Fisherman and Tourist

Once a tourist met a fisherman on the coast of Goa. Looking at the type of fish he had caught, the
tourist asked him how long it took him to catch them. "Not very long," answered the fisherman. "But
then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the tourist. The fisherman explained that
his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family. The tourist asked, "But what do
you do with the rest of your time? "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, spend time with my
family and friends." The tourist interrupted, "I have an MBA from IIM- A, and I can help you! You should
start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you
can buy a bigger boat." "And after that?" asked the fisherman. "With the extra money, the larger boat
will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers.
Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants
and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to some other city.
From there you can direct your huge new enterprise." "How long would that take?" asked the
fisherman. "Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years," replied the tourist."And after that?" "Afterwards? Well
my friend, That's when it gets really interesting," chuckled the tourist, "When your business gets really
big. you can start selling stocks and make millions!" "Millions? Really? And after that?" asked the
fisherman. "After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with
your children, catch a few fish, spend time with your friends and family" "With all due respect sir, but
that's exactly what I am doing now. So what's the point wasting 25 Years?" asked the fisherman.

Moral:

The moral of the story is that we can easily be happy by leading a simple life and so we should not
complicate our lives unnecessarily. Life in the present world is indeed a rat race. Many who have good
qualifications too do not know where they are going in life.

(A) Write the appropriate key words for the following meanings by reading the passage above.

1. A state of being satisfied and at ease with what one has, without constantly desiring more or
different things.

2. A strong desire to achieve success, power, or recognition, often by working hard and making
significant efforts.

3. A group of ships, boats, or vehicles under a single ownership or command, often used for a
specific purpose like fishing or transportation.
4. An intermediary or agent who facilitates transactions between two parties, often adding an extra
layer of cost to the process.

5. Facilities where raw materials are transformed into finished products through various
manufacturing or production processes.

6. A particular way of looking at or understanding a situation, person, or concept; a point of view.

7. Serious thought or consideration about something; contemplating one's experiences, feelings, or

ideas.

8. Acting out the roles of different characters in a scenario to understand their viewpoints and
motivations better.

9. In the context of the story, it refers to being satisfied and happy with what one has, rather than
constantly seeking more.

10. Basic and uncomplicated sources of joy and happiness, often found in everyday experiences and
interactions.

11. Beliefs and principles that guide a person's behavior, choices, and priorities in life.

12. Narratives based on actual experiences and events, used to provide practical examples and
insights.

13. Specific instances or cases that illustrate a concept or idea clearly and in a way that is easy to
understand.

14. A similarity or resemblance between two situations, events, or concepts that can be used to
draw comparisons.
15. The significance or importance of something in relation to a particular context or situation.

(B) Match the following words with their respective synonyms.

1. Tourist squadron
2. Coast haggl
3. Fisherman fisher
4. Sufficient sailor
5. Revenue venture
6. Fleet adequate
7. Trawlers seashore
8. Negotiate traveler
9. Enterprise income

(C) Make meaningful sentences using the following words.

1) Fisherman
2) Extra
3) Revenue
4) Boat
5) Fleet
6) Chuckled

(D) Answer the following questions.

1) Why did the tourist initiated the conversation with the fisherman?
2) Why didn’t the fisherman fish for longer period and catch more fish ?
3) How did the fisherman spend his remaining time ?
4) How was the tourist trying to convince the fisherman to fish longer everyday?
5) Which character do you prefer, the fisherman or the tourist?
6) Did the fisherman complied with the persuasion and ideas of the tourist?

(E) Critical thinking and answering;

1. Imagine yourself in the place of fisherman. Explain your thoughts on fisherman’s
outlook and perspective of life.

2. In the story of the fisherman and the tourist, the fisherman chooses to lead a simple
life, finding happiness in his daily routines and close-knit community. On the other
hand, the tourist believes in the pursuit of material success and wealth through
constant ambition and expansion. Which approach to life do you think is more
fulfilling, and what factors contribute to your perspective?
Homework;

Q. How can you as a student apply the lessons learnt from this passage in your daily life ? reflect and
explain .
Teacher’s Guide:
Answer key:
(A) Write the appropriate key words for the following meanings by reading the passage
above.
1. Contentment: A state of being satisfied and at ease with what one has, without
constantly desiring more or different things.

2. Ambition: A strong desire to achieve success, power, or recognition, often by working

hard and making significant efforts.

3. Fleet: A group of ships, boats, or vehicles under a single ownership or command, often
used for a specific purpose like fishing or transportation.

4. Middleman: An intermediary or agent who facilitates transactions between two

parties, often adding an extra layer of cost to the process.

5. Processing Plants: Facilities where raw materials are transformed into finished products
through various manufacturing or production processes.

6. Perspective: A particular way of looking at or understanding a situation, person, or

concept; a point of view.

7. Reflection: Serious thought or consideration about something; contemplating one's

experiences, feelings, or ideas.

8. Role-Play: Acting out the roles of different characters in a scenario to understand their
viewpoints and motivations better.

9. Content: In the context of the story, it refers to being satisfied and happy with what
one has, rather than constantly seeking more.

10. Simple Pleasures: Basic and uncomplicated sources of joy and happiness, often found
in everyday experiences and interactions.

11. Values: Beliefs and principles that guide a person's behavior, choices, and priorities in
life.

12. Real-Life Stories: Narratives based on actual experiences and events, used to provide
practical examples and insights.
 13. Concrete Examples: Specific instances or cases that illustrate a concept or idea clearly
and in a way that is easy to understand.

14. Parallel: A similarity or resemblance between two situations, events, or concepts that
can be used to draw comparisons.

15. Relevance: The significance or importance of something in relation to a particular

context or situation.

These word meanings should help students grasp the nuances of the story's message and
understand how the various elements relate to the moral about simplicity, contentment,
and the pursuit of happiness.

(B) Match the following words with their respective synonyms.

1) Tourist = traveler
2) Coast =seashore
3) Fisherman = fisher
4) Sufficient = adequate
5) Revenue = income
6) Fleet = squadron
7) Trawlers = sailors
8) Negotiate = haggle
9) Enterprise = venture

(C) Make meaningful sentences using the following words.

10) Fisherman - a fisherman from my village caught a big fish yesterday.
11) Extra – people nowadays are willing to do anything for some extra cash.
12) Revenue – my father generated millions in revenue from trading this year.
13) Boat-The titanic was considered to be the unsinkable boat.
14) Fleet- American air force annihilated an entire feet of Russian navy.
15) Chuckled- brother chuckled seeing his sister’s antics during playtime.

(D) Answer the following questions.

1) Why did the tourist initiated the conversation with the fisherman?

Ans= The tourist was interested in the fisherman because of the type of fish he caught.
 2) Why didn’t the fisherman fish for longer period and catch more fish ?

Ans= The fisherman explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those
of his family. So, he didn’t fish for long.

3) How did the fisherman spend his remaining time ?

Ans= Fisherman spent his remaining time by sleeping late, playing with his children, and
spending time with his family and friends.

4) How was the tourist trying to convince the fisherman to fish longer everyday?

Ans= The tourist was trying to convince the fisherman to fish for longer everyday by explaining
how much more can he earn and all the future prospects of expanding his fishing profession
to a large enterprise making him a millionaire.

5) Which character do you prefer, the fisherman or the tourist?

Ans= I personally prefer fisherman because of his excellent outlook towards life.

6) Did the fisherman complied with the persuasion and ideas of the tourist?

Ans= No, he didn’t. Fisherman was completely unperturbed during his whole conversation
with the tourist and was calmly questioning the tourist back.

(E) Critical thinking and answering;

1. Imagine yourself in the place of fisherman. Explain your thoughts on fisherman’s

outlook and perspective of life.
Ans= As the fisherman in this story, I find Immense contentment and fulfillment in my
simple way of life. My days are not burdened by the constant pursuit of material
wealth or success, but rather, I focus on the things that truly matter to me - my family,
my friends, and the serenity of the coastal village that I call home.

Every morning, I wake up with a sense of peace and purpose. I head out to the sea,
not to amass a large catch for profit, but to enjoy the art of fishing and the connection
with nature. The sea provides not just my livelihood, but also a sense of tranquility
and wonder that cannot be quantified.
 I take pleasure in the bounties that the sea offers me. With a modest catch, I have
enough to meet the needs of my family and myself. I am not driven by the desire for
excess or luxury, but by the joy of sufficiency. I cherish the time spent with my
children, teaching them the ways of the sea and passing down the wisdom of
generations.

In a world that often glorifies ambition and wealth, I find solace in my decision to lead
a simple life. I am not swayed by the promises of a materialistic lifestyle, nor do I
yearn for distant dreams that may or may not bring lasting happiness. Instead, I focus
on the present, appreciating the beauty of each day and the blessings that surround
me.

The moral of the story resonates deeply with me. I am content and happy, without
the need to complicate my life unnecessarily. I understand that happiness is not
defined by the size of my possessions or my bank account but by the richness of my
experiences and the depth of my connections with loved ones.

In essence, I embrace the philosophy of living in the moment, cherishing the simple
joys, and finding fulfillment in the little things. Life, as a fisherman in this coastal
village, has taught me the value of a balanced and contented existence - a life where
I can truly appreciate the beauty of simplicity and the essence of happiness.

3. In the story of the fisherman and the tourist, the fisherman chooses to lead a simple
life, finding happiness in his daily routines and close-knit community. On the other
hand, the tourist believes in the pursuit of material success and wealth through
constant ambition and expansion. Which approach to life do you think is more
fulfilling, and what factors contribute to your perspective?

Ans= The approach to life that is more fulfilling can vary based on individual values, beliefs,
and priorities. Some may argue that the fisherman's simple and contented life is more fulfilling because it
is centered around meaningful relationships, family, and personal satisfaction. He finds joy in the present
moment and appreciates the simplicity of life, focusing on what truly matters to him. On the other hand,
some might argue that the tourist's ambitious approach is more fulfilling because it allows for the
potential of achieving significant financial success and power. The pursuit of success and expansion might
bring a sense of achievement and provide opportunities for creating a lasting impact on a larger scale.

Ultimately, the fulfillment derived from either approach depends on one's personal values and definition
of happiness. Some may prioritize financial success and material wealth, believing that it provides security
and opens doors to new experiences. Others may prioritize emotional well-being, strong connections with
loved ones, and the ability to live in the moment.
Critical thinking comes into play when individuals assess their own values, examine the impact of their
choices on their well-being and the well-being of others, and consider the trade-offs involved. It
encourages reflection on the meaning of success and happiness and whether external achievements or
internal contentment hold greater importance in one's life.

The critical question is: How do our values and priorities shape our definition of a fulfilling life, and what
aspects of life contribute most to our overall happiness and well-being? By critically examining these
factors, individuals can make conscious choices that align with their authentic selves and lead to a more
meaningful and fulfilling life.

Homework;

Q. How can you as a student apply the lessons learnt from this passage in your daily life ? reflect and
explain .

Ans= The story encourages us to reflect on our own lives and priorities. As students, it reminds us to
appreciate the simple joys of learning, spending time with our families, and nurturing meaningful
friendships. It teaches us not to get overwhelmed by the pressures of academic performance or the need
to constantly achieve more. By understanding the value of contentment and balance, we can focus on
what truly matters and find happiness in the journey of learning and growing.

The story also serves as a reminder to avoid unnecessary peer comparisons and societal expectations.
Instead, we should celebrate our unique talents and interests, just as the fisherman embraced his simple
life and found fulfillment in his own way. By applying the moral of the story to our lives, we can develop
a positive outlook, build resilience, and find lasting happiness in the pursuit of our dreams and aspirations.

PRACTICAL WORK:
Practical work can be an effective way to help students understand the moral of the story better.
Here are some activities that can be implemented in the classroom:

1. Group Discussion: Divide the students into small groups and ask them to discuss the story.
Encourage them to explore the different characters' perspectives, the decisions they made, and
the consequences of those decisions. Guide the discussion towards understanding the
fisherman's contentment and the tourist's ambition. Afterward, have each group share their
insights with the rest of the class.

2. Reflection Journaling: Ask each student to keep a reflection journal for a week. In their journal,
they should write about the simple joys and pleasures they experience each day. Encourage them
to reflect on how these small moments contribute to their overall happiness and contentment.
At the end of the week, have a class discussion about

their findings and how it relates to the moral of the story. 3. Role-Play: Divide the students into
pairs and have them role-play the fisherman and the tourist. Each pair should act out a
conversation between the two characters, exploring the different viewpoints and values. After
the role-plays, facilitate a discussion on the lessons learned and how the interaction relates to
real-life situations.

4. Personal Goal Setting: Have students set personal goals related to finding contentment and
happiness in their daily lives. These goals should focus on simple pleasures, spending quality time
with loved ones, and appreciating the present moment. Encourage them to track their progress
and share their experiences in class or with a study buddy.

5. Artistic Expression: Allow students to express the moral of the story through various forms of
art, such as drawing, painting, or writing poetry. They can create visual representations of the
fisherman's simple life or compose poerns that highlight the value of contentment. Display their
artworks in the classroom to remind students of the story's moral.

6. Real-Life Stories: Invite guest speakers who have chosen a simple and content life over material
success to share their experiences. These individuals can be local community members or
professionals who have made similar choices. Hearing real-life stories can provide students with
concrete examples of the moral's application in the real world. 7. Movie Analysis: Show a movie
or short film that explores similar themes of simplicity, contentment, and the pursuit of
happiness. Afterward, facilitate a discussion comparing the film's messages to the moral of the
story. Encourage students to draw parallels between the fictional characters' experiences and
the fisherman's perspective.
By engaging in these practical activities, students will have a better understanding of the moral
of the story and its relevance to their own lives. They will learn to appreciate the value of
simplicity and contentment amidst the complexities of modern life.
 ❖ Here are some additional tips for the teachers that they can use to help students
understand the story better and make a sound learning environment in the classroom;

1. Engage In Pre-Reading Activities: Before reading the story, engage students in activities that
activate their prior knowledge and introduce them to the themes and concepts that will be
covered. This can include discussing the importance of simplicity and contentment in life.

2. Predict and Connect: Encourage students to make predictions about the story based on the
title and any initial information provided. Ask them to connect the themes of the story to their
own lives or experiences, setting the stage for deeper engagement.

3. Read Aloud and Discuss: Read the story aloud to the class, modeling proper pronunciation and
expression. Pause at key points in the story to ask open-ended questions that promote discussion
and critical thinking. Encourage students to share their thoughts and interpretations.

4. Visual Aids: Use visual aids such as images, illustrations, or diagrams that represent the
characters and scenes in the story. Visual cues can help students visualize the story better and
grasp the context.

5. Character Analysis: Help students analyze the motivations, actions, and perspectives of the
characters. Discuss the fisherman's contentment and the tourist's ambition, and how these traits
drive the story's events

6. Vocabulary Exploration: Introduce and discuss the key vocabulary words from the story.
Provide definitions, example sentences, and encourage students to use these words in their own
sentences to deepen their understanding.

7. Interactive Reading: While reading, encourage students to underline or highlight passages that
resonate with them or capture important aspects of the story's message. After reading, have
them share and discuss their chosen passages.
8. Group Discussions: Organize group discussions where students can express their opinions,
share their interpretations, and debate the various perspectives presented in the story. This
encourages critical thinking and helps students see different angles of the moral.

9. Comparisons to Real Life: Facilitate discussions where students can relate the story's themes
to their own lives or to current events. Encourage them to share examples of when they've
experienced contentment or witnessed the pursuit of material success.

10. Creative Responses: Allow students to respond creatively to the story through activities such
as writing reflective essays, creating artwork, composing poems, or even writing alternative
endings. This enables them to engage deeply with the story's themes.

11. Moral Exploration: Guide students in uncovering the moral of the story through guided
questioning. Ask them to think about the main lesson or takeaway from the story and how it
applies to their lives.

12. Personal Reflection: Assign journal entries or reflection papers where students can write
about times when they've experienced contentment or the desire for more. Encourage them to
analyze their feelings and reflect on what truly brings them happiness

13. Comparative Analysis: If suitable, compare the story with other literary works, fables, or real-
life examples that convey similar messages about simplicity, contentment, and materialism.
Discuss the similarities and differences.

14. Encourage Critical Thinking: Pose thought-provoking questions that encourage students to
think beyond the surface of the story. Ask questions that challenge their assumptions and prompt
them to consider alternative perspectives.
15. Summarize and Reflect: Conclude the lesson by summarizing the key points of the story and
its moral. Have students reflect on how they can apply the lesson to their own lives and
interactions.

By implementing these tips, teachers can create a dynamic and engaging learning experience that
helps students not only understand the story's moral but also apply its valuable lessons to their
own lives.