Textbook Solutions: The Magpie's Lesson | Communicate in English for Class 4 PDF Download

Word Galaxy

• Cliff – a high area of land with steep side, usually next to the sea
• Broke in – here, interrupted
• Sociable – fond of company
• Meadow – an open grassy area
• Eaves – the lower edges of a roof
• Barns – large buildings where animals or crops are kept
• Dome – rounded roof-like structure

A. Tick the correct answer

1. The eagle flew away because it 

a. was bored. 

b. wanted to build its nest on top of a cliff.

c. was too proud. 

2. The oriole decided to build its nest 

a. in a tree. 

b. on a bank. 

c. in the tall grass. 

3. The whip-poor-will is called lazy because it 

a. never makes a nest. 

b. lays its eggs in the nest of another bird 

c. never lays eggs. 

4. An owl lays its eggs

a. in a crow’s old nest. 

b. on top of a tree. 

c. in a log.

5. The robin decided to 

a. follow the magpie’s instructions.

b. cover its babies with its wings. 

c. build its nest in a hollow. 

B.  Answer these questions 

Question 1: Why is the magpie called a wise bird? 

The magpie is called a wise bird because long ago, it was the only bird in the whole world that knew how to build a nest. 

Question 2: How many birds gathered to listen to the magpie’s instructions? Name them. 

All the birds in the world gathered around the magpie to learn how to make a nest. These birds were the eagle, lark, bobolink, oriole, owl, whippoor-will, robin breast, crow and swallow. 

Question 3: Why did all the birds fly away without listening to the whole lesson? 

All the birds flew away without listening to the magpie because each one thought they had a better idea on how to make a nest. 

C. Discuss in class 

Question 1: Do you think magpie was really wise? Give reasons for your answer.

Yes, the magpie was really wise because it was the only bird that knew how to build a safe, secure, and comfortable nest. 

Question 2: Why did the magpie continue her lesson even though all the birds flew away one by one? 

The magpie continued her lesson even though all the birds flew away one by one because she was a wise and helpful bird and wanted to teach others the art of building a nest. She was so involved in building her own nest that she could not notice that the other birds had flown away. She liked to do her work as thoroughly. 

Question 3: Do you think the other birds were grateful for the magpie’s lesson? Give a reason for your answer. 

No, the other birds were not grateful because they left magpie without thanking her. Each one thought that her way of building the nest was better than the magpie’s.