Textbook Exercise with Solutions: Idgah | Oxford English for Class 4 PDF Download

Ans: The boys are excited because it is the morning of Eid, and they are heading to the Idgah mosque for prayers and to enjoy the fair. They are eager to spend the coins they have saved on toys, sweets, and other treats.

b.

Ans: The boys plan to spend their money on toys, sweets, and sherbet, a sweet drink.

c.

Ans: Granny Ameena is worried and upset because Hamid is an orphan and has to attend the fair alone. She is concerned that he might get lost and wishes Hamid's father were alive to take him.

d.

Ans: Hamid’s poverty is shown through several details: he is described as poorly dressed and hungry-looking, he has no shoes, his cap is soiled and tattered, and he only has three pice, which is not enough to buy the expensive toys other boys purchase.

e.

Ans: The boys eat sesame candy, gulab jamuns (a sweet treat), and drink sherbet at the fair.

f.

Ans: Hamid buys the tongs because he notices that his Granny Ameena burns her fingers when she uses the hot iron plate to bake chapattis. He wants to buy something useful to help her and prevent her from hurting herself.

g.

Ans: Hamid imagines the pair of tongs as a gun, cymbals, and a tool to crush other toys.

h.

Ans: Mohsin buys a water carrier toy.

These questions are more difficult. Discuss them first. (HOTS)

i.

Ans: The pair of tongs is better than the toys because it is practical and useful for Granny Ameena's daily life. While the toys are fun but fragile, the tongs will last longer and help Granny avoid burning herself. Hamid’s purchase reflects his selflessness and care for his grandmother.

j.

Ans: Mohsin is portrayed as somewhat boastful and insensitive. He teases Hamid for buying the tongs and brags about his toy. He doesn't share his sweets with Hamid and is quick to get angry during their argument about the toys. However, his offer to trade toys with Hamid suggests he may have a more generous side.

k.

Ans: Granny Ameena is overcome by emotions at the end of the story because she realizes how deeply Hamid cares for her. Despite his hunger and the allure of the fair, Hamid chose to spend his money on something to help her, a sacrifice that touches her deeply.

Q2. Answer the questions about these lines from the story. 
If only her son were there, it would be a very different Eid! Hamid would not have to go to the fair on his own. 

a.

Ans: Hamid’s parents have died.

b.

Ans: His grandmother told him that his parents have gone to Allah and will return with silver and gifts.

c.

Ans: Hamid goes to the fair with the other villagers, but he is essentially on his own since he has no close family members to accompany him.

d.

Ans: Hamid is a kind and thoughtful boy. He is selfless and cares deeply for his grandmother, as seen when he chooses to buy tongs for her instead of spending his money on treats for himself.