a) What is a story? Write any four features of a good story. [2] b) Write a story based on the following outline: A poor woodcutter – finds an axe in the river – a magical axe – helps him to become…

a) What is a story? Four features of a good story

What is a story? A story is a narrative that describes a sequence of events, usually involving characters, a setting, and a plot. It can be fictional or based on real-life experiences, and it aims to entertain, inform, or evoke emotions in the reader or listener.

Four features of a good story:

1. Plot: A well-structured plot includes a clear beginning, middle, and end, with a logical progression of events that keep the reader engaged.
2. Characters: Good stories have well-developed characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and conflicts that drive the narrative.
3. Setting: The time and place where the story unfolds should be vividly described to create a realistic or imaginative world for the reader.
4. Theme: A good story conveys a central idea or message, often related to human nature, morality, or life lessons, which resonates with the audience.

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b) The Magical Axe

Once upon a time, in a small village nestled between rolling hills, there lived a poor woodcutter named Ram. He worked tirelessly every day, chopping wood to earn enough to feed his family. Despite his hard work, he remained poor, struggling to make ends meet.

One day, while cutting wood near the riverbank, Ram accidentally dropped his axe into the fast-flowing water. Heartbroken, he sat by the riverbank, wondering how he would replace it. Just then, a mysterious old man appeared before him. "Do not worry, young man," the old man said with a smile. "I will help you." To Ram’s amazement, the old man reached into the river and pulled out not just one, but three identical axes—his own, a silver one, and a golden one.

The old man asked Ram to choose which axe he wanted. Ram hesitated, but the old man insisted, "Choose wisely, for this axe will determine your future." Ram, still in shock, pointed to the golden axe. The old man handed it to him and vanished.

From that day forward, Ram’s life changed dramatically. The golden axe seemed to have magical powers. Whatever task Ram undertook, whether chopping wood or planting crops, everything turned out perfectly. His crops grew abundantly, and his business flourished. Soon, Ram became one of the richest men in the village.

However, wealth changed Ram. He became greedy and selfish. He ignored his family, hoarded his riches, and even cheated others to get more. One day, as he was boasting about his wealth to his neighbors, the golden axe suddenly turned into a piece of ordinary wood. Ram was horrified. He tried to use it, but it was no longer magical. His crops withered, his business failed, and he lost everything.

Realizing his mistake, Ram repented. He returned to his old ways, working hard and treating others with kindness. Slowly, his fortunes began to improve, but he never forgot the lesson he had learned. From that day on, he lived humbly, grateful for what he had, and never again let greed control his life. The villagers admired his honesty and hard work, and Ram once again became a respected member of the community.