The Tree Doctor – Summary, Answers for Class 6 New Voices & Worksheet

The chapter “The Tree Doctor” talks about Tadahiko Yamano and his dedicated efforts to revive and care for trees. Students will find chapter questions with answers, summaries in both English and Hindi, word meanings, and practice worksheets here.

Video Tutorial – Hindi Explanation of ‘The Tree Doctor’

Summary of The Tree Doctor by Tadahiko Yamano

The chapter The Tree Doctor tells the inspiring story of Tadahiko Yamano, a man from Japan who devoted his life to saving old and damaged trees.

The story begins in 1984 when a strong typhoon hit Hiroshima and badly damaged a famous Chinese nettle tree. This tree was special because it had survived the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima many years earlier. Children from a nearby school had cared for it and helped it stay alive. After the typhoon, people feared that the tree would die.

Tadahiko Yamano, known as the “tree doctor,” came to examine the tree. He carefully checked it and said that it could still survive because its roots were strong. Under his guidance, the children cared for the tree, and soon a new bud appeared. This became the 828th tree saved by Dr Yamano.

The chapter then describes Dr Yamano’s life. He loved forests and nature from a young age. He understood that trees are important because they store water, prevent floods, and give us oxygen. After the Second World War, he noticed that many old trees were weak and dying. He felt deeply connected to them and decided to find ways to heal them.

At that time, people used concrete to fill holes in damaged trees. But Dr Yamano believed trees are living beings and should be treated gently. Instead of concrete, he used earth, medicines, and nutrients. He cleaned damaged parts and cared for trees both from the outside and inside. Though many people first ignored his ideas, his methods proved successful.

In the end, Dr Yamano became famous around the world as the “tree doctor.” His work inspired many young people to continue protecting and saving trees.

Hindi Summary

यह अध्याय जापान के एक महान व्यक्ति तादाहिको यामानो की प्रेरणादायक कहानी बताता है, जिन्होंने अपना जीवन पुराने और बीमार पेड़ों को बचाने में लगा दिया। इसलिए उन्हें “ट्री डॉक्टर” कहा जाता था।

कहानी की शुरुआत 1984 में होती है, जब हिरोशिमा में एक भयानक तूफान आया। उस तूफान में एक बहुत पुराना चीनी नेटल पेड़ टूट गया। यह कोई साधारण पेड़ नहीं था। यह वही पेड़ था जिसने हिरोशिमा पर हुए परमाणु बम हमले को भी सह लिया था। बाद में एक स्कूल के बच्चों ने उसकी देखभाल करके उसे फिर से जीवित किया था।

जब तूफान के बाद पेड़ टूट गया, तब लोगों को लगा कि अब वह नहीं बच पाएगा। तभी तादाहिको यामानो वहाँ आए। उन्होंने पेड़ की जाँच की और बताया कि उसकी जड़ें अभी भी मजबूत हैं, इसलिए पेड़ बच सकता है। बच्चों ने उनके बताए अनुसार पेड़ की देखभाल की और कुछ समय बाद उस पर एक नई कली निकल आई। यह डॉ. यामानो द्वारा बचाया गया 828वाँ पेड़ था।

अध्याय में आगे उनके जीवन के बारे में बताया गया है। बचपन से ही उन्हें पेड़ों और जंगलों से बहुत प्रेम था। वे समझते थे कि पेड़ पानी को बचाते हैं, बाढ़ रोकते हैं और हमें साँस लेने के लिए ऑक्सीजन देते हैं। दूसरे विश्व युद्ध के बाद उन्होंने देखा कि बहुत से पुराने पेड़ कमजोर हो गए हैं। तब उन्होंने उन्हें बचाने का निश्चय किया।

उस समय लोग टूटे पेड़ों में सीमेंट भरते थे, लेकिन डॉ. यामानो का मानना था कि पेड़ भी जीवित प्राणी हैं। इसलिए उन्होंने सीमेंट की जगह मिट्टी, दवाइयों और पोषक तत्वों का उपयोग किया। वे पेड़ों के खराब हिस्सों को साफ करते और उन्हें अंदर तथा बाहर दोनों तरह से उपचार देते थे। शुरू में लोगों ने उनकी बातों पर ध्यान नहीं दिया, लेकिन बाद में उनकी विधि सफल साबित हुई।

अंत में, तादाहिको यामानो पूरी दुनिया में “ट्री डॉक्टर” के नाम से प्रसिद्ध हो गए। उनके काम ने कई युवाओं को पेड़ों की रक्षा करने और उन्हें बचाने के लिए प्रेरित किया।

Word Meanings

Character Sketch of Tadahiko Yamano

Tadahiko Yamano was a kind, hardworking, and nature-loving man. He deeply cared for trees and believed that they were living beings. He was determined and spent many years studying ways to heal damaged trees. Even when people ignored his ideas, he did not give up. His successful methods made him famous as the “Tree Doctor” who saved hundreds of old and sick trees.

The Tree Doctor – Chapter-End Questions and Answers | From the Book ‘New Voices’

Comprehension

A. Answer these questions in brief.

1. Which Japanese city did the typhoon affect?
2. What was special about the tree that was damaged in the typhoon?
3. What happened to the trees after the Second World War? Why?
4. How did Dr Yamano bring trees back to life?
5. What was the obstacle to Dr Yamano getting an education?
6. What was the reaction of the scholars to Dr Yamano’s methods?

Answers:

Short Answers:

1. The typhoon affected the Japanese city of Hiroshima.
2. The damaged tree was special because it had survived the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima and became a living witness to the tragedy.
3. After the Second World War, many trees lost their vitality and became weak because of damage caused by war and poor conditions.
4. Dr Yamano brought trees back to life by cleaning damaged parts, filling cracks with earth instead of concrete, and giving trees nutrients and medicines.
5. The obstacle to Dr Yamano getting an education was lack of money.
6. At first, scholars and specialists ignored Dr Yamano’s methods because they were new and unusual.

Long Answers:

1. The typhoon affected Hiroshima, a city in Japan. It was a very powerful storm that caused great damage to trees and buildings.
2. The tree damaged in the typhoon was very special because it had survived the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima many years earlier. Children from Motomachi Elementary School had also cared for it and helped it stay alive.
3. After the Second World War, many old trees became weak and lost their vitality. Dr Yamano felt this happened because of the destruction and harsh conditions caused by the war.
4. Dr Yamano treated trees like living beings. He cleaned their damaged parts, filled cracks with earth instead of concrete, and gave them special nutrients and medicines that he himself developed. These methods helped many trees grow new buds and become healthy again.
5. Dr Yamano had very little money, and this made it difficult for him to continue his studies and research. However, his family supported him while he worked hard during the day and studied at night.
6. At first, scholars and specialists did not believe in Dr Yamano’s methods. They ignored his ideas because his treatments were different from the traditional ways of caring for trees. Later, when his methods proved successful, people began to respect his work.

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Reference to Context Questions

B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.

1. This was no ordinary tree.

a. Why was the tree extraordinary?
Ans. The tree was extraordinary because it had survived the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima and became a living witness to that tragic event.
b. Who revived the tree?
Ans. The children of Motomachi Elementary School revived the tree by caring for it lovingly.
c. What had happened to it?
Ans. The tree had been badly damaged in a typhoon and earlier, half of its trunk had been burnt black in the atomic bomb blast.

2. In Japan, you will often find braided straw ropes tied around the trunks of very large, old trees.

a. Why is this done?
Ans. This is done as a sign of worship and respect because many people believe that gods and spirits live in mountains and trees.
b. Where can such trees be mostly found?
Ans. Such trees are mostly found in shrine grounds and along mountain paths.
c. How did Dr Yamano feel after seeing the trees affected by the Second World War?
Ans. After seeing the trees affected by the Second World War, Dr Yamano felt very sad and concerned because many ancient trees had lost their vitality.

3. This method was developed in Europe well over a century ago.

a. What method is being talked about here?
Ans. After seeing the trees affected by the Second World War, Dr Yamano felt very sad and concerned because many ancient trees had lost their vitality.
b. What was Dr Yamano’s opinion of this method?
Ans. Dr Yamano believed this method was not suitable because trees are living beings and need water, air, and nourishment.
c. What did his method involve?
Ans. His method involved cleaning damaged parts, filling cracks with earth instead of concrete, and giving trees nutrients and medicines.

C. Answer these questions.

1. What is the significance of the city of Hiroshima?
2. Describe Dr Yamano’s actions upon arriving at the scene of the fallen Chinese nettle tree.
3. What was Dr Yamano’s early life like?
4. What made Dr Yamano’s methods superior?
5. From what you have read, what can you infer about Japan’s relationship with nature?
6. Do you think Dr Yamano was a good doctor? What makes you think so?
7. Recall a day when you had to visit a doctor because you were unwell. What was the doctor like? What qualities would you expect in a good doctor?
8. Do you think a good doctor for human beings would be very different from a good doctor for trees? Give reasons for your answer.

Answers:

Answer Set – 1

1. Hiroshima is significant because it was the city where the first atomic bomb was dropped during the Second World War. The bombing caused great destruction and loss of life.
2. When Dr Yamano arrived at the scene, he placed both his hands on the tree and closed his eyes in concentration. He checked the tree carefully and sensed that its roots were still alive and strong. He then guided the children on how to care for the tree.
3. Dr Yamano loved mountains and trees from a young age. He spent many years working in forest management and learning about nature. He understood the importance of trees and wanted to protect them.
4. Dr Yamano’s methods were superior because he treated trees as living beings. Instead of filling cracks with concrete, he used earth, medicines, and nutrients. His treatments helped many damaged trees grow healthy again.
5. From the chapter, we can infer that Japan has deep respect for nature. People worship old trees, protect them, and believe that spirits live in mountains and forests.
6. Yes, Dr Yamano was a very good doctor. He was patient, caring, hardworking, and dedicated to saving trees. His methods were successful and helped revive many old and damaged trees.
7. I once visited a doctor when I had a fever. The doctor was kind, calm, and careful while examining me. A good doctor should be patient, understanding, knowledgeable, and caring towards patients.
8. No, I do not think a good doctor for humans would be very different from a good doctor for trees. Both need patience, care, knowledge, and concern for life. Just as human doctors heal people, tree doctors must also understand and protect living things carefully.

Answer Set – 2

1. Hiroshima is an important city in history because it was the first place where an atomic bomb was used during the Second World War. The bombing destroyed the city and caused terrible suffering to people and nature.
2. On reaching the fallen Chinese nettle tree, Dr Yamano calmly examined it by placing his hands on the trunk. He felt that the tree was still alive because its roots were strong. He then instructed the children how to treat and protect the tree.
3. Dr Yamano’s early life was closely connected with forests and mountains. He loved nature from childhood and later worked in forest management in different places. His experiences taught him the importance of trees and forests.
4. Dr Yamano’s methods were better because they were natural and gentle. He believed that trees are living beings and should be treated with care. His use of earth, medicines, and nutrients helped trees recover more effectively than concrete treatment.
5. The chapter shows that Japanese people respect and value nature deeply. Old trees are treated with honour, and many people believe that spirits and gods live in mountains and forests.
6. Yes, Dr Yamano was an excellent doctor for trees. He was dedicated, patient, and compassionate. He spent years studying trees and developed successful methods to heal them even when others doubted him.
7. One day, I visited a doctor because I had a bad cold and fever. The doctor listened patiently, checked me carefully, and spoke kindly. A good doctor should be caring, gentle, experienced, and ready to help patients feel comfortable.
8. A good doctor for humans and a good doctor for trees share many similar qualities. Both must be patient, observant, knowledgeable, and caring. Since both humans and trees are living beings, they need proper care and treatment to stay healthy.

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Worksheet – Chapter ‘The Tree Doctor’

A. Answer briefly.

1. Where did the typhoon take place?
2. What happened to the Chinese nettle tree?
3. Who had cared for the tree after the atomic bomb attack?
4. What was Tadahiko Yamano known as?
5. What was the number of the tree saved by Dr Yamano?

B. Check your understanding

1. Why was the Chinese nettle tree special?
2. Why were the children worried after the typhoon?
3. How did Dr Yamano know that the tree was still alive?
4. Why did Dr Yamano believe trees should not be filled with concrete?
5. How did Dr Yamano’s methods help old trees?

C. Match the words with their meanings.

D. Fill in the Blanks

1. The tree had survived the __________ bomb attack.
2. Dr Yamano pressed both hands against the tree and closed his __________.
3. Ancient trees in Japan are often tied with braided __________ ropes.
4. Dr Yamano cleaned damaged trees with a __________.
5. Many old trees revived and put forth new __________.

E. Write True or False. Correct the false statements.

1. The typhoon happened in winter.
2. Dr Yamano was born in Osaka.
3. Trees were traditionally repaired using earth.
4. Dr Yamano studied trees during the day and worked at night.
5. Other specialists immediately accepted his ideas.

F. Complete the Sentences

1. Forests do not belong to man alone because ____________.
2. The children sighed with relief when ____________.
3. People in Japan respect old trees because ____________.
4. Dr Yamano developed his own ____________.
5. Young people continued Dr Yamano’s work by ____________.

G. Think and Answer

1. Why do you think the children wanted the tree to survive?
2. What qualities of Dr Yamano do you admire most? Why?

H. Creative Activity

Imagine you are one of the children from Motomachi Elementary School.
Write 5–6 lines about how you felt when the tree finally showed a new bud.

Answer Key: The Tree Doctor

A. Answer briefly.

1. The typhoon took place in Hiroshima, Japan.
2. The Chinese nettle tree was split four metres above the root.
3. The children from Motomachi Elementary School cared for the tree.
4. Tadahiko Yamano was known as the tree doctor.
5. It was the 828th tree saved by Dr Yamano.

B. Check your understanding

1. The tree was special because it had survived the atomic bomb attack in Hiroshima.
2. The children were worried because the tree had been badly damaged by the typhoon.
3. Dr Yamano felt moisture and sensed that the tree was still breathing through its roots.
4. He believed trees are living beings and need water, air, and nourishment.
5. His methods helped trees revive and grow new buds again.

C. Vocabulary 

D. Fill in the Blanks

1. atomic
2. eyes
3. straw
4. brush
5. buds

E. True or False

1. False — The typhoon happened in August.
2. True
3. False — Trees were traditionally repaired using concrete.
4. True
5. False — At first, other specialists ignored his ideas.

F. Complete the Sentences

1. Forests do not belong to man alone because they are home to many creatures.
2. The children sighed with relief when Dr Yamano said the tree would live.
3. People in Japan respect old trees because they believe gods and spirits live in them.
4. Dr Yamano developed his own medicine and nutrients for trees.
5. Young people continued Dr Yamano’s work by helping to save trees.

G. Think and Answer (Sample Answers)

1. The children wanted the tree to survive because it was a symbol of hope and survival after the atomic bomb attack.
2. I admire Dr Yamano’s dedication and love for nature because he worked hard to save old and sick trees.

H. Creative Activity (Sample Answer)

I felt very happy when the new bud appeared on the tree.
It gave us hope that the tree would live again.
We had worked very hard to care for it.
Dr Yamano’s treatment was successful.
The tree was special to all of us.
We were proud and relieved to see new life growing again.