Comprehension
- Why did Professor Branestawm not usually celebrate Christmas? What was his reason to throw a party that year?
Answer:
Professor Branestawm did not usually celebrate Christmas because he found it interfered with his inventing work. He decided to throw a party that year to show off his new invention – an automatic Christmas t
- What was Professor Branestawm’s new invention? Why was Christmas just the right time to exhibit this invention?
Answer:
His new invention was a mechanical Christmas tree that could automatically distribute presents, wrap them, and sing greetings. Christmas was the perfect time to exhibit it because it was a festival of giving gifts, and his invention was designed for that purpose.
3. When and to whom did Professor Branestawm reveal his new invention?
Answer:
He revealed his new invention at his Christmas party to his guests, including the Mayor, Mrs Flittersnoop, the Vicar, Colonel Dedshott, and the Pagwell Library man.
4. Fill in the table with your understanding of the story.
| Who got the present? | What was the present? | Who was it meant for? |
| a. The Mayor | A book about battles | Colonel Dedshott |
| b. Mrs Flittersnoop | A packet of corn cure | The postman |
| c. The Vicar | A book about stamps | The Pagwell Library man |
| d. Colonel Dedshott | A book on religion | The Vicar |
| e. The Pagwell Library man | A book on inventing | Professor Branestawm |
5. What was the reaction of the people to their presents? What did they do?
Answer:
The people were surprised and confused because they received wrong gifts. They all tried to exchange presents with each other to get the correct ones.
6. How did the Christmas tree react to the gifts being returned?
Answer:
The Christmas tree became upset and started moving out of the house, distributing presents randomly in the streets.
7. As the machine went down the road, what did it do? Fill in the table.
| What did it sing? | What present did it give? | To whom was the present given? |
| a. “Five golden things” | Five gold watches | A jeweller’s shop (and later to a robber) |
| b. “The Holly and the Ivy” | – | – (Just singing) |
| c. “And a partridge up a gum tree” | – | – (Mixed-up carol) |
8. How did the machine get back home?
Answer:
The machine returned home by itself after finishing its random gift distribution, probably following its programming or mechanical setting.
9. How did the machine compensate for the confusion it had created?
Answer:
The machine indirectly compensated when the Professor got a reward from the jeweller for accidentally helping catch a robber. With that money, the Professor bought correct presents for everyone.
10. According to you, what was the funniest part of the story?
Answer:
The funniest part was when the Christmas tree went out on the street, singing mixed-up carols and giving a robber five gold watches, leading to a comic chase.
11. Why do you think presents are exchanged on festivals such as Christmas or Diwali?
Answer:
Presents are exchanged to show love, kindness, and good wishes. It is a way of sharing happiness and strengthening relationships during festive times.
Vocabulary
1. The Professor’s words revealed that he felt a sense of …… about the invention.
Answer: a. pride
2. Mrs Flittersnoop said “Oh!” in a rather pale voice… She was
Answer: d. embarrassed
3. “I fear there has been some mistake,” murmured the Vicar. He was
Answer: b. confused
4. “No, no, no!” cried the Professor, clashing his spectacles. He was
Answer: a. alarmed
5. “Dash round the other way and cut it off,” shouted the Colonel… He was
Answer: b. worried
6. The jeweller gave the Professor a reward… so the Professor was able to buy some very handsome presents… Professor must have felt
Answer: d. relieved
Writing
Formal Letter:
sender name
House Number :
09/11/2025
The Chairman,
Department of Science and Technology,
Technology Bhavan,
New Mehrauli Road,
New Delhi – 110016
Subject: Request for Support for Innovative Invention – The Eco-Friendly Water Purifier “PureDrop”
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to present my invention, the “PureDrop” – a portable, solar-powered water purifier that converts contaminated water into safe drinking water using natural filtration and UV sterilization. It is especially designed for rural and disaster-hit areas where clean water is scarce.
This device is cost-effective, eco-friendly, and requires no electricity. It can help prevent waterborne diseases and improve public health.
I request your department to provide financial support and technical resources for further development and mass production. A labelled diagram is attached for your reference.
Thank you for considering my proposal. I look forward to your positive response.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]