Comprehension Check
- Question: What tasks, do you think, were assigned to the dog and the ox?
Answer: The dog was likely assigned tasks related to guarding or herding, given its loyalty and ability to follow commands. The ox was assigned heavy labor tasks such as plowing fields or carrying loads, reflecting its strength and usefulness in agricultural work. - Question: Why did the camel live in the middle of the desert?
Answer: The camel lived in the middle of the desert because it had become lazy and refused to help with the tasks assigned to it. It chose to isolate itself away from other animals and work. - Question: What made the dog, the horse, and the ox very angry?
Answer: The dog, the horse, and the ox were very angry because the camel was refusing to work and was not contributing to the efforts of the other animals, which created an unfair burden on them. - Question: How did the Djinn know the horse was complaining against the camel?
Answer: The Djinn knew the horse was complaining against the camel because he had the ability to understand the thoughts and feelings of the animals, and he overheard the horse expressing its grievances about the camel’s laziness.
Comprehension Check (Second Set)
- Question: The camel was looking at its own reflection in the pool. What does it suggest to you about the camel?
Answer: The camel looking at its own reflection suggests that it is vain and self-centered. It is likely proud of its appearance and perhaps enjoys the attention it draws to itself. - Question: The camel said, “Humph” repeatedly. How did it affect him?
Answer: The repeated utterance of “Humph” made the camel feel increasingly complacent and indifferent. It reflects his laziness and lack of concern for the responsibilities he was supposed to fulfill. - Question: What, according to the Djinn, was the use of the “humph”?
Answer: According to the Djinn, the “humph” was seen as a sign of the camel’s laziness and lack of cooperation. It symbolized the camel’s refusal to engage with others and participate in their work. - Question: “…he has never yet learnt to behave.” In light of this, what is the writer’s opinion about the camel?
Answer: The writer’s opinion about the camel is that it is stubborn and immature. The camel’s inability to learn proper behavior indicates that it lacks responsibility and consideration for others, highlighting its flaws as a character.
Exercise Questions
1. Can this story be factually true?
Answer:
No, this story cannot be factually true. It is a fictional tale meant to teach a lesson about laziness and responsibility. Stories like these often use animals and personification to convey morals and values in an engaging and imaginative way rather than presenting factual events.
2. What, according to you, is the story about?
Consider the following:
- (i) How the world began:
While the story isn’t about the beginning of the world, it does depict a time when animals and humans started collaborating, symbolizing early societies where all had responsibilities and roles. - (ii) Why everyone should do his/her share of work seriously:
This is the primary message of the story. Each character in the story is expected to contribute to the work. When the camel refuses to do his part, he faces consequences, teaching that laziness has its own “punishment.” - (iii) How animals are important to humans:
The animals in the story—horse, ox, and dog—represent those who assist humans and play vital roles in making life easier. It shows that animals and humans are interconnected and depend on each other for various tasks. - (iv) How the camel got his hump:
The story explains that the camel’s hump was given to him as a result of his refusal to work. The hump serves as a reminder of his laziness and symbolizes the burden one might carry as a result of neglecting duties.
3. What did you do over the weekend? Were you generally active or idle? Please check your back before starting to discuss or answer the question.
Answer:
Over the weekend, I engaged in activities that required effort and focus. Reflecting on my level of activity versus idleness made me realize that staying active keeps me refreshed and better prepared for tasks ahead, while too much idleness can leave me unprepared.
4. There are broadly two categories of workers: those who prefer to do today what they can do tomorrow, and those who prefer to do tomorrow what they can do today. Where do you belong?
Answer:
Personally, I try to belong to the first category—doing today what I can do tomorrow. By completing tasks early, I feel less stressed and can avoid last-minute pressure. However, it is common to sometimes delay tasks, but doing things on time generally makes life smoother and more manageable.
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