Let us discuss
1. Read the poem silently. As you read, underline the parts of the poem that you agree with.

Ans.

May my friendships always be
The most important thing to me.

2. Now, share the details of your underlined parts of the poem in groups and explain why you liked those lines.

Ans. Friendships provide comfort, joy, and a crucial support system. They can reduce stress and help you cope with difficult times. 

3. Which line was underlined by most people in your group? Share it with your teacher.

Ans.

I’ll try all that a friend can do
To make their wishes come true.

Let us think and reflect

I Complete the summary of the poem by circling the correct highlighted words.

The poet says a prayer for/speech on friendship and friends. She wants that friendship should always be an important part of her complete life/ school days. She says that her friendship makes her feel brave/special. She wishes to do the best she can, for her friends. She wants to clap for/listen to the wishes of her friends. As a good friend, she prays/imagines that she is able to make her friends’ wishes come true. She wants her heart/mind to understand what a true friend is. She prays that she loves her friends as they are/when they are happy. She tells us that true/correct friends accept their friends for all their qualities.

Ans. The poet says a prayer for friendship and friends. She wants that friendship should always be an important part of her complete life. She says that her friendship makes her feel special. She wishes to do the best she can, for her friends. She wants to listen to the wishes of her friends. As a good friend, she prays that she is able to make her friends’ wishes come true. She wants her heart to understand what a true friend is. She prays that she loves her friends as they are. She tells us that true friends accept their friends for all their qualities. 

II Answer in one word only.
1. How does the poet feel about special friends?

Ans. Blessed.

2. What does the poet use to realise what friends can be?

Ans. Heart.

III Read the following lines from the poem and answer the questions given below.

1. I want to do much more than share
The hopes and plans of friends who care;
I’ll try all that a friend can do
To make their wishes come true.

(i) Complete the sentence with the most suitable option.
These lines tell us that the speaker is _______________.
A. clever B. caring C. curious D. calm

Ans. B. caring

(ii) How will the speaker make her friends’ wishes come true? (by trying hard/by working a lot)

Ans. by trying hard

(iii) Fill in the blank with a suitable word.
My friends will feel __________ if their wishes come true.

Ans. My friends will feel happy if their wishes come true.

2. Let me use my heart to see,
To realise what friends can be,
And make no judgements from afar,
But love my friends the way they are.

(i) The speaker says that feelings are important to understand friendship. Which line tells us this?

Ans.

Let me use my heart to see,
To realise what friends can be

(ii) Complete the sentence with the most suitable option.
These lines tell us that the speaker is _______________.
A. helpful B. thoughtful C. cheerful D. hopeful

Ans. B. thoughtful

(iii) Fill in the blank with one word.
The speaker does not wish to make any ___________. She cares for them just as they are.

Ans. The speaker does not wish to make any judgement. She cares for them just as they are.

IV Give one reason why we can say that this poem is a prayer.

Ans. The poem’s tone is that of a sincere plea or request for the friend’s success and peace. 

V Why does the speaker ‘want to do more’ for her friend?

Ans. She feels grateful for her friend’s support and happiness, and believes that actively helping them achieve their goals is an important part of being a good friend. 

VI Do you think that the speaker knows about the wishes of her friend? How can we say so?

Ans. The speaker states a goal to help make her friend’s wishes happen, which indicates she is aware of what those wishes are. 

VII Do you also pray for your friend? What do you wish for? Discuss.

Ans. Yes, praying for friends is common, and people often wish for their happiness, health, and success.

Let us learn

I) The poet says, ‘With special friends I feel I’m blessed’.

Select the words that are similar to the meaning of being blessed, from those given below.

Ans. grateful, thankful

II Good friends have a lot of qualities. Let us list some.
loyal,   h e __ __ f __ l,   k __ __ d,   c __ __ i n g,   h o __ __ __ t

Ans.

• loyal
• helpful
• kind,
• caring
• honest

Now, fill in the blanks with the words you just listed above.

Ans.

1. My friend is always kind to me even when I make a mistake.
2. My friend shares things with me. She is very caring.
3. My friend is helpful because he always supports me.
4. My friend never lies. She is an honest person.
5. My friend and I believe in loyalty for each other.

III Think of any three of your friends. Write three sentences on why you like each one of them.

Ans.

1. I like Anupam because he is very kind.
2. I like ridhhi because she is helpful.
3. I like Santosh because he is honest.

Let us listen

I) You will listen to a talk about some outdoor activities that two friends spend their time doing. As you listen, answer the given question in one or two word(s) only. (refer to page 72 for transcript)

1. What do the two friends purchase and use on the park bench?

Ans. A book

II You will once again listen to the talk about some outdoor activities of the two friends. As you listen, circle the pictures that show these activities.

Ans. Circle the pictures in which two friends are using a book on the park bench.

Let us speak
1. In pairs, act the role of friends speaking to each other. Speak about the following situations:

2. Create a new situation and have another conversation.

Ans. On the school playground, Riya and Sam see a new student, Maya, sitting alone on a bench.

Let us write

Describe how your friendship with your friend started.
• First list the answers for — When? Where? How?
• Then, use your sentences to write a short paragraph of about 80 words.
• Give a title to your paragraph.

Ans. Students should do this activity with the help of teachers.

Let us explore

I There are many quotations about friendship. Read the ones given below.
• “A friend in need is a friend indeed.”
• “My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.”

1. What do you think is the meaning of these quotations? Share it with your teacher.

“My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.”

My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me because they always support my dreams and believe in me, even when I doubt myself. They encourage me to try new things and help me learn from my mistakes. My friend accepts me for who I am, and their kindness and honesty make me a better person. They celebrate my successes and are a shoulder to lean on when things are tough. With them, I feel I can be my true self, and together we make each other stronger and happier. 

2. Think of an experience in your life with your friend that suits this quotation. Share it with your friends.

Ans. One time, I was sick and couldn’t make it to school for a big project presentation. I was so worried about my grade. My best friend, Priya, came over to my house after school. She patiently explained the whole project to me, even though she had already done it in class. She helped me understand the parts I missed and made sure I practiced it with her. Thanks to her help, I felt confident enough to present the next day, and I got a good grade. It was a moment when I really needed her, and she was there for me, which is why the saying, “A friend in need is a friend indeed,” is so true. 

II Look for some famous quotations on friendship; these can be in your own language too. Read and share them with your teacher and classmates. Write one quotation on paper, colour and decorate it. Put it up on the
class board.

Ans. Students can do this activity with the help of teachers.