“Change of Heart” is a story about Prabhat, a boy who always wants to win. He cannot accept defeat and plays only those games in which he believes he can win.
When a new student, Surya, joins his school, Prabhat gets an opportunity to play badminton against him. Surya is an excellent badminton player but does not take winning and losing too seriously.
Prabhat eventually cheats to win the match. However, instead of feeling happy, he becomes uncomfortable. By observing Surya, he learns an important lesson: sports are meant to be enjoyed, and winning is not the only purpose of playing a game.
The story therefore describes Prabhat's change of heart from being obsessed with winning to enjoying sports with a true sporting spirit.
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Let Us Do These Activities Before We Read
1. Which games or sports do you play?
Model Answer:
I play:
- Cricket
- Badminton
- Football
- Cycling
Students can write the sports they actually play.
2. Which games or sports do you play for fun?
Answer:
I play cricket, football and badminton for fun because they help me enjoy myself and spend time with my friends.
3. Which games or sports do you play for competition?
Answer:
I play cricket and badminton in competitions at school.
4. How do you feel when you win or lose?
Answer:
When I win: I feel happy and proud of my effort.
When I lose: I may feel disappointed for a short time, but I try to learn from my mistakes and improve.
Meanings of Important Words
The textbook asks students to identify the correct meanings of these terms.
1. Friendly matches
Answer: Matches played without competition.
2. Opponent
Answer: Someone who you compete with.
3. Tally of marks
Answer: The record of points in a game or match.
4. Sporting spirit
Answer: Being fair and respecting each player in a game.
Let Us Read – Change of Heart
Prabhat always wanted to win. He could not bear losing, even in simple games like marbles. If he thought he might lose, he avoided playing. He especially liked badminton because he was good at it.
A new student named Surya joined the school. Surya was an excellent badminton player. On the last Friday of the month, the school organised friendly matches. Prabhat and Surya were selected to play against each other, and Prabhat was given responsibility for keeping the score.
Surya remained relaxed and cheerful during the match. He played extremely well and kept scoring points. However, because Prabhat was keeping the score, he secretly changed the scoreboard when Surya was not looking. Thus, Prabhat cheated and declared himself the winner.
Surprisingly, Surya did not become angry. He simply said that he had enjoyed the game and suggested that they play again sometime.
Prabhat, however, could not sleep properly that night. He had won, but he did not feel happy.
The next day he saw Surya playing basketball. Surya was not very good at basketball, but he was still smiling and enjoying the game. Prabhat observed him for several days and slowly understood that enjoyment, effort and participation are more important than winning.
Prabhat's attitude changed. He began enjoying games, joking while playing badminton and even playing games in which he was not particularly good. Other students noticed the change and appreciated his sporting spirit.
Let Us Discuss – Page 106
1. Prabhat would accept losing to anyone easily. True or False?
Answer: False
Prabhat could not bear losing and avoided games when he thought he might lose.
2. What was special about the last Friday of each month?
Answer:
The last Friday of every month was special because the coach conducted friendly matches during the games period.
3. Who was responsible for maintaining the score for the match?
Answer:
Prabhat was responsible for maintaining the score.
4. Do you think Prabhat wished to play another match with Surya? Why?
Answer:
Yes, probably. Prabhat had realised that Surya enjoyed the game without worrying about winning or losing. After observing him, Prabhat understood the value of enjoying games and may have wanted to play with Surya again fairly.
Let Us Discuss – Page 107
1. How did Surya feel about playing?
Answer:
Surya felt happy and relaxed while playing. He enjoyed the game even when he was not good at it.
2. What was it about Surya that Prabhat observed?
Answer:
Prabhat observed that Surya enjoyed every game equally, whether he was good or bad at it. He did not worry about winning or losing.
Let Us Think and Reflect
I. Read the given lines and answer the questions
1. Prabhat would play a game only if ____________________.
Answer:
Prabhat would play a game only if he was sure that he could win.
(ii) Which game was Prabhat good at playing?
Answer:
Badminton
(iii) This behaviour of Prabhat tells us that he was:
a. good at the game
b. sure to win
c. afraid of losing
Answer: c. afraid of losing
2. Prabhat's Feelings After the Match
(i) How was Prabhat feeling that night?
Options:
- hurt
- unhappy
- afraid
- focused
Answer: Unhappy
Although Prabhat had won, he was unable to sleep and did not feel happy.
(ii) Why did Prabhat find Surya's behaviour surprising?
Answer:
Prabhat found Surya's behaviour surprising because Surya had lost the badminton match but did not feel bad about losing. Instead, he continued playing other games happily.
(iii) Surya's reaction to not winning was __________ Prabhat's.
Answer:
different from
Surya enjoyed playing regardless of the result, whereas Prabhat was deeply affected by winning and losing.
Page 109 – Answer the Following Questions
1. How did Prabhat's attitude towards winning and losing affect his enjoyment of games in the beginning?
Answer:
Prabhat's obsession with winning prevented him from truly enjoying games. He played only when he thought he could win and avoided games in which he might lose. Therefore, he missed the fun and excitement of simply playing.
2. Why do you think Prabhat cheated to win the badminton match?
Answer:
Prabhat cheated because he was afraid of losing and wanted to maintain his winning record. Since he was responsible for keeping the score, he took advantage of the opportunity to change the scoreboard.
3. How did Surya's attitude differ from Prabhat's?
Answer:
Surya enjoyed playing whether he won or lost. He remained relaxed, cheerful and friendly. Prabhat, on the other hand, cared mainly about winning and felt terrible when he lost.
4. Do you think Prabhat's approach to games was healthy? Why?
Answer:
No. Prabhat's approach was not healthy because he was too worried about winning. He avoided games he might lose and even cheated to win. A healthy approach is to enjoy the game, make an honest effort and learn from both victories and defeats.
5. Why is sporting spirit important?
Answer:
Sporting spirit is important because it teaches us to:
- play fairly,
- respect opponents,
- accept victory and defeat,
- cooperate with others,
- learn from mistakes,
- enjoy the game.
6. Explain how the title “Change of Heart” is suitable.
Answer:
The title is suitable because Prabhat undergoes a major change in his attitude. At first, he only cared about winning. After observing Surya, he learned to enjoy games without worrying about the result. He became more cheerful, fair and sporting. Thus, his heart and attitude towards games changed.
Let Us Learn
I. Make Words from Consecutive Letters
The textbook gives BADMINTON, PHENOMENON and BASKETBALL and asks students to create words using consecutive letters without changing their order.
1. BADMINTON
Examples given:
- BAD
- admin
- Mint
- IN
- TON
- ON
2. PHENOMENON
Possible words:
- PH
- HE
- EN
- NO
- ON
- PHEN
- NOM
- MEN
- ONE
3. BASKETBALL
Possible words:
- BAS
- ASK
- SKET
- SET
- BALL
- ALL
- BASKET
- BASKETBALL
Note: The activity allows students to create their own words, so several answers can be acceptable.
II. Circle the Verbs
Sentence 1
Everyone was discussing their game and how Prabhat had played so well.
Verbs:
- was discussing
- had played
Sentence 2
He had won the game but he did not feel as happy as he usually did.
Verbs:
- had won
- did not feel
- did
Sentence 3
What was more surprising was that Surya had not felt bad about losing.
Verbs:
- was
- was
- had not felt
- losing
The activity focuses on identifying verbs and then understanding which action happened first.
III. First Action and Second Action
The first/old action is expressed using the past perfect tense, while the later/new action is expressed using another past form.
Example
had played → was discussing
- First action: had played
- Second action: was discussing
IV. Fill in the Blanks with Past Perfect
1.
Prabhat had already finished his homework before going to the badminton match.
2.
Surya had played basketball for years before joining the school's badminton team.
3.
By the time Prabhat arrived, Surya had already won several matches.
4.
The new student, Surya, had never met Prabhat before coming to the school.
5.
Before the games period, Prabhat had practised badminton extensively.
These questions require the past-perfect form for an action that happened before another past action.
Let Us Listen
Announcement – Chess Match
The textbook provides three possible pairs:
- Rima – Dhiraj
- Gita – Hitesh
- Sarita – Nupur
Correct Answer:
Sarita – Nupur
The announcement says that the chess match was decided between Sarita and Nupur.
Additional Information from the Announcement
- Chess will be played in the 1st-floor activity room.
- Vani will be the scorekeeper.
- Kho-kho will take place on the sports ground.
- Badminton will take place in the multipurpose hall on the ground floor.
- The chess match will be between Sarita and Nupur.
Let Us Speak
The textbook asks students to enact three situations involving a parent and child.
Situation 1 – Coming Home Late After Play
Parent: You are late. Why didn't you come home on time?
Child: I'm sorry. We were playing an exciting match and it took longer than expected.
Parent: You should inform me if you are going to be late.
Child: I'm sorry. I will remember to tell you next time.
Situation 2 – Sharing Details of Games
Parent: How was your game today?
Child: It was great! We played badminton and then cricket.
Parent: Did you win?
Child: We did not win the badminton game, but we enjoyed playing and learned a lot.
Parent: That's good. Enjoying the game is important too.
Situation 3 – Bringing a New Friend Home
Child: Mom, this is my new friend Surya. We played badminton together.
Parent: Welcome, Surya! It is nice to meet you.
Surya: Thank you.
Parent: You are both welcome to play here.
Let Us Write
Prabhat's Diary Entry
The textbook asks students to complete Prabhat's diary after he cheats to win the match. The given phrases include “I won the match,” “I managed to change the scoreboard,” “I do not feel happy about it,” and “Surya did not feel bad.”
Model Answer
Dear Diary,
Today I played a badminton match with Surya. I won the match, but I do not feel happy about it.
I knew that I would lose the match, so I managed to change the scoreboard while Surya was looking elsewhere. Everyone congratulated me after my win, and normally I felt very happy, but today I did not.
What surprised me most was that Surya did not feel bad. He had fun playing with me and even suggested that we play again.
I have realised that winning is not everything. I should enjoy the game and play fairly.
Prabhat
Language Activity – Request, Apology and Gratitude
The textbook provides useful expressions for making a request, apologising and expressing gratitude.
1. Making a Request
Examples:
- Could you please help me?
- Please can you help me with this?
- Kindly help me, please.
2. Apologising for Rude Behaviour
Examples:
- I'm very sorry for the way I behaved.
- I apologise. I was out of line.
- I'm sorry, that was my fault.
3. Apologising for a Mistake
Model sentence:
I'm sorry. I made a mistake and I will be more careful next time.
4. Expressing Gratitude
Examples:
- Thank you. It means so much to me that you helped me.
- I truly appreciate your help. Thank you.
- I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart because you supported me.
Let Us Explore
1. Sportsperson – Neeraj Chopra
The textbook asks students to learn more about Indian sportspersons and provides information about Neeraj Chopra.
Important Facts
- Neeraj Chopra is an athlete from Khandra village in Haryana.
- His family is largely involved in agriculture.
- He became the first Asian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in javelin throw.
- He worked hard for several years to achieve his goal.
- He became the second Indian to win an individual Olympic gold medal at the age of 23.
- He won a silver medal in javelin throw at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
What can students learn from him?
Answer:
Neeraj Chopra's journey teaches us the importance of hard work, discipline, dedication, patience and determination. Success requires continuous effort and a positive attitude.
Chapter Summary
Change of Heart is a story about Prabhat, a student who is obsessed with winning.
Prabhat cannot tolerate defeat. He plays only games that he thinks he can win and avoids situations in which he might lose. When Surya, an excellent badminton player, joins the school, Prabhat gets the opportunity to play against him.
During the badminton match, Prabhat cheats by changing the scoreboard while Surya is looking away. He wins the match, but surprisingly, he does not feel happy. Surya, on the other hand, accepts the result cheerfully and says that he enjoyed playing.
The next day, Prabhat sees Surya playing basketball. Surya is not very good at basketball, but he continues playing happily. Prabhat observes him for several days and realises that games should be enjoyed for their own sake. Winning and losing are not everything.
Prabhat's attitude gradually changes. He begins enjoying games, joking while playing and participating even when he is not sure of winning. His classmates notice that he has developed a great sporting spirit.
Moral of the Story
The real purpose of sports is not simply to win but to enjoy the game, make an honest effort, respect others and learn from both victory and defeat.
A true sportsperson:
- plays fairly,
- respects opponents,
- accepts defeat gracefully,
- enjoys the game,
- keeps trying,
- learns from mistakes.
Important Exam Questions
1. Who was Prabhat?
Answer:
Prabhat was a student who loved winning but initially could not accept defeat.
2. Who was Surya?
Answer:
Surya was a new student and an excellent badminton player.
3. Why did Prabhat avoid some games?
Answer:
He avoided games when he thought he might lose.
4. What was special about the last Friday of every month?
Answer:
The coach conducted friendly matches during the games period.
5. Who kept the score during the badminton match?
Answer:
Prabhat kept the score.
6. How did Prabhat cheat?
Answer:
He secretly changed the scoreboard while Surya was looking elsewhere.
7. Why was Prabhat unhappy after winning?
Answer:
He knew that he had cheated, so his victory did not give him genuine happiness.
8. Why was Surya different from Prabhat?
Answer:
Surya enjoyed playing regardless of whether he won or lost.
9. What did Prabhat learn from Surya?
Answer:
He learned that games should be enjoyed for their own sake and that winning and losing are not the most important things.
10. What is sporting spirit?
Answer:
Sporting spirit means playing fairly, respecting opponents, accepting victory and defeat gracefully and enjoying the game.
11. Why is the title “Change of Heart” appropriate?
Answer:
The title is appropriate because Prabhat changes his attitude from being obsessed with winning to enjoying games and developing a positive sporting spirit.
Important Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Defeat | Loss |
| Terrible | Very unhappy |
| On the contrary | Just the opposite |
| Sensed | Had known or realised |
| Significant | Important |
| Conducted | Organised |
| Phenomenon | Someone with special qualities |
| Opponent | Person you compete against |
| Tally | Record or total |
| Sporting spirit | Fair and respectful behaviour in sports |
| Cheat | Act dishonestly to gain an advantage |
| Observe | Watch carefully |
| Hopeless | Having little or no skill at something |
Some of these meanings are provided directly in the chapter's vocabulary notes.
Quick Revision
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Chapter | Change of Heart |
| Unit | Sports and Wellness |
| Main character | Prabhat |
| New student | Surya |
| Main sport | Badminton |
| Other sport mentioned | Basketball |
| Prabhat's problem | He could not accept defeat |
| How did he cheat? | Changed the scoreboard |
| Who showed sporting spirit? | Surya |
| What did Prabhat learn? | To enjoy games without worrying about winning or losing |
| Main value | Sportsmanship |
| Moral | Enjoy the game, play fairly and accept both victory and defeat |
One-Line Answer
“Change of Heart” teaches us that true sportsmanship means enjoying the game, playing fairly, respecting others and accepting both victory and defeat.
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