- Drains were dug: Excavation was carried out to inspect the drainage system.
- Seepage: Unintentional leakage or oozing of water.
- Breakage anywhere: Damage or rupture in the water supply system.
- Furthest stretch: The farthest part or section of the area.
- Unearth (literally): Physically reveal or expose, often by digging.
- The very root (also very literally): The actual source or origin, both in a literal and metaphorical sense.
- Admire, in spite of the trouble: Appreciate or respect, despite the difficulties or problems it caused.
- Thirsted like the rest of us: Experienced a lack of water just like the other residents.
- No fatalist who stoically bore all hardships: Unlike a fatalist, this Gulmohar did not passively accept difficulties; it actively sought a solution.
- Set out after the water: Initiated a journey or pursuit to find water.
- Merry walk: A cheerful or joyful stroll.
- Slake its thirst: Quench its thirst or satisfy its need for water.
- Probing army: The network of roots extending from the tree in search of water.
- Venture forth: Move forward or embark on a journey.
- Unearth a water source: Discover and expose a location containing water.
- Bring back essential supplies: Retrieve necessary elements, in this case, water.
- Struck out in the correct direction: Moved purposefully in the right path.
- Sensed some cool dampness: Detected a moist and cool sensation.
- Made for the supply pipe: Directed towards the water-carrying pipe.
- Good distance from our pipes: A significant distance away from the pipes, approximately 20-25 feet.
- Hit the hard cement: Encountered the solid material of the pipe, made of cement.
- Wound round the pipe: Coiled around the pipe.
- Sensed water in there: Detected the presence of water within the pipe.
- Battle that easily: Surrender the fight easily.
- Round again, and yet again: Repeated winding or coiling around the pipe.
- Barest seepage: The slightest leakage or oozing.
- Water gurgled and flowed: The water inside the pipe made a bubbling or gurgling sound and moved.
- Temptingly close, but so far: Appealingly near, yet inaccessible.
- Seemingly impossible obstacle: A challenge that appeared difficult or insurmountable.
- Life-saving supply: Essential and vital provision for survival.
- Fine hair-like subroots: Extremely thin roots resembling hair.
- Finer than the finest of hair: Exceptionally thin, surpassing even the finest hair.
- Penetrate into the minute, miniscule pores: Enter the extremely small openings or pores.
- Pushing through the wall’s thickness: Breaking through the thickness of the pipe’s structure.
- Sipped the cool liquid: Absorbed or drank the cool water.
- Sent it back to their grateful parent: Transferred the water to the tree, the parent plant.
- Thrust in and formed a finely meshed sieve: Inserted into the pipe and created a finely woven filter.
- Sucked out all the tree needed to grow and glow: Extracted all the necessary elements for the tree to thrive and shine.
- Equally awestruck: Experiencing the same sense of wonder or admiration.
- Determination: Resolute intention or firmness of purpose.
- Feat: An achievement or accomplishment.
- Seemingly brainless organism: Referring to the tree, emphasizing its lack of a traditional brain but showcasing its remarkable abilities.
- For the sake of: In consideration of or to benefit.
- Mesh of roots: The intertwined network of roots.
- unhindered: without obstruction.
- Ceremoniously: In a formal and dignified manner.
- Feeling which must have been of regret: Emotion of remorse or sorrow, likely experienced during the removal of the roots.
- Sheer: complete
- tenacity: determination and persistence.
- Still stands to date, years later: Continues to exist at the present time, several years after the incident.
- Glowing tribute: A sincere and radiant homage.
- Will-power and determined effort: The tree serves as a symbol of strength of will and persistent endeavour.
Summary
The story revolves around a water shortage in a residential colony in Delhi, specifically affecting houses C-2 to C-12. Despite complaints and investigations, the authorities find no issues with the water supply. It is later discovered that the roots of a Gulmohar tree, located a considerable distance away, have skilfully penetrated a water pipe, attempting to access water. The residents, officials, and labourers are impressed by the tree’s determination, and though the roots are cut to restore water flow, the community decides to care for and water the tree as a tribute to its tenacity. The Gulmohar becomes a symbol of willpower and determined effort, standing as a glowing testament years later.
Textbook Exercises
Comprehension
A. Mark these statements as true (T) or false (F).
- The problem faced by the residents of the houses from C-2 to C-12 was that the Gulmohar was hurting their eyes.
- While everything began to wither away, some things did not seem to be affected by the summer heat. These were the people who lived in the colony.
- The residents Of the houses from C-2 to C-12 felt the need to investigate the cause Of the problem further because their houses were the only ones facing a water crisis.
- At the end of their investigation, the water supply folks found that the roots of the Gulmohar tree had thrust inside the water pipe.
- The tree managed to survive because its roots grew sub-roots that pushed through the pores of the cement water pipes.
Answers:
- F.
- F.
- T.
- T.
- T.
B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.
1. It was obvious that someone was stealing the water in our lane.
a. How did the writer come to this conclusion?
b. What was done to investigate the matter?
c. What was the result of investigation?
2. Dutifully, the roots struck out in the correct direction.
a. Whose ‘roots’ are being mentioned here?
b. What was ‘dutiful’ about the roots?
c. What was the ‘correct direction’?
3. It was an amazing sight to see, and one that I will never forget…
a. Which ‘amazing sight’ is the writer talking about?
b. Why would she never forget it?
c. How did she come across this sight?
1. It was obvious that someone was stealing the water in our lane.
a. How did the writer come to this conclusion?
b. What was done to investigate the matter?
c. What was the result of investigation?
2. Dutifully, the roots struck out in the correct direction.
a. Whose ‘roots’ are being mentioned here?
b. What was ‘dutiful’ about the roots?
c. What was the ‘correct direction’?
3. It was an amazing sight to see, and one that I will never forget…
a. Which ‘amazing sight’ is the writer talking about?
b. Why would she never forget it?
c. How did she come across this sight?
Answers:
1. a. The writer and others started hearing strange rumours that contradicted their own experience and the official information about the water supply, leading them to suspect water theft.
b. Drains were dug to inspect the water supply system. The investigation involved checking for seepage or breakage, but when these were not found, the focus shifted to the furthest stretch, where the roots of the Gulmohar tree were discovered.
c. The investigation revealed that the roots of the Gulmohar tree had penetrated the water pipe, causing the water shortage for houses from C-2 to C-12.
2. a. The roots of the Gulmohar tree are being referred to here.
b. The term “dutifully” implies that the roots were acting with a sense of responsibility or obligation, seeking water in a purposeful and determined manner.
c. The correct direction refers to the path taken by the roots to find a water source, which eventually led them to the water supply pipe. It was an amazing sight to see, and one that I will never forget…
3. a. The writer is referring to the sight of the roots of the Gulmohar tree winding around the water pipe in their determined effort to access water.
b. The sight was memorable because it showcased the incredible determination and adaptive strategy of the Gulmohar tree’s roots, overcoming what seemed like an impossible obstacle.
c. The sight was discovered during the investigation into the water shortage, specifically when the drains were dug to inspect the water supply system, revealing the roots entwined around the pipe.
C. Answer these questions.
- What were most of the residents of Block C happy about that summer?
- What was the problem faced by the Gulmohar tree?
- How did the Gulmohar tree solve its problem?
- Who were called to solve the water problem faced by the residents of C-2 to C-12? How did they help?
- How did the residents treat the tree in the end?
- This Gulmohar tree teaches us a lesson. What is it?
- Why do you think the residents felt a sense of regret after cutting off the tree’s roots?
- Would it be appropriate to call trees ‘brainless’? Give reasons for your answer.
- Why do you think everyone was awestruck about how the tree had found water?
- Do you think it was appropriate to cut away the fine mesh of roots that was supplying water to a thirsty tree? Could there be an alternative to this? Discuss.
Answers:
C. Answers:
- What were most of the residents of Block C happy about that summer?
Ans. Most of the residents of Block C were happy about the fact that there were few power cuts and no water shortage that summer. - What was the problem faced by the Gulmohar tree?
Ans. The Gulmohar tree faced the problem of a decreasing water supply to its roots. - How did the Gulmohar tree solve its problem?
Ans. The Gulmohar tree solved its water problem by sending its roots to penetrate the water pipe, eventually developing fine, hair-like subroots that could extract water through the minute pores of the cement pipe. - Who were called to solve the water problem faced by the residents of C-2 to C-12? How did they help?
Ans. The water supply officials were called to solve the water problem. They investigated the issue, and it was discovered that the roots of the Gulmohar tree were causing the shortage. The roots were cut away, allowing water to flow freely to the residents. - How did the residents treat the tree in the end?
Ans. In the end, the residents, in admiration of the tree’s tenacity, decided to look after and water the Gulmohar tree as a tribute to its determination. - This Gulmohar tree teaches us a lesson. What is it?
Ans. The lesson from the Gulmohar tree is one of determination, adaptability, and persistence in the face of challenges. - Why do you think the residents felt a sense of regret after cutting off the tree’s roots?
Ans. The residents likely felt regret because, despite solving the water problem for the houses, they had to interfere with the natural growth of the tree by cutting away its roots. - Would it be appropriate to call trees ‘brainless’? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans. It would not be appropriate to call trees ‘brainless.’ While trees don’t have a traditional brain, they exhibit complex responses to their environment, adaptability, and survival strategies, as seen in the story. - Why do you think everyone was awestruck about how the tree had found water?
Ans. Everyone was awestruck because the tree’s roots displayed a remarkable ability to adapt and find a water source despite the challenging conditions, showcasing nature’s ingenuity. - Do you think it was appropriate to cut away the fine mesh of roots that was supplying water to a thirsty tree? Could there be an alternative to this? Discuss.
Ans. Cutting away the roots may have been a practical solution to restore water supply to the residents. However, there could be alternatives, such as rerouting the water supply or installing protective measures to allow both the tree and residents to coexist without disruption. The decision likely involved balancing the needs of the residents with the preservation of the tree.
Vocabulary
Given below are some scrambled words. Use the clues provided against them to unscramble them.
| Scrambled Words | Clues |
|---|---|
| snteohy | the quality or state of being truthful |
| sha | this is what remains after wood burns, also a tall European tree |
| ntua | the sister of one’s father or mother, or the wife of someone’s uncle |
| tamo | the smallest particle of matter, also the particle used in a nuclear bomb |
| twhar | anger, intense rage |
| orfelsyu | the reflexive form of ‘you’ (I know myself and you know – the reply or solution to a question |
| wenras | the reply or solution to a question |
| tcauiosu | careful |
Answer:
| Scrambled Words | Unscrambled Words | Clues |
|---|---|---|
| snteohy | honesty | the quality or state of being truthful |
| sha | ash | this is what remains after wood burns, also a tall European tree |
| ntua | aunt | the sister of one’s father or mother, or the wife of someone’s uncle |
| tamo | atom | the smallest particle of matter, also the particle used in a nuclear bomb |
| twhar | wrath | anger, intense rage |
| orfelsyu | forelusty | the reflexive form of ‘you’ (I know myself and you know – the reply or solution to a question |
| wenras | answer | the reply or solution to a question |
| tcauiosu | cautious | careful |
A. Fill in these blanks using the correct word from the ones you have unscrambled.
1. There is a lot of…….. left from their bonfire, the wind will blow it into our eyes.
2. She was referred to as ……… Kusum by all the children in the colony.
3. Mahatma Gandhi was admired for his intellect, his ……… and patience.
4. You must do all your work ………. !
5. An …….. bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 by the Americans.
6. Peasants who did not pay their taxes had to face the ……… of the tyrant.
7. You must be ……… while playing with fire as there are chances of your getting burnt.
8. There is no ………. to my phone calls.
Answer:
- There is a lot of ash left from their bonfire; the wind will blow it into our eyes.
- She was referred to as aunt Kusum by all the children in the colony.
- Mahatma Gandhi was admired for his intellect, his honesty, and patience.
- You must do all your work yourself!
- An atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 by the Americans.
- Peasants who did not pay their taxes had to face the wrath of the tyrant.
- You must be cautious while playing with fire, as there are chances of you getting burnt.
- There is no answer to my phone calls.
A. Identify the underlined clauses as independent (I) or dependent (D) in each of these sentences.
1. The doctor who treated me is Dr Kim Chang.
2. Our dog will run away if the door is open.
3. As the girls were late for school, they missed the fun.
4. This is the new book that you bought yesterday.
5. The movie was good although it was long.
6. Rohan heard what his sister said, though he couldn’t understand it.
7. The Sun shone in the sky while we worked hard.
8. At the end of the day, our friend thanked us for all our help.
Answer:
- The doctor who treated me is Dr. Kim Chang. (D)
- Our dog will run away if the door is open. (I)
- As the girls were late for school, they missed the fun. (D)
- This is the new book that you bought yesterday. (D)
- The movie was good although it was long. (D)
- Rohan heard what his sister said, though he couldn’t understand it. (I)
- The Sun shone in the sky while we worked hard. (D)
- At the end of the day, our friend thanked us for all our help. (I)
B. Complete these sentences with the help of a dependent clause.
- They visited the school……..
- ……….. we reached on time.
- Gopi gave me her bag ……….
- Radha ate the pulao happily ……..
- My dog slept peacefully ……..
- Our gardener planted some roses in the garden …….
- I couldn’t see anything in the box …….
- My car gave me trouble …….
Answer:
- They visited the school where they had studied last year.
- Because of the good traffic conditions, we reached on time.
- Gopi gave me her bag after she had finished her lunch.
- Radha ate the pulao happily since it was her favourite dish.
- My dog slept peacefully while I was reading a book on the couch.
- Our gardener planted some roses in the garden where the soil was fertile.
- I couldn’t see anything in the box since it was too dark.
- My car gave me trouble when I was driving to work this morning.
Another set of answers
- They visited the school where their parents studied.
- Because of the shortcut, we reached on time.
- Gopi gave me her bag since I had forgotten mine at home.
- Radha ate the pulao happily after a long day at work.
- My dog slept peacefully after a long walk in the park.
- Our gardener planted some roses in the garden where the marigolds had withered.
- I couldn’t see anything in the box though a lot was expected inside.
- My car gave me trouble while I was driving to the office.
C. Complete these sentences with the help of an independent clause.
- Even though she was late ……..
- ……….before I reached home.
- After we had packed our bags, ……….
- As soon as she saw us, ………..
- ………. unless you complete your work.
- ………..where you get enough sunlight.
- ……….whom we met in the park.
- ………when it started raining.
Answer:
- Even though she was late, we waited for her patiently.
- I finished my chores before I reached home.
- After we had packed our bags, we left for the vacation.
- As soon as she saw us, she ran over to greet us.
- You won’t be allowed to go out unless you complete your work.
- Choose a spot for your plants where you get enough sunlight.
- She is the same person whom we met in the park.
- I decided to stay indoors when it started raining.
Another set of answers:
- Even though she was late, she managed to catch the train.
- I had dinner before I reached home.
- After we had packed our bags, we realized we forgot the important documents.
- As soon as she saw us, she waved enthusiastically.
- You won’t be allowed to go out unless you complete your work.
- Choose a room where you get enough sunlight.
- I will introduce you to the friend whom we met in the park.
- We decided to take shelter when it started raining.
D. Identify these sentences as simple (S), compound (Cmp) or complex (Cpx).
- Mamta achieved success because of her hard work. ……..
- Rashi is a friendly person as she gets along with everyone. …………
- She did not try hard enough, so she couldn’t get the project. ………….
- Do not waste time over petty arguments. ………….
- He didn’t want help nor did she offer it. …………..
- The doctor gave me a medicine. …………..
- The people in the auditorium looked irritated and restless. …………..
- Ill health is unimaginable when we are in good health. …………..
- Meenakshi does not talk too much in class. …………..
- Shanaya was unwell, yet she fared well in the test. …………..
Answer:
- Mamta achieved success because of her hard work. (Cpx)
- Rashi is a friendly person as she gets along with everyone. (Cmp)
- She did not try hard enough, so she couldn’t get the project. (Cmp)
- Do not waste time over petty arguments. (S)
- He didn’t want help nor did she offer it. (Cmp)
- The doctor gave me a medicine. (S)
- The people in the auditorium looked irritated and restless. (S)
- Ill health is unimaginable when we are in good health. (Cpx)
- Meenakshi does not talk too much in class. (S)
- Shanaya was unwell, yet she fared well in the test. (Cmp)