1. Why Was The young seagull afraid to fly? Do you think all young birds are afraid to make their first flight, or are some birds more timid than others? Do you think a human baby also finds it a challenge to take its first steps? 

Ans: The young seagull was afraid to fly because he doubted his ability to do so. He feared that his wings would not support him and that he would fall into the sea. Even though his siblings had learned to fly, his fear held him back.

Not all young birds are equally afraid to take their first flight. Some are more confident and brave, while others are more timid and hesitant. It depends on their nature and experience.

Similarly, a human baby also finds it challenging to take its first steps. The fear of falling and lack of confidence makes it difficult at first. But with encouragement and practice, both birds and babies overcome their fear and learn to be independent.

2. “The sight of the food maddened him”. What does this suggest? What compelled the young seagull to finally fly? 

Ans: The sight of the food maddened him means the young seagull was extremely hungry and desperate to eat. His hunger compelled him to fly when he saw his mother with food but she didn’t come close. In his attempt to reach the food, he jumped and started flying.

3. “They were beckoning to him, calling shrilly, “Why did the sea gull’s father and mother threaten him and cajole him to fly?

Ans: The young seagull was afraid to fly. Even when it saw its brothers and sisters flying, and its parents helping and teaching them, it could not gather enough courage to make that first flight. That is why its father and mother were calling to it shrilly and scolding it. They threatened to let it starve on its ledge if it did not fly. They did so because they wanted it to leave its fear behind and learn to fly.

4. Have you ever had a similar experience, where your parents encouraged you to do something that you were too scared to try? Discuss this in pairs or groups. 

5. In the case of a bird flying, it seems a natural act, and a foregone conclusions that it should succeed. In the examples you have given in answer to the previous question. Was your success guaranteed, or was it important for you to try, regardless of a possibility of failure?