Kerala Syllabus Class 8 English: Unit 03 The Trail of Science: Lesson 02 - Engine Trouble - Questions and Answers | Teachers Handbook
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ഈ ബ്ലോഗ് ഉടമയുടെ രേഖാമൂലമുള്ള അനുമതിയില്ലാതെ ഈ ബ്ലോഗിൽ നൽകിയിരിക്കുന്ന ചോദ്യോത്തരങ്ങൾ, ഇതേരീതിയിലോ പി.ഡി.എഫ് രൂപത്തിലോ, മറ്റേതെങ്കിലും ഡിജിറ്റലോ, പ്രിന്റഡ് ഉൾപ്പെടെയുള്ള ഏതെങ്കിലും രൂപങ്ങളിലേക്കോ മാറ്റി മറ്റൊരു വെബ്സൈറ്റിലോ, ബ്ലോഗിലോ, യുട്യൂബ്, സോഷ്യൽ മീഡിയാ ഗ്രൂപ്പുകളിലോ ഉൾപ്പെടെ ഒരിടത്തും പ്രചരിപ്പിക്കാൻ പാടില്ലാത്തതാകുന്നു.
Std 8 English Unit III The Trail of Science - Lesson 02 Engine Trouble - Textual Questions and Answers & Activities
Engine Trouble - Questions and Answers
♦ While we read
1. Have you ever seen a show such as Gaiety Land? Describe your experience.
Yes, I have seen a show similar to Gaiety Land. It was a travelling fair that visited our town during the festival season. The entire ground was decorated with bright lights and colourful banners. There were many attractions, including games, food stalls, toy shops, and amusement rides. I enjoyed the giant wheel ride the most and was amazed by the tricks performed at the magic show. The whole place was filled with laughter,' music, and excitement. It was a joyful experience that I still remember fondly.
2. What is a road engine used for?
A road engine is used to pull or drive vehicles on roads, especially trains or heavy wagons. In the context of early transportation, it often referred to a steam engine that powered locomotives or large road machines. It provides the mechanical force needed to move the vehicle forward.
3. Why couldn't the narrator transport the road engine immediately?
The narrator couldn't transport the road engine immediately because it was a huge, heavy machine that required special arrangements. There was no suitable vehicle or equipment readily available to move such a large object, and it needed proper planning and manpower to be shifted safely.
4. How did the temple priest help the narrator?
The temple priest helped the narrator by offering him the services of his temple elephant.
5. What happened when the engine was moved to the road?
When the engine was moved to the road, it began behaving strangely. Instead of going straight down the road, it began to wobble and zig-zág.
6. How did Nature help the narrator solve his problem?
Nature came to the narrator's rescue in the form of an earthquake. The engine fell into a disused well during the earthquake. The owner of the property was so pleased that the well was covered at last that he promised to pay off all his debts.
♦ Let's rewind
♦ Read the story again and respond to the following questions.
1. What would you do if you won a road engine in a lottery?
If I won a road engine in a lottery, I would first try to understand how useful it could be. If it had no practical use for me, I would look for someone who could make use of it, like a museum or a collector. If possible, I would try to sell it or donate it. Managing such a large machine would require proper planning and space.
2. Why did the people gaze at the narrator as if he were a strange animal? People gazed at the narrator as if he were a strange animal because he was seen with an unusual and massive machine, the road engine, which looked out of place in the village. The sight was so uncommon and puzzling that villagers stared at him in amazement and disbelief.
3. How do the other characters, like Joseph, the temple elephant, and the coolies add to the humour of the story?
Characters like Joseph, the temple elephant, and the coolies add humour through their reactions and actions. Joseph's interaction with the engine adds a comic element. The temple elephant acts in a very funny way, as animals rarely mix with machines. The coolies' struggle to move the engine and their funny remarks lighten the situation. Their confusion, frustration, and creative suggestions all contribute to the amusing chaos that unfolds.
4. How does the narrator's initial enthusiasm change in the course of time?
At first, the narrator is thrilled and proud to have won a road engine, imagining it to be a great possession. However, as time passes, his excitement turns into S stress and frustration. He struggles to move it, finds no use for it, and becomes the object of ridicule. The burden of managing the engine replaces his early joy with regret.
5. Do you think machines like the road engine have become outdated? Why / Why not?
Yes, machines like the road engine have largely become outdated. They were once useful in the past for heavy transport or road work, but modern technology has replaced them with more efficient, faster, and compact machines. Today, road engines are rarely seen outside of museums or heritage exhibitions, making them more of a historical interest than a practical tool.
♦ Let's recall and recreate
♦ Activity 1
♦ Let’s try to draft a humorous instruction manual.
You might have noted the undertone of humour in the story 'Engine Trouble'. You might also have noticed that R. K. Narayan has used devices like exaggeration for humorous effect. Let's now try to draft an 'Instruction Manual', in a humorous tone. Here is a sample. It is an Instruction Manual for operating a road engine.
Step 1
Starting the Engine
1. Locate the ignition key: This is usually found in your pocket or in your friend’s school bag.
2. Turn the key: Gently, as if trying to wake a sleeping baby.
3. Hit the start button: This button often has the label 'Start', or 'Do not press unless you want chaos.' Choose wisely.
Step 2
Operating the Roller
4. Acceleration: Gently press the accelerator. Remember, the road roller is not a sports car.
5. Turning the road engine: The road engine is not a compact car. Be careful!
6. Stopping: When you want to stop, gently ease off the accelerator. Troubleshooting Common Problems
7. Engine doesn’t start: Check the fuel gauge.
8. Strange noises: Open the hood and act like a mechanic.
9. Over vibration: If the roller vibrates like a dancer, check bolts, screws, and anything that looks suspicious.
Maintenance Tips
10. Regular oil change: Think of oil as the road engine’s favourite snack.
11. Check the wheels: If they look flat, give them a good kick.
12. Listen to the engine: As you would listen to your best friend.
♦ Now, try to prepare a similar instruction manual for operating a mobile phone.
Step 1
Starting the Phone
1. Locate the power button: It’s usually on the side, unless your phone enjoys playing hide‑and‑seek.
2. Press and hold: Gently, as if you’re coaxing a cat to sit on your lap.
3. Wait for the logo: This is the phone’s way of saying, “I’m awake, now what?”
Step 2
Making Calls
4. Open the dialer: It looks like a green button with a phone symbol, not a pizza slice.
5. Type the number: Carefully, unless you want to surprise a stranger.
6. Press call: Hold the phone to your ear and pretend you’re in a spy movie.
Step 3
Texting and Messaging
7. Open your messaging app: It’s the one with speech bubbles, not the weather app.
8. Type your message: Avoid typing with elbows, unless you want creative spelling.
9. Send: Watch your words fly into cyberspace faster than paper planes.
Step 4
Troubleshooting Common Problems
10. Phone doesn’t respond: Try charging it. Phones, like humans, get cranky when hungry.
11. Strange sounds: Silence apps or take a nap
12. Screen freezes: Restart it. It's not watching Frozen.
Step 5
Maintenance Tips
13. Charge regularly: Think of charging as feeding your phone its favourite meal.
14. Clean the screen: Wipe away fingerprints—your phone is not a crime scene.
15. Update software: Updates are like vitamins; they keep your phone healthy (and occasionally confused).
♦ Activity 2
♦ Write a news article, reporting the chaos that erupted when the narrator attempted to move the road engine.
Chaos in Town as Road Engine Move Goes Wrong
(Special Correspondent) Malgudi, 14 September 2025
Malgudi witnessed utter chaos yesterday when a local resident attempted to shift a stranded road engine from the Gymkhana grounds. Assisted by fifty coolies, a temple elephant, and Joseph, a dismissed bus driver, the plan soon went awry. As the engine reached the main road, it began wobbling and zig-zagging. The elephant pulled one way, Joseph steered aimlessly, and the coolies pushed at will, sending the engine crashing into a compound wall. The elephant, alarmed by "the noisy crowd, trumpeted, broke free, and damaged more of the wall. Panic erupted; the coolies fled, and the crowd created a pandemonium. The police arrested the man. He was later burdened with repair costs, wages, and medical bills, marking the day as one of Malgudi's most chaotic events.
♦ Let’s perform:
♦ Activity 1
♦ Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human Stupidity
- Yuval Noah Harari
I believe that at least in the next few decades, we won’t need to worry about robots taking over the world. While we will use computers to help us make decisions, these computers won’t have feelings or consciousness. Modern science fiction sometimes mixes up intelligence (the ability to solve problems) with consciousness (the ability to feel emotions). In movies, a robot might become conscious and try to destroy humans or fall in love with them. But in real life, there is no reason to believe that computers will develop feelings. For example, aeroplanes fly faster than birds, without feathers, and computers solve problems, without feelings or emotions.
The real danger is not robots taking over, but rather that AI might be used to manipulate people’s emotions, convincing someone to buy something or support a certain idea. This is already happening, where data from social media influences voters in elections or consumers in the market. If we’re not careful, we might end up with people who misuse powerful computers in ways that harm themselves and others. It’s important to remember that while technology can be helpful, we must also work on becoming better, more thoughtful humans.
♦ A. Let’s analyse the above passage. The following questions might help you.
1. How do you think technology is going to change the world?
Technology will continue to make our lives easier by helping us solve problems faster and more efficiently. It will change how we work, learn, travel, and communicate. However, it may also bring challenges, especially if people use it in the wrong way.
2. Will computers develop feelings? Why/why not?
No, computers will not develop feelings. Intelligence (problem-solving) and consciousness (feeling emotions) are different. Computers can solve problems, but do not have emotions like humans. They do not feel love, fear, or happiness.
3. How is Al used to manipulate people's emotions?
AI is used to study data from social media, shopping habits, and online behaviour. Companies or groups can then send messages, ads, or videos that influence our feelings and decisions, such as what to buy or whom to
vote for.
4. Are we relying too much on technology? Why?
Yes, in many ways we are becoming too dependent on technology. We use it for everything, from waking up in the morning to deciding what to eat. This can be risky because we might forget how to think independently or solve problems without it.
5. How can we retain our humanity in this era of evolving technology?
We can retain our humanity by being kind, thoughtful, and responsible. We should use technology wisely, without letting it control us. It's important to build good relationships, stay creative, and make decisions that are fair and caring, not just fast or smart.
B. Now, let’s conduct a debate in the class on the topic ‘Use of Technology: a Boon or a Bane’? You can form two groups. Each group may seek to justify one aspect of the topic. One person could take the role of ‘moderator’ to facilitate the debate.
Let’s list the points for Group A and Group B.
| Benefits | Harmful effects |
|---|---|
| • Increased efficiency and productivity | • Job displacement and unemployment |
| • Better communication and connectivity | • Over-dependence on machines and loss of basic skills |
| • Access to information and online education | • Social isolation and reduced face-to-face interaction |
| • Improved healthcare and medical treatment | • Privacy risks and data theft |
♦ You may use the following expressions in the course of the debate.
• Welcome, everyone, to today's debate on…
• From our perspective...
• Evidence suggests that...
• We disagree with that point because...
• We need to stay within the allotted time.
• Our position is that...
• While that may be true, it's also important to note...
• Please allow the speaker to finish.
• I strongly support that...
• Let me begin by stating our view....
• It is clear that....
• I respect your opinion, but...
• Let me try to be brief and clear....
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