Class 9 : Drama - Unit 3 – The old man river – Dorathy Deming

 

Unit 3 – The old man river – Dorathy Deming

Warm Up

Look at these pictures of cyclone, floods,  earthquake and tsunami.

Topic: Floods

🌀 Causes:

·         Heavy rainfall over a short period of time

·         Overflowing rivers and poor drainage systems

·         Cyclones or cloudbursts

·         Melting of snow or dam breakage

💥 Damages:

·         Water enters homes and buildings, damaging property

·         People are forced to leave their homes

·         Spread of diseases due to dirty water

·         Disruption of transport, electricity, and communication

·         Loss of crops and animals

🛡️ Precautions:

·         Build homes on higher ground

·         Keep emergency kits ready

·         Listen to weather reports and warnings

·         Store clean drinking water and food

·         Avoid wading in floodwaters

 

B. Fill the word web with words related to natural disasters. One example is done  for you.

 

 

                        NATURAL DISASTERS

                               |

    -----------------------------------------------------

    |            |             |            |            |

 Cyclone     Earthquake     Flood        Tsunami     Landslide

    |             |             |            |            |

 Storm        Tremor        Water        Wave        Hills

 Wind         Richter       Rescue       Ocean       Mud

 Rain         Collapse      Drowning     Warning     Rocks

 Shelter      Damage        Relief       Disaster    Roads

C. Imagine a situation where your house is surrounded by water and answer the following.

i. What health hazards are caused when water stagnates around your place?

·         Stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can cause diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya.

·         It can also lead to waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea.

·         The dirty water may carry bacteria, viruses, and fungi, causing skin infections and allergies.

·         Contaminated water can enter drinking supplies, leading to serious health risks.

 

ii. When there is a power shutdown for long hours during floods, what will you do?

·         Use emergency lights, candles, or battery-powered torches.

·         Keep mobile phones and power banks charged in advance.

·         Avoid using electrical appliances until the power is safely restored.

·         Stay informed using a battery-operated radio for updates.

·         Store food items that don’t require refrigeration.

 

iii. What precautions would you take if there is an announcement about flooding in your area?

·         Move valuables and important documents to a higher place.

·         Store clean drinking water, dry food, and essential medicines.

·         Keep an emergency kit ready with torch, batteries, radio, and first aid.

·         Follow evacuation orders immediately if instructed.

·         Avoid going near open drains or walking in floodwater to prevent infections or accidents.

·         Stay connected with local authorities for safety instructions.

 

D. List out the human activities which have an impact on nature. Complete the tabular column. One is done for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Human Activities	Impact on Nature
1. Dumping of toxic waste into oceans	Affects marine life
2. Using of aerosol and air conditioner	Depletes the ozone layer
3. Encroaching in forest area	Leads to deforestation and loss of wildlife
4. Disposal of non-biodegradable wastes	Causes land pollution and harms ecosystems
5. Emission of smoke from industries and vehicles	Leads to air pollution and global warming

 

 

Scene 1:

1.       What were the girls doing in the living room?
Amy and Rose were knitting, while Betty was looking at pictures in a magazine.

2.       Why was mother not able to come home?
Mother was unable to come home because the bridges between the town and their home were under water due to flooding.

3.       How did Jim want the girls to ‘get organised’?
Jim told the girls to gather flashlights, candles, lamps, food, water, blankets, coats, and the first-aid kit to prepare for the emergency.

4.       Which two important things did Jim want the girls to do to avoid getting scared?
Jim advised them to:

o    Stay calm and not show fear in front of the younger ones.

o    Get organized and gather essentials to stay safe and be prepared.

5.       Where did Jim want the girls to climb up? How was it going to help them?
Jim suggested they climb up to the attic and roof. This would help them stay above the flood water and signal for rescue.

6.       Who went to get Sara? Where was she?
Jim went to get Sara. She was on the porch of the playhouse, which was almost floating due to the rising water.

 

Scene 2:

1.       What were the important objects that the girls and Jim try to move to the attic? Why?
They tried to move food, water, blankets, and clothing to the attic to stay safe and survive if the house flooded.

2.       Who came to rescue the children?
Mr. Peters from the Red Cross Disaster Committee and Miss Marsh, a Red Cross nurse, came in a boat to rescue them.

3.       What happened to Sara?
Sara fell off the step ladder while trying to go to the attic and broke her right leg just below the knee.

4.       Who is Miss Marsh? How does she help Sara?
Miss Marsh is a Red Cross nurse. She carefully examines Sara, splints her broken leg using pillows and an umbrella, and arranges for her to be taken to the Red Cross emergency hospital.

5.       (Likely continues as:) Who stayed behind after the rescue and why?
Jim and Amy stayed behind because there wasn’t enough room in the boat. They agreed to wait for the next rescue trip and stayed safe on the roof with supplies.

 

A. Choose the correct answer and fill in the blanks.

1.       The radio announced that
b. the Burnet Dam had given way.

2.       Mother couldn’t get home from Mrs. Brant’s because
b. the bridges between home and the town were under water.

3.       The Burnett Dam gave away as
c. it rained heavily and the snow was melting.

4.       There was no power because
a. the power house was out of commission.

5.       Why did they splint up Sara’s leg with pillows?
b. She had broken her leg below the knee.

 

B. Answer the following in two or three sentences each.

1.       Why did Jim run from school?
Jim ran from school to reach home quickly and help his family during the flood emergency. He wanted to ensure everyone was safe.

2.       Where was Amy’s mother?
Amy’s mother was at Mrs. Brant’s house and couldn’t return because the bridges between the town and their home were flooded.

3.       Why did Amy ask Betty to fill in the water tubs?
Amy asked Betty to fill the water tubs because the power might go out, affecting their water supply. She wanted to be prepared for any emergency.

4.       According to Jim, what are the two things that a person should remember in times of emergency?
Jim said that one should stay calm and use their head in times of emergency. Keeping cool and thinking clearly are important.

5.       Why is Jim climbing on the roof?
Jim is climbing on the roof to signal for help and get the children to safety, as the floodwaters are rising quickly.

6.       Who were there in the living room? What were they doing?
Amy, Betty, Rose, Sara, and Dick were in the living room. They were preparing for the emergency—gathering supplies, tending to Sara’s injury, and staying together.

7.       Why were they going to sleep in the attic?
They were going to sleep in the attic because the water level was rising, and it was the safest place in the house.

8.       Who came in the boat?
Dad came in the boat to rescue the children and take them to a safer place.

9.       Who is the founder of the Junior Red Cross?
The Junior Red Cross is an extension of the Red Cross; the founder of the parent organization, the Red Cross, is Henry Dunant.

C. Match the following by drawing a line across column A and B.

Column A	Column B
1. Amy	8. tubs and pails
2. Betty	2. dentist
3. Rose	3. flash light
4. Sara	7. fractured leg
5. Jim	5. blankets
6. Penny Marsh	9. Junior Red Cross
7. Mr. Peters	1. to Chicago on business
8. Mother	6. Mrs. Brant’s
9. Dick	10. rescues the children
10. Dad	4. nurse

D. Based on your understanding of the text, answer the following in about three to four sentences each.

1. Describe the ‘home alone’ experience of the children.
The children were left home alone during a sudden flood emergency while their parents were away. They stayed calm and worked together to prepare for the worst, filling water tubs, gathering blankets, and keeping each other safe. Despite fear and confusion, they managed responsibilities like helping Sara, who was injured, and responding to the loss of power. Their teamwork and courage during the crisis showed great maturity and presence of mind.

2. Elaborate the rescue operation undertaken by Mr. Peter.
Mr. Peter, the father of the children, risked his life to come home through the floodwaters in a boat. He skillfully navigated the dangerous waters and reached the attic where the children had taken shelter. His timely arrival was crucial as the water levels were rising rapidly. He helped everyone into the boat and ensured their safety by transporting them to a secure location.

3. How did Jim prove himself as a good rescuer in the flood situation?
Jim displayed bravery and leadership throughout the flood crisis. He rushed home from school when he heard about the dam break, immediately taking charge of the situation. He instructed his siblings on emergency measures, helped care for Sara’s injured leg, and even climbed onto the roof to signal for help. His actions reflected calm thinking and responsibility under pressure.

 

4. Briefly narrate the happenings of the play in Scene II.
Scene II of the play captures the tension and challenges faced by the children during the flood. The power is out, water is rising, and the children are forced to move to the attic. They stay calm and support each other, especially Sara who is hurt. Despite being scared, they manage the situation bravely, waiting for help to arrive.

 

a. How did Amy manage the situation at home?
Amy acted maturely by staying composed and organizing things for the emergency. She directed her siblings to fill tubs with water, gather blankets, and prepare for evacuation. She also made sure that Sara’s injury was taken care of and that everyone stayed together. Her leadership helped maintain order during a stressful time.

 

b. How did the Marshall save the children?
The Marshall (Mr. Peter) arrived with a boat just in time to save the children. He rescued them from the attic, where they had taken shelter from the rising floodwaters. With courage and quick action, he ensured each child got into the boat safely and navigated them away from the flooded area. His actions brought relief and safety to the frightened children.

 

"Two-Minute Talk: Surviving the Earthquake"

Good morning everyone,

I stand before you today as a survivor of the earthquake that shook our city to its core. That day changed my life forever. I still remember the sound—the ground rumbling, buildings shaking, and people screaming. In just a few seconds, everything turned into chaos. Our house collapsed partially, and we were trapped under rubble. It was dark, dusty, and terrifying. I could hear people crying for help, and I wasn’t sure if we would make it out alive.

The trauma didn’t end when the shaking stopped. Nights were filled with fear of aftershocks. We lost our home, and many people lost their loved ones. But in that darkness, something beautiful happened—help arrived. Volunteers, rescue teams, and kind strangers worked day and night to pull us out. My family stayed strong together, and we supported each other emotionally. The community came together like never before, and that unity gave me strength.

What truly helped me sail through this was hope, and the realization that I wasn’t alone. Talking to others who were going through the same pain, and helping each other rebuild—brick by brick, smile by smile—made all the difference.

Today, I value life more than ever. The earthquake shook our city, but it couldn’t shake our spirit. Thank you.

 

 

E. Synonyms and Antonyms Table

 

Word	Parts of Speech	Synonym	Antonym
Hard	Adjective	Difficult	Easy
Flood	Noun	Deluge	Drought
Interrupt	Verb	Disturb	Continue
Scared	Adjective	Afraid	Brave
Irritation	Noun	Annoyance	Calmness
Organize	Verb	Arrange	Disorganize
Serious	Adjective	Grave	Funny
Snappy	Adjective	Irritable	Calm
Emergency	Noun	Crisis	Calm/Security
Rescue	Verb	Save	Abandon

 

 

F. Listening – Fill in the blanks

The 2015 South Indian floods resulted from heavy rainfall generated by the annual north east monsoon in November-December 2015. They affected the Coromandel Coast region of the South Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, with Tamil Nadu and the city of Chennai particularly hard-hit. More than 500 people were killed and over 18 lakh people were displaced. With estimates of damages and losses ranging from nearly 200 billion rupees to over 1 trillion rupees, the floods were the costliest to have occurred in 2015, and were among the costliest natural disasters of the year. The flooding has been attributed to the 2014-16 El-Nino event.

 Writing

G. As a local government official working in the flood affected area you are talking to an old lady who has lost her belongings. Write a dialogue between you and the old woman. Complete the conversation.

You: Good morning, Madam.
Old lady: Good morning.
You: I am from the Fire and Rescue department. How can I help you?
Old lady: I have lost everything in the flood—my house, clothes, and even my medicines.
You: I’m really sorry to hear that, Madam. We are here to support you. Have you received any relief supplies yet?
Old lady: No, not yet. I’ve been staying at the school shelter nearby and waiting for help.
You: Thank you for informing us. We will arrange food, clothes, and a medical kit for you immediately.
Old lady: That’s very kind of you. But I also need some help in finding my missing grandson.
You: Can you please tell me his name and age? We will notify the search teams and do our best to locate him.
Old lady: His name is Ravi, and he is 10 years old. He was with me when the water started rising.
You: Don’t worry, Madam. We’ll circulate his photo and details. Please stay at the shelter for now where it’s safe.
Old lady: Thank you so much, son. May God bless you.
You: You're welcome, Madam. We are here to help. You will not be alone in this. 

H. Letter to a Friend about Experiences During the Recent ‘Gaja’ Cyclone

Dear [Friend's Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to share my experiences with you during the recent ‘Gaja’ cyclone. It was an incredibly intense and frightening experience. The winds were so strong, they could be heard howling from miles away. The rains started heavily, and within hours, the streets were flooded, with trees being uprooted and debris flying everywhere. It was hard to even step outside without being knocked off balance by the wind.

The situation became worse as the cyclone intensified, and many homes in our area were damaged. Some rooftops were blown away, and electrical lines were down, causing widespread power outages. People were rushing to shelters to stay safe, and volunteers were working tirelessly to provide aid and comfort.

Though it was a terrifying time, there was also a sense of community. People helped each other, sharing food and water. Thankfully, our house withstood the cyclone, though there was some water leakage. But I know many others weren’t as fortunate. We are still recovering, and many people are rebuilding their lives.

I hope this kind of disaster doesn’t occur again soon. It’s an experience I’ll never forget. How have you been? I’d love to hear from you soon.

Take care and stay safe!

Warm regards,
[Your Name] 

I. Poster on Natural Disaster (Cyclone)

Title: The Devastating Impact of Cyclones
A cyclone is a powerful storm that causes widespread damage.

Key Facts:

High-speed winds can reach speeds of over 200 km/h.

Heavy rains lead to flooding and landslides.

Coastal areas are the most vulnerable to the impact of cyclones.

Devastation Caused by Cyclones:

·         Destruction of homes and buildings

·         Loss of crops and livestock

·         Power outages and communication breakdown

·         Loss of life and injuries

Safety Tips:

·         Seek shelter in sturdy buildings away from windows.

·         Avoid traveling in stormy conditions.

·         Have an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, and a flashlight.

 

J. Volunteer Message to Flood Victims

Dear Residents,

As a volunteer in this locality, I urge you to move to a safer place immediately. The floods are continuing to rise, and staying here can be dangerous. Please gather only the most essential items:

·         Food and water

·         Medicines and first-aid kits

·         Important documents

Do not try to carry heavy belongings; only take what is necessary to ensure your survival. Head towards the designated shelter points, where we are providing food, water, and medical assistance. Your safety is the top priority, and it’s important that we all stay calm and act quickly.

Please, stay safe, and let’s help each other in this difficult time.

Thank you for your cooperation,
[Your Name]
Volunteer

 

K. Character Qualities during the Floods

 

1	Anxiety	Amy
2	Serious	Jim
3	Fun	Sara
4	Sober	Mr. Peters
5	Excitement	Betty
6	Scared	Amy
7	Frightened	Rose
8	Shudder	Amy
9	Hopeful	Jim
10	Horror	Rose
11	Enjoyment	Sara
12	Terrified	Amy
13	Levelheaded	Jim
14	Scornful	Betty
15	Hysterical	Rose

 

 

 Is mountaineering a dangerous sport? Why? (para 1)

 Yes, mountaineering is a dangerous sport because it involves risks such as difficult breathing at high altitudes, extreme cold, snowstorms, blizzards, and the potential for frostbite.

  What is frostbite? (para 2)

Frostbite is a condition where the skin, feet, toes, fingers, and tissues freeze due to extreme cold, causing numbness and damage.

  What are the qualities of a good climber? (para 3)

 A good climber should have proper training, skill, knowledge, courage, perseverance, good physical condition, and the power of endurance.

  What do climbers carry with them? (para 4)

Climbers carry first-aid supplies, food, extra clothing, maps, compasses, and ropes for safety during their climb.

  Where is the Mountaineering Institute situated in India? (para 5)

 The Mountaineering Institute is situated in Darjeeling, India.

  What qualities of humankind are brought out by this adventurous sport? (para 6)

 Mountaineering brings out qualities like courage, heroism, and perseverance in humankind.

  Why do mountaineers deserve praise? (para 6)

 Mountaineers deserve praise for their courage and heroism in facing the severe risks involved in scaling mountains.

  What kind of visitors does Mt. Everest get? (para 6)

 Mt. Everest gets both foreign climbers and Indian mountaineers, with expeditions organized by both international and national teams.

A. Identify the dependent clauses or phrases in the following sentences and underline them.

1.       Texting on his phone, the man swerved into a ditch.
(Phrase: "Texting on his phone")

2.       It isn’t necessary to cram all night if you have studied a little each day.
(Clause: "if you have studied a little each day")

3.       We climbed up the hill to enjoy the view.
(Phrase: "to enjoy the view")

4.       I enjoy painting during my holidays.
(Phrase: "during my holidays")

5.       Whether he attends the party or not, I have decided to go.
(Clause: "Whether he attends the party or not")

6.       I will stop playing the drums when you go to sleep.
(Clause: "when you go to sleep")

 

B. Complete the following sentences using appropriate prepositional phrases.

1.       I would like to order coffee instead of tea.
a) instead of

2.       In spite of the rains, we went out.
a) In spite of

3.       In case of fire, break the glass to escape.
a) In case of

4.       I am standing here on behalf of my friends.
b) on behalf of

5.       We solved the problem by means of a new device developed by our engineers.
a) by means of

6.       In general, we are impressed with their performance.
a) In general

 

C. Look at the action words in bold. Identify whether they are either finite or non-finite verb.

1.       They want to try a new approach.

o    want (finite verb)

o    to try (non-finite verb)

2.       Trying is easy.

o    Trying (non-finite verb)

3.       Having tried everything, he gave up.

o    Having tried (non-finite verb)

o    gave (finite verb)

4.       All I can do is try.

o    can do (finite verb)

o    try (non-finite verb)

5.       If she tried, she would succeed.

o    tried (finite verb)

o    would succeed (finite verb)

 

F. Now, work in pairs and help Dinesh and Divya complete the exercise given below.

1. Write the gerund/infinitive form of the verbs in the blanks.

1. The astronauts managed to complete their training in record time.
2. They learned how to survive in space without gravity.
3. The best astronaut almost quit trying to learn the complex information.
4. Their mission appeared to be in jeopardy.
5. Then Marina encouraged him by saying, "It’s no good quitting the project right at the end."
6. Being an astronaut will enable you to achieve great success in life.
7. If you give up studying now, our mission will be scrubbed.
8. Think of your fellow astronauts who wouldn’t hesitate to help you in time of trouble.
9. We astronauts must keep on preparing for our space launch.
10. Some say it’s no use traveling to distant planets, because it takes too long.
11. But we really want to visit other planets and find out if life exists on them.
12. Can you imagine walking up to a Martian and shaking hands and saying, “Hello, how are you?”
13. We really look forward to meeting alien creatures and finding out what they are really like.
14. Many scientists have warned us not to take this dangerous journey, but we are not discouraged.
15. Travelling to far away planets involves risking our lives for the thrill of discovery.
16. However, we won’t delay blasting off into space.
17. Would you like to accompany us on our journey if you could?
18. During our training, we have got used to being weightless and living under difficult conditions.
19. Scientists admit to being intensely curious about life on other planets.
20. I’m sure they would also enjoy travelling with our crew.
21. We told them to come with us on our trip, but some of them think it is a waste of time to search for life that doesn’t exist.
22. We have been taught how to endure hardships during our training and now we can’t afford to waste money.