Mastering CBSE Class 4 English Unit 6: Hiawatha and The Scholar's Mother Tongue

What is Unit 6 About?

Unit 6 in your CBSE Class 4 English textbook primarily features two engaging pieces: the story "Hiawatha" and the poem "The Scholar's Mother Tongue." Each of these literary works offers unique insights and opportunities for language development.

"Hiawatha" introduces you to a young Native American boy who grows up in nature. He learns to understand the sounds and languages of animals and birds. This story teaches us about respecting and living in harmony with our environment. It also encourages us to observe the world around us more closely. As you read, pay attention to how Hiawatha listens to the animals and how they become his friends. You'll find many descriptive words in this story that paint a vivid picture in your mind.

The poem "The Scholar's Mother Tongue" is a humorous tale from the court of Emperor Akbar and his wise minister, Birbal. A proud scholar boasts that he can speak many languages fluently but refuses to reveal his mother tongue. Birbal, with his cleverness, devises a plan to find out the scholar's secret. This poem highlights the importance of observation, wit, and how our true identity often reveals itself in unexpected ways. Both texts are rich in vocabulary and provide excellent contexts for understanding grammar concepts like adjectives (words that describe) and verbs (words that show action).

Key Vocabulary from Unit 6

Wigwam

A dome-shaped hut or tent made by some Native American people, traditionally covered with bark or hides.

Hiawatha

The name of a legendary Native American leader, often associated with peace and cultural achievements, as depicted in the story.

Whispered

Spoke very softly using one's breath, without the vocal cords, so as to not be heard clearly by others.

Scholar

A person who is highly educated or has an advanced degree, typically an academic or intellectual.

Boasted

Spoke with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities.

Glided

Moved smoothly and continuously along, as if without effort or resistance.

Peculiar

Different from the usual or expected; strange or odd.

Understanding Grammar: Adjectives and Verbs

• Adjectives (Describing Words): Adjectives tell us more about nouns (names of people, places, animals, or things). They describe qualities like size, color, shape, or feeling.

  • Example from Unit 6: "Hiawatha lived in a big wigwam." (Here, 'big' describes the wigwam.)
  • Example: "The wise old man told a story." ('wise' and 'old' describe the man.)
  • Example: "She wore a red dress." ('red' describes the dress.)
  • Example: "The swift deer ran through the forest." ('swift' describes the deer.)

• Verbs (Action Words): Verbs are words that show action or a state of being. They tell us what someone or something is doing.

  • Example from Unit 6: "Hiawatha listened to the birds." ('listened' is the action Hiawatha did.)
  • Example: "The boy ran quickly." ('ran' is the action.)
  • Example: "The fish swam in the river." ('swam' is the action.)
  • Example: "Birbal found out the secret." ('found' is the action.)

How to Answer Comprehension Questions

1. Step 1: Read the Question Carefully — First, read the question thoroughly to understand what it is asking. Look for keywords like 'who,' 'what,' 'where,' 'when,' 'why,' or 'how.' For example, if the question is 'What did Hiawatha learn from the birds?', the keywords are 'Hiawatha,' 'learn,' and 'birds'.
2. Step 2: Find the Answer in the Text — Go back to the story or poem and read the relevant part again. Look for sentences that contain the keywords from your question. If the question asks what Hiawatha learned from birds, find the part where Hiawatha interacts with birds.
3. Step 3: Form a Complete Sentence — Do not just write one or two words. Always write your answer in a complete sentence. Start with a capital letter and end with a full stop. Use words from the question to help frame your answer. For example, instead of 'Their language,' write 'Hiawatha learned their language and their secrets from the birds.'
4. Step 4: Check Your Answer — After writing, read your answer and the question one more time. Does your answer directly address the question? Is it grammatically correct? Is your spelling right? This final check helps catch any mistakes.

Tips for Scoring High in Unit 6

To truly excel in Unit 6 and your English exams, keep these tips in mind:

1. Read Actively: Don't just read the stories and poems; try to understand them deeply. Imagine the characters and settings. Ask yourself 'why' things are happening.
2. Learn New Words: Make a list of new words from the unit. Find their meanings and try to use them in your own sentences. This will boost your vocabulary.
3. Practice Grammar: Do the grammar exercises in your textbook and workbook. Pay special attention to identifying adjectives and verbs. The more you practice, the easier it becomes.
4. Answer in Full Sentences: Always answer comprehension questions in complete, clear sentences. This shows you understand the question and can express your thoughts well.
5. Revise Regularly: Go over the stories, poems, and grammar rules regularly. Short, frequent revisions are more effective than last-minute cramming.

Practice Questions with Solutions

• Q: What did Hiawatha learn from the birds and beasts of the forest?
  A: Step 1: Recall the part of the story where Hiawatha interacts with animals.
  Step 2: The story says Hiawatha learned their language and secrets.
  Final answer: Hiawatha learned the language of all the birds and beasts, and understood their secrets, such as how they built their nests or where they hid in winter.

• Q: How did Birbal finally discover the scholar's mother tongue in 'The Scholar's Mother Tongue'?
  A: Step 1: Remember Birbal's clever plan.
  Step 2: Birbal secretly went to the scholar's room at night and tickled his ear, making the scholar cry out in his mother tongue.
  Final answer: Birbal secretly visited the scholar's bedchamber at night, tickled his ear, and when the scholar cried out in pain, he naturally spoke in his native language, which was Telugu.

• Q: Identify the adjectives in the following sentence: "The wise old king lived in a magnificent palace."
  A: Step 1: Identify the nouns in the sentence: king, palace.
  Step 2: Find words that describe these nouns.
  Step 3: 'Wise' describes the king, 'old' describes the king, and 'magnificent' describes the palace.
  Final answer: The adjectives are 'wise', 'old', and 'magnificent'.

• Q: Underline the verbs in the given sentence: "The little girl sang a beautiful song and danced joyfully."
  A: Step 1: Look for words that show action.
  Step 2: 'Sang' is an action word (what the girl did).
  Step 3: 'Danced' is another action word (what the girl did).
  Final answer: The little girl sang a beautiful song and danced joyfully.

Frequently Asked Questions