Around the World — Class 5 English (CBSE)
From the current Class 5 English Marigold textbook. Read the story of Phileas Fogg's amazing journey, then attempt the practice questions.
1. About the author
Jules Verne (1828-1905) was a French writer known as the 'Father of Science Fiction'. He wrote many adventure stories about travel and exploration, including 'Around the World in 80 Days', 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea', and 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth'. His stories combine adventure with geography and science.
2. Summary
Phileas Fogg is a wealthy English gentleman who makes a bet with his friends at his club. He bets that he can travel around the world in 80 days. His friends think it is impossible. Fogg sets off immediately with his new servant, Passepartout.
They travel by trains, ships, and other means across Europe, Asia, and America. They face many obstacles — bad weather, delays, missing connections, and even a detective who thinks Fogg is a bank robber! But Fogg remains calm and determined. After many adventures, they return to London just in time — on the 80th day.
The story is about adventure, determination, and the excitement of travel. It was written when world travel was much slower, and the idea of circling the globe in 80 days was astonishing.
3. Characters
| Character | Role |
|---|---|
| Phileas Fogg | A wealthy English gentleman who accepts the challenge |
| Passepartout | Fogg's loyal French servant |
| Fogg's friends | The club members who make the bet with him |
| Detective Fix | A detective who follows Fogg, mistaking him for a criminal |
4. Theme and values
| Theme | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Adventure | The excitement and challenges of world travel. |
| Determination | Fogg never gives up despite many obstacles. |
| Time | The story is a race against time — 80 days. |
| Geography | The journey takes Fogg through many countries. |
| Courage | Fogg stays calm and brave in difficult situations. |
Values to learn
- Be determined and never give up on your goals.
- Stay calm when facing problems.
- Be curious about different places and cultures.
- Planning and preparation are important for success.
- Adventure is exciting, but it requires courage.
5. Key vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Journey | A trip or travel from one place to another |
| Bet | An agreement to risk money on the outcome of something |
| Challenge | A difficult task that tests your abilities |
| Obstacle | Something that blocks your way |
| Determined | Firmly decided to achieve something |
| Continent | A large landmass (Europe, Asia, etc.) |
| Expedition | A journey with a purpose |
| Calm | Not worried or excited |
| Adventure | An exciting or unusual experience |
| Globe | The world or a model of the Earth |
6. Reading comprehension
Questions to think about while reading
- What bet does Phileas Fogg make?
- How long does Fogg have to travel around the world?
- Who travels with Fogg?
- What obstacles do they face on their journey?
- Do they make it back in time?
Understanding the challenge
In the 1870s, when Jules Verne wrote the story, there were no aeroplanes. People travelled by train and ship. The Suez Canal had just opened. The transcontinental railroad in America was newly built. Travelling around the world in 80 days was an ambitious goal. Today, we can do it in a few days by plane.
7. Writing practice
Prompt 1: If you could travel around the world in 80 days, which five countries would you visit and why?
Prompt 2: Write a short paragraph describing a journey you have taken. Where did you go? How did you travel? What did you see?
Prompt 3: Imagine you are Phileas Fogg. Write a diary entry on day 40 of your journey, describing what you have seen so far.
8. Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking the story happened in real life Fix: 'Around the World in 80 Days' is a fictional adventure story by Jules Verne.
- Mistake: Not knowing that the servant's name is Passepartout Fix: Passepartout is a French word meaning 'goes everywhere' — a fitting name for Fogg's travelling servant.
- Mistake: Forgetting that the story was written when travel was much slower Fix: Understanding the historical context makes Fogg's achievement more impressive.
9. Self-test
- Who wrote 'Around the World in 80 Days'?
- What bet does Phileas Fogg make?
- Who accompanies Fogg on his journey?
- Name two obstacles Fogg faces during the journey.
- Do Fogg and his servant complete the journey on time?
10. Answer key
-
Who wrote 'Around the World in 80 Days'? Answer: Jules Verne (French writer).
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What bet does Phileas Fogg make? Answer: He bets that he can travel around the world in 80 days.
-
Who accompanies Fogg on his journey? Answer: His French servant, Passepartout.
-
Name two obstacles Fogg faces during the journey. Answer: Bad weather, delayed trains, missed connections, a detective who follows them (any two).
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Do Fogg and his servant complete the journey on time? Answer: Yes, they return to London on the 80th day, winning the bet.
11. Quick revision
- Author: Jules Verne (French, 'Father of Science Fiction').
- Main character: Phileas Fogg, an English gentleman.
- Challenge: Travel around the world in 80 days (1870s).
- Companion: Passepartout, his servant.
- Key themes: Adventure, determination, geography, time.
- The story shows the power of staying calm and determined.
- Travel was much slower in the 1870s — no aeroplanes.
- Connect to curiosity about the world and different cultures.
- Planning and preparation are keys to success.
