Washing Clothes with My Mom

About the passage

Understand and Answer

A. Answer these questions with reference to the context.

”I might as well enjoy my work.”

1. Who said these words? Where was the speaker?

Ans. The writer’s mother said these words. The speaker was in the basement.

2. Why did the speaker say this?

Ans. The speaker said so because there is no point of being upset. We should always enjoy our work.

3. What effect did it have on the listener?

Ans. This had positive effect on the listener. He offered her help.

B. Choose the correct options to complete the sentences.

1. Scheduling bath time was not easy because

a) everyone wanted to have a bath at the same time.

b) there was only one bathroom.

c) there wasn’t enough water.

2. The writer was given

a) a wrist watch.   b) a wind-up toy.   c) an alarm clock.

3. The writer’s mother did laundry

a) only on the weekends.

b) every day of the week.

c) four days of the week.

4. On laundry days, she awoke at

a) 4 am.    b) 5:30 am.   c) 6 am.

5. The writer’s mother sang as she worked because

a) it was her favourite pastime.

b) it helped her stay awake.

c) it helped her enjoy her work.

6. The writer’s father did his paperwork in the morning because _____________ at that time of the day.

a) he felt fresh

b) he enjoyed working

c) the house was quiet

C. Answer these questions.

1. How old was the writer when he learned to rise early? At what time did he wake up?

Ans. The writer was 7 years old when he learned to rise early. He woke up at 5:30.

2. Which sentence in the story tells us that the family had to save money to buy things?

Ans. The following sentence in the story tells us that the family had to save money to buy things.

“Mom still used an old wringer washer, but she was absolutely thrilled that she and Dad had scraped together enough money to get a clothes dryer.”

3. How did the writer feel when he learned to do small jobs?

Ans. The writer felt useful when he learned to do small jobs such as cleaning the lint filter and placing the dry clothes on a folding table.

4. Did the other children in the writer’s family help with the housework? How do you know?

Ans. Yes, other children in the writer’s family helped with the housework. Writer’s elder sisters helped their mother carry the folded clothes upstairs.

5. What was the important lesson that the writer and his siblings learnt from their parents?

Ans. The writer’s parents taught their children that work is not a hardship and they should enjoy their work.

Think and answer

1. Why do you think the writer’s mother praised him although he dropped most of the clothes?

Ans. The writer’s mother praised him although he dropped most of the clothes to encourage his good behavior. The mother’s compliments always nurtures child’s self-esteem, confidence and sense of self.

2. Why does the writer look back fondly on those days spent in the old basement?

Ans. The writer looked back fondly on those days spent in the old basement because those insignificant moments created fond memories that has lasted a lifetime. His parents taught him and his siblings that work is not a hardship.