English Summary - ABC

Summary: The poem 'Up-Hill' is a dialogue between a traveler and a guide, symbolizing the journey of life and the hope for eternal rest after death. The traveler asks whether the road is uphill all the guide confirms that life's journey is full of challenges until the very end. Despite the difficulties, there is a promise of rest - an inn that represents heaven or peace after life's struggles. The traveler is reassured that others who have gone before will welcome them and that there will be comfort and rest for everyone who seeks it. The poem conveys a message of faith, perseverance, and hope in eternal reward after life's hardships.  Exercises A. Questions 1. The poem takes the form of a conversation. How many speakers are there? Answer: There are two speakers in the poem - the traveller and a guide (or helper) who answers the traveller's questions. 2. How long will the journey take? Answer: The journey will take the whole long day, from morning till night. ...

Summary: A count living in a cold, mountainous country was always unhappy despite his wealth. He constantly criticized his young son, believing the boy was slow and could learn nothing. Frustrated, the count sent his son to study under a great master in the south. When the son returned, he proudly said that he had learned to understand the language of dogs, birds, and frogs. The count became furious, thinking his son had learned foolish things, and ordered his guards to kill him. The guards, however, spared the boy's life and let him escape. During his travels, the son's special gift helped him. In one village, he used his understanding of dogs to discover a hidden treasure guarded by them, which he shared with the villagers. Later, while journeying to an ancient city, he learned from frogs that the city's wise ruler had died and that a new leader was coming. When he entered the city, two doves whispered sacred words to him, and the people recognized him as the chosen one. ...

Summary: At a railway station, a poor little boy with a violin sees a convict handcuffed and guarded by a constable. Feeling pity, the boy offers to play his fiddle since he has no money to give. As he plays, the convict smiles and begins to sing cheerfully about a 'life so free,' revealing a moment of unexpected joy despite his situation. The constable also smiles quietly, and the three share a brief, human connection before the train arrives and they depart. Exercises A. Questions 1. Where are the characters? What are they waiting for? Answer: They are at the railway station in Upway, waiting for the train to arrive. 2. How many characters are there in the poem? Answer: There are three characters - the little boy with the violin, the man in handcuffs (the convict), and the constable. 3. Which characters speak? Answer: The little boy and the convict speak. 4. Which characters remain silent? Answer: The constable remains silent. 5. Why does the boy play his violin? Answer: T...

Summary: When the family brings home a new puppy, the children try to choose a name. Mandy wants to call him Jeremy, Polly chooses Toblerone, and little Ben suggests 'Ben' because it is short. Surprisingly, the puppy only responds to Ben, and over time the boy and dog, both named Ben, become inseparable, copying each other's actions and sharing commands. This dual use of the name works well until the boy decides he wants a longer name. Eventually, the family renames him Bartholomew, much to everyone's delight, while the puppy happily keeps the name Ben. Exercises A. Questions 1. What did Polly want to call the puppy? Answer: Polly wanted to call the puppy 'Toblerone.' 2. In what ways were Ben and the puppy alike? Answer: Ben and the puppy were alike in that both had brown hair, short legs, and were rather fat. 3. In what ways was Ben a good puppy? Answer: Ben was a good puppy because he never made a mess, never chewed curtains or covers, ate well, slept soundly ...