ICSE CHAMP

March

by Khushwant Singh

(Mulberry) (Standard Version)

Pre-reading

The names of the months come to us from the early Roman calendar. At first there were ten months which had been named and two that had not been named, in the calendar. March, then, was the first month of the year. After this the order of the calendar was changed and all twelve months were given names.

1. Match the names of the months with the description of their origins.

Column A

a. January

b. February

c. March

d. April

e. May

f. June

g. July

h. August

i. September

j. October

k. November

l. December

Column B

i. named after the Roman emperor, Julius Caesar

ii. named after Juno, queen of the Roman gods

iii. named after Janus, the two-headed Roman god of doorways and new beginnings, depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions

iv. stands for ten—the tenth month of the older calendar

v. named after the Roman emperor, Augustus Caesar

vi. named for Februa, the feast of purification

vii. month of Mars, the Roman god of war

viii. stands for seven, the seventh month of the older calendar

ix. stands for nine, the ninth month of the older calendar

x. comes from the Latin Aprilis

xi. month of Maia, a Roman Earth goddess

xii. stands for eight, the eighth month of the older calendar

Answers

a. January — iii. Named after Janus, the two-headed Roman god of doorways and new beginnings.

b. February — vi. Named for Februa, the feast of purification.

c. March — vii. Named after Mars, the Roman god of war.

d. April — x. Comes from the Latin word Aprilis.

e. May — xi. Named after Maia, the Roman Earth goddess.

f. June — ii. Named after Juno, queen of the Roman gods.

g. July — i. Named after the Roman emperor Julius Caesar.

h. August — v. Named after the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar.

i. September — viii. Means "seven," the seventh month of the old Roman calendar.

j. October — xii. Means "eight," the eighth month of the old Roman calendar.

k. November — ix. Means "nine," the ninth month of the old Roman calendar.

l. December — iv. Means "ten," the tenth month of the old Roman calendar.

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Quick Answers

1. Complete the following sentences.

(a) March is an unpredictable month because _______________________.

Answer:

March is an unpredictable month because its weather changes suddenly. One day it may be as cold as winter, while the next day it may be as warm as spring. It can be dry in the morning and rainy by evening, making the weather difficult to predict.

(b) A cricket's chirp can be a close substitute for a thermometer because _______________________.

Answer:

A cricket's chirp can be a close substitute for a thermometer because the number of chirps increases as the temperature rises. The hotter the weather, the faster the cricket chirps. By counting the chirps and applying the method given by the author, one can estimate the room temperature.

(c) The soft wood of the Ailanthus is used for _______________________.

Answer:

The soft wood of the Ailanthus is used for making packing cases and matchsticks because it is light and easy to work with.

(d) There are more bird calls in March than in other months because _______________________.

Answer:

There are more bird calls in March than in other months because spring arrives, the weather becomes warmer, birds begin nesting, and the breeding season starts. They sing loudly to announce their presence and attract mates.

(e) The shrike is also known as _______________________ because _______________________.

Answer:

The shrike is also known as the butcher bird because it has the strange habit of impaling live insects on sharp thorns before eating them.

Reference to Context

2. "Humans are not the only ones to be fooled by the weather. Insects, said to be endowed with an extra sense of forecasting the weather, suffer heavy losses."

(a) How are humans fooled by the weather?

Answer:

Humans are often deceived by the changing weather in March because the weather is extremely unpredictable. A day may begin with bright sunshine and pleasant warmth, making people think that winter has ended. They put away their woollen clothes and take out their summer clothes. However, before long, the weather suddenly becomes cold again, forcing them to wear cardigans and warm socks once more. This constant change in temperature confuses people and makes it difficult for them to decide what clothes to wear or what weather to expect.

(b) How does the sun behave in this month?

Answer:

During March, the sun behaves quite erratically. It rises earlier each morning and sets later in the evening, making the days longer than the nights. Although the days gradually become warmer, sudden changes in weather still occur. The increasing daylight is one of the signs that winter is giving way to spring.

(c) Which insects does this weather affect and how?

Answer:

The changing weather mainly affects mosquitoes, flies and moths. Encouraged by the warm weather, these insects come out of their hiding places. However, the weather suddenly turns cold and unpleasant, catching them unprepared. As a result, many of them freeze to death. Thus, even insects that are believed to have a natural ability to predict the weather are fooled by March's sudden weather changes.

3. "In March, the Lodi Gardens and the Buddha Jayanti Park are much frequented by picnickers."

(a) What is special about the Buddha Jayanti Park in March?

Answer:

The Buddha Jayanti Park is especially beautiful in March because it is famous for planting large masses of the same flower in each flower bed. During this season the flowers bloom together, creating colourful and attractive displays that draw many visitors. The pleasant weather also makes the park an ideal place for picnics.

(b) Which is the best day to visit these parks?

Answer:

According to the author, the best day to visit these parks is the afternoon of Holi, after the coloured-water celebrations are over and most people are resting or enjoying their post-Holi feast. At that time the parks are peaceful, beautiful and less crowded.

(c) Which birds can be seen in the Lodi Gardens at this time of the year?

Answer:

During March, visitors to the Lodi Gardens can see owlets sitting in the holes of old walls and enjoying the warm sunshine with their eyes closed. They can also spot bay-backed shrikes and rufous shrikes perched on the lower branches of trees. These birds add to the beauty and liveliness of the gardens during spring.

4. "In the last week of the month, spring vegetables and fruits flood the market."

(a) Which vegetables and fruits are found in the market?

Answer:

In the last week of March, the markets are filled with fresh spring vegetables and fruits. The vegetables include cucumbers and kakrees (tar). The fruits include watermelons, cantaloupes, muskmelons (kharboozas), mulberries (both white and purple varieties), and mangoes, including the famous Alphonso mangoes from the Konkan coast.

(b) Which cities are famous for their muskmelons (kharbooza)?

Answer:

The author says that in earlier days, the best muskmelons came from Tonk and Saharanpur. People preferred kharboozas from these places because they were known for their sweetness and excellent quality.

(c) What has happened in recent years to the quality of melons?

Answer:

According to the author, the quality of melons has improved greatly in recent years. In the past, people needed experience to distinguish sweet melons from tasteless ones. Nowadays, most melons available in the market are sweet, juicy and of much better quality than before.

Read, Reflect and Write

5. Make a table of the names of the birds, flowers and vegetables to be found in Delhi in March listed by the author.

Answer

Birds:

White-backed vultures

Neophrons (Egyptian vultures)

Koels

Hawk cuckoos (Papeehas)

Crows

Pheasants

Golden orioles

Coppersmiths (Basantas)

Crimson-throated barbets

Magpie robins (Shama)

Owlets

Bay-backed shrikes

Rufous shrikes

Flowers:

Bauhinias

Mango blossoms

Bougainvilleas

Pansies

Phlox

Salvias

Violets

Vegetables:

Cucumbers

Kakrees (tar)

6. Why do you think the narrator chose to describe the month of March and not any other month? Give reasons.

Answer

The narrator chose to describe the month of March because it is one of the most interesting and lively months of the year. It marks the transition from winter to spring, so nature undergoes many visible changes. The weather is highly unpredictable, changing from cold to warm within a short time. Hailstorms, sunshine, cool winds and rain may all occur during the same month.

March is also the time when trees produce fresh leaves and colourful blossoms. Birds begin building nests and fill the air with cheerful songs. Parks become colourful with blooming flowers, while markets are filled with fresh fruits and vegetables. Festivals like Holi add joy and excitement to the season. Since March brings together changes in weather, plants, birds, insects and human life, the author found it the most suitable month to describe.

7. The author seems to have an eye for human behaviour, and also for flowers, birds, insects, and even for fruits and vegetables. What does this say about the author?

Answer

The author's observations show that he is a keen observer of nature and everyday life. He notices even the smallest details around him and enjoys watching seasonal changes. He carefully observes how the weather affects people, insects, birds, trees and plants. He also pays attention to flowers blooming, birds singing, fruits appearing in the market and changes in parks and gardens.

His descriptions reveal that he is patient, curious and deeply interested in nature. He combines scientific facts with personal experiences and presents them in a lively and enjoyable manner. His love for the natural world and his sense of humour make the lesson interesting and informative.

8. Extended Writing

Now write about the technique of the author's descriptions with respect to the following:

(a) Imagery

Answer

The author uses vivid imagery throughout the lesson to create clear pictures in the reader's mind. He describes snow-covered mountains, hailstones that resemble layers of an onion, colourful flowers blooming in gardens, trees covered with fresh leaves, birds building nests and markets overflowing with fruits and vegetables. These descriptions make the reader feel as if they are actually experiencing the sights and sounds of March.

The writer also appeals to different senses. He describes the sounds of birds, the colours of flowers, the changing weather and even the sweetness of fresh fruits. As a result, the lesson becomes lively and realistic.

(b) Comparisons

Answer

The author makes effective use of comparisons to explain his ideas. He compares the layers of a hailstone to the layers of an onion. He says that a cricket's chirping can act like a thermometer because the speed of its chirps changes with the temperature. He compares the sound of the coppersmith and crimson-throated barbet to the short blasts made by diesel-operated flour mills in villages.

These comparisons help readers understand natural phenomena easily and make the descriptions more interesting and memorable.

(c) Colours

Answer

Colours play an important role in the author's descriptions. He mentions the milky-white colour of hailstones, the white and purple varieties of mulberries, the purple bougainvilleas, the pale pink tender leaves of peepal and banyan trees, and the colourful flower beds filled with pansies, phlox, salvias and violets. He also refers to the bright colours of Holi and the blossoms on mango trees.

These colourful descriptions bring freshness and beauty to the lesson. They help readers imagine the lively atmosphere of March and appreciate the richness of nature during the spring season.

Integrate

9. Many festivals are celebrated according to the change of seasons and the harvest that takes place in those seasons. Find out which crops are harvested in March and which festivals are celebrated in that month.

Answer

March is an important month because it marks the end of the Rabi cropping season in many parts of India. Several crops become ready for harvesting during this time, and many festivals are celebrated to welcome the harvest and the arrival of spring.

Crops Harvested in March:

Wheat

Mustard

Barley

Gram (Chickpea)

Peas

Lentils (Masoor)

Linseed (in some regions)

Festivals Celebrated in March:

Holi – Celebrated across India as the festival of colours. It marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.

Hola Mohalla – Celebrated mainly in Punjab by the Sikh community with martial arts displays, processions and community meals.

Shigmo – A spring festival celebrated in Goa with colourful parades and folk dances.

Chapchar Kut – Celebrated in Mizoram after the completion of jungle clearing for cultivation.

Yaosang – The Manipuri version of Holi celebrated with sports, music and dance.

Ugadi (sometimes falls in late March) – The New Year festival of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka.

Gudi Padwa (sometimes falls in late March) – The Marathi New Year celebrated in Maharashtra.

These festivals express joy, gratitude for a good harvest and the arrival of a new season.

WORD WALL

Fixed Expressions

Read this sentence.

Take a close look at a hailstone and you will notice that it is milky-white in colour.

What are Fixed Expressions?

Fixed expressions in a language are certain combinations of words whose meaning is different from the meanings of the individual words. If one of the component words is replaced by a synonym, the same meaning will not be achieved. English uses a number of fixed expressions in everyday conversation and writing.

1. Circle the right expression in the following sentences.

(a) On behalf of / For behalf of the school, I would like to thank all the parents.

Answer: On behalf of

Complete Sentence:

On behalf of the school, I would like to thank all the parents.

(b) You may leave now or stay longer; it's on to you / up to you.

Answer: up to you

Complete Sentence:

You may leave now or stay longer; it's up to you.

(c) All in a sudden / All of a sudden, I heard her footsteps on the staircase.

Answer: All of a sudden

Complete Sentence:

All of a sudden, I heard her footsteps on the staircase.

(d) Try and stay out of / above trouble.

Answer: out of

Complete Sentence:

Try and stay out of trouble.

(e) I ran till I was out of / under breath.

Answer: out of

Complete Sentence:

I ran till I was out of breath.

(f) It has come to / showed to our attention that your son is not attending classes.

Answer: come to

Complete Sentence:

It has come to our attention that your son is not attending classes.

(g) I can assure you that it is a happiness / a pleasure to deal with you.

Answer: a pleasure

Complete Sentence:

I can assure you that it is a pleasure to deal with you.

(h) Could you hold up / hold on for a moment?

Answer: hold on

Complete Sentence:

Could you hold on for a moment?

GRAMMAR TIME – Relative Pronouns

Read these sentences.

I miss my grandmother. My grandmother lives in Australia.

I miss my grandmother who lives in Australia.

The word who is used in place of My grandmother and it joins the two sentences. In this sentence, who is a relative pronoun.

A relative pronoun does the work of a conjunction and a pronoun. Relative pronouns include: who, whom, whose, which and that.

In the sentences below, the italicized words are relative pronouns.

I miss my grandmother. My grandmother is interesting.

I miss my grandmother who is interesting.

I have my grandmother's purse. I purchased the ticket yesterday.

I have lost my train ticket which I had purchased yesterday.

Who/Whom are used for persons only.

Which/What are used for animals and things.

That can be used for persons as well as things.

1. Fill in the blanks with suitable relative pronouns.

a. Ravi found the stick which he was looking for.

b. He reported the theft of his car which had been stolen from his garage.

c. Mr Shrikumar is the gentleman whose shop was inaugurated by the Chief Minister.

d. Nobody can figure out what is troubling the anxious lady.

e. We pity the beggars whom we see begging on the streets.

f. Sharmila, who is my best friend, has invited me to her house.

g. I was disappointed because Sudhir and Harsh, whom I had invited to my party, didn't reach on time.

2. Complete the following sentences using relative pronouns.

a. Does he look like the man who helped you yesterday?

b. We were about to leave when Hira who had come from Delhi arrived.

c. The crows chased the eagle which was carrying a piece of meat.

d. I really liked that book which you gave me on my birthday.

e. What were the clues that the detective found were useful.

DICTIONARY

Words with Greek or Latin origins

1. Use a dictionary to find out the origin of the words given below.

a. Architect – Greek

b. Civilian – Latin

c. History – Greek

d. Manuscript – Latin

e. Astronomy – Greek

f. Geology – Greek

g. Infinite – Latin

h. Mechanic – Greek

i. Octopus – Greek

j. Pirate – Greek

WRITE WELL

Descriptive composition

1. Choose a subject and write a descriptive composition to show seasonal changes.

Topic: My Garden Through the Seasons

Spring

a. Colourful flowers bloom everywhere.

b. Butterflies and bees visit the garden.

c. Fresh green leaves appear on the trees.

d. The weather is pleasant and cool.

Summer

a. Bright sunshine fills the garden.

b. Mangoes and other fruits begin to ripen.

c. Plants need regular watering.

d. Birds rest in the shade during the afternoon.

Monsoon

a. Rain makes the garden fresh and green.

b. Flowers bloom beautifully after the showers.

c. Frogs and snails appear in the garden.

d. The air becomes cool and refreshing.

Winter

a. The mornings are cold and misty.

b. Roses and marigolds bloom brightly.

c. Dewdrops sparkle on the leaves.

d. The garden looks peaceful and beautiful.

LISTEN AND SPEAK WELL

1. Your teacher will read out some information about four different birds. Listen carefully and complete the table below. Also, identify their pictures given below correctly.

(Suggested Answers)

Name of bird → Colour of bird → Food → Nest → Voice or call

Coppersmith → Colour: Green with red and yellow → Food: Fruits and insects → Nest: Hole in a tree trunk → Voice or call: "Tuk-tuk-tuk"

Golden Oriole → Colour: Bright yellow with black wings → Food: Fruits and insects → Nest: Hanging cup-shaped nest → Voice or call: Sweet whistling call

Koel → Colour: Black (male), brown spotted (female) → Food: Fruits and berries → Nest: Lays its eggs in a crow's nest → Voice or call: "Koo-oo"

Red-Wattled Lapwing → Colour: Brown, black and white with red wattles → Food: Insects and worms → Nest: Simple ground nest → Voice or call: "Did-you-do-it?"

Identify the pictures (left to right, top to bottom):

1. Coppersmith

2. Golden Oriole

3. Koel

4. Red-Wattled Lapwing

2. Write the names of the following topics on different slips of paper. Put them in a bowl. Take turns to pick up one slip and deliver a short, extempore piece on the topic given on the slip you pick. Use vivid descriptions.

Traditions associated with seasons.

Seasons represented in rhymes and stories.

Do you think that in recent years we are losing our four distinct seasons?

We'll weather, whatever the weather, whether we like it or not.

Seasons change and so do we.

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose.

Answer:

1. Traditions Associated with Seasons

Good morning everyone.

Every season has its own traditions and celebrations. In spring, people celebrate festivals like Basant Panchami and enjoy the beauty of blooming flowers. During the monsoon, farmers sow seeds and pray for good rainfall. Autumn brings festivals such as Durga Puja and Diwali, when families gather together. Winter is a time for Christmas, picnics, warm clothes, and delicious seasonal foods. These traditions bring joy and keep us connected to nature and our culture. They remind us that every season has something special to offer.

Thank you.

2. Seasons Represented in Rhymes and Stories

Good morning everyone.

Seasons are an important part of many rhymes and stories. Poets describe the colourful flowers of spring, the hot sunshine of summer, the rainy days of the monsoon, and the chilly mornings of winter. Many fairy tales and children's stories use different seasons to create beautiful settings and moods. Reading such rhymes and stories helps us imagine the beauty of nature and understand how each season affects people, animals, and plants. They make learning about nature enjoyable and memorable.

Thank you.

3. Do You Think That in Recent Years We Are Losing Our Four Distinct Seasons?

Good morning everyone.

Yes, I think we are slowly losing our four distinct seasons. Summers are becoming hotter, winters are shorter, and rainfall has become irregular. Climate change, pollution, and cutting down forests are changing the weather. Many birds and animals are also affected because they depend on seasonal changes. We must plant more trees, reduce pollution, and protect nature. If we care for our environment, future generations will also enjoy the beauty of all four seasons.

Thank you.

4. We'll Weather, Whatever the Weather, Whether We Like It or Not

Good morning everyone.

Weather changes every day, and we cannot control it. Sometimes it is sunny, sometimes rainy, and sometimes cold. We learn to adapt by wearing suitable clothes, eating healthy food, and taking care of ourselves. Farmers, travellers, students, and workers all adjust their daily activities according to the weather. Instead of complaining, we should learn to accept nature and be prepared for every season. A positive attitude helps us face every kind of weather with confidence.

Thank you.

5. Seasons Change and So Do We

Good morning everyone.

Just as the seasons change, we also change as we grow. In spring, we feel fresh and energetic. During summer, we learn patience and care. The rainy season teaches us to appreciate nature and water. Winter gives us time to rest and spend time with our families. Every season teaches us something valuable. As we experience these changes, we become wiser, stronger, and more responsible. Nature reminds us that change is a natural part of life.

Thank you.

6. To Everything There Is a Season, and a Time to Every Purpose

Good morning everyone.

Everything in life has the right time. Seeds are sown in one season and harvested in another. Flowers bloom when the time is right. Similarly, we have the right time to study, play, work, and rest. If we are patient and work hard, success comes at the proper time. Nature teaches us that rushing is not always the answer. We should respect time, remain patient, and make good use of every opportunity that comes our way.

Thank you.

About the Author 

Khushwant Singh

Khushwant Singh (1915–2014) was one of India's most celebrated writers, journalists, historians and columnists. He was known for his simple, humorous and fearless style of writing. His weekly newspaper columns were published in over fifty newspapers and were widely read both in India and abroad.

He wrote many novels, short stories, essays and books on Indian history and culture. His most famous novel is Train to Pakistan, which is regarded as a classic of Indian English literature for its moving portrayal of the partition of India in 1947. He also translated Urdu poetry and Sikh religious texts into English, making them accessible to a wider audience.

Khushwant Singh had a keen interest in nature and everyday life. In the lesson "March", he vividly describes the changing weather, flowering trees, birds, insects and seasonal fruits of Delhi with warmth, humour and close observation. His lively descriptions help readers appreciate the beauty and unpredictability of the month of March.

Birth: 2 February 1915

Death: 20 March 2014

Nationality: Indian

Occupation: Novelist, journalist, historian, columnist and translator

Famous Works: Train to Pakistan, Delhi: A Novel, The Company of Women, A History of the Sikhs.