Glass Bangles

In Ravi's small workshop, glass bangles were made by hand using traditional methods. Skilled artisans (craftsmen) heated glass rods over flames until the glass became soft and flexible. They then carefully shaped the molten glass into circular bangles by hand. The bangles were often decorated with floral patterns and other designs. The workshop was filled with the clinking sound of glass as the artisans worked. This was a labour-intensive process passed down through generations in Firozabad, which is famous for its glass bangle industry.

Ananya was a young woman who had completed her schooling and then joined Ravi's factory/workshop. She was creative and had a good sense of modern design and colour. She helped Ravi by introducing new, modern designs and bright colour combinations to the traditional bangles. She suggested adding floral patterns and contemporary elements to make the bangles more attractive to customers. Her fresh ideas helped Ravi's bangles stand out in the market, especially during the Diwali season, and attracted more buyers.

The success of the new bangles had a very positive effect on the entire community. When customers loved the new designs and bought them in large numbers, Ravi's business grew. This meant that more artisans in the workshop got steady work and better earnings. The local craftsmen and their families benefited financially. The success also brought recognition to the traditional craft of Firozabad, encouraging more people to value and buy locally made products. Overall, the community became more prosperous and proud of their traditional craft.

If I were in Ananya's place, I would add the following modern designs and colours to make the bangles more attractive:
1. Pastel shades like mint green, lavender, and baby pink, which are very popular today.
2. Glitter and metallic finishes (gold and silver) to make the bangles sparkle.
3. Geometric patterns such as dots, stripes, and chevron designs.
4. Ombre (gradient) colour effects where one colour blends into another.
5. Designs inspired by nature, such as butterflies, stars, and leaves.
6. Glow-in-the-dark bangles for night-time festivals.
These modern touches, combined with the traditional craft, would appeal to both young and older customers.

Yes, I once created a handmade greeting card for my mother on Mother's Day. I drew colourful flowers on it, wrote a poem expressing my love for her, and decorated the border with glitter. When I gave it to her, she was very happy and hugged me tightly. She said it was the most beautiful gift she had ever received. Seeing her smile made me feel very proud and joyful. I realised that things made with love and effort are more special than anything bought from a shop. That experience taught me the value of creativity and hard work. (Note: Students should share their own personal experience in class.)

Here is a list of things commonly bought from local markets during festivals:
1. Diyas (clay lamps) and candles — for Diwali
2. Rangoli colours and stencils — for Diwali
3. Sweets and mithai — for all festivals
4. New clothes — for Diwali, Eid, Christmas, etc.
5. Flowers and garlands — for Dussehra, Puja
6. Firecrackers — for Diwali
7. Kites and thread — for Makar Sankranti
8. Idols of Ganesha or Lakshmi — for Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali
9. Bangles and jewellery — for Diwali, Teej, Navratri
10. Decorative lights and lanterns — for Diwali and Christmas
(Students may add items specific to their own region and festivals.)

1. Festivals — Joy, Sweets, Family (already done as example)
2. Bangle — Glass, Wrist, Jewellery
3. Factory — Machine, Worker, Production
4. Friend — Trust, Fun, Support
5. School — Teacher, Books, Learning

The air was filled with the clinking of glass.

On Diwali night, the streets of Firozabad were lit with lamps and lights.

Did Ravi like Ananya's new designs at first?

Ravi and Ananya made a special collection for Diwali.

Did the customers love the new bangles?

The past perfect tense is used for the action that happened first (completed earlier), and the simple past tense is used for the action that happened second (later).

| Sentence | First Action (Past Perfect) | Second Action (Simple Past) |
|---|---|---|
| The crowd had dispersed when we reached the market. | had dispersed | reached the market |
| Shivangi had finished the portrait when I called her. | had finished the portrait | called her |
| When you rang the doorbell, I had switched off the TV. | had switched off the TV | rang the doorbell |
| When we reached the cinema hall, the movie had ended. | had ended | reached the cinema hall |
| Samar had set the table when the phone rang. | had set the table | rang |

Note: The first action is the one that was completed before the other, regardless of its position in the sentence.

The correct sequence of steps is:

Step 1 — Arjun and his sister, Meera, help their mother prepare besan laddus. {5}
Step 2 — The mother roasts chickpea flour in a pan until it turns golden brown. {2}
Step 3 — The father adds ghee and sugar to the mixture and stirs it well. {1}
Step 4 — Meera and Arjun shape the mixture into small round balls. {4}
Step 5 — The kids decorate each laddu with a sprinkle of chopped nuts. {3}

So the sequence numbers in the blanks are:
1. {3}
2. {2}
3. {5}
4. {4}
5. {1}

Last Diwali was a very special occasion for my family. We woke up early in the morning and cleaned our house. In the evening, we performed a puja (prayer) to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. My mother prepared delicious sweets like gulab jamun and besan laddus. We decorated our home with diyas, rangoli, and colourful lights. Our relatives and neighbours came to visit us and we exchanged sweets and gifts. At night, we burst firecrackers and the sky was filled with beautiful colours. It was a joyful evening full of laughter and togetherness. I love celebrating Diwali every year. (Note: Students should write about their own festival experience.)

The Rock Garden of Chandigarh is a truly unique and wonderful place. It was created by Nek Chand Saini, a government official, who began building it secretly in 1957. The garden is made entirely from waste materials and industrial and urban waste such as broken bangles, tiles, ceramic pots, electrical waste, and stones. It is spread over 40 acres and is located near Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh. The garden has beautiful sculptures of humans, animals, and birds, all made from recycled materials. Walking through the garden feels like entering a magical world. It is a brilliant example of how creativity can turn waste into art. The Rock Garden teaches us the importance of recycling and reminds us that art can be found everywhere. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in India. (Note: Students should write based on the pictures shown and discussion with the teacher.)

1. Madhubani painting — Madhubani (Mithila region), Bihar
2. Paithani Saree — Paithan (Aurangabad district), Maharashtra
3. Blue pottery — Jaipur, Rajasthan
4. Phulkari embroidery — Punjab (especially the regions of Amritsar, Patiala, and Ludhiana)

(This is an activity-based question. Students should find out about their own state or UT and speak about it in class. Below is a sample answer for a student from Rajasthan.)

My state is Rajasthan. It is famous for many things. Rajasthan is known for its beautiful handicrafts such as blue pottery, block printing, and Bandhani (tie-and-dye) fabric. The state is also famous for its grand forts and palaces like Amber Fort, Mehrangarh Fort, and City Palace. Rajasthan is known for its colourful festivals like the Pushkar Camel Fair and the Desert Festival of Jaisalmer. The traditional food of Rajasthan, such as Dal Baati Churma and Ghevar, is very popular all over India. I am proud of my state's rich culture and heritage.

(Students from other states should speak about their own state's famous crafts, food, festivals, and landmarks.)

This is a personal question. Students should answer based on their own situation.

Sample Answer: Yes, I have a savings account in a bank. My parents opened it for me so that I can save my pocket money and birthday gifts. I have a passbook that shows how much money I have saved. It feels good to watch my savings grow.

(If a student does not have a bank account, they may answer: No, I do not have a bank account yet, but I save my money in a gullak at home. I would like to open a bank account in the future.)

Fixed Deposit (FD):
— A Fixed Deposit is a type of bank account where you deposit a lump sum (a large amount of money) for a fixed period of time, such as 1 year, 2 years, or 5 years.
— The bank pays a higher rate of interest on an FD compared to a regular savings account.
— You cannot withdraw the money before the fixed period ends without paying a penalty.
— It is a safe way to grow your savings.

Recurring Deposit (RD):
— A Recurring Deposit is a type of bank account where you deposit a fixed amount of money every month for a fixed period of time.
— For example, you can deposit ₹100 every month for 12 months.
— At the end of the period, you get back all your money along with the interest earned.
— It is a good way to develop the habit of saving regularly.

Both FD and RD are safe ways to save money and earn more interest than a regular savings account.