Chapter: 12. The Elves And The Shoemaker
Comprehension Answers
A. Match each sentence with the one that follows it in the story.
d. We will work something out. My goodness, how is this happening? a. Whoever is doing it, has a heart of gold. The workshop will be closed tomorrow, so I can stay up all night. b. I would keep some milk and cookies on the table. e. Let us make new clothes and shoes for them. Oh, the couple is so kind! c. Yes, it was right to help them. B. Answer these questions.
What did the shoemaker and his wife do? The shoemaker and his wife worked hard as shoemakers. When they received magical help, they eventually became rich. Out of gratitude, they decided to make new clothes and shoes for the elves who had been helping them. Why did the wife ask the shoemaker not to worry? The wife asked the shoemaker not to worry because she believed they would “work something out” despite their financial difficulties and having only enough leather for one last pair of shoes. Why did the shoemaker stand in wonder in front of the counter? The shoemaker stood in wonder because, after cutting the leather and going to bed, he woke up to find a perfectly made, faultless pair of shoes on his counter, which he had not made himself. What did the shoemaker do with the price that the boys gave him? With the money the boys paid him (which was twice the usual price), the shoemaker bought twice the amount of leather, enough to make two pairs of shoes. What went on for a long time? For a long time, the shoemaker would cut leather in the evening, and by the next morning, perfectly made shoes would be waiting on his workbench, allowing him and his wife to become incredibly rich. What did the two elves do? The two elves came at midnight and worked incredibly fast to make perfect shoes from the leather the shoemaker had prepared. They measured, sewed, and stitched without stopping until the shoes were finished, then disappeared before daybreak. What did the shoemaker and his wife make for the kind elves? The shoemaker and his wife made new clothes and shoes for the kind elves. Critical Thinking Questions:
The shoemaker’s wife asked her husband to not worry even when they were left with enough leather to make only one pair of shoes. Do you think we should remain positive even in difficult situations? Give reasons. Yes, it is generally good to remain positive even in difficult situations. Remaining positive can help you think more clearly, reduce stress, and find solutions. It can also encourage others around you. The shoemaker’s story shows that sometimes, good things can happen when you maintain hope and a positive outlook, even when facing challenges. Is it good to ask for help from others? What are the times when we should and should not ask for help? Yes, it is good to ask for help from others when you genuinely need it and have tried your best. When we should ask for help: When we are stuck on a problem, feel overwhelmed, need advice, or are facing a dangerous situation. When we should not ask for help (or try to solve it ourselves first): When we haven’t tried to solve the problem independently, when it’s something we need to learn to do on our own, or when asking for help would be unfair to others. You have learnt about morals in stories. Is there a moral in this story? Write a small note on the moral or lesson learnt in this story. Yes, there is a clear moral in “The Elves and the Shoemaker.” The lesson is that kindness, hard work, and generosity are often rewarded. The shoemaker’s honesty and effort were met with magical help. In return, his and his wife’s gratitude and kindness towards the elves led to their continued prosperity and happy lives. It teaches us to be appreciative and to give back to those who help us. 
Answers to textbook exercises