Why was the young seagull afraid to fly? Do you think all young birds are afraid to make their first flight, or are some birds more timid than others? Do you think a human baby also finds it a challenge to take its first steps?
Suggested Answer: In His First Flight, the young seagull is afraid to fly because he is overwhelmed by the vastness of the sky and the fear of falling. This fear is natural, as it represents the unknown and the risk associated with leaving the safety of the nest. Not all young birds share the same level of fear—while some are timid and hesitant, others might be more adventurous and eager to explore. Similarly, a human baby faces challenges when taking its first steps. The baby is initially afraid of the instability and the possibility of falling, which is a natural reaction when trying something new. With time, encouragement, and practice, both the young bird and the baby gradually overcome their fears, gaining confidence as they learn to embrace their newfound abilities and explore the world around them.
“The sight of the food maddened him.” What does this suggest? What compelled the young seagull to finally fly?
Suggested Answer: The phrase “The sight of the food maddened him” suggests that the seagull’s intense hunger overpowered his fear. His desperate need to eat transformed his terror into determination. Though he was initially too frightened to leave the nest due to the uncertainty of the vast sky, the lure of food activated his survival instincts. This compelling urge for nourishment drove him to take the risk of flying, marking his first courageous leap into the unknown. Ultimately, his basic instinct for survival was the key factor that compelled him to overcome his fear and fly.
“They were beckoning to him, calling shrilly.” Why did the seagull’s father and mother threaten him and cajole him to fly?
Suggested Answer: The seagull’s parents threatened and cajoled him to fly because they understood that overcoming his fear was essential for his survival. Their shrilly calls and firm gestures were meant to push him beyond his comfort zone and help him realize that staying in the nest was not an option if he wanted to find food and survive. They knew that his first flight was a crucial step in gaining independence, and their insistence was both an expression of tough love and a necessary challenge to prepare him for the realities of life.
Have you ever had a similar experience, where your parents encouraged you to do something that you were too scared to try?
Suggested Answer: Yes, I have had a similar experience. When I was learning to ride my bicycle without training wheels, I was terrified of falling. My parents encouraged me every day, assuring me that falling was just a part of learning and that they were there to support me. Their gentle insistence and constant belief in my ability boosted my confidence. Eventually, I overcame my fear and learned to ride on my own. This experience taught me that with a little encouragement and perseverance, we can overcome our fears and achieve things we once thought were impossible.
In the case of a bird flying, it seems a natural act, and a foregone conclusion that it should succeed. In the examples you have given in answer to the previous question, was your success guaranteed, or was it important for you to try, regardless of a possibility of failure?
Suggested Answer: Unlike a bird whose flight is a natural act, my success on a bicycle wasn’t guaranteed. I was scared of falling and getting hurt, but I knew that trying was essential, even if I might fail. Each attempt taught me something new—how to balance better, how to recover from a fall, and how to build my confidence. The possibility of failure was always there, but it was through these challenges that I learned and improved. In life, taking a risk and giving your best effort is often more important than being sure of success from the start.
Write a short composition on your initial attempts at learning a skill. You could describe the challenges of learning to ride a bicycle or learning to swim. Make it as humorous as possible.
Suggested Answer: Learning to ride a bicycle was a hilarious adventure in perseverance. I still remember the first day I decided to conquer those two wheels. I looked at the bicycle with a mix of determination and terror, like I was about to launch into space. The moment I started pedaling, the bike seemed to have a mind of its own, wobbling wildly as if it were performing a clumsy dance routine. Every attempt ended with a spectacular tumble, often accompanied by a loud thud on the grass and my parents’ mix of laughter and concern. Despite the bruises and scraped knees, I kept trying, even though I felt like a cartoon character in a slapstick comedy. Finally, after many comical falls and a few near misses with bushes, I managed to ride steadily for a few seconds. That day taught me that failure is just a funny steppingstone on the road to success, and sometimes a good laugh is the best encouragement to keep trying.
“I’ll take the risk.” What is the risk? Why does the narrator take it?
Suggested Answer: The risk was flying through the dark storm clouds despite low fuel and no visibility. The narrator took this risk because he was eager to reach home and be with his family. His desperation outweighed his fear, making him ignore the dangers of flying blind into the storm.
Describe the narrator’s experience as he flew the airplane into the storm.
Suggested Answer: As the narrator flew into the storm, he experienced a mix of terror and determination. The intense turbulence, pounding rain, and flashing lightning created a chaotic, heart-pounding environment. Despite overwhelming fear, his resolve and focus helped him push through the danger, making every moment both nerve-wracking and exhilarating.
Why does the narrator say, “I landed and was not sorry to walk away from the old Dakota…”?
Suggested Answer: The narrator expresses relief at leaving the old Dakota because the plane symbolized the perilous, nerve-wracking ordeal of flying through the storm. After such a harrowing experience, he felt a deep sense of comfort and safety in walking away from the dangerous aircraft.
What made the woman in the control centre look at the narrator strangely?
Suggested Answer: The woman in the control centre looked at the narrator strangely because his demeanor and account of the storm were unusually casual. His offhand remarks about the extreme danger, delivered in a nonchalant tone, deviated from the expected, serious report, leaving her puzzled about his state of mind.
Who do you think helped the narrator to reach safely?
Suggested Answer: I believe the narrator’s own skill and calm decision-making were key to his safe arrival, supported by an element of fate or even subtle guidance from the control centre. His ability to trust his instincts and remain composed under pressure helped him navigate the storm successfully.
Have you ever been alone or away from home during a thunderstorm? Narrate your experience in a paragraph.
Suggested Answer: I remember being away from home during a heavy thunderstorm on a school trip. I was alone in a quiet hotel room when the rain pounded on the windows and thunder roared overhead. Initially, the eerie sounds made me feel scared and isolated, but over time, I found comfort in the storm’s rhythm. I sat by the window, watching flashes of lightning illuminate the dark sky, and slowly, the fear gave way to a sense of awe. That experience taught me that even in moments of solitude and uncertainty, nature can be both intimidating and strangely beautiful.