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Chapter 4 of 16
NCERT Solutions

Change of Heart — NCERT Solutions

CBSE · Class 6 · English

NCERT Solutions for Change of Heart, CBSE Class 6 English: 40 textbook questions solved step by step. Part of the CBSE Class 6 English syllabus.

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40 Questions Solved · 10 Sections

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Let us discuss (Part I)

1State whether the following is True or False. Prabhat would accept losing to anyone easily.Show solution

Answer: False

Prabhat would never accept losing easily. If he sensed that he would lose a game, he would simply not play it. He took part only when he was sure of winning. This clearly shows that he could not accept losing to anyone.

2What was special about the last Friday of each month?Show solution

Answer:

The last Friday of each month was special because it was the day when sports matches were organised at school. Students looked forward to this day as it was dedicated to playing games and competitions during the games period.

3Who was responsible for maintaining the score for the match?Show solution

Answer:

Prabhat was responsible for maintaining the score for the match. However, he misused this responsibility by secretly changing the scoreboard in his favour when no one was watching, so that he could win the badminton match against Surya.

4Do you think Prabhat wished to play another match with Surya? Why do you think so?Show solution

Answer:

Yes, I think Prabhat did wish to play another match with Surya, but for different reasons at different points in the story.

In the beginning, Prabhat may have wanted a rematch to prove his superiority. However, after observing Surya's joyful and carefree attitude towards games, Prabhat underwent a change of heart. He began to understand the true spirit of sportsmanship — that playing for enjoyment is more important than winning. So later, he would have wanted to play with Surya simply for the fun and joy of the game, just as Surya did.

Let us discuss (Part II)

1How did Surya feel about playing?Show solution

Answer:

Surya felt extremely happy and joyful about playing, regardless of whether he won or lost. Even when he was playing basketball and could not score a basket for ten minutes, his happy smile never left his face. He enjoyed every game for its own sake, without worrying about the scoreboard or the result.

2What was it about Surya that Prabhat observed?Show solution

Answer:

Prabhat observed that Surya was great at some games and terrible at others, but what was common in everything he did was his enjoyment. Surya enjoyed every game equally, whether he was winning or losing. He never let the result affect his happiness. Prabhat noticed that Surya did not need a scoreboard or a win to have fun — he simply played for the love of the game.

Let us think and reflect — Section I

1(i)Complete the sentence suitably. Prabhat would play a game only if _______________.Show solution

Answer:

Prabhat would play a game only if he was sure of winning.

1(ii)Which game was Prabhat good at playing?Show solution

Answer:

Prabhat was good at playing badminton.

1(iii)Select the most suitable option to complete the sentence. This behaviour of Prabhat tells us that he was _______________. A. good at the game B. sure to win C. afraid of losingShow solution

Answer: C. afraid of losing

Justification: Prabhat refused to play any game in which he thought he might lose. He only participated when he was certain of winning. This clearly shows that he was afraid of losing, not simply confident of winning or skilled at the game.

2(i)Select the one option that tells us about the way Prabhat was feeling that night. A. hurt B. unhappy C. afraid D. focusedShow solution

Answer: B. unhappy

Justification: The text clearly states, "He had won the game but he did not feel as happy as he usually did." This tells us that Prabhat was feeling unhappy despite his win, most likely because he had cheated to win.

2(ii)Why does Prabhat find Surya's behaviour 'surprising'?Show solution

Answer:

Prabhat finds Surya's behaviour surprising because, according to Prabhat's own mindset, losing a game should make a person feel sad or upset. However, Surya did not feel bad about losing at all. Moreover, Surya was seen playing basketball the very next day with a happy smile, even though he could not score a basket for ten minutes. This was completely opposite to how Prabhat thought a person should react after a loss, and so he found it very surprising.

2(iii)Fill in the blank by choosing the most suitable option given in the bracket. We can say that Surya's reaction to not winning was _______________ (similar to/as serious as/different from) Prabhat's.Show solution

Answer:

We can say that Surya's reaction to not winning was different from Prabhat's.

Explanation: Prabhat could not bear to lose and would avoid games he might lose. Surya, on the other hand, remained cheerful and enjoyed the game even after losing, which is completely different from Prabhat's attitude.

Let us think and reflect — Section II

1How did Prabhat's attitude towards winning and losing affect his enjoyment of games in the beginning?Show solution

Answer:

In the beginning, Prabhat's attitude towards winning and losing greatly limited his enjoyment of games. Since he only played games he was sure of winning, he missed out on the fun of trying new games and taking challenges. His focus was entirely on the result rather than the experience of playing. This meant that his enjoyment was conditional — he could only feel happy if he won. Even after winning the badminton match against Surya (by cheating), he could not sleep well and did not feel as happy as he usually did. His obsession with winning actually reduced the true joy that games can bring.

2Why do you think Prabhat cheated in the beginning to win the badminton match against Surya?Show solution

Answer:

Prabhat cheated in the badminton match against Surya because he was terrified of losing. Surya was playing very well and scoring points easily, and Prabhat realised he was likely to lose. Since Prabhat's self-worth and happiness were entirely tied to winning, the thought of losing was unbearable for him. When everyone was distracted by Surya's joke, Prabhat saw an opportunity and changed the scoreboard. He cheated not out of malice, but out of his deep fear of defeat and his inability to accept losing gracefully.

3How did Surya's attitude differ from Prabhat's?Show solution

Answer:

Surya's attitude was completely different from Prabhat's in the following ways:

  • Surya played every game for the joy of playing, while Prabhat played only to win.
  • Surya did not feel bad about losing; he remained cheerful and continued playing. Prabhat, on the other hand, avoided games he might lose and felt deeply disturbed even after winning through unfair means.
  • Surya enjoyed games he was not even good at, like basketball. Prabhat only participated in games where he was confident of winning.
  • Surya had a true sporting spirit, while Prabhat lacked it at the beginning of the story.
4Do you think Prabhat's approach to games was healthy? Why or why not?Show solution

Answer:

No, Prabhat's approach to games was not healthy.

Reasons:

  1. He only played games he was sure of winning, which meant he never challenged himself or tried to improve.
  2. His happiness depended entirely on winning, which is an unhealthy mindset.
  3. His fear of losing led him to cheat, which is against the spirit of sportsmanship.
  4. Even after winning, he felt unhappy and could not sleep — showing that his approach did not bring him genuine satisfaction.

A healthy approach to games involves enjoying the process, accepting both wins and losses gracefully, and playing with honesty and enthusiasm. Prabhat lacked all of these qualities in the beginning.

5Why do you think sporting spirit is important?Show solution

Answer:

Sporting spirit is important for the following reasons:

  1. It teaches us to accept failure gracefully: Losing is a part of life. A good sporting spirit helps us learn from our losses rather than being crushed by them.
  2. It promotes enjoyment: When we play for the love of the game rather than just to win, we enjoy it much more.
  3. It builds character: Qualities like honesty, teamwork, perseverance, and fairness that are part of sporting spirit help us in all areas of life.
  4. It encourages participation: When people are not afraid of losing, more people participate and enjoy games.
  5. It fosters respect: Sporting spirit teaches us to respect our opponents, teammates, and the rules of the game.

As the story shows, Prabhat became a much happier and more popular person once he developed a true sporting spirit.

6Explain how the title of the story, 'Change of Heart', is suitable.Show solution

Answer:

The title 'Change of Heart' is very suitable for this story because it perfectly captures the central theme — the transformation in Prabhat's attitude and thinking.

At the beginning of the story, Prabhat had a rigid and unhealthy attitude towards games. He played only to win, avoided games he might lose, and even cheated to ensure victory. His heart was closed to the true joy of playing.

However, after observing Surya's carefree, joyful, and sporting attitude, Prabhat's heart gradually changed. He began to understand that the real purpose of playing a game is to enjoy it, not just to win. He started playing hide and seek, began joking during badminton, and developed a genuine sporting spirit.

This complete transformation in his inner feelings, values, and approach to life is what is meant by a 'Change of Heart'. The title is therefore apt and meaningful.

Let us learn — Section I (Word Puzzle)

1Make as many words as possible using consecutive letters, without changing the order of the letters, from the word BADMINTON. One has been done for you: BAD ADMIN MINT IN TON ONShow solution

Answer:

The word BADMINTON already has the following words listed as an example:

  • BAD, ADMIN, MINT, IN, TON, ON

Additional words that can be found:

  • BAD (B-A-D)
  • AD (A-D)
  • ADMIN (A-D-M-I-N)
  • DIM (D-I... not consecutive from start — valid: letters must be consecutive in the word)
  • MINT (M-I-N-T)
  • MIN (M-I-N)
  • IN (I-N)
  • INTO (I-N-T-O)
  • TON (T-O-N)
  • ON (O-N)
  • MINTON (M-I-N-T-O-N)

Note: Students are encouraged to find more words and create their own puzzles to share with the class.

2Make as many words as possible using consecutive letters, without changing the order of the letters, from the word PHENOMENON.Show solution

Answer:

Words from PHENOMENON:

  • HE (H-E)
  • HEN (H-E-N)
  • PHENO
  • NO (N-O)
  • NON (N-O-N)
  • ONE (O-N-E)
  • NOM (N-O-M)
  • NOME (N-O-M-E)
  • OMEN (O-M-E-N)
  • MEN (M-E-N)
  • ON (O-N)
  • NONE (N-O-N-E)

Note: Students should look for consecutive letter sequences within the word and may find additional words.

3Make as many words as possible using consecutive letters, without changing the order of the letters, from the word BASKETBALL.

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Let us learn — Section II (Grammar: Past Perfect)

IIRead the following sentences and circle the verbs. 1. Everyone was discussing their game and how Prabhat had played so well. 2. He had won the game but he did not feel as happy as he usually did. 3. What was more surprising that Surya had not felt bad about losing.

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IIIArrange the circled verbs as the first action (old action) or second action (new action). Complete the table for sentences 2 and 3.

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IV-1Fill in the blank: Prabhat ________ already ________ his homework before going to the badminton match. (finish)

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IV-2Fill in the blank: Surya ________ basketball for years before joining the school's badminton team. (play)

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IV-3Fill in the blank: By the time Prabhat arrived, Surya ________ already ________ several matches. (win)

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IV-4Fill in the blank: The new student, Surya, ________ Prabhat before coming to the school. (never meet)

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IV-5Fill in the blank: Before the games period, Prabhat ________ badminton extensively. (practise)

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Let us listen

IYou will listen to an announcement. As you listen, circle the pair that was chosen to play chess. Rima - Dhiraj / Gita - Hitesh / Sarita - Nupur

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IIYou will once again listen to the announcement. Fill in the notes with important details about: 1. How many Friday matches will be played? 2. What was put up on the sports' notice board? 3. Who will sponsor the kho-kho team's refreshments? 4. Who will be the scorekeeper for chess? 5. Who will be the referee for kho-kho? 6. Which Friday periods are meant for kho-kho?

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Let us speak

1You are Vani — You want to request your friends to take you in their team during games period.

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2You are Somiwon — You want to tell Hitesh to help you with the cleaning of the classroom cupboard.

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3You are Sumit — You accidentally spilled water on Nupur's desk.

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4You are Hitesh — You forgot to get Simran's Art file to school.

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5You are Kriti — You spoke rudely to Nupur.

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6You are Mohan — You wish to thank Hitesh for helping you practice for the Inter-House speech competition.

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7You are Meher — You are grateful that Simran helped you understand a chapter taught at school when you were absent.

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8You are Rima — You are thankful to Gita for helping you collect the notebooks from the staff-room.

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Let us write (Diary Entry)

1Complete Prabhat's diary entry with the help of the phrases given in the box: I won the match / I do not feel happy about it / I will lose the match / I managed to change the scoreboard / I felt very happy / Everyone congratulated me after my win / Surya did not feel bad / He had fun playing with me

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Let us explore

1Read the brief bio-sketches of Deepika Kumari and Neeraj Chopra. (Comprehension and awareness activity based on the bio-sketches provided.)

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20 more solved questions in Change of Heart

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Change of Heart for CBSE Class 6 English?
Key topics in Change of Heart include Main Story: Prabhat and Surya, Character Study, Meaning and Message of the Chapter, Vocabulary and Important Lines. Study these first, then practise questions on each for Class 6 exams.
Are these NCERT Solutions for Change of Heart free?
The first 20 of the 40 solutions on this page are open to read. The other 20 are free with a Super Tutor account — signing up is free and needs no card.
How should I revise Change of Heart for Class 6 exams?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 93 practice questions on Change of Heart. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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