Unit 3 Class 4 NCERT English: Run! and Nasruddin's Aim

What Unit 3 Teaches

Class 4 English Unit 3 has two main texts: the poem Run! and the story Nasruddin's Aim. The poem is full of action. Words like run, race, skip, and leap help you feel movement. When you read it aloud, your voice should sound energetic. The story teaches a different skill: understanding a character. Nasruddin says he is very good at shooting arrows, but when he misses, he changes his explanation each time. A good reader notices both what a character says and what the character actually does. This helps you answer questions with reasons, not just one-word replies.

Important Words and Meanings

Run

To move quickly using your legs. In the poem, it also shows freedom, energy, and joy.

Breeze

A gentle wind. The poem uses it to create a fresh outdoor feeling.

Countryside

An area outside a city, often with fields, trees, and open spaces.

Boast

To talk too proudly about what you can do. Nasruddin boasts about his aim.

Aim

To point carefully at a target. In the story, it means trying to hit the target with an arrow.

Target

The object or place someone tries to hit in a game or sport.

How to Study This Unit Step by Step

1. Read the poem with action — First read Run! slowly. Then read it again with energy. Whenever you see an action word, imagine the action or do a small gesture. This helps you remember the meaning.
2. Find the mood — Ask: Is the poem sad, serious, or joyful? The repeated invitation to run makes the mood cheerful and active. Write one line from the poem that proves this mood.
3. Track Nasruddin's actions — In the story, note what Nasruddin says before shooting and what happens after he shoots. This comparison shows the humour in the story.
4. Answer in complete sentences — For every question, start by using words from the question. Example: Why did Nasruddin give excuses? Answer: Nasruddin gave excuses because he missed the target and did not want to look foolish.

Worked Examples

• Example 1: Question: Why is Run! called an action poem?
  Step 1: Look for words that show movement, such as run, race, skip, and leap.
  Step 2: Notice that the speaker keeps asking the child to move outdoors in different places and weather.
  Step 3: Combine both ideas in one sentence.
  Final answer: Run! is called an action poem because it uses many movement words and encourages children to run and play actively in nature.

• Example 2: Question: What makes Nasruddin's Aim funny?
  Step 1: Nasruddin first says he is a very good archer.
  Step 2: When his arrows do not hit the target, he gives different excuses instead of accepting his mistake.
  Step 3: The difference between his proud words and his poor shooting creates humour.
  Final answer: The story is funny because Nasruddin boasts about his aim but keeps missing the target and making excuses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not write only one word when the question asks why or how. For example, if asked why Nasruddin made excuses, do not answer just because he missed. Write a full sentence with a reason. Also, do not confuse the poem and the story: Run! is about joy and movement, while Nasruddin's Aim is about boasting and humour. In grammar questions, remember that action words tell what someone does, and describing words tell what someone or something is like.

Practice Questions with Solutions

• Q: Name two action words from the poem Run! and use one in a sentence.
  A: Step 1: Action words are words that show doing or movement.
  Step 2: Two action words from the poem are run and leap.
  Step 3: Use one word in a complete sentence: I run in the park every morning.
  Final answer: Two action words are run and leap. Sentence: I run in the park every morning.

• Q: What kind of place does the poem ask children to enjoy?
  A: Step 1: Read the words that describe the setting, such as sun, rain, breeze, and countryside.
  Step 2: These words show open outdoor places and nature.
  Step 3: Write the idea in one clear sentence.
  Final answer: The poem asks children to enjoy the outdoors, especially natural places like the countryside, in different weather.

• Q: Why did Nasruddin keep giving different explanations after shooting arrows?
  A: Step 1: Notice that Nasruddin had boasted about being a good archer.
  Step 2: His arrows did not hit the target properly.
  Step 3: He gave explanations because he did not want others to think he had failed.
  Final answer: Nasruddin kept giving different explanations because he missed the target and wanted to hide his failure.

• Q: Write a short character note on Nasruddin in two sentences.
  A: Step 1: Think about what Nasruddin says: he speaks proudly about his skill.
  Step 2: Think about what he does: he misses and then makes excuses.
  Step 3: Use both points to describe his character.
  Final answer: Nasruddin is a funny and boastful man. He talks proudly about his aim but makes excuses when he cannot hit the target.

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