I.His First Flight LIAM O’ FLAHERTY II. Black Aeroplane FREDERICK FORSYTH How to Tell Wild Animals 43 CAROLYN WELLS

I. His First Flight — Liam O’Flaherty

 Summary 

There was a young seagull who lived on a ledge with his family. His brothers and sister had already flown away the previous day, but this young one was too afraid to fly. He stood on the ledge, trembling at the thought of flying over the vast sea below. His wings, though big, seemed useless to him because of his fear.

His parents tried everything to make him fly. They called and rebuked him, even threatened him that he would starve if he didn’t fly. But he still couldn’t move. He watched them flying, diving, catching fish — but he was stuck.

After about 24 hours alone, hungry and distressed, he saw his mother carrying a piece of fish in her beak. She flew close to him but did not land. The young seagull was desperate for food, so he lunged for the fish, and in that moment he plunged forward into empty air. At first, he was terrified — falling, heart pounding. But instinctively, his wings spread, and he began to flap them. He realized his wings could carry him. He soared, gaining confidence, and soon he was flying.

His family cheered his flight. They flew around him, and when he landed on the sea, he floated. He had made his first flight successfully. All fear forgotten, he joined the others.

 Central Idea 

The story “His First Flight” teaches us that fear can stop us from doing what is natural, but sometimes we must face our fear to grow. The young seagull doubted his own wings, though they were strong enough. His family’s encouragement and a clever trick by the mother forced him to act when he was pushed. In taking that leap — literally — he discovered his hidden strength. The story tells us that sometimes we might need a push or a challenge before we believe in ourselves. It shows that courage grows when we act, not when we wait. It also hints that parents and loved ones may need to be harsh at times to help us break our barriers.

 Word Meanings

Word	Meaning
Ledge	A narrow shelf or edge, especially on a cliff or wall
Brink	The very edge or border (of something dangerous)
Attempted	Tried to do
Upbraided	Scolded, told off
Cowardice	Lack of courage
Starve	Suffer or die from lack of food
Plunge	Dive or fall suddenly
Soar	Fly high in the air
Instinctively	Without thinking; naturally
Trembling	Shaking because of fear

 Figures of Speech / Literary Devices

1. Imagery – The descriptions of flapping wings, the sea below, the ledge create vivid scenes.

2. Personification – The sea is described as threatening and the wind seems to “rush” under his wings.

3. Symbolism – The leap from the ledge symbolizes taking risks in life.

4. Contrast – Between the safety of the ledge and the danger of the sea, or fear vs freedom.

Word Meanings – His First Flight

Word	Meaning
Ledge	A narrow, flat shelf or edge on a cliff or wall
Brink	The edge of something (like a cliff)
Flapping	Moving wings quickly up and down
Muster	To gather or collect (courage or strength)
Cowardice	Being afraid to do something; lack of courage
Upbraiding	Scolding or speaking angrily to someone
Plunge	To jump or fall quickly and suddenly
Shrilly	In a high-pitched, loud way (used for cries or sounds)
Soaring	Flying or rising high in the air
Cackled	Laughed or cried in a sharp, noisy way (often used for birds)
Beckoning	Calling someone by making a hand or head movement
Tapping	Hitting gently, usually to get attention
Maddened	Made crazy (with hunger or emotion)
Herring	A type of small fish
Curveting	Moving in a graceful or playful way (like dancing or jumping)

Book Questions and Answers –

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 36)

Q1. Why was the young seagull afraid to fly?

Ans:
The young seagull was afraid to fly because he thought his wings wouldn’t support him and he would fall into the sea. He had no confidence in himself.

Q2. What did his parents do to help him fly?

Ans:
His parents scolded him and didn’t give him any food to force him to fly. His mother also tried to tempt him by flying close with a piece of fish.

Q3. What was the young seagull’s first reaction when he dived from the ledge?

Ans:
At first, he was scared and felt like he was falling. But soon he felt the wind under his wings, and he started flapping them and flying.

Q4. How did his family react when he flew?

Ans:
His family was very happy. They flew around him, screamed with joy, and praised him. They welcomed him to fly with them.

Q5. What is the message of the story?

Ans:
The story tells us that we must face our fears to succeed. Sometimes we don’t believe in ourselves, but once we try, we find that we are stronger than we think.

II. Black Aeroplane — Frederick Forsyth

Summary 

The narrator is a pilot flying through a violent storm at night. Visibility is bad, and he loses his bearings. Then, suddenly, another aircraft appears and guides him safely through the storm to a runway. He follows its instructions and lands safely. Afterwards, when he asks who the other pilot was, controllers tell him that no other plane was on radar that night. He wonders who helped him — was it real, supernatural, or some mysterious being? The story stays mysterious, leaving us to guess.

 Central Idea 

“Black Aeroplane” shows how, when we are in danger or lost, help can come from unexpected sources — even mysterious ones. It also suggests that sometimes we cannot explain everything. The narrator’s faith is tested, and he learns that even in darkness, we might have guidance. The story tells us to trust and have hope, even when all seems hopeless.

Word Meanings 

Word	Meaning
Aeroplane	Airplane / aircraft
Storm	A violent weather condition with strong wind and rain
Visibility	How clearly one can see
Radar	Device to detect objects (such as planes) at distance
Bearing	Direction or position
Guiding	Leading or directing someone
Mysterious	Strange, not easily understood
Controller	Person in charge of aircraft movements from ground

 Figures of Speech / Literary Devices

1. Suspense – The uncertainty about who guided the plane keeps the reader eager.

2. Irony – The narrator is saved by a plane that was not supposed to exist.

3. Imagery – Storm clouds, darkness, runway light — all painted in the mind.

4. Mystery / Ambiguity – The story ends without clear explanation, leaving room for different interpretations.

 Sample Questions & Answers

Q1. What problem does the narrator face while flying?
Ans: He flies in a heavy storm at night with poor visibility and loses his direction.

Q2. How does he get help?
Ans: Suddenly another plane appears, gives him signals, and guides him to safety.

Q3. Why is the story mysterious at the end?
Ans: Because controllers said no other plane was in the sky that night — so who guided him? It’s unexplained.

Q4. What message can this story teach us?
Ans: Sometimes help arrives from unknown sources. We must not lose hope even in the darkest situations.

III. How to Tell Wild Animals — Carolyn Wells

 Summary 

This poem is playful and funny. It gives humorous advice on how to recognize different wild animals if you ever meet them. Each stanza describes a creature:

• If a beast roars at you while you’re dying, it’s the Asian Lion.

• A creature with black stripes on yellow skin that eats you is a Bengal Tiger.

• An animal with spots that jumps on you is a Leopard. Even if you cry, it won’t stop.

• If something hugs you very hard in your yard, it’s a Bear. If you doubt, wait for it to hug again.

• A smiling creature might be a Hyena, but if it sheds tears while eating, it’s a Crocodile.

• And if you see nothing on a tree, check again — it might be a Chameleon, which blends into its surroundings and changes color.

The tone is funny, but behind it is also a hint: animals have distinct traits, and we should respect wild creatures and stay cautious.

 Central Idea 

The poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” uses humor to show that wild animals look and behave differently. The poet gives exaggerated instructions to recognize animals by their habits, looks, and reactions. While it’s playful, it also teaches that animals are powerful and dangerous in their own way. The poem reminds us not to take nature lightly — it has its own rules. Through funny lines, the poet makes us aware of the variety of creatures and their special traits. It also underlines that animals should remain in nature; humans should not disturb them.

 Word Meanings

Word	Meaning
Tawny	Brownish‑yellowish color
Beast	Large, wild creature
Hide	Skin of an animal
Peppered	Covered with small dots or spots
Leapt	Jumped
Lep	(poetic form) leap or jump
Smiles	Grins (used to describe Hyena)
Tears	Drops of water from eyes (used for Crocodile)
Camouflage	The ability to change color or blend in with environment
Blends	Merges or merges into surroundings

 Figures of Speech / Literary Devices

1. Personification – The poem talks as if animals can “smile” or “cry”.

2. Hyperbole (Exaggeration) – “If he roars at you as you’re dyin’” is exaggerated for effect.

3. Humour / Satire – It uses funny lines to speak about deadly animals.

4. Imagery – We can imagine the creatures, their colors, their actions.

5. Rhyme & Rhythm – The poem uses rhyme and rhythm which makes it catchy and fun.

 Sample Questions & Answers

Q1. How does the poet say you can recognize a Bengal Tiger?
Ans: If you find an animal with black stripes on yellow fur and it eats you, it’s a Bengal Tiger (in the poetic sense).

Q2. Why is the 4th stanza about a bear funny/strange?
Ans: Because it says if something hugs you tightly, it’s a bear, and if you aren’t sure, wait — the bear will hug again. It’s humorous.

Q3. What is the difference between a crocodile and a hyena given in the poem?
Ans: The poem says a Hyena smiles (laughing sound), while a Crocodile sheds tears (fake crying) while eating its prey.

Q4. What does the poem teach about animals and humans?
Ans: It teaches that animals are different, powerful, and we should respect them. Also, we must be cautious and aware in the wild.