Lives That Inspire: Reading & Writing Short Biographies for Class 4

This Class 4 reading comprehension and writing worksheet introduces students to the concept of *short biographies* through real-life stories of inspiring personalities. Using well-structured passages on Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Mother Teresa, Sachin Tendulkar, Marie Curie, and Rani Lakshmi Bai, learners practise extracting key information, answering comprehension questions, and writing concise biographical summaries.

The worksheet includes a mix of reading-based and writing-based tasks such as fill in the blanks, one-word answers, multiple-choice questions, summary writing, and biography writing using bullet points. These activities help students understand how biographies are organised and how important life events, achievements, and values are presented clearly.

Students learn to:

• Identify important facts from a biography  
• Understand achievements and character traits  
• Answer comprehension questions accurately  
• Summarise a person’s life in their own words  
• Write a short biography using given points  

This worksheet strengthens reading comprehension, factual writing, and structured expression—essential skills for upper primary learners.

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ANSWER KEY (Included for Parents & Teachers)

Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks (Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam)

1. 1931  
2. wealthy  
3. science  
4. missiles  
5. 11th  
6. dream  
7. humble  
8. learning  
9. defence  
10. Missile  

Exercise 2 – Give One-Word Answers (Mother Teresa)

1. Skopje  
2. Gentle / Helpful  
3. Nun  
4. India  
5. Missionaries of Charity  
6. Kindness  
7. Sick, hungry, and poor  
8. Nobel Peace Prize  
9. Poor / Needy  
10. Kindness / Compassion  

Exercise 3 – Choose the Correct Answer (Sachin Tendulkar)

1. b) Mumbai  
2. b) Cricket  
3. a) Master Blaster  
4. b) Hardwork  
5. a) Humble  
6. a) Work hard  
7. b) India  
8. a) Powerful  
9. a) Inspire children  
10. b) Sportsmanship  

Exercise 4 – Write a Short Summary (Marie Curie)  
(Sample answer; answers may vary)

Marie Curie was a brilliant scientist born in 1867 in Poland. She loved learning and moved to France to study science when women were not allowed to study freely in her country. Through hard work and dedication, she discovered polonium and radium and introduced the term radioactivity. Her discoveries helped doctors treat diseases. She became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different sciences. She is remembered for her courage and determination.

Exercise 5 – Write a Short Biography (Rani Lakshmi Bai)  
(Sample answer; answers may vary)

Rani Lakshmi Bai was born on 19 November 1828 in Varanasi and was called Manikarnika in her childhood. She was trained in horse riding, sword fighting, and archery. After marrying the King of Jhansi, she became the Queen. She fought bravely in the Revolt of 1857 and protected her kingdom with great courage. She became a symbol of bravery in Indian history and is remembered as “Jhansi ki Rani.” She continues to inspire children to be fearless and strong.

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