Solution of Chapter 3. The Rocking-horse Winner (NCERT - English Woven Words Book)

What was the reason for young Paul’s restlessness at the beginning of the story? How did it find expression?

Why do you think Paul’s mother was not satisfied with the yearly birthday gift of 1,000 pounds for five years?

What was the reason for the anxiety of Paul’s mother as he grew older?

Paul’s final bet made the family rich but cost him his life. Explain.

Discuss the following in pairs or in small groups

‘Luck is necessary for success in life’.

Discuss the following in pairs or in small groups

Although Paul’s mother liked to be rich she did not approve of betting on horses.

Discuss the following in pairs or in small groups

What were the voices that Paul heard? Did they lead him to success in the real sense?

Examine the communication channels in the story between

a. Paul and his mother

b. Paul and Bassett

c. Paul and his uncle

d. Bassett and Paul’s uncle

e. Paul’s mother and his uncle

How has the author linked the symbol of the rocking-horse to Paul’s triumphs at the races?

The ending of the story is an instance of irony. Suppose Paul had not died at the end, how would you have reacted to the story?

‘A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush’.

a. Explain the above statement in the literal sense -

b. Explain it in the context in which it is mentioned in the story –

Explain the following phrases Sure as eggs; Spinning yarns; Turned to dust. Use them in sentences of your own.

Sure as eggs, Spinning yarns, Turned to dust

Given below is the dictionary meaning of

Smirk: to smile in a silly or unpleasant way that shows that you are pleased with yourself. Look up the dictionary for the following words which are also related to facial expressions and write down the meaning of each

Smile, grin, grimace, sneer