WISDOM PAVES THE WAY

Let us do these activities before we read.

I. Why do we seek advice of the elderly in our family? Share your thoughts with your classmates and teacher.

II. Knowledge is about learning facts and information, while wisdom is about using that knowledge with good judgement.

Work in pairs. Read the following situations and classify each one as either 'knowledge' or 'wisdom'. One example has been done for you.

1. Riya's understanding of plant care helped her grow a healthy vegetable garden in her backyard.

2. Mr. Kumar values time with family over chasing wealth.

3. Karuna's expertise in computer programming helped her develop a successful app.

4. Rohan understood the value of time management and created a timetable to complete his assignments systematically.

5. Ramesh chose to forgive his friend for a misunderstanding.

6. Ms. Vaijayanthi delivered a lecture on Indian Classical music at the cultural festival.

III. Observe the picture carefully. What do you think might have happened? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

[Image Description: An illustration showing a cracked and damaged rural house with villagers standing outside. A man in a blue turban talks to women in sarees, while a monkey sits on the thatched roof and a cat rests on a tree branch nearby.]

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Let us read

Vocabulary:

• adorned: beautified

• tapestries: heavy decorative fabrics woven with pictures or patterns

• resolute: determined

• bustling: busy

Characters

• THE KING OF UJJAIN: a young King

• FOUR YOUNG MEN: Ram Datt, Shiv Datt, Har Datt, and Dev Datt

• THE MERCHANT

• TWO SENTRIES

SETTING: A road leading to Ujjain, visible in the distance. Later, the King's court, adorned with rich tapestries, tall pillars, and regal decor. The time is midday.

Scene I: The Road to Ujjain

(Four young men—Ram Datt, Shiv Datt, Har Datt, and Dev Datt—are walking along a dusty road leading to Ujjain. They appear travel-worn but resolute, their eyes fixed on the city that looms ahead. The sun is high, and the distant noise of the bustling city faintly reaches them.)

[Image Description: Four young men dressed in traditional Indian attire walking along a rural dirt road towards a grand city with spires and temples visible in the distance.]

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RAM DATT: (Wiping his brow) We have journeyed far from home, yet the prospect of finding work still eludes us.

HAR DATT: How long has it been since we left our village?

SHIV DATT: I believe it has been over a week—perhaps even longer.

RAM DATT: Ten days, to be precise. Every day feels longer than the last.

DEV DATT: Ten days are but a short span in the grand scheme of things. We may still have many more roads to wander before we find employment befitting all four of us.

RAM DATT: If only we could secure an audience with the King of Ujjain. I am confident he would recognise our talents and appoint us to his service.

SHIV DATT: I share your belief.

DEV DATT: Indeed, we ought to be united in this hope. That is why we press on towards Ujjain.

HAR DATT: (Pausing thoughtfully) Gaining an audience with the King is no simple task. We need to devise a strategy.

DEV DATT: Let us reach the city gates first. We can deliberate once we are closer.

(As they walk, Ram Datt notices something on the ground.)

Vocabulary:

• eludes: difficult to obtain

• befitting: suitable

• devise: (here) to think of

• deliberate: to think carefully

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SHIV DATT: Look there, friends. A camel has passed this way. The tracks are fresh.

RAM DATT: (Studying the tracks) Yes, let us observe them as we continue. They may tell us more than meets the eye.

(The four men continue walking, occasionally stopping to examine the camel's tracks. They scrutinise every detail, exchanging glances but saying little.)

RAM DATT: I have discovered something peculiar about this camel.

SHIV DATT: So have I.

HAR DATT: I, too, have noticed a strange detail.

DEV DATT: (Smiling) It seems each of us has learnt something unique, yet I believe my discovery is unlike any of yours.

HAR DATT: Let us rest beneath a large tree and share our findings. But wait—someone approaches in haste!

SHIV DATT: (Peering ahead) It appears to be a merchant, running as if pursued by trouble.

RAM DATT: A merchant indeed, and judging by his countenance, he has lost something of great value—perhaps his camel.

(The Merchant, panting and distressed, reaches the group. He pauses to catch his breath, then addresses them anxiously.)

Vocabulary:

• scrutinise: to look carefully at

• in haste: in a hurry

• pursued: (here) chased

• countenance: facial expression

• distressed: worried

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[Image Description: The four young men walking together with a distressed merchant wearing a blue vest and turban approaching an arched gateway.]

MERCHANT: (Breathlessly) Good day, kind sirs.

ALL FOUR: Good day, brother.

MERCHANT: I seek your help. My camel has gone astray. Have you, by chance, seen it?

RAM DATT: Is your camel lame in one leg, by any chance?

MERCHANT: (Surprised) Yes, yes, it is!

SHIV DATT: Is it blind in the right eye?

MERCHANT: Precisely! It is blind in one eye—the right one, as you say.

HAR DATT: And does it have a short tail?

MERCHANT: (Astonished) You describe it perfectly! Yes, it has a short tail.

DEV DATT: Tell me, sir, has it not been suffering from a pain in the stomach?

MERCHANT: (Taken aback) How could you possibly know that? The poor creature has been unwell for two weeks now. Surely you are a healer! I will gladly pay your fee if you can cure it. But tell me, where is my camel?

RAM DATT: We regret to inform you that we do not know where it is.

Vocabulary:

• astray: away from the correct path

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SHIV DATT: We have not seen your camel, not even once.

MERCHANT: (Indignant) How can that be? You speak of my camel as if it stood before you, yet you dare to claim not to have seen it! You are deceivers! You must have stolen it and sold it off. I will take this matter to the King himself.

DEV DATT: You are free to do as you wish, sir. If the King desires our presence, we shall be waiting under that banyan tree yonder.

MERCHANT: I do not trust your words. I will not leave you here to slip away. You shall come with me to face the King!

ALL FOUR: Very well. We shall go to the King. (They follow the Merchant towards the city gates. As they arrive at the palace, the Merchant speaks urgently to a Sentry. The Sentry leads the Merchant inside.)

Vocabulary:

• indignant: angry

• deceiver: cheater

• yonder: over there

• sentry: guard

Let us discuss

I. Complete the following sentences with suitable reasons. One example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

1. Shiv Datt said, "I believe it has been over a week, perhaps even longer," because it had been a long time since they left the village.

2. Dev Datt said, "Indeed, we ought to be united in this hope. That is why we press on towards Ujjain," because

3. Har Datt said, "Look there, friends. A camel has passed this way. The tracks are fresh," because

4. Shiv Datt said, "It appears to be a merchant, running as if pursued by trouble," because

5. The merchant said, "How could you possibly know that? The poor creature has been unwell for two weeks now. Surely you are a healer!" because

6. Dev Datt said, "You are free to do as you wish, sir. If the King desires our presence, we shall be waiting under that banyan tree yonder," because

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Scene II: The King's Court

(The King of Ujjain sits upon his throne, surrounded by courtiers. The grand hall is adorned with rich draperies, tall columns, and a golden canopy. The King, regal in his bearing, watches intently as the Merchant and the Sentry bow before him.)

KING: (Commanding) What is the matter that brings you to my court?

SENTRY: Your Highness, this merchant has come with a grievance against four travellers. He accuses them of stealing his camel.

KING: Bring forth the accused. (The Sentry bows and exits, returning shortly with the four young men. They bow respectfully before the King, maintaining calm despite the accusations against them.)

[Image Description: The King seated on a golden throne in a royal court, listening as the merchant gestures and accuses the four young men standing before him, with royal guards nearby.]

KING: (To the Merchant) Speak your accusation clearly. I shall not tolerate any confusion in my court.

MERCHANT: Your Majesty, these men know every detail of my missing camel, yet they insist they have never seen it. They are undoubtedly the thieves. How else could they know so much about it?

KING: (Turning to Ram Datt) You, speak. What do you know of this camel?

Vocabulary:

• draperies: long thick curtains

• canopy: (here) a cover fixed over a seat for decoration

• grievance: complaint

• accusations: claims that someone has done something wrong

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RAM DATT: Your Highness, I discovered that the camel is lame in one of its legs.

KING: And how did you deduce this?

RAM DATT: From its tracks on the road, I observed that only three feet left distinct impressions. The fourth was faint, indicating a limp. The pattern of the tracks told the tale of a creature struggling to bear its weight evenly.

KING: (Nodding thoughtfully) Impressive observation. You have sharp eyes, indeed. (To Shiv Datt) And what of you? What did you discern about this camel?

SHIV DATT: I observed that the camel was blind in its right eye, Your Majesty.

KING: How did you arrive at this conclusion?

SHIV DATT: It had nibbled only on the foliage to the left of the road, leaving the right side untouched. The leaves on the right hung undisturbed, as if unseen. From this, I deduced it could not see with its right eye.

KING: (Smiling) Well-reasoned indeed. Such detail is not easily noticed by a casual traveller. (To Har Datt) And your finding?

HAR DATT: I discovered that the camel's tail is short, Your Highness.

KING: Explain how you came to such a conclusion.

Vocabulary:

• deduce: to determine by reasoning

• discern: to see or notice something

• foliage: green leaves and plants

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HAR DATT: I noticed small droplets of blood along the track, likely from mosquito bites. A camel with a long tail would have fended off these pests with ease. These small specks told me of an animal lacking such defence, hence the short tail.

KING: (Impressed) You reasoned with great insight, showing both observation and deduction. (Turning to Dev Datt) And you, what did you observe that set you apart from your companions?

DEV DATT: I noticed, Your Majesty, that the prints of the camel's forefeet were deep and clear, while those of the sound hind foot were faint. This indicated that the camel was drawing up its hind legs, likely due to discomfort. It moved cautiously, burdened by a pain in its belly, trying to spare itself further suffering with every step.

KING: (Marvelling) Extraordinary! You have not seen the camel, yet you know it intimately. Your reasoning is flawless and speaks of wisdom that goes beyond mere sight. (Turning to the Merchant) Your accusations are baseless and misguided. These are men of wisdom, not thieves. Go, and continue your search for your camel, and be mindful of whom you accuse in the future. (The Merchant, chastened and embarrassed, bows deeply and exits, his face red with shame.)

KING: (To the four men) You have demonstrated remarkable intelligence and the ability to see beyond the obvious. Such minds are rare and highly valued in my court. I extend to you the honour of becoming my advisers. Your counsel shall guide my decisions, and your wisdom shall be a beacon for my kingdom. What do you say to my offer?

RAM DATT: (Stepping forward) Your Highness, it is an honour we had not dared to dream of.

SHIV DATT: We are humbled and deeply grateful for your trust in our abilities.

Vocabulary:

• fended off: guarded against

• specks: tiny spots

• insight: a clear/deep understanding

• sound: healthy

• intimately: in a detailed way

• flawless: perfect

• chastened: felt sorry

• counsel: advice

• beacon: guiding light

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HAR DATT: To serve a wise and just ruler like yourself is a privilege we accept with all our hearts.

DEV DATT: We shall dedicate ourselves to your service, offering our insights and counsel in all matters you see fit.

KING: (Rising from his throne) Then let it be known across the kingdom that four new advisers stand by my side. May your wisdom shine upon Ujjain and guide us to prosperity.

(The court erupts in applause as the King steps down to greet his new advisers. The four men stand proud and humbled, their journey fulfilled in a manner they had never anticipated.)

CURTAIN

Let us discuss

I. Arrange the following events in order of their occurrence from Scene II of the play. One example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

1. The King makes the four young men his advisers, impressed by their skills. (8)

2. Ram Datt explains how he infers from the tracks that the camel is lame.

3. The King asks the merchant to clearly state his accusation.

4. The King praises the young men for their observations and dismisses the merchant's accusation.

5. Shiv Datt reveals that the camel is blind in its right eye as it had only chewed on the leaves on the left side of the road.

6. Dev Datt explains his observation about the camel's pain and careful movement.

7. Har Datt clarifies how he knew that the camel has a short tail.

8. The merchant accuses the four men of knowing a lot about his missing camel.

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Let us think and reflect

I. Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.

1. DEV DATT: Ten days are but a short span in the grand scheme of things. We may still have many more roads to wander before we find employment befitting all four of us.

RAM DATT: If only we could secure an audience with the King of Ujjain. I am confident he would recognise our talents and appoint us to his service.

SHIV DATT: I share your belief.

SHIV DATT: Indeed, we ought to be united in this hope. That is why we press on towards Ujjain.

HAR DATT: (Pausing thoughtfully) Gaining an audience with the King is no simple task. We need to devise a strategy.

(i) Identify the false statement from the two given below and rectify it. A. Dev Datt believes that finding employment is an easy task. B. Ram Datt is confident that the King would recognise their talents.

(ii) What does Ram Datt's confidence in gaining the King's recognition tell us about him?

(iii) Complete the sentence given below with the correct option from those given. In the line, 'That's why we press on towards Ujjain', the phrase 'press on' refers to A. walking with heavy steps B. moving forward with determination C. slowing down frequently for rest D. stopping briefly to save time

(iv) Har Datt says, "We need to devise a strategy." What can be inferred about Har Datt's character from his statement? A. He is doubtful of their abilities and wants to give up. B. He is eager to rush into the palace without preparation. C. He is cautious and thoughtful, preferring to plan ahead. D. He relies on others to make decisions for the group.

2. King: (To the four men) You have demonstrated remarkable intelligence and the ability to see beyond the obvious. Such minds are rare and highly valued in my court. I extend to you the honour of becoming my advisers. Your counsel shall guide my decisions, and your wisdom shall be a beacon for my kingdom. What do you say to my offer?

Ram Datt: (Stepping forward) Your Highness, it is an honour we had not dared to dream of.

(i) Select the option that is true for both Assertion (A) and Reason (R). (A): The Merchant left the court feeling humbled and ashamed. (R): The King commanded that the four wise men join his court. A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A). C. (A) is true, but (R) is false. D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.

(ii) Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct option. The line, 'See beyond the obvious' means that the men had the ability to A. challenge common beliefs with reasoning B. interpret information in traditional ways C. notice details that others might overlook D. predict what is going to happen in the future

(iii) Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason. Ram Datt described the King's offer as 'an honour we had not dared to dream of' because

(iv) How does the King's offer to the four men reflect his values as a ruler?

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II. Answer the following questions.

1. What does the dusty road leading to Ujjain tell us about the challenges of the young men's journey?

2. Why did the merchant become suspicious of the four men? What does this tell us about him?

3. How do the four young men's observations about the camel serve as a turning point in the play?

4. Why did the King believe the four young men and not the merchant?

5. How does the capability of the four young men make them suitable to become advisors?

6. Why does the merchant feel ashamed for accusing the four young men of stealing his camel? Explain in your own words.

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Let us learn

I. Complete the sentences by filling in the noun form of the textual words given in the brackets.

1. Some word games need a lot of thought and __________. (deduce)

2. We need to make close __________ of animals in order to understand their behaviour. (observe)

3. A detailed __________ of the documents shows a lot of errors. (scrutinise)

4. You should not make any false __________ against anyone. (accuse)

5. She was given an award in __________ of her contribution to literature. (recognise)

II. Match the expressions in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.

Now, make sentences using any five of the expressions from Column 1.

III. Match the different meanings of 'face' and 'bear' with the correct usage in the sentences given in the table below. (n. stands for the word noun and v. stands for the word verb.)

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IV. Match the highlighted words in the sentences in Column 1 with the functions they express in Column 2.

V. Complete the following story with modal verbs in the box given below by using the clues from the functions given within brackets.

may | might | must | could | should | need to | can

An old man, known for his wisdom, lived in a small village. One day, a young boy asked him, "How 1. ______ (ability) I become wise like you?" The old man smiled and said, "Wisdom 2. ______ (necessity) be earned through patience. You 3. ______ (suggestion) listen, more than you speak." The boy thought for a while and replied, "It 4. ______ (weak possibility) take years, but I'll try." The old man nodded. "You 5. ______ (obligation) learn from your mistakes too. Wisdom 6. ______ (possibility) come slowly, but it always arrives for those who seek it." The boy knew he 7. ______ (ability) become wise if he followed the old man's advice.

VI. Rewrite the following sentences using appropriate modal verbs. You may take clues from the highlighted words. One example has been done for you.

1. It is advisable for you to think before you speak. You should think before you speak.

2. It is unnecessary to worry about things beyond your control.

3. It is not possible for a person to gain experience without taking risks.

4. It is essential to treat others with kindness, even when they disagree with you.

5. It is not allowed to interrupt when someone else is speaking.

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Let us speak

I. The way in which a word is stressed in a sentence can change its meaning. Read the following examples.

Now, work in pairs. Take turns to say the following sentences aloud by stressing on the highlighted words. Share the meanings of the sentences with each other and teacher.

• I take my dog for a walk in the evening.

• I take my dog for a walk in the evening.

• I take my dog for a walk in the evening.

• I take my dog for a walk in the evening.

• I take my dog for a walk in the evening.

II. Statements and exclamatory sentences usually end with a falling tone. Listen to the teacher read these sentences aloud and repeat it with the correct intonation.

• Very well. We shall go to the king.

• Yes, yes, it is!

Now, practise by saying the following sentences with the correct intonation.

• Good day, kind sirs.

• We regret to inform you that we do not know where it is.

• You describe it perfectly!

• You shall come with me to face the King!

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Let us listen

I. You will listen to four people sharing their thoughts on why they enjoy witty characters in stories. As you listen, match the statements 1–6 given below to the speakers (i)–(iv). There are two statements you do not need. (Transcript for teacher on page 48)

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Let us write

I. You have observed that the kutcha road leading to your colony is in a very bad condition due to heavy rains. The potholes are dangerous for people and can lead to accidents. They also serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes as there is stagnant water all around.

Write a letter of complaint to the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation or the Sarpanch, Gram Panchayat to look into the matter and take necessary action.

Follow the format of a formal letter and draft the letter with the help of cues given below.

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Let us explore

I. Staging a play requires creativity, organisation and team work. Steps involved staging a play.

1. Choose a director, a stage manager, a light and sound incharge, a props manager, a costume designer, and a makeup artist.

2. Hold auditions and decide the roles.

3. Read the script and plan stage movements, and positions for each scene.

4. Make a schedule for rehearsal.

5. Work on the set design (backdrop) and make or collect the required props.

6. Design or gather appropriate costumes.

7. Plan makeup and hairstyles to suit the play's time period.

8. Check light and sound arrangements.

9. Hold a dress rehearsal including sound and light effects.

10. Promote the event through posters and pamphlets.

11. Organise the backstage with labelled props, costumes, and actors' entrances or exits.

12. Present the play to the audience.

Now, present the enactment of the play 'Wisdom Paves the Way' with the help of the steps you have just read. Ensure you use the correct intonation and sentence stress.

II. Stories related to wit and wisdom have always fascinated the readers. Go to the library and read the stories associated with the following.

[Image Description: Cover of a Panchatantra book showing a crowned lion, a small white rabbit near a well/rock, and a red bird perched on a branch above.]

• Vikramaditya and Betal

• Tenali Rama

• Gopal the Jester

• Panchatantra Tales

• Akbar Birbal

• Jadumani Gapa Nataka

“The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but that makes our life in harmony with all existence”.

RABINDRANATH TAGORE

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TRANSCRIPTS

THE WIT THAT WON HEARTS

Let us listen (refer to page 12)

I. You will listen to a woman narrating a story. As you listen, fill in the blanks for the following sentences given below by selecting the correct options.

Hello everybody! Today I’ll be narrating a story about a quick-witted courtier in the kingdom of Vijayanagara.

A renowned scholar, proud of his abilities, once visited the kingdom of Vijayanagara. You see, he wanted to challenge the scholars in the court of King Krishnadeva Raya. The court scholars did not want to accept the challenge as they were worried of being defeated by the visitor. Besides this, they were also afraid that the king would be angry if they refused to face the scholar.

They knew that only the quick-witted Tenali Rama would be able to manage the situation. So, naturally, they asked him for a solution. As expected, Rama told them that he would accept the challenge.

The next day, Rama arrived at the palace. Rama and the challenger sat facing each other. There was a bundle wrapped in silk kept near Rama. He placed his hand on the bundle and said to the visitor, “Let us start by discussing the merits of tila-kashta-mahisha-bandhana”. The visitor was taken aback. He had read thousands of works. But he had never heard of this work. He had no idea what to say. The scholar had to accept his defeat. Ashamed, he quietly left the palace.

Now, the king was curious to know about the great work Rama had mentioned. Rama smiled and removed the silk cloth. There was a huge bundle of sticks tied with a thick rope! The king was puzzled and asked for an explanation.

Rama told him, “O king! til is sesame; kashta is stick, tilakashta means sticks of sesame plants”. Then, displaying the rope Rama said, “This is the rope used to tie a buffalo—mahisha means buffalo, bandhana means the rope used for tying—so, this is tila-kashta-mahisha-bandhana.”

The king burst out laughing. The poor visitor had become scared hearing such a difficult name. In this way, Rama had taught the arrogant scholar a lesson.

II. You will once again listen to the woman narrating the story. As you listen, number the events of the story in the correct order of occurrence.

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A CONCRETE EXAMPLE

Let us listen (refer to page 23)

I. You will listen to a presentation about the wonderful Rock Garden of Chandigarh. As you listen, answer the questions in one to three exact words.

Hello everyone! The Rock Garden is a spacious open-air exhibition. It is a proof of human creativity with waste materials. This garden was created by Nek Chand, in 1957. This is the reason the garden is also known as Nek Chand’s Rock Garden. The garden was featured on an Indian postage stamp in 1983 and Nek Chand was awarded the Padma Shri a year later.

The Rock Garden is spread across a massive 40-acre wonderland. Do you know why I say this? Well, it is because it has several colourful sculptures and mosaic of art pieces.

What is unique about the Rock Garden is that it is divided into three distinct phases. Each area reveals a unique collection of installations including terracotta pots, light fixtures, and even broken toilet pots, that have been transformed into extraordinary masterpieces.

You will be surprised to know that the borders of the Rock Garden are lined with around 5,000 statues. The Rock Garden is truly a place that celebrates the best from waste. I sincerely recommend that you visit this extraordinary national treasure.

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WISDOM PAVES THE WAY

Let us listen (refer to page 42)

I. You will listen to four people sharing their thoughts on why they enjoy witty characters in stories. As you listen, match statements 1–6 given below to the speakers (i)–(iv). There are two statements you do not need.

Speaker (i): I love witty characters because they make serious situations funny! Even when things seem tense, they always have a clever response. Such characters never panic, think fast, and solve problems in the smartest way. I wish I could think that quickly!

Speaker (ii): Witty characters are the best because they make stories exciting. I especially like how they turn ordinary moments into something memorable. It makes me feel like intelligence and humour are just as powerful as strength.

Speaker (iii): I enjoy witty characters because they always have an answer for everything! They use humour instead of fighting, and that’s really wonderful. Even in folktales, they prove that smart thinking can win over force. It makes me laugh but also teaches me to stay calm in tricky situations.

Speaker (iv): Witty characters add charm to a story. Their intelligence keeps the reader engaged, and their humour makes learning fun. Whether it’s a folktale or a modern one, a clever character always stands out. I often feel that wit and wisdom go hand-in-hand!