Chapter 6 – Earthquake: Myths and Reality

Reason Aloud
1. Nepal.
2. Fish suffer a lot when they are taken out of water as they cannot breathe. They also thrash
as they try to free themselves from a net or a hook on a fishing line.
3. We should keep medicines for common diseases and bandages ready.

Reflect and Infer:

A. 1. a. No, some earthquakes can be very mild.
b. Tremors or quakes are other names given to earthquakes.
c. Earthquakes are measured using an instrument known as a seismometer.
2. a. In Romanian mythology, the world rests on the divine pillars of Faith, Hope, and Charity.
b. When the bad deeds of human beings make one of the pillars weak, the Earth shakes.
c. Divine.
B. 1. In India, it is believed that seven serpents share the task of guarding the seven sections of
the lowest heaven. They also take turns holding up the earth. When one finishes its turn
and another takes its place, Earth feels a jolt, in the form of an earthquake. Another myth
is that the earth is held up by four elephants that stand on the back of a turtle. The turtle
is balanced in turn on a cobra. When any one of these animals moves, the earth trembles
and shakes.
2. In Japan, earthquakes were thought to be caused by a monster catfish called Namazu that
lived under the Japanese islands. He is guarded by the god Kashima who restrains the
catfish with a stone. When Kashima lets his guard fall, Namazu thrashes about, causing
violent earthquakes.
3. If a person is cought inside a building when an earthquake occurs, his / she should take
cover under a table or bed. Stay indoors until the shaking stops: stay away from glass
windows or fragile items that might shatter during an earthquake. Do not use matches,
candles or flames of any kind. Do not take the elevator. Do not rush out of buildings in a
public place as it may lead to a stampede.
4. Once the tremors stop, check yourself and others around you for injuries. If anyone is
injured, provide first aid. Stay out of and away from damaged building. Check if any gas
pipeline or electrical wire is broken and report it immediately to prevent a dangerous
situation.
C. 1. altimeter: altitude
2. anemometer: wind speed
3. barometer: air pressure
4. fathometer: ocean depth
5. galvanometer: electricity
D. 1. In panicking, we miss out on chances or opportunities which can prevent the damage. By
being very calm and composed, we can save ourselves and the people around us.
2. It is advisable to not take a lift during an earthquake to avoid getting stuck in the elevator.
E. The students’ answers may vary, accept any correct answers.
No, I would not pick the valuables and ask the others to avoid doing the same as we should save
our lives first. Valuables can be collected by the people way belong to once the tremors have
gone away.

Grammar Granny
F. 1. The actor had rehearsed this act for long.
2. John had learned all the notes of his music class.
3. The birds had dirtied the car with their droppings.
4. They had dug a deep hole for the swimming pool.
5. Krishna had given a lecture to Arjuna on Karma.
G. 1. had been working
2. had been sleeping
3. had been living
4. had been studying
5. had been sleeping
H. Invites have gone out for my birthday party.
The theme is been decided upon. (1) has
The cake has been order from a famous baker. (2) ordered
My mother have already baked many cookies and eclairs. (3) has
My grandma will bought me a play station for my birthday. (4) has

Word Play
I. 1. a. know, no
know: I know that we must remain calm incase an accident occurs.
No: Say no to drugs!
b. due, dew
due: The assignment is due on Monday.
dew: There was cold dew on the grass in the morning.
c. four, fore
four: I have a group of four friends.
fore: His talent came to the fore during the Elocution competition.
d. their, there
their: Their project was declared the best.
there: It has been displayed over there.
 e. hear: I hear a strange noise.
here: please bring the chair here to the living room.
The students’ answers may vary, accept any correct answers.
2. a. sudden - gradual
b. mild - harsh
c. violent - gentle
d. restrain - encourage
e. enormous – tiny
f. hope- despair

Lend Your Ears

1. Midnight
2. Winter
3. The raging storm was rocking the boat dangerously.
4. “We are lost”, said the Captain of the boat.
5. His daughter consoled him by saying that God was present with them, whether they were
out in the water or on land.
6. The boat had come back to the harbour safe and sound, once the storm cleared.

Ideas to Pen Down

25 Shops in Chandni Chowk Collapses
31st April, 2018: A 7.1 magnitude earthquake hits Delhi adversely, 47 dead.
Delhi was devastated as its biggest wholesale market Chandni Chowk was hit by sudden tremors.
The earthquake was reported on 30th of this month, at 6 p.m. Twenty-five shops have been
destroyed and 47 people have been dead. This is the 2nd earthquake in Delhi this year. The
state government has employed special security and task force personnel in the affected nearby
areas to prevent any further loss. Since the shops were not insured, the central government has
promised to provide adequate compensation and jobs to the family members of the people who
lost their lives.
Answers to Ideas to Pen Down, Diving Deep and Life Skill may vary from one student to the
other.