Let's Save Our Trees!
Passage Summary:
This passage discusses the importance of trees and how human actions, even with good intentions, can harm nature. It highlights the story of the tallest pine tree in Asia, located in Keroli Tappar, Uttarkashi, which was once admired by tourists but ultimately destroyed due to neglect and misuse. The message emphasizes environmental conservation and responsible behavior.
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Answering the Questions:
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1. Why are trees cut down?
Trees are cut down for several reasons:
- To use their wood for building furniture or burning fires.
- For medicinal purposes and making paper.
- To make space for buildings, malls, schools, or farming land.
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✔ Answer: Trees are cut down for their wood (used in furniture, fire, medicine, and paper), and to clear land for buildings, schools, malls, or agriculture.
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2. Why did the tourists visit this tree and what did they do?
Tourists visited the tree because it was the tallest pine tree in Asia and very beautiful. They were fascinated by its height and grandeur. However, instead of respecting it, they carved their names on the trunk using nails and knives.
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✔ Answer: Tourists visited the tree because it was the tallest pine tree in Asia and very impressive. They wrote their names on its trunk with nails and knives.
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3. What happened to the tree? Why did the tourists stop visiting it?
The tree became infected with bacteria due to the damage caused by tourists carving their names. Over time, it grew sick and its trunk became hollow. Scientists treated it, and it began to recover. But then a storm broke it into two pieces because it had become too weak. After that, its wood was cut into logs and used for various purposes. Since the tree was no longer standing tall and healthy, tourists stopped visiting it.
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✔ Answer: The tree got infected with bacteria, became sick, and its trunk turned hollow. A storm broke it into two parts, and it was eventually cut into logs. Tourists stopped visiting because it was no longer standing and beautiful.
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4. Have you learnt from this passage?
This is an open-ended question asking for personal reflection. Here’s a sample answer suitable for a Grade 5 student:
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✔ Answer: Yes, I have learned that we must take care of nature and not harm trees, even if we think we're just leaving a mark. We should respect natural wonders and protect them so future generations can enjoy them too. It is our duty to conserve the environment and use resources wisely.
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Key Takeaways from the Passage:
- Trees are vital for our environment and must be protected.
- Human activities like deforestation and vandalism can destroy nature.
- Conservation is everyone’s responsibility — especially the youth.
- We must learn to live in harmony with nature.
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✔ Final Note: This worksheet teaches students about environmental awareness through a real-life example. It encourages empathy, responsibility, and sustainable thinking.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of reading comprehension worksheets 5th graders.
