Textbook Solutions: The Tree Spirit | Communicate in English for Class 4 PDF Download

Word Galaxy

• Column – here, tall strong pillar which can support pillar which can support or decorate a building
• Gigantic – huge
• Spirit – an imaginary creature such as fairy
• Foresters – people who work in forests and take care of the trees and animals
• Thrive – grow healthy and strong
• Sprung up around me – grown around me

A. Tick the correct answers:

(1) The foresters decided to cut the sal tree because________.
a. the king had ordered them to do so
b. an evil spirit lived in it.
c. the spirit had too much power

(2) The villagers worshipped the sal tree because________.
a. it was large and beautiful
b. a tree spirit dwelt in it
c. the tree had healing properties.

(3) The ________were the tree spirit’s ‘little ones’.
a. king and his courtiers
b. villagers
c. young sal trees

(4) The king decided that the column for his new palace should be made of stone, not wood, because he________.
a. wished to save the tree spirit
b. kept changing his mind
c. thought stone was more lasting

B. Answer these questions

Question 1: Why did the king want a big and strong tree?
Answer: The king wanted a big and strong tree because he wanted a beautiful palace that would be supported by a single wooden column in the center.

Question 2: What was special about the sal tree?
Answer: The sal tree was the home of a wise and ancient spirit. Many birds had their nests on its branches and people also worshipped it.

Question 3: Why did the tree spirit appear in the king’s dream?
Answer: The tree spirit appeared in the king’s dream to beg him to change his mind about cutting down the sal tree.

Question 4: What was the effect of the dream on the king?
Answer: The king changed his mind and decided to make a column of stone instead of wood.

C.  Tick the correct option:

(1) “Tell them to cut down the biggest and strongest tree they can find and bring it to me.” These lines were spoken by the________.
a. king
b. minister
c. villagers

(2) “I have come to beg you to change your mind.” These lines were spoken by the________.
a. sal tree
b. tree spirit
c. villagers

(3) “This is a strange request.’ The king thought the tree spirit’s request was strange because he_______
a. could not believe that anyone would want to suffer pain three times.
b. was afraid of the spirit
c. had never heard about spirits living in a tree.

(4) “…a very noble spirit lives in the sal tree.” The king said this because he________.
a. was moved by the tree spirit’s willingness to sacrifice
b. had visited the tree
c. believed that all spirits are noble

D. Discuss

Question 1: What would you do if you were the king? 
Answer: Had I been the king, I would have made the column out of stone instead of wood. Not only would stone be stronger than wood, but it would also save the trees. 

Question 2: Do you think the king was sensible? Give reasons for your answer. 
Answer: Yes, the king was sensible because he was touched by the noble and kind nature of the tree spirit and decided not to cut the tree.