Page 157 - English Grammar - 8

with just chips and twigs. So, first of all, it was necessary to build a good cage for it.

The scholars went home merrily with their bags of gold. The goldsmith was appointed to build
the cage. He made it so exquisite that people came from far and wide to admire it. They all said,
“What a lucky bird! Indeed our king is great and kind.” The goldsmith went home cheerfully
with his bagful of gold. A pundit came to teach the bird. He took a pinch of snuff and said,
“A few books won’t do.”The nephew summoned the scribes. They copied from the books and
copied from those copies and made an enormous mound of such things. Whoever saw it said,
“Bravo! Learning is going to overflow!’’
The scribes rushed home with their bags of gold and never did their descendants face poverty
ever since. Many people were employed to supervise. Each of them was rewarded and became
rich. The nephew was always busy with the surveillance of the precious cage. Repairs, washing,
cleaning and polishing—all was carried out by numerous workers. All were handsomely
rewarded. Everyone praised the king and admitted, “Sure signs of improvement.’’ They all
lived happily ever after in great luxury. Unfortunately, no one gave a thought to the bird, who
died, sad and neglected.

Answer the following questions on the basis of your reading of the passage.
1. Complete the following sentences with suitable words given in the box.

read scholars exquisite goldsmith deficit
foolish neglected frequent educating scribes

a. The bird sang songs, flew, jumped, but did not _______________ the scriptures.
b. The king said that such birds are useless and result in a _______________ to the royal
treasury.
c. The _______________ held long discussions, on what caused the creature to be foolish.

d. The nephew summoned the _______________ who copied from the books and copied
from those copies.
e. The king’s nephew was given the responsibility of _______________ the bird.

f. Many people came to admire the _______________ cage.
g. The _______________ was appointed to build the cage.

h. The king was _______________ enough to believe that the bird could be educated like
a human.
i. In trying to run after silly projects, the ministers _______________ their main work.

j. The bird made _______________ attempts to escape, but unfortunately it died in
captivity. Comprehension
2. Choose the correct options.
a. The king /bird was more foolish of the two.

b. The people of the kingdom were as ignorant /clever as their king.

c. No one cared /loved about the bird.

d. People were willing /unwilling to do anything for money.
e. They all lived happily ever after in poverty /luxury .

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