The Alchemy of Nature Question Answers Class 10 Maharashtra State Board

by | Jun 30, 2024 | General | 0 comments

 

The Alchemy of Nature Question Answers

 

Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English The Alchemy of Nature Important Question Answers from Kumarbharti Book 

 

The Alchemy of Nature Question Answers: Looking for The Alchemy of Nature question answers for Maharashtra State Board class 10 English Kumarbharti Book? Look no further! Our comprehensive compilation of important questions will help you brush up on your subject knowledge. Practising Maharashtra State Class 10 English question answers can significantly improve your performance in the exam. Our solutions provide a clear idea of how to write the answers effectively. Improve your chances of scoring high marks by exploring The Alchemy of Nature question answers now. The questions listed below are based on the latest exam pattern, wherein we have given solved exercises and question answers of the textbook and extra questions (Multiple Choice Questions and Vocabulary Based Questions).

 

 

Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English Kumarbharti Lesson The Alchemy of Nature Textbook Questions

 

  1. Rearrange the good qualities in each set, so that the first letter of each of the words should make a meaningful word. Join the sets and get message.

 

Set 1 Understanding/Adaptable/Tolerant/Neat/Encouraging/Resourceful.

– The word is ……………………………………..

 Set 2 Selfless/Inspiring

– The word is  ……………………………………..

 Set 3 Youthful/Modest

– The word is  ……………………………………..

 Set 4 Affectionate/Compassionate/Empathetic/Earnest/Honest/Reliable/Trustworthy

– The word is  ……………………………………..

– The message is  ………………………  ………………………… ……………………. ……………………  ……………………………………..

 

Answer- The message is  NATURE IS MY TEACHER

 

  1. Various aspects of Nature have special features that make them differ from one another.

For example, Birds :- appearance, shape, colour, size, food habits, habitat, sound etc.

Write such special features of each of the following.

Land ………………………… ………………………… …………………………
Water ………………………… ………………………… …………………………
Trees ………………………… ………………………… …………………………
Animals ………………………… ………………………… …………………………
Insects ………………………… ………………………… …………………………

 

Answer-

Land:

  • Topography: Mountains, valleys, plains, deserts, beaches, etc.
  • Soil composition: Sandy, clay-rich, fertile, rocky, etc.
  • Vegetation: Forests, grasslands, deserts, tundra, etc.
  • Climate: Temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind patterns.
  • Geological formations: Canyons, caves, volcanoes, etc.

Water:

  • State: Liquid, ice (glaciers), vapor (atmosphere).
  • Salinity: Freshwater (lakes, rivers) or saltwater (oceans, seas).
  • Depth: Shallow, deep.
  • Movement: Currents, tides, waves.

Trees:

  • Species: Deciduous, evergreen, coniferou.
  • Leaf size and shape: Broad leaves, needles, scales.

Animals:

  • Vertebrates vs. Invertebrates: Backbones (mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians) or no backbone (insects, jellyfish, worms).
  • Habitat: Terrestrial, aquatic, aerial.
  • Diet: Herbivores (plant-eaters), carnivores (meat-eaters), omnivores (both).
  • Senses and adaptations: Specialized vision, hearing, smell, camouflage, migration patterns.
  • Social behavior: Solitary, social groups.

Insects:

  • Size and shape: Tiny to large, diverse body shapes.
  • Wings: Present or absent, different wing types for flight.
  • Social structures: Solitary, complex colonies (bees, ants, termites).

 

  1. Make a list of living creatures in the alphabetical order. You can write more than one beginning with the same letter.

 

A ………………………………………… O …………………………………………
B ………………………………………… P …………………………………………
C ………………………………………… Q …………………………………………
D ………………………………………… R …………………………………………
E ………………………………………… S …………………………………………
F ………………………………………… T …………………………………………
G ………………………………………… U ………………………………………
H ………………………………………… V …………………………………………
I ………………………………………… W …………………………………………
J ………………………………………… X …………………………………………
K ………………………………………… Y …………………………………………
L ………………………………………… Z …………………………………………
M …………………………………………
N …………………………………………

 

Answer-

A Ant O Owl
B Butterfly P Penguin
C Cat Q Quail
D Dolphin R Rabbit
E Elephant S Snake
F Fish T Turtle
G Giraffe U Urchin
H Human Beings V Vulture
I Insect W Walrus
J Jellyfish X Xantusia
K Kangaroo Y Yak
L Lion Z Zebra
M Monkey
N Nightingale

 

How does the Hibiscus flower make the most of its short life span?

Ans. Even though the life span of a Hibiscus flower is short, it enjoys its brief existence to the fullest. Throughout the day it smiles with the sun and dances with the wind

 

What role does nature play in our lives?

Ans. The chapter highlights several roles nature plays in our lives:

  • Inspiration: Nature sparks ideas, fosters joy, and provides a sense of awe.
  • Relaxation and well-being: Spending time outdoors promotes peace and reduces stress.
  • Lessons and guidance: By observing nature, we find ways to live more fulfilling lives.

 

Who is stronger- water or rocks? Justify your response.

Ans. I believe that water is stronger. While rocks appear strong, water wins in the long run due to its persistent nature. Water can reshape rocks over vast periods.

 

What teaches us that hard times do not last forever? How?

Ans. Change in seasons teaches us that hard times do not last forever. Winter’s harshness gives way to spring’s rebirth, showing change and renewal. Even seemingly lifeless trees come back to life in spring, demonstrating hope and resilience.

 

  1. What things in nature teach us the following :

(a) Nothing is impossible to achieve ……………………………….

(b) Problems are not permanent ……………………………….

(c) Be humble and adjust ……………………………….

(d) Make the best use of time and opportunity ……………………………….

(e) Be persistent ……………………………….

(f) Many hands make work light ……………………………….

(g) Delicate structures are not a sign of weakness ……………………………….

 

Answer-

(a) grass peeping through small cracks in concrete pavement

(b) a tree bare of all leaves in winter getting leaves again in spring.

(c) be humble like a water

(d)rainbow colours the entire sky

(e)water sculpting rock

(f) an army of ants for moving a fly ten times bigger than them.

(g) spiderweb

 

  1. Read the questions from the lesson. What do they imply?

(a) Are you listening? ……………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(b) What if we too lived our lives, however short, to its fullest? …………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(c) What if we too are consistent, organised, focused . . . ? …………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

Answer-

(a) Are you listening? 

Ans. It implies that we must listen to the voice of nature. We must be aware and observe nature. 

 

(b) What if we too lived our lives, however short, to its fullest?

Ans. It implies that we should live our lives to the fullest and enjoy every moment of life

 

(c) What if we too are consistent, organised, focused . . . ?

Ans. It implies that we could do wonders if we are consistent, organised and focused towards our goals.

 

  1. Go through the lesson again and complete the flow-chart that highlights the life of a ‘hibiscus’ flower.

flow-chart

Answer- 

flow-chart

  1. Fill in the web.

web

Answer-

web

 

  1. The writer explains the contrasting features of ‘water’ and ‘rock’ in the lesson. Write all the features of both water and rock in the given table.

 

Water Rock
1.  1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.

 

Answer-

Water Rock
1. gentle 1. hard
2. persistent 2. humble
3. persevering 3. yielding
4. determined 4. adaptable
  1. The writer has very positively described the different things in nature. Discuss

with your partner the special features of each one of them. Add on the list.

 

Part of Nature Special Feature Value Learnt
1. Rainbow …………………………….. ……………………………..
2. Caterpillar …………………………….. ……………………………..
3. …………………………….. …………………………….. ……………………………..
4. …………………………….. …………………………….. ……………………………..
5. …………………………….. …………………………….. ……………………………..
6. …………………………….. …………………………….. ……………………………..
7. …………………………….. …………………………….. ……………………………..

 

Answer-

Part of Nature Special Feature Value Learnt
1. Rainbow colours the entire sky Even if the people or things around us are negative, we should always stay optimistic and positive.
2. Caterpillar turns into a butterfly If we constantly work and grow, we will have a beautiful future.
3. Spiderweb strong and delicate at the same time Teaches us that even small things can be powerful.
4. Rocks hard yet obeys the order of nature We should be adaptable. We should always try to adjust to the new environment.
5. Water changes its form according to the wind and the sun We should be persistent yet gentle during difficult situations.
6. Hibiscus lives to the fullest, however short its lifespan may be We should live our lives to the fullest without thinking about how much time we have left.
7. Ants pull things much heavier and bigger than themselves With teamwork and perseverance, we can face any difficulty no matter how big it is.
  1. Think and answer in your own words.

(a) How should you deal with difficulties and problems?

Ans. The chapter suggests several ways to deal with difficulties and problems:

  • Persistence: The water carving the rock and the ants working together show that persistence can overcome challenges.
  • Acceptance of Change: The wilting flower, the bare tree in winter, and the clouds all demonstrate that change is inevitable. Accepting impermanence can help us navigate difficulties.
  • Finding Inspiration in Nature: The passage encourages us to look to nature for guidance. The hibiscus flower blooming fully in its short life suggests living life to the fullest, even in challenging times.

 

(b) ‘An oyster turns a grain of sand into a pearl.’ What can we learn from this example?

Ans. We can learn from the oyster that something ordinary like the grain of sand can be transformed into something beautiful and valuable like the pearl with time and perseverance. This implies that difficulties can be opportunities for growth.

 

(c) How does nature succeed in its ‘Alchemy’? What can it turn a small person into?

Ans. The lesson “Alchemy of Nature” uses the metaphor of alchemy, the transformation of base metals into gold, to describe nature’s ability to create beauty and wonder from simple things. By experiencing nature, a person can be transformed by wonder, inspiration, and a sense of connection to something larger than themselves.

 

(d) Which two aspects of nature teach us to accept change and adjust according to the situation?

Ans. The two aspects of nature that teach us to accept change are-

  • The wilting flower and the bare tree in winter
  • The clouds taking new shapes

 

(e) Why does the writer begin by quoting the lines from William Blake’s poem (Auguries of Innocence)?

Ans. The lines from William Blake’s poem “Auguries of Innocence”  – “Something, as tiny as a grain of sand, can spark off an idea or imagination of a huge significance to the world” introduces the idea that even small things can have a big impact.. The author uses examples from nature to illustrate ideas that inspire the reader to find meaning and inspiration in the world around them.

 

  1. (A) Pick out from the lesson 10 examples of each.
  • Concrete Nouns (that you can touch or see)

For example, sand

(1) ………………………………

(2) ………………………………

(3) ………………………………

(4) ………………………………

(5) ………………………………

(6) ………………………………

(7) ………………………………

(8) ………………………………

(9) ………………………………

(10) ………………………………

 

Answer-

(1) bird

(2) ant

(3) oyster

(4) pearl

(5) caterpillar

(6) butterfly

(7) flower

(8) ocean

(9) rock

(10) water

  • Abstract Nouns (that which you cannot touch or see)

For example, infinity

(1) ………………………………

(2) ………………………………

(3) ………………………………

(4) ………………………………

(5) ………………………………

(6) ………………………………

(7) ………………………………

(8) ………………………………

(9) ………………………………

(10) ………………………………

 

Answer-

(1) majesty

(2) conviction

(3) perseverance

(4) passion

(5) infinity

(6) Imagination

(7) joy

(8) significance

(9) experience

(10) difference

 

(B) Underline the verbs in the sentences below and say whether they are Transitive (needing an Object) or Intransitive (need not have an Object).

(1) One can witness and experience the beauty of Heaven.

(2) It leaves me in complete awe.

(3) Nature soothes and nurtures.

(4) It withers completely.

(5) The flower comes to life only for a day.

(6) A rainbow colours the entire sky.

(7) It smiles and dances.

 

Answer-

(1) One can witness (Transitive) and experience (Transitive) the beauty of Heaven. 

(2) It leaves (Intransitive) me in complete awe.

(3) Nature soothes (Transitive) and nurtures (Transitive). 

(4) It withers (Intransitive) completely. 

(5) The flower comes to life (Intransitive) only for a day. 

(6) A rainbow colours (Transitive) the entire sky. 

(7) It smiles (Intransitive) and dances (Intransitive).

  1. (A) Compose about 8 to 10 sets of imaginary dialogues between a bird, a tree and its fruit regarding the effects of environmental changes. Write it in your notebook.

Answer-

Bird: This heat is unbearable, Tree! The pond where I used to cool down has dried up completely.

Tree: I know, I can’t seem to hold onto any moisture, little bird. The summer seems to have arrived early and fiercer than ever.

Fruit: I feel it too. My skin is starting to wrinkle before I’m even ripe.

Bird: The summers are getting worse each year, especially in tropical countries like India.

Tree: Me and my friends can provide more shelter from the harsh sun. Planting more trees can help lessen the effect of global warming on our planet earth.

 

Fruit: I can provide sweeter fruits if the temperatures are regulated. We can all do our part to adapt and survive.

Bird: (Singing) Everyone, listen! Take care of the Earth!

Tree: (Swaying its branches in agreement) We need a healthy planet for all living things.

Fruit: We can all thrive in a healthy environment.

Tree: The world can be a beautiful place when we take care of it.

Bird: Let’s work together to create a greener, brighter future for all.

(B) Prepare a Fact file of any of the following plants/trees, using the points given.

[coconut / neem / basil / cactus / apple]

  • Name of Plant/Tree ……………………………………………….
  • Scientific name ……………………………………………….
  • Region and climate ……………………………………………….
  • Features ……………………………………………….
  • Growth ……………………………………………….
  • Size, shape and colour ……………………………………………….
  • Uses ……………………………………………….
  • Any special feature ……………………………………………….

 

Answer-

Fact File: Neem Tree

Name of Plant/Tree: Neem

Scientific name: Azadirachta indica

Region and climate: Tropical and subtropical regions. Native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, but now cultivated around the world. Prefers warm climates with moderate rainfall. Can tolerate drought conditions.

Features: Evergreen tree (may lose some leaves in extreme drought). Broad leaves with toothed leaflets. Small, white, fragrant flowers. Yellow-green fruit with pulp and a seed.

Growth: Fast-growing tree, reaching maturity in 15-20 years. Can live for hundreds of years.

Size, shape and colour: Can grow up to 30 meters (100 feet) tall with a wide, spreading crown. Bark is thick and furrowed, grayish-brown in color. Leaves are bright to dark green. Flowers are white. Fruit is yellow-green when ripe.

Uses:

  • Medicine: Neem leaves, bark, seeds, and oil have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Used for skin conditions, wound healing, and various other ailments. (Note: Consult a healthcare professional before using neem for medicinal purposes)
  • Pest control: Neem oil is a natural pesticide and insecticide.
  • Soap and cosmetics: Neem oil is used in some soaps and cosmetics.
  • Food: Neem flowers are sometimes used in cooking. The fruit pulp is edible but bitter.

Special feature: All parts of the neem tree possess some medicinal properties. It is known as a “village pharmacy” in some parts of India due to its wide range of traditional uses.

 

  1. ‘Impossible’ itself says ‘I M possible’. Do you agree? Justify your answer by citing something that you have experienced or heard from someone. 

Ans. “Impossible” says “I M possible,” but only if you’re strong enough to try. Just think about Sachin Tendulkar. Remember his World Cup win in 2011? That seemed impossible for years, but with all his hard work and dedication, he made it happen. India won the World Cup in 2011 for the first time.

Even in my own life, I’ve experienced this. Last year, our school had inter-class athletics. The obstacle course looked impossible, with those hurdles and high bars. But then I practiced every day after school, and guess what? On the day of the competition, I not only finished the course but even came in second. It just shows that with enough focus and hard work, we can achieve anything we set our minds to. “Impossible” might be a word in the dictionary, but it shouldn’t be in our spirits and hearts.

 

  1. You have an environment protection week celebration in your school. You have invited an environmentalist. Your friend interviews him/her about how to save the environment. Frame suitable Interview Questions. 

Ans. Interviewer: Hi! I’m Sanjana, a student from Class 10 here at Saraswati Vidyalaya. Welcome to our Environment Protection Week celebration! Today, we have Ms. Anjali Joshi, a renowned environmentalist, with us. Thanks for joining us!

Ms. Joshi: Thank you, Sanjana. It’s a pleasure to be here with all of you young environmentalists.

Interviewer: So Ms. Joshi, we all know our environment is in trouble. Plastic pollution is a big problem here in Maharashtra. What are some easy things we, as students, can do to reduce plastic use?

Ms. Joshi: That’s a great question, Sanjana. Even small changes can make a big difference! You can:

  • Carry a reusable water bottle: Ditch those flimsy plastic ones and invest in a reusable bottle that you can refill.
  • Pack your lunch in reusable containers: Say no to plastic lunch bags and cling wrap. Use tiffin boxes or cloth bags.
  • Refuse plastic straws: Many restaurants offer them by default. Politely ask for a glass or skip the straw altogether.
  • Carry reusable cloth bags: When shopping, avoid plastic bags. Cloth bags are eco-friendly and trendy!

Interviewer: Wow, those are simple yet effective tips! Next, we’re learning about deforestation in our Geography class. What can we do to protect our precious trees?

Ms. Joshi: Trees are the lungs of our planet! Here’s what you can do:

  • Plant a tree! Many schools organize tree-planting drives. Participate and be a part of the solution.
  • Save paper: Think before you print! Use both sides of a paper and reuse old notebooks for rough work.
  • Support eco-friendly brands: Look for products made from recycled materials. Every little bit counts!
  • Spread awareness: Talk to your family and friends about the importance of trees. You can even hold a small awareness campaign in your school.

Interviewer: Those are great ideas, Ms. Joshi! Finally, what message would you like to give to our generation about protecting the environment?

Ms. Joshi: You young people are the future! Remember, the Earth is our home. Take care of it, just like you would take care of your own house. Make small changes in your daily life, spread awareness, and inspire others. Together, we can make a real difference!

Interviewer: Thank you so much, Ms. Joshi, for your valuable insights! We, the students of Saraswati Vidyalaya, are committed to protecting our environment.

Ms. Joshi: You’re welcome, Sanjana! Keep up the good work, everyone.

  1. Write a News Report on the ‘Environment Day’ celebrated in your school.

Ans. Young Eco Warriors Take Over!

Pune, Maharashtra: Our school buzzed with green energy yesterday as we celebrated World Environment Day. The day kicked off with a vibrant rally led by the Eco Club. We marched through the school grounds chanting slogans like “Save Earth” and carrying colourful placards urging everyone to go green and include eco-friendly practices in their lifestyles.

The highlight was a thought-provoking skit performed by the drama club. It creatively portrayed the dangers of pollution and the importance of sustainable practices. Following the skit, we had an exciting poster-making competition where students showcased their artistic talents and environmental awareness. The winners were chosen by our esteemed Hindi teacher, Ms. Iyer, and prizes were distributed by the Principal, Sir Desai.

The day ended with a tree plantation drive in the schoolyard. We planted a variety of saplings, promising to nurture them and watch them grow. It was a truly inspiring day that reminded us all of our responsibility to protect our planet. We, the students, are committed to being eco-warriors and making a difference.
 

Top

 
 

Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English Kumarbharti Lesson The Alchemy of Nature Extra Questions

 

Multiple-Choice Questions

  1. William Blake compares the beauty of a wildflower to:
  2. a) A precious jewel
  3. b) The vastness of space
  4. c) Heaven 
  5. d) A work of art

 

  1. The tiny blades of grass growing through concrete symbolize: 
  2. a) The power of destruction 
  3. b) The beauty of urban landscapes 
  4. c) The resilience of life. 
  5. d) The need for more green spaces in cities

 

  1. What lesson can we learn from the tree that loses its leaves in winter but comes back to life in spring?
  2. a) Change is inevitable. 
  3. b) Winter is a time of death. 
  4. c) Spring is the most beautiful season. 
  5. d) Trees are very strong.

 

  1. The author uses the image of ants carrying a fly to emphasize the value of:
  2. a) Teamwork and cooperation. 
  3. b) Individual strength 
  4. c) Size and power 
  5. d) Competition and dominance

 

  1. What does the author mean by “Only one should have the eyes and time to see it”?
  2. a) One needs special equipment to appreciate nature.
  3. b) We should take the time to observe nature closely. 
  4. c) Only a select few can understand the true beauty of nature.
  5. d) Seeing nature’s beauty requires good eyesight.

 

  1. Rainbows showcase the: 
  2. a) Power of the sun 
  3. b) Majesty of the sky 
  4. c) Importance of water 
  5. d) Beauty of fleeting moments

 

  1. Oysters transforming grains of sand into pearls represent:
  2. a) The value of perseverance 
  3. b) The dangers of pollution
  4. c) The beauty of the ocean
  5. d) The importance of material possessions

 

  1. The countless stars in the sky symbolize:
  2. a) The vastness of the universe 
  3. b) The importance of darkness
  4. c) The limitations of human knowledge
  5. d) The beauty of light

 

  1. Water changing its form according to the sun and wind highlights:
  2. a) The power of adaptation 
  3. b) The destructive force of nature
  4. c) The importance of staying still
  5. d) The limitations of water

 

  1. The wind making trees dance signifies:
  2. a) The power of nature 
  3. b) The importance of music
  4. c) The need for shelter
  5. d) The beauty of movement

 

Answer- 

  1. c) Heaven 
  2. c) The resilience of life. 
  3. a) Change is inevitable. 
  4. a) Teamwork and cooperation. 
  5. b) We should take the time to observe nature closely. 
  6. b) Majesty of the sky 

7.a) The value of perseverance 

  1. a) The vastness of the universe 
  2. a) The power of adaptation 
  3. a) The power of nature 

 

Top

 
 

Vocabulary Based MCQs

Choose the synonym that best replaces the underlined word in each sentence.

  1. Something, as tiny as a grain of sand, can spark off an idea or imagination of a huge significance to the world.

(a) Magnify 

(b) Induce 

(c) Elicit 

(d) Discourage

 

2.We instinctively turn to outdoor activities and nature as a way of relaxing and enhancing our well being.

(a) Diminishing 

(b) Heightening 

(c) Neglecting 

(d) Disregarding

 

3.The flower comes to life only for a day, yet it does so in full splendour.

(a) Grandeur 

(b) Gloom 

(c) Mediocrity 

(d) Diminishment

 

  1. Our problems are so colossal and we are so small, yet if we persist…

(a) Cease 

(b) Continue 

(c) Falter 

(d) Deviate

 

  1. A rainbow colours the entire sky.

(a) Dullens 

(b) Brightens 

(c) Darkens 

(d) Discolours

 

Choose the word that has the opposite meaning to the underlined word in each sentence.

 

  1. Our problems are so colossal and we are so small.

(a) Large 

(b) Tiny

(c) Gigantic

(d) Enormous

 

  1. Nature soothes and nurtures.

(a) Agitates

(b) Relaxes

(c) Pacify

(d) Calms

 

  1. Eternity is endless time; but just an hour in your life can make a difference to the world forever.

(a) Infinity

(b) Ephemeral 

(c) Endless

(d) Timelessness

 

  1. The morning after, it withers completely and by evening it falls and becomes one with the earth again.

(a) Decays

(b) Dwindles

(c) Shrivels

(d) Thrives

 

  1. The wind makes trees dance with unhindered passion.

(a) Unrestricted

(b) Free

(c) Impeded

(d) Unhampered

 

Answer- 

 

  1. (c) Elicit
  2. (b) Heightening
  3. (a) Grandeur 
  4. (b) Continue 
  5. (b) Brightens 
  6. (a) Agitates
  7. (a) Agitates
  8. (b) Ephemeral 
  9. (d) Thrives
  10. (c) Impeded

 

Top

 

Submit a Comment