Textbook Solutions: Return to Air | New Pathways Class 6: Book Solutions, Summaries & Worksheets PDF Download

Reading 1 

1. 
Ans: The Ponds were very big, used for both bathing and fishing. People bathed at one end, while at the other end, individuals fished.

2.
Ans: The author did not want to dive because she had to take off her glasses to go into the water, and without them, she couldn't see. Despite being able to swim, diving posed a challenge due to her reliance on glasses.

3.
Ans: Duck-diving involves swimming on the water's surface, suddenly upending oneself like a duck, diving down, swimming underwater, and resurfacing. The swimming instructor taught the children by throwing a brick into the water, instructing them to retrieve it before it settled in the mud at the bottom.

4.
Ans: The swimming instructor threw a brick, covered with old white flannel, into the pond. The instructions were for the narrator, nicknamed "Sausage," to retrieve the brick before it reached the bottom and settled in the mud.

5. 
Ans: The narrator describes the water changing from thick greeny-brown to dark blackish-brown and then to bright lemonade. The color changed possibly due to the depth of the water and the presence of mud. The underwater experience is described as still, quiet, and shady.

6. 
Ans: The narrator feared not being able to up-end in the water during duck-diving. Additionally, she feared swimming too far underwater and coming up among fishermen at the other end of the Ponds, possibly fouling their lines or getting hooked.

7. 
Ans: The narrator was greeted with cheers and shouts of "Sausage! Sausage!" from the people on the bank, including the swimming instructor, who was curious about what she had retrieved from the bottom of the pond.

8. 
Ans: The narrator had retrieved an old tin box, similar in size and shape to a brick. The tin box was heavy with mud and had no paint left on it. Despite the excitement, there was nothing inside except mud.

Reading 2

1. 
Ans: The narrator was sporting as evidenced by her willingness to learn duck-diving, facing the challenge of retrieving a brick from the pond bottom, and overcoming her fears associated with swimming.

2. 
Ans: Yes, the narrator seems to be fond of a good life as she enjoys swimming and engaging in challenging activities. The description of her underwater experience reflects her appreciation for the calm and quiet aspect of life beneath the surface.

3. 
Ans: Yes, the story is about the narrator conquering her fear of duck-diving and swimming underwater. Her fears included not being able to up-end, swimming too far, and coming up among fishermen. She conquered her fear by successfully retrieving the brick and even swam underwater later without fear.

4. 
Ans: The narrator wanted to preserve the tin because it symbolized a significant achievement and a memorable moment in her life. The tin, retrieved from the bottom of the pond, represented her successful duck-diving experience, and she intended to keep it as a memento.

5.
Ans: Certificate of Achievement
[Logo: A swimmer conquering a fear, diving into water]
This is to certify that [Narrator's Name] has successfully mastered the art of duck-diving, demonstrating courage and skill. Awarded by the Swimming Instructor for exceptional underwater prowess.