Textbook Solutions: A Rare Species of Uncle | Gul Mohar Class 5: Book Solutions, Summaries & Worksheets PDF Download

Understanding the Text 

(A) Answer these questions in a sentence or two. 

1.
Ans: Yes, I agree with her because the family often discussed nature and the environment, and the children were involved in activities like birdwatching from a young age.

2.
Ans: Salim mamoo could see things and hear sounds that others couldn't, and he had the ability to walk long distances and climb to difficult spots, making him an exceptional birdwatcher.

3.
Ans: Yes, Salim mamoo liked children. The text mentions that he loved young people, despite scolding them at times. He interacted with them, made funny faces, and even baked a cake with them on his birthday.

4.
Ans: Salim mamoo had a small army of followers, especially children interested in wildlife, because of his passion for birdwatching and wildlife. He inspired and shared his knowledge with others.

5.
Ans: Birdwatching was not just a hobby for Salim mamoo; it was his life. He found joy in observing any bird, not just rare or colorful ones, as mentioned in the text. His interest was genuine and not limited to special birds.

6.
Ans: Salim mamoo had a positive impact on his family members, inspiring them to be interested in natural history and conservation. He created an atmosphere of laughter and joy, leaving lasting memories for the narrator and her cousins.

B. Underline the sentences in the text that express these ideas and facts. 

1.
Ans: My brother, sister and I grew up in a very nature-friendly atmosphere.

2.
Ans: His temper, which was never very sweet, was definitely at its worst on the road.

3.
Ans: He could see what no one else saw, hear what no one else heard. He could walk more miles than others much younger than he.

4.
Ans: I keep buying bird books and binoculars, hoping that these will magically make me clever.

5.
Ans: But what is the fun of hide-and-seek if you cannot yell and shriek? When he came up the steps to shout ‘Keep quiet!’ we would all dive under the beds in fright.

6.
Ans: When I see his Book of Indian Birds I still grumble to myself. It really robbed us of our sleep.

Appreciating the Text 

1.
Ans: The title "A Rare Species of Uncle" is fitting as it captures Salim mamoo's uniqueness and passion for birdwatching. It suggests that he is exceptional, just like a rare species. An alternative title could be "The Birdwatcher's Legacy."

2.
(a).
Ans: 

• "But we, on the other hand, had to put up with the noise of his typewriter at five in the morning."
  This example shows the family's tolerance and understanding, despite the inconvenience caused by Salim mamoo's early morning typewriter noise.
• "There was always laughter when he was around, and his was the loudest and most croaky."
  This example reflects the joy and positive atmosphere that Salim mamoo brought to the family, indicating a strong bond of love and happiness.

(b).
Ans: Yes, I love my grandmother despite her habit of telling the same stories repeatedly. Her warmth, care, and the memories associated with her stories make the annoyance insignificant in comparison to the love I feel for her.